amazed

Most people know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it

Quite a few parents may be planning to take their kids to Disneyland Paris now that’s it’s half term in the UK. With many children getting a two-week half term break from school, it’s the perfect time for a holiday to the magical destination in Paris to celebrate Halloween and have some Autumn fun.

However, most parents know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap – especially when you’re spending out on accessorises in the park. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it.

Sofia and Arran, known as @sofia.and.arran on TikTok, shared the tip with their 119,000 followers on the app.

The video began with Sofia seen outside the Primark as she said: “The Disneyland Primark is unreal, it’s huge… let’s go see what they’ve got.”

Sofia then told her followers that she “really wanted some Mickey ears”, which will set you back around €25 (£22) inside Disneyland.

Arran then said the Primark had “so much Disney stock” due to the fact that it’s so near to Disneyland. “We always come a day before a visit,” he said.

The first Disney product Sofia spied was some Stitch character slippers, as Aran said he’d ‘never seen them in the UK’. Sofia exclaimed: “I need them.”

However, they later revealed that there was a “whole wall” of Stitch products, what with the Lilo & Stitch film recently being released.

Sofia also saw some cute pyjamas based on the film ‘Up’, as the pair said they “loved” the movie.

The next product was some Halloween-themed Mickey ears and pyjamas.

Some Mini Mouse slippers were also available in the shop, as were some Flinstones pyjamas.

The pair then grabbed some Mini Mouse ears as well as some more Halloween-themed Mickey ears.

The couple didn’t reveal the prices that the products were, however, they did say the ears were only €5 (£4.35).

Many people were excited about the products, as one person wrote: “I love the Halloween ears.”

While another added: “Wait, I never knew this, I just left Disneyland.”

A third chimed in: “Yes love the Primark! I got a bag when I went in October.”

However, not everyone was as enthralled, as one person moaned: ” I was there in March and they had nothing good.”

While another added: “The majority of this stuff (excluding the ears) can be bought at UK Primarks.”

The Primark the couple are referring to is located in the Val d’Europe shopping centre, which is a short 7-minute walk from the park.

The Val d’Europe centre is located directly next to Disneyland Paris and is accessible from the resort.

The fastest high-speed train travels at a speed of 267mph and it’s the only one of its kind in the world. Recently, one woman decided to ride it just to see how rapid it was

The world’s fastest train is no joke as it travels at a top speed of 267mph (430km/h). It’s the world’s only high-speed commercial maglev line which runs between a city to the airport. Now one woman decided to board the rapid train – and was left amazed.

TikTok user Silvana, who boasts over 1,400 followers, had been travelling across China and during her 10-hour layover in Shanghai was able to hop on the train. Her caption read: “Took the world’s fastest train during my 10hr layover in Shanghai! This is the Maglev train in Shanghai China which stands for Mag (magnetic) & lev (levitation). It hovers above the train tracks and it can go up to 431 km/hr.”

This magnetic levitation (maglev) allows the train to “fly” above the tracks, resulting in a smooth, friction-free ride. It connects Shanghai’s Pudong airport to the city centre.

Silvana continued: “I wanted to explore Shanghai City for a bit and this seemed to be the fastest way to get there from the airport haha.

“It cost me 80 Yuan / €10,50 for a return ticket and it got me to Long Yang Rd. Station in under 8 minutes.

“From here I just took another metro ride for only 4 Yuan / €0,50 and I was right in the centre of Shanghai City!

“Such a crazy experience.”

Though it can reach a top speed of 267mph (430km/h), its current commercial operating speed is actually 186mph (300km/h).

The 30 km line, utilising German Transrapid technology, opened in 2006, offering a fast and efficient, albeit costly, airport transfer.

Silvana, who calls herself a backpacker on her TikTok, was currently travelling across Asia when she decided to take the train.

Since she shared it, one of her followers was left starstruck by her experience as the post scooped up dozens of likes and comments.

Meanwhile, one user kicked off a Reddit thread by asking people who have travelled on the world’s fastest train.

One said: “Incredibly smooth. Imagine flying but with no turbulence.

“Shame it’s basically a glorified gadget bahn with less riders than the actual metro lines to the airport.

“I can’t say it’s that much of an improvement over regular high speed rail though.”

Another added: “I was just there for the first time last month. It’s super smooth! You can feel a bit of tilt on the curves, in a fun way. Otherwise it felt similar to conventional HSR.”

A man and his partner decided to visit the best beach in the world, according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list, and were left stunned by one thing about the sand

Have you ever fancied a trip to a beach with pristine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters? One man decided to do just that, visiting one of the world’s top-rated beaches.

Despite being an island nation with plenty of coastlines, most UK beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, and our seas are often darker and murkier compared to the vibrant blue waters found in more tropical climates. Of course, there are exceptions like some of the beaches in Cornwall, but they often lack the tropical heat and sunshine for the full beach experience. So what makes a beach truly perfect?

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 list shed some light on this, crowning a beach in Queensland, Australia, as the world’s best. Keen to see if it lived up to the hype, a couple named Dan and Janie jetted off to Whitehaven Beach to discover why it had earned the ‘world’s best’ title.

“Look at this,” Dan exclaimed in his TikTok video, moving the camera around to capture an overview of the idyllic beach. “Ranked in the top five in the world apparently.”

The beach was indeed picture-perfect, boasting a white sandy shore, bright blue waters, and glorious sunshine under a clear blue sky. But there was one aspect of the beach that truly left him gobsmacked.

As he shifted the camera downwards to reveal the sand, he instructed his audience to listen carefully while he strolled across it. With each footstep he took on the sand, a distinctive squeaking noise could be heard.

Further into the clip, he was also captured playing about with the noisy sand, moving his hand backwards and forwards through it, producing squeaks with every motion.

Despite the video racking up more than 1.3 million views on TikTok, the majority of watchers expressed their fascination with the squeaky sand.

“Why does the sand squeak?!” questioned one viewer, with hundreds of others echoing the same bewilderment.

This curious occurrence goes by numerous names, though it’s most commonly referred to as ‘singing sand’ or whistling sand, and remains something of a scientific mystery.

The sound occurs due to friction between uniform, almost perfectly round, pristine, and dry quartz sand particles, which causes them to oscillate and scrape against one another at a particular frequency, producing the noise.

Given that the requirements for squeaking sand are so precise, it’s an uncommon spectacle found exclusively on select beaches with the correct sand type and environmental conditions.

Nevertheless, not all were charmed by this discovery, with one viewer remarking: “I’m sorry but I’m too sensory triggered to even stand on that sand. Beautiful yes! Squeakiness no chance!”

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has said Air Canada’s ongoing strike, in which 10,000 cabin crew members have walked off their jobs, is illegal after strikers ignored orders to return to work.

The regulatory board made the call on Monday after it previously declared that workers must return to the job as of 2pm ET (18:00 GMT) on Sunday.

The cabin crew for the Montreal-based carrier had pushed for a negotiated solution, saying binding arbitration would take pressure off the airline. Workers have said that the proposed wage hikes are insufficient to keep up with inflation and match the federal minimum wage.

The attendants are also calling to be paid for work performed on the ground, such as helping passengers to board. They are now only paid when planes are moving, sparking some vocal support from Canadians on social media.

A leader of the union on strike against Air Canada said on Monday that he would risk jail time rather than allow cabin crews to be forced back to work.

“If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. If it means our union being fined, then so be it. We’re looking for a solution here,” said Mark Hancock, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) national president, at a press conference after a deadline by the board to return to work expired with no union action to end the strike.

Air Canada’s CEO Michael Rousseau told the news agency Reuters that he was “amazed” that the union was not following the law, adding, “At this point in time, the union’s proposals are much higher than the 40 percent [hike we have offered]. And so we need to find a path to bridge that gap,” he said, without suggesting what that process would be. “We’re always open to listen, and have a conversation,” he said.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced his support for the cabin crews, saying that they should be “compensated equitably at all times”.

Pushing for a resolution, Carney said, “We are in a situation where literally hundreds of thousands of Canadians and visitors to our countries are being disrupted by this action.”

The airline normally carries 130,000 people daily during the ongoing peak summer travel season and is part of the global Star Alliance of airlines.

On Monday, Air Canada suspended its third-quarter and annual profit forecasts as its planes remained grounded.

The union said it would continue its strike and invited Air Canada back to the table to “negotiate a fair deal”.

A government nudge

The government’s options to end the strike now include asking courts to enforce the order to return to work and seeking an expedited hearing.

The minority government could also try to pass legislation that would need the support of political rivals and approval in both houses of the Parliament of Canada, which are on break until September 15.

“The government will be very reticent to be too heavy-handed because in Canada, the Supreme Court has ruled that governments have to be very careful when they take away the right to strike, even for public sector-workers who may be deemed essential,” said Dionne Pohler, professor of dispute resolution at Cornell University’s Industrial and Labor Relations School.

Another option is to encourage bargaining, Pohler said.

The government did not respond to requests for comment.

On Saturday, Carney’s Liberal government moved to end the strike by asking the CIRB to order binding arbitration. The CIRB, an independent administrative tribunal that interprets and applies Canada’s labour laws, issued the order, which Air Canada had sought, and unionised flight attendants opposed.

The previous government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, intervened last year to head off rail and dock strikes that threatened to cripple the economy, but it is highly unusual for a union to defy a CIRB order.

Travellers at Toronto Pearson International Airport over the weekend said they were confused and frustrated about when they would be able to fly.

Italian Francesca Tondini, 50, sitting at the Toronto airport, said she supported the union even though she had no idea when she would be able to return home.

“They are right,” she said with a smile, pointing at the striking attendants.

The dispute between cabin crews and Air Canada hinges on the way airlines compensate flight attendants. Most, including Air Canada, pay them only when planes are in motion.

In their latest contract negotiations, flight attendants in both Canada and the United States have sought compensation for hours worked, including for tasks such as boarding passengers.

New labour agreements at American Airlines and Alaska Airlines legally require carriers to start the clock for paying flight attendants when passengers are boarding.

American flight attendants are now also compensated for some hours between flights. United Airlines’ cabin crews, who voted down a tentative contract deal last month, also want a similar provision.

On the markets, Air Canada’s stock is down 1.6 percent as of 12pm in Toronto (16:00 GMT). US carrier United Airlines – another Star Alliance member, which does not have a striking cabin crew and which serves several major Canadian cities – is up 1.4 percent.

Stéphane Jouin, who moved to the UK nine years ago, shared the revelation in a video for his YouTube channel, ‘A French guy in England’, which showcases the two nations’ “cultural quirks”

A French expat living in the UK has named a particular aspect of British culture that’s left him “amazed”. Stéphane Jouin, who swapped France for the UK nine years ago, divulged his findings on his YouTube channel ‘A French guy in England‘, which delves into the “cultural quirks” of both countries.

In his video, ‘6 Things I Really Appreciate as a French Guy in England’, Stéphane shared his observations from nearly a decade in Britain, touching on aspects such as our politeness and tendency to be “merciful”.

Among these UK insights, he highlighted his admiration for the British propensity for kindness, a trait he finds “amazing” and notes is even promoted by companies and organisations here. Stéphane expressed: “Number two is that people tend to be kind.”

He elaborated: “I’m actually amazed that people are generally ready to help. For example, if you’re stranded with your car on the road, and your bonnet is open – they call it ‘hood’ in the USA – they will come to ask you if you are okay, if you need any help. I find this amazing.”

Stéphane added that acts of kindness are “part of everyday life here.” He also pointed out that the UK is home to many charities that support people suffering from health issues.

He pointed out that British firms and groups are known for rallying people to join events they organise to raise money for charitable causes.

On the flip side, in May, a Brit living in France took to TikTok to share five reasons why life across the Channel is “better.” The expat, known as Alex or “It’s moi” on the platform, presented her “household edition” of insights.

First up was the revelation that people in France tend not to have their washing machines in the kitchen, instead opting for the bathroom or elsewhere, meaning you “don’t have the eyesore or the noise” in the kitchen.

But there’s more; Alex also highlighted the convenience of having plug sockets in the bathroom, “square-shaped” pillows for extra headroom, and shutters on every window.

Alex said: “You don’t have to worry about blackout blinds or blackout curtains if you want to make the room dark. You just close the shutters, which is absolutely fantastic when you have children.”

Finally, Alex claimed that a “lot of the houses around here” tended to be detached rather than semi-detached. She said they didn’t have to worry about any “potential noise problems” from neighbours.

However, not everyone saw things the same way, with one commenting: “I’d hate to have a washing machine in my bathroom.”

Another said: “How is square pillows better? Isn’t plugs in the bathroom dangerous?”

Some did agree with the TikToker, with one claiming that once you try using a square pillow, there’s “no going back”.

A woman has shared a video of the things she found in a Spanish supermarket, and she was left gobsmacked by one thing in particular – and it’s something that’s very rare in the UK

Sitting in the sun all day and then quenching your thirst with a chilled Fanta Lemon or sharing a packet of Lays is an elite feeling. However, if you’re landing in the early hours after a late-night flight, the panic might set in about whether you’ll be able to grab snacks and water before morning arrives. The last thing you want is a morning headache.

Fear not if Spain is your destination, as one lady has highlighted that certain supermarkets there keep their doors open until the early morning, which is quite rare back in the UK. Florence Grace highlighted her surprise in her video caption, “Still open at one am?! Spanish supermarkets are the best,” and showcased some tempting items she encountered during her visit.

She enthused over the “colour of this Sunny D,” and playfully remarked, “you’re not in Spain unless you get this,” while showing off a jar of Chovi Allioli.

Delving into further exclusive finds, Florence revealed some “biscuit chocolates” reminiscent of Maltesers and described an Oreo milkshake she tasted as “very sickly”.

She also exposed the bargain finds, such as a “mini paella” for under three euros and even a full bottle of sangria for less than two euros.

Florence couldn’t help but giggle as she pointed out the possibility of buying a carton of wine for merely 99 cents, revealing that it contained a whole litre of booze.

Florence was all praises as she stood by the fresh orange juice machine in a Spanish shop, exclaiming, “This is the best thing about Spanish shops,” where customers can freshly squeeze their juice on the spot to ensure its freshness.

As she explored further, Florence marvelled at the frozen lemonades and gestured to a dessert, saying: “You can get a whole cake.”

She pointed out that there’s no need for an all-inclusive resort when you can easily grab these treats from local supermarkets.

“You can get a whole big bag of muffins,” she effused, while perusing the Milka chocolate and chorizo, which were on offer for a mere two euros.

“In Spain, you can get a tub of carrots and a tub of guacamole,” she clarified, showcasing the range of salad options ideal for a barbecue with loved ones.

She then scoped out the crisps aisle, drawing attention to “ketchup flavour” varieties before moving on to an ample bag of churros.

Highlighting the affordability of beverages, Florence noted, “I forget how cheap the alcohol is here,” as she compared the cost of a single can of San Miguel at 73 cents to bubble tea priced at four euros and 50 cents, a striking contrast for Brits.

“This protein coffee is 20g of protein and zero sugar. What is it made of then?” she pondered aloud. Wrapping up her video, she concluded with enthusiasm “they do the best sweets in Spain”.

Moreover, the convenience of late-night shopping means no cravings have to go unaddressed during your holiday.