Brits

STUDENTS have been left thouands of pounds out of pocket after a UK travel company unexpectedly went bust.

Customers have called the news “gut-wrenching”, as bosses say they “deeply regret” the decision to shut close after nearly three decades.

UK gap year students may lose thousands after volunteer travel company, Global Vision International (GVI), cancelled all its holidays.

The Exeter-based company offered a range of conservation and “voluntourism” placements all over the world, becoming especially popular with school leavers and gap year students who paid to take part.

On July 1, after 28 years, the company was plunged into liquidation in a move that bosses say they “deeply regret”.

CEO of GVI, Andrew Valentine, said in a statement: “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I write to share that GVI is today closing its doors.”

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“I deeply regret the effect that GVI’s closure will have on staff, projects and customers, and we are committed to providing clear information to those affected as GVI goes through a formal liquidation process.”

GVI states on its website that “all current and future GVI programs have been cancelled”.

It continues to inform customer that “all impacted participants will receive formal correspondence detailing the liquidation process and instructions on how to lodge a claim”, and how to get their money back.

Amy Taylor, 21, a wildlife conservation and zoo biology student from Manchester, told BBC Newsbeat that GVI’s closure was “gut-wrenching”.

The student forked out £4,000 to pay for her once in a lifetime South Africa internship, hoping it would help her “stand out” on the job market -but now she is just filled with “disappointment”.

Linus Rowland-Bell, 23, from Liverpool worked two days a week alongside his university studies to pay for a programme in Peru.

Advertised as an internship in the Amazon rainforest, he found out about it through his university careers fair, paying £2,258 in total for his trip.

“The thought of all that money, all that time that I’ve saved up, that excitement completely vanishing into the ether, it was terrifying,” he told Newsbeat, after receiving the news of the liquidation.

Rowland-Bell received a full refund, but many more are waiting for more information from the liquidators.

Taylor further said she was relying on her bank to reclaim the money, as her insurance was booked through GVI.

“If I don’t get the money back, I can’t go anywhere else and I don’t really trust anyone at the moment to be able to go anywhere else.

“It didn’t seem like they were struggling – everything looked professional.”

The Sun reached out to RG Insolvency, who are overseeing GVI’s liquidation, that declined to comment.

A 93-year-old British woman has died in hospital after suffering burns to about 20% of her body in the Spanish wildfires. Her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of fatalities from the fires to 13.

A stark warning has been issued to Brits travelling to Spain as the country continues to battle ferocious wildfires.

A 93-year-old British woman has died following injuries sustained in the deadly wildfires that tore through southern Spain, authorities confirmed this morning. The Andalusian government revealed the woman was rushed to hospital on Friday after sustaining burns to roughly 20% of her body.

Her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, pushing the total death toll from the blazes to 13.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel alert regarding the fires in Los Gallardos, Almería, in Andalucía. It urges those in the area to:

• follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times
• avoid travelling into or through the affected area
• follow updates from the emergency services
• for emergencies, call 112

Have you been impacted by the wildfires? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The FCDO notes that anyone concerned about someone in the area can call +34 677 904 624 provided by the Psychological Intervention Group for Emergencies and Disasters. English speaking staff are available. Consular assistance can be found by calling +34 917 146 300 if you’re in Spain, and +44 (0)20 7008 5000 if you’re in the UK.

At least four victims in Andalusia are believed to be British, after four bodies were discovered in a burnt-out vehicle with its steering wheel on the right-hand side.

This comes after reports on Sunday that two British hikers were found alive but severely burnt. The man and woman, who remain unnamed, are believed to have suffered burns to 40% of their bodies, according to Spanish national broadcaster RTVE.

The pair was located by a Civil Guard team, who revealed they had already swept the area, but had a gut feeling they needed to return. Speaking to RTVE, the Civil Guard officers described finding the two British nationals alive just as darkness was closing in.

Sergeant Pedro Barre told the broadcaster: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.”

He explained that the team called out and blew whistles, before eventually detecting a noise they initially thought might be an echo.

Fellow rescuer Rafael Zea added that given the severity of the couple’s injuries, it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices loud enough to be heard. Firefighters and emergency services helped rescue the pair after more than two hours trapped.

Both individuals are currently reported to be in a serious condition in hospital, though their lives are not thought to be at risk. Spanish authorities believe all the victims were foreign tourists, who are thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.

Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, previously said that authorities had completed post-mortem examinations and DNA samples were collected to identify them.

Spain has been hit by frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures regularly soaring above 40C. In June, Spain endured several days of record-breaking heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to the scorching conditions.

Dr Thomas Smith, Associate Professor in Environmental Geography, London School of Economics and Political Science, explained why Spain is suffering so intensely from the fires.

“The extreme wildfire behaviour we’re seeing in Spain is closely linked to the extreme heatwave weather conditions. Fire behaviour (how quickly a fire spreads and how intensely it burns) is heavily influenced by the weather. Research shows that key measures such as rate of spread and the size of flames increase exponentially as fire weather becomes more severe, meaning that relatively small increases in extreme fire weather can produce disproportionately more dangerous fires,” he said.

“When weather conditions reach record-breaking levels, we should expect the potential for record-breaking fire behaviour, particularly when strong winds are present to accelerate fire spread and make suppression much more difficult.

“Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of the extreme heat and fire weather conditions that create these dangerous environments. While individual fires are influenced by many factors, including ignition sources, vegetation, and land management, climate change is inextricably linked to the record-breaking weather that is driving the conditions for these extreme wildfires.”

I AM admiring green rolling hills as the sun beats down on Italian ­terracotta roofs.

There’s just one twist. I’m not IN Italy.

I’m in San Marino — the tiny, landlocked microstate completely surrounded by its famous neighbour, and officially the fifth-smallest country on the planet.

Set atop Mount Titano, 700 metres above sea level, San Marino is the oldest republic in the world but is still relatively undiscovered by British tourists who remain in the surrounding regions of its bigger neighbour instead.

One of the easiest ways to reach the centre is via cable car and once you step out you’re welcomed by centuries-old streets, the Basilica of Saint Marinus and the incredible Three Towers of Mount Titano.

Built in the 11th century, the towers formed the medieval defences and while the steep incline to get to them is not for the faint-hearted, it’s worth it.

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You can visit the two main towers — Guaita and Cesta — linked by a 13th century stone walkway the locals nicknamed The Witches Path.

But there’s another reason to visit.

San Marino is virtually a duty-free haven with taxes around five percentage points lower than in Italy.

I had to be dragged away from all the beautiful handbags and shoes in the cute boutiques dotted throughout the city.

San Marino also produces an array of products including olive oil and wine, which I had a chance to sample over lunch at Ristorante Titano.

Alongside the light and fresh local wine, I devoured a bowl of cappellacci; the traditional stuffed pasta with a distinctive “big hat” shape originating from the Emilia-Romagna region that San Marino sits within.

While San Marino is landlocked, it is only 30 minutes drive from Rimini’s wide, 15km-long beaches, so close it is visible from the top of the city on a clear day.

Rimini has been a popular seaside destination for decades and I could see why as I gazed out of my balcony room at the 4* Hotel Savoia across the golden sandy beach and the newly redeveloped waterfront.

The hotel itself has the celeb factor — it featured in Italian classic La Dolce Vita and the film’s director Federico Fellini was born in Rimini.

But the hotel isn’t the only place where the famous director has left his mark.

There is a museum dedicated to his work split across three spaces, one of which is housed in Castel Sismondo, a medieval castle.

He and his most famous characters are also immortalised in a mural in Borgo San Giuliano, an ancient fisherman district full of pastel-coloured little houses.

And it was history that had me star-struck when I moved on to an­other Italian city, ravishing ­Ravenna.

Stunning mosaics from the early Christian and Byzantine periods can be found in Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Ravenna is also home to Dante’s Tomb, the resting place of Dante Alighieri, the famous poet known for Dante’s Inferno and as the father of the Italian language.

Another bard with links to the city is Lord Byron, and the Byron Museum is housed in Palazzo Guiccioli, where he pursued an intense love affair with the wife of aristocrat Alessandro Guiccioli in 1819.

After exploring the brilliant interactive displays, I enjoyed an incredible alfresco lunch of lasagne at Taverna Byron at the Palazzo.

All these attractions were just a short walk from my cosy, family-run hotel, Villa Noctis, which has its own peaceful courtyard overlooked by the traditional-style breakfast room.

Ravenna has its own glorious stretch of golden sand and selection of beach clubs to enjoy.

I settled on Singita Marina Beach and I have to say, a cocktail, sun lounger and a delicious plate of tuna tartare on potato croquettes — they don’t scrimp on the portions either — was the perfect way to end the day.

Now that’s La Dolce Vita.

Brits heading to the holiday hotspot have been warned they need to take precautions, especially around the beach and at swimming pools, after a spate of incidents across the country

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Portugal with a number of tips for people visiting the country this summer.

With scorching-hot weather across the country and much of Europe, the FCDO has issued fresh guidance for holidaymakers heading to the beach or planning to relax by a swimming pool. While the advice has been issued for Portugal, it also covers Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores.

The first update was around festivals, concerts and cultural events. The FCDO said: “Many large events are held in Portugal each year. Follow the advice of police and local authorities when attending events. Take care of your valuables if attending a festival or large concert.”

The FCDO also had a stark warning, saying: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Portugal.” For parents, it advised: “Always supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present. Be particularly vigilant of children if you are staying in a villa with a private pool.”

And for those planning a trip to the beach, the advice states: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach. Don’t walk close to the water’s edge, especially along unsupervised stretches of beach. Waves can be unpredictable and some beaches have a strong undertow.

“Beware of rip tides, which can cause drowning. If you are caught in a rip tide, do not try to swim against it. Swim parallel to the coastline until you no longer feel the current, then try to swim towards the shore.

“Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea as there may be strong currents.

“Supervised beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water, yellow means it’s only safe to paddle at the water’s edge). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.”

Those who are visiting a popular Portuguese resort were also warned: “The municipality of Albufeira has introduced a Code of Conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public places. Check out the rules that are now in force. If you break the rules, you could be fined on the spot from between 150 and 1800 euros.” The list of fines includes penalties from €150 to €750 (about £128 to £640) for spitting on the street, and €300 to €1,500 (about £255 to £1,278) for drinking alcohol in the street.

Brits heading to Portugal, or any other holiday destination, should always check the FCDOs advice before travelling. Travellers can also sign up for updates ahead of their journey in case the advice changes.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Clacton on Sea, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Blackpool all did poorly in this year’s Which? ranking of the best and worst seaside towns and villages in the country, but they were beaten to the bottom spot

“It’s a dead town.”

That’s how one former resident of Bognor Regis described the much-maligned West Sussex town, which has just been named the UK’s worst for a second year in a row.

Thousands of Which? readers decided that Bognor is the bottom of the bottom, calling it expensive and noisy, while arguing it’s got a rubbish beach and terrible attractions.

“Lacking investment, slow to supply tourists what they need,” one recent visitor commented. “The place is run down and feels neglected,” another said.

If things couldn’t get any worse, the town was recently plagued by a pervasive mystery pong drifting across the channel from France.

Do you agree with Bognor’s place on the list? Let us know in the comments below or email webtravel@reachplc.com

Levi Winchester, the Mirror’s money editor, grew up in Bognor. While Levi has now moved on to sunnier pastures, she holds an enduring love for a seaside town etched into Britain’s coastal consciousness, yet one that has fallen on hard times.

“I remember many happy summers playing down the beach in Bognor Regis. At low tide, you could see sand for miles, as the smell of fish and chips wafted through the air,” Levi recalled when asked for her thoughts on a town that once served as a home to George V for three months.

“The town was always buzzing with families enjoying their trip to Butlin’s—and while the seaside resort still attracts large crowds every year, the town itself has lost its heart. The promenade lacks love and is in need of a serious revamp.

“Even under the lights of the pier, it still just feels grey and miserable. Like many other UK high streets, the main town centre is empty now with hardly any shops left.”

One unhappy local wrote on Reddit: “Yes, it’s a dead town. Pretty much just pound shops, charity shops, Polish shops, banks, and chain coffee places. I think Macari’s is still there, but there’s nothing I would call charming about the town, nor has there been for quite a while.”

Another chimed in: “Bognor’s pretty much a depressing hole. I didn’t live here when it was nice, but it was destroyed by cheap holidays in Spain. It’s pretty sad, actually–you can tell the town is in the process of a slow death.”

Not everyone is quite so down on Bognor, however.

Freya and Matthew Reynolds run the independent furniture store on the high street that shares their family name. When Bognor came last in 2025’s survey, they told The Argus how much they loved the town.

Matthew, who moved to London and then returned, said it is a “lovely place to raise a family by the seaside.”

“I think Bognor has done quite well. There are not that many boarded-up shops. In other places, half the town centre seems to be boarded up,” he said.

Julia Smith, a 59-year-old carer, reacted strongly to the news of Bognor’s lowly ranking. “I think it’s a bit of snobbery. You need to come down and see it for yourself—don’t rely on so-called reports,” she told The Guardian. “There’s so much here. The sea is amazing. There are loads of places to eat as well, whether you’ve got a tenner or 100 quid to spend.”

She added: “We live here, and we never get sick of it. I’m going on 60, but I love it.”

Despite grappling with its reputation, there’s no denying Bognor Regis’ unwavering popularity. Each year, it attracts a whopping four million tourists – a number likely to keep growing thanks to the likes of Butlin’s.

Boasting a Victorian pier originally built in 1865, a slew of golden sandy beaches, rows of arcades, and plenty of fish and chip shops – Bognor Regis still possesses all of the quintessential coastal must-haves. One recent visitor argued they loved the ‘lights along the pier at night’, while other respondents suggested that Bognor Regis could recover its glory days with the right investment.

TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Bamburgh — 84%
2. Tynemouth — 82%
3. St Andrews — 81%
4. Aldeburgh — 80%
5. Crail — 80%
6. Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
7. Portmeirion — 80%
8. St Davids — 79%
9. Bude — 78%
10. Southwold — 78%
11. North Berwick — 77%
12. Plockton — 77%
13. St Ives — 77%
14. Swanage — 77%
15. Lyme Regis — 76%
16. Lytham St Annes — 76%
17. Portstewart — 76%
18. Conwy — 75%
19. Dornoch — 75%
20. Filey — 75%
21. Lynmouth — 75%
22. Sidmouth — 75%
23. St Mawes — 75%
24. Tenby — 75%
25. Tobermory — 75%
26. Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
27. Whitley Bay — 75%
28. Broadstairs — 74%
29. Falmouth — 74%
30. Llandudno — 74%

BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Ilfracombe — 57%
2. Minehead — 57%
3. Bridlington — 56%
4. Cleethorpes — 56%
5. Fishguard — 56%
6. Seaton — 56%
7. Torquay — 56%
8. Abersoch — 55%
9. Colwyn Bay — 55%
10. Morecambe — 55%
11. Newquay — 55%
12. Barry Island — 54%
13. Skegness — 54%
14. Mablethorpe — 53%
15. Margate — 53%
16. Paignton — 53%
17. Southport — 53%
18. Herne Bay — 52%
19. Littlehampton — 51%
20. New Brighton — 51%
21. Weston-super-Mare — 50%
22. Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
23. Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
24. Southend-on-Sea — 47%
25. Bangor — 46%
26. Blackpool — 46%
27. Fleetwood — 46%
28. Great Yarmouth — 46%
29. Lowestoft — 46%
30. Bognor Regis — 41%

Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.

Travel experts at Slingo have put together a guide to the rules and fines for Brits travelling to Spain so that holidaymakers can enjoy the summer without stress

Travel specialists at Slingo have compiled a comprehensive guide to the rules for visiting Spain in 2026, helping holidaymakers make the most of their summer break without any unwanted hassle. Dom Aldworth, brand marketing coordinator at Slingo, said: “Everyone knows that the British public love a holiday, and now that it’s nearly spring, UK tourists will be starting to think about where they want to travel to this summer.

“However, before you pack your suitcase, it’s important to educate yourself on any travel rules, especially as new regulations are announced every year. This way you can enjoy your summer holiday, whilst staying safe and being respectful to local laws.”

Night swimming

The city of Benidorm, in Costa Blanca, announced they will be charging tourists between £650 and £1,020 for going to the beach between midnight and 7am. That includes swimming in the sea or sleeping on the sand.

The specialists noted: “This rule has been introduced to reduce the risk of any swimming-related accidents during the times when lifeguards are not available. In order to not waste the resources of local emergency services, it’s best to keep your beach activities to the daytime,” reports the Express.

Mindful recreation

Stripping off on a non-nudist beach could leave tourists facing a fine of £647. Nevertheless, nudist beaches are available at most Spanish holiday hotspots, “so if you wish to sunbathe naked, there are places to do this respectfully”.

Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes on the beach in Benidorm is also strictly prohibited, with penalties of £550 and £1,700 respectively. This is down to littering concerns, as well as considerations for public health.

Taxis

GOV.UK has cautioned British tourists to only use registered taxis in Spain this summer, as passengers caught travelling with unlicensed taxi services could face fines of up to 600 euros (£510).

The travel experts commented: “This is due to transport risks, so make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.”

Noise pollution

Alicante, in Costa Blanca, imposed hefty fines for rowdy tourists, ranging from playing loud music on the beach to making excessive noise in your accommodation.

“These regulations are tighter versions of rules the city council implemented in March 2019, and could cost Brits up to 30,000 euros (£25,556). Everyone wants to have a good time on holiday, but you can have fun and respect others at the same time.”

Unlicensed parties

The travel experts said: “If you’re travelling to Majorca or Ibiza this summer, be wary of where you’re partying. Authorities are closing in on any unlicensed or unruly parties and will issue a fine to anyone involved in the organisation and marketing of the event, as well as attendees. This could result in a £25,000 fine.”

These gatherings are typically hosted at villas and private residences, lacking the safety provisions of emergency exits, capacity restrictions, and qualified security personnel that licensed bars possess.

Holidaymakers are being caught out as surprise charges like currency exchange fees and data roaming and pushing them over their budget

The average holidaymaker overspends their travel budget by more than £100 per trip, with surprise charges identified as the primary culprit. A survey of 2,000 adults who holiday abroad found that currency exchange fees and data roaming are among the most frequent unexpected charges encountered.

Despite 53% claiming they set a firm spending limit before heading off, more than four in ten (43%) say then end up over budget due to unforeseen hidden charges.

To tackle these sneaky fees, seven in ten (70%) said they rely mainly on cash while abroad, while 44% choose to use their debit card instead.

Kat Robinson, head of everyday banking at The Co-operative Bank, which conducted the research as part of its announcement to scrap foreign exchange fees on debit card spending overseas, said: “Spending abroad should be straightforward, but extra card fees can quickly catch people out.

The research also revealed that 34% of people struggle to get to grips with exchange fees. On average, 48% opt to pay in the local currency when using their card abroad which is reported to be the most cost-effective way to pay.

Kat said: “Given the option when spending abroad, always pay in the local currency. Paying in pounds might feel more familiar, but it could mean being hit with extra currency conversion charges from the retailer – a hidden cost that often only becomes clear on returning home.”

Despite the OnePoll.com study finding that the majority of holidaymakers (91%) check exchange rates, one in three admitted they were unsure or unaware that paying in pounds, rather than the local currency, would actually cost them more.

To help holidaymakers dodge unnecessary charges this summer, The Co-operative Bank is scrapping its 2.75% foreign transaction fee on debit card purchases abroad across all its personal current accounts, enabling customers to spend overseas as they would at home without fretting about additional costs.

With millions of Britons jetting off abroad each year, the move is intended to help reduce unexpected charges and better control holiday spending.

Kat added: “By removing foreign transaction fees, we’re making it more affordable for customers to use their debit card overseas and make the most of their money, whether they’re on a family holiday, a city break or exploring somewhere new.

UK airports will now allow younger passengers to use the eGates, in a huge boost for families travelling this summer holidays.

From today, passengers aged eight and nine will be able to use the faster eGates at airports across the country.

Previous rules only allowed kids who were the age of 10 or over to use the eGates, meaning families had to wait in much longer queues at passport control.

The only other rule is that kids must be at least 120cm tall, so they can still access the screens.

The new rules are predicted to affect 1.5million kids.

There are more than 290 eGates at UK airports and ports, plus juxtaposed ports (where UK border checks take place in Europe).

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Full list of 48 EU airports letting Brit holidaymakers use faster eGates this year

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This means borders like the Eurostar at London St Pancras and Eurotunnel in Folkestone.

Minister Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum said:
 ”Today’s change will make journeys easier for families with small children and reduce the hassle of travelling home after a holiday.

“It will also free up more time for tourists to enjoy our fantastic country this summer and in the years ahead.” 

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, added: “This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.”

It’s not just Brits the new rules affect either.

Non-British residents including those from the US, Australia and Japan, along with non-Schengen countries in Europe will be able to use the eGates too.

THE rollout of a new visa system for Brits entering Europe is set to be delayed AGAIN.

First announced in 2016, the new ETIAS will be required by all UK travellers visiting countries in the EU.

Similar to the ESTA required to visit America, it will be a ‘visa-waiver’ that lasts three years, or until the passport expires.

However, the introduction of the scheme has faced years of delays – and is likely to be be delayed even further.

This is due to the chaos of the EES system that launched in April, requiring lengthy biometric checks from all non-EU visitors.

Not only has this led to queues as long as five hours, but hundreds of passengers have even missed their flights.

Read more on Europe travel

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And this is before the busy peak period, with fears of a “complete collapse of the system” during the summer holidays, according to the head of Europe’s airport trade body.

In response, the launch of ETIAS is now expected to be pushed back to 2027.

According to the FT, EU-Lisa – in charge of the ETIAS rollout – has expressed concerns over it being ready to go this year.

One person said they needed to “clean up EES” before they thought of launching it.

Initially thought to launch back in June, a confirmed launch date is expected to be discussed again in September.

When it does start, all travellers aged 18-70 will have to pay €20 (£18) for the ETIAS.

Anyone outside of this age bracket still need to apply, but will get it free of charge.

Applications will only take a couple of minutes to complete, but it may take up to 30 days to be approved.

STILL paying daily roaming fees abroad? Stop: a simple, budget-friendly tech trick is officially killing off old-school data charges this summer. 

If you are jetting off abroad, the dread of returning home to a monster phone bill is all too real. But travel-savvy tourists are sidestepping airport SIM card kiosks entirely and using a game-changing digital alternative: the travel eSIM. 

Get 20% off your first purchase of an Ubigi Football Fever data plan using code THESUNFOOT20

Leading the charge is Ubigi, a pioneer in the travel eSIM space since 2018. It offers affordable travel eSIM data plans, providing instant mobile internet access across more than 200 destinations worldwide. 

Best of all, Sun readers can score an exclusive discount to keep connected for less. 

What is an eSIM and how does it stop roaming fees?

An eSIM is a digital SIM on your smartphone, with no need for a physical card.

Instead of swapping physical plastic cards or getting hit with eye-watering daily roaming fees from your service provider, you simply download a digital data plan. 

With Ubigi, you will get a data-only travel eSIM, meaning you’ll get an eSIM dedicated strictly to high-speed mobile internet rather than phone calls or texts. 

This allows you to keep costs incredibly low while retaining the freedom to use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Maps and any social media platforms exactly as you would at home.

Catching ‘Football Fever’? Unlimited USA and Canada data 

Heading across the Atlantic for the final matches of the World Cup? Ubigi has launched specialised Football Fever data plans, offering unrestricted, unlimited data across the USA and Canada. 

Whether you need a quick fix or a longer stay, it has you covered with unrestricted tethering allowed so you can share your connection with other devices. Choose a plan that suits your travel needs:  

• 7-Day USA + Canada Unlimited Football Fever Plan 
• 15-Day USA + Canada Unlimited Football Fever Plan 
• 30-Day USA + Canada Unlimited Football Fever Plan 

Don’t forget to use the code THESUNFOOT20 to slice 20% off these specific plans!

Why Ubigi beats competitors

Unlike many eSIM providers, Ubigi is a ‘Full MVNO’ backed by telecom veteran Transatel (part of the giant NTT Group).

This means it doesn’t just resell other networks; it has wide regional partnerships, delivering top-tier, reliable 4G and 5G coverage while reducing any potential dead zones. 

Travel-ready and stress-free

Setting up is beautifully simple, and you can buy your plan up to six months in advance to get organised early. 

Thanks to Smart Start functionality, your plan’s countdown duration doesn’t begin when you buy it; it only triggers the moment you land, and your phone detects the local network. 

You install the QR code once, and you can top up on the go via the Ubigi app seamlessly. The app even supports biometric login (FaceID/fingerprint) for rapid, secure access while you travel.

Ready to dodge the data traps on your next getaway? 

Activate your Ubigi Travel eSIM free trial or grab your 20% off Football Fever plan here!

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office issued a travel warning on Monday following an incident in Rotterdam that has caused disruption for the past six days

Eurostar passengers heading to Europe had their trips disrupted by a fire.

Eurostar services between the UK and the Netherlands have been severely disrupted following a fire near Rotterdam Central station. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office issued a travel warning on Monday following last week’s blaze.

Last Monday, multiple London–Amsterdam services were canceled after a fire broke out in a cable duct near Rotterdam Stadion. It caused a major power failure that shut down rail traffic south of Rotterdam.

“Completely messed up my travel plans, ended up getting the ferry,” one unlucky customer who got caught up in the disruption wrote online. Another added: “We had to take the coach to Brussels. I hope we will get our refund.”

The outage disabled signaling and switch systems between Rotterdam Centraal and destinations, including Dordrecht and Breda

“Eurostar services between the UK and the Netherlands are severely disrupted following a fire near Rotterdam Central station,” the FCDO statement issued this morning read.

“Eurostar has advised that they expect trains to be disrupted until at least 6 July 2026. Travel times are expected to be significantly longer due to trains having to take alternative routes due to fire damage and trains between London and Amsterdam will not stop in Rotterdam.

“If you are planning to travel between the UK and the Netherlands, check the latest information with your travel operator before you travel and the latest updates on the Eurostar website.”

Passengers are warned to check with their booking operator before they travel between the UK and the Netherlands.

A statement from the rail firm reads: “Due to fire damage to the railway near Rotterdam, we expect our trains to be disrupted until at least 6 July 2026. Trains running between London and Amsterdam will not stop at Rotterdam and trains running between France/Belgium and Amsterdam will not stop at Schiphol or Rotterdam.

“As these trains need to take an alternative route around the damaged area, journey times will be significantly longer, and seat availability is very limited. We expect the disruption to last until at least 06 July 2026. We apologise for the inconvenience the situation has caused.”

The update comes after the Foreign Office has issued fresh travel advice for Brits heading to Greece. In the update on Thursday, July 2, the FCDO warned that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece.”

While there is no current advice against travel to Greece for British holidaymakers, the FCDO said that “attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.”

The FCDO outlined: “There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police.”

One tragic attack took place on Wednesday, July 1, which saw “three improvised incendiary device attacks against the residential properties of Greek political figures killed one person, with four others being injured.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel warning to Brits heading to Portugal this summer

Brits heading to Portugal are facing an urgent travel alert this summer. The warning, issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), comes amid devastating wildfires sweeping through parts of the European nation.

More than 1,000 firefighters are tackling the blazes just north of Porto. Euronews reports that authorities have declared a red heat alert across the country, a firm favourite with British holidaymakers. Approximately 2.5 million Brits travel to the country annually.

An extreme high temperature warning has been put in place by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, covering Porto and regions to the north and east of the coastal city. In all, 12 of the nation’s 18 districts are on alert, from Thursday 2 July until at least Saturday 4 July, with a ‘persistent spell of extremely high temperatures, both daytime highs and overnight lows’.

The remaining six regions are under orange alert, heightening the wildfire threat. This has triggered a warning from the FCDO. It says: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.”

It continues: “There is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal.

“Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.”

You should: “Starting a fire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence. For information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Portuguese Met Office website for information on Portugal and Madeira.”

The Minister of Internal Administration has suggested the possibility of deliberate criminal activity behind the widespread blaze, which broke out overnight.

“Night-time does not usually provide conditions for ignitions to occur, and yet there were two ignitions at around 02:00–03:00 in the morning,” said Luís Neves, speaking to journalists in Torres Novas. He added that ‘everything indicates that there was, in fact, human involvement, criminal behaviour’.

THIS summer, it looks like it’s time to call a truce on the great Spain vs. Turkey debate.

Because by looking at the latest booking data, I’ve noticed a massive change in 2026.

More and more Brits are swapping Europe’s traditional heavyweight resorts for a handful of Greek destinations.

These spots serve up the exact same sunshine, brilliant beaches, and all-inclusive value – often for a chunk less money.

And because I work in travel, my screen is basically permanently locked onto live price trends and capacity numbers.

The pattern right now is clear: holidaymakers are moving away from the usual high-premium hubs in Spain, the Canaries or the Turkish rivieras because Greece has suddenly become the ultimate value loophole.

A massive influx of flight capacity from the UK means you can bag that peak-summer Mediterranean experience without paying the usual school holiday markup.

If you want to know where the smart money is heading this summer, these are the seven Greek spots I’d be circling.

7. Ixia, Rhodes

If there’s one Greek resort that’s aggressively stealing traffic from the traditional Spanish and Turkish mainstays this summer, it’s Ixia.

Our data shows a massive wave of holidaymakers ditching the likes of Benidorm, Alanya, Costa Adeje, Costa Teguise, Marmaris, and Torremolinos specifically to head here.

It gives you that classic beach holiday setup people love, but with a slightly more premium edge, proper decent hotels, and historic Rhodes Old Town sitting just a ten-minute taxi ride down the road.

Plus, you get a constant coastal breeze, which makes the peak August heat infinitely more comfortable than the suffocating temperatures you get elsewhere.

I spotted five nights at the Belair Beach from Edinburgh on 21 August, with half board and flights included, from £375pp.

The hotel sits right across the road from the front, but the real insider perk here is their specialised windsurfing and water sports station directly on the sand.

Because Ixia is a world-class windsurfing hub, the hotel has gear hire sorted right on your doorstep, meaning you can try your hand at proper coastal sports for a fraction of what a commercial water sports center down the coast would fleece you for.

6. Ialyssos, Rhodes

Just around the bay from Ixia is Ialyssos, another Rhodes resort that’s turning into one of the island’s biggest success stories.

The booking data tells us that the crowds usually bound for Benidorm, Costa Adeje, Alanya, and Marmaris are pivoting here instead.

It offers the exact same guaranteed August sunshine you’re chasing in the western Med, but swaps the crowded strips for a much more relaxed, authentic village vibe and some brilliant, family-run apartment setups.

I found five nights at the Trianta Hotel Apartments from 19 August, with flights included, from £255pp.

Landing peak summer flights and accommodation for barely over two hundred and fifty quid is a massive result.

This property is notoriously highly rated by return guests, and the standout feature here is its poolside taverna nights.

Instead of serving up generic, mass-produced package food, the family that runs the place cooks up proper, home-style Greek mezze using vegetables grown in their own garden lot behind the apartments. It’s elite local dining on a shoestring budget.

5. Messonghi, Corfu

If you’re after somewhere that feels slower, greener, and a bit more rustic than the sprawling concrete mega-resorts, Messonghi is a top-tier shout.

And this year, it’s proving particularly popular with Brits swapping away from Benidorm, Costa Adeje, and Alanya.

Corfu‘s scenery is stunning, the beaches are incredibly calm, and a massive boost in regional UK flight routes this year has driven package prices right down into bargain territory.

One standout deal I spotted was five nights all inclusive at Canvas by Mitsis Messonghi from 20 August, with flights included, from £478pp.

And getting a fully loaded, peak-season Mitsis property under the £500 mark is an absolute steal.

The beachfront setting and massive pool complexes at this hotel are brilliant for keeping kids occupied, but what elevates this place above so many Spanish hotels for me is the complimentary, on-site aqua park.

They’ve integrated a proper mini waterpark into the resort grounds with zero entry fees, saving you from shelling out €40 a head for a public waterpark day trip into town.

4. Faliraki, Rhodes

Faliraki has completely reinvented its identity over the last decade.

While people of my generation might still associate it with rowdy 18-30 nightlife, today it’s quietly morphed into one of Rhodes‘ best all-round family beach resorts.

I’m seeing a huge influx of families swapping over from Benidorm, Marmaris, the Costa Blanca, and Alanya to secure one of the island’s widest sandy coastlines and a massive number of modern hotels.

I found five nights at the Hillside Studios from 25 August, with flights included, from £340pp. 

It serves as a brilliant, no-nonsense base with an immaculate pool area, but the secret benefit of this specific hotel is its location near the Erimokastro hills.

Because it sits just outside the central valley, the hotel offers an incredibly peaceful night’s sleep away from the main resort hum, and it puts you right on the doorstep of the hidden, cliff-sheltered Astron Beach cove – a spot most tourists completely miss!

3. Kiotari, Rhodes

If your main holiday priority is peace, quiet, and premium lounging, Kiotari is easily one of my favourite recommendations on the map.

More people are moving here from heavy-hitting hubs like Alanya in Turkey because the hotels feel noticeably more luxurious and modern than the older resort blocks elsewhere in the Med, serving up wide beaches, reliable sunshine, and massive all-inclusive footprints without the premium price tag.

One deal that stood out to me was five nights all inclusive at the Kiotari Miraluna Beach Resort from 19 August, with flights included, from £535pp.

My pick of the features at this resort is easily the cinema lounge.

They run open-air family movie nights right on the edge of the sand under the stars in the evening, which is a fantastic, high-end touch that lets you unwind with a drink by the waves while the kids are completely glued to a big screen.

2. Hersonissos, Crete

Crete never goes out of fashion, and Hersonissos remains the undisputed king of its value market.

Holidaymakers are increasingly swapping over from traditional mainstays like Benidorm and Marmaris, tempted by Crete’s reliable weather, lively waterfront, and massive choice of hotels.

It delivers that buzzing, lively atmosphere that Brits love, but pairs it with incredible independent tavernas, fascinating ancient history, and excellent flight availability from pretty much every major UK runway.

I spotted five nights at the Palatia Village Apartments from 20 August, with self-catering and flights included, from £283pp.

The hotel serves up fantastic, panoramic views across the bay, but the real selling point here is the traditional Cretan architecture of the rooms.

The apartments are styled like a mini, stone-walled Greek village rather than a sterile hotel corridor, meaning you get that high-end, boutique aesthetic for under three hundred quid.

1. Kavos, Corfu

Kavos might raise a few eyebrows on a value list, but the resort landscape here is changing rapidly.

Beyond the main neon strip, there is an influx of quieter, family-run properties that are drawing in couples and budget-conscious travellers who simply want cheap sun without the chaos.

And these great summer prices are driving a massive spike in people swapping here instead of choosing Spain’s traditional budget resorts.

A deal that really caught my eye was five nights at the Oula Maisonettes from 25 August, with self-catering and flights included, from just £235pp.

This is a small, family-run complex that heavily over-delivers for the money.

The absolute best feature here is the independent duplex layout of the maisonettes themselves.

Having your living area completely separate from the upstairs sleeping quarters gives you a proper apartment feel, allowing you to relax on your private terrace with a cold drink after the kids have gone to bed without waking them up.

NEW travel rules are due to come into force next week impacting British families – but for the better.

From July 8, more children will be able to use eGates at UK airports.

The new rules will allow children aged eight and nine, who are at least 120cm tall to use eGates when accompanied by an adult.

The height restriction is in place as kids need to be able to see and be captured by the biometric screens at the gates.

Under the current rules, children needed to be 10-years-old to use the eGates and prior to 2023, kids needed to be 12-years-old to use them.

This meant families with younger children would have to go in the standard queue to see a border force officer, which usually involves a longer process and wait time.

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The change means that around 1.5million more children can use the gates.

The rule change will impact 13 airports across the UK that currently use eGates, including:

• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• London City
• London Luton
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• East Midlands
• Newcastle
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow

These rules will also impact other travel methods from the UK to Europe such as Eurostar and the Eurotunnel.

It will also affect people travelling from non-Schengen countries in Europe along with the US, Australia and Japan.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: “Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.”    

“By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season.”

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.”

Some airports in Europe are also allowing Brits to use the eGates – here is the full list.

However, Brits are facing problems travelling to Europe this summer because of the new EES rules, so we’ve explained everything you need to know about them.

THE UK has issued new travel advice for Brits heading to Spain this summer.

Spain is currently still seeing extremely high temperatures, which has recorded highs of 40C.

This has led to the deaths of 212 people in recent weeks.

And new advice from the UK Foreign Office has warned Brits, especially those with kids, to be aware when swimming to cool off.

The updated advice states: “Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Spain.

“Always supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.”

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They also issued advice for Brits swimming in the sea.

It continued: “Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach.

“Some beaches, especially around Spanish islands, may have strong undercurrents.

“Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

“Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.

“If you are walking along unmonitored beaches, be aware that waves can come in further than expected and have strong undertows.”

Spain has a similar flag system to the UK, so if there is a red flag, it means not to swim in the water.

Here is another new Spanish rule you need to be aware of and it affects you at the airport.

What you need to know about boarding pass policies for the UK’s biggest airlines, including the carriers that have gone completely paperless and the destinations that require a printed pass

Getting your hands on your boarding pass was once a straightforward affair. You’d turn up at the airport, check in at the desk, and a member of staff would hand you a printed copy.

These days, however, with increasing numbers of passengers choosing to check in online and airlines offering digital boarding passes, the whole process can feel rather bewildering.

If you haven’t got the airline’s app, do you need to download it? And if you choose to use a digital boarding pass, what happens should your phone go missing or your battery gives out?

Here’s what some of the UK’s biggest airlines have to say about boarding passes and what’s expected of you when you travel with them, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Ryanair

Ryanair has confirmed it has “moved to 100% Digital Boarding Passes (DBP)”. This means you’ll receive your boarding pass via the Ryanair app once you’ve checked in — which can be done either through the website or the app itself.

All travellers will be required to download the Ryanair app and check in online, with reminder notifications sent 48 and then 24 hours before departure. Any passenger who fails to check in online will face an airport check-in fee of €/£55 for most flights, or €/£30 for flights departing from Spain.

Once you’ve checked in, your boarding pass should appear automatically within the Ryanair app. Should you lose your phone or your battery runs flat after checking in, Ryanair confirms it will print a replacement boarding pass free of charge.

Travellers departing from certain airports in Morocco are still required to have a printed boarding pass. Ryanair explain: “Passengers flying from Morocco must check in online as normal and then present their DBP at the airport to collect a printed boarding pass, with the exception of those flying from Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, Tangier, Nador or Oujda, where you can now use your digital boarding pass on the Ryanair app.”

Jet2

Jet2 provides a paperless option for its flights and package holidays. By downloading the Jet2 app, passengers can access documents such as boarding passes all in one place.

Jet2 advise that “you can save boarding passes for up to eight passengers on one device.” It added: “When using multiple boarding passes per device, please make sure your group stays together at the bag drop, security, gate and when boarding the plane.”

For those who prefer the peace of mind that comes with a printed boarding pass, Jet2 explains you can: “Log in to Manage My Booking, then select ‘Get boarding pass’. From here, you can either get a PDF boarding pass sent to you or save it to your device. No need to print – just show the pass on your screen when you get to the airport.”

TUI

TUI explains: “if you’re flying with TUI Airways (flight numbers starting with TOM or BY), you have a choice. TUI Airways accepts both digital and paper boarding passes.”

It clarifies that passengers who would rather have a printed boarding pass should be sure to use A4 paper, ensure their copy is legible with no tears or damage, and that the barcode is clearly visible, as it will need to be scanned at the airport.

It’s important to bear in mind that not all TUI package holidays involve TUI Airways flights. If you’ve arranged a package holiday but the flight is operated by an airline such as Ryanair or easyJet, you’ll need to verify the regulations for the particular airline you’re travelling with.

EasyJet

There is a list of airports that don’t accept mobile boarding passes on easyJet’s website, including Antalya and Izmir. The majority of these are located in Egypt, Turkey, and Tunisia. If you’re travelling to one of these airports you should check in online and print a boarding pass.

That said, for most easyJet flights, the airline suggests downloading its app to keep all your trip details in one place. It says: “For more convenience and to access your boarding passes offline, you can download mobile boarding passes directly to your Apple or Google wallet.”

For those who prefer a paper boarding pass, these remain perfectly acceptable, with easyJet’s website stating: “The best way to store your boarding passes is to use the free easyJet mobile App or you can choose to print them out. You cannot use a PDF scan of your boarding pass on your mobile device as the airport security team will be unable to scan them.

“If you lose your boarding pass don’t worry, you can simply print them again. If printing, make sure the entire boarding pass is clearly printed.”

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Two more airports could ditch the need for Brits to register their biometric details when entering the Schengen area in the hope of avoiding ‘disaster’ this summer

The EU’s new travel rules have caused growing concerns for the peak travel season, prompting a number of destinations to look at options to waive them for holidaymakers.

The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out on 10 April 2026, requiring all Brits heading to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph. While it’s been successful in many countries, it continues to cause significant travel disruption at European airports.

There have been reports of Brits being asked to submit their biometric information again, despite having already provided it on their first visit to the Schengen zone. Holidaymakers have also been stuck in gruelling queues lasting up to four hours as they attempt to navigate the digital border system, with missed flights and ruined holiday plans.

In an attempt to ease the travel chaos, particularly during peak travel times, Greece opted to waive the EU requirement for Brits to provide fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls earlier this year. In an official statement, the Greek Embassy confirmed: “In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”

Now, it appears that Rome Fiumicino Airport and Rome Ciampino Airport could join Greece in waiving the EU requirements in a bid to avoid “disaster” during the peak summer travel months.

Aeroporti di Roma Chief Executive Officer Marco Troncone told the Financial Times, “We are very worried for the summer”, and said his concerns were an “eight or nine” out of 10. He added: “The process proves to be incompatible with the peak volumes that we are going to face. So the only way is to open up the valve. There is no way that we can deliver 100% of the enrolment.”

While Rome is yet to make such a change, Greece remains the only country to have officially eased the EU requirements for British travellers. However, an EU official has indicated that European airports could relax EES requirements until September this year.

Uku Särekanno, Deputy Executive Director of Frontex, which helps to manage the external borders of the EU, said earlier this month: “We have until the end of the summer, the possibility during the tourism season to lift the biometric controls or the biometric registration temporarily.

“If there is a peak hour, you see that there are hundreds of people queuing, their queues are getting too long, then member states still have the possibility to lift biometric registration. The EU has considered, for the period of summer, to make sure that there is still some relief for the worst-case scenario.”

The new digital border system is required for the initial arrival at the airport border within the Schengen zone and has replaced the traditional manual passport-stamping process. Once the initial registration is complete, the EES remains valid for three years.

Countries in the Schengen area include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the EES system is not needed for travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as neither falls within the Schengen area.

The Foreign Office confirmed the EES change for Greece on its travel advice page. It read: “Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.”

Some of the major mainland airports in Greece include: the International Airport of Athens, Thessaloniki International Airport, Kalamata International Airport and Aktion National Airport. Meanwhile, those on the islands include Corfu International Airport, Kefalonia International Airport and Zakynthos International Airport.

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Crete welcomed approximately 6.6 million visitors last year, with British tourists averaging 8.1-night stays — but the Mirror has discovered the hidden gems of the island away from the beaches…

Goats bleat and their bells clang as they amble through the steep hillside shrubs, pausing to graze on wild thyme beneath a cloudless Cretan sky. I peer in the other direction and see the Aegean Sea sparkle, with waves kissing the rugged coastline.

Beaches are within a stone’s throw to my left – a northerly direction – yet I can pick my way to the right – to the south – and wander through grassland and hills to explore a trove of history. Crete, the largest and most populous island of Greece, offers that fascinating beauty – coasts and mountains in one spectacle.

It makes for a great holiday. The island is defined by rugged mountains, fertile valleys and endless olive groves. I made my home near Mochlos, a fishing village in the northeast of the island, which meant I could spend a couple of hours splashing in the sea at the beach in the mornings before exploring the history and nature inland in the afternoons.

The hills are dotted with historical attractions, including Toplou Monastery. Founded in the 14th century, it is still functioning. The monks there make wine and treat me to a splendid tasting session.

Crete’s history stretches back far beyond classical Greece. Archaeological evidence suggests people have lived here for more than 130,000 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest inhabited regions.

Tourism arrived in earnest during the late 1960s and early 1970s, when artists such as Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens helped put the island on the map. While modern tourism has transformed parts of the coastline, much of Crete retains its timeless character.

And I enjoyed this charm along the north coast. One afternoon, I travelled west along the coast, hopped on a little boat and spent a short while on Spinalonga. This island, maintained as a fortress for centuries under Venetian rule, became a leper colony in the early 20th century. It has been uninhabited since 1962, and is now the second-most visited tourist site in Crete.

Head to Archanes, a town with roots stretching back some 5,000 years to the Minoan civilisation. The cobbled streets there are particularly beguiling. There is not a tourist in sight and barely an English voice to be heard. It feels as though little has changed for centuries.

But the atmosphere there and across the rural charms of northern Crete feels wonderfully authentic. Elderly locals in padded jackets sip beer, smoke cigarettes and play backgammon as the afternoon drifts by.

Venture into most of these rural towns and villages, and you’ll see colorful houses draped in bougainvillea. It is stunning to discover such genuine slices of Cretan life in a region that attracts so many visitors.

But this agricultural heritage is one of Crete’s greatest treasures — and the tourism helps protect and sustain it. This glorious island has indeed struck a chord between the modern sun-kissed holiday trap and the quaint traditional charm.

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Many Brits heading to the EU are dreading their journey through the airport due to the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), but many don’t realise there’s an app available to cut waiting times at certain destinations

Peak holiday season is upon us, and the launch of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) is reportedly causing queues at destinations such as Spain, Greece, and France.

Local media in Spain has warned that Brits could face six-hour queues, and there have been reports of passengers missing flights, with airports blaming “additional processing requirements”. All non-EU visitors to the European Union, including Brits, are now required to have biometric information such as facial images and fingerprints taken on arrival, and must also use the machines on departure to help the EU flag overstays.

One of the reasons why Brits often face longer queues at the airport is that, while EU passport holders have their own lanes, Brits have to queue alongside other non-EU nationalities. But for those going to Portugal or Sweden this summer, there is a way to speed up the process.

An official (but not very well-known) app could potentially get you through the airport quicker. At the moment, the Travel to Europe app is only available for visitors to two EU countries, but it could be rolled out to other destinations in the future, according to its developers.

Brits heading to these countries can download the app on the App Store or Google Play – making sure you download the right app and not a third-party one.

Create a new journey by selecting the country you’re arriving in or departing from, this can be done up to 72 hours before your travels begin. You can then add a border crossing point and your estimated time of arrival.

Travellers can then scan the personal details page and chip of their passport, take a selfie to confirm their identity, and answer a few questions about their plans. Normally, these steps would be done at the EES kiosks, so by doing them on the app at home, you can save time at the airport.

Families travelling together can also add other passengers before submitting their journey. Once registered, you’ll get confirmation that your journey has been accepted. Then you simply need to follow the signs at the airport to make your way through security. The app developers are careful to point out that using the app doesn’t guarantee border entry, and that anyone passing through the airport can still be flagged for additional checks.

But for the majority of holidaymakers, this could cut down on the time they spend queuing and waiting to enjoy the Portuguese sunshine.

Reviews of the app have been mixed so far. One user said: “Pointless to have an app that supports only one country – I understand it is optional for Member States to incorporate the app into their systems, but it doesn’t mean this couldn’t have been arranged better.” But there were success stories, with one user saying: “I went to Stockholm…. long queues for UK passports. I had already used the app, and used the pre-registered lane. Two people in front of me. The whole process took about three minutes. Very impressed!!”

Around 2.4 million British tourists visit Portugal every year, making up the majority of the country’s tourism, although this is a fraction of the 19 million British visitors Spain saw in 2025. Overall, foreign tourists contribute €5.2 billion a year to the country’s economy (about £4.5 billion), with Brits as the biggest spenders followed by Germans.

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A FRESH warning has been issued over a major travel item that many of us now use, that actually poses a huge threat when flying.

Over the past couple of years, power banks have caused several issues across a number of flights.

In response, airlines have introduced new measures that specify the type of power bank you can or cannot take onboard.

As the school summer holidays approach, travellers are now being reminded to carry these items in their hand luggage.

Power banks contain lithium batteries, which according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), pose a huge risk to aircraft, with more and more devices being found in hold luggage over the past year.

The aviation body also said that the average person now takes four different lithium-powered devices on a flight.

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However, they are prone to overheating, especially if they are defective and this can cause a fire.

The CAA states: “Passenger awareness remains low – over a third (36 per cent) of travellers are unaware of the dangers of packing batteries in checked baggage, even though 92 per cent fly with a mobile phone, 55 per cent with a laptop and 49 per cent with a power bank – suggesting hundreds of batteries could be incorrectly packed on a typical flight.”

While some airlines have responded to the increased use of lithium batteries by carrying containment bags – such as Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air – they still pose the biggest risk of fire to flights.

And it’s not just power banks that have lithium batteries though and they aren’t anything new – you’ll also find them in your laptop, mobile and smart watch.

When an incident regarding a lithium battery occurs in the cabin, cabin crew can handle it more easily.

However, if the issue is in the hold it is a trickier problem to solve.

According to the CAA, there are around two lithium battery incidents every week.

And these incidents can cause delays as well as the plane diverting.

The rules to be aware of include taking items such as your mobile phone, vapes and power banks on board in the cabin.

If you are taking power banks, you are allowed a maximum of two and you cannot charge them during the flight.

Laptops must be switched off if they are in hold bags.

As part of its new campaign ‘Pack right, Safe flight’, the CAA added that travellers should “choose reputable suppliers and brands when buying devices and spare batteries” and that “batteries that show signs of damage, overheating, or swelling should not be used and should never be carried on an aircraft”.

Giancarlo Buono, Director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “Flying is by far the safest way to travel, and we want to keep it that way.

“Pack right for a safe flight, and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag. Take them into the cabin with you.

“This simple tip will make your flight safer for you, and the other passengers you’re flying with.”

Here are the rules on batteries for some of the major airlines:

British Airways

You can take up to 15 battery-operated Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) that contain lithium batteries such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, music players, smart baggage tags (e.g. Apple AirTag) onboard.

If in hand luggage, they must be switched off or placed in flight safe mode.

If in checked luggage, they must be completely switched off – not in sleep or hibernation mode.

You can only carry up to two power banks per person and they must be in the cabin in either the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you and they cannot exceed 100Wh.

Ryanair

Electronic devices and spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin only.

Each passenger can carry up to 15 electronic devices for personal use in the cabin “including but not limited to: smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, handheld gaming consoles, headphones”.

Each passenger can only carry up to two power banks and these are included in the overall limit of 20 spare lithium batteries – which cannot exceed 100Wh.

Ryanair adds: “Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried on the passenger’s person or in the under-seat cabin bag stowed under the seat in front.

“Power banks and spare lithium batteries must not be placed in cabin baggage stored in the overhead lockers.“

Power banks cannot be recharged when onboard or during the flight.

EasyJet

EasyJet has a limit of 15 electronic devices per passenger, which must be 12V or less and 100Wh or less.

When it comes to power banks, Wh ratings cannot exceed 160Wh for lithium batteries, and only two can be carried per passenger.

EasyJet states: “Power banks are prohibited from use on easyJet aircraft and must not be used to charge other devices.

“Power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage only, and it is recommended that power banks are carried where they can be monitore, d i.e. on your person.”

Virgin Atlantic

For Virgin Atlantic, you can travel with up to five spare batteries and/or power banks, depending on their watt-hour (Wh) rating.

All batteries and power banks must be able to fit inside the airline’s onboard Fire Containment Bag, which measures 37×28×10cm.

The airline states: “Please keep them in an accessible place during your flight — not in the overhead locker.

“Power banks cannot be plugged into your seat’s power supply at any time.

“Power banks cannot be used to charge other devices while onboard.

“Batteries and power banks must be under 100Wh.”

Wizz Air

For Wizz Air, power banks cannot be used during any phase of the flight, and they are not allowed in checked luggage.

Each traveller is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries, including a maximum of one power bank, which cannot exceed 100Wh.

The airline states: “Power banks and e-cigarettes should be carried where they can be monitored, i.e. on the person.”

The US Federal Aviation Administration recorded 644 lithium battery fires onboard flights in the past 20 years, with the global figure stretching into the thousands

A pilot has urged passengers not to pack an electrical item in their luggage, to avoid potentially disastrous consequences.

Eleven days ago, passengers aboard a British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying from London Heathrow Airport to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas noticed an acrid smell.

A blaze had broken out in the cabin, triggered – it would later become clear – by a lithium battery. The fire scorched the inside of the jet before crew could extinguish it. Clark County Fire Department responders rushed to meet the singed plane on the tarmac.

The fire was one of 644 such incidents on planes recorded by the US Federal Aviation Administration in the past 20 years, with the global figure stretching into the thousands.

Other incidents are much scarier.

Do you have a story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

OPINION

On January 28 last year, 176 passengers were evacuated from Air Busan Flight 391 when a battery blaze completely destroyed the plane as it taxied for take-off at Gimhae International Airport. Three were injured.

Lithium batteries are used six times more now than in 2020, raising the risk of fire with them. They can ignite due to a process called thermal runaway, where a damaged or short-circuited cell rapidly generates heat. This creates a chain reaction that releases extreme heat, and can be triggered by being crushed and overcharged.

Many of us know of the dangers of lithium batteries on flights and that items containing them such as phones, power banks and vapes must only be stored in hand luggage. However, it’s easy to let less obvious gadgets slip into hold luggage, according to easyJet pilot and head of flight operations at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Glenn Bradley.

“The batteries are in everything, including portable fans. Lithium batteries in the hold are the most dangerous thing,” Glenn explained.

While flight attendants are trained to put out cabin fires, accessing luggage in the hold is impossible during a flight, which is why the prospect of a lithium battery fire is taken extremely seriously.

“We all carry about four of these batteries when we fly, so on a plane there could be a thousand. The fact is, they don’t explode on a daily basis, but if they do, we want to be able to manage them,” he added.

If a passenger realises they’ve left a battery-containing item in their hold luggage, they should immediately tell crew.

When that happened on a UK-bound easyJet flight in May, it was diverted to Rome. The captain judged the power bank charging in a passenger’s luggage to be too dangerous to ignore.

Glenn spoke with the Mirror as part of a CAA safety campaign. Passengers are urged to “pack right for a safe flight” by taking their batteries in the cabin with them.

Passengers should:

• Take items like mobile phones, vapes and power banks on board with you.
• Never charge a power bank on a flight.
• Turn off laptops completely if they’re going to be put in check-in bags.

Getting it wrong could lead to your bags being removed from the flight, causing significant delays or, even worse, result in a fire that may be impossible to contain.

Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at the CAA, said: “Flying is by far the safest way to travel and we want to keep it that way. Pack right for a safe flight, and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag. Take them into the cabin with you. This simple tip will make your flight safer for you, and the other passengers you’re flying with.”

CAA figures show reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, following a 98% year-on-year increase. Cases of lithium battery-powered devices being incorrectly packed in checked baggage also rose by 91% in 2025.

THERE’S enough going on this summer with EES checks and extreme heat – and your passport could cause problems as well.

Affecting millions, we’ve explained the two things you need to check before your next holiday.

Expiry Dates

You might think that expiry dates have been spoken about enough – but it is still catching people out.

Old rules let passports have more than 10 years on them, but these rules have since been scrapped.

To find the true expiry date, you need to check the start date rather than the expiry listed in the passport.

If your passport was issued in April 2016, but has an expiry of December 2026, your passport is out of date as it’s over 10 years old. The REAL expiry date is actually April 2026.

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These rules especially affect those still with burgundy passports with the last of these expiring in 2030.

Figures have shown that up to 100,000 holidaymakers a year face being turned away at airports if their passport is more than 10 years old.

Make sure to check the rules of the country you’re travelling to as well.

Some places like Dubai and Thailand require at least six months left on your passport to enter..

Dual National Passport Holders

The change in new rules for dual national passport holders is thought to affect as many as 1.2million people.

Since February 25, those with dual nationality can no longer use their foreign passport to enter the UK.

Travellers must enter with a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589.

This affects anyone trying to enter the country by plane, ferry or train, and anyone without these is likely to be refused boarding.

There have been multiple cases where people have been caught out by the change in rule.

One British woman was stopped from boarding a flight from Copenhagen to Manchester with her two children because she didn’t have the right documents.

Colette Bjorn-Alderson has lived in the UK for 28 years, but was trying to return to the UK with her two young children – both of which only had Danish passports.

She told The Times that she felt “unwelcome in my own country” after being turned away from the flight.

She added that her only two options were getting a new UK passport from Denmark – which can take three months – or the certificates, which can take up to eight weeks.