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Spain is in the grip of a major heatwave in summer 2026, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 47C in some parts of the country as UK tourists on holiday in Spain are warned to take precautions against the ‘brutal’ heat

Spain is currently in the grip of an intense, official heatwave. The country’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued strict weather warnings as its third significant heatwave of the summer builds across the Iberian Peninsula. The extreme weather event officially commenced on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, and is predicted to reach its peak on Thursday, 23 July 2026. Some respite is anticipated from Friday (24 July) onwards, with milder weekend conditions expected.

Temperatures are forecast to locally hit or surpass 44C to 45C (and possibly reach 47C) across southern and southeastern mainland Spain. A comprehensive network of weather warnings has been issued nationwide. Red Alerts (extreme danger) remain in force for the worst-affected areas in Andalusia and Extremadura, while Orange Alerts blanket major regions including Madrid, Aragon, Catalonia, and Castile-La Mancha.

The heatwave is being fuelled by an enormous “heat dome” drawing dry, scorching air straight from the Sahara Desert. This has triggered a severe Calima (Saharan dust storm), producing murky skies, locking in elevated temperatures overnight (“tropical nights”), and substantially degrading local air quality.

TikTok user Leanne, from Belfast, recently documented her experience in the sweltering conditions during her holiday to Majorca.

The DJ, who has amassed more than 19,000 followers, informed them in a video: “So, if you’re coming to Majorca on holiday in the next few days, you might be thinking, ‘What’s the weather like?’.

“We arrived on Monday and the last two days were really overcast, but very, very warm. It’s 8:35pm and it’s 34C.”

Leanne, who was perched on her hotel balcony at the time, explained she was beside the sea, yet even with the coastal breeze, it’s “still boiling”.

Nevertheless, she pointed out that all the hotels have excellent air conditioning, so you can always retreat indoors if you’re concerned about the outdoor temperatures being too intense.

She also revealed that she’s been “drinking loads of iced cocktails” to help stay refreshed.

Leanne continued: “So yeah, if you’re coming out in the next few days, be prepared – it is hot – but you can cool down, and enjoy your holiday.”

Other holidaymakers currently in Spain confessed they were finding the heat challenging in the comments section.

One person posted: “We are here now too and never felt anything like it! The strawberry daiquiris are medicinal at this point.”

While another shared: “I left on Sunday, it was so hot we were in Alcudia and there was no air. Was 34C but feels like 41C. Could only wear factor 50.”

A third remarked: “Got back from Cala Bona yesterday, the humidity has been brutal.”

With parched and scorching conditions taking hold, authorities have issued urgent warnings about an extreme risk of wildfires, with blazes already breaking out in areas including Zaragoza and Guadalajara.

Safety guidance for tourists and locals

Health officials are strongly urging people to take immediate steps to protect themselves:

• Avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours (12pm to 5pm).
• Drink plenty of water continuously to avoid heat exhaustion.
• Shelter in air-conditioned public spaces or indoor cultural venues during peak heat hours.

Latest travel advice for updated information about travelling with medication

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an alert today (July 17), updating its travel advice for British tourists travelling to the European hotspot with medication. With the peak travel season almost here, families up and down the country are set to go away on holiday as schools close, with Portugal a top pick for many.

Plenty of people will pack various medications with them when going on holiday, and for anyone going to Portugal, the FCDO has shared the latest information to keep in mind. It says: “The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.”

The FCDO says there are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines in Portugal, including antibiotics. It explains: “UK prescriptions are not recognised so bring in Portugal.

“Carry enough medication for your visit. Keep the medication in the original container with the prescription label. UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit.”

It continues: “If you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E. You may have to pay for your medication. You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most medicines, though some non-prescription medication is sold at health stores in supermarkets and shopping centres. Find a pharmacy on the Pharmacy Association website.”

Holiday-goers can read best practices when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. Changes to your routine when travelling, such as later nights, coping with heat and changes to your diet, can have an impact on your medication. See the Summer Proof Your Health campaign for more information.

Key advice when travelling with medication from FCDO

Check your destination before bringing medication with you. The FCDO advises reviewing the specific country page for the place you are visiting (and transiting). Many include a ‘Health’ section with medication notes. Some countries have strict rules on certain medicines (including over-the-counter ones). Generally, it is best to:

• Carry medication in its original pharmacy packaging, with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your prescriber/doctor.
• Keep it primarily in hand luggage (with some extra in hold luggage as backup).
• Take enough for your entire trip plus extra for delays.
• The legal status of your medication (including some OTC items) can differ abroad — some countries ban or restrict substances legal in the UK.

What are the rules for controlled drugs like certain painkillers?

• For quantities of three months’ supply or more, you may need a UK export licence (apply at least 10 days in advance).
• Carry a doctor’s letter detailing your name, the medication (generic name, dose, quantity), travel dates, and reason.
• Always check rules for your destination country via its embassy/high commission in the UK.

Travellers can stay up to date with the latest travel advice on the FCDO country page. There is also the NaTHNaC Medicines factsheet. Gov.uk also offers guidance on taking medicine in or out of the UK. People can also contact the destination country’s embassy for specific import rules.

Customers are being sent emails that explain everything they need to be aware of

Sky is sending emails out to customers with a message about ‘security’. In the UK, Sky serves more than 25 million people, about 36% of all households. Sky Broadband boasts nearly 5.8 million active users and employs around 20,000 people across the UK.

In a new email delivered to its customers, the connectivity company reminded people about the importance of watching out for scammers. It said: “At Sky, we’re committed to helping you keep your account secure. So, we wanted to give you some tips on how to stay vigilant.”

Urging customers to stay safe and explaining what steps to take, Sky added: “Sometimes, scammers pretend to be trusted brands so that they can try to trick you into sharing your personal information or even placing an order they may ask you to send on to them when it arrives.

“If you’re unsure about a call, text or any other message, end the conversation. Head to the My Sky app or sky.com to see if anything looks wrong — be sure to check your account details and your recent orders.”

For customers who receive calls, texts and WhatsApp messages, Sky advises “stay vigilant”. It says: “Fraudsters can sound convincing, especially if they rush you, pressure you, or offer a deal that seems too good to be true.”

Remembering the following information “will help you stay in control”

• Sky will never ask for the password you use to sign into the My Sky app or sky.com
• Ask you to place an order on our website while on the phone with you.
• Tell you to share your screen on any device.
• Ask you to read out your full payment card details (unless you contacted us first).
• Pressure you into making decisions.

Sky says it always sends texts “from Sky”, adding: “Be cautious of other senders claiming to be us.” The company also says it will always give you the option to hang up and contact the customer service team if you’re unsure.

It added: “Use our verified Sky UK WhatsApp Business account — look for the blue tick. Remember, if anyone contacts you unexpectedly, sounds urgent, or asks for details, stop and take a moment.”

In terms of deliveries, Sky urges customers to be aware that if someone asks to return items they weren’t expecting to receive, or pressures them to return something using a QR code or courier. It says: “If you ever need to return Sky equipment, always use Sky’s official returns process.”

For more info, head to sky.com/returns. To find out more about how to protect yourself from scams, visit: sky.com/scamsafe.

What to do if you think you’re a victim of a scam

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam, reach out to your bank right away if you shared any money or personal information. After that, make sure to report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre. You can do this by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting the Action Fraud website. It’s important to act quickly to protect yourself.

Officials in New York and New Jersey have issued an air quality health alert because of wildfire smoke just days before the World Cup final.

Haze caused by Canadian wildfires has blanketed the New York region, prompting officials to urge residents to reduce outdoor exertion and stay indoors if possible.

New York New Jersey Stadium – which is in East Rutherford, New Jersey – will host the final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, 19 July (20:00 BST).

Conditions deteriorated just before Spain landed in New Jersey on Wednesday night, a day after their semi-final victory over France in Texas.

Spain spent Thursday training outdoors, looking unaffected by the air quality. They have not commented on whether they are concerned.

Argentina, meanwhile, stayed in Georgia after their semi-final win over England, but will begin training in New Jersey on Friday afternoon.

Contractor Dan Edgar said his daughter Kaitlynn was practising at New York New Jersey Stadium on Thursday, where she will be dancing and performing for the final.

“She’s texting me that it’s bad out there,” he said. “It’s hard to dance, she says you can feel the air, it’s heavy.”

The smoke-filled sky and extremely hot temperatures have already been experienced by some footballers. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) went ahead with a match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit on Wednesday night in front of a record crowd at Citi Field in Queens despite the orange haze.

The air quality index meant players were mandated to take two breaks per half according to NWSL policy.

Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman said after the match that the air quality was rough, and in her opinion, they shouldn’t have played.

Rodman said: “Not to make excuses at all, but I think on both sides we were all like, ‘another break, another break, another break’.”

New Yorkers are relieved conditions are not as intense as they were in June 2023, when the skies turned completely orange because of Canadian wildfires.

New York New Jersey Stadium is an open-air facility, but at the moment there is no suggestion the World Cup final, with more than 80,000 spectators and a star-studded half-time show, will be affected.

The air quality in the area is expected to improve on Friday while forecast rain on Saturday should further help disperse some of the smoke.

On Thursday, the Major League Soccer match between Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps was postponed because of poor air quality conditions in the Chicago area.

Former Bayern Munich and Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski was set to make his debut for Chicago having joined as a free agent last month.

EastEnders star Tracy-Ann Oberman claims she was refused boarding on a Ryanair flight to Spain, as she was told her passport was not valid under new European rules

Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman has issued a passport warning to fellow travellers after claiming she was turned away from a Ryanair flight. The 59-year-old star, best known for her role as Chrissie Watts in EastEnders, said she had a year remaining on her passport. However, due to new European regulations, she was denied boarding.

Taking to X earlier this month, she wrote: “Just tried boarding a flight to Spain. My passport runs out June 2027. Was refused boarding because apparently it ran out in 2026 according to new European rules. Can anyone explain this to me ?I’m now stuck.” She later added: “I had a whole year [on my passport] but they said it didn’t count.

“Ryanair people said that they get fined for people travelling with the extra year on their passport and they don’t want to pay the fine is that illegal.”

One person replied: “It doesn’t matter what date is expiring, it’s only valid for 10 years from issue,” as Tracy-Ann replied: “I wasn’t aware of this. It doesn’t flag it up massively when you book the ticket.”

While another wrote: “Clock runs from issue date. Chances are you renewed yours early. The EU doesn’t recognise the ‘bonus’ months.”

Ryanair has been approached for comment.

What are the new European passport rules?

If you renewed your burgundy UK passport early, the most crucial point to bear in mind is that your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter an EU country, meaning any “extra months” added to your expiry date from your previous passport are completely invalid for EU travel.

The burgundy colour and the words ” European Union ” on the cover do not matter; the document remains entirely valid as long as it meets post-Brexit requirements.

However, because the UK Passport Office used to add up to 9 months of unused validity onto early renewals prior to September 2018, your passport’s expiry date can deceive you into thinking it is valid when it is not.

Mandatory EU entry criteria

To travel to the EU and the Schengen Area, your passport must pass two independent tests:

1. The 10-year issue date rule: The passport must have a ‘Date of Issue’ that is less than 10 years ago on the day you arrive in the EU.

2. The 3-month expiry rule: The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the EU, based on its official expiry date.

Brits with holidays booked this year to Europe could risk facing issues entering Europe if they don’t check a number on their passport well in advance

Schools across the UK will close for the six-week summer holiday, and thousands of families will be taking the opportunity to spend time together abroad during the peak travel season. However, a travel insurance specialist has issued an alert urging people to check a specific number on their passports before they jet away to avoid risk of being refused entry to Europe.

Travellers with passports issued before 2018 are being warned that they could face issues entering Europe if they don’t check a specific number, thanks to a ’10-year passport rule’. New analysis from Saga Travel Insurance found that the EU and Schengen ’10-year passport rule’ was the most discussed passport concern among travellers on Reddit, with discussions amassing 35,417 upvotes across the platform.

The Schengen area is a group of 29 European countries where travellers can move between countries without routine passport checks. It includes popular holiday destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal.

Michelle Cooper, Director of Saga Travel Insurance, said: “EU and Schengen countries require passports to be less than 10 years old on the day of entry. While all new passports last exactly ten years, passports issued before 2018 remain valid for 10 years and nine months.

“If you have an older passport, make sure you check both the issue date and expiry date before travelling to avoid problems at the border.” Michelle warns that passengers travelling with these 10-year and nine-month passports may face issues travelling in Europe if they’re in the final nine months of their passport.”

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The analysis also found that more than three-quarters (80%) of holidaymakers are unaware that different countries have different passport validity requirements, according to Saga Travel Insurance’s survey. Meanwhile, half (50%) believe that every country requires a passport to have six months remaining before travel.

Michelle said: “It’s important to check the specific rules of the country you’re travelling to so that you know how long you need to keep your passport. Some destinations require three months remaining on your passport, while others require six months.

“If you travel to a country without enough time left on your passport, there is a possibility you’ll be denied entry into the country. This could be by your airline, before flying, or by border security, once you reach your destination. If you’re denied boarding or refused entry because your passport doesn’t meet those rules, travel insurance is unlikely to cover costs such as cancelled accommodation, missed flights or return travel expenses.

“This is because the responsibility typically sits with the traveller to ensure their passport meets the entry requirements of the country they’re visiting. That’s why checking your passport carefully before travelling is one of the most important things you can do before a holiday.”

Frequent flyers could be turned away for not having enough blank passport pages

Some countries require travellers to have a minimum number of blank pages remaining in their passports for stamps and visas. Michelle says: “People can sometimes focus entirely on expiry dates and forget to check how many blank pages they have left, but some destinations can refuse entry if there isn’t enough room for official stamps or visa documentation.

“If you’re a frequent traveller, you should regularly check how many blank pages you have remaining in your passport before booking a trip. You might also benefit from purchasing a passport with additional blank pages.

“As travel systems evolve, including the gradual rollout of digital border systems such as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), physical passport stamping may become less common. But for now, requirements can still vary depending on destination and border process.”

What should you do if you lose your passport?

One in 20 (5%) Brits have needed an emergency replacement passport before travelling, according to Saga Travel Insurance’s survey. And, one in 25 (4%) have cancelled a holiday because they couldn’t find their passport before departure.

Michelle says: “If you lose your passport before travelling, you can apply for a one-week fast-track application. This is an in-person application that requires an appointment, so it’s important to factor in booking availability – as well as the additional cost. It’s £76 more than a standard passport but means you should still be able to go on holiday.

“If you lose your passport while abroad, you should report this to the HM Passport Office as soon as possible. You will also need to apply for an emergency travel document online so that you can travel home. You’ll typically need a valid digital passport photo, your phone number, an email address, and a debit or credit card to make the £125 payment.

“If the loss of your passport means that you need to delay or rearrange your journey home, travel insurance may be able to help with some of the associated costs depending on your policy. Check your insurance documents and contact your insurer as soon as possible to understand your next steps.”

Brits warned over new ETIAS travel checks for Europe

From late 2026, British travellers visiting most European countries will need to apply for a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before travelling. The new system is similar to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme and will apply to visa-exempt travellers visiting 30 European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Michelle says: “Travellers may not realise that visiting Europe will soon involve an additional pre-travel authorisation step. From late 2026, British holidaymakers will need to apply for ETIAS approval before travelling to many popular European destinations. The authorisation will be linked directly to your passport, meaning travellers could be denied boarding if their ETIAS details don’t match their travel document or if the authorisation has expired.

“Most ETIAS applications are expected to be processed within minutes, but it could take longer if additional checks are required. Holidaymakers should apply well in advance of departure to avoid last-minute disruptions.”

She added: “Similar systems already exist elsewhere. For example, UK travellers visiting the United States must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before departure. These systems are becoming more common globally, so it’s important to check requirements for each destination well ahead of travel.

“As with passport validity rules, people are responsible for making sure they have the correct travel authorisation before they leave the country. If someone is unable to travel because they failed to obtain valid ETIAS or ESTA approval, travel insurance is unlikely to cover costs associated with denied boarding or cancelled trips.”

A 93-year-old British woman has died in hospital after suffering burns to about 20% of her body in the Spanish wildfires. Her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of fatalities from the fires to 13.

A stark warning has been issued to Brits travelling to Spain as the country continues to battle ferocious wildfires.

A 93-year-old British woman has died following injuries sustained in the deadly wildfires that tore through southern Spain, authorities confirmed this morning. The Andalusian government revealed the woman was rushed to hospital on Friday after sustaining burns to roughly 20% of her body.

Her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, pushing the total death toll from the blazes to 13.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel alert regarding the fires in Los Gallardos, Almería, in Andalucía. It urges those in the area to:

• follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times
• avoid travelling into or through the affected area
• follow updates from the emergency services
• for emergencies, call 112

Have you been impacted by the wildfires? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The FCDO notes that anyone concerned about someone in the area can call +34 677 904 624 provided by the Psychological Intervention Group for Emergencies and Disasters. English speaking staff are available. Consular assistance can be found by calling +34 917 146 300 if you’re in Spain, and +44 (0)20 7008 5000 if you’re in the UK.

At least four victims in Andalusia are believed to be British, after four bodies were discovered in a burnt-out vehicle with its steering wheel on the right-hand side.

This comes after reports on Sunday that two British hikers were found alive but severely burnt. The man and woman, who remain unnamed, are believed to have suffered burns to 40% of their bodies, according to Spanish national broadcaster RTVE.

The pair was located by a Civil Guard team, who revealed they had already swept the area, but had a gut feeling they needed to return. Speaking to RTVE, the Civil Guard officers described finding the two British nationals alive just as darkness was closing in.

Sergeant Pedro Barre told the broadcaster: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.”

He explained that the team called out and blew whistles, before eventually detecting a noise they initially thought might be an echo.

Fellow rescuer Rafael Zea added that given the severity of the couple’s injuries, it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices loud enough to be heard. Firefighters and emergency services helped rescue the pair after more than two hours trapped.

Both individuals are currently reported to be in a serious condition in hospital, though their lives are not thought to be at risk. Spanish authorities believe all the victims were foreign tourists, who are thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.

Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, previously said that authorities had completed post-mortem examinations and DNA samples were collected to identify them.

Spain has been hit by frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures regularly soaring above 40C. In June, Spain endured several days of record-breaking heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to the scorching conditions.

Dr Thomas Smith, Associate Professor in Environmental Geography, London School of Economics and Political Science, explained why Spain is suffering so intensely from the fires.

“The extreme wildfire behaviour we’re seeing in Spain is closely linked to the extreme heatwave weather conditions. Fire behaviour (how quickly a fire spreads and how intensely it burns) is heavily influenced by the weather. Research shows that key measures such as rate of spread and the size of flames increase exponentially as fire weather becomes more severe, meaning that relatively small increases in extreme fire weather can produce disproportionately more dangerous fires,” he said.

“When weather conditions reach record-breaking levels, we should expect the potential for record-breaking fire behaviour, particularly when strong winds are present to accelerate fire spread and make suppression much more difficult.

“Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of the extreme heat and fire weather conditions that create these dangerous environments. While individual fires are influenced by many factors, including ignition sources, vegetation, and land management, climate change is inextricably linked to the record-breaking weather that is driving the conditions for these extreme wildfires.”

A woman has issued a travel alert for those who are going to Paris this summer and beyond, urging them to be aware when they’re trying to do one thing in the country

A woman has issued an alert to anyone travelling to Paris this summer and beyond: there’s something you need to be extremely vigilant for.

Taking public transport can be confusing if you don’t speak the language, and it can be baffling anyway (think about the Tube…), so when a friendly face offers to help you make sure you’re able to get tickets and get to where you intend, it can feel like a godsend.

But a woman on holiday, Nichola, has urged people to be cautious after almost falling victim to a scam which could have ended up costing her a significant amount of money. Nichola, who posts on TikTok as @fiftyinbloom, said: “We’re in Paris and we nearly got scammed on the Metro, and here’s how.”

What happened at the Metro in Paris?

Nichola said she and her family had been approached by a man while at a ticket machine at a Metro station. “So, this guy came over to us, an older guy, quite smartly dressed, spoke very good English, and said, ‘Ooh, have you got tickets?'” she explained.

He then got Nichola and her family to follow him when they said they hadn’t managed to get tickets. He took them to a ticket machine, where he entered all the details. But alarm bells started to ring, however, when the cost of the “little day trip” they’d planned came up as €97 (£83).

Nichola said she told the man it was “too expensive” and they weren’t going to take the trip. But before she knew it, he’d pressed the payment confirmation, and three tickets came out, totalling €97. But she said that “looking back” she hadn’t seen anything on the screen regarding his payment like “card accepted or anything like that,” just that €97 was the total.

She continued they had followed the man “back to the turnstiles, he scanned something through” for them to get “disabled access” through a “door at the side,” and they all followed him. So they didn’t use the tickets that he’d bought for them to get through, raising more alarm bells.

Nichola continued: “We then followed the man onto the platform, and he said, ‘Right, that’s €97, I’ve paid on my card,’ and I was like…no. He then said, ‘What about cash? Have you got Euros?’ and we said, ‘No, no cash on us’.” He then continued to say that he’d paid €97 for their tickets, but said he’d “take €90”.

“At this point, it was all clicking into place,” Nichola said. The man then urged them to go to a cash machine with him, and asked for just one member of the group to go with him separately, to which Nichola said “Not on my watch”.

She said: “At this point, he’d given us the tickets that came out of the machine, we don’t actually know if they were valid tickets or not, and I was holding them, and looking through them, and they weren’t printed, they just looked like plain tickets that go into a ticket machine before they get printed.”

After a bit more back and forth, the man said he’d just “sell them to somebody else,” and Nichola and her group were more than happy to oblige. He then left, and the group ended up forgoing the Metro and got a bus instead, as they were concerned something else might happen.

What is this scam?

Nichola explained that she’d looked up what happened to them, and learned it’s known as the ‘friendly stranger scam’. This is when someone will approach you offering to help you get a ticket for the Metro.

They’re taking advantage of your situation because if a friendly stranger comes up to you, you’re likely to be grateful for the help. Nichola admitted that she was dubious of him from the start, so if you are visiting Paris and feel this way, it’s best to trust your gut.

How can you prevent this from happening?

One TikTok user left a comment with a helpful tip for avoiding the scam. They said: “We’re in Paris, get the Bonjour app, and you can get a digital train ticket which is €30 (£25) all day access, all on your phone, so you won’t get scammed.”

Another explained the same thing had happened to them, and the scammer they had spoken to was wearing a fake Metro badge, making them look trustworthy.

Heathrow Airport has issued a reminder to travellers

A major UK airport has issued a reminder to travellers ahead of what is anticipated to be an exceptionally busy summer period for international travel.

Hundreds of thousands of people transit through Heathrow Airport daily, and a message on the airport’s official X account is encouraging those with upcoming trips to “just remember”. The social media post reads: “With over 100 touchless water stations at Heathrow, you’re never too far from staying hydrated. Just remember to empty your reusable metal or double-walled water bottle before security, and top it up before you fly.”

Heathrow scrapped the 100ml rule earlier this year, meaning travellers passing through the nation’s largest airport can now keep liquids in containers up to two litres in their bags while going through security, following the completion of its deployment of new advanced CT scanners.

Electronics such as laptops can also remain in luggage, while transparent plastic bags for liquids are no longer required. The regulation change only applies to departures from Heathrow, and travellers must verify restrictions on baggage at the airports they are flying back from before boarding flights to the UK.

Back in January a DfT spokesperson said: “Heathrow is the latest UK airport to complete its rollout of next-generation security equipment for passengers, helping ensure security checks remain robust and can be completed smoothly.

“Airports are responsible for the installation and operation of security equipment. Passengers should continue to check security requirements with airports before they travel and come prepared with liquids in containers no larger than 100ml in hand baggage unless advised otherwise.”

The consumer experts shared a money-saving hack for holidaymakers this summer

MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued an alert for holidaymakers who still need to book their hotel or rental car. The consumer advice website, founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, regularly shares tips for Brits.

In a recent social media post, the experts shared advice for people making travel bookings. Posting on X, MSE advised consumers to choose bookings that offer free cancellation if possible. The experts explained that travellers can use this tactic to get the best deal on their booking, as they can simply cancel and rebook if prices go down.

MSE wrote: “Top travel tip: Try to book a hotel or car hire with free cancellation. Why? Because if the price drops, you can simply cancel and rebook at this cheaper rate!” The post asked social media user to share their experiences in the comments.

The post asked: “Have you ever done this successfully? How much did you save?” In response, several MSE fans shared their own success stories.

For example, a commenter named Kathryn replied: “I’ve done this with a hotel. Got a much better grade room and saved about £50 on the price the original room would have cost! I usually try to do this now. I book the new room first though before cancelling the existing one… Just in case!”

Another social media user said: “I’ve done this for a hotel booking. Made a great saving on original booking price but found my room was at the furthest point away from the reception / dining areas. A good trade off in that situation.”

Someone else said they managed to find their £160 car hire reduced to just £80 using a similar tactic when they visited Portugal last year. Similarly, a commenter with another car story said they had booked their rental car three times, starting with an initial price of almost £300 and getting it down to £121, despite using the same rental company to book the same car.

They explained: “Pre-Christmas price over £300. 1st booking March £285. 2nd booking £185 early May. 3rd time mid-May £121.” Praising the method, the social media user added: “Refunded each time within four days. Result!”

Sharing another success story, a holidaymaker claimed to save £400 on a trip to New York. The comment read: “£400 saved on a trip to NYC. Free cancellation costs more but the flexibility makes it worth it.”

The warning comes as millions of people prepare to head to the country on their summer holidays

The Spanish government has issued an urgent safety warning to tourists visiting the country over the coming weeks. Millions of people will jet off on their summer holidays in the popular hotspot over the summer months as they look to enjoy their annual break.

However on Sunday, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Spain’s Ministerio del Interior has issued a warning to visitors. The Ministry of the Interior of Spain (Ministerio del Interior) is the executive government department responsible for public safety, law enforcement, national security, civil protection, and the country’s prison system and overseas domestic policy.

It is keen to raise awareness that crime is an issue when on holiday just as it is back in the UK. In its post it said: “You’re away for a few days, but your safety doesn’t go on vacation. Before leaving the car parked:

• Remove valuables
• Don’t leave documents visible
• Choose well-lit and busy areas
• Save the vehicle’s location

It added: “Prevention is the best protection.” The warning came as Spain, along with much of the rest of Europe, basks in a heatwave.

The Ministry, in a separate post, had other advice for people to help them stay safe. It said: “In the forest, every gesture counts.

“Don’t throw away cigarette butts or matches. Don’t make fire outside of authorised areas. Don’t abandon flammable waste.” It added: “With heat and wind, the risk increases. A small oversight can turn into a big fire.”

The Foreign Office in the UK (FO) also has advice for holidaymakers and other visitors to the country. It warned of a number of different types of crime in the country including street and vehicle crime to drink spiking and sexual assaults.

Street crime

The Foreign Office warned: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.

“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe.

“Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.

“The Spanish Police and Civil Guard have a mobile app which offers a number of services, including simple and discreet communication with police forces if you experience or witness a crime – more information can be found on the ALERT COPS webpage.”

Vehicle crime

‘Highway pirates’ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans, warns the FO. “They may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.

“When driving, be wary of approaches from people posing as plainclothes police in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will usually be in uniform. Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window saying ‘Policía’ or ‘Guardia Civil’. Genuine police will only ask you to show vehicle documents – not to hand over your bag or wallet.”

Attacks and sexual assault

Attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur, avised the FO. “In an emergency call 112. Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easy to find.”

Drink spiking and alcohol

The FO said: “Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked.

“Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Spain are often stronger than those in the UK.”

Scams

“Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification.” it warned. “Genuine police officers will ask to see ID but will not ask for wallets or purses. All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID.”

Timeshares and holiday clubs

The FO said: “Be cautious if you are planning to buy or sell a timeshare. There are companies who offer false incentives.”

A mum of twins was left baffled when her two infants were refused to sit next to each other on a flight, and she’s now urging others to be aware of little-known rule

A mum has urged other parents to beware of one important rule when flying with infants, as her young twin babies were refused to sit on the same row.

As summer is officially here, many people will be taking the opportunity to travel for the summer holidays, either to soak up the sunshine in a tropical country, or even to visit people in a different part of the world. And if you’re bringing a young infant under the age of two, you’ll be happy to learn that most airlines will offer a cheaper fare if they don’t require their own seat.

But one twin mum named Savannah Gavigan was left baffled as she and her husband boarded their flight recently, as they had been forced to split up their twins on the flight due to a little-known rule they had ‘no idea’ even existed.

“Friendly reminder to all twin parents: two in-lap infants can’t sit in the same row,” Savannah wrote in the overlay text of her TikTok video, which showed her two twins playing with each other despite sitting on separate rows on the plane.

“But they still find a way to spend time together,” Savannah jokingly added in the caption of her post.

Why can’t babies and young kids be seated next to each other on flights?

The main reason why only one lap infant (an infant sat in an adult’s lap) can be seated on each row of two or three seats of a plane is because of airline safety rules, as there are generally only enough oxygen masks in a row for the main passengers with one extra. So if there are multiple kids under the age of two in one row sitting in an adult’s lap, there would not be enough oxygen masks for them all to use.

Passengers will most likely encounter this on flights across most airlines as they often all follow the same rules and precautions.

But there are ways to get around this, such as if you’re flying with twins or just two infants under the age of 2. Many airlines will offer the opportunity to buy an extra, separate seat for one of the infants. If one infant is in their own seat (often in an approved car seat or with a harness), you can all sit together in the same row. Some airlines will also offer seats with bassinets that babies can lay in throughout the flight.

If both infants that you’re travelling with are lap babies, the closest you can sit together is across the aisle or directly in the row in front/behind each other, as it’s every three rows that will have four oxygen masks.

Keep in mind that some airlines require an additional accompanying adult if one adult is traveling with two infants, and at least one of the babies may need to be secured in a safety-approved car seat.

People soon took to the comment section of Savannah’s video to share their bafflement as many parents shared they’d never heard of the rule before.

“This should be in the disclaimer when you book a flight. How random I would’ve never known!” one person commented. Someone else said: “Will be traveling with the family in October and the grandbabies will be six months so this is a good thing to know now!”

Some flight attendants also appeared in the comments to verify the statement, as one said: “Hey flight attendant here! Thanks for bringing this up!!! It has to do with oxygen masks! Should they deploy we want everyone to have one in reach and easily accessible, reaching may take extra time that could be detrimental!”

Someone else went on to say: “You can though BUT – it depends on the aircraft type and where the bassinets are located. 2 bassinets on D & G on B777, A380 etc on many airlines ( Ex cabin crew )”

The travel specialist has issued a plea for anyone travelling by train over the coming days

Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a new alert for anyone travelling by rail this week, sharing his latest advice for millions of people across the country as a heatwave hits. His warning comes as train passengers face significant disruptions, with operators across Britain reducing services due to the hot weather this week.

According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach 40C in parts of the UK, with the weather agency issuing a red extreme heat warning. Britain is facing what could be its hottest June since 1976.

Appearing on today’s (June 23) episode of Good Morning Britain, the travel journalist and broadcaster offered a word of warning to viewers. He urged people to change their travel plans this week and, if possible, swap to another date due to the severe heat over the next couple of days.

He said: “My advice to anyone booked to travel by rail over the next few days is, please, if you can, move your journey to the end of the week, then do so. It will be much more comfortable and have a higher degree of actually working as it is supposed to. Otherwise, I’m afraid, just be prepared for delays and disruption.”

The rail industry is preparing for problems that can arise from extreme heat, such as sagging overhead power lines, warped tracks, and fires along the tracks. Travellers are encouraged to leave earlier in the day if they can and to bring a water bottle. Online journey planners may not display accurate schedules until the day of travel due to last-minute cancellations.

What are my rights if my train is delayed or cancelled due to hot weather?

According to Citizens Advice, if your train is cancelled, you can receive a full refund if you can’t catch the next train or choose not to travel. If you’re delayed and reach your destination over 30 minutes late, you can typically get some money back.

Some train companies may even offer compensation if your train is late by more than 15 minutes. Make sure to keep your train tickets to request a refund. It’s best to file your claim within 28 days, although some train companies may allow a longer period.

For those who travelled with Transport for London (TfL), like on the London Underground, you can check its website to see how much you could receive and the process for claiming.

What have UK railway lines said about the hot weather affecting services?

Avanti West Coast said it plans to run fewer services than usual between Tuesday and Thursday, and “there’s a risk of further disruption”. The company eased ticket restrictions, enabling passengers to use an earlier service than the one they booked at no extra cost. Those with tickets booked for departures between Tuesday and Thursday are eligible for a full refund if they no longer want to travel.

Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services over those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”. This affects London Marylebone services to and from Birmingham, Oxford and Aylesbury via Amersham.

The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible. Trains are running at greatly reduced levels to ensure everyone’s safety, which means you may experience significant delays and very busy conditions.”

Great Western Railway requested that people use its services only for “essential travel” on Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with a severe red warning from the Met Office. The company explained that extended high temperatures can impact the equipment on its older regional train fleet, including engines and cooling systems.

It is operating fewer trains than usual between London Paddington and Reading until Friday. This is due to Network Rail not moving certain points—metal pieces that allow trains to switch tracks—on that route to reduce the risk of failures, which are more probable in high heat.

LNER said passengers travelling on Tuesday can board an earlier service, adding “we strongly advise that you do not travel across the LNER route” on Wednesday or Thursday. There is disruption across the Transport for Wales network, including between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay, and between Coryton and Penarth.

South Western Railway issued an alert stating it will run fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday. Its services in Hampton, south-west London were also affected by flooding on Tuesday morning after heavy rain overnight.

Flooding also caused severe delays on the Elizabeth line between Heathrow airport and London Paddington. Several London Underground lines were suffering from major disruption on Tuesday morning. This included the entire Circle line being suspended because of a signalling failure.

Events and public transport have been cancelled with public drinking banned

Health warnings have been issued for peopel across Europe including in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. France has been cancelling trains, concerts and sports events and cracking down on public drinking as an exceptional heat wave unfurled across parts of Europe.

Multiple drownings were reported as people sought relief in whatever water they could find About a third of France is under “red alert″ heat and temperatures reached 40C in some areas, in a country where air-conditioning is not widespread.

The forecast for Monday is even hotter. The Eiffel Tower and other Paris venues set up misting stations to cool crowds, among a raft of measures introduced by authorities to minimise risks. Tourists in Rome dunked in fountains.

Spain’s Basque Country cancelled some sports and cultural events. More than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the last four years, and most of the fatalities were preventable, the World Health Organisation’s Europe office said this month.

More above-average temperatures are expected this summer, which can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Human-caused climate change is tied to increasing extreme weather events and UN climate agency projections say the next five years should shatter more heat records.

A rapid study found that human-caused climate change was responsible for killing about 1,500 people in an unusually early European heat wave in May. In this latest European hot spell, French media reported that four children drowned on Saturday.

Summer drownings are an annual problem that health authorities say worsens during hot spells. France’s annual Music Day on Sunday was of particular concern. The nationwide summer solstice celebration involves thousands of concerts in village squares, rave venues and Paris clubs, bringing communities together and increasingly drawing British and other international visitors.

Some of the concerts outside Paris were cancelled. The French government banned public drinking in “red alert” zones, and ordered organisers of music day events to limit alcohol consumption to “preserve emergency services and allow medics to concentrate on taking care of the most vulnerable”.

Scores of French trains were cancelled, and the national rail authority dispatched thousands of extra staff to deal with potential problems as the heat threatened rails and electrical cables. Authorities are notably worried about people living in the baking streets, and elderly people in nursing homes or isolated in their homes.

About 15,000 older people died in France in a 2003 heat wave that became a national reckoning. The government mobilised emergency services and military forces for reinforced wildfire readiness, imposed tightened surveillance of water supplies to France’s many nuclear reactors, and ordered 845 schools to close on Monday.

Spain kicked off the summer with large parts of the country on alert because of temperatures expected to hover around 40C — even in the interior of Basque Country, a northern region that typically experiences cooler temperatures. Authorities have suspended outdoor sports and cultural activities in the region.

The heatwave is expected to scorch Spain at least until Wednesday. In Italy, authorities expanded heat warnings — referred to locally as “red flags” — to eight cities on Sunday in northern and central parts of the country.

Temperatures there are mostly in the upper 30s. At one farm outside Milan, owners set up fans and sprinklers to keep cows cool, while visitors to Milan Fashion Week huddled under parasols and clutched fans.

In Rome, tourists dunked their arms and occasionally their faces into the city’s famed fountain pools. The German Weather Service is forecasting temperatures of up to 37C for Monday and Tuesday, and up to 39C on Wednesday.

A 23-year-old man drowned on Saturday in a lake near Rheinstetten in the south-western region of Baden-Wurttemberg, the German news agency dpa reported. Three other people are missing after swimming in the Rhine River, a police spokeswoman told dpa.

Thunderstorms also threatened regions in Germany and Poland. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is convening a new government heat crisis meeting on Sunday, and ordered government ministers to plan for better adapting France to heat waves in the future — including “via air conditioning, if necessary”.

People heading to Europe for the summer are being warned to account for additional waits

As the summer holidays near, many people will be excitedly looking forward to their big summer getaway in Europe. However, anyone heading for Spain, France, Greece and other Schengen areas have been issued a major warning from Heathrow Airport.

Taking to X, the airport’s official account warned travellers to “be aware” of the additional wait times they might face at European airports this summer due to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System, or EES. The system’s implementation has already caused a bit of travel chaos this year with some passengers missing their flights because they were stuck in line.

The EES is meant to replace the old manual system of stamping passports when non-EU citizens enter or leave Schengen countries. The new systems logs this travel digitally using biometric details like your fingerprints.

In the long run, EES is meant to make passport control at airports smoother but currently, it is causing massive queues and wait times to travellers’ journeys. This is because it needs to register travellers with their biometric details.

The process is free and travellers don’t need to do anything different before getting to the airport. However, travellers may need to account for the delay in getting to their boarding gate or they could risk missing their flight if the queue is too long.

Official guidance on the Gov.uk website explains: “On your first visit to the Schengen area, you may be asked to create a digital record at the port or airport on arrival. You may be asked to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths.

“You don’t need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. The checks may take slightly longer than previously, so be prepared to wait during busy times.”

Countries in the Schengen area include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

You might also be asked to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you exit a Schengen area. Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

Some people are exempt from EES and won’t need to register. Instead they need to present their exempting documents to a border guard when they arrive at the border.

People exempt from EES include:

• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
• Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
• People holding a valid local border traffic permit
• Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys.
• People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State

Simple mistakes could not only invalidate travel insurance but also leave the medication ineffective or even ‘unsafe’

A warning has been issued to thousands of people who will be travelling abroad on weight loss treatments this summer as mistakes could mean they are not only ineffective but could be “unsafe” to use. Millions of people currently use the jabs to help weight loss but there are strict rules around their use.

A survey by ZAVA found an estimated 337,000 people will holiday on Mounjaro or Wegovy this summer however if it is not carried and stored correctly it can be left “ineffective”. Experts at the firm have now provided three tips for travelling with Mounjaro and Wegovy, alongside the most important things to know before heading off.

You could be invalidating your travel insurance

When taking out travel insurance, you often need to declare any pre-existing conditions during an online application or by calling your insurer directly. Failing to declare the use of weight loss treatment could render your policy invalid, leaving you unable to make a claim should something go wrong, which could result in a bill worth thousands of pounds.

You should also check import restrictions to any country you are travelling to and verify if the medication can be brought into the country and how much you’re allowed to carry for personal use. Make sure to also take evidence of your prescription with you, whether it be in paper or digital form, and that your treatment is in its original packaging.

Insurers like Admiral don’t typically cover GLP-1 injections bought from an unofficial programme, if a medical professional isn’t monitoring them or hasn’t been declared. It is strongly advisable to follow up with a direct call to your insurer to confirm everything is properly documented. When in doubt, contact your insurer and your GP before travelling.

Storing jabs in hold luggage could freeze your medication

Putting injection weight loss treatments in with checked luggage can be a huge risk. The compartments where checked baggage is stored undergo huge changes in temperature and pressure that may alter the effectiveness of, or even damage, your medication. It can get very cold and may freeze and unfreeze the liquid in the pen, making the injections unsafe to take. Make sure to take a carry-on bag with you to store your medication in.

Essential liquid medicines are allowed through security, even if they are over 100ml; security often advises keeping medicines separate in your bag where possible, informing the Security Officer and bringing supporting documentation if possible. After this step, make sure that your medication stays in its original packaging. If you have any specific queries about carry-on luggage and medication, contact your airline provider.

Not having access to a fridge could damage your medication

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy must be stored by following the guidelines outlined in the patient information leaflets. The medication may be kept in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C or stored at room temperature, provided it does not exceed 30°C, for a maximum of 28-30 days.

Any pens exposed to temperatures above 30°C, or left unrefrigerated for more than 28 days for Wegovy and 30 days for Mounjaro, should be discarded immediately, as it could be unsafe to take. Patients travelling with weight loss injections are advised to contact their accommodation in advance to confirm refrigerator access and to verify that the appliance maintains an appropriate temperature, as this can vary between units. As the jabs are administered once weekly, most patients will use each pen within the 30-day unrefrigerated window, unless travel is extended or a dose is missed.

Travellers are being urged not to get caught out and ways to avoid fees

Millions of people across the UK fly with well-known airlines, such as Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and TUI, and with the peak summer travel season mere weeks away, travellers are being issued handy luggage guidance. With Brits continuing to prioritise travel in 2026, particularly short-haul trips, city breaks and budget airline holidays, the way people pack is evolving.

More travellers are opting for hand luggage only to save time and avoid extra fees. Yet many are still being caught out by oversized cabin bags or overweight suitcases, facing charges of up to £60 at the gate or £65 for exceeding hold luggage limits, which can add up to £125.

As a result, travellers are increasingly looking for smarter, more organised ways to maximise space while staying within airline restrictions. In response to this shift, Nick Gaskin, Sales and Marketing Director at IT Luggage has shared practical advice to help travellers pack more efficiently, whether they’re travelling light with cabin bags or checking in a full suitcase.

Nick Gaskin said: “Packing well isn’t about fitting more in; it’s about travelling smarter. With more people choosing flexible, shorter trips and hand-luggage-only options, organisation and preparation can make a huge difference to the overall travel experience. A few simple habits can save time, reduce stress and help travellers feel more in control from departure to arrival.”

As hand-luggage-only travel becomes increasingly common, making every inch of space count is key. Nick recommends creating a micro essentials kit.

He explains: “Treat your cabin bag as a safety net. Include essentials like underwear, key toiletries – remembering liquid limits – medication and a charger. That way, you’re covered for delays or lost luggage without relying on airport shops.”

He added: “Pack one complete spare outfit”. Rather than throwing in random extras, pack a full outfit using crease-resistant fabrics. This ensures you stay comfortable and presentable if plans change or bags are delayed.

The specialist also suggests carrying a boarding pass backup. “Technology fails more often than people expect”, Nick explains. “Keeping a screenshot or printed boarding pass avoids stress if airport Wi-Fi or apps stop working at a critical moment.”

Keep in-flight items within reach, Nick says. Store items like headphones, snacks and lip balm in a small pouch that fits under the seat, so you don’t need to access the overhead locker mid-flight.

For longer trips or checked bags, organisation is key to avoiding overpacking and keeping belongings in good condition, Nick says. “Pack by outfit, not by item. Grouping complete outfits together — including accessories — makes getting ready easier and prevents packing combinations that don’t work,” he added.

Weigh as you go with packing cubes. “Packing cubes aren’t just for organisation — they’re great for managing weight,” says Nick. “Weigh each cube as you pack it. It’s much easier to adjust before everything goes in the suitcase than deal with excess baggage at the airport.”

Nick also recommends positioning shoes strategically. Place shoes heel-to-toe around the edges of your suitcase and fill them with socks or smaller items to maximise space and help them keep their shape, he said.

Separate clean and worn clothes. A lightweight laundry bag keeps worn clothes contained, helping maintain freshness and making unpacking simpler when you return home, Nick adds.

Combine rolling and folding. He said: “Rolling softer items like T-shirts saves space, while structured garments such as jackets should be folded to reduce creasing. A mixed approach delivers the best results.”

Photograph your packed suitcase. “Taking a quick photo before you travel is a simple but effective step,” Nick adds. “It can support insurance claims if luggage is lost and acts as a reminder of what you’ve packed.”