TRAVEL

AS the year comes to a close, most theme parks across the UK have shut up shop for the season.

But theme park fanatics have plenty to look forward to in 2026, as both thrillseekers and families with young children can expect new favourites.

2026 is set to be a huge year in the world of theme parks and attractions – here are the most exciting new rides and rollercoasters set to open next year.

Bluey Ride, Alton Towers, UK

Alton Towers will welcome the world’s first ever Bluey coaster next year.

The new addition will sit inside of Alton Towers’ CBeebies Land, home to rides like the Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure and Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop.

As well as enjoying a brand new ride, Bluey fans can take part in the popular Heeler family interactive show, and stay to meet Bluey and Bingo afterwards.

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As well as this, superfan families have the option to book a sleep over in the CBeebies Land Hotel’s Bluey-themed bedroom.

“We’re keeping the exact details and launch date under wraps for now” said Vice President at Alton Towers Resort, Bianca Sammut.

“But Bluey’s limitless energy is sure to be reflected in our new junior coaster.”

The junior coaster is set to open in Spring 2026.

Frozen Ever After ride, Disneyland Paris

Excitement is building as Disneyland Paris prepares to open their World of Frozen land in Spring 2026.

The new land will see the introduction of a new ride at Disneyland Paris: Frozen Ever After.

The ride is inspired by the popular version at Disneyworld’s EPCOT in Florida.

Boarding this boat-themed ride will take visitors on a journey through the familiar scenes of Disney’s Frozen.

Fans can sing along to Frozen tunes as they look out for the movie’s popular characters in animatronic form.

Frozen Ever After will be less of a fear-inducing ride and more of an immersive experience.

It is a slow-moving journey with descents down short waterfalls – so bare in mind that you might get wet!

Visitors will also be able to stroll through Arendelle, as well as meet Anna, Elsa and Olaf.

Frozen Ever After, and the World of Frozen land, is set to open on 29 March 2026.

Drakon and Vild Swing, Paultons Park, UK

Paultons Park in Hampshire are due to open their first ever inverting rollercoaster, as well as a Wild Swing ride in the spring of 2026.

The amusement park is home to the famous Peppa Pig World, but new coaster Drakon is set to thrill an older crowd.

Drakon riders can expect to coast their way up a vertical lift hill before plummeting into a beyond vertical drop.

The terrifying drop means that riders will hang over the edge at an angle greater than 90°, or steeper than falling straight down.

As well as this, visitors can expect to regularly ride upside down, due to the inverting design.

The inverting coaster even intertwines with Raven – the new name for the park’s Gerstlauer Bobsled ride previously named Cobra.

As well as Drakon, the park will be introducing the ‘Vild Swing’ ride.

Vild Swing is a 12m-high ART Wild Swing ride, the first of its kind to land in the UK.

The family-friendly ride is a free-swinging gondola with no rollovers, therefore it will be more of a gentle thrill than Drakon.

The rides will be part of the theme park’s brand new Viking-themed world: Valgard – Realm of the Vikings.

The new themed area cost roughly £12m to build, and is set to open in May 2026.

Spider-themed ride, Gröna Lund, Sweden

Gröna Lund (or “Green Grove”) in Sweden is Stockholm’s oldest amusement park.

It’s located on Stockholm‘s Djurgården Island, and has over 30 rides.

The park is home to a mix of both thrilling coasters and family-friendly rides, and is now set to open a brand new thrill ride: Spindeln (The Spider).

Spindeln will be a Super Jumper ride – the first of its kind to arrive in Sweden.

Created by the Italian SBF Visa Group, the Super Jumper is made up of multiple arms which rise and fall quickly, designed to look like the spider’s legs.

This creates a bouncing effect as the central tower rotates, meaning riders can expect plenty of spooky sudden jumps and spins.

The thrill ride has space for 42 riders, and is ideal for older and younger guests alike.

Spindeln will be the first Super Jumper in the world to allow younger children to ride, with a minimum height requirement of 100cm when accompanied by an adult.

The coaster is set to open to the public in Summer 2026.

Raiponce Tangled Spin, Disneyland Paris

March 2026 will see Disneyland Paris open up not one, but two brand new themed worlds.

As well as introducing the brand new World of Frozen, the land previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park will become Disney Adventure World.

The park revamp also sees the addition of a brand new ride, Raiponce Tangled Spin.

Visitors will be able to climb aboard a small gondola that gently turns under sparkling lanterns, just like the famous scene in the film Tangled.

The glowing lanterns illuminate ceiling paintings inspired by those made by the princess in the popular movie.

This will be the second standalone Tangled themed ride across Disney parks worldwide, alongside Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival at Tokyo DisneySea.

The gentle ride is suitable for all ages, and will open alongside Frozen Ever After on 29 March 2026.

Aviktas, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, UK

Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach is known for its rides such as Valhalla, Big Dipper as well as its Nickelodeon Land.

And now the amusement park have invested £8.72m into a new ride, set to be the tallest of its kind in the UK by almost double.

Aviktas will be a Gyro Swing ride – a giant spinning pendulum seating 40 visitors.

Riders will face outwards to sea as they swing 120°, reaching a maximum height of 138 feet.

The Gyro Swing ride is “one of the most exciting flat rides in existence” said CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, Amanda Thompson OBE.

“It’s dynamic, fast, and incredibly high, as well as being completely weightless at the top”.

Aviktas is currently under construction, and due to open in 2026.

The amusement park also recently revamped their Launch Pad ride.

The shot tower ride had its cylinder replaced and reopened in May of 2025.

This made for more powerful launches, intense g-force, and moments of weightlessness.

“This is a great re-imagining. The ride has got back its ‘oomph’” said Scott Bickerton, owner of YouTube channel Your Experience Guide.

“You can really feel the g-force and there’s a great moment of airtime at the top. It’s amazing to have this ride back.” 

WE’VE had a corker of a year, travelling far and wide to hunt the best bargain getaways, newest spine-tingling attractions and hottest resorts to share with you, our wonderful readers.

From a behind-the-scenes look at the first new theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years, to discovering secret speakeasys on board the world’s largest cruise ship, here are The Sun Travel’s top trips from 2025.

EPIC UNIVERSE, FLORIDA

Lisa Minot, Head Of Travel

UNIVERSAL’S hugely anticipated third theme park opened this year and I was among the very first to get a sneak peek.

I can definitely say the reality surpassed my high expectations. The attention to detail, sheer scale and truly immersive nature of the five new “worlds” that make up the £7billion park are astonishing.

From the breathtaking recreation of 1920s Paris in the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, to the technicolour dreamscape of Super Nintendo World, there is something for every age and interest.

SANDS GREAT

Little-known pink beaches & turquoise lagoons you won’t believe are in Wales

ICE COLD COOL

From lagoons & sauna to divine dishes – the perfect quirky weekend break

Families with younger kids will love How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, a whimsical recreation of the movie ­franchise’s Viking village, complete with colourful longboats.

And thrill-seekers will enjoy Dark Universe with its Monsters Unchained and Curse Of The Werewolf attractions as well as the Stardust Racers dual-launch coaster in Celestial Park.

In 2025, visitors were restricted to one-day tickets to the new park, to manage capacity and give as many people the chance to visit as possible.

But from next year, Epic will be included on 14-day multi-park tickets, meaning you can pop in and out as many times as you like.

BAHAMAS CRUISE

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

IT has been my year for cruising, from sampling a knock-out cheese souffle on board Oceania’s new Allura to sipping frozen margaritas on the glossy sun deck of Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess.

However, none of these ships were as mindboggling as Star Of The Seas. Royal Caribbean’s newest colourful giant shares its title of “largest cruise ship in the world” with sister ship, Icon Of The Seas.

You need a whole week at sea to sample all the non-stop activities and to sink a beer or cocktail in every one of the 19 or so bars (save room for a punchy boulevardier from the coffee-themed Rye & Bean).

Much of what is on board has already been seen on Icon, including the thrill ride Crown’s Edge that sends passengers free-falling towards the ocean, their plummets saved by a harness as they dangle from the edge of the 16th deck.

What’s unique to Star, though, is the Lincoln Park Supper Club, an all-singing immersive dining experience that takes passengers back to the jazz boom of Chicago in the roaring Twenties.

It is costly for speciality dining but, my word, you’ll be well fed and watered. If you like martinis, you won’t regret booking this.

OSEA ISLAND, ESSEX

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

PICTURE a private island with two outdoor pools, white clapboard houses and a huge sandy beach and you are more likely to be imagining somewhere exotic in the Caribbean than Essex.

But Osea is a private island linked to the mainland by a causeway you can only drive over for a few hours every day – which means you are marooned for most of the day and night.

Osea has several houses available to rent, from one-bedroom studios to 12-bedroom mansions, the largest featuring a recording studio that has been used by everyone from Stormzy to Rihanna.

It also has a tiny pub, a yoga studio, a bar and a huge event space where people can hold parties for up to 200 people.

I was there for a friend’s 50th and we spent a glorious 48 hours swimming in the sea, going on walks, eating, drinking and generally considering ourselves incredibly lucky to be in such a magical place.

You can only go to Osea if you are booked to stay in one of the properties but they are available to the public, with rooms from £60pp a night.

INDIA

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

INDIA has long been on my wish list to travel to, but as a young woman, I was always extremely wary.

However, Intrepid’s Women Expeditions meant I could tick off all of the top bucket list attractions while staying safe with a local female guide.

So I could visit the famous pink palace of Jaipur, and the stunning Taj Mahal in Agra.

But it also meant we got to experience this vast country like a local, meeting female rickshaw drivers and staying at the rustic Chandelao Garh – a 17th century former fort which is now a hotel with 20 rooms.

And, with Virgin Atlantic launching more flights to India in the New Year, it’ll be easier to get there than ever before.

SARDINIA

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

ITALY is full of stunning, historic cities and hidden gems, but one island destination, thought to be a top spot to visit in 2026, offers a serene escape in the Mediterranean Ocean.

Sardinia is closer to Africa than mainland Italy, so boasts warming breezes and the smell of olive trees in the air.

If I am heading to a hot country, I prefer to be somewhere where everything I could want is at my fingertips – and Hilton’s Conrad Chia Laguna Resort achieves this.

Many of its stylish, sprawling rooms have small private ­gardens looking out to Chia Beach, surrounded by cream-coloured limestone.

The Conrad also has relaxing pools ideal for a refreshing dip before stretching out on one of the sun loungers.

For a touch of indulgence, the spa has a circuit of saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms ideal for a rejuvenation session.

The plush Hilton resort is just an hour from Cagliari – the island’s vibrant capital – which boasts a rich ­history and is the ideal spot for a day trip.

Return flights with British Airways in January start from a bargain £35 per person.

FINLAND

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

I’VE always been a fan of a hot holiday and since I live in the UK, who can really blame me?

But after heading to ­Finland for a winter adventure, I now think chilly getaways could be the way forward.

After a variety of activities from hiking through a snowy blueberry farm in outer Jyväskylä to taking a dip in a frozen lake in the city of Tampere – after a hot sauna, of course – I came to appreciate and love the cold.

One of the most special nights was at Revontuli Lakeland Village, in Hankasalmi, Jyväskylä Region, where I was able to get all cosy and enjoy a beautiful snow-scape from the comfort of a pretty igloo.

THE Canary Islands have long been a go-to destination for winter sun.

But you can see similar beaches, luscious landscapes and year-round sunshine further into the Atlantic Ocean, with a Portuguese twist.

The Azores are an archipelago of nine islands, between 870 to 1,000 miles west of Portugal.

They have even been nicknamed the “Hawaii of Europe” due to their vibrant greenery and dramatic scenery.

They also share a similar volcanic landscape, with 26 active volcanoes spread across the islands.

However, the lesser-trodden Azores do not see as many visitors as winter sun competitors Lanzarote and Tenerife.

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I went to the Jurassic Park-like tropical island that has direct BA flights

They’re easy to get to from the UK, with airlines British Airways operating direct flights from London to São Miguel.

Once you’ve landed in São Miguel, you can hop from island to island by ferry or inter-island flight.

The best time to visit them is in spring or summer, when temperatures peak to a sunny 25 °C.

Plus, these islands make for a rather inexpensive holiday.

Most attractions are outdoor spectacles, meaning that they are free to admire.

Food and drink is affordable across the islands, too, with lunch and a drink averaging around just €10.

São Miguel – best for water sports and volcanic baths

São Miguel is the largest and most popular of the islands, and is home to some mind-blowing nature and wildlife.

It is nicknamed “The Green Island” for its signature rolling green hills backed by thick forests.

There is plenty of beautiful flora which makes the island burst with colour in springtime – from bright blue hydrangeas to pink rhododendron.

The volcanic island is also home to over 30 geysers, waterfalls, geothermal pools, as well as two crater lakes: one green and one blue.

There is also plenty of wildlife to spot, including whales, dolphins, turtles lizards and exotic birds.

The best time of year to visit for bird, whale and dolphin watching is from April to October.

Apart from admiring the nature, there are plenty of unique places to visit in São Miguel like the island’s pineapple plantation and tea factory.

Santa Maria – best for cheap food and sunbathing

Santa Maria is the southernmost island in the Azores, meaning it is the hottest and sunniest option.

It’s also a super cheap destination, with a meal and a pint costing an average of £8.91 per person.

It’s also home to the largest waterfall in the Azores, Aveiro Waterfall.

It’s great for sporty travellers, with plenty of walking trails, snorkelling and diving.

There’s 55 locations to go scuba diving, including caves and wrecks where you can come face to face with manta rays and whale sharks.

Hike to the island’s highest point, Pico Alto, for views over the rugged coastline.

For a unique experience, head to Barreiro de Faneca – the island’s vast “Red Desert” with a Martian-like landscape.

Or for something more chilled, you can spend your days sunbathing on its golden sand beaches to unwind.

Central Group – best for outdoor adventurers

The Central Group is a cluster of five small Azores islands – Pico, Faial, Graciosa, São Jorge, and Terceira.

The latter three islands are sometimes referred to as “The Triangle” due to their formation in the water.

Pico is famously home to Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal that towers over the islands.

Faial, on the other hand, is a tiny island more suited to day trip visits.

It’s often considered the best spot among the islands for whale and dolphin watching.

Graciosa, or the “White Island”, is a peaceful UNESCO biosphere reserve.

With its unique features like craters and lava caves, this island is more for adventure and exploring than sunbathing.

Similarly, São Jorge is known for its rare landscape features.

Most notably it is known for its fajãs, which are flat coastal plains formed by lava flows.

Terceira is one of the larger islands in the Azores, and is home to their oldest city – Angra de Heroísmo.

Here, cobbled streets and historic buildings give this island a more bustling and lived-in feel than the others in the Central Group.

Flores and Corvo – best for remote island feel

Flores and Corvo are known as the Western islands of the Azores.

These islands are not as frequently visited as others, and make for a real remote island experience.

Flores is bursting with wild greenery and unspoilt landscapes, and is often called the most beautiful island in the Azores.

“Flores” is the Portuguese word for “flowers” – and this island really lives up to its name, blooming with colour in springtime.

And if you’re looking to feel like you’ve really gotten far away from the real world, Corvo is the smallest and most remote island of the archipelago.

The island is home to just 430 people, who all live in one village called Vila do Corvo.

The island itself is tiny, covering just over 17 square kilometres.

Corvo only received electricity in 1963, and is most popular with birdwatchers and hikers.

These westernmost islands feel truly isolated – the perfect spot if you’re after that castaway, edge-of-the-world experience.

WHOEVER or whatever chiselled Chesil Beach did a mighty fine job.

The XXXL sandstone cliffs and 12 miles of shingle on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast are a treat for fossil hunter, swimmer and rambler alike.

But for a winter getaway, whether you like a bracing seaside walk, or brooding, storied villages like from the Thomas Hardy novels, Dorset is your wonderland.

First stop on our recent break was the latter — the village of Cranborne, inspiration for Hardy’s Tess Of The D’Urbevilles with its Norman church, coaching inn and thatched cottages.

But our Victorian hotel-restaurant La Fosse was as worldly as it was olde-worlde — chef-patron Mark Hartstone’s cuisine as classy as the interior design by his French wife Emmanuelle and the dining area’s woodland mural with REAL branches.

The menu proudly lists Mark’s local suppliers and our three-course feast, £75 for two, included treats such as anchovies and rhubarb compote, pork tenderloin in apple sauce, and braised quince with praline ice cream. Our bedroom was then just as sumptuous, with church view.

‘timeless classic’

Ex-England star puts Dorset mansion with sea views on market for £12m

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Our next stop, Portland Peninsula in the English Channel off Weymouth, could not have differed more — the full windsock, this wild outpost, but great for blowing away thoughts of the annual tax return.

Our home, though, was the height of comfort — literally so, for the Pennsylvania Estate’s luxury Clifftop Apartments lord it high over the Channel with grandstand terraces.

Hewn of the same Portland Stone as Buckingham Palace, these glass-fronted superpads with James Bond-style kitchen-lounge, two bedrooms, and your own telescope for whale-watching, are quite the treat for two couples sharing or a family.

We swam in nearby Church Ope Cove, named for a now ruined 11th- century chapel with pirate graves — and it was a fine appetiser before bussing into Weymouth for dinner.

Star of the town’s bouji harbour is seafood restaurant The Catch, hailed recently by one posh critic as “the best restaurant in the world”.

Again, you are in treat land — the tasting menu and wine flight for two costs several hundred. But our fare, from oyster with fermented chilli and pickled shallot, and pickled mackerel with beetroot and salted plum, to chocolate, pear and hazelnut praline choux, was of the gods.

The harbourside Ebike Cafe, in a former grain warehouse, is also foodie heaven — its power porridges, buddha bowls, smoothies and fine wines as hipster-trendy as anything East London could serve up.

Across the harbour is Bennett’s Fish & Chips — top spot to meet the locals and admire old photos of the town — before the posh eateries then spill out on to nearby Chesil Beach.

Walk the epic shore, famed for TV drama Broadchurch, and The Watch House, Hive Beach Cafe and The Club House all offer premium bites.

At the first, we had the best beer-battered haddock, with craft cider, and at The Club House sea bass in seaweed butter sauce, and oysters.

If all that makes you lazy, The Island Sauna, overlooking Portland Harbour, is just the place to flop.

Another trip highlight, literally, was a tour of the Edwardian Portland Bill Lighthouse. As you climb its stair, you hear a haunting recording of the foghorn, at a polite fraction of full might, before being regaled with Spanish Armada tales.

Offshore is the Portland Brace tidal race where currents collide to create perilous turbulence, and our guide told how Sir Francis Drake suckered the Spanish into it before turning his guns on them.

Dorset get more exciting? Surely not.

The user, who posts on the video sharing platform under the username Khoslaa, admitted she was worried about getting caught, and eventually altered her plan after a suprising complaint

Booking a holiday can be exciting. You wait months for the day to arrive when you have to travel to the airport and something about that whole experience is exhilarating. Now one woman who was travelling via Heathrow airport couldn’t believe what happened when she attempted to take 2 litres of liquids onto the plane.

Now posting on TikTok, the traveller tried her luck despite for years the limit being just one twentieth of that amount. That’s because at several UK airports the rule has actually been removed, meaning passengers can now take water bottles, toiletries and other liquids on board without worrying about having them confiscated.

The user, who posts on the video sharing platform under the username Khoslaa, admitted she was worried about the test, noticing there was a heightened security presence that day, as well as more travellers than she was used to.

Incredibly, the influencer failed at the first hurdle, deciding to ditch her 2L bottle and instead try the experiment with a 125ml bottle of hairspray, claiming she was finding the extra volume “too heavy”.

Despite not seeing any signs saying the rule had been changed, Khoslaa bravely decided to plough on though she felt “nervous”, even going as far as ignoring a ‘no camera’ sign in order to record her experiment.

At the moment of truth, Kholslaa watched on as her bag rolled through the X-ray scanners, in footage that can only be described as totally gripping.

And the result? Success! both Kholslaa and her hairspray made it through unscathed, although whether this was due to the new rule being followed, or British Transport Police taking their eye off the ball, it’s hard to know.

The reactions to the video were mixed, with many confused as to how she managed to slip through airport security despite apparently breaking the rules. One questioned: “Flying in terminal 4 still 100ml?” While another pointed out that although Heathrow’s X-Ray machines don’t require you to take the liquid out of your bag, they still need to be under 100ml.

A third user joked that returning to the UK with the potential contraband may be tricky, writing “Good luck coming back with it tho.”

The Heathrow 100ml liquid rule requires all liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols in hand luggage to be in containers of 100ml (3.4oz) or less, fitting into one clear, resealable plastic bag (approx. 20cm x 20cm) for security screening.

While some airports have upgraded scanners allowing larger quantities to stay in bags, Heathrow (at time of writing) still enforces the traditional 100ml rule for most passengers, requiring the bag to be removed from hand luggage for X-ray.

As it stands, flights from Birmingham and Edinburgh are the only ones upon which passengers can bring the increased amount.

IF you’re travelling within the EU next year, there’s some new systems you’ll need to be aware of before you set off.

With the new EES and ETIAS travel systems rolling out, you may be left asking yourself – what exactly are these new rules?

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know to be prepared ahead of your holidays next year – including when these new rules come into place.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

What is the EES?

October 2025 saw the launch of the EU Entry/Exit System, or EES.

The EES is a new digital border system.

Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay (including Brits) will need to track when they enter and exit EU countries.

Read more on new travel rules

SEE EU

New travel rules being introduced on October 12 for Brits heading to Europe

EU-R ON

All the tricky questions Brits could be asked at European airports next month

The system will have travellers scan their fingerprints and have their photo taken at the border of their European destination.

When you first travel to a participating country, you will have to register at a kiosk.

Here you will scan your passport, fingerprints and take a photo. This is expected to only take 2-3 minutes per person.

You will also be asked four simple questions about your travels, such as why you are visiting and where you will be staying.

Your data will then be stored in the Biometric Matching Service for three years – and your future travels within this period will only require a scan of your face or fingerprint.

Who has to use the EES?

You will have to undergo the new system if you are a non-EU national who is travelling for a short stay to a European country using the EES.

“Non-EU national” applies to any traveller who is not a national of any European Union country, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. This also means all British tourists.

A “short stay” is considered as up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

There are some exceptions, including children under 12 who will not have to give fingerprints.

Find the full list of exemptions on the GOV.UK website.

Why has the EES been introduced?

The EES has been designed to make border checks faster and more modern.

The system is thought to be quicker due to it’s digital system, self-service options and the ability to register information in advance.

The system is designed to be a quick check that allows travellers to spend less time at the border.

It will also keep track of who comes in and out of what is known as the Schengen Area – a zone in Europe which allows for passport-free travel under a common visa policy.

The EES has been designed to ultimately replace the system of manually stamping passports at the border for EU visitors.

Where has the EES been introduced?

The EES is continuing to roll out across airports, Eurostar, Eurotunnel and ferries serving participating countries.

All EU member states within the Schengen Area – plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – will participate in the new system.

By January 2026, half of border points are due to be operating EES.

By April 10, 2026, it is expected to be fully operational – with every participating border crossing using the system.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new system that will authorise visitors to enter countries within the Schengen Area and other participating countries.

It is a requirement for nationals who are visa-exempt, including Brits.

ETIAS authorisation is essentially a visa waiver that will be linked to your passport and is similar to the ESTA needed to visit the US.

It is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires.

You apply for ETIAS authorisation by visiting the official ETIAS website, and following the instructions on its portal.

The application is designed to be fast and easy, and should only take a couple of minutes – but may take up to 30 days so holidaymakers are advised to leave enough time.

The ETIAS will cost €20 (£17) and is valid for three years.

Travellers under 18 or over 70 do not have to pay the fee, although still have to apply for one.

Who has to use ETIAS?

You will need ETIAS authorisation if you are travelling to a destination in the Schengen Area or a participating country, and are a national from a visa-exempt country.

UK citizens will require ETIAS authorisation.

When will ETIAS begin?

ETIAS is scheduled to begin in late 2026.

The specific launch date will be announced by the EU closer to the time.

Why has ETIAS been introduced?

ETIAS has been introduced to improve security in EU travel.

It will track irregular or potentially criminal activity. In this way, it is similar to the US ESTA.

As well as improving safety, ETIAS is designed to speed up border checks, compared to manually checking passports.

What is the difference between the EES and ETIAS?

The EES is the fingerprint and face-scanning system that will take place at kiosks at participating country borders.

The ETIAS is the visa-waiver needed to enter participating countries, which must be applied for online ahead of time.

What are the participating countries?

The participating countries for the EES are:

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.

For the EES, the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are excluded as they are not a part of Schengen.

These 30 European countries require visa-exempt travellers to have an ETIAS travel authorisation:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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.

EVERYONE deserves a luxury holiday, but few of us have the wallet to fund it.

Unless, that is, you opt for one particular country that takes just three hours to fly to from the UK, with year-round t-shirt temperatures and some VERY cheap all-inclusive hotels.

If you want to get away from the obvious – and the crowds – without sacrificing any indulgence, Tunisia hits the right note. 

This North African country welcomed a far smaller number of Brits in 2024 – 326,874 according to Bradt Travel Guide to Tunisia. 

And when you compare it to Spain, the top holiday destination for British tourists, welcoming 17.8 million of us in 2024, Tunisia has far fewer.

It may be a lesser-visited country, but it has big bargains for holidaymakers.

According to TravelSupermarket, Tunisia offers some of the very cheapest 5-star holidays on the market, averaging at £614pp.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive stay at the 5-star Hotel Tour Khalef costs as little as £553 with TUI, including return flights from London Gatwick.

In sunny Sousse, seven nights’ B&B at the 5-star Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse is available from just £233 pp with Thomas Cook. Price includes return flights from Southend.

If you settle for four stars, you can make it even cheaper. Seven nights’ B&B at the 4-star Iberostar Waves Averroes in Hammamet is bookable from £173 pp with Holiday Best, including return flights from London Luton.

Meanwhile, seven nights’ half board at the 5-star Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace in Monastir is bookable from £239 pp with Loveholidays, including return flights from London Southend.

Here you have the wide sands of Monastir Beach and a wide range of activities on offer, from jet skiing to parasailing. 

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, you could stretch your legs in the landscaped gardens of Falaise Park, set on the cliffside.

Or head 34 miles down the road to Moknine to see local artisans making traditional earthenware jars and jugs.

Despite its relatively small size (roughly the same as Greece), Tunisia packs a punch. 

With the blue of the Med meeting the heat of North Africa, it’s perfect for a sun-kissed break.

Its most famous beaches include Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia, which have long stretches of golden sand backed by palm trees and all-inclusive resorts.

There’s also Djerba, an island just off the south coast of Tunisia that is still relatively undiscovered by Brits.

It has a Mediterranean feel, with cobbled streets lined with white-washed buildings, blue window shutters and vibrant pink bougainvillea.

And despite its resemblance to trendy Greek islands, it’s also a great-value option, with a cup of strong coffee setting you back just 25p.

If you venture away from the coast, you’ll find a photographer’s dream – Pink Flamingo Lake.

Ignored by most tourists, it turns pink at sunset as flamingos feed in the shallows.

Back on the mainland, further north, the hilltop village of Sidi Bou Said would also be right at home on a Greek isle.

The town is picture postcard pretty with its blue-and-white painted houses and panoramic sea views.

Grab a mint tea on the terrace at Café des Nattes (£2) or queue at the doughnut stand for the freshly made Tunisian treats, which cost just 40p.

The capital, Tunis, is found on the northeastern coast.

It’s home to an ancient Medina, Roman Mosaics and plenty of bars and restaurants.

While most tourists wander the main souks of the Medina, the historic Jewish quarter, Hara is often overlooked. 

Visit the last surviving synagogue, explore the tailoring shops and try Jewish-Tunisian pastries made with dates and semolina. 

Other alternative takes on the capital include watching an independent film at the art-deco Cinema Le Rio, which is barely visited by tourists, or visiting Mornag, a major wine-producing region.

You can’t leave Tunisia without discovering more about its ancient civilisations. 

It’s a fascinating melting pot of Berber, Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab and French influences – with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The country has some of the best Roman sites outside Italy, including Dougga, a Roman city on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves.

There’s also El Djem Amphitheatre, the largest colosseum in North Africa, where Ridley Scott shot parts of his Oscar-winning movie Gladiator.

It is better preserved – and far less crowded – than its more famous cousin in Rome.

Nearby, the small theatre ruins and restored underground villas are even quieter, yet still beautifully conserved. 

Most tourists dip into Berber culture with a quick stop in Matmata’s cave houses, used as a filming location for Star Wars.

But you can take a deeper dive by trekking the Dahar Trails and exploring the hidden granary forts around Tataouine.

Tunisia’s long wellness tradition means you’re perfectly placed for a spot of pampering.

Try swapping lounging on the beach for some natural hot springs relaxation.

On the northern cliffs of Cap Bon, Korbous Hot Springs flow straight into the sea – join locals who come for therapeutic dips.

Benefits of soaking in the mineral-rich waters include improved circulation, pain and stress reduction and better skin health.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

The move comes as part of a wider plan to cut the number of vehicles in central London

In the new year, certain drivers who are now exempt from an additional fee will have to pay the charge. From January 2, 2026, an existing discount will be removed, following an announcement from London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor has confirmed that in 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from London’s Congestion Charge. While EVs previously received the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, they will now be subject to charges as part of an overall effort to cut down the number of vehicles in the city centre.

Transport for London announced that January 2 is the specific date when numerous alterations will be implemented. Starting then, electric van and lorry drivers will benefit from a 50% discount to enter the zone, while electric car drivers will receive a 25% reduction.

Electric vehicle drivers will be required to pay a £13.50 fee to access the zone, while electric van owners will face a £9 charge. Nevertheless, by March 2030, discounts will decrease to 25% for electric vans and lorries, and to 12.5% for electric cars.

The standard Congestion Charge for non-electric vehicles will rise from £15 to £18 starting January 2. This marks the first increase since 2020.

People living in the zone can expect discounts of up to 90%. However, those moving into the area after March 1, 2027, will not qualify for a discount unless they own an electric vehicle.

Reductions of up to 100% will remain in place to assist low-income and disabled residents of London. According to the Mirror, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said last month: “Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.

“While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.

“We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I’m pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone.”

Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy, added: “If we want to ensure that London remains a thriving city for everyone to enjoy, then it’s vital that traffic and congestion is kept under control and managed effectively.

“The changes to the Congestion Charging scheme play a key role in allowing us to do that, while striking a careful balance that enables drivers, businesses and other organisations to continue transitioning to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport.”

Within Transport for London’s press announcement, Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Manager at climate charity Possible, also said: “Tying the Congestion Charge to public transport fares is welcome. It’s only right to make sure that public transport doesn’t get disproportionately more expensive than driving. We’re also pleased to see new support for electric car clubs.

“We need to cut traffic and invest in accessible and affordable public transport, and make sure Londoners can walk, wheel and cycle safely. This will put us on the path to a healthier, fairer London – reducing air pollution and making the city safer for everyone.”

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Globetrotter Deborah Jackson celebrated her 50th birthday by challenging herself to visit 50 cities around the world – in a year.

A self-professed ‘extreme day trip fanatic,’ she started on her 49th birthday on December 5, 2024, by going to Pisa for the day, and returned to the Italian city exactly a year later for her 50th.

Deborah, who had only done two extreme day trips a year prior to starting her bucket list challenge, says: “I wanted to mark turning 50 in a memorable way. It’s a milestone birthday and I wanted to set a goal to mark it. I like to make the most of every moment.

“I set myself the challenge of seeing 50 cities in one year. I did 39 extreme day trips, which means I left and came back on the same day.

“I started the challenge last year on December 5 in Pisa and finished exactly a year later – again in Pisa. I went up the leaning tower, then took the train to Lucca, where I went to a Christmas market and saw illuminations projected onto the amphitheatre.

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“Sometimes I’ve seen two cities in one day trip – for example Pisa and Lucca, Rome and the Vatican City. Nothing beats having freshly-made traditional pizza in Italy for lunch. It simply tastes so much better with a stunning view.”

Deborah took two ferries, six Eurostars, one Air Baltic trip and 78 Ryanair flights during the year. She made nine solo trips – with the rest either being with her husband Matthew, 54, an IT product manager, her son Tom, 19, or daughter Madeleine, 16, or with both her children.

She says: “My highlights included taking the funicular railway to watch the sunset in Bergamo (Italy), visiting the floating saunas in Oslo (Norway) and getting the ferry from Helsinki (Finland) to Tallinn (Estonia). I was blown away by the beauty of Riga (Latvia). My favourite places were walled cities with cobbled streets. And I loved Florence (Italy) because there is history and beauty in every corner. I have seen and done more on a day trip than on a week’s holiday!”

Deborah says she loves extreme day trips (EDTs) because there is something thrilling about seeing a new country in a day and making it back home in time for bed. She adds: “There is something so amazing about seeing places for the first time with your own eyes. I love doing EDTs, the feeling travel gives me, it’s such a buzz.

“If I was choosing which would top a list, then I adored all three Baltic states, and Berlin (Germany) was my favourite ‘big’ city. I think my favourite country has been Italy, it’s never disappointed. As a child I only holidayed in the UK. But with EDTs you can go here, there and everywhere- it’s incredible. Life is an adventure, life is for living. I’ve always been a glass half full person and I want to make the most of every day.’”

Deborah works two days a week as a display rep and says her job provides the flexibility to go on EDTs – with most either being on weekends, Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Her cheapest EDT was to Gdansk (Poland) – where she and Matthew spent £30 each, including a nice meal – with flights costing just £27 return.

She tends not to spend more than £35 on return flights, although she made an exception for return flights to Lapland, which cost £60. Deborah uses the Go Anywhere function on Skyscanner to look for the best deals. She continues: “I’m very fortunate, I’ve paid off my mortgage and don’t have a lot of outgoings. I don’t pay more than £35 for return flights and don’t have to pay to park, as I live next to Stansted Airport.

“I love doing EDTs because I love leaving early and coming back in time to sleep in my own bed. It feels like a real adventure. EDTs are also a fantastic way to find out if you like somewhere and I’ve never not enjoyed one. I had some trepidation when I first started doing EDTs, so I did some with family as a safety net at the beginning and didn’t go too far while I found my feet. But once you’ve done a couple of solo trips the world is your oyster!

“I’ve got big plans for 2026. Next on my list are South Eastern Europe – Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia. To anyone thinking of going on an extreme day trip, or doing solo travel I say ‘go for it – you’ll never regret it. It’s life-changing.’”

List of Deborah’s trips:

Dec ‘24: Pisa, Lucca, (Italy) Brussels, Bruges (Belgium) Lille (France), Edinburgh

January 2025: Cardiff, Lisbon (Portugal) Gdansk (Poland), Alicante (Spain), Milan, Bergamo (Italy)

February: Billund (Denmark), Berlin (Germany)

March: Madrid (Spain), Bratislava (Slovakia), Wroclaw (Poland), Dublin, Rovaniemi (Lapland), Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia),

April: Eindhoven (Holland), Barcelona (Spain), Gothenburg (Sweden), Luxembourg

May: Oslo (Norway), Nantes (France), Vienna (Austria), Baden-Baden (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic), Cologne (Germany)

June: Limerick, Katowice (Poland), Florence (Italy), Bucharest (Romania)

July: San Marino (Italy), Cork

Sept: Cologne, Hamburg, Lubeck (Germany), Venice (Italy), Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia)

October: Boulogne (France) Budapest (Hungary), Rome (Italy), Vatican City (Italy), Sofia (Bulgaria)

November: Copenhagen (Denmark), Malmo (Sweden)

December (2025): Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Prato (Italy).

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I was greeted by staff in pyjamas and stayed in a room dedicated to the theme of a WC in one of the most unusual but delightful hotel stays in the heart of a bustling city

Searching for a hotel, whether in the UK or worldwide, can be a daunting task with thousands of establishments to choose from. Yet, when I came across a four-star boutique hotel in Europe themed around a bathroom, curiosity got the better of me, and I hit ‘book’.

I checked into WC by The Beautique Hotels for a three-night stay one summer, which can be found on the popular street of Almirante Reis in Lisbon, Portugal. I was visiting the country for a wedding, before spending a few days sightseeing in the city, so the hotel looked like the perfect place to rest up after a long day of exploring.

As I arrived at the hotel, I was instantly taken aback by the extraordinary bathroom theme. It has tap graphics on the entrance doors and a picture of a woman wearing a shower cap covering a large window. Given the name WC, meaning water closet, I was expecting some level of bathroom-based decor, but not to this extent.

The front desk sported a huge white bathtub and a silver faucet on display, with a large rose gold shower head hanging above. Behind it was a feature wall with raindrops and running water for a tranquil, spa-like setting.

As I waited by the front desk, I admired the bathroom theme that flowed throughout every crevice. From the tiled water floor, to the blue curvy bar with a mini bathtub and a bottle of gin tucked inside, to the gleaming blue tiled walls and second reception desk that had a clear shower curtain pulled around it.

However, it was hard to hide my surprise when one of the receptionists appeared wearing long-sleeved silk pajamas. According to some travellers, the staff have even been spotted with towels on their heads to add to the aesthetic. I mean, if it were me, I’d be more than happy turning up to work every day wearing pyjamas.

My bewilderment continued as I entered my room. Having found a decent Expedia deal online, I had booked the deluxe double room, which was located in a curved area of the hotel, offering panoramic views of the bustling Lisbon streets below.

To match its shape, a circular bed was placed in front of the sprawling windows, which boasted curtains resembling those found in a shower, naturally. Other notable features in the room included the glossy turquoise tiles on every wall, which continued into the bathroom, the gloss-white wardrobes, and the room’s glasses that reminded me of bubbles in a bath.

Having been wowed by the unique features elsewhere, the bathroom was a little underwhelming. Yet, I’m not sure what else you could do with a bathroom when the theme is exactly that. Additionally, it was a generously sized bathroom with all the necessary amenities, and, of course, the essential robes.

Questioning whether it was socially acceptable to wear a dressing gown to breakfast each morning, I quickly settled into my intriguing room and made the most of the free mini-bar, filled with soft drinks. Although the room initially felt cold, given the tiled walls and blue colour scheme, it was a lot cosier than I imagined – the warm golden light fixtures and snug bed certainly helped.

I couldn’t fault the hotel for its facilities and comfort; it really did feel as though I was walking around a spa – even the hallways are decorated to resemble running water, with bedroom doors posed as steamy shower doors. For something a little different, I highly recommend it, and the buffet breakfast is well worth adding to any stay.

For more information or to book your stay, you can visit the WC by The Beautique Hotels website. Rooms cost from £48.

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

One of the most frustrating things I encountered when working as a hotel receptionist was guests asking for a room upgrade – but I finally have a solution to this common complaint

Before embarking on my journalism career, I spent several years behind the desk as a hotel receptionist. During this time, I honed my skills in anticipating guests’ needs.

We were always more than willing to accommodate any request, no matter how peculiar or extravagant, but there was one that consistently got under my skin.

Regardless of the type of room a guest had reserved, more often than not, they’d be angling for an upgrade. And I completely understand why.

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Who wouldn’t want to add a touch of luxury to their stay without parting with a single extra penny? However, one question from guests that never failed to irk me was, ‘Can our room be upgraded?’ Of course, there’s no harm in asking, but it’s generally frowned upon for good reason.

There were countless instances when I’d be on the blower with someone booking a standard room, only for them to immediately follow up with, ‘Can our room be upgraded?

‘ The response was invariably, ‘We don’t provide upgrades until the day before arrival’, but internally I’d be thinking, ‘If you’re after a larger room, book a larger room’.

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I worked at a high-end hotel and spa with 35 rooms, where upgrades were typically set aside for those celebrating a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. Furthermore, we’d only upgrade rooms the night prior to a guest’s arrival, ensuring we knew exactly which rooms were free – we wouldn’t bump someone up to a superior room before it could have been booked online.

It’s astonishing how many guests inquire about an upgrade, even when larger rooms are readily available for booking. The second most irksome time to request such a privilege is post 3pm on a Friday evening, during the peak check-in period and when all rooms have already been assigned.

There were countless instances when a guest would bluntly ask me at check-in if their room had been upgraded, as though it was a given. That said, it doesn’t mean we wouldn’t consider giving you an upgrade.

We’re more inclined to offer an upgrade to those who haven’t explicitly asked for one. After all, we’re only human, and we’d much prefer to surprise someone with an upgraded room who will truly appreciate it, rather than someone who feels entitled to it or demands it.

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Informing the hotel that you’re celebrating a special occasion is the top strategy to secure an upgrade, just ensure you do so prior to your arrival. Alternatively, checking in early is another clever tactic to help bag an upgraded room, and here’s why.

While upgrades are usually organised for the next batch of guests the night before, with key cards already allocated, situations can change. If we’re feeling particularly magnanimous, and the hotel is buzzing, we might spontaneously offer you an upgrade, even if that means downgrading someone else’s previously upgraded room.

Our guests weren’t made aware of any upgrades until their arrival, so if there were any changes, they’d be none the wiser, and we’d rather get you settled into your room. However, from my experience, these were reserved for guests who would least anticipate an upgrade, not those who impolitely demanded one.

Have you got a hotel secret to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

SPOTTING yet another shark, my sister Hayley shouts: “Quick! There are loads over here,” pointing towards the edge of the reef.

We’ve only just jumped into the sea on our 90-minute guided snorkelling trip, £53 each, so I decide to closely follow the guide instead, who points out moray eels, box fish and spotted eagle rays, plus the aforementioned reef sharks, which are thankfully harmless.

There is coral aplenty, and it’s teeming with sea life in every colour of the rainbow, as if I’ve swum straight into a scene from Finding Nemo.

Water View

Staying in a water villa at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi – complete with an outdoor rainfall shower and deck with a ladder straight into the turquoise water below – offers the classic Maldives experience.

The sound of the waves lapping beneath us is more calming than any white noise track I’ve listened to.

Thankfully, this all-inclusive resort on Ailafushi island is not solely aimed at couples, unlike many luxury getaways in the Maldives.

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Even better, it’s just a 15-minute speedboat ride from the capital Malé, which works out much cheaper than a sea-plane transfer.

The main restaurant, Element X, is a buffet eatery, which also helps keep costs down.

Here, we find dishes from all over the world, but it’s the Indian selection with rich, buttery paneer masala, spicy lentil daal and fresh roti, that most hits the spot.

All the action on Ailafushi centres around the main pool, the X360 bar and the neighbouring beach, where water shoes prove handy for the coral.

Daily activities include aqua Zumba, water polo and volleyball, plus a DJ hits the decks at sunset.

There’s even a twice-weekly foam party, which reminds us of teenage trips to Ibiza.

After a few frozen piña coladas, the nightly karaoke proves entertaining, and there’s a games room complete with pool tables, board games and huge screens playing live sport.

But it’s the water slide that drops you straight into the Indian ocean that becomes our favourite activity.

Beach Happy

At the other side of the island – a 10-minute stroll away – we find the Elena Spa And Wellness Centre, one of the Maldives’ largest spas, with landscaped tropical gardens that blend indoors with outdoors.

My treatment room overlooks the beach, and beneath the spa soundtrack I can hear the gentle sound of the waves.

The Balinese massage, £57 for 60 minutes, melts away tension from our long flight, while Hayley’s detoxifying lymph massage leaves her abs looking super-sculpted.

As well as treatments, there’s a steam room, sauna and salt water infinity pool, £8 for an hour, plus a juice bike which you can pedal to blend your fruits of choice.

Later, on the 90-minute dolphin cruise, which costs £53 each, we camp out on the bow of the boat, and are soon fortunate enough to spy a pod complete with a calf leaping out of the water just as the sunset turns the sky orange.

We celebrate with a delicious five-course lobster-themed beach dinner from The Copper Pot food truck, £60 each, that includes brown butter lobster tortellini, poached lobster, fennel and mango salad and a gigantic lobster thermidor.

Another ray in paradise

Our most memorable evening is spent at Oblu’s underwater restaurant Only Blu.

At 6.8m below sea level, we tuck into three courses with wine pairings, and marvel at the marine life on the other side of the super-sized windows.

As we’re feasting on scallops with pickles and cauliflower, and Maldivian yellowfin tuna poke, a 5ft-long nurse shark glides past and hundreds of tiny fish quickly dart into the reef to camouflage themselves among the coral.

It’s not long before we spy a similar-sized blacktip reef shark, and I lose count of the number of rays that appear alongside brightly coloured trigger and lion fish, before my main course of melt-in-the-mouth, pan-fried reef fish with corn mash and an olive and caper emulsion arrives.

A gulab jamun cheesecake and rich deconstructed banoffee pie don’t disappoint either, and the night proves well worth the extra £95 each.

With the fish still entertaining us just a few feet away, if we could, we’d both happily stay here until sunrise.

ISLE BE BACK

Meanwhile, writer Samantha Rea found joy on the island of Sark.

The “toast rack” – which is basically a row of benches on a trailer pulled by a tractor – is chugging me uphill from the harbour.

With no seat belts or doors, I hold on for dear life.

But seeing as only tractors and horse-drawn carriages are allowed on the tiny isle of Sark (yes, there are no cars!), this is the best way to reach The Avenue, Sark’s main street.

And at £1.80 a ride, it’s worth a go.

Sitting in the English Channel, just off the French coast, Sark is 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide with some fab foodie gems.

At Caragh Chocolates, I decorate truffles and a huge slab with hazelnuts, fudge and cranberries alongside owner Caragh, before leaving with my delicious creations.

Ninety-minute workshops cost £45 (Caraghchocolates.com).

While at cosy Nova’s Bistro, portions are generous and the rich beef stew with pastry lid, £26, and treacle tart, £9.50 (@Novas. bistro) are well worth the 20-minute walk from Stocks Hotel, where I’m kipping

I walk off some of my indulgence the next day on a one-hour tour of La Seigneurie House and Gardens, with its gorgeous fountains, bridges and chapel. It’s owned by a family who are like Sark’s royals and has a fascinating history. Entry costs £8 (Laseigneurie desercq.uk).

Sark is also great for wild swimming – the best spots being Dixcart Bay, Les Fontaine Bay and La Grande Greve.

Meanwhile, if you want to see the Milky Way once night falls, head to Sark Observatory, £10 (Darkskyisland. co.uk).

And just like the song, you’ll hopefully soon be counting stars. . .

UK flights to Guernsey cost from £100 return. Ferries to Sark cost from £38.50 return (Sarkshipping.gg).

Double rooms at Stocks Hotel cost from £250 B&B (Stockshotel.com).

STROLLING the empty grounds of the “UK’s most beautiful castle”, I imagine myself as former resident Catherine of Aragon – minus the impractical clothing and messy divorce.

It was an autumnal Sunday morning after I had booked my family into one of the new Knights’ Retreat Lodges at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent, for the night.

The wooden lodges, named after mythical creatures such as Basilisk, Gryphon and Hippogriff, are built at the far end of the grounds, next to the children’s playground and falconry — an important detail for families when the grounds span 500 acres.

Our lodge slept five people, with a double bed in one room and three single beds decorated with cute shield pillows (available in the gift shop for a reasonable £14), plus a lounge area with a kitchenette and a bathroom. The lodges are a masterclass in small space management.

This allowed the adults to spend an enjoyable couple of hours chatting over a bottle of wine in the lounge, while the two boys battled it out in the bedroom with their shields.

Huge sandpit

But we weren’t there for chilling. Because a stay in the lodges gets you two-day access to Leeds Castle and its grounds, so we had to use our daylight hours wisely.

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First stop, the Knights’ Stronghold Playground, an enormous medieval-themed play area that is potentially the best “climbing frame” in the country. The four-storey castle has enough bridges, turrets, walkways, ziplines and slides to keep your child entertained for hours.

But we gave ourselves a strict two-hour time limit so we didn’t miss out on the rest of the action.

In the kids’ corner of the grounds, there is a huge sandpit almost as big as a small beach, an obstacle course and the birds-of-prey centre, which holds falconry shows featuring the resident hawks, falcons and owls.

The impressive show saw the handlers weaving through the crowd so that the birds were encouraged to whizz among us. They were so close that I had to duck on more than one occasion.

But the attraction that has been discussed most since our return to the commoner life is the maze, which was built in 1988 from 2,400 yew trees.

We were so bad in there that we had to ask for help to reach the middle. At that point, we were rewarded (for our cheating) with entrance to the magical underground grotto.

Thanks to back-to-back activities we’d worked up quite the appetite, so we took the woodland path over to the Castle View Restaurant for dinner.

We dined on classic dishes including ham hock terrine, rib-eye steak, chargrilled cauliflower and glazed pork chops, with a fantastic view of the castle all lit up at night.

Another brilliant thing about a stay in the Knights’ Retreat Lodges is you get access to the castle grounds before they open to the public. We took advantage of that with a magical hour’s stroll.

For the price of a night’s stay in a lodge that works out from £69 per person, it was quite something to have such a famous location to ourselves.

On the whole walk, we bumped into just two members of staff and got plenty of fantastic crowd-free pictures of ourselves outside the castle.

It also meant we were among the first inside the castle itself, so the four and six-year-olds in our company were able to exclaim loudly at obscure details in the lavish property, last decorated by Lady Baillie in the early 20th century.

As a rule, heritage properties don’t hold much interest for young boys, but Leeds Castle allows you to walk in among the items in many of the rooms instead of being roped off. You’re even encouraged to play a game of chess in the games room.

And at Christmas, they decorate the entire place, making it the perfect time to visit.

If you’re looking for some extra festive magic, they also have a Christmas Lights Trail, which runs until December 31, and features a small food market and fairground.

Even the great Catherine of Aragon would have been impressed.

THE UK is home to some breath-takingly beautiful seaside towns.

So its no surprise that each summer, hoards of holidaymakers flock to the coasts to make the most of the sun.

However, visiting these seaside towns in winter can actually be a much better time to go.

Visiting in winter gives you all the time, peace and quiet to enjoy the beauty of these towns – sometimes practically all to yourself.

So whether you’re looking for a big family day out with amusements and plenty to do, or a quaint and scenic spot to enjoy some fish and chips – we’ve rounded up some of the best seaside towns to visit this winter.

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

The dramatic cliffs of Robin Hood’s Bay, a small village in North Yorkshire, feel even more magical during the winter.

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Weathered rock faces, continuously battered by a moody sea, and views of windswept countryside create an ambience that would fit in well with an Emily Brontë novel.

Don’t expect stereotypical seaside beauty here.

Instead it’s the ruggedness of the place that makes it special, with asymmetrical houses lining the hilly streets and pokey shops where huge bay windows showcase books and little souvenirs.

Wrap up warm for a ramble along the Cleveland Way coastal path to the neighbouring shores of Whitby before holing up in one of the cosy pubs in front of a roaring fire.

For cracking homemade pub grub, head to the 17th century Smuggler’s Inn, so named because of the region’s history as a smuggling cove, where spirits, tea and tobacco were snuck through cavernous tunnels.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Broadstairs, Kent

Having made the move from London to Kent nearly four years ago, it’s fair to say I’ve explored my fair share of seaside towns.

But one that I always love visiting even in winter is Broadstairs.

The magic of the town comes alive when the crowds have gone, where you can head to The Mermaid for some fish and chips before going to the Charles Dickens for a pint.

It’s even great in the winter if you need to do some early Christmas shopping.

I’ve already half finished my list of presents thanks to the independent stores. Kope + Loko does beautiful clothing behind its coffee shop while Hope by SP is the best for interiors and knick knacks.

Make time for the award-winning,cosy Bar Ingo for some small plates, where even now I don’t understand how a simple fish of mushrooms and butter beans can be one of the best things I’ve eaten.

The fresh glass of Portuguese wine might have perhaps been one of the reasons…

If you don’t want to get the last train, book a stay at the newly-opened Smiths Townhouse, a a trendy yet intimate space that makes you feel like you are staying at your cool mate’s house.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Southwold, Sussex

Southwold always holds a special place in my heart because of the sheer amount of weekends I’ve had there with my family over the years, especially during blustery winter.

The beach is great, but let’s face it when it gets cold, you’re just wanting to go inside

Despite this, it is worth going for a quick stroll to see the multi-coloured beach huts, as well as the traditional amusement arcades.

The town has great shops as well as an Adnams brewery – you can go and experience tastings and tours too.

There are plenty of fish and chip shops throughout the town, but for the best ones head to the Sole Bay Fish Company which is out of the town towards the harbour.

– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Dartmouth, Devon

Whilst not strictly a ‘seaside’ town, Dartmouth does sit on the coastline in Devon and features pretty beaches.

The waterfront town is full of charm, with cobblestones, streets and wonky buildings.

All centred around a harbour, it is the ideal place for a day trip with everything close together.

Tucked away from the more popular seaside towns of Torquay and Paignton, Dartmouth is a top coastal retreat.

It sits on the banks of the River Dart and its estuary position is ideal for boat trips and cruises that venture from the town to the sea. 

And at Castle Cove, there is a small shingle beach only accessible when the tide is low.

For those who don’t like the crowded beaches and arcades found in seaside towns across the country, Dartmouth is a great alternative.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Seahouses, Northumberland

The vast swathes of sweeping beaches on the Northumbrian coast from Seahouses up to Bamburgh are beautiful at any time of year.

But winter means less crowds and the chance to explore the dramatic coastline on wonderful windswept walks.

This pretty fishing village has a bustling Victorian harbour – enjoy some of the freshest fish and chips at Neptune’s Fish Restaurant.

Seahouses is also a great base for joining boat trips over to the Farne Islands, home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals.

Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours has special grey seal cruises with pups born from October to December.

The cruises also offer an insight into the heroism of Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter who rescued survivors of the SS Forfarshire paddle steamer in 1838.

For a cosy end to a blustery beach walk, enjoy a pint at the Olde Ship Inn that has been serving the community since 1812.

– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

I was born and raised in this North Norfolk seaside town which surges in popularity in summer – and I can understand why we draw in the crowds!

But in the winter, you can enjoy all the beauty of the town without the chaos that comes with the summer holidays.

Next door to royal favourite Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea has everything you could want for a day at the seaside.

This includes a fishing boat-dotted quay to go crabbing, a high street with independent shops, traditional arcades, a sweeping golden beach, and some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat. (Tip from a local – French’s beats Plattens for me!)

I grew up quay jumping with my friends and causing mischief at the annual carnival, which takes over the town with unique music acts, foods, crafts and events.

But one of my favourite and lesser-known parts about my hometown is that you can go alpaca trekking across the marshes.

Book an alpaca trek and bring some apples in your bag, and suddenly you’re having the most unique day out at the seaside!

Plus, the grand Albatross boat that sits on the quayside once used to serve Dutch pancakes – now it’s opening up as a quirky four-room boat B&B.

For me, Wells-next-the-Sea is the best seaside town in Norfolk, with its perfect blend of seaside tradition and quirky character.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer

St Mawes, Cornwall

St Mawes is a bit of a unicorn in terms of Cornish seaside towns – it’s beautiful with great pubs and restaurants, but is hardly ever busy because the windy roads into the centre make it virtually impossible for coaches to get there. 

As a result, the town is a wonderfully peaceful coastal destination, where children can play on the sand while their parents sip their pint in the nearby pub. 

While I love St Mawes in the summer, which is also when I usually visit, it’s also a fantastic winter break thanks to all the places to eat and drink. 

The Rising Sun is great for a lunchtime drink if the sun’s shining, as it beams right down on the front courtyard. 

But the St Mawes Hotel is my favourite pub, with excellent food served too. Bagsie one of the squidgy leather sofas and play a boardgame with views of sea from the balcony and a pint of Cornish cider. 

Plus the kids can catch a movie in the hotel’s own private cinema. 

If you fancy a bracing walk, the Place Ferry takes you over to the SW Coastal Path along the Roseland Peninsula. 

Or alternatively, check out the St Mawes Castle that was built by Henry VIII – which is even more fun on a blustery day.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel – Digital

Blackpool, Lancashire

When it comes to the British seaside, Blackpool has a bit of everything.

Sea swimming and sunbathing are off the agenda in winter (for me, anyway) but between September and December is the best time to visit.

The Blackpool illuminations have been running for 140 years and are a staple winter attraction along the seafront.

The streets are decorated with light installations, illuminated trails and even the classic Blackpool trams are kitted out with hundreds of fairy lights. 

The seaside town’s unique attractions are just as fun in the winter months.

You can visit the iconic Blackpool Tower year-round and Blackpool Pleasure Beach is open until the end of November with special Winter Weekends on selected days until March.

You can also ice skate for free on the beach at the Christmas by the Sea village in front of Blackpool Tower. 

However, nothing beats a good fish and chip tea, sitting on a bench on the promenade. It’s what England does best, whatever the weather.

– Helen Wright, Travel Writer

LYING by the pool, white wine in hand, I wonder if the Seaside Palm Beach hotel might be the most beautiful resort I’ve ever stayed in.

In front of me, hundreds of wild palm trees — the tallest I’ve ever seen — sway in the afternoon breeze as canaries sing in the shade below.

The scene marked the start of a calm and relaxed weekend on the tranquil Spanish island of Gran Canaria, where temperatures can easily reach the 20s in the winter months.

Just a four-hour flight from the UK (costing less than £30 each way with easyJet from Luton), this trip was the ultimate warm oasis retreat . . . without the jet lag.

The 5-star hotel, situated on the south east coast in Maspalomas, is a haven of luxury.

The serene spa is home to a new sauna, cold plunge and hydrotherapy suite, where guests have the option to strip off completely for an authentic wellness experience.

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Small but buzzing

While my pal and I weren’t that brave, we did manage to plunge ourselves into the freezing ice bath (a welcome break from the October sunshine) before treating ourselves to a massage (99 euros for one dreamy hour) in the garden rooms, which have views of the botanical plants.

After a quick dip in the pool to wake ourselves up, we headed to the terrace for lunch of prawn caesar salad, calamari and homemade bread, with an ice-cold beer to wash it down.

Unlike most all-inclusive hotels I’ve stayed in, the Palm Beach offers guests the option to order lunch a la carte from the poolside restaurant as opposed to being stuck with just the buffet area, making it a much more intimate and luxurious experience.

Dinner was an equally impressive affair, with both a la carte and buffet options available on different nights.

Highlights included the Italian barbecue, with a homemade pasta station and a selection of fresh meat and fish grilled to order.

Outside of the hotel, local Italian restaurant il PosTo served us a delicious Neapolitan pizza for 18 euros, with a night cap of limoncello on the house.

The strip here is small but buzzing, with sunset beach bars lining the boardwalk, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean.

But the most impressive place we visited had to be the natural wonder of the Maspalomas sand dunes. This protected nature reserve is home to 400 hectares of desert-like dunes and lagoons.

A ten-minute walk from the hotel, it is the perfect place to explore in the early-evening golden hour when the heat of the day has died down.

For those wanting something a little more buzzy, the resort of Puerto Rico is a 20-minute drive south.

Here you’ll find shopping malls, discos and a wider selection of restaurants, as well as dozens of daily boat excursions to explore the local coastline.

For 40 euros, we hopped aboard Spirit of the Seas’ whale and dolphin watching tour — a 2.5-hour excursion with local experts who have worked on the sea here for 25 years.

We weren’t fortunate enough to see any marine mammals, but the company offers visitors a free voucher to go out again if there are no sightings — so it’s worth doing this excursion at the start of your trip to allow time to try again.

The next town along, Mogan, is also well worth a visit.

We paid a visit to the Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa, one of the grandest in the town, which offers day passes for 55 euros per adult and 27.50 euros for kids, including lunch.

The terracotta hotel blocks surround a garden spa featuring luxurious day beds, an outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool, hot tub and hot and cold foot spas.

After enjoying a fresh juice here, we tried the volcanic lava exfoliation treatment inside.

The 40-minute session started with a full-body exfoliation using black sand from the island’s northern beaches, followed by a massage using locally-sourced aromatic oils.

It was the perfect end to a three-day retreat — a break I will definitely want to repeat in the cold, dark winter months.

THERE’S no shortage of brilliant pubs dotted across the UK – and we’ve rounded up some of the very best.

We’ve scoured the UK to find places that are great for kids, have brilliant beer gardens and most importantly – won’t break the bank.

With family-friendly options and some of the most affordable pints in the UK, these pubs tick every box.

From the Scottish Highlands down to Cornish beaches, here’s some of the top picks for pints.

Best for families

Ailean Chraggan, Highlands

When bringing the whole family along to the pub, it’s always a bonus to find yourself in one with cheap children’s meals and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.

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Luckily, we’ve found pubs all across the UK that cater to kids brilliantly.

Scottish blogger Adele Murray from Aberfeldy recommends a cosy pub in the heart of the Highlands.

“One of my family’s favourite pubs is Ailean Chraggan” she says, a spot known as “The Crags” by locals.

“It’s great for families, with a beer garden and outdoor play area”.

When it comes to food, the kid’s menu is simple and well-priced.

A children’s mac and cheese dish costs £6.25, and garlic ciabatta costs £3.50.

Plus, there’s some delicious and locally-sourced options for adults too.

“The Scottish mussels are delicious and come from the west coast” (£9.50 as a starter, £18.95 as a main).

The Tree House, Ayr

The Tree House in Ayr is also another great option for families.

Their “Little Foodies” offer for kids includes a main, drink and ice cream for only £3.50!

Just make sure you’re visiting between 3 – 5pm if it’s term time, or between 12 – 7pm if it’s during the school holidays.

The Mermaid, Cornwall

Down in the south of England, Sun reader Anne Walton recommends The Mermaid on the beach of Porth, Cornwall.

“You can just put the kids on the beach and watch them while you’re having a drink” she says. “They do a very nice Chicken New Yorker“.

“It’s also great for kids as they serve little meals – it was perfect for my granddaughter who’s only 11 months old”.

Jolly Sailers, Norfolk

Over in East Anglia, the Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe is a fantastic option for families in North Norfolk.

The pub has a massive garden with a wooden playground, colouring and is dog-friendly if you’re coming in from a family beach walk with your pet.

Plus for adults there’s a beach hut bar with a humungous rum menu with delicious rum cocktails that opens up in the summer.

You’ll also find events with live sea shanty music, quizzes, festivals and bouncy castles depending on when you visit – Easter family fun days are particularly great for kids.

There’s also a beach hut serving ice cream flavours that kids go crazy for, from bright-blue bubble gum to the swirly pink “unicorn” flavour.

Food is super affordable, with the “Little Sailors” menu offering tomato pasta with cheese for £6.25 or a sizeable kids margherita for £6.95.

Brewdog, London

And if you’re in or around London, Sun Head of Digital Travel Caroline McGuire found the capital’s most family-friendly pub.

Brewdog at London Waterloo station has a massive slide and duckpin bowling lanes inside.

There’s a great kids menu with cheap pizza and chicken nugget meals, and even an in-house ice cream van.

Best for cheap eats

The Beck, Mablethorpe

There’s nothing worse than strolling into an unassuming pub only to be faced with a menu showing £20 mains and £7 pints.

Sometimes all you want is a pit-stop for some cheap and cheerful pub grub and a drink.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell recommends The Beck in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.

“They do a carvery every day throughout the year and it’s great value, especially for kids” she says (under-twos can eat for just £3).

When it comes to carvery there’s three tiers, and they’re all cheap: costing £8.99 for a small portion, £9.99 for medium and just £13.99 to go large.

“They also have lots of special offers” she says, “like two-for-one meals.”

The Two Tubs, Bury

And if you’re after a cheap pint, Bury in Greater Manchester was found to be the cheapest town to buy a beer in England.

The average cost of a pint here is just £2.75, compared to the national average of £5.17.

One of the best pubs to visit in this area is The Two Tubs, a family-run joint that won a ‘Community Hero’ award in hospitality due to its welcoming atmosphere and great prices.

They even offer a free hot meal and a shot of port for serving soldiers and veterans on “Military Monday”.

The only catch is that they don’t serve any food here – the focus is on having a cheap pint and a good time relaxing or watching sports.

The Sandringham, Hull

Another cheap option would be in Hull – where the average cost of a pint is just £3.68.

The Sandringham on Paragon Street offers a pint of Carling for just £3.10, serving beers cheaper than Wetherspoons.

The pub was opened in 2024 by ex-lorry driver Lee Cunningham, who has made it his mission to pull cheap pints for the people.

Best with beer gardens

The Old Mill, Perthshire

Sitting outside and sipping on a well-poured pint is a pretty unbeatable feeling.

And luckily across the UK we’ve got some pretty spots to sit outdoors, no matter the weather.

Christopher Hill, an Administration Manager from Tummel Valley Holiday Park in Perthshire has a few great picks in Pitlochry.

“My favourites are The Old Mill Inn, Victoria’s and The Auld Smiddy Inn” he says.

“The Old Mill has a great setting, with a watermill outside and a nice beer garden“.

The Woolpack Inn, Romney Marsh

Over in Suffolk, Sun reader Nora Hinds recommends visiting The Woolpack Inn in Romney Marsh.

“Their food is good but they have a wonderful garden. If it’s a nice day we tend to go there on our way down and stop for lunch” she says.

“I’ve had their fish pie that is really good. The grilled salmon fillet is also delicious” (costing £16.95).

Church House Inn, Devon

Plus, Sun travel reporter (and Devon local) Cyann Fielding recommends the beer garden at the Church House Inn in Devon.

“The Inn has a wide variety of beverages and also hosts regular events and themed nights” she says.

“The village green is also located just across the road for a nice stroll”.

Tickled Trout, Wye

Meanwhile, the Tickled Trout in the village of Wye in Ashford has outdoor seating overlooking a pretty river.

It’s a quaint 400 year-old pub with a cosy wooden-beamed interior, and it serves up some great seafood.

Visit in the summer for some amazing live music too.

Best traditional pubs

The Treguth Inn, Cornwall

Putting your finger on what makes a “good” pub is often down to its traditional atmosphere.

Sun reader Anne Walton from Newport in Wales, suggests visiting The Treguth Inn – a coastal spot in Holywell Bay, Cornwall.

“It’s a very local, old thatched pub with a great atmosphere” she said.

“It’s very cosy, dog-friendly and they do nice food. We used to go to their Wednesday Quiz Nights.”

The Cinque Ports Arms, Rye

Over in Rye, East Sussex, Sun reader Nora Hinds recommends The Cinque Ports Arms.

The traditional pub is close to the harbour, and is a great spot for all with its tasty local ales, family-friendly atmosphere and sports games showing on the TV.

Visitors can tuck into a delicious cod and chips for just £14.50, or a warming pie of the day for £11.95.

“It’s always been a friendly pub,” Nora says.

The Axe and Cleaver, Lincolnshire

Over in North Somercotes, Lincolnshire, Joanne Green recommends The Axe and Cleaver.

The pub is close to Parkdean’s Sunnydale holiday park, where Joanne is General Manager.

It has well-priced food, and even offers a “pie and pint night” on Thursdays where you can grab the meal and a drink for just £12.95.

The Railway Inn, Brynowen

Over in Brynowen in Wales, reader Ian Peabody from Newark suggests visiting The Railway Inn.

“It’s very welcoming and feels like a local pub” he said.

And if you’re staying at the nearby Parkdean Resorts Brynowen, it’s just a 10-minute walk.

“There’s also the Victoria Inn, which is popular with a lot of people going there to eat. It’s dog friendly and backs onto Borth Beach“.

“IF you go above 50mph, a monkey will jump out and give you a speeding ticket.”

I have been warned, but it certainly feels like I’m going that fast as I whizz through the jungle on a zipline.

Thankfully the monkeys keep to themselves, although you’ll often see them popping out from the trees while in St Kitts.

The Caribbean island is definitely one for the adventure-seekers. At least that’s what I’m told as I zoom down The Boss zipline, speeding through the tree canopies around me.

My grin is ear to ear as I throw my hands out, flying along like a bird. When I come back to earth with a massive spring cushioning my fast fall, I’m sad it’s over — but there’s so much more to come.

Next up is hiking the live volcano Mount Liamuiga. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as the six-hour trek is up 2,000ft, with the majority of it scrabbling up rocks and tree roots.

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Even as someone relatively fit, it was a battle of my will to get all the way up.

Thankfully, the view was worth it as I overlooked the grassy crater while perched on the edge of a rock. Even the hazy clouds covering the top couldn’t stop me feeling proud of the achievement.

But those clouds soon turned into some of the heaviest rain our guide said he’d seen outside of hurricane season.

Those tropical storms that just last an hour? Not this one.

The already treacherous walk down was made all the harder when the steep route was turned into a waterfall.

Soaked in minutes, it’s no surprise I walked (slid) down to the bottom in half the time it took to go up. I was only too grateful for the very deep tissue massage waiting for me at the beautiful Belle Monte Hotel at the end.

But if you are desperate for that knockout island view, there is a much easier way to get it.

At the very south of the island is Cockleshell Beach, home to all of the island’s top watersports. And it’s how I found myself 60ft in the air during my first attempt at parasailing.

The view from up there let me see both St Kitts and its neighbouring island, Nevis, uninterrupted, as my pro captain sped along the waves.
Evening smores

And I spotted his cheeky grin as he dunked us in the water “accidentally” when bringing us back to the boat.

Evening smores

Most of our travel went through the middle of the island, where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet.

On the Atlantic side is the St Kitts Marriott Resort, which overlooks a sandy beach. The rooms are simple, but large, so more than enough room to spread out.

And the rest of the hotel will keep you occupied, with a huge central pool complete with swim-up bar, volleyball nets and enough sun loungers for everyone.

There’s also tennis courts, ice-cream parlours, shops and the island’s only casino.

Make sure to check the board for activities too — we missed the live bands but managed some evening smores over the outdoor fire pit.

While you can eat at the hotel restaurants, most resorts in St Kitts aren’t all-inclusive.

It’s a good thing, though, with amazing diners dotted throughout the island.

There is Shipwreck, a pirate-like bar on Frigate Bay that serves the best jerk chicken and rice I’ve ever had.

Or head to Rock Lobster for a beautifully rich lobster thermidor.

Or for something fancier there is Carambola, with a huge fresh sushi bar as well as delicious surf and turf.

But I barely scratched the surface when it comes to island thrills.

There’s snorkelling and catamarans, beach horse-riding, jet skis and even retro train rides.

“It’s an island where you can do something different every day,” my boat captain tells me during an impromptu sailing lesson.

After a week of ziplining, hiking and paragliding, it might just be the first holiday I came home fitter from than when I left.

AFTER a long flight, the first thing you may want to do is take a nice hot shower to freshen up – but experts have warned against it.

Planes can be germy, with their enclosed spaces and recycled air conditioning.

Sitting in one spot for hours can leave you feeling pretty grimy once you land – and many look forward to jumping straight into the shower.

But experts have warned that taking a hot shower directly after a flight could be a bad idea.

This is because your skin becomes very dry onboard an aircraft, and having a hot shower can make matters even worse.

Dermatologist Cristina Psomadakis told CN Traveller exactly how planes dry out our skin.

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“Humidity levels really drop in planes and recirculated air can contribute to overall dryness of our skin”.

In fact, the humidity levels onboard can drop extremely low.

Airplane cabins often have a humidity of around 20 per ent compared to the 40-60 per cent we are used to on the ground.

This is because outside air at 30,000 feet contains almost no moisture.

Therefore when it’s pulled into the cabin and pressurised, it stays dry.

The air is then recirculated within the cabin – without any extra moisture being added back in.

This can lead to your skin feeling more dry than usual.

If you then jump straight into a hot shower, this can dry your skin out even more.

Not only do hot showers post-flight dry out your skin, they can also come with a host of other problems.

One of which is that they can increase your chance of getting acne, explains aesthetician Rhea Souhleris Grous to Apartment Therapy.

They said: “Because dryness triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, hot water can worsen preexisting acne or cause a breakout”.

Hot water can break down natural oils and kill your skin’s good bacteria, which “play a major role in keeping moisture in – and the bad stuff out”.

To help beat the feeling of “airplane skin“, you can treat it onboard instead of relying on your post-flight shower.

To retain your skin’s moisture levels, experts recommend treating your skin both onboard and also ahead of time.

“To best take care of your skin on a plane, follow a hydrating skincare routine before and during the flight” said celebrity skincare expert Sarah Akram to Vogue.

“Avoid touching your face frequently, and reapply moisturiser and face mist periodically”.

“Also, avoid heavy makeup as it can contribute to dryness and clog pores.”

Your skincare routine could include packing a small bottle of nourishing moisturiser, a moisturising sheet mask, and drinking plenty of water onboard.

And if you like a salty snack from the trolley when flying, it’s even more important to keep hydrated.

“Top this off with reduced water intake and salty foods and it can lead to really dehydrated, parched skin” said dermatologist Cristina.

So next time you’re travelling by air, make sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight.

The recommended amount of water for adults is two litres per day – but it is a good idea to increase your intake on days you’ll be flying.

Qantas customer service manager Travys Carinci flies on average 59,952 miles per month – and swears by drinking plenty of water.

“I start my day with a pint of water before my coffee and try to drink 2.5 litres of water every day” he told CN Traveller.

So if you are set on having a shower after your flight, turn the temperature down to lukewarm or cold – and you won’t strip as much moisture from your skin.

Ever wondered what happens if you forget to put your window up during take-off or landing? One flight attendant explained the purpose behind the important safety precaution

Travelling on a plane comes with plenty of safety precautions, like going through security and putting your phone on airplane mode. While it can be nerve-wracking for people to remember these steps, there is a cabin crew to remind you along the way.

Now when you’re about to take-off, flight attendants usually have a checklist to tick off before the plane enters the runway. You must have your seats in a upright position, as well as armrests down. But one crucial part of safety is making sure your blinds are up during take-off and landing, so have you ever wondered what happens if you forget?

In a Reddit post, one person asked: “Why do you have to have the windows up for landing sometimes? This is something I’ve always wondered and I had no clue who to ask!”

Well the reason for having your windows up is quite simple – it’s in case of an emergency.

That’s because if you need to evacuate, you won’t be able to see if the engine is on fire, or there’s any hazard which means you can’t evacuate out of that side.

A flight attendant said: “In case something goes wrong a passenger can see it and alert the flight crew. It also has to do with safety. If you crash upon take-off inside a dark plane, the light could be blinding upon evacuating.”

Putting your window shades up during take-off and landing is for critical safety reasons as it also allows crew and passengers to see external hazards.

It’s also done for quick assessments to help your eyes adjust to light for a faster emergency exit and allows emergency services to see inside the cabin if needed.

Often flight attendants require your blinds to be up during take-off and landing. At night, shades stay open (with cabin lights dimmed) so emergency services outside can see in, meanwhile in the day, it’s so your eyes adjust.

What other safety precautions are there during take-off and landing?

• Seatbelt: Passengers must make sure their seatbelt is fastened and even when the sign is off, it’s best to keep it buckled.
• Seat position: Make sure your seat is in a full upright position
• Tray table: Put it away securely
• Electronics: All devices must be switched off or on airplane mode
• Attention: Watch the safety video and demo
• Exits: Revise your nearest exits in the case of an emergency
• Shoes: Keep footwear on to protect your feet from debris
• Window shades: Keep them open for visibility
• Baggage: Make sure carry-ons are stowed away properly

THE turkey leftovers are nearly finished and the Christmas tree might be looking past its best.

While we have still got all the fun of New Year’s Eve this week, our thoughts will no doubt be turning to something we can look forward to in 2026.

And, of course, that has to be a holiday.

Travel companies are going all out this year to encourage us to get planning and there are some great deals to be had in their New Year sales.

Lisa Minot takes a look at some of the bargains to be bagged before Big Ben’s chimes usher in 2026.

British Airways

BRITISH Airways and BA Holidays’ January sale offers savings on trips to some of its most-searched holiday destinations in 2025, including New York, Orlando, Dubai, the Maldives and Barbados.

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With 2026 marking the centenary of America’s Route 66 and the World Cup kicking off, there are return flights from £411 to Los Angeles, £427 to San Francisco and £439 to Miami.

Flights to Dubai start from £449 and Cancun from £482.

British Airways Holidays has seven-night packages to European destinations including Malaga, the Algarve, Malta and Majorca from £299pp.

And for a cheeky city break, there are deals in hot spots including Barcelona, Nice and Venice from £199pp.

There are also discounted holidays to the US, with Florida and Los Angeles from £599pp.

Deals include seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Pestana Alvor Beach Villas in Alvor, Portugal, from £299pp including Gatwick flights on dates in March and 23kg luggage.

Or seven nights’ room-only at 3.5H The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower in Las Vegas from £649pp including Heathrow flights on select dates in November.

To book, go to ba.com/sale.

Virgin Atlantic

THERE are savings of up to £120 per couple and £210 for a family of four on Virgin Holidays packages to the Caribbean, Orlando and Tampa with a low deposit of just £75pp.

Deals include 14 nights’ room-only at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando from £908pp including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow on March 4, 2026.

There are also holidays to new route Cancun in Mexico, with seven nights’ B&B at The Fives Downtown Hotel from £1,086pp including Virgin flights from Heathrow on September 19, 2026.

In Virgin Atlantic’s sale there are return flights to New York from £373 on select dates in February 2026, as well as return fares to Phuket in Thailand from £648pp on selected departure dates in October 2026.

You can also get return flights to Cape Town, South Africa, from £729pp on selected dates in January and February 2026.

See virginatlantic.com.

TUI

TOUR giant TUI is touting its biggest sale ever with up to £500 off holidays, zero deposits with direct debits to spread the cost and thousands of free kids’ places in the school holidays.

There are flexible departures from more than 20 local airports and hundreds of free room upgrades.

The sale offers savings of ten per cent with the code SALE up to a maximum saving of £500 as long as you download the TUI app and create an account.

As well as land-based holidays, there is up to £300 off TUI River Cruises when you spend over £3,500, or £200 off if you spend over £2,500 on sailings departing between March 2026 and the end of October 2027.

The deal is valid on sailings of five nights or longer on Europe’s River Rhine, Douro or Danube and River Nile in Egypt.

Or you can head long- haul to the Caribbean with seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Riu Negril in Jamaica.

It costs from £1,420pp including flights from Gatwick on June 16, 20kg hold luggage and transfers.

To book, go to tui.co.uk.

Jet 2

THE UK’s largest tour operator is sharing the love with £100 off ALL holidays booked in its sale, with a low deposit of just £25 needed to lock in a great deal.

The sale, running until January 12, also includes 20 per cent off all flight-only bookings on jet2.com, including on one-way flights.

All package holiday deals include 22kg luggage, 10kg hand luggage, under-seat bag, return transfers, plus ABTA and ATOL protection.

There are millions of free child places, as well as pay monthly plans to spread the cost.

Deals are available on more than 75 destinations across Europe, the Med, North Africa and the Canary Islands.

Offers include seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3H Club Mac Alcudia Resort and Waterpark in Majorca from £579pp with flights from Leeds Bradford on April 18.

And seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Hotel La Barracuda, Costa del Sol, from £389pp including flights from Stansted on February 27.

See jet2holidays.com.

easyJet

THE Big Orange Sale from easyJet holidays is promising up to £400 off city breaks and beach escapes.

Holidaymakers can get £50 off a minimum spend of £500, £100 off an £800 minimum, £150 off a minimum of £1,500, £300 off a £3,000 minimum spend and £400 off a £4,000 spend with the code BIGSALE.

The deal is valid on 8,000 hand-picked hotels in more than 100 destinations in Europe and North Africa, from popular cities including Amsterdam and Prague, and beach spots from the Canaries to Cape Verde.

All holidays include flights and hotels, and beach packages also come with a 23kg luggage allowance and transfers.

Deals include four nights’ room-only at the 3H Espresso City Centre in Amsterdam from £227pp including flights from Southend on February 1.

And seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Valeria Dar Atlas Resort in Marrakech from £435pp including flights from Liverpool on February 5, with 23kg luggage and transfers.

Book with a £60 deposit at easyjet.com/en/holidays.

IF you are itching to book a holiday next year but want to try somewhere new, you’re in luck.

All of the airlines in the UK have expanded their list of destinations with lots of new places to fly to in 2026.

From little-known paradise islands to fairytale Europe city breaks, here’s a round-up of the best new routes launching in 2026.

Short and mid-haul

easyJet – Rome, Ljubljana, Reus, Thessaloniki

easyJet has introduced four new routes for next summer, to destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy and Slovenia.

The major airline flies from 22 airports in the UK to a whopping 130+ destinations.

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Holidaymakers will be able to fly from Birmingham to Rome Fiumicino to explore one of the world’s most popular capital cities.

Flights start from March 5, 2026, and run four times a week.

The new route from Edinburgh to Ljubljana in Slovenia will be Scotland’s only direct connection to the country.

Ljubljana is a fairytale-like city with castle views and pretty cafe-lined riverbanks.

Flights will start on the Easter weekend of April 4 and operate twice a week.

Travellers from Bristol will be able to fly to Reus, Spain and Thessaloniki, Greece.

Reus is an overlooked Spanish city with modern buildings and golden sand beaches.

Flights will operate twice a week, beginning June 25.

Thessaloniki is a port city packed with historical ruins, markets and a busy nightlife scene.

The airline has also introduced 11 new routes from Newcastle Airport.

easyJet will now fly to destinations such as Nice, Corfu and Rhodes from its Northern base.

Jet2 – La Palma, Samos and Sicily

The airline flies from 13 airports across the UK to over 75 destinations.

And Jet2 are adding three new destinations for 2026: La Palma, Samos and Sicily.

La Palma is one of Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, known for their luscious landscapes and year-round warmth.

It’s a lesser-known island which is visited less frequently than its neighbours Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Passengers can fly to the island from London Stansted or Manchester airport from April 2026, with twice weekly flights taking off on Mondays and Fridays.

Samos on the other hand is a dreamy Greek island, with the new flights from May 2026.

It’s a laid-back spot with quiet villages and unspoilt beaches, and will be Jet2’s 15th new Greek destination airport.

Flights will run from Manchester and London Stansted twice weekly.

The airline will also be flying to Palermo, Sicily from May 2026.

Sicily’s capital is known for its glittering mosaics, street food culture and pretty Arab architecture.

Flights to Palermo will depart from Manchester and Newcastle, as well as Birmingham.

Long-haul

British Airways – St Louis, US

In April 2026, British Airways will begin flying to St. Louis in Missouri.

The new route will become the only direct flight to the city from the UK.

St. Louis is known for its blues, jazz and baseball culture – providing a real slice of Americana for UK travellers visiting the states.

The launch of the route even coincides with the 100th anniversary of Route 66 – the legendary highway which St. Louis sits on.

The flight will run four times a week throughout the airline’s summer season.

Virgin Atlantic – Phuket and Seoul

Virgin Atlantic is expanding their destinations with new routes to Phuket in Thailand and Seoul in South Korea.

Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island, known for its beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise waters.

It’s also popular with young travellers and backpackers, with plenty of beach parties, temples and jungles to explore.

Flights to Phuket will operate three times a week seasonally from London Heathrow – and will begin running from October 2026.

In contrast, Seoul is an ultra-modern city known for its neon nightlife and futuristic skyscrapers.

Plus, fans of shows like KPop Demon Hunters will be pleased.

Seoul is paradise for fans of K-Pop and K-Dramas – home to megastar bands like BTS and Blackpink.

Daily direct flights will launch on March 29, 2026.

If you’re looking to book your summer getaway for next year then look no further, as the cheapest holiday destination has been revealed and it’s a stunning Spanish region

A popular Spanish region with white sand beaches and pristine blue water has been named as the cheapest summer holiday destination for 2026.

As we look to book our summer getaways for next year, Which? has compared the prices of 5,393 package holidays from Jet2holidays and easyJet Holidays to reveal the most affordable options. This was based on a seven-night stay, including flights, departing around August 2, with two people sharing a room with various board types.

Following their extensive research, the experts found that Costa Blanca, along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, was the most budget-friendly option for a holiday deal next year. For a stay in Costa Blanca during the height of summer, Which? discovered that it would cost, on average, £864 per person for a seven-night package.

This is partly due to its popular and affordable seaside resort of Benidorm, which has often been dubbed the ‘New York of the Mediterranean’ or the ‘Spanish Las Vegas’. Benidorm is undeniably appealing with its sprawling golden sand beaches and turquoise waters, while its cheap drinks, lively nightlife, family entertainment and towering buildings only add to its unique allure.

In its research, Which? found that Benidorm offered some of the cheapest holidays from £535 per person for a week’s self-catering at the two-star Playamar apartments. Meanwhile, an all-inclusive option at the four-star Flamingo Beach Resort, featuring three outdoor pools, would cost £886pp with EasyJet Holidays.

But there’s much more to Costa Blanca than Benidorm, with quieter Spanish areas away from the tourist crowds. One option is the charming and picturesque hilltop town of Altea, offering sensational views over the Mediterranean, with room-only options available for £ 1,033 per person at the luxurious five-star SH Villa Gadea.

Costa Blanca was the only destination Which? found to be less than £900 for a week’s stay in August. Elsewhere in the research, the second most affordable package holiday was revealed as Tuscany, nestled in the heart of Italy.

Tuscany is renowned for its rolling hills, Renaissance masterpieces, and iconic cities such as Florence, Siena, and Pisa. A week-long stay in this captivating Italian region would set you back £929 per person, inclusive of flights and accommodation.

Coming in third on the list of budget-friendly summer escapes is the breathtaking Agadir coast in Morocco, famed for its expansive sandy beaches and status as a prime resort destination. With an abundance of accommodation choices along the coastline, centred around beach days, a stay here would amount to £946pp.

According to Which?, six of the top ten cheapest holiday destinations for 2026 are located in Spain, with Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria among them. Additionally, Zante in Greece, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes and vibrant nightlife, also secured a spot in the top 10.

Here are the cheapest package holiday destinations for 2026, as outlined by Which? The results show the average price, per person, for a seven-night package stay.

1. Costa Blanca, Spain – £864
2. Tuscany, Italy – £929
3. Agadir coast, Morocco – £946
4. Dalaman area, Turkey – £1,048
5. Tenerife, Canary Islands – £1,073
6. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – £1,119
7. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands – £1,121
8. Costa Brava, Spain – £1,125
9. Costa Dorada, Spain – £1,133
10. Zante, Greece – £1,142

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