Black Friday is a great opportunity to snap up a discounted holiday, whether you’re looking for a European getaway or to finally book that long-haul flight, but there’s one blunder to stay clear of
There are some things to be aware of when booking a holiday during the Black Friday deals (Image: Getty Images)
Black Friday deals are now in full swing, and there are some fantastic holiday packages available at a discounted rate. However, amid the excitement of booking that next getaway, a travel expert has outlined the one mistake you need to avoid.
From today (Friday, 28 November) the internet is ablaze with tempting offers during the annual Black Friday event, with many discounts also available before and after this date. Some of the most appealing offers are those related to our next holiday, whether that’s booking a tropical getaway for early next year or a last-minute trip to explore a charming European Christmas market.
A vast number of airlines, travel booking websites, and hotels offer major deals and discounts during Black Friday, but there’s something we need to be aware of when planning that desirable trip. Travel expert and Managing Director at hoppa, Chris Harrington, warned that the cheapest deal isn’t always the best for value.
“Black Friday deals can be extremely tempting, with many companies offering as much as £100 off per person or 20% off overall flights. But these headline prices can often hide add-ons,” Chris shared. “So be sure to check what’s included in your deal, such as resort fees, airport transfers and cancellation policies, before comparing offers.”
To help us navigate the chaos of Black Friday deals, Chris outlined additional top tips, including how to make the most of the annual sale. A key point is to verify your flight times before confirming the booking.
He explained: “Sometimes, a deal can be too good to be true. Sure, it may look like you’re getting a steal, but the flight may be going cheap because it departs at 5am or there’s a 12-hour layover. If the deal is a long-distance flight, be sure to check both legs of the journey to ensure you’re not stuck with ridiculously long layovers or connection times that are too tight to make comfortably.”
Black Friday doesn’t just need to be for booking a new holiday, but you can also take advantage of the deals when it comes to upgrading your flights or hotel. The expert said: “In addition to bagging a cheaper deal than usual, there’s also the opportunity to secure an upgrade at a fraction of the usual cost. This can range from flight upgrades to all-inclusive resorts and hotels with more luxurious facilities. If you fancy a sweeter deal, now is the time to cash in.”
Furthermore, Chris pointed out that it’s a good idea to have a flexible booking policy, particularly for trips next year. “If you’re booking trips for this time of year, keep in mind the likelihood of weather disruptions like heavy snowfall and storms. I suggest prioritising Black Friday deals that include a flexible cancellation policy or allow you to exchange flights. A slightly higher upfront cost can save you hundreds if plans need to change,” Chris shared.
While it may seem like you need to rush to book the holiday before it’s sold out or before the end of November 28, you still need to be sensible with your decisions.
“Deals can move quickly, but keep a steady head and spend some time checking recent price trends by using price comparison websites or fare-tracking tools, as it may turn out to not be a decent deal at all. If the price has been inflated before the discount, it’s not a true saving. Something I’d suggest is to keep a budget in mind in terms of how much you wish to spend and stick to it to avoid overspending,” he continued.
If you follow these simple tips from Chris, you will help ensure a great bargain while enjoying the best possible holiday, without any hidden surprises. The expert added: “Black Friday is a brilliant opportunity to secure yourself a great deal or treat yourself to that extra bit of luxury, but take the time to do your research before booking. Compare what’s included, check the fine print, and make sure the deal supports the kind of holiday you actually want. A little diligence now can save you a lot of stress later.”
Francis Hellyer, the founder and CEO of tickadoo, claims to have “been everywhere twice, and have some properly controversial opinions about Europe’s “best” cities”
Francis Hellyer does not mince his words(Image: Supplied)
Francis Hellyer, the founder and CEO of tickadoo, claims to have “been everywhere twice, and have some properly controversial opinions about Europe’s “best” cities.” When it comes to the “overrated” that he thinks are best to avoid, he highlighted three classic cities that receive millions of visitors each year.
Paris
“Unless you enjoy paying €15 for terrible coffee while dodging selfie sticks at the Eiffel Tower. The locals hate you, the metro smells like regret, and don’t get me started on Gare du Nord,” Francis told the Mirror.
If Francis isn’t alone in his dislike of the French capital, then the City of Love is responsible for a lot of very disappointed tourists. Paris received 48.7 million visitors in 2024, a post-pandemic high that surpassed the 2023 figure of 47.5 million.
Do you agree with Francis’s list? Let us know in the comments below or by emailing [email protected]
One cohort that has a famously difficult relationship with the city is the Japanese. A phenomenon called Paris Syndrome refers to the severe form of culture shock that affects some Japanese tourists. Visitors with highly idealized expectations, often fueled by media portrayals, can experience extreme disappointment and psychological distress when confronted with the realities of Paris, such as less polite service and dirtier streets than they’re used to back home.
“Everyone loves Paris because of the Eiffel tower, the Mona Lisa, and the late 1800s architecture. In all honesty, most of the people I encountered there were the rudest, most miserable people I’ve ever had to deal with. The food in Paris was subpar, and there was nothing good about the food. London has a lot better cuisine than Paris,” one unhappy customer wrote on Reddit.
Venice
“Venice in summer is basically Disneyland with pigeons,” Francis said.
He is not alone in feeling like this. A popular protest Instagram page called ‘Venice is not Disneyland’ calls out the bad behaviour of tourists. “In the beginning, it was kind of a joke between friends. It started because we would see the wildest things happening around Venice! Like tourists taking a bath in the canal or eating and sleeping anywhere,” the anonymous person behind the page told Spotted by Locals.
“It is not just about tourists though! Many locals are also behaving inappropriately, like leaving old electrical appliances in the streets. So we decided that we need to talk about this on social media to show just how far that would go.”
When asked what common tourist issues occur in the city, they said: “A very common one is taking a bath in the canals! You might think it’s an innocent activity, especially on a hot summer day, but we should really avoid this. To begin with, the water is unsafe and dirty, so it’s not ideal for sanitary reasons especially if you’re going to a restaurant or hotel afterward! And also, canals are used for transportation, so taking a bath can be very dangerous for you and others. It’s really like chilling in the middle of the street – you wouldn’t do that in any other city.”
Amsterdam
According to Francis, “Amsterdam is just stag dos and overpriced chips.”
The Dutch capital is one of the most-visited cities in Europe. Its 800,000-person population welcomes up to 20 million tourists a year. It is clear to see why, given its world-class museums, beautiful green spaces and tranquil waterways.
However, in recent years, Dutch locals have grown increasingly tired of Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for stag dos and bad behavior. To such an extent that authorities have taken steps to mitigate the effects of rowdy visitors. Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Similarly, taking photos of sex workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.
In 2023, the city council banned cruise ships from its city centre in July to prevent overtourism in its most popular areas. The same year it launched a “stay-away” digital campaign, targeting men aged 18 to 35 in the UK, attempting to curb visitors coming for drugs, alcohol and sex.
As for the cost of chips, a portion goes for between €3.50 and €6.50, according to Amsterdam Tips.
Some alternatives
As much as Francis isn’t a fan of the Dutch, French and Italian heavy hitters, there are some European cities he loves. They include:
Prague – All the beauty of Paris, half the price, triple the beer quality. Try the fried cheese.
Porto – Lisbon’s cooler older brother who doesn’t need to show off. Proper city. Great locals.
Thousands of people suffer from motion sickness while travelling in a car, on a ferry, by train or on a plane, and it can cause some unpleasant symptoms but one 30p item could help
There’s a simple and cheap item you should pack for your next getaway(Image: Getty Images)
Your bags are packed, and you’re on route to your anticipated getaway, but the excitement is overshadowed by the nuisance of feeling travel sick. Thousands of Brits go through the ordeal, whether that’s travelling by car, plane, train or boat, yet there’s one cheap item a travel expert swears by.
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from parts of the body that sense movement. Symptoms vary from case to case but typically include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, a headache, feeling cold and going pale or sweating.
It can be an uncomfortable feeling, particularly during a lengthy journey, with symptoms lasting up to a few hours in some cases. In a bid to avoid that dreaded feeling, there’s a clever but simple remedy you can take before travelling, and it costs just 30p.
Forget the tablets, patches, and travel bands – all you need is a cup of peppermint tea. “People are always surprised by how effective it is,” travel expert Yasmin Pekel from Blue Cruise explained. “You don’t need expensive tablets or special wristbands. A peppermint tea bag from your local supermarket can cost 25 or 30p, and it genuinely helps settle the stomach before you travel.”
Due to its natural compounds, peppermint tea can help relax the stomach and relieve nausea. Not only this, but it’s a great alternative to other expensive medications that can often come with some unsettling side effects.
The travel expert explained further: “When your eyes and ears send mixed messages to the brain, that’s when travel sickness starts. Peppermint helps smooth out that response and stops the feeling of motion building up.
“Peppermint has stood the test of time. It’s safe, it’s easy to find and it works for adults and children. A lozenge or mint sweet can help too, but tea is the best option because it keeps you hydrated and the smell alone helps people feel less queasy.”
While travelling is the cause of that nauseous feeling, stuffy and warm environments, like being packed on a crowded coach, can often make us feel even worse. Yasmin added: “Thick coats, stuffy cabins and early starts can all make nausea more likely. A small change like sipping peppermint tea or sucking on a lozenge before you board can make a big difference.”
The expert advises having a peppermint tea before your journey. Alternatively, you can try a mint sweet during your journey, which could help ease your symptoms as well.
Additionally, if you’re in a car, keep some air flowing so you avoid that stuffy feeling, and keep your eyes on the horizon. It is also best to avoid reading or strolling on your phone while in motion, and where possible, choose a seat with the least noticeable movement, such as the wing on a plane or the middle section on a ferry.
“For less than the price of a mince pie, it’s worth a go. If you’re heading abroad for mulled wine and Christmas lights, pack a few peppermint tea bags or a bag of mint sweets. They might be the best thing in your suitcase,” Yasmin expanded.
Adventurers listed the freedom to make their own decisions as the top motivation for travelling solo (35%), followed by the peace and relaxation a solo trip offers (33%), ease of planning (21%) and not having to consider the opinions of companions (18%)
Two thirds of British travellers find planning and booking holidays overwhelming(Image: Marriott International / Cover Images)
Two thirds of British travellers find planning and booking holidays overwhelming, with “decision fatigue” one of the biggest sources of stress – and 56% exhausted by the trip before it even begins.
New research found that much of the tension comes from holiday group chats, with 59% admitting trip planning has caused problems in the past.
Around 25% have given up on a break altogether after a deluge of messages but no decisions.
Causes of arguments included scheduling, budgets, finding and booking hotels and researching destinations and activities, according to the research by Moxy Hotels.
The rise of decision fatigue has helped fuel a growing desire to holiday solo, with 53% ditching travelling companions to travel alone
Adventurers listed the freedom to make their own decisions as the top motivation for travelling solo (35%), followed by the peace and relaxation a solo trip offers (33%), ease of planning (21%) and not having to consider the opinions of companions (18%).
Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice president, premium, select & midscale brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, said: “At Moxy Hotels, we understand that decision-making can be exhausting – especially when planning with a group.
“That’s why we’re championing the joy of solo travel: giving guests the freedom to do what they want, when they want, without compromise. With our playful design, social spaces, and hassle-free experience, Moxy makes me-time feel anything but lonely.
The global hotel brand has developed spaces specifically designed to encourage solo travel, including social public areas, lounges and libraries and its “small but smart” bedrooms.
Britain’s favourite solo travel destinations
From buzzy breaks to cultural classics, we’re embracing solo travel and going it alone. These are the top ten cities we love to explore without family or friends in tow.
AS winter sets in, many Brits are already looking ahead to their next holiday.
But travel experts have revealed the destinations that shouldn’t be on your 2026 bucket list, including a sunny favourite for UK residents.
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Fodor’s Travel has revealed its No 2026 List of destinations to avoid
From overtourism to negative environmental impacts, there are a variety of reasons to avoid this stunning locations.
Fodor’s Travel has revealed its No 2026 List, explaining: “Its purpose is to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities.”
While the round-up of locations is “not a call for boycott”, it aims to highlight the issues facing each area, urging tourists to “ease up on a spot for now–not forever”.
“Give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather,” the travel pros encouraged readers.
The list includes a popular tourist destination for Brits as well as a city set to host next year’s World Cup.
Antarctica
Environmental experts have discouraged the overtourism of Antarctica until visitor caps can be put in place
Unlike most destinations, Antarctica doesn’t need marketing campaigns to lure visitors to fuel its existent economy.
In fact, it doesn’t have an economy at all, and therefore doesn’t need tourists.
Despite this, the remote region welcomed 120,000 visitors from 2023 to 2024, a number which is projected to double by 2033.
Mike Gunter, professor of political science and chair at Rollins College in Florida, who studies ecotourism and environmental policy, spoke about the recent shift in tourism for Antarctica.
“Unfortunately, in the last quarter century, Antarctica has been moving more toward mass tourism instead of the traditional ecotourism world,” he explained.
Expedition ships offer visitors a chance to set foot on the driest land on the planet and witness calving glaciers.
Elizabeth Leane, professor of Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, pointed out that a major draw of Antarctica is that it “still has that mystique of being the last place, the last wilderness”.
However, Jessica O’Reilly, associate professor of anthropology at Indiana University and an advisor to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, explained: “The environment is fragile, and it’s a rare environment”.
“That’s why people want to go there, but it’s also why it can’t really sustain high numbers of tourism,” she said.
With no caps on visitation in Antarctica, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has only been able to set out voluntarily regulations for visitors.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have been named on Fodor’s No List for 2026, with overtourism as the main reason
With warm temperatures for most of the year, the Canary Islands have established themselves as a long-time favourite destination for Brits.
From cheap prices and direct flights to world-class waterparks and stunning scenery, there are many draws to the destination.
However, a whopping 7.8 million visitors in 2025 alone has left locals concerned over how much their islands can take.
Thousands even marched through the streets of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote in May under the banner, “Canarias tiene un límite” (“The Canaries have a limit”).
The booming tourism is causing soaring housing costs and mounting environmental strain, threatening the foundations of island life.
While tourism contributes more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and employs roughly 40% of its population, it has come at a price.
“Residents have started protesting because they’re genuinely fed up,” says John Dale Beckley, founder of the sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org.
“The government previously changed regulations that allowed residents to rent out their properties on Airbnb and Booking.com.
“This has driven up both rental prices and property values. Many young people now find it almost impossible to rent or buy a home.”
Meanwhile, there have also been “alarming losses in biodiversity” due to overcrowding.
And water scarcity and infrastructure strain are predicted to be the next looming crises.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Travel experts advised visitors to avoid Glacier National Park, Montana, USA for the time-being, allowing it time to recover from the environmental impacts of tourism
First opened in 1910 with the displacement of the Blackfeet tribe, Glacier National Park (GNP) in Montana struggles to live up to its name.
“For a lot of these species, climate change is what they call a ‘threat multiplier,’” Jamison explains. “
It magnifies existing threats and intensifies them … We’re seeing changes to migration routes, to seasonal habitats and winter range, and to entire populations.”
For some travelers, the last-chance draw of the rapidly melting glaciers has motivated visits to the park.
Already one of the most visited national parks in the US, Glacier saw around 300,000 more visitors in 2024 than 2023.
These large and growing numbers have various impacts on the park, from traffic congestion on Glacier’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road to the faster accumulation of garbage, and a greater risk of wildlife disturbance.
Glacier National Park has implemented policies to mitigate some of the effects, with visitors required to have timed reservations to enter during peak summer months and hours since 2020.
However, the damage may already have been done.
“The challenges absolutely are unprecedented,” says Jamison. “At no point in the history of Glacier Park have so many existential threats intersected all at once.”
Isola Sacra, Italy
Locals from Isola Sacra, Fiumicino have shared their concerns of the environmental impact of a cruise port in the small coastal townCredit: Alamy
This small community near Rome has been given the green light for a new port, where some of the world’s largest cruise ships will dock.
These plans have caused backlash from residents and environmental campaigners.
Despite the devastating impact of the cruise industry on other Italian areas such as Venice and Santorini, the quiet coastal district of Isola Sacra in Fiumicino is set to become the next cruise destination.
Located just 20 miles from Rome, the stunning area will become home to a pier for mega cruise ships, each over 230 feet high, over 1,150 feet long, and capable of carrying up to 6,000 passengers.
Authorities say the project will bring an employment boom, however various local and national associations have been fighting against these development plans since 2010.
Long-time residents of Isola Sacra have formed Tavoli del Porto, a committee working to safeguard the area.
“Only together can we stop these projects that threaten to destroy a delicate ecosystem of dunes, wetlands, agricultural land, unique vegetation, and terrestrial and marine animal species,” the activists told local press ahead of a protest planned in November.
The project includes measures for the protection of marine biodiversity, with Fiumicino’s seabed so shallow it will require 105 million cubic feet of sand would to be extracted to create a deep channel allowing access for ships.
The Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
The Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland also featured on the No 2026 ListCredit: Alamy
Located in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region stretches from the valleys of Interlaken to the imposing summits of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
The area is most famous for its Alpine villages of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren.
However despite its stunning scenery, the Jungfrau Region faces the challenge of balancing a booming tourism with the preservation of its environment and local quality of life.
The popularity of the area strains natural resources and the daily lives of residents, making now a critical moment to address sustainability.
According to Jungfrau Railways’ corporateannouncements, both visitor numbers and profits have never been higher.
More thana million people visited the Jungfraujoch, the ridge that joins two of the Bernese Alps’ towering 13,000-foot peaks dubbed “the Top of Europe”, in 2024, up 5.1% from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the Eiger Express gondola transported more than 2.1 million passengers, while the Harderbahn, Firstbahn, and Lauterbrunnen-Mürren cableways also broke attendance records.
In the first half of 2025, transport income has generated record profits, offering tourists the chance to reach the high Alps.
But this booming industry has had a visible impact on the surrounding countryside.
“Where there was ice, there are now trees,” explained climate and science reporter Mark Poynting of the Great Aletsch.
Mexico City
Mexico City has been struggling with overtourism in recent yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Set to host the opener of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, this city
On July 4, large protests erupted in Mexico City against gentrification, short-term rentals, and rising rents.
Signs reading “Mexico for Mexicans” and “gringos out” were spotted across the city.
Similar to the Canary Islands, the proliferation of Airbnb and other short-stay listings are contributing to housing displacement and rental inflation in the city.
“Simply put, Airbnb should be banned from Mexico City,” says Natalia de la Rosa, the Mexico City-born and bred operations leader of Club Tengo Hambre.
“It’s a platform that incentivizes evictions and tears at the social fabric of communities in neighbourhoods.”
“Deep-pocketed elites and large corporate and international portfolios purchasing entire apartment buildings to convert them into short-term rentals are negatively impacting our city,” she added.
Inside Airbnb, an advocacy group that analyzes the company’s footprint on residential areas through data-driven research, estimates that there are over 25,000 short-term rentals in the city.
Airbnb listings in the city have shot up by 35% since 2020.
Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa in Kenya has seen a recent boom in tourism, which has put a strain on local resourcesCredit: Alamy
With a record 2.4 million international arrivals last year, Kenya’s tourism industry has been booming, making travel the third-largest industry in the country for amassing foreign currency.
Cruise travel is one of the sector’s new tourism products, bringing a 164% rise in port traffic in coastal cities Mombasa and Lamu in 2024.
However, despite the country’s vigorous campaign to attract more travelers, Kenyan officials do not have a clear understanding of how many tourists it can accommodate without harming ecological health.
Mombasa, the country’s oldest coastal city, renowned as “the white and blue city,” now hosts 70% of tourists visiting the coast.
And now overtourism has left the city grappling with depleting resources, overcrowding, poor and congested roads, poor waste management–littered beaches and polluted oceans.
Officials have continuously prioritized tourism over local needs, going so far as to establish a Tourists’ Inspectorate Unit, a special security team safeguarding tourist centres, despite worries about crime outside these areas.
Montmartre, Paris
Montmarte in Paris has also been named on the No 2026 List
Paris’ hilltop village of Montmartre has long drawn tourists to its picturesque cobbled streets, from Van Gogh lovers to John Wick fans alike.
Montmartre, once a village on the outskirts of the city, has remained untouched, maintaining the narrow cobbled streets of yore.
Today, these picturesque ruelles are considered an undeniable tourist draw in the city.
However in recent years, it’s become more than the 30,000 residents can bear.
Rémy Knafou, professor at Paris 1–Panthéon Sorbonne and author of several books on overtourism has noticed that even previously quieter spots, notably the northern flank of the hill, now teem with tourist shops.
“At night, the Place du Tertre is completely invaded by café and restaurant terraces,” Knafou told Fodor’s.
“Some of the population living in the area is protesting–discretely, politely, but firmly–its discontent. It is therefore possible to speak of overtourism.”
Local government officials claim that they are working to reduce the impact of tourism on residents.
However, if trends continue in this way, experts warn Montmartre may be “progressively emptied of its population.”
With searches for ‘avoid jet lag’ soaring, travel experts have revealed the perfect time to fly
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
09:29, 23 Nov 2025
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Fly at the right time to avoid jet lag(Image: Thicha Satapitanon via Getty Images)
Anyone heading off for some winter sunshine this festive period might find themselves fretting about jet lag – particularly if you’re travelling somewhere quite distant. According to Google Trends data, searches for ‘avoid jet lag’ have rocketed by 9,900% over the past month, with holidaymakers worried this could ruin their break.
But dodging jet lag could be as straightforward as picking the ideal departure time, according to specialists at Go2Africa. They recommend booking your flight to arrive at a local time between 2pm-5pm, which means you’ll touch down in optimal conditions with plenty of daylight exposure and the chance to remain alert until bedtime. This sets you up for a properly synchronised body clock throughout your getaway.
Circadian rhythm alignment
One explanation for why your arrival time can help prevent jet lag is that it allows your body’s circadian rhythm sufficient time to adjust to external signals like light and darkness.
Any sudden shift, such as crossing time zones during air travel, can throw this alignment off balance and trigger jet lag symptoms.
Strong reset signal
“Light is the strongest signal to the body that it needs to reset”, the specialists explain. “Strategic exposure or, of course, avoidance, changes your circadian phase, supercharging the reset of your internal body clock.”
Daylight and wakefulness
The experts add: “Getting to your destination between the hours of 2pm and 5pm local time is perfect as you have enough daylight to reset your body clock, but it’s not so late that you will struggle to stay awake until bedtime. Arriving too early (morning) risks falling asleep prematurely or being awake for too many hours before night, confusing your clock.”
Other ways to beat jet lag
If you can’t manage to touch down at the ideal time, there are still plenty of methods to reduce your chances of suffering from jet lag.
The first approach is to slowly modify your sleep pattern at least three days before you travel. Achieve this by hitting the hay 30 to 60 minutes earlier each evening.
Another suggestion is to maximise your light exposure by stepping outdoors into natural sunlight as quickly as possible once you’ve landed.
Though if you touch down during the evening hours, experts recommend steering clear of harsh lighting (particularly screens) for an hour or two before your local bedtime.
During your first complete day at your destination, synchronise your meals, wake-up time and sleep schedule with the local timezone, as your body’s digestive rhythm also plays a crucial part in your circadian system.
Italy won the European Championship in 2021, but have not played at a World Cup finals since 2014 when they beat England but lost to Costa Rica and Uruguay and failed to make it beyond the group phase.
Their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign could not have got off to a worse start.
From then on, Italy have been playing catch-up, with flawless Norway winning their opening seven qualifiers, scoring 33 goals in the process, including 14 for Haaland.
Italy turned to Gennaro Gattuso, a former combative midfielder who helped AC Milan twice win the Champions League and Italy secure their last World Cup trophy in 2006.
Despite managing AC Milan and then winning the Coppa Italia with Napoli, a 23-day spell at Fiorentina saw him leave without taking charge of a game, before he only lasted seven months at Valencia and five months at Marseille.
His most recent appointment had been with Croatian club Hajduk Split, and many felt him becoming Italy manager was a mistake.
“When I heard Gattuso was in line it just seemed to demonstrate the giant collapse of Italy,” Italian football journalist Mina Rzouki told the Euro Leagues podcast.
“There were so many clips going around on social media about that Italy team just before they won the World Cup and you are talking about Paolo Maldini, [Fabio] Cannavaro, [Alessandro] Nesta, [Francesco] Totti, [Alessandro] Del Piero and it was just an embarrassment of riches.
“Now when you look at Italy over the last few seasons, even though they won the Euros, there was just a fall – but the one thing you could rely on was that Italy created these great coaches. Yet none of these great coaches were called up or have succeeded. Spalletti did not succeed.”
Horncastle added: “The players have had their backs against the wall after losing to Norway in June and now the approach that is being imposed on Italy by the Italian media is ‘you have to win all your remaining games and have to score lots and lots of goals’.
“Italy had a great coach in Luciano Spalletti, although, for whatever reason, it didn’t work out. Gattuso is a more famous manager for his press conferences than the football he has put on the pitch.”
Crocodile feet, fish eyes, a live spider – they’ve all been on the menu for I’m A Celeb stars over the years…
18:35, 12 Nov 2025Updated 18:39, 12 Nov 2025
Lisa Riley will be spared animal-based eating challenges(Image: ITV)
I’m A Celeb’s toughest trials are undoubtedly the eating and drinking nightmares where real animal parts are served up or whisked into a smoothie, with everything from croc feet to fish eyes – and in one particularly grim episode involving Ferne McCann, a live spider – on the menu.
Each series there tends to be a vegetarian or two who doesn’t have to take part in the animal-chomping spectacle. This year Lisa Riley, 49, falls into that category. The Mandy Dingle actress is a committed vegetarian who in recent years has lost 12 stone with rigorous veggie meals and by cutting out bread and booze.
The Emmerdale legend, who arrived in Australia on Sunday, will not only be served up special meals in camp – meaning no kangaroo tail for her – but when it comes to the trials, she’ll have fruit-based vegetarian options.
Fans have long insisted that vegetarians get an easier ride on eating trials, with many saying that while the likes of Bev Callard – who is vegan – had to eat fermented plums and cheesefruit, it wasn’t as challenging as munching sheep penis or deer testicle like some of her co-stars had to.
In 2019, I’m A Celeb bosses announced that live insects would no longer be eaten on the show – with only dead creatures consumed on the show. Wildlife presenter Chris Packham said he was “very pleased” and called it a “first step”.
Lisa joked that she was arriving in Australia to reprise the Emmerdale spin-off Dingles Down Under. She told reporters: “I am a Dingle I can cope with anything, I’m from the north… we are made of tough skin.
“We did Dingles Down Under many years so and I feel it’s only right we do it again.” Lisa also insisted she could handle bugs crawling about, saying: “I’ve worked on a farm and it’s part of the job.”
Lisa’s character Mandy – who she has played for 10 years – is set to take a break from Emmerdale, with a source explaining that her disappearance from the soap while she appears on I’m A Celeb explained by her leaving the village to visit a pal.
An insider told The Sun: “Mandy’s exit will be lowkey and very brief”. They continued: “Lisa filmed her scenes last week, Mandy goes to visit friends and will be back before you know it.
Flying long-haul can come with its challenges, and one passenger has issued a stark warning after they booked a specific seat on their British Airways flight and found themselves in ‘complete hell’
09:16, 12 Nov 2025Updated 09:19, 12 Nov 2025
A British Airways passenger has issued a warning after booking a particular seat during a long-haul flight (Image: Getty Images)
Checking in for a flight 24 hours ahead of its departure has proven to be a vital step in our travel plans, allowing us to secure our preferred seat, particularly on long-haul flights. However, sometimes, despite our best efforts, we are dealt the short straw.
One passenger discovered this during their 14-hour British Airways flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL), the capital of Malaysia, to London (LHR) after opting to book the window seat in 41A. Despite a view out of the plane often being favourable among travellers, this passenger labelled it “complete hell” as they had “no window” and limited space on the Boeing 787.
In a bid to warn others about booking this specific seat on a BA flight, they shared a photo of their limited leg room, which showed a silver box fixed underneath the seat in front on the left-hand side, thought to be the entertainment system. This forced the passenger in 41A to shift his feet and legs further to the right, bringing him closer to his flight neighbour.
In the Reddit post, the passenger revealed: “I had the misfortune of picking a window seat 41a on the Boeing 787 from KL to London. It’s a 14-hour flight, and I honestly don’t see how this seat could possibly be sold. There’s no window, it’s narrowing as the fuselage narrows, so you get less room to your left, they’ve chucked the entertainment box in your footspace, and then I was sat next to two larger men.
“It was honestly complete hell. I don’t see how any of that is possibly acceptable in the slightest. They shouldn’t even sell the seat at all. Luckily, after on hour, the stewardesses felt so bad for me because I clearly looked incredibly squashed (186cm tall) that they moved me for free. I just wanted to warn people, never ever ever book this seat. Literally would rather fly Ryanair for 14 hours.”
While the passenger was thankfully able to move seats, they titled the Reddit post “A warning to everyone about 41a and 41K.”
The post was met with a flurry of comments as other travellers expressed their sympathy for the situation during a long-haul flight.
One wrote: “I freaking hate those stupid boxes. What a disaster of a design.” A second added: “REALLY old tech too. Could be 1/10th the size with WAY less power draw.”
A third experienced a similar situation as they explained: “Experienced this damned thing for the first time from LHR to Boston yesterday. I’m 6″2 and I’ve flown plenty long haul to the west coast and never been as uncomfortable as I was on this flight.
“The front of my left leg – under my knee cap to halfway down my shin – is still numb right now, even after loads of walking.”
Another expanded: “That box is the IFE box. It’s a mini computer which runs multiple screens. But it’s a bit crap where they placed it. Economy is a challenge at the best of times, especially when you’re in a corner like that. Glad they moved you!”
“The aircraft itself is great, the problem is the airlines that decided to squeeze as many seats as possible. If I’m not mistaken, some Japanese airlines have one less seat per row on the Dreamliner, making the journey much more comfortable,” another traveller noted.
As Trent Perry made his first collegiate start, he stepped into a familiar role.
The UCLA sophomore always plays point guard in practice, going head to head against star counterpart Donovan Dent. Whenever they play together in games, Perry has to shift his approach, becoming more aggressive in trying to grab rebounds.
But with Dent sidelined as a precaution because of a muscle strain Monday night at Pauley Pavilion, the Bruins needed Perry to assume the role of lead facilitator.
Finding out that he was going to start only shortly before tipoff, Perry received encouragement from his sidelined teammate.
“He really just said, ‘Keep going,’” Perry said of Dent. “Just kept giving me confidence throughout the entire game. You know, keep going right now, you’re the engine and just keep your team moving. Just be a leader.”
Perry eagerly complied, leading the No. 15 Bruins to an 83-62 victory over West Georgia that was far closer than the score indicated. The Wolves used a bombs-away approach that yielded a flurry of three-pointers and kept the game competitive for 25 minutes before Perry helped UCLA avoid embarrassment on its home court.
Making most of the highlight passes, including one in which he barreled into the paint before flinging the ball to teammate Eric Dailey Jr. in the corner for a three-pointer, Perry logged career highs across the board with 17 points, nine assists and five rebounds along with only two turnovers in 37 minutes.
It was a performance that pleased coach Mick Cronin, who said he was primarily concerned with Perry’s defense and ability to take care of the ball while finding his teammates.
“Off certain plays that we ran, he read the defense, did a good job with that,” Cronin said. “That’s what you’ve to do as a quarterback — calling the plays, if the quarterback can’t deliver the ball, you’re a pretty limited coach.”
With UCLA holding just a five-point lead against an opponent in only its second season in Division I, Perry ignited his team’s 10-0 push early in the second half that provided breathing room with an assist and a layup in transition. Eventually the Bruins (3-0) found themselves ahead by 20 points, leaving West Georgia (1-2) with no way to catch them even on a night when the Wolves made 13 of 25 three-pointers (52%).
UCLA also persevered thanks to forward Tyler Bilodeau’s 21 points on seven-for-12 shooting and Dailey’s 14 points. The Bruins were far more efficient on offense in the second half, making 14 of 25 shots (56%) to finish the game shooting 49.1%.
UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau, left, tries to drive past West Georgia forward Kenneth Chime during the first half Monday.
(Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
But the outcome wasn’t a foregone conclusion until there were about 10 minutes left thanks to West Georgia’s success from beyond the arc. The Wolves made nine of 13 three-pointers in the first half before cooling off considerably.
“We were losing shooters,” said Perry, who was pump-faked out of the way on one three-pointer in the game’s early going. “Our deflection [total] was really low. Coach said comfortable teams make comfortable players. And they were pretty comfortable in our home gym, especially in the first half.”
Cronin said he was grateful that his team was challenged by a third consecutive lesser-conference opponent after struggling to put away Eastern Washington and Pepperdine.
“It was great that they made us compete tonight — we do not need a false sense of security,” Cronin said. “I’ve been doing this a long time, so the worst thing you can have is [an opponent] that just lays down, doesn’t pass the ball, can’t make a shot, you’re running and dunking, the crowd’s going wild. It’s such a false sense of security for what we’ve got coming Friday.”
Cronin was alluding to an early season showdown against No. 5 Arizona at the Intuit Dome.
UCLA will need not just Dent back but also the defensive intensity that has made Cronin’s teams far more formidable than they looked for much of Monday night. Dent likely will play against the Wildcats, Cronin said.
“He’s banged up, got a couple of different areas he’s banged up,” Cronin said. “It was a great chance to get him some rest.”
And, in the process, learn that the Bruins have someone else capable of running their offense.
There are a few places on a plane that are best avoided, and if you’re looking for a few ideas, some experts have shared their top tips for finding a seat that’ll make your trip more comfortable.
Nicola Roy Spare Time writer
10:30, 04 Nov 2025
There’s one area of the plane that can be more problematic than the rest(Image: Getty)
Jetting off on holiday is always exciting, especially during the chillier months when the idea of swapping the UK for somewhere warm and sunny is enough to lift anyone’s spirits. However, even if you’re simply heading to a European destination, the journey there isn’t always plain sailing.
We’ve all endured the horror of a dreadful flight before. Whether it’s down to discomfort, fellow passengers’ antics, or something else entirely, it can cast a shadow over your holiday before it’s even started.
So, to help travellers kick off their trips on the right foot, I decided to consult some experts about the worst spot on the aircraft to reserve your seat – and they all had very similar answers.
Nearly all of the specialists I spoke to agreed that the very last row of the aircraft might not be your best bet if you’re after a peaceful journey, reports the Express.
Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, warned that anyone who struggles with turbulence will want to steer clear of this section. He explained: “Seats at the very back are typically less desirable. They are close to the galley and restrooms, service can be slower, food choices may be limited, and it is also the area where movement during turbulence feels strongest.”
He also emphasised the importance of being organised when reserving aircraft seats. This often comes at an extra charge, but if you’re anxious about securing a decent seat, then there’s a good chance it’ll be money well spent.
The expert continued: “Thinking about your priorities in advance also makes a difference – nervous flyers will be more comfortable over the wings, those with a tight connection should choose an aisle near the front, while couples booking a row of three might secure the window and aisle, leaving the middle free for a chance at extra space.”
Izzy Nicholls, a travel expert and founder of road trip blog The Gap Decaders, agreed, saying: “Seats at the back are best avoided. They’re typically noisier because of engine proximity and galley activity, and you’ll be among the last to board and leave the plane.”
Unsurprisingly, the front of the aircraft proved to be the best location for the smoothest experience. Izzy explained: “Travellers who want a calmer journey should book seats at the front of the plane. This area is away from restrooms and heavy foot traffic, so you’ll experience fewer interruptions.
“Choosing an aisle seat here also gives you the freedom to stretch your legs and get up easily without disturbing others. Select these placements to make long flights more comfortable and reduce the effects of motion.”
The rear section of the aircraft isn’t just problematic for comfort – it’s also less ideal when it comes to storage space, particularly if you’re late boarding. Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO and Co-Founder of luggage storage firm Stasher said: “Avoid sitting near galleys and toilets, where staff members often store their things in overhead bins, leaving less space for passenger baggage.
“The last few rows are a concern because if you board late, the bins above you may be filled, which means you may have to store your luggage several rows away. Also, stay away from seats that are located behind bulkheads, as these spaces often have limited storage.”
Travel expert Andrea Platania from Transfeero also warned passengers to avoid the back row when flying, explaining: “The very last row is typically the least desirable: limited recline, proximity to bathrooms, and more cabin noise. Middle seats anywhere are usually least popular unless you’re traveling in a group.”
However, for those seeking maximum legroom, there are two areas offering the most space. Andrea said: “Exit-row and bulkhead seats offer more space, but they come with trade-offs: fixed armrests, limited recline, or restrictions for passengers traveling with children.”
And for travellers prone to airsickness during turbulence, one specific location is recommended. The expert added: “Sit over the wings. This area is closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, so you’ll feel less turbulence compared to the back, where bumps are magnified.”
