WHEN it comes to planning the ultimate holiday, no one does it better than cabin crew.
With a superior knowledge of secret beachside restaurants and where to find the best weather in January, they know it all – and that includes Jet2 cabin crew Gio Michalakis who recently made his TV debut on ITV’s The Great Escapers.
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Jet2 cabin crew Gio goes back to the Greek island of Rhodes every yearCredit: AlamyJet2 cabin crew Gio Michalakis travelled all over Europe for ITV’s The Great EscapersCredit: Jet2
If you’re still struggling to find a destination for your 2026 break, Jet2‘s Gio Michalakis says there’s no place better than his favourite Greek island, Rhodes.
Talking to Sun Travel, he said: “I know Rhodes like the back of my hand, it’s my second home.
“I go back every year, it’s where my family are from. Last year I was there for 10 days in August, and I’m planning on going back this July. If I can fit it into my work schedule, I try and visit over winter too.
“There’s a gorgeous beach restaurant in Rhodes – and when I say beach restaurant, you’re right on the rocks.
“It’s called Tambakio in the town of Lindos. It’s absolutely stunning, and great vibes whether you go in the morning for breakfast, brunch, afternoon or evening.”
The restaurant sits on the shore of St Paul’s Bay offering classic mezze dishes, fresh seafood and plenty of local wine.
Rhodes itself is the largest of the Dodecanese islands famous for its pretty UNESCO Old Town, ancient ruins and party scene in Faliraki.
The average flight time from the UK is four and a half hours with flights from £43 in June and July according to Skyscanner.
Most read in Beach holidays
When it comes to food and drink, the average cost of a pint is around €4 (£3.48) and a glass of local wine is around €3 (£2.61).
A meal for two can be as little as €20 (£17.39) making it much more affordable than some of its well-known neighbours like Mykonos and Santorini.
One of Gio’s favourite spots is Tambakio which tucked away in LindosCredit: Alamy
Let’s not forget the weather. While it might not be as lively with certain places closed for off-peak season, Rhodes can see highs of 18C in January.
In the months of July and August the island sees average highs of 30C.
Another Greek island that Gio recently visited was Kos.
He said: “I’d never been before and surprisingly, it was quite different from Rhodes. Although it’s still a Greek island, it’s different in its own right.
“While I was there I actually I spoke to the Jet2 rep there who was fantastic and recommended we go horse riding.
“We went across the beach as well which was a big highlight and something I wouldn’t normally do – I quite like to sit and do nothing when I go on holiday.”
Four groups of celebrities competed to create the best holiday experience with unique excursions from joining in a human tower festival to racing buggies around the Algarve.
Gio was there to help and oversee it all and out of all the Jet2 Holidays excursions he helped pick out, one took the biscuit.
He revealed: “It was 100 per cent the catamaran trip that Katie Piper organised on the Costa Brava.
“It was meant to be work, but I genuinely felt l was on holiday, and I got to go along too. The Loose Women were filming on one side and I was on the other – that’s the magic of TV.
“I’d love to do it again although I’m not sure I could charter a whole boat. Maybe that’s one for a big friend holiday.”
Gio said he was surprised by how much there was to do and see in MaltaCredit: Alamy
When it comes to going on holiday, Gio said there is one easily avoidable mistake that lots of travellers make.
He said: “Don’t try out a TikTok holiday because it gives a false sense of reality – and you might not get what you want out of a break.
“Instead, speak to your Jet2 customer helper because they genuinely know the hidden gems – it’s much better than using Google search.
“They can tailor experiences to what you want and their local knowledge is fantastic.”
For the series, Gio travelled across Europe including his favourite island of Rhodes, but there was another Mediterranean destination that impressed him too.
Gio said: “I didn’t realise how much Malta had to offer.
“It’s not a place that’s been on my radar but it has a great bar scene, places to relax, it’s gorgeous.
“I think the island is suited for everyone too: couples, families, or friends’ holidays. I’d love to go back with my partner and explore the streets of Valletta properly.
“When I was filming with the celebs we were on such a tight schedule, so I’d love to go back. I passed so many hidden bars and restaurants, down the side streets – and you’re pretty much guaranteed good weather all year-round.”
Katie stayed in Tossa de Mar, on the Costa Brava coast which has pretty beaches, coves and is centred around a walled medieval old town.
Katie is a mum of two, Belle, 11, and Penelope, 7, and heading to the Costa Brava has meant it’s been added to their family’s travel list.
She said: “I think I’ll go back with my girls, the kids will watch the show and go ‘it’s so unfair you got to go’. It’s affordable and accessible, you can go self-catering or stay in an Airbnb – I think we will plan a trip there.”
“I’ve been to other much more touristy Spanish places, like the Costa del Sol. The Costa Brava is a bit of a hidden gem, it’s touristy enough to take your kids out and walk on foot to restaurants.
“But it’s not lost its culture, like along the strip there’s lots of architecture like gorgeous churches, cliffs, castles – it’s not neon signs and karaoke. It’s a great place for families as well because it’s such a short flight.”
Experts told Bristol Live it’s worth switching to “solid products like shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and deodorant sticks to maximise your liquid allowance.”
Not only do they save space and hassle at airport security, but they also last longer and are spill-proof — perfect for stress-free packing.
It’s also ideal for longer trips, since one bar can last for dozens of washes.
Take a look inside any crew member’s luggage and you’ll almost always find this one item: packing cubes.
Packing cubes can save you a ton of extra space in your suitcase.
Bringing solid hair products and soaps will leave you with extra room in your liquids bagCredit: GettyPacking cubes are a luggage essentialCredit: Amazon/IPUKOTE
And if you opt for compression packing cubes, some can save you up to 60% more room!
These lightweight organisers also keep your belongings neatly separated, so you can find what you need without tearing through your suitcase.
Many frequent flyers swear by them for maximising space and keeping outfits wrinkle-free.
They’re also a lifesaver if your bag gets opened at security; everything stays tidy and contained.
Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back to chaotic suitcase stuffing.
This set from Primark is particularly stylish, and at only £8 you’re paying £1 per cube.
Deciding what to pack can be stressful, but plenty of cabin crew are sharing their tips onlineCredit: Getty
Compression socks and sleeves
Carin Ryan, with 10 years as cabin crew and six million air miles under her belt, revealed that compression sleeves are the “biggest game changer” when flying.
“Think about the extra walking, unfamiliar sleeping accommodations, and cramped airplane seats all working together to make for miserable body aches and pains on your trip” she said in Travel and Leisure.
“Circulation is your best friend in helping alleviate everything that ails you”.
Compression sleeves improve your circulation by supporting the blood flow in your body.
“Compression sleeves are great as a preventative measure or to put on after a long day exploring.”
These funky compression socks from Koala Socks look just like regular socks, and are only £8.99.
Compression socks can improve your circulation when travellingCredit: Kymira Sport
Portable kettle
Have you ever heard of a portable kettle? Well, now you have!
Flight attendant Krystal (@krystal_lilian) shared the item as one of her must-haves in a TikTok post.
“Trip is cancelled without these” she writes.
A portable kettle might sound like a niche gadget, but once you’ve travelled with one, you’ll never look back.
They’re perfect for tea or coffee lovers, guaranteeing you can have a proper cuppa wherever you are.
Hotel kettles can be questionable at best, with some travellers even using them to wash their underwear.
They’re often compact and lightweight, as many models fold down to save space in your luggage and boil just enough water for one or two cups.
It’s also a great option for campers, road trippers, or anyone who likes the comfort of a hot drink before bed.
This collapsible option from Amazon is just £7.98.
After learning what happens to hotel kettles, you may never want to drink out of one againCredit: Amazon
Sewing kit
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re packing, but a small sewing kit can be a real life saver.
easyJet cabin manager Dave Morris always makes sure to bring one.
“I always pack a travel sewing kit — you never know when a needle and thread will save the day,” he told Condé Nast Traveller.
“Safety pins are incredibly useful too. They can replace a broken zip pull, add extra security to a bag, or even help rethread the drawstring on a hoodie.”
Whether it’s a popped button before dinner or a torn hem in your favourite dress, bringing a sewing kit can spare you the stress of a wardrobe malfunction abroad.
Look for a compact version with needles, thread, scissors and pins – it takes up barely any space, but can fix just about anything in a pinch.
This one from Waitrose is only £4 and is a handy addition to your packing list.
You’ll never know when you’ll have a wardrobe malfunction abroadCredit: Handout
Portable cutlery
Flight attendant Amy Cooper (@amycooperxoxo) listed a reusable knife and fork as part of her “crew essentials” in a post on TikTok.
Reusable travel cutlery might not sound like an essential, but it’s one of those items you’ll be thankful for time and again.
Whether you’re grabbing a supermarket salad during a layover, or picnicking on the beach – portable cutlery saves many a situation.
Most sets come neatly packed in a small case, so they won’t make a mess in your bag.
Plus they’re easy to rinse and reuse throughout your trip.
There’s nothing worse than buying a lunch and having nothing to eat it withCredit: Getty
Multi-purpose scarf
Finnair cabin crew member Elina Poutanen suggests keeping it simple when packing to save yourself from overpacking.
Especially as many people now travel with cabin luggage only, it’s important to make sure that you choose the clothes you pack carefully.
“Clothes with multiple purposes are the best because you can wear them many times and for many occasions” she says.
Elina recommends “A big scarf that can be worn as a beach cover-up during the day and in the evening when it gets chilly”.
This £3.99 option from Amazon wouldn’t look amiss as a beach skirt or stylish scarf.
Scarf, shawl, skirt – this multi-purpose fashion item is a must-packCredit: Getty
Travel extension lead
A travel extension lead is one of those unglamorous but genius essentials that makes travels so much easier.
Cabin crew member Heather (@onlyheather) shared this to be one her essentials with followers on TikTok.
With hotel rooms often short on plug sockets (or worse tucked behind furniture) having your own mini extension lead is a life-saver.
Being able to charge all your devices in one spot is a luxury you’ll thank yourself for later.
Many travel-friendly versions come with multiple USB ports and universal adapters, so you can power your phone, laptop, and camera all at once.
It’s especially handy for long-haul travellers juggling several gadgets or sharing a room with others.
At £3.99 from Argos, this small addition to your packing list will save you a lot of hassle.
Bringing a mini extension lead feels like a life-saverCredit: Alamy
Neck pillow
Though it seems like an obvious choice, far too many people still travel without a neck pillow.
“Neck pillows are great for long flights or any flights where you’re stuck in a middle seat” says ex-flight attendant Arina Bloom in Business Insider.
“Once you use one, you’ll never go back. It’s so much more comfortable to fall asleep — plus it saves you from accidentally waking up on your neighbor’s shoulder”.
Just make sure to buy one ahead of time to avoid expensive airport options.
This one from Flying Tiger is made of memory foam and has its own clip to attach to your luggage – and it’s only a tenner.
You don’t want to be without a neck pillow on a long-haul flightCredit: Getty
Mini lint roller
Virgin Atlantic crew member Sophie Firth (@sophie.firth) shared a peek inside her cabin crew topper bag with her followers on TikTok.
Sophie packs a mini lint roller, to make sure her uniform is looking spic and span at all times.
There’s nothing worse than having dust and hairs cling to your clothing, especially when needing to remain polished and presentable as possible.
A mini travel-size lint roller can be purchased for £2.89 on Amazon.
Sophie also packs a mini travel hot water bottle as she explains she is “always cold, especially in crew rest”.
Cabin crew keep their uniforms immaculate with hacks like theseCredit: Alamy
Electrolytes sachet
easyJet cabin crew member Sasha Anthony (@sailwithsasha) swears by electrolyte sachets when flying.
Airplane cabins are notoriously dehydrating and the low humidity levels can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and jet-lagged after you land.
Mixing an electrolyte sachet into your water mid-flight helps to replenish essential minerals, and keep you hydrated through the dry air and caffeine.
It’s a simple trick that keeps your energy up and your skin feeling fresher when you land.
Pop a few sachets in your bag and you’ll arrive feeling far more human – especially after a long-haul flight.
These sachets from ViDrate are 8 for £5, plenty to get you through multiple flights.
Electrolyte sachets won’t take up much room in your luggageCredit: Simon Jones
Perfume decanter
Ever wished you could bring your favourite perfume away with you, but you simply have no space for it in your luggage?
A perfume decanter is the ultimate hack for bringing your favourite scent, without lugging around a heavy bottle.
Flight attendant Nicola Findlay (@nicolafindlay_) even shared it in her “must have items” on TikTok.
“We still want to smell sweet without bringing the whole bottle” she says.
These pocket-sized bottles let you transfer a small amount of perfume into a sleek, travel-friendly container that fits easily in your hand luggage.
They help you stay within the 100ml liquid limit whilst still smelling your best.
They’re also perfect to pop in your handbag for refreshing after a long flight or before dinner.
This option from Temu is only 93p, and is easy to attach to your perfume bottle to fill up.
Perfume decanters allow you to bring your favourite scent with youCredit: Amazon/Wendergo
Joseph McCabe, who runs his own construction firm and co-owns a party boat business, was jailed for 46 weeks on Friday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after admitting four sexual offences
Joseph McCabe sexually assaulted cabin crew(Image: Alexander Lawrie)
A former soldier who sexually assaulted four Jet2 cabin crew during a flight to Tenerife has been jailed.
Joseph McCabe groped and slapped the buttocks of two flight attendants before grabbing a third around the waist and attempting to hug a fourth. A court heard McCabe’s behaviour forced the plane, which had left Edinburgh, to be diverted to the Portuguese island of Porto Santo.
Police there arrested the 40-year-old man and, last month, he admitted the four sexual offences. McCabe, who was a private in the Royal Logistic Corps for five years, was jailed for 46 weeks on Friday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The court heard McCabe made sexual comments to one woman about her tights and make up, asked her age and where she lived and ripped up a written warning he had been given for his drunken conduct. The former soldier also threw his bank card at an air employee and began dancing in the aisle on the plane in March last year.
The defendant, who now runs his own construction firm and co-owns a party boat business called The Drunken Anchor, has been handed a lifelong ban from flying with Jet2 and has refused to pay the £5,000 fine the airline had imposed on him.
Sentencing, Sheriff Alison Stirling said the offence had involved “a high level of culpability and a high level of harm”. McCabe, who has two children, was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and was made subject to non-harassment orders banning him from having any contact with the victims for an indefinite period. Solicitor Anna Kocela, defending, said her client is a self-employed building boss and had been drinking excessively at the time of the flight due to a family bereavement.
Previously, prosecutor Miriam Farooq told the court the Jet2 flight took off from Edinburgh Airport bound for Tenerife with around 110 passengers on board at around 8.30am on March 15 last year, reports Daily Record.
Ms Farooq said the flight was packed with families and children and shortly after take off cabin crew had noticed McCabe “making multiple trips to the toilet”.
The fiscal depute said around 90 minutes into the flight a female flight attendant was serving a passenger when she “felt someone behind her touching her buttocks”.
The employee turned round to find McCabe was “looking at her with a smirk on his face” and had asked her “where she bought her tights because he liked them”.
McCabe, from Glasgow, was given a verbal warning on the flight and then ripped up a written warning given to him by the air crew for his shocking behaviour.
