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With average gas prices topping $6 in Los Angeles, it can be painful to watch your fuel gauge creep toward “E” during a day out around town. It’s time to stop the car and walk. And where better to do that than in the most walkable city in California?

For more than a decade, West Hollywood has been designated a “Walkers Paradise” by Walk Score, earning a 91 out of 100 on the popular walkability index that looks at distance to amenities, pedestrian friendliness, population density and road metrics. The small city within a city scores two points above the state’s second most walkable city, San Francisco. It’s also a full 22 points above Los Angeles, which has a middling score of 69.

But you don’t need a formula to know that West Hollywood’s well-maintained sidewalks dotted with cafes, shops and historic sites is a great place for walking. Take a stroll around the city and you can find out for yourself.

That’s what I did on a recent Friday afternoon, where I met locals like Kimberly Beauchaine out in the neighborhood — yes — walking. “We really don’t use our car here,” Beauchaine said, pushing her 18-month old in a stroller past the Pacific Design Center on Melrose Avenue. “It’s very walkable and very central.”

Alex Uihlein and Kimberly Beauchaine walk down Melrose Avenue with their 18-month-old on their way to the West Hollywood Aquatic & Recreation Center.

(Scott Strazzante / For The Times)

While West Hollywood is easy to navigate on foot, getting there without a car can be a challenge. The closest Metro stop is along the just-opened D-line on Wilshire Boulevard, a two-mile hike from the West Hollywood border. Fortunately, West Hollywood has ample public parking. I found a spot in a public lot on North San Vincente Boulevard, where I paid $12 for the whole day.

The hardest part about planning a fun day in West Hollywood might be choosing a place to start. According to Walk Score, there are about 339 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the city and you can walk to an average of 13 of them in 5 minutes.

I asked Eric Parker, director of PR and communications for the city of West Hollywood, why there’s such an abundance of spots to eat and drink in the tiny city. He explained that West Hollywood serves not just residents who live within its borders but also the many folks who live in the residential neighborhood of the Hollywood Hills.

“They need a place to live their lives too,” he said. “Beverly Hills has become a little jam-packed with tourists, so West Hollywood has become the heart of L.A. in many ways.”

My journey began at the Butcher’s Daughter on Melrose Avenue, a cheerful and bright plant-forward cafe a few blocks from where I parked my car. The croissant I ordered was fine, but the atmosphere was lovely — open and airy with a communal wood table inside and green and white bistro chairs outside. Pedestrians of all ages strolled by on the wide flat sidewalks, many with small dogs in tow. Trees along the street offered dappled shade, and there were several other cute restaurants nearby, many with outdoor spaces of their own.

Adisa Aditheparot, left, and Mari Muay enjoy a light lunch at the Butcher’s Daughter on Melrose Avenue after walking over from a nearby Pilates class.

(Scott Strazzante / For The Times)

Moving on from the Butcher’s Daughter I headed one block east to the corner of Melrose and San Vincente to take in the rolling lawns and massive green, red and blue glass buildings of the 14-acre Pacific Design Center, which first opened to the public in 1975 and currently houses nearly 100 showrooms. Across the street on San Vincente, I strolled past the excellent West Hollywood Library, the luxurious rooftop West Hollywood Public Pool, and the green expanse of West Hollywood Park where young children were shrieking on the playground.

The vibe shifted as I continued north toward Santa Monica Boulevard. Here, the city’s identity as a gay haven was in full view. The crosswalks were painted with stripes and triangles celebrating the full range of queer identity and although the many colorful bars were quiet on this early Friday afternoon, it was easy to imagine them filled with revelers after the sun set. On the weekends, a free bus runs down this street every 15 minutes, connecting the Troubadour to Formosa Cafe. The area felt fun and funky, but I was only passing through, determined to get to my next destination.

To be fair, walking in West Hollywood is not ideal for everyone. After having lived in Boston, New York and Santa Monica, Sean Patrick Gallagher points out that the hills are real.

“It’s walkable if you are walking east to west,” said Gallagher, who has lived in the city for two years. “If you have to venture north or south, you are destined to hit inclines that are not for every able body.”

Pedestrian traffic outside Book Soup on Sunset Boulevard.

(Scott Strazzante / For The Times)

At the same time, daily conveniences are generally in easy walking distance for many residents. “Most people in West Hollywood can walk to the gym, the grocery store and the laundromat,” he said. “There are enough things on each street that cater to your needs.”

Parker describes West Hollywood as a place where history is hidden in plain sight. I certainly felt that as I passed onto the quiet, shaded streets of Norma Triangle, a historic neighborhood in West Hollywood where Dorothy Parker and Christopher Isherwood once lived. The sidewalks here are more narrow but well maintained, and the streets are filled with locals walking dogs of all sizes. The homes and apartment buildings, many of which date to the mid-20th century, are beautifully landscaped and clearly tended to with care, but I was searching for one in particular — the Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, designed in 1927 by Frank Lloyd Wright’s eldest son who also worked as an architect.

The house was not a disappointment. It’s not open to the public, so I was only able to see the exterior, but it was worth it. The desert landscaping on the corner lot is on point and the building itself, a two-story space that makes use of the organic textile-block pattern popularized by Lloyd Wright’s father, has a unique interlocking design of stylized Joshua Trees. I loved it. It’s also located in deep shade, which is very welcome on a hot day.

With that done, I made my way up to Sunset Boulevard, which is loud and unshaded and not nearly as pleasant a place to walk as some of West Hollywood’s more green and leafy streets. However, there are some cultural landmarks here that I felt should not be missed along with a surge of oval-eyed delivery robots (seriously, so many). This is the famous Sunset Strip where you’ll find the Roxy Theatre, the Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room. All very cool, but this writer was most excited about getting to spend some time in Book Soup, the iconic bookstore with a real-life magazine stand outside that celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Down a narrow alley right next door is the more esoteric Mystery Pier Books, which specializes in first editions and is beloved by celebrities.

Taking a walk down Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.

(Scott Strazzante / For The Times)

I had ambitious plans to amble past more spots in West Hollywood. More than one friend suggested I go to Mamie on Sunset and Fairfax for Italian sandwiches (the focaccia is supposed to be amazing). I considered ending my day at the perfect patio at Chateau Marmont on the border of the Hollywood Hills. But reader, I was tired, and walkability is not about exhausting yourself. It’s about enjoying your time car-free. So instead, I headed back toward where I started, walking past the high-end shops of Melrose Place before arriving at Zinque for a simple prosciutto and cornichon sandwich and an Arnold Palmer. At 4 p.m., a waiter came past my table to tell me happy hour had officially begun and asked if I’d like a drink.

There is more than one reason why it makes sense to live in a walkable community.

WITH 300 days of sunshine, golden beaches and beautiful hotels – the Algarve ticks all the boxes when it comes to summer holidays.

TUI travel agent Donna Connett is a huge fan and has been visiting the region for over 20 years after living there for a decade – so she knows all the best spots from its coastline to top restaurants.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

After living in the Portuguese region, Donna has been back almost 30 times and always heads to one place – Albufeira.

She describes it as “one of those places that just feels easy the second you arrive”.

The Algarve is a popular spot for Brits being just a few hours away from he UK – and of course, for its coastline.

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It has more than 150 beaches spread across 125 miles of coast.

One of Donna’s all-time favourite seaside spots, called Praia da Coelha, is just outside of Albufeira.

Donna told us: “It’s a bit tucked away, so you don’t get as many crowds, which is half the appeal. The huge cliffs and clear water make it feels a bit more special than the bigger, busier beaches. 

“It’s the sort of place I used to relax on during a day off when I was a rep, and it’s stayed a constant ever since.”

Something else that’s very important whilst on holiday, is finding good places to eat – and Donna has one specific go-to restaurant.

“I’ll always point you towards the Steak House O’Farnel. It’s a small, family-run place – nothing fancy, but just great food and a relaxed atmosphere.”

Donna continued: “It’s the kind of restaurant where you don’t feel rushed, you’re looked after, and you end up staying longer than you meant to. I’ve been going there for years and it’s still one of my first stops every time I’m back.” 

There are many beautiful places to see, so Donna has some off the beaten track suggestions too.

“Guia is definitely worth a visit, it’s known as the home of Chicken Piri Piri, and for good reason. 

“There’s plenty of authentic, local restaurants – they’re often busy and a bit no-frills in places, but the food feels properly local. Pair your “Frango à Guia” (Piri Piri Chicken) with fries and the traditional tomato and onion salad.”

It’s not all lazing about on beaches and getting a tan though, as holidaymakers can get active too.

The nearby Monchique Mountains is popular for mountain biking, jeep safaris, and small-group day tours.

Donna says it’s a great place to visit if you have the time: “It’s a completely different feel to the coast; cooler, quieter, a bit more traditional. You get a glimpse of what the Algarve’s like away from the beaches and resorts, such as a the historic spa village of Caldas de Monchique.”

If the Algarve has your attention Donna knows some incredible hotels to stay in too – and her favourite is the Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura.

The five-star resort is right on the beach near to shops, restaurants and bars with multiple swimming pools and a spa.

Donna said: “The Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura is probably the best I’ve stayed in. It’s got that ideal location between the marina and the beach, and it feels a bit more polished without being stuffy.

“I spent a lot of time in Vilamoura during my rep days, so I love going back now and having dinner and drinks around the marina – it’s definitely more relaxing now than when I was looking after guests!”

You can actually book a stay at the hotel with TUI, a seven-night holiday on a B&B basis from £1,361 per person including flights from Manchester Airport June 10.

Another deal is for Hotel Alisios – a seven-night holiday here on a B&B basis from £846 per person including flights from London Gatwick departing June 16.

Closed since 2014, the airport was briefly brought back into use as a lorry park during the pandemic, but the reopening plans have hit a snag after the local council raised concerns

An abandoned airport boasting the UK’s 11th-longest civilian runway has hit a significant obstacle ahead of its long-anticipated reopening. Plans to restore Manston Airport, near Ramsgate in Kent, back to full operation have been in motion since 2019, with the project anticipated to cost somewhere between £500m and £750m.

The site has stood idle since 2014 but was given a new lease of life during the Covid-19 pandemic as a lorry park. Current owner RiverOak Strategic Partners Ltd (RSP) is aiming to relaunch the airport as a global air freight hub, alongside offering commercial flights by 2029.

In March, RSP launched a public consultation on the proposals. Its director, Tony Freudmann, invited people to “provide any feedback they might have to help shape our plans”.

At that point, the firm anticipated construction work beginning early next year. However, in May, Ramsgate Town Council announced it would raise concerns over proposed changes to flight paths and airspace as part of the Stage 3 consultation.

Shuttered since 2014, the site was temporarily repurposed as a lorry park during the Covid-19 pandemic. RSP acquired Manston in 2019, with the Development Consent Order (DCO) granting approval for the reopening signed off in 2020.

This faced legal challenges, though an updated DCO was approved in 2022. Ramsgate Town Council contended that the proposed flight paths would result in aircraft passing over heavily populated areas of Ramsgate at low altitudes.

It was noted in the proposals that the airport could see up to 14,000 air traffic movements a year by 2038—about 38 flights a day. The council highlighted the potential impact this could have on residents.

RTC highlighted potential adverse health consequences stemming from noise exposure, as outlined in the proposal. These include disrupted sleep, a heightened risk of strokes and heart attacks, loss of amenity and possible links to dementia.

In fact, the applicant’s own plans put the potential cost of noise-related health conditions at more than £20.8 million over 10 years. RTC said it had further concerns, too.

It argued that the size of the intended operations is much larger in scale compared to past levels. RTC also suggested that there was a lack of evidence regarding secured funds or operators.

Also, it claimed demand had not been independently verified. In addition, the council didn’t believe that the consultation was enough for the size of the proposal, citing a limited number of engagement events.

RTC chairperson Cllr Steve Albon told The Isle of Thanet News: “Ramsgate Town Council recognises the importance of this issue to residents and is committed to ensuring that local concerns are clearly and professionally represented.

“The council will continue to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to try to ensure that any decisions relating to Manston Airport fully consider the impact on Ramsgate’s community.”

The views are remarkable. From one window, gorse-gold hills roll west towards mountains patched with snow. On the other side, fields of new spring lambs slope down to a silver sea. Elsewhere, the bus crosses wide estuaries and cascading burns. There are thatched crofts, rocky bays and birch woods starred with anemones. One of the most remarkable things about this scenic 111-mile, 3½-hour trip on bus X99 is that it costs just £2.

Until March 2026, a single from Inverness to Scrabster on Scotland’s north coast was £28. Now, thanks to a new bus fare cap in Orkney, Highland and Moray, no journey in the area costs more than £2. The bus is timed to coincide with the Northlink Ferry to Stromness, Orkney’s second biggest town, and I’m heading there to explore by bus.

The ferry’s dining room serves Orkney smoked-cheddar macaroni cheese and Orkney fudge cheesecake. Afterwards, I stagger out on deck for blustery views of the Old Man of Hoy, its red sandstone glowing in the sunset. Scrabster to Stromness (£22-£26 each way for foot passengers) is the only ferry route that passes this 137-metre-tall sea stack off the coast of Orkney’s most mountainous island. A seal weaves through the waves below, among wide-winged gannets and sleek guillemots.

I’m staying in a little whitewashed cottage called the Shed up the Lane, 10 minutes’ walk from the ferry port and just off paved Victoria Street with its shops and galleries. I can stroll from a flat white in elegant Stromness Coffee to dark island cake at Julia’s Shed via the Pier Arts Centre, a stylish light-filled gallery full of works by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and others.

From April to October, bus X1 runs every half an hour, with an hourly service to the neolithic village at Skara Brae. Baby rabbits hop over the fields and sand martins are nesting in the cliffs nearby. You can still see where people slept, ate and kept bone tools on slab-built shelves 5,000 years ago. In summer, a ticket includes Skaill House, a delightful crow-stepped mansion. It was built by a 17th-century bishop, whose great-great-great-great-grandson, William Watt, first rediscovered Skara Brae in 1850 when a violent storm exposed the long-buried stone-age houses.

I get the bus to the Ring of Brodgar (free) and, with no parked car to get back to, hop back on after a two-mile linear walk to the Stones of Stenness (also free). Sandwiched between one salty loch and one freshwater, the area includes an RSPB reserve. I follow a flowering loch-side trail, where redshanks and oystercatchers forage on the shore. Swans are nesting near the Bridge of Brodgar and one pair have built their causeway-nest from seaweed.

Bus X1 heads towards St Margaret’s Hope and I get on, meaning to go all the way. The hour-long journey crosses the Churchill Barriers linking four islands, passing the Italian chapel on Lamb’s Holm, and ends near the Murray Arms, known for its seafood. But it’s beautiful weather outside and already past lunchtime. Another passenger recommends the Loki Seafood Shack, hidden on an industrial estate near Stromness. A few minutes later, I’m sitting in the sunshine eating fresh, hand-dived scallops with chilli jam and griddled hake with red Thai butter. The shack is run by chefs Leigh Gould and Alan Skinner. Leigh explains how the scallops are sustainably harvested by scuba divers, “just like picking potatoes out of a field, except the potatoes are under water”.

Back in Stromness, I walk round the coast with views across sparkling Scapa Flow to Hoy’s volcanic mountains. On the way, Stromness Museum (£7.50/free for kids) is an old-school treasure trove. Exhibits cover 5,000 years, from a rare neolithic figurine to Orcadian poet George Mackay Brown’s rocking chair. There are harpoons and snowshoes, painted chests and carved whalebones. In a glass case of Victorian stuffed birds, I’m finally able to ID the colourful birds I’ve seen hopping around the beaches all day as wheatears.

Puffins, known locally as “tammie norries”, are returning to their nesting places for the summer. The best place on Orkney mainland to see them is around the cliffs in the island’s northwestern corner. Wild Orkney Walks is offering new bus-friendly tours for 2026, including the May-August Seabird City Experience (£40). It’s designed to fit the timetable for bus 8S, which runs close to the RSPB reserve at Marwick Head.

It’s still only April when I visit, so I plan to take bus 8S next morning and walk to Birsay, through the ruins of a 16th-century palace. The only sounds are cows, curlews and crashing waves. Near the village church, there’s an honesty box selling biscuits called fattie cutties and jars of rhubarb chutney. I cross the snaking low-tide causeway to the Brough of Birsay, admire a Viking church and look at the seabirds on the cliffs below the lighthouse. Then I follow the coast, where the turf is springy with budding thrift, clifftops gold with celandines, and fulmars chuckle from rocky nest-ledges. Waiting, near bird-rich Birsay beach, for bus 7 back to Stromness, three puffins fly past in the misty light. At the wood-panelled Ferry Inn, supper is a perfectly cooked slab of chargrilled salmon with green beans, pea shoots, fresh apple and pickled radishes.

With a few hours next day until my ferry, I get the bus to Kirkwall to visit St Magnus Cathedral. On the way, there’s one more prehistoric site: you can only visit Maeshowe chambered cairn on a guided tour via shuttle bus from the visitor centre in Stenness. The grassy banks are sprinkled with violets; inside, there is runic, dagger-carved Viking graffiti. Runes suggest ancient wisdom, but this is loo-door stuff: “Haermund Hardaxe woz ’ere.”

Bus travel means I can end with a drink. Orkney has two huge and centuries-old distilleries: Highland Park and Scapa. The harbourside Orkney Distillery, founded in 2016, is much smaller and has so far produced mostly gin. Their first single malt whisky will be ready in 2027. An engaging tour ends with tasters, after which it’s a four-minute stumble to the bus station. I spend the night, across the water, at Scrabster’s Ferry Inn. My £2 bus next morning is run by Ember (book ahead), the world’s first all-electric, intercity bus company with wifi and charging points.

Back in Inverness, the brand new Inverness Castle Experience (£20), presenting itself as a gateway to the Highlands, involves immersive sound-and-light shows scrolling across the Victorian castle walls. There are soaring eagles, thundering oceans and whispering stag-filled forests, while spectral voices say things like: “It’s a voyage, it’s a pilgrimage, it’s a saga.” Next door, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (free) has an amazing collection of Highland stuff: Caithness glass, a carved Pictish wolf, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s death mask … There’s time to stroll round Ness Islands, and enjoy live music in the Victorian Market’s food hall, before boarding the Caledonian Sleeper (seats from £54, twin cabins from £290). The night train will replace leafy riverside Inverness with grey London towers. But before I sleep, there’s sea bass and a glass of cold white wine as the sun sets over the Cairngorms.

The trip was supported by Visit Scotland with transport provided by Northlink Ferries and Caledonian Sleeper

There could be a knock-on impact across Europe

Holidaymakers heading to Italy have been warned to brace for major disruption as a nationwide transport strike threatens chaos across the country. The 24-hour walkout is expected to hit rail services, airports, metro systems, buses and regional transport networks from 9pm on Thursday, May 28, until 9pm on Friday, May 29.

Several unions have confirmed industrial action involving major rail operators including Trenitalia, Trenord and Italo, sparking fears of cancellations and delays on some of Italy’s busiest routes. Long-distance rail services connecting major cities including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Bologna and Naples are expected to be among the worst affected outside protected operating periods.

Italy’s Ministry of Transport has published lists of “guaranteed” services that must continue operating during protected commuter windows between 6am and 9am, and again between 6pm and 9pm. Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority, ENAC, confirmed flights are legally protected during guaranteed operating periods between 7am and 10am and 6pm and 9pm.

The aviation authority has urged passengers to contact airlines directly for the latest updates regarding individual flights. Travel experts have also warned the strike could trigger wider disruption across European airline networks due to aircraft scheduling changes and increased rebooking demand.

Major travel hubs including Rome Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport and Naples International Airport are expected to face delays, congestion and possible schedule changes during the strike.

Airport transfers, metro systems, buses and regional rail services may also run at reduced capacity or face temporary suspensions depending on local participation levels. Tourists visiting major attractions including the Colosseum, Vatican City, Venice’s canals and Florence’s historic centre could also experience delays due to disruption on local transport networks.

Travel experts are advising passengers to closely monitor airline notifications and rail updates as schedules may change rapidly throughout the strike period. easyJet said it currently plans to operate flights as normal but warned customers to allow extra time when travelling through airports.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “We would like to reassure customers that we are doing all we can to minimise any disruption caused by national industrial action in Italy tomorrow. We are currently planning on operating our schedule as planned but would advise customers travelling to allow additional time to make their way to and through the airport.

“Should any flights be impacted, we will contact customers directly with their options to help rearrange their plans. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Italy remains one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations, with millions of UK travellers visiting every year during the spring and summer seasons.

Disneyland is no stranger to patriotism. Reflecting America — both its positives and its “hard facts,” to quote park founder Walt Disney — was part of its mission statement.

Over the years, the Walt Disney Co. in its parks has become more focused on its IP — that is, its film and television properties — rather than looking beyond its gates. But remnants from Disneyland’s past remain. The park still hosts a daily flag retreat, a respectful, music-focused ceremony often with the Dapper Dans and the Disneyland Band to honor veterans. Then there’s the animatronic show “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln,” which is an inspiring, vital work of theme park theater. Using snippets of Lincoln’s most timeless speeches, it illustrates how words can unite rather than divide us, a rarity in today’s partisan-heavy landscape.

I’ve never believed Disney should stay out of politics. I’d argue that’s impossible, anyway, as all art is political. What a company shows — or chooses to leave out of its content — is a reflection of its values.

This summer, Disneyland is leaning all the way into its patriotic tendencies. A Sam Eagle popcorn bucket, complete with a Fourth of July-style stars and stripes cap, is on the way. And the centerpiece of the festivities will arrive July 2, which is when the Disney California Adventure staple Soarin’ Over California transforms into Soarin’ Across America. Key locations on the hang gilder simulator will include Mount Rushmore National Monument, the Washington Monument, the Statue of Liberty and the Hollywood sign, among many a national park.

Soarin’ Across America shows aerial vistas across the United States, and it’s arriving at a divisive moment in our nation’s political history.

(Disney Parks)

Though designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, it’s impossible to ignore that it’s coming at a divisive time in the U.S. Soarin’ Across America’s poster art, as I noted last year when the new version of the attraction was announced, made me cringe, as it features a Statue of Liberty juxtaposed with the American flag and bald eagle — art that conveys a sense of nationalistic pride. In 2026, such emotions are complicated. Our country is disrupting the world, ICE raids have shattered our communities and just the other day, our president was effectively shielded from examination of his finances and legal conduct.

So please forgive me if I don’t exactly want to don the red, white and blue right now. Soarin’ Across America feels like the excited guest showing up to a wedding that’s only happening because the couple can’t get their deposit back.

While I do want to cheer its representation of our national parks — spaces that need all the positive publicity they can get right now, thanks to the administration’s budget cuts and layoffs — I wonder about the inclusion, of, say, Mount Rushmore, which has a long, controversial history, and has been a fascination of President Trump’s.

I’m skeptical, in short, as to how Soarin’ Across America will be read at this moment, a time when many are questioning the relevancy of patriotism and loyalty to a flag. So I was eager to discuss these thoughts with veteran Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald, an executive creative director who recently worked on Main Street, U.S.A.’s Walt Disney animatronic show, who met with me last week.

An attraction poster for Soarin’ Across America released via the Walt Disney Co.’s corporate media site.

(The Walt Disney Co. )

I asked him about potential discomfort around Soarin’ Across America’s patriotic displays. He lightly pushed back, arguing in essence that’s why the attraction is necessary.

“I think we were taking the opposite approach, the optimistic approach, which is what Disney is all about,” Fitzgerald says.

“How can we do something that will help us all celebrate?” he continues. “I know personally when I saw the Artemis II mission recently, I felt like we all came together and said what an astonishing achievement. We were all rooting, going up and coming down. I think that’s more what we wanted to do. Let’s just do a portrait of America, and let the guests go in and just enjoy it. … Let’s just let the audience come in without any preconceived notions and enjoy this four-and-a-half-minute journey.”

I did ask a follow-up, wanting to hear about the conversations that were had at Imagineering to ensure this ride wouldn’t be seen as political, even as it is showing locations such as Mount Rushmore, often a site of protests and criticism from Native Americans.

“I think for us, it’s like, go for the iconic place, and keep it all in the Soarin’ style, with the big music, hang gliding,” Fitzgerland says. “Just make it a journey that just flows from coast to coast.”

A coastal scene from Soarin’ Across America.

(Disney Parks)

Fitzgerald says the ride came together in exactly 12 months, making it a relatively fast, time-crunched project. Yet that also means Disney was aware of the heightened cultural environment it was entering.

The attraction is already open at Florida’s Walt Disney World but I don’t believe in reviewing rides via point-of-view videos, so I’m waiting until July 2 to experience it here. When it lands in Anaheim, I hope I find it an empowering, uplifting work. A number of its locations, including our own Griffith Park, or the Grand Canyon West, Denali National Park, a Maine lighthouse and more, are a reminder of our park wonders. It’s in these scenes that I believe Soarin’ Across American will thrive, and become that “portrait or tapestry of crossing America” that Fitzgerald describes.

Also important: The attraction is a reminder that a theme park such as Disney California Adventure is not so much an escape as an idealized reflection of what is happening beyond its borders. Theme park additions don’t happen in a vacuum, and I applaud its designers for continuing to take risks, especially when they don’t involve pop-culture IP (the IP being explored here is America).

And if Soarin’ Across America can inspire a few trips into our great outdoors, whether that’s an afternoon at the Griffith Observatory or that Grand Canyon trip you’ve been putting off, I’ll take that as a win. But it would have been fine with me if the red, white and blue fireworks had been left in the editing bay.

This week in SoCal theme parks

Halloween season is coming soon. Universal Studios Hollywood announced this week one of its first major haunted houses for 2026’s Halloween Horror Nights.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

• “Sinners” is coming to Halloween Horror Nights. Ryan Coogler’s sexy, scary, music-heavy and politically-infused vampire film “Sinners” is getting the Halloween Horror Nights treatment at Universal Studios Hollywood. The 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures flick is set in the 1930s, and its Horror Nights haunted house will take guests into the film’s bluesy Club Juke. The would-be-safe haven, however, becomes anything but. I’m excited, but I do hope Universal is able to touch on some of the topicality and cultural commentary of the film. Halloween Horror Nights is currently set to launch on Sept. 3.
• Become a Disneyland ‘park ranger.’ Theme parks are stages, and I love when designers create activities to inspire play or exploration. And Disneyland has done just that this summer with its “Mickey’s Park Rangers” activity book. The free, 33-page booklet, available from retail shops near Disneyland’s Rivers of America, is full of puzzles, factoids (I honestly didn’t know there were catfish in the park’s river) and some light scavenger-hunt-like quests. The last will take players through Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, the boats of Rivers of America and the Disneyland Railroad. All told, it’s an excellent way to slow down, play some games and rediscover historic aspects of Disneyland.
• Do puzzles, see some apes. The Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday is hosting a special, game-focused puzzle adventure focused on its ape exhibits. “Zoo Quest: Amazing Apes” is an after-hours event in which participants will work in teams to solve puzzles across the zoo grounds, in this case zeroing in on the park’s ape habitats. The tasks will gradually reveal various ape facts as well as tip guests to the zoo’s conservation efforts. Tickets are $35 for those 12 and older, and $30 for those ages 2-11.
• Park hop to your heart’s content. The Disneyland Resort revealed that on June 9 it is eliminating a rule that prevents park hopping between the Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure before 11 a.m. Guests will still need to make a reservation at one of the Disney parks, but will be able to check in at either park, subject, of course, to availability. This is a positive development, essentially eliminating a pandemic-era rule and allowing guests who pay for the park hopper upgrade to freely move between locales.

The best thing I ate at the parks

A grilled cheese from the Grand Californian’s Hearthstone Lounge.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

The signature restaurant at the Disneyland Resort is the Grand Californian’s Napa Rose. But don’t sleep on the hotel’s Hearthstone Lounge, which accepts walk-ups and reservations (bar seats can be hard to come by). Its relaxed casual atmosphere has made it one of my regular stops when at the park for a full day, and its menu ranges from the informal (sandwiches, pizza) to the more upscale (a $72 New York steak). I tend to lean to the former, and opted for the restaurant’s $21 grilled cheese sandwich on a recent visit. With Parmesan-crusted toast, it feels decadent but isn’t too filling, as bits of bacon, arugula and tomato balance out its mildly sweet and not-too-heavy Point Reyes Toma cheese filling.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

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

Ride on,

Todd Martens

P.S.

“Mouse P.I. for Hire” is a recent video game in a vintage, 1930s-inspired animation style.

(Fumi Games / PlaySide Studios)

One of my non-theme park passions is video games, and I think Disney fans who also enjoy interactive entertainment may want to give a recent release a close look. “Mouse: P.I. for Hire,” essentially available on all platforms, is a well done lighthearted first-person shooter with some stylistic thought behind it. It’s gorgeous, a black-and-white game in the 1930s cartoon feel, and it’s filled with many a sight gag that wouldn’t have been out of place in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.”

Its tone is of a noir film, and begins with a missing persons mystery while gradually spinning out to reveal a world full of of fascist, evil mice. When it comes to gameplay, it’s a bit old-fashioned, focusing on the cartoonish aspects of video game shooting rather than anything realistic. It’s good fun and a bit silly, and I like to think of it as something that an alternate world Disney could have dreamed up.

Tens of thousands of Brits are set to jet off to Spain this summer, but it’s vital to know what travel documents you might need to show at border control to enter the country

There are four key documents you should make sure to pack when heading off on holiday to Spain.

Spain has long been a firm favourite amongst British holidaymakers, boasting vast stretches of golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and that much-coveted Mediterranean climate, all just a few hours’ flight away from the UK. With the May half-term already underway and summer just around the corner, tens of thousands of tourists are gearing up to jet off to Spanish resorts, beaches and cities throughout the region.

Before travelling overseas, it’s crucial to check whether any travel documentation is required to enter the popular European destination. While Brits can visit Spain with a valid passport and without a visa for up to 90 days, they may still be asked to produce additional documents at the border, reports Wales Online.

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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) outlined that at the Spanish border control, Brits may need to show the following:

• A return or onward ticket
• Proof of travel insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay. They outlined that “the amount varies depending on your accommodation.”
• A hotel booking confirmation or proof of address where you’re staying, including your own property.
• An invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friend, or family member. For example, a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.

In addition, Brits must also make certain that their passport has a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the arrival date. The FCDO states: “If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area.”

The passport must also carry an ‘expiry date’ of at least three months beyond the date you intend to depart the Schengen area. The Foreign Office confirmed that the expiry date “does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue”.

When entering Spain, British nationals are now required to pass through the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), which was fully rolled out at airports on 10 April 2026. The new system requires all British visitors travelling to the Schengen zone to “create a digital record” and submit their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph.

This process must be completed when they first arrive at a Schengen area border, and following the initial registration, the EES remains valid for three years. The complete list of Schengen areas includes: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

With a valid passport, British citizens can visit Spain without requiring a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourists, those visiting relatives or friends, those attending business meetings, cultural or sporting events, and anyone undertaking short-term studies or training.

The Foreign Office further advises: “If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”

For more information on travel to Spain, visit the Foreign Office website.

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

The Canary Islands are experiencing a tourism crisis, with activists warning the coastline is unsustainable as locals say the ‘land is being destroyed and speculated on’

The Canary Islands have witnessed mounting demonstrations in recent years. Frustration has been building amongst residents, who argue the surge in tourism to the sun-soaked Spanish archipelago is unmanageable. They point to outdated regulations that allow property speculators to purchase land for hotels and holiday flats, while paying only minimal tax.

Consequently, Canarians claim they receive the lowest average salaries in Spain and face difficulties securing affordable accommodation. Yet now they have a further complaint against holidaymakers. The islands are suffering coastal erosion at an alarming pace. Campaigners say the Canary Islands’ coastline is on the brink of disaster.

Each year, based on a report from SOS Costas Canarias, approximately 21⁄2 miles of coastline disappears. Anne Striewe, the foundation’s director, states that hotels, apartment blocks, housing estates and marinas, amongst other structures, are being constructed on this “lost” territory.

The organisation cautions that throughout the eight islands, roughly 18% of the territory within the first 500 metres from the sea has already been developed. Beyond protected natural areas (PNAs), this figure skyrockets: it surpasses 40% on multiple islands and coastal sections, reaching 43% in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

Nearly 20% of the living space on the Canary Islands is dedicated to tourism – in comparison to around 4% on the Spanish mainland. Five municipalities on the Canaries possess more tourist beds than permanent inhabitants: Yaiza (Lanzarote), Pájara (Fuerteventura), Mogán (Gran Canaria), San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Gran Canaria) and Adeje (Tenerife).

Ms Striewe highlights that, beyond holiday accommodation, there is a vast array of tourist-related infrastructure including access roads, golf courses and desalination plants, which fail to show up in hotel occupancy figures yet remain part of the same problem.

Sharon Backhouse, director of GeoTenerife, told Sky News that the Canary Islands are a “biodiversity jewel in the Atlantic,” yet local authorities provide minimal protection for the islands’ natural habitats.

She warned that each year more “beautiful landscapes are cemented over” to make way for new tourist resorts.

She added: “The problem with these resorts is that we just don’t have enough resources in terms of water, what happens to all the rubbish, how is it all recycled.”

Carmelo Javier León, director of the UNESCO Chair in Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPCG), describes a conflict between those who wish to protect the islands’ natural beauty and “the development of ever more accommodation options.”

The authors of the SOS Costas Canarias report are demanding an immediate halt and the scrapping of planning permissions for undeveloped coastal land.

They argue that the seemingly relentless construction not only obliterates irreplaceable natural habitats and undermines the very scenic beauty that attracted tourists to the islands in the first place, but also dramatically heightens the risk of localised flooding. Approximately 80,000 inhabitants are already vulnerable to coastal flooding risk, yet almost half of flood-susceptible territory has already been designated for housing.

Irma Ferrer, a lawyer for Urban Planning Transparency and Civic Action Against Corruption, highlights that this demonstrates the institutions are failing to operate properly. “In urban planning and environmental matters, legislation is not enacted to defend the public interest,” she complains.

She added that the islands now possess an economy which is essentially “based on the destruction of the land and on speculation.”

Travellers have shared frustration online after being left stuck in overcrowded terminals while trying to enter or leave countries within the Schengen zone

Brits heading to Europe have been caught in hours-long airport queues, with some passengers reportedly missing flights as new border checks continue to cause disruption across the EU.

Travellers have shared frustration online after being left stuck in overcrowded terminals while trying to enter or leave countries within the Schengen zone. Turning what was meant to be a relaxing getaway quickly turned stressful due to lengthy waits at passport control.

A Facebook user, Clarissa Ward, took to Facebook today after waiting in the “longest line” she’s seen in her life saying: “I saw lots of elderly people and families with small children. People who missed connections. Others who missed flights. Me included.”

“Airport staff only let TAP (Portugal’s main airline) passengers cut the line if they were seconds away from missing their flight. Everyone else? Good luck. Since the much delayed rollout began in October there have been similar scenes in many European cities.”

Another Facebook user, Craig Hackett, explained he arrived three hours ahead of departure and checked their bag at the earliest opportunity, however was met with a “enormous” queue just to reach the boarding gate.

“As a result, we and at least 15 other passengers missed our flight through no fault of our own. There was no prioritisation for passengers at risk of missing flights, no fast tracking, and no meaningful help from airport staff or easyJet representatives”

“What makes this even worse is watching flights take off without passengers who were already inside the airport and trying to reach the gate. How is this acceptable operationally, economically, or environmentally? Where is the customer care for passengers doing everything right and still being left stranded?”

The delays come following the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which officially launched on October 12, 2025. Under the new system, non-EU travellers including Brits are required to register fingerprints and have their photograph taken when entering or leaving the Schengen area.

The Schengen zone, which includes 29 European countries, is the world’s largest free-travel area. EU officials say the new checks are designed to strengthen border security, and reduce illegal migration.

Since the heavy delays, Airlines have taken to social media to urge governments to suspend the new Entry/Exit system (ESS). Ryanair posted on Facebook sharing: “Portuguese Government needs to suspend new Entry/Exit System (EES) until after the peak summer season. Average Ryanair flight time is 1 hour 15 minutes. Lisbon border control wait time is up to 2.5 hours. Portuguese Government must suspend EES to avoid excessive border control queue times at Portuguese airports during peak summer season”

TAKING a cheeky croissant or two away from the buffet for a midday snack in your cabin seems harmless – but one cruise ship is cracking down on it.

Costa Cruises has said it will start fining passengers €60 (£50) who take buffet food away to eat it in their rooms.

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Costa Cruises recently told its passengers that they will be implementing the ‘cleaning fee’ if it finds evidence of anyone eating buffet food outside of the designated dining areas.

The cruise line told Sun Travel that “guest safety and well-being are our top priority.”

They continued to say: “On a limited number of specific sailings, onboard communication was shared as a preventive and deterrent measure, in line with our existing policies, to encourage guests to [have] responsible behavior.

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“Costa Cruises remains committed to ensuring a high-quality, safe and enjoyable experience for all guests on board.”

The new policy is only for food being taken out of the dining areas, not room service, which is available 24-hours a day. 

The news of the fines has been met with both positivity and criticism by cruise-goers.

On an Instagram post by unrealcruises, there were plenty of comments, one said: “Zero chance I’d pay that fine. Make breakfast in bed for my wife every morning by bringing food back. Who cares where you eat the included food.”

Another stated that they enjoyed eating food from the comfort of their balcony.

However others have said that it will be good as there’s “nothing worse than plates and cups lining the hallways”.

Costa Cruises, a brand owned by Carnival Corporation, is based in Italy, and offers sailings through the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America.

It also heads to Asia, the Canaries, Northern Europe including the fjords – and there are mini cruises too.

A THEME park in Europe often compared to Disneyland is launching a new ride.

Opening this winter,Dutch theme park Efteling will launch Ravenring in the Raveleijn themed world, which was recently upgraded.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

According to Efteling, the ride will be “a rotating, floating experience where visitors will feel like they’re flying along on the raven’s wings”.

In total the ride will feature 18 winged vehicles, able to hold up to 36 riders.

To go on the ride, each passenger will have to be at least one-metre tall.

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The new ride will be found just outside of the walls of Raveleijn and at the centre of the ride there will be the Raven Medallion.

Across the ride there will also be banners with the five elements featured in Raveleijn.

At the end of the ride, visitors will find out which of the five elements matches them, from either water (blue), fire (red), wood (green), earth (brown) or metal (purple).

The transformation of Raveleijn was announced back in August last year, and will include a fully renewed show with a new storyline and special effects.

The new show will also open this winter.

Guests have previously compared Efteling to Disney, with one saying: “If you are travelling to the Netherlands, we highly encourage visiting Efteling. I prefer it now to Disney because of the variety it offers.”

Another said it was a “European twist” on Disney.

Koen Sanders, director of product, market, and image at Efteling previously said: “In keeping with our vision for complete immersion, we’re considering the entire area surrounding the park show for this development.

“The Raveleijn story lends itself perfectly to this. By placing the new attraction outside the open-air arena, we’re expanding the themed area.”

The best way to get there is to fly to Eindhoven, and Ryanair has flights from both Manchester and London Stansted from £14.99, taking just over an hour.

THINKING of heading on a city break but struggling to decide where to spend your hard-earned holiday cash?

Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina will get you the most bang for your buck in 2026, new research has revealed.

The Post Office Travel Money’s City Cost Barometer has unveiled the most budget-friendly destinations to visit right now – along with the ones that will make an eye-watering dent in your wallet.

Overall, Sarajevo pipped 49 other spots to the post and has been crowned the most affordable city this year with visitors able to bag free entry to its top heritage attraction and art gallery.

While this city may not have the most affordable accommodation of all the destinations analysed (£157 for two nights in a 3* hotel), basic items like a cup of coffee and a sightseeing city bus tour were shown to be very cheap, costing around £1.72 and £2.46 respectively.

To calculate the most affordable destinations, the Post Office looked at the cost of 12 typical city break items, including tickets to attractions, a bottle of beer/lager, a bottle of Coca-Cola/Pepsi, a glass of wine, a three-course evening meal for two, return airport bus or train transfer and a 48-hour travel card.

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It found that a two-night break in Sarajevo will set the average person back around £248.29 in total (around £10 less than the second cheapest destination, Bucharest in Romania).

Accommodation was shown to be more budget-friendly here than in Sarajevo, setting the average holidaymaker back £148 for two nights in a 3* hotel. This still wasn’t as cheap as accommodation in Tirana, though.

At just £128 for the weekend on average, this Albanian hot spot was shown to have the most affordable hotels of all 50 destinations in the barometer.

Overall, Tirana came in third place in the rankings with a total cost of £262.85 for the whole weekend, closely followed by Belgrade in Serbia at £265.13 on average.

While the cost of many things, including coffee, beer and food, were shown to be pricier in Belgrade than Sarajevo, travelling around the city looks to be much cheaper, with buses, trams, trolleybuses, and city trains all entirely free to use – great for those who are keen to go sightseeing.

If you’d rather spend your time taste-testing the local booze, however, you should set your sights on Trenčín in Slovakia instead, which was ranked fourth cheapest spot for a city break, overall.

According to the Post Office Travel Money, a bottle of beer will set you back just £1.49 on average here, less than it would in any other destination, including top budget city Sarajevo, where beer cost £2.46 on average.

It’s also the cheapest spot for sinking wine, at just £3.52 on average per glass.

You can soak up all that booze for little cost, too, with a three-course meal for two with (more) wine costing just £47.64 on average.

Comparatively, a similar three-course dinner with wine in Sarajevo would cost you £62.86.

In sixth place comes Riga in Latvia, followed by the French city of Lille, which may prove popular for holidaymakers worried about the jet fuel crisis as it can be reached by train.

In total, there are ten cities in the charts that can be accessed from the UK by train or ferry, including the ever-popular cities of Paris and Amsterdam, which sit at the pricey end of the charts in 40th and 44th place respectively.

Both were still cheaper than Oslo in Norway, however, which was shown to be the most expensive of all with a total barometer cost of £733.99 – almost triple the amount of a break in the cheapest spot, Sarajevo.

There are still some good bargains to be had for those that do their research, though.

Post Office Travel Money’s Laura Plunkett said: “Despite concerns about rising prices abroad, there are many European cities offering great value for money.

“Sterling has remained fairly strong but, in these challenging times, it will pay holidaymakers to do their homework before booking to see where their pounds are likely to stretch furthest, even for short breaks.”

A BUDGET train operator has launched a brand new rail service.

From this week, travellers can take a cross-border train journeys for under £30.

Lumo’s new low-cost journeys between London and Scotland have launched this week, connecting travellers between London Euston and Stirling.

Customers can travel on this 300 mile train route for only £29.90 per person, with journeys scheduled multiple times a day.

Stirling council leader, Cllr Susan McGill, said: “The sight of the first blue Lumo train in Stirling is an exciting moment, and we will continue to work closely with Lumo to ensure the new service is a success and delivers lasting benefits for everyone across the region.”

The new route also includes a handy connection between London and Preston, Lancashire, for just £23.90, and between Preston and Stirling for £14.90.

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Four direct return journeys will take place between Stirling and London Euston every day, with a fifth service running between Preston and London.

Lumo already runs a budget-friendly passenger train along the East Coast Main Line, connecting travellers between London King’s Cross, the North East of England and Edinburgh.

This new west coast route will call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.

For Scottish towns Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert, this is the first ever direct rail connection to London.

Graeme Cook, rail director for Transport Scotland, said: “Lumo’s new Stirling to London route is a very welcome addition to cross-border services which will provide wider economic and connectivity benefits to Scotland.

“The new services will not only boost tourism and hospitality for Stirling and the Forth Valley, but also increase connectivity by now providing customers from Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert with direct access to rail connections on the West Coast Main Line and London.”

The train service will run from Monday, May 25, with the full timetable set to be available in July.

British holidaymakers are increasingly seeking out budget-friendly European breaks

British holidaymakers grappling with spiralling travel costs are increasingly turning their backs on pricey resorts in favour of wallet-friendly destinations where a pint can still be enjoyed for under £2.50.

The most affordable European spots for travellers keen to keep their spending in check have been revealed, with southern Italy, Portugal and Spain leading the way. Puglia in Italy and Vilamoura in Portugal came out on top for inexpensive beer, with visitors able to snap up a draught pint for just £1.74, according to research by Zable.

Seville ranked third at £2.06 per pint, while destinations such as Gran Canaria, Faro, Madeira and Tenerife all clocked in at an average of £2.18. The findings emerge as countless families hunt for methods to slash holiday expenses amid ongoing strain on household finances.

Researchers examined flight costs, accommodation prices, tourist levies, supermarket shopping, dining out expenses and attraction fees across 49 destinations to identify where travellers receive the strongest overall value.

Cheapest European hotspots for a pint

Destination – Pint price – Av 5-night accommodation

Puglia, Italy – £1.74 – £516

Vilamoura, Portugal – £1.74 £1,592

Seville, Spain – £2.06 – £667

Plovdiv, Bulgaria – £2.07 – £386

Lanzarote, Spain – £2.18 – £830

Gran Canaria, – Spain £2.18 – £536

Faro, Portugal – £2.18 – £965

Madeira, Portugal – £2.18 – £1,031

Tenerife, Spain – £2.18 – £777

Tirana, Albania – £2.26 – £315

Puglia was highlighted as among Europe’s most budget-conscious destinations owing to its blend of bargain beer prices, complimentary attractions and comparatively affordable lodging. The region boasts nearly 15 hours of daylight throughout the height of summer, alongside its renowned beaches, olive groves and ancient towns.

Vilamoura equalled Puglia on beverage costs, though accommodation expenses were notably steeper due to demand for the Algarve resort’s marina, golf courses and vibrant nightlife scene. Meanwhile, Albania’s capital Tirana came out as the most affordable overall destination for a five-night getaway once flights, accommodation and daily expenses were factored in.

A typical five-night stay there totals £492.31, the study revealed. The report also identified Kotor in Montenegro as the top-value underrated destination overall, benefiting from reasonably priced flights, minimal tourist taxes and a wealth of attractions.

Cheapest destinations overall for a five-night trip

Destination – Country – Total cost

Tirana – Albania – £492.31

Plovdiv – Bulgaria – £558.10

Zagreb – Croatia – £651.06

Puglia – Italy – £690.37

Gran Canaria – Spain – £761.06

Seville – Spain – £802.47

Fuerteventura – Spain – £844.13

Bari – Italy – £914.81

Tallinn – Estonia – £953.11

Kotor – Montenegro – £974.03

Travellers opting for self-catering accommodation could slash their grocery bills by choosing destinations such as Sopot in Poland, where a standard supermarket shop costs just £30.74.

Cheapest destinations for grocery shopping

Destination – Country – Grocery basket

Sopot – Poland – £30.74

Vilamoura – Portugal – £31.19

Kotor – Montenegro – £31.63

Benidorm – Spain – £31.93

Dubrovnik – Croatia – £32.44

The research also spotlighted the growing trend of so-called “destination dupes”, where holidaymakers ditch pricey long-haul destinations for more affordable European alternatives boasting similar climates. Amongst the recommended alternatives were Capri instead of the Maldives, Mallorca instead of Hawaii and Sardinia instead of Costa Rica.

Arielle Rogers-Jenkins, senior product manager at the credit card company, Zable, said: “Planning a holiday often means balancing the experiences you want with the budget you have available. “Our research shows that travel costs can vary significantly between destinations, so choosing locations that align with your budget can make a real difference to the overall cost of a trip.”

AN abandoned English train station has been revamped with a £50,000 upgrade.

After years of disrepair, the 19th century station has now transformed into a luxury retreat that is opento the public.

Rowden Mill Station in North Herefordshire has been renovated into a vintage-inspired hotel, offering the perfect retreat for keen trainspotters.

Cecilia Chavez-Brandon and husband Paul Kirwan took on this dream renovation project in 2017, paying £395,000 for the 2.7 acre site that had been abandoned since the 1950s.

The site was primarily used for moving injured soldiers to field hospitals during the war and transporting livestock, losing its appeal as cars became more popular in the 1950s.

Inside were original buildings and a set of train tracks, which they have modernised into an experience that transports visitors back to the 1950s and 1960s.

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To add to the vintage feel, they bought an 18ft inspection saloon coach, coated with British Railway livery for historic railway fans.

Cecilia told SWNS: “It was not until the 1980s that the former owners found the station and bought it from the farmers.

“They built the rail track back. We arrived after they had been here 32 years and helped modernise it.

“They restored the station building and the parcel office and converted it into accommodation rather than a station.

“The booking office is now the kitchen, the waiting room is now the lounge. The gentleman’s toilet is now a full bathroom.

“The parcel office is a separate building and we converted it and put central heating in and new carpets. We turned that into a full studio with an ensuite.”

A steady stream of visitors can look around the renovated station, which has transformed ladies’ waiting areas into main bedrooms and carriages into accommodations.

Tourists can pay £260 per night to enjoy a luxurious stay overlooking the countryside in their renovated coaches fitted with an en suite and heating.

The main station building also has accommodation at £430 for two nights, or the Parcel Office studio at £220 for two nights.

Cecilia said: “We have a parcel office with a studio for two on the main platform. For anyone staying here, it’s like waking up in a railway station from the 1950s and 60s.”

The couple also bought an original 20-tonne brake van back in 2018 to create another luxury accommodation for the site.

Maintaining this beloved location has become a career for the couple: “We didn’t really start out as railway buffs but you obviously become one. It’s like going down a rabbit hole.

“You end up being a whole network of railway people and it’s really something amazing.

“The very first guest arrived in September 2017 and they came with books and were clear railway buffs and knew more about the branch line than we did at the time.

“In terms of guests we obviously have the railway buffs, even children with technical knowledge. We have station masters and train drivers – we get quite a range of fans.

“The whole site is great. It’s so peaceful, with gorgeous views and our other passion is nature. We’ve got our own meadows, hedgerows and wildlife ponds.”

THE heat is on and there’s a spot in Kent with an enormous lake and beach that people say feels more like being abroad.

Found at the site of a former quarry, St Andrews Lake in Kent is where you can do everything from open-water swimming to paddleboarding and kayaking.

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On a summer‘s day, the water is so blue that it’s even been called a ‘taste of the Mediterranean’, by author Lisa Drewe.

During the summer season, visitors can book a session for its aqua park, which is the largest in the county (from £26 per session).

The aqua park has inflatable slides, a climbing wall, swings and other obstacles to jump around on.

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There’s another inflatable park for smaller children which is specifically for those two to six years old – from £16 per child.

Around the lake there are even beach spots – so you will be able to feel even more like you’re on holiday.

In fact, there are two beaches at St Andrews Lakes; ‘Carp’ and ‘Coots’ – both have soft sand, sun loungers on the shore, free parking, and lifeguards are on duty.

For adults, entry starts from £27.50 per adult which is for all-day access and includes a deluxe sun lounger.

Entry for children starts from £7.50 per person which doesn’t include a sun lounger (children under two go free).

On the water, visitors can rent and have a go on the kayaks, pedalos, stand-up paddleboards, Mega SUP and Bell Boats.

Not all activities involve getting in the water, there are plenty of things to do on dry land too.

There’s a 24-foot climbing wall with 15 different routes, archery, axe throwing, yoga and the zip wire.

The zip wire is a great way to get spectacular views over the lake, which whizzes above the waters below.

When it comes to relaxing, there’s a place for wellness too with either a 1.5 or three-hour sessions.

Here, take a dip in a lakeside hot tub, detox in a wood-fired sauna, and refresh with a plunge in the natural lagoon.

On-site is also a pizzeria, cafe, ice cream hut and during the colder months, a crumble bar.

If one day here isn’t enough, there are options to stay, one of which is by bringing your own motorhome or campervan on one of the eight hard-standing pitches.

Or book one of the ‘luxury floating lodges‘ – each comes with private decking, a hot tub, and views across the lake.

One recent visitor said: “I never imagined that I could be blown away on a holiday in Kent. St Andrews Lakes lodges or boat houses are just amazing.

“If you want the Maldives but don’t want to pay or travel too far, then this is as good if not better – I’m talking from experience.”

One of the smaller lodges is Point Lodge which sleeps up to two people.

Inside is a double bed, kitchen, small table and chairs, TV, bathroom, and decking over the water with two fold-out deckchairs for sunbathing.

Seven-nights at Point Lodge starts from £569 – or £40.60pppn

The Lakeside is the largest of the overwater lodges, it sleeps up to five people and has two bedrooms.

Inside is a separate living area with a dining table and huge windows so even if the sun isn’t shining the views can still be admired.

The decking wraps around the lodge with the hot tub back on dry land to the side.

Prices for The Lakeside starts from £609per week.

A MAJOR cruise line is launching a new ship later this year and it will have a first-of-its-kind outdoor theme park onboard.

MSC World Asia is the third ship in the ‘World Class’ series, and will start sailings in December.

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Called The Harbour, the ‘open air’ theme park will be found on the top deck in the Family Aventura District – and it’s the first ship in Europe to have one.

Here is where guests can try out the Adventure Trail rope course and the longest dry slide at sea.

It will also have Europe‘s first over-water swing called Cliffhanger which will hang over the ocean.

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Families can also try out both the Twin Racer dueling waterslides and U Drop too.

For younger guests, there’s the a new playground called The Play Deck which is a relaxed space with comfy seating.

Rides can be enjoyed well into the evening as when it’s time for sunset as The Harbour lights up in the dark.

Luna Park is an interactive area with immersive game experiences – which isn’t found on any other MSC cruise ship.

It has three original game shows, Code Breakers, Labrinth and Chart Toppers.

The Family Aventura District also has The ClubHouse and Doremiland, a 10,000-square-foot kids club with dedicated spaces for each age group.

Inside Doremiland are two rooms dedicated to LEGO and another that’s Formula 1-themed.

MSC Cruises Vice President of Entertainment Steve Leatham said: “As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises knows what it takes to keep the whole family happy on holiday, with tailored family entertainment activities and facilities for guests of all ages.

“On board MSC World Asia, family entertainment will reach new heights – bigger, bolder and more innovative than ever.

“Featuring our widest range of programs yet, alongside immersive, interactive and personalized experiences for everyone from toddlers to teens, families can expect truly extraordinary moments at sea.”

MSC World Asia is expected to enter service in December 2026, offering 7-night itineraries to Mediterranean destinations across Italy, France and Malta.

Around the ship will be seven themed neighbourhoods, like the AquaDeck, Family Aventura, Galleria, MSC Yacht Club, Promenade, The Terraces and Zen Area.

On the Aqua Deck will be seven pools and 13 whirlpool baths, including two newly designed pools; the outdoor Manila Bay pool and the indoor Coral Cove pool.

MSC World Asia is part of the ‘World Class’ series – the first two ships were MSC World Europa, delivered in 2022 and MSC World America in 2025.

MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line with 23 ships that sail across five continents and over 300 destinations.

ONE of the UK’s oldest indoor swimming pools is getting a huge makeover after being forced to close three years ago.

Moseley Road Baths in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, opened back in 1907 but has been shut to the public since 2023.

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Now, the Grade II-listed Edwardian pool will be brought back to life with a new community health and wellbeing hub as well as restored main pool.

The baths are split into three main pools: the Gala Pool (which used to be for upper class men); the second class men’s pool and then the women’s baths.

The Gala Pool – which closed back in 2003 due to safety concerns – will be completely restored and reopened, as will the mezzanine gallery around the pool and there will be a new ground-floor viewing area too.

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According to Visit Birmingham, the pool is “the grandest space in the building” with cast iron arches and viewing balconies on three sides of the pool.

The second pool onsite will then be converted into a flexible event space.

The Women’s Slipper Baths – which locals used to pay a small fee to bathe right up until 2004 – will be made into a community health and wellbeing hub and the Men’s Second Class Slipper Baths will be transformed into a community gym.

The former boiler room will then be made into another flexible studio space.

Following all of the upgrades, the baths are expected to reopen in late 2028.

Previous restoration works started in September last year, of the roofs at the baths and the Balsall Heath Library, which is getting a new mezzanine level.

Many original features will be kept though throughout the building, such as the oak wood ticket offices and 30-metre Gothic Renaissance facade with red brick and terracotta.

Other original features include glazed bricks in ivory, turquoise and cream and terrazzo floors.

In 2016, the baths were even placed on the World Monuments Fund’s watch list, placing the baths in the top 10 per cent of the most important historic buildings in England.

Joe Holyoak, Chair, Friends of Moseley Road Baths said: “For more than two decades, our community has fought to keep Moseley Road Baths open and to secure its future.

“Today’s news is a moment of immense pride.

“We will swim in the Gala Pool again, and this magnificent building will be a home for our community for generations to come.

“We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has played their part in making this happen, and to the swimmers who supported us along the way.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Moseley Road Baths is a real Birmingham icon and it’s now closer than ever to reopening to the public because local people never gave up on it.”

A plane recently had to be diverted after a passenger forget their electronics in their hold luggage

Air travel comes with a long list of things people can and can’t take with them depending on how it’s packed. However, one travel expert is urging people to pay more attention to an often overlooked electronic that can’t be packed into your big suitcases going in the hold of the plane.

Travel journalist Ash Bhardwaj warned people to take any electronics with lithium batteries into the cabin in their hand luggage and not to stow it away in the hold. He explained that this is due to a serious fire risk and while fires in the cabin can be handled, fires in the luggage hold could prove to be a far greater issue.

Ash joined Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones on the rooftop of BBC’s Morning Live studio to soak in some sunshine as the hot temperatures continuing rolling out across the country.

He highlighted one recent easyJet flight bound for the UK actually had to be diverted to Rome because a passenger realised they had left one of their lithium batteries in the hold.

Ash revealed he’d had to make this lithium battery check himself at the airport once: “We were in Vietnam, flying back home, and I saw these signs about not being allowed lithium batteries in your hold luggage. I was checking everything; ‘Is this one a lithium battery, like the fan for the baby carrier’.”

To be sure, Ash opted to put everything he suspected of maybe having a lithium battery into his hand luggage.

He continued: “Basically, it’s a fear of the batteries catching fire. If you’ve got it on you, in the cabin, in your hand luggage, that’s fine because if anything does happen the crew can deal with it.

“The key thing don’t put power banks in your checked luggage they need to come with you.”

Each airline may have different rules around what batteries and electronics must be kept in the cabin with you so it’s best to check with your airline before flying.

In general, spare batteries and power banks should only go into carry-on baggage. You may need to carefully pack these to prevent the circuit from shorting out, for example by putting it back in the retail packaging or placing each battery into a separate protective pouch according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

This protection must also prevent the item from being accidentally turned on or damaged during the flight. Some power banks may also require approval from the airline operator to be taken onboard.

Other items that may contain lithium batteries:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Smart watches
• Cameras
• Music players
• Smart baggage tags
• Electronic cigarettes

AN enormous indoor adventure park, fitted with inflatable obstacle courses and thrilling activities, has shut down with immediate effect.

The family-friendly attraction has been a hit with the community for over six years, welcoming 400,000 visitors during that time.

Ultimate Warriors, formerly Ninja Warrior UK, in Gloucester, shut down earlier this month.

This comes after the adventure park was plunged into administration, only a year after leaving the national Ninja Warrior group.

Ultimate Warriors hoped to sell the business, exploring every option to remain open.

Following a sale falling through last minute, they had no option but to close, nearly seven years after it opened in October 2019.

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Only recently, Ultimate Warriors had refreshed its equipment and activities, running independently as a family-run business.

Ultimate Warriors Gloucester said on Facebook: “After six and a half wonderful years, it is with great sadness that we announce Ultimate Warriors has entered administration and has closed its doors.

“We explored every possible option to keep our much-loved venue open. Unfortunately, despite strong interest, we are devastated to have a sale fall through at the last minute.

“As a small business, we simply do not have the financial reserves to continue operating in such uncertain economic conditions, even with the incredible support and feedback we have received from our guests over the years.”

Ultimate Warriors was formerly part of the Ninja Warrior UK franchise, which owns 16 adventure parks across the UK, all based on the hit ITV show.

Similar to the Ninja Warrior UK set up, Ultimate Warriors in Gloucester had a variety of activities, including monkey bars, slides and climbing walls.

Now, the Ultimate Warriors team is supporting its staff get new jobs, including reaching out to Airhop Gloucester to possibly accommodate them.

Ultimate Warriors Gloucester said: “To everyone who visited us, celebrated with us, worked with us, or supported us along the way – thank you. Your support, loyalty, and memories will stay with us forever.”

A POPULAR UK coastal path is set to close for months this summer.

It’s been confirmed that the scenic walking route will be out of use while essential repairs are made.

The Langstone Coastal Path, located behind Farlington Marshes near Portsmouth, is a beloved walking and cycling trail that passes through natural beauty spots and coastal towns.

But the public will not have access to the Hampshire footpath this summer while coastal erosion repairs are underway.

The nature-packed hiking trail, which boasts a 23km route that loops around the Langstone Harbour, will be closed over the summer months from May 26 until September.

This will allow for refurbishments to be done to areas of the sea wall damaged by coastal erosion, in order for the area and its wildlife to remain protected.

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The National Highways project means that a diversion will be put in place while the works are in progress. This will run along Eastern Road and Havant Road.

Katarina Saradinova, head of scheme delivery for the South East region, told The Portsmouth News: “This is a beautiful location, and our work will help protect the coastline, wildlife and surrounding environment for future generations.

“We understand the diversion route will lead visitors away from the scenic nature reserve, but these closures are essential to allow repairs to the sea wall, damaged by coastal erosion, to be carried out safely. Unauthorised access could also disrupt the construction schedule,” she added.

Efforts have also been made to ensure that the timing of the works disrupts wildlife habitats as little as possible.

The summer project has been planned in order to avoid disturbing the nesting period of overwintering birds in the area.

While access will still be available from the western entrance of Farlington Marshes, the path between Farlington Marshes car park and Chalk Dock Lake car park will be off limits.

The Chalk Dock Lake car park will also be closed.

AN airport in Spain is finally set to reopen – after cancelling all flights for the last month.

Santiago de Compostela Airport, in northern Spain, closed in April due to much-needed repair works, costing millions.

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Having closed on April 23, it will finally be back up and running from May 27.

On its closure, an announcement was made on the Spanish airport operator’s website, Aena at the time, saying: “Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport will be closed from 23 April to 27 May 2026 for runway resurfacing works.

“During this period, the airport will be closed to all traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place.

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“If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline.”

For Brits, the airport is the gateway to the city of Santiago de Compostela in the Galicia region.

There are direct UK flights from Ryanair, Vueling, British Airways and Iberia – all of which have had to be cancelled during the airport’s closure.

Normally, there are 30 flights a week from the UK to the Spanish airport from London Stansted, London Gatwick and London Heathrow which take just over two hours.

It wasn’t just Brits affected by the closure – around 3.6million people travel through the Spanish airport each year.

As a whole, it serves 23 destinations by 9 airlines.

Last year, Ryanair closed its base at Santiago de Compostela Airport meaning it has fewer flights to the destination than before.

But it still has flights every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from £15.99.

The decision to close the base was part of Ryanair’s cull 1.2million seats across Spain due to increasing airport fees.

Other destinations that completely lost Ryanair routes were to Jerez, Vigo and Valladolid.