avoid

Argentina fans responded with gestures of their own, with one punching the bus windows.

“Henry’s full of character,” Borthwick said. “We want character in our game and we want character in our squad.

“This squad really embraces what he brings. It takes all kinds of different personalities and we’ve got some players who wouldn’t do that and then you’ve got Henry who would go and do that.

“We embrace it. I think it was done in good nature and it came from a very good place.”

England have won nine of their past 10 meetings with the Pumas, including both Tests while on tour without their British and Irish Lions last summer.

After their most recent meeting – a 27-23 win for England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium – Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi was involved in a confrontation with England flanker Tom Curry in the tunnel.

England have named the same starting XV that beat Fiji 73-8 last weekend while Argentina’s team contains a clutch of players based in England, including Bath full-back Santiago Carreras, Bristol centre Matias Moroni and Harlequins second row Guido Petti.

Argentina; S Carreras; Delguy, Moroni, Piccardo, M Carreras; Albornoz, Garcia; Vivas, Montoya (capt), Rapetti, Petti, Alemanno, Grondona, Kremer, Oviedo.

Replacements: Ruiz, Wenger, Delgado, Elias, Matera, Moro, Benitez Cruz, Cinti.

A poll of 2,000 adults who travel abroad found that one in six have committed a cultural faux pas while on holiday – and the top 10 travel mistakes tourists make have been listed

One in six holidaymakers have committed cultural blunders while abroad – including eating with their left hand in South Asia and blowing their nose at the table in China.

A survey of 2,000 adults who travel overseas found 28% of those who have put their foot in it culturally have neglected to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting a place of worship. Meanwhile, 26% have forgotten to tip in North America and 21% have jaywalked there too.

Despite a tendency to make such mistakes, 39% of all those surveyed said experiencing different cultural etiquette is one of the main reasons they choose to travel – particularly to long-haul destinations.

A spokesperson for Riviera Travel, which commissioned the research and offers escorted tours across Europe, Asia and North America, said: “Travel is about embracing the unfamiliar. “These findings show how easily well-meaning holidaymakers can fall foul of local customs, often without realising it.

“Whether it’s understanding dining etiquette, dress codes or local laws, having expert guidance or a well-planned itinerary can give travellers the confidence to explore unfamiliar cultures without the worry of getting it wrong.”

The study revealed 62% have worried about accidentally breaking the law while travelling, while 54% feared coming across as rude without intending to.

A further 42% were concerned about taking photographs somewhere they shouldn’t, while 41% worried about getting religious customs wrong.

To get themselves prepared, 57% research destinations more thoroughly before jetting off. Upon doing so, 31% were taken aback by just how many everyday UK habits are perceived differently abroad.

In particular, 30% found that hand gestures can carry entirely different meanings depending on your location around the globe – such as using the ‘OK’ gesture in Brazil, which is often the equivalent to swearing.

Other no-gos British holidaymakers were oblivious to included the fact that bringing mineral water into Nigeria is forbidden, while commonly available nasal sprays can be restricted in Japan. Camouflage clothing is banned in Barbados and taking bubble gum into Singapore is against local rules.

Eager to avoid becoming the stereotypical “Brit abroad”, 49% modified their behaviour while travelling so they would not be perceived that way. A third had seen another holidaymaker making a cultural mistake, including being rude towards restaurant or hotel staff (52%), speaking too loudly in public (51%) and dressing inappropriately at religious or cultural sites (49%).

If they made a faux pas themselves, 56% would feel embarrassed, 51% apologetic and 30% eager to learn from the experience.

It also emerged 29% of those who worry about social faux pas preferred guided tours or expert advice to ensure they didn’t make a cultural mistake.

Whereas 24% stated being part of a guided group would give them the confidence to explore unfamiliar destinations, and 22% valued the reassurance of travelling with an experienced tour manager.

A spokesperson for Riviera Travel added: “The findings show most travellers are keen to be respectful when they visit somewhere new, even if they occasionally get things wrong. “Being open to different customs and ways of life is one of the most rewarding parts of travel.

“Having the support of local experts, an experienced tour manager, and the reassurance of a guided group provides essential peace of mind.”

TOP 10 CULTURAL BLUNDERS:

1. Not covering up shoulders and knees when visiting places of worship.
2. Not tipping at a restaurant in North America.
3. Jaywalking in America.
4. Eating with your left hand in countries where the right hand is traditionally used for eating.
5. Not removing shoes when entering homes in Canada.
6. Showing up late to an appointment or meeting in Germany.
7. Using the “OK” hand gesture in Brazil.
8. Leaving chopsticks sticking vertically out of the rice in Japan.
9. Pouring your own drink before others in South Korea.
10. Touching someone’s head in Thailand.

WASHINGTON — Christopher J. Boyce, whose sale of CIA satellite secrets to Soviet agents was one of the nation’s gravest espionage crimes of the 1970s, pleaded before a Senate panel Thursday for improvements in U.S. security procedures and for other young persons to avoid his fate.

In an emotional, hourlong statement, the 31-year-old Boyce said his 21 months of spying at TRW Inc. offered no “James Bond” thrills and brought him “only depression and a hopeless enslavement to an inhuman, uncaring foreign bureaucracy.”

“As we sit here, a half-dozen, perhaps a dozen, perhaps more Americans are operatives of the KGB,” the former Californian told the Senate Governmental Affairs permanent investigations subcommittee, which is examining how federal security clearances are granted.

‘None Are Happy’

“Perhaps some of them have been in place for years. I tell you that none of them are happy men or women,” he said during testimony described by Sen. William S. Cohen (R-Me.) as “one of the most powerful and poignant statements we have ever heard.”

Boyce, who is serving a 68-year prison sentence for espionage and for robbing banks after escaping from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution in 1980, said that “for whatever reason a person begins his involvement . . . the original intent and purpose becomes lost in the ignominy of the ongoing nightmare.”

Although Boyce took the witness stand in his defense during his 1977 spy trial, his Senate testimony Thursday–in which he paused to fight back tears four times–provided his fullest statement to date on his actions and reflections as a Soviet collaborator.

He told senators that he had received a top-secret clearance from the government in 1975 after only a cursory investigation in which he was never interviewed about his anti-Establishment attitudes, which were well known among his friends.

Boyce said the government interviewed only his parents and some of their acquaintances, “who lived in another world” and knew nothing of his opinions.

Smoked Marijuana at 16

“Had the investigators asked any of my friends what I thought of the U.S. government, and in particular the CIA, I would never have gotten the job,” Boyce said. “Had they asked, they would have learned that I had first begun smoking ‘pot’ at 16 and that I had experimented with a variety of other drugs.”

He said he was hired only because his father, a former FBI agent, knew a top security official at the company.

At the Redondo Beach-based TRW, where Boyce worked as a clerk assigned to a highly sensitive satellite project, plant security was “a joke–almost laughable,” making it easy to photograph thousands of documents to pass on to Soviet agents, he said.

Boyce–who testified before the subcommittee while guarded by a dozen federal marshals–described the informal atmosphere and lax security at TRW and said his co-workers never suspected he was cooperating with the Soviets.

Parties in ‘Black Vault’

“We regularly partied and boozed it up during working hours within the ‘black vault,’ ” the super-secret room housing the CIA satellite project, he said. “Bacardi rum was usually stored behind the crypto machines.”

Boyce said a code-destruction machine similar to a blender “was used for making banana daiquiris and Mai Tais. On occasion, the project security manager would join us for a drink on the house.”

Boyce, whose case was recounted in the best-selling book “The Falcon and the Snowman” and in a subsequent film, said he understood that TRW has tightened security in recent years. Witnesses from the company confirmed this in later testimony.

Monkey Badge

So lax was security at TRW, Boyce said, that “my immediate supervisor once made a security badge with a monkey’s face on it and, to everyone’s amusement, used it to come in and out of the building.”

With tears in his eyes, Boyce said he no longer is “a rebellious 21” and agreed to testify “in the hope that I am performing a constructive act.”

He concluded: “I only wish that before more Americans take that irreversible step, they could know what I now know, that they are bringing down upon themselves heartache more heavy than a mountain.”

Keeping the item with you until you’ve got off the plane and collected your luggage on the other side is best

Millions of people are expected to go abroad during the six-week holiday, as the peak travel season typically sees masses of British families take advantage of the kids being off. With so many people set to pass through UK airports over the coming weeks, it is important to stay up to date with the latest guidelines and advice to ensure a smooth journey.

Jet2 is one of the most popular budget airlines in the UK, and welcomes around 20 million passengers on board each year. Jet2‘s website is full of information for passengers to read up on and keep in mind when travelling, including steps to take and things to do to minimise disruption and delays as much as possible, especially when bringing luggage to go into the aircraft’s cargo hold.

On its ‘Top Tips Before Travel‘ page online, the airline urges passengers to bring one particular item along with them on their journey, right until they collect their checked luggage at their chosen destination. By doing so, they can reduce the risk of longer delays should the worst happen

The airline explains: “At check-in, each item of checked baggage will be given a destination tag showing your flight number. Do not get rid of your checked baggage receipts (if given) until you pick up all checked baggage at your destination airport. Never carry unidentified items on behalf of other people.”

Why is it important to keep the luggage receipt with you?

It’s important to keep your checked baggage receipt because it helps you track down lost luggage, file for compensation, and prove ownership if security or customs officials need to check your bags. Usually, these are the small adhesive tags that get stuck to your boarding pass or passport after you drop off your luggage at the check-in desk.

When you check-in a bag, the barcode and receipt information are linked to your digital flight booking file. If your suitcase doesn’t show up, the barcode and the 10-digit number on your receipt help airline agents find your specific bag using global systems like WorldTracer.

If I lose my luggage receipt, will I face delays?

If your bag is lost and you have misplaced your checked baggage receipt, the airline can still look up your digital tracking information, but the process will require more manual verification and may face delays. Locating your profile manually can be time-consuming, particularly during busy travel times or when the booking system is experiencing delays.

If your bag is lost for good (missing for over 21 days), the airline or your travel insurance company may ask for more evidence of check-in. Misplacing the receipt can complicate the process of making a formal financial compensation claim, but your digital booking records usually serve as a valid paper trail, according to Citizens Advice.

Jet2 also urges passengers to label each piece of baggage with their name, flight number, and phone number. It adds: “Please ensure your baggage is strong and fit for purpose, to protect the contents and to withstand the normal baggage handling process. Soft sided cases and handles, wheels and locks can be particularly vulnerable.”

The airline also says: “Take care when claiming your baggage at your destination, as many suitcases look the same. It is best to always check the name on the baggage tag.

“You must contact the Jet2.com team at the airport (or our handling agents) immediately if your baggage is damaged or has not arrived. Irregularities must be reported immediately as claims cannot be processed once you leave the airport. Staff will help you to complete a Property Irregularity Report Form.”

I BET you’ve heard of Istanbul – but did you know a short boat ride from the city there is a hidden gem island?

Meaning ‘Big Island’ in Turkish, Büyükada is the largest of the three Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, which is near Istanbul.

Despite being the largest, the island itself only spans two-square-miles.

And from Istanbul, you can hop on a ferry (there are two different companies that head there) with tickets ranging from £2.50 to £3.20 per way and taking between 45 minutes and an hour and a half to get there.

Tie in your visit to Buyukada, with the other two islands – Heybeliada and Burgazada – before heading back to Istanbul.

As for what to see and do on Buyukada, until recently the only public transport on the island were horse-drawn carriages.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

But now, thanks to the island becoming more popular with tourists, you can hop on a number of electric buses – with no cars allowed on the island.

At the north end of the island, you can expect to see streets lined with 19th century, wooden villas.

Famous ones in particular include the Con Paşa Mansion, which was built by a Venetian merchant and Mizzi Mansion, which boasts a red brick tower.

Make sure to stop by the Nizam neighbourhood too, where you’ll find more Ottoman era villas including white buildings draped in vibrant, purple flowers.

The area isn’t too big, but do make sure you head down Cankaya Caddesi which is often named the most beautiful street in Turkey.

History fanatics should also drop by Trotsky House, which is where Leon Trotsky lived in exile between 1929 and 1933.

On the other hand, the southern end of the island is mostly home to great walking and hiking routes, thanks to being home to the Büyükada Ecotourism Area.

You’ll find Mediterranean pine forests and the island’s highest peaks to explore.

You’ll also find Prinkipo Greek Orphanage, which is the largest wooden building in Europe and the second largest in the world.

The island is home to some beautiful beaches as well, including Aya Nicola Beach.

For around £6.40, you can hire a lounge chair with an umbrella and also access showers and changing rooms, making it the ideal spot for a beach day.

Alternatively, you could head to Viranbağ Plajı, which also boasts a restaurant.

While you do have to pay an entry fee to the beach (which usually is a few quid), it is often less crowded than other spots on the island.

A popular way to explore the entire island is by hiring a bike – and thanks to its size, it only takes a couple of hours to cycle around.

The best way to get to the island is by flying to Istanbul and then taking a short and scenic ferry ride across to the island itself.

Flights to Istanbul cost from £108 per way in July.

And if you want to extend your time on the island, you can stay in one of the hotels or guesthouses.

For example, there’s Hillora Hotel Buyukada, which has views, a sauna, a sun terrace and a garden.

Plus it is just a six-minute walk from the beach.

The hotel costs from £149 per night.

For something more historical but also cheaper, head to Büyükada Anastasia Meziki History Mansion, which has its own restaurant, bar, terrace, patio and mountain views.

The hotel even has a hot tub to relax in.

Rooms at the hotel cost from £86 per night.

A money-saving expert has shared a simple two-minute Ryanair middle seat hack that could help you avoid being assigned the worst seats on your flight – and it won’t cost you a penny

A savvy deals expert has revealed his top trick for dodging extra seat selection charges on a Ryanair flight with a straightforward two-minute technique. Ryanair is frequently praised by travellers for its budget-friendly fares, as tickets to destinations across Europe can often be snapped up for less than €20.

However, costs can rapidly mount up if you’re not clued up on Ryanair’s various add-on charges, such as bringing additional baggage on board, or opting to check in at the airport rather than online. The fee that frustrates passengers the most, though, is forking out anywhere between €4.50 to €36.50 just to select a specific seat. Prices differ depending on which seat you’re after, and whether you’re keen on extra legroom.

And while the airline recently updated its Family Seating Policy following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), you’ll still need to pay if you wish to sit alongside someone aged over 11 — or simply want to steer clear of a middle seat.

Now, money-saving guru Jordon Cox, who has featured on ITV’s This Morning and is widely known online as The Coupon King, has unveiled a nifty two-minute hack that stops the airline from lumping you with a middle seat — without spending a single penny.

“Never sit in the middle seat again with this easy trick!” Jordon said at the start of his TikTok video. “There is a way to avoid those awful middle seats on Ryanair without paying for it.”

For the initial stage of his trick, Jordon advises checking the seating chart to identify which seats remain unoccupied roughly five to six hours before the flight’s scheduled departure, and pinpointing those you’d rather avoid. For most travellers, these could be middle seats, or ones close to the toilets.

After you’ve identified your least desirable seats, Jordon proposes opening a second tab on your laptop or phone and creating a fresh booking on the same flight you’re travelling on.

Next, enter some fictitious passenger names, matching the number of seats you’re trying to dodge, and assign the imaginary travellers to those particular seats.

“These seats are then frozen for a few minutes while they’re in someone else’s basket,” Jordon explained.

He noted in the post’s caption: “Hopefully the only ones left are the aisle and the window.”

Following this, simply return to your original booking and opt for random seat allocation. “And boom, you’ve avoided the middle seat for free!” Jordon declared.

Folk quickly flocked to the comments section to express their views on the trick, with one person noting: “Only works if the flight isn’t full.”

Another remarked: “They’ll cop on to this and we won’t be able to do it.”

This isn’t the sole trick Ryanair passengers have discovered to sidestep the carrier’s numerous charges, as many frequently turn to social media platforms to reveal the methods they’ve used to dodge baggage fees, or secure entire rows to themselves for extra legroom.

England men’s players have been advised to avoid drinking alcohol on the day before and the day after matches, under new behaviour guidelines.

A midnight curfew was introduced following an Ashes tour blighted by off-field problems, but ambiguities around the curfew were a factor in the nightclub controversy involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.

In the aftermath of that incident, England players were issued new guidance, as reported by the Telegraph, external.

The updated policy confirms the midnight curfew is in place on every day of a series at home or on tour.

It also recommends that no alcohol be consumed on the day immediately before, during or the day immediately after a match. If, for example, a Test runs the full five days, the recommendation extends to the following day.

The head coach and director of cricket, in this instance Brendon McCullum and Rob Key respectively, have the discretion to relax the recommendations when they see fit.

That way, the hierarchy can allow players the freedom to celebrate a win or keep with traditions such as an end-of-series drink with the opposition at the conclusion of an Ashes series.

Players were allowed to drink immediately after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, to mark Stokes’ international retirement.

The recommendations apply only to players, rather than staff.

If players do choose to drink in the period before, during or after matches, it should not be in public.

They have also been strongly discouraged from drinking in private, in order to aid preparation, recovery and professionalism.

It has not been confirmed if the guidelines apply only to the England senior men’s teams, or all England teams – including the senior women and pathway programmes.

Regarding the curfew, there are periods when players would naturally leave the England camp, either because there is a long gap between matches or they have been released to their counties. It is unclear if the curfew would still apply.

Harry Poulton moved from Brighton and moved to Benidorm after visiting the city with his mates when he was 18 – but there are certain spots he says tourists should avoid

Benidorm is one of the most popular European holiday destinations among Brits and attracts approximately five million tourists annually. Harry Poulton, 24, grew fond of the resort following a visit with mates at 18 and now regards his decision to relocate there as the finest decision he’s ever made.

Nevertheless, he wishes to pass on his expertise to holidaymakers preparing to explore the seaside city on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Taking to TikTok, where he’s amassed more than 40,000 followers, he highlighted three locations in the nightlife hotspot that he believes are best avoided owing to safety concerns.

First on his list is the ‘Yellow Brick Road’, a centre of bars and eateries that represents the core of local nightlife, covering streets such as Leanto, Ibiza, and Leerida.

Harry cautioned: “The Yellow Brick Road – this little public pathway […] leads all the way up to the Rio Park. Now, it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing. Generally, during the day, it’s absolutely fine. I’d recommend avoiding it at night.”

The second spot Harry suggests swerving is Pueblo Alley, situated close to Levante Beach.

“This is one I definitely recommend avoiding, especially late at night, as you do get the pickpockets hanging around this area,” he warned. “You also get the odd lady of the night. There are plenty of other ways around”.

Topping Harry’s list of places to steer clear of is ‘Mugger’s Alley’, meanwhile.

“It is the most notorious – it’s the one we all know,” he exclaimed. “Known for pickpocketing, ladies of the night, it’s just an area I would avoid. They’re even doing these new taxi scams. It’s crazy. Save yourself the hassle and cross the road.”

Despite acknowledging these risks, Harry remains a devoted admirer of this popular holiday hotspot.

He argues that many British holidaymakers hold misconceptions about Benidorm, insisting that concerns over crafty scams and overpriced goods are often way off the mark.

What’s more, since swapping Brighton for Benidorm, Harry has watched his living expenses drop considerably, with monthly outgoings now falling between £500 and £1,000, including bills.

Harry proclaimed: “If you live here, you get it. Benidorm is paradise – and anyone who says otherwise is lying.”

HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Spain this summer have been warned to avoid 14 popular beaches.

Environmental organisation Ecologistas en Acción has published its annual report highlighting the areas of Spain‘s coast with the biggest issues.

The report awards ‘Black Flags’ for either pollution or for poor management.

Of the 48 flags awarded, 14 were awarded to beaches – mostly due to pollution problems.

One beach that was awarded a Black Flag is Playa de Maro for pollution, in Malaga.

The popular 500-metre-long beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and underwater caves and was previously said to be of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

In Granada, Playa de la Charca, Salobreña was awarded a Black Flag for pollution and Playa de Los Berengueles, Almuñécar was awarded a Black Flag for poor management.

Over in Alicante, the coastal neighbourhoods of Albufereta and Cap de l’Horta both gained Black Flags for pollution and La Almadrava beach gained one for poor management.

Valencia also has a number of coastal spots that were called out including its coastline for pollution and the surroundings of the Port of València and Sagunto for poor management.

In the popular city of Barcelona, the Beach of the Sant Adrià del Besòs was awarded a Black Flag for pollution.

The stretch of coastline features golden sand and is often less crowded than the main beaches by Barcelona city.

Over in the Canary Islands, the town of El Puertito de Adeje was awarded a Black Flag for poor management, as was Las Teresitas Beach.

On Gran Canaria, the coastline of Telde was also given a Black Flag, as was the coast of Lanzarote due to cruise tourism.

If you are heading to the Balearics, then avoid the town of Port of Pollenca in Majorca and in Menorca, avoid Torrente de Cala Galdana – which is a ravine with a beach.

Other beach destinations that gained a Black Flag include:

• Playa Central de Isla Cristina in Huelva
• Playa de Quitapellejos, Almeria
• Levante beaches of Punta Entinas-Sabinar, Almeria
• Playa de As Catedrais, Lugo
• La Ribera de Cabanes beach, Castellón
• Surrach beach, Benicarló, Castellón
• Playa de la Paella, Torredembarra, Tarragona
• Basorda Cove, Basque Country

The airline has shared advice for passengers to help prevent delays during security checks

British Airways has advice to help passengers ‘avoid delays’ at the airport. The airline’s website shares the latest guidance and travel updates for customers. It also answers frequently asked questions to help passengers have the smoothest possible experience on travel days.

In the baggage FAQ section, the airline has offered a tip for anyone travelling with medication in their hand luggage. British Airways said it recommends that passengers carry a copy of their prescription for any medication they are carrying.

The advice said: “We recommend you carry a copy of the prescription for your medication to avoid delays at security or customs.” Passengers are advised to carry any essential medications in their hand luggage.

British Airways explained: “If you need to take regular medication, it’s important to pack enough essential medication for your personal use on board – and for the first few days of your journey – into your smaller under-seat item of hand baggage. This is in case your hold baggage is delayed for any reason.”

British Airways adds that this medication shouldn’t be packed in any larger cabin bags. “Avoid packing medication in your larger cabin bag as you may be asked to put it into the hold on busy flights.

“Additional medication for personal use at your destination can also be packed in your checked baggage, so long as you are carrying enough for a few days in your hand baggage in case of any eventuality.”

There are allowances for passengers who need to carry medicines exceeding 100ml. Gov.uk explains: “You’re allowed to carry the following in your hand luggage: essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers or medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey.

“You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example, a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s both: in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml. You do not need to show proof if the medication is either: in tablet form or liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller.”

Gov.uk also shares advice for any passengers travelling with medicine containing a controlled drug. The guidance states: “You must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK.

It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.”

Martin Lewis has shared his top holiday money saving tip, explaining whether you should pay in local currency or pounds on your card abroad – and how it could save you money on extra charges

Martin Lewis has finally settled the age-old holiday debate, revealing whether it’s better to pay in pounds or local currency when using your bank card overseas. Sharing his expert insight with BBC viewers, he cut through the confusion, offering clear guidance on the smartest way to spend abroad without losing out.

Martin advised: “When you go abroad and you pay on plastic [card] and the overseas cash machine or shop asks you: ‘Do you want to pay in Pounds or Euros?’ What do you do?

“Well, the correct answer is you should always pay in euros or whatever the local currency is. That means it’s your plastic that’s doing the exchange rate conversion, not the overseas shop or ATM.”

He stressed that this rule applies no matter where in the world you are. Social media users were quick to chip in with their own tips and experiences. One user suggested: “Just get Revolut or Monzo.”

Another declared: “I use Starling Bank it has no fees abroad and recommends paying in the local currency instead of Pounds. Something I saw online about dynamic exchange rate and it can cost you more otherwise.”

A third added: “Revolut has always been the best on doing this, can exchange right in the app as well, and when withdrawing it’ll just take it straight from that, half the time the only fee is the cash fee by the machine you use.”

Meanwhile, a recent holidaymaker shared their own experience: “Just back from Spain and not a single ATM did free cash withdrawals either, thankfully that’s all I was charged with my Chase account.”

One shrewd traveller commented: “I just get Euros before I go anywhere save all the hassle, and if I’m really stuck for cash go into an actual bank on holiday and withdraw money on my card.”

This handy tip comes on the heels of advice from a money-saving guru who stressed the importance of securing travel insurance ‘ASAB’.

During an appearance on This Morning, the financial whizz revealed: “My travel insurance rule is get it ASAB (as soon as you book). People do get a little confused about this, so let’s break it down.”

He continued to explain: “If you’re getting a single trip policy, so that is a policy to cover just one holiday, then what you do is as soon as you book, you go on one of the travel insurer’s website, you tell it your holiday dates and you buy the policy then.”

Martin Lewis made clear that if your holiday falls in August but you booked back in January, getting your insurance sorted in January is equally crucial.

“That means you have the travel insurance in place to covers that holiday,” he said, adding: “You don’t need to [cover yourself] for extra dates [in case there’s a delay at the airport] because you have your return date.

“If something delays you, so you weren’t back, that would still be covered because that delay is all part of the travel insurance.”

If only. If Rob Pelinka could use the Dodgers’ blueprint to renovate, Lakers fans wouldn’t even be sweating this summer.

But, you know. Baseballs and basketballs, apples and oranges.

The windup and sales pitch are the same, though: Deliver a sustainable, high-rising, championship build. On time and … about that budget. One team has none. The other’s is tight.

In baseball, they wear caps. In the NBA, they’re compelled to stay under them.

In baseball, they can swing freely (for now). In basketball, they’re hamstrung by aprons.

Ned Colletti had it easier, and he lasted only two relatively successful seasons in his role as Dodgers general manager after Mark Walter’s Guggenheim Baseball Management group bought the ballclub in 2012.

Pelinka has it tougher as the Lakers’ general manager and president of basketball operations. But like Colletti before him, with Walter having purchased the majority stake in the Lakers, Pelinka is going to have to crash the hourglass and build a winner with haste. Er, the winner.

If the Lakers lay anything but an 18th brick on their championship foundation in the next couple seasons, Pelinka’s story probably is going to go a lot like Colletti’s.

When free agency opens Tuesday, Pelinka is just going to have to show us how creative he can be, how clever and cunning.

He already hit a grand slam with the Luka Doncic trade in 2025. In one of the NBA’s all-time heists, Pelinka brought the then-25-year-old Slovenian superstar to L.A. from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for essentially an aging and injury-prone Anthony Davis and just one first-round draft pick.

Before that, Pelinka hit another home run with Austin Reaves; a four-bagger so deep that Doncic’s undrafted backcourt-mate has now procured the proverbial bag. (Four years, $185 million worth of baggage to the Lakers.)

With those pillars cemented, Pelinka’s job is delivering the A-list center Doncic reportedly desires.

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic. Can Pelinka build a winner around Doncic?

(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

Doesn’t matter that all the perceivable candidates — from the Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler to the New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Myles Turner, the Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen, the Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford, even old friend A.D. — sit on a spectrum of unlikely to unwise.

Still, the best plan: Make Doncic happy; make a run at Kessler.

He’s a 24-year-old, defensively adept big man who would be a great pickup, just hard to get. But whether it’s overpaying in restricted free agency or working out a sign-and-trade deal, pry him away from the Jazz.

After nailing down a center, Pelinka also needs to really hit on the margins. Because in the modern NBA, the marginal is major.

The current contenders have depth borne of seasons spent tanking and loading up in the draft on athletic, affordable young talent or, in the case of the recently crowned Knicks, having a leading man take $113 million less than he was eligible for, as Jalen Brunson effectively did, to be able to play with his best buds.

In L.A., the Lakers don’t really have the first option and shouldn’t ever expect the second.

But Pelinka doesn’t have to swing for the fences every time; he doesn’t need to wow us now, he needs to have wowed us later. Take swings like he did trading for Rui Hachimura or netting sharpshooter Luke Kennard.

Former Laker Pau Gasol, right, speaks with GM Rob Pelinka during a Lakers practice in 2025.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

No one bats 1.000, of course, not even Andrew Friedman, the architect of the Dodgers’ three World Series titles since taking over as president of baseball operations in 2014.

But for the Lakers’ potential $51 million of cap space, for all of this summer’s much-hyped optionality, Pelinka’s competitive new boss isn’t the type to forgive errors that are forever front of mind for the Lakers’ faithful.

Pelinka can’t strike out on free agent signees like Gabe Vincent and Kendrick Nunn. Can’t let someone like Alex Caruso walk. Can’t whiff on draftees like Dalton Knecht or Jalen Hood-Schifino — and better hope he hasn’t on this year’s selection, Cameron Carr, who fell to the Lakers at No. 24.

The wrinkle, this offseason: Last year’s Lakers — 41-year-old LeBron James, Hachimura, Kennard and, if he opts out, Marcus Smart — will be among the most attractive free agents on the market, and they’re proven fits for a team that reached the second round of the playoffs.

But merely re-signing those guys won’t improve the Lakers’ odds of getting past the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the playoffs.

And simply outspending those teams isn’t an option, either. So Pelinka is going to have to go bargain hunting, he’s got to find some hidden gems, pull some tricks out of his sleeve. Surprise us, like great general managers are supposed to do.

This is Pelinka’s opportunity to show us his blueprint for bringing another title to Los Angeles, to build a case for himself.

The decision of where to sit on a plane could impact the rest of your holiday

As millions of Brits gear up to jet off on their summer holidays, one decision that many may have overlooked could make or break their entire trip. Choosing the right seat on the plane might be the difference between relaxing on a sun-soaked beach or making endless trips to the toilet.

Research has revealed that whether passengers opt for a window, middle, or aisle seat could potentially affect their chances of catching a viral infection before the holiday has even got underway. However, your seat selection alone won’t be the sole factor determining your overall risk of falling ill.

How close you are to someone carrying a virus is the single biggest indicator of how likely you are to pick up an infection. This is followed by how busy the flight is, as the greater the number of passengers on board, the higher the likelihood that some will be carrying viruses.

Airflow throughout the cabin, passenger movement, contact with shared surfaces (such as in the bathroom) and whether or not you wear a mask will all have a bearing on your risk of catching a viral infection during a flight.

Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Affairs at online pharmacy MedExpress, has offered guidance on how travellers can lower their risk of falling ill while flying, including advice on where to sit. She said: “Although there is no guaranteed way to avoid picking up an illness while flying, there are practical steps people can take to reduce their exposure to germs and viruses on planes.”

She shared her top tips for travellers looking to lower their chances of picking up an infection. Here’s what she advised.

Seat selection matters

“The best advice to avoid getting sick on the plane is to try and reduce as much contact with germs and other passengers as possible, so choosing where you sit may have more impact than you might have originally thought.

“Window seats are a great option as they are often far away from high traffic areas such as bathrooms and busy walkways. Aisle seats also increase your exposure to people who frequently pass by throughout the flight, queue for the toilet, and access luggage from overhead compartments. One study found that sitting in a window seat can reduce your interactions with other passengers or crew by up to five times compared to if you sit in a middle or aisle seat.”

She added: “Additionally, research may suggest that leaving the middle aisle free reduces the spread of airborne diseases by 37%, so choosing seats that appear to have middle aisles empty could be a strong choice. Whilst protection from illness is never guaranteed, this highlights that creating distance between other passengers greatly reduces your chances of getting sick.”

Wipe down any surfaces

“Surfaces such as tray tables, armrests, seatbelt buckles, touchscreens, magazines and window shutters can harbour germs easily as they are used so frequently by previous passengers. Wiping down surfaces with disinfectant wipes or sanitiser greatly reduces your risk of coming into contact with germs on them.

Wash your hands regularly

“Maintaining good hygiene standards while travelling can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick. Washing your hands regularly with soapy water or hand sanitiser, especially after coming into contact with surfaces, is a simple but effective way to stop the spread of germs while you’re on the plane.

Stay hydrated

“Cabin air on planes can be extremely dry and irritate your nose and throat whilst travelling, leaving you feeling more run down and vulnerable to picking up any viral infections. Make sure to drink plenty of water and keep on top of hydration throughout the flight to strengthen your immune system. Keep water easily accessible throughout the flight, and drink regularly, especially if you’re travelling with children.

Wear a face mask

“Wearing a face mask greatly reduces the spread of any airborne viruses, as we saw throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Crowded flights may become a hotspot for any infections due to the cramped space and close proximity to other passengers, so taking preventative measures may help reduce the spread of any current infections.

Ensure you’re well rested

“Those who don’t get adequate rest before a flight are over 4 times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who are fully rested. This is due to your immune system being weaker when you haven’t got enough sleep, making you more susceptible to picking up any infections.

Ross Harrison, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, says that Iran’s renewed missile strikes on Israel aim to restore deterrence without reigniting full scale war.

A British man living in Benidorm has issued a stark message to those jetting out to the popular Spanish resort this summer – saying there’s certain places you want to avoid at night

A British expat living in Benidorm has issued a warning to holidaymakers heading to the popular Spanish resort this summer – revealing the three places he would avoid after dark. Benidorm remains one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations, attracting millions of tourists every year with its beaches, bars and nightlife.

But according to one resident, there are a handful of spots visitors should think twice about walking through late at night. Sharing his advice on social media, the expat said: “This is a warning for anyone coming out to Benidorm. “This is the top three areas I would definitely avoid if coming to Benidorm in 2025 and the reasons why.”

Coming in at number three was a public pathway known locally as the “Yellow Brick Road”, which runs behind several hotels and leads towards the Rio Park area.

He explained: “Now it has been known for a few things, mainly small thefts like pickpocketing, that sort of thing.

“Now generally during the day it’s absolutely fine. I’d recommend avoiding it at night.”

Next on his list was Pueblo Alley, which he claimed can attract unwanted attention after dark.

He said: “And in at number two has got to be Pueblo Alley.

“And this is one I definitely recommend avoiding, especially late at night, as you do get the pickpockets hanging around this area and you also get the odd lady of the night.

“So I definitely consider avoiding it. There’s plenty of other ways around.”

Topping his list was a location known as “Mugger’s Alley”, which has long gained a reputation among some tourists and locals.

He said: “Straight in at number one, it’s Mugger’s Alley.

“It is the most notorious. It is the one we all know, known for pickpocketing, ladies of the night.

“It’s just an area that I would avoid.”

The expat also warned visitors to be cautious of scams, claiming he had recently seen reports of people being targeted.

He added: “Cross the road, it’s not necessary. I mean, they’re even doing these new taxi scams. I’ve seen videos online about it.

“It’s crazy. So save yourself the hassle and cross the road.”

Commenting on his post, one travel fan said: “Don’t agree with you, stayed in Rio Pak about 20 times and never had a problem.”

Another user added: “Anywhere people are shouting.”

It comes after the UK Government issues a warning about a police officer scam in Spain, saying: “Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification.

“Genuine police officers will ask to see ID but will not ask for wallets or purses. All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID.”

The Visit Benidorm Tourist Board has been contacted for comment.

Birmingham Panthers earned a convincing 67-43 win at Leeds Rhinos to avoid finishing bottom of the Netball Super League.

In their final fixture of the season, whoever lost knew they would end the campaign bottom of the eight-team table.

The Panthers moved into a 17-11 lead by the end of the first quarter and stretched their advantage further to go in at half-time 31-18 in front.

At 37-19 ahead, the Panthers looked to be cruising, although the hosts reduced the deficit to only 12.

But the visitors quickly ended any home hopes of a fightback by pulling clear once more, with Betsy Creak ending with 49 goals.

This was only the Panthers’ third league win of the season, but they did end with back-to-back victories having defeated London Mavericks 52-51 on Sunday.

The Rhinos began their campaign with a 54-39 away success over the Panthers in February, but that was their only league win of the year.

PLANO, Texas — As it turned out, it would never be enough.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn tried for more than a year to show President Trump and Texas Republicans that he and the president were on the same team.

Cornyn posted a photo of himself reading Trump’s “The Art of the Deal.” He proposed legislation to rename a stretch of interstate in Trump’s honor. Perhaps most glaringly, the Senate institutionalist who long supported the filibuster reversed his position in a failed effort to advance voting restrictions that are a priority for the president.

None of it worked. On Tuesday, Cornyn became the latest in a line of Republicans who lost their primaries after falling out of favor with a president with little tolerance for dissent and a seemingly insatiable appetite for retribution. The four-term senator lost by double digits to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who Trump endorsed last week as “a true MAGA Warrior.”

Cornyn, on the other hand, “was VERY disloyal to me,” Trump wrote on social media.

Trump’s intervention in the Texas runoff came after weeks of successfully backing primary challengers in Indiana, Louisiana and Kentucky as revenge against incumbents who broke with his agenda.

Cornyn’s attempt to avoid the same fate made even some of his supporters wince.

“You look at the positions he took to please the president and the groveling and whatever,” said former Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, a Republican and Trump critic who didn’t seek reelection during the president’s first midterm in 2018. “It was rather painful to watch.”

Trump took an uncommonly equanimous approach to Tuesday’s results the following morning.

“Congratulations to Ken Paxton on such a tremendous win, and to John Cornyn for having run a strong and powerful race but, more importantly, having had a truly great career,” he wrote on social media. “John will remain my friend for a long time to come, as we both watch Ken become a fantastic, common sense Senator, one who is respected by all.”

Cornyn started early with ad touting pro-Trump voting record

Cornyn’s loss wasn’t for a lack of political gymnastics and astronomical campaign spending.

His campaign began running an advertisement last summer — part of an astounding nearly-$100-million air war by the senator and allied groups — with Cornyn looking into the camera and saying, “I voted with President Trump 99% of the time.”

On Cornyn’s campaign homepage, Trump and Cornyn stand side-by-side with thumbs pointed upward in an image aimed at projecting solidarity. Deeper in the website, the category titled “The Trump-Cornyn Record” notes the senator’s role securing votes for Trump’s signature 2017 tax cut bill.

Cornyn has also been championing provisions in Trump’s signature tax-and-spending legislation to finance work on the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The senator had dismissed the project as “naive” during Trump’s 2016 campaign. But in January, he stood along a section of completed wall in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley touting the measure’s $11 billion for Texas contractors’ work at “the direction of the president of the United States, to whom I am very grateful.”

Cornyn’s 2023 dismissal of Trump’s return glares in background

Cornyn’s praise for his party’s leader and president were not unusual, but they clash with a statement Cornyn made in May 2023, when Trump was mounting his presidential comeback campaign.

“Trump’s time has passed him by,” he told reporters. “I don’t think President Trump understands that when you run in a general election, you have to appeal to voters beyond your base.”

Trump would go on to easily win the nomination and carry every battleground state in the general election.

Cornyn would hew closely to the president for the first 16 months of his second administration, hoping at the outside chance of his endorsement or to keeping him from weighing in at all.

But Trump did not forget the past slights.

“John Cornyn is a good man, and I worked well with him, but he was not supportive of me when times were tough,” he wrote on social media while endorsing Paxton.

Smaller gestures, and one big one

Cornyn has playfully worked to promote Trump fandom, last year posting a picture on social media of himself thoughtfully peering into the pages of Trump’s 1987 memoir and business advice book, “The Art of the Deal.”

In a more obvious gesture, he proposed designating a section of a U.S. highway from the Texas Gulf Coast to Montana as “Interstate 47,” to honor a 47th president with a well-documented love of naming things after himself. In a news release about the proposal, filed just over two weeks before Tuesday’s runoff, Cornyn said it would be known as the “Trump Interstate.”

The more tectonic shift occurred in March, after Trump had teased a possible endorsement of either Cornyn or Paxton in the runoff.

Paxton swiftly said he would consider dropping his candidacy if the Republican-controlled Senate lifted the filibuster and passed the SAVE America Act, a series of voting restrictions that Trump has described as an essential part of his agenda.

The following week, Cornyn wrote an op-ed in the New York Post — Trump’s favorite hometown newspaper — backing away from his previous support of the filibuster. He vowed to “support whatever changes to Senate rules that may prove necessary” to get the bill “through the Senate and on the president’s desk for his signature.”

Flake watched with unease.

“I know John and his long-held positions on the filibuster and the Senate’s institutions,” he said. “No office is worth that.”

Beaumont and Bedayn write for the Associated Press. Bedayn reported from San Antonio. AP writer Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.

“What’s black and white and read all over?” That is the setup for what used to be the first joke learned by most every American kid. These days, delivering the punch line would leave the kids bewildered. They might just say, “What’s a newspaper?”

In our new media age, that is not a question with an obvious answer. Ask the people in New Orleans who just found out their venerable Times-Picayune will no longer be available in print every day. Based in a city and state with a perennially high level of corruption and dysfunction, the Times-Picayune has been a powerful and admired community watchdog. The question is, will it be as effective with a smaller staff and just three days of print publication a week? And there is a bigger question, one that applies to the newspaper industry as a whole: Can printless watchdogs still have teeth?

Newspapers are different from most other businesses because one of their paramount functions is to provide a public service that may bring no monetary return and may not even interest most of their customers. In a democracy, someone needs to keep an eye on the elected officlals, bureaucrats, business leaders, lobbyists, police and assorted shysters who have the power to mess with people’s lives. Traditional newspapers, from the big city dailies to the small town weeklies, have always had reporters who make it their mission to protect the public interest. Often, they write important stories that few people read — coverage of state legislatures, for instance. But those being watched by the watchdogs read those stories and it tends to keep them honest.

In the past, newspapers were so profitable that, so it was said, any fool could get rich owning one. That made it fairly easy for a publisher to pay for investigative reporters, foreign correspondents and governmental news, the kind of work that is expensive, time-consuming and does not offer any obvious payback, other than a good reputation. But, with so many advertising dollars jumping to the Internet, the newspaper business model has crashed and newsroom cuts have hit everywhere. Often, the newspaper coverage that gets axed first is the stuff that appears to contribute the least to the bottom line. A glaring example is the way reporters in state capitals have become a vanishing breed.

Some think independent bloggers can pick up the slack. Yet, good as they may be, no blogger has the institutional weight of an established newspaper. A newspaper can take on the powers that be because it is one of those powers.

What about online newspapers? After all, it’s the information that matters, not the means of delivering the information. Politico is proving to be a powerful online source of news about national politics. The Huffington Post, though primarily opinion-driven, is a rich source of information. MSNBC.com does a decent job of aggregating and creating news reports.

The best online news is being done by the biggest newspapers — the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal. Of course, their online offering is largely a byproduct of reporting done for the print editions. Could the same quality be maintained if they were online only?

One answer to that can be found in the hometown of Microsoft and Amazon.com. Before moving to the L.A. Times, I had a long career at the Post-Intelligencer in Seattle. In 2009, after decades of winning awards and losing money, the Seattle P-I stopped print publication. About 150 talented journalists lost their jobs while 20 were kept on to reinvent the newspaper as a completely online endeavor. By some measures, seattlepi.com has been a success -– low operational costs and plenty of jazzy content — but it is not the comprehensive newspaper it once was. And lacking the institutional weight it once had, this all-electronic publication is no longer a serious player in community affairs.

Still, there is no going back. The future of the news business is online and I suspect it will come out just fine — as long as all involved can resist the ultimate temptation: becoming a “click whore.” For the uninitiated, that is anyone or any entity that will post any darn thing that draws lots of page views, or “clicks.” The problem here is not just the sort of “news” that is put online to chase clicks, it is the important news that is left out.

Sure, any fool can get a lot of page views by running photos of cute kittens, funny dogs, hot cheerleaders and bosomy models in bikinis. It might bring in a lot of money. It might be read all over.

But it would not be a newspaper.

When you go abroad, there are all sorts of travel rules people need to follow but a certain guideline is considered crucial. It’s vital to know if you want to avoid delays at airport security

All travellers have been urged to take note of a crucial airport rule, as ignoring it could lead to significant hold-ups at security. It’s well worth bearing in mind as the travel season is already well under way, with scores of Brits eager to head off on their holidays for some hard-earned sunshine and relaxation.

The rule was recently highlighted on TikTok by a travel agent named Jake, who regularly shares straight-talking tips online, and it’s something you may never have previously considered. It’s well worth familiarising yourself with this particular rule, as it could have a real impact on how long you end up waiting in the security queue.

It’s not the first travel tip of this nature to do the rounds recently, either. Previously, holidaymakers were warned to brace themselves for “hell” owing to mounting queues at a popular airport.

Jake said: “This is the number one reason for delays at airport security in the UK right now, and almost everyone has one in their bag. But, there’s one thing that’s catching everybody out.

“It’s these. Reusable, stainless steel water bottles because, while the 100ml rule has been scrapped, and for some airports you can take up to two litres of liquids with you, these still need to be emptied.

“That’s purely because the machines can’t check the liquid that’s in these bottles. So, if you do have one in your bag and it’s got liquid in, then you’re going to have your bag pulled aside.

“You’re going to have that embarrassing moment on the belt where you see your bag go down a different aisle. So, as you’re heading to security, make sure you empty these.

“The good news is though, if you do forget and you have your water bottle in there with liquid in, they’re not going to make you throw your expensive water bottle away. They’re just going to pour out the liquid that’s in there.

“So this is just going to cause further delays for you getting through duty-free and being able to relax before you get on your flight.”

It might seem like a straightforward tip, but it’s certainly one worth bearing in mind. Sticking to the rule could help you sidestep a major headache that’s easily avoidable.

What you need to know

What you might not realise is that you must fully empty your reusable water bottle before passing through airport security. While the 100ml liquid limit may not apply to the container itself, any liquid left inside is banned and could lead to your bottle being seized.

Even if your local airport permits larger liquid containers or doesn’t require you to remove electronics from your bag, metal or insulated bottles (such as Hydro Flasks or Yetis) typically need to be drained. The sophisticated scanners are unable to “see” through double-wall insulation, so it pays to stay one step ahead.

As Jake highlighted, certain airports now permit passengers to carry containers holding up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage. However, this is entirely dependent on the specific airport you’re departing from, as it requires state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology.

For this reason, it’s always wise to check the regulations for your particular airport ahead of your journey. At major hubs including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh, you’re allowed to take containers holding up to two litres each.

That said, this rule only applies at select airports. If you’re in any doubt, always confirm with your airport before you travel.

Frequent flyer Mark Wolters has shared his airline travel secrets – and one of them involves setting your alarm for a very unsociable time

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of air travel is discovering that your flight has been delayed and realising that you’re doomed to spend the next couple of hours in an uncomfortable plastic chair. But American travel expert Mark Wolters has some valuable tips that can save holidaymakers from the heartache of hanging around in the departure lounge.

In a new video on his Wolters World YouTube channel, Mark has a range of savvy solutions for finding the best restaurants and the cleanest loos at any airport.

He also advises, in the US at least , picking flights that depart from purely-international terminals as opposed to terminals that service both domestic and intercontinental flights.

He explains that quest for security checks will always be far longer at dual-use terminals: “For example,” Mark say, “when I go to Chicago, I know if I’m flying out of Terminal Five, the international terminal, it’s going to be a lot faster than if I’m flying out of Terminal Two, which has a lot of domestic flights.”

“It’s a good idea to look up because it could save you a time, especially if you’re running behind getting to the airport,” he advises.

Mark adds: “The airport secret I use the most when I travel is take the early morning flights if you want the least amount of headaches.”

He adds that while it might mean setting your alarm for a painfully-early time, there’s a good reason for picking those crack-of-dawn flights: “If you take that early morning flight, usually your plane landed the night before, so you don’t have the delays,” Mark explains.

“Also, when you go to check in, there’s not 3,000 extra people there. It’s just the first people flights that are there. So, it’s usually faster to get through security, faster to check in, faster to get to your gate, that takes a lot of the stress away.”

Additionally, Mark says, as the day wears on, any small delays tend to snowball and you’re much more likely to see a late evening flight delayed: “So, you’re going to travel for holidays or anything like that, don’t take the afternoon flight.

“Get up in the morning… suck it up, take that early morning flight so you have less chance for problems.”

Another one of Mark’s airport secrets is to try to use the loos nearest to the baggage reclaim, because they’re likely to be the cleanest and most pleasant to use.

He explains: “Think about it. When people get off the plane, they want to go to the bathroom right away. So, those bathrooms in the terminals by the busy gates, those get used a lot more than the other ones.

“All of them get cleaned, but the ones that aren’t used as much, they tend to they tend to stay cleaner longer. At baggage claim, no one’s thinking ‘I want to go to the bathroom’. They’re thinking, I want my luggage and I want to go home.’ So that would be a cleaner one to use.”

Reaching an agreement with Chansiri was never going to be easy.

During the administration process, the Thai was offered a number of offers on his debt, which were either outright refused, ignored or not taken in good faith.

“The EFL had to take into account the intransigent soul shown by Mr Chansiri and his reluctance to engage with offers made by the bidder,” football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport.

It was only last week that things fell into place.

Chansiri was made an offer which would see him receive payments, in effect, to about 25p in the pound.

But he would not receive a penny now – it would all be based upon the club’s future success.

“We’re probably talking about promotion first of all back to the Championship, and in due course to the Premier League. He could then get his 25%,” Maguire says.

The EFL said the offer must remain on the table for a short period of time to show it was credible and serious.

But there was one final act which might just sum up Chansiri’s tenure, as reported by the Sheffield Star, external.

A response to the offer had to be received by midday on Tuesday. Chansiri decided to accept, but replied too late – minutes after the deadline.

Chansiri – subject to any challenge – might now be left with nothing.

Having agreed to cancel Wednesday’s 15-point deduction, the EFL board made a few other stipulations.

Football creditors and HMRC had to be paid in full, while all other non-secured creditors – local businesses – had to get their 25p straight away.

Had the EFL been less flexible, those companies faced receiving a much lower return.

“The EFL probably took the view that as HMRC are being paid 100%, football creditors are being paid 100% and other unsecured creditors are being paid 25%, other stakeholders were being treated appropriately,” Maguire added.

“Therefore there was a clear case for having no penalty.”

Arise had to make a firm commitment to invest in the decaying stadium immediately.

In his speech on the pitch on Saturday, Storch promised there would be both running water, and hot water, in the toilets.

That might seem like a joke, but anyone who has attended Hillsborough in recent seasons would know it was anything but.

Arise did not hang about. An outstanding charge of about £7m owed on a loan Chansiri had taken out against Hillsborough was cleared on Wednesday.

Blogger Mark Wolters has spent two decades travelling around the world, but he says there are some seats he won’t sit on when he’s flying

An expert who has travelled to more than 80 countries says there is one seat you should never pick on a plane. Mark Wolters has spent the past two decades travelling around the world and documenting his trips.

He however says there are some seats that he refuses to pick on a plane, because they get his journey off on the wrong foot. Among those are any middle seat, which he says results in a “battle” for personal space.

He says travellers often end up cramped up when they are in the middle, saying they have “lost out”. However there is one row in particular that Mark says is the worst on a plane.

In a video on his Wolter’s World YouTube channel, Mark revealed the first row of the plane is “one of the worst”. He said: “One thing is, you have a bulkhead (wall) there.

“That first row, you don’t have the underseat storage in front of your space, so you have to make sure you get your stuff up above, but also you have no room to stretch your legs out because there’s not that underseat there, so sometimes you don’t have a tonne of space.

“But the really tough thing is, going back to the luggage, or lack of luggage space. If you’re flying in Spain, when they get on the plane, they put their bags in right away.

“They don’t wait to row 20. If you’re in row one or two, maybe you’re going to have to go to row five or six to put it up above and nobody’s going to let you go get it when it’s time to get out, which can be very frustrating.”

Mark went on to explain that the front of the plane often has the lavatory or the galley. And while he avoids sitting on the front row, Mark isn’t overly fond of the back either.

This is because you can often find yourself queuing to disembark the aircraft. He said: “If you have tight connections, guess what? You are the last one off the plane. And for my friends who do not like turbulence, if you’re in the very back of the plane, this is where the turbulence is.”

Mark says that the back, much like the front, can often be where the facilities are. In general he says he likes to avoid any seat next to the toilet, because you can “hear or smell” what is going on.

He also generally says he avoids sitting near to the galley, because it is “where the flight attendants work”. He explains this means the lights are constantly on and the area regularly “smells of food”.

He described the galley as “not really a quiet relaxing place,” which makes it more difficult to enjoy his flight. Elsewhere, Mark explains the exit rows are the “best” seats to sit in.

He said: “Those exit rows are the best for legroom because the extra row needs to be wider for exits, so it’s kind of like business class legroom for economy prices.”