TRAVEL

I’M pretty much an Instagram influencer now, don’t you know.

I’ve spent the day snapping more than 330 photos — I won’t tell you what ­proportion of those were selfies — among the tulips.

And my grid is now filled with brightly-coloured buds below a stunning blue sky.

It’s thanks to Amsterdam’s tulip season that I’ve found this new calling.

The flowers are impossible not to take photos of, and each colour is more beautiful than the last.

I’m here at Tulip Farm De Tulperij, a family attraction that has been around for almost 100 years and sits about an hour’s drive out of central Amsterdam.

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It’s a busy day tour that I’m on: a stop at the farm, a canal trip and a visit to Keukenhof, the tulip gardens in Lisse — a veritable floral feast.

Arriving first at the farm, we are given a tour around the fields by owner Daan Jansze — and he certainly knows his tulips.

In his welcome, he tells us that the soil at this farm is extremely moist, with the water table just 60cm below the surface.

The tulips love this moist soil, and rows upon rows bloom each spring after being planted just before winter.

Daan is the third generation farmer of the land, and he points out his youngest son — hauling soil nearby — who will become the fourth generation to run the farm.

But before letting us loose in his field, Daan gives us some ground rules.

No walking through the beds, you’ve got to walk up and down.

And no picking the flowers. “Ok,” he says in his thick Dutch accent. “Now you can go take pictures for your Instagram.”

And we’re off.

My fellow tourists and I fling ourselves into the fields, fanning out between line after line of reds, pinks and yellows.

I won’t lie to you, it wasn’t quite fields as far as the eye could see.

But the long lines were definitely enough to keep us busy, and I got shot after shot of the bright flowers.

There were people of all ages in the field around me — mothers and daughters, couples, families and friends, all keen to make the most of the colourful setting.

And when we got tired of taking pictures of ourselves, we headed to the farm’s little cafe that sold everything from apple pie to tiny clog keychains.

It also led to a second shock of tulips, all lined up in a manicured garden.

Two hours later and we were back on the bus, heading off to board a canal boat.

Surrounded by about 50 other tourists, we lapped up the sunshine for an hour as we floated past the windmills, geese and their goslings, and Dutch locals who had also hit the water to make the most of the stunning May weather.

We then piled on to the bus again to head to our final stop — the Keukenhof Gardens.

Like a botanic gardens on steroids, this tourist attraction is only open from March to May, completely dependent on the budding whims of the tulips.

This year, the season kicks off on March 19 and continues until May 10.

With the droves of tourists, it almost felt like an adventure park.

And while it was certainly busy, I would heartily recommend going there.
Jaw-dropping displays

Even though we couldn’t quite get into the tulips like we did at the farm, the sheer effort it took to plant SEVEN MILLION bulbs to create this flower haven is impressive, to say the least.

The rows of tulips across the park are complemented by the stunning flower shows, with everything from orchids to ­lilies creating jaw-dropping displays.

By the end of the day, my photo reel is an explosion of colour and I’m almost (only almost) sick of flowers.

But I manage to summon up some energy and upload my pictures — and the “likes” come flooding in.

It might be too late for your own Insta career to take off, but now is the time to plan and book a trip like this.

The tulip season is short, so tours sell out pretty quick. Happy snapping!

The war in Iran has put a spanner in the works for travel plans with many countries now off-limits – here are six replacement destinations for people looking to change their March getaway

There have been many knock-on effects of the Iran war which ignited a week ago. While no means the most important, a disruption to travel plans has been one factor to consider.

Parts of the Middle East have been popular with British tourists, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The cities offer almost year-round sunshine, incredible hotels and luxury breaks that entice UK tourists to snap up trips in their droves.

Those destinations, along with a host of other hotspots in the Middle East and Mediterranean, are now effectively no-go zones, at least temporarily.

Fortunately travel writer Annabelle Thorpe has compiled a list of six possible destinations to book your holiday to instead.

Athens

The expert recommends swapping Cyprus for the iconic Greek capital. Athens is pretty quiet in March which means the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon are likely to be virtually crowd-free.

March is considered ‘shoulder season’ in Athens with fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures as the mercury normally hovers around 16-17C.

There are direct flights from five airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City – with a range of carriers including easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Seville

If you had a trip to Istanbul in the pipeline, Annabelle says consider going to Seville instead. The city in the south of Spain is famed for its Moorish palace, Gothic cathedrals and flamenco dancing.

Seville enjoys daytime highs of around 22C in March, making for a cool contrast before the stifling summer heat. Visitors can also enjoy the blooming orange trees and the preparations for the Easter festivities.

Most London airports as well as Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh offer direct flights to the city.

Tunis

If Amman, the capital of Jordan, was on your travel list, the expert suggests making a beeline for Tunis instead. The ancient city, the capital of modern day Tunisia, offers an incredible blend of Mediterranean charm, French colonial history and Arab heritage.

It also boasts a UNESCO-listed medina along with the ancient ruins of Carthage. Daytime highs in the city are a pleasant 20C.

Direct flights depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted, with Tunisair the main carrier.

Marrakech

Annabelle recommends trading in the UAE’s glitzy malls for a spot of shopping in Marrakech’s world famous medina instead. It’s a great spot to shop for cashmere shawls, handmade jewellery, antiques, spices and much more.

Away from the hectic souks, there is Jardin Majorelle, a one-hectare botanical landscape garden, and the bustling Jemaa El Fna Square. Temperatures can reach a pretty steamy 25C in March but many riads have pools to allow their visitors to cool off.

Several airports fly direct to the Moroccan city, including major London hubs and Manchester, Birmingham and John Lennon Airport in Liverpool among others.

Gran Canaria

Bodrum has long been popular with Brits seeking winter or early spring sun. But with its proximity to the war zone, Annabelle called on tourists to try out Gran Canaria instead.

The island is the third-largest and second-most-populous island of the Canary Islands. March highs reach around 22C, but the sun-drenched beaches along with the duty-free shopping and nightlife make it a rival for Turkey’s holiday resorts.

Over 15 airports offer direct flights to the island’s capital Las Palmas, including London’s hubs and Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Bristol.

Nice

One of the big draws of Dubai is its city-beach combination. Many British tourists enjoy soaking up the sun before enjoying some shopping. The travel expert puts forward Nice, on the French Riviera, as an alternative to the popular UAE city.

The Promenade des Anglais sweeps along a four-mile stretch of seafront, and that couples with the open-air bars and restaurants make for a heady mix.

You can catch direct flights from most London hubs along with Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.

WE’VE scoured the internet to find some of the best things to do over the Easter holidays for all ages – and the best part is, they all cost less than £10.

From Easter garden parties with furry friends to Gruffalo and Stick Man woodland trails, here are our top things to do as a family for under a tenner.

£10 and under

BBC Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

Visit Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum for a new exhibition guided by the characters from BBC’S Horrible Science.

The hit children’s TV show is known for its unique experiments and fascinating facts that kids love – and this educational exhibition is just as wacky as the programme.

Follow an outer space adventure where you’ll see space toilets, travel through a wormhole and boogie on an alien disco planet.

Aimed at families with children aged 7+, you can even have a go at programming a space rover and analysing real pieces of moon rock.

The exhibition is open now until January 2027, and costs £10 per person with under 3s going free. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance.

Wild Tots club, nature workshops and Easter Eggstravaganza, Suffolk

Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve in Lowestoft, Suffolk is hosting a variety of nature-themed events for families this Easter.

The Wild Tots group allows children aged 18 months to 5 years to get creative with hands-on messy crafts and games in the woods, with a range of Easter-themed activities on offer.

The Wild Tots Easter Special takes place on 31 March, costing £7 per child which includes an Easter treat. Adults go free.

There’s also hands-on nature workshops for families during the holidays, including art workshops and drop-in wildflower seed bomb making, at £3 per child or £5 for two.

There’s also an Easter Eggstravaganza taking place on 9 April, where families can tour the nature reserve, build nests and take home some Easter crafts for £8 per child and £3 per adult.

Plus the Carlton Marshes nature reserve itself is well worth exploring in the holidays. Make the most of a sunny day out with the family, and set up a picnic overlooking the Suffolk and Norfolk border.

Check the website for a full list of upcoming events and workshops.

Mixed Reality Experience at The Natural History Museum

Step into the future at the Natural History Museum with their mind-blowing Visions of Nature AR experience.

This high-tech adventure uses mixed reality headsets to whisk you 100 years into the future. Here you can explore an inspiring world where nature has bounced back in the most spectacular way.

Suitable for children aged 10 and over, you’ll be taken through eight different ecosystems including rainforests and the Arctic Ocean.

Using the headsets, you’ll find amazing plants and animals that look so real you’ll want to reach out and touch them.

The experience is available daily with sessions between 10:15am and 4:45pm. Tickets cost £9.95 per person, and can be booked in advance online.

Curiosity Club at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is free to visit and packed with fascinating galleries and displays.

The hands-on Imagine and Adventure Planet galleries are perfect for kids, with interactive games and cosy reading corners.

Plus, Curiosity Club sessions at the museum are packed with games and activities that allow kids ages 7 to 11 to interact with the galleries in new ways.

Taking place in the museum’s Learning Centre, this club follows new themes each month, with the next theme Primates beginning on 28 March.

Curiosity club sessions cost £10 per child and must be booked online in advance.

Observatory tours and stargazing in Omagh, Northern Ireland

Shielded by the Sperrin Mountains of Northern Ireland, the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is protected from light pollution – meaning that the sky glistens with stars.

This attraction is a top choice for budding astronomers, or families wanting a unique nighttime experience.

Book onto a guided tour of the OM Exhibition to learn all about the local landscape and the history of the Sperrins, whilst making your way through holographic installations.

Tickets cost £6 per adult and £3.90 per child, with under 2s going free. Make sure to book your tour online in advance.

The Easter Garden party and detective trail at Holkham Estate, Norfolk

Head to Holkham Hall and Estate for an Easter extravaganza that will entertain the whole family, set in a beautiful walled garden.

The Easter Garden at Holkham event takes place from the 3 to 6 April, and will include magic shows, games, races, and plenty of chocolate to go around.

The event will also see different animal breeds visit each day for children to meet and greet, from cuddly guinea pigs, to spiky hedgehogs, to scaly bearded dragons.

Meanwhile, the detective-themed Easter trail is simple to follow with a trail sheet and egg boards dotted around Holkham Park.

Once you’ve got your thinking caps on, you’ll be looking for clues to help you crack the code in a family trail suitable for all ages.

The Easter Garden event costs £7 per ticket, with under 2s going free. Make sure to book online in advance.

The Easter detective trail is completely free and runs from 5 to 17 April.

£5 and under

National Trust Easter Trails, across the UK

Nearly 100 National Trust sites across the UK are hosting Easter-themed events and egg hunts during the holidays.

Most of these trails spread across UK sites cost £3.50 per child, but there are some free options too.

This includes an Easter Bunny Bootcamp held at Staunton Harold in Derbyshire, from 28 March to 12 April. The trail itself is free, and the estate does not charge for admission.

The outdoor trail features fun activity stations and fitness challenges to tackle as a family as you help the Easter Bunny find his missing carrots.

There’s also a unique Easter event taking place at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate in Bedfordshire.

Dunstable Downs will be taking part in the tradition of orange rolling, with 10 family racing stations made from tennis ball tracks. There will also be an Easter-themed trail and classic egg hunt to take part in.

The event takes place from 28 March to 10 April, with admission to the Downs free. The trail costs £3.50 and includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and chocolate egg, with options for children with dietary requirements available.

Check the full list of Easter events on the National Trust website to find a trail or egg hunt near you.

The Gruffalo Orienteering Trail, Exeter

Haldon Forest Park is the ultimate outdoor destination in Devon, with an abundance of cycling and walking trails as well as plenty of activities year-round.

Easter is the perfect time to explore the park, with spring sunshine and dry walking trails making a welcome change from the winter sludge.

Pick up a map and certificate for just £1.50 from the Info Pod, and set out on an exciting forest adventure with The Gruffalo Orienteering Trail.

This map will help you to find 12 sights hidden in the woods, and ends at the park’s play area where there’s a giant Gruffalo sculpture.

You can pick up your trail for £1.50 from 9:30am to 3:30pm during the Easter holidays.

Easter Spring Trail and Mini Mammoths club, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

The School Holiday Adventure: Take on the Museum Trail will take over the Shrewsbury Museum this Easter.

In a free family trail suitable for ages 5+, you’ll be able to search for hidden treasures amongst displays and undertake a series of hands-on challenges.

As well as this trail, the museum offers a weekly Mini Mammoths workshop where children ages 2 to 4 can take part in songs, stories and even handle historical objects. There’s tea, coffee and snacks to enjoy, too.

The trail is completely free and takes place from 28 March to 11 April. The museum is free to enter and open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Mini Mammoths takes place on Thursday mornings between 10:30am and 12pm. Tickets cost £6 for one adult with up to two children, working out at at £3 per person or less.

Egg hunt, Easter crafts and interactive storytelling sessions at Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

There’s a whole host of exciting events popping up across Birmingham museums for Easter 2026.

Between 1 and 3 and 8 and 10 April, you can take part in an Easter trail at the Tudor home Blakesley Hall.

Follow an Easter trail through the gardens of the historical hall to find all the hidden eggs and complete the challenge.

The egg hunt costs £3.50 per child and takes place from 11am to 3pm.

Other events taking place at Blakesley Hall include Craft Wednesdays: Easter Arts as well as Goldilocks and the Three Bears storytelling sessions.

The crafts on offer include Easter cards and bracelet making, which cost £3.50 per session. Book your slot in advance online.

The Goldilocks storytelling sessions are fully interactive, as children will learn the story while touring rooms of the house.

This includes seeing the kitchen where Goldilocks made her porridge, and taking a seat in the three bears’ chairs.

These storytelling activities do however break the £5 mark, at £5 per child and £8 per adult. The sessions take place on 2 and 9 April. Make sure to book online in advance.

Room on the Broom trail at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Enjoy a spellbinding day out at Westonbirt Arboretum, where the classic kids’ book Room on the Broom is bought to life in a nature trail.

Little explorers can follow the mile-long trail, stopping to collect the special ingredients needed for the witch’s spell.

Don’t forget to grab a family photo with the witch and her animal friends on their brand new broom before you head home.

The trail pack costs £4 and includes colouring, stickers, a lanyard and a pop-out wand. Westonbirt Arboretum is open between 9am and 4:30pm daily.

Free

Amazing Aircraft Top Trumps Trail, IWM London

Take a family throwback to the days of collecting Top Trumps with this free trail at the Imperial War Museum, London.

Aviation and history fans young and old will love this interactive trail. Simply pick up a trail sheet and search for hidden aircraft dotted about the museum to add to your collection.

The Amazing Aircraft trail is open daily from 10am to 6pm, ending on 19 April.

There’s also a Story Seekers trail available on weekends, from 10am to 4pm, where you can learn all about historical heroes at sea.

The IWM London is free to enter and open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail at the Great North Museum, Hancock

The Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail is taking over the Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne, with family-friendly games dotted across the galleries.

To join the fun, just grab a free trail sheet at the welcome desk and follow the interactive activities throughout the museum. There’s even some great prizes to take home.

Plus, if you visit on Saturday, March 28, you can catch a free living history family day to celebrate the opening of new exhibition: Treasure: Hidden, Lost and Found.

The Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail runs until April 2. Entry to the Great North Museum, Hancock is free. The museum is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, closing an hour earlier on weekends.

Tracks of Life Train Exhibition at Clitheroe Castle, Lancashire

Railway enthusiasts should head to Clitheroe Castle Museum for the Tracks of Life exhibition, a celebration of the legendary railway photographer Ken Roberts.

Alongside his famous railway shots, you’ll find model trains and fascinating artefacts that bring the history of trains to life.

While you’re there, don’t forget to explore the 12th-century castle ruins and 16 acres of parkland at Clitheroe Castle.

It’s perfect for a scenic picnic or a hunt for ancient coins, plus the grounds and keep are completely free to visit.

Plus, if you find anything interesting, there’s often Finds Liaison Officers on hand to help identify your treasures.

Clitheroe Castle Museum is open 12pm to 4pm from Friday to Tuesday, opening daily from 1 April.

Stick Man Trail, National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire

Fans of the book, film, or that catchy party song won’t want to miss the Stick Man trail hidden in the woods of Alrewas, Staffordshire.

This mile-long woodland path is packed with the familiar faces of classic characters in carved wooden sculptures throughout the trail.

To start your journey, just grab a free trail map from the National Memorial Arboretum welcome desk, and head into the woods to see who you can find.

The National Memorial Arboretum offers free admission and is open daily from 10am – 4pm.

Spring Family Fun Festival at the Southbank Centre, London

From April, the Southbank Centre in London will host an exciting Spring Family Fun festival.

The festival offers both free and paid events during the Easter holidays, with free events including family textiles workshops and free Wordplay songs, rhymes and dance workshops.

There’s also Simmer Down dancing sessions with live music and art workshops inspired by new exhibitions.

The Spring Family Fun festival takes place from April 1 to May 31. For dates and times of specific events, visit the festival website, where you can pre-book your activities.

The Box, Plymouth

The Box is a top-tier family attraction in Plymouth, offering everything from free museum trails and craft tables to fascinating art exhibitions.

You can dive into the current Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy exhibition, or pick up a family trail sheet to hunt for hidden treasures across the galleries.

For those with little ones, don’t miss the free storytelling sessions held every Friday morning for under-5s.

It’s the perfect way to spend a morning, followed by a quick visit to meet Mildred the Mammoth or a creative session at the drop-in craft tables.

The Box in Plymouth is open from 10am to 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

IN northern Portugal is a beautiful city that was once the home of the country’s very first king.

This year it’s set to become even more popular on the map this year thanks to it being awarded the title of European Green Capital for 2026.

Guimarães is well-known for being the home of the country’s first king who was born there around the year 1109.

Dom Afonso I was the first King of Portugal, he reigned from 1139 until his death in 1185 – and secured Portugal’s independence from the Kingdom of León.

Visitors to the city can to this day see Guimarães Castle, the 10th-century fortress is said to be the actual birthplace of the first Portuguese king.

Tourists are allowed to enter the castle, although it is unfurnished, for around £5.

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When it comes to food and drink, one visitor on Tripadvisor wrote that you could pick up wine between €3.75 and €4 (£3.49).

In Northern Portugal, most restaurants and bars will serve ‘fino’, a small draft beer that you can usually pick up for around €2 (£1.74).

Something else to try is Guimarães’ take on Doces conventuais – which are traditional Portuguese desserts.

A Torta de Guimarães is a crescent moon-shaped pastry with a thin, flaky, and crispy puff pastry shell.

It’s filled with a sweet and creamy mixture of egg yolks, sugar, ground almonds, and chila (gila) squash jam.

Any bakery in the city is likely to sell Tortas de Guimarães which you can usually pick up for around €3 (£2.62).

Guimarães is Largo do Toural is at the the heart of the city. The central square was once used as a market and now has vibrant cafes.

For some incredible views, head up to the cable car which connects the city centre to the summit of the nearby Monte da Penha.

It travels up 1700 meters so you can get incredible views across the whole region.

At the very top is the Penha Sanctuary, a modern, art-deco-style church.

The Guimarães Cable Car typically costs €10 (£8.72) for a return.

This year, Guimarães has been named European Green Capital for 2026.

Part of the reason Guimarães was selected for this was its green spaces – between 2012 and 2023, the city added 95.7 hectares of natural spaces.

This includes along the main rivers and in its forests.

If you want to see it for yourself, Guimarães has a Green Map which takes visitors from Penha Mountain into the city.

Along with it, events are being held all year – Guimarães will host its spring festival in late March where there’s a 10km race through the city.

In April it will hold a three-day contemporary dance festival and the city will take part in Green Week in June as well as Mobility Week in September.

For Brits, the best way to get to Guimarães is by flying to Porto – which is around 25 miles away.

From there, you can hop on a direct bus which takes just 35 minutes and costs £5.

Here’s another quaint Portuguese canal city with white-sand beaches and cheap wine…

For striped houses that look like giant beach huts and beautiful stretches of coastline – head to Aveiro.

The city in Portugal sits on the west coast and is much less known than its neighbour – Porto – and is considered to be the country’s ‘Venice‘.

Along with its waterways, Aveiro is known for its beautiful waterfront houses, bars and boat tours.

The city is built around water including the Ria de Aveiro which is a shallow coastal lagoon – and throughout Aveiro are lots of canals.

The largest is Canal Central de Aveiro, right in the city centre and it’s here where tourists can hop onto a boat and take a river cruise.

Dotted along the water are the brightly coloured Moliceiro boats which were historically used to collect seaweed.

Now, these are used for leisure tours which you can book from €13 (£11.22).

A local pint will set you back just €2.75 (£2.38).

Just a short trip from Aveiro is the Bairrada Region Proximity, which produces plenty of sparkling and red wine, so the city is also perfect for wine lovers.

It is an excellent hub for exploring vineyards on reasonably priced tours, and bars and restaurants in the city centre offer glasses from as little as €2.30 (£2).

Aveiro is known for a local delicacy called ‘ovos moles’ – these traditional Portuguese pastries are essentially a sweet, creamy egg yolk and sugar mixture inside a thin wafer shell.

You can pick these up in local cafes or bakeries for around €1.60 (£1.38) each – and if you treat yourself to a coffee, it will cost as little as €2.16 (£1.87).

Plus, here’s the secret side to Portugal crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit this year.

And here’s a definitive guide on where to eat, sleep, drink and sunbathe in Portugal’s Algarve by the locals.

PARIS is a city of style, from elegant patisseries and remarkable architecture to world-renowned fashion houses and chic travellers.

Better still, it’s just a hop across the Channel.

Time it right and you can travel on the Eurostar for £35 each way.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

FRANCE is officially the most-visited country in the world attracting 102million tourists in 2025.

And Paris is its beating heart.

Its rich history has included revolution and wartime occupation and it is one of the world’s capitals of art, fashion and culture.

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Paris also knows food and wine better than any other city and you can pick up a glass of very decent red wine for as little as €6.

There’s no better reason to visit than that.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

WHY pound the pavements when you can whizz about in an old- fashioned Citroen 2CV, poking your head from its roll-back sunroof to gawp at all the key landmarks?

The 2CV was France’s answer to the VW Beetle, often starring in post-war films.

Today, however, it is the main mode of transport for Vintage Car Tour Paris, which offers customisable itineraries led by locals.

For a brief few hours, I was taken back to glam 1950s Paris, ticking off the cobblestoned streets of Montmartre, cruising by the pretty courtyards of the Latin quarter and posing at top attractions seen in the movies.

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

CLIMBING the steps to Montmartre’s star attraction, the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, is a must.

The view from the top is breathtaking and makes the steep climb worth it, although there is a funicular if you prefer.

It costs around €2. Like any big city, the area can attract a few individuals who prey on tourists for cash, so be wary if you’re climbing the main steps.

There is a quieter set of stairs to the left, where the funicular is, if you’re worried.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

THE famous Clown Bar, in the 11th arrondissement, is a foodie’s dream.

The menu features just six typically French dishes, enabling the kitchen to serve fresh ingredients — all of a very high quality.

The bistro’s signature item is its veal sweetbreads — succulent and rich, served with a parsnip puree, sauteed mushrooms and a veal gravy.

There are plenty of options for non-meat eaters, too.

I loved my Mediterranean red tuna starter — delicate, tangy and delicious, marinated and served raw like a ceviche in a pickled broth.

For a sophisticated setting, head to Kinugawa restaurant on the top floor of SAX hotel, not far from the Champ de Mars and with views of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.

The menu is Franco-Japanese, with its star dishes being melt-in-the-mouth miso-marinated black cod, Wagyu beef sliders and delicious lamb chops with garlic and rosemary, the best I’ve ever tasted.

I FANCY A DRINK…

YOU can’t go wrong with a cocktail at the Little Red Door in the trendy Marais district.

It is listed in the top 50 bars in the world and, despite its reputation for creating mind-bending beverages, the vibe is unpretentious.

Staff are happy to serve traditional cocktails alongside more creative options.

My first drink was the Cepe, which consisted of coffee, caramel and mezcal, which was a bit like having a boozy coffee with sparkling water. Amazingly, it worked.

Those after something light and refreshing should try the Aquaponie, a muddle of lemon, sweet clover and two different types of French vodka.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

IF you’re celebrating a special occasion, the 5H SAX Paris in the 7th arrondissement ticks every box.

Built in 1899, the property was once a telephone exchange, but today it houses a sumptuous spa and 118 rooms.

Mine featured traditional French windows overlooking a garden area where there’s a heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

For those on a tighter budget, the Hilton Garden Inn Paris La Villette is just a 45-minute drive from the airport and only 300 metres from the Metro, making for a perfect pitstop.

The voyage departs from Barcelona in November 2027 and will take guests to the most remote destinations

One of the longest continuous cruises on the planet is Villa Vie Residences’ World Uncharted voyage, which is due to set sail in 2027. Passengers aboard the Villa Vie Residences will explore more than 100 countries across five continents over 301 days.

The extraordinary cruise will transport guests to some of the most isolated destinations, from the Amazon to Antarctica, the Panama Canal and Greenland. The 301-day journey, with prices starting from approximately £27,000 or $119 (£90) per day, will depart from Barcelona, Spain, in November 2027 and conclude in London in 2028.

World Uncharted will take holidaymakers “from Europe’s grand capitals to the icy frontiers of Antarctica, the wild beauty of the Amazon to the serene villages of Northern Europe”.

Kathy Villalba, CEO of Villa Vie Residences, said: “In our eighth month of sailing with full-time Residents, we’re proud to introduce our boldest adventure yet. World Uncharted embodies how far we’ve come-and just how far we’re going.”

Passengers can remain on board for up to five years, or buy a cabin and make it their “forever” home, as the company provides a “3.5-year continuous world journey, repeating,” reports the Express.

Accommodation includes complimentary weekly cleaning and laundry service, and each villa is tailored for long-term life at sea, with storage solutions such as wardrobes and cabinets. The cruise also boasts refined restaurants, a spa, theatre, fitness centre, pickleball courts, a business centre and even a medical centre with experienced healthcare professionals.

Villa Vie Residence provides holidaymakers with the chance to transform it into a lifelong adventure by purchasing a villa at sea with five-year ownership.

The firm explained: “You will enjoy your own villa for an extended chapter of exploration, comfort, and community. It’s a refined way to embrace a global lifestyle with every detail taken care of. The Villa Vie Ownership program presents an affordable opportunity – starting at only $129,999 (£97,772). Rent or sell your villa at any time.

“ogether, our pathways meet you where you are: Ownership for full-time living on board the ship, Golden Passport with age-advantage pricing for lifetime residency, Month-to-Month with Rent-to-Own for flexible stays, and Home Suite Home, limited side-by-side villas for extra space and comfort.”

‘Uno, Uno, Uno No Mercy!” the six-year-old son of our hosts for the day bellows while leading my boys, 10 and 12, into his dimly lit corrugated iron home. I let out a little sigh of relief. The popular card game is a much-needed icebreaker as ominous clouds close in on the remote stan (the Albanian word for a shepherd dwelling). Despite the language barrier, much laughter and consternation soon spill out of the darkness, just as hail hammers down on the tin roof. Dogs bark, chickens cluck and sheep bleat as the thunder grows louder, and we all – our eight hosts, seven guests and one guide – shelter in the tiny kitchen, the living room-cum-bedroom (now Uno parlour), or on the veranda.

Writer Catherine Usher travelled by train to the pretty town of Troyes in the Champagne region, discovering art, history and – of course – the best bubbly

Troyes is only a 90-minute train ride from Paris but, compared to the capital, it’s a more compact and intimate location for a French mini-break. You’ll find atmospheric churches, attractive independent shops and chic museums, making it the ideal place to explore for a few days. Although it’s a very popular stop-off point for holidaymakers driving further south in France or onwards to Germany or Switzerland, a car isn’t a necessity. We travelled to Paris first via Eurostar –a much more environmentally-friendly option than flying – then took the train to Troyes. (It’s a 10-minute walk between Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est in Paris.) Once in Troyes, we were able to explore much of the town on foot.

READ MORE: Beautiful European island under 3 hours from UK where residents live beyond 100 years old

What to do in Troyes

Troyes is a pretty city with lots of half-timbered buildings in the old town that were largely built in the 16th century. There are countless cobbled streets to wander down and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

Two museums well worth taking a stroll around are the Musée d’Art Moderne and the Cite du Vitrail.

• The Modern Art Museum , located next to the cathedral, is home to paintings by artists such as Henri Matisse and André Derain. The sloping ceilings on the upper floor make it feel cosy and visitors can enjoy a sense of proximity to the artwork.
• The Cite du Vitrail is the stained glass museum and it is a wonderful, tranquil venue where you can immerse yourself in the elegance and beauty of stained glass. Located in an 18th century building, it explores stained glass from the Middle Ages to the present day and houses striking and memorable exhibits.

Making time for Champagne

Being in the heart of the Champagne region, discovering its most famous export is a must. Chassenay d’Arce champagne house in Ville-sur-Arce is about an hour’s drive from Troyes. It was founded in 1956 by five pioneers and the organisation is now made up of 130 families, with a focus on co-operation and knowledge-sharing.

Visiting its vast cellars and seeing how the bottles are produced is a real eye-opener, and the tasting workshop at the end of the tour is an obvious highlight for champagne connoisseurs and novices alike (see chassenay.com).

Troyes is a straightforward place to explore, but if you really want to find out about its history then a guided tour is a must. Hosted by Troyes La Champagne Tourisme, tours can be arranged for smaller or larger groups, of up to 30 people. Our host, Laura Dudek, was a well-informed, enthusiastic guide who tailored the experience to our interests, taking us to see many of the city’s ornate and impressive churches and cathedrals. For those who prefer to go it alone, you can explore with a City Pass, which includes an audioguide and admission to the museums.

Where to eat and drink

A flute of champagne is no doubt on the agenda for many visitors, and most of the bars and cafés have a variety of local brands to sample.

Octave is a sophisticated, rather understated restaurant located in the centre of Troyes with a beautiful courtyard, where you can enjoy dinner under the stars – usually joined by the friendly cat who lives nearby. The tapas style menu may look daunting at first glance, but the knowledgeable staff are happy to advise and we were very pleased with their recommendations.

For a speedy, fuss-free lunch while sightseeing, Tonton Farine is a welcoming bakery/canteen where everything is homemade. As it’s France, everything tastes more wholesome and delicious than a British equivalent. Most of the other customers looked like they were locals on their lunch break.

If you’re away from Troyes enjoying a champagne tour, Le Moussec in Les Riceys is a fabulous place to stop for lunch. The dishes are tasty and hearty, the restaurant is buzzing, which is always a good sign, and the staff are warm and attentive without being suffocating.

Where to stay

Two elegant boutique hotels, La Maison de Rhodes and Le Champ des Oiseaux, are located in adjoining medieval buildings and offer a combined 23 rooms. Owned and run by the same family, the welcoming hotels are a great base from which to explore the city.

Room categories and decor vary between the two properties, but guests share access to a range of amenities, such as a tranquil walled garden (we were getting Romeo and Juliet vibes), an outdoor heated pool and a small spa. The restaurant has an elegant yet homely ambiance and after your evening meal you can enjoy a nightcap in the moonlit garden. Once settled with a glass of wine, some nibbles and a book, it’s incredibly hard to drag yourself away.

How much does it cost?

Rooms at La Maison de Rhodes start from £245 and Le Champ des Oiseaux start from £174 per night on a B&B basis – see maisonderhodes.com. To book a tour of the town, see troyeslachampagne.com. Eurostar journeys between London and Paris start from £39 each way – see eurostar.com. Fares are all-inclusive with no hidden extras, children under four go free, and a Paris-London journey by Eurostar means 96% fewer CO2 emissions than travelling by plane.

The village is home to one of the country’s finest beaches, boasts a cosy pub with unrivalled views, and has a historically important site nearby – a must-visit destination in England.

Cornwall, the stunning county in South West England, truly delivers time and time again. Packed with breathtaking locations, each more beautiful than the previous, this ceremonial county boasts some of Britain’s most spectacular and impressive scenery.

Encircled by crystal-clear waters and striking views stretching endlessly into the distance, Cornwall overflows with magnificent sights. Among them is a small coastal village in West Cornwall, positioned approximately nine miles from the vibrant seaside resort of Penzance by road.

With the South West Coast Path winding through this charming seaside settlement, it’s easy to appreciate just how beautiful this spot truly is. This little Cornish village sits just two miles by car and one mile on foot from Cornwall’s iconic Land’s End.

Whilst not technically a cove in the strictest geological definition, the village of Sennen Cove has a handful of year-round inhabitants, though a significant proportion of the properties there serve as holiday rentals and seasonal residences.

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Famous for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, picture-perfect villages and rich maritime heritage, Cornwall is one of the most-visited corner of the UK. Sykes Cottages has a large number of holiday homes to choose from, with prices from £36 per night.

Sennen Cove serves an essential function for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as it houses a critical lifeboat station. A modest fleet of working fishing vessels can be spotted moored in the cove, alongside recreational fishing boats, reports Cornwall Live.

Things to do in Sennen Cove

The panoramas from the headland slash observation point, Pedn-men-du, are unmatched and absolutely merit the brief walk from the heart of the coastal village.

Delightful boutiques, art galleries including the distinctive circular Roundhouse and Capstan Gallery, and an impressive array of dining and drinking establishments make Sennen Cove an essential destination to visit in Britain.

Sennen Cove features one principal village pub, Old Success Inn, which has become an absolute favourite amongst both residents and tourists.

The charming 17th-century fisherman’s inn radiates character and appeal, situated in a prime location that commands views across the golden sands of Sennen Cove Beach – another significant, perhaps the most crucial, attraction in the village.

Providing guests with expansive outdoor seating offering breathtaking vistas and a welcoming indoor area complete with a roaring fire, Old Success Inn is the essential spot when visiting Sennen Cove, with lodging also on offer for travellers.

Acclaim for the iconic pub at the centre of Sennen Cove is endless, with one Tripadvisor review stating: “A recent visit on the back of a trip nearby was excellent.

“The location, of course, cannot be beaten – even stormy weather is great to view from here – unmatched to be honest. What’s great is the service and personnel which is brilliant no matter who sees to you.

“You are charmed and looked after as soon as you walk in and that’s what we loved the most. Of course the excellent food to match also helps. You can come here any time you want (it’s ALWAYS open) and it doesn’t matter.”

The Blue Lagoon and Shantys Fish Bar (in the main village of Sennen) are obvious choices for an excellent portion of fish and chips. Sennen Cove Cafe, adjacent to the lifeboat station, is ideal for a quick snack whilst enjoying some watersports, swimming, or simply relaxing by the beach.

The historic First and Last Inn (also in mainland Sennen) is another excellent place to grab some food and a refreshing pint.

One of Cornwall’s finest beaches

Sennen Cove Beach, also popularly known as Whitesands Bay, has frequently been praised as one of Cornwall’s most stunning and attractive beaches, thanks to its mile-long white sands and spectacular views.

A premier surfing location for locals and visitors alike, Sennen Cove Beach is widely recognised as a surfing paradise celebrated for its near-perfect surf conditions.

The surfing schools and centres are ideal for lessons and surf equipment can be rented independently at the beach, near the café and the car park.

Sennen Cove Beach is also renowned for once being the professional territory of Britain’s first qualified lifeguard dog, Bilbo.

The 14-stone Newfoundland would regularly be spotted patrolling the beach’s immaculate sands in his red and yellow jacket, often at the back of a lifeguard’s quad bike.

Bilbo was trained by his owner, head RNLI lifeguard Steve Jamieson, and went on to become an active lifesaver as well as the face of beach safety on Sennen Cove Beach. He passed away in 2015, at the age of 12.

Tourists are consistently impressed by how pristine and well-kept this beach remains, even during peak times, with one reviewer commenting on Tripadvisor: “This is a truly lovely beach, spotlessly clean with excellent safety standards.

“Even though it was extremely busy as it was a lovely hot Cornwall day there was enough room for everyone. A lovely wide, family friendly beach where after swimming all day you could get a fantastic hand made pizza from a pizza truck. A wonderful experience to remember from a family holiday.”

The spectacular ‘castle on the cliff’

Located just half a mile from Sennen Cove on foot, Maen Cliff Castle is an ancient Iron Age hill fort perched on Mayon Cliff, positioned between Land’s End and Sennen Cove.

It’s an essential stop for anyone exploring the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a fascinating heritage that will whisk you centuries into the past.

Only earthworks and walls remain of the historic structure, alongside two standing gate stones which indicate the entrance to the site. Tracing its origins to approximately 500 BC, it stands as one of Cornwall’s earliest datable Cliff Castles, enriching its already compelling story.

Being one of just two fortified locations in Cornwall where early Iron Age pottery has been unearthed, Maen Cliff Castle represents a genuine treasure of the region.

Fragments of pottery spanning the era from 400 BC to 400 AD have been uncovered at the location, enhancing its intrigue and layered history.

In fact, local legend suggests the castle was once the dwelling of the giant Myen Du, though the promontory fort more probably served as a defensive retreat or observation point, a commercial trading station or a location for significant ceremonial gatherings.

Enchanting little town with friendly locals, colourful buildings and thriving independent shops is like stepping back in time

A charming and picturesque town nestled on the fringes of untamed moorland lies just a stone’s throw from where I’m based, yet I’d only recently ventured there for the first time. There’s nothing quite like discovering somewhere new – and I’m fortunate to have an abundance of options, given the wealth of distinctive towns dotted around Plymouth in Devon.

Ashburton isn’t far from my Plymouth home, so a friend and I recently made our way towards Dartmoor to discover what this town had to offer. The appealing destination is celebrated for its independent retailers and quintessentially Devonian charm – both of which thoroughly impressed me during our visit.

We caught the bus from Plymouth (the number 38) and the trip was smooth and enjoyable, weaving through stunning countryside, towns and delightful villages en route.

In an era when we’re constantly bombarded with news of shop closures and struggling town centres, stumbling upon Ashburton, with its collection of independent businesses to browse, felt genuinely uplifting.

The streets here remain untouched by modernity – you could easily picture bygone eras as you stroll through the town – and every local we encountered was incredibly welcoming, reports the Express.

There are numerous pubs, tearooms and cafes alongside distinctive establishments, including antique dealers, plus a bakery with customers spilling out onto the pavement – and what really caught my eye was how, despite the drizzle, Ashburton radiated colour thanks to its vibrantly painted properties. The atmosphere feels wonderfully crisp in this town, encircled by rolling countryside and the stunning vastness of Dartmoor National Park, lending the area a peaceful, almost timeless quality.

Browsing through one vibrant independent gift shop called PAD proved delightful – and I ended up purchasing a few quirky bits and bobs that you simply won’t find elsewhere.

There’s also the attractively laid-out Ashburton Fish Deli along one of the principal streets, offering delicious locally-sourced seafood, Mediterranean-inspired products and various other intriguing finds.

All told, I reckon you could probably track down everything you’d require in this town, from top-notch clothing available in various independent boutiques to bargain-hunting opportunities in the small selection of charity shops.

We paused for a late breakfast at Diablo’s Diner, which had a welcoming neighbourhood feel and delicious grub. I’m particularly picky when it comes to bacon, but this little cafe delivered the finest – superb quality, crispy (as I’d requested) – and the prices were extremely fair.

As a Devonian myself, I’m astonished that I’d not discovered this gorgeous town until now, but I’ll definitely be returning soon – in fact, there’s a fascinating festival happening in Ashburton from late April through early May.

The Dartmoor Tors Festival is “bringing together walkers, thinkers, creatives who are interested in natural landscapes and how we relate to them”, the festival website explains. This festival is set to be “a celebration of the power and beauty of places seen as wild and ancient around Britain, and an exploration of why and how they provoke a response”.

The tiny island is home to just six permanent residents, and has more sheep than people, while its only entry and exit point takes you soaring 250m above the Atlantic Ocean

Far removed from the rest of civilisation, this tiny island has been frozen in time, with nothing but fragments of a life that once thrived and a handful of people who still call it home.

Off the coast of West Cork in Ireland sits Dursey, a charming island steeped in history but offering little else. Ever since the stunning landscape acquired a new form of transport, visitors have been able to travel across from the mainland in a distinctive way and discover a place that appears to have ceased to exist.

This tranquil island is home to approximately six permanent residents, with around 15 houses that are deemed habitable and up to seven farmers.

Their livestock stays on the island, and the owners who traditionally inherited the land continue to spend a few nights on the island but never remain. This means there are likely more sheep inhabiting Dursey than there are people.

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It’s understood that when people who live in Dursey have children, they have no option but to have a primary home on the mainland, to enable schooling and access to other facilities.

Unique attraction

Dursey is home to a rare form of transport in Ireland, and the country’s one and only cable car. It carries travellers 250m above the Atlantic Ocean, across to the island, surrounded by nothing but verdant green hills.

Starting from Ballaghboy, Cork, on Ireland’s mainland, the aerial voyage transports you to Dursey in a mere seven and a half minutes.

Throughout the journey travellers can absorb the breathtaking coastal views as the minuscule speck of land gradually grows larger before them.

Built in 1969 as a reliable and secure link between the island and Cork’s mainland, as the surrounding waters are considered far too hazardous for regular boat crossings.

The stretch of water is known as the Dursey Sound and has proved erratic over the decades, with rapid tidal surges. Beyond this, submerged rocks encircling the landmass also render it a perilous voyage and generally unsafe for travellers.

After experiencing the cable car journey, one visitor posted on TripAdvisor: “For us this was the most beautiful part of Ireland.

“We took our mountain bikes over in the cable car, and luckily for us, the weather was glorious. We saw almost all of the island and spent ages staring at the views. We just haven’t seen anything to top it despite travelling the whole way round Ireland.”

Another expressed their admiration for the island, posting: “I absolutely loved Dursey Island. It’s a stunning place, delightfully remote and serene. It is the last place in Europe that the sun sets, a cool fact for you!”.

Historic ruins

Its rugged terrain is also home to numerous equally weathered historical ruins, dating back as far as the 17th century. The most notable of these historic structures is O’Sullivan Beare Castle, which was almost completely razed during the Nine Years’ War in 1602.

Very little of it survives today, and the devastation inflicted by English forces also resulted in a massacre of local residents. One visitor claimed: “Dunboy Castle was very cool, though some information on the site would have been helpful – similar to the plaques found elsewhere. The ruins are overgrown, and you almost stumble into them. “.

Another attraction is the 19th-century Napoleonic-era signal tower. It stands quietly on the island’s highest point, originally built with the purpose of warning against French invasion.

Yet it has remained in ruins since the mid-19th century, abandoned and forgotten by history.

Commonly known as the Church of Kilmichael, it comprises the monastic church and graveyard lying in ruins on the quiet island. It’s believed that the church was established by monks from Skellig Michael but was likewise destroyed in the infamous siege of 1602 by Sir George Carew’s army.

SHOPPERS are flocking to Amazon to snag a sleek underseat cabin bag that’s been slashed in cost just in time for the holiday season.

Originally £29.99, the budget-friendly Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag has now been dropped in price.

Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag, from £18.99 (was £29.99)

Discounts on these handy backpack vary across depending on colour – you can pick up the black model for £22.79, but that drops to £18.99 if you have Amazon Prime membership.

It looks like a solid choice for anybody flying with budget airlines, where luggage rules are strict and some unlucky travellers get stung with extra fees at the terminal gate.

In a massive win for travellers, Ryanair has changed its free hand luggage rules.

Now, free personal bag allowance has been upped from 40x20x25cm to 40x30x20cm – that’s a 20% increase and an extra 4 litres of space.

Small wonder so many Amazon shoppers are dashing to pick up this rucksack after that price drop.

It is specifically designed to meet those new dimensions while offering a suitcase-style, 180-degree opening that makes packing all your bits an absolute breeze.

Despite its compact size, the bag is packed with features like a built-in wet pocket for toiletries, plus a separate shoe pouch.

You can also pick it up at sizes designed for Easyjet and Lufthansa flights.

The bag has racked up over 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with customers heaping praise on its practicality and quality.

“This is perfect!” one delighted shopper wrote.

“[It] passed the Ryanair bag stand with ease, thanks to the suitcase-like design and all the pockets kept everything separated. 10/10!”

Another shopper shared: “I had room to fit my Kindle, headphones, passports, purse, snacks, and a few other essentials just in the front compartment.

“The larger compartment fit a change of clothes and shoes!”

A third fan added: “Perfect overhead luggage bag, good quality and easy to carry.

“The padding on the back and shoulders make it comfortable no matter the weight.”

IN THE BAG

New Ryanair hand luggage rules explained as airline increases free bag size

BARGAIN BAGGAGE

Shoppers rush to buy ‘compact & spacious’ £15 cabin bag perfect for Ryanair

For some tried-and-tested luggage recommendations, head to our best suitcases round-up.

Getting football fever? A budget airline has just announced it’s launching flights from the UK to the US for the World Cup this summer.

Ryanair passengers have been told to pack a cardboard box in their hand luggage

Ryanair passengers have been advised to slip a piece of cardboard into their hand luggage following an announcement the airline made last summer. The budget airline increased its ‘personal bag’ size by 20% in response to new EU regulations.

As of September 2025, passengers travelling on a basic fare can bring a larger bag on board, measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, without incurring additional charges. The bag must weigh less than 10kg and fit under the seat in front of you.

With the new bag dimensions now in effect, packing expert Tom Schott from Schott Packaging is cautioning travellers against a potentially costly mistake, as he believes the increased allowance might tempt people to overpack their bags. Tom said: “The new dimension is a game-changer, but only if you use it wisely.

“The mistake is to simply cram more in. The real victory for passengers is using that volume to pack with structure. A well-packed bag is a compliant bag.”

One of Tom’s many tips to avoid this is to pack some cardboard. He explained: “Soft bags lose volume. A lightweight, snug-fitting cardboard box inside your bag provides a rigid frame, allowing you to use every corner and prevent the bulge that attracts gate staff.”

He also suggests using sealable bags to maximise space, organising items into smaller compartments, and protecting valuables. Tom added: “Place a small, sturdy box in the centre of your bag, cushioned by clothes.

“This creates a crush-proof zone for chargers, adapters, and toiletries, preventing damage and leaks.”

Holidaymakers are also advised to “pre-plan your bag”, with Tom recommending you arrange all your belongings on the floor within a 40cm x 30cm outline beforehand, as this “provides a real-world view of what fits and helps you assemble your packed modules logically and quickly.”

Tom went on to say: “These aren’t just clever tricks, but core principles of efficient packing. By applying them, you can confidently pack that extra outfit and still breeze through the boarding gate”.

The mammoth journey is now flown twice a week and spans three continents

The world’s longest flight record was set last year with the launch of a new 29-hour route. It is now the longest in the world, spanning almost 20,000km, which is 12,427 miles.

The route is so long that the plane even needs to stop off to refuel. Passengers are in their seats for over a day as the plane travels from Shanghai, China, to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

It is flown twice a week by China Eastern Airlines. Due to the distance, the plane stops at Auckland Airport, New Zealand, to refuel.

Staff also get swapped around whilst at the stop, yet the passengers carry on. At almost 20,000km, the route is used to ship supplies between China, New Zealand and South America, as well as passengers.

It was launched on December 4 last year. The route from China to Argentina takes more than 25 hours, while the return leg takes an additional four.

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“This new route fills the gap in direct flights between Shanghai and major South American cities,” China Eastern Airlines said at the time of the first flight.

“It opens a ‘southbound corridor’ connecting opposite ends of the Pacific and reshapes air travel between three continents.” The staggering journey sees passengers board a jumbo 316-seat Boeing 777-300ER.

Before the launch of the route last year, the quickest available journey from Shanghai to Buenos Aires took 31 hours. It involved non-direct flights with a layover.

It is a popular route, as more than 55,000 people born in China live in the South American country, according to data from Simply Flying.

Data also showed that 96,000 passengers flew between China and Buenos Aires in the 12 months to September 2025, before the new route existed.

The flight has set the record for the longest commercial flight route in the world, yet it can’t secure the world’s longest direct flight route title because it makes a stop.

The title of the longest non-stop flight is currently held by Singapore Airlines. It takes 19 hours to travel from Singapore to New York.

However, it isn’t set to hold the record for long as Qantas is set to launch a new non-stop route next year. It is planning a 22-hour nonstop flight from Sydney, Australia, to London in 2027.

Thanks to a 20,000-litre fuel tank, the plane wouldn’t need to stop to refuel. It will travel 10,573 miles and has been labelled “the final frontier of long-haul travel” by Qantas.

Ramadan is in full swing in Los Angeles, where a community of hundreds of thousands of Muslims is observing a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection and service. With the unfolding war in the Middle East, the holiday holds even more significance for locals with ties to the region.

The Islamic holiday began Feb. 17 and ends March 19, during which observers fast from dawn to sunset to foster discipline, self-control and gratitude. Observers break their daily fast with an iftar, a festive meal shared with loved ones after sunset. Many also rise before dawn for a suhoor meal.

Halal, which translates to “permissible” in Arabic, pertains to the type of meat and the way it’s prepared. Pork and its byproducts are not allowed, and a Muslim must slaughter the animal while invoking the name of Allah. The animal must also be healthy and blood should be completely drained after slaughter.

This Ramadan season, several L.A. restaurants are offering late-night hours, special iftar menus and discounts for the holiday.

“The demand for iftar and halal food is skyrocketing,” said Assad Shalhoub, a member of MENA Creator Club, a community group for Middle Eastern and North African content creators that organized an iftar gathering at West Adams’ Maydan Market. “I think a lot of people are becoming more proud of their culture and their heritage, and with that comes a lot of people seeking things like this.”

Here are eight halal restaurants to break fast and share a meal with loved ones during Ramadan.

A FLIGHT attendant has opened up on secrets of the trade and revealed how you can earn brownie points in the air to score freebies.

The flight attendant, who has been serving major airlines for two decades, said it is easier than you think to win the favor of those working on planes.

Sandra White has lifted the lid on her veteran experience serving the skies.

“You draw more bees with honey,” she said, meaning rude or impatient flyers will likely not get anything for free – especially not any “off-menu” items.

She shared several tips with Shermans Travel, ranging from how to get a free drink, how to score a better seat, and how not to be the most annoying person on the plane.

“Scoring a free beer on a flight is not all that hard,” she admitted.

EYES UP HERE

Your flight attendants are on ‘crotch watch’ – how it determines plane safety

According to White, there are a few reasons why she’ll give a customer a free drink, but it all comes down to one thing: being nice – really nice.

If a plane is having mechanical problems and passengers have been sitting on the tarmac for hours – without being rude – she’ll likely comp them a drink.

“I’m sure they need it,” she said.

She noted that if a flyer happens to only have cash on them, while most airlines only accept cards, she’ll just hand you the drink.

“Basically, kindness goes a long way,” she said.

And as far as a better seat goes, politely asking if there is any availability could help you to win big.

White shared that she’s more than happy to make sure a guest is as comfortable as possible.

When it comes to seats on the plane, that typically comes down to the gate agent’s discretion – but occasionally, flight attendants will send you up to first class if there’s space, and if they ask nicely.

It is not a guarantee, but it never hurts to be friendly to the person serving you peanuts.

The worst passengers, however, are those that come onto the plane having had too much fun while in the airport.

That is, flyers who are already drunk on the flight.

“Annoying drunks” are the bane of a flight attendant’s existence, according to White, thinking their funnier than they are and ordering more drinks before beverage service has even started.

White said these flyers should not even bother getting on the plane.

“I’ve only had to cut off two people – you really don’t want to make a drunk angry at 36,000 feet,” she said.

“They might defecate on the beverage cart. Yes, this really happened to a co-worker.”

Legoland is growing up.

The Carlsbad theme park will on Friday open Lego Galaxy, a new 2.4-acre themed land that will feature its most adult-focused attraction yet in the Galacticoaster. An indoor, space-themed thrill ride, Galacticoaster is brief but impressionable, a spinning race through a darkened landscape to save a Lego-infused galaxy from an “asteroid of probable destruction.”

At 40 mph, it’s the park’s fastest ride, but coming in at about 60 seconds and focusing on banking and turning means it still has full family appeal. Expect it to serve as an introductory, big kid coaster for many. It’s infused with lighthearted humor — floating farmers and barnyard animals cruise among the stars — lending it a rather relaxed atmosphere for a save-the-world, fast-paced attraction. In other words, it’s sleek, it’s hurried and it’s cutesy.

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“My favorite is the surfing alien,” says Tom Storer, North American project director for Merlin Magic Making, the creative team behind Lego experiences. “She’s my favorite thing to see in there. It’s right after the blast. It will sneak up on you.”

The Galacticoaster is the centerpiece of Lego Galaxy, which also includes two smaller outdoor attractions, a vintage-style shoot-’em-up video game and a play area for little ones. Its part of a $90-million investment in Legoland’s California and Florida parks on behalf of parent Merlin Entertainment (an identical Galacticoaster can be found in Lego’s Florida park). Lego Galaxy hopes to draw visitors — and perhaps new audiences — by focusing on slicker, more modern technology and injecting in the park the sort of excitable ride more commonly found at Legoland’s Southern California competitors.

Storer, for instance, isn’t shy about the Galacticoaster’s inspiration.

A view of the stars and scenery that surrounds the Galacticoaster track.

(Legoland / Merlin Entertainment)

“What is the space roller coaster of 2026? Space Mountain is a classic from back in the day,” he says, referring to the Disneyland Resort staple launched in 1977. “But this is kind of the new way.”

It is faster and brighter than Space Mountain, as the Galacticoaster is heavily populated with twinkling stars, planetary projections and many a Lego brick creation. But while Space Mountain tops off at about 32 mph, it likely still has Galacticoaster beat in the intensity factor due to its lift hill, sudden dips, jolting turns and near pitch-black darkness. No matter, says Storer, as here the objective was to place guests in a welcoming adventure with plenty to look at.

“When you think of outer space, you instantly think of stars and planets,” Storer says. “We have a really cool digital planet and we have stars everywhere.”

The Galacticoaster sits four per car, loading attendees parallel in a row via a moving platform. Once seated and locked in, it nearly immediately takes off, jetting riders into a darkened hallway with white lights before injecting them into a Lego galaxy. Lego aficionados or those who grew up with the sets will likely spy many an allusion to past toys. In the ride’s queue, for instance, guests in line will walk past a wall that features a timeline of many a Lego space set. Action comes fast, but surrounds guests, as the coaster cars rotate around a hurtling asteroid.

Legoland’s new Galacticoaster is an indoor space-themed roller coaster with twinkling stars and many Lego brick projections.

(Legoland / Merlin Entertainment)

While it twists from side to side, which has drawn light comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, with some referring to this as sort of a starter version of that more powerful coaster, it’s a smooth and relatively unobtrusive twisting. Those prone to motion sickness — and I am one of them — likely need not be too concerned here.

While Legoland has other coasters, many are known as what Storer refers to as “pink knuckle” coasters, slang for safe for kids and families. Galacticoaster, with a minimum height requirement of 36 inches, certainly is as well, but the creative executive hopes it falls somewhere between the pink and white knuckle level of force, the latter term reserved for the most thrilling of coasters.

“We’re known for having ‘pink knuckle’ coaster, where it’s not too scary,” he says. “It’s kind of, ‘My first coaster.’ This is family-friendly. We’d never do anything that’s not family-friendly. We want to make sure our guests from 5 to 12 have lots to do, but it’s a little more punchy and has that cool launch with a space blast-off feel.”

Theme park aficionados will be keen to know that this is the first attraction in the park to feature an animatronic figure. The character of Biff Dipper, an engineer, will be found in the ride’s preshow, familiarizing guests with the story of the asteroid that spells impending doom. Stout and slightly gruff, Dipper has a digital face that can approximate more than 40 expressions. The animatronic, says Storer, was an important investment for the park, as Legoland in Lego Galaxy was cognizant of guests becoming bored in what will surely be one of the park’s longest lines this upcoming spring and summer season.

There are interactive elements throughout Lego Galaxy. In the Galacticoaster, for instance, riders will build a virtual approximation of a spaceship from a touchscreen, selecting options for wings, cannons and more. Some are militant. Others look like burgers or rainbows. There are 625 variations, and the creation will then appear at the start and finish of the attraction, injected into the ride’s projectors via a guest wristband. Legoland officials like to refer to Galacticoaster as a 10-minute experience, a time that takes in the preshow with the Dippper figure as well as the construction of the spacecraft.

The character of Biff Dipper is Legoland’s first animatronic figure. Dipper is in the preshow of the Galacticoaster.

(Legoland / Merlin Entertainment )

Elsewhere in Lego Galaxy, there’s a full video game-like experience called the Rocket Assembly Bay. Here, guests will first build their own spaceship, and then have it scanned into the game for a cooperative shoot-’em-up. Rocket Assembly Bay is good fun, and rewarding even, to see a virtual scan of a hand-built ship injected into the game, this despite that fact that the play experience is largely a modern update of old coin-op “Asteroids.”

“There’s something about the simplicity of some of the things that have been done,” Storer says.

Two other core attractions dot the land. The G-Force Test Facility is a spinner that’s pitched as an astronaut training experience. Guests with a minimum height of 40” will be elevated off the ground via vehicles situated on rotating arms. There’s plenty of swinging and rotating action in this more standard amusement park-like creation, although Storer notes that riders won’t experience any actual G-forces. Still, here’s one that those with a propensity to motion sickness may want to take a pass on.

Lego Galaxy is rounded out with a play area and the preschool-focused ride Launch & Land. For those with a minimum height of 34 inches, this is a casual, patient experience, one in which seated guests will gently lift off into the air for a slightly elevated view of the land. Nominally designed as a spaceport, Lego aliens and spaceships populate the area. Press a button near one of the ships, and initiate, for instance, an engine test.

But don’t expect anything too serious. The Galacticoaster, after all, has a farting space cow.

A NEW sleeper train will soon connect four European cities.

European Sleeper is launching a train route between Brussels in Belgium and Milan in Italy.

The train will stop at Brussels in Belgium; Cologne in Germany; Zurich in Switzerland and Milan in Italy.

Onboard, the train will feature budget seats and sleeper options. 

Travellers will be able to reserve a seat or bed in a shared cabin.

The most affordable option will be seats, of which there are six per cabin.

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There will also be the option for Comfort Standard and Comfort Plus sleepers which will have fewer beds per cabin as well as more bedding and in the most luxurious category, amenities such as welcome drinks and a breakfast service.

In Comfort cabins, there can be up to five people with the carriage featuring seats during the day and beds at night.

There will also be a table available during the day.

These cabins tend to be mixed gender, but there are women-only cabins available to book.

Each passenger will get a blanket, a sheet and a pillow and the bathrooms can be found in the corridor.

Bottled water can also be found in each cabin, but breakfast has to be added to your booking for an additional fee.

In comparison, a Comfort Standard cabin has three beds, each with a duvet.

There is also a small window table and a big fold up table.

And finally, in Comfort Plus cabins passengers will find a maximum of three beds and seats in addition.

Towels, toiletries, breakfast, mineral water and a welcome drink are all included as well.

A small lounge is also planned for the train, where passengers will be able to buy snacks and drinks.

The train will feature plug sockets and basic Wi-Fi as well.

However, the anticipated launch date of the train has been pushed back from June 18 to September 9, with tickets available to book from March 17.

The train will operate from Brussels on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and from Milan on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

From Brussels, the train will leave at 5:56pm each time, stopping in Cologne at 10:07pm, Zurich the following day at 6:42am and finally arriving in Milan at 11:30am.

From Milan, the train will leave at 5:30pm each time, stopping in Zurich at 10:35pm, Cologne the following day at 7:59am and finally Brussels at 11:10am.

Other stops on the route include Liège in Belgium; Aachen in Germany; Arth-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona, Lugano and Chiasso in Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy.

Tickets for a shared classic compartment start from €49.99 (£43.31) one-way.

Alternatively, you can book a private space from €179.99 (£155.96) either in a classic compartment for up to five people or a comfort compartment for up to three people.

European Sleeper is also launching a route between Paris and Berlin on March 26, with a stop in Hamburg being added to the route from July 13.

In other train news, a major rule change to train tickets is dropping in just weeks – and could see you denied a refund.

Plus, the little-known UK train trick that lets you visit up to three destinations for the price of one – and the best routes to do it.

Ryanair passengers should make sure they are up to date on the budget airline’s policies, amid claims that a family of four were hit with a fine of £400 due to misunderstanding the rules

As a budget airline, Ryanair is famous for its low fares, but another thing it has become notorious for are its strict rules on luggage. While the airline clearly sets out its rules when you book, as well as on its website, people continue to be caught out by them.

A recent change to Ryanair’s baggage policy saw it increase the size allowed for the free underseat bag that comes with even the most basic fares. In the past, bags had to be 40 x 25 x 20 cm, but as of last year, passengers can bring a bag of up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm. This small item can be a laptop bag, handbag, rucksack, or any item that fits within the dimensions to fit under the seat in front of you.

For an additional fee, which varies depending on route and availability, passengers can bring a second cabin bag of up to 10KG in weight. This bag can be up to 55 x 40 x 20cm in size and passengers will need to be able to load this into the overhead locker themselves without assistance from the flight crew. Checked luggage is also available to add for those who prefer to put items into the hold. There are 10kg, 20kg and 23kg bag options available.

However, despite the warnings, one family got caught out at the airport after not checking their bags’ dimensions and allegedly were hit with a £400 fee. A poster on Which? Travel’s Facebook page claimed they ended up being given the charge after not checking the rules before their return flight to the UK.

In a statement responding to the claims made at the time, Ryanair said: “People should avoid Ryanair’s high fees for oversized bags. They can do so by simply travelling with bags that meet our agreed dimensions. Our sizers are bigger than our permitted dimensions, so if that the bag fits in the sizer, it gets on, if it doesn’t, it gets charged.”

In a Which? report, its travel team set out a series of guidelines to avoid paying extra costs when travelling with Ryanair. The number one rule is to make sure the bag you bring really does fit into the holder, as gate crew will often check bag sizes. If your bags don’t fit into the sizer, you could end up being charged for extra luggage and potentially made to check your bag into the hold.

Don’t rely on measurements given by your bag’s manufacturer. Get the tape measure out when the bag is packed, as luggage can be bulkier when full, and make sure you include the wheels and folded handle in your measurements.

Ryanair’s website warns: “Passengers who bring an oversize bag (over 55x40x20cm) to the boarding gate will either have their bag refused or, where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of £/€ 70.00 – £/€ 75.00. You will be required to leave your bags at the aircraft steps, in the gate bag trolley, or as directed by Ryanair agents, for stowage in the hold.”

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It also warned that passengers need to ensure they’ve booked the second cabin bag if they want to bring one, as there’s no guarantee it’ll be accepted at the gate. “Non-priority customers who bring their 10kg check-in bag to the boarding gate will either have their bag refused or, where available, placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of €/£ 46.00 – €/£ 60.00.”

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Visits to the Balearic Islands dropped in January of this year, and restaurant bookings are also down causing concern in the industry. However, plans to cap visitor numbers on one island are going ahead

Tourism bosses in Spain have been left concerned over dropping numbers in the hospitality industry amid a ‘disastrous’ start to the year for the Balearic Islands.

The islands, which include the popular destinations of Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, saw a drop in international visitor numbers of 8.83% in January. While restaurants also saw a drop in footfall, attributed to rising prices, across 2025.

Overall, across the Balearic Islands there was a 3% drop in restaurant footfall across 2025. While the amount might sound small, the tight profit margins in hospitality and the islands’ heavy reliance on tourism mean that modest drops can have a substantial impact.

The decline in restaurant customer numbers is being partly attributed to rising prices across the islands, the Majorca Daily News previously reported. Data analysts pointed out that in areas where dining is the most affordable, such as the mainland regions of Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, customer numbers grew.

The analysis concluded: “This behaviour suggests that consumers have reached a price ceiling, which limits price increases in the most expensive areas and reinforces the idea of a restraint in real spending, even in areas traditionally less price-sensitive.”

The restaurant industry is also concerned about the numbers for 2026. Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, representing island outlets, remarked that the year kicked off with a “disastrous January” and predicted it would be “like last year, or at most a little worse”.

He explained: “The last thing a restaurant owner wants is to raise prices, because that means fewer customers. This year we’ll try to absorb those extra three to four percentage points of inflation as much as we can.”

One option being considered is a restaurant voucher scheme, similar to a recent initiative across the island that supported shops. The retail scheme gave all residents aged over 16 four vouchers worth €15 each, which could be used on purchases of €30 or more, to encourage people to shop locally.

During summer 2025, concerns emerged that certain Majorcan resorts had become “completely dead”, with Miguel PérezMarsá, chairman of the nightlife association, saying: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.” His comments came as thousands took to the streets in overtourism protests.

At last year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Ibiza’s Tourism Minister, Jaume Bauza, acknowledged declining visitor numbers, revealing that 20,000 fewer British tourists visited the renowned party destination during the 2025 peak season compared to the previous year. Industry experts have suggested this decline may reflect holidaymakers deliberately shifting their travel dates to October and November to capitalise on more affordable rates.

However, it should be noted that such a dip comes at the end of several record years for tourism on the island chain, with Brits and other Europeans flocking in huge numbers to the Balearics post-Covid.

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Despite the drop in numbers causing alarm, the islands are continuing with measures to tackle overtourism. Plans have been announced to slash the number of daily cruise ship berths from 8,500 to 7,500 between June and September in Palma, Majorca, meaning fewer cruise ship passengers arriving once the change is implemented between 2027 to 2039.

Only three cruise ships would dock in Palma each day, with only one of these vessels allowed to transport more than 5,000 passengers. Opposition party PSOE – a socialist party for the Balearic Islands – also put forward a proposal recently for visitor numbers to be capped across the islands at 17.8 million a year. However, its proposal was rejected.

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Wizz Air has announced that it’s received approval to operate flights between the UK and USA with its first flights set to take off in the summer in time for the World Cup

Budget airline Wizz Air has confirmed it now has “regulatory approval” to operate flights to the United States. The airline, who currently offer routes from the UK to destinations such as Poland, Turkey, Italy, and Romania, will offer the flights for football fans visiting the USA for the 2026 World Cup.

The airline confirmed it will now offer tailored charter flights to groups from teams to supporters and tour operators who are organising group travel to the USA. It confirmed that charter enquiries for summer travel are now open.

However, the airline also clarified that it has “no intention or plans to launch regular commercial flights to the US” but that “the new authorization represents a significant achievement and reflects months of preparation, regulatory coordination, and operational planning.”

So, while individuals won’t be able to book onto scheduled services, those who are travelling with large groups, organising a tour, or travellers looking for a private travel experience will be able to charter a transatlantic flight with Wizz Air.

Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, said in a statement: “This is a proud and exciting day for everyone at our airline,” said . “Receiving approval to operate between the UK and the United States is a huge milestone for our company. It opens the door to incredible opportunities, particularly for European football teams and supporters travelling across the Atlantic this summer.

“We are ready to deliver exceptional charter experiences and bring fans closer to the action in the United States.”

England’s first fixture is set for June 17 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, meaning many football fans are likely to descend on the Texas city to watch the big game. Its other group games are England vs Ghana, set for June 23 in Boston, and Panama vs England on June 27 in New York.

Scotland’s World Cup fixtures are set for June 14 when they take on Haiti in Boston, followed by another match in the city against Morocco on June 19. The team will then head to Miami for Scotland vs Brazil on June 24.

Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to secure their places in the World Cup as both teams are still in the qualifying stages. In addition to fixtures across the USA, some matches will also be held in Canada and Mexico who are joint hosts.

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However, seeing the matches in person is likely to be an expensive undertaking. Tickets for group stage games range from $100 to $575 (about £75 to £431), although FIFA has announced a very limited number of £45 tickets to each game. A seat at the July 19 final, which will take place in New Jersey, will be especially costly. Tickets bought at face value range from $2,030 to $6,370, about £1,500 to £4,800, with resellers no doubt charging even more.

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