affordable

One in five adults living outside London haven’t visited the capital in over 10 years due to costs – but a new challenge proves you can experience the city on just £150

A fifth of adults living outside of London haven’t set foot in the city for more than 10 years. A poll of 2,000 adults who live outside the capital found more than half (52%) admitted the cost of accommodation makes it too expensive to visit. Additional factors preventing people from visiting include transport costs (50%), the price of dining out (27%) and lacking the time to organise a major trip (21%).

Meanwhile, one in 10 have avoided it because the Tube leaves them baffled. However, 58% would welcome the opportunity to discover the city, with more affordable accommodation, reduced attraction prices, smaller crowds and a straightforward itinerary likely to entice them.

The study was commissioned by easyHotel, which tasked presenter Hattie Carter with experiencing London in 24 hours on a £150 budget, beginning from its Croydon location which has recently completed a full renovation.

Nathan White, UK operations director for the hotel chain, said: “There’s no denying that London is often seen as expensive and out-of-reach for those on a budget, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise. However, with a few simple hacks such as opting for affordable accommodation, the capital becomes much more accessible to all.

“Croydon has quick transport links reaching central London in under 15 minutes, so it’s a great option for those who want to spend their budget on the experiences that make a London trip worth it.”

The survey revealed that a quarter of adults typically organise their trips between two and six months ahead, although younger travellers are leaning towards more spontaneous plans, with 60% of 18- to 24-year-olds preferring to book within one month or less.

Kew Gardens (51%), Tate Modern (50%), and Camden Market (44%) were the top attractions people expressed a desire to visit. Additionally, 36% of participants indicated they would be most likely to visit London during the summer season.

Cheaper travel options are what 44% of adults claim would make them more inclined to visit London in the forthcoming 12 months – with the average adult prepared to spend £66.15 on a return train ticket.

Accommodation ranked second to travel as 37% of those surveyed via OnePoll.com would be persuaded if it was more affordable, expressing willingness to pay an average of £118.13 for an overnight stay.

However, despite 32% brimming with excitement at the prospect of planning a trip to the city, 24% feel anticipation – and 21% associate it with stress.

A spokesperson for easyHotel Croydon, where an average overnight stay costs just £58.27, commented: “It’s clear there is still a huge appetite to visit London and explore everything the city has to offer, but for many it’s about how to make it happen without breaking the bank.

“Our £150 budget challenge proves it can be done. By staying smart at an accessible and affordable hotel, London is doable.

“We want to help more people visit the capital for a memorable and positive experience, while keeping their budget firmly under control.”

THE best hotels in the country have been revealed and one even has rooms for under £70 a night.

It has also been praised for being family-friendly and sits on the estate of a stately home that appeared in the film, Pride and Prejudice.

The Times has revealed its ’50 best places to stay in 2026′ and The Hide was declared the winner for ‘great-value’.

The cosy 19th century hotel was formerly a Premier Inn, before being converted and reopened in October 2025.

The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate in the rolling Peak District hills – so guests can enjoy magnificent views.

The Times praised it highly and said: “It’s laid-back and unpretentious while still offering Chatsworth hospitality including produce from the estate farm, curated art on the walls and bespoke textiles in the bedrooms plus hand-painted room numbers.”

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It was awarded the title of ‘Great-value winner’ with rooms starting from £69.

They added: “The idea is that all are welcome – dogs, children, walkers in muddy boots.”

The hotel has a mix of bright and spacious rooms from doubles to triple, quad, bunk rooms and accessible ones too.

Each come with a double or king size bed, power shower and free Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile the triple or bunk rooms are suited towards families of three or four.

Guests can eat in from the All Day Dining menu available, with options such as fish and chips and beef and ale pie, as well as stone baked pizzas, burgers, steak, salads and BBQ ribs.

During the summer months, The Hide opens up its patio for outdoor dining with a pizza oven and BBQ.

There’s even a fire pit for s’mores – guests can get a sharing board for two for £10.

The breakfast buffet option starts from £15.95, or there are cook to order options including The Full Hide (essentially a full English).

There’s also a veggie option, pancakes and waffles too.

Sunday lunch is from £18 per person with a choice of Chatsworth beef, roast chicken, lamb or butternut squash, spinach and chestnut wellington.

As The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate, it’s easy for staying guests to explore the house.

Chatsworth House was built in the 1600s and famously appeared in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Darcy’s house, Pemberley.

It has also appeared on screen in The Duchess and Peaky Blinders.

Guests can buy a multi-entry ticket to Chatsworth to use throughout their stay, for less than the cost of a single day ticket.

This can be added to your booking or bought while at the hotel.

Chatsworth House is around a 15 minute drive away from The Hide.

On the grounds of Chatsworth House there’s also a farmyard and adventure playground.

At the farm are small animals like pigs, horses, goats and guinea pigs.

The playground has ladders, a climbing wall, rope bridges and racing slides – there’s also a zip wire, swings, and a giant sand play area

Tickets can be bought from £10 for both adults and children.

The Hide is a 23-minute drive from Matlock Bath which is known for being a seaside-themed town that’s nowhere near the coast.

Visitors strolling along the River Derwent will feel like they’re by the seaside as it’s lined with fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and arcades.

You can get beautiful cliff-top views over the water, and there are boat parades too – also known as the Matlock Bath Illuminations.

The nearest city is Sheffield and it’s a 17-minute walk to Chesterfield.

For more hotels near The Hide, this hotel was named the best in the UK has Peak District views and guests say is ‘worth every penny’.

And here are some very affordable hotels that are better than a five-star – by a holiday expert who’s visited more than 200.

ARE you looking for a cheap Spanish holiday to soak up the sun this summer?

The most affordable coastlines in mainland Spain have been uncovered – and some are £200 cheaper than holidaying on the Costa del Sol.

TravelSupermarket has found the eight most affordable coastlines on mainland Spain with the top being Costa Calida.

It’s nicknamed the ‘Warm Coast’ thanks to its micro-climate which means it has temperatures around 5C warmer than the surrounding Mediterranean.

Daytime temperatures between in the summer can range between 30C and 35C.

Costa Calida also has over 315 sunny days every year.

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According to TravelSupermarket, the average price of a holiday per person is £457 per person.

The coastline has a huge 150 miles of beaches and is generally quieter than its neighbours like the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

That said, it still has popular spots along the coastline including La Manga which has a sandy strait often compared to Florida.

La Manga is a 13 mile long strip of sand which is known for its shallow, popular swimming waters and its salt water lagoon.

Visitors have compared it to looking like Florida‘s West Palm Beach and even Miami.

Rooms at the AluaSun Doblemar hotel on La Manga cost as little as £46 per night.

It’s the biggest resort and sits on the beachfront – it daily activities to keep guests entertained, outdoor pools, all-inclusive dining, and a kids’ club.

Another spot holidaymakers might want to consider is Cartagena.

It’s the second largest city in the Region of Murcia and is well-known for its 2,000-year-old Roman theater.

It also has a busy port, seafood restaurants, and Calle Mayor is the busy shopping street with independent shops and boutiques.

There are plenty of beaches too like Playa de Calblanque tucked away in a National Park south of La Manga and the Blue Flag Playa de Calnegre.

A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson says that for those looking to buy abroad, Cartagena is a great and affordable option.

She said: “There are also places around it like Cartagena which, when I started on the show, wasn’t a desirable place, but now it comes up more and more.

“In the Murcia region and Almería, you could get a two-bedroom apartment with a pool in a complex for £100-£120k, and that’s good in this day and age.

“We still have people that can make £80k stretch in the south of Spain, so Murcia is a place to buy in before it gets too expensive.”

To get to the Costa Calida is simple too because Brits can fly into Murcia Airport and head south.

One-way flights from Bournemouth to Murcia start from just £15 with Ryanair in April.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Spain remains one of the most reliable destinations for British holidaymakers seeking value, and with budgets still under pressure, it pays to be a little flexible about where you go.

“Costa Calida in particular stands out – it consistently delivers on beaches, weather and facilities, but tends to fly under the radar compared to the likes of Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, and that’s reflected in the price.”

For more on Spain, here are the top five of the best destinations to visit in spring with Caribbean-like beaches and free festival trains.

And here’s more on the ‘desert coast’ of Spain that is £290 cheaper than a holiday on the Costa del Sol – with less rain and £3 beers.

Sea kayaking in Greece

Several companies offer affordable multi-activity trips for families in Greece, but if you’re looking for something less frenetic, and a bit more challenging for teenagers, how about Greek island-hopping by sea kayak? Running on regular dates through the summer months, Trekking Hellas’s three-day, two‑night odysseys in the Ionian Sea start in Nidri, on Lefkada, and paddle on past Skorpios to Meganisi, camping out at Lakka before continuing the next day to Mikros Gialos for a second night under the stars before turning for home. There are stops for swimming, resting and barbecues along the way, and some thrilling cave detours, but with about six hours of paddling a day, the minimum age is 14.
From €352pp including kayaking and camping equipment, guiding and meals (trekking.gr)

A stylish refuge in France

The world’s most handsome bothy? Cabane de Varlossière in Savoie is a strong contender. This simple, unstaffed mountain refuge sits in a spectacular Alpine valley surrounded by craggy peaks and the echo of goat bells. A stone former shepherd’s hut, it has been renovated recently and would look at home in an interiors magazine. A stream runs beside it, and inside there are bunks for four, plus a wood‑burning stove (you’ll need to bring all your bedding, food and cooking equipment). To make a trip of it, start from pretty Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and hike two hours to Gittamelon, a cosy, staffed refuge in the valley below. Depending on your children’s ages and stamina, you could either stop there just for a drink or stay the night and walk on another hour to Varlossière the following morning. From here, you can either continue on to other refuges along the Grand Tour de Tarentaise hiking trail or retrace your steps to Saint-Martin.
Overnight stays at Cabane de Varlossière are free, but consider booking a guide (from €25 per adult for half a day) or add-on activities such as canyoning through the local guiding association. There is no website for the cabin, which is owned by the local commune

Forest camping in Germany

Until recently, camping out amid the dense trees, towering waterfalls and lofty peaks of the Black Forest was prohibited. In 2017, however, the Trekking Schwarzwald initiative began setting up basic forest camps through the region, where semi-wild camping is allowed. Bookable from May to October, there are now 21 camps. Each has space for three tents, a fire pit and a compost toilet, and strict rules govern their use; bookings are from 5pm to 10am, stays are limited to a single night and all rubbish must be carried away. String a few camps together to make a longer adventure of it with older kids, or choose a less remote camp (Camp Gutellbach is about 2.5 hours’ walk from Baiersbronn) for a 24-hour expedition with younger adventurers.
From €12 a tent (up to three people) (trekking-schwarzwald.de)

Spot the eclipse in Spain

Most accommodation has already been snapped up in dark-sky hotspots along the path of this year’s solar eclipse on 12 August, but there is still some availability among the simple wooden cabins at Cabañas El Llano de los Conejos, near Cuenca. They are set within a forest, and there’s a saltwater pool and children’s play area on site, a river beach nearby and direct access to child-friendly hikes, bike rides and kayaking. Between the Serranía de Cuenca and Alto Tajo natural parks, the surrounding land is spiked with karst formations that look like something sketched by Dr Seuss. The bigger ones also make perfect viewing points for skygazers (though make sure you’re wearing eclipse glasses).
From €1,050 for four people for seven nights over the week of the eclipse (llanodelosconejos.com)

Ride and rest in Slovenia

If your kids are avid cyclists, the Rest and Ride bike-friendly hotel in the far west of Slovenia will give them plenty of opportunities to pedal. Within the Soča valley, surrounded by forests and mountains, its bright, modern bedrooms and add-on breakfasts (€12pp) – big on homemade jam and “coffee strong enough to climb a hill on its own” – make it a homely base for rafting, kayaking, zip lining and hikes to waterfalls. Most guests come to explore on two wheels; mountain bikers, gravel lovers and road cyclists will find secure storage, a repair shop, pre-bookable bike hire for all ages and guiding services.
From €150 a night for an apartment sleeping four (rest-ride.com)

Packrafting in Luxembourg and Germany

SINCE I started working in travel at some of the UK’s top holiday firms, I’ve visited more than 200 hotels.

Some were impressive, some were expensive, and some try very hard to be both. But only a small handful earned a perfect 5/5 from me.

And I don’t give that score lightly. But these places are better than some five-star properties I’ve visited.

I’m not marking purely on marble floors or how many à la carte restaurants there are. I’m looking at something much simpler: does this hotel genuinely deliver for what you pay?

Because I hate overspending on holidays.

So for 2026, I’ve picked one hotel in each destination that I personally rated 5/5. Not because they’re the most luxurious in the country – but because they’re the best at what they do.

And I’ve checked current prices to see if they’re still stacking up. Here’s what I found.

Turkey – Grand Aquarium, Dalaman

Turkey is full of huge, ultra-luxury resorts. Grand Aquarium isn’t that, and that’s exactly why I love it.

It’s apartment-style, spacious and calm. The pool area feels relaxed, the rooms are generous, and the whole place is easy to navigate. When I stayed, what stood out wasn’t extravagance – it was how smooth everything felt.

There’s super-friendly staff, the place is spotless and it’s a relaxed, family-feel atmosphere.

For 9-16 June 2026, flying from London Gatwick, self-catering is currently pricing from £195 per person.

For early summer in Dalaman at a hotel I’ve personally rated 5/5, that’s excellent value. It’s the sort of price that makes Turkey feel like a very smart move again.

Canaries – Bakour Lanzarote Splash

If you want value in the Canaries, this is hard to beat.

Bakour Lanzarote Splash is all-inclusive as standard, and what I like is that it doesn’t feel like everything good is an extra. Waterpark, entertainment, food – it all feels included in the experience, not bolted on.

Because it’s Lanzarote, flight prices tend to stay reasonable year-round. That keeps the overall package price sensible even when demand rises.

For May 2026 (4-11 May), flying from Bristol, all-inclusive, it’s currently pricing from £413 per person.

For an all-inclusive with those facilities, in Lanzarote, that’s very competitive. For families especially, you’re getting a lot of hotel for that number.

Mainland Spain – L’Azure, Costa Brava

L’Azure manages to feel modern and stylish while still working brilliantly for families.

There’s a rooftop adults-only pool, which means parents can genuinely switch off for an hour. Downstairs, the family areas are lively but not overwhelming.

When you compare it to other Costa Brava hotels in the same bracket, it often comes in at a better price for noticeably better room quality.

For 2-9 June 2026 flying from Bournemouth, room-only is pricing from £373 per person. For a hotel of this finish and quality on the Costa Brava in June, that’s strong. You’re getting something that feels premium without paying luxury-brand money.

Egypt – Edge by Rotana Sea Beach, Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh surprised me – and this hotel was a big part of that.

Edge by Rotana Sea Beach gives you scale and proper all-inclusive facilities without the usual hidden extras. Multiple pools, beach access, good dining – but it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

What makes it really strong value is context: compared to Caribbean or Indian Ocean resorts offering similar sunshine and facilities, Egypt remains far more affordable.

For 26 November-3 December 2026 flying from London Luton, all-inclusive is currently from £333 per person.

For winter sun, guaranteed warmth and a full resort set-up, that’s seriously competitive. You’d pay far more for a similar experience in the Caribbean.

This is one of those hotels where you leave thinking, “That was worth it.”

Majorca – Sea Club Mediterranean Resort, Alcudia

The Balearics can feel tight for space in peak season, but Sea Club doesn’t.

It’s spread out, relaxed and well organised. There’s plenty going on, but it never feels cramped. The buffet is varied, the layout makes sense, and it runs like clockwork.

For May 2026 (2-9 May) flying from London Stansted, self-catering is pricing from £208 per person.

For Majorca, in early season sunshine, at a hotel of this size and quality, that’s excellent value. It’s often cheaper than smaller hotels nearby with fewer facilities.

It’s not flashy – it just gets absolutely everything right.

Greece – Mitsis Rodos Village, Rhodes

Rhodes has some excellent hotels, but Mitsis Rodos Village stands out for consistency.

It’s a proper all-inclusive with strong service, varied dining and a setting that makes the most of the coastline. The grounds are well kept, the atmosphere feels polished but not stiff, and everything runs efficiently.

Mitsis as a brand tends to cost a little more on paper, but you see where the money goes. Service levels are high, and repeat bookings are common – which is always a good sign.

For 12-20 May 2026 flying from London Gatwick, all-inclusive is currently from £323 per person.

For eight nights in Rhodes at a hotel of this standard, that’s impressive. It feels like five-star treatment without a five-star bill.

Morocco – Iberostar Waves Founty Beach, Agadir

Agadir offers beachfront Morocco without the chaos of a city break, and Iberostar Waves Founty Beach is a brilliant base.

It’s right on the sand, modern without being over-the-top, and has a layout that feels calm rather than crowded.

Compared to some Marrakech resorts inland, you’re getting beach access, sea views and space – often at a better overall package price.

It delivers atmosphere and sunshine without unnecessary extras inflating the cost.

For 30 November-7 December 2026 flying from London Luton, all-inclusive is currently from £398 per person. For winter sun on the beach, with strong reviews behind it, that’s very competitive.

Cyprus – Anesis Hotel, Ayia Napa

Anesis Hotel proves you don’t need a giant resort to have a great holiday.

It’s centrally located in Ayia Napa, walking distance to beaches, restaurants and shops, which removes the need for taxis or long treks in the heat.

The hotel itself is modern, clean and well run. The service is spot on, and the atmosphere is friendly rather than frantic.

For the price you typically pay in this part of Cyprus, it feels fair – and often better value than newer hotels charging more for less.

For 13-20 October 2026 flying from London Luton, bed & breakfast is pricing from £380 per person.

For Cyprus in late-season sunshine, that’s fair value for a well-located base that genuinely delivers.

Portugal – Muthu Clube Praia da Oura, the Algarve

The Algarve can get expensive in summer. Muthu Clube Praia da Oura is a smarter way to do it.

It sits close enough to Albufeira’s buzz if you want it, but far enough away to relax properly. Apartment-style accommodation keeps things flexible, and the sea views here are genuinely strong.

When I stayed, what struck me was how much location you’re getting for the price. You’re near the beach, near the nightlife, but not paying top-tier five-star rates.

For 29 September-6 October 2026 flying from London Luton, self-catering is currently from £268 per person.

For Algarve sunshine at that time of year, that’s unbelievable value .

Tunisia – Sahara Beach Aquapark Resort, Monastir

Tunisia is one of the most underrated value destinations in the world.

Sahara Beach Aquapark Resort is a big, energetic, family-focused property with multiple pools, slides and beachfront access. It’s unapologetically fun.

What makes it 5/5 for value is scale, because you’re getting huge resort facilities and reliable sunshine at a price point that undercuts much of southern Europe.

For 5-12 May 2026 flying from London Gatwick, all-inclusive is currently from £393 per person.

So, for families who want proper all-inclusive without stretching the budget too far, this is one of the smartest bookings on the map.

WHILE prices for the most popular Mediterranean resorts keep ­rising, you can get the same ­turquoise seas, mountain drives and warm hospitality in Albania – for a fraction of the cost.

Visit in the shoulder season and you’ll enjoy golden light and near-empty beaches at an unhurried pace.

Flying in to capital Tirana makes a good start for a road trip to explore the country.

Pick up a hire car at the airport and within minutes you’re twisting through mountain passes, gliding along coastal bays and pulling over in centuries-old towns.

Highways are good, but off the main roads expect to be swerving around goats and making stunning switchback turns. It’s all part of the adventure.

Your first major stop is the Unesco World Heritage town of Berat.

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White Ottoman houses stack up the hillside like sugar cubes, their wooden shutters glinting in the sun, giving it the nickname “city of a thousand windows”.

You can stay inside the Berat castle walls, living among ancient ramparts while children play football in cobbled lanes and grandmothers sell olive oil at their doorsteps.

It feels like stepping into another century.

Just outside Berat lies Alpeta Winery, run by the Fiska family.

The vineyards grow local grape varieties and the owner, Peter, walks among the tables at dinner, greeting guests and sharing his stories of the vines.

The wine-tasting tour takes you through reds, whites and fruit brandy rakia, ­partnered with local cheeses and olive oil.

This is Albania’s farm-to-table story in full swing.

After this, most tourists seeking sun and sea will race to Saranda, but Vlora makes a brilliant, less crowded alternative.

From here, you’re just a short drive from the Green Coast, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.

Turquoise coves framed by pine-covered hills and crystal-clear shallows rival anywhere in the Med.

Back in the capital, Tirana surprises with its creative energy, street art and cafes.

Park in the vibrant Blloku district.

Once reserved for the elite, it’s now buzzing with nightlife, bars and restaurants.

The city is dotted with thousands of Cold War-era bunkers which have been cleverly repurposed into museums, cafes and art spaces.

Don’t miss Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2, immersive museums that give a striking insight into Albania’s communist past.

And be sure to climb the Pyramid of ­Tirana, a former communist landmark now converted into a lookout offering panoramic city views.

After dark, the city comes alive.

I went to Albania Night, and it is hands down one of the maddest immersive cultural shows I’ve experienced.

Guests can dress up in traditional ­Albanian outfits, dance until their feet nearly give out and become part of the ­performance.

Albania is evolving fast.

Live music, laughter and street-side festivities turn ­Tirana into a playground of culture and energy.

There are new coastal roads, boutique hotels are appearing in heritage towns — and word is starting to spread.

But key to its appeal is that it still feels under the radar.

Albania isn’t the “new Croatia” or the “next Greece”.

It’s got its own story — ­rugged, authentic and full of surprises.

From fortress towns perched on hillsides to empty coves by the sea, and from vineyard dinners to city nights that refuse to quit, you can have the kind of road trip that really stays with you.

If you’re chasing adventure, authenticity and excellent value for money, Albania is waiting, keys in the ignition.

LESS than an hour away from glamorous Porto is a lesser-known destination that is even cheaper then Lisbon too.

Braga is Portugal’s oldest city, and the third-largest in the country.

It’s actually nowhere near the Portuguese capital and that’s what makes Braga more affordable.

According to Wise, the average cost of beer in Braga is €2.50 (£2.19).

The average price of a meal out at a restaurant is €9 (£7.87), and you can pick up a cappuccino for as little as €1.57 (£1.37).

Meanwhile, in Lisbon, while a local beer is roughly the same, a meal out is around €3 more expensive and coffee costs around €2.39 (£2.09).

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Hotel room prices are as little as £22 per night on Booking.com.

A one-night stay in the Hotel Moon & Sun Braga is is right in the middle of the city.

Rooms have en-suites, some even have balconies with incredible skyline views – rates for a one-night stay in March start from £29.50pp.

Airbnbs like a double room in the Rua da Violinha guesthouse which has a private bathroom starts from £30 – or £15pp.

When it comes to exploring the city, some of the biggest attractions include Braga Cathedral.

It was built in the 11^th century, making it the oldest in the country – technically it was built several centuries before Portugal became a country.

Bom Jesus do Monte is a Roman Catholic sanctuary with around 580 steps.

It has 15 statues and six fountains and is described as a “peaceful and awe-inspiring destination, with stunning panoramic views and serene gardens”.

Palácio do Raio is a beautiful blue-tiled palace which visitors have called “enchanting” with brightly painted doors and balconies.

Other tourist attractions in Braga, including Santa Barbara Garden, a public garden that’s open throughout the year.

For a spot of shopping, you can’t go wrong with Braga Parque with all the big-name shops.

For independent boutiques, head into the city centre where for plenty of clothes and handmade items.

Aside from the historical sites, make sure to check out the city’s trendy cafes and restaurants.

Braga is also home to several trendy cafes like Soul – Alimentação Saudável e do Bem, which serves brunch dishes.

One popular restaurant is Café Astória, which is known as Arcada by the locals, is one of the oldest places to eat in the city with over 110 years of history.

Visitors to the city should try Braga’s signature dishes.

The first being Bacalhau à Braga which is fried cod with onions, peppers, and crispy potatoes.

There’s also Papas de Sarrabulho, pork and blood rice porridge, Rojões, marinated pork, and Pudim à Abade de Priscos, a rich crème caramel pudding, for dessert.

A few years ago, Braga was named Europe’s Emerging Tourism Destination in the Oscars of Travel aka the World Travel Awards which have been running since 1993.

Braga beat previous winner Batumi to the top spot in the up-and-coming European destination category.

While Braga has its own airfield, this is used for private or smaller aircraft.

Major airlines will fly into nearby Porto which is a 45 minutes drive away.

In March, Brits can get to Porto from Birmingham Airport with flights from £16 with Ryanair.

Plus, here are the five lesser-known places where the Portuguese always go on holiday… and where they avoid.

And discover the secret side to Portugal that has been crowned one of the best places in Europe.

EGYPT is having a holiday comeback, with trips to the destination booming according to all the experts.

The Red Sea resorts are tempting holidaymakers back with their incredible weather, beautiful beaches, activities like snorkelling – and it’s just five hours away.

For many years Egypt was the sought-after destination for Brits thanks to its promise of great weather and barely any rain.

In 2010, Egypt saw peak British holidaymaker numbers, with around 1.4million tourists visiting.

But then Brits stopped going to Egypt as much – leading to the 2011 flight cancellations – due to conflict within the region.

This was followed by the 2015 terror attack on a Russian passenger plane which killed all 224 onboard.

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As a result, flights from the UK were stopped for four years, with TUI only reintroducing holiday packages in 2019.

Now, many airlines fly to to Egypt, in particular the Red Sea resorts, like EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

And interest in heading to Egypt is higher than ever – TUI has revealed that customer numbers are up 10 percent more than last year.

It’s not just TUI which has found that Egypt is growing ever more popular. River cruise and tour operator Riviera Travel named it as the fastest-growing destination for 2026.

Comparing January-February 2025 with January-February 2026 bookings, Egypt is up 310 per cent.

It’s no surprise as in just five hours Brits can enjoy sun, sea and sand as well as affordable food and drink.

The resort cities are brilliant winter sun destinations and during the summer, temperatures can be as high as 38C – this week it’s seeing highs of 22C.

It’s not just the sunshine and beautiful resorts either as Egypt remains very affordable too.

In recent years, Egypt has been named the ‘best value for money’ destination, according to the Post Office Travel Money.

According to Wise, a beer in Egypt can be as little as 50EG£ which is 77p.

Coffee can be as little as 54p and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant starts from £1.55.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK&I added: “It’s one of our most in demand destinations and a stand-out location for holidaymakers in 2026.

“The choice and standard of hotels have evolved significantly keeping pace with the increased demand from UK and international tourists.”

He named Sharm El Sheikh as a popular spot for couples with its blend of relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and world‑class reefs.

Whereas Hurghada is “especially popular with families thanks to its impressive all‑inclusive offering, shallow beaches, and brilliant snorkelling”.

There’s also Marsa Alam which is gaining in popularity with “pristine beaches, exceptional diving, and a more laid‑back atmosphere”.

Chris added: “Value for money is another reason for Egypt’s resurgence.

“Whether it’s grabbing a pint in Hurghada for the equivalent of 80p, enjoying a cocktail on the seafront in Sharm for just £3, or dining out at local restaurants, customers consistently tell us they’re getting exceptional quality at a price that’s hard to beat.

“While Spain and Turkey remain firm favourites, we’re seeing North Africa flourish and Egypt is leading the way as the top choice for 2026.

“It really does have everything – UNESCO listed bucket list experiences, a welcoming culture, inspiring history, adventure, value, amazing resorts and hotels, beautiful locations, crystal clear waters, and outstanding beaches. 

“All within easy reach of the UK. What’s not to love?”

TUI has revealed some of its favourite package holidays.

A seven-night holiday to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt at the 5T TUI Magic Life Redsina Sharm el Sheikh on an all-inclusive basis starts from £789 per person.

This is based on two adults sharing a Family Area Deluxe Double Room with Garden View and Balcony departing from London Gatwick on 11 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

If you’re heading to Marsa Alam, TUI offers a seven-night holiday at the Jaz Grand Marsa on an all-inclusive basis from £625 per person.

Price is based on two adults sharing a Superior Twin Room with Garden View and Balcony or Terrace departing from London Gatwick on 15 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

Here is perfect for swimmers as its private beach has a coral reef – and there’s a trio of sea-view pools.

Over in Hurghada, you can stay at the 3T Sindbad Club on an all-inclusive basis from £1114 per person.

Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Superior Family Room with Pool View, Waterpark View and Balcony departing from Birmingham on 30 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

This hotel is great for families as it has its own waterpark and a pool scene as well a 10 bars and five restaurants.

For more on holidays to Egypt, one writer stayed a huge resort with the country’s largest water park and massive hotel buffet.

And another Sun Writer visited TUI’s Egyptian resort with a huge swimming pool – and it had unlimited booze.

WITH the rain in the UK seeming relentless, why not head somewhere next week with sunny weather and cheap flights?

Across the first half of next week, Tenerife in Spain will be hitting temperatures of up to 29C.

And you could fly out from Manchester this Sunday at 2:35pm arriving in Tenerife at 7:20pm, for £24 one way.

Or you could head off from Bristol Airport at 8:05am and arrive in Tenerife at 12:15pm on Sunday, for £23 one way.

If you are based near Leeds Airport, there are flights this Saturday and Sunday for £32 one way.

There’s also a flight from Newcastle Airport at 8:40am arriving in Tenerife at 1:30pm on Sunday, for £24 one way.

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If you are London-based, you can travel from London Stansted Airport for £31 one way on Monday.

When it comes to enjoying the sun on the island, Tenerife isn’t short of beaches to soak up some rays.

Rick Cosgrove, a local and a professional compere at many of the island’s bars, told Sun Travel: “I love both Puerto Colon and Fanabe beaches.

“These two coves are next to each other in Costa Adeje in the south of the island, and are ideal for beach lovers.

“Puerto Colon has a lot more going on, as it’s next to the marina and all sea excursions in the south tend to depart from here, so there is a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants to serve your needs.

“If you find Puerto Colon too busy, then neighbouring mile-long Fanabe beach is a little more relaxed with quieter beach clubs along the edge.”

One of the beach clubs on Fanabe beach is Le Club, which is known for having live DJs and hosting watersports activities.

Nearby is also Aqualand Costa Adeje – a waterpark with kamikazes and twister racer slides.

The waterpark has even recently opened a new kids’ pool, splash tower and Pelican Bay, which is an area with waterslides, water arches and waterfalls.

Aqualand Costa Adeje costs £27.93 per person to visit.

Alternatively, you could head to Playa de las Vistas in Los Cristianos.

It’s a popular Blue Flag beach that stretches 850 metres long and is known for having clear and calm waters.

Then along the promenade are a number of restaurants, bars and shops to explore.

If you do fancy a bite to eat, then Rick recommends Chicagos.

He said: “It’s an American style sports bar serving ribs and burgers. (Burgers from £7.86 and ribs from £10.48)

“In Los Cristianos, The Star of Bengal does fantastic curries (mains from £6.99 and £2.62 pints), and the Mongolian BBQ Restaurant has an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s cooked in front of you, for around £13.10 per person.”

If you fancy heading to a quieter beach, then opt for Playa san Juan or Las Galletas beach.

Both feature black sand and are great for escaping the crowds.

And if you want to experience some of the local culture, make sure to head to La Laguna, which is a UNESCO-listed city with colonial architecture.

It’s located on the north side of the island and was created back in the 15th century.

Today, visitors can explore a number of churches and religious buildings in the Old Town.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, then head to Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with volcanic landscapes, lava fields and Mount Teide – the ideal spot for picturesque views of the island and stargazing.

There are many places you can stay on the island with availability for next week.

For example, you could stay at Hotel Regency Country Club for £136 a night for four people.

Or head to 4Dreams Hotel Chimisay for just £72 a night for four people.

For more inspiration on trips to the Canary Islands, Spain’s cheapest island has £169pp holidays – and it’s 23C.

Plus, there’s a tiny Spanish island yet to have mass tourism that is still hot in January with 20C highs and quiet beaches.