TRAVEL

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.”

The UK was ranked second most miserable country in a 2024 mental wellbeing survey, with only Uzbekistan scoring lower – but YouTuber Wendall travelled 4,000 miles from Walsall to discover a thriving nation full of friendly people

A global survey conducted in 2024 has ranked the UK as the second most miserable country on Earth, according to a report on people’s mental well-being. The Mental State of the World Report revealed that increased wealth and economic growth do not necessarily equate to better mental health.

While countries like the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania top the rankings, nations such as Britain and Australia trail at the bottom of the list.

The team from Sapien Labs, who compiled the report, suggest that factors including high smartphone usage, particularly among children, along with the declining significance of family and community, are contributing to widespread dissatisfaction with life.

Only one landlocked former Soviet republic in Central Asia scored lower than the United Kingdom. Adventurous YouTuber Wendall, known for his global travels seeking out intriguing stories about different ways of life, journeyed all the way from Walsall to the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, to explore what life is like in Uzbekistan – a country supposedly even more downbeat than Britain.

However, what he found was a vibrant community with a positive, upbeat outlook on life and an absolute passion for European football. He also noticed a stark contrast with the people he met during his travels around the UK.

There are no direct flights to Uzbekistan, so Wendall’s 4,000-mile trek required a stopover in Turkey, where he splashed out £12 on a pint at 5am. Prices, however, are considerably more wallet-friendly in Tashkent.

His £60-per-night hotel was remarkably luxurious compared with UK lodgings, and there was little evidence of the hardship one might anticipate from a country that spent 67 years under Soviet rule.

“In recent years it’s been slowly, carefully reopening to the world,” Wendall explained. “On the surface, this seems a nation very much on the up, now open for tourism and business like never before.”

There’s certainly a laid-back approach to daily life that would be unthinkable in Britain. City park booths allow residents to try their hand at archery, while a vendor at Tashkent’s vibrant street market peddles beautifully crafted — yet menacing-looking — knives that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows on British high streets.

Surprisingly, most residents were perfectly comfortable appearing on camera, while back in the UK many of his interviewees preferred to remain off-screen.

One resident explained how dramatically Uzbekistan has transformed over the last decade: “You can say that it changed a lot in terms of education, politics and freedom. There is no war. It’s peaceful.”

While salaries were modest in the years following the Soviet collapse, they’re now climbing, she noted, with many Uzbeks who had sought opportunities overseas now choosing to return home. Tashkent’s metro network is significantly cleaner — and far more architecturally captivating — than the London Underground, Wendall noted, with ticket prices well below what you’d pay for a similar trip back home.

At the bustling street bazaars, you can snap up a knock-off Real Madrid top for next to nothing. And while English isn’t widely spoken among residents, they’ll enthusiastically shout out names of major European football teams in a bid to connect with visitors who don’t speak Uzbek.

When browsing the city’s street stalls, costs can initially appear eye-watering due to the exchange rate — one Uzbekistani som equals just £0.000062. A basic stuffed flatbread might cost 5,000 som, which works out at roughly 30p.

For a modest sum more, you can tuck into a serving of plov, a rice-based creation with lamb, carrots, and onions that’s celebrated as Uzbekistan’s signature dish. Wendall wasn’t particularly keen on it, though at those prices it’s hard to grumble.

Even a generous measure of brandy at one of the capital’s swankiest establishments will only set you back £1.50. It’s puzzling why Uzbeks have earned a reputation for being even gloomier than Brits.

Ultimately, Wendall was thrilled with his journey to the “world’s most miserable country.” He reflected: “It’s the supposedly most miserable, depressing country in the world — the only country more depressed than the UK. Well, I’ve met some wonderful people. I’ve been met with nothing but smiles, hospitality and a welcome I’ll never forget.”

‘Penguins? In Snowdonia?” I asked incredulously. “That’s right!” came the enthusiastic reply from our newest hostel companion. We were standing in the large kitchen of The Rocks hostel in Capel Curig, a village in the north-east of Eryri national park (Snowdonia), chatting amiably while waiting for our teas to brew.

“Head up Moel Siabod to the lake, and that’s where the penguins are. You’ll see a sign warning about feeding them,” he said. “But even if they’re hiding and you don’t see one, it’s one of the best walks in the area.”

Spotting a penguin in the Welsh mountains seemed unlikely, but that hardly mattered, least of all to my 11-year-old son, who was thrilled by the idea of a day spent hunting for penguins. And with that, our daily adventure plans were settled, inspired not by an internet search or guidebook, but by the easy exchange of recommendations that happen so often in the communal spaces of hostels.

It was our fourth and final day at The Rocks and, to my relief, we’d settled into a comfortable rhythm: exploring the mountains by day and spending evenings relaxing at the hostel with fellow residents. Initially, my suggestion to try something different for our family holiday by staying at a hostel had been met with scepticism. My husband, haunted by memories of school trips, imagined bleak dormitories with creaking iron beds and draughty communal spaces, while our sons (one teen and one tween) were unenthusiastic about shared living spaces and polite chit-chat.

Still, I was eager to give it a go. Lately I’d begun to feel uninspired by holidaying in the UK. Endless scrolling through lists of private rentals – cottages, lodges, cabins – was exhausting and downright unaffordable. Seclusion, it seemed, had become highly prized and came with a hefty price tag. Yet I found myself thinking back to childhood memories of hostel holidays: communal dinners filled with laughter and nights spent tearing around with other kids. It made me wonder why privacy was so coveted.

In the golden era of travel, around the late 19th and early 20th centuries, meeting new acquaintances while away was common. Think of Lucy Honeychurch’s transformative trip to Florence in EM Forster’s A Room With a View, shaped largely by her meeting the Emersons in their pensione. Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile also reminds us how trips were once far more social affairs – even if the passengers did keep bumping each other off. By retreating into isolation, have we lost the very essence of travel: the pleasure of meeting new people; sharing stories; hearing word-of-mouth tips; and stepping outside our familiar routines?

Hostels offer a gateway to those old ways of travel. First established in the UK in the 1930s to provide affordable accommodation, especially for young travellers, while also encouraging outdoor pursuits and socialising, their core purpose has changed little over time. What has evolved are the standards and the demographics. Today, private rooms are commonplace alongside bunk rooms, and guests range from solo travellers and students to families, couples and groups of friends.

To my delight, standards at The Rocks were exceptional: bright and stylish interiors ran throughout, with Scandi-style wooden furniture and colourful cushions. The fire in the shared lounge was a beacon of warmth, while the firepits outside allowed us a night of stargazing and marshmallow toasting. Upstairs, our snug but smart private family room was cosy and warm, kitted out with comfy mattresses, soft sheets and Welsh woollen blankets. Even my luxury-loving eldest son was impressed.

But what about the social element? Would this be an opportunity to meet like-minded folk, or just a series of awkward encounters to be endured before scuttling away to hide in our room? I needn’t have worried. Conversations flowed easily between guests, whether cooking dinner in the well-equipped kitchen, eating together in the airy dining room, surrounded by maps, games and puzzles, or gathering around the fire. There was a comforting pattern of change, with people coming and going, and new friendships forming quickly.

After our daily adventures, we looked forward to returning to the hostel and sharing our experiences. One evening, over cards and a glass of rum with two lads from the Midlands, we learned the recipe for “mountain doughnuts” (banana, jam and peanut butter spread between slices of bread, wrapped in tinfoil and gradually squished in a backpack during a hike). I picked up tips on thermal gloves from an army nurse who shared my despair over cold fingers, and talked 90s rave music with a couple from Spain. The children made friends instantly, disappearing for snowball fights and board games until bedtime. There was no pressure to socialise – some guests retreated to their rooms or books, others dipped in and out of communal life – and that flexibility was part of the appeal.

After a challenging few years through Covid, hostelling is enjoying a quiet revival. According to Sam Dalley, founder of the Independent Hostels network, “hostelling is in better health than ever. People want inexpensive stays where mingling is part of the adventure. There are more hostels now than at the height of the youth hostel movement in the 1950s.”

With places such as The Rocks combining comfort with affordability, privacy with community, the future looks bright for British hostelling, proof that meeting new people and sharing experiences can still be found at the heart of travel.

As we hiked up Moel Siabod, with the muffled crunch of snow underfoot and the promise of mountain doughnuts in our backpacks, I felt deeply satisfied. The trip had sparked an appreciation for something I hadn’t realised our holidays were missing; a sense of community. From now on, hostels will be my go-to for adventures like this, rather than the closed doors of private rentals. We never did see those elusive penguins, and we’re still baffled by the mysterious “Do not feed the penguins” sign perched on that remote Welsh mountainside, but who knows what adventures our next hostel stay may lead to?

The Rocks has dorm beds from £36pp, private family rooms from £115.60

FORGET flights – you can now book a package holiday with Skyscanner.

The comparison website has long been used by holidaymakers looking to find the cheapest flight options.

And from today, Skyscanner has launched its own Package Holidays search option.

Scouring the internet, it compares 25million holiday packages a day which includes all the big names like TUI, Jet2, easyJet, Loveholidays and OnTheBeach,

For example, we found bargain deals such as seven nights in Benidorm with hotels and flights for just £226 with Lastminute, using the new serch tool.

There’s also a week in Marrakech for £195 next month, with flights and hotels bookable via Expedia.

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The search options let you choose everything from board, such as self-catered or all-inclusive, as well as star rating of the hotels you want to stay at.

The tour operator and airline can be chosen as well as whether you only want direct flights.

It isn’t quite as advanced as their flight search just yet – there isn’t an option for ‘Everywhere‘ or ‘Cheapest Month’ just yet.

So as long as you know where you want to go, and when, you can find a bargain.

The new search tool has been launched due to a boom in package holiday demand.

New data released by Skyscanner found that demand has increased by 113 per cent since the beginning of the year.

Not only that, but 52 per cent of Brits said they were looking at booking a package holiday.

Once seen as a more expensive option, bargain deals are now available which aren’t much more expensive compared to booking flights and hotels separately.

Not only that, but all of the holidays are ATOL protected, meaning your money is safe if the operator goes bust.

Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, said: “Our research shows that for many, finding that perfect holiday can feel overwhelming, with value for money top of mind.

“We’re excited to bring our industry leading price comparison tech to packages.

“With more and more choice in how package holidays are constructed, travellers need an easier way to compare all of the options in one place, to find great deals without the hassle.”

Last year, Skyscanner also launched a new price drop tool.

And here are the 10 cheapest places to fly to this year, according to Skyscanner.

A CRUISE extends beyond the average fly-and-flop holiday.

These floating hotels come with a multitude of dining options, top shows and sometimes themed “takeover” cruises – often with celebs ready to wow their fans.

Sophie Swietochowski picks out some of the best . . . 

NILE RODGERS AND CHIC

on Virgin Voyages

IF there’s one cruise line that knows how to party, it’s Virgin Voyages.

So who could be a better fit for an onboard takeover than disco legends Nile Rodgers & Chic?

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They will be headlining the Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage on Brilliant Lady.

You’ll hear rhythms of the Caribbean while you sail around the sun-drenched islands of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St John’s in Antigua and Basseterre in St Kitts and Nevis.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Caribbean party without a beach club, and passengers can say goodbye in style with a day at Bimini Island in the

Bahamas, where the Vegas-style pool parties boom year round.

GO: The 11-night Music Legend Nile Rodgers sailing costs from £1,849pp, including flights from Heathrow on March 11 with overseas transfers and based on two sharing an outside cabin. Check out iglucruise.com.

PETE TONG

on P&O Cruises

LEGENDARY DJ Pete and the party island of Ibiza are a dreamy combination for ravers — throw in an 18-deck cruise ship and you’ve got a holiday to savour for years.

Pete will be hosting a 90-minute party on Arvia in September, where partygoers can stomp their feet while the sun sets beyond the picturesque Botafor marina.

The event will come midway through a 14-night sailing with stops at La Coruna, Alicante and Ibiza, then Marseilles, Barcelona and Cadiz.

Guests keen to carry on the party can book themselves a new all-inclusive package that includes drinks, wifi and speciality dining credit from £49 per person per day.

GO: The Western Mediterranean itinerary costs from £1,129pp departing Southampton on September 13 and based on two sharing an inside cabin. See pocruises.com

KATE THORNTON and JENNY POWELL

on Ambassador

GIRLS just wanna have fun — and sun — and they’ll get both of those on this female-focused cruise on board Ambassador’s Ambition.

As part of its Women At Sea series, TV presenter Jenny and broadcaster Kate will be talking all things female when they host a giggly “unscripted” panel.

Passengers will be able to mingle with the celebs at Cocktail Hour, and enjoy spontaneous meet-and-greets as they wander the ship.

The duo will be on several sailings, including the Springtime Sunshine in Portugal and Spain, calling at Leixoes, Lisbon, Cadiz and Vigo.

And when passengers are stuck for on-board inspiration (as if they ever would be), they can head to the celebs’ social media feeds to find out their favourite spa treatments and on-board entertainment.

GO: A ten-night cruise costs from £704pp with Iglu Cruises, departing Portsmouth on April 12 and based on two sharing an inside cabin. See iglucruise.com.

JOJO SIWA

on Royal Caribbean

THIS is a proper cruise takeover that kids won’t be able to get enough of.

JoJo, who found fame on reality TV series Dance Moms, will be singing, hosting dance parties and joining Build-a-Bow workshops on Utopia Of The Seas this summer.

Along with meet-and-greets and photo sessions, there will be Siwa-themed trivia, dance classes and a special gig at sea.

The three-day sailing calls at Nassau as well as Royal Caribbean’s own private island, CocoCay in the Bahamas.

GO: It’s from £825pp, based on two sharing an inside cabin, departing Port Canaveral in Florida on June 12. Flights from £325 return from Heathrow to Orlando with Norse Atlantic. See jojosiwacruise.com.

MAGIC CASTLE

on Princess Cruises

THINGS may be going bump in the night aboard Star Princess, on a seven-day cruise with magicians performing throughout.

Expect mystical brunches and magical cocktail parties, alongside special lectures where you will learn all the tricks of the trade.

Round off your evening with a visit to Spellbound — a cocktail bar where proper wizardry can be seen in the specially crafted drinks that billow with smoke and change colour.

The Pacific Wine Country Magic Castle Conjurer’s cruise calls at Vancouver and Victoria in Canada, before heading to San Francisco.

GO: The seven-night sailing costs from £674pp, departing Vancouver on September 28. Price based on two sharing an inside cabin. Flights cost from £503 return from Heathrow in the British Airways sale. For details, check out princess.com

FOR fashion, art, culture and drinks for under €2.50, there’s an Italian city you need to visit.

Milan has always been a popular spot for Brits, but it was recently named Time Out’s trending city break destination for 2026.

Time Out said: “Although it is the second-largest city in the country, it’s easily explored in just a few days because a lot of the most famous attractions – such as the Duomo cathedral and historical centre – are pretty tightly packed together.

“This makes it walkable and compact without feeling small or claustrophobic. It goes without saying that it’s also a great place to go shopping.”

As for why it’s trending this year, Time Out said it’s because of one event in particular, the Winter Olympics which start on February 6, 2026.

It said to expect “excitement” and “busy bars” while the competition is taking place until February 22, 2026.

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If you fancy heading to the Italian city, it’s actually just two hours from the UK.

In January, you can fly to Milan from London Stansted or Birmingham Airport from £14.99.

When you land, there’s plenty to do in the city, but we have some top places for your must-see list – and we’ll start with the food.

While Milan didn’t invent aperitivo, it is considered the capital of the modern version – and plenty of bars offer it.

Aperitivo refers to pre-dinner drinks and snacks which you can usually indulge in between the hours of 6-9pm – it’s intended to ‘open’ the stomach before dinner.

And if you’re savvy enough, you could dine on aperitivo all evening and not spend a single euro on dinner.

Those who love a cocktail will be pleased as aperitivo usually involves drinking a Milanese classic like an Aperol Spritz or Negroni made from gin, Campari and vermouth.

Then comes the food as the drink will be accompanied by complimentary nibbles like olives, nuts, cheeses, bruschetta or even small pizzas.

At most spots in Milan, you buy a cocktail and get a few light bite alongside it, but some places offer huge buffets.

At BhangraBar, you can order one cocktail for €15 (£13.01) and get unlimited access to the buffet everyday between 5-10pm.

At La Hora Feliz, you can buy a cocktail and head up to the buffet which has pastas, salads, polenta, and even tiramisu which you can get for the cost of one drink which is around €10 (£8.67).

If cheap and cheerful bars are what you’re after, head to GhePensiMI where you can get beers for €2.50 (£2.17) on Tuesdays until 9pm.

Another, called La Strada, has a great and very cheap offer of €3 (£2.60) drinks and aperitivo.

It has a 1960s-style VW campervan bar too.

If you fancy a beer, head to Al Confine which has 10 on tap – on Friday and Saturday nights, drinks are €3.50 (£3.04)..

Or head to the waterways which you’ll see on the outskirts of the city – but nowadays it’s where you’ll find great bars.

One of these is Frizzi E Lazzi on the outskirts of Navigli, it’s a 70s bar and is another bar where you can enjoy a €3 glass of wine with aperitivo – and it has live music.

Naviglio Grande canal, which is the largest in the city, connects to the Ticino River and dates back to 1177 – making it one of the oldest of its kind in Europe – now it’s completely transformed.

That’s the district that Travel Writer Martha Griffiths explored on her trip to the city, she explained: “I spent a couple of days in Milan to explore its famous aperitivo scene and it was an incredibly affordable way of experiencing local life. 

“On the first night, we headed into the trendy Navigli district and sat down at a small bar. I ordered an Aperol spritz, which was accompanied by olives, nuts and breadsticks. 

“I was expecting these to be added on to our bill but was pleasantly surprised to find out it was complimentary and only cost me 7 euros for the drink.”

Martha continued: “The second night, we found a bar in Brera, an area renowned for its elegant atmosphere. 

“Again, I ordered an Aperol spritz, which this time came alongside a heartier range of bites, including cured meat, antipasti and bruschetta for just the two of us. 

“We ordered a second drink here and to our surprise, they brought out another round of snacks this time, including arancini bites.  

“We spent around an hour and a half here and it was the perfect setting for a relaxing pre-dinner ritual. Each Aperol was €10 (£8.67) and given the snacks provided, it was incredibly good value, costing far less than it would in the UK. 

“Everyone knows of the tapas tradition in Spain but I’ve only ever been given free crisps or nuts with a drink there – in Italy, their version can get you the equivalent of a whole lunch for free.”

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Milan recently – here’s what she got up to…

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey gives her top recommendations if you’re heading to Milan…

Milan might be known for its fashion week and F1 but it’s also a fantastic place for a weekend break.

Both Ryanair and easyJet often have bargain flights for as little as £15 each way.

And two of the cities most beautiful spots are the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Duomo, both free to see (although it costs to go inside the latter).

Being Italy, expect fantastic food – Pizza AM is the best if you like laidback vibes and free prosecco.

For drinks, Iter is a locally loved bar just off the Navigli canal, or head to the fun Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson himself and full of pink cakes and pinball machines.

My top tip? Ditch the very expensive Ubers for the trams. Even the vintage wooden ones go across the centre of the city for just a few euros.

For more on city breaks, here are the 39 of the best in Europe – and the no.1 is very cheap.

Plus, On the Beach has launched new affordable city breaks to 188 destinations from £83pp.

WHEN Blue Monday comes around, it can leave you dreaming of being somewhere abroad…

Perhaps you’re craving the feeling of your toes in the sand, while lounging by the pool with a good book and a fruity cocktail.

Or maybe you fancy booking a city break to look forward to, ticking off bucket list cities like New York and L.A. with these unusually cheap flights.

Luckily, some of the top travel companies are having some major sales this Blue Monday – slashing their prices so you can go away from just £81pp.

Not only have we collected these bargain holiday deals, but you can even save extra on top with sale voucher codes, or even book with a £0 deposit.

Skanes, Tunisia – 5 nights all-inclusive for £169pp

The Skanes Serail and Aquapark is a 4-star giant playground of a hotel in the beach resort of Skanes, Tunisia.

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This beachfront hotel even has its own waterpark and two giant outdoor pools.

Families will find plenty to do for all ages, including a kids club, playground and beach volleyball area.

On your doorstep at Skanes beach, there’s watersports galore with jet-skiing and parasailing on offer – and it’s usually much cheaper than in Europe.

Loveholidays offers a 5-night all inclusive stay with return flights from London Luton departing on March 14 for £169pp.

Prague – 5 nights for £99pp

This 5-night trip to Prague comes with a comfortable stay at the Plus Prague Hostel.

Situated on a colourful quiet street with good links into the city centre, there’s great facilities here such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym.

There’s activities like table tennis, a beach volleyball court, and a games room and golf practice on offer.

There’s a tram stop just 5 minutes away where you can head straight into the Old Town and explore everything from cafes and bars to the colourful Prague Market.

Loveholidays offers a 5-night room-only stay with return flights from Bristol departing on 26 January for £99pp.

Agadir, Morocco – 5 nights for £129pp

A break in Morocco’s Agadir will certainly brighten your January blues, with the sunny coastal city offering beaches, colourful markets and a sun soaked Medina.

Plus the snazzy Anezi Appartments are in the ideal location – just a short walk from both the beach and the city centre.

These apartments have everything you’ll need during your time away, including air conditioned comfy rooms and a spa with a sauna and steam bath.

There’s even a private beach with loungers and a pool with a poolside snack bar, so you can spend your days lazing in the sun without having to leave the poolside.

Loveholidays offers 5 nights’ stay with breakfast from March 7 including return flights from London Stansted for £129pp.

Marmaris, Turkey – 5 nights for £139pp

The Club Atrium Hotel in Turkey’s Marmaris has three pools to dip in and out of, and 126 comfy air-conditioned rooms to return to.

Choose to splash around with the kids in the dedicated kids pool, or take a soak in the relaxing Turkish bath indoors.

There’s a packed entertainment programme with sports and evening shows, and if you fancy a treat, there’s massages available here too.

There’s a strip of restaurants and bars nearby, and a disco just a 1-minute walk away.

Loveholidays offers 5 nights’ stay from April 20 with breakfast and return flights from Southend for £139pp.

The Algarve, Portugal – 5 nights for £90pp

Portugal’s Algarve has plenty to explore – from strolling through pretty fishing villages to taking a swing at one of many golf resorts.

Some of the best beaches include the quiet cove of Praia Do Pinhao, as well as Praia da Falésia with its red cliff-lined coastline.

And with a stay at Studio 17 by Atlantic Hotels, you can relax by their adults-only pool and enjoy a comfortable apartment stay with all the facilities.

On the Beach offers 5 nights’ self-catering stay from 15 March including flights from Bournemouth for £90pp.

Fez, Morocco – 5 nights for £110pp

The Riad Dar Al Ouali is a pretty and traditional place to stay when exploring the cultural capital of Morocco.

This Riad has its own rooftop terrace as well as six colourful rooms offering a mini fridge and room service.

There’s also complimentary breakfast on offer, serving traditional Moroccan foods like homemade flat breads and dipping sauces.

In Fez you can visit historical sites like the Marinid Tombs, or marvel at the Royal Palace.

On the Beach offers 5 nights’ stay with breakfast including flights from London Stansted departing March 10 for £110pp.

Qawra, Malta – 7 nights for £120pp

The Qawra Point Holiday Complex is a modern aparthotel, with a spectacular rooftop terrace boasting its own pool and sun deck.

Rooms here are large and come with all the facilities including both baths and showers, balconies and en-suites.

Five minutes’ walk takes you to your choice of gift shops, bars and restaurants to browse, and Qawra Point Beach is just 10 minutes away.

There’s plenty more to see and do in Malta, from visiting the Malta Classic Car Collection to trying out scuba diving.

On the Beach offer 7 nights’ self-catering stay including flights from London Luton for £120pp.

Antalya, Turkey – 5 nights for £130pp

This hotel in Turkey‘s popular beach resort Antalya is in a fantastic location with access to shops, bars and restaurants – and a private beach.

There’s loads of activities to choose from here that are perfect for families – darts, table tennis and a range of watersports, but to name a few.

Nearby, you can explore historical ruins and the Temple of Apollo, or take a boat trip to the breathtakingly beautiful Manavgat Waterfall and river.

The Old Harbour is worth a visit too, with its streets overlooking a blue bay with bobbing sailboats.

On the Beach offers 5 nights’ stay with breakfast including flights from Newcastle departing on March 17 for £130pp.

Florence, Italy – 5 nights for £81pp

The Residenza Conte Di Cavour & Rooftop in the storybook city of Florence is set in an ideal location to explore the city.

Here you’re in a quiet spot not too far from the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, and just a few minutes’ walk will take you to Maria Novella station – where you can head straight into the heart of the city.

Tuscany‘s capital has lots to see and do, including seeing Michaelangelo’s works in the Galleria dell’Accademia or admiring the manicured Boboli Gardens.

The hotel itself is comfortable and traditional, with colourful walls, plush bedding and a cosy atmosphere.

TUI offers 5 nights’ room-only stay from March 9 including flights from London Stansted for £81pp.

Bucharest, Romania – 5 nights for £99pp

This boutique hotel in Romania‘s capital has sun terraces decorated with colourful roses and pretty rooms with high ceilings and large windows.

There’s also a characterful bar with chandeliers and cosy seating, as well as a TV lounge and pretty gardens.

Out in Bucharest, you can explore unique artsy cafes, colourful art displays and buzzing nightlife.

Take a visit to Cărturești Carusel to visit the fairytale book shop of dreams, or soak in the views of the historic and gigantic Palace of Parliament.

TUI offers 5 nights’ room-only stay from February 28 including flights from London Stansted for £99pp.

Ibiza, Spain – 3 nights all inclusive for £302pp

This beachside resort in Ibiza is perfect for families, with its giant pool, splash park, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea on your doorstep.

At TUI SUNEO Caribe there’s weekly themed parties, kids discos, arcade machines, sports courts and more to keep you busy.

Rooms are luxurious and modern, with sliding door balconies and crisp, colourful decor.

Here, you’re right on the doorstep of Es Canar beach, and the streets of Es Cana town are overlooked by bright white buildings and lush green mountains.

TUI offers 3 nights’ all-inclusive stay from May 18 including flights from Leeds Bradford for £302pp.

Benidorm, Spain – 5 nights all inclusive for £370pp

The adults-only hotel Agua Azul makes for a great base in buzzy Benidorm.

Levante Beach is just 15 minutes’ walk away, and you’ll be able to walk back home easily from the bustling strip too.

This all-inclusive stay has a buffet restaurant, two bars, an outdoor pool and an air-conditioned gym to enjoy.

Rooms are clean and spacious – complete with flat screen TVs and modern sleek bathrooms.

Jet2holidays offers 5 nights’ all-inclusive stay from February 21 including flights from London Luton for £370pp.

Murcia, Spain – 5 nights for £246pp

The El Churra hotel in Murcia is a family-friendly stay equipped with a gym, comfortable rooms and a cosy dining area.

Here you’re right in the heart of the city, where you can explore top attractions like the Real Casino de Murcia (just a 15-minute walk away).

The city also has some beautiful buildings to admire, like the Murcia Cathedral or Plaza Cardenal Belluga.

Browse fresh fruits and pastries at the city market, or try some tapas at the scenic Plaza de la Flores.

Jet2holidays offers 5 nights’ room-only stay from including flights from February 2 with flights from Manchester for £246pp.

Majorca – 3 nights for £260pp

The Globales Palmanova Hotel in Majorca is a stylish choice backed by rolling green hills and lined with palms.

The large outdoor pool is surrounded by plenty of comfy white loungers, so no need to rush before breakfast to claim yours with a beach towel.

Rooms are beachy and modern, with huge beds, balconies and coastal paintings to add to the theme.

This stunning hotel is in Majorca’s Palma Nova, where you can explore the Caves of Genova by boat and sunbathe on the sandy stretches of Es Carregador Beach.

Jet2holidays offers 3 nights’ half-board stay from February 27 with flights from East Midlands Airport for £260pp.

Rhodes, Greece – 7 nights all-inclusive for £623pp

This luxurious resort is rated 5 stars – and you’re getting a whopping £337 off with this deal.

The sprawling Lindos Imperial Resort and Spa boasts seven pools, seven bars and restaurants, and six waterslides.

There’s unique touches like a poolside crepe stand and a beach bar, plus the main restaurant serves up top quality seafood, salads, meats and more.

Pack your days with tennis, volleyball, mini football, basketball – or by unwinding at the on-site spa.

All of this – and you’re right on the sandy shores of Kiotari Beach.

easyJet holidays offers 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay from April 23 with flights from London Luton for £623pp.

Side, Turkey – 7 nights for £246pp

The Side Spring Hotel is a cosy hotel that’s perfect for couples, set in the historic Turkish resort of Side.

There’s a 24-hour restaurant, massage treatments available, and an outdoor pool that lights up the resort at night.

A short walk will take you to Side’s city centre, where you can explore everything from ancient theatres to modern shops.

Side Museum is a great choice for history lovers, where you’ll find Greek artefacts and impressive sculptures.

easyJet Holidays offer 7 nights’ stay with breakfast from 21 April with flights from London Southend for £246pp.

Crete, Greece – 7 nights for £277pp

The Real Palace Hotel on the island of Crete is just 10 minutes from the picturesque Old Town of Malia, where colourful narrow streets are decorated with blooming flowers.

Explore endless hiking trails, peek through ancient palaces like the Minoan Palace of Malia, and dip in and out of traditional tavernas.

The hotel itself has an outdoor pool, children’s pool and poolside bar to make the most of the Greek sunshine.

You’ve also got Aelos Beach Water Park and Go Karting nearby, if you fancy an action-packed day out.

easyJet Holidays offer 7 nights’ self-catering stay from April 7 with flights from London Gatwick for £277pp.

New York for £362 return

Whether you’re visiting iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, or hopping into downtown pizza restaurants and bars, it’s impossible to get bored in this sprawling city.

Plus, if you choose to visit in March, this city is one of the best when it comes to St Patrick’s Day street celebrations.

Throughout various dates in February and March, you can book return flights for £362 from London Heathrow to JFK Airport in the British Airways sale.

Los Angeles for £355 return

In Los Angeles you can find glitzy palm-lined streets, buzzing underground clubs, laid back beaches and top theme parks all in one place.

If you’re visiting for a family holiday, head to Universal Studios Hollywood to step into a real life video game at Nintendo World. For food, try dining at family-friendly chains like Olive Garden and Cheesecake Factory.

Or if you’re wanting the Hollywood glamour experience, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Boulevard are must-visit spots for cheesey movie-scene magic.

On select dates in February, you can book return flights for £355 from London Heathrow to LAX in the British Airways sale.

Sharm El Sheikh for £297 return

On the southernmost tip of Egypt‘s Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is an action-packed beach resort that is practically always sunny.

This is snorkelers and scuba divers’ paradise, with the Red Sea home to colourful coral reefs and near transparent waters.

There’s plenty of architectural sights to tick off, too, like The Heavenly Cathedral and Ah-Sahaba Mosque.

On select dates in February and March, you can get return flights for £297 from London Heathrow to Sharm El Sheik in the British Airways sale.

Budleigh Salterton on Devon’s Jurassic Coast is often overlooked by visitors, but this charming town boasts a stunning pebble beach named in The Times’ Top 10, dramatic red sandstone cliffs and miles of pristine coastal paths

A stunning coastal town tucked away on Devon’s Jurassic Coast has been hailed as one of Britain’s best-kept secrets.

Budleigh Salterton, a delightful town situated between Exmouth and Sidmouth, continues to be one of the region’s most underappreciated spots, despite being amongst the most picturesque, with miles of pristine coastline. It sits at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast, renowned for its striking cliffs and meandering coastal trails, though the town deserves recognition in its own right.

Alex Gwillim, a regional expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, spoke enthusiastically about Budleigh Salterton. He said: “Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore.”

He further noted that “people often miss out on a visit to Budleigh Salterton” due to its location between the popular tourist magnets of Exmouth and Sidmouth, “which draw big crowds on a nice day.”

Last year, The Times featured Budleigh Salterton’s beach in its Top 10 Beaches in the South West, praising its expansive coastline. Furthermore, the Bathing Water Classifications 2024 granted its waters an “excellent” rating, rendering them perfect for swimming and water sports, reports the Express.

For thrill-seekers, Alex highlighted the excellent selection of water sports on offer in Budleigh Salterton, with stand-up paddleboards and kayaks available for hire throughout the warmer months, giving holidaymakers the chance to explore the stunning coastline from the sea. For visitors after a tranquil escape, there’s plenty to savour, from relaxing walks along the shore to sampling the offerings at local cafes and inviting tea rooms.

Alex shared some extra advice for prospective visitors: “Budleigh Salterton is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching.

“There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology.”

If you’re planning to book a staycation in Budleigh Salterton, there’s an abundance of charming cottages, B&Bs and hotels on offer. Due to the town’s modest size, you’ll virtually have the beach right outside your door, regardless of where you decide to stay.

Holidaymakers to Budleigh Salterton have posted glowing reviews about the beach on TripAdvisor. One delighted visitor wrote: “We loved this beach. It was nice and quiet. People were swimming and paddleboarding, and it was perfect as the sea was so calm. It was nice and quiet despite it being a sunny June Sunday.”

One visitor lauded the area, stating: “It has a lovely walk along the well-kept promenade. Plenty of benches to rest a while and take in the view. Also well served with places to get a coffee, ice cream and lunch, etc. No awful arcades just wonderfully unspoilt.”

Another chimed in: “Fabulous place to go for a walk. One can walk to Exmouth and be back in less than 4 hours. The whole walk was relaxing and the fabulous scenery.”

A further enthusiast shared: “Great scenery, friendly community, always clean and great for the family, there is a great relaxing walk across the seafront which is accessible for everyone,”.

Got a travel tale to tell? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com

The UK’s best cities for nightlife have been ranked and while the likes of London, Manchester and Newcastle are among the ratings, they’ve been pipped to the post by an unexpected winner

A good night out can be the perfect antidote to the January blues, and a new data analysis has revealed the ultimate party city in the UK.

Everyone has their favourite nightspot, and it’s often based on the type of clubs and venues on offer as well as the general vibe of the place. However, the travel team at Ireland Prestige Tours has decided to settle the debate once and for all and analysed a range of data to reveal which city comes out on top.

The study looked at factors including the number of nightclubs, bars, and pubs per 100,000 people, and the average cost of a hotel for two nights based on two adults sharing. Perhaps most importantly, they also looked at the average cost of a pint.. This helped the team give each city a total score which they then ranked to find the best place for a night out across the whole of the UK.

Southern seaside spot Brighton took the top spot thanks to the sheer number and variety of nightclubs and bars. While its score for average pint price puts it on par with London, the south coast city scored highly based on the sheer number and variety of nightclubs meant it beat competition from Manchester and Newcastle.

Brighton is known for its laidback, creative vibe by day, while after dark it offers a colourful and inclusive nightlife scene. Many of its clubs are just steps from the seafront, transforming from daytime bars and cafes to music venues at night.

Volks Club is one of the city’s most famous nightclubs, and its unique location sees it under Brighton’s promenade and right on the pebbly beach. On the weekends, it opens until the small hours, so you can leave just in time to watch the sun rise over the sea.

Nearby, you’ll find Patterns, with a seaview terrace that’s always busy during the summer months. By day, you can enjoy a bottomless brunch with unlimited pizza, and by night, the basement club has a lively schedule of DJ sets with genres from house to garage to soul. PRYZM Brighton is one of the city’s largest clubs, and its Wednesday nights are popular with students during term time. It also opens at weekends with three rooms playing a variety of music from chart to dance, pop, and hiphop among many other genres.

Brighton is also known for its wide variety of LGBT+ clubs, most of which are found around the Kemptown neighbourhood. Revenge, which is spread over three floors, is a local favourite. It makes the most of its location near the seafront thanks to its rooftop bar where you can enjoy the views. The Haus Of Cabaret has the upmarket feel of an old-fashioned cocktail bar, and offers an immersive experience with dinner, drinks, and dancing.

The city also performed well due to its huge variety of hotels, which range from seaside B&Bs to hostels and luxury hotels on the seafront. It’s no wonder it’s become a popular destination for stag and hen parties, as well as groups of friends just looking for some time away.

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Coming in at second and third in the rankings were Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Manchester, also cities with big student populations and popular for weekends away. Belfast came in fourth, scoring particularly highly for the number of nightclubs, and in fifth place was Aberdeen which has the advantage of an average pint price of £4, compared to £6 in Brighton.

The cheapest night out on the list is likely to be found in Gloucester, with an average pint costing just £2.75, meaning there’s no need to be nervous when it’s time to get the drinks in.

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

Travel vlogger Collin Abroadcasting took his astounded viewers on a journey up the “very unique” 800m-long Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system in Hong Kong

A travel vlogger who has showcased the longest outdoor escalator system in the world has pointed out one major catch to anyone hoping to try it for themselves. Collin Abroadcasting gave his viewers an insight into the 800m-long Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system in Hong Kong, a special administrative region in China.

Comprised of walkways, 16 escalators and three travelators, the system, designed to help people navigate the steep landscape of the region’s central business district, provided 99,000 trips each day, as of late January 2024, according to the Hong Kong Transport Department.

Launched in 1993, costing a reported $30 million (£22.4m) and intersecting more than a dozen streets, the Central–Mid-Levels begins at Queen’s Road Central, linking to the Central Market Flyover, weaving past Central and up to Conduit Road.

For Collin’s video, however, it seems to be all about the “unique perspective” of Hong Kong that the Central–Mid-Levels offers to those who take advantage of this jaw-dropping public transportation system.

Collin said: “Today, we’re out here in Hong Kong, and right now, we’re going to this very unique style of public transportation, and what I mean by that is escalator ride that lasts for like 20 to 30 minutes.”

As he ascended the initial stair section leading to the escalators, Collin pointed out that it was “really fun” to use the system, highlighting the sights and how it offered a “unique perspective” of Hong Kong.

He also noted that, despite its reputation for being the world’s longest, the system isn’t just a single escalator, but a “huge walkway”, before pointing out a major catch.

Collin added: “And one thing about this, though, is if you go up, there’s no escalator down. So, if you’re going up to experience it, prepare to be walking down, and it is a quite a long way, but I think you’ll get down faster than you’ll get up.”

He proceeded to show the winding system’s respective levels, at one point highlighting a fare-saver machine that offers people a two-dollar discount, as pedestrians went about their business behind him.

As he rode the escalator ever upwards, shops and restaurants could be seen on either side of him, with junctures that had intersecting streets breaking up the journey.

Upon arriving at the top, Collin explained that, from there, you would need to take a 25-minute walk to access the tram to Victoria Peak, a must-see destination offering breathtaking views of Hong Kong.

The majority of the escalators feature just one reversible track that switches direction “following the prevailing direction of pedestrian flow during the day”, reports CNN.

Interestingly, the Central–Mid-Levels escalator system has also featured in famous films; the travelator nearest Hollywood Road made an appearance in Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 flick, Chungking Express.

Superhero fans may also be interested to learn that it appeared in Christopher Nolan’s 1998 Batman entry, The Dark Knight.

WITH today being deemed Blue Monday, we’ve rounded up some of the best free events across the country to cheer yourself up.

Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year, although initially was a marketing campaign by a travel company back in 2005.

It was coined for a number of reasons – the distance from Christmas, the wait before the next paycheck and being a common time to give up on New Year’s resolutions.

So whether you fancy some wildlife watching or deserve a free bagel, here’s what you can do and get this week without having to spend a penny, which will certainly boost the happiness levels a bit.

Canary Wharf Winter Lights

If you thought light trails were just for Christmas, you’d be mistaken.

Canary Wharf Winter Lights is back for its 10th year.

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Taking place across 12 nights, it is putting on a series of displays and installations across the neighbourhood.

The tenth anniversary edition of the festival will have the theme ‘Dreamscape’, so you can expect some surreal and ethereal installations.

The Canary Wharf Winter Lights will run from 20 to 31 January, 2026 between 5-10pm.

Meet My Paws

As it’s Blue Monday today, you might fancy some extra company this week.

Meet My Paws is a free platform across the country that connects dog owners with people for walks.

It doesn’t cost a penny, you just arrange a time with the person and off you go.

Free Birdwatching Walks

This week is the beginning of RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch across the UK.

Whether you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, or just want to see some wildlife, there are plenty of free events you can book onto.

On January 23, 2026, there’s a birdwatch in Brondesbury Park for those who want to spot some wildlife.

The same event is being held at the Energy Garden at Hampstead Heath on the following day (January 24, 2026).

It’s completely free, you just need to RSVP here if you want to go to either.

If you’re Hertfordshire based, head to Lee Valley for ‘Guided walk: Birds of River Lee Country Park’ – tickets are running low so book your place here.

Other locations across the country include Lincoln Inn’s Fields.

Head here if you want to find out more on the Big Garden Birdwatch and events across the UK.

Make sure to wrap up warm, and bring your binoculars.

Corner Corner Music Events

If some entertainment is what you’re looking for then head to Corner Corner in Canada Water.

On the weekend of January 25-26, there are performances by Alex Jones & Live Band and Brian Grogan, an Irish Folk singer.

No payment necessary, all you have to do is turn up and enjoy.

East Lancashire Railway

The celebrations continue for 200 years of railway with The Railway 200 Exhibition Train.

It’s been travelling all over the country and will arrive in Bolton on January 21 until January 26.

Onboard the train are interactive displays and hands-on activities – all rail oriented of course.

It’s completely free, but booking is required if you want guaranteed entry.

Light Up Ramsgate

Ramsgate’s town centre has been shining with light installations since December, but four more are being added this week.

One called Event Horizon will be at the Sailors Church, another will be projected above 24 Harbour Street, Ramsgate Space is where you’ll find the third.

The last one that’s a giant inflatable illuminated constellation of stars will be at the town’s Wetherspoons.

The new works will launch on January 23 and continue with the rest of the trail until February 1.

Scrapbooking Workshop, Battersea Power Station

Get crafty at Battersea Power Station with a Scrapbooking Workshop.

All materials will be provided – you just need to bring your Moleskine notebook with you.

Pop in for a session on January 20 between 5-7pm.

Free Bagels at B Bagel

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to start running in 2026, then treat yourself to a free lunch courtesy of B Bagel.

For London runners, if you get a PB for a run in January then take a screenshot in your running app (e.g. Strava).

Then DM B Bagel on Instagram with the screenshot, and they’ll put a freebie on your B Bagel app.

You can choose from Chicken Avocado, Salmon & Cream Cheese or the New York New York Bagel which comes with roasted turkey breast, coleslaw, mustard mayo and pickles.

Manchester Pub Quiz

WeRoad Travel Pub Quiz is heading to Manchester for a mix of trivia and drinks.

You can choose to go with friends or solo – in fact half of attendees are first-timers.

Reserve your spot here for the quiz on January 23 from 7-11pm at Manahatta Deansgate in Manchester.

For more city-based activities, here’s everything you can do at one of London’s most popular attractions before it closes ahead of renovation.

And here find out the English counties with the most free family activities from pony sanctuaries and steam railways to soft plays.

AN abandoned airport in the UK has revealed the newest plans amid years of talks of reopening.

Manston Airport, in Kent, once offered flights from the UK to Europe, including Italy, Portugal and Amsterdam.

However, these ceased in 2014 when KLM pulled out of the airport.

Since then, there have been plans to restart passenger flights to Europe once again.

In a recent interview, Tony Freudmann – the public face of the site’s owners, RiverOak Strategic Partners – explained how this might be longer than we think.

He told Kent Online: “We need, by the time we open, to have enough advance commitment from cargo operators to see that it is going to work.

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“At that point, if we get the right approach from passenger carriers, wanting us to build a passenger terminal and base some aircraft here, we’ll go with that.”

The current plans to reopen as a cargo airport are scheduled for 2029.

While no airlines have expressed interest, Mr Freudmann said airlines like Jet2 and TUI prefer “regional airports like this one”.

Not only that, but he addressed the issue of “low cost carriers struggling for peak time slots” at other major airports.

And with the boom in package holidays once again, he said a new passenger terminal could be put forward.

The current passenger terminal would, however, need to be knocked down and replaced.

Local Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale said it “will happen” but added it was unlikely to be until five years after reopening the airport.

This means we can’t expect commercial flights until 2034, at the earliest.

Until then, the airport is still on track to reopen initially for cargo flights.

After a four-year legal battle, it was in May 2024 that it was given the go-ahead, with plans for a £650million overhaul.

However, this has since jumped by £100million to £750million, with plans to start works early this year also delayed.

Mr Freudmann explained: “The first construction work of parking stands, taxiways and new buildings will be at the end of those 18 months.

“So if we start, if we say towards the end of next year, 2027, we’d have a view to opening in 2029.”

Here’s another UK airport that has been left abandoned – but wants to reopen.

And here’s everything to know about the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which closed in 2022.

While Europe’s famous museums and galleries draw the crowds with their blockbuster exhibitions, it can be more rewarding to discover wonderful art in out-of-the-way places. Whether it was a museum dedicated to tapestries in France, a quirky gallery in Berlin or an artist’s studio in Italy, we’d love to hear about your less-known discoveries. Tell us where it was and why you loved it.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 26 January at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

The road stretches 19,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina across 14 countries. Driving it takes a minimum of two to three months, though most travellers spend six months to two years completing the epic journey.

Stretching across two continents and nearly the full length of the Western Hemisphere, the Pan-American Highway is one of the longest roads ever constructed. It connects 14 countries on a scale that few other travel networks can match, earning it a spot in the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest drivable road.

However, contrary to its name, the Pan-American Highway isn’t a single, unbroken stretch of asphalt. Rather, it’s an immense network of national highways pieced together over many years.

The route begins at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, US and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina, often dubbed the southernmost city on earth.

This mammoth journey spans approximately 19,000 miles (30,000 kilometres). Depending on how you define it, the highway traverses 14 countries (or 15 if you count Canada as part of the northern network):

• United States
• Mexico
• Guatemala
• El Salvador
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Costa Rica
• Panama
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Peru
• Chile
• Argentina

The route takes you through deserts, rainforests, mountain ranges, bustling cities and untouched wilderness.

Despite its impressive length, the Pan-American Highway has one notorious interruption: the Darién Gap, a roughly 100-mile expanse of jungle between Panama and Colombia. This is the only break in the entire route and due to environmental and safety concerns, a road has never been built here.

With dense rainforest, swamps, mountains and scarce infrastructure, it’s been impacted by smuggling routes and armed factions. Those brave enough to attempt the full Pan-American journey must transport their vehicle by boat or plane between Central and South America.

In theory, one could traverse the Pan-American Highway without extended stops in two to three months. However, most adventurers who embark on this journey take significantly longer.

Many explorers allocate six months to a year for the trip, while some extend their adventure to one or two years. The route has been conquered end-to-end by motorcyclists, cyclists and even runners.

Notably, actor Ewan McGregor tackled large sections of the highway during his Long Way motorcycle series.

The concept of a single road connecting the Americas was first mooted in 1923, at the Fifth International Conference of American States. However, each nation constructed and improved its own segments at varying times, often to disparate standards.

Major construction occurred from the 1930s through to the 1970s, although parts of the highway predate this period and many sections continue to be updated today. Consequently, there is no definitive completion date for the Pan-American Highway.

Large swathes of the highway, particularly in North America, are fully paved and resemble modern motorways. In contrast, conditions can fluctuate dramatically elsewhere, with some stretches in Central and South America poorly maintained or even impassable during the rainy seasons.

In the Andes, the road ascends to heights of over 4,000 metres (13,000 feet), introducing altitude and weather as additional challenges for drivers.

A warning has been issued to anyone planning to travel to Spain

An urgent alert warning of ‘significant disruption’ has been issued to anyone travelling to Spain. The warning has been circulated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) today (Monday, January 19).

It follows a high-speed train crash which claimed 39 lives on Sunday evening. A further 75 people were taken to hospital after two trains collided and derailed near Adamuz in the Córdoba province of the country.

The latest update released by the FCDO is entitled ‘New information about significant disruption following a serious rail incident in Andalusia’.

It reads: “On 18 January, two high‑speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain. Significant disruption to rail services between Madrid and Andalusia is expected, with all high‑speed services between Madrid and Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, Granada and Huelva suspended. Services between Madrid and Cádiz, Algeciras and Granada will also be affected.

“If you need assistance or information about affected passengers, you can contact:

• ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 @Adif_es
• IRYO: (+34) 00 00 14 02 @iryo_eu
• Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49

“If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.

“If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the travel advice for France before you start your journey. If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey. No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey. No travel can be guaranteed safe.

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Although some details remain unclear, it is thought a high-speed train run by Iryo travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with another train. The second train, which was operated by state rail company Renfe, also derailed and went down an embankment, authorities said.

“Approximately 300 people were onboard at the time of the accident,” an Iryo spokesperson said. “The derailment affected cars six through eight. The Guardia Civil and firefighters are currently working intensively at the scene to evacuate all passengers and have set up a joint emergency response team.

“Iryo deeply regrets the incident, has activated all its emergency protocols, and is collaborating closely with Adif, Renfe, and the relevant authorities to determine the causes and manage the situation as effectively as possible.”

WHILE Premier Inn is a Brit-loved budget chain, did you know they are also open in Dubai?

Not only that, but they are even cheaper than the UK – and come with some great extra perks.

There are seven Premier Inn hotels across Dubai, having first opened in 2008.

This has since expanded across the Middle East, with a number in Doha and Abu Dhabi.

I recently stayed at the Premier Inn Al Jaddaf hotel during a recent trip to Dubai.

On arrival, I was greeted with the familiar purple colours, as the iconic sign came into view.

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If it wasn’t for the towering skyscrapers and desert like landscape, I’d almost believe I was back in the UK.

The bustling lobby was filled with all kinds of groups, from families with kids to young women.

This includes a Costa Coffee, as well as Mr Toad’s Pub and Kitchen, a traditional British pub.

And on entering my room, it is exactly like the many others I have stayed in across Britain.

Purple lit headboards, tea making facilities and the simple yet functional shower rooms with complimentary toiletries.

However, it is other the amenities that set it apart from the ones we know and love back home.

Nearly all of the hotels have rooftop pools, complete with sunloungers, tables and even daybeds.

Some even have ‘New York style bars’ next to them as well.

I was really impressed with breakfast, which had all the trimmings such as cooked breakfast options, fruit and cereal, as well as options including Arabic and Indian breakfasts.

I don’t know about you, but starting the day with a roti and masala chai is certainly a treat.

Don’t forget that up to two kids under 11 can eat for free with every adult.

Other perks include an earlier check in time than the UK (2pm rather than 3pm) while some have free shuttles, and additional services such as laundry, pharmacy, and even doctors on call.

Have I tempted you? Some of the cheapest rates are found in the summer season of July and August.

But stay for three nights and rates are just 105 AED (£21.34) per night.

That’s much cheaper than the starting rate in the UK of £45 – and they never include a swimming pool, let alone one the roof.

I was left seriously impressed with the hotels, as a great way to explore Dubai on a budget.

With the average five star stay such as at Atlantis starting from £140 a night – it means you could get a week in Dubai at Premier Inn for the same price.

One of the newest hotels to stay at is Premier Inn Dubai Barsha Heights, while the hotel at Dubai Airport has recently been updated to include the new Next Evolution Style rooms, as well as an updated lobby and pool.

Others include:

• Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart
• Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall
• Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park

In the mean time, here’s why I rate Premier Inn even after staying at luxury five star hotels.

And here’s how to get a free Premier Inn breakfast.

WETHERSPOONS is opening its first ever pub in continental Europe next month – and Brits heading to Spain can visit soon.

The new pub – called Castell de Santa Bàrbera – will be found at Alicante Airport.

It will be in the departures area, so Brits will be able to make the most of it while waiting for their flight home.

The pub will be set across 1,000sqft, with an outdoor terrace as well – the first pub garden of its kind at an airport departures.

It will be open seven days a week from 6am to 9pm, with food served all day until the last hour before closing.

Classics will include the standard breakfast options as well as burgers and pizzas.

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But Spanish dishes will also be part of the menu include omelette and garlic prawns.

You won’t have to wait long either – it’s opening next month, on February 9 at 11am.

Flights to Alicante can be found for as little as £15 with Ryanair, taking around 2h40.

Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin said: “ We are very much looking forward to opening our first pub in Spain.

“We believe it will be popular with a wide range of customers,
including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal
for other destinations.”

And he said there were more plans to open outside of the UK too.

He added: “We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.”

Sir Tim suggested this could be as many as 200, across popular Spanish destinations like Benidorm and Majorca.

However, he didn’t rule out opening in winter sun hotspots too although this is yet to be confirmed.

In the mean time, there is a dupe pub called Weatherspains in Spain, which was even named a top attraction by Tripadvisor.

And also in Spain is a chain of bars dubbed the Spanish Wetherspoons.

Called 100 Montaditos, you’ll find jugs of beer for £1.50 and sandwiches for £1.

Here’s how to find the UK’s biggest Wetherspoons – and it even has a rooftop bar.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany’s Bavaria is a pretty, fairytale-like destination that inspired Disney’s 1940 Pinocchio film, and it’s just three hours from the UK

Just a three-hour journey from Britain lies the enchanting, storybook town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, Germany. A visit to this destination has been likened to ‘stepping into a Disney film’ – and there’s an excellent reason behind this comparison.

During the creation of the 1940 animated classic Pinocchio, Walt Disney drew visual inspiration from this stunning location for the town where Geppetto and Pinocchio resided. Rothenburg’s Plönlein, meaning ‘small place by the fountain’, stands as arguably the town’s most iconic feature, and it was this very spot that captivated Disney’s animators.

This medieval gateway to the Hospital District showcases a yellow half-timbered house alongside two towers from the ancient city walls, which have remained standing since 1360.

Emphasising the Pinocchio connection, Rothenburg’s official website states: “The Plönlein is a real world star: For many people, the half-timbered house on the Plönlein represents the typical Rothenburg old town motif.

“Starting with Walt Disney classic Pinocchio(1940), its architecture is repeatedly copied by artists, architects and designers when it comes to depicting a typical medieval European backdrop.”

Beyond Pinocchio, Rothenburg’s Plönlein has also appeared in the Tekken video game series and the Little Snow Fairy Sugar anime programme.

To reach this magnificent Bavarian destination, it’s a two-hour flight to Nuremberg Airport followed by an hour’s drive. Return flights from London Stansted to Nuremberg can be secured for just £30 with Ryanair.

After exploring the Plönlein, there’s loads more to experience in Rothenburg, including the famous Town Hall, Blade Gate, Castle Garden, the Medieval Crime Museum, and the German Christmas Museum.

Throughout the festive period, they also host the oldest Christmas market in Rothenburg, the Reiterlesmarkt, which offers traditional gifts and holiday cheer.

“We had a cookie, but it didn’t work because it was too gluten-free tasting,” says owner Leah Di Bernardo. “I tasked Helen Cho, our lead baker, with using brown butter to make the cookie, and she did.”

Di Bernardo and her daughter, Gigi, run the Pasadena bakery, where the cookie, and everything else at the restaurant, is gluten-free.

In the bakery case, you’ll find tender, cheesy biscuits made with almond flour, decadent doughnuts topped with passion fruit, mini Basque cheesecakes with almond and coconut flour crust and wedges of vegetable frittata.

Di Bernardo transitioned out of a career in film production in the early 2000s to open Eat Marketplace in Temecula. She grew up on a small farm in Oregon, cooked throughout Europe in the ‘80s and ‘90s and was an early adopter of the slow food movement before it had a name, or a following.

“We choose to not be too preachy, but to gently encourage people to understand the connection of your food and the beauty of your food and what it can do for all of us,” says Di Bernardo.

The Pasadena bakery and coffee shop was mostly gluten-free when it opened near the end of 2023, but after feedback from customers, Gigi and her mother transitioned the business to completely gluten-free in 2024.

The biscuits incorporate almond flour, yogurt and eggs, based on a family recipe developed by one of Di Bernardo’s sisters. For breakfast, they’re split and used to cradle eggs, bacon and cheese.

The doughnuts are baked into small rounds and glazed with chocolate, maple, matcha and seasonal fruit flavors. Recently, a passion fruit doughnut featured a dollop of the sharp, tropical fruit in the center.

“All the baked goods have always been culinary driven, or farm-to-table, before it was cool,” says Di Bernardo. “We built really strong relationships with our farmers and anything that can be upcycled, we do it.”

Like renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Frey was fascinated by the interplay between nature and architecture and the allure of the desert. He incorporated the desert terrain, including a large boulder that juts in through the living room and bedroom glass walls, into his 800-square-foot home, which features a corrugated metal roof, simple concrete slab floors and glass windows overlooking the desert.

After the tour, guests can visit the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Architecture and Design Center (300 S. Palm Canyon Drive).

A shuttle van will transport ticket holders from Palm Springs Art Museum’s Buddy Rogers Box Office to the house for the tour.

Dates with multiple times available: Feb. 12-17, Feb. 20 and Feb. 22.

Ticket: $75 (A twilight tour and champagne reception for a limited number of guests at Frey House II are available at 4:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $125.)

WHEN it comes to winter sun, Brits will head to the likes of Morocco or even the Caribbean in the hope of warm weather.

But actually, you don’t need to go that far for some heat as the coastal town of Nerja in Spain is one of the warmest places in winter.

Thanks to its position on the Costa Del Sol, and its subtropical Mediterranean climate, Nerja is hot or at least mild, all year round.

Take January for example. Over the next two weeks, temperatures in Nerja are set to be as high as 17C, according to AccuWeather.

The town sees between 300 and 320 sunny days each year.

In the winter months, you can get an average of six hours of sun each day – whereas in the UK it averages between one and two.

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There are plenty of beaches to bathe on too when the sun comes out, like Burriana Beach which has volleyball courts and beach restaurants.

There’s also Playa Carabeo, Playa Calahonda, and Cala Barranco de Maro which is a good spot for snorkelling.

The town is also home to one of Europe’s ‘oldest tourist attractions’ – the Caves of Nerja.

These were discovered in 1959 by a group of locals who were searching for bats.

The Caves of Nerja are famous for their beautiful rock formations and hundreds of cave paintings.

While the caves only gained recognition 64 years ago, early humans had been visiting the site thousands of years earlier.

Research suggests that humans first visited the caves 41,291 years ago – 10,000 years earlier than first thought.

The Caves of Nerja is now a popular tourist attraction – visitors can take an audio-guided tour from €18 (£15.60).

At certain times of the year, the Caves of Nerja turns into a music venue and hosts an annual International Festival of Music and Dance as well as classical concerts and ballet performances.

Other attractions in Nerja include Balcon de Europa, an impressive clifftop viewpoint that gives sweeping sea views.

Better yet, it doesn’t cost anything to head up and take in the sights.

When it comes to beaches in the region of Nerja, there are plenty.

Half an hour away from Nerja is Frigiliana – which is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.

It has whitewash buildings, bright blue accents on doors and window frames, terracotta tiled rooftops and mosaic streets.

The pathways are lined with colourful plant pots and there’s lots of blooming flowers like the Mediterranean pink bougainvillea.

The town was built on top of a hill and so it has incredible views of the Costa del Sol and Mediterranean Sea – but that does mean it’s hilly whichever way you go.

The nearest airport to Nerja is Malaga and from there it’s around a 45-minute drive up the coast.

In January, flights to Malaga start from £15 with Ryanair from Birmingham Airport.

This other Spanish seaside resort is even better in winter…

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey says that Marbella is even better during the winter months…

“A winter trip to the Costa del Sol resort might be without the beach clubs, but it is also minus the crowds and it’s usually still mild at around 16C, with six hours of sunshine daily. 

“Despite Marbella’s reputation as a party town, this is the perfect time for a girly weekend away. 

“The main attraction is the beautiful Old Town, where stark white buildings are brightened up with luminous Aperol Spritz signs and luscious green plants climb the walls. 

“Uneven cobbled streets tempt you to explore at every corner – and that meant we stumbled across bar after bar, full of locals. 

“There was Vinacoteca Castillejos, a simple bottle shop lined with walls of wine and a very friendly owner who let us sample a selection of his favourites. 

“And, tucked down an inconspicuous alley, La Tienda proved to be another cosy affair with exposed brick walls and high-top tables.  Thank goodness for my sommelier-trained companion, who never failed to find us the best vino blanco for just £5 a glass.

“To soak up the drinks, you can head to one of the many restaurants. Taberna La Niña del Pisto was my favourite – but blink and you’ll miss it.”

For more on Spain, here are some of the best resorts you’ve never heard of – where locals go on holiday.

And here’s the all-inclusive Spanish island holiday resort that is 20C in winter with £30 easyJet flights.

A NEW study has revealed the grim reason you should avoid the hot drinks next time you’re on a plane.

For years, flight attendants have warned against it – and a new study has now backed up the claims.

Conducted by the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity in the US, the 2026 Airline Water Study has analysed the quality of water on a number of airlines.

And the report found that a number of airlines were not up to the current water safety standards.

Looking at 10 major airlines and 11 regional airlines in the US, the quality of water was analysed over a three year period from 2022 to 2025.

Of the 35,674 sample locations for coliform (an indicator that pathogens may be in there) 949 tested positive for bacteria.

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Not only that but 32 E.coli violations were found during the period – with E.coli potentially causing vomiting and diarrhea.

And while some airlines were found to have safe water – with Delta and Frontier coming on top – the majority of budget airlines fell short.

Charles Platkin, director of the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity., said: “Nearly all regional airlines need to improve their onboard water safety.”

The study warns passengers to opt for sealed bottles of water, rather than unbottled plane water.

Not only that, but to avoid hot drinks including tea and coffee if they are made with tap water onboard.

Even washing your hands using the plane bathroom is advised against, with a hand sanitiser recommended instead.

Airlines must disinfect and flush out the water tank four times a year, or one a year but test it monthly.

Platkin previously said: “Planes come in, [and the tanks are] not being emptied and cleaned, because there is no time for that.

“The water tank is being filled on top [after] each usage. Whatever would be on the bottom stays there and sits there.”

Flight attendants have long warned passengers against drinks using the plane water tank.

Ex-cabin crew member Kat Kamalani explained on her TikTok account: “The reason being is that those water tanks are never cleaned and they are disgusting.

Another anonymous flight attendant told Vice: “We recently had a test for E. coli in our water and it didn’t pass, and then maintenance came on and hit a couple buttons and it passed. So, avoid any hot water or tea.

Here are the best drinks you should have on a plane instead.