cities

ONE of Europe’s most underrated cities will soon get a metro system after decades of planning.

Belgrade in Serbia – one of the oldest city’s is Europe – is also Europe‘s biggest capital city without a subway, but soon that will change.

As part of a contract between Chinese and French construction companies, Belgrade’s first subway line is expected to open in 2030 costing around €4.4billion (£3.8billion).

A second line will follow in the early 2030s and a third line has also been planned.

Designs for the new metro network in the city could include driverless trains that would be operated from a single hub and doors separating the platforms from the track.

Digging of the tunnels will start next spring, with each tunnel set to be around 100 metres long and cost around €20million (£17.5million).

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

According to Bloomberg, Andreja Mladenovic, who runs JKP Belgrade Metro and Train, who is overseeing the project, said: “Belgrade has grown far too big not to have a subway.

“It’s an absolute game changer.”

He added: “It costs more at first when you build it, but cuts costs later.

“It’ll be state-of-the-art, and worth it.”

Plans for a subway network in the city were first considered in the 1930s when the capital was growing in population.

However, World War II stopped these plans going ahead.

In the 1960s, Belgrade’s economy was expanding again and new plans were drawn up in the 70s, however these went nowhere.

In the early 80s, a debt crisis meant all hopes were lost for a metro network, and over the following decade, Yugoslavia disintegrated.

It wasn’t until 1999 that Belgrade could rebuild itself.

Today, the often-overlooked city is home to floating nightclubs and secluded beaches.

As a result of sitting on two rivers, Belgrade has a number of floating restaurants, bars and nightclubs referred to as ‘Splavs’.

Along the Sava River, Splavs often play pop music, whereas the Splavs that are found on the banks of the Danube River have more of a rock vibe.

And drinks onboard are super cheap, with a beer setting you back around £3.40 or a cocktail setting you back around £4.75.

But Belgrade doesn’t just have floating bars and restaurants, there are also a number of historical locations to explore.

For example, you could head to the Belgrade Fortress, which was built back in the third century to protect the city from invaders.

The fortress, of course, has a number of panoramic viewpoints, but visitors can also participate in a number of activities and attractions, as well as explore museums.

You could also visit the Church of Saint Sava, which is a large Orthodox church.

Or explore the Nikola Tesla Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous inventor.

The museum contains many of his personal belongings as well as his inventions.

Return flights from London Luton Airport to Belgrade cost around £36 in January and the flight takes around three hours.

In other rail news, a world-famous English city is getting a new train station in huge £6.7billion plans.

Plus, a brand new crime-themed train experience is coming to UK city… but you don’t actually go anywhere.

Francis Hellyer, the founder and CEO of tickadoo, claims to have “been everywhere twice, and have some properly controversial opinions about Europe’s “best” cities”

A seasoned traveller and experienced jet setter has warned against travel to three places where “locals hate you” and food is “overpriced”.

Francis Hellyer, the founder and CEO of tickadoo, claims to have “been everywhere twice, and have some properly controversial opinions about Europe’s “best” cities.” When it comes to the “overrated” that he thinks are best to avoid, he highlighted three classic cities that receive millions of visitors each year.

Paris

“Unless you enjoy paying €15 for terrible coffee while dodging selfie sticks at the Eiffel Tower. The locals hate you, the metro smells like regret, and don’t get me started on Gare du Nord,” Francis told the Mirror.

If Francis isn’t alone in his dislike of the French capital, then the City of Love is responsible for a lot of very disappointed tourists. Paris received 48.7 million visitors in 2024, a post-pandemic high that surpassed the 2023 figure of 47.5 million.

Do you agree with Francis’s list? Let us know in the comments below or by emailing [email protected]

READ MORE: I found a pretty UK village ‘taken over by tourists’ as locals say they’ve been forced outREAD MORE: Warning to Brits as Canary Islands placed on ‘no travel’ list

One cohort that has a famously difficult relationship with the city is the Japanese. A phenomenon called Paris Syndrome refers to the severe form of culture shock that affects some Japanese tourists. Visitors with highly idealized expectations, often fueled by media portrayals, can experience extreme disappointment and psychological distress when confronted with the realities of Paris, such as less polite service and dirtier streets than they’re used to back home.

“Everyone loves Paris because of the Eiffel tower, the Mona Lisa, and the late 1800s architecture. In all honesty, most of the people I encountered there were the rudest, most miserable people I’ve ever had to deal with. The food in Paris was subpar, and there was nothing good about the food. London has a lot better cuisine than Paris,” one unhappy customer wrote on Reddit.

Venice

“Venice in summer is basically Disneyland with pigeons,” Francis said.

He is not alone in feeling like this. A popular protest Instagram page called ‘Venice is not Disneyland’ calls out the bad behaviour of tourists. “In the beginning, it was kind of a joke between friends. It started because we would see the wildest things happening around Venice! Like tourists taking a bath in the canal or eating and sleeping anywhere,” the anonymous person behind the page told Spotted by Locals.

“It is not just about tourists though! Many locals are also behaving inappropriately, like leaving old electrical appliances in the streets. So we decided that we need to talk about this on social media to show just how far that would go.”

When asked what common tourist issues occur in the city, they said: “A very common one is taking a bath in the canals! You might think it’s an innocent activity, especially on a hot summer day, but we should really avoid this. To begin with, the water is unsafe and dirty, so it’s not ideal for sanitary reasons especially if you’re going to a restaurant or hotel afterward! And also, canals are used for transportation, so taking a bath can be very dangerous for you and others. It’s really like chilling in the middle of the street – you wouldn’t do that in any other city.”

Amsterdam

According to Francis, “Amsterdam is just stag dos and overpriced chips.”

The Dutch capital is one of the most-visited cities in Europe. Its 800,000-person population welcomes up to 20 million tourists a year. It is clear to see why, given its world-class museums, beautiful green spaces and tranquil waterways.

However, in recent years, Dutch locals have grown increasingly tired of Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for stag dos and bad behavior. To such an extent that authorities have taken steps to mitigate the effects of rowdy visitors. Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Similarly, taking photos of sex workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.

In 2023, the city council banned cruise ships from its city centre in July to prevent overtourism in its most popular areas. The same year it launched a “stay-away” digital campaign, targeting men aged 18 to 35 in the UK, attempting to curb visitors coming for drugs, alcohol and sex.

As for the cost of chips, a portion goes for between €3.50 and €6.50, according to Amsterdam Tips.

Some alternatives

As much as Francis isn’t a fan of the Dutch, French and Italian heavy hitters, there are some European cities he loves. They include:

• Prague – All the beauty of Paris, half the price, triple the beer quality. Try the fried cheese.
• Porto – Lisbon’s cooler older brother who doesn’t need to show off. Proper city. Great locals.
• Cardiff – Yes, Cardiff. Arcades, castle, rugby, brilliant nights out. Fight me.
• Ljubljana – Slovenia’s capital that nobody can pronounce but everyone falls in love with. Like a fairytale that serves excellent wine.
• Birmingham – Genuinely. More canals than Venice, curry better than Bradford, and they’ve finally sorted the Bullring out.
• Ghent – Bruges without the coach parties. Medieval as hell, students keep it lively.
• Split – Where Romans built a palace and Croatians turned it into the world’s best bar crawl.

THERE are many vibrant seaside towns across the UK – but these ones have got some huge upgrades for next year.

VisitEngland has revealed what we can expect from big events to reopened hotels and brand new thrilling attractions.

Hull

Hull is set to be popular next year after the city was named one of ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ by National Geographic.

This is mostly thanks to its ongoing project to conserve its maritime history.

Since 2020, the Maritime Museum has been undergoing a huge revamp worth £11million, but it will finally reopen to the public next year.

This has been part of a wider £27.5 million project to promote Hull’s maritime history which has gone into restoring the museum and ships.

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

The Hull Maritime Museum will reopen in spring 2026 with new exhibits which explore its 800 year history.

When it reopens, you can expect to see a ship model of maritime art and a 40-foot whale skeleton.

The city also has its own showbiz trail for tourists, a famous and very big minster as well as an interactive dinosaur museum.

Morecambe

The seaside town of Morecambe will be celebrating in 2026 as it will mark the 100th birthday of Eric Morecambe.

The comedian grew up in the town and he took his stage name from it and celebrations with a comedy extravaganza in his honour will start in May next year.

Meanwhile in January, Morecambe will host The Bay International Film Festival with live cinema screenings and awards.

One of the major focuses of the festival will be ‘Stories Beyond Borders’ – a competition to choose the best ‘visually captivating and thought-provoking short films from around the world’.

The festival will run from January 23 to February 1, 2026.

Blackpool

Of course Blackpool is renowned for its Pleasure Beach theme park and this year marks its 130th birthday.

Next year, the attraction is set to open its new Aviktas “gyro swing” ride: a giant spinning pendulum.

It will be first of its kind in the UK and will stand at 138 feet.

The ride will feature a giant spinning pendulum that will swing 120 degrees and seat 40 riders at a time.

Riders’ legs will dangle giving them the feeling of flying.

There are other swinging pendulum rides in the UK already, but Blackpool‘s will tower higher.

The town’s Royal Carlton Hotel will also be restored to its former glory in a multi-million pound refurbishment.

It sits on the beachfront and has been closed since last year for the upgrades which will be to all 40 rooms, as well as the bar and restaurant.

Folkestone

In the Kent coastal town of Folkestone, the heritage Leas Lift cliff railway will reopen in spring of 2026.

The Grade II listed funicular railway first opened in 1885 and is one of the only three remaining water-balanced cliff lifts in the UK.

It has been closed since 2017, but will reopen next year so locals and tourists will be able to ride between the seafront and promenade.

There will also be a new café and community space in the Lower Station, and experience fresh exhibitions telling the story of this unique piece of seaside heritage.

Southport

Southport is having a year of entertainment as the historic seaside town is hosting a year-long programme of circus, theatre, art and music performances.

In February the town will hold Lightport – an immersive light and sound installation which will cast rainbows across the town.

At the beginning of April will be Cristal Palace where the world-renowned French street theatre company Transe Express will bring its spectacular show Cristal Palace to Lord Street .

There’s a 15-metre-wide flying chandelier – and the street will transform into an open air ballroom with live music, aerial performances and dance.

The Big Top Festival will see the circus take over Southport and you can watch this happen in May 2026.

There will be juggling performances, performances on open-air stages, live music and workshops.

In October will be Books Alive! a literature festival with a twist as storytelling comes to life with live performances and author-led workshops.

It’s during half-term so children can go along and enjoy their favourite novels in real-time.

All events are completely free for locals and tourists to visit.

CRITTERS & JITTERS

Vogue & Spencer insist marriage is strong – why do pals think otherwise?

BLAZE HORROR

Hong Kong inferno kills at least 36 while trapped beg for help on social media

For more seaside towns – find out the favourites of the Sun Travel team that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches.

And discover the English seaside town that’s better in autumn with London-worthy restaurants and new hotels.

A travel writer who visited Italy with her mother earlier this year said she visited two cities that gave a more authentic experience of Italy than the likes of Rome or Venice

A woman who visited Italy with her mother elected not to visit popular cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, instead opting to try less famous and more unusual destinations.

Travel writer Jenna DeLaurentis took her mother on a “retirement trip” to the iconic European country frequented by millions of tourists each year and her verdict was that the likes of Padua and Ravenna would result in a “more authentic” experience of Italy.

For geographical context, Ravenna is located in the north east, 50 miles from Bologna whilst Padua is just 20 miles from Venice.

Jenna said that whilst Ravenna receives a lot of tourists, these mainly appeared to be day trips from Bologna which meant many of them left during the afternoon, leaving the area calm.

Meanwhile, in Padua, Jenna wrote in Business Insider that they encountered a “similar scenario”. She explained: “Sites like the Basilica of St. Anthony and Scrovegni Chapel were busy in the morning, but most tourists seemed to be gone before it got dark.

“As crowds dwindled in both Ravenna and Padua, my mum and I spent our evenings trying local cuisine and sipping cocktails at outdoor bars.”

Jenna’s conclusion was that visiting smaller cities like Padua and Ravenna gave them a much better experience than visiting major tourist hubs such as Rome and Venice.

She explained: “Though the attractions are noteworthy, they’re often overshadowed by overwhelming crowds.

“Visiting Ravenna and Padua, on the other hand, gave us the best of both worlds. We made wonderful memories together while exploring each city’s historical attractions, and loved spending quiet evenings wandering around picturesque city centres.”

Jenna’s comments about her trip in late May come as Europe recovers from another heavy tourism season and the annual questions about overtourism, a phenomenon that has raised questions about how many tourists as city can take.

However, at the start of next year, the tourism season may start earlier in Italy as the country prepares to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games due to take place between February 6 and February 22 and March 6 to March 15 respectively.

In response, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Italy, encouraging Britons to get travel insurance. In an update they said: “If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.”

Addressing the Olympic Games directly, they added: “Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations. You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel.”

The trip is a unique opportunity to ride the Flying Scotsman from York to Newcastle, with pick-ups available from London, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. But with only one date available, tickets are selling fast

If you’re a fan of festive experiences or have a soft spot for traditional steam trains, you might want to consider booking a trip on the Flying Scotsman this winter. On Sunday, December 14, the historic Flying Scotsman will be making its journey from York to Newcastle, with pick-up points in London, followed by Hertfordshire, then Cambridgeshire.

Departing from Finsbury Park, a Class 67 diesel locomotive adorned with Mk3 carriages decked out for the festive season will travel through Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough to collect guests for this unique Christmas experience. As the train winds its way through the fenland countryside, you’ll eventually arrive in York.

On the journey to York, guests can enjoy a variety of hot and cold beverages from the buffet car, along with a breakfast bap to kickstart your day. Upon arrival in York, you’ll switch trains to board the iconic Flying Scotsman.

As you journey on the Flying Scotsman towards Newcastle, you’ll pass by the city of Durham, offering a glimpse of the historic cathedral. You’ll catch a fleeting view of the Angel of the North before crossing over the King Edward VII Bridge and arriving in the city. You’ll feel completely immersed in the history of this 19th-century train, with steam blowing past your window as you chug along towards your destination.

Guests will have three hours to explore Newcastle, providing ample time to wander around the Christmas Market or the Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square. Whether you need to tick off some items from your Christmas shopping list or fancy sampling some festive food and drinks, a stroll around the market could be just the ticket to get you into the spirit of the season, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

Newcastle’s Christmas market has something for all ages. At the heart of the market is the Rockin’ Reindeer stage, where you can book a ticket for Santa’s Stories. This immersive show includes a story told by Santa, interactive activities, and an official Nice List certificate for kids who’ve been good this year.

Above the market, you’ll find igloo pods that can be hired as an escape from the winter chill. These heated igloos have views across the twinkling lights of Grey Street, and a full drinks menu will be available including mulled wine for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids.

After a leisurely stroll around the city, you’ll hop back on the Flying Scotsman to return to York station. The buffet car will be open for some late afternoon festive treats like mince pies and drinks before you board the Class 67 locomotive for your journey back to Peterborough.

READ MORE: Woman flies to Berlin for the day for just £100 – and was back in time for bedREAD MORE: Eurocamp currently has £42-a-night Spain breaks including school holiday dates

The train departs from Finsbury Park at 9am, and is set to return by 10pm.

Tickets for this Christmas adventure are priced at £175 for an adult standard ticket and £155 for children. A first-class adult ticket will set you back £275.

You can purchase tickets for this trip from the UK Rail Tours website.

NEW long-haul flights to one of the world’s best cities to are launching from a regional airport – the first time in decades.

Cardiff Airport currently only has one long-haul flight route which is to Barbados.

However, from next year, the airport will be welcoming a new long-haul flight route to Toronto.

Launching from May 23, 2026, the route will be operated by Canadian budget carrier WestJet.

It will be the first direct flight between Wales and Canada in 20 years,

The last time Cardiff had flights to Canada was in 2008.

NO LAG

Jet lag-free islands that are 27C in December to get new easyJet flights

GREAT STATE

European city home to ‘mini Manhattan’ is getting new flights from the UK

However, the collapse of airline Zoom led to the scrapping of the transatlantic route, despite hopes of another operator, Flyglobespan, taking its place.

Jon Bridge, Cardiff Airport’s chief executive officer, said: “This new Toronto route marks an exciting milestone in our growth and a major step forward in reconnecting Wales with North America.”

Chris White-DeVries, senior airport affairs manager at WestJet, added: “We’re thrilled to bring WestJet’s friendly, affordable and reliable service to Wales for the first time.”

Toronto was named one of the world’s best cities earlier. thisyear.

It came in 17th in the World’s Best Cities list for 2026.

Travel writer Emily Webber recently visited the city after Virgin Atlantic launced new flights.

She told The Sun: “The bucket-list destination is now even easier for Brits to reach, thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s new direct service between Heathrow and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

“After touching down, you can be in the heart of Canada’s “city that never sleeps” in just 25 minutes via the UP Express train (£6.70 one way).

“Step off at Union station and you’re surrounded by glitzy skyscrapers, great nightlife, fabulous food and Canada’s biggest natural history museum, the Royal Ontario Museum.

“You’ve even got the stunning Niagara Falls right on your doorstep.”

Cardiff is getting other new flight routes as well.

By the end of 2025, skiers will be able to travel from from Cardiff to Salzburg in Austria for winter breaks.

kell no

Jack Osbourne’s furious sister brands Kelly Brook a ‘bully’ after I’m A Celeb row

MUM PAIN

I was arrested in front of daughter for WhatsApp message, £20k won’t erase trauma

And Ryanair added extra flights to Alicante and Dublin from Cardiff Airport back in the summer.

Sparkling wine, Canterbury, Kent

Stock up on festive fizz with a trip to the heart of Kent’s flourishing wine region. Start the tastings at Simpsons’ wine estate, 10 minutes’ drive from Canterbury, then head to Domaine Evremond, Taittinger’s UK vineyard, where its first release, Classic Cuvée Edition I, is available at the Cellar Door shop. Nearby, the medieval village of Chilham makes an ideal stop for lunch at the Woolpack Inn. Back in Canterbury, Corkk is a specialist English wine shop with more than 100 labels to try, and cheese and charcuterie platters to nibble on while you decide what to buy. Stay at the Millers Arms, in the heart of town, with B&B doubles from £93.50.

Foodie treats, Narberth, Pembrokeshire

Swap Tesco’s crowded aisles for Narberth in Pembrokeshire, fast becoming Wales’s premier foodie hub. Wisebuys is a great first stop; pick up locally produced goodies: laverbread and rapeseed oils, handmade chocolates, chutneys and cheese, available in a range of hampers. Pop into Rock ’N’ Dough Bakehouse for fabulous freshly made pastries and coffee, before stocking up on Mediterranean treats at Ultracomida, a tapas bar and deli offering authentic Spanish cured meats, patés and cheese to take away, along with classic paella pans and ceramics. Stay at Top Joe’s Townhouse, with rooms above a buzzy pizzeria, from £90 B&B.

Outdoors kit, Bakewell, Derbyshire

Blow away the winter cobwebs with a Peak District weekend and bring an empty rucksack to snaffle gifts from Bakewell’s plethora of outdoorsy shops. Trespass is good for van lifers and campers, with folding furniture, lighting and clever cooking stoves, alongside ski, surf and hiking gear; while Mallon & Green has rods, lines, tools and accessories for the angler in your life. Pause for coffee at Summat, the in-house café at Inov8 – a shop that sells everything from bags and beanies to running and hiking footwear and nifty accessories – and reward yourself with a Bakewell pudding (never a “tart”) from The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. Stay at the Rutland Arms Hotel, a grand old coaching inn right in the centre of town, with doubles from £104 a night, room only.

Jewellery, Birmingham

Whether you’re seeking a bespoke pair of cufflinks, a one-off pendant or something for a Christmas proposal, Birmingham’s jewellery quarter has more than 100 shops, offering everything from vintage pieces to handmade designs. Browse the historic workshops on Legge Lane, pop into Deakin & Francis, where jewellery has been designed and created in the same building since 1786, and take a guided tour of the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Ponder your purchases over lunch at 1000 Trades, a historic pub that was originally a jewellery workshop. Stay at Saint Pauls House, a bar, restaurant and slick boutique hotel with room-only doubles from £99.

Art, Cambridge

Cambridge’s historic streets are dotted with galleries and elegant museum shops, which makes it a great place to pick up a one-off artwork or unusual gift. Byard Art, opposite King’s College, is a good place to start, with works by more than 50 contemporary artists, while Cambridge Contemporary Art, just along the road, specialises in handmade prints, ceramics and crafts. Get inspiration from browsing some of the half a million artworks at the Fitzwilliam Museum, before picking up more art-themed gifts at the excellent museum shop; or dip into the shop at Kettle’s Yard for art-themed books, homeware, fashion and stationery. Stay at the Varsity on the banks of the River Cam, with room-only doubles from £155.

Books, Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway

Home to 17 bookshops and book-related businesses, Wigtown is the perfect place to find literary treats, vintage titles and specialist books that make unusual Christmas gifts. Allow plenty of time to browse in the Bookshop, where more than a mile of shelving holds about 100,000 new and secondhand books, dip into the Old Bank Bookshop for vintage books on everything from art and architecture to travel and memoirs, and pick up presents for younger family members at Foggie Toddle Books. Pop into Books & Bakes (6 Bank Street) for hearty sandwiches and coffee, and stay at the Creebridge House Hotel, around 15 minutes’ drive away in Newton Stewart, with doubles from £120 B&B.

Chocolate, York

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without an unseemly amount of chocolate, and few places have a more cocoa-rich history than York, home to Rowntree’s, Nestlé and Terry’s. Kick off a chocoday with a visit to York’s Chocolate Story, where the interactive displays cover everything from how chocolate is produced to the history of the most familiar brands, with plenty of tastings along the way. Then pop into York Cocoa Works where the Christmas collection includes stocking fillers, hampers, vegan chocolate and mince pie-flavour caramels. Finish up at Monk Bar Chocolatiers – the oldest artisan chocolatier in town. Stay at the Fat Badger, a cosy inn with room-only doubles from £119.

Ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent

There’s no such thing as too many mugs – or vases, dinner plates or jugs – particularly when they’re handmade in one of Stoke’s historic potteries. Middleport Pottery is a great place to start; it’s the UK’s last working Victorian potbank in continuous production, with guided and self-led heritage tours, a well-stocked gift shop and the Burleigh Factory Shop, where the shelves brim with affordable seconds. For quirky, contemporary designs, head to Emma Bridgewater; while for something more classic, World of Wedgwood has a large outlet centre and a store selling Waterford crystal, alongside chinaware. Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, with room-only doubles from £132.

Craft beers, Sheffield

There are 58 breweries in and around Sheffield, making it the perfect place to pick up unusual ales and beers for the festive period, or gifts for any enthusiasts in the family. Choose from more than 200 beers – from Belgian to barrel-aged – at Hop Hideout, while the Bear offers everything from lagers and sours to dark beers and IPAs. The wonderfully named Saint Mars of the Desert is also worth tracking down; the taproom is open from 2pm to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with cans and bottles of fruity, hazy bitters to take home. If coming by train, start with a pint or two at Triple Point Brewery, a five-minute walk from Sheffield station, where all the beer is brewed on site, and stay at the Crow Inn, known for its range of cask ales, with room-only doubles from £50.

Toys, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

A small market town on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Llandeilo punches above its weight in terms of shops. Eve’s Toy Shop is a gift when it comes to buying Christmas presents for younger family members, with hand-carved wooden games and puzzles, mini gardening tools and “kidnoculars” for junior explorers, along with all the unicorns you can carry. Once the kids are ticked off, pop into Davies & Co for handmade Welsh blankets; Peppercorn for culinary-themed gifts; and Dot Clothing for elegant womenswear from niche designers. Stay at the Cawdor, a revamped coaching inn on the high street, with B&B doubles from £115.

STRICT new rules are being rolled out in one of Europe’s prettiest cities next year.

Florence, which was named the best city in Europe by Travel + Leisure this year, is cracking down on outdoor dining in the popular tourist areas.

The new rules, the Times reports, will see outdoor seats banned across 50 streets in Florence.

This mainly affects the city centre, which is UNESCO protected.

Other famous sites affected will include the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is currently undergoing a £1.7million makeover and is set to be finished by next year.

Also affected is the Piazzale degli Uffizi, which is popular with tourists visiting the Uffizi Galleries.

SPORT ON

I tried the brand new golf attraction in major UK city

SNOW WAY

I went to European city named an up-and-coming place to travel in 2026

Along with the bans, another 73 locations will see stricter regulations on outdoor seating areas.

This could mean while seating is allowed, umbrellas and plexiglass barriers could be banned.

Local restaurant owners have slammed the rules, saying it is an important part of their service especially in the summer months.

The owner of Ristorante Pizzeria Il David, which has 60 seats outside, said: “Our outdoor seating is fundamental.”

Another said: “True restaurateurs have begun to close.

“They are crushed by impossible costs and by city policies more concerned with the aesthetics of outdoor seating than with the survival of those who brought these spaces to life.”

But locals have said the new rules are needed as the narrow streets can’t cope with the outdoor terraces, many of which were introduced during Covid.

Some said it had made roads unliveable, and like an “obstacle course”.

It isn’t the only strict ban introduced over the years in Florence.

Back in 2021, tourist were banned from eating picnics on some of the city’s top attractions.

The fines – between €150-€500 (£135-£450) – were to stop people blocking the doors of locals as well as reduce littering from street food.

And last year, lock boxes and self-check in systems were banned by the Italian government.

Often used by short-term holiday rentals, the ban came after many were destroyed in protest across Florence, Milan and Rome.

HORROR TOWN

Our once proud town is besieged by masked machete yobs – even cops are targets

CRUEL ORDEAL

I was blinded & my pals were killed by dangerous trend in Brit holiday hotspot

It comes after fears of overtourism across Florence.

Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia, told local media: “Florence is very beautiful and I would like it to return to its citizens and not be crushed by tourism.”

A NEW sleeper train will soon connect four of Europe’s popular cities.

PKP Intercity, the state rail operator in Poland, is launching a new overnight train service.

Starting from Przemyśl in southeast Poland, it will leave around 5:51pm, local media reports.

It will then travel to Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest before ending in Munich at 10:24am.

The return journey will leave Munich at 6:45pm and arrive back in Poland at 10:10am.

Taking around 16 hours, tickets start from around £50.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Posh new sleeper train is more like a boutique hotel on wheels

FULL STEAM AHEAD

New overnight sleeper train set to connect 100 cities across Europe

Passengers can book a sleeper compartment, sleeping between 1-3 people.

Or there are couchettes which are seats that fold out to beds for up to six people.

Don’t worry about not being able to sleep, as lights are turned off from 10pm to 6am.

And then a conductor will wake you up at least 30 minutes before you arrive at your destination station.

Toilets and shower are onboard, with passengers getting soap and clothes.

Deluxe cabin passengers are given towels, slippers, shower gel and a dental kit, as well as snacks and hot drinks.

The first departure takes off next month on December 14.

People have already started raving about the new train routes.

One person said: “Great initiative! We need more night train connections in Europe.

“And in affordable prices so that trains can compete with budget airlines.”

Another said: “Excellent and much needed….well done!”

Earlier this year, PKP Intercity revealed another train route where tickets were under £50.

Starting from Warsaw, the 745 mile journey travels through Poland, Austria and Slovenia before ending in Rijekka, a city in Croatia.

Sadly it is just a summer route, so runs four times a week from June to August.

Here’s another new sleeper train that looks more like a boutique hotel on wheels.

‘MY TRUTH’

TikTok star Brittany Miller breaks silence in tearful video after faking cancer

STREET SMART

The high street job which pays £120k a year – with £1.5k worth of discounts

And this is what it is like travelling on the UK sleeper train.

Berlin

A city as celebrated for its quirkiness as Berlin is almost duty-bound to deliver on the flea market front – plus, many of its shops close on Sundays, making market browsing the natural retail fix.

Although Mauerpark in the Prenzlauer Berg district is well known for its flea market and sells good stuff, if you have the patience to rummage through the inevitable piles of tat, smaller markets tend to have more interesting one-off finds. A favourite is Arkonaplatz in the Mitte district, which is especially alluring in autumn when the light and surrounding trees take on golden shades. There’s old film and camera equipment to be had here, as well as industrial furniture. My favourite buy is a huge, hand-crocheted blanket in shades of lapis and rust.

The Rathaus Schöneberg flea market in Tempelhof-Schöneberg is one of Berlin’s oldest, and is located where John F Kennedy made his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. It’s mostly the wares of people having a clear-out, as opposed to professional dealers, and is affordable.

Lesser known to non-Berliners, Neukölln’s Kranoldplatz Flohmarkt – in one of the city’s most vibrant alternative neighbourhoods – is a good choice for cool castoffs. Strict regulations limit what vendors can sell, too, so you’re spared much of the new, mass-produced junk you might find elsewhere.

For the most beautiful setting, though, the Bode antique and book market on Museum Island is pure romance. I can’t read any of the books I’ve bought there, nor have I ever served cake with the silver-plated slice I found there, but who cares?

Secondhand stores can be found all over the city – but it’s worth homing in on Friedrichshain. It’s home to Europe’s biggest Humana store (five floors of vintage treasure, including a selection of lederhosen) and there are several smaller outfits here, too. V Vintage (Kopernikusstraße 18 and Grünberger Straße 50) has a great range of pieces, from vintage denim to retro après-ski, while Soul and Style (Krossener Straße 24 and Frankfurter Allee 35-37) serves up fashion with a distinctly 80s flair, complete with band T-shirts, glitter and lurid shell suits.
For more insider tips, check out @ezcape, @jessica.miusha

Athens

Who wouldn’t have old things on their mind when visiting the cradle of western civilisation? Once you’ve taken in the Acropolis and Parthenon, swerve the stalls selling fridge magnets of ancient ruins and head to the port city of Piraeus. About 5 miles south-west of Athens, it’s where the ferries depart for hundreds of Greek islands and a Sunday flea market takes place, alongside the railway tracks, until 2pm-ish. There’s often good retro clothing and vintage homewares – be prepared to rummage, sometimes at ground level, as not all vendors set up on tables. Then head for lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Another Sunday option is Pazari Rakosyllekton, or Scavengers’ Fleamarket (the name alone gets my treasure-hunt heart racing), a few minutes’ walk from Eleonas station, selling everything from furniture and homewares to books and records. Having found Olivia Newton-John’s Xanadu here, I feel I’ve peaked.

Elsewhere, curated vintage stores include Kilo Shop (Ermou 120), where finds are charged by weight and rails restocked every second day. Higher-end options include Anthophile Vintage (Zoodochou Pigis 55), where florals and whimsy reign, and Handpicked Cherries (Frinis 51) for vintage leather and Y2K treats.
For more insider tips, check out @athens_thrifts, @posh.vintage

Stockholm

Sweden and its Scandi neighbours are known for being savagely pricey, so balance the books with a touch of secondhand shopping. Stockholm has two stores from the popular European chain Humana – one in the Norrmalm district and another in Södermalm – good for clothing and accessories. With several locations around the city, Myrorna – owned by the Swedish arm of the Salvation Army – is more for your home than wardrobe. Gustavsberg porcelain and stylish glassware by Kosta Boda pop up frequently, as do pieces by other Nordic brands, such as Marimekko.

Södermalm is also home to a branch of the UK chain Beyond Retro and Judits Second Hand (Hornsgatan 75), which operates partly on a consignment basis, selling unwanted garments of local people for a split.

For a particularly Swedish experience, seek out a loppis. Not quite a garage sale, not quite a flea market, it’s an immensely popular way to socialise on a weekend, while unearthing the treasure that is someone else’s trash. Some are spontaneous, others semi-permanent with on-site refreshment and music. Spring and summer are prime times for loppisrunda (loppis-hopping), especially in the countryside, but they can be found year-round (check loppiskartan.se). A vintage Swedish Christmas tablecloth with matching fabric napkins and a pair of sleek brass reindeer, all from Uppsala, a 40-minute train journey north of Stockholm, remain beloved finds.
For more insider tips, check out @modernretrostockholm, @vintageretrosimon and @myrornaopsten

Madrid

Fast-fashion behemoth Zara was born in Spain, and although its largest retail store worldwide is in Madrid, the capital isn’t enslaved to high-street dressing. As well as its 29 Humana shops, where you might stumble upon anything from 90s streetwear to 50s corsetry, those with a yen for designer labels should check out the city’s many upmarket secondhand boutiques, which are more akin to concept stores than thrift shops.

Try Second Chance in the city centre (Calle de la Virgen de los Peligros 11) for lightly used clothes by names such as Loewe, Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent. While not exactly bargains, they are far more affordable than they would be new.

Denim is the staple at Friperie (Calle Rodriguez San Pedro 2), which has been name-checked by Vogue; and for those who consider Y2K to be vintage (rude) then Neare in the centre (Corre Alta de San Pablo 21) has a varied selection of clothing and accessories.

At Piel de Mariposa (Calle Embajadores 35) there are books, vinyl and homewares, as well as a good range of fashion and accessories, many for under €10 apiece.

The traditional flea market experience is also readily available in Madrid: El Rastro, home to many restaurants and bars, bursts into life on Sundays, when the flea market takes over the neighbourhood. Be prepared to wade through lots of rubbish, but when you do strike gold (for me, the vintage ceramics are particularly beguiling) it glitters for real.
For more insider tips, check out @rastro_madrid, @matiz.life

Amiens

There are plenty of reasons to visit Amiens, the capital of the Picardy region: France’s largest Gothic cathedral, the country’s first purpose-built museum (with displays covering everything from Egyptian artefacts to Francis Bacon), and for Channel-hoppers it’s only a 90-minute drive from Calais. Plus, twice a year it hosts the Réderie, one of the largest flea markets in France.
On the second last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in October, 2,000-plus vendors spread over 50-odd streets in the town centre.

Aim to arrive on the Saturday, as many of the vendors start setting up the night before. So wrap up warmly, wear comfortable shoes and a head torch, and maybe you’ll bag an early bargain. Take a camping trolley for your finds: some of my favourites have included framed floral needlepoints, heavy brass swans and acrylic candleholders.

While the biannual market is the big draw, the town has plenty to keep vintage lovers happy year-round. Fripes et Merveilles (151 Rue Gaulthier de Rumilly) is a time capsule of well-priced finds, from bric-a-brac to jewellery. Prices are far higher at Silk & Roses (18 Rue Saint-Martin aux Waides), but expect to find the likes of Kenzo, Moschino and Yves Saint Laurent. Meanwhile, Icône Friperie (21 Rue du Général Leclerc) charges by the kilo – €30 a haul.
For more insider tips, check out #grandrederieamiens, @se_souvenir_des_belles_choses

ARRIVING in India, I feel like Dorothy entering Oz. This country is an assault on the senses in every way.

One minute I’m practising sunrise yoga to the peaceful sound of birds chirping; the next, I’m surrounded by loud honking cars and bikes on a bumpy bus ride through the city.

My serene morning walk at the green Lodi Gardens sits in complete contrast to the brightly coloured markets, selling vibrant yellow flower garlands under the smell of rich incense, that I’m exploring just hours later.

It was my first visit to India and naturally, as a solo female tourist, safety was at the forefront of my mind. But the tide is changing with regard to how women are accepted across the country, and this has been incorporated into Intrepid’s unique Women’s Expedition tours.

It supports locals on the ground, and I met some during my stay in Chandelao.

A tiny village an hour from Jodphur and off the tourist trail, it is home to just 3,500 people.

GROUNDED

UK airline goes into administration after 28 years – after axing ALL flights

CHEERS

27 free festive experiences across the UK from light trails to Santa’s grotto

There, I explored the local arts centre Sunder Rang, which employs women to work — uncommon especially in more rural areas.

The shop is full of multicoloured items made from scrap fabrics, with everything from clothing and bags to decorations on sale.

One of the young jewellery makers let me try my hand at threading beads as we huddled together in the shade.

Due to my novice skills, I resorted to buying her handmade necklaces (guided by her on which to choose, as they even earn commission).

My art skills were tested further at Chandelao Garh, a stunning 17th century former fort now a hotel with 20 rooms and a swimming pool.

Locals taught me the art of Rangoli — circular patterns drawn on the ground in celebration.

I was only slightly offended when the cheeky hotel dog Pluto walked all over my wonky chalk designs.

Chandelao is the kind of village where slowness is encouraged — be it a sunset walk through the streets or a leisurely candlelit dinner chased by a Kingfisher beer.

But just a few hours east is the crowd-heavy Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City for its terracotta walls.

Keen to escape the market chaos, I opted for a tour with Renu, a rare female tuk-tuk driver and now chair of tour company Pink City Rickshaw.

While the women face adversity from both family and other male drivers, the job gives them economic independence.

I was whirled around in the electric tuk-tuks, exploring the Old City with street food stops to keep me going in the 33C heat. I recommend trying Sabudana tikki, an Indian hash brown with tapioca, followed by a cooling kheer rice pudding.

The female rickshaw drivers were patient enough to let me take my selfies at the famous pink Hawa Mahal palace, too.

Built to allow the female royal household to watch the city without being seen by others, the towering palace wall was too beautiful to skip.

It was as I was gazing up at the intricately carved windows (of which there are 953) that my driver explained some of the stares we noticed from locals while in the tuk-tuk.

“We’ve seen male drivers crash into walls, they are so shocked to see a woman behind the wheel,” Renu told me with a laugh.

My experience of the Fast & Furious-esque rickshaws that squeeze through impossible gaps in the traffic means this doesn’t exactly surprise me. Thankfully, the women drive at a slower, safer pace for any nervous travellers.

Travelling further east, we head to Agra, home to the historic red sandstone Agra Fort and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.

Haggled for scarves

It’s worth the 4.30am wake-up to see the sky lighting up behind the domed mausoleum, built over two decades by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honour of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

It’s almost impossible to comprehend the details that remain after 400 years, with the bright white marble towering 240ft high, ornamented with jewels and intricate patterns.

The early start also allows you to avoid the huge crowds and the midday heat.

I managed to skip the lunchtime crush by visiting Sheroes, a cafe run by acid-attack survivors.

It’s a hard visit, where staff share their stories about being injured.

Over homecooked chickpea curries and roti, I chatted to 25-year-old Dolly, who was attacked as a child by a man 22 years her senior. The cafe gave her confidence to re-enter society.

Being a female traveller, the Intrepid tour helped me explore the country safely as a woman.

I stopped in Jodhpur, the Blue City, and learned about the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort which was used to film Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, and the live-action movie The Jungle Book.

And in chaotic Delhi, I haggled for handwoven scarfs from eager market vendors, before being dragged into dance by a man wearing a bejewelled elephant outfit.

India might have a way to go still when it comes to equality. But it’s certainly on the right trajectory.

And with Virgin Atlantic now celebrating 25 years of flying to this awe-inspiring country, it shows this a destination that will always be top of British holidaymakers’ bucket lists.

JUNGLE READY

I’m A Celeb full line-up revealed with soap legends and TV pin up

JAB TRICK

I lost 13st on Mounjaro and needed a new passport – you must check your ‘TDEE’

I’ll be back.

After a click of my new ruby red Indian slippers, of course.

TRAIN travel can be very expensive in the UK, especially when you’re travelling halfway across the country.

But one train company that offers affordable tickets has applied to start two additional direct routes between major UK cities.

Lumo, which offers affordable journeys onboard its fleet of electric trains, has plans to add even more routes to its network.

FirstGroup, which owns Lumo, has revealed that it has submitted applications to begin new direct routes between Cardiff and York, and Rochdale and London Euston.

The Cardiff to York route would run via Birmingham, Derby, and Sheffield.

Meanwhile, the Rochdale to Euston route would stop at Manchester Victoria, Eccles, Newton-le-Willows, and Warrington Bank Quay.

STREET SMARTS

I visit New York 6 times a year – my expert budget guide including £1 pizzas

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

The company hopes these routes will be operational by December 2028.

Lumo hopes to run return services between the cities to six times a day throughout the week from Cardiff to York.

It hopes that this journey would “replicate the success of the Edinburgh to London service” which Lumo started in 2021.

As for the Rochdale to London route, the application proposes three return services on weekdays and Sundays and four services every Saturday.

Lumo said this would provide residents of the north-west a “convenient and competitively priced” direct rail service to London. 

The train company also applied to extend its new route between Scotland’s Stirling and London Euston.

The service between Stirling and London has been approved and will start to run from next year.

The new application has asked for it to be extended past May 2030 when the contract currently ends.

Lumo’s new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert.

Lumo tries to keep its train fares affordable and aims for 60 per cent of its single fares to be under £30.

Onboard a Lumo train, there are no first class seat options. But wherever you sit, you’ll have USB sockets and tray tables.

Passengers can also personalise their lighting through the button on the back of the seat in front of them.

Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, a winged headrest for comfort and a coat hanger.

FESTIVE FEELS

John Lewis reveals tear-jerker Xmas ad set to nostalgic 90s house track

TRAFFIC CARNAGE

Major motorway shut with TWO-HOUR delays after crash between lorry & van

Lumo will connect two more major cities from December 2025…

Customers travelling between London and Glasgow can do so on a new Lumo service which starts in December 2025.

Lumo announced its new service on social media. It said: “Our new timetable starts on 14th December 2025!

“Our new Glasgow service will start in December and we’re also adding an additional service from Newcastle to London King’s Cross every weekday.”

Lumo plans to run two northbound and one southbound service on weekdays and one service in each direction on Sundays between London King’s Cross and Glasgow.

The new route will go between the two cities but will also stop at Falkirk High and Newcastle.

If booked in advance for journeys in 2026, tickets start from as little as £33.90. Anyone travelling from Newcastle to Glasgow can buy tickets for just £10.90.

For more on trains, here is the way that passengers can travel on UK trains without buying tickets.

Plus, this is where you can find the most beautiful train journey – it takes 10 minutes and costs £3.

The world’s longest flight connects America to Asia, with passengers strapped into their seats for almost 19 hours – and it’s not for the faint-hearted

The world’s longest flight links America to Asia with travellers buckled in for nearly 19 hours. The current record holder for the longest long-haul journey is the Singapore Airlines route from New York’s JFK Airport to Singapore Changi.

The 9,537-mile trip has a scheduled flight time of 18 hours and 50 minutes and was introduced by the carrier in 2018. The service operates using Singapore Airline’s cutting-edge A350-900ULRs, which can remain airborne for more than 20 hours without refuelling.

The aircraft achieves such endurance thanks to a specially adapted fuel system. This enhancement boosts the plane’s total fuel capacity to an enormous 24,000 litres.

Yet the journey isn’t readily available to all, as Singapore Airlines doesn’t provide economy class seating on this route.

Rather, Singapore Airlines provides 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats. Premium Economy travellers can benefit from additional legroom, a footrest, and an adjustable headrest. Passengers can also utilise noise-cancelling headphones and WiFi throughout their journey.

Business class travellers experience ultimate privacy, whilst their seats transform into completely flat beds to ensure a peaceful sleep during travel.

Singapore Airlines assert that the A350-900ULR will provide customers with a “more comfortable travelling experience”. The aircraft boasts a range of additional features including elevated ceilings, expanded windows and specially designed lighting to combat jetlag.

The carrier maintains that the plane’s innovative carbon composite airframe also enables enhanced air quality. Those seeking a ticket are expected to be extremely wealthy, with seats routinely costing well into five figures.

Singapore Airlines’ CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong, previously stated that the new route will be the “fastest way” to travel between the two major cities.

He said: “Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR.

“The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities – in great comfort, together with Singapore Airlines’ legendary service – and will help boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub.”