booking

Hotels are one of the priciest parts of a holiday, with UK travellers now spending around £92 per night on domestic overnight trips on average. But there’s a way to save money

If you’re planning a holiday, it’s always a bonus to save some money. The costs can quickly mount up between flights, accommodation and of course, activities.

However, there’s a brilliant way to book your hotel that could save you hundreds. Hotels are often the most expensive part of a holiday, with UK travellers now spending around £92 per night on average for domestic overnight trips.

If you’re staying in a big city, that cost can soar even higher.

Take London, for instance, where recent industry data shows average room rates nearing the £200-a-night mark.

But experts at Webpop design have shared a simple trick that could save your hard-earned cash.

Once you’ve decided where you want to book, clear your browser cookies and cache or use a private window, then search again, reports the Express.

The price you find could be significantly lower.

This is because booking sites use dynamic pricing and tailor your results based on what they know you’re looking for.

By clearing your cache and cookies, you give yourself a fresh start to search from, free from dynamic pricing.

There are also certain times of day which are better for booking holidays – for example, Tuesdays are likely to offer lower prices. This is because the weekend rush is over, and there is often more availability.

Sites will also be keen to fill any remaining slots quickly. And booking sites are eager to fill up their remaining hotel stays – fast.

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider booking your stay from Sunday to Thursday. You’ll avoid the weekend price hikes and likely snag a bargain.

So if you don’t mind missing out on a weekend in your dream destination, aim to book your accommodation during these days.

Anyone travelling abroad is advised to consult Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidance before setting off

Heathrow Airport has issued an important message to any Brits planning to travel abroad soon. The London-based facility posted its alert on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today, encouraging prospective travellers to sign up for key alerts.

“Looking to book your next trip from #Heathrow?”, the post read. “Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or engaging in extreme sports, make sure to check the latest @FCDOtravelGovUK travel advice for your destination and sign up to http://GOV.UK email alerts.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or FCDO, is the UK Government department responsible for handling the country’s foreign affairs and providing advice to citizens abroad. Online, it offers an A-to-Z list of 226 countries and territories, including details on ongoing incidents, safety, entry requirements, and other essential travel information.

Similar travel guidance related to health can also be found at the TravelHealthPro site, operated by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). This offers specific details on disease outbreaks and ongoing concerns, along with vaccination guidance.

Travellers are generally advised to check health advisories and vaccination details at least eight weeks before their departure. Beyond this, the FCDO encourages Brits to use its foreign travel checklist to ensure they are fully prepared.

The checklist, available on the FCDO website, details the following key points:

• Research your destination and check the latest advice and warnings.
• Get insured as soon as you book the trip.
• Check you have all the necessary documents for travel.
• Consider your health, including relevant vaccination advice and rules on taking medication abroad.
• Prepare for the unexpected and have backup plans for accessing key information abroad.
• Know that you can contact the FCDO in London 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000 for advice. You may also contact your nearest British embassy abroad.

Despite this, the Government’s website warns: “Our foreign travel checklist aims to help you plan for a trouble-free trip. It is not exhaustive. No foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe, and you take personal responsibility for your own travel.”

For more information, head to the FCDO’s travel advice website or TravelHealthPro here.

What counts as a liquid in luggage when travelling abroad?

The UK Government’s full list of what is considered hand luggage liquids on flights is below:

• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
• Contact lens solution
• Pastes, including toothpaste
• Gels, including hair and shower gel
• All drinks, including water

Liquid carry-on rules differ depending on the airport. Before your trip, verify the regulations at your departure airport, any airports you’ll pass through, and on your return journey.

The Government’s advice adds: “At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full. Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to two litres of liquid.

“Check for exemptions if you’re taking baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements or liquids bought in duty free.”

More than half of all British holidaymakers have had to make a claim on their travel insurance after things went wrong before or during their trip – but not everyone is protected.

Two-thirds of young Brits are jetting off on their jollies without any travel insurance, with half of them convinced that nothing will go pear-shaped. This is despite the fact that research shows 29% of all holidaymakers have had to make a claim after things went south either before or during their trip, with the average claim totalling around a massive £4,500.

The top reasons for this include holidays being cancelled due to unexpected events like illness. Meanwhile, nearly half have had to dip into their policy because of lengthy travel delays, while 45% needed assistance following a medical emergency abroad.

However, a survey of 2,000 adults found that 58% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers have given travel insurance a miss because it’s too pricey.

Emily Barnett, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: “Taking out travel insurance should be as instinctive as booking your flights, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances, for example should you need to cancel before you depart.

“With the busy winter travel season upon us, whether it’s skiing in the Alps or a visit to the Christmas markets, it’s never been more important to make sure you have suitable cover in place before you set off.”

It also came to light that 41% have claimed for delayed or damaged luggage, while 40% needed their policy after falling victim to thieves abroad.

Others have been forced to turn to insurance after their hotel or travel firm let them down at the last minute, whilst 38% made a claim to get hold of medication whilst away.

But 16% weren’t aware their policy must meet the specific needs of their getaway – as certain trips, like winter sports holidays, require specialist coverage. This figure jumps to nearly a third amongst 18 to 24 year olds.

Regarding travel anxieties, the top concern amongst respondents is suffering a medical emergency whilst abroad (37%), followed by misplaced luggage (21%) and missing their flight (19%).

The research has sparked a powerful photo collection from Compare the Market, called ‘What Happened on Holiday’, created to emphasise how crucial it is to arrange insurance when booking your trip.

Emily Barnett added: “We’re urging Brits to protect their trips early to give themselves peace of mind, so they can focus on making memories instead of mishaps.”

TOP 10 MOST COMMON TRAVEL CLAIMS ACCORDING TO COMPARE THE MARKET:

1. Trip cancellation (due to illness, injury, bereavement etc. )
2. Travel delays (beyond a set time)
3. Emergency medical treatment
4. Emergency expenses
5. Travel interruptions
6. Delayed or damaged baggage
7. Missed flights or connections
8. Theft of items
9. Hotel / travel company cancellation
10. Prescriptions and medication

PLANS changed before you’ve even packed your case?

If you need to cancel a Jet2 flight, here’s how it works right now, plus what that means for refunds and fees.

How do you cancel a Jet2 flight?

It’s straightforward to cancel online.

Go to Manage My Booking, log in with your details and select Cancel flights.

Follow the on-screen steps to confirm your request.

You should receive confirmation once you’ve completed the process in Manage My Booking.

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Will I get my money back if I cancel?

Jet2 treats flight-only bookings as non-refundable in most cases.

If you choose to cancel, you should not expect a cash refund unless your fare type or specific circumstances state otherwise.

Always check your booking confirmation and fare conditions before you cancel, and consider whether your travel insurance covers you for your reason to cancel.

What are my options if I don’t want to lose the fare?

If you can still travel but need different dates or times, you can amend your booking instead of cancelling.

Jet2 lets you change flights in Manage My Booking, subject to a change fee and any fare difference.

Name changes are also permitted for a fee if someone else can take your place, which can be more cost-effective than cancelling outright.

How much does it cost to change a Jet2 flight?

Jet2 charges a fixed change fee per person per flight plus any difference between your original fare and the new fare available at the time you make the change.

Exact costs vary by route, season and availability, so you’ll see the total before you pay when you go through the change process in Manage My Booking.

Can I cancel a Jet2holidays package instead?

Flight-only bookings and Jet2holidays packages have different rules.

Package holidays follow Jet2holidays terms and conditions, including set cancellation charges on a sliding scale.

Check the Jet2holidays Manage My Booking FAQs and your booking documents for the latest charges before you decide.

If you booked a package through a third party or travel agent, speak to them first, as their terms may also apply.

What if Jet2 cancels my flight?

If Jet2 cancels your flight, you’ll be offered alternative arrangements or a refund according to Jet2’s policies.

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Manage this via Manage My Booking or follow the instructions Jet2 sends you at the time.

Keep an eye on your email and your booking dashboard for updates if disruption is expected.

Travel firms including Love Holidays, Wowcher, TUI and Shearings are offering package trips to Christmas market destinations including Prague, Cologne and Krakow

It may not yet be Halloween, but now is the time to book a Christmas market break.

Across Europe, there are a whole host of fantastic festive markets that are excellent spots to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, get in the merry mindset, and bag some gifts for the big day.

Some of the UK’s biggest travel companies are offering bargain package deals that include transport to the Christmas capitals in question as well as accomodation while you’re there.

Places on some of them are limited, and the deals only run for a limited amount of time on others. So while it may feel a little early to get in the Christmas spirit, now is the time to start booking. Check out our selection below.

Krakow

As part of their Winter 25/26 Christmas Markets programme, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks are offering flights and trips from London Stansted Airport to Kraków for the first time, where customers can indulge in festive Polish cuisine.

With twice-weekly flights (Thursday and Sunday) available from 27 November to 21 December 2025, Kraków is a great destination for those looking to enjoy a long weekend exploring the delights of the city’s festive markets and local treats.

The city is an undiscovered foodie paradise, with centuries-old history forming a winter wonderland backdrop for a vibrant and delicious culinary scene. From hearty stews and spiced mulled wine to sweet gingerbread treats and artisan cheeses, Kraków’s Christmas markets are a food lover’s paradise. Holidaymakers can wander through the iconic Rynek Główny, where the scent of roasting chestnuts, sizzling kiełbasa sausages, and freshly baked pierogi fills the crisp air.

Customers booking a Kraków Christmas markets getaway can choose from a flight-only option with Jet2.com or an ATOL-protected package holiday with Jet2CityBreaks, available for only a £60 per person deposit. Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include flights with Jet2.com, giving holidaymakers 22kg hold luggage and 10kg cabin luggage, as well as a choice of 2-5-star hotels.

Cologne and Düsseldorf

If you love a Christmas market, but prefer not to fly, then Shearings may be the perfect tour operator for you. Book a trip and then get ready to jingle all the way into the festive season with a Christmas market coach holiday.

Shearings offers trips to iconic European Christmas markets including Luxembourg and Salzburg, but it’s Cologne and Düsseldorf that really catch the eye.

From the multiple markets of Cologne to the gingerbread houses of Düsseldorf, there is plenty to get you in the festive mood with pretty little stalls offering unique handcrafted gifts and plenty of mulled wine to keep the winter chills at bay.

Right now Shearings is offering a four-day trip to the two festive cities from £389 per person.

Berlin

Germany is arguably the home of the Christmas market as we know it, and its capital is teeming with a variety of excellent festive spots. Among its best known is the famous and elegant WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt, the traditional and bustling Alexanderplatz market with its Ferris wheel and ice rink, and the historic, artisan-focused market at Breitscheidplatz.

TUI is offering breaks to The Riu Plaza, which is within walking distance of the capital’s premier shopping avenue. This up-to-date, glass-fronted hotel’s in a prime position for shopaholics. It’s just a five-minute stroll to Germany’s biggest department store, and a further five minutes’ walk to Berlin’s best shopping street – the Kurfürstendamm – which is jam-packed with big-name brands and designer stores.

A two night stay in the hotel is on offer now for £382 per person, with flights from the UK included.

Prague

If Germany doesn’t grab the top spot in the festive market rankings, then it’ll be Czechia. Specifically, Prague.

The enchanting capital beckons holidaymakers with its fairytale charm and rich tapestry of experiences. Straddling the Vltava River, this city of a hundred spires casts a spell that captivates history buffs, art enthusiasts and night owls alike.

You can wander through the labyrinthine cobblestone streets of Old Town, where Gothic towers and Baroque façades tell tales of centuries past. The astronomical clock, a medieval marvel, still ticks away, drawing crowds with its hourly spectacle. Across the iconic Charles Bridge, Prague Castle looms large – a thousand-year-old fortress that once housed Holy Roman Emperors and now stands as a testament to Czech resilience.

Love Holidays has a whole host of Prague breaks on offer for the festive period, with hotel stays and flights from the UK included in packages that cost as little as £139 per person.

Mystery market

If you like to combine a taste for living life on the edge and Christmas markets, then Wowcher is your place.

Right now it is offering a Christmas Market Mystery Holiday with flights and a hotel stay at one of 80 worldwide potential destinations for the 2025 festive season. You can choose the travel dates that work best for you, but where you’ll be going is in the hands of the gods/Wowcher.

Destinations including New York, Chicago, Washington, Toronto, Salzburg, Cologne, Copenhagen, Bruges, Amsterdam, Tallinn and Rome are on the list of possibilities. During your getaway, you’ll slumber down in 3*+ accommodation, each with its own private room and en suite.

The deal is live until October 26.

A visit to Lapland to see Father Christmas is just a pipedream for most people, with a short stay generally costing thousands – but there is a far cheaper way to experience the magic of the snowy wonderland without breaking the bank

Whether you want to admit it or not, Christmas really is on its way and it will be here sooner than you think.

Your flip flops may still be lingering redundant at the front door in the hope of some warm autumn sun but they’ll be joined by hats and scarfs very soon, which you’ll be throwing on to rush out and get those last minute Xmas gifts.

If you’ve always hoped one of them would be to take the kids (or just yourself) to Lapland to see the big fella in his homeland, but never believed you could afford it – there is a much less costly way to make those childhood festive dreams of a trip of a lifetime come true.

The Santa Village and the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland is where Santa has lived for centuries and is a top destination for those in search of the all round festive experience. The village in Rovaniemi is open every day of the year but many prefer to go during the Christmas period.

We took a look at costs for a family of four to stay at the village itself for two nights during December and it’s fair to say most families would be priced out.

The family suite (double bed and a sofa bed and armchair bed) was the only option available with the cheaper cottages having sold out. It came in at around £1,683 for both nights.

For anyone who wants to splash out even more there is a villa which can be rented in its entirety or it’s also possible to rent half of it as an apartment. The smaller of the two apartments comes in at just over £13,000 in total for four people staying two nights on December 15 and 16.

Admittedly the accommodation appears to be the height of luxury and includes breakfast. There’s even the option of a private chef preparing it for you for £262 extra per morning if you can’t be bothered to pop your bread in the toaster yourself.

Father Christmas himself will even make a VIP private visit to the apartment for around 30 minutes but he doesn’t come cheap either, he’s a busy man after all. You’ll have to fork out around £778 if you want Santa on your sofa.

Return flights with Syscanner from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi on 15 December – 17 December come in around £862 in total for reasonable times but still won’t land until 18.10 on the first night. Obviously you’ll pay more for kinder flight times that don’t involve getting up or home in the middle of the night.

If you went for the cheaper option for flights and accommodation you would be looking at a total cost of £2,545 or £13,862 for the high end apartment. These estimates DON’T include travel to and from the airport or the cost of any meals, refreshments or added extras such as husky or reindeer sled rides (the luxury apartment includes breakfast).

However those wishing there was a cheaper way to enjoy the winter wonderland, could consider arranging alternative accommodation and adding in an extra festive experience that will also save money. It is generally cheaper to fly to Helsinki from the UK. We found an early morning flight leaving Gatwick for £218 in total for four passengers on the same date, again via Skyscanner.

Once there you can pick up the overnight Santa Express (sadly he doesn’t actually drive the double decker train), which runs from Helsinki to snow-capped Lapland in the north.

The journey takes approximately 12 hours which means you can really relish the beauty of the Finnish landscape as you head towards Father Christmas. If you’re lucky you may even get to marvel at the natural stunning phenomena of the Northern Lights which are often visible here before being rocked off to sleep, waking up in the Arctic Circle the next morning.

This option combines travel and the first night’s accommodation in one, making it so much cheaper all round. Standard sleeper cabins start from £43 and cabins with showers start from £65. It is advised to book early and directly through the Finnish national rail company VR.

Recent travellers on the Santa Express have shared their experiences on Tripadvisor, where the train has a 4.2 rating: “This overnight train ride was a fun and unique way for our family to travel to Lapland. It added to the excitement of our trip and gave us a chance to relax before arriving in Rovaniemi,” one wrote. “We would recommend it to families looking for an authentic Finnish travel experience.”

Another family were also pleasantly surprised: “The rooms/cabins exceeded our expectations. Admittedly, we had concerns about selecting this mode of transport between Helsinki and Rovaniemi but we were looking forward to a new experience. It really did help establish a festive feeling as we embarked on our first trip to Lapland,” they shared.

Once you arrive in Rovaniemi you can head straight to the Santa Village, where entry is free. There’s not even a charge to meet the man himself in his big red house but prepare for queues at busy periods. Added extras such as a picture with him will come with a price tag though.

The Arctic Circle runs through the village and you can cross it in the central square – again totally free. Make some lifelong memories by taking your own pictures of the family jumping or hopping across the line in the sparkly surroundings.

There are plenty of other activities in the village, such as husky rides and snowmobile safaris but for those on a tight budget there’s lots of fun to be had simply soaking up the frozen landscape’s atmosphere after a special meet with Santa.

Once your day in the village is over, rather than staying on site, it’s possible to find much cheaper alternatives in Rovaniemi itself. We found an entire studio apartment on booking.com just 0.6 miles from the city centre for £260 for the whole family. After a restful night full of festive dreams, you can catch a flight back to Gatwick from nearby Rovaniemi airport. We found one with Skyscanner for £392.

Below are the totals for both Lapland trips and the savings that could be made. Estimates are for a family of four staying two nights between 15 – 17 December. Neither includes meals, refreshments or extras. Prices were correct at the time of writing:

Total for the Santa Village suite (cheaper of the two): £2,545

Total estimate for the alternative Lapland package using the Santa Express: £956

Saving of: £1,589

When it comes to making travel plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, you may still be crouched at the starting blocks. But the race for flights, hotel reservations and event tickets will begin in 2026, long before the Games commence.

The Los Angeles Times is your guide to the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. Follow us for expert coverage of every aspect of the LA28 Games.

If you’re planning to visit Southern California for LA28, preparation will be crucial. And a little positive thinking wouldn’t hurt. As Winnipeg-based sports tour operator Dave Guenther of Roadtrips says, the Olympic cycle often feels like “two or three years of cynicism followed by two weeks of unbridled joy.”

As the days tick down to the L.A. Olympics (July 14-30, 2028) and Paralympics (Aug. 15-27, 2008), we’ll be answering the most important travel questions. We’ll be adding updates as new information comes in, so be sure to bookmark this guide.

Getting tickets to the Games

The Coliseum during the opening ceremonies for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

(Los Angeles Times)

When will tickets for the Olympic Games go on sale?

Beginning in January, fans can register to enter the lottery for Olympic tickets at the organizing committee’s website, la28.org. If selected in the random draw, organizers say, fans will receive a purchase time and date for when ticket drops begin in spring 2026. Organizers say those in communities near Games venues will get early access. See a broader outline of LA28’s ticket schedule here.

Also in early 2026, LA28 will start offering hospitality packages that combine event tickets with overnight accommodations, transportation and/or special events. Tickets for the Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2027.

More details are expected later this year. Anyone interested can sign up to receive announcements through the LA28 newsletter.

What will tickets cost?

Organizers say Olympic and Paralympic competition tickets will start at $28, about $2 more than they did in Paris in 2024. We don’t know the high end yet. If Paris is a fair guide, most-coveted seats for the most popular events could be as high as $800 or more. The official vendors are also expected to manage a channel for resales of tickets, as they did in Paris.

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The two most costly events are likely to be the opening and closing ceremonies. In Paris, per-ticket prices reached more than $2,900 for the opening, and more than $1,700 for the closing. In Los Angeles — for the first time — the opening ceremonies will be split between two venues, the L.A. Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Some of the toughest tickets, Guenther said, are gymnastics, swimming, track and field, and beach volleyball. “If you are super keen on seeing the women’s gymnastics finals, you might be on a path to disappointment,” Guenther said. “But if you’re flexible, there are a lot of things that are going to be options.”

The finish of the 400-meter hurdles at the 1932 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

(Associated Press)

Can I volunteer at the Games?

You can try. Recent Summer Olympics have relied upon tens of thousands of volunteers, who must meet language and training requirements. (Not every aspiring volunteer in Paris got assigned.) To stay in touch with volunteer opportunities, sign up for the LA28 newsletter.

Where will the Games happen?

The 2028 festivities will include 36 Olympic sports and 23 Paralympic sports, spread over about 40 venues. The lion’s share of Olympic events will take place in downtown L.A. and Exposition Park (which together have 10 venues); Long Beach (seven venues); Carson; Inglewood; the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

But events are also scheduled in San Clemente, Venice, Anaheim, Pacific Palisades, Pomona and the City of Industry. The Paralympics will use many of the same venues. Indeed, this could be a learning experience for out-of-towners who don’t realize just how broadly Greater Los Angeles sprawls.

The softball and canoe slalom events will be held in Oklahoma City.

Flights, hotels and Airbnbs

The $300-million Kali Hotel across from SoFi Stadium is expected to be completed before the 2028 L.A. Games.

(William Liang / For The Times)

How far ahead can I book flights?

Most airlines usually start accepting bookings 330 days (or 11 months) before the flight date. At Southwest Airlines, lead time can be eight to 10 months.

How far ahead can I book a hotel?

Ordinarily, hotels start accepting bookings 365 days ahead, so if you’re just looking for a room (and not a ticket-and-hotel package), set a reminder for around July 2027. Many hotels in Greater Los Angeles — especially those unaffiliated with global brands — are likely to follow their usual timetables. If you’re interested in a hotel-ticket combo deal, those will be offered in early 2026, as previously mentioned.

Industry veterans say most major hotels around Los Angeles have probably already made deals allotting blocks of 2028 rooms to organizers of the Games or independent tour operators like Roadtrips. For example, the Queen Mary in Long Beach already has 300 rooms and suites under contract with LA28, according to managing director Steve Caloca.

Another opportunity may arise even later: Typically, organizers and tour operators often return unsold room-nights to hotel control 60 or 90 days ahead of the event, which may give consumers a chance to book those “leftovers” directly, perhaps at a lower cost.

What will hotel rooms cost?

Nothing boosts hotel prices like the Olympics, and experts say the most luxurious hotels tend to hike their prices the most. Analyzing figures from Paris, hotel industry consultants CoStar found that average hotel rates — $342-$393 in the summer of 2023 — more than doubled to $731-$939 for the 2024 Games.

L.A.’s starting hotel rates are lower than those in Paris were. CoStar found that average daily hotel rates for greater L.A. from July 14-30, 2024, were $193-$231.

What about short-term rentals?

Again, expect prices to soar. Airbnb reported a 40% jump in accommodations inventory and a 400% jump in Paris-area bookings during the 2024 Games. On the eve of the Games, property management website Hostify.com reported that asking prices for short-term rentals in Paris had quintupled from $154 nightly to $772.

Do note that at every Games, it seems, there are reports of astronomical prices, followed by later reports of 11th-hour discounts because some people got too greedy earlier on.

Los Angeles seems to be starting out with higher short-term rental rates than those in Paris. The vacation rental website Airroi.com estimates the average Airbnb rate in greater Los Angeles for the year ended August 2025 was $283.

But of course, you can spend plenty more. One broker told The Times he has already rented out an L.A. mansion for $300,000 a month in 2028.

How far ahead can I book a short-term rental?

Airbnb allows bookings up to two years in advance, which is also VRBO’s default setting.

Will tensions between major L.A. hotels and union workers surface during the Olympics?

Hard to say. The L.A. City Council in May approved a measure requiring many hotels to raise their minimum wage to $30 hourly by July 2028. A business group started a petition drive seeking to undo the measure but fell short earlier this month.

Could President Trump’s immigration policies affect the Games?

That’s anybody’s guess. Heads of state in host countries usually play a ceremonial role, standing mostly in the background. Trump may have other ideas. In early August, he announced that he would chair a task force in charge of Olympic safety, border security and transportation.

Some foreign sports fans might stay away to signal opposition to the Trump Administration, as many Canadian travelers have been doing this year. But domestic travelers, not foreign visitors, fill most seats at the Olympics. Paris tourism statistics show U.S. visitors to that city during the 2024 “Olympic fortnight” were up a relatively modest 13% over the previous year.

Why do people go through so much trouble to see the Games?

“There is a tremendous magic,” Guenther said. “It really is quite something how people enjoy the time together with people from all over the world. … You find yourself welling up for an athlete in a sport you’ve never thought about.”

Times staff writer Thuc Nhi Nguyen contributed to this report.

SMALL details can sometimes lead to the biggest headaches when it comes to air travel.

And when it comes to passenger names on a booking, getting these right is key if you want everything to go smoothly at the airport.

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Airlines have a right to deny boarding to anyone who’s ticket doesn’t match their ID, and some travellers have been denied boarding for failing to correct this ahead of their flight.

So whether you need to correct a typo or transfer a ticket to a different person entirely – here are the name change rules for different airlines, made simple.

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Ryanair

Low-cost airline Ryanair allows changes to names up to 24 hours before a flight’s departure time if processed online, and two hours before if done at the airport desk.

Both of these options will incur a name change fee: £115 on the website and £160 through an agent.

If you notice a minor mistake within 48 hours booking you can correct up to three characters in a name free of charge – but more substantial or later changes will carry a price tag.

Maiden and married names are the exception here.

Ryanair will amend a name at no extra cost if your surname has changed on the document you are using for travel.

Editing a booking to be in someone else’s name is also possible, but not if one of the flights on the booking has already departed (for example, if you are already abroad and trying to make changes for your return flight).

Those name changes that fall within 48 hours of booking and over 24 hours before flying can be made on the Ryanair website or app by clicking ‘Manage this booking’ and selecting ‘Change a name’.

But if you’re already checked in, you’ll need to contact the airline and pay the slightly higher price.

easyJet

easyJet also allows name tweaks, letting passengers correct titles and spelling mistakes of up to three letters without any fee.

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The airline is slightly more lenient than Ryanair with this, as it does not have a time limit of 48 hours after booking.

You can do this on either its website or app under ‘View Bookings’.

Changes of more than three characters or a whole name can also be made, but a fee will be applied per passenger, per flight.

The cost is £60 for online amendments and £65 for going through the customer service team.

And in the event of needing a very last-minute change, easyJet gives you a little more time than Ryanair by allowing requests at the airport desk up to 90 minutes before departure.

Jet2

British airline Jet2 has a more restrictive policy when it comes to name changes.

Only the lead passenger can make edits and absolutely no changes are allowed after check-in.

It does have the same three letter rule as easyJet and Ryanair – allowing minor tweaks for free – but the fee that applies for more major changes can end up being higher.

While amendments made 14 days or more ahead of the flight time only cost £50, changes made after that will cost £150 plus any fare difference since the booking was made.

This means that if the price of your flight has gone up and you request changes just days before your trip, it could be significantly more costly than £150.

Jet2 also does not allow for any name changes within 48 hours of flying, so you have less flexibility.

If you are within the permitted window and wish to go ahead with a change it’s easy to do this through the ‘Manage My Booking’ function on its app or website.

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Vueling

Vueling is fast becoming a popular choice for budget-friendly flights, with many European destinations on its roster.

It also offers different fare options from Basic to Flex.

Name change fees for Vueling are dependent on which you have purchased – if you have a Basic plane ticket, a full name swap will cost you €50 (roughly £43).

And similar to Jet2, you may also be charged the difference if the price of your flight has increased.

However, if you paid for a Flex ticket the total price might be lower as you will only be asked to pay the set change fee, not the fare difference.

Small spelling errors can be corrected at no extra cost up to two hours before flying providing none of the flights in the booking have already been taken.

Adding middle names or second surnames is also free of charge.

This is very important to check as some airlines don’t require middle names for a booking, but Vueling’s policy is that passenger tickets must match their identity documents exactly.

Wizz Air

Passengers can access their Wizz Account and go to ‘Make changes’ if they wish to change a name for their upcoming flight.

Typos of up to three letters are free, while ticket transfers to a new completely name cost €70 (around £61).

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This is allowed up to three hours before departure.

Wizz Air‘s call centre is also on hand for anyone who would prefer to make these changes by phone.

The airline is accommodating when it comes to changing surnames after marriage or divorce and will amend these for free for any passenger that provides the required documentation.

However, its website states that responses to such emails can take up to 30 days, so get in contact as soon as you can if you wish to request this.

British Airways

British Airways differs slightly compared to more budget airlines.

Its tickets are non-transferable, meaning passengers are not able to change an entire name on a booking and will instead need to cancel and re-book the ticket.

This will likely cost significantly more than any flat fee.

However, unlike other carriers, BA has a 24-hour grace period.

Customers have one day to completely cancel their flight free of charge, giving them the option to get a full refund and make a new booking in this time frame.

Free spelling corrections of up to three characters can be made by contacting the BA customer services team.

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Travel expert Maisie Blewitt explains whether or not booking a flight on a Tuesday is actually cheaper and shares her take on the most common holiday booking hacks

Booking a holiday on a certain day of the week can be significantly cheaper – at least that’s the rumour. A travel expert is divulging whether or not there’s any truth to this old booking myth, and if so, what day really is the best for securing a deal.

Clearing your browsing history, flying on a Sunday, booking on a Tuesday – there’s a lot of debate about how to be a savvy holiday planner. But Maisie Blewitt, travel expert and head of commercial at Transfer Travel, has weighed in to set the record straight on the best tips and tricks.

For one, Maisie says it’s not always cheaper to book your flights on a Tuesday, it’s really just an “urban myth”. She explains: “There’s no consistent evidence to prove that airlines reduce flight prices on a Tuesday.” This comes after a Brit abroad slams all-inclusive hotel food asking ‘what on earth is this?’

“Airlines typically follow a dynamic pricing schedule; this will influence pricing in relation to demand – not days of the week”, she added. However, she says there is some benefit to booking your flight earlier in the week.

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Maisie explains that historical Skyscanner data indicates that some airlines launch sales and deals on Monday evenings, meaning flights can appear cheaper towards the beginning of the week. Though this isn’t exclusive to Tuesdays.

One statement that isn’t an urban myth is that midweek flights are cheaper than weekend flights. Again, because airlines set prices based on demand, peak leisure flying days (Friday, Sunday, Monday) tend to be the most popular and thus the most expensive.

Avoiding weekend and Monday travel days and being flexible with the times you travel will help travellers secure a better deal. According to Maisie, flights in the evening and later at night are typically cheaper than those early in the morning and afternoon.

Maisie also debunks the booking hack that clearing your cache and using incognito mode help get you a cheaper flight. She says there’s no evidence to support this and again, emphasises that airlines use complex algorithms to determine pricing “based on sales and wider market conditions” not individual browsing history or cookies.

Maisie debunks a slew of other commonly shared booking tips that many cost-savvy travellers have taken to heart. These certified myths include purchasing accommodation or flights during advertised sales to save money, booking far in advance, and sticking exclusively to ‘budget’ airlines.

According to the expert, travel operators inflate prices prior to ‘sales’ to exaggerate price drops and ‘budget’ airlines often have hidden fees for seat selection and additional luggage that are included by many major airlines.

She explains that the best way to get a deal is to avoid hard rules and try to be as flexible as possible. “Many travellers rely on outdated tips that are mostly urban myths and don’t add any real money-saving value.”

She continues: “It all comes down to flexibility, especially for those who are looking to secure the best last-minute deals.”

Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, knows exactly which seats to steer clear of when flying. Failure to dodge it can leave you with a sore back and in bad smell city

A travel expert has advised against sitting in one particular seat whenever you’re flying.

While that back corner window spot might look appealing when you’re booking (quiet, out of the way, with a view) it could actually be the worst choice you make for your journey.

Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, knows exactly which seats to steer clear of. “People often think the last-row window seat will be peaceful, but it’s actually a recipe for a miserable flight,” she explains.

That back corner window seat might seem like prime real estate when you’re scrolling through the seat map, but it’s actually where comfort goes to die. The last-row window seat, particularly those positioned near the rear lavatories or galley, sets the perfect conditions for a series of sleep-disrupting problems.

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“The biggest issue is the constant foot traffic. You’ve got passengers queuing for the loo right beside you, flight attendants rushing back and forth with trolleys, and people stretching their legs in the aisle. It never stops,” Dawn said.

The problems don’t end there. These seats typically have limited or no recline because there’s a wall directly behind them. On a 10-hour flight to Asia or an eight-hour journey to the States, that upright position can put extra strain on your back and make proper sleep nearly impossible.

The galley area stays brightly lit throughout most of the flight as crew prepare meals and clean up. That harsh fluorescent glow seeps through even the best eye masks, constantly disrupting your natural sleep cycles.

“The noise level back there is incredible. You’ve got the constant hum of equipment, crew chatting during their breaks, and the non-stop flush of toilets. It’s like trying to sleep next to a motorway service station,” Dawn continued.

The smell factor shouldn’t be ignored either. Being positioned near the lavatories means dealing with unpleasant odours, especially on longer flights when the facilities get heavy use.

The best seats are typically in the middle section of the aircraft, away from both the busy front galley and the chaotic rear area. “Look for seats around rows 6-15 on most wide-body aircraft,” advises Dawn. “You’re far enough from the action but still have easy access to facilities when needed.”

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Never book within three rows of any lavatory. The queues, smells, and constant activity will make your journey miserable. Check the aircraft’s seat map carefully before selecting.

“If you’re flying eastbound for a daytime arrival, pick a seat on the right side of the plane to avoid the sun streaming through your window during the final hours. For westbound flights, sit on the left side,” Dawn said.

While exit row seats offer extra legroom, they come with restrictions. You can’t store anything under the seat in front during takeoff and landing, and these seats often don’t recline.

Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, said: “Your seat choice can make or break a long-haul flight, and I’ve seen too many holidaymakers arrive at their destination exhausted because they picked poorly. That back corner window seat might look appealing on the booking page, but you’ll regret it the moment you try to get comfortable.

“Poor seat selection not only impacts your flight, but your entire trip. If you can’t sleep properly on the plane, you’ll arrive with worse jet lag, feeling cranky and tired. Your first few days of holiday are essentially written off while you recover. When you’re paying thousands for a dream getaway, why would you sabotage it with a bad seat choice?

“I always tell my customers that spending a bit extra on seat selection is one of the best investments you can make. A good night’s sleep at 35,000 feet means you land refreshed and ready to enjoy every moment of your holiday. It’s worth every penny.”

At least 77% of UK travellers said at least sometimes revisit the same place they’ve been before. And seven in 10 of those who have ever gone back to a familiar location have also chosen to book the exact same accommodation at some point

A recent survey of 1,200 UK holidaymakers revealed that a whopping 77% tend to return to familiar destinations at least occasionally. Moreover, seven out of 10 (71%) of those who have revisited a place have even booked the same accommodation again.

The main reasons for this trend include the desire to experience a beautiful location once more (37%), relive joyful memories (31%), and enjoy the comfort of a second home (20%).

Nostalgia plays a big role in travel plans, with many intending to revisit specific beaches (48%), eateries (37%), or picturesque viewpoints (32%) this year.

The most favoured spots for a repeat visit are coastal areas (46%), rural retreats (37%), and camping sites (14%). Despite these preferences, over one-third (36%) believe that discovering new experiences is the highlight of a staycation.

Darren Whittington from The Camping and Caravanning Club, which conducted the study and developed a tool to help find your ideal staycation style along with a list of thrilling activities for your next holiday, commented: “We can be creatures of habit when it comes to our holidays, but there’s so much to see in the UK.

“Trying a new activity or taking up a hobby can elevate a holiday to one you’ll never forget. With UK holidays now making up 59% of all the trips we take, there’s a lot of opportunity to discover new places and things to do, creating memories that will last a lifetime along the way.

“And with the rising popularity of staycations, more and more people are realising how much the UK has to offer, whether you prioritise excitement or relaxation.”

More than eight in 10 (86%) agreed they enjoy trying new things when they go away. And according to them, the best things about broadening their horizons include the opportunity to discover something new (62%), grow as a person (29%), and learn new skills (23%).

The research by OnePoll found new experiences also provide 47% time to bond with their family and 15% relish the chance to pick up a new hobby.

Respondents were excited to embark on adventures such as going on a cross-country road trip (24%), discovering a hidden gem (41%), and visiting sets from their favourite films or TV shows (23%). With activities they’re keen to try ranging from wild swimming (14%) and paddleboarding (13%) to mountain climbing and biking (12%).

Specific regions holidaymakers are most interested to explore are the Scottish Highlands (36%), Cornwall (36%), and the Lake District (35%). Where they aspire to uncover a variety of fresh attractions, including coastlines for leisurely walks (44%), heritage locations to expand their understanding (41%), and nature reserves to forge a deeper bond with the environment (26%).

Among those still hesitant about embracing novelty during their upcoming getaway, potential encouragements featured local pursuits they wished to experience (34%) and the opportunity to develop a new outlook on life (27%).

Darren continued: “There’s such a range of things out there to try – and it’s fantastic to see so many are already open to adventure. But for the one in 10 people who don’t enjoy trying new things while on holiday, we believe that the campsite is the perfect base to launch yourself into the incredible outdoors, try something new, and make this your summer of why not.

“Whether you’re drawn to the seaside, the mountains, the woods, or anything in between – there’s something out there for you to discover. It’s about time we break out of our routines and experience the full array of beautiful places and opportunities the UK has to offer.”

The airline is offering a major discount for anyone booking a summer holiday – but its for a limited time only

Jet2 has issued a ‘final chance’ message to anyone booking a summer holiday. The travel giant is currently running a huge promotion that offers £400 off a family holiday – but it ends tonight.

This means anyone booking a holiday will have their final chance at getting money off today. The Jet2Holidays discount offers families £400 off an upcoming holiday if it is booked before 11:59pm tonight (July 2).

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) Jet2 said: “FINAL CHANCE to save £400 off your next Jet2holiday! Ends midnight tonight! *T&Cs apply. Based on 4 people.”

According to the Jet2Holidays website, the deal actually offers £100pp off a Jet2 holiday. This means for holidays with four people the discount would be £400, for three people it would be £300 off and for two people it would be £200.

To receive the discount, travellers must be a myJet2 member and be logged into their account at the time of booking. For non-myJet2 customers, there is still a saving of £90 per person available.

How to get the Jet2Holidays discount

According to the Jet2Holidays website, to redeem the offer customers can click the ‘Apply Discount’ button. The button is displayed at all stages at the top of each page on the Jet2Holidays website and app, throughout the booking process.

The per person discount is applied to the full balance of the holiday, not the deposit amount payable. The discount will not be applied for children under the age of 2 years at the date of return or children travelling on a Free Child Place(s).

The offer is applicable to new bookings only and only one discount per booking is available.

Once the discount has been applied, the the price displayed will be the total price of the package. This will include the applicable discount of £100 per person for myJet2 members or £90 per person for non-myJet2 members (the full price will also be displayed).

The price of a Jet2Holiday includes flights, accommodation and coach transfers, unless otherwise specified. The holidays are based on your search criteria and the available rates at the time of your search.

The offer is available when booked online at www.jet2holidays.com, through the Jet2holidays app, through the Jet2holidays contact centre and through a travel agent.

Which holidays are included?

The Jet2 deal is valid only on new holidays booked before 11:59pm on July 2, 2025. The discount is valid on all holiday departures before November 15, 2026.

Where applicable, the discount can be used in conjunction with one other code that is required to be manually entered during the booking process. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise detailed in the applicable Jet2Holidays promotion terms.

Jet2 notes that if flight dates or any passenger names are changed following the original booking, the discount will no longer apply and the balance may become payable upon such a change being made.

Martin Lewis has shared his top tip for those who are planning on travelling this summer and says that you should remember the ‘ASAB’ rule to get the most out of your insurance

Martin Lewis has shared his top advice for holidaymakers, insisting on the importance of snapping up travel insurance ‘ASAB.’ The cash-savvy expert stressed that securing your travel insurance early on guarantees you’re covered for delays or cancellations, and stressed that getting onto it quickly can be really beneficial.

Appearing on This Morning, he made it clear: “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 further explained: “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.”

According to Lewis, if your holiday is in August and you’ve booked in January, you should sort your insurance in January, too.

He added: “That means you have the travel insurance in place to covers that holiday,” clarifying: “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.”

Lewis did make a distinction for annual policies, which should start from January if you’re eyeing up an August getaway.

The advice was shared to TikTok, where one person commented: “I always get gold with insure and go. It cost me £70 and covers me for two weeks. Guys insurance is cheap; just go get it! It covers luggage, hotels, medical, repatriation, a bunch of other things that could cost thousands if I didn’t have it.”

Another agreed: “Makes no sense to book an annual insurance in January when your going away in say August and Dec as you’ll only be cover until Dec where as if you book it from Aug your covered until Aug the following year.”

A third user stated: “Most banks give you the travel insurance covered with your account. Are you saying now we need to still book a separate travel insurance?”

Meanwhile someone else said: “I became seriously ill whilst in Turkey through no fault of my own and no warning which required emergency surgery, had I not had insurance it would of cost £16,000 and that was in 2008.”

And finally, another user contributed: “We usually buy annual insurance to cover a few trips. We’re looking at 2026 and 2027 holidays. When would we book insurance for those? Or would we just have to do single trip?”

According to Javier Sobrino, founder of Spanish travel platform Descubriendo Viajes, the right hotel room could make your holiday, while opting for the number door number could break it

Choosing the wrong hotel room number could set you up for a restless holiday.

You’ve been dreaming about your holiday for months. After a long day of travelling, you finally arrive at your hotel, ready to kick off your shoes and relax. But as you settle into your room, the peaceful atmosphere you hoped for is shattered by constant noise from the corridor, slamming doors, and the unmistakable rumble of the nearby elevator.

According to Javier Sobrino, founder of Spanish travel platform Descubriendo Viajes, this common hotel gripe can be avoided with one simple booking strategy.

“After spending over a decade travelling across Spain and staying in hundreds of hotels, I’ve learned that the room number on your booking can make or break your entire stay,” says Sobrino. “Never book a room ending in ‘01’. In most hotels, rooms ending in ‘01’ are typically located right next to elevators, stairwells, and service areas – essentially, the noisiest spots on the floor.”

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This room placement isn’t random. Hotels are typically designed with rooms ending in ‘01’ positioned near elevators and service areas for efficiency. While this layout makes sense for hotel operations, it creates a less-than-ideal experience for guests in these rooms.

“These rooms catch all the foot traffic from other guests coming and going at all hours. You’ll also hear the housekeeping staff starting their rounds early in the morning, with carts being rolled past your door first, and supplies being restocked in nearby service areas,” Sobrino went on.

The noise isn’t just limited to daytime hours. “Late-night revellers returning to their rooms, early risers heading out for breakfast, and the constant ping of elevator doors will become the soundtrack to your stay,” he added.

Hotels rarely highlight which rooms might be noisier than others when you’re making a booking online. After all, every room needs to be filled, including those next to high-traffic areas. This is why being an informed traveller matters. Knowing which room numbers typically indicate proximity to noisy areas can help you avoid a potentially frustrating stay.

While rooms ending in ‘01’ are the primary culprits, Sobrino notes there are other potential problem areas to be aware of:

“Rooms directly above or below hotel restaurants or bars can be noisy well into the night,” he warns. “The same goes for rooms facing busy streets or located near loading docks where deliveries arrive early in the morning.”

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For family travellers, Sobrino has additional advice: “Avoid rooms near stairwells if you’re travelling with young children. These areas tend to have heavy metal doors that slam loudly when people use them, potentially waking little ones during nap time or early bedtimes.

“You don’t need to make demands to get a better room – it’s all about smart requests. Call the hotel directly after booking online and be friendly. Mention any special occasion, even if it’s just that you’ve been looking forward to this break for months. A simple ‘I’d prefer a quiet room away from elevators’ works wonders. Front desk staff want you to enjoy your stay and will note your reservation. If you’re in their loyalty program, mention it – this often improves your room assignment priority.

“Hotels want happy guests who leave good reviews and return. Being polite but specific about your preferences means you’re helping them give you the experience you’re hoping for. In my decade of travelling across Spain, I’ve found that how you ask matters just as much as what you ask for.”