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A travel expert has urged Mirror readers to make sure to check a specific date on their passport long before shopping for their holiday, as it may well be far too late by the time they get to the airport

Travel experts have issued an urgent warning to Brits booking holidays: checking your passport’s expiry date is no longer enough

Sadly, for some Brits, this bad dream could well become a reality should they make the all too easy error of not checking their passport expiry date before jetting off to their dream destination. Under post-Brexit rules, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the EU.

Indeed, forgetting this all-important step could see you miss out on your trip altogether, and by the time you get to the airport, it could well be too late to salvage your holiday, even when dealing with the most sympathetic of staff members.

READ MORE: ‘I’ve been to 65 countries and one of my favourites is just 3 hours from UK’

According to information provided by the British High Commission in Singapore, the majority of countries in Asia require six months’ validity on passports, at least, for travellers to be allowed over the border.

While the British High Commission can issue Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) should passports fail to meet the required validity, it isn’t quite that simple. Indeed, some countries, Myanmar and Laos, don’t allow entry on an ETD, while others may require visas. Preparation, therefore, is absolutely key.

Travel expert Agustin Moreno, from Prestige Villas Spain, has now urged Mirror readers: “The most important thing is to check the validity of your passport before you book.

“Check the date of issue, not just the expiry date. Your passport needs to have been issued less than 10 years before you enter the country, and have at least three months of validity left after your planned departure date – and if either one of these conditions aren’t met, you can be denied boarding. Some countries, particularly in Asia, have a six-month validity rule, so you need to check the rules of where you’re going, and not just assume that three months is okay.”

“Busy parents will often overlook the validity of their children’s passports, which expire after five years compared to ten years for over 16s. Unfortunately, many families only twig when it comes to check-in time, resulting in the need to rebook flights and hotels, apply for ETDs for their kids, and potentially, visas. This all can prove costly and time-consuming, not what you want on a family holiday.”

The savvy expert continued: “Renewing a passport can take weeks, so it’s important that you make sure it’s renewed before booking, rather than leaving it to the last minute. With so many people planning their holidays for 2026, it can get even busier and take longer, so make sure you’re planning even further in advance than you think you might need.

“If you do unfortunately miss a flight because of issues with your passport, it can get expensive. Travel insurance is unlikely to cover you if you are denied boarding due to a lack of validity, as it is classed as traveller error or negligence.

“If you are denied boarding, request written confirmation from the airline, stating the reason. This evidence can help with things like credit card disputes, insurance claims where applicable, and even explaining your absence to your employer.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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Toulouse: Ramos; Delibes, Gourgues, Chocobares, Lebel; Kinghorn, Dupont (capt); Baille, Marchand, Aldegheri, Flament, Meafou, Banos, Willis, Jelonch.

Replacements: Mauvaka, Neti, Mallez, Brennan, Roumat, Cros, Graou, Thomas.

Sale: Davies; Ene, Ma’asi-White, Louw (capt), Wills; Curtis, Warr; Rodd, Jibulu, Harper, Burrow, Andrews, Gilmore, Woodman, Dugdale.

Replacements: Caine, McIntyre, Bell, Hogg, Logan, Hanson, Bedlow, Grace.

Tennis stars travel globally more than any other group of athletes due to the international nature of the sport.

With tour-level tournaments held in 29 countries across five continents, men’s players travelled a combined 2.3 million km across the 2024 season, according to ATP data.

Every player knows the importance of getting over jetlag quickly and has their own method of attempting to regulate their circadian rhythm.

Novak Djokovic, known for meticulously fine-tuning his body, tries to “over-hydrate” on his flight, adding lemon, mint, and salt to his water.

“When I arrive at the hotel, I ground myself with bare feet on natural ground as soon as possible, followed by a hot bath with Epsom salts,” the 24-time major champion told Travel + Leisure magazine, external.

“Then on the first morning, I try to watch the sunrise, to reset my brain.”

Natural herbal tablets, often containing plant-based ingredients like valerian, hops, chamomile and passionflower are a popular coping strategy, while many players have turned to melatonin as a sleep aid.

Taking the hormone, which your brain produces in response to darkness and therefore helps you sleep, has led to serious repercussions for some leading players, though.

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek was banned for one month in 2024 after failing a doping test because the melatonin she took to avoid jetlag was contaminated.

In 2023, Greece’s then-world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas blamed the tablets for a sluggish performance in his French Open quarter-final thrashing by Carlos Alcaraz.

The Dodgers avoided arbitration with reliever Brusdar Graterol on Wednesday, reportedly agreeing to terms with the Venezuelan right-hander on a one-year, $2.8-million deal before Thursday’s deadline to avoid an arbitration hearing.

Graterol, 27, missed the 2025 season after undergoing surgery on the labrum in his right shoulder in November 2024. The $2.8-million figure is the same as his salary for last season.

After being acquired by the Dodgers in a 2020 trade that sent Kenta Maeda to the Minnesota Twins, he turned into a hard-throwing member of the team’s bullpen.

Graterol’s best season came in 2023 when he recorded a 1.20 earned-run average across 67.1 innings in 68 games, striking out 48 batters and walking 11.

Shoulder inflmmation and a hamstring strain limited Graterol to only seven appearances during the 2024 regular season — though he did pitch in three World Series games against the New York Yankees, including the clinching Game 5 — before he underwent shoulder surgery.

Graterol can become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The Dodgers have three other arbitration-eligible players who have until Thursday to agree to terms on a salary for next season: Left-hander Anthony Banda, outfielder Alex Call and right-hander Brock Stewart.

If any of the players cannot come to an agreement, the team and player must exchange salary figures and a hearing will be scheduled. Negotiations can continue until the date of the hearing.

If you want an authentic holiday you need to be aware that Spain has a lot of misleading attractions.

Spain remains an incredibly popular destination for tourists, attracting visitors not just from Britain but from around the globe. Yet, like many countries, there’s a stark contrast between the spots cherished by locals and those swamped by tourists.

Tourist traps exist everywhere, but avoiding them requires insider expertise. From Barcelona to Madrid, countless traps can leave holidaymakers feeling frazzled, out of pocket, and as if they’ve missed the authentic essence of the country.

Fortunately, James Smith, founder of Learn Spanish with James, has revealed his insights on the worst tourist traps – and the alternatives worth visiting, reports the Express.

Top of his list is Barcelona’s most renowned thoroughfare: La Rambla. Drawing millions annually, this formerly lively street has become saturated with extortionate restaurants, tourist tat shops and pickpockets.

James said: “La Rambla has become a victim of its own fame.”

“It’s so focused on tourists that it’s lost any authentic Barcelona character.”

Instead, he suggests visitors explore El Born or Gràcia.

He said: “These neighbourhoods pulse with genuine Barcelona energy. You’ll find independent cafés where locals actually drink their morning cortados, artisan shops selling handmade goods, and restaurants where the menu is in Catalan first.

“The architecture is just as stunning, but you’ll actually have space to appreciate it.”

In Madrid, hordes of tourists descend upon Puerta del Sol to snap selfies with the iconic bear statue, but they must also navigate through throngs of people, pushy street sellers and generic high street shops.

James explained there’s nothing in this corner of Madrid that you couldn’t find in any other major European capital.

For a truly genuine experience, head to La Latina instead, where winding cobblestone lanes lead past local taverns and authentic markets where you can purchase genuine Spanish artwork and jewellery.

Rising early also gives you more opportunities to discover the city. James said: “For a genuine Madrid atmosphere, visit Plaza Mayor early in the morning before the tour groups arrive, when market vendors are setting up and locals are having breakfast.”

His third tourist trap warning is also for Barcelona – the renowned Park Güell. While undeniably beautiful and fantastical, it now operates on restricted entry.

Visitors must purchase timed tickets, and that allocated slot will likely be spent navigating around other sightseers just to catch a glimpse of the celebrated mosaic benches.

He said: “Park Güell has become so controlled and commercialised that it’s lost the spontaneous joy that Gaudí probably intended.”

As an alternative, try making your way up to Bunkers del Carmel for breathtaking panoramas across the city.

This former anti-aircraft installation provides 360-degree vistas of the entire metropolis, from the coastline to the mountain ranges.

Entry is completely free, available around the clock, and it’s a favourite spot among locals who congregate here at sunset with wine and pleasant conversation.

Benidorm and Ibiza remain firm favourites with British holidaymakers. Yet both destinations can feel overwhelmed by overpriced tourist traps.

Travel expert James revealed that when it comes to Ibiza, there’s far more on offer than simply clubbing. He explained: “The party scene has its place, but it’s not representative of what makes Ibiza special.”

His advice?

Take a ferry across to Formentera, or venture to the northern reaches of Ibiza around San Juan and Portinatx. Here you’ll discover secluded coves, charming whitewashed villages and a flourishing bohemian scene.

Regarding Benidorm, if you’re after something genuine, it’s best to give it a miss. James said: “Benidorm serves a purpose for certain travellers, but if you’re looking for Spanish culture or authentic coastal life, you won’t find it here.”

His recommendation is to head for villages such as Altea or Guadalest nestled in the mountains, where Spanish families take their holidays and restaurants dish up authentic paella instead of a full English breakfast.

As we head into 2026 and Democrats try to figure out how to regain power, their New Year’s resolution should be simple: Manage egos better.

In recent years, they seem to have forgotten the time-tested necessity of placating people. In other words, doing the same basic drudgery the rest of us rely on to get through this chaotic world.

This effort cannot merely be directed toward voters, as important as they are. It must also include elite stakeholders, some of whom might (rightly) be considered kooks, weirdos and otherwise high-maintenance eccentrics.

Lest you think Dems should simply shrug off these folks and say “good riddance,” consider this: Both Trump terms might have been avoided if Democrats had been more willing to nurture the nuts in years gone by.

Let’s start with their treatment of America’s top crank: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

As journalist Michael Scherer, who profiled RFK Jr. for The Atlantic, told Alex Wagner of “Pod Save America”: Once Kennedy’s own 2024 presidential campaign started to flounder, he and his campaign manager began “to make sort of outreach to Democrats … to see if they can open a conversation with Biden to sort of trade something.”

Unfortunately, “the Democratic response [was] silence.” They wouldn’t meet with him, they wouldn’t talk to him.

Later, as Scherer recounts: “A friend of [Kennedy’s] connects him with Tucker Carlson who connects him with Donald Trump. And that night, just hours later, they’re talking, and Trump at that point wants to make a deal.”

The rest is history.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Kennedy is a nut! Why should Democrats have humored him?”

How about this: Because Trump narrowly won the presidency in 2024 by forming a disparate coalition held together by duct tape, resentment and (possibly) a cursed amulet.

This motley crew included more prominent Dems than just RFK Jr. Remember when Biden basically ghosted Elon Musk for that big 2021 White House electric vehicle summit? Even Kamala Harris — who happily agreed with Biden on just about everything except her own polling numbers — called that a huge mistake.

Then again, Harris committed her own costly slight when she decided against going on Joe Rogan’s podcast.

For an entire decade now, Democrats have consistently alienated allies — with devastating results. I’m talking about the snubs that might have prevented Trump’s first presidential run entirely.

Not just the famous humiliation of Trump at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Here’s the more tragic prequel: Former “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd told the Bulwark’s Tim Miller that before Trump went full birther, he actually called the Obama White House offering “ideas on how to improve the state dinner.”

That’s right. Donald J. Trump — future leader of the free world — just wanted to talk about better parties. Shrimp trays. Tablecloths. Maybe a chocolate fountain.

Just as the world would have been better had the Washington Senators signed Fidel Castro to a huge baseball contract before he got too interested in politics, America might have been better if Obama had made Trump the White House state dinner czar.

But as Todd put it, “The last thing the Obama White House was going to do was placate a guy like Donald Trump.”

Understandable — until you consider that the alternative to humoring him was, you know … President Trump. Twice.

Look, I totally understand why a U.S. president might think he or she shouldn’t have to stoop to kissing some crank’s ring or placating some gilded, phony billionaire. But let’s be honest: It’s part of the job.

Instead of performing this sort of ego cultivation, Democrats — whether because of snobbery, elite gatekeeping, geriatric aloofness or a disciplined disdain for “time burglars” — have repeatedly alienated potential allies (or at least neutral parties). Then they act shocked when these same people drift into the MAGA solar system like space debris.

If Trump is truly an existential threat — and Democrats say this approximately 87 times a week — then maybe, just maybe, they should Return. A. Phone. Call.

Otherwise, Donald Trump will. Probably at 3 a.m., while eating a Big Mac.

So grovel if you must. Fake interest. Smile like you’re not dying inside. Do the basic humiliations the rest of us perform daily to get hired, get promoted or get a date.

It’s the least you can do. So make it your New Year’s resolution and honor it.

But if you think you’re too good to perform the basic glad-handing and ego-stroking, even for the nuttiest eccentrics, bad things will happen.

Trust me — I’ve seen this movie. And we’re only a year into his second term.

Matt K. Lewis is the author of “Filthy Rich Politicians” and “Too Dumb to Fail.”

HAVE you ever holidayed in Spain and wondered if you’re saying the right thing or if there’s an easy way to order at a restaurant? One language expert has the answers.

James Smith, who has been teaching Spanish for years and now runs Learn Spanish with James, has revealed to Sun Travel his top tips from ordering food to the lesser-known spots to visit in Spain.

When it comes to speaking Spanish, James says while you might not be an expert (yet), there’s no harm in trying.

Talking to Sun Travel, James said: “People make mistakes in English everyday, but when it’s in a foreign language they worry about sounding silly.

“In Spain they’d just be happy if you try, and you’ll get much better service if you’ve made an effort to speak Spanish with them rather than the expectation for them to speak English – that’s when you start getting free shots to the table.”

Here’s one way to do this in a restaurant, rather than just speaking English more loudly and slowly.

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James explained: “In order to sound quite colloquial, in Spain, you can say ‘me das’ or ‘me pones’ followed by what you want to ask for which is a very Spanish thing.

“It means, ‘can you get me this?’ – in English we’d say ‘can I have?’. On its own if you say it without the context of food it would mean ‘you turn me on’. But you’ll hear it all the time in restaurants and it doesn’t mean that.

“So for example you can say, ‘me pones un café con leche por favor’ – and always remember to say thank you afterwards.”

When it comes to pronouncing words in Spanish, other top tips include pronouncing ‘ll’ like ‘y’ – which will come in handy the next time you order a tasty paella.

Another example is that a ‘z’ is actually a ‘th’ sound and so is the letter ‘c’.

When it comes to holidaying in Spain, most Brits will head to restaurants for fresh seafood and patatas bravas – but there’s one Spanish classic that James warns against ordering a lot of.

James explained: “I would say anywhere you’re going where you have tapas as your main meal, you’re probably going to get ripped off.”

He continued: “You’re meant to have small tapa with a drink – it originates from people trying to stop flies in the alcohol, so they’d give you a ‘tapa’ which means lid in Spanish and put it on top of their glass.

“It’s only meant to be a small dish but now people have jumped on that and charge £15 for tapas when in reality, it was a freebie with a drink. I never have it as a main meal.”

Another sign of an inauthentic restaurant, according to James, is if there are pictures on the menu – or you see Spanish cuisine alongside egg and chips.

If you want some good recommendations but aren’t sure where to find them, then James says just ask.

He told us: “I always ask the hotel staff for a place to go and eat where tourists usually don’t go and they’re more than happy to help you.”

Most Brits head to the likes of Barcelona and Madrid, but aside from the major cities, where would James suggest to visit?

He said: “The Hanging Houses of Cuenca, which are just outside of Madrid. I would say like always look for these kind of day trips when you visit like the main cities.

“Toledo is another one, in the south of Spain, and Cádiz has the best beaches in Spain.”

James has been learning Spanish since he was a child, having taken an interest playing football in rural Spain.

He then studied the language at university before heading off to Buenos Aires and Costa Rica.

Now, he runs Learn Spanish with James suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced speakers – by signing up you can get a free email series with tips on how to learn the language.

Check out Learn Spanish with James and you can also keep up with James on TikTok.

Plus, one travel writer who’s visited 100 countries always goes back to these Spanish islands…

Robin McKelvie has travelled all over the world but reveals the place he goes back to the most are these Spanish islands…

“Despite having travelled to more than 100 countries in my time as a travel writer, the place I always return to is much closer to home. Having first visited the Canary Islands in Spain back in 1998, I’ve been back at least once a year on holiday.

“In Tenerife alone you can party at the world’s second biggest carnival, bash around the world’s best waterpark (Siam Park) and climb a mountain almost three times higher than Britain’s Ben Nevis.

“La Graciosa could be on a different planet. There are no tarmac roads, nevermind an airport.

“It’s a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and
cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches.

“Lanzarote and Gran Canaria boast Michelin star restaurants and foodies flock to Tenerife to dine at eight Michelin star restaurants.

“Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four!

“And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared one. As a Scot I know when hiking is brilliant. Tenerife has massive variety, as does Gran Canaria, but my top tip is La Palma.

“I hiked around what the Canarios call ‘La Isla Bonita’ with Ramble
Worldwide earlier this year. It was a joy soaring with our friendly group of largely British retirees up volcanoes, through thick forests and down to the cobalt Atlantic.”

For more on Spain, one presenter from A Place In The Sun moved to the Costa del Sol where she spends evenings on the beach – but there’s a catch.

Plus, check out the 15 holiday habits Brits need to ditch from dodgy sangrias to pints of lager.