Caribbean

Oct. 12, 2026 6 AM PT

One word that could describe Aria Vega’s whirlwind 2026? Chévere.

The Colombian expression for “awesome” is also the name of the fast-rising star’s global smash hit. Released in January, the breezy tropical swing of “Chévere” — and the rest of her sun-kissed singles — embodies the spirit of Colombia’s Caribbean coast where she hails from.

Ahead of the Latin Grammys on Nov. 12, where Vega will be in the running for the best new artist award, Vega is taking what she calls her “Costeñita Core” pop movement on the road, with her first-ever U.S. tour.

“Looking back at all the dreams I’ve accomplished and made come true, it’s all blessings,” a wide-grinning Vega says over Zoom from Miami.

“I’ve been crying tears of joy with my family, my friends and my combo chévere, as I like to call my fandom. Every artist wishes and dreams of a Latin Grammy, and for me, just to be one of the nominees is like, ‘Yo, I’m a winner!’”

Vega was born Mariana Padilla Pérez in Barranquilla, where she lived the lifestyle of the costeños — or the people of Colombia’s Caribbean coastal region. She has been steadily chasing her dreams of superstardom since competing on “Idol Colombia” in 2014; but Vega finally started making waves last year when she integrated more costeño culture, rhythms and slang into her mellowed, Spanglish pop flow.

“Chévere” exploded in popularity after fellow Colombian singer Ryan Castro jumped on the remix in February. Since then, Vega has pushed “Costeñita Core” further into the mainstream with songs like the alluring “Cule Poco (Sirena_Besarico_Costeña),” and the sultry “Compa Coleto (Uy_Como),” offering unhurried takes on champeta and other Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

Vega just kicked off her U.S. Cariavales Tour, which includes a stop at the Roxy in Los Angeles on Oct. 13. Just a week before, she was handpicked by her pop foremother and icon from Barranquilla — Shakira — to perform as part of her 12-show residency in Madrid.

In an interview with The Times, Aria Vega opened up about her Latin Grammy nomination, representing costeños and getting a co-sign from Shakira.

How did the success of the song “Chévere” change your life?
I didn’t expect to be on [so many] airplanes and flights. Right now, I’m starting to feel the weight of that. I’ve seen what it’s like to live on the road. The remix happened after Ryan [Castro] sent me a DM on Instagram saying, “‘Chévere’ is a banger!’” I was really excited to even get that message from him, because I’m a fan of his music. That was a really cool moment.

What can you tell us about your upcoming debut album?
It’s Afro-Caribbean-inspired music. Right now, the album is really long. I have recorded more than 30 songs for it. I’m working on cutting it down to hopefully 15 songs that will touch your heart and soul … I want to make people vibe with my songs, feel cool, and feel chévere. That’s my goal with this album [I call] “Costeñita Core.”

What does “Costeñita Core” mean to you?
It’s an energy that you either vibe with or you don’t. It’s like our food, our slang and experimental fashion. Caribbean maximalism and shifting [mainstream] culture. Overall, it’s about making bold choices and being rebellious.

How do you feel about representing costeño culture through your music and visuals?
It’s a big responsibility. I feel really happy and excited when I see comments that say things like, “It’s an honor for you to represent us, and we love what you’re doing.” I get emotional because I don’t always get that response … There’s also people that say, “I feel that I’m not represented by her in any way.” It’s a mixture of feelings. What can I say? I’m doing this with a lot of love for Barranquilla, Colombia and Colombia’s Caribbean coast. I want to be a voice of the Caribbean coast.

What did it mean for you when Shakira selected you to perform for her residency in Madrid?
As soon as my team told me about this opportunity with Shakira, I was going crazy because she’s so inspiring. She’s also from Barranquilla. Her music has been a part of [my] life. It has been like a companion for me. Since I was like 5 years old, there’s always been a Shakira song that I was vibing with. I’m really excited even about the possibility of meeting her.

How do you feel about performing in L.A. for the first time on your U.S. tour?
I’ve been to Los Angeles before in meetings with my agents and stuff like that, and it felt like a movie. It’s Hollywood vibes and I’ve never felt that energy in my life. It’s really special getting to perform all my songs that are not just in Spanish, but in Costeñol [the costeño dialect of Spanish] at the Roxy. I’m going to wear outfits with cultural designs and perform traditional dances that have been part of my life, ever since I was literally in my mom’s belly. Los Angeles is a coastal city too, so there’s something that connects us.

What are your thoughts about being nominated in the category of best new artist at this year’s Latin Grammys?
Everyone says it’s a really important category, because you can’t be nominated twice. You can only be nominated once in your career. Hopefully I’ll go to Las Vegas for that Latin Grammy and I’ll take it over to la costa.

What will you do if you win the award?
Maybe I’ll do a concert at home. I want to do something that feels honest and authentic, because that’s what led me to being nominated. I dream of becoming a bearer of my culture. What better way to do it than being recognized in the eyes of the Latin Recording Academy?

What was the inspiration for your latest single “Compa Coleto (Uy_Como)”?
My muse is always my tiburón, my shark. It’s no secret that I’m in love. It just makes sense to talk about him in these really loving and cool songs. It’s a song with flirtatious vibes. When you understand the song’s lyrics, it just makes sense to flirt that way and have fun with it.

Who do you want to collaborate with in the future?
I would love to collaborate with Shakira and Beéle. I feel they do a lot for Barranquilla as well. I would love to collaborate with Bomba Estéreo from Santa Marta. Maybe I’ll do vallenato music with Silvestre Dangond. That would be really cool. Felipe Peláez has an amazing voice. It would be cool to bring these sounds of our own to the world.

SEARCHING for sun in November but don’t know where to find it? Here are five great options with temperatures well over 20C.

Whether you’re after short-haul breaks or lengthy holidays, check out these destinations where you’ll certainly get a healthy dose of vitamin D.

Morocco

For a bit of autumn sun that isn’t far or breaks the bank, Morocco is a solid option.

Brits can get there in less than three hours and the country basks in highs of 24C in November, while the UK average highs of between 10-12C.

Marrakesh is one of the most popular cities with Brits with vibrant markets, souks, palaces and pretty hotels. 

Essaouira on the other hand sits on the Atlantic Coast and has sandy beaches if you fancy heading for a beach break. 

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Meanwhile, the city’s capital of Rabat is another coastal spot that’s considered an ‘understated seaside gem’ and has enormous royal palaces.

In November, return flights to Essaouira and Rabat can be as little as £28. 

Holidays are affordable too for a quick break – two adults can check into Las Palmeras in Marrakesh for four-nights from £279pp or £34.87pppn.

This includes return flights to London Gatwick, a full board stay at the four-star hotel which has an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant and wellness area with treatments available.

Thailand

Thailand is a popular autumn and winter destination for Brits seeking some sun and it has highs of 34C in November.

There’s something for everyone from its bustling cities to beautiful coastlines and incredible islands.

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok was recently named the best city in the world by Conde Nast Traveller being praised for its “buzzy markets, glittering palaces and captivating religious sites unite – street food sellers dishing up tasty food between them all, of course.”

If getting out of your city and lazing about on a beautiful island is more your bag, it’s very easy to get from the mainland across to the likes of Phuket, and Koh Samui.

The likes of Eva Air and Thai Airways offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok in November from around £831.

If you opt for a stopover – these can be much cheaper with some dropping to almost half the price. 

Air Arabia offers a roundtrip from London Gatwick to Bangkok International Airport from £484 with a two hour layover at Sharjah International Airport.

With Expedia, 10-day package holidays to Bangkok are around £800 – including direct return flights and accommodation, breaks to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui package breaks here with Expedia around £760.

Dubai, UAE

Thanks to its hot desert climate and very little rainfall, Dubai is ideal for autumn sunshine.

From its luxury five-star hotels to beaches, incredible restaurants and shopping scene, Dubai is known for glitz and glamour.

However you can visit on a budget too as Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey and Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski when they visited the city.

They lots of tasty treats at the Grand Souk, like breads stuffed with cheese or Nutella for £1.22, or Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup — for £1.

When its time to cool off, head to one of Dubai’s many waterparks like Aquaventure World with day passes from £50 – but it is so huge, you’ll have to spent the day there.

With On the Beach two adults can stay for 10-nights at the Arabian Park Dubai, An Edge By Rotana Hotel from £870pp.

This is for half board and return flights from London Gatwick departing on November 21.

The hotel has a large swimming pool, gym, spa, the Wafi City shopping centre is five minutes away and it’s 20-minutes from the beach.

Dominican Republic, Caribbean

Of all the Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic is considered one of the cheapest – and it’s 30C in November

Some of the top places to visit include Punta Cana, a town on the eastern coast known for its stunning white-sand beaches and bright blue waters.

There’s also Santo Domingo, the island’s capital, where you’ll find plenty of bars – the average price of a local beer is 150DOP (£1.78).

The Dominican Republic also has two of the best in the world; Canto de la Playa and Bahia de las Aguilas.

In the waters you’re likely to see vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays – sometimes even sharks, dolphins and humpback whales.

In November, you can get a 10-night all-inclusive holiday for two from £1,579pp.

This includes flights from London Heathrow departing on November 1 and a stay at Whala Boca Chica.

It’s a four-star beachside hotel with two outdoor swimming pools and two restaurants.

Florida, USA

Known for being a theme park have, Florida enters its dry season so there’s little rainfall and highs of 26C.

This makes it pleasant for a wander, checking out the rides, and heading to the state’s beautiful beaches in the likes of Miami and Florida Keys.

Florida is home to the mega theme park, Walt Disney World which s the same size as San Francisco and even has waterparks too.

Nearby is also Universal Resort Orlando which last year opened it’s new theme park, Epic Universe which has a How to Train Your Dragon themed-world and an immersive Wizarding World.

If you want to visit the theme parks but want to cut down the price, stay out of the parks like Avanti International Resort.

With Thomas Cook, a 10-night stay for two starts from £720pp including return flights from London Gatwick departing on November 22.

The hotel has a swimming pool, beach volleyball set up, and bar a grill along with free shuttle buses to the theme parks – so there’s no need to hire a car.

Or if you’d rather a different holiday vibe, head to Boca Raton which Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot called ‘Florida’s secret paradise‘.

The latest attack brings the death toll from US military boat strikes to at least 235 from 70 maritime strikes across the region.

The United States has conducted another strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, killing four, according to the US military.

US Southern Command said late Sunday that it struck alleged drug traffickers operating along “established narco-trafficking routes” in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, following its standard reporting pattern for military operations of suspected cartels across the multinational maritime zones.

The latest attack brings the death toll from US military boat strikes to at least 235 deaths across 70 attacks, since the administration of US President Donald Trump first launched its counter-narcoterrorism campaign, termed Operation Southern Spear, in September of last year.

At the time, Trump characterised the fight against cartels in Latin America as an active “armed conflict” while defending the strikes as a necessary escalation to curb illicit drug trafficking and reduce fatal US overdoses.

The move comes as United Nations experts warn that the strikes violate international law and could amount to crimes against humanity.

Despite releasing footage on X showing the explosion that destroyed the moving vessel, the US military has offered no evidence that the targeted boat was ferrying drugs.

The Trump administration has been actively seeking regional security agreements across Latin America to expand joint military operations against what it has designated as criminal cartels.  The deals come under the US-led Shield of the Americas coalition, launched in March. The president has pledged the undertaking will use “unmatched military might” to dismantle drug cartels while simultaneously countering Chinese economic influence in the Western Hemisphere.

During a visit to Panama in August, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras had agreed to joint counter-crime military operations on their soil, a statement Guatemala quickly disputed to clarify its sovereignty and boundaries within the 19-member alliance.

ANTIGUA, Florida and the Caribbean… what do they all have in common? Obviously they’re all beautiful, exotic destinations that typically cost thousands to visit.

They’re also some of the amazing locations currently being offered as prizes in some incredible competitions. We’ve rounded up all of the best ones to enter right now…

There’s something for everyone, from luxury staycations to five-star escapes abroad – plus all are free to enter.

So whatever your ideal holiday is, here are some of the best competitions currently taking entries offering a wide range of prizes…

Europe

Live like royalty on a family trip to Versailles

Le Shuttle is giving away a trip to Versailles for a family of four, with access to the Palace of Versailles, the Trianon Estate, Queen’s Hamlet and Gardens, plus a guided tour of the special Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola exhibition.

You’d stay at the Le Louis Versailles Château MGallery and get a VIP shopping experience with One Nation Paris.

To enter, create a free Le Shuttle account by 1pm on October 16 – click enter.

Travel in style on a Croatia long weekend

Win a short break on the Dubrovnik Riviera in Croatia, plus an Osprey backpack and a £250 Ellis Brigham voucher.

The winner gets a four-night trip and can choose between either a men’s Farpoint 55 or women’s Fairview 55 pack.

Just answer the question ‘what is the capital city of Croatia?’ along with your details by December 15 – click to enter.

Live in luxury on a French Alps family ski trip

Family Ski is offering a seven-night family ski holiday for four to the French Alps.

Included in the prize is £500 of Roarsome Ski Wear for Kids, accommodation in a luxury catered chalet at either Ardent, Portes du Soleil or Reberty, Les Trois Vallées (depending on availability), childcare and airport transfers.

You’ll need to book your own travel from the UK to Geneva, plus lift passes, ski hire and travel insurance.

To enter, fill out the entry form and follow Roarsome and Family Ski Company on Instagram by October 31 – click to enter.

Take the family to the alternative Lapland

Win a family trip to Swedish Lapland worth £4,648.

On Instagram, Letsgofaraway is offering a round-trip (flights up to a maximum of £1,033.09) to Grand Lodge at Blueberry Lodge Lapland for up to eight people.

One activity at the lodge for all guests in included, plus a private session in the relaxation area, which has a sauna, Nordic hot tub and a homemade fika.

To enter, follow @letsgofaraway_, @hospitality.guide, @danieltravl and @blueberry_lodge_lapland on Instagram, then like the competition post, tag two friends and repost/share.

The holiday must be for a date between 2028 and 2029 – enter by midnight on October 31 – click to enter.

Snowy holiday to Innsbruck

Monster energy drinks is offering a snow trip for two people to Innsbruck in Austria.

All you need to do is enter your details by October 31 – click to enter.

Long-haul

All-inclusive luxury holiday to Antigua

Win a seven-night all inclusive holiday to St James’s Club & Villa in Antigua, with Neutradol.

The resort spans 100 acres and features two “moon-white” beaches and three pools.

To enter, answer the question ‘What do Neutradol Laboratory tests prove?’ by January 10, 2027 – click to enter.

Bucketlist 16-day road trip to New Zealand

Via Waitrose, with Trailfinders, win a road trip in New Zealand lasting 16 days with return flights for two from London.

Included is two nights in a hotel, plus two weeks with a Maui Ultima Plus Motorhome.

Enter with your My Waitrose card number before October 13 – click to enter.

If you don’t have a card, that’s fine, you can sign up for free.

Luxury Saint Lucia holiday and Arsenal tickets

Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences is offering a seven-night round-trip to Saint Lucia from London.

You’ll also get two tickets to an Arsenal game hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and two Arsenal t-shirts.

Answer the questions ‘what is the name of Saint Lucia’s famous national landmark?’ and ‘which Arsenal legend has just visited Saint Lucia?’ by December 15 – click to enter.

Fabulous, personalised holiday toOrlando

Tripadvisor and Visit Orlando are offering an eight-night holiday to Orlando, Florida for two people, plus a free holiday planning session.

To win, enter your details before the end of December – click to enter.

Live like a millionaire in the Cayman Islands

Win a five-night condo stay at Harbour Heights, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands for up to four guests.

You’ll need to purchase your own flights though.

Fill out your details by July 30, 2027 – click to enter.

Cruise

14-night all-inclusive cruise to the Canaries

Saga is giving away a 14-night all-inclusive cruise to the Canaries and Casablanca.

You’d set sail from Portsmouth on January 6, 2027 in a Twin Standard Balcony cabin, stopping at La Palma, Tenerife, Madeira and Gran Canaria.

All you have to do is be over the age of 50 – click to enter by November 20.

Cruise to France and Spain plus spending money

Via Ice Lolly, Cunard is offering two people a cruise worth £2,000 from Southampton to Spain and France.

Set sail on June 13, 2027, to La Coruña, Gijon and Getxo in Spain before visiting Le Havre in France.

With $250 (£188.65) to spend on board.

Click to enter before midnight on October 12.

14-night Caribbean cruise with food and drink included

Ambassador Cruise Line is giving away a two-week Caribbean cruise for two people.

Choose between three Ambassador Cruise Line sailings between November 22 and February 14.

The giveaway includes a twin ocean view cabin for two people, full-board and return Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow or Manchester.

Click here to enter your details by October 11.

Scenic river cruise worth £7,000

Win a river cruise through Europe on the Danube or Rhine with Scenic worth £7,000.

The prize includes suite accommodation, excursions, five dining venues, premium drinks, butler service, return flights and transfers and complimentary e-bikes to explore the destinations you stop at.

Click here to enter your details by October 31.

P&O Britannia cruise

Win a seven-night cruise for two onboard P&O Britannia, Via Vision Cruise.

Click here to enter by January 31.

Island hop in Greece on a cruise

Win a seven-night Greek Intensive Cruise with Azamara Cruises for two people, departing from Athens on October 9.

Stay in an Oceanview Stateroom, stopping at Patmos, Rhodes and Crete.

You will need to get your own flights though.

Click here to answer how many ships are in the Azamara fleet by February 1, 2027.

Seven-night Scandinavian cruise

In this Cotton Traders competition, two people and their guests will win a seven-night cruise to Sweden and Denmark.

You’d travel from London Cruise Terminal on April 24, 2027 with Ambassador Cruise Line.

Click here to enter your details by October 7.

Stunning staycations

Five star trip for two at Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

Old Course Hotel in Scotland is a five-star spot boasting views of the Fife coastline and a large golf course.

Win a one-night stay at the hotel for two people with a two-course dinner and a full Scottish breakfast – worth £700.

You’ll get a full day to spend at Kohler Waters Spa, with a spa pool, hydrotherapy suite with a thermal pool, steam room, sauna and plunge pool and the UK’s first Espuro Foam Steam Rooms.

Each guest will get a 50-minute treatment, from a custom massage, hot stone massage, classic prescription facial, reflexology session or a 25-minute facial and 25-minute massage combo.

You need to have a Muddy Stilettos account to enter (free to sign up) and click here to answer ‘what town is Old Course Hotel in?’ by October 14.

West End show and a 4-star London hotel stay

The Royal Mint recently launched a coin dedicated to the musical Wicked to celebrate 20 years of the West End show.

To celebrate they are giving away a one-night stay at The Clermont Hotel, a silver Proof Colour edition of the Wicked UK coin and two tickets to the London show.

Click here to answer ‘what is the name of the university that Glinda and Elphaba attend?’ by October 18.

Luxury hotel stay and £400 goodie bag

Salcombe Gin has teamed up with Harbour Hotels to give away an overnight stay for two at any Harbour Hotel, with breakfast included.

You will also get a Salcombe Gin Coastal Cool Bag Bundle, with a Salcombe Gin School Experience Voucher for two people (worth £160).

Also included is a £250 voucher to spend at fashion brand Beaufort and Blake.

Click here to enter your details by October 13.

Five-star countryside retreat and year’s supply of popcorn

Popcorn brand Jo & Sephs are offering a luxury trip to Devon, to celebrate the release of the new Sense and Sensibility movie.

The prize includes a three-night stay in a five-star hotel, a private horse-drawn carriage ride and afternoon tea, plus a year’s supply of popcorn.

Click here to answer the question: ‘in Sense and Sensibility, what are the names of the two Dashwood sisters at the heart of the story?’ by November 30.

A luxury stay at Andy Murray’s Scottish country house hotel

Discover Britain is running a competition to win a luxury stay at ‘Cromlix’ – Sir Andy Murray‘s country hotel in Scotland.

It includes dinner in the hotel’s new restaurant – The Garden Room.

Click here to enter your details by January 3, 2027.

A three-bedroom holiday home worth £60,000, plus £10,000

Park Holidays UK is giving away a 36ft x 12ft three-bedroom holiday home worth £60,000, plus £10,000 spending money.

Click here to enter your details by December 31.

Win your own holiday park lodge for a year

Park Leisure is giving away a 12-month ownership experience for a lodge worth £60,000, with £3,000 park credit to be used on site.

You will also get free Wi-Fi for the ownership period, plus all utility bills included.

Click here to enter by March 31, 2027.