TRAVEL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full list of countries in alert:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHILE most Brits are ditching the UK for the bright lights of Australia – one couple has gone the other way.

Interior designer Banjo Beale and his husband, Ro, have set up their lives on the wild Scottish island of Ulva and are even in the process of opening a new hotel there.

After growing up in Australia, the pair set off on an epic journey around the world travelling to Sri Lanka, across Europe before eventually settling on the Isle of Mull where they worked on a cheese farm.

The couple then moved from Tobermory to Ulva where to say life is very different on the island would be an understatement.

Talking to Sun Travel, Banjo said: “We swapped Tobermory which has a population of 2,000 for Ulva which has 13.

“But I think it’s a beautiful, wild place, it’s an island off an island with no roads – it’s a really special place.

SIGHT SEA

£9.50 holidaymakers’ favourite Skegness activities… away from the beach

SHORE THING

‘It’s the best beach in England’ – Sun readers’ favourite Sussex seasides

“Mull is all the best bits of Scotland on a tiny island, and Ulva is the best bits of Mull on an even tinier island- it’s like another world.”

Now, he and Ro are embarking on a project together – renovating Ulva House, which they’ve documented on their BBC series Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel.

But thanks to its location on Ulva, it hasn’t been the easiest project to take on.

Banjo said: “The biggest challenge was the logistics of getting it across on the world’s smallest ferry.

“The island has no cars either – just a tractor, and a horsebox which you have to get up a very small goat track.”

When it comes to accessing the island, you’ve got to get to the Isle of Mull first and take a tiny ferry across the strait.

Unlike traditional ferries, visitors have to signal for pickup using a red panel on the pier – then the ferryman will come over which according to Banjo is ‘where the adventure starts’.

The best time to visit Ulva are from April through to October when Banjo said “the island swells in population” – which it does considering its 13 residents.

Banjo told us: “It’s lovely to see energy come back in spring – all the flowers and bluebells are blooming and tourists are exploring the island.

“I like that we get to share it – because when we first came to Ulva, we completely fell in love with it. It’s a very special place to live.”

So, when you make it onto the island, here’s what Banjo suggests you do including a stop at The Boathouse – which Banjo and Ro also manage.

He said: “Once you step off the ferry, I’d stop off at The Boathouse for a pre-walk coffee just to wake up and then go for a lovely walk maybe to Ormaig.

“You’ll be able to see ruins of the island’s villages – Ulva was once home to around 800 people and it even had the largest bagpiping school in Scotland.

“There’s also Livingston’s Cave, and if you head over to the other side for a gorgeous view of Inch Kenneth where the Mitford sisters used to live.

“Then head back to The Boathouse for lunch – we serve fresh langoustines, crab and lobster which you can enjoy with a fresh bottle of wine.”

For those seeking wildlife, there’s no shortage of sightings on Ulva.

Banjo said: “We’ve got otters, dolphins and seals swimming by, and one ferry you can take from Ulva is called Turus Mara which goes to the Treshnish Isles, it’s home to puffins.

“Often we go there for a puffin picnic just to sit with them, that’s one of our favourite things to do.

“There are more cows than people too so you’re likely to see a lot of them. And you’ve got a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights when the sun goes down.”

However, not all aspects of life on Ulva are as easy and idyllic as it sounds.

Banjo added: “We have no shops on Ulva, the nearest supermarket is on Mull which is a ferry ride and then a 40-minute car ride away.

“We have to plan ahead during the winter so we’re pickling, preserving and getting ready for the year ahead.  

“There are frequent power cuts, so sometimes we get stuck on the island. Once there was a storm and we couldn’t get off for five days.

“Those who live on Ulva, we rely on each other – when there are no shops to buy sugar from, you’ll have to borrow it.”

When it comes to their way of life, what is it about Scotland that Banjo enjoys so much?

He joked: “In the depths of winter I ask myself the same question.

“But actually, I think both Scotland and Australia are similar, especially when it comes to extreme weather – there’s just a little less sunshine.

“And in terms of the Scots, I’d say we have the same sense of humour, we’re very similar and self-deprecating – we don’t take ourselves seriously and Scots are the same.”

The eager-eyed will recognise Banjo from BBC’s Interior Design Masters which he won in 2022.

The island itself is unique too, with Banjo and Ro having to renovate Ulva House on a rent and repair lease as Ulva is owned by the community.

Banjo explained: “The community bought the island, so nobody owns anything. We rent Ulva House, repair the building, make a living off it and a proportion of that goes back into the island into community projects.”

Ulva House will open to guests in 2027.

Watch all episodes of Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel on BBC iPlayer now.

IF you fancy some winter sun but don’t want to travel far, then Malaga could be the city break for you.

The city gets up to six hours of sunshine per day in January, average highs of 17C and what’s even better is you can be there in under three hours.

Winter is a hard time for Brits as during January we can get just one and a half to two hours of sunshine each day.

Compared to the UK in the winter months, Malaga gets around five to six hours of daily sun and averages over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

Meanwhile, the UK gets around 1,350 to 1,500 hours of sunshine each year.

In the winter, Malaga can get an average of four times more sun than the UK.

LOOK OUT

Your fave North East seaside eats – from beach bars in boats to pirate chippies

GO WEST

UK holiday with great family attractions for all types of British weather

So, if you want a spot of sun, you can jet off to Malaga in under three hours.

One-way flights in January start from £15 with Ryanair from Stansted Airport – so you won’t even have to spend a lot to get there.

According to Wise, you can get a local pint of beer for as little as €2.50 (£2.17).

A cappuccino is estimated to cost €1.90 (£1.65), and the price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can be as little as €12 (£10.40).

Malaga is the sixth largest city in Spain and it has it all, a beautiful city and incredible sandy beaches so you can enjoy the sunshine anywhere.

The most popular beaches include La Malagueta which is beyond a palm-tree lined promenade and is a great spot whether you want to sunbathe or paddle in the water.

Another is La Caleta which sits between Malagueta and Pedregalejo.

For quieter spots, head further out to fishing villages like Pedregalejo & El Palo which are known for their family-friendly, urban beaches with shallow and calm water.

For some culture, you might fancy heading up to the top of Gibralfaro Castle for incredible views across the port and city.

This fort was built in the 14th century to house troops and protect the Alcazaba – entry will cost €7.

You can’t miss the Malaga Cathedral either, the huge monument stands in the middle of the city.

It was originally built in 1528 and visitors can even explore inside or head up to the rooftop.

While in Malaga, pop into the Picasso Museum – as the city is the birthplace of famed artist Pablo Picasso.

When it comes to shopping, check out the bustling pedestrian streets like Calle Larios for big brands.

For modern shopping malls, there’s Muelle Uno on the waterfront promenade.

There are vibrant old town areas with independent shops on streets like Andrés Pérez.

Check out on Sun Writer’s top eats in Malaga…

The Sun’s Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements recently visited Malaga – and here are her top eats…

Lana said: “Almost all tastes are catered for on the beachfront, but seafood should be the order of the day here. Make sure you have at least one serving of pil-pil prawns, which features on most menus here.

“I loved Majumi Beach Club, which has a relaxed vibe and dishes up some excellent local grub. Try the sardines, which are grilled on an outdoor fire. The tomato salad with anchovies is also a hit with visitors.

“For a nice evening meal, Los Marangos in the old town serves top paella, tapas and other authentic dishes from the region. Picasso Bar Tapas has a really buzzy atmosphere.

“As the name suggests, you can enjoy tipples such as fruit-loaded sangria alongside tapas-style nibbles. Or if you’re looking for more of a party vibe, there are plenty of late-night venues in Torremolinos including Irish bars and karaoke venues.

“I preferred to take advantage of the Cosmos Sky Bar at my hotel — Hotel Costa Malaga — which poured me freshly shaken cocktails while I soaked up the excellent views from the rooftop.”

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

Plus, check out one of Spain’s most underrated cities, which is in the ‘Garden of Europe’.

Duncan Ponter and his wife left Scotland in 2023 to move to Spain’s Costa Blanca and the expat has been brutally honest about the realities of life on the continent

A British expat who relocated to Spain three years ago has shared the “brutal truth” about chasing a sunnier way of life.

Duncan Ponter departed his homeland with his wife in 2023, settling in a small town an hour from Alicante on Spain’s Costa Blanca. The couple took the plunge after both sets of parents had passed away and their children had flown the nest.

On his YouTube channel Move to Spain – Life on the Spanish Costas, Duncan reveals that the most frequent question he receives is whether life is superior in the UK or Spain.

He firmly sided with Spain, citing the climate, sense of community, cost of living, healthcare and public services, and overall quality of life as key factors.

Duncan explained: “It’s nothing like we could have ever imagined. We get somewhere around 320 days of sunshine a year, very little rain,” reports the Daily Record.

“July and August are almost unbearably hot in southern Spain. We enjoy the weather in a way I never thought possible. And it does have more of an impact on our lives and well being than we ever realised.

“We eat outside most of the time we go for strolls and we enjoy a whole host of other outdoor activities we wouldn’t be able to do in Scotland.”

The expat also praised the strong sense of community they’ve discovered in their development, Senorio de Roda. Another significant advantage was the stark difference in living costs between the two nations.

Duncan recalls a recent seaside lunch with mates that came to just €66 (approximately £57) for five people.

He remarked: “You just can’t do that in the UK, it’s just become so expensive and cost prohibitive.”

Duncan also praised Spain’s healthcare system, where appointments are typically available within 48 hours and test results arrive within a fortnight.

He doesn’t object to paying slightly higher income tax either, as the funds appear to be “used to good effect” with “great council services” and “roads in great condition without potholes”.

However, life abroad isn’t entirely perfect. Oddly enough, the expat confessed they miss taking holidays.

He explained: “We used to love travelling and seeing new places. But we’ve just got out of the habit of that when we’ve got the beach on the doorstep and the sunshine every day. It is completely different when you live here to when you go on holiday.”

They visit Scotland twice annually, once during summer and again at Christmas, with flights often remarkably affordable outside peak season. They’ve also established a weekly FaceTime call with their children.

Reflecting on the lifestyle shift, Duncan summarised: “Let’s address the elephant in the room. Take into account the weather, community spirit, feeling of safety, the health service, the overall cost of living and the lifestyle, all of these things obviously contribute to that. In our case, we definitely have a better quality of life here.

“So it’s not perfect, but we just have a really nice life here.”

It’s been dubbed one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK because it’s so pretty, and people are so taken aback by it they feel it’s like “stepping into a postcard”

Wales is brimming with stunning locations, but a particular street has been stealing the limelight recently. This enchanting spot, with its cobbled paths, vibrant doors and twinkling lights, has been dubbed “magical”.

So picturesque it’s like stepping into a postcard, this Welsh gem has captivated many. The charming location in Pembrokeshire was spotlighted on TikTok by UK Hidden Gems, who shared a video showcasing its beauty. This isn’t the only Welsh locale that’s been causing a stir of late. A few months back, a particularly romantic trail in Wales was also recommended for exploration.

UK Hidden Gems captioned their clip: “Hidden just steps from the harbour, this narrow cobbled lane is lined with colourful doors, flower boxes and twinkling lights that feel absolutely magical as the afternoon light softens.

“Even though it’s one of Tenby’s best-kept secrets, walking here makes you feel like you’re wandering through a postcard. Explore Tenby’s charming cobblestone lane with colourful doors and cosy vibes. Perfect for sunset photography and a magical stroll.”

Of course, Tenby itself is a delight to explore, being a popular seaside town. There are countless spots to discover and appreciate the town’s natural allure.

Since the video dropped, dozens of viewers have piled in with their reactions and suggestions. The footage has clocked up thousands of views as well.

One commenter enthused: “Love Tenby. It’s a beautiful place. Last visited 15 years ago. So happy it’s not been ruined. Will now consider going again.”

Someone else chipped in with: “Oh wow, it’s like a little Italy.”

A third person shared: “OMG! I was there only last week. I came out purely by mistake to the back entrance of a gift shop and stumbled on this purely by chance. I was amazed. Great find.”

Meanwhile, another viewer observed: “This is a beautiful place to visit and even more stunning in person.” Yet another excited traveller added: “We go tomorrow. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to.”

UK Hidden Gems has also shared some handy information for anyone fancying a visit. The spot can be found just off Lower Frog Street in Tenby.

They’ve described it as a “quiet nook with instant cosy vibes and tonnes of photo charm”. Apparently, it’s an especially stunning location to check out during golden hour or shortly before sunset.

That’s when the lane is supposed to glow “in the best way”. It certainly sounds like an ideal destination to wander through on a bright, sunny afternoon.

Indeed, plenty of people have confessed their adoration for Tenby, claiming it’s absolutely gorgeous. It’s difficult to disagree with that assessment.

A POPULAR European tourist spot is now charging tourists to enter – but it is not necessarily a bad thing.

The famous Juliet balcony located at Casa di Giulietta in Verona, Italy,dates back to the 1930s.

Over the decades, it has become a romantic tourist attraction and now a new fee, introduced on December 6, prevents visitors from just walking into the courtyard.

They must now purchase a ticket from the museum inside Juliet’s House.

It costs €12 (£10.50) to enter the courtyard now and only 100 people at a time will be able to enter.

The ticket includes access to the museum inside, as well as stepping out onto the iconic balcony – although you’ll only get 60 seconds on the balcony.

Read more on travel inspo

SET SAIL

I’ve been on 50 cruises…here’s the best ship for cruise virgins & a dirt cheap one

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

While many see going to the courtyard as a novelty, as an eager literature student I was buzzing to visit a few years ago.

The courtyard isn’t large and in the streets leading up to it you can expect a constant flow of people, so expect crowds – though this may change with the new fee.

It is a magical place, and while it might not be full of famous art or objects, it certainly deserves to be protected.

Ultimately, the fee will better protect the courtyard as well as the visiting public.

The experience overall will be more enjoyable too as you won’t have to battle as many people to get a glimpse of the balcony.

No one enjoys being squashed in the middle of a crowd and it is even worse when you get elbowed in the stomach – so the new limits will prevent this too.

The overall flow of people will be better as well and of course, the fee discourages vandals from damaging the site.

With less crowds, there will also be more space to gain a full perspective of the courtyard, which in my opinion is when you get to see the destination’s full impressiveness.

The new fee isn’t too expensive either, and for the price you will also be able to explore inside the museum where you can see rooms full of period costumes, painting and antique furniture all from the 16th and 17th centuries.

You can even have your own moment as Juliet by standing on the balcony.

The fee will ultimately help to keep the site open and in a good condition for future generations to enjoy as well.

The house has been associated with William Shakespeare‘s Romeo and Juliet for a long time, and with that, tourists have visited the famous courtyard in their hundreds.

The courtyard also has a statue of Juliet, which was placed there in 1972.

Today, Juliet’s House is among the most visited spots in the city.

The whole city of Verona oozes romance and does feel like you are stepping into the scenes of Romeo and Juliet itself.

The lane walls are saturated with scribbles, names and notes – layer upon layer of visitors from years gone by.

You spend a couple of moments walking through the shadowed alleyway before you emerge in the courtyard, illuminated by the golden sunshine.

Don’t expect the courtyard to be empty unless you get there bang on 9am when the courtyard opens or catch the last few minutes before it closes at 7pm.

And don’t try on Mondays, as it is closed.

In one corner, you will find the small balcony itself – where you really can picture Juliet standing.

Below is her statue, which is supposed to give you luck if you touch her breast – hence its golden colour, compared to the rest of the bronze statue.

Similar to the film Letters to Juliet, you will also find small pieces of paper with writing wedged into cracks in the walls.

For more inspiration on Italian holidays, a travel expert revealed the very clever way to visit five Italian cities in just one day – and it costs £19.

Plus, the ‘Maldives of Italy’ where you won’t see many Brits has flights for just £20.

GOZO Island, the Outer Hebrides, and Lapland in the summer are among the more unexpected hotspots Brits are planning to visit in 2026.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 43 per cent expect to visit somewhere that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred to them as a holiday destination, showing a growing appetite for more unusual destinations.

This seems to be a stronger trend among the younger generations, as 67 per cent of Gen Zs are specifically looking to go somewhere off the beaten track this year.

Although some are still hoping to jet off to up-and-coming, but slightly better travelled locations such as Sardinia in Italy (31 per cent) or Madeira, Portugal (26 per cent), the list of hot spots also includes lesser-known locales.

Including Tromsø in Norway, which is home to an array of arctic wildlife, the Faroe Islands in Denmark, characterised by its stunning landscape of steep cliffs, narrow fjords and volcanic terrain, and the autonomous region of Portugal, Azores.

But while many are searching for hidden gems to make their budget stretch further – with 24 per cent saying cost has inspired them to seek out lesser-known destinations – the research suggests Brits don’t necessarily want the cheapest trip, they want the most rewarding one.

SUNNY STEALS

Winter sun holidays that cost less than your monthly energy bill – from £75pp

HOT STUFF

Brit-loved holiday hotspot named best spot for 30C weather in the Easter holidays

More than two fifths (44 per cent) are choosing a lesser-known location this year because they think it will lead to more memorable experiences, while 38 per cent believe it will feel like more of an adventure, not just a holiday.

While 50 per cent said overall price is something they prioritise when booking a holiday, 80 per cent confirmed they consider the value of a holiday to be about more than just the cost, but the experience, culture, and rewarding feeling they get in return.

For many, value is emotional as much as practical – with 43 per cent saying a holiday feels ‘worth it’ if it helps them escape everyday stresses and fully unwind and 42 per cent seeing value in the pursuit of a sense of joy.

And while many are still looking for trips that feel exciting and memorable, 46 per cent agreed people are increasingly choosing more affordable destinations – suggesting travellers want their money to go further without compromising on what matters most.

Adam Bullock, UK director at TopCashback, which commissioned the research, said: “Value is clearly important when booking a holiday, but it’s not always about finding the cheapest trip.

“For many people, value is about the joy and memories they get back from it – the kind of getaway that feels exciting and genuinely worth talking about when they return.

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

Indeed, after visiting a lesser-known gem, travellers are hopeful to describe their experience as authentic (35 per cent), enriching (29 per cent), and eye-opening (31 per cent).

And when looking back after they return to reality, the things they’re most likely to remember are the experiences or activities (31 per cent), people they spent time with (26 per cent), and the atmosphere of the destination (24 per cent).

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also revealed the evolving travel-style pattern for 2026.

With 44 per cent saying they would prefer to take a variety of shorter trips that are lower both in length and cost, with an aim to see more of the world, versus the 19 per cent who would prefer one larger holiday during the year.

This may explain the number of other more local European hotspots Brits are hoping to see with their own eyes this year, such as Latvia, which boasts medieval architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and natural hot springs.

As well as Montenegro, blending fascinating cultural influences with activities to appease any adventure sports enthusiast.

THE average UK household now pays £165.32 a month on energy bills – but how about spending that money on a sunshine break, where you’d have no need for central heating?

You may not believe that same amount could actually pay for your trip to a sunny beach resort just a few hours from the UK, but we’ve rounded up the cracking deals that prove it.

From hotels with spas and saunas to swimming pools directly on the beach, we’ve found overseas breaks costing less than the price of your monthly energy bill.

And the best part is they start from just £75pp, including flights.

Prices were correct at time of publication.

The Algarve, Portugal for £109pp

This holiday in the Algarve’s Armacao De Pera features a sparkling white hotel with two large freshwater pools and a poolside bar.

Accommodation comes as apartments with open-plan kitchens, air con and large windows.

There’s plenty to do in the local area too.

The hotel is only steps away from Nossa Senhora da Rocha, one of the Algarve’s most photogenic beaches.

You can also go dolphin-watching, explore the Benagil Caves, or head to the nearby 20-hole minigolf adventure park.

Loveholidays offer a 3-night self-catering stay with return flights from Manchester on February 2 from £109pp.

Venice, Italy for £90pp

You could spend four nights in this romantic Italian city for nearly half the price of your monthly energy bill.

Club Hotel Venice is a comfortable and characterful hotel just outside the historic centre.

Rooms here are clean and comfortable, with a homely and cosy feel – plus there’s a relaxed bar and garden area to return to and unwind, after a day of sightseeing.

Hop on a short bus ride and you’ll be in the heart of Venice, ready to explore its famous canals, bridges and piazzas, by foot or gondola.

And this deal from On The Beach is a great-value way to tick off one of Europe’s most famous cities.

On The Beach offer a 4-night room-only stay from 7 February with return flights from London Stansted from £90pp.

Costa Brava, Spain £85pp

This break in Costa Brava‘s Lloret de Mar provides simple self-catering digs and a complementary shuttle bus for you to explore the sunny coast.

The Els Llorers Apartments have everything you need in a good holiday base: a swimming pool, kids area, pool tables and evening entertainment.

Lloret de Mar sees peaceful days and exciting nights, from quiet coves like Cala Sa Boadella to lively nightclubs like Disco Colossos.

There’s plenty to explore too, from the slides at the huge Water World waterpark to the pretty hilltop Castle of Sant Joan.

On The Beach offer 3 nights’ self-catering stay from 22 March with return flights from Birmingham from £85pp.

St Paul’s Bay, Malta for £139pp

The QAWRA Palace Resort & SPA in Malta is a four-star slice of luxury with loads of activities on offer and its very own spa.

There’s plenty of activities here to keep the whole family entertained, from sailing to snorkelling and scuba diving.

There’s a spa offering massages and beauty treatments, gym, sauna and a jacuzzi – plus a giant saltwater outdoor pool and rooftop infinity pool with its own pool bar.

Plus the hotel’s entertainment programme is second to none, with themed dinner nights and top-quality live music.

Choose between a buffet, Asian, Caribbean or South American restaurant for dinner (just make sure to make a reservation).

You’ve got your pick of beaches around St Paul’s Bay, including the crystal-clear waters of Qawra Point Beach and the Bugibba Perched Beach. 

Loveholidays offer a 3-night stay with breakfast and return flights from London Stansted departing 9 March for £139pp.

Budapest, Hungary for £159pp

The four-star Up hotel in beautiful Budapest is the perfect base to explore the city’s top sights.

With a rooftop terrace, sauna and gym, you’ve got everything you’ll need in this swanky city hotel.

Plus the rooms are airy and modern with plenty of spacious options for both couples and families.

You’re just a short walk away from Andrássy Avenue, the street that is UNESCO-listed for its breath-taking buildings like the state opera house and grand palaces.

The Danube riverfront is also nearby, where it’s well worth taking a sightseeing cruise to soak up the golden glow of the streets at night – this one from GetYourGuide is just £10.

Loveholidays offer a 3-night room-only stay with return flights from London Stansted from £159pp.

Lanzarote, £159pp

The aptly-named Lanzarote Paradise sits on Lanzarote’s sunny Costa Teguise.

The four-star hotel has two outdoor pools, a kids’ pool and a laid-back pool bar for easy days in the sun – plus a snack bar for when you get peckish.

Stay in roomy self-catering apartments with kitchenettes, private balconies and flatscreen TVs.

The hotel’s in an ideal location too – you’re close to Costa Teguise’s beaches, bars and restaurants, with sandy Playa de las Cucharas just a stone’s throw away.

The beaches here are popular for windsurfing and watersports, whilst disco club Coyote’s is a popular place to dance the night away.

Loveholidays offer a 3-night self-catering stay from 9 March 2026 with return flights from London Gatwick from £159pp.

The Xemxija Bay hotel is located in a quiet, scenic corner of Malta surrounded by ancient ruins, reserves and walking trails.

The nearby Mistra Bay is a pretty pebbled beach backed by lush green mountains, where you can go paddleboarding or snorkelling in its calm waters.

The hotel itself is a great base for families, with an outdoor and kids pool dotted with sunloungers, and entertainment including a games room and live music program.

Although the hotel is in a calm and quiet location, just a 10-minute drive takes you to the buzzy shops and bars of Bugibba.

On The Beach offer a 4-night room-only stay from 1 February 2026 with return flights from London Stansted from £85pp.

Sousse, Tunisia, £155pp

The Riadh Palms hotel is a lively resort smack-bang on the beach in Tunisia‘s Sousse.

The hotel has a big lagoon-style pool with sun terrace right on the beach, meaning you won’t have to choose between pool or sea swimming.

Rooms are bright and comfortable with air-con, free Wi-Fi and a balcony or terrace to take in the views.

There’s a kids club and even a British-style pub to enjoy a pint after a day in the sun.

It’s a great choice for a chilled, classic beach break with shops, cafes and nightlife all within walking distance.

On The Beach offer 5 nights’ stay with breakfast from 8 February 2026 with return flights from London Luton from £90pp.

Albufeira, Portugal £75pp

It’s hard to say no to three nights in Portugal’s Algarve for just £75pp.

This Portugal break includes a simple self-catering base at the Apartamentos Soldoiro, just a minute’s walk from Praia da Oura.

This wide, sandy beach is a popular spot with water sports, paddle boarding and parasailing on offer.

Located right by the lively strip, you’re close to buzzy bars, restaurants and plenty of places to grab a drink or an ice cream after a day in the sun.

From here you can wander the pretty streets of Albufeira Old Town with its cafes and shops, catch a boat trip or hike scenic coastal paths for sunset views over golden cliffs.

On The Beach offer 3 nights’ stay with breakfast from 9 February 2026 with return flights from Manchester from £75pp.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus £146pp

Though Ayia Napa is known as party central (and the nightlife is definitely some of the best out there) there’s plenty more to see and do in the resort town.

The Cavo Greco National Park has a dramatic rugged coastline overlooking sparkling blue waters, whilst the family-friendly Landa Beach boasts bright white sand.

And if you are looking for nightlife – Pirates Inn and Senior Frogs are hilariously fun options to visit in Ayia Napa square.

And with a stay at the Rio Gardens Aparthotel, you’ll be right by Nissi and Limanaki Beach to top up your tan during the daytime.

Lastminute.com offer 4 nights’ room-only stay from 16 February 2026 with return flights from London Luton from £146pp.

Richard Marx keeps circling back to one word during our interview: elegance.

The descriptor works for the artist’s latest album, “After Hours,” a collection of originals and standards that sees the 62-year-old Marx channel his inner, swinging Frank Sinatra. But Marx also uses the word to detail his life with partner Daisy Fuentes, with whom he wrote the light-stepping Latin-tinged new number “Magic Hour.”

“It’s one of my favorite, if not favorite word, these days,” Marx says. “I just want to live my life more elegantly.”

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

How does that manifest? The hitmaker, who rose to fame with the now timeless ballad “Right Here Waiting,” never hopes to miss a small indulgence such as a nightly martini. Marx was born in Chicago but says he has fully acclimated to the Southern California lifestyle. It’s on the hiking trails, for instance, where he does his best songwriting, and it’s around the firepit where he and Fuentes share their deepest conversations.

Splitting time between two homes — one “in the deep Valley” and another in Malibu — Marx these days appears intent on aging gracefully. It’s partly what drew him to record an album that lovingly pays homage to the likes of Sinatra and Dean Martin.

“When I recorded this album, I dressed up,” he says. “I put on a suit like Sinatra used to do. It makes sense, since in the last dozen years since I met Daisy — she’s sort of old-school — we’ve tried to be as elegant about everything as we possibly can.”

Marx shares with us his ideas for a most elegant Sunday in L.A.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.

8:30 a.m.: Sun and meditation

I start every day when I’m in California with an iced coffee of some kind, sitting in the sun for 20 minutes. No sunscreen, just 20 minutes of vitamin D. I don’t look at my phone. This is my 20-minute meditation with a little caffeine and the sun on my skin. That’s so important to me.

9:30 a.m.: Brunch at home or in Malibu

Daisy is a really great cook. She’s great across the board, but her breakfast and brunch talent is off the charts. So usually on a Sunday we’re going to stay home and she’s going to make some brunch. If we go out, one of my favorite Sundays, even when we’re here in the Valley, is to drive over the hill and go to the Malibu Country Mart or stop in the Marmalade Cafe or the Carbon Beach Club, which is in the Malibu Beach Inn. There’s a couple places we love in Malibu. There’s a place called Ollo’s that has great breakfast. It’s in a strip mall with Ralph’s.

11 a.m.: More sun on the trails

I’m addicted to hiking and so is Daisy. There are some really great hikes out here in the Valley — Las Virgenes — but my favorite hikes are in Malibu, whether it’s Solstice Canyon or the Westward Beach hike. It’s not a challenging hike physically, but it’s probably the most gorgeous hike. What’s the point of being in California if you’re not outside? Sunday is a day I need to be out hiking in the sun and sweating.

About 30% of the time I’m writing in my head, even if I don’t want to be. It happens. If Daisy is with me, I love to not take my phone because I like to be unencumbered and to not think about it. What will happen is then I’ll have to have her open her voice notes and sing a melody into it. I’ve written so many songs in the great outdoors. I saw an interview with Sting where he said that lyrics hide behind bushes and trees and under rocks. He goes outside too. I knew I liked Sting.

2:30 p.m.: Time to chill with a book

And then it’s really just a matter of relaxing, getting some time to sit with a great book in the afternoon. I always have a couple books going at the same time. I haven’t been reading hardly any fiction for a while, but I just started reading Scott Galloway’s book, “Notes on Being a Man.” He’s an investment guy and he’s got companies, but he’s become really big on social media. He’s an interesting guy, and I’m totally into that book. I’m almost finished with Charlie Sheen’s memoir. I saw the documentary, which I thought was amazing. His story is fascinating, and the quality of that filmmaking, especially in the use of the old movie footage, I thought was world-class. So I’m finishing Charlie’s book. Those are the two I’m reading right now.

4:30 p.m.: Pre-dinner martinis

As great a cook as Daisy is, we like to go out for dinner. Our favorite thing is to go someplace for martinis and a little bite of something and then another place for dinner. With more martinis. I can’t focus enough on the martinis.

If I had to pick one martini spot, it’s Lucky’s in Malibu. First of all, it’s an incredible martini, but they do a whole presentation. They bring it over to the table and shake it at the table. It’s a generous pour. You usually get a little sidecar. Being vegetarian, it’s a little challenging, but it’s a great place for us. There’s also a place called V’s. It’s a local place that’s been there a long time. They have a tiny little bar when you first walk in the door with a couple little hi-tops. That’s a really nice place to stop and get a quick drink and maybe a flatbread.

7 p.m.: Dinner and a scene

I’m going to sound so obnoxious saying this, but I really love Craig’s. I love going there. We feel at home there. They take good care of us. If I’m going to Craig’s for dinner, I’m looking forward to it all day. I always run into people I know. It’s a hot spot of activity. It’s just about feeling comfortable.

It’s a scene-y place, but I got s—-faced at Craig’s with Rod Stewart one night. We got so drunk together. It was just the two of us, like 2½ years ago. We’ve become really great friends, and we had a driver, of course, but it was such a fun night and I’ve had so many fun nights at Craig’s, with my family and friends. It’s an industry place, but it happens to be my industry so it’s really fun for me, especially when I run into someone I haven’t seen for a while or I meet somebody who I admire.

9:30 p.m.: Relax on the balcony

Daisy and I, we talk. We have endless conversations. I still have so much to tell her, and so much I want her to tell me. We’ve been together 12 years, and one of my favorite things is to come home, and we have a firepit outside our house here or in Malibu we have a beautiful balcony overlooking the beach. In either of those places we’ll just sit and talk for hours, until we’re sleepy. There’s not a lot of going to the movies or going out. Once we come back from dinner, we love our time to wind down.

As a kid born and raised in Southern California, the idea of autumn leaves and winter snow were novelties. Though just a three-hour drive from my family’s town, the wooded San Bernardino Mountains felt like another world, so much so that when a mountain guide once asked 10-year-old me where I was from, I told him “California,” as if we’d left the state entirely.

Cascading ponderosa pines and Douglas fir trees sweep the Transverse Ranges toward Big Bear Lake, which sits in a valley that the Indigenous Yuhaaviatam called Yuhaaviat, Place of the Pines. Big Bear’s tourism story starts in the 1860s, when a short-lived gold rush in Holcomb Valley left behind roads, cabins and a frontier myth that later drew tourists. In 1884, a dam built for irrigation flooded the valley and created the alpine lake that still defines the region.

Angelenos have been making the drive to Big Bear for more than a century, chasing cooler air in summer and snow in winter. As early as 1912, day-trippers and film crews in Model-Ts wound up the mountain roads, using Big Bear’s forests as both a quick escape and a Hollywood back lot.

By the 1920s Pine Knot, now known as Big Bear Village, was filled with lodges and storefronts to greet Los Angeles motorists escaping summer heat. The region’s first ski lift arrived in 1938, while post-World War II highways, film shoots, and the Hollywood set turned the once-remote valley into a four-season resort through the 1960s. To this day, Big Bear maintains its small-town feel with a population of just 5,000 even though it sees more than 7 million visitors a year.

For my parents, who loved to ski, Big Bear was more affordable and closer than Tahoe (meaning less time in the car with two squirmy kids) and had just enough amenities to keep us warm, fed and happy. Over the years, locals have held tight to its character, resisting abject luxury development while defending the habitats of local wildlife. Thanks to those efforts, the place still carries a bit of Howard Johnson-era Americana charm.

Whether traveling solo or with friends and family, a weekend in Big Bear makes for a quaint but restorative winter getaway, whether or not you hit the slopes. Pack your sweaters and boots and be careful taking the curves of Highway 18.

A WATERFRONT development has been approved and is set to transform one of Southampton’s piers.

Town Quay in Southampton, which operates as a marina, could soon look completely different with a huge hotel complex with a helipad.

Town Quay is a historic waterside area and part of the busy Port of Southampton, known for its ferry links to the Isle of Wight.

Last March, Southampton Council approved a planning application by the Nicolas James Group, who want to completely transform the area.

The plans are for a huge waterfront development that could see a hotel with a bar, conference facilities, a spa and even a with a helipad.

There could also be three 25-storey apartment blocks as well as multiple restaurants and food halls.

FALL FOR IT

Why Sun readers love Wales – their favourite waterfalls & TV-famous castles

COAST IT

Fascinating UK holiday spot with 2 coasts, secret seaside pools & hidden beaches

The plans also include a new Red Jet passenger terminal and larger marina.

The development is estimated to cost £200million.

Just opposite Town Quay is Southampton Royal Pier, which opened in the 1830s of Victorian England and cost £25,000 to build.

The 900-foot pier opened in July 1833, by the Duchess of Kent and Princess (later Queen) Victoria.

It was in operation until its closure in late 1979.

The Royal Palace building is now a popular Indian restaurant.

Other main attractions in Southampton include the Solent Sky Museum, the Unity Brewing Co., and the Tudor House – all of which one travel writer visited during a city break.

Piers are a huge part of seaside holidays for most and earlier this year, Clacton-on-Sea was voted one of the country’s ‘worst seaside towns‘.

But it’s pleasure pier up came up trumps, winning big in the ‘Best of the Best Amusement & Water Parks’ category.

Clacton Pier came 11th place in the Tripadvisor Travellers‘ Choice Awards having been given top reviews by visitors – even beating theme parks in the process.

It’s the biggest pier of its kind in Europe at 360 metres long – and has its own amusement park.

On it are 16 rides including Looping Star rollercoaster, White Water Log Flume, a big wheel and Helter Skelter

There’s even a go-karting track, as well as a bowling alley, darts and shuffleboard, adventure golf, video arcade, and a soft play centre

Throughout the summer, the pier is also having free firework displays.

For more on piers this northern UK town called a ‘coastal gem’ with Victorian pier, no arcades and 141-year-old funicular railway.

And the English beach town that inspired the Beatles has world’s oldest seaside pier – which has reopened after £10m revamp.

I ALWAYS take my boys away for some winter sun at the start of January – and this year we tried out the trending holiday hotspot that combines the best of city and seaside.

We headed to Malta, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, to find out for ourselves why the capital Valletta was recently named best city in the world in Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice awards.

The island is experiencing a tourism boom, with its airport recording more than 10 million passengers for the first time by 2025.

So going in the quieter winter months is definitely a winner if you want to beat the crowds.

The smallest and southernmost European capital, Valletta is the perfect base if you love wandering round historic city streets in the sunshine while admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere.

Over the festive season, the city centre is lit up until Twelfth Night, there are fireworks above the harbour on New Year’s Eve and Christmas market ‘Fairyland’ takes over a couple of squares, offering ice skating, stalls, a big wheel and more.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

TRIP TIPS

I’ve visited Disney 55 times… mistakes parents make that ruin trips & waste money

It was magical wandering the city streets, with a different view around every corner.

And as dusk fell, it felt like every alleyway was filled with festive fairy lights, while it was still warm enough to meander slowly through the streets or enjoy an alfresco drink.

Once you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of streets full of festive shoppers and sightseers, the beauty of Malta is that everything is just a short bus ride away.

You can even get to neighbouring Gozo on the ferry in less than an hour.

Buses cost just €2 (£1.73) per journey in winter and you can pick up a week-long bus pass for €25 (£21.67).

The one downside to choosing Malta for a winter sun break is that its weather is far more unpredictable than firm favourites like the Canaries or Cape Verde, which we’ve visited in the past.

While those can be fairly windy, they are usually good for a guaranteed dose of sun.

It’s a bit more hit and miss what weather you’ll get during a Maltese winter.

Having said that, the thermometer hit the early 20s in the week of our New Year break and we even went swimming in the sea at Għadira Bay. 

If you’re travelling as a family, you might be wise to take a look at budget-friendly accommodation options outside the capital.

We chose Mellieħa, an hour north on the bus.

The beach was just a five-minute bus ride from our flat.

Nearby Popeye Village, an old filmset of quirky wooden houses built in the 1970s for the Robin Williams movie about the spinach-guzzling sailor, was lots of fun, with character parades and shows proving a highlight of our afternoon there. 

From neighbouring Ċirkewwa, it was easy to hop on a 25-minute ferry to Gozo, with return tickets for my family of five costing just €16 (£13.87), compared to €65 (£56.35) for the 45-minute boat between Valletta and Gozo.

There’s a different pace of life on the smaller island and we found some little gems in its capital Victoria.

I loved the iconic nativity scenes in the basement of Il-Ħaġar Heart of Gozo Museum and there’s a fascinating stone column running up through the centre of the museum that sums up the islands’ history, with the different civilisations and groups based there throughout the ages.

From Victoria, you can take a 10-minute bus trip to the Neolithic Ġgantija, temples made of huge stones still standing after more than 5,500 years.

We all know that going away in the school holidays can cost a pretty penny at any time of year, but I managed to bag return flights to Malta for five of us for just £200.

Accommodation costs are also lower out of the summer season, so our winter sun week away came in at about £500 for flights and apartment, which is a bit of a bargain by anyone’s standards. 

One final festive touch if you visit in early January is that the three wise men visit various churches on horseback the weekend before Epiphany.

The famous Maltese hospitality was in full flow for us when the Mellieħa scout group offered our teen a pride of place in their parade to mark the occasion.

For festive fun and a bit of sun, make Malta your midwinter must-visit for 2026.

For more winter sun inspiration, here are islands five hours from the UK that will soon be much easier to get to.

Plus, the top nine cheapest last-minute winter sun destinations less than five hours from the UK.

Shelley Quijada, 35, bought a two-bedroom sea view apartment with a rooftop pool and a gym for just £54,000 in Egypt, where the family has been loving the ‘slower pace of life’

A family has waved goodbye to “miserable” Britain and relocated to Egypt in pursuit of “365 days of sunshine” securing a two-bedroom apartment with sea views and a pool for a mere £54,000. Shelley Quijada, 35, made the leap alongside her husband, Luis, 39, and their 14-year-old daughter to Sharm El Sheikh last October, drawn by bargain prices and a laid-back lifestyle.

The Derby-based business coach and social media agency boss is now pocketing an incredible £887 monthly on household bills and slashing £260 off her grocery expenses. The pair have purchased a two-bedroom flat boasting ocean vistas, plus access to a rooftop pool and on-site gym, all for just £54,000.

After stumping up a £27,000 deposit, they’ll fork out £1,125 monthly over the next two years before becoming completely mortgage-free. On top of that, the couple snapped up a studio flat for £24,000 cash, which they intend to let out.

Shelley explained: “We always knew we wanted to move abroad, my husband’s from South America, and I’ve always preferred the sun. After going on holiday to Egypt a few times, we fell in love with the peaceful feel of it.”

She added: “As soon as I got off the plane I would immediately feel relaxed. I prefer the slower pace of life.

“There are 365 days of sunshine, you can’t go wrong. It’s so much cheaper as well. We can live a very nice life here for a quarter of what people normally spend in the UK.

“We bought a studio apartment for £24,000. People immediately think it’s going to be horrible because of the price, but it’s beautiful.

“The most expensive meal out we’ve had was £17 for the three of us and our food shop is now £65 cheaper per week. All we did in England was go to Primark or the cinema and now we can go quad biking, boat trips and snorkelling.

“I can’t see myself moving anywhere else now. Egypt has got everything you could possibly want, the heat, the cheaper prices, the more relaxed way of life.”

Shelley and Luis, who’s in property, had harboured ambitions of relocating overseas for some time, given Luis hails from sun-drenched Venezuela and isn’t keen on Britain’s dreary climate. Spain was their initial consideration, but after several Egyptian getaways, they were captivated by the perpetual warmth and unhurried lifestyle.

Back in Britain, the pair brought in a combined £2,600 monthly and regularly spent every penny, forking out £550 on rent and £917 covering household expenses. Come October 2025, the family departed their Derby residence for Sharm El Sheikh, where Shelley reckons they settled in “straight away”.

Their daughter currently learns at home, though there’s a possibility she’ll attend a British institution in the area from next year. While bidding farewell to loved ones proved difficult, Shelley noted her relatives were thrilled to have a compelling reason to venture abroad more frequently.

Since Shelley operates remotely, she has the flexibility to work from any location, and the pair also leverage their social media presence to arrange local excursions for clients. The couple snapped up a “beautiful” studio flat for a mere £24,000, which they intend to let out, and have secured a two-bedroom apartment with sea views, complete with a rooftop pool and gym facilities, for only £54,000.

Whilst the family are thoroughly enjoying their Egyptian lifestyle, they’ve encountered several cultural adjustments, including poor road safety standards and locals inflating prices at markets, mistaking them for holidaymakers.

“It does take a bit of being used to, but it’s all a fun experience,” she remarked. Back in Britain, Shelley revealed that she and her loved ones were “never out past 6pm” and would typically spend evenings watching Netflix.

These days, blessed with Egypt’s magnificent climate, the family now pass their afternoons by the seaside and their evenings browsing shops and visiting juice bars until 10pm. “Our lives have completely changed for the better,” she declared.

In Britain, the household would fork out £100 weekly on food shopping, but their current grocery bill amounts to merely £35. Their Egyptian utility costs total just £30 monthly and they’ll own their property outright within two years.

“It’s all fresh produce from the market,” Shelley said. “The potatoes have literally just been harvested.”

The family also enjoys dining out at “healthy” restaurants once weekly, with their priciest meal costing just £17 for all three of them. This represents a massive saving compared to the £100-plus bills they regularly faced back home.

In Egypt, their monthly expenditure sits at around £800, which covers weekly restaurant visits and twice-monthly activities such as snorkelling in the Red Sea. The family intends to remain in Egypt permanently, with no plans to return to the UK.

She documents her journey on @movingourlifetoeg.

Shelley’s bills in the UK and Egypt

Weekly food shop in UK: £100

Weekly food shop in Egypt: £35

Utility bills in UK: £917

Utility bills in Egypt: £30

Rent in UK: £550

Rent in Egypt: £0

Mortgage: £1,125 for two years and then mortgage-free

WITH my Minnie Mouse ears on, I’m stood in an Italian piazza with a glass of Prosecco in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other.

My friend has a pint of German beer and we click glasses to raise a toast in the Florida sun. It’s all very confusing.

When it comes to entertainment and attractions, Disney theme parks often raise the bar, but a new drinking game started by Disney World fans has created a new – rather boozy – way to enjoy one of the Florida theme parks.

The most magical bar crawl on Earth takes place at Disney’s EPCOT theme park, part of Walt Disney World.

It’s been dubbed ‘drinking around the world’ and has almost become an attraction in itself for Disney adults.

EPCOT is themed around future innovations and world community and there’s a huge lake surrounded by 11 pavilions representing different countries from around the globe.

Read more on Disney World

TAKE THE MICKEY

How you can get PAID to go to Disney World… by the Brits making £10k a year

WALT NOW?

I’m a Disney expert – what to expect from new theme park from Fortnite to Frozen

Here, you can experience different cultures, with attractions, crafts, food and drinks from countries including Japan, Norway, Morocco and Mexico.

With each pavilion serving traditional food and drink favourites from their own country, it wasn’t long before fans began taking on the challenge to sample food and cocktails from each one as they explore the EPCOT park.

However, with cocktails including the cult Avocado Margarita from Mexico, a whisky-based Ottawa Apple from Canada and a vodka-laden Canto Loopy from China, it doesn’t take long to get a bit tipsy.

Plus, at between £12 and £21 per cocktail, then tax and tip on top, it’s not the cheapest way to spend the day.

However, the challenge is a lot of fun and on a sunny day, it’s a very chilled-out way to relax and enjoy the beautiful EPCOT park without the hustle to get on all the rides.

However, this boozy bar crawl is not for the faint hearted. Big cups and generous pours mean it’s easy to get drunk quickly. 

Theme park staff and security won’t tolerate anyone intoxicated and behaving badly, so don’t go overboard. It’s worth nothing there are non-alcoholic options available too.

Since each pavilion also serves local foods, it’s a good idea to sample a snack at each place too.

If you’re on a family holiday, though, it’s fair to say your kids would probably rather meet Elsa and Anna than stop for a frozen daiquiri. 

So, it’s usually couples or friendship groups visiting without children who indulge in all 11 country-themed tipples.

As a Disney expert who has visited the Disney parks over 55 times, I have never managed to drink at every spot around the world in one day – with the most I could manage being just eight of the 11 pavilions.

However, recently my friend Marcus and I attempted to do all 11 by sharing a drink at each place to make it more affordable and, most importantly, less intoxicating!

We were in Orlando for work and decided to go to EPCOT for the day and take on the challenge.

We tried ‘drinking around the world’ at Disney

We headed to the World Showcase at lunchtime, starting in the Mexico Pavilion where we grabbed some tacos and our first cocktail of the day – a margarita from Mexico.

The Choza de Margarita bar has a huge list of different margarita flavours, with the cult favourite being the avocado margarita.

However, my personal recommendation is the Blood Orange (£14). Fresh, fruity and dangerously drinkable!

The Mexico pavilion is a great place to start around midday, as Mexican snacks like tacos and nachos make for a great lunch and there is an outdoor terrace with views over the lake.

I could very easily have stayed all afternoon, sampling some of the other marg flavours as well as Picantes and Palomas but, to stay on track – and on my feet – after a while we set off to pavilion number two: Canada

The Canadian location didn’t have as much atmosphere as Mexico, so we didn’t end up staying for long, stopping off just to pick up our next drink – which is actually one of my favourites.

If you like your cocktails sweet, the Ottawa Apple (£12.50,) is a hit.

This iced cocktail is made with Canadian Whisky, Maple, Apple Infusion, and Cranberry Juice and despite being full of ice, is like a warm hug. 

You actually pick this up from a popcorn kiosk, so we also grabbed a box of the moorish Maple Popcorn (£5) to snack on as we strolled over to the next stop.

If you want to hang around, there is a lot of open space here. You can grab a bench along the water’s edge and soak up the view.

Our next stop is the United Kingdom pavilion, which is very funny for Brits visiting Walt Disney World.

There are storybook ‘British’ streets, red phone boxes and cute little English rose gardens.

For those who love Disney characters, we bumped into Winnie the Pooh and Tigger here too.

The top spot is the British pub, Rose and Crown. Inside really does feel like the boozer down the road, – just a lot cleaner and with no fruit machines.

This is one of the most popular spots for Disney guests – especially those ‘drinking around the world’.

It’s one of the only places in Orlando to get a proper British pint and there is always a line. Probably because more than 800,000 Brits visit Orlando every year.

One of the best things about the World Showcase at EPCOT is that each pavilion has a team of staff from that country.

Marcus and I got chatting to the bartender, who was originally from Wolverhampton.

If you’re really missing home and you feel hungry, you can order traditional Fish and Chips here too and tables were packed with people tucking in.

For me, it could never be the same as back home though.

Marcus sampled the Snake Bite Imperial Pint for £9.50, which is half cider and lager and brought back memories of drinking in the Student Union.

Sticking with Europe, after this we moved on to one of my favourite pavilions, France.

The France pavilion is huge, with a popular attraction, Ratatouille, and lots of cute shops selling very French things, like perfume, macarons and pastries.

But, of course, we headed straight to the Les Vins de Chefs de France stand, for a fan-favourite Grand Marnier Orange Slush (£11.50).

This is a proper boozy slushie made with Grand Marnier, Rum, orange vodka and orange Juice. 

The queue is always so long for this drink, but that’s probably a good thing since it’s the most delicious, cold refreshment, which doesn’t feel at all boozy.

The 20-minute wait means you probably won’t keep going back for more and end up very sloshed in France, with seven pavilions still to go.

Picking ours up, we nabbed a spot in the sun next to the Beauty and the Beast garden and also picked up a box of macarons from the Boulangerie Patisserie as a sweet treat to go with it.

Morocco, Japan and the American Adventure pavilion were up next.

Japan also has a great alcoholic slushie, the Blood Orange Saki Mist (£10), but Marcus went for a non-alcoholic option here for a bit of a break.

I did the same in Morocco, opting for an iced mint tea but there are some fab drink options, including a Pomegranate Mimosa (£14)

The USA serves a less boozy slushie, the 0% American Dream (£5) made with Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry. 

By the time we reached Italy it was late afternoon, and we had worked out up quite an appetite. At 5ft 5 and 140lbs, I was also definitely getting a bit tipsy too.

Make time to hydrate

Lunch was timed perfectly at the Italy-themed pavilion, where you can grab a large slice of pizza to line your stomach. Washed down with a Prosecco (£10) of course – how could we resist?

Just along from here is Italy’s European sister, Germany but at this point I couldn’t handle any more liquids! I have it on good authority that the Bärenjäger Honey & Bourbon cocktail at Biergaten is great though £12 for the glass.

And of course, you are spoilt for choice with German beer.

At China, Marcus tried the Canto Loopy (a vodka and cantaloupe mix, £10.50) but I was more interested in sampling the pot stickers and potato and pea samosas (£5).

The final bar around the EPCOT world can found in Norway, which is a good place to wind things down.

It’s here you can ride the Frozen: Ever After boat ride, meet characters from Frozen and try one of the fan-favourite snacks – the School Bread (£4.50) from the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. This is a custard roll topped with coconut and easily the best sweet treat in the whole park.

Perfectly complimenting this is the very alcoholic Viking Coffee – a boozy little liquid desert to end the day (£13.50).  It’s made with Baileys and Kamora Coffee Liqueur with Coffee-Chocolate Sauce, and garnished with Coffee-Chocolate Crunch.

The day was fun but I wasn’t sure if I’d still be awake for the fireworks show, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which starts at 9pm.

It’s fair to say that by now I was definitely more drunk than tipsy. My hotel bed was calling for me.

A massive burger and chips was in order to sober up and as we scoffed our tea, I could hear the delighted screams of people riding Test Track, a high-speed car ride.

We’d had a fun day just strolling around in the sun but at roughly £75 to get in and almost £400 spent on food and drink between us, I couldn’t help thinking my time would have been better spent riding all the amazing attractions that I can’t do at home.

After a proper dinner and a ride on the calm and easy ‘Living with the Land’ boat ride, we wandered back over to the lake as the sun was setting, finding ourselves right back where we started, at the Mexico pavilion.

It was still going strong with tequila-drinking revellers and a Mariachi band playing in the background.

Was it a good idea to get another sumptuous margarita to sip along with the fireworks?

We’d drunk all around the world today, what’s one more cheeky cheers for the road?

The Islands off County Mayo are a hidden paradise, with natural wonders and pristine beaches accessible by boat from Ireland’s west coast

Rural Ireland is more than just sprawling green fields and coastal retreats – there’s a hidden island that could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise.

The Inishkea Islands, nestled just 3km off the coast of County Mayo, are a true Irish treasure, boasting an abundance of natural beauty. The islands also play host to one of the most stunning beaches in the country. The name ‘Inishkea’ is believed to have been derived from Saint Kea, an ancient saint who once lived on the tiny island, adding an intriguing layer of mystery to its allure. But it’s the island’s natural splendour that truly captivates visitors, from its diverse wildlife to idyllic swimming spots and lush greenery.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the opportunity to observe a flourishing seal colony, a variety of seabirds, and other marine life frolicking in the waves. Above all, the beach is a favourite spot for visitors, with its soft white sands inviting relaxation and leisure. The Inishkea Islands actually comprise two separate islands, Inishkea North and Inishkea South, divided by a narrow channel. The larger of the two, Inishkea North, boasts a higher elevation and is larger with expansive heather and willow landscapes.

To access these breathtaking spots, you’ll need to set sail on a boat journey. Fortunately, daily boat trips and guided tours to the island are readily available. The majority of these excursions are organised by locals and run throughout the summer season, with Belmullet Boat Charters operating departures from Belmullet.

The location boasts several important historical landmarks, including a Christian monastery featuring beehive huts next to St Colmcille’s Church. It previously formed part of a thriving monastic community and was later converted into stone dwellings that housed a fishing village.

Whilst no one has inhabited these structures or the island since the 1930s, the remains stand as a testament to the area’s rich heritage for visitors. Though there are believed to be some people on the islands, they aren’t regarded as permanent year-round residents and typically only visit during the summer period.

One recent tourist posted a review on TripAdvisor, writing: “We had a fabulous trip to Inishkea with Belmullet Boat Charters. It’s a stunning island with lots of space to wander around through the abandoned village, up to the highest point where you can see the sea all around, and a swim at one of the beaches with beautiful white sand.”

Another visitor said: “We had a great day. The ferry trip was lovely, about 50 minutes to the island. Kea also filled us in on what we were seeing while sailing. The island was just gorgeous; we swam and walked for 2 hours. Then we returned to the ferry and went on to see the cliffs, seals and cormorants.”

A half-moon of golden sand in Sicily

Forty miles east of Palermo, the magnificent Sicilian resort town of Cefalù juts out beneath dramatic cliffs. The town has a perfect half-moon beach of golden sands melding into the gorgeous clear turquoise sea. Medieval lanes of stones in a diamond pattern lead up to a lively square offering great Italian food. It’s fronted by a beautiful Norman cathedral with twin towers and Byzantine mosaics inside.
David Innes-Wilkin

A calm lagoon in Portugal

From Faro, head east away from the more touristy haunts and, between Olhão and Tavira, you’ll find the charming fishing village of Fuseta. This whole stretch of coast is a natural park protected by sand spits and islands, which make for miles of calm lagoon waters. Take a water taxi to a range of completely deserted spots and get picked up at a prearranged time, or you can call when you’re ready to return to civilisation. Highly accessible but blissfully remote.
Julia

Atlantic rollers on Algarve shores

The mile-long Porto de Mós beach near Lagos in the western Algarve is true heaven. Watching the Atlantic rollers hitting the beach is awesome and mesmerising. After a dip or surf, a pint or two at Campimar beach shack is well earned. It’s also a great restaurant in the evening for local seafood, wine, and enjoying views of scudding clouds and hypnotic waves.
Philip Webster

Greece’s Fourni islands are unsung bliss

The Fourni islands in the north Aegean are a long-favoured holiday destination of Athenians. They have many coves and beaches and appear to be popular with wild campers. Petrokopio beach was one of our favourites – it’s the site of ancient marble quarries and has wonderful white stones. Kampi is one of the most popular beaches and is backed by tamarisk trees. Here, visitors can laze in a Fellini-like tableau. For solitude, take a trip in a fishing boat to Thimena island and visit Paralía Kerameidioú bay with its quiet, relaxed restaurant. Fourni is still relatively cheap to visit and there are plenty of places to stay. It can be reached from Piraeus on the ferry to Samos.
Jake Blay

Riga’s perfect ribbon of sand

A few miles west of the Latvian capital of Riga, the beach from Jūrmala to Bigauņciems is a perfect ribbon of sand running along the shores of the Baltic. The pine forests of the Ķemeri national park run right up to the sand, and offer an extensive network of trails. We walked for hours, savouring the soundtrack of calling cuckoos and singing wood warblers. Visit in early and late summer for long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures.
Dylan Miller

Winning tip: cider by the sea in northern Spain

As an alternative to the scorching Spanish south, head to Gijón in Asturias. San Lorenzo beach has a lovely promenade for strolls and a vibrant surf scene, whereas Playa de Poniente offers tranquil waters and rock pools where you can search for crabs. While at Poniente beach, have lunch at Tierra Astur, which serves typical Asturian dishes and has lovely good-value local cider. Don’t miss the aquarium nearby. Visit in late July for an amazing airshow over San Lorenzo – just remember the earplugs!
Oksana Memedova

Yosemite’s firefall — the winter convergence of sunbeams and falling water that has drawn growing crowds to the national park’s Horsetail Falls — will be different this year. At least for those hoping to plan a trip.

When skies are clear and Horsetail Falls is flowing, the firefall phenomenon happens in mid- to late February as the setting sun illuminates the falls for a few minutes before disappearing, giving the water a lava-like orange glow. A hazy or cloudy evening can dramatically reduce or destroy the effect. Yet since photographer Galen Rowell captured a striking image in 1973, thousands of visitors (many of them photographers) have made the journey, vying for the ideal position, prompting various safety measures. By 2021, rangers were using reservation requirements to thin the crowds.

This year, firefall views are considered mostly likely to take place Feb. 10-26, and a reservation is not required to see it or to visit Yosemite in February. Instead, park officials aim to limit crowds by restricting car and foot traffic. As the Mariposa Gazette reported, Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden said that “a bunch of boots on the ground is going to be our principal strategy.” With these changes, here are a few things to know if you’re hoping to experience the glow.

Where to park

Rangers are urging visitors to park in the Yosemite Falls parking area (just west of Yosemite Valley Lodge) and walk 1.5 miles to the viewing area near El Capitan Picnic Area. If there’s no parking available at Yosemite Falls, rangers say, visitors should park at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and use the free shuttle (which stops at both) to get to Yosemite Falls parking/Yosemite Valley Lodge, then begin the walk.

What to bring

Expect snow and ice, and bring warm clothes, traction devices for your boots and a headlamp or flashlight for the 3-mile round-trip walk, rangers advise.

Visitors gather near Horsetail Falls in Yosemite in 2019.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

Restricted areas

To make more room for pedestrians, Northside Drive will have one lane closed to vehicles between the viewing area and Yosemite Falls parking. Parking, stopping or unloading passengers will be prohibited between Lower Yosemite Fall and El Capitan Crossover (but vehicles displaying a disability placard will be allowed greater access). On busy weekends, rangers say, they may close Northside Drive entirely for about 30 minutes following sunset.

Rangers say the park’s Southside Drive will be open to vehicles, but parking, stopping, and unloading passengers will be prohibited between El Capitan Crossover and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. In addition, pedestrians will be banned from walking on or adjacent to the road in that area.

Also, from Cathedral Beach Picnic Area to Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, the area between the road and the Merced River (including the river itself) will be closed to visitors. El Capitan Crossover, the road that connects Northside and Southside Drives near El Capitan, will be open to vehicles, but parking, stopping and unloading passengers will be prohibited. The Yosemite National Park website includes a detailed map of the Horsetail Fall viewing area and restrictions.

TRADITIONAL just got a stylish upgrade at this family and dog-friendly pub nestled in the small town of Chertsey.

Enjoy a day out at Thorpe Park before filling your belly in The Crown’s classic gastropub.

Where is The Crown Hotel?

You’ll notice the kerb appeal of this Young’s pub with rooms as you pull off the M25 into the small town of Chertsey.

It’s perfectly placed to visit Thorpe Park or Chessington World of Adventures.

Closer still is Brooklands Museum, where we spent the day enjoying motoring and aviation history

The Crown is only a 10-minute walk from Chertsey Train Station, with a local museum and amenities all accessible on foot.

Read more on hotel reviews

AND RELAX

The sprawling country resort with a £10million spa and award-winning restaurant

PEACEFUL KNIGHTS

I stayed in the new Knight Lodges at the UK’s ‘most beautiful castle’

However, to really take advantage of the beautiful Surrey surroundings and family days out, driving would be best.

Free onsite parking is on a first-come, first-parked basis.

What is it like?

An old-time local favourite, The Crown Pub and Hotel has been newly renovated so that its 49 rooms serve you with the best of traditional and cosy.

The historic building has stood on this village site since 1899, but has been home to an old Coaching inn since the 16^th century.

Head Chef Marek and Landlady Shannon ensure that your pub fare is served up with a personable elegance in front of a roaring winter fire or in the summer cocktail garden.

What is there to do in and around the hotel?

Live music and a host of well-kept ales compliment the gastro pub menu and welcome you in after a long day exploring.

Thorpe Park is a 16-minute bus ride away, or instead, why not take the quieter path and walk along the Thames to explore the beautiful Surrey countryside.

Next time we stay, I’m aiming to coincide with one of Brooklands Museum’s classic car events. 

What is there to eat and drink at The Crown Hotel?

The menu celebrates the classic British gastropub, and the portions will not disappoint.

We started with plump Fowey mussels in Aspall cyder cream (£9.50) and crispy duck leg croquettes (£8.50) with a damson plum ketchup.

We followed with venison Gamekeeper’s pie (£24) and a pork T-bone (£20), partnered by a decadent cauliflower cheese.

The beer garden hosts “Blanche’s Oven”, with gourmet pizzas from £10. 

There are special nights like game butchery evening, partnered with Jeremy Clarkson‘s brewery, whose beers are also stocked in the bar.

Landlady Shannon holds regular Tap Chats to discuss the pub’s favourite beers. 

What are the rooms like?

We were upgraded to a vast “Bigger Comfy” room with plenty of space for the whole family, a lounge area with a TV, work space and a Nespresso coffee machine.

The 49 rooms were recently refurbished with earthy tones, and there is a “brand new” feel to both the accommodation and the bar and restaurant area.

Book direct and you can even request a late checkout of 1pm, subject to availability. 

How much is The Crown Hotel?

Double rooms at The Crown start at £110 per night.

For four-legged friends, you can pay £20 per night for up to 2 of your pups to stay in a dog-friendly room with a complimentary welcome hamper.

See crownchertsey.co.uk.

Is it family friendly?

If you have little ones tagging along, under twos go free, and an extra bed can be added to your room for £15 a night for guests aged 2-14.

Do note that on Fridays and Saturdays, live music in the bar area keeps the dance floor jumping until midnight, but rooms can be requested in the annexe.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Ground floor, accessible rooms can be arranged on booking, and there are disabled bays in the on-site car park.

I screamed in glee on Monday when I spotted the smooth rock that forms a natural waterslide just off the Dawn Mine Trail north of Altadena. Water rushed into a deep pool where I’d swum with my dog, Maggie May, several times.

I hadn’t returned to the trail along Millard Creek since the Eaton fire last January, and I was eager to see how the area was doing. I was relieved to find lush California bay laurels growing amid thick sagebrush and other native plants. (And sure, there was a bit of mustard.)

The U.S. Forest Service updated its Eaton fire closure order last week, opening access back up to several beloved spots. That said, the reopening comes with multiple caveats.

For one, Chaney Trail, the road that leads into Millard Canyon, remains closed by the L.A. County Department of Public Works. Elizabeth Vazquez, a public information officer with the county public works department, said workers are repairing guardrails damaged by the Eaton fire. The road is scheduled to reopen this spring once that work is complete. Until then, visitors can park outside the gate and trek inside to reach the trails.

That said, because multiple agencies have Millard Canyon gate keys, you might get lucky like your local outdoors reporter and find the gate open. (And hopefully you don’t get locked in.)

The sun blankets the mountains near the Mt. Lowe Motorway in a red light.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Additionally, Eaton Canyon Natural Area remains closed, regardless of what your hiking app says. (The app I use claims it is open!)

To add to the confusion, the Forest Service, which has seen massive job cuts under the Trump administration, hasn’t yet updated the Angeles National Forest website to reflect the recent reopenings. You will notice that discrepancy when you visit some of the links I’ve included below.

A view of sunset from the Mt. Lowe Motorway.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

That said, per the forest service’s order, these trails in and around the Eaton fire burn scar are open (albeit with some caveats that I will explain):

Millard Creek is flowing swiftly after January rains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Sun casts shadows through the trees along Millard Creek.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

As a reminder for when you’re out exploring, State Route 2, including Angeles Crest Highway, through Angeles National Forest remains closed to vehicle traffic from 3.3 miles east of Newcomb’s Ranch to Big Pines Highway. The road was seriously damaged during the recent rainstorms, and there aren’t any estimates on when it will reopen.

?The following roads, trails and other areas remain closed, per the Eaton fire closure order: ?

Please use great care as you return to these trails. Although trail crews have donated hundreds of hours to their repair, not all work is complete. Along with swift river crossings, you might run into hazards like downed trees or washed-out trails. I like to tell myself when I’m frustrated over needing to turn around that, “The mountains will be there.” It is a reminder that I will almost certainly have another chance to try again.

A trail crew member of the Mt. Wilson Bicycling Assn. moves earth on the Valley Forge Trail during a work day last year.

(Jay Marion)

3 things to do

1. Complete trail work north of Altadena
The Mt. Wilson Bicycling Assn. needs volunteers to work on the Mt. Lowe Railway Trail and Middle Sam Merrill from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers will hike or bike 2.75 miles to the staging area at Cape of Good Hope before hiking farther into the forest to perform trail work. RSVP at eventbrite.com.

2. Restore trails in Baldwin Hills
The Nature Nexus Institute and Black Girl Environmentalist’s L.A. Hub will co-host a community habitat restoration event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Volunteers will learn about native plants and wildlife as they work. Some work might be off trail. Learn more, including how to RSVP, at the group’s Instagram page.

3. Spot the stars above South El Monte
The Whittier Narrows Nature Center will host a stargazing event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday at 1000 N. Durfee Ave. in South El Monte. The free event will feature three telescopes, allowing guests to try to spot Jupiter and other planets. The event is free and open to all ages. Learn more at the center’s Instagram page.

The must-read

A park visitor explores the abundant wildflowers on Henderson Canyon Road in Borrego Springs in late December.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

When Times photo editor Raul Roa and a friend visited Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in late December, they were delighted to discover the desert floor blanketed with bright sunflowers, deep pink desert sand-verbena and basket evening primrose. Roa wrote that they even spotted the desert lily (Hesperocallis undulata), a native perennial herb known for its large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers. Could this early explosion of flowers mean we will have a superbloom this spring? Jennifer Koles, a nature enthusiast and former docent at Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Orange County Parks, said it’s not a guarantee, but that folks can see it as “an early delight in the desert.” She added, “It all comes down to precipitation.”

For regular updates, flower fans can visit the Anza-Borrego Foundation’s website or call the Wildflower Hotline at (760) 767-4684.

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

I’ve gotten several emails from readers who want to know when trails in the Santa Monica Mountains will reopen after being closed because of the Palisades fire. At present, these trails and areas at Topanga State Park remain closed: Rogers Road Trail, Bent Arrow Trail, Josepho Spur Trail, Rustic Canyon Trail, Lower Topanga Day Use Area and Trails, Temescal Canyon Trail, Bienveneda Trail, and Temescal Ridge Trail between the El Medio Connector Trail. Trail crews are busy at work repairing these routes, which you can read more about in last week’s Wild. Dash Stolarz, a spokesperson at Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, told me that all MRCA parks that were affected by the Palisades fire are open except for Temescal Gateway Park. “I wish I knew when Temescal Gateway Park and its trails will open to the public again,” she said. “Soon, but not yet.” I will keep following up with park officials and report what I find in The Wild, as I know these trails are important to a lot of you too!

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.

Correction: In last week’s Wild, two photo captions listed the incorrect years that the Rubio Canyon Trail Crew completed its work. The photos were taken in December 2025.

Budget airline easyJet may be best known for its no-frills flights but bosses say its luxury arm is doing a roaring trade – and have even taken one booking for nearly £100,000

Budget airline easyJet’s new luxury holiday arm is booming – with one getaway costing a cool £100,000.

The carrier has launched an offshoot for customers who are happy to fly no-frills to their destination, and spend the money saved on a top-end hotel instead.

Garry Wilson, boss of easyJet Holidays, told the Mirror it was taking hundreds of high end bookings a week.

The average booking is £3,000, compared with around £800 for the firm’s other package holidays. But Mr Wilson revealed the most expensive booking it has had so far was worth £97,000 for a group of 13 people.

READ MORE: 10 Best destinations for guaranteed sunshine this EasterREAD MORE: Beach resort with ‘best chance for sunshine’, 30C weather and £43 flights

EasyJet Holidays, a fast growing arm of the airline, launched a new Luxury Collection in October last year, described as “a market-leading proposition comprising five-star holidays designed for travellers seeking ultra luxury experiences.”

Around 100 “world renowned hotels” are on offer, all with a minimum 4.5 rating on Google and Tripadvisor.

Customers also get 26kg luggage allowance and a dedicated bag drop, fast-track security, speedy boarding and pre-selected seating for a smoother airport experience.

And whereas ordinary easyJet passengers have to make their own way when they arrive at their destination, those booking a luxury break are whisked from the airline to their hotel by premium private transfers.

EasyJet Holidays only launched in 2019 but has already grown to three million customers a year and 10% of the market.

“It is really resonating with customers,” said Mr Wilson, about the new luxury arm. He went on: “If you were to say to a customer on the street describe an easyJet holiday hotel, they will not say five star. Customers are getting really good value in the best hotels.”

Mr Wilson said the launch also made sense because customers were often booking an easyJet flight, especially if flying a regional airport, and then the hotel separately.

The Luxury offering is currently only available to UK customers but will be rolled out to Europe next year.

From Egypt to the Algarve, these holiday hotspots promise blue skies and balmy weather as easyJet Holidays reveals the most sun-reliable spots for your Easter getaway.

If you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked escape this Easter, you might want to set your sights on Egypt. Sharm El Sheikh, a Red Sea favourite, has just been named the most reliable destination for sunshine over the Easter holidays.

The new ‘sun-reliability index’, compiled by easyJet Holidays, analysed 25 years of climate data, factoring in average high temperatures, sunshine hours, rainfall, and affordability to help you find the perfect destination to go this Easter. Following the analysis Sharm El Sheikh topped the list, boasting a 98-100% chance of sunshine, highs of 30°C, and up to 11 hours of sun a day.

Sal in Cape Verde came in a close second, offering Caribbean-style turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and almost zero chance of rain in April. Gran Canaria took third place, with pleasant 23°C temperatures and just a 5-15% chance of rainfall.

Stuart Wright, customer director at easyJet Holidays, said: “After making it through the dark winter months, we know many of our customers are relying on April’s Easter break to catch up on some much-needed vitamin D.

“For those chasing warmer weather at this time of year, nearby destinations across Europe and North Africa can be brilliant options and are well worth considering.”

Other top picks include Hurghada in Egypt, just across the Red Sea from Sharm El Sheikh, with highs of 28°C and a sun reliability score of up to 98% which is perfect for snorkelling and water parks.

Morocco’s Agadir offers sandy beaches and 24°C sunshine, while Marrakech, just three hours inland, delivers highs of 27°C and a 90-95% chance of sun, ideal for exploring its vibrant markets.

For families interested in history, Paphos in Cyprus ranks highly, with around 87% of April days bringing reliable sunshine and temperatures in the twenties. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings.

Closer to home, the Algarve in Portugal and Sicily in Italy remain popular spring escapes. Faro in the Algarve boasts up to 88% sun reliability and 22°C warmth, ideal for coastal walks. Sicily offers easy hikes and stunning views of Mount Etna, with eight to nine hours of sunshine a day.

Stuart Wright added: “We know how important it is for customers to feel confident when booking a sunny Easter getaway.

“Which is why we’ve launched our new sun-reliability index to give customers extra reassurance when choosing where to go, helping set them up for a brilliant holiday experience.”

THE TOP EASTER SUN HOLIDAY SPOTS FOR 2026

1. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Average highs: 28–30°C | Sunshine: 10–11 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 98–100% | Rain likelihood: <5%.

2. Sal (Santa Maria), Cape Verde

Average highs: ~25°C | Sunshine: ~9 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 95–100% | Rain likelihood: 0–5%.

3. Gran Canaria (South)

Average highs: ~22°C | Sunshine: 8–10 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: ~95% | Rain likelihood: 5–15%.

4. Tenerife South

Average highs: 22–23°C | Sunshine: 8–11 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 90–93% | Rain likelihood: 7–10%.

5. Paphos, Cyprus

Average highs: 21–23°C | Sunshine: ~9 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 85–87% | Rain likelihood: 13–15%.

6. Hurghada, Egypt

Average highs: ~28°C | Sunshine: ~10 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 95–98% | Rain likelihood: <10%.

7. Marrakech, Morocco

Average highs: 26–27°C | Sunshine: ~9–10 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 90–95% | Rain likelihood: ~10%.

8. Agadir, Morocco

Average highs: 23–24°C | Sunshine: ~9 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 90–93% | Rain likelihood: 10–15%.

9. Algarve (Faro), Portugal

Average highs: 20–22°C | Sunshine: 7–8 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 85–88% | Rain likelihood: 12–18%.

10. Sicily (Catania/Palermo)

Average highs: 20–23°C | Sunshine: 8–9 hrs/day | Predominantly sunny days: 80–87% | Rain likelihood: 15–20%.