TRAVEL

THINGS have taken a turn since the flaming Café Brûlot cocktail at lunch. 

I’m now a jumble of Mardi Gras sequins and feathers, and there is a giant eagle mascot lying at my feet.  

An hour earlier, the waitress at Antoine’s, in New Orleans, had ignited a punch bowl of the brandy-and-citrus coffee then ladled it on to our tablecloth in a fiery spectacle.  

Established in 1840, the French-Creole restaurant still has old-world charm, with chandeliers, wooden beams, and a jazz band roaming the tables at its Sunday Brunch.  

It had set us up nicely for the nearby Mardi Gras Museum Of Costumes And Culture, where curator Carl Mack encouraged us to play dress-up in the warehouse-sized closet.  

So here I am, in a sparkly purple gown, 5ft-wide shoulder collar, and a precariously balanced headdress. Another member of the tour has pulled on a bird of prey mask.  

SUN UP

Spanish city with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year is 3 hours away & pints are £2.17

BELLE VILLE

Pretty French city with wine tours and lively old town getting new UK flights

We are in the Louisiana port city several weeks too early for its world-famous annual carnival, which starts in January and culminates on Fat Tuesday (“Mardi Gras” in French), the last day of street parades, colourful floats and letting loose before Lent — but the myriad museums and year-round party atmosphere have given us a taste of it. 

Our railway journey across America’s Deep South had started several days earlier in a city that has ruffled a few technicolour feathers with its claim that it is the “birthplace of Mardi Gras”.  

Mobile, in Alabama, says it hosted the very first celebration in the US, in 1703 — some 15 years before New Orleans was founded.  

As with any “healthy sibling rivalry”, though, “if either city was in trouble, we’d have each other’s back”, Mobile historian Cart Blackwell insisted.  

It is just as well, because the country’s national rail carrier, Amtrak, has reconnected the two Gulf Coast destinations after 20 years with its twice-daily Mardi Gras Service. 

It takes 3hr 45min from Mobile to New Orleans — or Nola as the locals call it — with stops in Mississippi cities Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay Saint Louis.  

The dramatic 233km stretch across rivers, lakes and marshland has been a resounding hit with residents and tourists who, like us, have no desire to tackle interstate traffic.  

Train fares start from £11 for coach class, the seats and footwell are generous in size, and most of the main attractions in each city are within walking distance.  

Southern comfort food 

Blackwell, the curator at Mobile’s Carnival Museum, stresses its Mardi Gras is more family-friendly than New Orleans’, but is hopeful the trains’ early-morning and evening departure times will allow revellers to attend parades in both cities on the same day.  

After admiring the regalia from mystic societies’ former kings and queens, including intricately hand-sewn robes with trains weighing up to 50lb, we boarded Gulf Coast Tour’s white vintage-style streetcar. 

Tour highlights included the awesome USS Alabama battleship and fighter plane pavilion and neighbourhoods of charming Creole cottages and Colonial and Greek Revival houses.

The city is fast-becoming a foodie haven, and downtown’s Dauphin Street is the main entertainment and restaurant hub.  

Think streets lined with Forrest Gump’s childhood home, all in varying sizes and pastel tones, with wraparound porches, shuttered windows and swing chairs.  

The book about a loveable Alabama man, later adapted into the hit 1994 film, was written by Winston Groom, who lived for much of his life in Mobile.  

The city is fast-becoming a foodie haven, and downtown’s Dauphin Street is the main entertainment and restaurant hub.  

Stops on Bienville Bites’ walking tour served historical anecdotes and Southern comfort food including hickory-smoked Conecuh sausage, pecan bread pudding and oysters “fried, stewed and nude”.  

At the bustling 87-year-old Wintzell’s Oyster Bar, there are diner-style brown leather booths and walls covered in thousands of multicoloured plaques with more of the founder’s witty sayings.  

“Y’all should try” its sampler of 16 fresh Gulf oysters smothered in rich toppings like jalapenos, bacon and cheddar. 

For beer and meat-lovers, the family-run Callaghan’s Social Club has won awards for its juicy burgers (from £7.50).

A favourite with locals for 80 years, the dive bar has walls draped in neon lights and littered with family portraits, Irish memorabilia and pictures of local legends who have performed there.  

The city drew worldwide attention in 2019 after archeologists working the Mobile River, found the burned wreckage of the last- known slave ship to land in America.

The Clotilda transported 110 captured West Africans to Mobile Bay in 1860 — 52 years after the US had outlawed importation of slaves. It was then sunk to hide the evidence.  

At the Africatown Heritage House, a ten-minute taxi ride away, a deeply moving exhibition tells some of the individuals’ stories through written accounts and artefacts. 

It is a sobering reminder that much of the economy of the Deep South once relied on slavery.

Back downtown, we stayed at The Admiral, a quirky Versailles-inspired hotel, which has rooms decorated in a Mardi Gras colour palette of purple (justice) and gold (power).

It’s a five-minute walk to the station for our sunrise departure to Biloxi, once known as the “seafood capital of the world”. 

Its past can be explored at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum but to see the trade first-hand, we strolled along the Small Craft Harbour, where shrimp boats with recognisable outriggers and nets are moored, and pelicans perch on pilings.  

We then dived into tasty shrimp-and-crabmeat gumbo (a heavily seasoned stew) for just £6 at Mary Mahoney’s. Built in 1737, it is one of the oldest houses in the US, and even Elvis Presley once dropped by.  

One of the main draws to Biloxi is its big-name hotels and casinos, but Mississippi is most famous for founding the Blues. So an evening at actor Morgan Freeman’s  Ground Zero Blues Club is a must for live music. 

And, for a hotel oozing Southern charm, the White House, dating back to the 1890s, has white-stucco pillars and views of the Mississippi Sound. Less than an hour on the train and we were in Bay Saint Louis, which has a vibrant small-town vibe.

Tourist-heavy Bourbon Street provided blocks of hedonism, though we preferred the jazz and brass bands on Frenchman Street.

The seafront main strip has boutiques, antique stores, lively late-night wooden watering holes painted lime green and yellow that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean, and The Pearl hotel, which is modern with spacious rooms overlooking the marina. 

Paddle-wheel steamboat 

We embraced the slow pace in the day — golf buggies are the vehicle of choice — and joined athleisure-wearing locals at the Mockingbird Cafe, the place to be. 

Bay Saint Louis also boasts a cultural gem — the 100 Men D.B.A Hall where blues and jazz greats including BB King and Etta James have played.  

Our final stop, New Orleans, proved to be a glorious assault on the senses.  

Tourist-heavy Bourbon Street provided blocks of hedonism, though we preferred the jazz and brass bands on Frenchman Street.

Strolling along the banks of the Mississippi, we took in the sight of a cruising paddle-wheel steamboat, one of the last of its kind, and spent hours wandering the French Quarter’s beautiful brick townhouses with floral wrought-iron balconies.  

For a behind-the-scenes look at carnival we toured Mardi Gras World to see floats and the artists who build and paint them.

And there was time for a more sobering trip, to the vast National WWII Museum.

There we saw a Higgins vessel, a shallow-water bayou boat built in Nola, that was instrumental in the D-Day landings.  

And confirming why it is frequently-named the “best food city in the world,” we indulged in beignets (powdered-sugar doughnuts), Po’boys (crusty bread filled with slow-cooked roast beef), and, given its close proximity to swampland, alligator (yes, tastes like spicy chicken). 

It has never been easier to navigate the party-loving Deep South, so make tracks for Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service. 

The calendar says winter, but the struggle to find spaces at summer campsites has already begun — especially at California state park system’s most popular campgrounds, where most booking begins six months ahead of a camper’s arrival date.

And this year, the rules are different.

In a bid to cope with that demand, reduce no-shows and open more campsites to more people, state parks officials have tightened policies on reservation changes and cancellation, while boosting penalties for no-shows. The new restrictions take effect on reservations beginning July 1, which became available for booking on Jan. 1.

Among the restrictions:

• Campers making campsite cancellations can get their site fees refunded if they cancel at least seven days ahead of their arrival date. After that, they will be required to pay a penalty matching the cost of the first night. No-show campers (and those who fail to cancel at least 48 hours ahead of check-in time) will forfeit all fees paid.
• If a would-be camper fails to shows up for their reservation three times in the same calendar year, that camper is to be banned from placing reservations for one year.
• No matter when a reservation is canceled, the system’s $8.25 reservation fee and $8.25 cancellation fee are nonrefundable.
• Over the last year, the state parks system has also adopted a lottery-style drawing system for select campsites at Malibu Creek, Morro Bay and McArthur-Burney Falls state park units. Travelers can apply to join the lottery up to eight months ahead.

With these measures in place, parks officials say, they hope more campsites can be rebooked after campers’ initial plans change.

Parks officials said campers with reservations who need to cancel should call their destination park at the number listed on their confirmation email. In most cases, the state parks website says, “canceled sites will become available for booking in the reservation system at 8 a.m. the day following the cancellation.” A state parks spokesman said the agency had no current statistics on no-shows.

Statewide, California’s campground system continues to open most campsites for online reservations at 8 a.m., six months ahead of the stay, on a rolling basis. (In other words, at 8 a.m. Aug. 3 the state will start taking reservations for stays on the night of Feb. 3.)

On line, most travelers use the informational site parks.ca.gov and the booking site reservecalifornia.com. Telephone reservations are still possible at (800) 444-PARK (7275). Reservation modifications are possible until 48 hours before arrival time.

Despite the high demand at many park units — especially those on the coast — statewide statistics seem to suggest a visitation slump in recent years. By the parks department’s accounting, California’s 280 state parks units attracted about 84 million total visitors in the year that ended June 30, 2023. That was a 9.9% dip from the year before.

Among people camping, the decrease was even steeper. The state’s tally of about 5.9 million “overnight users” of campgrounds in 2022-23 was a drop of 24% from the year before.

Here are the 10 most popular state park campgrounds based on 2025 summer occupancy, according to park officials.

AFTER an indulgent Christmas, “no carbs before Marbs” was a non-starter (or indeed dessert) for me. 

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

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

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

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

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

READ MORE ON SPAIN TRAVEL

SANDS GOOD

African city which feels ‘more like Spain’ to get first UK direct flights

GROWING UP

One of Spain’s most underrated cities is in ‘Garden of Europe’ with £17 flights

And, tucked down an inconspicuous alley, La Tienda proved to be another cosy affair with exposed brick walls and high-top tables. 

Thank goodness for my sommelier-trained companion, who never failed to find us the best vino blanco for just £5 a glass.

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

We pushed through ornate iron gates to squeeze on to a table at the bar in the ­cavern-like room. 

Plates and plates of tapas followed — the richest ratatouille topped with egg; the creamiest ham croquettes; the freshest sheep’s cheese. 

With a bill totalling just £40 (including a bottle of local wine), we almost questioned if they had forgotten half of our order. 

Shopping in Marbella is a laid-back affair in winter too, and we enjoyed browsing quiet shops for colourful dresses and woven hats. 

A trip to the beach club is out of the question — these don’t open until April at the earliest. 

Yet instead of selfie-taking celebs on the sands, you’ll spot brave surfers attempting to catch the waves. 

Relaxing on the beach was skipped in favour of exploring the city’s beautiful gardens. 

One of the most spectacular is Parque de la Alameda, where the towering trees and tropical plants make you feel like you are a world away from Spain. 

But, of course, a trip to Marbella is nothing without a quick bit of ­window-yacht-shopping at Puerto Banos marina. 

“Not quite to my taste, that one,” my friend said, pointing at a black boat double the size of the rest. 

Music-themed massage 

If you’re splashing out a few million on a floating bit of metal, she’s entitled to be a little fussy.

Just down the road is the Hard Rock Hotel, which let us live the rock star life on more of a budget. 

I could hardly resist asking for my own guitar to be sent to the room — one of the other amenities on offer in the hotel. 

Opened in 2022, it isn’t as sprawling as the brand’s other hotels — just two restaurants and two pools — but that makes it a lot more manageable to get around too. 

Being out of season did come with some downsides, with the specialty restaurant and pool closed. 

But stays are a fraction of the usual price. Rooms drop to as little as £171 in the winter months, compared to highs of £395 in summer.

We spent mornings doing yoga, easing into the day with light stretches and the smell of sandalwood incense. 

Lazy starts were practically encouraged at the hotel, with breakfast running until 11am. 

And what is a music-themed hotel without a music-themed massage? 

A visit to the hotel’s Rock Spa is certainly a unique experience, and I spent a relaxed hour below a hanging ­pendant light-cum-speaker, playing lo-fi tunes that vibrated my bed to the beat. 

And, of course, there is the Memorabilia tour where I learned about all the pieces on display throughout the hotel, from Beyoncé’s tour jacket to Blondie’s signed guitar. 

I could hardly resist asking for my own guitar to be sent to the room — one of the other amenities on offer in the hotel. 

Any dreams of becoming a pop star died quickly, however.  

My friend’s cackles drowned out the sound of my fingers clumsily plucking at the strings, resulting in a garbled, broken noise. 

But after a weekend of wine and laughter, Marbella is just as Marb- ellous in the winter as in summer. 

I certainly felt the warmth after a bottle of two-euro wine, at least . . .  

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in popular holiday spots and off-the-beaten-track destinations.

This week we’re shining a light on the charming seaside village of Winterton-on-Sea.

While it offers year-round appeal, from bracing winter walks to long summer days on miles of golden sand, with the Norfolk Broads right on the doorstep.

And from October through January, thousands of grey seal pups and their mothers take over the beach during the annual breeding season, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

MUST SEE / DO

At any time of year, the golden expanse of Winterton beach is unmissable, backed by what is widely regarded as the best sand dunes in Norfolk.

And for dog lovers, the beach is even more special, being pooch-friendly all year round.

ON THE UP

Inside the £40million overhaul of the UK’s ‘Golden Mile’ seaside town

FISH AND KIPS

I visited the English seaside town that still has enough to do on rainy days

Boasting one of the largest grey seal colonies in the UK, visitors can see seals at any time during the year.

But it is during the winter months that the area literally comes alive with groups of pups and their mothers stretching out along the sands with around 3500 born every year along the 5-mile stretch of coast from Waxham to Winterton.

BEST VIEW

Keen walkers will enjoy the stunning views and wildlife offered by the Norfolk Coast Path from Winterton to Horsey Gap.

Use the designated viewing platforms for breathtaking views that don’t disturb the seals.

Friendly volunteer wardens are on hand to give guidance and information and ensure the wellbeing of this incredible seal population.

Take the opportunity to stop at the aptly named Seal View Cafe for refreshments.

HIDDEN GEM

Discover one of Britain’s best preserved Roman monuments only a short 20-minute drive from Winterton-on-Sea.

The 3rd Century ‘Saxon Shore’ fort at Burgh Castle, which is now a haven for wildlife haven, was built as part of the Roman network of coastal defences, and three of its imposing stone walls remain, almost to their original height.

RATED RESTAURANT

Indulge yourself at Michelin-recommended The Swan at Ingham, headed up by Norfolk born Chef Patron Daniel Smith who previously worked under Michel Roux Jr. at Le Gavroche in London.

Relaxed and cosy, the 14th century-coaching inn offers a locally inspired award-winning menu.

BEST PUB

Tuck into delicious home cooked meals at friendly traditional Norfolk pub the Fisherman’s Return.

The freehouse, which has been serving customers since the 17th century, is just a stone’s throw from the beach and welcomes dogs.

COTTAGE PICK

Winterton Cottages has a great selection of self-catering options.

The Cranny is a traditional thatched Norfolk double roundhouse.

This pretty two bedroomed property is all on one level and has a fantastic location in the centre of the village – yet is only five minutes walk from the beach.

A three-night weekend stay starts at £573. Modern ‘upside down’ house, Eva’s Lookout boasts a spacious open plan living area upstairs, making the most of the fabulous view over Winterton Valley and out towards the sea.

There’s direct access the beach and it is walking distance from the Fisherman’s Return, shops and Poppy’s tea rooms.

A three-night weekend stay starts at £975. See wintertoncottages.co.uk. 

The Mirror meets Ali Porteous, star of the new series of Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild, who lives one mile south of the equator on the remote island of Bulago in Uganda

Living on a remote island in Uganda’s section of Lake Victoria, just one mile south of the equator and up to three hours from the mainland on a public canoe, might not be everyone’s cup of tea but for 66-year-old British-born Ali Porteous, it’s paradise on earth. A former television camerawoman from Chichester in West Sussex, Ali swapped a career filming the wars of the 1980s in Afghanistan, Peru and Sri Lanka for a life on Bulago island, where she has now lived for 27 years, after discovering the island on a boat trip.

Life’s priorities change living on an island, Ali explains, “Watching the full moon rise as the sun sets takes precedence over everything. I’m happy to live quite frugally, growing my own fruit and veg where I can. I’m mostly vegetarian but eat like a queen thanks to ‘the pearl of Africa’s’ lush abundance. We grow the juiciest pineapples I’ve ever tasted and the best and biggest avocados,” says Ali, who stars in episode one of the new series of Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild, which begins this Thursday on Channel 5.

READ MORE: Ben Fogle bombshell surprises fans as the TV presenter considers a future in politics

“I live off very little money. We run everything on solar and don’t have heating bills. When I go to the mainland, I still drive a 1996 Rav4 car too old to have airbags! Most of my clothes come from a wonderful second-hand shop on the mainland where I can buy beautiful silk and designer clothes that the owner brings all the way from Hollywood.”

Ali shares her life with an eclectic bunch of animals. Her horse Tufani, which means storm in Swahili, came to the island at four months old and is now best friends with Donkey, who was dumped on the beach. Wanting to introduce hardy animals, she brought two camels from North Kenya called Rumi and No 9, who climatised happily to island life and produced a son called Minimus.

Ali’s love for dogs knows no bounds so she has always nurtured a multi-generational pack of little dogs, mixing Dachshund with Jack Russell and Pomeranian to make feisty companions. There’s Mama Huche, Maximus and puppy Spoticus. But sadly living out on the island, tragedy does strike.

“I’ve lost dogs to crocodiles and snakes. Just a few months ago, three of Max’s grown-up pups attacked a big forest cobra and were dead within the hour. It was horrific, I tried to save them by picking up and throwing the snake into the lake but it was too late. Dogs are instinctive hunters so every day when we are out walking, I have to be ready for the dogs to catch the scent of something, most often a monitor lizard. If they catch one, I try to save the lizard by picking it up by its shoulders and hips and throwing it into the lake or a nearby tree. My main motivation for doing this, besides saving the animal, is to save the dogs as these lizards have salmonella in their saliva, which can be fatal.”

And it’s not just Ali’s animals that are in danger. “If I get sick or injured there are no medical facilities on the island so help seems far away. A boat ride away but the crossing can be difficult in bad weather. And this is getting worse each year with global warming’s unpredictable and frightening storms. I always used to ride my horse bareback, but now with ageing bones, I have to be cautious and ride with a saddle because I don’t want to fall off and break my back and be paralysed.”

Born in 1959, Ali was a rebellious child who never settled in school but buckled down to earn a degree in media studies, where she picked up a camera for the first time. A life-changing commission came from BBC 2 Newsnight to film an Afghan Mujahideen/Russian prisoner exchange, which took her to the frontlines of Afghanistan and launched her career as a war camerawoman.

“I ended up filming deep in the mountains in Bin Laden’s secret hideaway. A Russian bomb landed quite near me but didn’t explode so once the explosive had been removed, I decided to take the shell home with me on a British Airways flight, who were more than happy to transport the souvenir.” The shell now forms the base of a table in her island garden.

In 1985, disguised as a travel agent and smuggled through Kampala roadblocks, Ali embedded with the National Resistance guerilla Army to report a silent genocide than would kill a million Ugandans. It was then that Ali’s love affair with this country began, which made her return the following year for Uganda’s liberation. Although three months pregnant with her son, Oliver, she felt compelled to get back, to witness and film this new beginning.

Ali and her partner Robin raised two children – Oliver and Phoebe – in the English countryside, in between her trips to war zones. But by the early-90s, disillusioned with making documentaries in the UK, she returned to Uganda to work for President Yoweri Museveni as a media/PR adviser.

“These were exciting times to be working in Uganda with the constitution being written and the first democratic elections taking place so I tried to split my time between the UK and Uganda, working for the President and trying to look after my children but such a schism took its toll and my relationship with Robin couldn’t survive,” remembers Ali.

When Ali’s contract ended with the President, she had to decide her future, to return to the UK or to stay. “I borrowed a little sailing boat to take a last trip out on Lake Victoria with my longtime reporter friend and we came across Bulago island. Maybe we should buy it, I whimsically suggested and we did. We bought a 49-year lease on this 500 acre island for $16,000, with a plan to develop Uganda’s first marine eco resort.”

So, Ali as a newly single parent, moved to the island, taking her children with her, Oliver was nine and Phoebe was five years old. To begin with, the children went to school in Kampala but later they boarded at Pembroke Prep school in Gilgil, Kenya, which required a regular nine hour school run to visit and bring them back for holidays.

“There was nothing here when we came – just bush, bush, bush.… We lived in British army tents for about three years and had to learn how to build and run a lodge on an island. We made the bricks from termite hills and built the resort with no machinery and of course, without mains electricity so everything runs on solar power.”

Ali saved Bulago from destruction. “When I first arrived in 1997, the island’s forests were being destroyed for charcoal and timber, the flora for commercial farming and the fauna and fish were fighting extinction. There were only a handful of people living on the island but they were being terrorised by the illegal fishermen so we started working on how to protect the local communities and conserve their fishery.”

But in 2009 everything was put on hold as Ali nearly lost everything she had built when her friend and business partner made decisions without her and ultimately the lodge was sold without her consent.

“There was a court order against me going to the lodge. So, I rented a one-bedroom unit in Kampala and worked at an international school to pay the rent. I lived off dates and coffee. The lodge was mostly knocked down and the island returned to bush. It took Ali 10 years of legal battles to win back her island home. “I was so broken by it all. I lost my faith and trust in mankind. But I think I’m on the road to recovery which is why I love to live out here. Every day I wake with a smile, feeling so happy.”

And since then, she’s been more determined than ever to make Bulago thrive. To make enough money to develop the island into a protected eco resort, she sold plots of land to like-minded people for them to build houses and it has worked because the island is conserved while the neighbouring islands are deforested and destroyed. Bulago now has a thriving community of about 150 residents, who mainly live in the fishing village and are employed by the island lodge and private houses.

“I’ve fought long and hard to protect the lake around the island, by campaigning for a Lacustrine Protected Area, which for the last 10 years has been successfully secured by the Government and I’m proud to have made that happen. I’ve been able to help the local communities too, many of whom are living well below the poverty line. At least now they can make some money from responsible fishing and farming.”

Next on her list is to encourage marine tourism to support this community conservation. “We’ve built essential infrastructure – a harbour, lakewall, jetties and a beautiful boat to provide essential access so tourists and local people can travel to the Koome archipelago and enjoy this amazing wilderness. Future plans include establishing Uganda’s first National Marine Park and partnering with an eco-hospitality investor to commence the sustainable development of the remaining southeastern section of Bulago into a conserved and beautiful eco wilderness resort.

Ali’s son Oliver, a “tech genius” now 39 and living in Estonia and her daughter Phoebe, an artist passionately trying to fight climate change, 35, and living in Chang Mai, Thailand, are both planning to their mum this year to celebrate Oli’s 40th birthday in style.

Despite living alone, many miles from friends and family, Ali says she doesn’t get lonely. Far from it. “I don’t know if you’ve heard Jane Fonda’s description of life in three acts? I’ve entered my “Third Act” (60s to death) and loving every minute. There is a delicious sense of liberation, no longer burdened with the trappings of being a woman, hormones disappearing fast, along with the need to take care of everyone. She calls it self-actualising, becoming a more complete and honest version of myself, which has given me the chance to pursue and realize my dreams for the island and the lake. I feel happier now here in the wild than I’ve ever been in my life.”

*Ben Fogle: New Lives in The Wild launches Thursday 15 January 2026 on 5 and is then on catch-up. For an island getaway or a magical stay at Ali’s guest house, one mile south of the Equator, visit oneminutesouth.com

READ MORE: Pride of Britain hero double amputee plants Mirror flag in Antarctica as he makes history

A MAJOR railway line will experience significant disruption this weekend as engineering work is carried out.

Parts of the route, which serves one of the busiest airports in the UK, will be out of service until Monday, 19 January.

Network Rail has confirmed plans to carry out essential improvements to the railway between Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and East Croydon on Saturday, 17 January and Sunday, 18 January.

This marks the second consecutive weekend of maintenance works on this route, with more closures scheduled for Saturday, 24 January and Sunday, 25 January.

The essential engineering works will continue over the next few months, taking place on selected weekends until Sunday, 10 May.

Additional engineering works have been confirmed for Sunday, 1 February, Saturday, 21 February, Sunday, 22 March, and Sunday, 10 May.

RAIL BOOST

New railway line linking 2 cities given will go ahead after HS2 leg axed

ON TRACK

New railway line linking two massive UK cities is set to be announced tomorrow

Network Rail has advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance, with buses set to replace the service on the effected dates.

These buses will serve Brighton Main Line stops between Gatwick Airport and Purley / East Croydon, as well as the branch lines between Reigate and Redhill, and between Redhill and Tonbridge. 

In addition, a train service will run between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria using a diversionary route, calling at Clapham Junction. 

“The busy Brighton main line is among the most complex and congested routes in the country, with the infrastructure being some of the oldest and most intensively used,” said Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail Sussex route director.

“Because of this, we need to carry out this work to try to prevent delays to passenger journeys.”

The stretch of railway serves the Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services.

Key improvements to the route will include track renewal, a new electric conductor rail, earthworks, drainage repairs, bridge maintenance, and addition of road-rail access points.

Passengers are advised to check the Southern Railway website for the latest travel advice.

Just six miles from Sheffield, this charming South Yorkshire village hides the story of one of Britain’s deadliest Victorian floods that claimed 250 lives in 1864

Nestled in South Yorkshire lies the quaint village of Low Bradfield, a stone’s throw from the bustling city of Sheffield and the stunning vistas of the Peak District, making it an ideal spot for a getaway or day trip.

Situated just over six miles from Sheffield’s city centre in the Loxley Valley, Low Bradfield entices visitors with its appealing rural charm. It serves as the perfect escape for those seeking respite from urban life, boasting a fascinating history and numerous tranquil walking routes. Shadowed by the Agden Reservoir, Low Bradfield is twinned with High Bradfield, its sister village perched at a higher altitude merely half a mile away. The two delightful villages are connected by a steep lane, offering scenic views along the journey.

However, unlike its neighbour, Low Bradfield has a somewhat darker past, having been largely obliterated by a devastating flood. In 1864, the Dale Dike Reservoir’s dam wall ruptured, unleashing what is believed to be over 700 million gallons of water onto the valley.

This extraordinary burst claimed the lives of more than 250 people in the valley and swept away numerous buildings in the area. Fortunately, only one death was recorded in the village itself, as residents heeded warnings and evacuated in time.

However, their corn mill, blacksmiths, schoolrooms, and other structures did not survive the destruction, including the schoolmaster’s house and a farmhouse.

Meanwhile, High Bradfield boasts historical features that have remained unchanged for centuries beyond imagination.

At the village’s edge stands a man-made conical mound, approximately 10.5 metres tall, officially designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Although its exact origins remain a mystery, with experts suggesting it could be an ancient Saxon fortification.

Low Bradfield continues to be a charming destination today, notwithstanding its tragic past, with the village centred around an attractive local cricket ground, complemented by excellent pub and shop options.

Particularly noteworthy is The Plough Inn, now rebranded as the Bradfield Plough, a welcoming traditional venue featuring a crackling fire, oak beams and original exposed brickwork.

A recent visitor said on TripAdvisor: “The bar offers a great selection of ales, and the country atmosphere is so inviting. The staff were super chatty and friendly, making the experience even better. I’d definitely recommend booking ahead since it’s a popular spot. Highly recommend!”.

However, the village’s most photographed locations must be its stunning bridges, spanning the beautiful stream that flows through the village centre.

There’s Smithy Bridge, situated near a picnic spot, alongside Mill Lee Road Bridge. These structures serve as important landmarks for enthusiastic ramblers in the region and offer picturesque vistas of the Yorkshire Valley.

The village attracts numerous walkers who follow various paths, either along the river, towards its source or on longer treks to the Agden Reservoir.

Alternatively, eager adventurers often embark on the Great Sheffield Flood Walk, gaining insight into the valley’s history as they traverse through Low Bradfield and across the woodland and moors.

We checked into this quaint pubs-with-rooms in the picturesque Surrey Hills, now famed for its incredible cuisine as well as its cosy setting

In the heart of leafy Surrey Hills, The Merry Harriers, a 16th century village inn, offers a boutique stay along with hearty seasonal cooking. The warmth from the roaring fire was most appreciated on a blustery winter’s day, and walking into the cosy ambiance of the bar area, we could see why this place attracts so many visitors as well as locals, and is listed as one of The Good Food Guide’s 100 best pubs of 2025.

The food at The Merry Harriers

Eating in a snug room off the main dining area, lit with candles and decorated with homely furnishings, felt intimate and relaxed, like we were dining in someone’s front room. The menu consists of seasonal dishes using local produce. To begin, we opted for the sensational chicken liver parfait with plum ketchup, while for mains we devoured the pub’s version of bangers and mash, and the venison fillet served with neeps, buttered kale and fine beans.

It would have been rude not to try one of the tempting desserts on offer, so we went for the Jamaican ginger sticky toffee pudding, which was dripping with whisky toffee sauce and was both rich and warming.

Breakfast brought yet more treats, including Jacks chilli scrambled eggs served on fresh sourdough. We were let in on the secret to what makes the eggs so special. We won’t spoil the surprise, but we’ll definitely be trying it at home.

The rooms at The Merry Harriers

There are three different room types – inn rooms, garden rooms and shepherd huts (fire pits included) – to accommodate everyone from solo travellers to family groups. Up a staircase from the bar, our room was full of thoughtful touches, such as the radio quietly playing when we first walked in to carry on the cosy atmosphere from below. With idyllic views of the surrounding area, we were sure of a peaceful night’s sleep.

The local area

Despite being just 30 minutes from London, The Merry Harriers feels like true country living and it’s only a short drive from stunning National Trust locations such as Oakhurst Cottage and Hydon’s Ball and Heath. We had a mooch around the charming market town of Godalming, with buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Now packed with independent coffee shops and cafés as well as popular high street stores, it was perfect for exploring on a rainy day.

How much does it cost to stay at The Merry Harriers?

Rooms at The Merry Harriers start from £160 per night. Garden rooms and shepherd huts are dog-friendly but require a ‘pet charge’ when booking.

The stunning village is steeped in Roman history with fascinating bath house ruins, an award-winning pub, and a museum packed with ancient Roman artefacts.

There’s a ‘Roman village’ nestled in the heart of rural Lancashire that remains a hidden gem, teeming with historical ruins and delightful attractions.

Boasting a Roman museum, well-preserved remnants of a Roman Bath House, three historic churches, a Millennium Sculpture Garden and artist’s studio, an award-winning pub, a beautiful playground and a plethora of Roman artefacts scattered throughout – it’s safe to say this ancient riverside village offers plenty to explore.

Tucked away in the bend of the River Ribble, this medieval village is situated roughly halfway between Clitheroe and Preston in the ceremonial county of Lancashire. The name Ribchester translates to ‘fort beside the Ribble’, aptly reflecting the village’s rich Roman history.

The Romans referred to Ribchester as Brematennacum, given that the village was constructed on the site of a Roman fort named Bremetennacum Veteranorum.

Spanning approximately six acres, a significant portion of the Roman fort’s remains are currently buried beneath the village’s old church and its churchyard.

It was around the early 70s AD when the first known Roman fort was established in Ribchester, forming part of the network of defensive forts being constructed across northern Britannia during that period, reports Lancs Live.

The renowned Roman Bath House, built around 100 AD, catered to the needs of cavalry soldiers and locals alike until it fell out of use around 225 AD. Today, it remains a significant attraction, along with the Roman Granaries discovered in the village.

Like many other Lancashire villages, Ribchester experienced substantial growth due to the cotton industry in the 17th and 18th centuries, and numerous weavers’ cottages can still be seen scattered throughout this charming hamlet.

Other noteworthy structures in modern-day Ribchester include the 13th-century Church of Saint Wilfrid and the Village Hall, both of which are situated where the fort’s main buildings were believed to have been.

Another major Roman highlight in Ribchester is its esteemed Roman Museum, which was recently expanded and houses several important artefacts from that era.

Numerous archaeological excavations and extensive digs in Ribchester over the years have resulted in the unearthing of thousands of significant Roman artefacts, including coins, pottery, and jewellery.

Award-winning pub minutes away from Roman ruins

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Roman ruins is the award-winning pub, The White Bull.

This iconic listed property, built in 1707 and located in Ribchester’s old centre, has won the prestigious Bib Gourmand Award in the Michelin Guide 2008 and received multiple Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards over the years.

It’s located opposite authentic weavers’ cottages and sits within easy reach of multiple Roman sites, the historic church, the River Ribble’s banks, and the Ribble Way walking route. The Roman Bath House is positioned directly beyond the wall of their delightful garden space.

The White Bull in Ribchester is quite possibly one of Britain’s most photographed pubs, thanks to its distinctive ‘White Bull’ wooden sculpture mounted above the ‘Pillared’ frontage.

This characteristic was introduced when the premises functioned as a courtroom complete with a detention cell for local offenders.

The pillars, thought to be of Roman origin and part of ‘The Temple of Minerva’, a worship site during Roman times, were allegedly discovered in the river.

In 2019, The White Bull received an extensive renovation, with the principal objective of preserving all its historic features. Offering classic British cuisine with a modern edge using locally sourced produce, The White Bull has impressed visitors, with one diner saying on Tripadvisor: “Fabulous tasty lunch in front of a roaring fire today. Perfect on a cold frosty day.”

Another satisfied customer said: “It was our first time there but definitely not the last. From the beginning to the finish, it was first class. The welcoming staff, the food and the atmosphere were like a fine dining experience. The food plating and taste was out of this world. Good selection of beers! We will definitely be back again, definitely.”

The town sits on the western banks of Lough Derg and offers stunning lake views, historic buildings including St Flannan’s Cathedral, and a top-rated inflatable water park

Whether it’s the stunning lake vistas that captivate you or the historic structures nestled on its shores, this charming town provides the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Lough Derg, a freshwater lake in the River Shannon, cradles the town of Killaloe on its western banks, located in County Clare. Its position offers an idyllic backdrop for peace and serenity, with many opting to use the lake for swimming, sports, boat trips or even a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge.

One visitor, clearly taken by the lake, shared on TripAdvisor: “I guarantee you will not be disappointed with your visit to Lough Derg, even if you just sit in the car at the viewpoint it will have been worth the drive. The views and the scenery are so spectacular it will take your breath away.”

For those eager to dive right into the water, Killaloe boasts the country’s largest inflatable water park, situated along the picturesque lake. It happens to be the top-rated attraction in the area, perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors in a more exhilarating way.

Come rain or shine, families can put on a wetsuit and buoyancy aid and exhaust themselves for up to 50 minutes as they slip and slide into the beautiful lake. Many visitors who’ve participated can’t resist singing its praises on TripAdvisor.

One person shared: “We brought our 9 and 7-year-olds, and they absolutely loved it. Great fun had by all. Will definitely be returning next summer.”

Another visitor wrote: “Great fun for all ages! Everybody had a blast, and it was a really good way to have some good fun with the family. Would definitely go again.”

Beyond the entertainment, the region boasts a rich historical heritage, with fascinating stories told through its striking architecture.

This was once the stronghold of Brian Ború, Ireland’s last high king, whose mighty fortress dominated the town that served as the nation’s capital millennia ago.

Visitors can explore the site of Brian Boru’s Fort, where his palace once commanded the landscape, and discover more about his legacy at the purpose-built Brian Boru Heritage Centre.

Sharing this historic landscape is the magnificent St Flannan’s Cathedral, which stretches back to the 12th century and continues to draw tourists to the region.

The cathedral blends Romanesque and Gothic design features with distinctive carvings and Ogham stones, whilst also containing the final resting place of Muircheartaigh, the last O’Brien High King.

The building has benefited from substantial funding for conservation work, which has helped preserve and protect its splendour and significance as a Church of Ireland monument.

Stretching over the water, linking Killaloe with Ballina in County Tipperary, stands the Killaloe Bridge. This impressive 13-arch stone structure is thought to have been built around 1650, crafted from rubble limestone.

The structure remains protected, but it has undergone various modifications over the years, including an added memorial for four Irish Republican Army members who were sadly gunned down on the bridge in 1920.

Tourists will also notice a commemorative plaque marking the partial reconstruction of the bridge in the 1800s.

My favourite memory of Akyaka? The second evening of our most recent visit: the beach floodlit by the last embers of a flaming sunset, the mountains that stand sentry around the town softening into deep purple hues. Before our eyes, all was transformed: sunloungers stacked away, waiters whisking back and forth with tables, menus and small rechargeable lamps. A little further along, in one of the bar areas on the beach, a trio of Turkish women, their hair in shades of pepper and smoke, sat with their toes in the sand, happily knitting. I recalled other beaches in Turkey, where oligarchs and influencers preen and pose, and thought – yes, this is exactly where I want to be.

Akyaka – a small town, huddled on the eastern end of blue-washed Gökova Bay – is an old friend of mine. Thirty years ago, working as a holiday rep, I visited on a weekly basis, popping in to see the handful of clients who were staying at simple pansiyons (small B&Bs) in the town. Back then … well, actually, back then it wasn’t that different from today, which is something that can’t be said about many of the Turkish villages and small resorts I knew in the mid-1990s.

Of course, Akyaka has changed to some degree: more houses and hotels, the beach has been extended, and it’s now a major kitesurfing destination (more on that later), but it’s still got a lovely slow-paced, slightly ramshackle, properly authentic feel.

Part of that, I think, is due to its status as one of Turkey’s “slow towns”; a concept that focuses on preserving local traditions and culture, promoting quality of life and generally swerving all the worst excesses of tourist development. The town’s vibe is also partly the legacy of the Turkish poet and architect Nail Çakirhan, who retired there in 1971 and built a house that blended traditional Ottoman design with local materials. Others followed his lead, revitalising local crafts, most notably carpentry, and by the 1990s, the architectural standards established by Çakirhan were brought in for most new properties. The result is streets lined with elegant houses, their wood-carved balconies spilling over with bougainvillea, and not a modern, glass-walled box in sight.

It wasn’t until 2022 that I went back to Akyaka for a proper visit, with my husband, Mark – and promptly fell in love. The lack of big all-inclusive or sprawling resort hotels means it’s still mostly the preserve of Turkish tourists, who come for the fish restaurants that flank the banks of the sparkling Azmak River, to hike the paths that weave their way through the Akyaka orman (forest) that rises up from the western end of the beach, or simply to sit and knit their way through the day on the beach.

Since then, we have always stayed at the İskelem Otel, on the other side of the pine forest, a few minutes’ drive out of town. It’s one of three little hotels set on a small bay that opens out on to the gulf, and we were unsure at first; disappointed to find sunloungers on a wooden jetty and a lawned area, rather than a beach. But the warm, if surprised (“English? You are … English?”), welcome from Müjgan, İskelem’s charming receptionist, the glorious views from our bedroom, and the swift delivery of ice-cold Efes beer soon allayed any concerns. At night, the İskelem pulls a similar trick to Akyaka’s beach: sunloungers are swapped for linen-clad tables flickering with candlelight for dinner on the jetty surrounded by the sea.

And what dinners we’ve eaten: sea bream, crispy-skinned and tangy with lemon and salt; spiced Adana kebabs, the lamb smooth and dense; silky aubergine; yoghurt thick with garlic; and baklava that sticks to our fingertips and sends us to bed buzzing with sugar and honey and sticky pistachio filling. In the mornings, the gluttony continues, with more than a dozen dishes brought to the table: crispy börek (filo rolls) filled with feta cheese; neat piles of scarlet tomatoes and leafy parsley; honey; jams; omelette still sizzling from the pan. I tell myself a ferocious hour of paddleboarding will work it off, while Mark, who usually has a more taxing morning planned, tucks in with gusto.

For Mark, all of Akyaka’s beauty is trumped by the fact that it’s also one of the Med’s leading watersports destinations. The thermic winds that blow across the gulf from May to November rise in the late morning every day, regular as clockwork, always onshore, usually between 15 to 18 knots (all key factors, apparently). About 10 minutes’ drive out of town, Akçapinar Beach billows with branded kite-surf flags. By early afternoon, the sky is filled with dozens of brightly coloured canvas crescents whisking through the breeze, pulling tiny figures along in their wake. The shallow, sandy beach makes it a great spot for first-timers, whether kiting or wing-foiling.

Beyond the town and its blustery beach, there is much to explore: Göcek, with its gulets (wooden vessels) and sleek, sailing-hub vibe; the still, blue waters of Lake Köyceğiz, flanked by forests of sweetgums, perfect for a gentle, shady walk; and on Thursdays, Muğla market, the best in the region, which involves a breathtaking drive of switchbacks and hairpin bends up into the mountains. It is a world away from the knock-off handbags and “cheaper than M&S” patter that characterises more touristy markets.

Finding these authentic experiences is, for me, a key part of holidaying in Turkey these days. The truth is, the country is changing; what used to be a come-one, come-all summer sun destination has morphed into something far more fractured: part playground for the super-rich, with Maldivian-style luxury resorts that top £1,000 a night; part one-stop shop for health tourists seeking anything from hair transplants to gleaming veneers; part all-inclusive ghetto, with sprawling resorts where most guests never venture beyond the lobby. Hyperinflation and President Erdoğan’s economic policies mean prices are constantly increasing – and these are inevitably passed on to visitors, meaning Turkey is no longer the budget destination it once was.

But the good news is there are still places, like Akyaka, that refuse to be pigeonholed into those categories. And if you find a resort that mainly caters to a domestic clientele, you’ll find more reasonable prices. One of our favourite places to eat is the Azmak Çorba Salonu, where fresh-baked pide (Turkish pizza), sizzling grilled chicken and a parsley salad, tangy with sumac, costs about £30 for two.

If you’re looking for late-night cocktail bars, Michelin-esque restaurants or swanky spa resorts – and there are plenty of all three in Turkey these days – Akyaka won’t be for you. It’s not polished or glitzy, but my goodness, it’s beautiful. It’s Turkish coffee and simit (Turkish bagels) for breakfast, eaten while flicking through the Daily Sabah (an English-language newspaper); it’s backgammon on the jetty in the lazy hours of the afternoon; and it’s iced glasses of Efes as the sun dips and Gökova Bay glows iridescent blue and silver. Akyaka is the kind of place that makes me think – why would I go anywhere else in Turkey? Who knows, I might even take up knitting.

Rooms at the İskelem cost from £105-£260 B&B. In town, the beachfront Yücelen has traditional Ottoman design (doubles from £95 B&B). Rates correct at the time of going to press

Looking for a cosy winter getaway with fine dining and comfy rooms? Our writer Kirsty Thornley discovered this charming gastropub by Lake Bala in Wales

The Bryntirion Inn is a gem of a gastropub in North Wales, nestled in the picturesque Dee Valley. Dating back to 1695, it combines the character of a traditional village pub with a fine dining experience, and the added bonus of beautifully styled bedrooms to stay in.

The first thing you’ll notice is the lovely warm atmosphere – as soon as we entered the pub, we were welcomed by friendly staff and locals, a cosy log fire and a wonderful playful collection of classic car memorabilia collected by the owner, including half a car embedded in the wall! Dogs are welcomed in the restaurant, bar areas and bedrooms, making this a relaxed retreat for couples, families and four-legged companions alike.

The food at The Bryntirion Inn

Recently listed in the 2025 Michelin Guide, the food here is a huge draw, with a menu focusing on elevated pub classics using high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Our sweet chilli pork bites were delicious and beautifully presented – this is high end, restaurant-quality food.

The roast dinners are not to be missed, including traditional roast beef with all the trimmings and a wonderful crispy pork belly. The puddings were out of this world – the best sticky toffee pudding we’d ever tried, plus homemade ice creams. The drinks selection champions Welsh producers, and includes some Welsh wines – although we were rather partial to the delicious apple martinis.

The rooms at The Bryntirion Inn

The six individually themed rooms, each named after Welsh mountains, combine comfort and character, and are equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries. A standout feature is the continental breakfast hamper delivered to your door in the morning, which includes warm baguettes, pastries, cheeses and meats – a fabulous touch that allows for a relaxed start to the day.

What to do around The Bryntirion Inn

The local town of Bala is in the Welsh Lake District, the centrepiece being Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid), the largest natural lake in Wales, sandwiched between Snowdonia and the Berwyn mountains. It’s a great spot for watersports and is popular with fishing enthusiasts too. Walkers can enjoy the many walking routes along with the mighty peaks of Snowdonia and Bala Lake Railway provides a delightful hour-long ride along the lake’s shores from Bala to Llanuwchllyn.

We also visited the grand Victorian Palé Hall Hotel, which is a short walk away from The Bryntirion and somewhere to come back to on another visit as it does a fabulous afternoon tea.

How much does it cost to stay at The Bryntirion Inn?

Rooms at The Bryntirion Inn cost from £140 for two sharing a double room, including breakfast.

Situated between Denmark and Sweden, the ‘disappearing’ Øresund Bridge remains a powerful symbol of solidarity in Europe, and has even inspired a hit TV crime drama

Those who wish to sample the delights of Denmark and Sweden can visit both in just one day, thanks to a striking ‘disappearing bridge’.

With many of us eyeing up quirky travel destinations this summer, this intriguing construction is a bit of a must-see. Remember, however, it has a different name depending on what side of the crossing you’re on – Øresund in Danish and Öresund in Swedish.

What’s striking about this structure is that, while it begins as a bridge, it cleverly plunges into the ocean, transforming into a tube tunnel in such a way that makes it appear as though it simply vanishes beneath the surface. Completed in 2000, following a grand opening ceremony jointly hosted by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Øresund connects the two great cities of Copenhagen and Malmö. This astonishing rail and road bridge is the second longest in Europe, bested only by the 18.1km Kerch Bridge, which connects Kerch, in Crimea, with Taman, in Russia

READ MORE: UK’s longest tunnel is used by 900,000 people a day and runs for 17 miles

While you certainly won’t be short of things to do on either side of the Øresund Strait – also known as ‘the Sound’ – this landmark really is an experience in itself. It’s regarded as an important symbol of unity and cooperation between the two nations, as well as with the wider European countries, as signified in powerful imagery used during the 58th Eurovision Song Contest, held in Malmö in 2013.

According to the ICE civil engineering group, the iconic link is comprised of an 8km-long bridge, a 4km underwater tube tunnel, which doubles as an artificial reef for marine life, plus 4km of an intriguing manmade island called Peberholm, left alone for the environment to flourish untouched. This acts as a unique junction for the bridge, which sees an average daily footfall of 70,000 people.

A collaborative project between Swedish company Svedab and Danish firm A/S, Øresundsforbindelsen is equipped with a motorway exit for authorised vehicles only, plus a helicopter pad for use in traffic emergencies. Crossing fees are dependent on your mode of transport. Motorcyclists can expect to pay £25.68, while passenger cars shell out £50.77. For those driving vans, motorhomes or passenger cars with a trailer, the fee is significantly pricier at a hefty £178.55.

All in all, the structure is approximately 16km in length, and cost £2.3 billion (£4.8 billion in today’s money) to build over a period of five years. Project designers opted to incorporate a tunnel over fears that a complete bridge could well interfere with radio signals from nearby Copenhagen Airport. This design also means a readily available shipping channel, whatever the weather.

More than a quarter of a century on since it was first unveiled, Øresund is regarded as a roaring success, helping to improve economic prospects for both Denmark and Sweden, and is credited with helping to build a trading region of some 4.2 million people, known on the world stage as the Øresund Region.

A recipient of the prestigious IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, Øresund is also immortalised in popular culture, being a key setting for the Swedish/Danish TV crime drama The Bridge. Seaon one, which first aired in 2011, kicked off with the discovery of a body on the bridge, located just between the two countries.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

READ MORE: Boots £40 beauty box worth over £200 and is the ultimate pick-me-up to beat January blues

The L0 Series is a magnetic levitation train built in Japan that’s the fastest in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 375mph. It is currently in testing

A lightning-fast train currently under development could potentially whisk passengers from London to Edinburgh in around an hour. The L0 Series, a Japanese creation, is an electric train capable of reaching speeds up to 375mph, making it the world’s fastest.

This extraordinary machine, currently undergoing testing, uses Maglev technology for propulsion. Maglev operates by magnetically levitating the train above the tracks and then employing another electric motor for forward motion. These trains essentially glide through the air powered by magnets and electricity, enabling them to reach staggering speeds.

The L0 series is no exception, with Top Gear reporting that once operational, it aims to cruise at around 311mph, allowing it to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in roughly an hour.

If the L0 Series were implemented, this would equate to a journey time from London to Penzance in Cornwall of just under an hour. The same duration would apply for a trip from the capital to Edinburgh, reports the Express. The current travel time between these iconic UK destinations by trainis just shy of five hours.

But that’s not the only impressive achievement of the L0 Series. Back in April 2015, it managed to cover a staggering 2,525 miles in a single day. That’s akin to travelling from London to one of Europe’s most easterly cities – Sulina in Romania – and back again.

Predictably, such a remarkable feat of engineering doesn’t come with a modest price tag. The scheme has been pushed back by eight years owing to escalating expenses, reaching an eye-watering £52billion.

The Chuo Shinkansen line that will transport the train will connect Tokyo and Nagoya.

“The maglev has been plagued by difficulties excavating tunnels needed to accommodate the train’s high speeds”, reported The Asahi Shimbun.

Around 85% of the scheme involves tunnels, according to a board member from the firm overseeing the venture.

JR Central’s board signed off on the updated budget on October 29, although the organisation emphasised that the 2035 deadline remains tentative.

Meanwhile in the UK, the Government has confirmed the revival of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) which will deliver quicker journeys between northern cities.

This means passengers will be able to travel between destinations such as Leeds, York, Bradford, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, and return more rapidly than previously.

An initial £1.1bn has been allocated for preparation and planning, with the first building work not anticipated to commence until 2030, as the programme receives £45bn worth of improvements, including a new railway station at Bradford plus enhancements to several stations.

The year 2026 brings significant travel changes for Brits heading to the EU and beyond, so make sure you know the new rules coming into effect this year, and how they might impact your holiday plans

The travel landscape is always changing, with shifts in airport rules, tourism limitations, and additional paperwork often leaving holidaymakers puzzled about how the changes will affect them and what they need to do.

It seems that 2026 will see the way people travel change once more, especially for Brits journeying to or from the EU. The potential need for a visa waiver looms large, and the new entry and exit system is set to be introduced this year. But what does this mean for the typical holidaymaker?

Below is a rundown of some of the key travel rules you will want on your radar if you’ve got a trip lined up.

ETIAS – EU Visas

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new visa waiver programme for exempt visitors travelling to the EU. It’s a lot like the United States’ ESTA, and the process will be similar for those planning a European holiday.

Once in place, Brits planning an EU getaway will need to fill out an ETIAS application, which is a pre-screening that allows you to enter the Schengen Area without a visa. While the process will be simple, the main downside is that the visa will set you back €20 per person, about £17, with under 18s and over 70s exempt from the charge.

However, once approved, the ETIAS will remain valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. At present, no official launch date for ETIAS has been announced, but it’s wise to keep an eye out for any updates. Recently, Spain announced they were pushing the date back. It was thought that ETIAS would be required to visit the country by October 2026, but due to operational challenges, there will be a six month grace period, so it won’t be mandatory until April 2027.

As when applying for any travel visa or official document, it’s highly recommended to only use the official ETIAS website and avoid third-party sites.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

After multiple delays, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to be fully implemented by the deadline of April 10. Luckily, you don’t need to do anything once this system is in place, but Brits are being warned to they could face long airport queues upon arrival in the EU.

Once in place, anyone from outside the Schengen Area, including Brits, will have to submit fingerprints and a facial image at the border when entering all Schengen member countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It means the phasing out of manual passport stamps and is set to make it easier for EU officials to identify those who overstay.

Car passengers from the Port of Dover were set to go through the EES system from October, but the date has now been pushed back until “early 2026”, with no exact date confirmed.

Tourist tax hikes and higher attraction fees

Brits travelling to certain countries could get caught out by additional charges as governments try to tackle overtourism.

A growing number of destinations are introducing tourist taxes, and while these are usually small nightly fees, they can quickly add up for longer stays or larger groups. English mayors are also set to gain the power to impose tourist taxes, meaning even domestic holidays could carry extra costs.

New tourist taxes set to kick off in 2026 include Edinburgh, where a 5% surcharge will be added to hotel bills from July, and Thailand, which will impose a 300 baht fee (roughly £7) on air passengers.

Brits jetting off overseas may also find themselves forking out more than the locals to gain entry to popular attractions. A prime example is Paris’s Louvre, which recently declared that from early 2026, EEA residents will be asked to cough up €22 (approximately £19.15) for admission, while those outside the EEA, including Brits, will face a steeper €32 entrance fee (around £27.86).

U.S. National Parks are also planning to roll out a two-tier pricing system for American citizens and tourists. The latter group will be slapped with an extra $100 charge on top of standard fees to access famous parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. This additional cost can be charged per person or per vehicle, depending on the park’s rules.

For instance, a family trip to the Grand Canyon usually sets visitors back by $35 (roughly £25.87) for a private car. However, under the new regulations for non-Americans, this fee will rocket to a whopping $135, meaning tourists could end up shelling out just shy of £100 merely to cross the threshold.

Rowdy passenger fines

A new French law is cracking down on out-of-control passengers, a move that could soon be followed by other EU countries. Travellers flying through French airspace who break rules such as using electronic devices when asked not to, obstructing flight crew, or ignoring safety instructions, now face hefty fines of up to €10,000 and bans from flying for up to four years.

For those who repeatedly flout the rules, fines can rocket to €20,000, serving as a stern warning to be on your best behaviour when flying. The French Civil Aviation Authority will keep a record of misbehaviour, allowing French airlines to report troublesome passengers and pinpoint repeat offenders.

Changes to liquid rules

UK airports are working to abolish the 100ml liquids rule, with new high-tech scanners being rolled out which means passengers won’t need to adhere to the strict restrictions that have been in place for years.

There was an original deadline of June 2024 for all UK airports to have these in place, but this has been repeatedly delayed, with some airports having finished the roll out, and others still doing the upgrades. As a result, your best bet is to check the rules at your individual airport.

The UK government advises on its website: “At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full. Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to 2 litres of liquid.”

READ MORE: Beach resort with ‘best chance for sunshine’, 30C weather and £43 flightsREAD MORE: Inside Europe’s video game-themed all-inclusive where each room has its own console

Passengers at Birmingham, Gatwick, and Edinburgh airports can now pack up to two litres of liquids in their carry-on bags, thanks to upgraded scanning technology. Over at Luton Airport, while the 100ml rule still applies, there’s no need to separate liquids from your hand luggage anymore.

This means you can throw out those tiny plastic bags, and simply put your hand luggage on the belt, saving time when going through security.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that rules may vary at your destination. So, if you’re carrying a two-litre bottle from the UK in your hand luggage, you might have to stow it in your checked luggage for the return trip.

Tougher smoking and vaping restrictions

Several Spanish holiday destinations popular with Brits are planning stricter rules on smoking and vaping in public spaces. In some tourist magnets like Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, lighting up a cigarette or vape is already banned on beaches, while certain beaches in the Canaries have been designated as ‘clean-air zones’.

However, new proposals potentially coming into force in 2026 could see a blanket ban on smoking and vaping in various outdoor areas, including beaches and bar terraces across Spain, with instant fines for rule-breakers. In the Canary Islands, penalties for breaching anti-smoking laws currently range from €30 to €2,000 (roughly £26 to £1,730), so similar fines are expected to accompany the new regulations.

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

A flight attendant has shared insider secrets about flying – including the little white lies cabin crew tell passengers about coffee and temperature, plus what really happens to unfinished drinks

Flight attendants shoulder an enormous responsibility. Not only must they ensure passenger safety, but they’re also tasked with maintaining comfort and contentment throughout the journey.

The role demands extensive training and preparation – it’s far from straightforward.

These aviation professionals also possess a wealth of insider knowledge about the realities of air travel – and one cabin crew member has anonymously revealed their covert practices. Speaking to eShores, this flight attendant disclosed the harmless fibs they tell passengers – along with what becomes of those final drops of wine once the aircraft touches down.

They confessed to making one particular swap routinely in passengers’ best interests, reports the Express.

“When a business class passenger asks for a coffee on a night flight, I’ll make a decaf coffee just so that they can fall asleep”

But that’s not the sole untruth passengers might encounter. Aircraft cabins are notoriously frigid, yet should you request the attendants warm things up slightly, you might well be misled.

They admitted: “When passengers ask to have the temperature of the cabin turned up, we lie and say yes, we will turn it up, but really we don’t because we get warm walking around.”

Should you worry about catching a chill on your upcoming flight, it’s prudent to pack a scarf or blanket to drape around yourself, ensuring warmth regardless of the air conditioning settings. Another crucial point the cabin crew member highlighted concerns the water quality aboard aircraft.

With salty nibbles frequently on offer, passengers naturally become parched, but the onboard water supply might not be up to scratch.

They revealed: “The water tanks don’t get cleaned and are probably full of limescale, but we still drink it and use it for tea and coffee.”

It’s worth considering bringing your own bottled water if you harbour doubts about the taste of plane water, or alternatively opt for soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. That said, if you do indulge in a tipple, ensure you polish it off.

Any leftover alcohol at the conclusion of a flight gets poured straight down the sink. They explained: “We pour all unused wine and champagne down the drain before landing, even if it’s 3/4 full”.

Should such wastefulness trouble you, there’s always the option of decanting your unfinished beverage into your reusable water bottle to savour at a later time.

If you want to visit a seaside town that’s like stepping back in time, this pretty stretch of coast is full of well-preserved historic buildings and even has Britain’s oldest running Punch and Judy show

A day at the seaside is a classic British activity, but sadly, many of the charming traditions associated with these holidays are melting away as quickly as a dropped Mr Whippy as families opt to jet off on sunny breaks instead.

However, one seaside town in Wales has a range of old-fashioned holiday attractions to enjoy, and it even has a yearly festival dedicated to its Victorian heritage.

While Llandudno has roots dating back to the Stone Age, the area saw a huge amount of growth in the Victorian era as men flocked to the area to work in the copper mines, as well as fishing and agriculture. It was then developed into a seaside resort, with the addition of Llandudno railway station in 1858 bringing flocks of Victorians to the coast for fresh air and relaxation.

In the same year, a small wooden pier was added, offering a place for visitors to wander and enjoy the sea air. Around 20 years later, it was rebuilt as Llandudno Pier, which remains standing today with its distinctive Victorian cast-iron railings and domed buildings. There are cafes, bars, and shops along the walk, plus amusements and small fairground rides at the end of the pier.

Another marvel of Victorian engineering is the Great Orme Tramway, a funicular railway that climbs up through Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve to the peak of Great Orme. The tram station starts in a small station close to the pier, where you board these beautifully preserved vintage carriages. The route is about a mile long up the rocky cliffs and takes about 20 minutes, with spectacular sea and countryside views along the way.

Stop at the halfway station and you can explore Great Orme Mines, which date back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. First discovered in the 1980s, a huge network of tunnels has been uncovered since, and you can take a tour to explore this winding underground mine. Be warned, it’s not an experience for the claustrophobic, and you’ll need sensible shoes and clothing for safety reasons.

North Shore Beach is one of the town’s most popular attractions, especially on sunny days. While it’s mostly sandy and pebbly, there are softer areas where you can set up a blanket and build a sandcastle. You can even take a donkey ride along the promenade, which the kids will love. During peak season, you can enjoy Britain’s oldest running Punch and Judy show, which is performed by the fifth generation of the Codman family. The performers still use the original puppets from the town’s Victorian heyday, which were carved from driftwood found on the beach.

Llandudno has a lively town centre, also made up of modern buildings, such as a large shopping centre, alongside Victorian architecture. There’s a good selection of high street and independent shops, as well as cafes, pubs, and restaurants all a short walk from the seafront.

Visit during the May bank holiday weekends and you can enjoy the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, a free street fair that celebrates the town’s Victorian heritage. This year, it’ll run from May 2 to 4 with further dates to be confirmed.

READ MORE: Underrated seaside town with nudist beach and amazing highsteet named one of 2026’s must-visitsREAD MORE: The bustling market town that feels like stepping back in time

Along the streets, you’ll find vintage fairground rides such as old carousels, steam engine displays, and food stalls selling seaside favourites from candy floss to fish and chips. You can also book tickets for a traditional Victorian circus, as well as enjoy street entertainment and an overall wholesome atmosphere during these popular weekend events.

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

CONCERNS have been raised over the temporary closure of a British Isle airport in a £24million scheme to rebuild its runway.

The charming British Isle of Guernsey has long been loved for trips, with flights between 40 minutes to an hour, but the future of its airport hangs in uncertainty.

Plans were in place to improve Alderney’s only airport – approved back in 2022 – but delays and climbing costs have put the development on pause.

The plans, due to start in 2024, were for the airport to have a £24million renovation to improve services and have more flights to and from the island; there are currently around seven flights to Alderney a day.

The makeover would extend the runway so it could welcome larger planes as well as modernise the 1960s terminal building.

Guernsey officials warned the airport may need to close for an “extended period” to complete the scheme in the shortest time – work could start in 2027.

SAVVY SAVING

I retired at 35 after turning £100 into £1million in 5 years – now we travel

TOP OF THE WORLD

Take your pick from our 2026 Travel Hot List of 10 must-visit destinations

Chris Blythe, Alderney resident and pilot and flying instructor, said he was concerned about the possibility of the airport closure leaving islanders “cut off”.

Sharing his worry, Blythe spoke on BBC News and said: “I think it’s going to be pretty brutal for the people on the island to be cut off and there’s been nothing said yet about how we would get to Guernsey or the mainland.”

He added: “From the point of view of the people who will be working on the project, there’s going to be a whole load of workers… who are going to be trapped on the island with us.”

Blythe insists passengers deserved to have a runway which was up to specification and met minimum legal requirements.

The proposed scheme involved the reconstruction of the asphalt runway, to meet minimum aerodrome design standards. Blythe believes this “was always going to be the only option”.

Blythe said: “The main runway in Alderney is not very good, in light aircraft it doesn’t really matter that much but for commercial aircraft it needs to be better than that.”

He added: “I think the previous proposal to extend it and put ATRs in was ludicrous and I think anybody who knew much about aviation probably came to that conclusion.”

Historic market town on the edge of Dartmoor has a Victorian arcade, independent shops and cafes – but locals say the town has changed.

Devon boasts countless charming towns, yet despite growing up in the county and spending most of my life here, there remain several I’ve yet to explore. Last weekend, I ventured to one Devon town for the first time – a place brimming with independent retailers, stunning green spaces, and genuine character.

Nestled almost at the county’s heart and perched on northern Dartmoor’s fringe sits the market town of Okehampton. My journey from Plymouth took me by rail through Exeter, where I switched to a compact two-carriage train running along The Dartmoor Line.

The scenic route winds past sheep-dotted fields, riverside vistas, and countless oak trees. Upon nearing Okehampton, a rather austere cluster of modern housing on the town’s outskirts came into view.

This tree-inspired town derives its name from Old English, with “Ock” meaning oak, whilst “hamtun” refers to a farm or settlement. The Visit Okehampton website notes that the town’s “prominence began in the Saxon era”.

Their website added: “The name “Okehampton” is derived from Old English, with “Ock” meaning oak and “hamtun” referring to a farm or settlement, indicating that it was likely a settlement near oak trees.”, reports the Express.

Stepping off after the agreeable 40-minute rail journey, the moorland proximity was immediately apparent from the noticeably cooler air. A brief stroll into town awaits, either through a parkland area or down Station Road’s slope.

The town centre is a delight, boasting quality fabric shops, unique independent stores, a Victorian shopping arcade, and local cafes and bakeries.

The Visit Okehampton website paints a vivid picture of the arcade: “The Victorian Arcade in Okehampton is a truly fascinating place.”

It adds: “For a small rural market town, being home to an original Victorian Arcade is really a mark of pride and the people of Okehampton are justifiably proud of this historical gem.”

Okehampton is a town brimming with character and steeped in history. It even boasts an impressive castle site on its outskirts.

While you can’t enter without booking a guided tour, you can still catch a glimpse of the medieval remains by peering over the fence.

A beautiful old church stands proudly in the heart of Okehampton, and historic pubs and inns line the main stretch of Fore Street. I popped into The Pig Pen Cafe for a coffee and a slice of cake.

I then stumbled upon a fantastic organic fruit and veg shop in Red Lion Yard, another part of the town just off Fore Street, dotted with ancient buildings and several excellent shops.

Among them was an antiques shop, a few independent clothing retailers selling stylish garments, and the Enchanted House Beds shop, which caught my eye with its Devon-made goods.

I had a chat with a friendly local woman in the New ‘2’ You shop next to The Cubby Hole antiques, located at one end of The Okehampton Victorian Arcade. She informed me that current roadworks are causing some disruption in the town.

Several road diversions are currently in place as Wales & West carry out an “essential gas upgrade project”, leaving residents in Okehampton struggling with disrupted car journeys – and the gas upgrade won’t be finished any time soon.

Wales & West Utilities state on their website that the upgrade is “progressing well” and the “£305,000 project” aims to upgrade gas pipes in the Exeter Road area of Okehampton.

They explained that the works “are essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations”.

Gas pipe upgrades are taking place across the country at various times, but for a small town like Okehampton, this can create significant problems as residents find it difficult to leave and visitors battle to enter the town.

A local woman I spoke to also mentioned that “so many of the fields have now been built on” which has “changed the town”, though I’m hardly surprised that more people are drawn to this charming spot with its authentic Devonian character – I just hope the new homes are affordable for local folk.

THE UK is home to some brilliant places to head off on a staycation, with one spot in particular recently being named one of the best places to visit this year.

Hastings, sat on the south coast, features the perfect blend of history, beaches and independent shops.

And now the seaside town has just been named one of the best places to visit in 2026 by Time Out, due to a range of exciting reasons.

Time Out said: “Hastings and St Leonards has been up-and-coming, with what locals call DFLs (down from Londoners) for a few years now, and that’s not going to slow down in 2026.

“It’s well known that Hastonians love a good knees-up, and every year the seaside town has a calendar packed full of cultural and community events: the incoming year has the usual festivals, including Fat Tuesday, Jack and the Green and Pirate Day, all on the books for 2026 already.”

One reason the seaside town will be particularly special to visit this year is that 2026 marks the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Read more on travel inspo

SUN SWAP

I’ve visited Florida 50 times… my holiday costs less than a European all-inclusive

LUCKY DIP

I tried Wowcher’s £99 Mystery Christmas Market – everything you need to know

To mark the 960th anniversary, there will be a huge wargame with thousands of mini figures that will re-enact the battle where William the Conqueror took the throne.

Down the road from Hastings itself, is Battle Abbey – which sits next to the field where the battle took place.

Today it is an English Heritage site that you can visit for £17.50 per person to learn about the battle in the visitor centre and experience an audio tour that re-enacts the battle.

The abbey itself was founded by William after the conquest and is said to be sitting on the exact spot that King Harold died.

Back in Hastings there are plenty of other things to see and do.

In Hastings Old Town, you can explore lots of antiques shops – particularly on George Street.

If you aren’t into treasure hunting, then Hastings has a lot of modern, independent shops as well.

It is also in the Old Town where you will find the UK’s steepest funicular railway in use today.

It originally opened in 1902 and boasts amazing views of the beach below.

A return journey ticket costs £5.50 per person.

For art lovers, there is Hastings Contemporary which is right by the beach and is home to contemporary and modern British art – tickets cost £11 per person.

The beach is a pretty spot worth exploring too – it features a mix of sand and shingle and has a promenade with arcades and fish-and-chip spots.

Along the beach, you can venture onto Hastings Pier, for example.

The pier has an open design with stunning views of the sea and features cafes, a restaurant and even a sauna.

One recent visitor said: “Hastings Beach is a beautifully balanced seaside experience offering nostalgia, waves, and local life all in one.

“Whether you’re here for a lazy lunch, paddle sports, a dip, or simply soaking up that Old Town vibe by the sea, it’s a great spot to unplug and enjoy a British beach day with character.”

Another visitor said: “This beautiful stony beach offers a peaceful and well-maintained setting, with a remarkably quiet atmosphere.

“The area is exceptionally clean and tidy, and the locals are warm and welcoming.

“It was well worth the two hour drive from Sutton, and I would highly recommend it as a destination for families.”

If you walk for around 20 to 30 minutes along the promenade, you will reach St Leonards too, which is actually nestled within Hastings.

According to Time Out, “neighbouring St Leonards is quickly becoming a trendy coastal epicentre to give Margate a run for its money“.

Here you will find art galleries, more independent shops and top coffee spots.

Foodies should head to The Royal – a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant – which can be found in a Victorian building in the town centre with a vintage feel inside.

Dishes include pork loin and apple sauce for £19 or rare sirloin of beef with horseradish cream for £23 – both include roast potatoes, carrots, Yorkshire pudding, greens and gravy.

It takes just under two hours to drive to Hastings from London, or you could catch the train from London Bridge, with it taking around one hour and 23 minutes.

If you want to explore other top spots in the UK, here’s an under-the-radar seaside village that’s one of the coolest places in the UK – with £2.50 pints and beach saunas.

Plus, there’s an unlikely city that’s fast becoming one of the coolest places in the UK – with plans for £76million arena.

Brits are eyeing up lesser-known destinations this year – with cost and memorable experiences driving choices

Gozo Island, the Outer Hebrides, and Lapland in the summer are among the more unexpected destinations Brits are eyeing up for their 2026 holidays. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 43% anticipate visiting locations they wouldn’t have previously considered, indicating a growing interest in unconventional travel spots.

This trend appears to be particularly prevalent among younger generations, with a whopping 67% of Gen Z planning to venture off the beaten path this year. While some still have their sights set on well-trodden tourist spots like Sardinia in Italy or Madeira, Portugal, the list of desired destinations also features lesser-known locales.

A quarter of those surveyed cited cost as a motivating factor in their choice of less frequented destinations, as many holidaymakers seek to get more bang for their buck.

However, the study found that travellers aren’t necessarily hunting for the cheapest getaway, many are after the most rewarding one. Over two-fifths are selecting their destination based on the potential for unforgettable experiences.

For many, the value of a holiday is as much emotional as it is practical. For 43%, a holiday feels worthwhile if it provides a respite from everyday stresses.

Adam Bullock, UK director at TopCashback, which commissioned the research, said: “For many people, value is about the joy and memories they get back from it – the kind of getaway that feels exciting and genuinely worth talking about when they return.

“And whether someone is looking for a hidden gem or a more familiar destination, they can put more of their budget towards the parts of the trip that matter most by going outside of the peak season, using cashback, or searching for the best deals far in advance.”

After exploring less frequented destinations, holidaymakers aspire to describe their experiences as authentic (35%), enriching (29%), and eye-opening (31%).

Looking ahead to 2026, 44% of participants expressed a preference for taking a series of shorter, less costly trips with the goal of seeing more of the world, compared to the 19% who would opt for one larger holiday during the year.

This trend might account for the interest in other European hotspots such as Latvia or Montenegro that Brits are keen to visit.

TOP 30 2026 TRAVEL HOTSPOTS ACCORDING TO BRITS:

1. Sardinia (Italy)

2. Madeira (Portugal)

3. Outer Hebrides (Scotland)

4. Azores (Portugal)

5. Tromsø (Norway)

6. Lapland (Finland)

7. Gozo Island (Malta)

8. Faroe Islands (Denmark)

9. Latvia (Northern Europe)

10. Slovakia (Central Europe)

11. Montenegro (Balkan region)

12. Svalbard (Norway)

13. Moldova (Eastern Europe)

14. La Gomera (Canary Islands)

15. Transylvania (Romania)

16. Alta (Norway)

17. Rovaniemi (Finland)

18. Panama City (Panama)

19. Chiang Rai (Thailand)

20. Kiruna (Sweden)

21. Nuuk (Greenland)

22. North Macedonia (Central Balkans)

23. El Hierro (Canary Islands)

24. Bosnia & Herzegovina (Balkan Peninsula)

25. Georgia (Caucasus region)

26. Serbia (Southeast and Central Europe)

27. Albania Riviera (South-western Albania)

28. Uzbekistan (Central Asia)

29. Belgrade (Serbia)

30. Baku (Azerbaijan)

Popular holiday destinations including Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt have been named in the alert

The Foreign Office issued an urgent travel warning for 16 countries, raising serious concerns. The alert comes following developments in a region visited by hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers each year.

The new advisory affects popular holiday hotspots including Turkey, Dubai, Cyprus and Egypt, with officials urging travellers to ‘take extra precautions.’

This comes after Iran abruptly shut down its airspace to commercial flights early on Thursday without providing any explanation, amid continuing tensions with the United States over Tehran’s brutal crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.

The shutdown, which lasted more than four hours according to pilot guidance issued by Iran, impacted a critical East-West flight corridor. International airlines were compelled to reroute north and south around Iran. However, following one extension, the closure appeared to have lifted with multiple domestic flights taking off just after 7am local time.

Iran has previously shut its airspace during the 12-day conflict with Israel in June and during exchanges of fire with Israel during the Israel-Hamas war. Nevertheless, there are no signs of current military action.

“Several airlines have already reduced or suspended services, and most carriers are avoiding Iranian airspace,” said the website SafeAirspace, a resource offering information on conflict zones and air travel. “The situation may signal further security or military activity, including the risk of missile launches or heightened air defense, increasing the risk of misidentification of civil traffic.”

Fears are growing that possible military intervention by President Trump targeting Iran could spark broader regional tensions, potentially leading to violence and major disruption to travel plans.

In an updated advisory issued today, the Foreign Office cautioned: “There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.

“British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.”

Full list of countries in alert:

• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen
• Syria
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Oman
• Libya
• Lebanon
• Kuwait
• Jordan
• Iraq
• Egypt
• Cyprus
• Bahrain
• Iran

Iran has a history of confusing civilian planes with military targets. Back in 2020, Iranian air defences mistakenly brought down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 with two surface-to-air missiles, killing all 176 people on board.

For days afterwards, Iran vehemently denied shooting down the plane, branding such accusations as Western misinformation, before ultimately accepting culpability.

The airspace limitations have been put in place as selected personnel at a key American military base in Qatar were ordered to leave. At the same time, the US Embassy in Kuwait has directed its staff to “temporary halt” trips to various military sites throughout the compact Gulf nation.

US President Donald Trump left the world in suspense on Wednesday with a series of cryptic remarks, casting doubt over whether America would take action against Iran.

Addressing journalists, Mr Trump stated he had been informed that planned executions in Iran had been halted, though he provided scant details.

This shift in stance follows Mr Trump’s assurance to Iranian protesters the day before, promising that “help is on the way” and his administration would “act accordingly” in response to the Islamic Republic’s harsh crackdown.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also sought to ease tensions, urging the US to opt for a diplomatic resolution.

When quizzed by Fox News about what message he would convey to Mr Trump, Mr Araghchi replied: “My message is: Between war and diplomacy, diplomacy is a better way, although we don’t have any positive experience from the United States. But still diplomacy is much better than war.”

The mellowed rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran surfaced just hours after Iran’s judiciary chief demanded swift punishment for the thousands who have been detained.

Activists warned that the execution of detainees could be imminent. The ruthless response by security forces to the protests has resulted in at least 2,615 deaths, as reported by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

The death toll surpasses any previous wave of protest or civil unrest in Iran in recent decades, harking back to the chaos during the nation’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.