It’s normally the final day to get your hands on incredible discounts, as it comes straight after Black Friday.
Unlike Black Friday, Cyber Monday was traditionally geared toward online shoppers, with some retailers adding extra discounts for web purchasers.
However, over the last few years, it has become an extension of Black Friday, with retailers extending deals both online and in-store.
It’s well worth keeping an eye out for any last-minute price cuts, as it’s the final chance to score treadmill savings before the festive season (although retailers will sometimes extend the sale).
For this year’s best Cyber Monday deals, make sure to check out our Cyber Monday hub.
How much does treadmill shipping cost?
Delivery costs will vary depending on the retailer, distance, weight, and size of the treadmill.
If free shipping isn’t available, treadmill delivery costs generally range from around £25 to £100 or more.
Additional fees may apply for installation or upstairs delivery.
Do treadmill retailers offer any other discounts?
Yes, retailers like Amazon, Argos, Very, and John Lewis offer treadmill promotions, limited-time deals, and new customer discounts throughout the year.
Which retailers had the best Black Friday treadmill deals in 2024?
All the big fitness brands usually take part in the Black Friday sales action, as well as retailers like Argos, WalkingPad, and Decathlon.
This means you can pick up a bargain on treadmills by the likes of NordicTrack, Echelon, Reebok, and more.
Because of the sheer range of choices, it’s hard to give a definitive answer for which retailer had the ‘best’ deal.
There were bargains to be found in several places and on different brands and models of treadmills – so this year, it’s well worth shopping around to compare prices.
Make sure you check out the following places for deals:
What are the best treadmills you can buy?
Not sure which treadmill is right for you?
When it comes to the best treadmills to use in the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of great options out there, depending on your needs and budget.
If you’re prepared to make a serious investment, NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i will keep you motivated and quite literally on track with its trainer-led iFIT workouts and 22″ smart HD touchscreen.
ProForm’s Carbon TLX is equally as immersive, with interactive training sessions through cities, trails, and studio classes to help keep you stimulated.
If you’re on a budget, though, fear not – there are plenty of options for those looking to shell out a bit less.
We’ve listed a couple of budget-friendly options below, so make sure to check them out.
How much do treadmills cost?
You can pick up a cheap, foldable treadmill for around £100 if you’re budget-conscious.
If you spend around £300, you’ll get more choice of design and features, like a smartphone connection.
On average, the majority of treadmills fetch around £400 – a reasonable amount that will get you all the gadgets and gizmos, a foldable and compact design, and still help you on your fitness journey without breaking the bank.
High-end treadmills are around £500-£3,000, with a huge choice of designs, brands, sizes, and features within that range.
It really depends on what you need from your treadmill, how often you’ll use it, how much space you have, and whether it’s worth making that bigger investment.
There is also a £39 monthly fee for membership and access to the Peloton app and classes.
Shoppers who purchase a Peloton treadmill will also receive free delivery and installation to a room of their choice.
Peloton also offers several deals to help shoppers save.
For example, you’ll save £55 when you purchase the Tread Ultimate Set, which includes dumbbells in four different weights, a workout mat, and a water bottle.
Finance options are also available to take the sting out of paying the total sum in one fell swoop.
It features a 10” Class HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth audio connectivity, adjustable speed and incline levels ranging up to 12.4 MPH and 12.5, and, best of all, it folds away easily.
There are plenty of foldable treadmills available from various online retailers, so be sure to shop around.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a treadmill?
Yes, Black Friday is a fantastic time to invest in a treadmill, especially if you’re hoping to score significant savings on premium models.
Major retailers like Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis stock several models to suit all fitness needs and budgets, and during Black Friday, many of them are heavily discounted.
Whether you’re searching for a foldable treadmill to maximise storage or a machine that features a smart display to monitor your progress, there are plenty of options up for grabs in the Black Friday sales.
We’ve listed several retailers worth checking out above, so make sure to take a look at the deals and discounts they’re offering this November.
What is the best treadmill on a budget?
For those on the hunt for a budget-friendly treadmill, Amazon has an array of offers you won’t want to miss.
The major retailer is also treating bargain hunters to an incredible price drop on the Treadmill Walking Pad Running Machine, which has been slashed by a staggering 75%.
It’s now scanning at the checkout for just £149.99, down from £599.99.
Both machines effectively boost your workouts, fold down when not needed, and are ideal choices for at-home fitness routines.
Sept. 26 (UPI) —Amazon has reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission that is raising concerns from Democrats who say the tech giant was given a slap on the wrist.
The FTC announced the settlement Thursday in a case that was brought against Amazon in June 2023 during the Biden administration.
The settlement resolves allegations that Amazon misled millions of Americans to enroll in its Prime subscription via deceptive user interfaces and then made it difficult for them to cancel.
The announcement was made days after the trial began. The agreement requires approval by a district judge before it can go into effect.
“The evidence showed that Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime, and then made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription,” FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said in a statement.
“Today, we are putting billions of dollars back into Americans’ pockets, and making sure Amazon never does this again.”
Amazon, however, claims it did nothing wrong, and the settlement makes this issue no longer a distraction.
“Amazon and our executives have always followed the law and this settlement allows us to move forward and focus on innovating for customers,” it said in a statement.
“We work incredibly hard to make it clear and simple for consumers to both sign up or cancel their Prime membership, and to offer substantial value for our many millions of loyal Prime members around the world.”
Under the agreement, Amazon will pay a $1 billion civil penalty, which the FTC said was the largest ever in an FTC rule-violation case, as well as refund $1.5 billion to consumers, the second-highest restitution award obtained by the FTC.
Despite the agreement’s benchmark, Democrats are saying the monetary compensation is not enough as Prime aided Amazon in generating $11.7 billion in subscription services in the first quarter of this year alone. It also does not hold executives accountable, they said.
“The Trump administration’s settlement fails to hold Amazon executives accountable for their actions,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said in a statement.
“This fine is less than 1% of Amazon’s revenue last year — it’s effectively a slap on the wrist.”
Lina Khan, the former FTC chairwoman, who brought the case against Amazon, described the settlement as “rescuing” Amazon from being found liabel in the trial and allowing it “to pay its way out.”
“A $2.5 billion fine is a drop in the bucket for Amazon and, no doubt, a big relief for the executives who knowingly harmed their customers,” she said in a statement.
LOVE a freebie? Don’t we all – but the best giveaways rarely last forever.
We’ve rounded up the very best offers and promotions that are due to run out before the end of 2025. Don’t ignore them: you could miss out on free Apple AirPods, a £400 laptop, cheap theatre tickets, and more video games than you could ever hope to play.
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You may be eligible to bag a free £400 laptop from SamsungCredit: Samsung
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There’s also a free smartwatch up for grabs for some shoppersCredit: Samsung
FREE SAMSUNG LAPTOP
A tempting offer to claim a free £400 laptop from Samsung is due to expire this year.
Samsung launched the promotion back in August.
It gets you either a £399 14-inch Chromebook Go or a Samsung Galaxy Watch7 worth £239.
You can claim it if you’ve recently bought an eligible Samsung smartphone.
For a free laptop, you’d need to have bought:
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Galaxy S25+
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
And for a free smartwatch, you’d need to have snapped up one of the following:
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE
Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
The promotion is due to close down on October 2 this year.
And you need to submit your claim for the freebie within 30 days of making your purchase.
Sky customers can claim delicious freebies in new giveaway scheme
HEAR WE GO! The must-listen podcasts that will keep kids & teens entertained for hours on long journeys this summer – & they’re FREE
PLAY DATES The secret free games on Netflix, Amazon, Sky and phones your kids will love playing for hours – & even get them moving
FREE-SY DOES IT Must-have tech that’ll keep kids entertained this summer WITHOUT an iPad & boredom buster games that won’t cost a penny
I-SAVED! The 9 little-known discount apps that’ll save YOU £100s this summer – slashing prices and unlocking free stuff
MOVIE MAGIC! Netflix, Disney & Amazon subscription hacks for at-home film days this summer that’ll save you £850 on TV & cinema trips
It’s always possible that some of these perks could be extended, but there’s no guarantee.
FREE APPLE AIRPODS
Yes, really.
Apple is running a back-to-school promotion that expires next month.
And the offer nets you a free pair of Apple AirPods if you’ve bought a qualifying gadget.
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The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are brand new – they only landed in stores on Friday, September 19 this yearCredit: Apple
You just need to be a teacher, staff, student or parent.
And students are anyone who has gone on to college, university, or any other public or private tertiary education institution.
But beware: the deal runs out on October 21, 2025.
If you’ve bought a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro then you can claim:
Apple AirPods Pro 3 (with £50 fee) – saving £169
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (free) – saving £169
If you’ve snapped up an iPad Air or iPad Pro, you can get:
Apple AirPods 4 (free) – saving £119
Apple AirPods Pro 3 (with £100 fee) – saving £119
And if you’ve bagged an iMac, the options are:
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC (free) – saving £169
Apple AirPods Pro 3 (with £50 fee) – saving £169
The main catch is that you can only do this once for the promotion period. Just don’t miss the offer window.
It’s also worth noting that Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are brand new, so they’re a good buy.
BONUS £100 FROM O2
If you’re planning to buy one of the new iPhone models recently announced by Apple, take a look at this O2 offer.
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Want one of the new iPhone 17 models? O2 is running a brilliant temporary promotionCredit: Apple
It comes with a bonus £100 – but only until October 8, 2025.
If you buy the new iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro Max on a pay-monthly plan, you’ll get an extra £100 if you recycle your existing mobile.
That’s in addition to the regular trade-in value of your phone.
It’s a special promotion on the O2 Recycle scheme, and you can only claim the deal once.
You don’t get the money in cash – but it’ll be credited to your plan.
So effectively, it’s a £100 discount on the amount you would’ve plaid.
You can check out the full terms for the offer here.
AMAZON PRIME GAMES
There are loads of Amazon Prime freebies that will vanish before the year is out.
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Amazon serves up free video games to Prime members every single month – but claim this year’s lot before they disappearCredit: Amazon
Amazon runs a special scheme for Prime members called Prime Gaming.
Every month, Amazon will dish out a selection of free games that you can keep forever.
Usually the monthly haul is worth hundreds of pounds, so it’s not bad at all.
The games drop in waves every single Thursday, and by the end of the month, the full batch is available.
HOW MUCH DOES AMAZON PRIME COST?
Here’s a breakdown of all the pricing options…
Prime monthly (£8.99 monthly) – £107.88 a year
Prime annual – £95 a year
Prime Video (£5.99 monthly) – £71.88 a year
Prime 18-22/student (£4.49 monthly) – £53.88 a year
Prime 18-22/student annual – £47.49 a year
Prime 18-22/student monthly + 6-month free trial – £26.94 for first year
Prime 18-22/student annual + 6-month free trial – £23.75 for first year
Picture Credit: Amazon
But the games are only available for a month before they vanish from Amazon’s freebie list.
So you need to claim them before they disappear.
If you’re savvy, you’ll collect them all. You can bag September’s lot, and then get the October, November, and December offerings too.
You’ll probably end up with more than £1,000 in games from a four-month run.
But if you miss any of them then you’ll be too late – they’re then gone for good.
So make sure you’re hot on checking for the freebies each month. You can find them here at the Prime Gaming website.
Just note that you’ll need to have an active Amazon Prime membership to claim the games.
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.
If you’re not a member yet, it’s well worth signing up for free for 30 days, and nab this saving while you’ve got it.
The compact charger packs a hefty 10,000mAh capacity into a device that weighs just 220g, keeping your phone powered all day without feeling like lugging around a brick.
It uses magnetic suction technology to grip firmly to the back of your iPhone, creating a seamless MagSafe connection that makes charging on the move feel effortless.
Compatible with Apple’s latest line-up from iPhone 12 through to the just-dropped iPhone 17, it’s built to snap on securely even if you’re using a magnetic case.
The Gxorul charger doesn’t just look slick, it’s fast too, with USB-C and USB-A ports capable of powering devices up to 55% in just half an hour.
Better still, you can charge three gadgets at once thanks to its combination of wireless charging, USB-C, and USB-A outputs, making it the perfect travel or commute addition.
There’s also a handy LED display that shows your remaining battery level and lights up with a green fast-charge logo, so you’re never left guessing.
It has a handy built-in stand, so you can prop up your phone at a 60-degree angle, ideal for video calls and catch-ups while your device gets a boost.
Portable enough to slip into your bag and airline-friendly at 38.5Wh, it’s a smart buy for workdays, weekends away, and even long-haul flights.
Shoppers are giving the Gxorul a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, which tells you everything you need to know about just how well it delivers.
Amazon buyers have been quick to praise its mix of muscle and portability, with one calling it “a powerful thing despite its diminutive size” and hailing it as “powerful and fast.”
Another reviewer noted, “The MagSafe connection is strong and the LED display makes it easy to track power.
“The 10,000mAh capacity easily gives my iPhone multiple charges, and the 22.5W fast charging is noticeably quick.”
A third impressed shopper summed it up perfectly: “Brilliantly designed magnetic wireless charging that grips and fits onto the back of the phone perfectly, even with a normal case on it.
This isn’t the only deal I spotted with serious savings.
Nvidia’s decisions can have huge ripple effects through the AI world. But probably not this time.
Nvidia(NVDA 3.52%) enjoys great relationships with some of the biggest tech companies on the planet. Its customer base includes the three largest cloud service providers: Amazon(AMZN -0.16%), Microsoft(MSFT -0.30%), and Google parent Alphabet(GOOG 1.04%)(GOOGL 1.06%).
However, Nvidia’s reach isn’t limited to the biggest of the big. It also works closely with many rising stars. CoreWeave(CRWV 0.39%) is arguably the most prominent example, especially considering that Nvidia has a multibillion-dollar stake in the AI-focused hyperscaler.
It stands to reason that Nvidia wants all these partners to succeed. But did the GPU giant just help Amazon, Microsoft, and Google at CoreWeave’s expense?
Image source: Getty Images.
Nvidia’s retreat
Nvidia launched DGX Cloud in 2023. The company billed the new platform as a way for enterprises to get immediate access to Nvidia’s AI supercomputers so they could train generative AI and other advanced AI models.
But Nvidia appears to be retreating from this market. The Information, a website that focuses on technology industry news, recently reported that Nvidia is primarily using DGX Cloud for internal use now instead of marketing the platform to customers.
Is there other evidence that supports the view that Nvidia is shifting its strategy? Maybe. In the past, Nvidia highlighted its DGX Cloud services when discussing cloud spending commitments in its quarterly 10-Q filings. In the company’s update for the second quarter of 2025, though, DGX Cloud wasn’t mentioned in this context.
Instead of marketing the DGX Cloud platform to customers, Nvidia appears to be focusing now on its Lepton GPU rental marketplace. CEO Jensen Huang explained in the May 2025 announcement of Lepton that the new service “connects our network of global GPU cloud providers with AI developers.”
Helping the “big three,” hurting CoreWeave?
Some industry observers saw DGX Cloud as a move for Nvidia to compete against the major cloud service providers. But Nvidia rented GPUs from CoreWeave to use with DGX Cloud. Could the company’s reported move to back away from marketing DGX Cloud help Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud while hurting CoreWeave? The short answer is “no.”
For one thing, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud host DGX Cloud. Although AWS didn’t, there’s no solid proof that Nvidia’s cloud platform hurt its business.
A retreat from DGX Cloud wouldn’t hurt CoreWeave, either. CoreWeave recently disclosed that Nvidia will purchase $6.3 billion of its unused cloud computing capacity through April 13, 2032.
Perhaps most importantly, though, Nvidia might not be retreating from DGX Cloud as reported by The Information after all. According to Data Center Dynamics, Alexis Bjorlin, who is Nvidia’s vice president and general manager for DGX Cloud, said, “DGX Cloud is fully utilized and oversubscribed, and we are expanding its scale.”
Winners all around
Whatever Nvidia’s strategy with DGX Cloud is, I don’t think CoreWeave has anything to worry about. My view is that all of these stocks — Nvidia, Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and CoreWeave — are poised to be big winners over the long run.
The AI boom doesn’t appear to be slowing down. That’s great news for Nvidia because more of its GPUs will be needed. It’s great news for Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and CoreWeave because their cloud platforms will continue to enjoy tremendous demand.
It’s possible that the momentum could even accelerate. I think Nvidia’s technological advances will play a key role, if so. For example, the company plans to launch Rubin CPX, a new class of GPUs built for massive-context inference, in late 2026. This new technology could pave the way for an explosion in the use of AI in software development and long-form video creation.
As the smallest of the group, CoreWeave might have the most room to run. However, I expect all five of these top AI stocks will deliver tremendous gains over the next 10 years and beyond.
Keith Speights has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
If you live in a house that’s prone to damp, the problem can get worse over the colder months, especially if it’s not tackled.
A dehumidifier can help, but you don’t have to splurge to buy one – Amazon has slashed the set of 12 Nyxi dehumidifiers from £13.49 to £11.46, working out at 89p each.
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The dehumidifier pots can fit on windowsills and in corners.
Nyxi Dehumidifier Set of 12, £11.46 (was £13.49)
Condensation on windows might be a common occurrence in the autumn and winter, but it can lead to problems.
Dehumidifiers are a solution that many households turn to for the latter part of the year.
They work by taking moisture from the air, which soaks into the beads and collects as water at the bottom.
Each one can hold up to 500ml, lasting 3-5 weeks depending how much moisture there is, but with 12 replacements, it could end up as an entire year’s supply.
Thanks to the small size, each one can fit in any area, which can prove difficult with a large dehumidifier.
This means you could place them on windowsills to collect condensation, or in wardrobes to ensure clothes don’t get damp or mouldy.
Utility rooms and bathrooms naturally get super damp, so these are also good places to use the dehumidifiers to reduce humidity.
If left alone, damp can progress and cause damage to walls and also lead to mould, which creates an unhealthy living environment.
The affordable Amazon buy has gained thousands of reviews, with shoppers praising how affordable and effective the dehumidifiers are.
One shopper said: ‘’I bought these dehumidifiers as I live in a ground-floor flat, and during the wet weather I cannot hang out my laundry, so I have to hand it on a clothes horse next to the radiators.
‘’As we all know this will cause dampness, so these dehumidifiers are ideal – they suck up all the moisture in the air and store it in the lower section.
‘’After about 3 months I can throw them away, and replace them with new ones, helping me keep my flat free from mould and dampness.’’
Another shopper commented: ‘’I find these to be quite useful for small rooms.
‘’I live in Devon and near the sea which means I have double the amount of humidity than other places.
‘’High electric bill prevented me from using a dehumidifier so this is the next best thing.
‘’They usually last about 6-8 weeks in my house.’’
A third shopper added: ”This product is brilliant for keeping condensation away from windows in the cold months.”
Nyxi Dehumidifier Set of 12, £11.46 (was £13.49)
If you’re still making up your mind on which dehumidifier to buy – check out our list of the best dehumidifiers to see what we thought of some of the top brands.
We’ve put the best air purifiers to the test too, trying 11 devices that clean, filter and remove odours from your home.
Empire of the Sun was released in 1987 and is based on J.G Ballard’s novel of the same name. It stars Christian Bale and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video
A young Christian Bale(Image: Warner Bros)
The war epic that catapulted Steven Spielberg into the ranks of Hollywood’s top directors is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Empire of the Sun, which hit cinemas in 1987, features a glittering cast including Christian Bale.
Adapted from J. G Ballard’s novel bearing the same title, this 2hrs 32 min spectacle chronicles the life of Jamie ‘Jim’ Graham – portrayed by the erstwhile Batman actor – a well-heeled British lad residing in Shanghai during the early stages of World War II.
Separated from his parents amidst the Japanese invasion, he is ultimately captured and dispatched to an internment camp where he encounters the intriguing American wheeler-dealer, Basie, enacted by Of Mice and Men (1992) actor John Malkovich.
Striving to endure the severe conditions, Jim aspires to preserve his youthful innocence amid the turmoil and loss, reports the Express.
The cast also includes Southport-born Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers known for Coronation Street (2009-2019) and Chariots of Fire (1981), and The Matrix (1999) star Joe Pantoliano.
Empire of the Sun arrived in theatres in 1987(Image: Warner Bros)
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has awarded Empire of the Sun a critic score of 77%, while the audience score stands at a commendable 90%.
The film was highly acclaimed upon its release and is often hailed as the hidden jewel in Spielberg’s trove of blockbusters, with some asserting it surpasses the likes of Jaws (1975), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and Schindler’s List (1993) as his finest work.
Don’t just take our word for it, with one critic saying: “One of Steven Spielberg’s most ambitious efforts of the 1980s, Empire of the Sun remains an underrated gem in the director’s distinguished filmography.
“Stephen Spielberg’s graduation to grown-up film-making,” added a second, while another added: “Empire of the Sun is a great, overwrought movie that leaves one wordless and worn out.”
Matt, a superfan of the movie, posted on Rotten Tomatoes: “This is one of my favorite films of all time. I’ve been watching it since it came out and it’s just as good each time I see it.
“Absolute stellar cast and should have won a lot of awards. This is actually my favorite Speilberg WWII movie.”
Empire of the Sun is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
MANCHESTER UNITED fans are calling for a club legend to replace struggling manager Ruben Amorim at the helm.
This comes after the five-time Premier League champion made his punditry debut at Amazon Prime during the Champions League‘s opening week.
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Manchester United fans have called for a club legend to replace manager Ruben AmorimCredit: Chris Foxwell/ProSports/Shutterstock
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Man Utd fans want Michael Carrick to become the next managerCredit: Katie Chan/Every Second Media
That is none other than United hero Michael Carrick, who was joined by fellow club icons Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, with whom he won the Champions League in 2008.
And Man Utd fans were left in awe with the ex-England international’s knowledge and insight while discussing tactics at the studio ahead of his other former club Tottenham‘s clash with Villarreal.
So much so that a number of the Red Devils’ faithful took to social media calling for minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to bring the former Middlesbrough manager to the Old Trafford hotseat.
One fan tweeted: “I want Carrick!”
Another commented: “Would give Carrick a run.”
A third wrote: “Give Carrick at a run at it. If he’s good give him a permanent.”
This fan said: “Why is Carrick doing punditry? He should be at home planning the filthy 4-2-3-1 he’s gonna cook up for us in a few weeks.”
That one posted: “Carrick such an intelligent and good pundit.”
And another fan stated: “Michael Carrick doing punditry for Amazon, bring him to the club.”
This comes amid United‘s worst ever Premier League start which has seen Amorim’s men lose two of their first four matches, of which they barely won one.
David Beckham says he’s ‘fed up’ as he makes rare public comments about Man Utd problems
This follows the Manchester giants’ worst ever Prem finish last season, which saw them sink to 15th place under the Portuguese tactician.
But club bosses are continuing to back the 40-year-old as it is still early in the season.
Nevertheless, Man Utd would have to pay the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss a huge severance fee if they sack him before November 1.
Amorim would be in line to pocket a whopping £12million if he is axed before the first anniversary of him taking the job.
The United head coach’s coaching staff would also be in line for a pay-off if Ratcliffe decided to pull the plug.
We gave the gadget a high rating of 4.5/5, especially for how quickly it worked: ‘’it reduced the humidity from well over 70% (classed as “too high”) to under 60% (classed as “okay”) in under half an hour.’’
The 12-litre capacity is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, but there are 20L and 25L options for larger or open plan spaces.
Like all dehumidifiers, the Amazon model pulls in humid air, cools it, and it’s then collected as water, which can be emptied.
One of the most handy uses for a dehumidifier in the colder months is to dry laundry.
As it can reduce moisture, placing it beside a drying rack is great for speeding up the time it takes to dry – and the laundry mode is an easy way to do it.
According to Amazon, it costs around 5p per hour to run, which would likely make it cheaper to run than a tumble dryer – which is a very costly appliance to run.
Amazon shoppers are praising the dehumidifier, and with over 800 people already having bought it, now’s a good time to invest ahead of winter.
One shopper said: ‘’Amazing!
‘’I have a basement flat and you can tell the difference it has made in just a week.
‘’No more damp smell.
‘’Very good at drying clothes too.’’
Another shopper commented: ‘’This has transformed the way I dry my washing, wish I had bought one years ago.
‘’Speeds up dry time and stops the house being full of condensation.
‘’Not too big, sits in the corner of the room, not noisy, cheap to run.’’
Devola 12L/day Low Energy Dehumidifier £124.99 (was £139.99)
If you’re still making up your mind on which dehumidifier to buy – check out our list of the best dehumidifiers to see what we thought of some of the top brands.
We’ve put the best air purifiers to the test too, trying 11 devices that clean, filter and remove odours from your home.
The design is ultra-portable, slimmer than a centimetre thick, weighing only 109g, and about two-thirds the size of a phone.
Despite the compact body, it carries a 5000mAh capacity, enough to comfortably get most people through a day without scrambling for a wall socket.
The big sell here is the strong magnetic connection, engineered with a grip force that snaps securely to your iPhone.
There’s no button-pressing or fiddling around; the Dbasne charger attaches instantly and starts charging automatically.
Wireless charging gets you from zero to around 55% in just half an hour on iPhone 12 through 16 series.
While the USB-C outport is there if you prefer a wired boost, pushing you up to 70% in the same time.
It’s a fast and fuss-free option, and reliable enough for daily use or travel.
It also comes with built-in protections against overheating, overcharging, and voltage spikes, giving peace of mind.
Another clever touch is the retractable lanyard cable, which doubles as a charging cord.
It cuts out clutter and keeps the charger close at hand, whether you’re commuting, at the office, or heading out away from a wall charger.
While I’m impressed by the design and value, it’s not just me taking notice.
Shoppers themselves have given it a rare 5-out-of-5-star rating with a 97% approval rate on Amazon, which is almost unheard of for a product in this category.
One buyer raved: “Small, quick, and dependable, what a lifesaver this power bank is. It is ideal for everyday usage or travel, and a phone can be charged multiple times thanks to the battery’s strong capacity.”
Another called it an “Awesome little powerbank”
They added that it’s “Lightweight, charges with cable or wireless. Quick charge, fits in small purses, besides, it’s really cute and smooth.”
A third praised its longevity: “Reliable and powerful. The battery lasts a surprisingly long time.”
“I can use it for multiple charges without recharging the power bank itself. It’s perfect for travel, busy days out.”
This isn’t the only tech deal I’ve had my eyes on of late.
SHOPPERS are running to Dunelm for a gadget that heats up a room without the need for central heating.
Bargain hunters keen to keep bills in check this winter are snapping up the plug-in PTC heater, £18, from the retailer.
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The gadget is £18 from DunelmCredit: Dunelm
This gadget delivers through an efficient ceramic heating element.
The LED display and digital thermostat provide precise control over the temperature, and you can set the timer and choose from two fan speed settings.
Best of all it only costs 13p hour to run if you are on an average electricity tariff, though the exact amount depends on your individual rate.
The reviews for the gadget are glowing.
Read more on energy bills
One user said: “Good product, gives some decent heat out. Actually bought two of them. Well worth it.”
Another added: “Fabulous little heater, really pleased with this. Heats up my kitchen in no time.”
One user described the tool as “small and mighty”. The added: “Does the job for a small kitchen without any other heating source.”
It comes after it was confirmed the energy price cap would rise by 2% in October costing the average household more to heat their home.
There are plenty of other ways to help keep bills down and stay warm using gadgets that don’t cost too much to run.
For example, an electric throw can cost just 4p an hour – calculated using the average electricity unit rate in the UK for the period of 1 October to 31 December 2025 is 26.35 pence per kilowatt-hour.
Washing the blankets are usually easy too, as it is both machine washable and tumble dryer safe.
You can buy these blankets for around £30 and they’re perfect for when you’re on the sofa watching TV and don’t need to warm up the entire home.
Here are some handy tips to ease the effects of cold weather on your hands …
A pair of mitts can really help your hands through the winter months.
Wear gloves outside so that the cold air doesn’t zap the moisture out of your skin.
For washing up, protect your hands with rubber gloves. Apply hand cream before putting on the gloves and the warm water will help the cream soothe your hands.
Dry, brittle and split nails are a real pain in winter, when our hands are craving moisture. The answer may lie in your food cupboard.
Rubbing olive oil into your nails and cuticles each day can strengthen and soothe them, reducing the risk of splits.
Nursem is a handcare brand started by former children’s intensive care nurse Antonia Philp, whose hands were left cracked and sore from constant handwashing.
Or, to soothe winter hands, try this. Blitz 100g oats in a food mixer until it becomes a powder.
Add to a bowl of warm water with 50ml of olive oil. Soak hands for 10 minutes before drying and apply hand cream.
The Temu and Shein e-commerce apps are displayed on a smartphone in Berlin. Whaleco Inc., operating as Temu, has been ordered by a U.S. federal court to pay a $2 million civil fine for violating U.S. federal law regarding its online marketplace. File Photo by Hannibal Hanschke/EPA
Sept. 8 (UPI) — Whaleco Inc., operating as Temu, has been ordered by a federal court to pay a $2 million civil fine for violating federal law regarding its online marketplace, the U.S. Department of Justice said Monday.
The private U.S.-registered company, which mainly sells products from China, had the most downloaded app in the United States in 2024, according to Business of Apps. The company also sells products to customers in 90 countries.
DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts alleging Temu didn’t sufficiently disclose certain information for high-volume third-party sellers, including addresses, or provide consistent reporting methods as required by law. This included consumers’ ability to electronically and telephonically report suspicious activity to the marketplace.
The agencies said they violated the INFORM Consumers Act.
“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring American consumers have information about third-party sellers online and mechanisms to report suspicious marketplace behavior,” Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of DOJ’s Civil Division said in a statement. “The Department will continue to ensure that online marketplaces follow the INFORM Consumers Act.”
Temu also was ordered to ensure compliance with the INFORM Consumers Act in the future.
Temu, which means “Team Up, Price Down,” was founded as Whaleco Inc. in Boston in 2022.
It is a subsidiary of PDD Holdings, a Chinese online retailer owned by Colin Huang. PDD Holdings also owns Pinduoduo, an online commerce platform in China.
In July, the European Commission charged Temu with breaking the EU’s Digital Services Act by failing to prevent the sale of usnafe products that violate its standards.
In an analysis, the European Commission found that shopping on Temu carries a high risk of finding unsafe products, such as small toys and small electronics.
In the EU, companies can be fined up to 6% of their annual total worldwide turnover.
Temu, with an estimated annual revenue of $53.9 billion in 2024, competes with Amazon, the No. 1 online retailer in the world with $391.4 billion in revenue last year.
“Temu is committed to bringing affordable products onto its platform to enable consumers and merchandise partners to fulfill their dreams in an inclusive environment,” the company said on its website.
Temu and another online retailer, Shein, have been hit by tariffs imposed on imports into the United States.
“Due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs, our operating expenses have gone up. To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making price adjustment starting April 25, 2025,” Temu said in a statement to U.S. shoppers.
That was in late April when there was a 145% duty on Chinese imports. The Trump administration has since lowered them temporarily to 10%. The pause is until Nov. 10.
Logos of Google, Chrome and Android are seen on several displays in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday. The European Commission on Friday fined Google $3.455 billion for violating the European Union’s anti-competitive practices in advertising technology. Photo by Hannibal Hanschke/EPA
Sept. 5 (UPI) — The European Commission on Friday fined Google $3.455 billion for violating the European Union’s anti-competitive practices in advertising technology, prompting a threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose higher tariffs.
Earlier this week, a U.S. federal judge ordered the U.S.-headquartered company to hand over its search results and some data to rival companies. The Justice Department challenged Google’s dominance in online search. But Google avoided having to sell off its Chrome browser or Android operating system.
The DOJ also is suing Google in another advertising case with the trial set to start later this month.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the fine is “effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American Investments and Jobs.
“We cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American Ingenuity and, if it does, I will be forced to start a Section 301 proceeding to nullify the unfair penalties being charged to these Taxpaying American Companies.”
In a follow-up post five minutes later, Trump said Google has paid in the past “13 Billion in false claims and charged for a total of $16.5 Billion.”
On July 27, Trump reached a deal with EU in July for a 15% levy on most imports from Europe. The European bloc agreed to purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S., and invest $600 billion more in other areas.
The European Commission, which represents 27 nations, said it fined Google “for breaching EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry (‘adtech’). It did so by favoring its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers,” according to a news release.
Google has 60 days how it intends to “bring these self-preferencing practices to an end and to implement measures to cease its inherent conflicts of interest along the adtech supply chain.”
The commission noted that advertisers and publishers rely on digital tools for the placement of real-time ads not linked to a search query, such as banner ads in websites of newspapers.
The EC began investigating Google in 2021. Investigators found that since 2014 Google “abused such dominant positions in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.”
“Today’s decision shows that Google abused its dominant position in adtech harming publishers, advertisers and consumers,” Teresa Ribera, the European Commission’s top antitrust regulator, said in a statement. “Google must now come forward with a serious remedy to address its conflicts of interest, and if it fails to do so, we will not hesitate to impose strong remedies.
“Digital markets exist to serve people and must be grounded in trust and fairness. And when markets fail, public institutions must act to prevent dominant players from abusing their power. True freedom means a level playing field, where everyone competes on equal terms and citizens have a genuine right to choose.
Google plans to appeal.
“There’s nothing anticompetitive in providing services for ad buyers and sellers, and there are more alternatives to our services than ever before,” Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s global head of regulatory affairs, said in a statement to The New York Times.
A variety of businesses, small and large, advertise on Google’s search engine. Google’s automated system finds and indexes webpages. In 2024, Google began providing artificial intelligence summaries through AI Mode.
Google has an 89.93% woldwide market share of search engines with Microsoft Bing second at 3.95%, Russia’s Yandex third at 2.21% and Apollo Global Management’s Yahoo fourth at 1.48%, according to StatCounter.
Google processes approximately 16.4 billion searches per day.
In 2023, Google had $264.59 billion in ad revenue, mainly from search, according to Statista. The company’s total revenue was 305.63 billion.
Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who developed a search algorithm called “BackRub” at Stanford University. In 2021, the ad revenue was 70 million.
The name Google is a misspelling of Googol, the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.
Google’s parent company is Alphabet, which was formed in 2015 through restructuring. It is the world’s third-largest tech company in terms of revenue behind Amazon and Apple. Alphabet’s total revenue was $350 billion in 2024 with the market capitalization now $2.83 trillion.
In mid-day trading on Nasdaq, Alphabet’s stock was up $1.59 to $233.89.
Besides Chrome, Android and its search engine, other Google businesses include Google Cloud, Google Maps and Waze, Google Pixel, Next and YouTube.
Investors were excited by the potential from the recently announced Hertz and Amazon deal.
Hertz Global (HTZ -2.01%) and Amazon (AMZN -1.55%) recently announced a deal in which the former will sell used cars on the latter’s website. Investors clearly believe the deal will help Hertz’s business. They sent the share price up 12.5%, from $5.20 to $5.85, from Aug. 19 through Aug. 27.
What has investors so excited? And, more importantly, is the deal a long-term value-creating opportunity for Hertz? It’s time to look closer at the deal and Hertz’s fundamentals.
Image source: Getty Images.
Deal details
Hertz will list its used vehicles for sale on the Amazon Autos website. However, it’s only a test right now, and it’s being rolled out in the metro areas of Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Car buyers can go on the site and browse used vehicles to purchase. Once they find something and complete the purchase, the new car owner can pick up the vehicle at various Hertz locations.
The benefits to Amazon Auto, which launched less than a year ago, are clear. The site previously offered car buyers with limited options. Under this arrangement, Amazon will greatly expand the number of listings across many more brands.
How does Hertz benefit?
If car buyers are willing to shop online for used cars, they’ll get an easier and more convenient process with a broad selection of automobiles. That could expand Hertz’s car sales.
Currently, Hertz sells its rental fleet cars through company-operated U.S. retail locations. This also produces other revenue, such as from selling warranties and providing financing. It’s unclear how many used vehicles Hertz sells, however. The company has mentioned that it sells thousands, but that makes it challenging to pinpoint the impact on Hertz’s cash flow.
Still, if the arrangement with Amazon proves mutually beneficial, Hertz will be able to scale the used car business and diversify its revenue stream. It’s also a step toward executing CEO Gil West’s plan to expand its retail business and raise awareness of the Hertz used car brand
Should you buy Hertz’s stock?
Hertz operates two segments: Americas RAC and international RAC. Each division rents vehicles and sells services like insurance and satellite radio. Right now, Hertz’s core rental business has been struggling, with shrinking sales and declining profitability. The company’s total second-quarter revenue dropped 7% to $2.2 billion, and it lost $104 million after adjusting for certain items.
It seems challenging to expand into other areas while its core rental business has struggled. Still, if Hertz can pull it off, shareholders could see a lot of upside based on the company’s valuation. You can use the price-to-sales (P/S) multiple rather than the more traditional price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, since the company doesn’t report a profit. Hertz’s share price zoomed up 74% in the past year, and the P/S ratio doubled in the last year, but remains low at 0.2. Small capitalization stocks, as measured by the Russell 2000 index, trade at about a P/S ratio of over 1.
However, while the deal with Amazon may prove advantageous, it’s only in the test phase. Hence, long-term investors may wish to hold off, at least until results from the test markets have come in. You’ll know whether it’s going well if Amazon and Hertz decide to expand the program.
Walmart will soon expand its streaming offerings to its subscription members, with the retail giant announcing a new partnership with NBCUniversal’s Peacock on Monday.
Starting Sept. 15, Walmart+ subscribers can choose to receive ad-supported versions of Peacock Premium or Paramount+ as part of their membership. Every 90 days, Walmart+ members can switch between the two services.
“The additional option of Peacock Premium adds even more value and more choice to our membership, without raising the price,” said Deepak Maini, senior vice president of Walmart+, in a statement. “This is just one of the many ways we’re evolving Walmart+ to meet the needs and wants of today’s consumer.”
The move could appeal to consumers who feel overwhelmed by the different streaming choices and give them a chance to sample what each platform offers without dealing with additional cost.
Walmart+, which charges $98 for an annual plan, includes free shipping, free same-day delivery on groceries and prescriptions, gas discounts and other benefits. Adding more streaming content could help Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart compete with Amazon Prime, though Walmart does not invest in original content, unlike the Seattle e-commerce behemoth.
Walmart declined to say how many people subscribe to Walmart+.
In 2020, Walmart launched Walmart+, which competes with Amazon’s $139 annual Prime membership. Prime offers perks such as free shipping and streaming series such as “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Reacher,” action movie “The Pickup” and NFL football games.
Last week, Amazon announced that Peacock Premium Plus, the streaming service’s ad-free version, would be available on Prime Video for an additional fee, along with 100 other subscription options in the U.S. Amazon also said it had a multiyear deal for the Peacock app to be available on its Fire TV in the U.S.
Walmart has had a spotty track record on its own streaming efforts and currently does not have its own streaming service or produce its own originals. In 2010, Walmart purchased video-on-demand service Vudu and in 2018 partnered with MGM to create original programming for the platform. The retailer later sold Vudu to Fandango in 2020.
Before that, Walmart launched a web store to sell movie and TV show downloads but shut it down in less than a year after its partner, Hewlett-Packard Co., discontinued the technology for the site after it underperformed.
While we in the Sun Shopping team haven’t tested this car device ourselves, it comes with a wide range of features that are pretty impressive-looking for that low price.
It’s also gathered some rave reviews from happy drivers on Amazon.
It’s a 7-inch HD touchscreen that’s super easy to install: you just plug it into your car’s power outlet (it works with any 12-24V socket) and use either the suction cup or the base stand it comes with.
The screen itself is really sharp and clear.
It has a built-in speaker, but for a better sound experience, you can connect it to your car’s stereo using Bluetooth, an AUX cable, or by matching the FM radio frequency.
It works seamlessly with both iPhone and Android phones, so everyone can use it.
Basically, this gadget allows you to:
Connect wirelessly: Use wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by connecting your phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Get real-time navigation: Send smart GPS navigation software, like Google Maps, from your phone directly on the screen.
Control with your voice: Use Siri or Android voice assistants to make calls, send messages, and control your music hands-free.
Mirror your phone: Cast your iPhone or Android screen to the large 7-inch display to watch videos or stream sports games.
Enjoy powerful audio: Play music through the device’s built-in speaker or connect to your car’s speakers for a richer sound.
One happy customer wrote: “Good, affordable and works perfectly.
“I bought this because it was affordable and I was curious to see how it would work in my car with navigation… I have to say, it performs much better than I expected.
“The screen size is just right, and installation was simple.
“I’d definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a budget-friendly CarPlay option.”
Another buyer said: “Great CarPlay screen. Easy to fix to the dashboard and set up either wired or Bluetooth with phone.
Works really well with iPhone. Really good clear display and plays music well. Touchscreen is good and great for maps.”
And a third customer noted: “Fantastic price, great for using Maps to navigate.
“Android screen mirroring works perfectly, brilliant for Netflix or Spotify.”
Amazon has this marked as the ‘lowest price in 30 days’, so we’re not sure if it’s a temporary deal or if the price is going to stay like this for a while.
And one final note: while you might be able to cast video to the device’s screen, please drive carefully, folks. Keep those eyes on the road.
Aonerex Car Stereo, £36.99 (was £45.99)
Head to The Sun’s shopping motoring hub for more news and deals for car owners.
AMAZON has just slashed the price on a pair of wireless earbuds that shoppers are loving.
Right now, the Cillso H97 Wireless Earbuds are reduced from £129.99 to just £20.99, a huge 84% saving.
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These noise-cancelling buds have a perfect track record with shoppersCredit: Amazon
Cillso H97 Wireless Earbuds, £129.99 £20.99 on Amazon
These pocket-sized earbuds are packed with features you’d normally expect from big-name brands with triple the price tag.
The sound profile is a real crowd-pleaser, powered by 14mm drivers that deliver solid bass with oomph up to 90dB.
And thanks to ENC noise-cancelling tech, background distractions fade away, leaving you with clear music and clear calls.
While ENC isn’t quite as advanced as ANC, it is designed to make calls clearer, rather than blanketly blocking out all ambient noise.
The Cillso buds are also built for everyday life, boasting an IP7 waterproof rating that shrugs off sweat, rain and gym sessions.
You get smart touch controls to skip tracks, answer calls or adjust volume with a tap, much like pricer models from Apple.
But, unlike Apple’s offering, the Cillso H97 buds feature a dual LED display that shows exactly how much battery you have left.
Speaking of battery, these little earbuds clock in at around six to eight hours of listening per charge, with the case boosting that to a massive 40 hours, plus fast USB-C charging when it’s time to top up.
Shoppers on Amazon have been won over, with an almost-perfect 4.9-star average rating and 95% of reviewers handing them a full five stars.
One thrilled buyer wrote: “Absolutely fantastic sound! I was going to splash out on AirPods, so glad I didn’t, these are THE best headphones I’ve ever had.”
Another raved: “The sound quality is excellent, clear, crisp audio with surprisingly deep bass for earbuds in this price range.
The same shopper continued, “The noise-cancelling feature works really well, blocking out background noise during calls and when listening to music.”
A third said: “The battery display counted down remaining hours and achieved a full day of playback before recharge.”
With feedback like that, it’s no wonder these are quickly becoming one of Amazon’s most popular budget audio buys.
The Cillso Wireless Earbuds are still in stock at the time of writing, but at £20.99, it’s easy to see why shoppers are snapping them up.
I’ve also spotted a few other Amazon steals this month that are well worth a look.
Aug. 26 (UPI) — President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs and restrict U.S. chip exports on countries that have a digital services tax.
He wrote on Truth Social Monday that digital service taxes, largely implemented by Britain and the European Union, “are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology.”
“I put all Countries with Digital Taxes, Legislation, Rules, or Regulations, on notice that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Country’s Exports to the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote.
He added that the United States would also “institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips.”
“Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or, consider the consequences!” he wrote.
The taxes are meant to apply only to the largest tech companies like Alphabet, Meta and Amazon, which are based in the United States. The countries that have digital services taxes argue that tech titans like Amazon operate within their borders and generate huge profits from their people while paying little or no taxes to those governments.
The U.K.’s digital services tax raises about $1.1 billion annually from global tech companies through a 2% tax on revenues. Trump said these taxes “outrageously give a complete pass to China’s largest tech companies.”
France, Italy and Spain also have DSTs.
Trump declared in June that he would cut off all trade talks with Canada over the tax, which it had recently passed. When Canada quickly removed its tax just before it was set to turn on, the White House boasted that Canada had “caved” to pressure.
In February, Trump signed an executive order titled Defending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties, threatening tariffs.
In April, it emerged that Keir Starmer offered big U.S. tech companies a reduction in the headline rate of the DST to appease Trump, at the same time applying the tax to companies from other countries.
EXCLUSIVE: Mark Wolters, who runs the successful YouTube channel Wolters World, explained that he felt compelled to provide “honest” advice to travellers after seeing numerous “misleading” blogs and videos
Mark Wolters runs the successful YouTube channel Wolters World(Image: Wolters World/YouTube)
He explained that he was driven to create his videos after noticing many “misleading” blogs and felt it “wasn’t right” for families to “waste their hard earned vacation time”. He previously shared the “least friendly” country he’s visited for tourists. But, in an exclusive interview, he had no hesitation in naming his five favourite countries by continent.
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro city view with Christ the Redeemer Statue(Image: Pintai Suchachaisri via Getty Images)
Mark explained: “My favorite place to visit in South America is Brazil. I lived there and have family there and it is just such a wonderful place with the food, the nature, and the crazy fun times you can have there.”
Brazil is the largest country in South America and one of the world’s biggest democracies. It boasts diverse landscapes including the Amazon, the world’s largest jungle, and is synonymous with world-class football, being the home of Pelé.
The nation boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, featuring a staggering 600 mammal species. Rio de Janeiro (pictured above) ranks among its most sought-after tourist hotspots.
France
Paris cityscape with Eiffel Tower in the distance (Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Mark revealed: “In Europe, it is a toss up between France and Italy. They both have great food and if you speak a bit of the local language you can make so many friends there. So I can never pass up going to either of them.”
Famous for its cuisine and culture, France stands as a significant force globally and maintains membership in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). Located in Western Europe, it shares borders with Germany, Belgium, Italy and Spain.
Boasting legendary sites including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, France serves as a European cultural capital and an enormously popular holiday destination.
Italy
Buildings reflected along the Grand Canal in Venice(Image: Gary Yeowell via Getty Images)
A major attraction for visitors and amongst Mark’s top picks, Italy represents another country celebrated for its gastronomy and heritage. Many of history’s most famous artistic figures originated from Italy, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio.
This Southern European country also houses some of the globe’s most recognised monuments, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum. Beyond the capital, Rome, holidaymakers flock to other remarkable destinations like the stunning cities of Venice and Florence.
Rwanda
Mount Karisimbi in Musanze, Rwanda(Image: Ari Beser via Getty Images)
Mark explained: “In Africa we love visiting Rwanda. It was such an incredible adventure when we visited the first time. We fell in love with it.”
Rwanda, a landlocked nation in East Africa, is known as the “land of a thousand hills”. It’s a small yet densely populated country that borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Home to the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, Rwanda boasts rainforests, majestic mountains, volcanoes, and even the endangered mountain gorilla.
China
The Great Wall of China(Image: zhaojiankang via Getty Images)
Mark said: “In Asia, I think my wife would say Japan, but I loved teaching and traveling in China. So much history and so much food!
China, one of the world’s most populous nations and a leading industrial powerhouse, has a rich history spanning 4,000 years. The modern People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 following the Communist Revolution.
Tourists flock to see the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Not to mention, it’s famously home to the Giant Panda.