The Philadelphia Eagles will play in London as part of the NFL’s international games next season.
The NFL will stage a record nine regular-season games overseas during 2026, with three in the UK while Australia and France are hosts for the first time.
The London series begins on 4 October with the Washington Commanders hosting the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will then host games on the following two Sundays against the Eagles at Tottenham then the Houston Texans at Wembley.
The first international game will take place during the first week of the season, with the Los Angeles Rams having a divisional match-up against the San Francisco 49ers at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The 49ers will also face the Minnesota Vikings as the NFL returns to Mexico, while the Baltimore Ravens meet the Dallas Cowboys in the league’s first game in Rio de Janeiro.
There will be three games in continental Europe, with the New Orleans Saints facing the Pittsburgh Steelers as Paris hosts its first game at the Stade de France.
The Cincinnati Bengals then face the Atlanta Falcons at the home of Real Madrid while the New England Patriots, who reached last season’s Super Bowl, will take on the Detroit Lions in Munich.
SINGAPORE Airlines is launching more flights from two UK airports to one of ‘world’s best cities.
With increased flights, it’s even easier to visit the destination that’s home to cheap Michelin star meals, trendy cafes and a futuristic nature park.
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Singapore Airlines has increased its flights from two UK airportsCredit: AlamyTemperatures in the city have highs of 30C this weekCredit: Getty
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Singapore is often named one of the world’s best cities, and this year is no different with it coming in sixth place in the ‘World’s Best Cities’ report.
From July 13, the Manchester to Singapore services, will increase from five-times weekly to daily.
And from October 25, flights from London Gatwick will increase from 10 times a week to a twice-daily service.
In total this means Singapore Airlines will launch six daily flights in total from London, which includes the four daily services from London Heathrow.
Direct flights to Singapore from the UK take between 13 and 14 hours.
Gardens by the Bay is an iconic attraction in the cityCredit: Alamy
At the moment, and through next week, temperatures in Singapore have highs of 30C, in fact it’s around that temperature year round, so you are guaranteed to get some warmth no matter the month.
Being one of the world’s best cities, there’s plenty to do from exploring its impressive architecture to visiting its futuristic nature park, Gardens by the Bay.
The world-famous attraction is home to the world’s largest glass greenhouse, an indoor waterfall, and a viewing platform up high on its Supertree.
Kara loved how the built up city had so much greeneryCredit: AlamyOne-must visit spot is Joo Chiat which has beautiful Peranakan housesCredit: Alamy
She said: “I didn’t expect to love the city as much as I did, but I loved how safe and clean it felt compared to other major cities.”
“It’s the kind of place where you’ll never struggle to find amazing food, no matter what your budget is.
“Make sure to look up too – most buildings have living walls or rooftop gardens as strict rules mean any new structures must replace greenery they build on.”
Other must-visit spots include the neighbourhood of Joo Chiat that has been named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.
It has beautiful pastel-colored Peranakan shophouses, rich Eurasian heritage, and a mix of traditional eateries and trendy cafes.
For incredible views across the skyline, one of the best free spots is at Henderson Wave Bridge, which is the highest footbridge in the city.
As for eateries and bars, some of Kara’s favourites include Keng Eng Kee which has been family-run for more than 50 years.
YOU might have thought going on a barge break would be relaxing, quiet and peaceful being surrounded by nothing but nature and water.
That’s what I thought too, before I moored up on what was one of the biggest party spots in the Midlands.
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I ended up mooring on one of the biggest party spots in the MidlandsCredit: John SturgisGas Street is one of the most iconic stretches of canal in the worldCredit: Alamy
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Birmingham’s Gas Street basin is one of the most iconic stretches of canal in the world. So when we found a free mooring spot right there in the city centre we were delighted.
We tied up our rented barge to the metal posts and went out for dinner and a couple of drinks.
It was only when we returned to spend the evening on board that we realised it was going to be somewhat noisier than a few passing dog walkers or nesting geese at 5pm had initially made us realise.
Because by 9pm, it felt like we were moored on the party strip in Ayia Napa.
There were disco boats with banging music passing on one side, and large groups of boisterous pedestrians on the other – passing very loudly between one bar or club and another.
We had inadvertently plonked ourselves right in the very party heart of the Midlands.
One year-round barge user told me that he has moored in this very spot before only to wake up adrift – one of those boisterous party people had untied him in the middle of the night as a prank.
I still had a great week in the city home to pubs with cheap pintsCredit: John Sturgis
It wasn’t until after two in the morning when the last of the last orders were called that it began to quieten down – and we started to hear the sound of geese again rather than dance music.
Thankfully we were still tied to those posts though.
So the next morning, after coffee, we moved the boat another half a mile to a quieter spot where we would spend our second night in Brum.
It was the only blip on what was to be a terrific long weekend in the Second City.
Because although I’d been to Birmingham several times before I’d never really devoted any time to the place – just headed straight to whatever job I had and then gone off again.
This trip was an attempt to redress this miss. And it was great fun – Birmingham was a blast.
We aren’t the first people to realise this. The city has had a lot of money spent on it and tourism here has had a shot in the arm – not least from the success of Peaky Blinders, which is celebrated across the centre. You can’t miss the many references.
Thanks to our very central location, it was also extremely navigable: that meal we had, at Indian street food restaurant Indico Mailbox, was barely a five minute walk from our bed.
And, as Londoners, it felt very cheap. Very cheap indeed.
In one pub it was it really was £5.25 for a pint and a glass of wineCredit: John Sturgis
At one point I confidently told a bar worker that she had only charged us for one of our two drinks. She hadn’t, it really was £5.25 for a pint and a glass of wine.
That was the cheapest round of quite a few – we found, as we often do, that a good way to see the sights was by turning our day there into a pub crawl.
So although we did get into some set piece tourism spots – the very good city gallery, the cathedral with its spectacular stained glass windows etc – it was while walking from one pub to another.
And goodness, does Birmingham have a vibrant pub scene.
The standouts were: The Wellington, with its incredible array of real ales and ciders, The Craven Arms, The Spotted Dog and the Woodman.
The latter is currently isolated in the middle of vast building works next door to one of the oldest stations in the world, Curzon Street, which will also become one of the newest when HS2 finally opens.
Remarkably it still functions as a top, top boozer despite this. So that was our time in the city – now onto how we got there.
And this was what they call a life hack: we realised that for the same money it would cost to spend two nights in a city centre hotel and eat out for every meal, we could hire a barge and do (most of) our own cooking, as well as picking our own berth (see above for the pitfalls in this aspect of the plan).
Hiring a barge can be affordable – especially for two couples sharingCredit: John Sturgis
We went as a single couple but two couples sharing could do this even more affordably – most boats have two double rooms.
We picked up our boat from – and returned it to – the marina at Alvechurch, some 11 miles south of the city centre.
It’s an interesting journey into the city for two main reasons.
Firstly you get to travel through – and if you like, you can tie up to explore – the famous Bournville suburb, where the Cadbury brothers, real-life Willy Wonkas, built a model Victorian neighbourhood for their chocolate factory workers – and it remains largely unchanged.
Then there’s the dramatic Wast Hill tunnel, at 1.5 miles one of the longest in Britain’s entire 3000 mile canal network, which takes longer to navigate by slow moving barge than the train journey through the Channel Tunnel.
It has an extraordinary and slightly ghostly atmosphere within: complete darkness except for that distant pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel.
But the great advantage of this short trip is that there are no locks! Just a five-hour each way tour followed by one single, easy-to-perform U-turn at the end before your return leg.
It is without doubt the least demanding, most relaxing canal trip I have ever done.
The only thing that could have improved it would have been if I were still young enough to have taken advantage of all that nightlife on our doorstep – or rather barge step.
How to book your own barge break…
Drifters offers the choice of over 500 self-drive canal boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Scotland and Wales.
There are over 3,000 miles of inland waterways to explore by boat in Britain.
Prices start at £713 for a short break, £980 for a week on a boat for up to four people.
For more information about Drifters boating holidays call 0344 984 0322 or visitwww.drifters.co.uk.
MAKE convenience the driving force behind your holiday.
There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and Spain.
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There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and SpainCredit: Alamy
Escape to sunnier climes in the car with no pricey flights or fear of flight cancellations.
Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the five best getaways for families, all within an hour of the ferry terminal.
COMILLAS, SPAIN
DRIVE 40 minutes from the ferry terminal of Santander and you’ll find the rustic town of Comillas, crammed with striking Gaudi architecture and art nouveau buildings that overlook a pristine sandy shore.
It’s not as crowded as some of Spain’s more popular holiday resorts and it’s home to the Oyambre Natural Park which is littered with dramatic cliffs and has a plethora of bird life.
Make sure to try a dish loved by locals, marmitako.
The traditional fisherman’s stew comes loaded with tuna, seafood and veggies and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Comillas Hotel in the town is from £439.06pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Plymouth on July 20.
ACTIVITY-loving families will feel right at home in Boulogne-sur-mer, a 30-minute drive from the French port of Calais and with adventure on its doorstep.
Spend a day at the largest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaá, where you can gawp at over 60,000 creatures including reef sharks, manta rays, sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises — the Echappée Tropicale section is new for this year and is framed around mangroves and lagoons.
Nearby Wissant beach is ideal if you’re travelling with youngsters, thanks to its shallow water pools.
And Boulogne-sur-mer’s glorious old town with its cobbled streets, is a wonderful spot for an afternoon potter.
Boulogne sur Mer has a massive aquariumCredit: Alamy
GO: Two nights’ self-catering at the Evancy apartments is from £60pp based on a family of four sharing.
IF you’re less into fly-and-flop and more of a city dweller, look no further than the Spanish city of Bilbao.
The city centre is a 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Once you arrive, ditch the car as everything is easily accessible on foot or by tram/metro.
Pintxos, essentially the basque version of tapas, is the theme of most menus here.
This means you can sample as many restaurants as you fancy, tucking into the best of the nibbles — they tend to be very affordable, too.
Little ones will love riding the funicular up to the peak of Mount Artxanda, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.
Adults, on the other hand, will want to sample a glass of Txakoli, a local wine that’s dry, crisp and pairs perfectly with warm weather.
There’s also a beach if you do want to dip your toes into the sea.
GO: Six nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Euskalduna Hotel is £507.11pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao on July 19.
THE coastal resort, less than an hour from Calais, is chic French glamour meets old-world Britain.
Don’t take my word for it, though.
Back in the day, it attracted big names like Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sean Connery used to stroll its shores, and President Macron has been seen there.
You’re also within a short drive of France’s oldest amusement park, Parc Bagatelle, which will soon feature a new adrenaline ride, North Storm.
It is 33 metres high and throws riders around on 360-degree rotations.
On top of thrill rides, there are also shows and a mini animal farm.
GO: Two-storey family rooms at the 4H Le Grand Hotel Le Touquet cost from around £286pp with access to an indoor heated pool, a padel tennis court, games room and bike rental service.
A SWIFT 30-minute drive from Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, the sleepy fishing town of Courseulles-sur-Mer feels typically French and sits a little off the beaten tourist track.
Be sure to have a go at sand yachting.
Often described as a mix between go-karting and windsurfing, the sport relies on blustery winds to propel you across the sands in a three-wheeled cart with a sail attached to it.
Juno beach is a great spot to try it.
For adrenaline junkies there’s Parc du Chant des Oiseaux which has slides, climbing nets and a zipline, or for something more gently paced there’s an 18-hole mini golf course.
It’s worth renting a bike and exploring the nearby cycle routes while you’re here, too.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 3H La Crémaillère is from £454.85pp, based on four people sharing a one-bedroom duplex and including car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen on July 20.
MAKE convenience the driving force behind your holiday.
There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and Spain.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and SpainCredit: Alamy
Escape to sunnier climes in the car with no pricey flights or fear of flight cancellations.
Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the five best getaways for families, all within an hour of the ferry terminal.
COMILLAS, SPAIN
DRIVE 40 minutes from the ferry terminal of Santander and you’ll find the rustic town of Comillas, crammed with striking Gaudi architecture and art nouveau buildings that overlook a pristine sandy shore.
It’s not as crowded as some of Spain’s more popular holiday resorts and it’s home to the Oyambre Natural Park which is littered with dramatic cliffs and has a plethora of bird life.
Make sure to try a dish loved by locals, marmitako.
The traditional fisherman’s stew comes loaded with tuna, seafood and veggies and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Comillas Hotel in the town is from £439.06pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Plymouth on July 20.
ACTIVITY-loving families will feel right at home in Boulogne-sur-mer, a 30-minute drive from the French port of Calais and with adventure on its doorstep.
Spend a day at the largest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaá, where you can gawp at over 60,000 creatures including reef sharks, manta rays, sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises — the Echappée Tropicale section is new for this year and is framed around mangroves and lagoons.
Nearby Wissant beach is ideal if you’re travelling with youngsters, thanks to its shallow water pools.
And Boulogne-sur-mer’s glorious old town with its cobbled streets, is a wonderful spot for an afternoon potter.
Boulogne sur Mer has a massive aquariumCredit: Alamy
GO: Two nights’ self-catering at the Evancy apartments is from £60pp based on a family of four sharing.
IF you’re less into fly-and-flop and more of a city dweller, look no further than the Spanish city of Bilbao.
The city centre is a 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Once you arrive, ditch the car as everything is easily accessible on foot or by tram/metro.
Pintxos, essentially the basque version of tapas, is the theme of most menus here.
This means you can sample as many restaurants as you fancy, tucking into the best of the nibbles — they tend to be very affordable, too.
Little ones will love riding the funicular up to the peak of Mount Artxanda, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.
Adults, on the other hand, will want to sample a glass of Txakoli, a local wine that’s dry, crisp and pairs perfectly with warm weather.
There’s also a beach if you do want to dip your toes into the sea.
GO: Six nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Euskalduna Hotel is £507.11pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao on July 19.
THE coastal resort, less than an hour from Calais, is chic French glamour meets old-world Britain.
Don’t take my word for it, though.
Back in the day, it attracted big names like Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sean Connery used to stroll its shores, and President Macron has been seen there.
You’re also within a short drive of France’s oldest amusement park, Parc Bagatelle, which will soon feature a new adrenaline ride, North Storm.
It is 33 metres high and throws riders around on 360-degree rotations.
On top of thrill rides, there are also shows and a mini animal farm.
GO: Two-storey family rooms at the 4H Le Grand Hotel Le Touquet cost from around £286pp with access to an indoor heated pool, a padel tennis court, games room and bike rental service.
A SWIFT 30-minute drive from Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, the sleepy fishing town of Courseulles-sur-Mer feels typically French and sits a little off the beaten tourist track.
Be sure to have a go at sand yachting.
Often described as a mix between go-karting and windsurfing, the sport relies on blustery winds to propel you across the sands in a three-wheeled cart with a sail attached to it.
Juno beach is a great spot to try it.
For adrenaline junkies there’s Parc du Chant des Oiseaux which has slides, climbing nets and a zipline, or for something more gently paced there’s an 18-hole mini golf course.
It’s worth renting a bike and exploring the nearby cycle routes while you’re here, too.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 3H La Crémaillère is from £454.85pp, based on four people sharing a one-bedroom duplex and including car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen on July 20.
TEN of the best places to go this summer have been revealed – if you want to avoid the big crowds.
A new study conducted by Skyscanner has looked at summer search data to find places with lower search interest, which will mean finding the lesser known areas to visit.
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The best barely-visited holiday destinations to go to this summer have been revealed by SkyscannerCredit: AlamyFinland’s former capital city Turku came out on topCredit: AlamyThunder Bay in Canada is also a lesser visited spot, known for its huge rock formationsCredit: Alamy
In the Smarter Summer report, Turku came out on top when it came to being an under-the-radar destination.
The Finnish city is the oldest in the country, and even used to be the capital.
Known as the gateway to the 40,000-island Finnish archipelago (said to be the world’s largest archipelago, the other main attraction is the 13th century Turku Castle.
Flights are as little as £80 return, although Brits will have to change in airports like Gdansk or Helsinki.
There is also Ioannina, a small inhabited island in the middle of a lake with a historic Byzantine fortresses
Being so secluded, one of the easiest ways to get there is a three-hour bus from Thessaloniki.
And finally there is Astypalaia, a butterfly-shaped island home to a Venetian castle as well as the eight red-roofed Chora windmills.
The island has direct flights from Athens, with its own small airport.
Pico in Portugal, along with Kiruna (Sweden), Clermont Ferrand (France) and Cordoba (Argentina) also made the list as well.
Crotone in Italy has indirect UK flights with RyanairCredit: AlamyIoannina was one of three Greek islands to make the listCredit: AlamyPico – in the Azores in Portugal – was also ranked as a lesser-visited destination for 2026Credit: Alamy
Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner Travel Expert, said: “This year’s Smarter Summer Report is designed to help people make more confident choices on when and where to travel, using Skyscanner’s proprietary data to highlight smarter timings, better-value options and alternative destinations.
“In a more changeable travel environment, checking live prices and staying flexible on where and when you travel can go a long way when it comes to finding better value.”
“More importantly, travellers should stay informed and check the latest travel advice before booking.”
The study also found the cheapest day week to travel on average was, surprisingly, July 7 – just before the school holidays.
And the cheapest day of the week was just as surprising, with Saturday being the most affordable.
They also named some of the cheapest destination to fly to on average this year, which include:
Dortmund, Germany (£72)
Cork, Ireland (£83)
Luxembourg (£86)
Castellon de la Plana, Spain (£89)
Baden-Baden, Germany (£89)
Eindhoven, Netherlands (£94)
Turin in Italy was £102 on average, followed by Cologne (£114), Jersey (£123), and Trapani (£125).
Skyscanner’s Top Under-The-Radar Destinations this summer
*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.
WHAT do a former Tory councillor from Kent and a Wimbledon-supporting socialist have in common?
They are both sharing a beer with me on my “solos” group tour of Portugal.
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The pretty city of Porto rises up above the River DouroCredit: GettyThirty minutes drive from the capital lies Sintra, another Unesco World Heritage SiteCredit: Getty
And the three of us are talking over the day’s activities with a Trump fan from the east coast of America.
Luckily, politics is off the menu.
Very much on the menu, however, is sardines, salted cod and the country’s speciality egg yolk pastries. But more on them later.
We are part of a 26-strong group on a dash around the southwestern-most territory of Europe, which is packed with old-world charm.
Our adventure, organised by solo tour specialist Just You, starts in Porto, where the steep hills that rise up from the River Douro are dotted higgledy-piggledy with colourful houses.
Author JK Rowling lived among the granite streets here before she was famous — and it is said the city’s gothic architecture, along with the traditional robes of its university students, inspired her world of Harry Potter.
At least one establishment, bookshop Livraria Lello, cashes in on the fact, charging entrance fees to see its elaborate interior and upstairs cafe where Rowling would drink her coffee.
Talking of elaborate, it doesn’t get much more so than the “Gold Church”, real name the Church of St Francis.
Designated a Unesco World Heritage site, its interior is dripping with carved wood covered in gold leaf, with the precious metal having been shipped over from Portugal’s former colony of Brazil.
It’s certainly dazzling, as is a trip down the Douro River to the vineyards, which supply grapes for that most Porto of products . . . port.
Can you get more Portuguese? Well, actually, my guide informs me that, historically, it was mostly grown here by the British.
The two countries have long been allies, with many Englishmen living in Portugal in the 1600s.
Back home in those days, the English liked wine but were always at war with the pesky French, meaning booze cruises across the Channel were often a no-no.
Instead, they turned to north Portugal and the Douro Valley to grow their own.
It will come as no surprise then that many of the port brands bear English names.
These include Taylor’s, Cockburn’s and Sandeman, and you can see lots of them emblazoned on the wine cellars that fill the hills of the city of Gaia, which is just across the narrow river from Porto.
The walled city of Obidos is perched on a hilltop and is completely enclosed by its fortificationsCredit: Refer to sourceAveiro is marketed as the ‘Venice of Portugal’Credit: Getty
By the way, white port (yes, that’s a thing) is tipped to be the next big thing in the cocktail market.
After time in Porto, Gaia and the Douro Valley, day four of my eight-day trip sees the group begin to wind south to capital Lisbon, but not before stops at Aveiro, Coimbra and Obidos.
Let’s take them one by one. Aveiro is marketed as the “Venice of Portugal”. OK, it has some canals, but a trip on a large, electric gondola just doesn’t feel as romantic.
A fellow traveller did remark on its Art Deco beauty, though.
Coimbra could maybe be the Oxford of Portugal, boasting the country’s oldest university, which dates back to 1290. Bats live in its library to eat book-destroying bugs.
A guided tour of the city, which was once the capital, will take you into the grand university building, which sits among former church schools in a street that was the widest in Europe until the 1800s.
You will also likely hear the story of Don Pedro and Donna Ines. I heard it twice and am still a little hazy on the details.
Based on truth, it is Portugal’s Romeo And Juliet tale, which involves the 14th-century prince Pedro digging up the five-year-dead corpse of his mistress Ines.
He then crowned her queen and made his courtiers kiss her hand. The things we do for love.
The walled city of Obidos continues with the historic buildings. Perched on a hilltop, the medieval settlement is completely enclosed by its fortifications. And its small size makes its stunning streets very manageable to navigate.
While there, it’s worth trying its cherry liqueur, called ginjinha, which is served in chocolate cups that you can eat afterwards.
The final days of the tour were spent in Lisbon, a city built on seven hills.
Chris Michael in the Portuguese city of CoimbraCredit: SuppliedTuck into the tasty pastry pastel de nataCredit: Getty
This may make exploring its small streets a challenge, but you can always hop on and off the quaint yellow trams.
The downtown area and main squares are flat enough and filled with impressive buildings despite the earthquake that devastated the area in 1755. A couple of miles out from the centre lies the Belem district.
Its Belem Tower is a small, picturesque fort which marks the transition from tall forts (for shooting arrows) to horizontal ones (for hosting canons).
And it does this by combining both aspects of those designs as it juts prettily into the Tagus river.
Thirty minutes drive from the capital lies Sintra, another Unesco World Heritage Site. With its microclimate making it cooler and wetter than Lisbon, it stays green all year round.
It also plays host to colourful palaces where past royalty would spend their summers hunting.
I’m sure they feasted well, too. And I didn’t do badly on that front, either. The Portuguese say they have 365 different recipes for cod (one for each day of the year).
It is often dried and salted, which they call bacalhau. I had bacalhau covered with onions and accompanied by wafer-thin fried potatoes.
Another national delicacy is pastel de nata, an egg custard tart pastry, often dusted with cinnamon.
Grabbing one with a coffee will only set you back a couple of euros for both the treat and the drink.
It’s the sort of thing you can do to while away the hours with new-found friends from the group of initial strangers on the tour.
Which, arguably, is the key factor of the holiday’s success. Do you like your travel companions? Are you cut out for solo travel?
Cards on the table, this was my first solos tour. I met people I liked and no one I disliked. Ages ranged from 40 to 95, though 85 per cent were retired.
Lots I spoke to had been using solo tour companies for many, many years.
For some it was their first time.
If you haven’t tried it before, all I can say is: You might like it, you might love it.
But you only live once (unless you’re Donna Ines) . . . and Portugal is well worth a visit.
GO: PORTUGAL
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Just You’s eight-day Picturesque Portugal escorted tour for solo travellers includes flights from London, overseas transfers, B&B in 3* and 4* hotels with a guaranteed twin or double room of your own, four dinners and welcome and farewell drinks, accompanied by a Just You holiday director and specialist local guide.
Multiple departure dates available, with prices starting from £2,169pp.
The following day, services to Krakow will begin with departures on Mondays and Fridays every week.
On October 25 and 26, travellers can go from Belfast International Airport to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as to Rome on Mondays and Fridays.
Anyone wanting to visit Reykjavik, Iceland, can travel from Newcastle from October 27 twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
You can fly to Iceland’s beautiful capital city from Newcastle with Easyjet later this yearCredit: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF
Easyjet’s Luton-Ljubljana flights start on October 26 three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The same day, the Southend-Budapest route also starts twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
In an exciting update for Birmingham, the route to coastal city Agadir, in Morocco, will start on October 27. They will depart twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The new flights, which include fares of £23.99, have significantly expanded the airline’s network from the north of England, and enabled more direct services to popular leisure and city destinations.
The airline’s UK country manager, Kevin Doyle, said: “Whether they’re looking for winter sun, or a weekend away in some of Europe’s most iconic capitals, this new batch of routes further expands the range of exciting destinations available for our customers to choose from at affordable prices.”
A FIRST look at an exciting new train station that will link two world-famous English cities has been revealed.
East West Rail (EWR) is behind the plans for the new station as well as the new line, which will connect Oxford and Cambridge.
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East West Rail has released a CGI mock-up of the new entrance to Cambridge stationCredit: EWR
According to EWR, a new entrance on Clifton Road will make the station both “more convenient to access” as well as “more attractive for residents and local businesses.”
It will also accommodate about 40 per cent of commuters, significantly reducing congestion in the station at peak times of travel.
A lot of consideration has gone into the project so far, with over 80 alterations already having been made to the plan’s initial proposal.
The new Cambridge station is just one part of broader project being undertaken which will cost a whopping £6.7billion.
On Tuesday an eight-week consultation into the project shall begin as part of the final phases to obtain building permission.
Once granted, work shall officially be able to begin in 2027.
EWR estimate that the Cambridge station would then be up and running by the middle of 2030.
As well as the Cambridge station, EWR has proposed a new location for a station in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire.
This would allow for more development in the area, and would be located on St. Neots Road.
Councillor Judy Roberts, cabinet member for Place, Environment and Climate Action on Oxfordshire County Council, previously said: “We welcome the continued commitment from the government to progress East West Rail through to Cambridge.”
She added: “East West Rail effectively provides a ‘backbone’ for developing a wider regional integrated sustainable transport network.
“And it will be important that Oxfordshire works with those on the scheme to provide high-quality first mile/last mile connectivity from key stations along the route.
“It will also be important to maximise the benefits of development for East West Rail through delivering economic, social and environmental benefits, as well as onward rail connections, for example to Swindon and Bristol.”
WE all love a holiday abroad, but sometimes we forget what’s on our doorstep.
From beautiful beach towns to charming villages and incredible cities with luxury hotels to off-the-grid shepherd huts, the whole of Britain has options for every sort of staycation.
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The city of Cambridge has a beautiful river and plenty of independent shopsCredit: AlamyThe Nici Hotel is a luxury hotel in Bournemouth with an enormous swimming poolCredit: The NICI
The UK staycation is on the rise, and has no signs of slowing down – the latest holiday report from Away Resorts revealed 46 per cent of Brits are opting for a staycation over an abroad break.
Sykes Holiday Cottageshas also predicted a record high for staycations in 2026, reporting that bookings made in January are up 9 per cent year-on-year.
The conflict in Iran is also another factor when it comes to booking a break this year.
Data from Barclay’s has found that spending on travel agents has dropped 4.6 per cent, while airline spending was down 4.1 per cent.
Spending on UK hotels and resorts was up 1.2 per cent.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next staycation, check out these 12 destinations that are Sun Travel’s wish list for 2026…
Nici Hotel, Bournemouth
“One of my favourite places in the US is Miami – so when I heard there was a hotel in the UK compared to it, I’ve been intrigued ever since.
“The Nici, in Bournemouth, is nothing like the Bournemouth I knew growing up when visiting my grandparents.
“There’s a bright blue water swimmingpool lined with pearly white sunloungers and flamingos, while palm tree designs and plants are everywhere too.
“I’m dying to eat at their South Beach restaurant too – the scallops and tuna tartare sounds delicious, as well as the ‘lost luggage’ signature cocktail list.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Fort William, Scotland
“The higher you go, the better the views… surely? At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself when I eventually attempt to climb the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.
“Towering a mighty 1,345 metres above sea level, this craggy peak trumps both Snowdonia in Wales and the Lake District’s Scafell Pike. Much of Scotland remains so rugged and unspoilt that the landscape in these parts feels somewhat otherworldly – which certainly adds to the appeal.
“It supposedly takes between seven and nine hours to reach the summit, meaning I could spend the remainder of my Scotland trip rewarding my efforts with whisky from the Ben Nevis Distillery, in Fort William.
“The distilling process incorporates the purest water that has trickled down from that very mountain, adding an earthy flavour to the spirit.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
“The house itself is considered Britain’s original smart home and it sits in a beautiful estate with pine forests, lakes and an enchanting rickety bridge.
“Plus, I’m a huge fan of Jurassic World – the house was used to film the second film in the franchise with when it became Lockwood Manor, starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
“There’s even a cottage on the site of the mansion to stay in – it looks quintessentially English with a little fireplace in the cosy lounge.”
“The National Trust house is also 30-minutes away from pretty coastal villages like Alnmouth and the town of Amble.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Cragside is a National Trust property in Northumberland and was used to film Jurassic WorldCredit: Alamy
Here are even more of our favourite UK seaside towns…
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Sidmouth, Devon Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.
Whitby, North Yorkshire With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.
Seahouses, Northumberland This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.
Scotland is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben NevisCredit: Alamy
Bluestone, Pembrokeshire
“Having written about it for several years now, I’m very keen to check out Bluestone in Wales – which many people say is a better, cheaper version of Center Parcs.
“I’m particularly interested in staying here because it has the best of both worlds for my son and I – the blue lagoon water park and indoor adventure park for him, the spa and the walks in the surrounding Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for me.
“I know that they are particularly proud of their Christmas offering, but I love Wales in the early autumn.
“When the leaves start to fall and the pubs get particularly cosy, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing long weekend.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)
Ventnor, Isle of Wight
“Trendy Ventnor in the Isle of Wight is high up on my wish list for a UK staycation this year.
“Charles Dickens is even known to have declared the town ‘the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad’.
“Such high praise is reason enough for me to want to go and check it out – but as it turns out there is plenty more to V-Town.
“The seaside town is known for its thriving creative scene, with top-tier theatre, comedy and arts festivals. Ventnor Carnival is the second oldest carnival in the UK, and sees the town light up with colourful floats, costumes and performances.
“When it comes to somewhere to stay, The Royal Hotel was built in 1832 and was loved by Queen Victoria – plus its got a gorgeous pool and gardens to make use of if you visit in the summer time.
“And I’d treat myself to a meal in The Elderflower and Aquitania, too, for a delicious Michelin-star dinner.” – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
“Last year I ticked off Oxford, so it only seems right that this year I tick off Cambridge.
“Known for its historic university, often ranked one of the best in the world, Cambridge is the ideal day trip or city escape from London, just 49 minutes from London King’s Cross.
“As a big fan of architecture, I can’t wait to see the historic buildings scattered around the city as well as go punting on the River Cam.
“I’m also such a sucker for shopping local, so heading down the different cobbled lanes dipping in and out of independent shops sounds like a dream.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Scilly Isles, Cornwall
“The Scilly Isles, a short ferry ride from Penzance in Cornwall, are sometimes overlooked by wildlife lovers for more exotic and far-flung destinations.
“But marine life absolutely thrives in these parts. Puffins are top of my animal wish list and now is the best time to see them, with the orange-beaked birds arriving on the coastal cliffs in April to nest before returning to the waters in July.
“The best way to see them is on a boat trip sailing around the uninhabited island of Annet – you may even get to see dolphins, whales and grey seals, too.
“The Scillies are completely car-free and camping and glamping spots are aplenty.
“I like the idea of a cosy shepherd’s hut with a roaring log burner and plenty of windows overlooking rustic scenery.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
York has winding streets that were said to inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon AlleyCredit: AlamyCharles Dickens called Ventnor on the Isle of Wight ‘the prettiest place’ he’s ever seenCredit: Alamy
York, North Yorkshire
“Having grown up near the Devonshire Street, which is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, I have always been intrigued by the city that also claims fame via the Harry Potter series.
“If you haven’t guessed it, it is York. The association is primarily due to The Shambles, a medieval street boasting wizard-themed shops and themed walking tours.
“As a lover of all things witchy, I am also intrigued to see if the city lives up to its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Clovelly, Devon
“A countryside girl at heart, I love visiting little villages and Clovelly is one of the best. It was even formerly owned by the Queen of England.
“It has pretty cobbled streets and stone cottages that are hundreds of years old. The restored walled Court Gardens are open all year round filled with flowers and greenery.
“The village is completely car free and donkeys were once used as their mode of transport. Now, the donkeys are settled in their stables at the top of the hill and tourists are free to visit Rex, Bert, Ernie and Alfred.
“I love the idea of staying in the local inn called The Red Lion Hotel in a room overlooking the harbour.
“Unlike other villages around the country, you actually need to pay a fee to enter that all goes towards preserving its charm.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Lake District, Cumbria
“I’m keen to take my son on more outdoor adventures this year and where better to start than the Lake District?
“As the UK’s largest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it feels like the perfect place to introduce a seven year old to enjoyable but easygoing hikes.
“But it’s also exceptionally child-friendly. We’ll start on Windermere and Bowness, making sure to check to take one of the kayaks on the lake, as well as a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter, and Brockhole on Windermere, with its adventure playground and treetop adventure.
“I’m also very keen on the alpaca walks around the stunning grounds of The Lingholm Estate. I’ve heard some great things about a few of the campsites, including Castlerigg Hall and the National Trust’s Low Wray Campsite.
“But I’d also be hoping for a couple of nights at the lovely Storrs Hall hotel on Lake Windermere.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)
The holiday park Bluestone in Wales has a huge waterparkCredit: Unknown
Buxton, Derbyshire
“I grew up in the Cotswolds, so my love of a pretty town is built deep into my DNA. And one on my list to visit this year is the spa town of Buxton, famed for its geothermal springs.
“Similar to Bath, it even has its own Buxton crescent of houses, and wellness spa with thermal pools.
“It’s set to have a multi-million makeover with new bars, shops and restaurants, so there’s no time better to visit. I’d definitely be choosing to stay at the Buxton Crescent Hotel too, owned by Champneys.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
“I’d first set out on a hike to Fair Head – a huge, dramatic cliff where rugged walking paths lead to breath-taking views over the waters of Murlough Bay.
“Then I’d head to Ursa Minor Bakehouse for a well-deserved snack to re-fuel – their freshly-baked pastries are slow fermented and made with nourishing whole grains.
“A visit to Ballycastle isn’t complete without a trip to the beach – I’d make sure to visit Ballycastle Beach, and take some sunset pictures at Pans Rock bridge, too.
“I’d also use Ballycastle as a base to tick off some spectacular nearby sights on the Antrim Coast. Here you’re only 10 minutes away from Carrick-a-Rede, the historic rope bridge suspended above the Atlantic.
“Plus it’s easy to take the ferry from here to Rathlin Island, where you can spot puffins perched atop its cliffs, or see seals poke their noses out from the water.” Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
