TRAVEL

The 5-star resort has won Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the World Travel Awards for the second year running, and lucky guests can enjoy a wide range of facilities that include a whopping 10 pools

A luxury hotel nestled on a peninsula in Corfu has grabbed the title of Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the World Travel Awards for the second year running.

Ikos Odisia bagged the prestigious award in 2024 and has won again in 2025 for its resort situated on the tranquil eastern coast of the island, within the serene Dassia Bay area. Considering this modern resort only welcomed its first guests in 2023, it’s quite an achievement. So, what sets this all-inclusive holiday apart from the rest?

When you’re holidaying at an all-inclusive resort, a top-notch pool is a must-have, and Ikos Odisia doesn’t disappoint with a staggering 10 heated outdoor pools to pick from. There’s also a splash pool for the little ones and an indoor pool in the spa area.

And if you prefer your own space, rooms with private pools are on offer, including brand new three and four-bedroom villas set to launch in summer 2026, reports the Express.

Once you’ve claimed your sunlounger, you can simply sit back and bask in the sunshine, with towel service and waiting staff on hand to deliver your chosen cocktail. The same high standard of service extends to the hotel’s sandy beach, decked out with cushioned loungers and parasols, ensuring you can settle in comfortably after a refreshing dip in the azure sea.

Another spot to relax is the resort’s opulent spa, which boasts a thermal suite featuring a sauna and steam bath, a spa pool with stunning sea views, and an array of high-end treatments. If you’re holidaying with little ones and fancy some peace, kids’ clubs are on hand for children aged six months and up, offering both morning and afternoon sessions.

For those under four, there’s an additional charge for the creche. However, for 4-12-year-olds, the kids’ club is part of the package and provides a vast selection of activities to keep them entertained all day.

Guests can also book activities like paddleboarding, yoga classes, tennis, or a round of golf. Complimentary bike hire is available if you fancy exploring the peninsula, and the resort can organise electric car hire should you wish to venture further afield.

Dassia boasts numerous stunning beaches, offering popular activities from sailing to water skiing, so it’s well worth taking some time to explore.

When it comes to all-inclusive dining, many might envision chaotic buffets, but at Ikos Odisia, you’re spoilt for choice. While a Mediterranean buffet is available for all-day dining, there are also seven à la carte restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisine, including Greek, Spanish, Peruvian, and Asian options, complemented by an impressive premium wine list.

Naturally, it’s always nice to venture out from the resort in the evenings to sample some local cuisine. As part of your all-inclusive package, you can take advantage of the Dine Out option at three local restaurants. This allows you to experience the local cuisine and soak up the town’s atmosphere without any additional cost.

As dusk falls, why not pop into one of the resort’s cocktail bars for a pre-dinner drink?

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The hotel also offers a variety of entertainment options, ranging from live music to fireworks displays, as well as beach parties to fully embrace those balmy summer nights. For more information about Ikos Odisia and to make a booking, visit their official website.

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

The world’s longest suspension bridge is currently in Turkey but a new record could be held if the government in Italy gets its way with its hugely ambitious Messina Bridge project

The world’s longest suspension bridge has been given the green light – and it could prove hugely popular with Brits. Just four months ago, the Italian government’s plans to build the longest suspension bridge in the world was approve. It would connect the mainland region of Calabria to Sicily.

However, a lot can happen in that time. The controversial Messina Bridge project, which would cost a staggering £11.7bn, faced a huge stumbling back last month, meaning it is once again on hold. But more on that shortly.

If the bridge ever gets built along the Strait of Messina, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni still intends, it would be a hugely ambitious infrastructure challenge that has been talked about in Italy for decades.

The colossal bridge, consisting of two towers stretching 400-metres (1,300 feet), would span an incredible 3.3km (2.05 miles). Three lanes of traffic would sit either side of two railway lines in the middle.

It would be particularly welcomed by Brits travelling in Italy, because it would cut their journey to Sicily to just ten minutes, compared to taking the ferry, which can take a lot longer than the 30 minutes crossing when you factor in the immense queuing at peak times.

Speaking earlier this year, Meloni said: “It is not an easy task but we consider it an investment in Italy’s present and future, and we like difficult challenges when they make sense.”

Transport minister Matteo Salvini spoke in August that the goal was to have it built between 2032 and 2033. He also boasted that 120,000 jobs a year would be created, something he said would bring economic growth to the poor regions of Sicilia and Calabria, which is on the tip of Italy’s boot.

Rome was given the approval for the project in August after years of the plans being scrapped. One of the biggest reasons plans have been halted historically was concerns of mafia fraud, including worries about taxpayers’ money being siphoned off by the Sicilian and Calabrian gangsters.

Other concerns have repeatedly been raised about environmental damage, cost and safety, and given the region is one of the most seismically active areas in the Mediterranean, designers promised the Strait of Messina Bridge would be able to withstand earthquakes.

However, last month, yet another setback was reported, after an Italian court ruled the bridge would go against EU environmental and tender rules.

The Court of Auditors ruling concluded: “The assumptions regarding the various ‘reasons of public interest’ are not validated by technical bodies and are not supported by adequate documentation.”

But the Italian government is refusing to give up and has vowed to review the ruling carefully and continue with its ambitions of making the bridge a reality.

As well as still having to convince the Italian Court of Auditors and both national and EU environmental agencies, there would also be pushback from the 4,000 residents who live either side of the Strait.

Their homes would be at risk of demolition and this could mean legal challenges regarding having to abandon their properties.

As it stands, the current world’s longest suspension bridge is the 915 Canakkale Bridge in Turkey – which connects Asia to Europe and takes six minutes to cross.

Construction across the passage of water (Dardanelles Strait) started in 2017 and it only became open to the public three years ago. Journey times have been cut by up to 93%.

This means 90-minute ferry trips can be avoided by using the bridge that starts in Gelibolu, Turkey, which is based on the European side of the country, to the Asian town of Lapseki.

A British travel expert has shared the location of what she believes to be the most beautiful place on Earth, advising others of five things to know before planning a visit to the breathtaking scenery

Following her visit to what she hailed as the “most beautiful place on Earth”, a travel expert has compiled a list of five essential pointers for anyone wanting to experience this breathtaking destination themselves. Emma Ansley Knight turned to TikTok after returning from the Brazil-Argentina border in South America, describing her journey as “such a bucket list moment”.

“Literally felt a tear come down my face when I stood over the Devil’s Throat waterfall for the first time,” she added. “Just amazing how powerful nature can be.” She went on to explain that the Brazilian side of her destination offers roughly a 1.5km walk with “beautiful panoramic views” of the cascades, which she suggests tackling first.

“Someone said that from the Brazilian side you can see the falls, and from the Argentinian side you can feel the falls, which I thought was a great way of describing it,” Emma said. The Argentinian side is quite different, however, featuring multiple walking routes and providing more of a “full day experience”, she added.

Her destination? Iguazu Falls. Also referred to as Iguaçu Falls, it sits on the Iguazu River and forms part of the world’s largest waterfall network.

“If you want to see the falls at their absolute fullest, you are best off going in the rainy season, which is roughly between November and March,” Emma advised.

“We went in December and just before that it had rained so much that the flow of the falls was five times higher than usual.”

She went on to describe the Devil’s Throat, the most impressive cascade at Iguazu Falls. “You can see the water thundering down it from the Brazilian side,” she said.

“And on the Argentinian side, you can head along a walkway and stand pretty much right at the top of it – and wow, what an experience that was.”

Regarding accommodation options, Emma outlined several choices. “On the Brazil side, you have Foz do Iguaçu, which is where we stayed. And on the Argentina side there’s Puerto Iguazu – and if your budget allows, you can even stay in the National Park itself.”

Emma concluded by reminding visitors that crossing from one side of the falls to the other requires passing through border control, meaning you must make sure you have your passport with you.

Iguazu National Park achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986 due to its exceptional natural splendour. Its website advises: “The semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site is some 80m high and 2,700m in diameter and is situated on a basaltic line spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil.

“Made up of many cascades producing vast sprays of water, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The surrounding subtropical rainforest has over 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to the typical wildlife of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.”

To get to the destination from Brazil, you can catch a flight from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to the local airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu. The journey from Rio takes roughly two hours, while flights from Sao Paulo shave off about 15 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Buenos Aires in Argentina, you can fly directly to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Iguazu. This flight is slightly quicker, clocking in at around one hour and 50 minutes.

Surrounded by a stunning coastline, the UK has some breathtaking beaches to visit – here are five of the best hotels to stay at which make the most of their magical seaside locations

If you are dreaming of escaping the chaos of everyday modern life but don’t want to travel abroad, the UK has some idyllic beaches and beautiful coastline destinations to explore.

Treat yourself to a well-deserved break at a spot Queen Victoria compared to a scene from a fairytale ballet, try your luck at dolphin and seal spotting or relax in acres of subtropical gardens above a sandy cove before snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

From balmy Cornwall and sunny Devon to the remote Isle of Harris via Snowdonia National Park, the new Good Hotel Guide shared with us this year’s five Editor’s Choice picks for the best seaside hotels, which offer something for everyone.

With ‘all the comforts one could possibly desire’, the Ashworth family’s much-loved hotel stands in two-acre subtropical gardens above sandy Carne Beach in the unspoilt National Trust landscape of the Roseland Peninsula. Appealing to guests of all ages, with its country-house comforts and timeless charms, it is perfect for multi-generational family stays. The well-trained, friendly staff ‘make it so special’ say Guide readers.

The least-pricey country-view bedrooms have comfy seating and such pleasing touches as fresh flowers and fruit, magazines, a Roberts radio and Penhaligon bath products. Facilities include a lounge, drawing room, sun lounge, bar, library, conservatory and gym, plus indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and croquet. There is a lift, and public rooms have access for a wheelchair user. Days can be spent building sandcastles, investigating rock pools, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, walking the Southwest Coast Path or waterborne exploration aboard the hotel’s motor launch Alice Rose.

You can dine à la carte in the Quarterdeck seafood brasserie, on the terrace, or in the dining room from a five-course fixed-price menu, where silver service, and hors d’oeuvres and cheese trolleys hark back to a more civilised age, and “being able to choose from a sumptuous selection of puds is true luxury”. They serve cream teas (of course), a cracking Sunday lunch, and early supper for children under seven. Dogs are allowed in the bedrooms and gardens, and Carne is one of the few beaches locally that permits dogs all year round, though be sure to follow the Canine Code.

Country-view doubles from £406.

Walls of windows afford glorious Atlantic views from Emma Stratton’s fun hotel on the clifftop above a sheltered, sandy beach with caves and rockpools. Built in the Californian Modern style, with Scandi-inspired interiors, it was launched by Emma’s father, a farmer and engineer, in 1959, and, while evolving with the decades, it still reflects his passion for sustainability.

This is very much a child-friendly family affair with spacious sea and countryside-facing bedrooms, some sleeping three or four. In a separate building, apartment suites for four to six guests have a separate bedroom or bunkroom for the kids, a living area and a Juliet balcony or a patio (choose a ground-floor apartment and the dog can come too). Two-hour sessions for children under five are offered in the play-space crèche, with a kids’ club for over-fives, so parents have a bit of a breathing space, perhaps for spa treatments, wellness classes or a steep in the hot tub in the sensory spa garden.

An all-day menu in the Wild Café caters to every taste, with nibbles, salads, sandwiches, pies and grills, moules frites, fish and chips, risotto… Adults can sip cocktails in the bar and on the terrace, with wine tastings and sophisticated dining in Ogo restaurant. Menus reflect the hotel’s values of locality and seasonality, with such dishes as whole lemon sole with mussel butter, rock samphire and elderflower caper sauce; Mora Farm roasted cabbage with smoked potato, Cornish gouda and potato skins. Walk the Coast Path to sharpen your appetite.

B&B doubles from £129 .

Centred on a cosy, beamed pub in a stunning situation above Babbacombe Beach, Lana de Savary’s dog-friendly spa hotel is a resort in its own right. “It’s a beautiful spot,” noted Queen Victoria as she sketched the scene from offshore, “…red cliffs and rocks with wooded hills like Italy and reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs appear – such rocks and grottoes, with the deepest sea on which there was no ripple.”

The descent by road is a little hairy but there are moorings for yachting folk who come by water. Guests have a choice of ten coastal-chic inn rooms and suites, some for a family, as well as eight beach huts, beach suites and fishermen’s cottages. All rooms have a mesmerising sea view and are supplied with an espresso machine, a decanter of sloe gin, and Temple Spa bath products, and have a private terrace or balcony from which to spot dolphins and wave to Sammy the seal. The Shell Suite has a kitchenette, log burner and patio. Beach huts have a mezzanine bedroom, a waterfall shower, bifold doors to a decking area. Check for late availability for surprisingly low prices.

Dinner in the scenic restaurant might include Brixham crab and mussels, steak and ale pie, fish and chips, courgette pappardelle with smoked mozzarella and wild-garlic pesto. When the sun shines, they host lobster barbecues with live music, and days can be spent paddleboarding, sea kayaking, on mackerel fishing trips and generally messing about in boats.

B&B doubles from £175.

Perennially popular with readers, some of whom will have known it from childhood, this long-established hotel, in a hillside location, set back from the road, was founded at the dawn of the Edwardian era and received its first paying guests in 1904. Originally a somewhat eccentric mock-Tudor-cum-château edifice, for more than a century it was owned by the Cave family, who expanded and modernised it, with a 1960s facelift, and the addition of an extra floor in the 2000s. So it was that, when they sold it in October 2025, BLS UK Hotels acquired not just a hotel but a legacy of good will, and the new owners are pledged to retain the same staff and same values. This will be important to a faithful following who want continuity not fad and fashion, home comforts not hipster vibes.

The location is “fabulous”, overlooking golf course, dunes and sandy beach. The amenities are excellent, with three sea-view lounges for afternoon tea, a tennis court, nine-hole golf course, heated indoor swimming pool and spa bath. Dogs and kids are welcome. Spacious bedrooms, some for a family, with sea or hillside views, are decorated in coastal colours and have ample seating.

You can order from a lounge menu, while, in the restaurant (dress code smart casual), the menu features such dishes as garlic and thyme roast chicken with thyme jus, beef medallions with wild mushrooms and café de Paris butter, baked Mediterranean vegetable and goat’s cheese cannelloni.

B&B double from £270.

Forget promenades and bandstands, crowded beaches and candy floss, amusement arcades and bucket-and-spade shops – only Machair and sheep-grazed pasture lie between Patricia and Tim Martin’s Georgian manse and the Atlantic, in this sublime, end-of-the-world location on the Isle of Harris, against a backdrop of heather-clad hills. It provides the cosy ambience you want after outdoorsy days of hiking, wildlife spotting, swimming, surfing and sailing, with a library and first-floor drawing room where you can take afternoon tea by an open fire.

Maud the pug, Brodie the spaniel and moggies Mister and Wee Hamish are quite amenable to sharing the library, but drawing-room and dining rooms are out of bounds for visiting hounds, who are charged at just £25 a stay (maximum two). Bedrooms (three in an annexe) are traditional cottage style with patterned wallpapers, solid wood furniture and pretty china. All have views of garden, beach or hills; two have sitting areas with sofa and wrap-around windows.

An early supper is laid on for children before guests gather convivially for drinks and a set-price dinner of such sophisticated dishes as langoustine bisque with rouille and smoked scallop mayonnaise; roast quail and porcini risotto. A separate menu for vegans and vegetarians might include timbale of ratatouille, red pepper sabayon; Puy lentil, fennel and celeriac casserole, Strathdon blue cheese, honey and truffle vinaigrette. A hearty breakfast brings freshly squeezed orange juice, organic porridge with cream, Stornoway kipper, a full Scottish. They’re closed now until April, so look (and book) ahead.

Doubles, B&B, £315 per night for stays of 2 or 3 nights.

IF you’re ready to look ahead to 2026 and start planning your family trips for spring and summer, you might be looking at big names like Butlin’s, Haven and Eurocamp.

My family of five has had some great breaks at all three, but prices can quickly add up – especially if you need to travel during the school holidays. So how can you bag a bargain and get away for less?

Here’s my top tips for shaving some money off your booking, so you’ll have more cash to splash when you’re on your break. 

Before you book

There’s a few tricks of the trade that work across all three brands, whether you are sucker for a staycay or fancy a foreign foray.

The first thing to do is to check out any discount schemes available to you, to to see what savings they offer. 

A Blue Light Card, which is available to teachers, emergency services and military personnel, offers money off holidays at Butlin’s, Haven and Eurocamp.

Costing £5 for two years, I usually save about £20 to £30 per break, which all adds up if you’re going on a few getaways over the course of the year. 

If you have roadside cover with the AA or are in a scheme like Kids Pass, they often have holiday discounts – including £50 off at Haven currently.

Cashback sites like Quidco or Topcashback are also a great way to claw back a bit of holiday cash.

By signing up to one of these websites, you get a percentage of your spend back by clicking through a link to book at Butlin’s, Haven or Eurocamp.

You can also sometimes get an added bonus on top, especially during sales periods like Black Friday or the January sales.

I’ve had a payout of almost £50 on a Butlin’s booking before, although it can take several months for cashback to be tracked and appear in your account, so this method isn’t instant as an upfront discount.

Supermarket loyalty schemes partner with some holiday chains and are a good way of making money you spend on your food shop work harder for you.

If you’ve saved a stash of Tesco Clubcard points, these can be converted into vouchers to use at either Eurocamp or Butlin’s and are worth double what they would be if spent in store.

So if you’ve got £10 of points, you’ll get a voucher worth £20 to spend.

Bear in mind that using Clubcard vouchers can tie you in to paying the list price for your holiday, so you do need to be a bit savvy and work out if a discount code would save you more than your Clubcard points are worth.

If you don’t shop at Tesco, you could collect Nectar points when you’re booking with Eurocamp and those points can then be spent on Eurostar or British Airways to travel abroad at a later date.

Price promises and spreading the cost

There’s lots to be said for booking early and spreading the cost of your holidays, whichever of the big names you’re using.

I’m currently paying a bit each month towards holidays at both Haven and Butlin’s in 2026, because both of them have a price promise that means you’ll get money back if your holiday costs less at a later date.

You do need to keep checking to see if you’ve bagged the best price, but if you’ve booked direct and find your holiday cheaper on either Haven or Butlin’s websites, they will refund you the difference.

I’ve seen some people enjoy payouts of hundreds of pounds using the price promise, so it is worth keeping an eye out in the run-up to your break.

If you’re booking Eurocamp, you can also pay in instalments.

If you book for 2026 before the end of January, you’ll put down a 15 per cent deposit when booking, then pay 10 per cent when you reach 150 days before your departure.

The remainder is then split in two payments at three months before your break and 56 days before departure.

Return guests can get a discount, particularly if you’re booking more than one break in the same season, so that’s worth a look before you book.

Saving big bucks at Butlin’s

There’s lots of ways to save at Butlin’s, so you just need to give yourself time to look at all the options and pick which one is right for you.

With three sites (at Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness) and lots of different types of accommodation, including room-only and self-catering, there can be a huge disparity in prices for the same week, depending on your destination.

I also find it’s worth checking out the last-minute deals at Butlin’s, as the prices do drop as you get closer to the departure date. 

But if you like to get a booking in your diary sooner rather than later, you can make the most of the repeat booking discount while on site or within 30 days of a recent stay at Butlin’s.

My Haven holiday hacks

Once you’ve booked a break, it does pay to keep checking the offers section of the website to see what comes up, particularly before the Haven holiday season starts up in March. 

There’s been great deals by bulk-buying activities or food and drink in recent years, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Haven introduces this year. 

My favourite from recent trips was a bulk-buy bundle where you got the cheapest session free if you spent £45 or more on activities in one go. 

That meant that if you booked three spaces on a £20 activity, you would actually only end up paying £40, as one of the spaces would be free. 

There have also been some fantastic food and drink offers, including a preloaded card that you could use in the bars and restaurants, which was topped up by an extra 10 per cent if you bought it before your break. 

I’ll be keeping an eye out in the next month or so to see if either of those offers return this year in time for my summer staycay.

Saving your euros at Eurocamp

We’ve had some lovely trips abroad to holiday parks in the Netherlands, Spain and France, but Eurocamp is just one way of booking these sites. 

It’s worth considering whether you can get a better deal by booking direct with the individual park or if you’d prefer to pay a bit extra for some of the perks that come with a Eurocamp booking.

This includes extras such as a holiday rep who speaks English or the ability to change your dates, destination or accommodation once you’ve booked.

We enjoyed an October half-term stay at Duinrell in the Netherlands a few years ago and only paid £80 for the week.

But we did discover that you had to pay extra to get into the swimming pool on site.

So it may have been better to book direct with Duinrell, as then entry to the waterpark would have been included and we could have chosen from tents, caravans and lodges for our accommodation. 

Another top tip is to check out the Sun £9.50 holidays abroad, which we made the most of when we had younger children and were still travelling a lot in term time.

While we booked through the Sun, the actual booking is then passed to a holiday provider like Eurocamp if you’re going abroad or Parkdean if you’re staying in the UK.

So you can sometimes get the same accommodation and facilities as you would for a Eurocamp holiday but for a fraction of the price, if you pick a break where you only pay £9.50 per person without any added extras. 

Bear in mind that you sometimes need to pay extra to add bed linen or towels to your booking abroad.

You can bring your own if you don’t want to pay, but that’s only really an option if you’re traveling by car and not by plane, when you’re trying to keep luggage to a minimum.

So whether you off to the summer sun abroad or you’re on a Brit bucket-and-spade break, now could be the perfect time to get your family getaway booked for 2026, whatever your budget.

The city has cosy cabins, scenic walks and the chance to explore connected islands.

If you’re on the hunt for a snug winter weekend escape, the UK offers an abundance of options. With so many stunning locations to choose from, it can be quite the task to decide.

From vibrant cities to ancient woodlands and charming villages, the UK is brimming with beautiful spots. However, one location has been singled out as the ideal winter retreat.

The team at Go Outdoors have recently unveiled their top choices for a winter escapade, and the favourite is a delightful blend of urban and rural attractions that cater to all tastes.

Using data on snowfall, woodland walks, cosy pubs with log fires, and cabins, they’ve ranked the top UK adventure destinations – and the Scottish city of Inverness has emerged as the champion.

Boasting over 200 winter cabins and a wealth of breathtaking walking trails, it’s not hard to see why Inverness clinched the top spot.

One of the most favoured walks is the Inverness Castle and River Circular, which guides you on a stunning 4.5km journey through some of Scotland’s most majestic landscapes, reports the Express.

During your hour-and-a-half stroll, you’ll also pass by the iconic Inverness Castle, nestled in the city centre.

Inverness even provides the opportunity for island hopping – without ever having to leave the city.

The Ness Islands are a chain of islands in the river, all interconnected by beautiful Victorian-era footbridges.

You can start on one side of the riverbank and end up on the other, meandering through the islands and spotting sculptures along the way. It’s the perfect way to spend a wintry day exploring.

Though Inverness is a small city that’s easy to navigate, it also serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Highlands.

Just beyond the city limits, you’ll find the renowned Loch Ness, home to its elusive, legendary creature – perhaps you’ll be the lucky one to spot her.

EVER wondered the tips and tricks that cabin crew have picked up along the way as they travel the world for a living?

After all, no one knows the ins and outs of travelling smart better than cabin crew.

From reusable fashion choices to tiny gadgets that make life on the go easier, these are the 12 essentials that cabin crew always pack.

And the best part? Some of these essentials are under £1.

Shampoo bar

Here’s a handy tip to max out your liquid items allowance.

If you’re travelling with hand luggage only, swapping out liquids for solids can make all the difference.

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Experts told Bristol Live it’s worth switching to “solid products like shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and deodorant sticks to maximise your liquid allowance.”

Not only do they save space and hassle at airport security, but they also last longer and are spill-proof — perfect for stress-free packing.

It’s also ideal for longer trips, since one bar can last for dozens of washes.

This shampoo bar from Foamie is only 50p.

Packing cubes

Take a look inside any crew member’s luggage and you’ll almost always find this one item: packing cubes.

Packing cubes can save you a ton of extra space in your suitcase.

And if you opt for compression packing cubes, some can save you up to 60% more room!

These lightweight organisers also keep your belongings neatly separated, so you can find what you need without tearing through your suitcase.

Many frequent flyers swear by them for maximising space and keeping outfits wrinkle-free.

They’re also a lifesaver if your bag gets opened at security; everything stays tidy and contained.

Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back to chaotic suitcase stuffing.

This set from Primark is particularly stylish, and at only £8 you’re paying £1 per cube.

Compression socks and sleeves

Carin Ryan, with 10 years as cabin crew and six million air miles under her belt, revealed that compression sleeves are the “biggest game changer” when flying.

“Think about the extra walking, unfamiliar sleeping accommodations, and cramped airplane seats all working together to make for miserable body aches and pains on your trip” she said in Travel and Leisure.

“Circulation is your best friend in helping alleviate everything that ails you”.

Compression sleeves improve your circulation by supporting the blood flow in your body.

“Compression sleeves are great as a preventative measure or to put on after a long day exploring.”

These funky compression socks from Koala Socks look just like regular socks, and are only £8.99.

Portable kettle

Have you ever heard of a portable kettle? Well, now you have!

Flight attendant Krystal (@krystal_lilian) shared the item as one of her must-haves in a TikTok post.

“Trip is cancelled without these” she writes.

A portable kettle might sound like a niche gadget, but once you’ve travelled with one, you’ll never look back.

They’re perfect for tea or coffee lovers, guaranteeing you can have a proper cuppa wherever you are.

Hotel kettles can be questionable at best, with some travellers even using them to wash their underwear.

They’re often compact and lightweight, as many models fold down to save space in your luggage and boil just enough water for one or two cups.

It’s also a great option for campers, road trippers, or anyone who likes the comfort of a hot drink before bed.

This collapsible option from Amazon is just £7.98.

Sewing kit

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re packing, but a small sewing kit can be a real life saver.

easyJet cabin manager Dave Morris always makes sure to bring one.

“I always pack a travel sewing kit — you never know when a needle and thread will save the day,” he told Condé Nast Traveller.

“Safety pins are incredibly useful too. They can replace a broken zip pull, add extra security to a bag, or even help rethread the drawstring on a hoodie.”

Whether it’s a popped button before dinner or a torn hem in your favourite dress, bringing a sewing kit can spare you the stress of a wardrobe malfunction abroad.

Look for a compact version with needles, thread, scissors and pins – it takes up barely any space, but can fix just about anything in a pinch.

This one from Waitrose is only £4 and is a handy addition to your packing list.

Portable cutlery

Flight attendant Amy Cooper (@amycooperxoxo) listed a reusable knife and fork as part of her “crew essentials” in a post on TikTok.

Reusable travel cutlery might not sound like an essential, but it’s one of those items you’ll be thankful for time and again.

Whether you’re grabbing a supermarket salad during a layover, or picnicking on the beach – portable cutlery saves many a situation.

Most sets come neatly packed in a small case, so they won’t make a mess in your bag.

Plus they’re easy to rinse and reuse throughout your trip.

This £1.49 set from Wilko is the perfect size.

Multi-purpose scarf

Finnair cabin crew member Elina Poutanen suggests keeping it simple when packing to save yourself from overpacking.

Especially as many people now travel with cabin luggage only, it’s important to make sure that you choose the clothes you pack carefully.

“Clothes with multiple purposes are the best because you can wear them many times and for many occasions” she says.

Elina recommends “A big scarf that can be worn as a beach cover-up during the day and in the evening when it gets chilly”.

This £3.99 option from Amazon wouldn’t look amiss as a beach skirt or stylish scarf.

Travel extension lead

A travel extension lead is one of those unglamorous but genius essentials that makes travels so much easier.

Cabin crew member Heather (@onlyheather) shared this to be one her essentials with followers on TikTok.

With hotel rooms often short on plug sockets (or worse tucked behind furniture) having your own mini extension lead is a life-saver.

Being able to charge all your devices in one spot is a luxury you’ll thank yourself for later.

Many travel-friendly versions come with multiple USB ports and universal adapters, so you can power your phone, laptop, and camera all at once.

It’s especially handy for long-haul travellers juggling several gadgets or sharing a room with others.

At £3.99 from Argos, this small addition to your packing list will save you a lot of hassle.

Neck pillow

Though it seems like an obvious choice, far too many people still travel without a neck pillow.

“Neck pillows are great for long flights or any flights where you’re stuck in a middle seat” says ex-flight attendant Arina Bloom in Business Insider.

“Once you use one, you’ll never go back. It’s so much more comfortable to fall asleep — plus it saves you from accidentally waking up on your neighbor’s shoulder”.

Just make sure to buy one ahead of time to avoid expensive airport options.

This one from Flying Tiger is made of memory foam and has its own clip to attach to your luggage – and it’s only a tenner.

Mini lint roller

Virgin Atlantic crew member Sophie Firth (@sophie.firth) shared a peek inside her cabin crew topper bag with her followers on TikTok.

Sophie packs a mini lint roller, to make sure her uniform is looking spic and span at all times.

There’s nothing worse than having dust and hairs cling to your clothing, especially when needing to remain polished and presentable as possible.

A mini travel-size lint roller can be purchased for £2.89 on Amazon.

Sophie also packs a mini travel hot water bottle as she explains she is “always cold, especially in crew rest”.

Electrolytes sachet

easyJet cabin crew member Sasha Anthony (@sailwithsasha) swears by electrolyte sachets when flying.

Airplane cabins are notoriously dehydrating and the low humidity levels can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and jet-lagged after you land.

Mixing an electrolyte sachet into your water mid-flight helps to replenish essential minerals, and keep you hydrated through the dry air and caffeine.

It’s a simple trick that keeps your energy up and your skin feeling fresher when you land.

Pop a few sachets in your bag and you’ll arrive feeling far more human – especially after a long-haul flight.

These sachets from ViDrate are 8 for £5, plenty to get you through multiple flights.

Perfume decanter

Ever wished you could bring your favourite perfume away with you, but you simply have no space for it in your luggage?

A perfume decanter is the ultimate hack for bringing your favourite scent, without lugging around a heavy bottle.

Flight attendant Nicola Findlay (@nicolafindlay_) even shared it in her “must have items” on TikTok.

“We still want to smell sweet without bringing the whole bottle” she says.

These pocket-sized bottles let you transfer a small amount of perfume into a sleek, travel-friendly container that fits easily in your hand luggage.

They help you stay within the 100ml liquid limit whilst still smelling your best.

They’re also perfect to pop in your handbag for refreshing after a long flight or before dinner.

This option from Temu is only 93p, and is easy to attach to your perfume bottle to fill up.

NEW strict customs laws have gone into effect, allowing government officials to request tourists’ DNA in some cases.

The new biometric data collection started on December 26, just ahead of the new year. 

The new rule targets non-citizens entering or leaving the US, according to government documents seen by Reuters. 

Travelers will now be subjected to facial recognition photos at the airport to help match them against existing records.

Those facial recognition pictures will be stored for up to 75 years, according to the documents. 

Under the new law, Department of Homeland Security officials may request additional biometric information, including fingerprints or DNA, from non-citizens.

The updated security measures are meant to “deter the filing of frivolous claims and provide operational consistency,” according to the government.

The new biometric rules would also remove any age restrictions on facial recognition, meaning that any foreigner is now subject to the biometric measures.

Up until now, there were restrictions on who could be scanned using facial recognition.

Travelers under 14 years old and those over 79 years old were exempt from those requirements.

Biometric data has been collected from foreign visitors for years, but now the government is pushing to collect more information to tighten border security.

The new rules expand what officials are legally allowed to ask for. 

Select visitors planning to stay in the US for more than 29 days are now required to pay a $30 fee.

Those who refuse to pay the fee and be fingerprinted could be hit with a $5,000 fine.

The new rules come one day before one of the busiest travel days of the year, according to United Airlines. 

The popular airline said that December 27 is expected to be a record-breaking day in the winter travel season.

Travelers should brace for longer security lines and make sure everything they have complies with TSA rules and restrictions. 

“You will probably be waiting an extra-long time in the security line this Christmas,” Air passenger rights expert Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, warned.

“There are going to be many more people than normal carrying much more stuff than usual for the Christmas season, both of which result in longer security waits.”

Most importantly, Danailov urged travelers to “check the TSA’s website” before they fly.

“Unfortunately for Christmas travellers, this scrutiny also extends to wrapped goods,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what you have wrapped, or how nicely, the TSA will unwrap anything to get a good look at it and are not always gentle in the process.”

A man has been slammed for “bullying” a solo female traveller into swapping seats on a plane believing she’d be an “easy target”, and people have been left floored by the incident

When it comes to travelling on a long-haul flight, most people make sure to prebook their preferred seat for extra comfort on the journey. However, others risk it and board without paying extra to secure one of the best seats.

That’s exactly what one man decided to do when flying 40,000 ft above, but now he has been slammed for his “entitled” actions. Taking to Reddit, a dad explained: “My daughter recently took her first solo overnight international flight on a Delta A350 in a 2-4-2 Premium Select cabin. I used miles to book her an aisle seat in the two-seat section. The man in the window seat next to her asked if she would switch seats with his wife, who was seated in the middle four.

“After some persistence, she eventually agreed just to get him to stop asking. After swapping, she discovered the other person in the middle four was also a solo traveller.”

The solo traveller shared her experience with others, and every person she spoke to agreed she should have stayed put and refused the swap.

Disappointed she gave in to the “entitled” man, but pleased she travelled to her destination safely, the dad added: “Everyone she’s told this story to has pointed out – correctly – that if sitting next to his wife was that important, he should have swapped seats with the solo traveller in the middle four, not asked her to give up her seat.

“She said it ended up being fine because the people seated next to her were nice and entertaining. I told her the etiquette advice she received is absolutely right, and it was her seat to do with as she pleased but, if I’m paying for her ticket, she better not swap into a lower cabin.”

Commenting on her post, one user said: “Ugh, the entitlement these days is infuriating! Glad her neighbours ended up being nice but hate to hear that she felt she had to eventually agree because he kept asking!

“Make sure she knows for next time that it’s also polite to say ‘no and please don’t ask me again’ or just let the flight attendant know and deal with him.”

Another user added: “Yeah, young females… Oh, wait, females in general get treated like we are pushovers or disposable. Please… please… PLEASE… encourage her with love that she doesn’t have to bow down to this kind of c***.”

A third user said: “F*** the wife for letting her a******e husband bully a little girl into giving up her seat.

“She knows what it’s like to be a woman in this situation and she let it happen. Seriously who is this lady, straight to jail.”

In agreement, one more user added: “Exactly this! I would never allow my husband to do such an inappropriate thing. Of course she is going to say yes. She probably feels like she has to.”

Someone else also added: “I’ve raised my daughters to know that they aren’t obligated to accommodate anyone’s feelings at the expense of their own and/or their no. Your ‘no thank you’ does not need a justification. Period.”

One more said: “Those people irritate me! If you want to sit together, book your seats together. People who book separate seats, especially married couples expecting a solo traveller to move, are so rude and inconsiderate.”

BELIEVE it or not, some of Britain’s beaches are best enjoyed in the winter.

Beautiful coastal paths make for the best crisp winter walks – and the waters might not be as cold as you’d think.

Plus, with less tourists at this time of year, you’ll often have these beaches to yourself!

Whether you’re the type to brave an ocean dip, or are looking for a new stretch of sand to walk the dogs – here’s our top 5 beaches to visit this winter.

Camber Sands, East Sussex

Best for: Wide golden sands, sea swims

This five-mile stretch of sand has continuously been named one of the best beaches to visit in winter.

The East Sussex beach is known for its hilly dunes which overlook miles of soft golden sands.

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And with its mild temperatures, it makes for one of the best beaches to take a winter sea dip.

Camber Sands averages temperatures of 9.5°C in winter, and its waters can even reach highs of 11.5°C.

Beaches in the South East of England tend to have the highest amount of sunlight hours.

And Clacton is no exception – seeing two to three times the typical daily amount of winter sunshine hours in the UK.

The iconic beach is even popular in films and amongst celebs.

Camber Sands famously stars in the 1958 film Dunkirk, and even featured as the Sahara Desert in 1967 in a Carry On film.

Plus, celebs such as Lisa Faulkner, as well as Tom and Giovanna Fletcher have been spotted here.

Camber Sands is just two hours’ drive from London, making for a great day trip from the UK capital.

Brancaster, Norfolk

Best for: Wildlife, quiet coastal walks

Brancaster in Norfolk is a fantastic place to spend a winter’s day.

Brancaster Estate is a National Trust destination, home to a meadow come-Roman fort and a picturesque harbour.

Down the road in Brancaster Staithe you’ll find the Mussel Pod – a food truck serving up fresh local mussels.

And if you keep walking along the shore, you’ll make your way along the Norfolk Coast Path through towns and villages like Thornham, Holkham and Burnham-Overy-Staithe.

Plus, the North Norfolk coast is the excellent for wildlife spotting.

Nearby Titchwell Marsh is popular with twitchers, and spotting common seals is a regular occurrence.

Seal trips by boat can even be taken at nearby Hunstanton or Cley.

With Norfolk’s clear and starry skies, the Northern lights can even be seen over the beach.

And temperatures here aren’t too bad either – averaging about
9°C throughout the winter.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

Best for: Dramatic scenery, warmest temperatures

Kynance Cove tops the list as the warmest beach in the UK in research undertaken by Parkdean Resorts – and it’s also one of the most beautiful.

Winter temperatures average at around 11°C, and water temperatures can even reach 13°C.

It even made last year’s list of the 50 Best Beaches in the world, chosen by 1,000+ travel influencers and experts.

It sits on Cornwall‘s Lizard Peninsula, one of the most rugged and dramatic-looking coastlines in the UK.

In the height of summer under the blazing sun, this beach looks almost tropical.

But in the winter, it transforms into a peaceful coastal escape – perfect for breezy clifftop walks, and soaking up sea views without the summer crowds.

When the tide is low, you can wander between sea caves and rocky islands.

And when the tide turns high, you can watch over the bay as it transforms into a swirl of wild foaming waves.

And after a windswept walk, nothing beats warming up with a hot drink at the Kynance Cove Cafe – perched above the bay with unbelievable views.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

Best for: Traditional seaside town, family days out

Essex‘s Clacton-on-Sea is a popular seaside resort that makes the perfect family trip this winter.

The Victorian pier, promenade and painted beach huts give this beach a traditionally British feel.

Clacton-on-Sea has winter sunlight hours above the national annual average, so you can make the most of a long day at the beach.

Plus in December, the pier hosts seasonal events that are perfect for kids, such as a magical Santa’s Grotto experience.

You’ll also find bowling and a family-friendly restaurant inside the Pavilion.

Plus there’s no better feeling than heading for a winter walk along the shores, before popping into a cosy seafront cafe for a warming hot chocolate.

And it’s good news for swimmers – the sea here is often noted as the fastest to warm up in the Spring.

It’s even recorded the highest temperature waters of any beach in England and Wales, at a toasty 18.2°C.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Best for: Crystal waters and softest sands

Nestled in the Pembrokeshire coastline, Barafundle Bay is a Welsh jewel that is well worth the walk to get to.

This bay was once awarded the Best Beach in Britain – and it’s easy to see why.

The isolated location has a rugged shoreline, soft, flat sands and some of the UK’s best sunsets.

With cliffs shielding the bay from cold winds, winter temperatures here can reach a comfortable 11°C.

It sits within the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate – an area rich in history with stone landmarks dating back to the Bronze Age.

Note that the nearest car park in Stackpole is half a mile’s walk away – but the views are absolutely worth it.

Cheshire’s mini Matterhorn

Who needs the Swiss Alps when you have Macclesfield Forest on your doorstep? Walking from Trentabank car park, the 506-metre peak of Shutlingsloe is the gift that keeps on giving. The panoramic views from its summit, dubbed Cheshire’s mini Matterhorn, are breathtaking at any time of year. But it’s on the crispest of winter days you get the best views: the Staffordshire Roaches, Manchester’s skyline, the Cheshire Plain, the wonder that is Jodrell Bank, and even as far as the Great Orme in Llandudno. Head back to Trentabank where there is a food truck selling local specialities, including Staffordshire oatcakes.
Jeremy Barnett

Trip the light fantastic on Norfolk’s coast

No matter how many people you see on arrival at Holkham nature reserve, the vast beach, marshes and miles of pinewoods disperse them. Southerly winds here can bring balmy winter days but winds off the North Sea are quite brutal. The light is fantastic and the variety of walking routes huge, with a boardwalk and visitor centre enriching the experience. This north-facing coastline is a magnet for exhausted migrant birds making landfall, and the pinewoods offer welcome shelter in bitter conditions. Bird hides along the woods’ southern edge look over marshland – fantastic for winter wildfowl spectacles and birds of prey.
Jo Sinclair

Blow away the cobwebs on a Derry cliff walk

It’s officially called the Portstewart Cliff Walk but people call it the Nuns’ Walk because it snakes around the perimeter of the Dominican college. The walk starts overlooking Portstewart Strand and finishes in the town centre. It’s exposed to the Atlantic, so it’s always gusty and perfect for clearing the head after working too hard or overindulging. The sunsets here are to be savoured, so try to time it for dusk, and a post-walk pint by the fire in the Anchor Bar feels heavenly.
Ciaran

A perfect hike for a frosty day in the Chilterns

If it’s frosty, this is a cracker. From the Chilterns village of Ewelme (the famous watercress beds can wait) head east uphill through fields and beech woodland to Ewelme park, turn left and skirt Swyncombe House, which has excellent views of the Vale of Oxford, keeping north and right of the church as you go up. Cross the only main road, down and up into more classic Chilterns woodland complete with deer, pheasant and dappled sunlight before descending gently through ancient earthworks back to Ewelme as the sun sets. It’s 5 miles, 2.5 hours, and there’s no pub – but you won’t care because the countryside is perfect.
Rik Hallewell

A North Yorkshire amble for a foggy morning

Skipton Moor is wonderfully quiet despite having spectacular views, perhaps because it’s just outside the Yorkshire Dales national park. Only a mile up the hill from the edge of town, its high points offers panoramic views of Airedale and Pendle, and it is home to hares and curlew. Sparkling frost outlines all the spider webs in the gorse bushes. Go on a cold, foggy morning after a clear, calm night and you may well find yourself emerging from the misty woods above a sea of clouds.
Hannah Price

Follow the Skyline loop around Bath

Just outside Bath is the Skyline walk, a continuous 6-mile loop of the rolling hills surrounding the city. Mists rising over sandstone rooftops is a spectacular sight on a frosty morning. En route are panoramic views, ancient woodland, a sham castle, a cemetery clinging to the hills and the National Trust’s Prior Park, a magical 18th-century landscape garden designed for Ralph Allen, a key moderniser of the nationwide postal service. At the end, descend the footpath into Bath where you can cosy up by a pub fire – I recommend the Pig and Fiddle or The Crystal Palace.
Susanna

A short Lake District hike

Sale Fell near Cockermouth is my favourite short winter walk. Its grassy hillside feels safe to walk even when frosty. Climbed easily from St Margaret’s church, it offers amazing views over Bassenthwaite Lake towards Skiddaw. I love the descent via the quiet path through the woods towards the Wythop valley, passing the ruins of an old church where deer can be spotted. Finish the walk with a pint in the lovely Pheasant Inn or coffee and cake in the award-winning Bassenthwaite Lake Station cafe, both at the bottom of the fell.
Arthur

Black Mountains beauty

My favourite winter walk is in the Black Mountains of south-east Wales, in the Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly Brecon Beacons) national park. Park at Capel y ffin and follow the path along the valley of the Nant Bwch, with its waterfalls and steep-sided valley. Up to Rhiw y fan for spectacular views into Wales, returning along the Rhos Dirion ridge above the beautiful Vale of Eywas via a stone called the Blacksmith’s Anvil back to the start. Stop for an atmospheric pint in the cellar bar at Llanthony Priory.
Martin

Beaches, castles and pubs in Northumberland

A coastal stroll with a cosy pub that brews its own beer … Is there anything better? Starting at Embleton, head down the hill to the beach. Turn north, away from the cracking view of Dunstanburgh castle, and walk along the beach for about an hour to Low Newton, a National Trust-preserved square of fisher’s cottages and the Ship Inn, a dog-friendly, cosy pub with a strong food offering. Return either via the beach or head to the dunes and the coastal path. Recover from the walk up the hill into Embleton with a pint at the Greys Inn, a proper pub with decent real ale. Bliss.
Hannah

Winning tip: a Cut above west of Glasgow

Greenock Cut is near Glasgow yet transports you far away. It starts in mundane fashion, a walk through the edge of a town. But within a few minutes it opens out into majestic views across the River Clyde to the hills in Argyll and continues to wow for miles. The Cut’s visitor centre and cafe offer a warming break and good-quality paths keep it passable even on wet or icy days. Walkers can continue onwards along the hill to return via the spectacular Wemyss Bay railway station (11 miles), or loop back on a shorter route passing the calm Loch Thom (8 miles). Both are stunning. Nic

Waymo hopes to have its driverless taxis on the streets of London full-time in the very near future. During December trials, Waymo shared an image on social media showing one of its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace cars crossing the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing

Driverless cars are often seen in big Hollywood sci-fi productions. And when they do, it’s to portray dystopian fantasies. But it seems the future is almost here. Plans are taking shape to make them an everyday reality on London’s roads.

England’s capital has been picked by American robotaxi operator Waymo as the first European city to operate its driverless cabs, a decision that has caused a lot of chatter and a fair amount of concern. The company hopes to gain permission from Transport for London to start autonomous rides next year, it has been reported, while Uber also has its eyes on running a similar UK service in the future.

At the beginning of December tests were carried out on London’s streets. Waymo shared an image on social media showing one of its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace cars crossing the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing.

Many will likely be wondering how the service works. Some may be a little unnerved at the prospect of being a passenger in a vehicle without a human at the helm.

I am something of a veteran of Waymo journeys, having been to San Francisco twice in the last year, alongside a trip to Los Angeles, where the taxis have been commonplace since 2024. I have a little intel on what to expect ahead of your first London trip in a driverless taxi…for those brave enough to give it a try.

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In San Fran, a fleet of around 1,000, rather glam, substantially tech-modified Jaguar I-Pace cars carries passengers around the Bay Area. They launched after a period of heavy testing, during which they were manned by a Waymo technician present inside while they got up to speed.

Fresh from nearby Silicon Valley, all you have to do is fire up an app, order and car, and you’re soon zig-zagging down Lombard Street without having to make small talk with your driver. After you’ve ordered your ride, the Waymo Jag waits in a zone near your location with your initials showing on the car’s rooftop antenna. You can modify the colour scheme of your initials, should you so wish.

Within range, the app on your phone acts as an automatic unlocker for your robotaxi, although you can also press a button to unlock using the app. The same applies for opening the boot. Initially, I wondered whether the latter was off-limits and packed with all kinds of macguffins, making the whole Tomorrow’s World experience possible – but no, it is just an ordinary, sizable space to store luggage.

Inside, tranquil music, akin to the background babble you’d find in a spa treatment room, welcomes riders. It seems designed to put any nervous first-timers at ease. Don’t worry, within a few trips, you’ll have your Spotify hooked up with no driver judgment as you belt out your favourite songs. Travelling from Fisherman’s Wharf to Oracle Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, I got stuck into lots of 1980s synth.

Of course, the whole set-up is surreal. At times, it looks a bit like the car has been taken over by Captain Scarlet’s invisible baddies, the Mysterons, but it is an environment that you get used to surprisingly quickly. Particularly if you are sitting behind the ‘driver’ seat, as you are really none the wiser that the human is missing. It’s hard to ignore the intrigued pedestrians having a little peek in through the windows when you stop at traffic lights.

Regarding the terms and conditions, passengers must be over 18. All journeys are videoed and a support team is on the other end, available at any point – should you need them. According to Waymo, this is the only time that what is said in the cars can be heard by the support team.

From my experience, Waymo tended to be cheaper than Uber. This may be a low introductory price to get users interested, or just because the firm doesn’t have to pay a person’s wages.

When travelling, seatbelts must be worn like always, while cigarettes, vapes or drugs of any kind are banned. Consuming alcohol as you take to the roads in a passenger seat is also not allowed.

In terms of Waymo’s coming to the UK, given the immaculate interiors of their US equivalents, you do wonder what state you might find them in at the end of Friday and Saturday evenings spent picking up people on nights out. Leftover kebabs and other such booze-related delights may well come into play when the human driver is away.

There will undoubtedly be pushback from the huge number of taxi drivers whose livelihoods will be impacted by the launch. This is no small matter. There’s no denying the way the system – which functions using sensors, mapping, and an in-built computer – is very impressive; it doesn’t mean the road experience is perfect.

During one of my drives, I had to exit my taxi to politely usher a dog out of the way while a seemingly puzzled, stationary Waymo vehicle attempted to make contact with its call center. Although there’s still time to teach a new dog a trick or two before it’s unleashed on the streets of London.

What Waymo says

Regarding any possible cleanliness issues, a Waymo spokesperson said: “Cabin checks are performed at the end of the ride, and if a vehicle is deemed not fit for service, it is sent back to one of our depot facilities for inspection by on-site personnel.”

And, regarding obstacles in the road, like the dog example listed above in the article, Waymo vehicles have a ‘fleet response team’ that provides support. A Waymo spokesperson explained: “Much like phone-a-friend, when the Waymo vehicle encounters a particular situation on the road, the autonomous driver can reach out to a human fleet response agent for additional information to contextualise its environment.

“The Waymo Driver does not rely solely on the inputs it receives from the fleet response agent, and it is in control of the vehicle at all times. As the Waymo Driver waits for input from the fleet response, and even after receiving it, the Waymo Driver continues to use available information to inform its decisions. This is important because, given the dynamic conditions on the road, the environment around the car can change, which either remedies the situation or influences how the Waymo Driver should proceed. In fact, the vast majority of such situations are resolved, without assistance, by the Waymo Driver.”

You can find out more about how the Waymo remote support system works on the company website..

While the plentiful bars, restaurants and casinos will keep you occupied late into the night in Las Vegas – there is a new must-see attraction in town: The Las Vegas Sphere

Las Vegas was never short of things to see and do, but in the last couple of years, a new must-visit has emerged to dominate Sin City’s skyline.

Opening in September 2023 with a residency from Irish rockers U2, the Sphere is one of the world’s strangest and most original entertainment venues. As well as now being one of the most in-demand concert stages in the world, the Sphere also acts as a fully immersive, 360-degree cinema.

I watched the 1930s classic, The Wizard of Oz, originally shot for a 4:3 movie screen, transporting its audience back in time and making them feel like they are travelling down the Yellow Brick Road alongside Dorothy and friends.

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The original film’s score was re-recorded with new clarity, capitalising on the Sphere’s ability to direct sound anywhere in the venue. More than 2,000 people worked for over two years to bring the reimagined version to life, giving this classic piece of cinema the most modern feel imaginable.

Despite having seen clips online from inside the Sphere, I was taken aback by the 360-degree nature. Looking directly above your head to follow a movie as well as the screen in front of you feels somewhat odd.

The Sphere’s 160,000 square-foot (1,4864 sq-m) interior display plane is the world’s highest-resolution LED screen. But even more unusual is the 4D nature of the venue, with the visual effects just part of the Sphere experience.

If you’ve managed to miss the Wizard of Oz for the last 86 years, spoiler alert, a tornado causes young Dorothy to be knocked unconscious, which is when her journey to the Emerald City begins. While the tornado happens on the screen in front of you, winds blow through the Sphere while leaves fall onto your lap.

Fog fills the air thanks to 20 units while flying butterflies in Munchkinland and giant winged monkeys soar over the audience at other points during the film. More than 500 apples rain down on the audience from 33 hatches in the ceiling, or from trees if you don’t want to ruin the illusion, while 38 snow machines come into their own during the poppy field scene.

While the show was enjoyable and the technology on display is impressive, I’d like to see a concert at the venue rather than a movie, as I think that is when it would really come into its own.

From the outside, the Sphere is unmistakable. It dominates the Strip, particularly in the evening when it lights up the night sky. Companies pay millions to advertise on its exterior, while it played highlights of the Las Vegas Grand Prix during the race in November.

When Max Verstappen crossed the line to win and keep his title hopes alive, the Sphere transformed into a giant chequered flag fluttering as he took the acclaim of thousands of race fans that had descended on Sin City.

RAIL passengers can expect travel chaos as the UK’s busiest train station closes until the new year.

Commuters will have to take alternative routes as a number of services are impacted by the closure.

With less people commuting to and from work, the festive period has become a popular time for rail companies planning major engineering works.

However, closures at this time of year still cause a fair amount of bother for those that are still forced to rely on these services.

From those working through the festivities to people planning a visit to friends and family, there are still a lot of passengers hoping to take their train as normal.

However, anyone planning to travel through Liverpool Street Station between now and the new year will want to rethink their route.

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Planned works

Network Rail has revealed Liverpool Street will remain closed until Friday, January 2.

The closure will impact services like the Weaver line and Stansted Express, as well as routes operated by Greater Anglia and c2c.

Liverpool Street previously shut for eight days between Christmas and the New Year in 2024.

According to London transport expert IanVisits, the engineering works being carried out at the UK’s busiest train station will strengthen the Bishopsgate tunnel.

The station itself will see panelling replaced above the concourse over platforms 1-10.

And the drainage system at Liverpool Street will also be improved as part of the works.

Greater Anglia lines, including the Stansted Express as well as Great Eastern and West Anglia mainline services will be rerouted as a result of the closure.

From now until January 2, the routes will run from Stratford.

Meanwhile, c2c services will run from London Fenchurch Street via West Ham.

And Weaver line trains will run from London Fields to Chingford, Enfield Town, and Cheshunt.

London Underground impact

Underground services operating from Liverpool Street will also be affected by the closure.

The Elizabeth Line will have no service between Liverpool Street and Stratford from December 27 to January 1.

Meanwhile, the Central Line will still run between Liverpool Street and Stratford, but a ticket acceptance arrangement will be in place.

This means you can use your ticket on the Central Line to get between the two stations.

And other parts of the Tube network, including the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Victoria lines, will operate normally with some closures.

Tube passengers are advised to check the TfL Journey Planner for specific details. 

WE’VE taken a look at how to spend a family day out for FREE across multiple locations in the UK.

We’ve pinpointed three UK counties brimming with free activities for all ages, ensuring everyone stays entertained without spending a single penny.

And with activities covered for all ages, you can be sure there’ll be no getting bored.

Sussex: Beach days, railways and pirate festival

Across Sussex there are plenty of free things to do, meaning that you can take the kids out for an action-packed day of activities without breaking the bank.

If you’re visiting when the sun’s out, head to one of the many beautiful beaches in the county.

Camber Sands is perfect for families with its sprawling stretches of golden sands, perfect for bucket and spade days and paddling in the water.

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It’s a top choice due to its nearby facilities including parking, cafes and loos – perfect for parents of young children.

A sunny day is also the perfect time to go for a family bike ride.

The South Coast East route will take you along the coast, past stunning cliffs and landscapes.

And if the children (or Dad) are into steam trains, there’s multiple ways to enjoy them in Sussex – without booking a pricey ticket.

The Bluebell Railway is a great spot to visit, with its interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station, and its own outdoor playground at Kingscote station.

There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too – just check their website ahead of time.

You can also head to Hotham Park, a short walk from Bognor Regis town centre, where there’s a popular miniature railway.

The park is free to enter if you’re wanting to stroll and have a look around.

But there’s loads to see and do for an optional small fee, such as crazy golf, a boating lake and kids’ adventure play area.

And if you do visit with some change in your pocket, the Hotham Park Railway is only £2.50 for adults and £2 for kids (under 2s go free).

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends Hastings in Sussex for its annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

It’s a pirate-themed weekend with free things to do including a treasure hunt, craft workshops and kids pirate tattoos.

Lastly, Sussex is home to some fantastic free museums.

The Shipwreck Museum is free to enter, and is full of fascinating maritime artifacts.

Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum in Chichester for families.

It also has free entry, and kids can learn about history covering the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Lincoln: Horse sanctuary, lakeside picnics and history museums

There’s loads of free and cheap things to do for families in Lincolnshire.

So much so, that there’s a Facebook group with more than 15,000 members sharing free things to do with the kids “in and around Lincoln”.

If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.

There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.

Similarly, The Lincoln Museum is another indoor attraction well-worth the visit.

Aside from the fascinating exhibitions, it offers “Play at The Lincoln Museum” – a free activity centre packed with activities for younger children and a play zone for babies.

For older kids, there’s lots of interactive games and trails too.

Alternatively, just 20 minutes from Lincoln you’ll find Bransby Horses.

The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.

There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.

Sun reader Sarah Al-Aidi recommends Hubbard’s Hills – a vast green space near Louth with plenty of trees and a water valley.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks” she says.

In the park you’ll find a play area and plenty of scenic picnic spots by the river – and it’s a great place to bring the dog, too.

Devon: Free soft play, giant animal models and discovery trails

Whilst Devon is known for it’s family-friendly beaches, there’s more to it than building sandcastles and wasting away your change at the arcades.

One of the best ways to explore the county is by undertaking one of its many outdoor discovery trails.

Haldon Forest near Exeter has a popular family activity trail which often has new themes depending on the time of year.

It’s a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot, home to an impressive Gruffalo sculpture.

And for kids of all ages, geo-caching can make for an exciting and energy-burning day out – and can get your kids away from their screens.

Geo-caching in Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks is a fantastic way to get the kids to explore the outdoors.

Hidden around the parks you’ll find stashes of hidden items known as caches.

They’ll often have quirky items in to trade, as well as a log book to record your win finding the geo-cache.

In fact geo-caching happens all over the UK, and all the rules are on the geo-caching website.

Plus, the Royal William Yard Geo Trail in Plymouth is a fascinating look back in time to 380 million years ago.

And whilst you’re visiting Plymouth, dads can make the most of free soft play.

“On Thursdays, Barnardo’s runs a Dads and Dinkies session, which is free soft play for dads and the children” says Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay holiday park.

“Mums can have a rest while Dads take the kids down to the YMCA for a play.”

The free soft play sessions take place every Thursday at 1.30pm. Just make sure to prebook first!

Lastly, on the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey you can’t skip out on The Jolly Roger.

Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.

There’s also models of race cars, fairies, and at Christmas time the showroom even gets decked out with Santas and sleighs.

A Spanish attraction has been crowned Europe’s Leading Theme Park 2025. However, it’s not a widely known theme park, and you shouldn’t expect rollercoaster rides. Instead, it’s a unique experience that’s like stepping back in time

A surprising winner has taken the title of Europe’s Leading Theme Park 2025 at the World Travel Awards. And while it’s set in sunny Spain, it’s a little-known destination that’s not typically visited by British tourists.

Puy du Fou España opened in 2021 in Toledo, and the idea is based on the French theme park of the same name. The city is approximately an hour south of Madrid, and this historic area was once the capital of Spain, making it an ideal site for an attraction that showcases the country’s past.

At Puy du Fou España, you won’t find the typical trappings of a theme park, such as rollercoasters or kiddie rides; instead, there are epic, immersive shows about history, with recreations of events on a huge scale.

During the day, visitors can enjoy shows such as “A Pluma y Espada” (With Pen and Sword), a swashbuckling show about the playwright often considered the Spanish Shakespeare. There’s also Cetrería de Reyes (Falconry of Kings), which recreates a falconry competition of the past, along with stunning bird displays.

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Visitors can visit a number of villages, each one full of painstaking details that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s La Puebla Real, a medieval village where visitors can see artisanal crafts being made and try traditional food. Or visit Villanueva del Corral, a recreation of a 1544 farming village, or El Arrabal, which has a historic-style tavern.

At night, the epic El Sueño de Toledo (The Dream of Toledo) is a 70-minute show about the history of Spain, with a focus on the city of Toledo. The show brings together 200 actors, along with historic sets, fireworks, and special effects to create an unforgettable experience.

It’s also worth visiting the city of Toledo itself to see some of its historic sites. The city dates back to Roman times and has been occupied by numerous conquerors over the years, resulting in a unique and rich history. It’s sometimes called the “City of Three Cultures”, as it’s a place where Christians, Jews, and Muslims have lived together for centuries.

Visitors can see the spectacular Toledo Cathedral (Catedral Primada), one of the largest in Spain, which was built in a beautiful ornate Gothic style. There’s also the imposing Alcázar of Toledo, a fortification which once guarded the city’s walls and is now a military museum.

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Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is a Gothic monastery that often tops the lists of most beautiful temples in Spain. You can wander its vast halls and marvel at the stained glass and stonemasonry that dates back to the 15th century.

Toledo also has a vast Casco Historico (old town), with a narrow maze of winding medieval streets that are packed with independent shops, souvenir stalls, charming cafes, and town squares, which capture the historic vibe of the city.

Puy du Fou España entry costs vary but typically start around €30 (£26) for a 1-day adult ticket if booked in advance, with children (3-13) starting around €24, while on-the-day prices are higher (around €38-€39).

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

WHAT could be better than spending the day sightseeing in a new city, only to come home to your comfy bed that very same evening?

Extreme day-tripping blew up as a trend in 2025, and if you’ve never given it a go – now’s the time.

Day trips abroad from the UK have never been more doable, with more and more European routes becoming available with budget airlines.

And with flights starting from £14.99 one-way, it can cost less to hop over to another country for the day than it can to go out for dinner.

Here’s our Sun Travel team’s top picks for 24-hour day trips, and the best things to see and do there to make the most of your time.

Paris

If there’s ever an opportunity to travel by Eurostar, I’ll take it.

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That’s partly why Paris is one of my favourite day trips.

If you live within an hour’s train ride of London, the Eurostar is certainly the most convenient way of travel.

Plus, there’s something rather glamorous about starting your day sipping tea in the calm of a train carriage before arriving into the beating heart of Paris just 2.5 hours later.

I never tire of the bucket-list landmarks, but there’s one I’d recommend above the others – and that’s the Basilica du Sacré-Cœur, perched on the city’s highest hill, in Montmartre .

If you’re tight for cash, don’t worry about going inside. It’s worth venturing here just for the free view, which I’d argue beats the one from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

You can catch a funicular to the hill’s peak, or challenge yourself to take the stairs.

Just avoid the main set and look for the ones on the far left, to avoid the crowds and street sellers trying to flog overpriced souvenirs.

Once you’ve taken a snap, the rest of this typically French district is well worth exploring.

Dart down one of the many narrow alleyways. The further you wander from the church, the more local it gets – think proper bistros, and cafes selling good, strong coffee.

– Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Milan

Just two hours from the UK and one that nearly always has the cheap £14.99 Ryanair flights, Milan is an easy one to do for the day. 

However, remember that Ryanair flies to Milan Malepenisa, not Milane Linate (which takes around 50 minutes to the city centre rather than 10 minutes.).

Instead, hop on the 6:45am easyJet flight from London Gatwick that gets you in at around 9:45am, just in time for brunch.

Get a pastry to go from Marchesi 1824, one of the city’s oldest bakeries for a classic breakfast of a cappuccino and croissant.

Take it with you before a shopping spree at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the historic shopping centre now home to beautiful designer boutiques.

While Milan is famous for its saffron risotto, a stop at a pizza bar is a must.

I recommend Pizza AM where you even get free mini starters and prosecco.

Squeeze in a quick visit of the famous Duomo di Milano as well as the Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to the famous Last Supper artwork, and it will be time to head back to the airport.

Although if you have time, you could always squeeze in a quick TikTok-famous Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso.

One of the latest flights you can get back is with ITA Airways, so you can leave at 9pm and be back in the UK just before 10pm.

– Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Copenhagen

My recent trip to the Danish capital city of Copenhagen was a dream with such short flights and a vibrant city – it got me thinking, you could definitely head there and back in a day if you wanted to.

Ryanair offers morning flights leaving the UK at 7.15am on Saturday mornings from London Stansted meaning you get into the city at 10.10am. 

From the airport to the city is a short drive, so jump into a taxi and head straight to the city.

Head to Strøget for a bite to eat at Holms Bakery, and then gander around the shops.

From there you’ll be able to see the pretty canals and the huge palaces, or head to Tivoli Gardens to have a go on some of the rides.

You can’t leave without seeing Nyhavn. It’s the district famous for having huge colourful buildings – and it’s on the back of most Copenhagen postcards.

The houses sit right on the waterfront where there are plenty of bars which is the perfect spot to stop for a cocktail before heading back to the airport.

You can catch a flight with Ryanair at 8.40pm and land back in the UK at 9.35pm.

– Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Dublin

Hopping over to Dublin for a day has got to be as easy as it gets when it comes to booking a cheeky 24-hour day trip.

Flights are super cheap and frequent with Ryanair, as little as £15 one-way from Stansted or £16 from Manchester.

The 1hr25 minute flight from London goes so fast that cabin crew barely have time to push the trolley down the aisle before you’ve landed.

Once you’re there and ready to begin sightseeing, the city is bursting with things to see and do – a lot of which are free.

Stroll through Trinity College to admire its historic campus, which is also home to the Book of Kells – the famous 9th century manuscript.

If you’ve never done Temple Bar, you’ve got to make a pit stop to grab a pint in the iconic Dublin pub (just one though – drinks are much cheaper if you walk a few blocks away!)

And to get away from the touristy spots, hop on a DART train to Dublin’s seaside spots, like Howth or Sandycove, for beautiful rugged coastlines with breath-taking walks and popular swimming spots.

But my absolute favourite thing to do in Dublin is grab a cheap bag of oats from Dunnes, and head to Stephen’s Green to feed the friendly swans and ducks that roam the winding river.

And if you’re on the first flight out and last one back of the day – there’s no reason why you couldn’t tick all of these off in one go!

– Travel Writer, Jenna Stevens

Wimereux

I first travelled to Wimereux, a seaside town 30 minutes drive from Calais on the Opal Coast when I was 20 years old with my mum. 

She travels on the Channel Tunnel to France every year to stock up on her favourite items from French supermarkets, then heads over to Wimereux for some beach time and a delicious dinner. 

Two decades on, it is still one of my favourite places to visit in France. 

The promenade along the seafront is quaint and distinctly French – we sun ourselves and have a glass of wine before hopping back in the car home.

– Head of Travel – Digital, Caroline McGuire

Tirana

The capital of Albania, Tirana, is a destination to watch.

With super cheap flights and everything being affordable once you get there, it is a great option for an extreme day trip.

It takes just under three hours to get there, so I opted to get an early morning flight to maximise my day in the city.

Once you arrive at the airport, there are coaches outside that cost a couple of quid and take you direct to the city, which is about half an hour away. 

After hopping off of the coach, you will be in the middle of the city and all the top things to see and do are within walking distance. 

In Skanderbeg Square, the main plaza of the city, you are able to see some fascinating architecture.

Tirana has a real mix of buildings, including mosques, Soviet buildings and traditional villas.

– Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

WITH so much choice out there, booking an affordable holiday can feel like a mammoth task.

When is the cheapest time to fly? How do you avoid paying for hand luggage? Is there a way to eat on the cheap? So we’ve spoken to our team of travel experts, with thousands of miles racked up between them each year, for their top tips.

We’ve covered it all, from flights and hotels, to cruise trips and package holidays.

Here are the 50 best tips, according to the Sun’s award-winning Travel team.

Booking your holidays

1. Book as a package instead of separately

While it may be tempting to go for those budget flights and cheap hotel, it might still end up costing you more than a package holiday.

Not only can they often offer insane bargains – Loveholidays regularly have seven-night stays in Europe for under £150 each – but many include free transfers and luggage too.

2. Fly midweek

With so many options for flights these days, looking beyond the traditional weekend to weekend departures will often garner savings.

Instead of heading off on a Friday or Saturday, compare with the pricing for a mid-week flight – very often you’ll spend less on Tuesday or Wednesday departures.

3. Check holiday price matchers

A number of the big travel companies offer holiday price matching, like EasyJet Holidays, Thomas Cook and On The Beach.

For example, EasyJet Holidays guarantee to beat the price if you find the same holiday cheaper after booking with them.

Check the terms and conditions before booking, to make sure you understand exactly when they’ll shell out.

4. Turn on flight price checkers

Setting alerts is the key to this one.

If you’ve got a dream destination where the price of flights is way too high, then make sure to turn on notifications for price change on the likes of Google Flights or Skyscanner.

You can set it up so that you’ll get a message when the fares come down, and you can race to book them. 

5. Book your flights in incognito mode

Have you ever been browsing flights, gone back a few days later to look again – and the price has skyrocketed?

If so, then next time you open your browser to book your flights, you may want to hit ctrl+shift+N.

Browsing in incognito mode means that your browser can’t keep track of your cookies, so you’ll avoid those pesky last-minute price raises when you’re desperate to book.

6. Sign up for newsletters

Newsletter sign ups to companies like Which? VoucherCloud are great for saving money, as they flag a range of current restaurants and attractions offering money off.

You can also sign up to chains to get vouchers – Prezzo, Zizzi’s,and Pizza Express all offer deals to subscribers, like a free drink or money off the bill.

The app EatClub (free to download) is also excellent for getting money off the bill – restaurants and bars offer discounts to members for early bird and late slots, to get people through the door.

7. Book attractions online

It’s no secret that attractions cost more on the door. For example, if booked in advance, a day pass for Alton Towers is from £34pp, but the walk-up price is double that.

In some cases, the further in advance, the bigger the savings, so it pays to be organised.

Hotel and accommodation tips

8. Email your hotels for upgrades…

If you don’t ask, you don’t get! It’s always worth emailing your hotel to ask if they have a specific room upgrade.

Or even email the hotel saying you have found a deal online, and they will often either match it or throw in some freebies.

9 …Or remind them if its a special occasion

Don’t forget to tell hotels if it is a birthday or anniversary too, as they often provide small welcome gifts if they are made aware in advance.

Just don’t lie, as you don’t want to risk being caught out.

10. Skip the breakfast

If they’re not already included in the price, breakfast buffets are rarely worth shelling out on.

Instead, pack some cereal bars – they’re often just enough to carry you through until lunch and save you money on added breakfast charges.

11. Find new hotels for soft launches

If you want a luxury hotel stay without the price, look for ones that have just opened as they often offer discounts during their “soft launch”.

Keep an eye on lists of new hotels opening on sites like Hotel News Resource, and be proactive by contacting the reservation desk to ask for an introductory offer.

While this can mean they are not fully operational – for example, the spa may not be open yet – you can still enjoy a five-star on a budget.

12. Work for your board

Sign up to a site like Trusted Housesitters and look after someone’s pet in exchange for free board at their home while they are away.

The website lets people find house and pet sitters for when they are away from home and has listings all over the world, from the Caribbean to Costa Rica, New York and London.

13. Try a hostel with private rooms

Hostels are one of the best and easiest ways to feel like you are clawing your money back.

And don’t worry – these days, they aren’t just for backpackers, with brands like Generator Hostels offering a very boutique feel in city centre locations.

Many have private rooms, which cost far less than a hotel as you may have to share a bathroom.

14. Consider house swapping

If your home is fit to be seen by strangers, and you’re not too OCD about your possessions, then consider listing your property on a house-swapping site.

Website HomeExchange, where you swap homes with someone else around the world, has seen a boom in UK properties signing up – members have to verify their identity and address and build profiles including reviews for security purposes.

You could find yourself in Paris, New York or even Hawaii without having to splash the cash on a hotel or Airbnb.

15. Check the hotel freebies…

Depending on where you are staying, there will usually be some freebies for you to use – and not just shampoo and conditioner.

Some will go even further with a toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, shower cap, earbuds, makeup remover pads and so on.

To find out what is in your room, check the website of where you are staying and look at the reviews, by searching for key words like ‘razor’ or ‘shower cap’.

Quite often reception will also have a selection of items that they will provide if you have forgotten something, too.

16. Check for free hotel perks

Before you choose you hotel, check if they have any additional perks.

For example, some will operate a free shuttle service to popular tourist destinations, while others might hold a daily cheese and wine service in the later afternoon that is complimentary for guests.

17. Sign up for hotel loyalty programmes

With some hotel chains like Ibis and Hilton, if you have a member account – which is usually free to set up – you will get exclusive offers and discounts.

For example, I recently stayed at Ibis London Luton Hotel and because I am a member, I saved around £10 on my booking.

18. Find hotels with free waterpark entry

Next time you are looking for that all-singing, all-dancing hotel resort abroad, try and find one that includes waterpark entry.

This can quickly rack up if you are paying for entry for all of you, and lots of parks have deals with nearby attractions.

When on holiday

19. Avoid overpriced essentials abroad

Don’t skimp out on packing important toiletries (for example, shampoo and ESPECIALLY suncream), as resort towns know you’ll need them – so often sell the basics for a very ridiculously high prices.

20. Find free tours

Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s always worth searching online for free tours.

Check sites like Freetour, GuruWalk, Walkative as well as Londonwithalocal.

While there is no upfront cost or booking fee, you are expected to tip your guide at the end based on your satisfaction with the tour.

21. Visit museums on first Sundays of the month…

Most European cities have free entry to museums and art galleries on certain days.

This is commonly on the first Sunday of every month, so time your weekend break then to get some free tickets.

22. … Or book closing-hour tickets

Other attractions may offer free tickets an hour before they close, although these are often booked up quickly.

For example, in Seville, both the Royal Alcazar Palace and Seville Cathedral have limited free tickets for the final hours.

23. Secret boarding pass discounts

Never throw away your boarding pass as it can get you discounts on the ground.

Emirates and Etihad Airways passengers can get discounts at shopping centres and theme parks in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, respectively, while Turkish Airlines has discounts at hotels.

24. Make the most of city passes

If you’re looking to do a lot of sightseeing on a city break, it’s always worth checking out any city passes on offer.

For a set fee, you’ll get entry to all the main attractions, plus many also offer free or subsidised travel and discounts on food and drink.

In some cases you might even get skip-the-line access, which will save time during city exploration too.

In London, the London Pass (from £79) offers up to 50 per cent off attractions, while in Lisbon, the Lisboa Card (from £27) lets you queue jump as your card is actually your ticket.

25. Use food waste apps

We swear by Too Good To Go which is an app that sells leftover food from restaurants and shops, ranging from £3 to £10.

Once our Assistant Travel Editor Sophie was in New York with her sister, and she spent just a few bucks on a bag of food before her flight using the app, with pasta, salad, potatoes, couscous and more from a local deli.

26. Grab an eSIM to avoid roaming charges

There’s nothing worse than using your phone abroad, only to be surprised by a massive phone bill when you arrive home.

Rather than paying for an expensive monthly add-on that you’re not even sure will cover all of your travels, you’re often better of downloading an eSim from an app such as Airalo for the specific country you’re visiting.

27. Always ask for tap water (if it’s safe)

Perhaps the most simple one out there is just to ask for tap water in restaurants.

If you ask for still water, you might end up paying for bottled water.

Just make sure it is safe to drink the tap water of the country you are in.

28. Head to designer dupe markets

If you’re not too fussed about having real designer bags or sunglasses, then you can probably find some great dupes on holiday.

Fair enough, they won’t be of the same high quality – but they also won’t be the same high price either.

Some of the best-known are Laleli Market in Istanbul, Pratunam Market in Bangkok and Costa Adeje Market in Tenerife.

29. Find a local carpool

BlaBlaCar is a carpooling platform that helps travellers across Europe, by connecting their with car drivers.

Drivers offer space in their car in exchange for petrol money – so you’re saving the environment and your cash.

All things money

30. Check the discount sites

Discount sites aren’t just for students… There are loads out there to use with real discounts, not fake voucher codes.

For example, students can use Student Beans or Unidays, but so can graduates. If you work for the NHS, you can use the Blue Light discount. And many employers offer discount sites as a work perk.

These sites often have hundreds of companies giving them discounts, from transport to accommodation and from restaurants to things to do – it is always worth checking them out before booking something.

31. Use cashback sites

Cashback websites are an easy way to get some free money on a holiday you are booking.

Some examples include 3.75 per cent cashback on an easyJet holidays (working out to £11 back on a £300 trip) or hotels.com, which gives you seven per cent back (£14 if you book a hotel for two nights at £200).

32. Buy your travel money before you go

Never, ever buy your travel money at the airport – the fees charged and rates you’ll get are always going to be the worst.

Compare foreign exchange providers before you go and have the money either delivered to your house or pick it up and you could make significant savings.

33. Pay in local currency

When the cash machine asks if you want to pay in local currency or pounds, you always go with local.

This is because the conversion rate is always better than your banks’, so it will save you money.

34. Find no foreign fee cards

Don’t fall victim to foreign card fees, with some credit cards charging as much as £2.99 per transaction.

Many like Starling, Revolut and Monzo all have no fees for using cards abroad, as well as banks like First Direct.

Airport hacks

35. Ditch the pricey plane food

For shorter flights, it makes no sense to shell out on expensive sarnies and snacks.

For both kids and grown-ups, pack a Pot Noodle and ask the flight attendant for hot water – they are nearly always happy to oblige if you ask nicely.

36. Try a different airport

You can often make significant savings by choosing to fly from an airport a little further from your home.

This is particularly the case for those living in the north of the country, who can take advantage of the fact that fares from Scottish airports will be less if you travel in the summer, when Scottish school holidays are much earlier than English ones.

37. Check in before you fly

It sounds super simple, but make sure to check in to your flight before you get to the airport, especially if you are flying with a budget airline.

Wizz Air, for example, will only let you check in 24 hours before your flight, but check in then closes three hours before your flight.

If you check in at the airport, you might pay a premium of over £30. 

38. Avoid paying for luggage at the airport…

One of the biggest costs to your holiday can be buying your luggage at the airport, which can be as much as £80 each way.

Make sure to always check the airline rules, and to weigh your bag before heading there so you aren’t caught out.

39. …Or never check it in at all

If you are a light packer, try to skip the checked luggage entirely.

Most weekend breaks can easily fit into an underseat bag, while a week-long trip can easily be a carry on.

Compression packing cubes are excellent for saving space in a bag, and try to bring items of clothing that will work for multiple activities.

For instance, our Deputy Travel Editor swears by these sandals that only cost £21, and are the only pair of shoes that she needs to take on holiday.

40. Make use of the duty free bag

Let’s just say that sometimes when I grab a bottle of water in a shopping bag post-security at the airport, it’s not because I’m thirsty.

There’s often plenty of extra room in that duty-free bag…that big jacket you’ve been sweating in? It may just find a nice home in a duty-free plastic bag.

41. Walk a block to get cheaper taxis

If you walk straight out of the airport to the taxi rank, just know that you’ll likely be paying some of the highest prices for a transfer possible.

Next time, walk a few blocks away from the airport with your luggage, download the country’s local taxi app, and call yourself a cab from a bit further away.

Car hire and train travel tricks

42. Bring your own carseat

Hiring a basic booster seat for your child can be astronomical at car hire companies on holiday, with some asking for up for £10 a day.

Instead, buy an inflatable one that can fit in your hand luggage, or the clever booster seat backpacks that are now on the market.

You’ll make your money back in just one trip.

43. Book your car hire excess waiver separately

You can buy excess car hire polices in the UK at much cheaper prices.

Should you have an accident, it protects the no claims bonus and means you aren’t faced with a huge bill.

They are accepted by every reputable car hire company; if they try to convince you that you can’t use it and you have to buy theirs, that is wrong. 

There are some very high-pressure selling techniques around so be strong.

It will save you a lot in the long run and annual policies mean if you are going to be hiring cars abroad more than once you’re saving even more.

44. Wait two weeks before your arrive to book cars

Research from TravelSupermarket found that the sweet spot for booking cheap car hire at around two weeks before your holiday.

The worst time to book your car hire is a full year in advance, with average daily prices reaching £93.12 – an extortionate rate compared with the average of £46.75 per day when booked at around the two-week mark.

45. Eurostar snap

Did you know you can get up to half price Eurostar tickets outside of sale season?

Eurostar Snap lets you book last minute tickets just 14 days before travel, where you choose between morning or afternoon slots.

Then 48 hours before, you are told your exact time – and save up to 50 per cent on your ticket.

46. Bid for better train seats

Seatfrog is a useful app that partners with train companies to offer upgrades to first class by auction.

So let’s say you bought a standard class ticket, but decided you want to upgrade, you can bid for a first class seat on your journey and usually secure it for less than a first class ticket in the first place.

You can also swap train times on Seatfrog, and find discounted tickets. 

47. Find the right railcard

There are loads of different railcards out there and you might be eligible.

For example, there are 16-17 saver cards, which get 16 and 17-year-olds 50 per cent off travel, while railcards for 18-25-year-olds and 26-30-year-olds can get a Railcard save up to a third on travel prices, along with a senior railcard does the same.

There is also a Family and Friends Railcard and a clever Two Together Railcard, which allows two adults traveling together to get a third off their joint rail fares.

There are a number of regional options to look out for, too.  

Cruise hacks

48. Don’t book cruise excursions through the ship

You’ll find them for much better prices if you book them independently – check out local sites for the city you’re stopping at, or visit shoreexcusionsgroup.com.

49. Get cheaper spa treatments on cruise port days

Not all cruisers know that spa treatments onboard are cheaper on port days.

This is because most people are off the ship exploring, whereas during an at sea day, there will be higher demand.

For example, when I went on a Virgin Voyage, some spa treatments cost up to £60 less on port days compared to at sea days.

50. Go for the drinks packages

If you are planning on a boozy cruise holiday, a drinks package could save you a hell of a lot.

For example, Princess Cruises offer a drinks package for $64.99 (£50) which includes unlimited wine, cocktails and soft drinks – so you only need a few coffees and cocktails before you have made your money back.

WHILE the idea of white sand beaches and hot weather can be tempting, they can often come with a downside – the jet lag.

But long haul doesn’t have to be stressful, nor expensive.

In fact, you can book a luxurious long haul holiday for much less than you think with these underrated destinations.

We’ve rounded up our top 5 long haul destinations to book for 2026 – with everything from penguin beaches to lavish beach clubs.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

If you’re dreaming of sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters and palm tree-lined sunsets, Zanzibar is your new best friend.

The region in Tanzania makes for a heavenly beach holiday – without the price tag of the Maldives or Mauritius.

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You can laze on luxurious beaches with glass waters like Kendwa or Bwejuu Beach, explore the historic Stone Town, or even meet giant tortoises on Changuu Island.

Direct flights from the UK mean that you can swap British cold drizzly weather for island paradise in under ten hours.

Plus, Zanzibar is only three hours ahead of UK time – meaning that you can enjoy your time away without wasting your days catching up on sleep.

In fact, this tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean makes for one of the most affordable luxury-style holidays.

TUI have some affordable all-inclusive options, with a 7-night stay at the 5-star LUX* Marijani Zanzibar from £1,319 per person.

It’s the kind of exotic escape you’ll want to experience yourself before everyone else catches on.

Cape Verde

If you want long-haul vibes without a hugely long-haul flight, Cape Verde nails it.

It’s a six hour flight from the UK to Cape Verde, and the islands are only one hour ahead of GMT.

Cape Verde is known for its sweeping golden sands and dramatic volcano backdrops.

Days melt away with ocean dips, rum cocktails and beachside barbeques.

And if you’re into something more energetic, there’s plenty of kite surfing, scuba diving and sandboarding spots dotted around the islands.

Spend your days dolphin-spotting, snorkelling, or exploring the Blue Eye of Buracona for neon blue water that doesn’t look real.

Sal is the go-to spot for beach bars, swimming bays and watersports galore.

Whilst laid back Boa Vista and Maio are where you’ll find chilled all-inclusive resorts.

Long-haul flights to Cape Verde are pretty affordable – with easyJet offering return flights from £130.

Doha, Qatar

If you’re looking for 5-star style hospitality without blowing your holiday budget, Qatar is the ultimate choice.

Just over 6 hours from the UK, this Middle Eastern hotspot has skyscraper cityscapes and glam hotels at a price that’ll make you do a double-take.

There’s sleek beach clubs like Bagatelle and Doha Sands if you want to live out your best life on Instagram.

Or there’s desert safaris, quad-biking and camel rides from £17 on sites like Get Your Guide.

Mornings here are best spent wandering the souks for traditional souvenirs, and evenings are for dining under the glittering skyline.

But the best part are the luxury-feel hotels that come with signature Qatari hospitality, for prices that won’t dent your bank account like in Dubai.

Loveholidays stay at Hampton By Hilton Doha Old Town for £499 per person for 7 nights – with flights, hotel and breakfast included.

Cape Town, South Africa

Picture an affordable long-haul getaway and Cape Town might not immediately come to mind – but this iconic city will seriously surprise you.

Once you land from the 11 hour flight, Cape Town is only 2 hours ahead of time from the UK.

And the South African city is packed with affordable things to do.

You can pack your days with activities like hiking Table Mountain or penguin-spotting at Boulders Beach.

Plus the Malay neighbourhood Bo-Kaap is well worth a visit with its cobbled streets, colourful houses and mountain backdrop.

At dinner time, take your pick from fine-dining Waterfront restaurants that won’t break the bank, and sip on world-class wine for the price of a latte in London.

Lastminute.com offer a 6-night stay at Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel in Cape Town from £925pp inc. flights.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Egypt‘s Sharm El Sheikh is one of the greats when it comes to affordable long-haul all inclusives.

Sharm El Sheikh is only 2 hours ahead of GMT, meaning that you’ll get the far-flung holiday feel without the jet lag.

Just over five hours from the UK, this Red Sea resort city offers year-round sun, warm waters and impressive hotels.

Think palm-lined pools, private beaches and spa days that feel 5-star for the price of a short-haul stay.

And if you can drag yourself away from your poolside lounger, there’s reef snorkelling, lantern-lit markets and plenty of boat rides to enjoy.

Naama Bay is lively with bars and waterfront buzz, whilst Habada and Sharks Bay offer calmer stays with powder-soft sands on your doorstep.

On The Beach offers a week’s holiday at the family-friendly, 5-star rated Parrotel Lagoon Resort in Sharm El Sheikh for £460 per person.

The apocalyptic site, dubbed a ‘doorway to hell’, exists right here on Earth and has been burning since 1971 — only one person is known to have ever descended inside.

Straight out of a dystopian thriller, a fiery ‘Gate to Hell’ exists right here on Earth.

This ominous sight, located in Turkmenistan, has been aptly named the ‘Doorway to Hell’, having first been set alight back in 1971. Over half a century later, it’s still burning. The Darvaza Gas Crater, locally known as the Shining of Karakum, is a blazing sinkhole that’s been spewing out natural gas since 1971.

Legend has it that Soviet geologists accidentally collapsed a natural gas chamber while drilling and subsequently set it on fire in an attempt to contain the lethal gases and prevent them from spreading. What the engineers anticipated would be a flame extinguishing itself within a few weeks has now been burning for over 50 years (hardly surprising given that the country ranks fourth globally in natural gas reserves).

Interestingly, Turkmenistan holds no official records of the incident as relevant documentation is either classified, inaccessible, or missing from the archives – consistent with the country’s policy of secrecy. This ‘Gate to Hell’ can be found ablaze near the village of Darvaza, nestled in the heart of the Karakum Desert, and measures approximately 60-70 meters wide and 98ft deep.

The hellish pit can be seen from miles around and has become a major tourist attraction for Turkmenistan, reports the Daily Star. Despite the seemingly inhospitable conditions of this blazing chasm, visitor accounts suggest that, astonishingly, there may be some signs of life within the crater.

The only known human descent into the crater was undertaken by Canadian explorer George Kourounis. In November 2013, Kourounis ventured to the bottom of the Darvaza Gas Crater with National Geographic, aiming to gather soil samples for the Extreme Microbiome Project to investigate potential signs of life in the crater’s harsh environment. Equipped with a specialised heat-resistant suit, Kourounis managed to spend roughly 17 minutes inside the fiery abyss.

During the thrilling exploration episode, Kourounis described their mission as “looking for alien life right here on Earth”, given that the crater’s hostile, methane-rich environment mirrors that of certain planets found beyond our solar system. And indeed, they discovered signs of life. Kourounis’ expedition unearthed several types of bacteria in the soil from the crater floor.

Recounting his experience of the apocalyptic ‘Door to Hell’, Kourounis said: “It is burning with a tremendous amount of flame like there is a lot of fire down there. Day or night, it is clearly burning. You can hear the roar of the fire if you stand at the edge. The heat, if you are downwind of it, is unbearable. There are thousands of little flames all around the edges and towards the centre. It’s a very volatile place.”

Now, in a dramatic twist, after blazing fiercely for more than 50 years, it appears the flames in this ‘Gateway to Hell’ are at last dying down, though gradually. During a press briefing in June this year, Irina Luryeva, a director at Turkmenistan’s state-owned energy firm Turkmengaz, revealed to the world that the crater was finally burning out, stating: “The reduction [in fires] is nearly threefold. Whereas before a huge glow from the blaze was visible from several kilometres away, hence the name ‘Gateway to Hell’, today only a faint source of combustion remains.”

This valley in the Yorkshire Dales is home to charming villages, historic mining sites, scenic trails and England’s highest pub at 1,732 feet

Nestled at the northernmost point of the Yorkshire Dales, this dale is steeped in history from its mining past, with countless tales etched into its landscape.

Swaledale, a delightful Dale, is home to the River Swale, England’s fastest river, which gracefully meanders through its verdant fields. Tucked away amidst this natural beauty is the Tan Hill Inn, England’s loftiest pub, inviting guests to drop by as they traverse the undulating hills of Yorkshire.

Perched at an impressive 1,732 feet above sea level, this historic pub dates back to the 17th century and exudes a cosy charm. Adorned with exposed beams, a stone-flagged entrance and a crackling fire, it provides the perfect tranquil spot for a pint and a bite while exploring the region.

At the heart of the Dale lies Reeth, a central village boasting three popular pubs, charming arts and crafts shops, and a delightful bakery offering local pies and breads. Fridays are a highlight in the area, as the village transforms into a bustling market, with stalls lining the streets selling a variety of eclectic goods.

In Reeth, you’ll discover a museum that illuminates the fascinating rural life of the Yorkshire Dales and its rich local heritage. Here visitors can explore decades of the area’s heritage, with exhibits spanning geological specimens to prehistoric discoveries and, naturally, equipment linked to its rich lead mining past.

Following their trip, one delighted guest said on TripAdvisor that the museum was a “wonderful surprise”. They said: “I love a museum, and I have visited my fair share, but this was a truly surprising little gem.

“I have never seen quite so much variety crammed into such a small space, and the range of information covering the local community in its history was wonderful. A great amount of detail is provided in a clear and understandable manner, combined with humorous and heartwarming local stories.”

For those eager to experience the lush landscapes of the valley, the Swale Trail is an absolute must. Whether tackled on foot or by bicycle, according to enthusiastic explorers, it’s a destination that justifies the effort.

Following their adventure, one visitor said: “Amazing views. We did this by ebike, but imagine you’d need quite a high fitness level for the Gunnerside to Keld route on pedal power alone. Gunnerside to Keld, however, has the best views. This route overall is actually one of the best trails around but seems relatively undiscovered.”

The area’s traditional allure is evident throughout the year, but it’s particularly enchanting during spring and summer when the hardy Swaledale sheep graze and beautiful wildflowers bloom amidst the stunning hay meadows. Even on the chilliest days, the valley continues to reveal a wealth of trails and hidden treasures.