bags

Hotels and airports overwhelmed as visitors to one country dump their bags

Visitors to Japan are leaving behind their suitcases behind at hotels and airports, causing significant cost, hassle and even security concerns, Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror

Japan has a rather unusual tourist problem.

Holidaymakers in the Asian country are leaving behind their suitcases. It’s not an isolated phenomenon. Hundreds of bags are being dumped, cluttering up airports and hotels.

At the root of the problem are souvenirs. The recent weakness of the yen in comparison to the dollar and pound means tourists can load up on cute gifts in Japanese gift shops in a way they have never done before.

Weighed down with a hotel room full of Pikachu dolls, unusual flavours of KitKats and yukata, tourists are buying large bags to take everything home with them. They then dump the bag they brought rather than paying to take two home.

A survey by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau found that more than 80 percent of the hotels surveyed complain about abandoned suitcases. This can prove tricky for hotels, which end up storing the bags while they attempt to make contact with the departed guest.

The Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi reports about three or four suitcases left in rooms on some days. Disposal cost the hotel more than £1,400 last year.

While the issue is one of inconvenience and financial cost in hotels, it is a security matter in airports. Narita International Airport near Tokyo reported more than 1,000 abandoned suitcases last year alone, some of them prompting police responses to ensure that they aren’t a security threat.

Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror: “A few things in Japan have led to this trend there as opposed to other surging places. Japan is a wonderful place for souvenir shopping. People are purchasing a huge amount and are upgrading to a bigger suitcase, as they didn’t plan ahead.

“You combine that with checking a bag on an airline, and it leaves people a bit squeezed and not wanting multiple bags. The dollar is strong there. You merge that with Japan having a lot of high-quality, affordable options and fun knick-knacks. It lends it to be a strong souvenir destination.

“Also, it is not an easy place to throw something away. It is built for residents. I remember walking around with a coffee cup for miles. You’re supposed to bring things home and dispose of them at home. Abandoning it can be easier than throwing it away.

“There is also often a language barrier. Japan is a pretty easy place to get around, but not a lot of people speak English. Just getting support on something that’s not wildly obvious is not the easiest thing to do there.”

Japan has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in the world for a holiday, and it’s having a bumper year. The weak state of the yen is encouraging visitors to book holidays in record numbers.

From the UK alone, just shy of 70,000 Brits travelled there in April, a 43% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Overall, Japan set a new visitor record with 21.5 million tourists in the first half of 2025, a 21% increase from last year.

Source link

‘We packed our bags and moved to America but life isn’t always a breeze’

A British woman who recently moved her family to Florida in the US has shared the top 10 things they don’t like about living in the sunshine state. There are certain things they seem to hate

A British family have relocated to America, but they’ve confessed there are certain aspects of life in the US they’re struggling to adjust to, and she’s not the first expat to be shocked by the differences. The woman who documents their experience under the username brits.inthesunshinestate on TikTok has revealed the 10 things the family dislike about living in Florida.

Despite only residing in the US for a matter of months, there are certain things they simply cannot get used to, and they’ve now laid them all bare. Emily posted her thoughts in a recent video, and her opinions have certainly sparked considerable debate.

It’s not the first occasion Brits have voiced their perspectives on the American lifestyle either. Previously, it emerged some Brits consider certain American customs completely impolite.

In the footage, she revealed: “Number one, the public bathroom stalls. The doors have a gap, probably like that either side. You can see straight through them.

“If you are sat on the toilet or, if you are washing your hands, you can see the reflection in the mirror. You can see people moving, you can see people’s clothes. I don’t like it, I don’t like the lack of privacy.

“Number two, WhatsApp does not really exist much out here. It’s all about texting and, to me, that is old school.

“Three, Florida drivers. They are wild, they are aggressive. In time, I will get used to it but, for now, it’s still a little bit crazy.

“Four. Since we’ve been here, we have had multiple people soliciting at our door, trying to sell their business, because they happen to be in the neighbourhood or going door to door. Don’t like that. We can stop it by putting a ‘no soliciting’ thing on our door. We can get that fixed.”

Content cannot be displayed without consent

In the clip, Emily also pointed out the family aren’t keen on sluggish pumps at petrol stations either. According to her, filling up can “take forever.”

She also highlighted that post can take ages to turn up, unless you’re ordering from Amazon Prime. Based on her experience, she said her mail can take anything from a week to 10 days to arrive.

Insects can also be “relentless” during the evening when you go for a stroll, she added. As soon as the sun goes down, she said they appear everywhere, and she finds it really annoying.

Snakes have also been a problem for her, though she admitted one she spotted was “fine.” Emily explained they have found a cottonmouth snake in the garden, and she didn’t like this as they can be dangerous.

Last but not least, she also admitted she thinks the healthcare system is “confusing.” Even though she likes how it’s run, she doesn’t like how tricky it is to understand.

She said there’s a lot of paperwork, and it’s something they’ll have to learn to get used to. Emily admitted it’s up to them to learn all they need to know about the system. Despite listing the downsides, she insisted that moving was still the best decision they’ve ever made.

The family are over the moon with their new life and adore living in the States. The video has racked up thousands of views since it was posted, sparking a flurry of comments, and opinions were decidedly split.

One viewer remarked: “As an American, we don’t like our stalls either. Might as well leave the door open wide.”

Another commented: “That’s exactly what I thought when I went to the USA years ago. I couldn’t live there because of the public toilets.”

A third responded: “I’ve lived in America for five years and I’ve never seen snakes.” Meanwhile, a fourth added: “All my bills come by email.”

Another person chimed in with: “Most drivers aren’t from Florida. They are either tourists or live here but moved from another state. It does make driving tricky though.”

Source link

Ryanair and easyJet passengers may soon be allowed to take two cabin bags for free

A new EU rule change could mean that passengers are able to bring two bags on board at no extra cost

Ryanair and easyJet travellers could soon be permitted to bring two cabin bags aboard flights without paying extra fees. At the moment these airlines allow those flying on basic tickets to bring one small personal item onboard, with any additional baggage incurring supplementary charges.

Ryanair has been forced to expand the dimensions of the personal bag it permits, following amendments to EU regulations. Under fresh rules, passengers flying with the budget carrier will be permitted to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, representing a 20% expansion from its previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm size limits.

easyJet’s personal bag dimensions already met these requirements, reports Plymouth Live. And another EU rule change could mean travellers are able to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm, alongside a personal bag, without additional charges.

The proposed legislation requires backing from at least 55% of EU member nations. Should it receive approval, the regulation would apply to all flights within the EU, plus routes travelling to and from the EU.

Members of European Parliament (MEPs) also seek to ensure children under 12 years old are seated alongside an accompanying passenger without extra cost. Currently, airlines face no legal requirement to seat children with their parents, though the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises they should do so.

The CAA states: “Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.

“This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children.”

Source link

Woman visits Benidorm market with only €10 and is floored by what she bags

Beth Alexandra recently visited Benidorm market with only €10 in her pocket, and she was floored by what she managed to buy. She thinks she got a lot for her money

Barcelona, Spain - June 2018: People walking on La Rambla (central street of Barcelona)
She couldn’t believe what she found (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)

A woman visited Benidorm market with only €10 in her pocket and can’t believe what she managed to buy – and it’s not the first time people have commented on the prices in Benidorm. Beth Alexandra recently posted a video of her journey, and she took people on a tour of the market.

The TikTok creator, from Scotland, recently opened up about her adventure in Spain, and she admitted she wanted to know what she could snap up for €10, which works out at about £8.66. Her story has left people a little stunned, as people couldn’t believe what she managed to bag whilst shopping.

In a recent clip shared online, she admitted she headed to Benidorm market to carry out the experiment. It seems as though she had a pretty good time, even though there are reports Spain has become “eerily quiet” this year.

Beth said: “This is what €10 can get you at Benidorm market. We’re just heading down to the Benidorm outdoor market, and I’m very excited to go.

“I don’t really know what I’m going to get, but I’ve got my €10, so let’s go and see what we can get.” After arriving at the location, she continued: “It’s just after 10 o’clock, but it’s absolutely roasting still.”

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Beth admitted it was “very busy” when she was looking around, but she soon started to browse some of the stalls. She looked at various items – from bags to clothes to earrings.

She admitted she thought a few pairs were “cute”, including ones in the shape of cherries. As well as this, she took a liking to a pair of starfish earrings.

In the end, she settled on the starfish earrings, and she admitted she “loves” them. She also picked up some fruit earrings too, which were equally as pretty.

Beth didn’t clarify how much she spent, or if she had change, but she thought she landed a pretty good deal. She admitted she was “happy” with her purchases.

Over 30,000 people have liked the video since it was shared, and they were quick to comment too. Hundreds shared their views on her shopping trip.

One said: “You’re making me fancy a holiday.” Another wrote: “I love Benidorm – it’s so good.”

A third replied: “We were there today. Some cute finds. Hope you had a lovely holiday.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “We lasted 20 minutes on Sunday – it was too hot for the market.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “Omg, I’ve been there and I loved it. It was so hot when I went though.”

If you’ve never been before, Benidorm’s famous outdoor market is on every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. You will find a wide range of goods available at the stalls.

Tourists are warned that it’s always busy, so make sure you keep your purse placed away somewhere safe if you visit. There are also numerous nearby bars and cafés where you can relax and have a coffee if shopping is not your favourite activity.

Source link

BBC dating show set to rival Love Island bags for second series before first has aired

The BBC’s latest dating series is set to air but it’s thought bosses have been so impressed that they have already signed off a second run

Davina McCall Stranded
Davina McCall is presenting the show(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/CPL Productions)

A brand new dating show is set for a second series even though the first is yet to air. The new BBC show is set to rival ITV’s Love Island and bosses are so sure it will be a hit that they have reportedly authorised another series.

Stranded On Honeymoon Island kicks off tomorrow on BBC, with Davina McCall taking on hosting duties. But even before the show airs it’s maiden episode, it’s claimed it has been sanctioned for another series that could be filmed later this year before being aired in 2026.

“The Beeb has long wanted some kind of dating show that can begin to challenge the dominance of Love Island,” a source said.

READ MORE: Stacey Dooley lands major new BBC series investigating online health hacksREAD MORE: Where The Great British Bake Off stars are now – OnlyFans career to Paul Hollywood feud

Stranded On Honeymoon Island
Stranded On Honeymoon Island could already be set for a second series(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/CPL Productions)

Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “It doesn’t want the exact same format, just something that can provide a similar kind of tropical, steamy vibe — and bosses think that’s what they’ve got on their hands here.

“Of course, they’ll wait to see what the audience reaction is, but execs have already cast their eye over early versions of the series and are feeling confident.”

And the source claimed bosses are keen to “renew their vows” with another series of the show.

The series sees total strangers marry. After the 12 singles meet for the first time during a speed-dating event, the matchmakers then assign them a spouse.

Later that day, the assigned couples tie the knot and head straight to a remote island with nothing but the clothes they wed in, an outdoor loo, and three weeks to test their connection.

Prior to it airing, Davina admitted of her role and her own romance: “I like to think I’m not too high-maintenance.” But she said one thing on the show is something she would struggle with. “The loo.

“I’d have a whopper problem with the poo! I don’t want to hear farting and pooing – I still want to be fancied!”

Explaining why she chose to be a part of the show, Davina said: “These couples are taking a massive leap of faith – literally off a boat. It’s such an extreme way to fast-track a relationship.

“You see who someone really is when things get tough – how they handle problems, whether they’re resourceful. That’s attractive! Confidence is key in this experiment.”

And explaining what she believes makes this show different from the rest, Davina said it’s the heart: “There’s deep learning – about yourself, about relationships. Even if they don’t find The One, they come away knowing what they want and need.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .



Source link

Shoppers stunned to find HUGE bags of Popeyes chips at unsuspecting stores

SHOPPERS are going wild for huge bags of Popeyes chips which are currently on sale at a major chain. 

The tasty treats are retailing for less than £2 for a huge 1kg pack. 

Popeyes Famous Louisiana Chicken restaurant.

3

Popeyes is known for its delicious cajun seasoningCredit: Getty
Large bag of Popeyes Cajun fries.

3

Now, the brand’s fries are on sale at Heron FoodsCredit: Facebook/ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK

Heron Foods is known for supplying high-quality food for low prices and operates 343 locations across the UK. 

Now, the company has gone viral for selling delicious Popeyes chips for staggeringly low prices. 

Popeyes’ Cajun Coated Oven Fries are on sale at Heron Foods in massive 1kg packs. 

Each pack costs just £1.79 and contains fries slathered in the company’s famous seasoning. 

Popeyes’ cajun coating includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to give each chip a smoky flavour. 

Shoppers have gone wild for the treat, after an eagle-eyed shopper spotted the snack yesterday.

One excited fan wrote “these are delicious”, with another adding “they are so good”. 

Others praised Heron Foods for stocking the coated fries, describing the budget-friendly retailer as “underrated”. 

One customer wrote: “Heron is so underrated!! 

Inside Popeye’s first UK restaurant as we try the menu – and the fried chicken is better than KFC

“You can find some amazing things!

“Heron is so underrated!! You can find some amazing things!”

The news comes after Popeyes announced plans to open 45 new restaurants across the UK this year. 

The American fast food chain has secured £43 million from Barclays Corporate Banking as it adds to its existing 80 locations in Britain. 

The chain’s UK chief finance officer Drew Taylor said: “Barclays are a highly supportive banking partner of Popeyes in the UK.

“The new finance facilities will enable us to build on our successful growth in the UK to date and execute our expansion strategy over the coming years, with more than 45 openings targeted in 2025 alone.”

Popeyes’ first UK store was opened in the Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford, London, but now it is eyeing more locations across the country. 

Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol can all expect new Popeyes locations, with Liverpool, Manchester and London all receiving additional branches.

Popeyes’ Savin’ Menu

Popeyes is one of the biggest fast food chains in America.

Now, the company is a hit in the UK as well with many of its products now available at stores such as Heron Foods.

However, the chain’s 83 UK branches have also introduced a brand new menu which makes its food even more affordable.

The Savin’ Menu includes:

  • Savin’ Wrap – £1.99
  • 1-piece Bone-in-Chicken with Fries – £2.99
  • 2 Wings Solo – £1.99 or with Fries – £2.99
  • 1 Tender with Fries – £2.99
  • 2 Tenders with Fries – £3.49
  • 3 Wings with Fries – £3.49
  • Regular Fries – £1.99
  • Biscuit and Gravy – £2.59
  • Mac and Cheese – £3.50
  • Gravy Savin’ Box – £5.69
  • Mini Whipz – £1.99
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant exterior.

3

The chain has 83 UK locationsCredit: Getty

Source link

‘Pack your bags, buddy’ – Fans fear for Man Utd star as he is completely snubbed in Fiorentina clash

MANCHESTER UNITED fans are fearing for one of their big-money signings after his Fiorentina snub.

The Red Devils took on the Italian side at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United warming up.

2

Rasmus Hojlund was an unused sub in Man Utd’s pre-season friendly with FiorentinaCredit: Getty
Benjamin Sesko holding a Manchester United jersey at Old Trafford.

2

Hojlund’s minutes look set to be limited by the arrival of Benjamin SeskoCredit: Getty

The pre-season friendly finished 1-1 after 90 minutes before United won the penalty shootout.

The game came too soon for new arrival Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko, 22, completed his £74million switch from RB Leipzig on the morning of the match.

But even with the striker unavailable, it was bad news for Rasmus Hojlund.

Mason Mount started in a false No9 role in between Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who were unveiled on the pitch alongside Sesko and Diego Leon.

But even when Mount was subbed off, he was replaced by Manuel Ugarte.

That meant Hojlund, 22, remained an unused sub on the bench as Rubem Amorim overlooked the £72m Danish man.

And United supporters took to social media to react to the fact that the manager ignored his most senior available striker in their last pre-season clash ahead of next weekend’s opener against Arsenal.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

One said: “He’s not subbing Hojlund on – pack your bags buddy.”

Another wrote: “Rip the No9 off him and stick it on Sesko.”

Benjamin Sesko is paraded around Old Trafford after completing £74million transfer

A third added: “Hojlund not even getting sympathy minutes off the bench now, he’s being shipped to bomb squad.”

A fourth commented: “Hojlund didn’t get any minute. Sure he’s leaving aye?”

And a fifth typed: “Has Ruben decided to sell Rasmus Hojlund?”

Hojlund, who arrived from Atalanta in 2023, managed four Premier League goals last season.

But he looks set to play second-fiddle to Sesko if he sticks around at Old Trafford this term.

The luckless forward, though, could leave before the transfer window closed.

United are willing to cut their losses and want around £40m – and could get close to that if a deal can be struck with AC Milan.

MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Bryan Mbeumo eases pressure on Bruno Fernandes but Matheus Cunha lacks sharpness vs Fiorentina

BRYAN MBEUMO showed fans what they’ve been missing as Manchester United beat Fiorentina 5-4 on penalties in their final pre-season friendly.

United were a mixed bag in their final summer warm-up game- and the only one at Old Trafford – before the start of the new season next Sunday.

United unveiled their four new signings but it was Benjamin Sesko – who was announced from RB Leipzig before kick-off – that got the loudest roar from fans.

And this match proved how much they needed him…

Here’s how SunSport’s Man Utd reporter Katherine Walsh rated the players

The San Siro giants are reportedly keen to take Hojlund on loan with a £35m option to buy him next summer.

But the ex-Copenhagen man insists he is ready to battle for minutes under Amorim this term.

Speaking during the trip to USA, Hojlund said: “The club has told me nothing so far.

“The most important thing for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we’ll see what happens.

“My plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.

“Last season was a bit rough and I’ve tried to sharpen myself over the course of the holidays.

“It was a tough season on us all. I should have done better, everybody knows.”

Source link

EasyJet, Ryanair and other airlines charging passengers extra for cabin bags

While most airlines allow passengers to carry a small personal item or bag free of charge, some of the UK’s most popular airlines charge an additional fee for cabin bags

Smiling blonde hair teenager portrait staying in aircraft corridor with headphones with cabin trolley bag.
Depending on your fare class, you may need to pay extra for a cabin bag [stock image](Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Airline staff have become adept at spotting luggage that exceeds the standard weight and size limitations. One personal bag or ‘small’ cabin bag – typically a purse or a backpack – is allowed on every one of the UK’s most popular airlines – no matter what type of fare you purchase or where you are travelling.

However, this ‘small’ cabin bag must typically be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Passengers requiring additional space will need to separately purchase a cabin bag which can be stored in the overhead compartment. easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Jet2 all charge extra for overhead storage cabin bags.

Image of woman loading bag in overhead compartment of plane
Cabin bags need to fit in overhead compartments onboard while personal items typically need to fit under the seat in front of you(Image: Getty Images)

READ MORE: Genius packing hack praised as traveller avoids paying £43 for extra luggage

Below you can find the maximum weight and dimensions of both personal baggage and cabin baggage for each airline – as well as how much you will be charged.

easyJet

Every easyJet passenger is entitled to carry a maximum of two cabin bags: one small cabin bag (free of charge) and one large cabin bag (if included in membership and fare benefits or added during booking).

easyJet small cabin bags must be a maximum of 15kg and within the dimension 45 x 36 x 20cm. A small cabin bag or personal item is free with any fare for easyJet passengers.

easyJet large cabin bags must be a maximum of 15kg within the dimensions 56 x 45 x 25cm. A cabin bag is free for easyJet Plus members or FLEXI ticket holder, or available for purchase

Prices start from £5.99 to book a large cabin bag. Alternatively, you can choose to bring a hold bag, with prices starting from £6.99 for a 15kg bag.

Ryanair

Every Ryanair passenger is entitled to carry one small personal bag free of charge. The small personal bag must be between 40 x 20 x 25cm. Regular cabin bags can be purchased separately but must be within 55 x 40 x 20cm in size and weigh no more than 10kg.

Prices start from £6 to book a large cabin bag and can reach as high as £60 depending on your travel route, whether you add the cabin bag during or after the time of booking, and your travel dates.

Image of cabin bag being tested for size restrictions
Purchasing a slightly higher fare could save you the cost of paying for a cabin bag – with some additional perks(Image: PA)

Vueling Airlines

All Vueling passengers are entitled to one personal bag that can be stored in the seat in front of them between the dimensions 40x30x20 cm. However, there is an additional cost for basic fare passengers to add a cabin bag.

The cabin bag must be between the dimensions 55x40x20 cm and under 10kg in weight. The cost to add a cabin bag can range from 10 Euro to 75 Euro depending on whether you book it early or add it on later, as well as your travel destination.

Wizz Air

All Wizz Air passengers are entitled to one personal item free of charge. However only Wizz Priority passengers are entitled to bring an extra trolley bag of maximum size 55 x 40 x 23 cm into the cabin.

The cost of adding a cabin bag depends on whether it is high seasons or low season, as well as where you are travelling. Prices range from €15 during low season for a bag with a 10 kg weight maximum to €189.50 during high season for a bag with a 26kg maximum.

Two airlines that allow cabin bags free of charge

British Airways and TUI Airways both allow passengers of all fare classes to travel with one piece of hand luggage free of charge.

1) British Airways

British Airways specifies that passengers can bring one standard piece of hand luggage and one personal item on board with even their lowest fare – Economy Basic. The standard hand luggage, including wheels and handles, can be up to 56 x 45 x 25cm and must weigh no more than 23kg.

That said, it is important to note that if you have more than two pieces of hand baggage, or they’re over the permitted size, you may have to put your larger bags into the hold as checked baggage.

Additionally, when you’ve used your free checked baggage allowance, you’ll have to pay to put any extra bags into the hold. You can check your baggage allowance on the BA website using their handy baggage allowance calculator.

British Airways asks passengers to keep in mind that the carriage of excess baggage is subject to availability. In some destinations, additional local taxes may also apply. If your journey includes a flight with another airline, their allowances may be different.

2) TUI Airways

All TUI Airways passengers (excluding infants) are permitted to carry one piece of hand luggage free of charge. The luggage must be within the dimension 55 x 40 x 20cm and be a maximum weight of 10kg.

TUI passengers are also permitted to carry one personal item free of charge, but it must be stored under the seat in front of you and within the dimension 40 x 30 x 20cm.

Additionally, when you fly both ways with TUI Airways as part of a package holiday, your fare will include at least 20kg of checked-in luggage per person and 10kg for Under 2s.

Source link

Woman urges people to attach £1 accessory to bags to stop pickpockets easily

When heading out and about, it is important to be vigilant and keep yourself and your belongings safe. One woman has come up with a hack to keep bags protected

A woman has come up with an easy hack to prevent pickpockets getting into your bag (stock)
A woman has come up with an easy hack to prevent pickpockets getting into your bag (stock)(Image: PatriciaEnciso via Getty Images)

Exploring bustling city centres or jetting off around the globe can be thrilling, but beware the pitfalls of tourist hotspots. These areas are magnets for petty crime, with purse snatching, pickpocketing, and phone theft all too common, potentially ruining your day out.

To dodge these crafty criminals, always zip up your bags in crowded spots. Many modern bags feature inner pockets that offer extra protection for your valuables. But here’s a nifty £1 trick to boost your bag’s security even further.

A savvy woman has revealed a simple yet effective method to thwart thieves from silently unzipping your bag. All it takes is a basic hair clip. The brains behind Lulu Gigi accessories took to Instagram to demonstrate this anti-theft tactic.

The post declared: “Point of view: you found a way to protect yourself from pickpockets.” In a brief video, she displays how to secure a belt bag – a favourite for festival-goers, holidaymakers, and party animals – using a charming blue flower claw clip.

For added safety, she threads one of the clip’s ‘claws’ through the zipper’s metal loop. This small act could buy you precious time to catch a thief in the act, as they struggle to undo the clip.

Content cannot be displayed without consent

This clever method could be the difference between safeguarding your belongings and falling victim to theft. And if the comments are anything to go by, the public is loving this ingenious idea.

One admirer exclaimed: “So smart”, while another hailed the trick as “very clever”. Another said this trick is “when aesthetics meets security”.

In the meantime, other users chimed in with their own suggestions in the comments. One advised: “Better yet, use a metal claw clip because it won’t break.”

Another shared: “I always do that. Helps a lot. Also put some plushies or those Kpop keyrings that are heavy and you’ll notice if someone is trying to open your bag.”

Yet, not everyone was sold on the idea. A user grumbled about the difficulty of accessing the bag themselves, remarking: “But it’s a pain when you want to use it! ?” Another concurred, commenting: “It will only irritate me.”

Furthermore, some expressed concern that it might provoke thieves to take more extreme actions. One individual pointed out: “People always cut the bags and put their hands inside.”

Another voiced similar apprehensions, questioning: “Do you know they use blades to cut the purse?”.

Regardless of whether you opt to try this technique or not, it’s crucial to remain alert and keep a watchful eye on your possessions at all times.

Source link

‘Our hotel went bust during our stay and we were told to pack our bags – then something bizarre happened’

Holidays are all about relaxation, staying in a welcoming hotel and spending days by the pool, but for one traveller their getaway was far from what they expected

Female senior friends leaving a hotel
In the middle of their holiday, the guests were told to pack their bags and leave(Image: Getty Images)

Many of us meticulously plan our summer holidays, tracking down the best flights and checking an endless list of hotel reviews to ensure we’re getting the most for our money. But sometimes, even with careful preparation, our holiday can be ruined, and we’re being told to pack our bags as staff tell us the hotel has gone bust, mid-stay!

This happened to one unlucky holidaymaker in the middle of their trip to Turkey. They were asked to relocate the hotel or pay for their stay again, but this was just the start of the bizarre ordeal.

The traveller took to Reddit to share their experience under a post asking for people’s “worst holidays”. The user shared earlier this month: “Went to Turkey years ago and bang in the middle of the holiday, our holiday company went bust.

“The hotel called a meeting and told us all to pack our bags or else pay the bill again. We paid again, thinking that anything was better than being on the streets in a strange land. Our fellow holidaymakers objected, and the staff and guests all fell out. Things were getting heated, so we decided to bail out and return later on in the evening.”

READ MORE: Dad shares eye-watering bill after taking family for Disneyland ‘Princess Breakfast’

Couple having problems in their relationship on holiday
The holidaymakers returned to a deserted hotel (Image: Getty Images)

They continued: “Fast forward four hours, we landed back to a practically deserted hotel. We were personally welcomed by the manager, who was all over us like a rash from then on. He must have thought we were millionaires, because it turned out that we were the only guests to have paid again.

“We also learned that some of the guests and staff had been arrested for throwing punches and were taken off the premises. The remaining guests were nowhere to be seen, but I read on TripAdvisor afterwards that they had left their luggage in the hotel temporarily until they managed to change their return flights.

“Apparently, when they opened their luggage back at home, they found that it was full of Mars bars, wrappers removed, that had melted in through their clothes. Fun times.”

Open suitcase
The Reddit user said other hotel guests sensationally found Mars bars in their suitcases when they got home(Image: Getty Images)

One user commented on the post with: “That was a wild ride.” Others shared their own holiday from hell stories, including one who was accused of cheating while away with his wife.

They revealed: “Husband and myself went to an all inclusive 3 star in Majorca (this was our big mistake). The hotel was like an episode of Benidorm. On the 1st night we went to the evening entertainment and an English lady asked if she could sit beside us. The place was packed!

“Had a friendly chat for about 20 mins until her coked-up Brock Lesnar look-alike partner stormed in and accused my husband of having an affair with her. He smashed all the drinks off the table and started flipping chairs. Utter chaos! Security was called and some lad managed to calm this roided up psycho down with the offer of a joint. We avoided them like the plaque for the next 7 days although I doubt they remembered who we were!”

READ MORE: Get a ‘fabulous’ tan in minutes with this ‘fast-absorbing’ tan accelerator

Source link