Brits

ONE of the world’s most famous museums is set to nearly double its entry fee for tourists.

The Louvre museum in Paris will increase its ticket prices by 45 per cent for most non-European Union visitors, which includes Brits.

The price hike is set to be introduced early next year, with tourists from countries including the UK, US and China having to pay €32 (£28) to enter the museum.

It is set to raise millions of euros each year to fund a huge overhaul of the Louvre’s most famous gallery.

The price increase follows a heist that took place in October that hit the news globally.

Security and management have been criticised since the incident, which saw four people steal jewellery worth over £76million from the museum.

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After the heist, an audit on the museum was carried out which highlighted how the museum has inadequate security systems and aging infrastructure.

As a result, from January 14, visitors from countries outside the European Economic Area (EU member states, as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) will need to pay an extra €10 (£8.76) to enter the museum.

The new price jump is estimated to raise between €15million (£13.1million) to €20million (£17.5million) each year for the museum, which will go towards supporting the Louvre’s modernisation plans.

Over the past year, the museum has faced a number of issues to do with its structure.

Back in January, French President Emmanuel Macron and the Louvre announced that the museum would be getting improvements and as a part of that suggested higher fees for non-EU residents in 2026.

As part of the report, Macron also said that the Mona Lisa would be moved to a new room to deal with the overcrowding.

It followed the leak of a letter from the museum’s director Laurence des Cars, which highlighted how the museum had several structural issues, water leaks and even that the museum could no longer cope with the current numbers of visitors heading to the attraction each day.

The Louvre will also have a number of other areas renovated, with new facilities added too, such as toilets and restaurants.

And earlier this month, the museum announced that the gallery which houses Greek ceramics was closed due to structural issues.

Each year the Louvre welcomes around nine million people, and more than a 10th of visitors are from the US.

Complaints about overcrowding and long queues at the museum have been going on for a while now, especially through the Salle des Etats gallery, which is where the famous Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is displayed.

Many visitors note how you actually only get a few seconds to see the painting and snap a picture.

The report carried out after the heist last month also revealed that the museum was spending more money on buying new artworks than actually maintaining the attraction itself.

In other museum news, the UK’s newest national museum is more like an IKEA store – and Kate Middleton is already a fan.

Plus, a new £12.5 million museum based on a very famous children’s artist to be ‘world’s largest of its kind’.

A major airline is offering free flights for UK passengers to encourage travellers to explore lesser-known regions away from overcrowded hotspots and help reduce overtourism

Travelling isn’t always cheap, especially when jetting off abroad when the expense of flights are thrown into the mix.

Yet, in a new initiative from a major airline, British and European travellers can bag free flights, but there’s a catch if you’re looking to book.

In a bid to help reduce overtourism in popular destinations, Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has partnered with the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) to offer free domestic flights this winter. This will allow passengers to take advantage of two complimentary internal flights with any inbound international booking.

The hope is that this will encourage travellers to explore some of the country’s lesser-known regions, from its diverse landscapes to its stunning coastlines, rather than the touristy hotspots, such as Tokyo and Kyoto. This is the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and experience another side of Japan, while avoiding the crowds altogether.

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ANA flies to more than 40 locations across Japan, all of which are included in the deal, so there are plenty of breathtaking places to choose from, including Fukuoka, Hokkaido and Nagasaki. You could also venture to the Okinawa Islands, which have often been described as the ‘Maldives of Japan’ due to their pristine sugar-white sand and crystal clear, turquoise waters.

However, there are a few conditions that must be met to take advantage of the free domestic flights. Firstly, it only applies to travellers arriving from the UK or Europe, and you will have to pay for your own international flight into Japan with ANA.

The cheapest time to book a flight from London to Tokyo is in January, with prices starting from £821. This coincides perfectly with the initiative, as it will run from November 24 to January 31, 2026, with flights still able to take place outside of this time frame.

Passengers will be given standard class flights only with the scheme, and may have to pay tax and visa fees depending on their chosen location. However, domestic flights do not have to start and finish at the same airport, allowing for more flexibility to explore the country.

The airline notes that it hopes this limited-time offer will “make regional exploration… easier and genuinely affordable”, along with encouraging “deeper, more sustainable engagement with Japan’s culturally diverse regions”.

You can visit the ANA website for more details and to book your flights. ANA has also shared itinerary examples with a stay in Tokyo before venturing to the hidden gems to help make booking the trip even easier.

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If you’re planning a Christmas break abroad or visiting family, Ryanair has released helpful tips for transporting your gifts safely to your destination, and you may want to hold off on wrapping them up

Christmas is one of the busiest travel times, and in addition to the surge in traveller numbers, one thing that can hold up security lines and cause issues at airports is the amount of Christmas gifts packed into suitcases.

That’s why Ryanair has put together a guide on how to pack your presents, and included a stark warning about wrapping your gifts before you put them in your suitcase. If you’re planning a Christmas trip and are looking to get your gifts organised, then you might want to heed the budget airline’s advice and avoid wrapping them before you go.

“Don’t spend hours intricately wrapping gifts to carry in your hand luggage. Wrapped gifts may be opened, searched and screened by airport security staff,” a statement from Ryanair read.

Even with technology such as scanners available, airport staff may need to open your suitcase and check certain items, which means your beautiful wrapping paper could be torn off your gifts before you even get them under the tree. Ryanair’s advice, as an alternative, is to pack the unwrapped gifts and bringing a gift bag folded flat in your suitcase, which you can then use when you arrive.

The budget airline also gave advice to festive travellers about carrying valuables, advising them to place expensive or sentimental items in their smaller hand luggage bag, which goes under the seat in front of them. Avoid placing them in checked baggage or your larger cabin bag, as they may end up in the hold if the overhead lockers are full.

There was also a reminder not to carry items that look like weapons in your hand luggage. Avoid buying toy guns or slingshots for the kids in your family, as they can cause issues at security.

Passengers should also wait until they reach their destination to buy Christmas crackers. While they only give a small bang, these items are considered explosives. Party items, including sparklers, party poppers, and fireworks, should also be left at home.

Many people will be buying liquid gifts for loved ones, whether it’s a bottle of perfume, toiletries, or alcohol, so it’s worth checking the liquid rules for your arrival and departure airports. If you’re looking to buy a bottle of whiskey or a posh perfume, it may be worth waiting and getting them in duty-free, as you can then take your shopping bag on the plane with you.

While most UK airports still have the standard 100ml volume limits in place for hand luggage, some destinations, such as Dublin Airport, have relaxed their liquid rules, allowing containers of up to two litres to be carried through.

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And finally, if you’re taking Christmas food with you, remember that items such as jam, preserves, soups, and custard count as liquid, so should be packed into your checked luggage. Check your departure airport’s official website for information and the latest updates to liquid rules.

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Adventurers listed the freedom to make their own decisions as the top motivation for travelling solo (35%), followed by the peace and relaxation a solo trip offers (33%), ease of planning (21%) and not having to consider the opinions of companions (18%)

Two thirds of British travellers find planning and booking holidays overwhelming, with “decision fatigue” one of the biggest sources of stress – and 56% exhausted by the trip before it even begins.

New research found that much of the tension comes from holiday group chats, with 59% admitting trip planning has caused problems in the past.

Around 25% have given up on a break altogether after a deluge of messages but no decisions.

Causes of arguments included scheduling, budgets, finding and booking hotels and researching destinations and activities, according to the research by Moxy Hotels .

The rise of decision fatigue has helped fuel a growing desire to holiday solo, with 53% ditching travelling companions to travel alone

Adventurers listed the freedom to make their own decisions as the top motivation for travelling solo (35%), followed by the peace and relaxation a solo trip offers (33%), ease of planning (21%) and not having to consider the opinions of companions (18%).

Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice president, premium, select & midscale brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, said: “At Moxy Hotels, we understand that decision-making can be exhausting – especially when planning with a group.

“That’s why we’re championing the joy of solo travel: giving guests the freedom to do what they want, when they want, without compromise. With our playful design, social spaces, and hassle-free experience, Moxy makes me-time feel anything but lonely.

The global hotel brand has developed spaces specifically designed to encourage solo travel, including social public areas, lounges and libraries and its “small but smart” bedrooms.

Britain’s favourite solo travel destinations

From buzzy breaks to cultural classics, we’re embracing solo travel and going it alone. These are the top ten cities we love to explore without family or friends in tow.

1. Paris (25%)
2. London (21%)
3. Barcelona (21%)
4. Amsterdam (17%)
5. Dublin (15%)
6. Athens (12%)
7. Vienna (11%)
8. Copenhagen (10%)
9. Berlin (10%)
10. Lisbon (10%)

Despite reports of tourist numbers being down in summer, the Balearics saw a year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, with Palma Airport in Majorca remaining one of Spain’s busiest airports

After two summers of anti-tourism protests, it appears Brits are undeterred from visiting the popular Balearic Islands.

Airports in the Balearics saw a year-on-year increase in passenger numbers of 2.4% between January and October 2025, with 15,628,717 international passengers landing on the islands’ runways, according to Majorca Daily News. However, October did see a slight decrease of 0.1% in passenger numbers compared to 2024.

Most passengers arrived on low-cost airlines, with 10,903,152 travellers arriving using services such as easyJet and Ryanair, while 4,725,565 flew on traditional airlines such as British Airways.

The data, which was released by Turespaña – the Tourism Institute of Spain – also showed that the UK made up the majority of tourists, with 2.2 million Brits arriving in Spain in October, a year-on-year increase of 4.4%, accounting for 21.7% of the total number of visitors arriving across the mainland and islands combined. The same month also saw a 14.6% increase in visitors from Ireland.

Brits are also the tourists most likely to use a budget airline. According to the data, over 30% of them arrive on this type of service.

Palma airport in Majorca is now the third busiest airport in all of Spain, with only Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El Prat seeing more visitors. The island airport has welcomed 11,936,115 tourists this year, an increase of 2.3% compared to 2024.

Turespaña also revealed that tourist spending was on the rise. Visitors who arrived in Spain stayed on average for a week and spent €1,380 (about £1,217) per person.

Tourist officials in Ibiza were left panicking over the summer, as 20,000 fewer Brits visited the island during the peak months. Speaking at a conference in London, Ibiza’s Minister of Tourism, Jaume Bauza admitted the numbers were “worrying”. However, the rise in overall visitors seems to suggest that while Brits may be avoiding the islands in the summer, they’re likely shifting their breaks to the shoulder season of September and October, where it’s cheaper and less busy.

Jaume Bauza reiterated that he was keen for Brits to visit Ibiza: “I want the British who visit our islands who are, and will always be, warmly welcome, to be aware of and familiar with this transformation process, because I want them to be aware and participate in the changes we are undertaking.”

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Like many areas of Spain, the Balearic Islands have seen anti-tourism protests, especially in Majorca, which is the most popular island for visiting Brits.

In June, around 10,000 people marched through the island’s capital of Palma, protesting overtourism and its effects on locals, such as rising house prices. There were also reports of anti-tourist graffiti with slogans such as ‘tourist go home’ and ‘rich foreign property buyers go to hell’ daubed on walls and monuments over the summer.

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Despite reports of tourists being driven away from Spain by protestors, one Spanish airport has reportedly seen a rise in the number of passengers passing through, with a third coming from the UK

Warnings of Spanish ghost towns and holidaymakers ditching the country do not apply for one popular region where visitor numbers are spiking.

A Spanish airport in the popular Costa Blanca region has reported its tenth consecutive record-breaking month for passenger numbers, almost surpassing last year’s passenger total with a fair few weeks remaining in 2025.

Alicante-Elche Airport welcomed 1.9 million passengers in October, an increase of 5.9% compared to last year, and 631,771 of those passengers were Brits, representing over a third of passenger traffic. This was followed by Germany, which represented 129,127 passengers and the Netherlands with 118,996.

So far in 2025, the airport has had 17.2 million people pass through its doors, and it’s estimated it could reach the 20 million mark by the end of the year, according to Spanish expat news outlet Olive Press. They also reported that the airport had its busiest October for flights yet with 11.931, an increase of 6.1% year on year.

Some of the additional traffic could be down to new routes opening up to Alicante. Ryanair recently announced new connections to and from Cardiff, Aberdeen, Bratislava, Linz, Salzburg, Bydgoszcz, Rzeszow, Stockholm Västerås, Småland, and Lanzarote.

Ryanair also added additional flights on 29 of their existing Alicante routes for its winter 2025 schedule, noting the destination’s popularity during the colder months. The airport is serviced by several budget airlines popular with Brits including easyJet, Jet2, Vueling, and Wizz Air, making it easily accessible from across the UK.

Alicante-Elche is the fifth busiest airport in Spain, and the largest in the Valencian Community. One of the reasons it’s a popular destination for Brits is its close proximity to Benidorm, with a direct bus from the airport to the holiday hotspot taking just 45 minutes.

It’s also just 20 minutes away from the centre of Alicante, which has cultural attractions and beautiful beaches. The Telegraph dubbed Alicante ‘Spain’s most underrated city break’ in a 2024 article.

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The news comes amid speculation that the anti-tourism protests of 2023 and 2024 would deter tourists from taking Spanish holidays. While the majority of protests took place in cities such as Barcelona and on island locations like Majorca, it was speculated that anti-tourist sentiment could lead visitors to choose alternative destinations, such as Greece or Turkey.

Benidorm has also implemented some strict restrictions to keep rowdy Brits under control. Swimming in the sea is banned between the hours of midnight and 7am, with fines between €300 and €1,500 ( approx. £255 – £1,278). Reserving your spot can also land you in trouble, with sunbeds, towels, or umbrellas left on the sand before 9.30am removed, and potential fines of up to €250 (about £220.33) for leaving your belongings behind.

Smoking and vaping have also been banned from the beach, with reports of fines reaching the thousands.

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The islands are particularly popular this time of year for Brits looking to escape the winter gloom. But a new crackdown could mean it’s harder to find a place to stay in one of the popular resorts

Popular Spanish islands, which have long been a winter sun favourite for Brits, have approved a new set of laws that could make it more difficult to find accommodation at peak times.

Following a heated debate last week, the Parliament of the Canary Islands approved the new bill, more than two years after it was first announced. According to Canarian Weekly, the bill has been widely criticised by holiday let companies and local councils, who’ll be required to enforce the new measures.

ASCAV (Asociación Canaria del Alquiler Vacacional), which represents owners of holiday rentals across the Canaries, said it was a “black day”, according to the Spanish news outlet. They warned the changes will mostly affect small-scale lets and mean less choice for holidaymakers visiting the islands.

The new laws target holiday lets, with one of the main supporters of the bill being the hotel industry, its main competition. Holiday rentals will now be classed as a business, even for smaller operations such as families letting out their own homes. There will also be strict rules about where tourist rentals can operate. Councils will now have five years to define areas where holiday lets are allowed and will need to demonstrate that the area can support them. Until then, no further licences can be granted.

There will also be new minimum standards for holiday lets, including a minimum property size and energy rating, and properties will need to be at least ten years old before being let out.

Councils will also be required to ensure that 80% of housing is earmarked for residents, and in major tourist areas, they’ll be required to keep at least 90% for locals. In areas identified as “municipalities facing demographic challenges” from tourism, new holiday let licence applications will be suspended, although existing ones will still be valid.

In areas where the 10% allowance has already been met, licence applications will only be accepted again once the cap is raised.

While the changes will give local councils on the Canary Islands greater power, critics have said it’ll create a “massive workload” for local authorities, placing the onus on them to ensure compliance with new health and safety standards. They now have an eight-month window to create a plan for checking and enforcing the new regulations.

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Tourist-rental licences will now be valid for five to ten years, with owners needing to apply for renewals. In areas with a ‘stressed housing market’, this will be more challenging for the current 70,000 licence holders.

The changes follow two years of protests on the Canary Islands, as well as on the mainland of Spain. Despite protesters telling tourists not to visit destinations such as Tenerife, the island still saw a surge in tourist numbers over the summer.

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MORE Brits than ever are ditching the UK for Dubai, tempted by the warmer weather and tax-free incomes.

But there is a spot closer to home that more UK residents are heading to instead.

Malta is the sunny southern European archipelago that’s fast becoming a popular destination for Brits, competing with Dubai.

Aesthetically, Malta and Dubai are very different with one covered in new high rises and the other stone and medieval buildings.

But the look of the place isn’t the only aspect that’s encouraging Brits not just to visit Malta but to live there too.

Brits are packing up their belongings and flying to the sunny island country because of the lower tax rates.

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The Times reported that one Brit who moved to Malta secured a retirement visa which had a flat 15 per cent tax rate on any income remitted to the country.

The visa includes access to statutory healthcare. Malta also doesn’t tax on gains from assets like inheritance, unlike in the UK.

Housing doesn’t necessarily break the bank either.

To get this particular visa, Brits must buy a property of at least €275,000 (£242,800) or rent somewhere at least €9,600 per year (£700 a month).

Malta has cheaper private school fees compared to the UK. One woman revealed that her son’s fees had been cut in half after moving.

The government in Malta offers tax breaks to parents who go private too.

Louise Salmond Smith, the head teacher of a private school called Haileybury Malta told The Times: “The cost of living versus quality of life is often, perhaps usually, cited as a reason to think about moving elsewhere, and many say they don’t think things are likely to improve very soon.”

And while Dubai is drastically different to the UK, Malta has a taste of Britain.

The British retiree who spoke to the Times revealed: “They drive on the same side of the road, there are red postboxes, HSBCs on the corner and they have Marks & Spencer.”

One woman who moved to Malta spoke to The Sun recently revealing she loves her new life in Malta.

Dayna Camilleri Clarke and her partner have started a new life in Valletta where she revealed some of the biggest perks is that there’s council tax, no TV licence, and car insurance costs are much less.

Dayna added: “Public transport is free, a recent vet check-up for my cat cost just €25 (£21.74), and with 300 days of sunshine a year, I’ve never needed the heating or a tumble dryer.

“Life doesn’t grind to a halt in winter either. In summer, it’s all alfresco dining and harbour views; in December, the city gate glows with a Christmas market – and you can still enjoy a lunch outside in the sun.”

Head here to read more on Dayna’s move to Valletta from the best places to eat to the best street for bars.

You don’t have to pack up your life though, just pack up a suitcase like one Sun Writer did in her recent trip to the country.

Nuria Cremer-Vazquez visited Malta in sunny July, where she found you could have a very familiar meal to Brits.

Nuria said: “It was intriguing how easy it is to come across a full English on this faraway archipelago.

“The British stopped ruling Malta in 1964, but they left behind a love for this breakfast along with other cultural footprints such as UK plugs, driving on the left and speaking English (an official language here alongside Maltese).

“I got used to the unexpected sight of red telephone boxes on the streets of cities like Mdina, an ancient fortress which otherwise looked like something out of Game Of Thrones.”

Nuria also discovered you can get Aperol Spritzes for just €4 – and that there are underground tunnels under the city.

Malta carries pieces of British culture in its streets, but there’s one thing that trumps it completely – the weather.

Malta experiences mild winters where the lowest temperatures will be around 9C – but can also be as high as 16C

In the summer, you can walk about in the sun as the archipelago has average highs of 32C.

If you fancy checking out Malta for yourself, you can fly to Valletta from £16 in November.

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Some operators have ‘paused or cancelled’ flights and package holidays to this popular destination

The UK Foreign Office has issued a package holiday warning as Brits travelling to a popular destination could see their plans cancelled. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has provided an update on holidays to Jamacia.

It explained that some operators have “paused or cancelled” flights and package holidays to the Caribbean destination. This update was provided on November 11, two weeks after the storm first hit.

On the FCDO website it explained: “Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a major hurricane in Jamaica on Tuesday 28 October. Hurricane Melissa brought exceptional levels of rainfall and strong winds to the whole of Jamaica, causing widespread damage to roads and infrastructure and disruption to electricity and other utilities services, including internet.

“There are also shortages of food and water and access to currency. Access to healthcare in worst affected areas is limited. All Western parishes have suffered significant damage.

“The worst affected parishes are currently Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Hanover and Manchester.” As per the latest reports, 45 people were killed by Hurricaine Melissa while another 15 remain missing.

Staying safe

The FCDO continued: “Exercise caution if you are travelling within Jamaica. Continue to follow the guidance of local authorities.

“If your hotel is unable to provide accommodation, get in contact with other hotels in the area to see if they have capacity.” If you need consular assistance, you can contact the FCDO on:

• +1 (876) 936 0700 (Jamaica)
• +44 (0) 20 7008 5000 (UK)

Travel plans

The FCDO stated that all airports have re-opened – however, not all flights are operating. “All the airports have re-opened, with Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay operating a limited number of commercial flights while repairs are made to the terminal. For updates and flight schedules, see @MBjairport for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and @NMIA for Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston,” it said.

“Flights may not be direct and could transit other countries. Check for messaging from your airline or travel provider as some operators have paused or cancelled flights and package holidays to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.”

Before flying anywhere the FCDO says you should follow its foreign travel checklist:

• Research your destination
• Get insured before you go
• Check your documents for travel
• Consider your health
• Prepare for the unexpected

For full details on this, visit the Government website here.

Ryanair will only offer digital boarding passes from November 12, leading to fears that tech-phobes will be unable to fly – and the company’s boss Michael O’Leary could be to blame

Ryanair’s new boarding rules take effect today, with Brits warned not to get caught out and risk incurring a large fee.

Today, the budget carrier has switched entirely to digital boarding passes. This means travellers who have purchased tickets will no longer be able to download and print them before arriving at the airport – an option currently used by 20 per cent of Ryanair passengers, according to the airline.

Desks at the airports will no longer offer the option to print them, which incurred a fee of £55. It is likely that a similar fee will be charged to those who arrive at the airport without having downloaded their digital boarding pass.

All Ryanair has said is that “If you have already checked-in online and your smartphone or tablet is lost, you will receive a free of charge boarding pass at the airport.” That implies that a £55 late-check-in fee will be levied on those who don’t or aren’t able to check-in online before they get to the airport.

There are significant concerns that passengers without use of a mobile phone, or those who are less tech-savvy, may be caught out. A sizeable 2.06 million Brits aged over 55 do not have one of the handy devices, according to MoneySuperMarket. This equates to around 10 per cent of the age group.

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With the new rule, customers will have to use the digital boarding pass created by the myRyanair app after they check in. Ryanair stated that 206 million of its passengers already use digital boarding passes, suggesting approximately 40 million journeys could potentially be affected.

The company’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, said that his 86-year-old mother uses the Ryanair app to travel. Nevertheless, the decision has sparked criticism, with several campaign groups accusing the airline of ageism.

Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, told The Telegraph: “It’s a disgraceful move. They are effectively saying they don’t want older people as passengers. There’s a strong argument to say that it’s discriminatory.”

Several worried readers contacted The Mirror to voice their concerns about the change. One said: “I have elderly in-laws who live in Spain. They won’t be able to download anything onto their phone. They’re not tech-savvy, so what will happen when they travel to the UK? I appreciate the need to utilise technology, but that will not work for a lot of passengers.”

Another said: “This seems discriminatory to people, such as the elderly, who, for various reasons, are not able to use smartphones. By Ryanair’s own admission, some 20% of passengers do not use smartphones currently for boarding passes. It may backfire. Ryanair will lose these customers who will turn to alternative providers without such a policy.”

Mr O’Leary, aged 64, was swift to dismiss such concerns. He said: “I’m old, and I travel with Ryanair on a very, very regular basis, and I use the Ryanair app, it is pretty simple, pretty easy to use.” For those especially worried about the change, Mr O’Leary indicated the airline would show flexibility, assuring that “nobody would be cut off at the knees.”

He stated it would be “reasonably forgiving” of passengers arriving with paper boarding passes throughout Christmas and into January.

“The critical thing: If you’ve checked online before you get there and you lose your phone, we’ll have your name in the system,” he said. “We will manually board you at the boarding gate so if your phone goes off, you lose your phone, your phone gets stolen, it is not going to make any issue as long as you checked in online before you got to the boarding gate, which, by the way, would eliminate all the check-in fees at the airport.”

Mr O’Leary dismissed suggestions that elderly passengers would struggle with the changes as patronising.

“Actually, what you find is the old people firstly just get their kids or grandkids to make bookings for them, and then pretty quickly they’re adopting it themselves. And it is slightly patronising, this notion that old people can’t and won’t move to mobile technology or to the apps,” he said, MailOnline reported.

The switch was pushed back by a week to November 12 to avoid the UK and Irish half-term period.

Ryanair chief marketing officer Dara Brady said: “To ensure a seamless transition to 100 per cent digital boarding passes for our customers, we will make the switch from November 12, which is traditionally a slightly quieter time for travel following the busy mid-term break period.

“Ryanair’s move to 100 per cent digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers, streamlined through our best-in-class ‘myRyanair’ app, where passengers will also benefit from helpful in-app features, like Order to Seat and live flight information.”

Have you been impacted by this change? Email [email protected]

BRITS returning home will face shorter wait times at passport control after a facial recognition trial passed with flying colours.

Border Force conducted a successful trial of the technology that would allow for contactless passage when arriving back at UK airports.

The trial run was held at Manchester Airport in October which would replace the traditional passport checks with facial recognition technology.

Border Force boss, Phil Douglas, said the trial in Manchester “considerably reduced” waiting times.

“So people approach the e-gate, it recognizes them [as] already on our database, and they’re checked through,” Douglas told The Times.

The facial recognition was fitted into existing passport e-gates and reduced waiting time as passengers no longer had to scan their passports.

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“The border has really changed over the last few years and that work is picking up pace. Public expectations have changed and technology has changed,” Douglas added.

“We now have AI facial recognition, the use of biometric identifiers in parallel with the more traditional forms of identification, like visas and passports.”

Douglas explained that Border Force wanted to make use of the existing 270 e-gates at airports and ports around the country by fitting them with the new technology.

 “It’s our intention that almost everybody will go through an e-gate of one description or another,” Douglas said.

“The Manchester pilot has shown that we can actually reduce transaction times considerably as well.”

He did warn that while this was a huge leap in technological advancement and would reduce waiting times, there was “something important about the ‘theatre’ of the border.”

Douglas said passengers should still expect to feel a sense of a border and scrutiny when entering the UK and when “they’re stopped it’s a moment they know they’re being checked.”

The UK is not the only country to introduce facial recognition technology at airports with the United Arab Emirates allowing passengers from 50 countries to enter using it.

Australia and the US were also considering trialling the software.

The Sun contacted Border Force for comment.

Facial recognition technology was also being considered at ports which would remove the need to even step out of your car to go through passport control.

The technology will be used at ports to match their faces with passport and car details already logged in government databases.

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The cameras, which are being trialled at four ports since November 2024 – are designed to cut queues that build up during busy holiday periods.

Only “passengers of interest” highlighted as a risk because of intelligence, safeguarding concerns or questions over their identity will have to undergo manual checks by a Border Force officer on arrival.

The striking beach appears like an alien landscape from above. The way its orange sand undulates and twists across great hills is unlike anything else you can find in Europe

The sunniest beach in Europe during winter has been crowned, and it’s surprisingly cheap to get there.

Playa de Maspalomas in Spain has topped the chart, soaking up an average of just over 10 hours of sunshine a day – perfect to escape the winter blues. By some measures, the vast beach sprawls for 7.5miles along the coastline.

The golden-sanded beach is best known for its spectacular dunes, which form the protected Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve. People out walking, surfers and nudists mingle freely on a beach, which also has quiet, isolated areas for nude bathing.

It is home to the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse. Built in 1861, it was once a vital guide for steamboats navigating routes between Europe, Africa, and America. Today, the lighthouse marks the beginning of a vibrant seaside promenade.

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A little further from the beach is the Maspalomas Palm Tree Plantation, a protected natural space providing a resting spot for birds migrating from Europe to Africa. Wandering through its palm-lined paths offers a breath of fresh air after a day in the sun.

The striking beach appears like an alien landscape from above. The way its orange sand undulates and twists across great hills is unlike anything else you can find in Europe.

It was named the Continent’s sunniest winter beach by Saga, which has compiled a list of the beaches that enjoy the most hours of sunshine during the winter months.

Playa de Maspalomas, which sits on the south of the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, isn’t just sunny during the winter. It’s hot as well. The island has hit 24C today and is forecast to stay at that level for the rest of the week.

The beach is well loved on TripAdvisor, where it has received thousands of positive reviews. One person wrote: “Enjoyable especially in the early morning and at sunset, when the sun seems to play with the ocean waves and golden sand dunes giving unique and always new views.”

Another added: “One of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria. Super extensive and the dune landscape is unique. The beach as well as the water are always super clean. We love coming here.”

If the idea of swapping the soggy UK for a spell on a sunny beach appeals, then the good news is that Gran Canaria is not too far or too expensive a flight away. The cheapest direct flight this week is £24, with Ryanair from Edinburgh Airport. Later in the month, a one-way fare can be yours for £13.

There are also direct flights this month from the following airports: Bristol, Manchester, Bournemouth, Belfast, Newcastle, Liverpool, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff and Exeter.

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The tourist’s bathroom dilemma amused social media users when she admitted her problem

People have been left stunned after an American tourist admitted she didn’t know how to use the sink in her hotel room. The blogger, Angelica, has been posting about her UK travel on TikTok under the username @angelicajenniferr.

In one video from her recent trip to London, the tourist encountered an unusual problem. She told viewers: “Okay, I’m currently in London and guys, I don’t know how to make my sink water go away. I have tried clicking it.

“Am I dumb, or is it like, right in front of my face? Or is it broken? I’m like, it doesn’t click. Is there a button I’m missing?” Asking for help, Angelica said: “Yall, how do I make the water go away?

“Um, can anyone who lives in London or European help me? Because my sink is broken or, I don’t know if it’s broken or if I’m being dumb. The water isn’t going away.” In her caption, she added: “I feel so dumb but also I’m totally about to call the front desk.”

Fortunately, Angelica soon realised her mistake. In a follow-up video, she told viewers: “Let me go down the list of things that you told me to try, and it still didn’t work, and then I’ll tell you what did work.

“Okay, for starters, I have been pushing on this thing. My knuckles will be bleeding soon. People said to pull this down, to pull this. Nothing works. There’s nothing around the sink, okay.

“I had to call someone and be like, I think my sink’s broken. And I was like, the water isn’t going down, I’ve tried everything. And do you know what they told me? Let me tell you. They were like, flip it like a coin, which I know you guys said that. I was like, you’re kidding. You are kidding.

“So look at me. That’s so much easier. I have nails, and I was afraid to break them.” She joked: “Anyways, blonde moment. It flips like a coin. So I learned something new.”

The videos went viral, with the second clip racking up over 200k views. Reacting to the video, some commenters were shocked by the post.

One viewer replied: “Not trying everything then lol.” A second commented: “Standard hotel sink…” Another commenter said: “So if you didn’t think to try this, you obviously hadn’t tried everything.” Someone else wrote: “My sink is like that. I can’t believe you didn’t know how to do that….”

However, others rushed to defend the tourist, saying they would have struggled as well. A viewer said: “Italian here. Never seen anything like that. In fact, I would have been in trouble too… It should also be said that it seems like a very unhygienic solution.”

A second added: “As a Brit, I would have been lost too, don’t worry. I know these sinks exist, but they’re not everywhere.” Someone agreed: “I’m a Brit and have never seen a plug like this. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!”

Spain remains the UK’s No.1 holiday destination

Holidaymakers jetting off to Spain could be hit with a hefty price hike under new proposals. This comes in the wake of calls to ramp up the tourist tax for visitors heading to the Balearic islands.

The Balearic archipelago consists of four main islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, along with the smaller island of Cabrera and around 150 other minor islets. At present, Brits holidaying in Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca are subject to a charge based on the quality of their accommodation and the time of their visit.

In peak season, tourists fork out €4 (£3.50) per person each night in a five-star hotel, €3 in mid-range digs, €2 for budget stays, and €1 in hostels. These rates plummet by 75 per cent during off-peak periods.

Approximately 18 million Brits flock to Spain annually, making it our top holiday hotspot. It’s estimated that 27 per cent – nearly five million – of these travellers head to the Balearics, so any price alteration would have a significant impact.

One of Spain’s largest trade unions, the Workers’ Commission, is advocating for an increase in this rate. They’ve proposed a steep rise in this tax to €15 (£13) per person, per night in July and August.

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Sky News reports that this would mean four adults staying at a luxury resort for a fortnight would shell out €840 (£736) in taxes during the summer peak, a substantial leap from the current €224 (£196) and an overall increase of £540.

Not only is this expected to generate revenue for the Government, but it is also hoped that it would curb the influx of visitors. The islands have long been grappling with the issue of overtourism, which has sparked numerous protests in recent years.

Many argue that it has driven locals away due to skyrocketing housing costs and a shortage of living space as many flats are transformed into AirBnbs. Others bemoan the negative social impact caused by tourists.

Ibiza’s tourism minister has admitted that 20,000 fewer Brits visited the Balearic island during the high season this year compared to 2020, as protests against overtourism raged across Spain

Tens of thousands of Brits stayed away from Ibiza this summer, the island’s tourism minister has admitted.

Last summer, protests aimed at overtourism raged across key Spanish holiday destinations as locals declared that they’d had enough. They did so during a record-breaking year, with 94 million holidaymakers heading to Spain in 2024. According to the Spanish Ministry of Tourism, international travellers spent an estimated €126.3 billion in the country in 2024, a 16.1% increase on the year before.

As welcome as the cash likely is, the pressure such high volumes of visitors are having on housing, public infrastructure, and the way of life in Spain is simply not worth it for many. And last year, huge numbers decided to take to the streets to make their voices heard.

At the World Travel Market (WTM) in London this week, Ibiza’s Minister of Tourism, Jaume Bauza, addressed the potential impact of the protests on visitor numbers, and said that 20,000 fewer Brits had decided to visit the Balearic island during the high season this year compared to 2020.

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However, the island’s tourism chiefs are hopeful they’ve just moved their breaks to October and November, when temperatures are less sizzling and the chances of protest disruption are lower. Flight capacity to the Balearics is up 8% this November compared to 2024, in anticipation of more shoulder-season travellers.

When asked if people were not travelling because they were worried about getting swept up in overtourism protests, Mr Bauza said through a translator: “The truth is, any decrease in the attendance from our main markets, such as the British market, is a reason to worry. However, this has been compensated for by the increase from the French, Swiss, and Italian markets. The increase is comparable to last season. Any decrease from our biggest markets is something we need to pay attention to. With regards to protests, we respect them, but they do not worry us.”

Ibiza has signalled a shift towards higher-end, higher-spending tourism over the past year. At the WTM, Mr. Bauza detailed plans to crack down on illegal holiday lets and to monitor the tourism industry’s impact on the island’s natural environment.

“I want the British who visit our islands who are, and will always be, warmly welcome, to be aware of and familiar with this transformation process, because I want them to be aware and participate in the changes we are undertaking,” the tourism boss said.

“Because it’s not about growing for growth’s sake, but of taking care of what we already have, of ensuring each visitor experiences the very best of our islands and that our residents feel the same pride.”

Pedro Homar, managing director of the Palma Tourism Board, said visitor numbers to the Majorcan capital remained strong this summer. He told the Mirror: “British tourism is the number one nationality for us in the city of Palma, it has been like that for the last five years and we want to continue like this. We really want to make sure that Palma gets more UK tourists, and they’re more than welcome.”

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.”

If you’re looking to save money on a UK hotel stay, there’s one day of the week you should always book on

Whilst holidaymakers frequently look to secure a staycation during this period, it might seem logical to book over the weekend whilst enjoying a relaxing brew. Nevertheless, this approach could result in higher costs.

Rather, you should hold off until the surge of weekend reservations subsides and corporate travel arrangements are finalised. This puts Tuesday as the optimal day for holiday booking, given increased availability and booking platforms seeking to fill remaining accommodation swiftly.

Consequently, being adaptable proves beneficial if you can tolerate the uncertainty.

Hotels generally maintain a cancellation period of 24 to 48 hours, prompting them to market any cancelled accommodations – occasionally at discounted rates, reports the Express.

Whilst extremely risky and spontaneous, some excellent hotel bargains can emerge after 6pm – provided you happen to be nearby.

Nevertheless, these guidelines are reversed regarding major chains such as Premier Inn and Travelodge.

Travel specialist Linda Reynolds, from Personal Travel Agents, informed The Guardian that she advises travellers to reserve early for optimal deals.

For instance, Travelodge promotes “rooms from £35 or less” when secured in advance; and particular travel platforms prove valuable additions to your toolkit.

Google Hotels, Kayak and Trivago, for example, will alert subscribers when rates drop, ensuring you’re informed about fantastic holiday bargains.

When to book a holiday

When it comes to choosing your actual hotel dates, Sunday through to Thursday typically offers the best value, helping you dodge those weekend price surges targeting short-break travellers.

It’s also worth keeping school holidays, bank holidays and local festivities in mind, as these will inevitably push costs up and are worth swerving if possible.

Reynolds said: “Sunday nights in cities are usually cheaper than Friday or Saturday nights because leisure demand dips after the weekend.

“In rural locations, including coastal areas, midweek (Monday to Thursday) is often cheaper than weekends, when leisure travellers arrive.”

If you’re plotting a London getaway, think about booking accommodation outside the city centre in zones two to three.

These areas offer better value, excellent transport links and still provide an authentic taste of the capital.

The same principle works for other major cities including Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Meanwhile, money coach Maddy Alexander-Grout suggests checking out Plans Change marketplace, which lets holidaymakers flog their trips at reduced rates – with discounts starting at 25% off.

“In my job, I travel around the country a lot, and I regularly use the site, saving about 20% on a hotel booking direct,” she said.