cities

Kraków, Poland, is one of Europe’s cheapest cities to visit for a city break, and it’s only a short flight away from the UK.

I’ve enjoyed city breaks in various European countries, including Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, my recent trip to Kraków, Poland, was truly unforgettable. The affordability of the journey and the city itself, coupled with its walkability, made it stand out. Unlike many European cities that necessitate trams, trains or metros for getting around, Kraków was refreshingly different.

Plus, it’s less than a two-hour flight from London. Once the capital of Poland, Kraków is so compact that the only transport I needed was the train from the airport to the city centre. Beyond this, everything was within a 20-minute stroll from the main square.

Kraków had been on my travel wishlist for five years due to its stunning architecture and rich history, reports the Express.

My primary reason for visiting was an excursion to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust, so I didn’t have high expectations for city exploration.

However, as I wandered around, I kept discovering hidden treasures, and I fell in love with the city.

From the market square known as Rynek Glowny to the Wawel Royal Castle, all the key sights were just a short walk away from each other.

The square is home to the Cloth Hall, a trading centre from the Renaissance period, and a Gothic church dating back to the 14th century.

Planty Park and the remnants of the medieval city walls encircle the city. The park offers such serenity that it hardly feels like you’re in a city, and it provides easy access to almost everything.

The architecture is truly stunning, with a fusion of historical styles adorning well-maintained streets.

The Jewish quarter is another must-see, boasting a variety of historical synagogues, museums, art galleries, as well as unique restaurants and bars.

When it comes to food, there’s an endless array of both Polish specialities and other European cuisines.

I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was – a chicken burger and chips cost around £8, Polish dumplings were just £3 to £4, and the most delectable spaghetti carbonara was only £9.

While drinks, particularly cocktails and alcoholic beverages, were slightly pricier, they were still considerably cheaper than in other cities I’ve visited, such as Berlin and Copenhagen.

I wholeheartedly recommend a weekend trip to Kraków, whether you’re seeking culture, history, or simply relaxation.

A travel influencer, who visited 17 European cities last year, has named and shamed three that they wouldn’t have chosen to visit – and it’s fair to say people were divided

Choosing the ideal holiday spot can be a real head-scratcher. Yet, Sooyeon, a globetrotting influencer hailing from San Francisco, US, might just have the insights you need to whittle down your choices. Hitting 17 different cities across Europe last year, she confessed on her TikTok @soos.foods that there were three cities that didn’t quite live up to expectations.

“These are three cities I probably would’ve skipped,” she shared. “Doesn’t mean these are bad destinations, I just didn’t enjoy them as much as other cities.” She was quick to point out Madrid as her first let-down. In 2023, after enjoying a brief stint in Barcelona, she spent two-and-a-half days in Spain’s capital but favoured the seaside charm of Barcelona over Madrid.

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She recounted: “The main reason is because I went to both Madrid and Barcelona on the same trip, and I feel like Madrid didn’t have as many interesting things to do for me at least, other than the palace and museums.” Sooyeon confessed that if she were to go to Spain again, she would skip Madrid and spend more time in Barcelona, instead.

Her next disappointment was with Catania, a storied port city on Sicily’s eastern seaboard. Sooyeon envisioned a lovely Italian getaway but the outcome left her less than thrilled. Courting controversy, she remarked: “…The city just felt a little run down and not the safest. People were also not afraid to stare at you – I’m sure they weren’t trying to be rude or mean, but it felt a little uncomfortable as a female traveller.”

Sooyeon’s take on Berlin stood out from her previous critiques of Catania and Madrid, reports the Express. She felt a sense of safety and was far from bored, commending the city for its ‘welcoming’ vibe and ‘cool cafes, shops and roads’. Yet, she felt something was amiss.

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“Don’t get me wrong, I would love to live in Berlin,” Sooyeon admitted. “But, as a tourist, I feel like the main attractions are history museums which I personally am not the biggest on, especially because at this point on my trip I was getting severe museum fatigue.”

She explained: “The food scene was also pretty international, so I didn’t find as many options for authentic local food, which is something I try to eat everywhere I go. Again, this is just my experience – what doesn’t work for me, could work for you.”

Sooyeon’s candid reviews sparked a flurry of responses on TikTok, with users divided over her views on these popular destinations. One user defended Madrid: “I will not accept any Madrid slander! I’ve been like four times and it’s an incredible city.”

Another urged travellers not to overlook Catania: “Everyone here pls don’t skip Catania,” while a different comment questioned her impression of Berlin: “Berlin is clean??? What girl???”

The Travel Twins have visited many European cities and have named six of their favourites that are not as popular as others – but are still well worth visiting

Many Brits are no strangers to a European jaunt, whether they’re chasing the sun or immersing themselves in rich history, stunning architecture and diverse cultures. While Paris, Madrid and Barcelona are often on the itinerary, there are plenty of lesser-known treasures waiting to be discovered.

Two globetrotting TikTokers have unveiled their top picks for Europe’s best kept secrets, having explored 70 cities across the continent. After immersing themselves in plenty of different locations, they listed six gems they’d recommend to others.

These destinations may not draw the same crowds as their more famous counterparts, but they promise an equally enriching experience without the tourist throngs.

In a video, which has amassed nearly half a million views, they said that Stavanger in Norway was their ultimate recommendation.

Situated on the southwestern coast of Norway, a roughly seven-hour drive from the capital, Oslo, is the city of Stavanger.

This gem may not be familiar to many Brits, but it boasts an array of attractions including its picturesque old town and stunning hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Norwegian landscape.

Historical sites abound in the city, with highlights including Stavanger Cathedral, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, and numerous Bronze Age Rock Carvings.

The TikTok users also spotlight Hameln, Germany as an under-appreciated European destination. Nestled near the larger city of Hanover, Hameln is famed as the mythical home of the Pied Piper.

The duo’s recommendations continue with Bern, Switzerland’s capital. This destination is ideal as a city break for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, boasting landmarks such as the Cathedral of Bern, Marktgasse, and Barenplatz.

Alternatively, they recommend Riga in Latvia or Poznan in Poland. Both are great for anyone with a passion for history and culture.

Seville in Spain was the final location to make the list. It offers a wealth of cultural experiences and is also a fantastic choice for a sun-soaked getaway.

While it may not be beachside, the city is dotted with hotels and resorts featuring pools, alongside a plethora of restaurants serving up traditional local cuisine.

Early this month, the U.S. military and masked federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and from Customs and Border Protection invaded a park near downtown Los Angeles — ironically, a park named after Gen. Douglas MacArthur. They came ready for battle, dressed in tactical gear and camouflage, with some arriving on horseback, while others rolled in on armored vehicles or patrolled above in Black Hawk helicopters. Although the invasion force failed to capture anyone, it did succeed in liberating the park from a group of children participating in a summer camp.

The MacArthur Park operation sounds like a scene from “South Park,” but it really did happen — and its implications are terrifying. As Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol agent in charge, said to Fox News: “Better get used to us now, ’cause this is going to be normal very soon. We will go anywhere, anytime we want in Los Angeles.” And President Trump is sending the same message to every Democratic governor and mayor in America who dares oppose him. He will send heavily armed federal forces wherever he wants, whenever he wants and for any reason.

The United States stands at the threshold of an authoritarian breakthrough, and Congress and the courts have given Trump a lot of tools. He’s learned from Jan. 6, 2021, that he needs tight control over the “guys with the guns,” as retired Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley put it. And that’s what he got when Congress dutifully confirmed Trump loyalists to lead all of the “power ministries” — the military, the FBI and the Department of Justice, the rest of the intelligence community and the Department of Homeland Security.

As commander in chief, the president can deploy troops and, under Title 10, he can also put National Guard troops under his command — even against the wishes of local officials. Gov. Gavin Newsom challenged the legality of Trump’s exercise of this authority in Los Angeles last month, and we will see what the courts say — but based on its initial rulings, the Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit appears likely to defer to the president. Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the troops cannot currently enforce laws, but Trump could change that by invoking the Insurrection Act, and we have to assume that the current Supreme Court would defer to him on that as well, following long-standing precedents saying the president’s power under the act is “conclusive.”

Trump could send the military into other cities, but the most dangerous weapon in his authoritarian arsenal might be the newly empowered Department of Homeland Security, which has been given $170 billion by Congress to triple the size of ICE and double its detention capacity.

No doubt, this will put Trump’s “mass deportation” into overdrive, but this is not just about immigration. Remember Portland in 2020, when Trump sent Border Patrol agents into the city? Against the wishes of the Oregon governor and the Portland mayor, the president deployed agents to protect federal buildings and suppress unrest after the killing of George Floyd. Under the Homeland Security Act, the secretary can designate any employee of the department to assist the Federal Protective Service in safeguarding government property and carrying out “such other activities for the promotion of homeland security as the Secretary may prescribe.”

Under that law, DHS officers can also make arrests, on and off of federal property, for “any offense against the United States.” This is why, in 2020, Border Patrol agents — dressed like soldiers and equipped with M-4 semi-automatic rifles — were able to rove around Portland in unmarked black SUVs and arrest people off the streets anywhere in the city. Trump could do this again anywhere in the country, and with the billions Congress has given to immigration and border agencies, DHS could assemble and deploy a formidable federal paramilitary force wherever and whenever Trump wishes.

Of course, under the 4th Amendment, officers need to have at least reasonable suspicion based on specific, articulable facts before they can stop and question someone, and probable cause before they arrest. And on Friday, U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong issued a temporary restraining order blocking ICE and Customs and Border Protection from making such stops without reasonable suspicion, and further holding that this could not be based on apparent race or ethnicity; speaking Spanish or speaking English with an accent; presence at a particular location, such as a Home Depot parking lot; or the type of work a person does. This ruling could end up providing an important constitutional restraint on these agencies, but we shall see. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling.

However, this litigation proceeds, it is important to note that the DHS agencies are not like the FBI, with its buttoned-down, by-the-book culture drilled into it historically and in response to the revelations of J. Edgar Hoover’s abuses of power. DHS and its agencies have no such baggage, and they clearly have been pushing the envelope in Los Angeles — sometimes brutally — over the last month. And even if Frimpong’s ruling stands up on appeal, ICE and Customs and Border Protection will no doubt adapt by training their officers to articulate other justifications for stopping people on the street or in workplaces. Ultimately, these agencies are used to operating near the border, where, in the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist’s words, the federal government’s power is “at its zenith,” and where there are far fewer constitutional constraints on their actions.

These are the tools at Trump’s disposal — and as DHS rushes to hire thousands of agents and build the detention facilities Congress just paid for, these tools will only become more formidable. And one should anticipate that Trump will want to deploy the DHS paramilitary forces to “protect” the 2026 or 2028 elections, alongside federal troops, in the same way they worked together to capture MacArthur Park.

A fanciful, dystopian scenario? Maybe, but who or what would stop it from happening? Congress does not seem willing to stand up to the president — and while individual federal judges might, the Supreme Court seems more likely to defer to him, especially on issues concerning national security or immigration. So, in the words of Bruce Springsteen, “the last check on power, after the checks and balances of government have failed, are the people, you and me.” Suit up.

Seth Stodder served in the Obama administration as assistant secretary of Homeland Security for borders, immigration and trade and previously as assistant secretary for threat prevention and security. He teaches national security and counterterrorism law at USC Law School.

Reporting from Sacramento — In his first week in office, Gov. Gavin Newsom sent a strong warning to cities and counties: He was coming for their road repair dollars if they didn’t meet state goals for new housing.

“If you’re not hitting your goals, I don’t know why you get the money,” Newsom said when he announced his budget plans in January.

Two months later, Newsom is setting aside plans to withhold state transportation dollars from local governments for four years. The move, which comes after fellow Democrats pushed back on the idea, is part of a larger acknowledgment that revamping how California plans for growth will be more arduous than the governor implied on the campaign trail.

Newsom made the announcement Monday when he unveiled a new bill that will be debated as part of the state budget. The legislation calls for $750 million in new funding for cities and counties to plan for increased housing production and then receive financial rewards as new building occurs. The money would begin flowing, according to the bill, in August.

“Our state’s affordability crisis is undermining the California Dream and the foundations of our economic well-being,” Newsom said in a release.

Gov. Gavin Newsom threatens to cut state funding from cities that don’t approve enough housing »

But the bill released Monday also laid out a lengthy timeline for the governor to implement more contentious parts of his housing agenda.

As a candidate, Newsom called for the building of 3.5 million new homes in the state by 2025, an amount that would more than quadruple the current rate of production.

For five decades, the state has required cities and counties to plan for housing production at a rate sufficient for all residents to live affordably. But the process hasn’t resulted in nearly enough homebuilding, especially for low-income residents, to meet demand.

Newsom pledged to reset housing supply goals so cities and counties would have to set aside more land for housing, concentrate production in existing urban areas to support climate change efforts and receive greater financial incentives to actually approve development. California’s tax system generally provides local governments with more tax revenue if they authorize hotel or commercial projects instead of housing.

Under Newsom’s new proposal, the state could take until 2023 — after the governor’s first term in office has ended — to put the new housing supply goals in place. When he unveiled his budget in January, Newsom also said he wanted to withhold money from the state’s recently approved increases to the gas tax and vehicle registration fees from communities that blocked housing. The bill says that wouldn’t happen until 2023 as well.

Giving new money to cities and counties before implementing new planning rules is an effort to show local governments that the governor sees their support as vital to meeting his housing goals, said Jason Elliott, Newsom’s chief deputy cabinet secretary.

“The best way to do that is to work with cities,” Elliott said.

When Newsom first announced his plans to tie transportation funding to housing goals, he didn’t provide a timeline. But some Democratic lawmakers made clear they weren’t fans.

At a budget committee hearing last month, Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) noted that voters upheld the gas tax hike at the ballot last year and said the governor shouldn’t consider restricting that money.

“We worked too hard on that and to all of a sudden have that used as a potential is disturbing to me,” Aguiar-Curry said.

It’s unclear if pushing off the plan for four years will lessen legislators’ concerns.

Sen. James Beall (D-San Jose), who authored the gas tax increase in 2017, said in a statement after the bill was released Monday that he remains against linking road construction funds to housing supply goals.

“Their use for any other purpose, such as to be used as leverage, is a violation of the trust of the voters and taxpayers,” Beall said.

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@dillonliam

The quaint market town of Wetherby, in West Yorkshire, has been named one of the best towns across the country – and it’s no wonder why people love it so much

Nestled in the West Yorkshire countryside, a charming market town has been recognised as one of the top towns nationwide. Located equidistant from the cities of Leeds and York, Wetherby is just a short distance away from two of the UK’s most picturesque urban areas.

Perched on the banks of the River Wharfe, this medieval town offers a blend of rich history and contemporary conveniences. The distinctive allure of the town’s Georgian architecture coupled with its vibrant community spirit has earned it a place among the country’s most sought-after towns.

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Wetherby’s town centre is home to an array of traditional pubs, chic boutiques, independent coffee shops, and a selection of local grocers and butchers.

A weekly farmer’s market takes place around the Grade II listed town hall, while an artisan market showcasing locally crafted ceramics, jewellery and other items occurs twice monthly.

Beyond the bustling town centre, Wetherby Racecourse hosts National Hunt and Flat Fixtures from October through June. The racecourse also serves as a venue for regular car boot sales and antique fairs, among other events.

Throughout Wetherby, a network of marked walks, trails and parks offer tranquil scenic routes for exploring the town, including a stunning riverside path that passes by the Brass Band performing on Sundays during the summer months.

On a practical note, Wetherby boasts five schools, including two primary schools rated outstanding by Ofsted, reports the Express.

With a population of approximately 11,000, which has seen a slight decrease in recent years, and an average house price just shy of £400,000, Wetherby truly is a gem in the Yorkshire countryside.

Thanks to its prime position, Wetherby boasts the benefits of easy city commuting coupled with the serene lifestyle of riverside living.

Wetherby is situated 12 miles from both Leeds and York, and a mere eight miles from the town of Harrogate.

The street is built in a giant overhanging cave, giving it its name of “shelters beneath the rocks” in the whitewashed town of Setenil de las Bodegas in Andalusia, Spain

Nestled directly between Seville and Málaga, the breathtaking Spanish town of Setenil de las Bodegas boasts one of the globe’s most enchanting streets. Here, whitewashed houses are hewn straight from the rockface, known locally as “abrigos bajo las rocas”, or shelters beneath the rocks in English.

Located about 98 miles northeast of Cádiz, Setenil de las Bodegas earned its moniker for two distinct reasons. The first stems from the era of Reconquista, where it’s believed that Christians took 15 days to conquer the castle and made over seven attempts to reclaim the village.

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This historical feat inspired the name “Setenil”, derived from the Latin “Septem Nihil”, which translates to “seven times no”. The second part of its name, Bodegas, meaning “wineries”, from its once thriving wine trade, reports the Express.

Today, the town is most known for its delicious almonds and olives, picked from the surrounding fields of olive trees. Home to roughly 3,000 people, Setenil de las Bodegas’ distinctive setting is along a narrow river gorge, extending along the course of Rio Trejo river.

The town itself has been described as one of the most picturesque towns in Andalusia. The canyon was formed naturally by water from the creek below.

There are several key sites that any visitor must see. Nazari Castle, which dates from at least the Almohad period in the 12th-century, once had about 40 towers. Today, only one remains, but it is possible to climb to the top for a couple of pounds, for which you are rewarded with beautiful views across the village and valley. The nearby Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is a rare example of a Moorish and a Gothic church.

Plaza de Andalucía is a perfect spot to stop for lunch, with the square offering a selection of bars and restaurants serving tapas and other dishes, and giving you the first glimpse of the rocky buildings.

In prehistoric times, it is believed that Troglodytes (cave dwellers) lived within the caves in this village, according to Salt in our Hair.

The modern town evolved from a fortified Moorish town that occupied a bluff overlooking a sharp bend in the Rio Trejo. Today, the houses built by villagers in the spaces between the rocks remain, preventing them from getting too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.

There are several streets which must be experienced. The main street – Calle Cuevas del Sol (“caves of the sun”) – is built under a massive slab of overhanging rock. It is home to many cave restaurants sandwiched between mammoth boulders and the charming river. One particular recommendation is wild asparagus soup, a delicacy in the village, according to Salt in our Hair.

Calle Cuevas de la Sombra (“caves of the shade”) is the narrowest street, while Calle Herrería is the oldest, known as the most romantic spot in Setenil. Couples often get a photo together under the plaque “Besame en este Rincon”, translating to “kiss me in this place”.

The best time to visit is usually in the morning and evening, as tour buses tend to arrive in the middle of the day. This makes the streets particularly busy in the summer, when temperatures can reach up to 40.

Spanish lunchtime is generally between 2 and 4pm. After this, locals will typically go for a siesta, and restaurants will not reopen again until around 8pm.

While Jerez is the closest airport, it is very small and mainly runs domestic flights. Most, therefore, travel from Málaga. From here, you can hire a car to give more flexibility, and enjoy the added benefit of the beautiful drive to the town, particularly between Setenil and Olvera (another white village in Andalusia) through olive groves and sunflower fields.

The town is about 20 to 30 minutes from Ronda and about an hour and a half from Málaga. It is also possible to book day tours from Málaga, but as previously mentioned these tend to arrive when the town is at its busiest and hottest.

On Tripadvisor, Calle Cuevas De La Sombra was described as “extremely cool to see” and being “great for photo opportunities”. Calle Cueva Del Sol too was highly recommended: “The buildings are filled with tourist shops, local wares boutiques and numerous restaurants and is packed with tourists, who create an amazing atmosphere.”

With thousands of tourists flocking to cities like Amsterdam and Venice, this beautiful city in Belgium, named the “Venice of the North” is one of Europe’s most underrated and is far less crowded

While Amsterdam and Venice are flooded with tourists, a picturesque Belgian city known as the “Venice of the North” is one of Europe’s hidden gems, boasting fewer crowds and just as much charm. Situated on Belgium’s northwest coast, this enchanting city offers cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, canals and a rich history, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more authentic experience.

Only an hour’s train ride from Brussels, Bruges has preserved its quaint, romantic atmosphere, making it a top choice for tourists seeking a less crowded alternative. The city’s remarkably well-preserved medieval centre features towering buildings, rows of gabled houses, pointed arches, ornate facades, and barrel vaults seamlessly blending history with modern trends.

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Bruges’ oldest buildings, showcasing early Romanesque and Gothic styles, are still standing, including the iconic 13th-century Belfry of Bruges bell tower. For a small fee, visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings, reports the Express.

Other must-see attractions include the Museum of the Church of Our Lady, home to the world’s second-tallest brick tower, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a cloth believed to be stained with the blood of Jesus. Bruges, often likened to Venice, boasts a complex network of canals linking various parts of the city.

The majority of attractions are within walking distance, and those that aren’t can be reached via a picturesque canal ride. Initially used for transport and commerce, these canals now play a vital role in the city’s culture, offering a Venetian experience without the throngs of tourists.

Another way to explore Bruges is by horse-drawn carriage. Setting off from one of the main squares, these carriages navigate the city’s winding cobbled streets, crossing ancient bridges and passing through other significant squares, all while the coachman provides commentary, according to Visit Bruges.

However, it’s worth noting that these rides do not operate when temperatures exceed 30°C to protect the horses’ welfare.

Bruges also serves as a cultural and artistic hub, housing numerous world-class museums such as the Groeningemuseum and the Memling Museum, which display Flemish and Dutch art, statues, and sculptures.

The city also celebrates contemporary art, hosting the Bruges Triennial every few years, where artists erect modern installations throughout the city.

Renowned for producing the finest chocolate globally, Bruges boasts some of the richest chocolate in the nation.

This charming city is home to numerous Belgian chocolate shops, where expert chocolatiers utilise premium ingredients like high-quality cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and fresh local dairy products to craft their exquisite chocolates, as noted by Fodor’s Travel.

Visitors can indulge in an array of flavours and fillings, including nuts, liqueurs, and fruits, and even explore the chocolate museum, Choco-Story Brugge, which offers a glimpse into the history of chocolate-making and hands-on workshops.

For a more substantial culinary experience, Bruges’ restaurants, nestled within the city’s historic buildings, serve a delightful blend of Belgian and French cuisine.

Be sure to try the crispy Belgian frites, or “pommes frites” which are often accompanied by an assortment of side sauces, including truffle mayonnaise, BBQ and Indian curry.

Flemish Stew is another local favourite. If you prefer to avoid the summer crowds and heat, Bruges hosts one of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas Markets, making it an ideal winter destination.

Visitors to Bruges’ historic centre have described their experience as a “fairytale” on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer noting, “The medieval architecture, with its charming gabled houses and serene canals, creates a magical atmosphere.”

Others have praised it as the “prettiest town in Belgium” and “a place that everybody should visit.”

FlixBus has rolled out its biggest-ever expansion, which will see significantly more cities and towns connected up by the green goliaths – including tourist hotspot Brighton

Forget the idea that coaches are just for seniors and students – travelling across the UK by coach is about to get a significant boost this summer with the introduction of more affordable fares.

FlixBus, with its distinctive green buses, is expanding its UK network, which already spans over 80 destinations, including Brighton. As of June 13, new coach services will connect Cambridge, London, Gatwick Airport, and Brighton, operating twice daily.

Prices are extremely competitive, with tickets between London and Brighton starting at £4.49 and those between Gatwick and Brighton available from £3.49. The journey from London to Brighton takes approximately two and a half hours – an hour longer than the train – but at a fraction of the cost.

FlixBus is also introducing a direct service between Cambridge and London, running four times a day, to cater to the growing demand for tourism.

Andreas Schorling, Senior Managing Director of FlixBus UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the new services: “Brighton is such a vibrant, inclusive city, especially during the summer, and we can’t wait to offer passengers the chance to visit for the first time on our network.”

“The people of Brighton will now have a fantastic service to central London, Cambridge and Gatwick. Known for its dedication to sustainability, it’s a perfect match for FlixBus.

“Londoners now have even more affordable, sustainable, and reliable travel options for weekend getaways, airport connections, and visiting friends and family this summer.”

Brighton has been named as one of Time Out’s top 50 cities in the world to visit in 2025, boasting attractions such as the iconic pier, the Royal Pavilion and its beach.

FlixBus has been busy throughout spring 2025, rolling out its largest expansion yet, adding new destinations including popular holiday spots like Bournemouth, Newquay and Truro.

The company now operates over 200 coaches across England, Scotland and Wales, providing nationwide travel that is sustainable, reliable and affordable. Tickets can be purchased at www.flixbus.co.uk or via the FlixBus app.

With a fleet of 200 coaches, FlixBus’ business is thriving, generating a turnover of £1.7 billion from 81 million passengers worldwide each year.

“This feels like a new golden age for coach travel”, says Schorling. “Over five million UK passengers have travelled with us since we launched three years ago and they keep coming back. By next summer, we’ll have over 200 vehicles on the road, more than twice the size of the Megabus network at their peak.”

According to TimeOut, FlixBus has managed to achieve something that Megabus couldn’t. It writes: “It’s made getting a coach – dare we say it – chic?”.

“It would seem unlikely that a bus could build and sustain a place in pop-culture” says Eglantina Becheru, Director of Brand & Creative at FlixBus. “But against the odds, Flix has created one.”

NEW YORK — The monthlong celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride reached its crescendo as New York and other major cities in the U.S. and around the world hosted parades and marches Sunday.

Pride celebrations are typically a daylong mix of jubilant street parties and political protest, but this year’s iterations took a more defiant stance as Republicans, led by President Trump, have sought to roll back LGBTQ+ rights.

The theme of the festivities in Manhattan was “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.” San Francisco’s Pride theme was “Queer Joy Is Resistance,” while Seattle’s was simply “Louder.”

Lance Brammer, a 56-year-old teacher from Ohio attending his first Pride parade in New York, said he felt “validated” as he marveled at the size of the city’s celebration, the nation’s oldest and largest.

“With the climate that we have politically, it just seems like they’re trying to do away with the whole LGBTQ community, especially the trans community,” he said, wearing a vivid, multicolored shirt. “And it just shows that they’ve got a fight ahead of them if they think that they’re going to do that with all of these people here and all of the support.”

Doriana Feliciano, who described herself as an LGBTQ+ ally, held up a sign saying, “Please don’t lose hope,” in support of friends she said couldn’t attend Sunday.

“We’re in a very progressive time, but there’s still hate out there, and I feel like this is a great way to raise awareness,” she said.

Manhattan’s parade wound its way down Fifth Avenue with more than 700 participating groups greeted by huge crowds. The rolling celebration will pass the Stonewall Inn, the famed Greenwich Village gay bar where a 1969 police raid triggered protests and energized the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

The site is now a national monument. The first Pride march was held in New York City in 1970 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

Later Sunday, marchers in San Francisco, host to another of the world’s largest Pride events, planned to head down Market Street to concert stages set up at the Civic Center Plaza. San Francisco’s mammoth City Hall is among the venues hosting a post-march party.

Denver, Chicago, Seattle, Minneapolis and Toronto were among the other major North American cities hosting Pride parades on Sunday.

Several global cities including Tokyo, Paris and São Paulo held their events earlier this month, and others come later in the year, including London in July and Rio de Janeiro in November.

Since taking office in January, Trump has issued orders and implemented policies targeting transgender people, removing them from the military, preventing federal insurance programs from paying for gender-affirmation surgeries for young people and attempting to keep transgender athletes out of girls’ and women’s sports.

Peter McLaughlin said he’s lived in New York for years but had never attended the Pride parade. The 34-year-old Brooklyn resident said he felt compelled this year as a transgender man.

“A lot of people just don’t understand that letting people live doesn’t take away from their own experience, and right now it’s just important to show that we’re just people,” McLaughlin said.

Gabrielle Meighan, 23, of New Jersey, said she felt it was important to come out to this year’s celebrations because they come days after the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark June 26, 2015, ruling in Obergefell vs. Hodges that recognized same-sex marriage nationwide.

“It’s really important to vocalize our rights and state why it’s important for us to be included,” she said.

Manhattan on Sunday also hosted the Queer Liberation March, an activism-centered event launched in recent years amid criticism that the more mainstream parade had become too corporate.

Marchers holding signs that included “Gender affirming care saves lives” and “No Pride in apartheid” headed north from the city’s AIDS Memorial to Columbus Circle near Central Park.

Among the other headwinds faced by gay rights groups this year is the loss of corporate sponsorship. American companies have pulled back support of Pride events, reflecting a broader walking back of diversity and inclusion efforts amid shifting public sentiment.

NYC Pride said this month that about 20% of its corporate sponsors dropped or reduced support, including PepsiCo and Nissan. Organizers of San Francisco Pride said they lost the support of five major corporate donors, including Comcast and Anheuser-Busch.

Marcelo and Shaffrey write for the Associated Press.

Stag dos have a rowdy reputation, and it appears the hard-drinking Brits have returned with a vengeance following the pandemic, with European cities now cracking down

Stag do hotspots are witnessing a rowdy resurgence of booze-fuelled Brits but cities are now clamping down on disorderly visitors after numbers spiked again.

While many of the go-to destinations in Europe got some respite during and after the pandemic, the amount of tourists heading over for a good time are on the up – and with it comes problems for locals. Now, some cities are fighting back as they look to restore order again.

“The bachelor parties dropped off sharply during Covid and now they are picking up again,” Budapest tour guide Daniel Seres divulged to The Telegraph, discussing the popular Hungarian destination. “We need the income from tourists, but these big party groups only go on the free guided city tours [rather than paid], and they keep locals awake as they sing, stumble around and are sick on the streets.”

Budapest has battled the disruption, banning “beer bikes” in 2017 over noise and safety issues. Come 2020, steps were taken to rein in the red light district, and by 2023, District VII escalated fines for noisy nights and indecent acts, distributing English leaflets at airports alerting tourists of the heftier penalties. That year also saw the power granted to establishments to reject bookings from large groups.

But it’s not just Budapest that’s tightening the reins; six additional European destinations have had their fill of misbehaving stag groups, reports the Express.

Amsterdam

In 2023, the Dutch capital banned boozy guided tours and cannabis smoking in its infamous Red Light District. In the same year, Amsterdam also launched its “Stay Away” digital campaign targeting young British men with warnings about fines and arrests. Restrictions were also introduced on short-term rentals and alcohol sales during specific hours.

Barcelona

The Spanish city’s actions against undesirable tourists include strict enforcement of noise and behaviour fines, cracking down on unlicensed party promoters and short-term rental properties, and implementing tighter restrictions on public drinking.

Prague

The iconic Czech city of Prague has also prohibited “beer bikes”, increased police presence in central areas and discouraged promotions related to sex tourism and stag parties, including stag tours.

Krakow

The Polish city of Krakow has strictly regulated advertisements for strip clubs and “gentlemen’s entertainment” and is discussing stricter curbs on alcohol sales. Smoking has also been restricted to designated areas in some venues.

Lisbon

Actions include tightening regulations on short-term rentals, particularly in popular nightlife districts like Bairro Alto and Alfama, and increasing police patrols on weekends.

Dublin

Many hotels and venues in the Irish capital have adopted policies to refuse bookings for stag and hen parties. Targeted messaging also promotes “cultural” tourism over alcohol-fueled excursions.