Air travel

This island has delicious food, rich history and plenty to explore

Summer has well and truly drawn to a close, with UK temperatures dropping steadily by the day amid concerns that the Polar Vortex could bring an even colder snap soon. Yet within easy and affordable reach of Britain, there are destinations where the weather remains mild and the sun continues to shine.

One such gem is a breathtaking Mediterranean island celebrated for its spectacular landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine.

While summer daytime temperatures on this island can soar to 35C, the autumn shoulder season offers the ideal window to visit. Currently, the island of Sicily is enjoying impressive highs of 25C – perfect for soaking up some late-season sunshine.

Major cities such as Palermo and Catania remain vibrant throughout the year, but autumn brings fewer crowds, allowing you to wander the bustling street markets without being hemmed in by fellow tourists.

November also marks the height of olive-picking season across the countryside. This means numerous beautiful rural estates will be offering olive grove tours, tastings and cookery classes – an ideal way to spend the day.

One of the best estates you can tour is Serafica on the slopes of Mount Etna. You can enjoy a two hour tour of the groves and the olive mill, then a delicious tasting of three of their home-made olive oils with local cheese and bruschetta.

And with daytime temperatures being more moderate, it’s also the perfect opportunity to tackle Mount Etna, the imposing volcano that dominates the island’s skyline. Mount Etna is Europe’s tallest active volcano and there are numerous walking routes up it depending on your fitness level – however, by law you are not permitted to climb beyond 2,800 metres without a licensed volcanological or alpine guide.

During the autumn months, the views across the island are truly breathtaking.

If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, November is also an ideal time to discover some of the island’s well-known archaeological sites that are typically packed with visitors throughout the summer.

Among the most remarkable is the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento – widely regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Greek art and architecture. It features the remains of seven temples alongside the Tomb of Theron, a large pyramid-shaped monument that historians believe was built to honour Romans who fell during the second Punic War.

Entry tickets to the Valley start from just £11, and those who have made the trip were left speechless by the ruins. One visitor wrote on Google: “An extraordinary place where more than 2,500 years of history come to life. The Valley of the Temples is a highlight of any trip to Sicily, with magnificent ancient buildings set in a beautiful Mediterranean landscape.”

Another commented: “A beautiful and impressive place with remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins. With some reconstruction, it’s easy to imagine the original size and scale of the buildings.”

Sicily, much like the rest of Italy, is famous for its mouth-watering fresh cuisine including traditional pasta dishes, arancini and chargrilled vegetables. Dining options span from budget-friendly and casual trattorias through to upscale Michelin-starred restaurants.

The slopes of Mount Etna offer lush, fertile soil perfect for farm-to-table eateries such as Zafferana Etnea on the mountain’s eastern slopes.

This upscale, fine dining restaurant offers ingredients from their own organic gardens and orchards, paired with estate wines.

Flights to Sicily from the UK

Skyscanner is displaying numerous bargain flights direct to Sicily in November. These include Stansted to Palermo with Ryanair for £28 and Stansted to Catania with Ryanair for £32.

The deal is back in an exclusive sale

Home Bargains has brought back a “lightweight” piece of luggage that will be instantly approved for travel on dozens of airlines as an under-seat cabin bag. The offer reduces the price from £14.99 to just £5.99, while stocks last.

Describing it online, Home Bargains said that the Bordlite Under Seat Cabin Bag is a “lightweight, compact travel buddy with three external pockets and a long shoulder strap”. It is ideal for “organised journeys and approved by over 30 airlines”, according to the brand.

The approximate bag dimensions were shared as 40 x 30 x 20cm. Shoppers can be assured the bag is suitable for free travel on most major airlines, such as Ryanair, easyJet, TUI Airways, Jet2, Wizz Air and more.

Below is a full list of the 30 airlines which accept this size (or larger) when booking. In most cases, carriers include a free personal item or underseat item with the ticket price — but always check with the airline directly before risking an unexpected airport charge.

What airlines accept this size bag?

UK and Europe:

1. Ryanair (Up to 40 x 25 x 20cm)
2. Wizz Air (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
3. FlyOne (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
4. easyJet (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
5. Jet2 (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
6. British Airways (Allows a large cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm for free)
7. Lufthansa (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 40 x 23cm)
8. Air France / KLM (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 35 x 25cm)
9. Norwegian Air (Up to 38 x 30 x 20cm)
10. Iberia (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 56 x 45 x 25cm for overhead)
11. TAP Air Portugal (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
12. Aegean Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
13. Vueling (Up to 40 x 30 x 20cm)
14. Eurowings (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
15. Pegasus Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
16. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
17. Swiss International Air Lines (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)

Middle East and Asia

1. Emirates (Allows an overhead bag up to 55 x 38 x 20cm for free on all tickets).
2. Qatar Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 50 x 37 x 25cm for free).
3. Etihad Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 56 x 36 x 23cm for free).
4. Singapore Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20cm)
5. Turkish Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 23cm)

American and Transatlantic

1. Delta Air Lines (no specific personal item dimensions, must fit under the seat)
2. United Airlines (Up to 43 x 25 x 22cm)
3. American Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
4. Air Canada (Up to 43 x 33 x 16cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
5. JetBlue (Up to 43 x 33 x 20cm)
6. Spirit Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
7. Frontier Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
8. WestJet (Up to 41 x 33 x 15cm for personal item / 53 x 38 x 23cm for overhead)

What else is new in Home Bargains?

Although the peak summer holiday season is well and truly over, shoppers can still find major bargains in-store and online for their travel needs. Recent offers include full suitcase sets and more compact cases to dodge airline fees.

The Overlow Suitcase Set (worth £149.99) includes three different-sized pieces of luggage for £59.99, saving shoppers £90. Home Bargains calls the deal “perfect for every trip, whether you pack light or heavy”.

For those looking for a budget-friendly way to stay within some airlines’ free allowance, the store recently added the Salisburys Underseat Backpack for £19.99. Described as a “stylish and practical choice” for travellers, it measures 20 x 30 x 40cm, making it suitable for the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2.

Foreign Office has issued a major alert to everyone planning to travel abroad

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to all Britons planning international trips.

As the Government’s foreign affairs department, the FCDO routinely issues guidance designed to keep UK travellers safe while abroad. Information is provided for over 220 countries and territories, and is refreshed regularly. In a recent post on X, previously known as Twitter, the FCDO said: “Travel advice can change quickly. Check the latest advice before you travel and while you’re away”.

In a video attached to the warning, an FCDO spokesperson said: “Travel advice isn’t something to check once and then forget about. Situations overseas can change quickly.

“FCDO travel advice covers safety and security, entry requirements, and other risks to consider ahead of travel. You can sign up for email alerts to find out when the advice changes and follow our social media channels.

“For example, we recently updated our travel advice for Saudi Arabia as the security situation changed following increased Houthi aggression. And in Ecuador, severe weather from El Niño led to new advice for Santa Cruz Island after a state of emergency was declared by local government.

“Knowing the risks before you travel can help you make informed decisions about your trip. So before you go, check the latest advice for your destination and any countries you will transit through. And keep checking while you are away.”

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Brits heading to Europe are reminded that, for travel to the Schengen Zone, your passport must be under 10 years old. It must also be valid for at least three months after your planned return date, and those travelling on a UK passport can now only stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any six-month period.

Countries within the Schengen Zone are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Ryanair passengers travelling with luggage face stricter rules starting tomorrow

Budget airline Ryanair is introducing a major rule change starting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10, 2026. It will require millions of holidaymakers to adjust their arrival times at airports.

From tomorrow morning, physical check-in desks and airport bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close exactly 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This moves the deadline up by 20 minutes from the previous 40-minute cut-off. Ryanair has warned that anyone who reaches the desk in this final hour will be turned away and may miss their flight.

Who is affected by the new deadline?

The rule change specifically impacts the estimated 20% of Ryanair passengers who travel with checked luggage, such as 10kg or 20kg hold bags, or those who require in-person assistance at the airport terminal. If you have checked luggage, you must have your bags fully processed through the drop system before the one-hour countdown begins.

The 80% of passengers travelling cabin-bag-only are unaffected. If you only have hand luggage and check in online, your process remains unchanged; you can bypass the desks and proceed straight to airport security as usual.

Why is the rule changing?

According to Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, the buffer is intended to create a smoother terminal experience. By forcing luggage to be dropped off earlier, the airline aims to reduce the number of travellers who miss their flights due to peak-time bottlenecks at security and passport control checkpoints.

Wider industry guidelines for online check-in have not changed. Passengers can still complete their check-in via the Ryanair App up to two hours before departure.

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However, the airline strongly urges anyone checking a bag this winter to treat the 60-minute mark as a hard cutoff and aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to account for potential queues.

In a statement on the Ryanair website, Ryanair CMA Dara Brady said: “From Tuesday, 10 November, bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.

“This small change will give the 20 per cent of Ryanair passengers who check in a bag, more time to clear airport security and passport control queues and get to their departure gate before boarding begins, particularly during busy travel periods when airport queues can be longer.”

Ryanair carries approximately 214 million passengers per year. Ryanair and its subsidiary Ryanair UK operate flights from around 21 to 22 airports across the United Kingdom.

A squeeze on European airfares

The adjustment comes alongside a broader warning from CEO Michael O’Leary, who recently alerted European travellers to brace for historic airfare increases. Driven by rising jet fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions and a reduction in overall European seat capacity due to airline bankruptcies and takeovers, average ticket prices are forecasted to jump by up to 20% over the coming months.

A woman has sparked debate after sharing an awkward encounter with a stranger on a flight, but some believe she was right to stand her ground rather than make small talk

When boarding a plane, most people worry about their seating arrangements and whether they’ll have enough legroom. But one traveller was left feeling uncomfortable after a man deliberately changed seats to sit next to her on a plane before striking up a conversation.

She had simply wanted to spend the flight relaxing and listening to music, rather than making small talk with a stranger for two hours. Taking to Reddit, she explained: “This happened on a flight last week and I still can’t stop thinking about it. I was flying by myself. I picked a window seat on purpose so I could sleep and avoid talking to anyone.

“I had my headphones on before I even sat down. The middle seat beside me was empty when we got on. Maybe ten minutes before take off, a guy who had an aisle seat a few rows back decided to switch and planted himself right next to me.”

She says the man didn’t ask whether the seat was available or if she minded him sitting there, instead making himself comfortable before immediately starting a conversation.

She continued: “He asked where I was going, how long the flight was for me, whether it was work or leisure.

“I answered the first two because he caught me off guard. Then I kind of turned back toward the window and put my headphones back on.”

However, the man allegedly continued trying to get her attention, even tapping her arm and insisting he was “only trying to be nice” and that chatting would help the flight go faster.

‘He went quiet and sulky’

She added: “I told him I was really hoping to sleep and wasn’t up for talking. He gave a little laugh and said, ‘come on it’s only two hours.’

“I said pretty plainly that I really didn’t want to chat and turned away again. After that he went quiet and sulky and I heard him mumble something about people being antisocial.”

When she arrived at her destination, she met up with a friend and explained what had happened – but their reaction left her questioning whether she’d been unreasonable.

She said: “The friend I was meeting at my destination said I was rude and could have just talked to him for a while.

“But I had my headphones in. He changed seats to sit next to me. He ignored the first hint. And he kept pushing after I was direct.

“I don’t think I did anything wrong but his huffy reaction made me doubt myself for a second.”

‘A stranger who won’t take a hint sounds exhausting’

Wanting to know whether others would have handled the situation differently, she turned to social media to ask for their opinions.

One user said: “The arm tapping after the headphones went back on is what really makes it creepy.

“At that point he knew the conversation was over and decided his need for company mattered more than someone else’s comfort.

“Two hours next to a stranger who won’t take a hint sounds exhausting. Is this conversation helpful so far?”

Another added: “‘Trying to be nice’ would have been his leaving the person alone who put out all the signals that they wanted to be left alone, and then used clear words to say so.

“They were being very rude and quite selfish, the exact opposite of what they purported being.”

A third user said: “I fail to see why your friend has to get involved in your perception of ‘I do not want to talk to this guy’. I would have cut him off faster.”

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TUI is one of the UK’s most recognisable holiday companies, but despite millions of people booking trips with the company, many are still unaware of a detail about its name

It’s one of the most recognisable airlines in the world, but not everyone knows what the company’s name actually stands for. Established in December 1968, TUI was formed when several German tour operators joined forces under a single name.

During the 1970s, the company expanded its hotel portfolio with the launch of the Robinson brand. Around the same time, former London taxi driver, ice cream truck operator and movie extra Neil Scott founded the travel agency Owners Abroad. By the 1980s, TUI had established itself as a “one-stop shop” for holidays and travel across Europe. In the late 1990s, the company became part of industrial conglomerate Preussag AG.

Then, in 2014, TUI AG and TUI Travel PLC merged to form the fully integrated TUI Group.

Despite its lengthy history, countless holidaymakers still remain in the dark about what TUI actually stands for, with one social media user asking: “This might be a stupid question, but what is TUI? I keep seeing it in posts. Is it a travel company?”.

According to TUI’s website, the name dates back to 1968, when the German tour operators united, with TUI standing for ‘Touristik Union International’.

TUI’s 2026 strategy

Today, the company centres its focus on holiday experiences, markets and its airline and central customer ecosystem.

Its strategy states: “The travel and tourism market is a significant contributor to the global economy, growing above global GDP levels pre-pandemic.

“Demand for tourism is driven by strong fundamental trends – people living longer, healthier lives; the growth of middle classes across the globe, which increases disposable income; and the desire for experiences, of which travel plays a significant part.

“TUI is well positioned within this attractive market, as a leisure experiences group covering the entire holiday journey, serving millions of customers, operating aircraft, hotels and cruise ships, as well as a sizeable experiences, transfers and tours business.

“TUI’s strategy focuses on delivering profitable growth, driven by growth in differentiated product, increased customer choice and flexibility, strong focus on operational efficiency and maximizing business synergies, and the implementation of scaleable platforms to enable global expansion.

“Our strategy is defined across both of our business divisions (Markets + Airline and Holiday Experiences), embedded onto one central customer ecosystem, underpinned by our Sustainability Agenda and by our people.”

TUI’s reputation with customers

Meanwhile, holidaymakers have been sharing their thoughts on the company after one traveller asked fellow passengers what they could expect ahead of their first ever TUI flight.

They wrote: “I’m flying from Manchester via TUI and it’s my first experiencing a flight not from Ryanair. What can I expect?”

In response, one user said: “I flew TUI once in 2016 and the plane was a slightly nicer budget airline-esque model with comfier seats and more leg room.”

Another added: “A comfortable seat and a little more leg room.”

A third user said: “I found that they are pretty visible through your journey airport side both directions. Very helpful, great app and reps were spot on hotel side. Relax and enjoy..”

Another user joked: “You get a pocket in the seat in front, at least.”

A final user added: “Communications from TUI are often good, with updates provided via email or their systems during travel.

“Seat allocation is automatic unless you pay to choose seats, so sitting together isn’t guaranteed.

“Luggage allowances are generally generous on package holidays, often including 20kg checked baggage plus cabin luggage.”

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Withdrawal of passports is not the same as withdrawing citizenship, officials reassure

People applying for a British passport have been told that they could have it “cancelled” or “withdrawn” at any time. UK Government officials state that this legal travel document belongs to them.

Gov.uk explains: “Passports belong to the government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time.” According to information published on December 18, 2025, the UK Parliament states: “British passports are issued at the discretion of the Home Secretary under the royal prerogative (an executive power which does not require legislation). They can be withdrawn or withheld using the same discretionary power.

“Withdrawal of passports is not the same as withdrawing citizenship. Someone whose passport is withdrawn remains a British citizen, but their overseas travel is restricted. Home Office policy states this will be done ‘sparingly’, such as where the person intends to travel abroad to engage in terrorism.

“There is no right of appeal against having a passport withdrawn, but the person can ask for an internal review by the government or apply for judicial review by a judge.”

What is the eligibility for a British passport?

Government officials explain that a person must have British nationality to apply for or hold a British passport. However, having British nationality does not guarantee you a passport.

For example, you may not get a new passport – or your existing passport may be taken from you – if:

• You’re suspected of a serious crime, and an arrest warrant has been issued
• A court order stops you having a UK passport or restricts your travel
• You’re on bail and bail conditions mean you cannot leave the UK
• You’ve been brought back to the UK before at the government’s expense and have not repaid what you owe
• You’ve received a European Union or United Nations order which restricts your travel

A child’s passport may also be cancelled or refused for renewal if a court order is in place preventing them from leaving the UK. When you apply, your eligibility and entitlement to a British passport will be assessed.

How can I apply for a passport?

If you’re in the UK, you can apply for a passport online. This costs £102. You can also apply for a passport with a paper form – this costs £115.50. There’s a different way to apply for a passport if you’re overseas.

You can apply for a first adult passport if all of the following apply:

• You’re a British national
• You’re aged 16 or over (or will be in three weeks)
• You’ve never had a UK passport before

You must also apply if your last UK passport was issued before January 1, 1994. You can use your child passport until it expires, even if you’re over 18. An adult passport is valid for 10 years.

BALPA has explained what happens on a plane during a bomb threat after suspected hoax alerts diverted Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Finnair flights across Europe on Thursday

The British Airlines Pilots’ Association has set out precisely what takes place on board an aircraft when a bomb threat is received. It follows further threats made against planes on Thursday. Thursday’s incidents marked the second wave this week, after several aircraft, including some departing from the UK and Ireland, were subjected to hoax security alerts earlier this week.

Thursday’s events led to numerous flights being diverted across Europe, including an Aer Lingus service from Dublin to Rome being forced to land in northern France and a Ryanair flight from London being diverted.

Joji Waites, BALPA director of flight safety, policy and regulation, said: “Aviation has historically been a target for bomb threats, but the industry has well-proven mechanisms for dealing with such threats.

“When a threat to an aircraft has been notified to the airline, the threat is passed to a team of assessors. These assessors use standard processes to grade the threat and decide whether the threat is Red (credible), Amber (partially credible) or Green (not credible). Amber is not considered an appropriate assessment if the plane is airborne.

“If the threat is assessed as not credible staff on the plane will not be informed of it. However, when a threat is assessed as credible (red or amber) the flight crew will be informed immediately and they will carry out company procedures for a credible bomb threat.

“From the moment the flight crew is notified of a credible bomb threat, commander of the aircraft – the captain – is in command and will make all the decisions, guided by the appropriate checklist, for the safety of their aircraft. Usually, if a plane is still on the tarmac that will mean an evacuation and if it is in the air, the priority will be to land the plane as soon and as safely as possible.

“Pilots are highly trained and skilled professionals. Their expertise is invaluable in ensuring passenger safety and keeping aviation one of the safest forms of transport there is.”

No fewer than eight flights were confirmed to have received bomb threats on Thursday, with services affected from Copenhagen, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan and Warsaw. Among those targeted was a Ryanair flight departing from London Stansted Airport bound for the Bulgarian capital Sofia, which was diverted and touched down safely in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, according to the Associated Press. The majority of affected aircraft were redirected to alternative airports for emergency landings, while others reached their intended destinations without incident.

With regard to the Dublin to Rome Aer Lingus flight, a statement from the French prime minister’s office confirmed that the A320 aircraft was diverted to the Evreux air base, where it landed safely.

“The 151 passengers and six crew members were brought to safety and the bomb disposal teams intervened,” the statement added. Aer Lingus said: “Aer Lingus flight EI402 from Dublin to Rome diverted to Normandy this morning as a security precaution. The flight landed safely and Aer Lingus will work to reaccommodate customers to their final destination as soon as possible.”

Finnish carrier Finnair confirmed that two of its flights — one departing Helsinki bound for Rome and another heading from Helsinki to Vienna — had also received “unfounded or hoax” bomb threats on Thursday. Both aircraft touched down at their intended destinations and passengers disembarked without incident, the airline stated.

In Rome, the Finnair aircraft was thoroughly inspected with nothing suspicious discovered, while checks on the plane in Vienna were still ongoing. The flight to Rome had 144 passengers and seven crew members on board, while the Vienna-bound service carried 177 passengers and six crew, the airline confirmed.

WizzAir revealed that two of its flights had also been subjected to bomb threats on Thursday — one travelling from Milan to Bucharest, which landed safely at its destination, and another due to fly from Milan to Warsaw, which was diverted and touched down safely in Vienna.

The airline said it was “co-operating fully with the relevant authorities” and taking “all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone onboard”.

It added: “The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”

The study considered six key factors: life expectancy, income per person, income equality, recreational and cultural amenities, internet speed, and housing costs

A picturesque European city has been crowned the “most liveable destination” on the planet by the Global Cities Index, thanks largely to its walkability. The research examined six crucial elements: life expectancy, income per person, income equality, recreational and cultural amenities, internet speed, and housing costs.

While European cities command the rankings, an Australian city also secured a place on the list

10. Nantes

Nantes, a lively city in western France, is celebrated for its rich history, cultural attractions, and bustling urban life. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once home to the Dukes of Brittany, now hosts the Nantes History Museum.

It provides a window into the city’s medieval past with its well-preserved architecture and exhibitions, reports the Express.

9. Ghent

Ghent, a charming city in Belgium, is famed for its medieval allure, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning architecture. It’s also the country’s most pedestrian-friendly destination. The town’s scenic canal-side streets are ideal for a leisurely wander. The historical buildings along the canals create beautiful reflections in the water, offering iconic views of the city’s historic architecture.

8. Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city is famous for its high quality of life, stunning surroundings, and rich cultural scene. Residents can enjoy strolls along Lake Zurich’s shores, embark on a boat tour, or unwind in one of the lakeside parks.

7. Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best places to live. The city centre is home to Tjörnin, a picturesque pond surrounded by charming buildings, offering a tranquil spot for leisurely strolls and bird-watching.

6. Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, boasts low crime rates and impeccably clean streets, contributing to a strong sense of safety and well-being among its inhabitants. The city’s public transport network is highly efficient and extensive, with the recent introduction of free public transport further enhancing accessibility and convenience for residents.

5. Basel

Basel, a Swiss city, is lauded for its high standard of living, combining a vibrant cultural scene with practical, top-quality living conditions. The city is home to world-class healthcare facilities such as the University Hospital Basel, renowned for its high standards and innovative treatments.

4. Bergen

Bergen, located in Norway, is famed for its stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and coastal vistas. The city offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking in nearby mountains like Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken to sailing and kayaking in the fjords.

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3. Bern

Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower and the Bear Park add to its unique charm.

2. Canberra

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is recognised for its high liveability due to its unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and well-planned urban design. Known for its high standard of living, Canberra boasts clean and safe environments, well-maintained public spaces, and efficient public services. The city’s low crime rate and high levels of personal security significantly contribute to its liveability.

1. Grenoble

Nestled in the French Alps, Grenoble is a gem that combines natural beauty, a vibrant cultural life, and a high quality of life. It’s also a hub for scientific research and technological innovation, particularly in the fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology.

Grenoble is particularly known for its bike-friendly initiatives, including extensive bike lanes and rental services.

The budget airline has this morning, Sunday, November 1, released an update to passengers flying to and from the UK

Ryanair has issued a warning to passengers flying to and from the UK today. The airline released the notice to passengers as it said some flights could be delayed.

The budget carrier issued the message on its website. And it told people to keep monitoring the app for updates as Britain faces more unsettled weather.

The airline’s message reads: “Due to heavy fog, some flights to and from the UK may be delayed today (Sun 1 Nov). Affected passengers will be contacted directly through the app. Passengers travelling through the UK should monitor the Ryanair app for the latest flight information.”

A yellow weather warning for fog is in place in parts of the UK today. It covers London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Hull, and stretches from Norwich in the east to Brighton in the south, and from parts of east Wales to Somerset in the south-west.

The Met Office warning says that fog this morning will be sense in places. It says that it will bring some travel delays.

The warning is in force until 10am today but patches could last into the afternoon and the Met Office says warnings can change. Visibility will be less than 100 metres in some places, the Met Office said.

The forecaster’s warning supports what Ryanair is saying. It warns people there is a chance of delays and cancellations of flights. The forecaster says bus and train journeys could also be delayed.

Met Office advice on Sunday, November 1 over dense fog

It advises people to give themselves extra time and check road conditions, and adjust plans where necessary. The Met Office warning says: “Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”

The notice comes as the Met Office advises that fog may be slow to clear in places today. Its latest UK forecast says there will be cloud and rainin some areas of the north.

It says this could gradually spread southwards. Yet it says for other areas, it will be mostly dry with sunny spells.

The advice comes after Britain was hit by two storms in a matter of days. Storm Austen and Storm Boelo led England to have its wettest week in two years.

Despite this, large stretches of the country are still officially in drought. Worse still, there is a severe drought in place across parts of the South West and Sussex.

Need to know

Rachel was on holiday with her husband when everything went terribly wrong

A 42-year-old Brit mum died suddenly in Spain while on holiday – what you need to know

• A British mum collapsed and died on holiday in Spain despite the best efforts of paramedics to save her life.
• Rachel Weston, 42, from Bury, Greater Manchester, had been to see a pharmacist about what she thought was just a cold, but her condition later worsened significantly – and she suddenly collapsed in her hotel room in Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
• Local reports said she suffered a cardiac arrest, although no underlying cause has been confirmed. Hotel staff and paramedics tried to save her but tragically she couldn’t be saved.
• Her husband, Mark, said: “My world was completely turned upside down with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my gorgeous wife, Rachel.” Rachel was a loving stepmum to his three children and he described her as “the absolute heart of our home”.
• Mark has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and has asked mourners to wear purple, Rachel’s favourite colour, at her funeral on November 6.

READ THE FULL STORY: ‘My gorgeous wife died suddenly in Lanzarote – it’s heartbreaking’

Ryanair passengers checking in luggage will have less time to reach the airport desk under a new deadline

Anyone travelling with Ryanair who leave their airport journey until the last minute could risk missing their flight when a new rule takes effect. From Tuesday, November 10, airport check-in and bag-drop desks will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.

The change means travellers checking in a suitcase will need to get their bags accepted earlier than they may be used to, even if they have already checked in online. For a flight scheduled to leave at 10am, the deadline will move from 9.20am to 9am. Ryanair carried 206.5 million passengers in the 2025 calendar year.

Travel expert Arber Abdullahu, from TripSIM, has urged holidaymakers to check their airport arrangements before setting off, particularly if they have booked a transfer. He warned that having a boarding pass on a phone does not mean a checked bag has been accepted or that passengers can arrive at the desk whenever they like.

“Checking in online can make you feel that everything is sorted. But if you’re taking a suitcase that needs to go in the hold, you still have a separate deadline to meet at the airport,” he said.

Getting to the airport and reaching the correct desk are not necessarily the same thing, as travellers may need to park, take a shuttle, find their terminal and queue. Anyone relying on a transfer that arrives shortly before the cut-off should review the timings rather than treating the deadline as their target arrival time.

The change could also catch people out on their return journey if they are away when the new rule begins. Someone flying out before November 10 but returning on or after that date should check the deadline for both legs and make sure their hotel pick-up leaves enough time to reach the airport.

“Don’t assume the routine that worked on your outbound flight will work for your return. Check your hotel pick-up time and tell the transfer provider which flight you are taking,” Mr Abdullahu said.

Ryanair says the earlier cut-off is intended to give passengers more time to get through airport security and passport-control queues before reaching their departure gate. The airline says around 20 per cent of its passengers check in a bag, while those who check in online and travel without checked luggage will be unaffected by the bag-drop change.

Passengers should remember that online check-in has a separate deadline and remains open until two hours before departure. Anyone using airport check-in or bag drop should check the latest instructions for their flight and allow enough time to complete each stage of the journey.

Travellers planning flights at the airport will have their plans changed as the hub undergoes a renovation with the hopes to increase footfall in the future

An airport in a popular European city will close in November, leaving busy airlines grounded at Naples Capodichino Airport. The airport is one of the busiest in Italy – but it will shut for major works.

The modernisation works come with the aim to increase passenger numbers. Around 13 million travellers pass through the hub annually, but this is expected to rise to 17.3 million by 2035. Footfall in November will slump however, with major airlines impacted by the closure.

The works include the refurbishment of the runway, a second terminal for non-Schengen flights, which would include flights to the UK, new aircraft stands, a new area for cargo and logistics and a new hotel, with road links and underground connections. The area surrounding the airport will also be redeveloped.

Naples Airport website states: “Naples Airport will be closed in November 2026 for extensive and planned runway upgrades, in compliance with stringent industry regulations and in line with GESAC’s priority commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards.”

Airlines operating out of Naples airport include include easyJet from London Gatwick and Ryanair from London Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Travellers now need to head to the new Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport for the duration of the closure. The airport is scheduled to reopen on November 30.

GESAC, the company managing the Naples airport, has launched a shuttle bus between Naples Piazza Garibaldi and Salerno Costa d’Amalfi and Cilento Airport to help travellers get to the airport.

There will be eight services in each direction per day at a cost of €12 (£10.04) per person. There is also a train from Naples Central to Salerno for £5 per way.

Passengers travelling with checked luggage face stricter deadlines from November 10

Budget airline Ryanair has confirmed it is making a major change to one of its luggage rules. The upcoming change, set to take place from next month, is expected to affect millions of people who fly with the airline.

Ryanair announced it is changing its airport check-in and bag drop rules, starting November 10, giving passengers less time to drop off their luggage before a flight. The change is hoped to give passengers more time to clear airport queues before takeoff.

Under the new policy, Ryanair will close all airport bag drop desks and physical check-in counters strictly 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This is a significant shift from the airline’s previous rule, which allowed passengers to drop off their checked luggage up to 40 minutes before takeoff.

The airline has stated that the extra 20-minute window is being introduced to help operations run more smoothly. If your flight is at 10am, you used to have until 9.20am to drop your bags. Starting November 10, you must have them dropped by 9am.

According to Ryanair, the change is designed to give passengers more time to successfully navigate airport security lines and passport control queues. Ryanair says this should help reduce the number of travellers who miss their flights due to airport delays.

Who is affected by the new rule?

The rule change specifically impacts the estimated 20% of Ryanair passengers who travel with checked luggage or require physical check-in assistance at the airport desk. If you have paid for a 10kg or 20kg checked bag, you must ensure your luggage is fully processed at the bag drop kiosk or desk at least 1 hour before your flight is scheduled to depart.

Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, said: “From Tues, 10 Nov, bag drop services at all Ryanair airports will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of the current 40 minutes. This small change will give the 20% of Ryanair passengers who check in a bag, more time to clear airport security and passport control queues and get to their departure gate before boarding begins, particularly during busy travel periods when airport queues can be longer.

“We remind passengers using airport bag drop services to arrive at the airport in good time and ensure they have checked in and dropped their bags before check-in and bag drop closes 60 minutes before departure. The remaining 80% of passengers who check in online and do not check in a bag are unaffected by this change.”

Who can skip the queue?

The vast majority of Ryanair passengers will see no change to their travel routine. Roughly 80% of the airline’s customers travel with cabin baggage only and check in via the official Ryanair app or website. If you are travelling with hand luggage only and have already downloaded your digital boarding pass, you do not need to visit the check-in desks.

You can continue to bypass the counters and head straight through airport security as normal. Ryanair’s standard online check-in timelines remain completely unchanged. Passengers can still check in online via the app or website up to two hours before their scheduled departure.

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What happens if you arrive late?

Passengers are being urged to double-check their airport arrival times ahead of the November 10 deadline. Ryanair is known for its strict enforcement of cut-off times. If you arrive at the bag drop desk less than 60 minutes before your flight, the airline will close the desk, and you will not be allowed to check your luggage.

Missing this deadline will likely result in you being denied boarding, and Ryanair does not offer refunds for missed flights. To ensure a stress-free journey, holidaymakers and business travellers alike are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance of the new one-hour cutoff.

The new route gives Brits the chance to visit two Christmas markets this historic city which run from November to January and boast free entry, featuring classic winter scenes of chalets, Christmas trees, and an open-air ice rink

Ryanair has announced a brand new route in time for cheap getaways this winter and this Christmas.

The budget airline has revealed its new winter 2026 route from Manchester to Warsaw Modlin in Poland. Ryanair bosses shared yesterday (October 27) how the first of the Manchester-Warsaw Modlin flights took of this week.

Ryanair says it will operate six weekly flights on this “exciting new winter 2026 route, providing UK customers with even more choice at Europe’s lowest fares”. Ryanair’s full winter 2026 schedule is available to book now via the Ryanair app and website in time for cheap winter and Christmas breaks.

The new route gives Brits the chance to enjoy Warsaw’s two Christmas markets, including the huge Jarmark Warszawski at Plac Defilad, by the Palace of Culture and Science, and the traditional, historic market in the Old Town along the city walls.

Both markets run from November to January and boast free entry, featuring classic winter scenes of chalets, Christmas trees, and an open-air ice rink.

The first flight comes after Ryanair unveiled its newly expanded winter schedule last month, with 22 new routes from UK airports with Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London airports benefiting the most. Ryanair also announced that it was adding nineteenth-based aircraft at Manchester Airport this winter, helping it to run one extra route from the North West hub.

Ryanair is increasing its flight frequencies on another 26 routes from Manchester, including holiday hotspots like Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona, Belfast, Venice, Porto, Prague and Krakow.

Eye-catching flights among the list included the new winter sunshine route from Birmingham to Marrakech, which regularly enjoys mild winter temperatures. The bulk of the other routes are to northern and western European destinations where more festive pleasures are on the itinerary.

The new route announcement followed the boss of Ryanair warning that air fares would “no doubt” rise next year for summer holidaymakers amid the surging price of oil and the Iran war.

Earlier this month, oil prices rose above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since July after the latest round of strikes in the conflict.

Ryanair’s Director of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said: “ It was great to see the first flight of our new winter 2026 route from Manchester to Warsaw Modlin take off this week, bringing the first of many happy Ryanair passengers on their winter 2026 getaways.

“Our Manchester to Warsaw Modlin route will operate six times per week, offering our UK customers even more choice at the lowest fares in Europe. Ryanair’s full winter 2026 schedule is available to book now on the Ryanair app/website.”

Louis was flying home after a two-week holiday with his partner when cabin crew woke him to deliver some unexpected news about his ‘£5,000’ luggage

A Brit holidaymaker was left amazed after finding out that the plane he was aboard had driven over his suitcase – ‘completely destroying’ the bag and everything inside it. Louis Maybury, 27, was flying home from Madrid to Manchester Airport after a fortnight’s holiday with his partner when cabin crew woke him up with an unexpected request.

With approximately 30 minutes until touchdown, he was asked to remain on board once the other passengers had disembarked. He was then escorted to the cockpit, where the pilot delivered the unwelcome news: his luggage had been run over by the aircraft back in Madrid.

Louis could do nothing but watch in disbelief as his mangled suitcase appeared on the baggage carousel, containing what he claims was around £5,000 worth of belongings. His partner filmed the moment the battered bag was handed back to him in tatters on 11 July.

Louis, from Manchester, said: “I was extremely upset by the situation. I had packed two full weeks’ worth of belongings, including everything I needed for my trip.

“Unfortunately, all of my belongings were destroyed.” EasyJet staff informed Louis that his suitcase had been run over on the tarmac at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, resulting in a two-and-a-half-hour delay.

Since then, he has been engaged in a dispute with the airline over compensation for his possessions, which he valued at £5,000. Among the damaged items were a Burberry bag worth just over £1,000, an Invisalign retainer costing £500, and three Acne Studios shirts valued at roughly £300 each.

He said: “I was eventually left with no choice but to accept the minimum compensation offered and try to recover the remaining losses through my own insurance. Everything was destroyed, included a designer bag, four pairs of shoes, expensive chargers and an Oral B Toothbrush.”

An easyJet spokesperson said: “We’re very sorry that Mr Maybury’s luggage fell from a baggage cart and was damaged by an aircraft as it was coming onto stand. Safety is our highest priority and our engineers subsequently carried out an inspection of the aircraft and cleared it for departure.

“We know how important it is for customers to feel confident that their belongings are well cared for when travelling with us, so we investigated this with our ground handling providers in Madrid at the time and contacted Mr Maybury to apologise for his experience and provided him with the compensation he is due.”

‘I’m absolutely disgusted by how we were treated’

A Ryanair passenger says he is ‘absolutely disgusted’ with the airline after travelling for a family funeral. Edward Stokes had flown to London Stansted with his son to pay his respects at the funeral of his cousin’s wife.

What should have been an emotional family occasion allegedly descended into a travel nightmare when the 49 year old said he ran into difficulties with his booking on the journey home last week. Edward claims he and his son were each hit with a £46 (€55) charge after missing the online check-in window by just three minutes for their outbound flight.

“I’m absolutely disgusted by how we were treated,” said Edward. “I’ve been a loyal Ryanair customer for years.

“In fact, Ryanair is practically the only airline my family and I ever use. But after what happened to me this week, I am absolutely shocked and disgusted.

“We were three minutes late checking in online on Tuesday morning and were charged €55 each, €110 in total. Fair enough, we were late.

“We accepted responsibility, paid the money and moved on. But what happened on the way home was a completely different story.”

Edward alleges he was then refused boarding on his homeward flight to Dublin due to a mix-up over the name on his reservation. His booking listed both Edward and Teddy – a nickname he commonly uses – and he claims he had been permitted to travel to England without any problems.

Unable to board his scheduled flight, he said he was forced to book an alternative service departing at 10pm for £300 (€357.57), after an earlier option would have set him back around £450. Yet he says his journey home was anything but straightforward.

Mr Stokes claims the replacement flight was delayed by approximately an hour and 45 minutes, meaning he missed the last bus home. With no funds for a taxi and nobody on hand to collect him, he says he was left stranded at Dublin Airport for five hours until the next bus, finally making it home the following morning.

Edward, a blinds and carpets business owner from Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland, said: “I’ve been known as Teddy all my life. On the way over, my booking included Edward Teddy Stokes, and Ryanair allowed me to travel without any problem.

“On my return journey, there was confusion over my booking name, and I was refused boarding. I explained the situation to the Ryanair staff member.

“I explained that I had just attended one of the saddest funerals of my life and was simply trying to get home to my family. Her response?

“‘That’s not my problem. What do you want me to do about it? I couldn’t believe the attitude.

“There was absolutely no compassion, understanding or willingness to help. We have no problem accepting responsibility when I’m wrong.

“We were three minutes late checking in, and we paid the money. But where is the same accountability when an airline causes passengers serious inconvenience? What hurt me most wasn’t even the money.

“It was the way I was spoken to, the complete lack of compassion and the feeling that we were treated like we didn’t matter.. “Nobody should be spoken to or treated like that.

“All I wanted was to attend a family funeral, support my cousin and get home safely. I was absolutely exhausted.

“Between the sadness of the funeral and everything that happened with my flights, it’s been a very difficult and emotional week for me. Ryanair, is this really how you treat loyal customers?”

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “The first and surname on a passenger’s booking must match the first and surname on their travel documents. The passport that Mr Stokes presented at the boarding gate in Stansted did not match the first name on his booking for this Stansted to Dublin flight (14 October). Ryanair offers passengers a 24-hour grace period to correct minor spelling errors on bookings free of charge or full name changes up to two hours before scheduled departure (subject to a fee).

“Unfortunately, Mr. Stokes did not avail of either option and presented at the boarding gate in Stansted with a passport that did not match the name on his booking.”

For more information on names on travel documents, visit the Ryanair website’s section on the subject.

They bought a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka and have been travelling ever since

A couple say they have saved around £36,000 by ditching the UK to travel the world with their children while living out of two suitcases on a budget of just £30 a day.

Ruth and Steven Rowe “sold everything” they owned and bought a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka back in 2023 and have been travelling ever since. They decided to embark upon their globe-trotting adventure after wanting more time with their two children before they started nursery and school.

Ruth was also not a fan of the cold and wet British weather, so the pair are now world-schooling their kids, Aurora, four, and Atlas, three, in exotic locations instead. The family have already been to 17 different countries, ticking off bucket-list destinations such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Indonesia.

Saving thousands of pounds a year

They stay four weeks at a time in Airbnbs and have visited the likes of Thailand, Malaysia, Cyprus, USA, Colombia and Peru – all while saving around £12,000 a year. They have spent the last five months living and travelling around India and next year they plan to tour 10 more countries across Europe in a campervan.

Ruth, 34, and Steven, 35, had been renting a barn conversion in the village of Eardisley, Herefordshire, and had both children during the Covid-19 pandemic. But they had always thought about travelling full-time, so they sold “pretty much everything” on Facebook Marketplace or via car boot sales and set off with a couple of suitcases of clothes and a few toys.

They currently have no plans to return full-time and want to continue world schooling – while spending around £2,000 a month, compared to £3,000 back in the UK.

Ruth said: “We had travelled before and for us it got to the stage where we were going to put the kids into nursery and it just didn’t feel like the right time. We wanted more time with them as we know those early years are precious, so we thought, why not just do it? So we did.

“We sold pretty much everything we owned, which was an exhilarating experience – we mainly sold it through Facebook Marketplace and car boot sales. So our car, our furniture, everything but a couple of memory boxes with some of the children’s things inside and a few clothes.

“We set off at the start with two big suitcases – a medium and a small one – and a stroller. And since then we’ve downsized to just two suitcases – it is really surprising how little you really need.

“Possessions don’t make you happy, life experiences do. We bought a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka not knowing if or when we were coming back and we haven’t stopped since.

“We’ve been travelling full-time ever since, slow-exploring the world as a family, while my husband runs his coaching business remotely and we embrace world schooling on the road. It’s been beautiful, chaotic, challenging and incredibly freeing.”

Children educated along the way

The couple say their children are now educated through “life experiences” – whether that be picking up Spanish in Latin America or learning about volcanoes while hiking in Peru. They say giving the kids no screen time whatsoever on their travels has helped them to become more patient and creative.

Ruth added: “They are also learning counting through things like paying a tuk-tuk driver in different currencies and the first time Aurora ever wrote her name was in sand on a beach with a stick. We give them no screen time at all, which I think has taught them patience on their travels and to be more creative when they are bored sitting on a bus.

“They thought the TV back home was a radio, as we’d only use it for Spotify, and we think that’s allowed their imagination to flourish. I have just seen their confidence grow so much and of course there’s no way of really telling how they would have been at home, but they are just so open and talk to anyone – young and old.

“I will sit down and teach them some reading and phonics and writing, but we’re not rigid with it and it’s still very much about learning through playing. It wasn’t a case of we hated the UK – we just love the world. But I was never a fan of the cold and rain, so that is something I don’t miss. The only thing I miss is friends and family and also British chocolate.”

How they support themselves on travels

The couple also support themselves financially via Steven’s online coaching business, which he can still run wherever they are in the world.

Steven said: “These positive environments have brought such positive developments so far in our children. Atlas was swimming independently at two.

“This way, they get one-to-one without being part of the larger school system, which we have no issue with, we just see the benefits from doing it this way. We make sure the children are at the centre of what we do, we always research kids’ clubs and activities wherever we stay.

“They are loving learning about all the wildlife too – we had iguanas and sloths outside our doors in Costa Rica. Aurora had surf lessons in Bali and will be sandboarding in the Peruvian desert, it’s magical for them. We use Airbnbs mainly, but I’ve been working out of little cupboards in some places – it has been challenging at times, but we’re in a fortunate position.”

The countries they have visited so far

Sri Lanka

Indonesia

Thailand

Malaysia

Cyprus

USA

Guatemala

Costa Rica

Colombia

Ecuador

Peru

Bolivia

Brazil

India

Nepal

Portugal

Morocco

Follow their travels via Instagram.

Natasha Whitley has saved a huge amount compared to the costs people expect to pay

A budget traveller who has been to the Maldives four times has revealed how she spent less than £350 on one trip.

Natasha Whitley, 30, first travelled to the country in April 2024 with friend Kara, 26, for five days and tried out two islands – Thulusdhoo and Dhiffushi. Staying in cheap accommodation costing just £60 per night and a local ferry costing them just £1 to get from the airport, Natasha “loved it”.

Since then Natasha started her own business for solo travellers, Say Yes Adventures, and returned to the Maldives a further three times as part of group trips. Her most recent visit in February 2026 saw her travel solo on a new island – Fulidhoo – for three nights.

She flew from Gatwick Airport with her flights costing £800 – but it cost just £2.50 for the three-and-a-half-hour ferry trip from Malé to Fulidhoo. She stayed at a hotel costing £260 for three nights, she explored the local island and tried out local food like Maldivian fish curry while there. After paying £29 for a speedboat back from Malé, she continued on to stay at an all-inclusive resort called Niva Kuramathi Maldives – which she says was “not affordable at all but interesting to see the contrast”.

Love of travel

Natasha, a content creator from Bournemouth, Dorset, said: “I’ve always loved travel and I was lucky my parents were interested in travel. They met while travelling in the 80s, so it’s always been a part of my life and story.

“I’m a pharmacist and I worked for four years and took a career break, which was meant to be eight months – it was a big round-the-world trip to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Central America all on a budget.

“I quit my pharmacy job for a content creation summer job. I met my friend Kara the following year and put the feels out there to see if she wanted to come to the Maldives with me.

“There’s not much online about the Maldives on a budget – people know it as somewhere super expensive and a honeymoon destination. In terms of budget I think we said we’d spend around £100 per day on accommodation and activities.

“We spent less than that and spent £420 over the five or six days. You see all the resorts across from you on the local islands, which is crazy because people are paying thousands and you’re spending a fraction of the price in the same waters. Staying on local islands has saved me a lot of money.”

2026 trip

In February 2026, Natasha headed out on her fourth trip to Fulidhoo.

She said: “In the Maldives my favourite food is the Maldivian fish curry, which is usually five dollars. From that island you can do snorkelling trips and watch wild stringrays and nurse sharks from the jetty at night.

“You can snorkel off the beach as well. If you’re nervous about solo travelling just start small, don’t think big because a big six-month trip can be quite overwhelming. The best way to start is to join a group trip because you travel solo, but as soon as you arrive you’re in a group of people, so you get a bit of both”.

In total, Natasha has spent more than 100 nights in the Maldives over the last two years, which would have cost her more than £45,000. You can follow Natasha’s adventures on @travelsbytash and find out more about her group travel company Say Yes Adventures at sayyesadventures.com.

Costs for Natasha’s trip to Fulidhoo

Accommodation: £261 for 3 nights, including breakfast

Transport: £2.50 for local ferry, £30 for speedboat

Food: £7 to £10 per meal

Total cost: £344.50

Example costs for a trip to a resort

Accommodation: £2,482 for 3 nights in an overwater bungalow with private pool and full-board

Transport: £127 return speedboat from Malé

Food: £47, including shrimp pad-Thai at à-la-carte restaurant

Activities: £91, snorkelling with manta rays

Total cost: £2,747