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Silba, a picturesque island in Croatia, offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking tranquillity and authentic experiences

While Sicily is undeniably charming, its hordes of tourists can be a bit much. However, there’s an underrated alternative that’s just as stunning. Silba, a picturesque island in Croatia, boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage, making it the perfect spot for travellers seeking peace and authentic experiences.

The island is known for its no-car policy, ensuring a tranquil and pollution-free environment. Walking or cycling are the main modes of transport on the island, adding to its allure and making it ideal for leisurely exploration. With a population of just over 250 residents, Silba offers a stark contrast to the bustling streets of more popular Mediterranean destinations.

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The island’s landscape is a breathtaking mix of lush forests, olive groves, and sandy beaches. Visitors can bask on secluded shores, swim in turquoise waters, and hike through picturesque trails.

The beaches of Silba, such as Pocukmarak and Sotorisce, are famed for their untouched beauty and tranquillity, providing a perfect haven for nature enthusiasts.

Despite its small size, Silba has a rich cultural heritage. The island’s history dates back to ancient times, with remnants of Roman and Venetian architecture still visible.

One of the island’s most iconic landmarks is the Toreta, a unique spiral-shaped tower built in the 19th century, reports the Express. Climbing the Toreta provides panoramic views of the island and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.

The local fare is a delight, with fresh seafood and traditional Croatian dishes served in quaint family-run eateries. Silba’s relative anonymity compared to other Mediterranean hotspots like Sicily works to its advantage.

The absence of large tourist throngs means holidaymakers can savour a more personal and genuine experience. Whether you’re delving into ancient ruins, unwinding on tranquil beaches, or feasting on fresh seafood, Silba provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of more commercialised tourist locations.

The island can be reached by ferry from Zadar, a historic city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.

United States House Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill”, a wide-ranging tax and spending legislation, is at a crucial moment.

The nearly 400-page legislation proposes sweeping changes which include extending the 2017 tax cuts, slashing taxes for businesses and individuals, and enacting deep cuts to social programmes like Medicaid and SNAP.

While Republicans tout the bill as a boon for economic growth and middle-class relief, nonpartisan analysts warn it could add trillions to the national debt and strip millions of Americans of medical and food assistance.

The bill will be voted on by the House Budget Committee today and, if passed, will be voted on the floor next week.

The most substantive part of the bill is an extension of the 2017 tax cuts. The tax bill would add at least an additional $2.5 trillion to the national deficit over the next 10 years and decrease federal tax revenue by roughly $4 trillion by 2034.

Passing the legislation will also raise the debt ceiling, which sets the amount of money the government can borrow to pay for existing expenditures, by $4 trillion, a sticking point for hardline Republicans who want deeper cuts.

Here are some of the key measures in the proposed bill in its current form.

Changes for households

The bill increases standard deductions for all Americans. Individual deductions will increase by $1,000, $1,500 for heads of households, and $2,000 for married couples.

The bill extends the child tax credit of $2,000, which would otherwise have ended with the expiration of the 2017 tax cuts at year’s end.

It bumps up the child tax credit by $500 per child for this tax year and runs through the end of 2028. It also includes a $1,000 savings account for children born between December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2029. The legislation would also allow families to annually contribute $5,000 tax-free.

There is a new tax deduction for Americans 65 and older. The new bill would give a $4,000 annual deduction starting this year for people making a gross income of $75,000 for a single person and $150,000 for a married couple. If passed, the rule would take effect for the current tax year and run until the end of 2028.

“It will just make tax paying more complicated and more uncertain when a lot of these things ultimately expire,” Adam Michel, director of tax policy studies at the right-leaning Cato Institute, told Al Jazeera.

Another provision in the bill modifies state and local tax (SALT) deductions. It allows filers to be able to write off some of what they paid in local and state taxes from their federal filings.

Under the 2017 tax act, that was capped at $10,000, but the new legislation would raise that to $30,000. Some Republicans, particularly those in states with higher taxes like New York and California, have been pushing to raise the cap or abolish it altogether. However, they have faced fiscal hawks and those who see the increases as relief for those already wealthy.

The bill includes an increased benefit for small businesses that allows them to deduct 23 percent of their qualified business income from their taxes, up from the current 20 percent.

There is also a call for no taxes on overtime pay for select individuals. It would not apply to people who are non-citizens, those who are considered “highly compensated employees,” and those who earn a tipped wage.

The bill, however, also eliminates taxes on tips, a critical campaign promise by both Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. The bill would allow people who work in sectors like food service, as well as hair care, nail care, aesthetics, and body and spa treatments, to specifically deduct the amount of tipped income they receive.

At the federal level, employers will still not be required to pay tipped workers more than the subminimum wage of $2.13 hourly. The intention is that workers will be able to make up the difference in tipping the receipt from customers.

Cuts to the social safety net

The legislation calls to make $880bn in cuts to key government programmes with a focus mostly on Medicaid and food stamps.

The CBO found that more than 10 million people could lose Medicaid access and 7.6 million could lose access to health insurance completely by 2034 under the current plan.

Even far-right Republicans have called out the Medicaid cuts. In an op-ed in The New York Times this week, Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri said the cuts are “morally wrong and politically suicidal”.

According to a new report from One Fair Wage shared with Al Jazeera, tipped workers could be hit especially hard, as 1.2 million restaurant and tipped workers could lose access to Medicaid.

“A no tax on tips proposal, which is like a minuscule percentage of their income and doesn’t affect two-thirds of tips workers because they don’t earn enough to pay federal income tax, is just nowhere near enough to compensate for the fact that we’re going to have millions of these workers lose the ability to take care of themselves, in some cases go into medical debt, in many cases just not take care of themselves,” Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage, an advocacy group for restaurant workers, told Al Jazeera.

The bill also introduces work requirements to receive benefits, saying that recipients must prove they work, volunteer or are enrolled in school for at least 80 hours each month.

At the same time, the bill also shortens the open enrolment period by a month for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare. This means people who have employer-funded healthcare and lose their job might lose eligibility to buy a private plan on the healthcare exchange.

“It’s taking folks like 11 to 12 weeks to find a new job. The worse the labour market gets, that number will tick up. If you’re unemployed for three months, you get kicked off Medicaid,” Liz Pancotti, managing director of policy and advocacy at the Groundwork Collective, told Al Jazeera.

“Then, if you try to go buy a plan on the ACA marketplace, you are no longer eligible for subsidies … which I think is really cruel.”

Other major proposed cuts will hit programmes like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme or SNAP, which helps 42 million low-income individuals afford groceries and comes at a time when food costs are still 2 percent higher than a year ago. The CBO found that 3 million people could lose SNAP access under the new plan.

The bill would also force states to take up more responsibility in funding the programmes. States would be required to cover 75 percent of the administrative costs, and all states would have to pay at least 5 percent of the benefits — 28 states would need to pay 25 percent.

“States are now going to be on the hook for billions of dollars in funding for these two vital programmes. They have a tough choice. One is, do they cut funding from others like K-12 education, roads, veteran services, etc, to cover this gap, or do they raise taxes so that they can raise more revenue to cover this gap,” Pancotti added.

Under the current law, the federal government is solely responsible for shouldering the cost of benefits. The proposed cuts would save $300bn for the federal government but hit state budgets hard.

Bill fuels Trump administration priorities

The bill would also cut the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicle purchases and $4,000 for a used EV, a move which could hurt several major US automakers that are already reeling from the administration’s tariffs on automobiles.

General Motors pumped billions into domestic EV production in the last year, which has included a $900m investment to retrofit an existing plant to build electric vehicles in Michigan and alongside Samsung, the carmaker invested $3.5bn in EV battery manufacturing in the US.

In February, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that revoking the EV tax credit could put factory jobs on the chopping block. The carmaker invested in three EV battery plants in Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. The federal government under the administration of former President Joe Biden paid out more than $2bn in EV tax credits in 2024.

The proposed legislation would also give the Trump administration authority to revoke the tax exempt status of nonprofit organisations that it deems as a “terrorist supporting organisation”. It would give the secretary of the treasury the ability to accuse any nonprofit of supporting “terrorism”, revoke their tax exempt status without allowing them due process to prove otherwise, which has raised serious concerns amongst critics.

“This measure’s real intent lurks behind its hyperbolic and unsubstantiated anti-terrorist rhetoric: It would allow the Treasury Department to explicitly target, harass and investigate thousands of U.S. organizations that make up civil society, including nonprofit newsrooms,” Jenna Ruddock, advocacy director of Free Press Action, said in a statement.

“The bill’s language lacks any meaningful safeguards against abuse. Instead it puts the burden of proof on organizations rather than on the government. It’s not hard to imagine how the Trump administration would use it to exact revenge on groups that have raised questions about or simply angered the president and other officials in his orbit.”

The bill would introduce new taxes on colleges, including a varying tax rate based on the size of a university’s endowment per student with the highest at 14 percent for universities with a per student endowment of more than $1.25m but less than $2m and 21 percent for those of $2m or more.

This comes amid the Trump administration’s increased tensions with higher education. In the last week, the Trump administration pulled $450m in grants to Harvard on top of the $2.2bn it pulled in April — a move which will hinder research into cancer and heart disease, among other areas. Harvard has an endowment of $53.2bn, making it one of the richest schools in the country.

The legislation would also increase funding for a border wall between the US and Mexico, which the administration has argued will help curb undocumented immigration. However, there is no evidence that such a wall has deterred border crossings.

A 2018 analysis from Stanford University found that a border wall would only curb migration by 0.6 percent, yet the bill would give more than $50bn to finish the border wall and maritime crossings. The bill would also provide $45bn for building and maintaining detention facilities and another $14bn for transport.

One seaside town has been ranked the best in the country, receiving five-star ratings for its impressive views of the Northumberland coastline and serene atmosphere.

One Northumberland village has been named the best seaside town in the UK four years in a row. The UK’s top consumer champion, Which?, conducted its annual seaside survey of over 120 UK towns and villages across the UK and the results reveal a clear winner.

Bamburgh is the landslide victor, retaining its title as the most beloved seaside town among travellers. According to the results of Which’s survey, Bamburgh received five-star ratings across the board for its beach, seafront, scenery, tourist attraction and its tranquil atmosphere.

The village achieved an 86% overall destination score in the recent survey, which was the consumer group’s biggest seaside survey to date. The results reflect the opinions of 5,000 Which members, many of whom cited the spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle in their reviews.

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Bamburgh is situated within the Northumberland countryside, at the midway point between Berwick upon Tweed and Alnwick. Part of the reason it’s so popular among British holidaymakers is due to its close proximity to Newcastle airport and the Chathill train station (only a 30-minute train ride).

The most famous fixture of Bamburgh is, naturally, its namesake landmark: Bamburgh Castle. Even if you haven’t visited the castle in-person, you may have seen the iconic fortress in television shows or films like The Last Kingdom, Transformer: The Last Knight, or Frontier.

The award-winning castle is hailed as “the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg”. Today, the Anglo-Saxon citadel is owned by the Armstrong family, and their love of pets is the reason the grounds are now dog-friendly.

The Castle has become a huge attraction for the area, hosting a range of activities including Dragon Hunts, Ghost Tours and Outdoor Cinema Screenings. Fans of the Netflix series The Last Kingdom can also partake in the Uhtred of Babbenburgh Tour which runs between February and November to learn about the castle’s history.

Bamburgh Castle has become a distinguishing feature of the Northumberland coast and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. Not only is the fortress filled with 3,000 years of history and tales of Vikings and The Last Kingdom, but it also offers stunning views of the sea beyond.

Bamburgh Beach sits just beyond Bamburgh Castle and is notable both for its sand dunes and sea views. The beach has also become a huge draw for surfers, considered one of the most consistent spots along the coast. For those interested in learning, there are multiple surf schools operating on the north end of the beach from spring until autumn.

Travellers venturing north along the beach will come across the famous ‘Stag’ Rocks. This coastal landmark gets its name from the white stag painted on the rocks. While the origin of the painting is unknown – some locals say it appeared after a stag jumped into the sea – today, the rocks are regularly painted to keep up the local history.

Stag Rocks have also become a popular vantage point for birdwatching. This portion of the coast also offers unique views of the protected Farne Islands – a small group of islands a few miles off the coast of the Northumberland between Bamburgh and Seahouses.

If you’re in the area, a visit to the nearby fishing village of Seahouses is certainly a must. Regular boat tours leave from Seahouses’ harbour to the Farne Islands where travellers can see puffins and a large colony of grey seals.

Travellers can even walk straight from Seahouses harbour to Bamburgh Castle to enjoy a stunning stretch of the Northumberland coastline. The roughly three-mile walk is predominantly on golden sand.

WASHINGTON — In a massive setback, House Republicans failed Friday to push their big package of tax breaks and spending cuts through the Budget Committee, as a handful of conservatives joined all Democrats in a stunning vote against it.

The hard-right lawmakers are insisting on steeper spending cuts to Medicaid and the Biden-era green energy tax breaks, among other changes, before they will give their support to President Trump’s “big beautiful bill.” They warn the tax cuts alone would pile onto the nation’s $36-trillion debt.

The failed vote, 16-21, stalls, for now, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s push to have the package approved next week. But the holdout lawmakers vowed to stay all weekend to negotiate changes as the president is returning to Washington from the Middle East.

“Something needs to change or you’re not going to get my support,” said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas).

Tallying a whopping 1,116 pages, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, named with a nod to Trump, is teetering at a critical moment. Conservatives are holding out for steeper cuts to Medicaid and other programs to help offset the costs of the tax breaks. But at the same time, lawmakers from high-tax states including New York and California are demanding a deeper tax deduction, known as SALT, for their constituents.

Johnson has insisted Republicans are on track to pass the bill, which he believes will inject a dose of stability into a wavering economy.

Democrats slammed the package, but they will be powerless to stop it if Republicans are united. They emphasized that millions of people would lose their health coverage if the bill passes while the wealthiest Americans would reap enormous tax cuts. They also said it would increase future deficits.

“That is bad economics. It is unconscionable,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, the top Democratic lawmaker on the panel.

The Budget panel is one of the final stops before the package is sent to the full House floor for a vote, which is expected as soon as next week. Typically, the job of the Budget Committee is more administrative as it compiles the work of 11 committees that drew up various parts of the big bill.

But Friday’s meeting proved momentous. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House and have just a few votes to spare to advance the measure, including on the Budget Committee.

Four Republican conservatives initially voted against the package — Roy and Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma and Andrew Clyde of Georgia. Then one, Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania, switched his vote to no.

The conservative holdouts from the Freedom Caucus are insisting on deeper cuts — particularly to Medicaid. They want new work requirements for aid recipients to start immediately, rather than on Jan. 1, 2029, as the package proposes.

Roy complained that the legislation front-loads new tax cuts and spending while back-loading the savings.

“We are writing checks we cannot cash, and our children are going to pay the price,” Roy said.

“Sadly,” added Norman, “I’m a hard no until we get this ironed out.”

At the same time, the New Yorkers have been unrelenting in their demand for a much larger SALT deduction than what is proposed in the bill, which could send the overall cost of the package skyrocketing.

As it stands, the bill proposes tripling what’s currently a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction, increasing it to $30,000 for joint filers with incomes up to $400,000 a year.

Rep. Nick LaLota, one of the New York lawmakers leading the SALT effort, said they have proposed a deduction of $62,000 for single filers and $124,000 for joint filers.

The conservatives and the New Yorkers are at odds, each jockeying for their priorities as Johnson labors to keep the package on track to pass the House by Memorial Day and then onto the Senate.

“This is always what happens when you have a big bill like this,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.). “There’s always final details to work out all the way up until the last minute. So we’re going to keep working. There’s a lot of work to be done.”

At its core, the sprawling package extends the existing income tax cuts that were approved during Trump’s first term, in 2017, and adds new ones that the president campaigned on in 2024, including no taxes on tips, overtime pay and some auto loans.

It increases some tax breaks for middle-income earners, including a bolstered standard deduction of $32,000 for joint filers and a temporary $500 boost to the child tax credit, bringing it to $2,500.

It also provides an infusion of $350 billion for Trump’s deportation agenda and to bolster the Pentagon.

To offset more than $5 million in lost revenue, the package proposes rolling back other tax breaks, namely the green energy tax credits approved as part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Some conservatives want those to end immediately.

The package also seeks to cover the costs by slashing more than $1 trillion from healthcare and food assistance programs over the course of a decade, in part by imposing work requirements on able-bodied adults.

Certain Medicaid recipients would need to engage in 80 hours a month of work or other community options to receive healthcare. Older Americans receiving food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, would also see the program’s current work requirement for able-bodied participants without dependents extended to include those ages 55-64. States would also be required to shoulder a greater share of the program’s cost.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates at least 7.6 million fewer people with health insurance and about 3 million a month fewer SNAP recipients with the changes.

Mocking the name of the bill, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) called it “one big, beautiful betrayal.”

“To pay for it,” Democratic Rep. Morgan McGarvey said, “kids in Kentucky will go hungry, nursing homes and hospitals will close, and millions of Americans will be kicked off their health insurance. It’s wrong.”

Mascaro and Freking write for the Associated Press. AP writer Leah Askarinam contributed to this report.

While most of us know what the inside of a McDonald’s eatery looks like, there are some beautiful and unique ones around the world – and one impressive chain has left people gobsmacked

People have been wowed by this incredible and unique McDonald’s that looks more like a museum than a fast food chain. When we travel abroad, many of us typically try out the local cuisines and avoid food spots that we can easily get at home. But often some of our favourite big name brands offer different menus in different countries. McDonald’s menus vary by location to reflect local tastes and traditions.

The biggest McDonald’s restaurant is in Orlando, Florida, and there is the “poshest” chain in Long Island. In New Zealand, there is a McDonald’s where food is served from an abandoned aeroplane, plus there is a floating McDonald’s service in Germany.

We know how much the Italians pride themselves on good food, so of course they had to join the list with one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. While visit Rome, you will find a unique chain with hand-carved statues in the entranceway.

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Located near the famous Spanish steps, this McDonald’s has a sculpture in the entranceway that looks like it could be a rendering of the Roman goddess Venus. Further into the restaurant beyond the classic McDonald’s stills, stands a separate section devoted to decadent-looking cakes, tarts, and donuts.

Fans love taking videos and pictures of the spot – and it has gone viral online, with people tourists making sure they add it to their must-do list while visiting the ancient Italian city.

TikTok account @moromatour – a page which shares Roman insights and offers tours around the city – shared a look inside the amazing eatery. The video has raked in 1.8million views and has the caption: “This McDonald’s looks like a museum. Rome, Italy.”

“Proud to say I have been there,” commented one. One other wrote: “No matter where you are, got to try Maccies at least once, totally different menus and vibe! We were at this Maccies on Tuesday and it’s actually massive, proper McCafe with pastries and coffee!”

One other who was shocked after seeing the spot, said: “I remember when I was in Rome and stumbled upon this McDonald’s completely on accident”

“I was there, it’s incredible,” insisted one other. Some observed that due to its uniqueness this eatery can get busy fast.

In other McDonald’s news, a menu shake up has been announced for later this month. Plus, a Brit has been left stunned by the menu items on offer at McDonald’s in Japan following a recent visit – and he cannot believe how different it is to the UK.

Would you rush to visit this McDonald’s? Comment below.

If you have a food related story, get in touch at [email protected].

Nanjizal Beach in Cornwall’s far west was ranked the second most secluded beach in the world by Sunsail, with the team analysing factors including accessibility and online searches

Cornwall’s Nanjizal Beach, nestled just south of Land’s End, has been named the second most secluded beach in the world by Sunsail. The team at Sunsail analysed factors such as accessibility, online searches, connectivity, noise and amenities to determine which beaches were the most secluded.

Beaches with fewer social media searches are considered less exposed, with experts concluding that “the less people likely to know about them”. Similarly, beaches with poor phone service also scored highly in the ranking – offering visitors a chance to truly “switch off”. “Each beach has been ranked against these factors and given a score out of 17,” the report explained.

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“The lower the score, the more secluded and remote the beach is.” Due to its remote and largely inaccessible location, Nanjizal Beach remains one of the UK’s most untouched beaches, reports the Express. However, with the rise of Instagram, it’s slowly gaining popularity among those keen to capture a unique photo.

Most of the time, the beach is usually only frequented by walkers on the coastal path. One of the intriguing features of this beach, however, is the colour of its water.

Cornwall Beaches describes the ever-changing nature of a local beach: “Situated at the end of a short, shallow valley, the beach changes from year to year.

“Sometimes the beach is a pretty boulder-strewn cove, whilst at others there is plenty of golden sand stretching right across the bay. One thing is constant though – the unusually clear blue water.”

The beach draws attention not just for its shifting sands but also for its intriguing caves, with the most famous being “Song of the Sea”. This cave is a natural wonder, bathed in light and home to an emerald lagoon.

Visitors can gaze out at the Atlantic from the far end of the cave, while also admiring the striking rock formation known as the Diamond Horse.

For those keen on visiting Nanjazil Beach, it’s crucial to prioritise safety. It’s advised to check tidal schedules and aim for low tide, as the beach significantly shrinks when high tide comes in.

To get to the beach, you can follow the coastal path from Land’s End, with Nanjazil lying about a mile to the south. Alternatively, park your car at Porthgwarra and enjoy a one-mile walk to this coastal gem.

Avoid the droves of bustling crowds with this pristine beach – located just 15 minutes away from one of Barcelona’s busiest hotpots – that has been described by one local as the ‘perfect escape’

A local has revealed the ‘perfect’ escape from Spain’s bustling beaches that most tourists struggle to find. Renowned for its Gaudí architecture, ubiquitous history, and fancy rooftop cocktail bars – Barcelona, located in Spain’s Catalonia region, has long been a tourist hotspot.

Last year, a staggering 15.6 million tourists flocked to cosmopolitan city, to soak up the sun and pretend they’re suddenly art and history connoisseurs. It’s a 100,000 decrease compared to 2023 overnight figures, but still means finding a beach where you’re not rubbing shoulders with a complete stranger an almost impossible feat.

Playa de Bogatell is a popular spot for sun-worshipping Brits, boasting sugar-like sands, cobalt waters, and a slew of sea-view eateries. However, in the peak seasons – the stretch of sand can become insufferably crowded.

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Luckily, TikTok channel Explorebarcelona explained that just a stone’s throw from the busy beach lies a stunning shore that has somehow managed to escape the tourist limelight. “Most tourists will never find this place, but most locals know it’s the perfect escape,” the account said.

“Tired of crowded beaches, and overpriced drinks? Just walk 15 minutes further and you will find Platja Nova Mar Bella, a hidden gem where locals actually relax. [There are] no vendors, no noise, just clean sand, clear water, and space to breathe.”

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On TripAdvisor, Platja Nova Mar Bella has garnered hundreds of five-star reviews from impressed travellers.”The sand was light coloured tan with no rocks and clean surroundings,” one visitor hailed. “The drop off into the sea was substantial and with smooth rocks to walk into the water. Beverages were easily attained as were umbrellas to rent.”

Another agreed, commenting: “[It’s] quieter than beaches nearer the town. There are spacious toilets, bike racks to lock up rental bikes, and showers. It’s a relaxed unintimidating beach for people of all ages and all shapes and sizes!”

A third added: “Very nice tapas bar in the middle of the beach, very nice sand and clean water. Very convenient and free parking,” while a fourth penned: “The beach was closed to swimming because of high wind and surf conditions but that didn’t stop us from dipping our feet in the water and enjoying the sun!”

However, others argued the beach’s pristine reputation had already started to fade. One-star reviews complaining about ‘aggressive’ vendors and pickpockets have now started to tarnish the review site.

“The place is nice and clean,” one person wrote. “The only downside is the shoppers. [They’re] very aggressive and insistent… they had to be put back in their place vigorously.”

Others pointed out the beach was actually a nudist beach, despite a lack of notice boards. Many have branded the beach a ‘gay beach’, as it tends to attract LGBTQ+ visitors.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

This market town in Northumberland is ideal for history buffs and nature-lovers, home to plenty of impressive monuments, walking trails and within close proximity of one of the UK’s most iconic ruins

The UK certainly has no shortage of picturesque destinations to explore, but if you are trying to avoid the summer crowds you’ll need to expand your horizons. Instead of opting for hotspot staycation sites like the Cotswolds and the Lake District, consider a trip to Northumberland – this one spot in particular.

Hexham in Northumberland is a petit market town that has been highlighted as a top staycation destination by the travel blog The Crazy Tourist, as previously reported by The Mirror. Located 25 miles from Newcastle, the town is home to about 13,000 residents and attracts about 120,000 visitors annually.

Situated between the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines National Landscape, visitors will have plenty of stunning vistas and landmarks to explore. Hexham is also home to family-friendly parks and green spaces, including the Sele, Hexham House and the beloved Hexham Abbey grounds.

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Originally built in 674AD with materials repurposed from Roman ruins, Hexham Abbey was rebuilt in the 13th century. Markers of the grounds’ Roman history are present in the form of pagan dedications as well.

Hexham Abbey has restored much of its medieval monastery complex – the Priory Buildings – to an impeccable standard. The impressive buildings are fully licensed premises and can thus be rented out as an event space for weddings, banquets and luncheons.

For those interested in diving further into the area’s rich history, Hadrian’s Wall is conveniently close. Just a short drive from the town’s centre, the Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. It was originally built to serve as the north-western frontier of the Roman empire.

Construction of Hadrian’s Wall began in 122AD by order of emperor Hadrian and was defended by regiments of 500 to 1,000 infantry and cavalry men. Today, the Hadrian’s Wall Path allows travellers to follow directly in the footsteps of Roman soldiers.

There are plenty of trails for curious visitors to traverse given the Wall’s unique settlement across two of England’s most picturesque counties. Following the popular Birdoswald Roman trail will set visitors along a path set against the River Irthing and down the longest continuous stretch of the Wall.

Another moderate path is the Housesteads Roman trail, which covers some of the most peaceful parts of the Northumberland National Park. This specific trail provides access to Walltown Crags – the majestic countryside area – and the Dark Sky Discovery Site of Cawfields.

One final historic landmark that must be highlighted is the Hexham Old Gaol, which is England’s oldest purpose-built prison. Constructed in 1333, the medieval prison served as a detention site for nearly half a millennium, where inmates were required to fund their own sustenance and attire.

A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the Gaol is both a fun and educational destination. Visitors can uncover a bounty of music, poetry and books about the English-Scottish border in the interior Border Library Collection while more daring guests can try out the stocks.

The town is not just a hub for history, it also has many modern attractions to boast. For instance, the Hexham Racecourse is the only racecourse in Northumberland and considered one of the most scenic in the country. Another modern marvel is the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. The contemporary glass building is a community hub and learning centre, hosting an array of exhibits throughout the year. The centre also offers impressive views of the Northumberland National Park.

Finally, the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – located opposite the Hexham Abbey – is a draw for the best international and national artists. The Victorian building boasts a 350-seat theatre to watch dancers, musicians and dramatic artists and is also home to two art galleries.

A National Park in Indonesia is famous for its stunning pink beaches, but to best enjoy the area there are a few policies travellers need to be aware of, including where to stay and when to visit

Pink beaches are a bucket list destination for avid travellers given their scarcity and, in some cases, protected status. These special beaches – defined by the distinct pale pink hue of their sands – can be found in various parts of the world, from Greece to Barbados to Sardinia.

The Komodo Islands of Indonesia are one such infamous destination. The UNESCO Heritage Komodo National Park comprises 29 islands, with Komodo Island being just one among many including other well-known destinations like Rinca and Padar.

Komodo itself has become famous for two things, one being the Komodo dragon and the other its iconic pink sands. But its notoriety has led to a few warnings being issued to would-be tourists over the years.

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In 2019, for instance, Komodo Island was considering completely closing off to tourists after reports that Komodo dragons were being smuggled from the island. The closure was initially intended to start in 2020 but was later cancelled, though general tourism of the park is still closed.

Now tourists are warned of another precaution when planning to visit the island, a further consequence of the island’s increasing popularity. Due to growing crowds, travellers are urged to avoid arriving during certain periods to limit crowding.

According to the travel marketplace, Seek Sophie, travellers should avoid the rainy season from January to March as boat trips don’t run during this time. That said, the only way to see Komodo National Park is on an island-hopping boat tour. Travellers can choose between a sightseeing boat tour or a diving boat trip. Even one-day speedboat trips can be cancelled though, if weather conditions are poor.

Komodo National Park requires all boat trip passengers pre-register their journey. After you have booked your boat trip, you’ll be required to submit a copy of your passport with your photo, full name, nationality, and passport number to your boat host at least one day before your trip, otherwise you’ll be denied entry to the park.

If you’re aiming to see the Komodo dragons as well as the famous pink beaches, avoid July and August which is mating season. Seek Sophie also advises travellers to avoid arriving during local holidays like Raya as these are generally exceptionally busy times, unless you’re prepared to queue for popular attractions like the Padar lookout.

But don’t let the tourist warnings and policies scare you off, Komodo National Park is a one-of-a-kind destination that is certainly worth experiencing first-hand. In fact, Time Out recently listed the Padar Island viewpoint as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Once you are in the Park though, there are several pink beaches to explore, though the one near Komodo Island is where most boats stop off. That said, because of its convenience and popularity, the sand has grown increasingly paler as travellers make souvenirs of the sand.

Tourists taking sand became a huge problem on pink sand beaches, particularly the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) of northern Sardinia. Budelli Island – home to one of only two pink sand beaches in Italy – subsequently barred access to all tourists for life.

As on Komodo Island and most pink beaches, the sand gets its distinct colour from the high concentration of red-coloured, shelled microorganisms that are ground by the waves and transported to the beach. After decades of tourists collecting the sand and with no time to recover, beaches like Spiaggia Rosa eventually lose their colour completely.

Those planning a trip to the Komodo National Park are encouraged to be respectful of the ecological sensitivity of the area. It is to protect the region that there are no hotels in the Park. Travellers wishing to prolong their trip can stay in Labuan Bajo town or opt for an overnight boat.

Europe is home to some fantastic cities and one has been voted the best for value – with a pint costing around £2.41. Here is why you should visit it this year

City breaks are a dream for those looking to quickly escape and hit the reset button. And if a European jaunt is what gets your travel juices flowing, then you’ve struck gold, as the experts at Flight Hacks have dished out a summer bargain travel list. They’ve crunched the numbers, factoring in daily averages for flights from any London airport, food and digs per night, to pinpoint the top bang-for-your-buck holiday spots.

Topping the charts as Europe’s most economical holiday spot is Bucharest, Romania. You can revel in all its delights for a neat £215.52 a day, with hotel stays hitting the jackpot as the continent’s cheapest averaging a mere £86.72 a night.

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So if you’re tempted by the cheapest place let’s take a look at Bucharest more closely.

What is there to do in Bucharest?

Nestled in Southern Romania, this historical gem not only served as the stomping grounds for Vlad The Impaler but also snagged the moniker “Little Paris” for its elegant early 20th-century architecture. It boasts a population of about 1.83 million (circa 2019) and promises a cultural feast.

Tripadvisor’s crowned jewel for the city is the Stavropoleos Monastery, scoring an impressive 4.5 rating. Dating back to 1724, it stands proudly among the capital’s oldest structures.

Culture vultures can either discover its charms solo or opt for a guided tour around the monastery, reports the Express. One visitor raved about a church on Tripadvisor, calling it “beautiful” among numerous five-star reviews.

A user remarked: “What I loved most was the quiet and cosy atmosphere of the place, even if this architectural beauty is located in the middle of Bucharest, in the most crowded place.”

Another shared: “One of my favourite places in Bucharest! Amazing monastery is full of peace and harmony. I recommend visiting it Saturday and Sunday at 6pm and to listen to the prayers.”

And a fourth enthused: “Standing inside this monastery, takes your breath away. The walls and high ceilings adorned with beautiful religious artwork, it hard to put to words just how beautiful it really Is.”

Other must-see spots in the Romanian capital include the world’s second-largest building, the Palace of Parliament, and of course, the Old Town is a must-visit spot.

Expect to discover a host of bars and eateries offering traditional Romanian cuisine there.

Bucharest is also a magnet for those seeking vibrant nightlife, with a pint going for as little as £2.41 according to Numbeo statistics. There are plenty of top-tier venues to enjoy, including Player Club, Shoteria, and Club Revenge.

How to get to Bucharest

Getting to Romania is straightforward with many airlines offering flights. Direct services are available from London, Birmingham, and Glasgow with carriers such as Ryanair, BA, easyJet and Wizz Air flying to the destination.

Kayak reveals that one-way flights to Bucharest kick off from the capital, with the journey clocking in just over three hours from London.

When is the best time to visit Bucharest?

The milder months of April, May, June, September and October are ideal to dodge the sweltering summer climes, as it can get quite toasty in those parts.

Conversely, winter might charm with snow, but be wary as it can throw public transport into chaos. Also, tourist hotspots sometimes shut their doors owing to harsh weather, and expect the nights to start nipping at 4pm.

Top 10 budget-friendly European destinations to visit (average cost per day):

Immanuel Debeer, CEO at Flight Hacks, said: “Going on holiday in Europe doesn’t need to cost an eye-watering amount of money. This study demonstrates that by exploring various travel sites and researching the cost of living in certain cities, you can visit some of the most beautiful and culturally rich areas Europe has to offer without breaking the bank.”