A travel content creator based in Tenerife believes there are five common mistakes tourists make when visiting the largest of the Canary Islands and has advised how to avoid making them
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter
06:00, 05 Apr 2026
View of San Cristóbal de La Laguna from the Jardina Viewpoint, with the Teide volcano covered by clouds, Tenerife (Image: Manuel ROMARIS via Getty Images)
If you’re planning a getaway to Tenerife in the near future, a travel content creator based in the popular Canary Islands resort has highlighted five common blunders many visitors make. Taking to TikTok, Tenerife Ambience suggested that such missteps stop tourists from experiencing the “real” island.
Around 2.3 million Brits flock to the sun-soaked destination each year. However, Brits travelling to Spain this weekend could face severe travel disruption amid major airport strikes.
More than a million travellers could be hit by industrial action taking place at popular destinations across Spain. Tenerife Ambience warned against falling victim to these pitfalls.
Staying only in the South
“The South is for sun and hotels,” Tenerife Ambience said, “but the soul of the island is in the North (Anaga, La Orotava, Garachico) – that is where the real magic begins.”
Fearing the North’s weather
Connected to the previous point, Tenerife Ambience urged prospective holidaymakers not to be deterred by the supposedly more challenging weather conditions in the island’s northern region. “Mist in the laurel forests is not a ‘bad forecast’,” they explained.
“It is the most photogenic atmosphere you will ever see. Just pack a light jacket.”
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Overlooking logistics
While mountain roads may look short on the map, these winding ‘serpentine’ routes require time to navigate. Therefore, Tenerife Ambience recommends: “Do not rush through the drives. Tenerife is not for hurrying.”
Visiting Teide
Mount Teide is a 3,718-metre-high active stratovolcano situated on the island, and is an absolute must-see. However, Tenerife Ambience cautions against visiting around midday, when it tends to be heaving with crowds.
“The heat and crowds kill the scale of this place,” they said. “Stay for the sunset. Watching the sun go down above the clouds is a life-changing experience.”
‘Tourist’ food
Rounding off Tenerife Ambience’s list is a word of warning about dining out. “Forget frozen paella in the ports,” they advised. “Look for Guachinches in the North. Local wine and fresh octopus are the true taste of the island.”
For those who love exploring on foot, Tenerife Ambience has put together five “iconic” oceanfront routes to “feel the real energy” of the Atlantic, taking in “wild cliffs to misty palm groves”. In their own words, these are:
1. Costa de El Sauzal. A hidden scenic boardwalk directly above the crashing waves.
2. El Médano to Montaña Roja. Windy dunes and a stunning view of the Red Mountain. Pure freedom.
3. Lago Martiánez to Playa Jardín. The best of Puerto de la Cruz: saltwater pools, black sand, and lush parks.
4. Punta del Hidalgo. Walking between huge volcanic mountains and natural ocean pools. North side vibe.
5. Rambla de Castro. A lush palm forest trail right above the powerful Atlantic ocean. A total fairytale.
WE are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle East.
Price comparison site TravelSupermarket has found British holidaymakers are returning to reliable European favourites but also looking further afield.
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We are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle EastCredit: Getty
In the first 25 days of March, interest surged for the Italian island of Sardinia, with searches up 236 per cent.
Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “What’s striking about this data is the range of destinations seeing a boost.
“On the one hand, you have Majorca and Bodrum, places that Brits know and love, seeing huge jumps, which tells you a lot of people just want the certainty of a tried-and-trusted destination.
“But then you have California in the top ten, which is a sign some travellers are using this moment to think differently about where they want to go.”
IT has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surprise.
From family-friendly resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, to the laidback delights of Sa Coma for couples, there is something for everyone.
Majorca has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surpriseCredit: Getty
The Tui Blue Levante sits in one of Cala Bona’s smartest spots and has indoor and outdoor pools, as well as direct beach access.
Seven nights’ half-board is from £442pp including flights from Gatwick on April 17, 25kg luggage and transfers.
WITH its perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich history, the coastline on this Turkish delight is dotted with beautiful beaches and lively coastal spots.
A standout is the 5* Bodrum Holiday Resort, set directly on the shores of a crystal- clear bay.
Bodrum is the perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich historyCredit: Getty
There is lots to keep little ones entertained, including a water park with five slides.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £279pp including flights from Gatwick on April 19.
SMALLER than Wales, this tiny Balkan country on the shores of the Adriatic has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to sleepy medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.
The 4* Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort sits alongside the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and has stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor pool.
Montenegro is on the shores of the Adriatic and has so much to offerCredit: Getty
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,110 including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and transfers.
THERE are more and more travellers looking towards the Caribbean for their long-haul sunshine breaks.
So it’s no wonder this holiday favourite is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parks.
The Dominican Republic is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parksCredit: Getty
The 3.5* Sunscape Dominicus La Romana hotel is next to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus and has 13 restaurants, as well as plenty of activities on water and land.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,081pp including British Airways flights from Gatwick on October 25.
The 2,700 hours of annual sunshine definitely help, combined with the fascinating history in Dubrovnik.
Croatia, known as the Land of a Thousand Islands, has crystal-clear waters and 2,700 hours of annual sunshineCredit: Getty
The 5* Hotel Croatia Cavtat is a 30-minute drive or boat ride from the famous city but also offers the chance to switch off and relax in style overlooking the waters of Cavtat Bay.
There’s a spa with indoor pool and rooftop pool to soak up the rays.
Seven nights’ B&B is from £576pp including flights from Bristol on April 12.
The Caribbean paradise of St Lucia is an-eight hour direct flight from the UKCredit: Getty
THE Caribbean paradise is an-eight hour direct flight from the UK and promises rainforest adventures, volcanic mud baths and, of course, endless beaches.
The small but perfectly formed Bay Gardens Inn is in lively Rodney Bay, a short walk from Reduit Beach.
There’s also a complimentary shuttle to sister hotel Bay Gardens Beach Resort where you can enjoy the beach and water park.
Seven nights’ room-only is from £1,004pp including flights from Gatwick on September 15.
A BRAND-NEW sleeper train route has launched in Europe – and Brits can very easily hop onboard from Paris.
European Sleeper will connect three cities in 15 hours and you can spend the journey tucked up in a cosy cabin.
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Brits can easily join the sleeper train from Paris and head to BerlinCredit: europeansleeperYou can hunker down on this sleeper train that’s just launched to three European citiesCredit: europeansleeper
For anyone wanting city breaks without the fuss of taking flights, this is a great solution.
The sleeper train links Paris, Brussels and Berlin.
So anyone from the UK wanting to join the service can simply head to Paris Gare du Nord – which is where the Eurostar from London St Pancras gets in.
The sleeper service runs three times a week and one-way tickets from Paris to Brussels from £21.70.
If you do the whole journey, tickets can still be as little as £52.08.
The route departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
There are various different tickets available, the cheapest are for “like-minded people travelling on a budget”.
Literally called ‘budget’, passengers who opt for this option get a seat in a six person compartment which starts from €59.99 (£52.08) – for a one-way journey from Paris to Berlin.
A classic cabin is “ideal for small groups, families and solo travellers.”
It can seat up to five people and has compact couchette beds with sheets and blankets – it has private options available too.
One-way tickets start from €79.99 (£69.46)
Comfort cabins are, as the name suggests, more comfortable than the other two options.
It’s a three-person compartment with private options available if you want to travel in style.
Larger cabins have actual beds that are made up for its passengersCredit: europeansleeperThe route from Paris to Berlin in 15 hoursCredit: Getty
It comes with a mattress, sheets, duvet and a separate seating area.
Sun Travel found one-way tickets from €119.99 (£104.21).
To add on breakfast, which is a hot drink, juice, yoghurt with granola and crackers with various toppings, it’s an extra €14.00 (£12.16).
The Comfort Plus cabins are the most premium, and also have three beds and a separate seating area.
Passengers also get towels, toiletries, breakfast, mineral water and a welcome drink included.
One-way tickets start from €159.99 (£138.95).
From July 13, 2026, a stop in Hamburg will be added to the route.
Here’s another sleeper route launching this year…
European sleeper has also launched a route between Brussels in Belgium and Milan in Italy…
However, the anticipated launch date of the train has been pushed back from June 18 to September 9, with tickets available to book from March 17.
The train will operate from Brussels on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and from Milan on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
From Brussels, the train will leave at 5:56pm each time, stopping in Cologne at 10:07pm, Zurich the following day at 6:42am and finally arriving in Milan at 11:30am.
From Milan, the train will leave at 5:30pm each time, stopping in Zurich at 10:35pm, Cologne the following day at 7:59am and finally Brussels at 11:10am.
Other stops on the route include Liège in Belgium; Aachen in Germany; Arth-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona, Lugano and Chiasso in Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy.
Tickets for a shared classic compartment start from €49.99 (£43.31) one-way.
Alternatively, you can book a private space from €179.99 (£155.96) either in a classic compartment for up to five people or a comfort compartment for up to three people.
All passengers without EU passports will be required to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken under new rules, and this is likely to cause bottlenecks
02:28, 31 Mar 2026Updated 02:35, 31 Mar 2026
People queue at passport control in Milan, Italy (file image)(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Brits travelling to Europe over Easter face long delays — up to two hours at times — at border control as strict new entry rules come into effect.
Bottlenecks are expected due to the EU’s new entry/exit system (EES), airports and airlines are warning. Under the rules, all passengers without EU passports will be required to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken. These will be captured on first entry into the Schengen zone and then checked at every subsequent entry and exit.
The system, which comes into effect today, requires all non-EU arrivals to undergo the checks. Until now, only 50 per cent of passengers had to be processed at each border point.
Airports Council International (ACI), a trade body, said the latest data from across Europe “shows a continued deterioration in waiting times at border crossing points”. It said waiting times were “regularly reaching up to two hours at peak traffic times, with some airports reporting even longer queues”.
Data released last week showed at least 4,000 holidaymakers have been caught out by the new rule since it was soft-launched in October, after successive delays. During this six-month period, the number of passengers required to undergo checks increased in stages and EU members were able to suspend the system in the event of “operational pressures”.
But now the transition period is ending and passenger processing times is set to increase at border crossings. At larger airports, passengers are directed to kiosks to have their picture and fingerprints taken, although at smaller airports the process is done by an officer.
Speaking to The Times, Olivier Jankovec, the directorgeneral of ACI, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, the managing director of Airlines for Europe, said: “Passengers entering the Schengen area are likely to wait even longer at border control during Easter due to the persisting operational challenges around the EES rollout.
“We reiterate our call on the European Commission and member states to extend the possibility to fully or partially suspend EES —where operationally necessary — during the entirety of the 2026 summer season.
“This flexibility has proven vital in preventing catastrophic operational disruptions during the progressive rollout of the system. If the technical and operational issues with EES are not resolved, this flexibility should remain available during future peak travel periods, such as winter 2026-27.”
EasyJet, the UK’s biggest airline, is planning for its busiest Easter on record, handling more than a quarter more travellers than last year’s Easter weekend. It expects to operate 16,000 flights from the UK over the school holidays, with 5,000 departing during the Easter weekend.
Last week ministers warned that the introduction of EES would present a “significant change for Brits travelling this Easter”. Alex Norris, the minister for border security, said “extra time may be needed, both for your return to the UK and travelling to the EU” and advised passengers to check with their carrier.
BRITS’ favourite things about a staycation include shorter travel times, avoiding the airport – and proper pub lunches.
Supporting the local economy, the beautiful green countryside and taking scenic drives also featured in the top 30.
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The study found 62 per cent think the best type of staycation is a ’coastal getaway’
For 28 per cent, the stunning coastlines are the best thing about staying in the UK, with over a third (35 per cent) of Brits claiming they would prefer to holiday on home turf over going abroad.
Unsurprisingly, 78 per cent felt the weather could make or break a holiday in the UK.
Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall, which commissioned the research of 2,000 adults, said: “The UK is such a wonderful place to holiday, and it’s been great finding out why people love it so much.
“Everyone has memories of holidaying in the UK from their childhood, and more than ever, Brits are choosing ‘staycations’ over going abroad, whether that be because of the beautiful scenery on our doorstep or the comfort of travelling in your own car.”
The study also found 62 per cent think the best type of staycation is a ’coastal getaway’, but 50 per cent also love a city break and 28 per cent enjoy camping or glamping.
With the south west of England considered the best place to get away for 21 per cent, followed by Scotland (15 per cent) and Wales (11 per cent).
The car is the most common mode of transport (80 per cent) for Brits going on holiday in the UK, with the average person travelling just under 206 miles.
It also emerged those polled, via OnePoll.com, are willing to spend an average of £391.11 per trip.
Although, 50 per cent said rising travel costs have made them more likely to holiday within the British borders.
The research also found 15 per cent have been asked by their children to be more environmentally friendly when planning their trips, and one in 10 (nine per cent) said sustainability is a priority for them when booking.
And of the electric vehicle drivers polled, 77 per cent said having charging points at their accommodation is important.
Eurig Druce from Vauxhall added: “The Grandland Electric has been designed with families in mind, with a spacious interior, large boot and an electric range of over 300 miles, making it the ideal vehicle for a ‘staycation.’
“Whether it is stunning coastlines, rural escapes or bustling city centres, the home nations have some fantastic places on offer for people to enjoy.”
THE TOP 30 THINGS BRITS LOVE ABOUT STAYCATIONS 1. Stunning coastlines 2. Shorter travel times 3. Visiting historical landmarks 4. Green countryside 5. Avoiding the airport experience 6. Woodland walks 7. Fish and chips 8. Learning more about the UK 9. Proper pub lunches 10. Taking scenic drives 11. Feeling refreshed 12. No luggage restrictions 13. Taking the dog 14. Full English breakfasts 15. Staying in unique places 16. Wildlife watching 17. Supporting local independent shops 18. Watching the sunset 19. Everything in a language you understand 20. Familiar shops and produce 21. Ice cream 22. Not having to worry about exchange rates 23. Live music 24. The people 25. Amusement arcades 26. Local festivals 27. Farmers’ markets and local produce 28. Proper tea 29. Trying regional dishes 30. Sleeping in without the guilt of missing the day
50 per cent said rising travel costs have made them more likely to holiday within the British borders.Credit: matt howell
Brits have shared the top 30 things they love most about staycations as more and more choose to stay at home instead of going abroad
Families are choosing to stay in the UK and embrace holidays only a short drive away(Image: Matt Howell)
Brits’ favourite things about a staycation include shorter travel times, avoiding the airport – and proper pub lunches. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed over a third of Brits would prefer to holiday on home turf than go abroad. In addition, rising travel costs have made 50% of Brits more likely to holiday at home.
Nevertheless, many enjoy the opportunity to visit the countryside and take in scenic drives. For 28%, the stunning coastlines are the best thing about staying in the UK, with 62% saying the best type of staycation is a ’coastal getaway’. This was followed by 50% who love a city break and 28% who enjoy camping or glamping.
Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall, which commissioned the research, said: “The UK is such a wonderful place to holiday, and it’s been great finding out why people love it so much.
“Everyone has memories of holidaying in the UK from their childhood, and more than ever, Brits are choosing ‘staycations’ over going abroad, whether that be because of the beautiful scenery on our doorstep or the comfort of travelling in your own car.”
The south west of England was considered the best place to get away for 21%, followed by Scotland (15%) and Wales (11%).
It emerged those polled, via OnePoll.com, are willing to spend an average of £391.11 per trip. And the only potential downside was that 78% felt the weather could make or break a holiday in the UK.
The car is the most common mode of transport (80%) with the average person travelling just under 206 miles. Of the electric vehicle drivers polled, 77% said having charging points at their accommodation is important.
The research found 15% have been asked by their children to be more environmentally friendly when planning their trips, and one in 10 said sustainability is a priority for them when booking.
Eurig Druce from Vauxhall added: “The Grandland Electric has been designed with families in mind, with a spacious interior, large boot and an electric range of over 300 miles, making it the ideal vehicle for a ‘staycation.’
“Whether it is stunning coastlines, rural escapes or bustling city centres, the home nations have some fantastic places on offer for people to enjoy.”
THERE are plenty of beautiful islands around Greece, but you might not have heard of Andros.
It’s the second-largest island in the Cyclades and is considered to be one of the most beautiful, and underrated.
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Andros is the second-largest island in the CycladesCredit: AlamyBeaches on the island look like they’re in the Caribbean, like Zorkos BeachCredit: Alamy
Andros has it all, with mountain landscapes, beaches with bright blue waters, lush greenery with waterfall trails, and a town classically painted in Greece‘s blue and white.
Visitors arriving by ferry will first come to Gavrio, on the northwest coast which historically was a fishing village.
Now it’s a lot busier and vibrant with plenty of tavernas, bars and hotels – however this isn’t the capital of the island.
An hour’s drive away from Gavrio is Chora, which literally means ‘main village’.
One visitor who blogged about their recent trip named Verde as a top place to grab a bite there.
Their top tip was to taste the Miss Pink cocktail, which is a mix of champagne, lime and grapefruit.
When it comes to drinks, on Andros, you can pick up a glass of wine from €3 (£2.60).
Along with its pretty village to explore, the real gems of this island are the beaches that are dotted along the coastline.
There are beautiful beaches too with white sands and bright blue seas.
One of the most popular north of Chora is called Zorkos Beach, which is also one of the island’s biggest.
One visitor said: “One of the best beaches I have visited in general in my life! Incredible waters, clear and a very quiet place even though it has a beach bar there!”
Another added: “Zorkos beach is just fantastic! Clean water and a very relaxed atmosphere. Perfect place to escape and enjoy the sea without a lot of people. We will definitely visit again.”
Other popular spots include Vitali Beach on the north eastern side of the island.
The beach is always fairly empty as it’s secluded and can only be accessed by a narrow dirt track – so it’s recommended to get there by motorbike or jeep.
Another spot which has crystal clear waters is Tis Grias to Pidima Beach, which has a huge rock stack off its shore.
The beach can be reached via a dirt road and steep trail, but lots of visitors say it’s worth a visit thanks to its beautiful views.
A glass of wine in Greece can cost as little as £2.50Credit: AlamyPithara Waterfalls is considered a ‘hidden paradise’Credit: Alamy
Heading inland, one popular activity for tourists on Andros is hiking to its waterfalls.
One of the easiest trails that takes around 10-minutes is to the Pithara Waterfalls, which is dubbed a ‘hidden paradise’ in Apikia.
Visitors say there’s enough water for a small swim, along with plenty of pretty viewing points from above the falls.
For those staying on the island, some hotels cost as little as £36 per night, which you can find on Booking.com.
The Ostria Hotel & Apartments has an outdoor pool, and is a few minutes walk away from Gavrio.
On Airbnb, pretty apartments start from £67 per night.
This one in Chora is within walking distance to the sea, as well as restaurants, bars, cafes, museums and art galleries.
When it comes to getting to the island, Brits will have to fly to Athens, which in May can be done for £25 with Ryanair.
From there, take a ferry across to the island which can be as quick as one hour with Seajets (with tickets from £30).
The closure at Liverpool Street Station will take place to improve roof drainage and track drainage, as well as vegetation management.
While most of the work has already been carried out, passengers have been told that Liverpool Street’s mainline station will experience its final closure on March 28 and March 29.
The Elizabeth line will still be running, however, there will be no access to the main concourse. Commuters have been also been warned that there will be no Overground Weaver line trains operating this weekend.
Train operating company, Greater Anglia, stated on its website: “On both days, Liverpool Street Main Line station will be closed (including the concourse) to all Greater Anglia, Stansted Express, c2c, Elizabeth line and London Overground services.
“Greater Anglia services to/from Cambridge, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford East and Stansted Airport will start/terminate at Stratford.”
They added: “On both days, Elizabeth line’s low level Liverpool Street station remains open however services will not run beyond Stratford due to closures on the Great Eastern mainline.
“On both days London Overground Weaver line services will not run between London Liverpool Street and Enfield Town/Cheshunt/Chingford.”
Commuters have been directed to use rail replacement buses where possible. The services will run between Seven Sisters and Enfield Town/Cheshunt and Hackney Downs and Chingford.
Officials have urged passengers to plan their journeys ahead of time. It comes as the station recorded a staggering 98 million entries and exits between April 2024 and March 2025.
Trish Ashton, TfL’s Director of Rail, said: “We’re sorry for any disruption caused by weekend engineering work impacting London Overground and Elizabeth line services during March.
“These planned works are essential to help keep our services safe and reliable. Customers are advised to ‘check before they travel’ using the TfL Go app or at TfL.gov.uk, and allow a little extra time for their journeys.”
You can also check the Network Rail website here for more information on planned works.
Tourism chiefs are predicting a near two million jump in the number of Brits holidaying at home this Easter
11:40, 27 Mar 2026Updated 11:47, 27 Mar 2026
Around five million more Brits plan to holiday at home rather than go abroad this Easter(Image: Parkdean Resorts)
Around 12.5 million Brits are planning an Easter staycation – as the Middle East war deters families from jetting abroad.
The number of people who say they intend to holiday in the UK over the Easter weekend is up sharply from 10.6 million last year. The near two million surge will help deliver a bumper £4.8billion boost to tourism and the wider economy, according to VisitEngland, which published the data.
The number saying they hope to holiday at home dwarfs the estimated 7.4 million who are planning a trip abroad this Easter. Of those definitely aiming to take a staycation during the Easter break, the majority will be short breaks of one to three nights.
It came as VisitEngland’s Trip-Tracker revealed that more than a quarter of those it surveyed, 28%, were worried about the impact of the Middle East conflict on their upcoming travel plans in April and May. The top concern was having less money to spend due to the economic impact. There have already been fears of air fare price hikes and possible flight cancellations.
The number of people planning an Easter staycation this year also marks a big jump on 2024’s 11 million, and nearly double the 6.5 million in 2023. A further 5.1 million people surveyed said they were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Easter weekend. The top reasons were “waiting to see if I can afford it” and “waiting to see what the weather is like”. Forecasts for the weather suggest it will be a mixed bag next week, but with settled conditions over the Easter weekend itself.
However, those driving for days out and holidays in the UK face a hit to the wallet from soaring fuel prices on the back of the Iran war. The nationwide average for unleaded has jumped to 150p a litre, up 17p since before the conflict erupted. Diesel drivers have been hit even harder, with diesel now averaging 176.68p per litre, a leap of 34p in recent weeks.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Petrol has now broken through the unwelcome milestone of 150p a litre (150.11p), something drivers haven’t seen since mid-May two years ago while the average price of diesel is now approaching 180p at 177.68p.
“With the long-awaited four-day Easter weekend almost within touching distance, the cost of getting away by car is going to be noticeably higher this year.
“And with average prices at motorway services at 166p for unleaded and 182p for diesel, drivers on long journeys will need to plan very carefully where they refuel. The best advice remains to shop around for fuel and make use of free apps such as myRAC to never pay a penny more for fuel than is absolutely necessary.”
Some families may also think twice given another wave of bill increases – including water and council tax – from the start of April, and warnings that food price inflation could jump again.
Kate Allen, owner of Devon-based Finest Stays, said: “For now, we’re not seeing a slowdown. Bookings are up around 10% on this time last year, with more guests opting to stay in the UK rather than travel further afield to places like Dubai.
“The Great British holiday is very much in favour, as we’re a nation that prioritises getting away, and domestic breaks are benefiting from that shift. That said, there’s a nervous undercurrent. Fuel costs feel like a slow leak, pressure building rather than bursting.
“We’re expecting more guests to postpone or cancel, and that’s where it gets tricky. Terms and conditions may cover it, but it doesn’t make refund conversations any easier when the wider impact on businesses and homeowners isn’t fully understood.”
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “It is wonderful that so many people are planning on having a staycation this Easter weekend, whether that’s spending time visiting our stunning landscapes and coastlines or exploring our vibrant towns, cities and cultural landmarks. Supporting domestic tourism helps local areas thrive – fuelling small businesses, boosting pride, and strengthening community economies.”
VisitEngland chief executive Patricia Yates said: “Tourism businesses and destinations will be looking to the critical Easter weekend for much needed cash flow so it’s encouraging to see so many of us are planning a holiday at home, with its ease, convenience and certainty of budgeting. We also know that the cost of living remains a concern for holidaymakers, leaving it difficult too for businesses to plan in advance.
“We have incredible activities, experiences and places to stay for all tastes and budgets, and there really is nowhere quite like Britain in springtime. From walks in our beautiful countryside with the promise of a pub lunch or discovering contemporary culture in our buzzing cities to enjoying fish and chips on the beach, there is something for everyone. So, a rallying cry to please go out and explore the amazing destinations and events here on our doorstep this spring. Tourism businesses will be very pleased to welcome you, you will have an amazing time and create memories to make you smile all year.”
It came as trade body UKHospitality stepped up criticism of what has been dubbed a new “tourist tax”. Labour is proposing to allow regional mayors in England to introduce a “visitor levy” on overnight stays, as already happens in some European countries. While details of how it would work are still to be finalised, it could either be a per head charge or a percentage of the cost of the stay. Small businesses – from guesthouses to B&Bs – say it could lead to closures.
Modelling by Oxford Economics, commissioned by UKHospitality, which assumed a 5% levy, warned it could lead to a £1.6billion tax increase for holidaymakers by 2030, and a £2.2billion hit to the economy.
THE UK Foreign Office has warned Brits heading abroad to be wary of longer-than-usual airport queues ahead of new travel rules being fully rolled out next month.
The new EES requirement has already resulted in lengthy wait times at airports and are predicted to only get worse across the next few weeks.
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New EES machines are set to cause length delays at airportsCredit: AlamyNon-EU citizens are required to register details before they flyCredit: Alamy
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the new travel system replacing the need for a passport stamp by automatically checking when a person enters and exits an EU country.
Non‑EU residents have to register their details on their first visit to a Schengen area country.
This is done using the EES machines at airports and ferry terminals to log their fingerprints, facial images and scan passports.
With lots of Brits are still yet to register, and with an influx of families heading abroad over the upcoming Easter break – it’s anticipated that this will result in delays and queues at the EES machines.
New advice on the government website reads: “Ahead of the Easter holidays, Brits are being advised to be aware of extra border checks – the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES) – and allow additional time at the border when travelling to the EU.”
It added: “EES checks should take only a few minutes per person, although longer waits at border control are possible, including for your journeys back to the UK.”
Some passengers could be subject to further delays – especially those heading to Spain as ground staff are planning to strike at 12 airports across the country.
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill queued for three hours through Lanzarote Airport
Several Spanish unions are set to begin an indefinite strike too from today.
Walkouts are planned to take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, across three time slots: from 5am to 7am, from 11am to 5pm and from 10pm to midnight.
Other baggage handling staff have planned 24-hour strikes on March 28-29 and April 2-6.
Airports that could be disrupted by these strikes include Madrid-Barajas, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona-El Prat, Bilbao, Valencia and Bilbao.
It could disrupt also affect airports on popular Spanish islands too, like Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur and Norte, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Ibiza.
Here are Sun Travel’s top tips on how to deal with EES travel chaos…
Sit at the front First off is quite simple,book a seatat the front of the plane. If you want to get toborder controlbefore the rest of the passengers on your flight, then by being at the front, you’ll be able to get off first.
Early flights When you’re booking, it might ease wait times if you go head out on one of the first flights of the day. There are generally fewer scheduled flights and they experience less disruption.
Anticipate delays If you are taking a connecting flight, we’d advise to anticipate delays. Of course this varies from airport to airport, but some travellers might find it will take longer to get through because of the EES requirements. Similarly, if someone’s collecting you perhaps give them a bit more time – especially if they’re in one of the pick-up zones that costs money.
Go for a bigger airport If you can go to a bigger airport and take a longer road transfer, it could be worth it At a larger airport there’s likely to be more EES machines than at one of the smaller ones For example, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski found there were plenty more of the machines in Spain‘s Alicante Airport than in Austria‘s Salzburg.
Bring entertainment If you have children, or are generally just bored of queues (and who can blame you?) – think about entertainment It could be worth setting the kids up with an iPad or something that will keep them occupied. Bring a reserve of snacks because standing in line means no access to the airport’s cafes and shops.
Get into the priority lane For those who are disabled and require assistance make sure to let the airline know in advance as you would usually. After landing, staff should escort you straight through to the front of border control queues. Many major airports offer priority family lanes at passport control for families with young children (usually under 12 years old).
Use the plane facilities Quite simply, if you are going to be waiting in line for yours, then you want to be comfortable. So before landing, go to the toilet on the plane. If you’re queueing along corridors before heading into border control, then the chances are there won’t be access to toilets
INSTEAD of spending loads on heading to the French Riviera, Brits could venture to a dupe for a fraction of the cost.
The French Riviera is known for its glamour but often comes with eye-watering prices.
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Hammamet is dubbed the Tunisian St TropezCredit: AlamyAnd holidays to the destination cost a fraction of the price of heading to St TropezCredit: Alamy
Though, heading to Hammamet on the ‘Tunisian Riviera’ is just 35 per cent of the cost of a holiday to the French Riviera.
And bookings have also increased by 50 per cent following Brits ditching holidays to Turkey and Egypt following the Iran crisis.
With First Choice, Brits could pay just £516 for a week’s all-inclusive holiday to Hammamet, whereas the same holiday in St Tropez would be likely to set you back almost three times that – £1,500.
Hammamet – which is also affectionately known as the Tunisian St Tropez – is often associated with artists and actors as well as a vibrant beach-club culture.
Visitors can head to the Yasmine district, where they will find a palm-lined promenade, waterfront cafés and Tunisia’s largest marina with many superyachts.
Beach lovers can enjoy the long stretch of golden sand, with water sports and the Carthage Land theme park.
A spokesperson for First Choice said: “[The theme park] offers kids and adult-sized rollercoasters, large-scale water slides, museum-style educational exhibits and a 5D cinema.”
Tickets cost between £6 and £8 for the day.
Or for something more active, have a go at the quad bike tours, which take you on and around the hills surrounding Hammamet.
Local recommendations from the First Choice team also include heading to Bel Canto restaurant, which is Italian-Mediterranean.
Inside, the interiors are modern, and the restaurant serves a vast array of dishes including pizza and seafood, with prices ranging from around £5 to £15 per dish.
Another option is Yuman which serves a more European range of dishes and is open from breakfast to dinner.
The cafe also has great views of the beach and the city walls.
A week’s all-inclusive holiday to Hammamet costs as little as £516Credit: Alamy
Breakfast ranges between £4 and £8, dinner ranges between £10 and £18 and cocktails don’t cost more than £9.
If you are looking for a bar, then head to the Beer Garden Brasserie in Yasmine.
The beach-view bar is open until 4am on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and there are always live music events and karaoke nights.
Compared to the French Riviera, Hammamet has more all-inclusive accommodation, with daily costs working out at around £73.
But on the French Riviera you will have to fork out cash for meals out.
For example, a mid-range dinner is likely to set you back up to £80 per person. Local beers cost between £4.50 and £7 and a glass of rosé can even be as much as £20.
And if you wanted to soak up the sunshine, even this will set you back as much as £130 in the peak season.
As a result, a daily spend is over £200 more for the French Riviera compared to Hammamet.
In the Yasmine district, there are palm trees, waterfront cafés and Tunisia’s largest marina with many superyachtsCredit: Alamy
If you want to travel to Hammamet you could book seven-nights all-inclusive at the Sentido Marillia Resort & Spa with flights from Newcastle Airport on May 11 (hand luggage only) for £516 per person.
The resort sits right by the beach and features 10 bars and restaurants including a wood-fired pizzeria.
Inside the hotel, families will find 352 rooms, including family options, twin rooms, and suites.
The hotel even has its own nightclub, and a cocktail party once a week, although there is also a kids’ club too, which is open until midnight.
Outside, there are two pools, including one that is Olympic-sized, and there is also an additional kids’ pool.
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director for First Choice, said: “Brits are tired of saving destinations for ‘someday’.
“They want experiences that feel bucket-list-worthy but actually fit into their budgets and availability.
“Hammamet is a great example of a budget friendly luxury swap, all the French‑Riviera perks, without the French‑Riviera price tag.”
Flights to Hammamet cost from £83 return in April, with the flight taking just over three hours.
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Belpoint Beach Hotel, Antalya, Turkey
This hotel is surrounded by the forests of the Toros Mountains, giving your outdoor swim a pretty impressive backdrop. With a pool decorated with colourful parasols and a waterslide, this pretty resort also has plenty to do indoors, including a sauna and a Turkish bath to unwind in.
The huge resort has 363 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea or gardens. All-inclusive food includes three daily meals in the main buffet restaurant, as well as drinks and snacks such as pizza, hot dogs and burgers at the pizzeria snack bar. If you fancy getting out and exploring, the town centre is a 10 minute drive away.
Terramar Calella puts you right in the thick of the action, with the sea on one side and the buzzing promenade on the other. Here, days start with sea swims and end with sunset drinks. Platja Gran Calella is the area’s largest beach, and here it’s right on your doorstep.
This Corfu resort was built for families, buzzing with entertainment and activities. With four adult pools, three kids pools, a mini waterpark and a beach on your doorstep, there’s plenty of spots for you to stretch out on a sun lounger and for the kids to splash around. And as the day winds down to a close, the party starts with mini discos, Greek dancing, lively quiz nights and karaoke.
Huw Edwards, the lead presenter of BBC News at Ten for 20 years, was spared jail at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children
01:54, 26 Mar 2026Updated 02:05, 26 Mar 2026
Huw Edwards is pictured leaving Westminster Magistrates’ Court after he was spared jail(Image: PA)
Furious viewers have blasted Huw Edwards’ “disgraceful” sentence after a shocking TV drama detailed his crimes.
The shamed broadcaster, 64, was spared jail despite admitting three charges of making indecent images of children. His case was explored in Channel 5’s Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards on Tuesday night, in which Martin Clunes played the presenter.
The 90-minute programme showed how Edwards groomed a teenager, paying him for sexual photos and videos. After it was broadcast, one viewer said: “First time in ages I flicked on terrestrial telly — and wow, it laid bare exactly what a monster he was.” Another summed up public anger by adding: “He should be watching this behind bars.” A third viewer said: “His sentence was disgraceful, considering what a sick creep he was.”
Nearly two million people tuned in to see Clunes, 64, portray the broadcaster, who had a vile double life. He was praised for his “compelling” and “career-defining” performance.
“I don’t get why Huw isn’t in prison. He needs to pay for what he’s done. It’s fact,” one viewer posted on X, which was known as Twitter. Another on the platform said: “Watching Power. Martin Clunes is excellent but it’s very uncomfortable viewing. How did Huw Edwards escape prison?”
Katie Jones, a mum who watched the show, wrote online: “I watched simply because I wanted to understand why NO jail time for EDWARDS. Was it cos he claimed to be suffering from a mental breakdown? It’s a must watch — difficult subject told well.” A shocked viewer agreed: “He should have been jailed. He’s a paedophile. He’s not sorry.”
Edwards paid a troubled teenager thousands of pounds, which the lad spent on drugs. The youngster was played by Emmerdale actor Osian Morgan. Osian, who was also in Waterloo Road in 2023, was praised for his acting in the harrowing drama.
Father-of-five Edwards was charged after the arrest of another paedophile, Alex Williams, who had sent him 377 images via WhatsApp. Westminster Magistrates’ Court the star, who was the lead presenter of BBC News at Ten for 20 years, sent 41 indecent images of children, some showing a victim aged between seven and nine.
Child protection charities have slammed the sentencing. Emma Hardy, of the Internet Watch Foundation, said: “We must never forget children are at the heart of this story — children who have suffered, and who suffer again each time imagery of them at their most vulnerable is reshared.
“Perhaps most worryingly, there is nothing to stop this happening again. WhatsApp, and other apps which use the extreme end-to-end form of encryption, are still failing to prevent the upload of known child sexual abuse imagery.
“While some platforms are now choosing not to use this kind of encryption because of safety fears, there remain whole swathes of the internet where this dangerous and illegal content can still be shared undetected and unopposed. The tools to help stop the next Huw Edwards are here, they work, and they do not impact on individuals’ privacy. It’s time to use them.”
Reports say that even police have been called in to deal with angry holidaymakers in TenerifeCredit: AlamyThere have been reports of further travel chaos at Tenerife South due to EESCredit: Alamy
EES is replacing the need for a passport stamp by automatically checking when a person enters and exits an EU country.
Non-EU nationals – which includes Brits – are required to register their details like fingerprints, facial images and scan passports on their first visit to a Schengen area country.
But at Tenerife South, passengers say that only a handful of these EES machines are working with some rejecting fingerprints.
Passengers are even saying they’ve missed flights due to delays in getting through controls.
Some Brits are warning to give as much as three hours before a flight just in case.
One Brit wrote on social media: “The key is to arrive three hours early so at least you are in the front of the queue when problems start.”
Another added: “Love Tenerife but HATE the airport.”
Police have reportedly been called in to the South Airport on several occasions to calm the crowds of angry passengers.
With bad weather and storms hitting the Canary Islands, those who miss flights are having to sleep inside the airport overnight before catching another plane home.
On one particular day, around 100 passengers were stranded there and many were unable to find overnight accommodation, so stayed in the terminal.
Passengers are blaming lack of staff and proper organisation for the chaos, with computers not working.
“Passport control is a disaster,” posted another Brit. “One person for thousands of travellers.”
Only 20 per cent of the biometric machines are working and officials admitted to the Spanish media that there were “computer failures.”
The chaos has been going on for months and tourism chiefs and hoteliers say the island’s reputation is being hit, compounded by the bad weather.
Since last week, the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, have also been struck with flash flooding and snow as a result of Storm Therese.
Even without bad weather, many airports have experienced delays caused by the new travel requirement of EES registration.
Due to their small size, airports on the Canary Islands have seen reports of long queues.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits heading to Portugal ahead of the school holidays, with warnings around new rules on how long you can stay
Brits heading to Portugal should take note of the fresh advice(Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued advice for Brits travelling to Portugal.
To ensure that Brits are aware of any warnings, entry requirements, security, safety, or health risks before travelling to destinations across the globe, the Foreign Office is constantly updating its travel advice. The advice can change rapidly, or remain the same for months, but just last week, a change was made for those visiting Portugal.
In an update on Friday, 20 March, which is still current as of 25 March, the FCDO updated the entry requirements for Brits heading to the popular European destination, which offers sprawling beaches and vibrant cities. The government stated that if you’re staying for longer than 90 days, within a 180-day period, and need to extend in “exceptional circumstances”, you must take action.
The FCDO website stated: “If you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form (access is only available to users in Portugal). If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
“If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”
As it stands, UK residents with a British passport can travel to Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you are a tourist, visiting friends or family, attending a business meeting, cultural or sports events, or visiting for short-term studies or training.
This also applies to Brits visiting the Schengen area, which comprises 29 European countries, who can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Countries in the Schengen area include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
However, the FCDO outlined: “If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”
Additionally, from 10 April 2026, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to be fully rolled out. This means that when travelling into the Schengen area for short stays, you may be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, which is done at the border on arrival for free.
Brits travelling to the Schengen area must also be aware of the passport requirements. The government states that the passport must:
Have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
Have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
If your passport does not meet the requirements above, you may be denied entry to the country and turned away at the airport. You can renew or replace your passport online through the government website.
Brits are advised to renew or replace their passports as soon as possible, as processing can take around three weeks and sometimes longer during the peak travel season. For more information on Portugal’s entry requirements, visit the government’s foreign travel advice page.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
A crucial 50-mile airspace route through Azerbaijan has become vital for European travellers as Middle East airspace restrictions impact millions of passengers
Jetting away on holiday is getting a bit trickier (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The flight corridor that dictates whether vast numbers of passengers can reach their destination is getting narrower.
32,432. That’s the number of Middle East flights that have been scrapped since Israel and the US began bombing Iran at the end of February. The tally of affected passengers now runs well into the millions.
Whilst the daily cancellation figure has now dropped considerably to 11% per day, according to analytics firm Cirium, the knock-on effects of the disruption are still being experienced and will continue for some time.
One way the conflict has and will continue to affect travel is by constricting flight corridors. Now, many European holidaymakers are dependent on a roughly 50-mile route spanning three countries.
The flight corridor over Azerbaijan is one that numerous commercial aircraft have been using to travel from Europe to Asia since early March, when the country closed portions of its airspace following drone strikes the Azerbaijani authorities claim had been launched from Iranian territory, reports the Express.
Prior to the Iran war, the Azerbaijan path was 100 miles wide at its narrowest points, owing to the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the north. It is now 50 miles wide, with airspace to the south closed off by the Azerbaijan authorities.
Almost three weeks into the Iran war, this route through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey is one of just two available for a majority of long-haul flights between Europe and Asia. The alternative route passes through Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The shortage of accessible airspace is fuelling rivalry amongst airlines competing for routes. It is also rendering air travel more costly and environmentally harmful.
Prior to 2022, flights linking much of Europe and Asia travelled over Russia, via the “Siberian Corridor.” That was regarded as one of the most direct ways to connect the two continents.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western airlines were denied access to the airspace. Now a flight from northern Europe, which would have passed directly over Russia, must take a lengthier route either over the North Pole or around the Black Sea. This can tack on roughly three hours to a nine-hour journey, consuming thousands of pounds more jet fuel and emitting dozens of tonnes more CO2e into the atmosphere.
The alternative route from Europe to Asia that is presently available takes passengers south, via Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Whilst it is returning to capacity following weeks of disruptions and cancellations, the escalating conflict in Iran means its viability in the long or medium term remains uncertain.
Dubai International Airport is typically one of the globe’s busiest travel hubs, averaging approximately 1,200 departures and landings daily. It, like numerous airports in the region, is still functioning considerably below its standard capacity. This is partly due to the aerial battles taking place overhead. On Friday, the UAE government reported that it had intercepted 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones since February 28, Forbes reports. Despite these efforts, at least eight people have been killed in the UAE, and over 150 have been injured.
Ian Petchenik, the communications director for the flight-tracking site FlightRadar24, fears that the narrowing of flight corridors and the uncertain status of major travel hubs is driving up the cost of plane tickets. He told the New York Times: “At some point, we get to the point where airlines have to make the decision: Is this route still economically viable? Is this a route that we can continue to operate long term within these parameters?”
Mr. Petchenik characterises the flight corridor above Azerbaijan as “a very narrow strip of land.”
To increase the number of planes that can fly on a restricted flight corridor, air traffic controllers instruct aircraft to fly at varying altitudes – effectively spreading them out.
However, according to Graham Wild, a senior lecturer of aviation science and technology at the University of New South Wales in Australia, this can trigger other problems. Planes flying at lower altitudes are more vulnerable to weather and turbulence and also consume more fuel, as the air is denser. Extended flight times and the potential for diversions also present staffing challenges for pilots and flight crews.
The Government says the increases are needed to make the system self-funded rather than relying on taxpayers.
Officials insist they’re not making a profit, with fees instead covering processing applications, supporting Brits overseas and managing UK border checks.
Standard applications take on average three weeks to process, which is the exact date when the new price comes into force.
So if you want a passport before the cost shoot up, you can apply for one-day premium service.
And be quick as the premium service will go up from from £222 to £239.50 in April as well.
OUR Spotlight On column looks at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as som lesser known spots.
This week, we’re looking towards more tropical climates and shining the light of the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico.
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Here’s everything you need to know about a holiday to Puerto RicoCredit: AlamyPuerto Rico has been put on the map after Bad Bunny’s performanceCredit: AFP
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the island and raved about it.
She said: “I don’t know why more Brits don’t visit Puerto Rico when planning a Caribbean island.
“The food and drink scene is amazing – after all, its the home of the pina colada, and you can get the local Medalla Light beer for just $2.50 (£1.84) at some bars.
“My highlight was a food tour of San Juan with The Spoon Experience, where we had amazing coffee, ice cream and snacks.
This compact Caribbean island, which is the birthplace of the rapper and musician, is full of glorious landscapes from lush rainforests to sparkling beaches.
But the top thing for the bucket list has to be a visit to El Yunque National Forest, where visitors can swim beneath waterfalls and spot exotic birds.
The island is home to three of only five bioluminescent bays in the world, including the brightest at Mosquito Bay in Vieques.
HIDDEN GEM
For a real taste of local life, head to the Piñones neighbourhood – also known as the “soul of the island”.
Afro-Caribbean heritage comes alive here through vibrant street food, such as alcapurrias, a tyoe of fried fritter made with with grated yuca and sometimes green banana.
Explorers should ditch the beach and head to Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Region instead.
This area is known for its coffee production so sampling the freshly roasted brews is a must.
Make sure to try Creole-inspired dishes at traditional taverns while soaking up sweeping interior views.
BEST VIEW
If you don’t fancy trekking up the mountains, then Alma Hotel rooftop bar in Old San Juan is the next best thing.
You can drink in the views, which are undeniably spectacular at sunset, alongside a cocktail.
From this high vantage point you’ll be able to gaze out across the terracotta rooftops, and sparkling bay.
Knock back a plate of oysters alongside a canella old fashioned made with cinnamon-infused bourbon, rosemary syrup and orange bitters.
RATED RESTAURANT
Cocina Abierta in San Juan served a menu of reinterpreted classics like mofongo, traditionally made from mashed and fried green plantains, except here its made with peking duck.
Plates are bold, elegant and sophisticated.
A five-course tasting menu costs around £64 a head and booking is recommended.
Bacoa Finca y Fogón is another great spot that offers farm-to-table dining with a focus on sustainable cooking.
Made up of a maze of candlelit rooms, this chic bar not only serves up creative cocktails, it also hosts regular live music nights.
It’s chaotic, fun, and quintessentially Puerto Rican.
The James Beard award-winning Identidad Cocktail Bar is another top spot for cocktail lovers.
Try the whisky highball which celebrates typical Caribbean ingredients like Glenlivet Caribbean (a type of whisky) muddled with ginger, vanilla, cardamom, bitters and soda.
HOTEL PICK
Dreamcatcher by DW is a boutique vegetarian hotel with just nineteen rooms, that sits a ten-minute drive from Old San Juan.
Quirky suites feature stained-glass windows, old hacienda archways and concrete soaking tubs.
Guests can unwind on tropical terraces in breezy hammocks.
This city has everything you need for a great week away, from a long sandy beach to plenty of shops and restaurants, plus family-friendly attractions for days out with the kids in May half term
The beach stretches for over five miles(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The cheapest destination for a week in the sun has been revealed as budget-conscious Brits look for ways to get away in spring or summer for less.
The figures are based on pricing data for package holidays departing between June 1 and August 31 and were compiled by loveholidays, which offers affordable flight and hotel combinations.
A week at this coastal gem will set you back £230 per person on average, working out at a budget-friendly £33 a night, leading loveholidaysto crown it the most affordable destination for a week away.
Moroccan coastal town Agadir took the top spot thanks to its cheap flight and hotel combinations, and generally inexpensive food, drink, and days out. The main draw of Agadir is its long coastline with golden sands and its clear blue waters have earned it Blue Flag status.
Its beach stretches over five miles, and the sea can be choppy with strong currents, which has made it a popular surfing spot. If you want to swim, then there are some natural pools where you can take a dip when the tide comes in.
Along the beach is a lively promenade, lined with palm trees, and along here you’ll find a huge selection of places to eat, bars, souvenir shops, and places to hire surfboards and water equipment. Many hotels can also be found along this strip, allowing guests easy beach access during their stays.
You can also wander into the modern city centre for lots more restaurant options and a huge range of malls and shopping areas. Many visitors recommend the Marina Shopping Mall on the waterfront, which has international brands and lots of al fresco dining options.
It’s also worth visiting the Souk El Had market for bargains and an excellent way to test your haggling skills. Other than fixed price stores, everything in Morocco can be haggled, and with over 6,000 stalls and shops, you are bound to find something you like among the colourful rugs and textiles that hang from the walls.
Agadir’s centre was destroyed in an earthquake in the 1960s, so many of its historical sites are gone. However, La Médina d’Agadir gives you an idea of what the old city looked like, and it’s a faithful recreation of the traditional market. You’ll see stallholders weaving fabrics and painting ceramics outside their stalls, so you can see how these beautiful items are made. If you’d like to see more of Old Morocco, take a tour of Souss-Massa National Park which includes a visit to a traditional Berber village where people still live in beautiful clay houses.
Agadir is also a great option for May half-term, and with highs of 26C and dry weather, you can enjoy lots of beach and pool days. Take them for a day at Crocopark, a zoo that specialises in all things scaly, from crocodiles to snakes, and you can see these creatures basking in natural desert landscapes.
Agadir Dolphin World is another place families will love. It has regular dolphin shows, and visitors can get up close to these friendly mammals.
If you prefer to book your flight and hotel separately, there are a few airlines to choose from. Ryanair offers flights from Birmingham, London-Stansted, and Leeds Bradford, where fares start from as little as £17 one way. Jet2 and easyJet also fly from several regional airports, and most flights take just under 4 hours.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
At the moment, most UK airlines won’t be affected because of hedging – essentially a fixed price for oil – which is keeping prices stable.
Depending on the length of time that the Iran conflict continues and if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, there could be price hikes in the coming months.
This in turn will see airlines having to put up their fares for passengers.
Mr Jarvis said that he expects easyJet to be “good for three weeks.”
Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said that he doesn’t expect disruption as long as the ongoing conflict ends “in the next month or two.”
Unlike these airlines, US carriers aren’t hedged which has resulted in the rise in fare prices already.
Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IAG) who owns British Airways, explained that fares across the North Atlantic are set to jump up.
Talking more on the issue, he said that due to the price increase of US airlines, “competitors at the other end will match the price increase. It’s the nature of the industry.”
Some airlines have already put the price of their fares up, or are preparing to.
AirAsia said it would temporarily raise ticket prices but said it would be revising fares at a later date.
Thai Airways said it expects tickets to go up by 10 – 15 per cent, while Qantas also said it would increase prices depending on the route.
And Scandinavian airline SAS has introduced a “temporary price adjustment”.
Air New Zealand has increased prices of its flights in response to rising fuel costs as well.
Domestic flights were going up by $10 (£4.37) one way, short haul by $20 (£8.74), and long haul $90 (£39.35).
Before taking any travel trip, it’s vital that you’re aware of any rules that are in place for the country you’re visiting, as a harmless habit can catch you out and land you a hefty fine
There’s a strict travel rule in this popular European destination (Image: Getty Images)
Jetting off abroad is always exciting, but if you’re visiting a popular European destination, there’s a little-known rule you need to be aware of.
Taking photos while wandering the quaint streets of a European town or capturing snaps of the city’s famed landmarks comes second nature to holidaymakers when exploring somewhere new. And afterwards, many tourists look forward to sharing their snaps on social media, but this harmless habit could land you in trouble, alongside a hefty fine.
Travellers planning a trip to Germany are being warned about the country’s strict rules on taking photos in public and sharing them on social media. While tourists have every right to take photos while visiting Germany, there are regulations on publishing or sharing images of people without their consent, even if the photo was taken in a public place, under the Art Copyright Act (KUG).
Simon Hood, a travel expert and Executive Director of John Mason International, explained: “Taking a photograph of a stranger and publishing or distributing this without their permission is illegal in Germany. Even if a person’s face is not in the picture, if they can be recognised by their tattoos, clothes, or the context of the photo, this is still disallowed.
“The regulations are complicated, for example, posting photos of strangers at public events such as parades, sports events and demonstrations are allowed, as long as they are not specific photos of the crowd. The Federal Court of Justice judge cases individually and ultimately determines what is and isn’t unlawful.”
Fines for sharing an unauthorised image online can range from £850 (€1,000) upwards, Simon added. “With this in mind, it’s best to ask those in-frame before posting a photo that includes them.”
Family Law Attorney Stephen Bardol explained the rule further: “From a family law perspective, this topic is often underestimated, especially when children appear in photos. Many assume that posting a photo of someone else is a harmless act, such as during travel, holidays or at family celebrations. But the fundamental rights of the image and privacy protection in Germany are often highly violated here.
“If a person can clearly be identified in a photo, posting the photo is no longer a decision for the person posting the photo, but rather a consent, privacy and interference with the fundamental rights of others.”
Stephen added that the situation can become much more complex when children are involved. He said: “The fact that a child cannot fully understand what the publication of their photo on the internet implies, eg, where it will be accessible, for what period of time and who will have access to it, and most of all the possibility that the picture will be shared or re-published by other users, means that the protection of children is greater than that of adults.”
He advised: “Tourists who are visiting Germany should be careful when taking photos, especially of families with small children. Posting a photo of a square where the families are only visible in the background is one thing, but posting a photo of a single child or a single family is an entirely different matter.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
The country welcomed 400,000 Brits in 2025, and now the government has updated its travel advice for the country and have highlighted some issues that tourists visiting the area might face
400,000 Brits visited this beautiful country last year(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel warning for a destination that’s popular with Brits and updated some of its advice for those visiting the country. This included a stark warning about a particular tourist attraction that has become increasingly dangerous.
South Africa saw 400,000 visitors arrive from the UK in the past year alone, and the FCDO has previously said it is ‘likely’ that terrorists could try to carry out attacks such as a ‘lone actor’ attacking public spaces including tourist sites. Its advice for tourists is to: “Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”
However, it’s worth noting that many countries have similar advice around terror attacks, and that the FCDO is careful to state that “No travel can be guaranteed safe.” Recently, the FCDO updated the advice for those visiting South Africa to add some new warnings on fraud and scams and other risks.
It reiterated: “Be alert to the risk of scams, including through business or job opportunities, visa services or offers of romance and friendships, including on dating apps. Do not meet up with or send money to someone you do not know or have not met in person.”
It warned of the risks of common scams like card skimming and confidence tricks, and said there had been an increase in cybercrime and internet scamming. The FCDO also updated its advice about nightlife and dating, saying: “Criminals use dating apps to rob, rape or sexually assault victims. Be cautious using dating apps and meet in well-lit, public places. Always tell friends or family your plans.
“Be wary when dealing with strangers who offer free drinks, rides or unexpected personal attention. There have been instances of drink spiking involving robbery and sexual assault with both male and female victims. If you think your drink has been spiked, seek immediate medical help and contact the police.”
The FCDO has also offered advice for those planning to hire a car in South Africa and said that visiting Brits should drive carefully. It added: “Driving standards vary in South Africa. Fatal road accidents are common, particularly around weekends and major public holidays.” Brits should also make themselves familiar with local rules and etiquette such as speed limits and overtaking.
Another section of the page that was update gave specific advice about Table Mountain National Park. The area is a popular tourist attraction for hikers and cyclists, and has many unique plants and trees that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. However, the FCDO says: “There have been recent violent attacks and muggings against hikers and foreign tourists in Table Mountain National Park, including on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.”
It gave some advice to people planning a trip to the national park, advising them to avoid quieter areas, especially during early mornings and evenings when there won’t be many fellow hikers around. Visitors should stay on busy, marked trails, and visit during peak times such as weekends.
Finally, the FCDO advised people not to hike alone in the area.
Anyone planning a trip to South Africa in the near future should ensure they check the FCDO advice page before they leave, and sign up for e-mail alerts so they can be notified when any changes are made.
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