cheaper

For those dreaming of a Caribbean holiday but can’t bring themselves to pay the hefty price – there are some cheaper alternatives in Europe that are closer and a fraction of the price

While the Maldives may be a dream destination for many – there’s now cheaper destination alternative that are much closer, and considerably cheaper.

The bucket list Caribbean island comes at a pretty expensive cost as the average one-week trip can cost anywhere from £1,700 per person and can go up to £6,500 for a stay in a five-star all-inclusive hotel during the peak season.

However now Brits can enjoy a luxury Maldive-style stay a little closer to home with these European spots for a fraction of the price. Here’s some inspiration for those planning their summer getaways for next year.

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Albania

Nicknamed the ‘Maldives of Europe’ thanks to its unspoilt white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters that grace its spectacular Riviera, this spot is a popuklar choice. Travellers can indulge in luxury accommodation without emptying their bank accounts, with seafront flats available from just £20 per night.

Thanks to a flurry of TikTok videos flaunting its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands, Albania has become a hot topic for holidaymakers seeking a slice of the Maldives experience.

Rhodes

Rhodes offers a bustling waterfront where cruise ships dock and vendors sell mouth-watering Greek delicacies. Despite its popularity, it manages to avoid being overrun by crowds, although it does get busy during peak summer season.

With flexible dates, you can find direct flights from Manchester and London this March and April for less than £40. There are numerous budget-friendly hotels in the city, such as the Manousos City Hotel, which currently has rooms available from £25 a night.

Croatia

For holidaymakers wanting a picturesque location without committing to a long-haul flight, Croatia might be the perfect solution. Toni Hrelja, founder of Villsy.com, shared a local’s guide to Croatia’s most beautiful beaches, including hidden gems where the “crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery rival the Maldives.” Among them is Sakarun beach on Dugi Otok island.

You can fly direct from a slew of major UK airports, including Bristol, Manchester, and London: if you’re flexible with dates – you can grab return fares for as little as £60 in April.

Malta

Just over three hours from the UK and with direct flights from 18 regional airports, Malta is the year-round Mediterranean destination that delivers. It’s great for Brits as English is the official language and temperatures regularly hit 27C in September.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere in Europe and a calendar packed with world-class festivals and events, it’s the kind of place that’ll keep you coming back over and over again.

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People hoping for a great holiday deal might be tempted to book their flights on a Tuesday, but this once beloved travel tip could be outdated.

Travel expert James Steele at Go2Africa highlighted the misconception that booking flights on a Tuesday could save you money.

Airlines reportedly release discounted fares on Tuesdays – and pricing algorithms were thought to reset every week.

Although this may have been true in the past, James said fares are now “adjusted dynamically with algorithms that look at demand, popularity of the route, and remaining seats”.

Flight deals no longer hinge on what day you are browsing; “flights that look cheap on Tuesday could be even cheaper on Friday,” said James.

Instead, James recommended using price trackers, such as Skyscanner and Google Flights, and pointed out that flexibility on dates could secure you a better deal.

And while the flight hack has been disputed, there are other travel tips that may no longer be valid; here, James unveiled five of the most common travel hacks that you’re better off ignoring – and what to do instead.

He said: “Not every hack works perfectly, and believing them all could make your trip more stressful, make you spend more than you need to, or could even be dangerous.”

1. HACK: ONLY BOOK THE CHEAPEST OR EARLIEST FLIGHTS

James revealed that people will choose the cheapest or earliest flight they can get, in a bid to get what they think is the best option. But he stated that while this might save you some money, it can come with hidden costs that make it less than viable.

He said: “Not only can the cheapest flights come with additional charges, for things like luggage and choosing your seats, that make it more expensive than flights you’ve not considered, they depart at inconvenient times.

“This means waking up in the middle of the night, sacrificing sleep, and spending the first days of your trip exhausted, or wasting your last day by having to get to the airport early.”

What he urges you to do instead: Don’t just think about money when you are booking your flights. There are other options to save money on your trip, so consider prioritising convenience, sleep, and logistics, such as getting to the airport and hotel check-in times, instead. Taking a more holistic approach rather than penny pinching will help you have a more enjoyable holiday.

2. HACK: SAVE MONEY BY NOT BOTHERING WITH TRAVEL INSURANCE

Skipping travel insurance might seem like a simple way to save money, but in reality it can be extremely risky, and end up costing you even more if you get stuck or in trouble.

James added: “From missed flights and lost luggage to unexpected medical emergencies, there are unfortunately many things that can go wrong on your trip that could cost you hundreds, or even thousands, and these costs could be avoided by being insured.”

What he urges you to do instead : Compare insurance providers to get the best prices, and look for coverage that fits your needs and your trip, rather than always choosing the cheapest. This routine ensures you’re covered for what you actually need, and you’re not paying for what you don’t.

3. HACK: STICK TO A STRICT ITINERARY

Travel can be unpredictable. Attractions you’ve been looking forward to seeing can unexpectedly close, weather can change which could mean you can’t go to the beach, and restaurants you saw online can become fully booked.

It’s natural to want to see everything, and not want to feel like you’re wasting any time, but planning every minute of each day of your trip can have its downsides.

James said: “Whether you’re going on a long weekend to Italy or a two week safari in Africa, being too strict with your plans can not only lead to travel burnout, but it can also mean you miss out on spontaneity, hidden gems that aren’t in the guide books, and time to actually relax to enjoy your time away.”

What he urges you to do instead: Make a list of things you must see, but avoid scheduling things back to back so you don’t become tired or rushed. Think about how much time you’ll need to truly appreciate each activity, and leave free time throughout your trip to allow you to relax and explore.

4. HACK: ONLY USE CASH TO CONTROL YOUR BUDGET

Travellers often think that only using cash can help them control their budget. Studies have shown that using a credit card “reduces the pain of payment” and increases the motivation to spend. Saving a fixed amount of money for each day also means you could avoid overspending, but only having cash can be risky, and may not actually save consumers any money.

James offered: “If you run out, you might have to pay additional fees to withdraw more, or could simply miss out on experiences that you can afford, but don’t have the cash to pay for. Having only cash can give you a false sense of frugality, and can lead to you spending money unnecessarily because you don’t want to miss out due to exchange rates when you get home.

“As well as not saving money, only carrying cash means you are more at risk of loss of theft. If you lose your wallet, or it is stolen, you lose your entire travel budget – and a lost card can be easily frozen, unlike lost cash.”

What he urges you to do instead: Make a budget before you travel, but give yourself some room for unexpected purchases and experiences. Bring some local currency for convenience, and things like tips or local markets that don’t accept card. But, don’t rely on it solely as using a combination of cash and card reduces your risk and unnecessary fees. It also provides you with both flexibility and control of your spending.

5. HACK: ROLL ALL OF YOUR CLOTHES TO SAVE SPACE SUITCASE SPACE

The “roll method” has been viral for a long time as the perfect way to pack to maximise space in your suitcase by rolling up everything and placing it in your luggage. However, while it’s perfect for lightweight items like T-shirts, it doesn’t work for bulkier items like jeans and jackets.The process can actually take up more space if it isn’t done correctly, and you can even end up accidentally going over your luggage allowance which will potentially cause problems or cost more money on your travels.

What James urges you to do instead: Roll selectively, folding heavier things and layering them at the bottom. Don’t forget about the space inside shoes that can be filled with small items, so the space isn’t wasted. Don’t pack things “just in case”. Plan full outfits, making sure you can mix and match to avoid taking too much. Dress according to the environment and climate that you are going to be holidaying in while assessing your comfort level on flights regarding the clothing you will wear in transit.

UK staycations can often set you back hundreds, but for the same price – or even less – you could get into the festive spirit in another country.

According to travel money experts at eurochange, it can cost upwards of £1,600 for a family of four to stay in a lodge in the UK around the Christmas period.

Yet, for the same price you could be jetting off to Europe and exploring local Christmas markets.

Here are five great alternatives for an adventure during the Christmas period.

Zakopane, Poland

Zakopane located in Poland is known for being a top ski destination, especially thanks to the Tatra mountains.

The town has its own Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit, with stalls selling regional food such as oscypek – smoked sheep cheese.

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You can also grab a cup of mulled wine and explore stalls with local craft items.

This cosy destination is just two hours from Krakow, with return flights from London costing as little as £34 in December.

Alternatively, you could grab return flights from Birmingham, Edinburgh or Newcastle from £59.

Accommodation prices for December stays aren’t bad either.

For example, you could stay at willa anulka na Hrubym for five nights for £191 total for two adults and two children – and it is only 1.1 miles from the ski lifts.

Alternatively, head to Willa Senator which is less than half a mile from the ski lift and 1.4 miles from the town centre and costs £214 for five nights for a family of four.

It is the perfect spot to stay in with kids as there is an outdoor play area and garden.

Kakheti, Georgia

Kakheti in Georgia is known for being a great wine region, with many wineries hosting Christmas events throughout December.

Visitors can head to one of the wineries and try wines made in the region, aged in qvevris – a traditional clay vessel used in the winemaking process.

Georgia also has a ‘feast’ culture, known in the country as ‘supra’, with local treats including churchkhela – candle-shaped walnut sweets.

Return flights to Tbilisi from London cost from £152 per person.

When it comes to accommodation, there are a vast array of options depending on your budget.

For example, you could stay in the winery at Elizbar Talakvadze for £391 for five nights in December, for a family of four.

If you fancy staying somewhere with a pool, then you could stay at Holiday Inn Telavi by IHG for £429 for five nights also in December, for a family of four.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne in Germany is often considered one of the most festive cities in the world with multiple Christmas markets to explore.

At the markets visitors can enjoy mulled wine and traditional German snacks, such as Reibekuchen, which are a type of potato pancakes.

Or alternatively opt for a Christmas market classic, a Bratwurst with sauerkraut.

The city is also home to a beautiful Cathedral worth visiting.

Flights from Manchester in December cost from £41 or from London you could head there for £64.

Five nights at the Mercure Hotel Köln West in December cost from £455 for a family of four.

Alternatively, you could stay in an apartment at FeWo Central, just 1.3 miles from the city centre for £373 for five nights in December for a family of four.

Courchevel, France

The French Alps are an idyllic spot for a holiday during the Christmas period with Courchevel being transformed with festive lights and cheery decorations.

The destination has lots of family friendly activities including skiing, with ski schools for little ones, ice skating and dog sledding.

Courchevel is about two hours from Geneva Airport, which you can fly to in December for as little as £46 return from London, £48 return from Liverpool and £50 return from Belfast.

Accommodation in Courchevel is typically more expensive, however there are some good deals out there, such as a stay during the first week of December at the La Tania 309 Le Britania apartment, which is just a short walk from the ski lift.

For five nights for a family of four it costs from £370.

There are many more options for chalets between the £600 and £1,000 mark for a week, for a family of four in December.

Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is known for its UNESCO-listed old town which looks like it has been ripped from the pages of a Disney fairytale.

Add in the snow the city often gets and some festive spirit, it becomes a great option for a Christmas getaway.

In the Town Hall Square, there is a Christmas market which claims to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1441.

The market has lots of stalls with Estonian snacks such as blood sausages.

It is cheapest to fly to Tallinn from London, with return fares costing from £44 in December.

Options for accommodation in the city are vast, including Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn for £413 for five nights for a family of four.

Alternatively, if you fancy a spa and some fun for the kids, head to Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark in the centre of the city for £494, for five nights for a family of four including breakfast.

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If you do want to stay in the UK, then these are the prettiest Christmas markets in Britain – with hotel stays from £37.

Plus, Europe’s largest indoor Christmas attraction is coming to the UK – with unlimited rides and an elf circus show.

Laura Teagle, who enjoyed a “gorgeous” day trip to a European city, has shared a money-saving hack that will help you travel to abroad for less than it costs to get around the UK

France is synonymous with its sun-drenched vineyards, bustling boulevards and medieval castles. A trip over the British Channel is one many make from the UK for a weekend break or longer. But one influencer has taken the extreme route and managed to find a genius way to make a day trip to France affordable.

While the Eurostar is famed for offering easy travel to places like Paris and Brussels, there’s one underrated gem in France that TikTok personality Laura Teagle says foodies and day-trippers must visit. While train fares continue to soar, making enjoyable days out across Britain increasingly costly, Laura has a handy trick to make a day trip to France easy and friendly on the wallet.

Posting under @teagleeats, Laura shared with her audience how she managed to secure discounted Eurostar fares. The influencer nabbed £39 railway tickets to a French destination she described as “gorgeous” at a lower cost than journeying between major British cities.

Laura chronicled her excursion to Lille, a “charming” city situated just inside the border with Belgium. She opened her post declaring: “When a day trip to France is cheaper than a day out in London you best believe I’m going.”

Laura – who also operates her own confectionery enterprise called Teagle’s Treats – outlined how she obtained the budget-friendly train fares. In a TikTok video following her post showcasing her adventure to Lille, she revealed: “Okay I didn’t realise this wasn’t common knowledge but I’m gonna tell you the best life hack for travelling to France for cheap.

“So I’m always going straight to the Eurostar website, then once I’m there instead of typing in a date, a time and location, I’m gonna go down and I’m gonna search for this – the book now button for Paris for £39. When you get there you’ll see this: all these different locations all from £39 each way.

“The next trick is to go all the way through the calendar and see where all of these £39 dates are and choose the one that’s most appropriate. So in this case I choose January 17 and then obviously to return on the same day, I’m gonna click the same date.

“Then we’re gonna choose ‘get times’ and we’re gonna be presented with this screen. Then I’m gonna swipe through all of the different times and choose the cheapest or the best time available.

“So in this case it’s a 7:04 train for £44 and for the return, I’m gonna do the exact same thing. I’m gonna swipe choose the best cheapest price for the latest train so the 7:35pm.

“And that’s literally it. That is how you travel to France for the day for so cheap.”

Throughout her adventure in Lille, Laura and her mate explored numerous bakeries to taste the regional delicacies. Following her 7am departure from London aboard Eurostar, she and her companion popped into a Lille supermarket to grab some brie for €1 (87p).

She described the “gorgeous” stroll to a patisserie, where she tasted pain au chocolat that she dubbed “literally the best” and declared she craved “75 more” of the bakery’s eclairs. Following that, it was a morning exploring the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum.

Laura branded it a “must go” destination for merely €4 (£3.5). Another bakery visit ensued, where she sampled Lille’s renowned brioche and suggested tourists should also savour the wonderful cuisine available. She continued: “Being close to Belgium we obviously had to check out beer shops” before making a beeline for Méert, a bakery that’s become an internet sensation for its delectable treats.

Laura enthused: “I don’t care that this is hyped up online and the queues are long, you have got to go.” She posted a snap of a vanilla tartlet from the bakery, confessing she “literally dribbled” while capturing the shot.

She reiterated: “I’ll say it again. God! Bless! The! French!” Laura and her companion then enjoyed an alfresco lunch, featuring a cheese board that left her “speechless” and saucisson, a French sausage she dubbed “our actual fave”.

After sampling some local booze, they made their way to the Lille flea market which she declared was “100% worth the visit”. Their next stop was Au Point Central, a bistro offering €5 glasses of Pinot Noir.

Come dinner time, Laura and her friend hit Cafe de Paris for a “perfect” sirloin steak, fries and a salad at a cost of €25 (£22). Laura’s final verdict was unequivocal.

She declared: “I will absolutely be continuing to advocate for getting the first train out/last train back on Eurostar on all and any occasions.

“£150 all in return trains, all food, drinks and activities like London could just never? Grab your passport, grab your girls and go flirt with the French, eat their food and drink their wine.”

In the recent Post Office Travel Money long-haul bargains report, Barbados had the biggest price drop since 2023, with a basket of essentials falling almost 19% in price

The price of staying in an island destination with white sand beaches and palm trees has plummeted in recent years.

In the UK, the cost of living has been on a steady rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. While inflation is now down to 4% after a rough couple of years in which it hit 11.1%, it continues to outstrip the wage inflation of around 3%. That means, for most people, life is getting more expensive.

All the more reason to head to a destination where the relative price of holiday staples such as beer, wine and meals out has been tumbling.

In the recent Post Office Travel Money long-haul bargains report, Barbados had the biggest price drop since 2023, with a basket of essentials falling almost 19% in price.

A bottle of lager costs £2.78 and a cup of coffee £2.54, while a cocktail will set you back £6.34 and a glass of wine £4.76 on average. This is significantly pricier than destinations at the top of the list such as Hoi An in Vietnam, where coffee costs just £1.21 and beer £1.23.

However, Barbados has a reputation as more of a premium holiday location and is a relatively small island, so you’d expect prices to be a bit higher. Especially given the fantastic weather in Barbados, where the average temperature in October and November is 30C.

That said, the falling cost of holiday goods and the presence of some surprisingly good value accommodation options mean you can still experience this beautiful island without breaking the bank.

The more affordable options start from just £82.52 per night for two adults. One such option is Ocean Spray Apartments. Situated right on the beach, these eco-friendly apartments offer stunning views of the renowned Surfer’s Point – an ideal choice for ocean lovers.

Another budget-friendly choice on Barbados’s south coast is the family-owned Carambola Hotel, just a five-minute stroll from the beach. With rates starting at a mere £87 per night for two adults, it’s a real steal.

As for dining, Barbados offers incredible food that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The island’s cuisine is a vital part of its identity, and travellers seeking authentic island flavours will discover that some of the best meals come without a hefty price tag.

A trip to Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday night is a must-do. It offers a mix of fresh seafood, music, and a buzzing community vibe. Locals and tourists rub shoulders, tucking into grilled marlin, flying fish, and macaroni pie straight off the grill.

Expect to pay between £11 – £13 per head. There are also top-notch fast food options, including Rihanna’s beloved Chefette. A meal here will set you back around £7. But it’s not your average fast food joint – famous for its legendary rotis, crispy fried chicken and tropical milkshakes, Chefette is a true Bajan gem.

When it comes to activities, Barbados is ideal for those travelling on a (relatively long) shoestring. The island’s breathtaking natural beauty can be enjoyed without spending a penny. Every beach in Barbados is open to the public, meaning holidaymakers can unwind on the same gorgeous sands as the celebs.

Pebbles Beach, in particular, offers a uniquely Bajan experience, as racehorses from the nearby stables are brought down to the shore each morning for a swim, a sight that combines local culture with natural beauty and won’t cost you a thing.

Getting to Barbados can be much cheaper than some of the other destinations listed on the Post Office Travel Money report. Skyscanner is currently listing a return flight in November from £407.

On Monday, the artificial intelligence giant OpenAI introduced a feature that would allow users to make purchases through ChatGPT, in partnership with Etsy and Shopify. Travel experts say this will pave the way for a big change.

The way we book holidays is set to change hugely as the travel industry braces for a “massively disruptive” tech update.

On Monday, the artificial intelligence giant OpenAI introduced a feature that would allow users to make purchases through ChatGPT, in partnership with Etsy and Shopify.

“Users can now buy directly from US Etsy sellers right in chat, with over a million Shopify merchants, like Glossier, SKIMS, Spanx and Vuori, coming soon. Today, Instant Checkout supports single-item purchases. Next, we’ll add multi-item carts and expand merchants and regions,” the organisation announced.

The move is set to disrupt the online commerce world, as soon the 700 million weekly users of ChatGPT will be able to shop on the AI interface, without visiting other websites. This will hand OpenAI a huge amount of power in the world of e-commerce, and make it a lot of money through fees from sellers.

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Following the announcement, experts in the future of travel have predicted a world in which ChatGPT – or another similar large-language model – will achieve market dominance and become a ‘super-app’, serving as a portal to every part of the internet.

It will be possible to plan holidays in great detail using the AI, as many tech-savvy travellers already do. The big difference in the future will be that it’d then be possible to book the entire holiday in a minimal number of clicks, without leaving the page, the experts predicted.

Speaking at the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) summit in Rome on Tuesday, Guy Johnson, an anchor with Bloomberg, said: “That is a huge shift. That is a new model. That is massively disruptive.”

Gaurav Bhatnagar, co-founder of TBO.com, predicted that the changes would be positive from the customer’s perspective. “The quality of service will improve. You will need fewer people (as a travel company). From a customer’s perspective, it will be cheaper, easier to book, and the experience will be better,” he said.

The change would be far more significant for travel companies. “It is likely that when ChatGPT gets the customer to the point when they’re going to book, it will send the holiday plan out to their clients and say ‘who is going to bid for this?’ My guess is that ChatGPT wants to replace Amazon, Booking.com, to become the super app,”Mr Bhatnagar continued.

Paolo Benanti, president of the AI Commission for Information and a member of the UN Advisory Board on AI, was similarly boosterish. He said: “You would expect that an AI agent could arrange more accurately than a human can.”

The prospect of an AI revolution in travel has been brewing for a number of years. At last year’s WTTC summit, similar predictions were made about how large language models could be used to generate personalised travel itineraries for holidaymakers.

“Challenges that must be overcome by travel and tourism businesses include a shortage of AI-skilled workers, limited AI infrastructure, and the absence of a formal ‘AI strategy’ in many business plans. Travel and tourism businesses are urged to embrace AI as a strategic priority, investing heavily in talent to foster collaboration between humans and AI,” a statement from the WTTC read.

During the first months of the rollout of ChatGPT, the Mirror embarked on a mystery road trip arranged by the software and discovered some of the strong points and pitfalls of relying on a bot for advice and direction.

IF you’re already planning ahead for the festive season, you can nab a huge saving on Christmas chocolate right now.

A bargain UK supermarket is selling 25p Cadbury’s selection boxes for £2.50 cheaper than a rival store.

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The bargain comes after news that struggling Poundland is going back to basics, with plans to increase the number of products sold in store for just a quid.

The Cadbury’s 25p selection box weighs in at 125g and includes a selection of favourite treats.

This includes Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Freddo Caramel, Fudge, Crunchie,, Dairy Milk Little Bar, Treatsize Buttons and a Wispa.

An identical selection box is on sale at Iceland‘s for £2,50.

But you will have to pop into your local Poundland to pick up the bargain as Poundland‘s website is now for browsing only.

A statement on the site reads: “We’re currently working very hard behind the scenes to simplify and refocus our stores.

“And that means very soon there’ll be even more ranges at £1 and new items to choose from each week.

“Unfortunately, we will no longer be providing an online delivery service from the 16th September 2025.

“While we know most of our online shoppers also visit us regularly in stores (thank you!), we know this will be disappointing to all who’ve been using our online ordering service.”

Cheapest UK supermarket to buy Christmas chocolate tubs

Whether you’re indulging in the festive treats ahead of time or you’re stocking up for your friends, family, and co-workers, this deal offers impressive savings.

The offer comes after Morrisons slashed the price of a variety of chocolate tubs from £7 to just £4.50.

Now, Tesco is giving shoppers a chance match this price, with some tubs reduced right now.

Clubcard holders can avail of significant savings with tubs of Cadbury’s Heroes and Roses reduced to just £5.25.

Nestle Celebrations and Quality Street are also available for just £4.50.

Sainsbury’s slashes the price of Cadbury favourites starting today

Supermarkets often watch each other’s sales and try to price match especially in the lead up to Christmas.

And Sainsbury’s is slashing the price of Cadbury favourites for five days only starting today.

The promotion will take the price of Heroes and Roses tubs down from £7 to £4.50 – perfect for anyone looking to stock up ahead of the festive season.

A large box of Milk Tray will see its cost halve from £11 to £5.50

And pouches including Cadbury giant buttons, crunchie rocks, oreo bites, twirl bites, will fall from £1.95 to 97p.

Large 90g bars of Cadbury Dairy Milk will drop from £2.20 to £1.50.

The discounted prices take effect from Wednesday September 17 and will last until Sunday September 21.

However, they are only available to Nectar account holders, so you’ll need to sign up for the loyalty scheme if you are not already a member.

Mum Billie Van Der Walt and her husband Selwyn have given up their home in Manchester to see the world with their two young sons, Bligh, four, and two-year-old Rothko

A mum has ditched life in the UK to “give her boys the world” instead of sticking them in a classroom.

Last year, Billie Van Der Walt and her husband Selwyn, 35, gave up their home to hit the road with their two sons, Bligh, four, and Rothko, two.

The couple, who hail from Atherton, Greater Manchester, are currently in Vietnam – and have already made trips to Abu Dhabi, South Korea and Thailand.

It has meant that there were no ‘back to school’ photos from Billie and Selwyn; instead the proud mum took a snap of her little lad Bligh casually posing in his sunglasses with a huge travelling backpack.

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Billie, 36, said: “There’s a little bit of guilt at him not having the milestone of the ‘picture in uniform behind the door’ and occasionally we worry that he’s missing out but we know we’re doing the right thing – giving him the world!

“Bligh is actually a year or two ahead of where a school would expect him to be – which is amazing for us because all of the learning we do is child-led.

“We’ve [also] saved hundreds on uniform, equipment etc – that’s a couple of weeks’ living costs here in Vietnam! We get to spend time together, not worrying about all the stresses of back to school.”

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Taking to social media to share the reality behind her decision, the mum wrote: “Sad isn’t the right word, but I’m definitely in my feels today.

“We know we made the right decision and we’re SO lucky to be living this life… BUT there’s a small part of me that’s missed getting him his own little uniform, packing him a lunch he’ll love and giving him the biggest squeezes at the school gates.

“We know he’d smash it but he’s doing SO well and as someone pointed out to us last week, we LITERALLY are giving our boys the world, still, today’s a difficult one.”

Billie continued: “Sending so much love to everyone waving their whole hearts away this morning as they trot through the school gates and I can’t WAIT to see all of their beautiful first day of school pics all over my feed in a couple of hours time.”

According to Billie and Selwyn, before they left Manchester they were often struggling to pay bills and found it hard to fit “precious family time” into one weekend. And while they were happy and coping, they lived “paycheque-to-paycheque” and relied on credit cards for unexpected expenses.

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Selwyn worked long hours at a kitchen showroom while Billie stayed at home with the boys. Meanwhile, expensive nursery fees and the idea of being fined for taking their children out of school were all factors that pushed them to think differently.

Billie said: “In terms of the kids’ education, there are a few ways to describe it, but we definitely fall under worldschooling and unschooling.

“Unschooling sometimes gets a bad rap – people think it means doing nothing. But really, it’s just learning through life.”

The mum-of-two describes their approach to learning as a mix of museum visits and local experiences. While some days involve reading and workbooks, others are more spontaneous – like stopping to learn how sewer pipes are repaired or talking about history while visiting a landmark.

She said: “People have said, ‘You’re being selfish, the kids won’t even remember it,’ or ‘You’re ruining their education and future.’

“To the ones who say they won’t remember it, we always reply, ‘They won’t remember their first birthdays or Christmases either – but those moments still matter. These experiences are shaping who they are.

“I was truly happy before but now it’s as if my soul feels a little lighter. I didn’t even realise how much the weather in the UK affected my mood until we left and had more sunshine.”

The family say they have no plans to return to their old lives in the UK but hope to eventually settle somewhere with more sunshine and a slower pace. In the meantime, they have their next destination decided – China.

Apple TV+ has implemented an 11% price rise but there are ways to watch hit shows like Severance, Slow Horses and The Morning Show for less.

Apple TV+ has quietly increased the price of a monthly subscription, but there are several ways to get it cheaper if you know where to look. Last month, the streamer upped its subscription fee £8.99 to £9.99 for both new and existing customers.

This 11% rise may not seem like a huge increase, but it makes Apple TV+ one of the more expensive platforms compared to the basic subscription tiers of Netflix (£5.99), Disney+ (£4.99) and Prime Video (£8.99). However, each of these plans has adverts, while Apple TV+ is ad-free.

Apple told the BBC that while the new price applies immediately for new users, existing subscribers have until 30 days after their next renewal before they start paying more. It comes as Apple TV+ is gearing up for the return of hit shows including The Morning Show (September 17) and Slow Horses (September 24).

Also on its 2025 slate is Matthew McConaughey survival drama The Lost Bus (October 3) and Pluribus (November 7), a new sci-fi series from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together several ways to get an Apple TV+ subscription for less.

Watch for free with a seven-day trial

New Apple TV+ members can watch everything on the platform without paying a penny by signing up for a seven-day free trial. This is ideal for those only wanting to watch a particular series as it allows members to binge every episode in one week, just remember to cancel the trial before it moves to a paid subscription.

However, there is a way to reduce the cost for those happy to stick with the service.

Apple TV+ Annual Plan

£119.88

£89

Apple TV+

Get Apple TV+ here

Apple TV+ members can save £30.88 by paying for a year up front.

Save £31 with an annual plan

Members who have no intention of cancelling their subscription anytime soon may want to consider an Apple TV+ annual plan. Paying for a year’s access up front has not increased so still costs the usual £89, while 12 monthly payments will now end up costing £119.88 on the new rate.

This means those who are loyal to Apple TV+ can save £30.88 if they’re happy to make the commitment.

Get 3 months free with an eligible device

Apple offers three months of Apple TV+ access to shoppers buying an eligible Apple device including iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. They don’t have to be bought from Apple, with new devices bought from retailers including Sky Mobile and Amazon usually eligible for the deal.

One of our favourite options at the moment is Sky Mobile’s iPhone 16e deal, which is down to a record low price of £18 when spreading the cost. The catch with this plan is that it only comes with 100MB of data, but larger allowances are available for those happy to pay a little more.

Sky also offers the new MacBook Air 13” M4 for £20. Other options include Amazon’s £101 discount on an iPhone 16 for £698, or £70 discount on the latest iPad Air M3 for £529.

Save 44% with Apple One

This option is ideal for customers subscribed to multiple Apple services such as Apple TV+, Apple Music and iCloud. An Apple One bundle rolls all of these into one monthly subscription offering discounts up to £28.99 per month compared to paying for each service separately – a saving of 44%.

A subscription can also be shared by up to five people on select plans, perfect for cutting costs for the whole family. Apple One comes in a choice of three plans:

• Individual (£18.95) – TV+, Music, Arcade, iCloud+ 50GB.
• Family (£24.95) – TV+, Music, Arcade, iCloud+ 200GB.
• Premier (£36.95) – TV+, Music, Arcade, iCloud+ 2TB, Fitness+ and News+.

WE all love going on a summer holiday, but travelling during the school break can have its downsides. 

Airports and stations are busy, prices skyrocket and temperatures across Europe can soar to uncomfortable highs.

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The last thing you want to do is book a sunny beach break, only to find yourself hiding in the shade or escaping indoors for some much-needed air-con. 

This year, both Spain and Portugal saw scorching 46C temperatures and the heat in Turkey rose to a record-breaking 50.5C, which for many Brits was a bit too hot. 

Nowadays, some of the most popular summer destinations are actually better in the October half term than they are in peak time – with highs of 30C and fewer crowds.

Plus, with less demand for flights and resorts, with some hot deals, you could actually save hundreds on your holiday.

Here are our top picks for an bargain autumn jaunt:

Paphos, Cyprus for £205pp

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October is a sweet spot in Cyprus, with autumn months near-perfect weather-wise. 

In the Cyprus off-season, it’s sunny almost every day with temperatures around 26C. 

Even the sea temperature stays a pleasant 24C and beaches are far less crowded and more serene than in the height of summer. 

While some beach resorts lose their vibrancy and buzz in the low season, Paphos is in full swing. 

Even the super-summer outlets, like beach cafes and food stands remain open until at least the first week of November. 

Paphos, especially, is a top spot in the low season. Resorts that were packed out all summer offer the same stunning pools, sea views and entertainment, but with no sunbed scrum or going elbow-to-elbow at the buffet.

History buffs and those who want to sight-see can take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings, one of the largest collections of ancient mosaics in the world. 

In October, there is no need to book and no long lines to get in.

Better still, you can bag some of the best prices you’ll see all year. 

A seven-night stay at the 3-star, Club St George Resort, room only and with return flights from Manchester is only £209.

Get the deal: loveholidays.com

Dalaman Coast, Turkey for £129pp

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You might say there is no such thing as winter in the Aegean. 

Whilst the temperature does dip at the end of the year, October still has stunning weather in Turkey. 

The Dalaman Coast, with its beautiful beaches, lush forests and crystal-clear water is ideal for a post-summer escape. 

Not to mention the prices are as impressive as the scenery. 

Named the Turquoise Coast by locals – who all take full advantage of the lingering summer, heading to the beach from Turkey’s busy cities – the location is stunning.

The Blue Lagoon is the most beautiful spot on the coast. With incredibly clear water, white sand banks, excellent snorkelling and hidden beaches and coves.

October and November sometimes threaten a rain shower, but that’s when you head to one of the canopy-covered coastal bars for plates of traditional Manti (Turkish dumplings), Börek pastries and a glass of local budget beer for £3 a pint.

If you’ve got sea legs, take a boat trip out onto the water. 

As well as a panoramic view of Turkey’s forest-lined coastline, you can spend the day snorkelling, swimming, or just lounging around on deck, like an off-duty A-lister who knows when and where to go to avoid the crowds. 

With less demand, excursions and boat trips are a fraction of the price you’ll pay in summer.

However, the real savings are the jaw-dropping deals on offer for Turkey at this time of year.

A seven-night room-only stay at Club Sun Smile in Marmaris is only £129 per person, including flights on easyJet from London Gatwick. This is less than half the price of the same holiday in summer, which was £429 per person.

Get the deal: loveholidays.com

Crete, Greek Islands, for £169pp

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The whitewashed Greek islands, like Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos, are swamped with tourists in the summer.

But on many islands, once autumn is in full swing and the hedonistic summer days have relaxed, lots of businesses close up for the season. 

A big reason for this is that the number of big-spending cruise ship passengers drops dramatically, with the ocean liners sailing further south for the warmer weather and less choppy waters.

However, one of the best Greek Islands will still be in full swing and is ideal for a pre-winter visit.

It’s time to set your sights on Crete and the charming resorts that are dotted across the island.

Coastal towns like Chania and Rethymnon are hives of activity, with resorts that offer fantastic value for money, especially at family resorts. 

There are cute, little beach towns all along the coast, but you may find the sea itself a bit chilly at this time of year. 

Chania is an excellent city to explore or go for a wander, popping into local shops, gelato stands and grabbing an outdoor table at one of the cafes that line the harbour.

Watch the super yachts go in and out while you snack on tasty mezze spreads, £10 bottles of wine and some of the cheapest beer in the Med. 

It doesn’t have the white and blue aesthetic commonly associated with Greece, and feels more like a romantic Italian town. 

Much of Chania is pedestrianised, so it’s ideal for visiting with kids. 

There is a cheap bus that runs from the city to all the major beach towns, so you can save even more money by not renting a car or taking costly taxis. 

The chilled out Valentina Apartments have an excellent customer rating and a picturesque location, surrounded by olive trees. 

The self-catering apartment means you can make this a home-away-from-home for the week and all for just £169, including flights from London Gatwick.

Get the deal: travelsupermarket.com

Dubai, United Arab Emirates for £512.50pp

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Dubai’s almost too-hot-to-handle summer heat finally becomes more comfortable for us Brits in October, making it one of the best times to visit as a family.

The Arab Emirates hotspot (literally) is more of a luxury break than the bargains you can book in Europe. 

But if you’ve always wanted to see it for yourself, this is the time to pick up a great deal. 

Toward the end of the year, airfares to Dubai begin to increase again, as people flee to the swanky desert for some almost-guaranteed winter sun. 

Squeezing in a trip between summer and Christmas is the best time to get a cracking deal, saving hundreds on a cheeky escape.

There is so much to do as a family here, including desert safaris, the aquarium and water parks like Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm.

Downtown is a good place to stay with families, since it’s in the middle of everything. 

The MD Hotel by Gewan is next to the famous Mall of the Emirates and a short drive to the tourist hub and beach area, Palm Jumeirah.

Plus, it has a rooftop pool with views of the city. 

A stay here is £512.50 for seven nights, bed and breakfast and flights on TUI from Stansted, including checked and carry-on luggage.

Get the deal: tui.co.uk

Playa del Carmen, Mexico for £618.24pp

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Long-haul trips will always be more of a commitment both time-wise and budget-wise, but if you’ve always wanted to jet off to a tropical paradise, this is your booking window. 

Mexico is a great destination in the autumn months. 

It is technically the rainy season, but tropical downpours tend to be quick, steamy and over before they’ve even begun. 

The plus side is you end up with fresh, less dusty air, and a bit of rain makes everything cooler.

After a quick shower, the rest of the day is usually blue skies and sunny but not hot and humid, which is ideal for families. 

The beaches here are beautiful, with lots of opportunities for water sports, snorkelling over the coral reef and boat excursions.

Or, you can just spend the day paddling and playing on the golden-sand beaches. 

Riviera Maya is also a great place to visit if you want to see the historic, cultural side of Mexico. 

In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you can tour the famous Mayan Ruins of Coba, a preserved ancient Maya city, which is a fascinating part of Mexico’s history.

The HM Playa del Carmen is offering a seven-night bed and breakfast deal with return flights from Manchester to Cancun on TUI, including baggage and transfers, for £618.24 per person.

This is also 50% cheaper than the same trip in peak time, which for Mexico is December to March.

Get the deal: tui.co.uk

Bridport, located on the Jurassic Coast, boasts a number of attractions, including a beach-side bar and beautiful coastal walks to a Michelin-listed restaurant and thatched brewery

As the cost of living continues to rise, more Brits are choosing staycations over foreign holidays. With this in mind, why not swap your usual holiday destinations like Spain, France or Portugal for the delightful town of Bridport on the Jurassic Coast this year?

Bridport, self-styled as ‘Dorset’s eventful town’, is a vibrant and bustling destination with plenty to offer. One of its highlights is The Watch House Cafe, a beach bar that recently made it onto Conde Nast Traveller’s list of the best beach bars in the UK. Google reviews describe it as a ‘fantastic find’ with a ‘lovely setting right on the beach’ and ‘excellent fish tacos’.

With cocktails priced at £9 and a ‘Mermaid’s Kiss’ mocktail for £5, it’s a great spot to enjoy a summer evening with family.

READ MORE: Haven holiday park in UK tourist hotspot plans major expansion

The town also boasts a variety of shopping opportunities, with two main streets filled with unique boutiques. In terms of entertainment, the Art Deco Electric Palace screens films, and live performances are held at the Bridport Arts Centre, The Lyric. And don’t forget to check out the prestigious Bridport Literary Festival, reports MyLondon.

West Bay and Burton Bradstock offer stunning coastal walks with their pebbly beaches and dramatic sandstone cliffs. After a day of exploration, there are a variety of dining options. Dorshi, a Michelin-listed East Asian diner, and the Red Brick Cafe, known for its vegetarian dishes, are among the local favourites.

For a truly unique dining experience, why not try The Station Kitchen, which offers a quirky setting inside railway carriages?

Tucked away in Bridport is Palmers, the UK’s only thatched brewery and arguably the town’s best-kept secret.

When it’s time to hit the hay, Haddon House hotel is a top choice. Just 300 yards from the harbour and boasting a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, it’s a real gem. Guests have described the hotel as ‘excellent’, ‘faultless’, and ‘beautiful’, and some suites even feature spa baths.

Bridport has been dubbed ‘Notting Hill-on-sea’. However, this comparison isn’t entirely accurate. While both places have revamped their Electric Palace Cinemas, the property prices tell a different story.

Notting Hill, one of London’s most expensive areas, boasts an average house price of £1.6 million, according to Rightmove. In contrast, homes in Bridport average at £371K, making them over a million cheaper than their Notting Hill counterparts.

The journey from London to Bridport by car is fairly straightforward, taking around three and a quarter hours, mostly along the M3.

If you’re opting for public transport, catch a train from Waterloo to Axminster. From there, hop on an X51 Jurassic Coaster bus – a treat for all you transport enthusiasts – which will get you to Bridport in just over an hour. All in all, expect the journey to take just under four hours.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]

READ MORE: NYX’s new Wednesday range features a ‘mysterious’ £9 colour changing lip oil

LIDL will be selling a Thermomix dupe that is significantly cheaper than the original.

Savings of more than £1,000 can be made with this middle aisle purchase from the discount retailer.

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Lidl is about to sell a dupe of the Thermomix worth £1,349 for just £299 for Lidl Plus customers.

Called the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, this exciting kitchen appliance will be in stores from Thursday, September 4.

It is a multi-functional device that can be used for everything you need, from food processing, cooking, searing, steaming, kneading, blending, and stirring.

There are even programming options available for it to chop, shred, grind, pure or emulsify ingredients.

You can therefore make anything from soups, sauces, or vegetable, meat or noodle dishes.

The smart device has WiFi functions that provides free monthly recipe updates with a registered user account, along with over 600 pre-installed recipes with step-by-step instructions through its cooking pilot.

There is also guided video cooking for selected recipes, that can be played on its fast-reacting 8-inch display screen.

On top of that, there is voice control capabilities that can be activated via Google Assistant.

Kitchen scales have been integrated into the device to enable weighing of ingredients that have been placed directly into the pot.

With 1000W power, up to 1kg of dough can be processes, through 10 speed settings including turbo function for pulse blending.

Kneading dough or stirring soups and stews can be carried out in the anti-clockwise motion the Monsieur Cuisine provides.

Furthermore, its facilitates precise cooking with temperatures from 37-130C that can be set in five degree increments.

There is also a 99 minute timer.

All the accessories are dishwasher safe, including the 4.5L stainless steel blender jug and various attachments that include a steamer, blade, and mixer.

The product is exclusively available for Lidl Plus customers to reserve from August 21 to 25 on the Lidl Plus App.

Regular customers can then purchase the Monsieur Cuisine once they are available in store next month.

Lidl’s version of the Thermomix seems to come with many functionalities of the original, at a much more affordable price.

This deal comes after Lidl was also found selling another kitchen appliance that can be used for baking at a price £400 cheaper than others.

It was their Silvercrest Kitchen Tools Stand Mixer, that was sold for only £49.99.

The budget-friendly retailer also had XL dual view air fryer available for just £79.99 this summer.

Lidl’s 15L Salter air fryer was half the price of Curry’s version, with six cooking functions and a sleek LED display.

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LONDON Heathrow Airport has revealed their multi-billion masterplan for the extension of the airport including the controversial third runway.

The huge project is expected to cost nearly £50million, if given the go-ahead by the government.

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The major new upgrade will be the £21billion third runway, which is set to be operational in the next 10 years.

This is the same estimation of costs predicted in 2014 of £14billion, when adjusted for inflation.

The new 3,500 metre runway will be in the northwest of the airport, and will eventually welcome up to 276,000 new flights a year.

This takes the annual flights from 480,000 to 756,000, with as many as 30 new flight routes a day.

It could even welcome more budget airlines, such as easyJet who have expressed desires to launch from London Heathrow with the expansion.

easyJet boss Kenton Jarvis said: “I’ve always thought Heathrow would fit our network of primary airports with great catchment areas.

“It would be a unique opportunity to operate from Heathrow at scale and give us an opportunity to provide lower fares for UK consumers that currently at Heathrow just have the option of flag carriers.”

The airport suggests this could save as much as £79billion over three decades with the addition of low-cost airlines.

A new £15billion terminal complex will also be built, called T5XW and T5XN.

The creation of the new terminals will also see T1 and T3 demolished, and T2 expanded, at the cost of £15billion.

In total, the entire project is expected to cost as much as £49billion.

As many as 150million passengers could then be using the airport, up from 84million.

This would make it the busiest airports in the world, overtaking Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s 105million passengers.

The airport hopes to get planning permission by 2029, if ministers allow the proposal to go ahead.

Other parts of the renovation include a 50 per cent in cargo capacity, and and larger access for buses and trains.

One of the biggest concerns is the access around the M25, a notoriously busy motorway.

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The improvement plans also include the widening the M25 near the Heathrow junctions (at a cost of £1.5billion) which will see a new section in a tunnel under the runway to reduce congestion.

A similar road layout is already in place at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

Earlier today, rival plans for a cheaper third runway were put forward.

Arora Group – a major Heathrow landowner – proposed a shorter third runway which would eliminate the need to reroute the M25.

Rather than being 3,500 metres in length, it would be just 2,800 metres.

The plans also include a new T6 terminal, with the full project estimated at £25million – half the cost of the official London Heathrow plans.

Mr Surinder Arora explained in regards to the ‘Heathrow West’ plan: “I am proud to unveil the Heathrow West proposal which meets the UK’s ambition to grow its only hub airport while delivering on time and on budget.”

He added that the Arora Group had a “track record of delivering on-time and on-budget projects including in and around Heathrow airport.”

However, London Heathrow refuted their suggestions in the their own proposal, saying “any other proposal would not have this extensive public scrutiny and policy backing, risking years of delay and judicial review which mean the Government’s timetable would be undeliverable.”

They also said that shorter runways “do not necessarily cost less” as the different location would require buying more residential properties with compensation costs not factored in.

Here’s another mega airport opening in Europe set to take on London Heathrow.

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Eligible customers can pick from more than 100 holiday destinations at a discounted rate

Millions of Tesco shoppers could benefit from discounted holidays this summer. Anyone with a Clubcard could use their points to get cheaper deals from easyJet.

According to the supermarket, there are thousands of holidays to choose from, covering a range of budgets. The scheme uses your existing Clubcard vouchers, which are accumulated from points when you shop at Tesco.

These can then be exchanged for easyJet holiday credit, making them worth twice the value they were previously. This means that for every 50p in Clubcard vouchers you have, you will get £1 to use with easyJet.

The Tesco website explains: “Choose from thousands of hand-picked hotels in Europe and beyond, with a range to suit any budget. easyJet holidays has departures to over 100 destinations from airports all around the UK, often with daily or more frequent flights, meaning you can tailor your travel plans to suit you.

“Their collection of more than 5,000 hotels has everything from luxury all-inclusive, boutique city retreats and family friendly beach side resorts. Whatever you’re looking for, you can holiday with confidence with a dedicated 24 hour UK-based support team and flexibility to change your booking if plans change.

“Tempted? Exchange your Clubcard vouchers and get 2x the value, then book your package holiday at an unbeatable price with total confidence. Did we mention that all holidays are ATOL and ABTA protected too?”

How to claim your holiday

Firstly, you must make sure you have an easyJet holidays online account that matches your Tesco account email address. Your easyJet holidays account email must match the one you use for your Tesco Clubcard account.

You must then select the right amount to exchange. However, if your order exceeds the maximum annual easyJet holidays credit allowance (£300 Clubcard Voucher value = £600 easyJet holidays credit), the order will be cancelled and the Tesco Clubcard points will be refunded to your account.

Tesco.com added: “Please note, once you exchange your Clubcard vouchers for easyJet holidays credit, this is non refundable. Any unused easyJet holidays credit will not be refunded, credited, or exchanged, so only exchange the amount you need.”

You will then receive an order confirmation email. A second email will follow once easyJet holidays have validated your order.

It will contain information on how to access your easyJet holidays credit. This means you can then visit easyJet holidays to book your package holiday.

You must also remember that easyJet holidays credit is only valid for six months from the date you exchange your Clubcard vouchers. Within a 12 month period, the maximum you can exchange is £300 in Clubcard vouchers (£600 easyJet holidays credit).

You cannot use your easyJet holidays credit to book standalone easyJet flights and you must be one of the travel party on the holiday booking. You cannot share, combine or pool your easyJet holidays account(s), or credit with other family members or friends.

As of 2024, around 23 million households in the UK were registered for a Tesco Clubcard. For more information on how to claim your holiday, visit the Tesco website here.

A British man living in Benidorm has claimed the party city may be ‘finished’ after witnessing its surprising ’emptiness’ this summer, and people claim it’s all down to cost

A British expat living in Benidorm has claimed the renowned party city is “finished” as tourists are being “priced out,” with some claiming they are instead flocking to a more affordable destination. Harry Poulton, a TikTok influencer known for sharing his travel advice on the Spanish resort, suggested in a recent video that Benidorm might be “finished” after noting the streets this summer appeared more empty than usual.

In a clip which has racked up over 125,000 views, hints at the city’s rising costs as a potential reason for its decline. “[Is] Benidorm finished? Where is everybody? It’s the middle of July, and it’s absolutely dead,” he noted.

The 24-year-old, originally from Brighton, remarked: “Normally at this time of year, Benidorm’s mentality – it’s busy, there are people absolutely everywhere,” according to Luxury Travel Daily. Harry added that he’d just been down to the beach, and there was simply nobody around.

“I’ve been down the Benidorm strip; hardly anyone there. Bars [aren’t] even that busy – what’s going on? Is everyone going to Tenerife now? I’ve only been away a week.”

Harry also expressed his astonishment at the lack of crowds, noting that even during usual peak hours around 7pm, the streets remain deserted.

His observations have sparked a flurry of theories among TikTok viewers, one of whom commented: “Have to say hotels are getting more and more expensive. Crazy prices.”

Meanwhile, a different user suggested where all the missing tourists might be. “Everyone is going to Salou, Spain,” they said. A third person agreed: “It’s got too expensive.”

A fourth individual lamented: “People are fed up with being robbed, mate [sic].”

Meanwhile a fifth TikTok user expressed: “Getting too expensive. Used to be my go-to holiday. However, I cannot afford Benidorm this year. Other Spanish places half the price.”

In a separate video, meanwhile, Harry reiterated his frustration with the rising costs in the city. The content creator asserted: “Benidorm is getting expensive. Everything this year has gone so much more than last year. I’m not the only one that feels this way.”

Reacting to a follower who had spent nearly £1,000 for a week’s stay in a single room, Harry sympathised: “Ouch, that’s got to hurt. Don’t get me wrong – eating out, drinking, all those sorts of things are still very reasonable, especially price-wise compared to the UK.

“Everything has got really expensive; not just in Benidorm, but in general.”

And he concluded, reflecting: “Is Benidorm falling off? Or is it just the world in general? Mad, really – what are holidays? What’s a cheap holiday now?”

Brits abroad have been warned to brace for more summer holiday protests from anti-tourists, meanwhile.

The Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET) group, already revelling in the widespread disruptions caused on a Europe-wide day of action on June 15, is threatening there is more disruption to come. In a strong statement they said: “Common sense is changing.

“The myth of tourism as economic salvation is over. Touristification is no longer a problem perceived by a few. It has become a widespread concern across generations, social classes, cities and regions. And this is just the beginning.”

The group added: “Given the situations we are witnessing everywhere, there is no doubt that more actions and mobilizations will take place here and there this summer, much like there might be more anti-touristification actions on 27th September for World Tourism Day. The struggle against touristification is growing, expanding, and is being organized. Because our lives are worth more than their profits.”

Brits are said to be “ditching” a popular holiday destination as prices to visit continue to soar. They instead seem to be opting for a cheaper alternative

Brits are reportedly giving a once-beloved holiday spot the cold shoulder as sky-high prices make trips to the destination increasingly unaffordable. Reports suggest that the cost of a holiday in Turkey is on the rise, with inflation hitting the tourist favourite hard.

In recent times, disgruntled travellers have been vocal about the escalating costs, with many considering a boycott in favour of more budget-friendly sunny escapes. Now, it appears a new destination has caught their eye, as viral posts suggest holidaymakers are swapping Turkey for Albania, and they’re loving the change.

A TikTok user by the name of ahmadsquad1 shared her bewilderment in a video post-holiday in Turkey, pondering over the noticeable lack of bustle. She acknowledges the inflation issue but is curious about why certain spots remain deserted.

In her video, she queries: “So we just got back from Turkey, and [in] every single shop we went to they were complaining about how quiet it is, and how there’s not that many people on holiday and, if they are on holiday, they are broke and don’t do loads of shopping – us included, but why is it?

“Where are people going? Why is that you have stopped going? One thing we did notice when we were there was like, for example, any kind of can – whether it’s branded or local brand – they would be like £4.00. Ice cream was like £4.00. Everything was so expensive.”

She mentioned that a typical meal such as a kebab and chips would set you back roughly £8.00, leading her to wonder whether the sparse crowds are down to inflated costs. Alternatively, she suggested that holidaymakers might simply be hunting for more budget-friendly getaways.

When she invited viewers to share their opinions, many disputed her claim that Turkey had ever been the top choice for British tourists. Nevertheless, some confessed they’ve sworn off returning to the country.

One person responded: “Been going to Turkey for years, but last year was different. Inflation hit hard, prices were high, getting overcharged. Hospitality didn’t feel the same. Not surprised fewer people are going now.”

Another suggested: “Should try the Balkan countries. Bosnia and Albania are lovely and very affordable.”

A third chimed in with: “Turkey has gone more expensive now, especially in Istanbul which makes it not worth it. People are now going to Bosnia or Albania.”

Meanwhile, a fourth contributor noted: “Turkey has gone expensive and a lot of people are choosing cheaper options like the North African countries, Balearic Islands or Greek islands.”

However, not everyone was convinced by the complaints, with one person writing: “Turkey isn’t that expensive – I don’t see what everyone is moaning about.” Another countered: “Of course the tourist areas are expensive, but decent places are cheap.”

Why is Turkey becoming so expensive?

There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in Turkey. Statista has offered one explanation.

The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”

Nevertheless, Turkey is reportedly implementing measures to revitalise tourism, tackling escalating costs, diversifying holiday experiences and pumping money into infrastructure. Authorities are allegedly working to curb inflation, whilst some are championing specialised tourism sectors such as wellness retreats and medical tourism.

‘I don’t have an electric car’

Hossoland has opened on the North Coast of Poland. Visitors there can explore four fantastical realms within Hossoland: the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City

Europe’s theme park scene has been transformed with the opening of Hossoland, an awe-inspiring new park that rivals Disneyland Paris.

Hossoland was due to open on May 31, promising a spellbinding experience on Poland’s northern coast. After a four-week delay, the doors have now swung open. The park is centered around a lighthouse, and the fairytale adventure land is inspired by enchanting Baltic folklore and legends.

Visitors can explore four fantastical realms within Hossoland: the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City. Plans for the park were unveiled in 2017, with anticipating growing ahead of its launch since then.

Spanning an impressive 400,000 square metres, Hossoland will boast an array of 50 thrilling rides when it is fully operating. Right now it has 24, including The GhostRider, a stunning steel coaster that towers at 53 metres high, sending riders hurtling at an electrifying speed of 72 mph.

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In a chat with Planet Attractions, Hosso Group’s vice president, Karen Hovsepyan, said: “The location not only makes it a standout attraction within Poland but also a key destination for residents of nearby Berlin, promising to boost regional tourism significantly.”

With 20 food and beverage outlets, Hossoland caters to all taste buds. The Hosso Group has ambitious plans for future expansion, envisioning a waterpark and further themed areas post-launch.

Ahead of that expansion, some have criticised the scope of the theme park. While Poland’s biggest theme park, Energylandia, has 18 rollercoasters, Hossoland currently has four. One critic felt that this was too few, and those on offer too gentle.

“But do you plan something more hardcore for adults? Me and my 15-year-old son are waiting impatiently,” they wrote. Some have suggested that the park is a little pricey. Currently, it costs £34 for adult entry and £30 for children.

On its first day open, a light rain fell on those who visited. Among them was a family of four from Silesia. Marlena, the mum, Szczecin that the park was perfect for families and younger kids. ” The entire park has a seaside feel. There are Vikings, mermaids, water, boats,” she added.

For theme park enthusiasts in the UK keen to explore Hossoland, the closest airport is Szczecin. Direct flights are offered by Ryanair from Liverpool and London, making the park roughly a one-hour drive from the airport or under a three-hour trek from Berlin.

Yet Hossoland is not the sole newcomer aiming to rival Disneyland Paris come 2025. Another upcoming contender is Bommelwerald, an indoor amusement park inspired by the Dutch comic series featuring Tom Poes and Oliver B. Bommel by artist Marten Toonderand.

Set to inaugurate later this year, Bommelwerald promises 18 attractions sprawled over a 9,000 sqm expanse, including a pint-sized flume ride and a tower for climbing. A castle-themed entrance leads into various imaginatively themed zones like the Dark Tree Forest and an area dedicated to inventors.

Located in Rust, southwestern Germany, between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France, Europa Park is the largest theme park in Europe. It is also the second most visited resort in Europe, after Disneyland Paris.

The Maldives has seen prices plummet with a five-star luxury holiday to the island now available for hundreds of pounds less than it was this time last year

Dreaming of a lavish escape to the sun-kissed shores of the Maldives? Well, your dream holiday might now be within reach as prices have taken a nosedive over the past year, with reductions of more than a third.

While destinations like Greece and Italy are becoming pricier, this idyllic archipelago has witnessed a staggering 37% drop in costs compared to last year.

A luxurious five-star retreat to Medhufushi Island that would have set you back £1,980 in 2024 is now only £1,239 – that’s a saving of £741.

Betty Bouchier-Hobin, a travel expert from Destination2, commented: “With travel taxes rising and the cost of living still high, it’s a relief to see prices falling somewhere.

“The Med is at peak demand and we’re now seeing four and five-star resorts in the Maldives offering full-board or all-inclusive packages for less than their European rivals.”

“When you factor in exclusive offers such as free child places, it can work out better value overall. The setting speaks for itself with white sands, turquoise seas and world-class snorkelling all year round.”

So if you’re tempted by a jaunt to this renowned paradise, rest assured there’s no chance of boredom, reports the Express.

The Maldives isn’t just about its iconic white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters; there’s plenty more on offer beyond lounging in the sun.

For instance, Sultan Park is a lush tropical oasis complete with fountains, offering a serene spot to meander beneath the shade of leafy trees.

If the gardens don’t tickle your fancy, why not take a wander around the island you’re residing on?

The Maldives are compact enough to explore by foot, and you’ll find an array of bars, restaurants and cafes perfect for ducking into when you need a break from the midday sun.

If it’s sandy shores you’re after, then you’re in for a treat. According to LonelyPlanet, the cream of the crop can be found on the Shaviyani Atoll.

This island is home to numerous stunning beaches as well as an extraordinary underwater art installation that also serves as a coral restoration project, known as the Coralarium.

You can dive beneath the waves to admire the submerged sculptures, or gaze at the section that sits above the waterline from the comfort of the beach.

It’s cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, but with all of the history and charm of the more better known cities. Immensely walkable, and full of delicious food and drink – I would argue Seville is Spain’s best weekend city break.

There’s nothing quite like checking the weather app to see an unrelenting downpour back home as you bask in the sunshine, sipping a refreshing Tinto de Verano while waiting for your tapas.

Just 2 hours and 50 minutes from Gatwick, with return Easyjet flights for as little as £35 per person, Seville is compact and walkable, making this vibrant city the perfect choice for a short break. It’s noticeably cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, a bit less busy, but just as full of historic charm, and on balance I’d go as far as to argue it’s Spain’s best weekend getaway. We set off early one Friday morning, having roped in the grandparents to babysit, and by 11am were wandering the atmospheric cobbled streets, picking out the perfect spot for our first meal.

Dine like a King

Keen to avoid tourist traps and discover authentic tapas, we joined the Seville Tapas, Taverns and History Tour by Devour Tours (£58 per person). This small-group tour took us to five historic tapas bars, where we sampled local dishes and drinks.

Guided by a knowledgeable university history Professor, we learned how to identify quality Iberian ham (look for the black label) and left with new favourites and a dining action plan for the rest of our trip.

Dance the night away

For a cultural experience, flamenco in Seville is a must. Forget cheesy holiday-resort performances, the birthplace of flamenco offers something completely different. We first attended a 60-minute show at Teatro Flamenco Sevilla (£21 per person), which more than impressed. But locals then recommended the more intimate experience of a Peña Flamenca – a flamenco club dedicated to preserving the tradition.

Following their advice, we queued outside Torres Macarena, on Calle Torrijjiano, before it opened (8pm Wednesday to Sunday) and as advised secured our seats by leaving a jacket over the back. With simple tapas and great local wine at a very affordable price, we enjoyed a raw, passionate flamenco performance, a world away from the tourist shows. The guitarists, dancers, singers and emotional audience – many of whom joined the performers on stage at times – created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Worth the early start

Seville’s architecture reflects its layered history, influenced by the Roman, Muslim, and Christian civilisations who have ruled over the centuries. For us, we knew that the Royal Alcazar of Seville, an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site which doubled as the kingdom of Dorne in Game Of Thrones, was a must-visit.

To beat the infamously long lines, we splurged on the Alone in the Alcazar tour (£58 per person) on Takewalks.com, which is the only tour group allowed early entry. Walking through the palace’s empty rooms and peaceful gardens before the hordes arrived, we learned its rich history from an expert guide. Standing on the walls overlooking the sweeping gardens listening as the city awoke is a memory I’ll forever cherish.

Don’t Miss

While the vibrant nightlife of flamenco, tapas and drink will keep you full and happy of an evening, there is plenty to do on a sunny Seville day. One highlight is the ultramodern Setas de Sevilla, the mushroom, an ultramodern wooden sculpture with panoramic city views. A daytime visit for £13 a person includes free access to the sunset light show later.

If you have time, below this are Roman ruins uncovered during it’s construction, showing the city as it would have looked many centuries ago. Across the river, the ceramics district of Triana is a charming spot to browse colourful pottery shops before enjoying fresh seafood and plates heaving with mouth-watering tomatoes, potato salads, and delicious cheeses at the vibrant Triana Market.

Wandering back to the center of Seville, we visited the grand Plaza de España, located in Maria Luisa Park. Floating along it’s emerald green canal in a rowboat makes for the perfect photo – a must for the Instagram grid.

Splurge on a memorable hotel

With beautiful sunshine and a dry climate, we found it infinitely preferable to stick to exploring Seville on foot – not least because a quick Google maps comparison showed walking times to generally be far quicker than driving. To make the most of this we stayed in the heart of Seville, at the newly opened four-star Ocean Drive, from £85 a night.

This small but well planned hotel was the perfect bolthole, with our bedroom balcony offering jaw-dropping views of Las Setas and the stunning nighttime light show. Inside restful Mudéjar tiles and contemporary wooden decor created the perfect space to relax, while a co-working space was on offer for those fitting in a spot of work between the tapas. We very much enjoyed the a la carte breakfast, and left with stomachs filled with delicious delicacies, while the in-house restaurant also offers a full lunch and dinner menu.

Verdict

Seville offers an irresistible mix of culture, history, and gastronomy, making it the perfect destination to escape winter blues. Whether it’s the vibrant flamenco, delicious tapas, or breathtaking landmarks, this sunny city will leave you longing for a return visit.

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