colourful

Flying with a red, blue or green suitcase could be a bad idea

Planning and setting off on a getaway is among life’s finest pleasures, but sometimes, events outside your control can occur. Flights might get axed, accommodation double-booked, or in the most serious cases, you could become a target for criminals.

Whilst remaining vigilant is crucial, there are several steps you can take prior to departure to guarantee your possessions and personal items stay safe at the airport and during your travels. Shahzad Ali, security specialist and CEO of Get Licensed, revealed his key tips for safeguarding your luggage while on holiday.

He urged passengers to steer clear of brightly coloured luggage at all costs, as it could draw unwanted attention.

The travel specialist cautioned passengers flying with major carriers this summer, including Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI, and recommended they choose a black suitcase instead.

He said: “Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you. It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one – as to not stand out from the crowd – and with it, a high-quality padlock,” reports the Express.

“This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe. You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else’s whilst still remaining subtle.”

He offered another handy security recommendation: “When packing, organise your items in three categories: extremely valuable (such as documents, credit cards, mobile phones and larger sums of cash), valuable (such as jewellery and other expensive items) and less valuable (such as clothes and self-care products).

“The extremely valuable items that don’t need to be used often at the airport should be placed in a money belt that will stay close to your body at all times until you reach your destination.

“The ones that need to be used at the airport should be placed in a small handbag or fanny pack that will stay in front of you at all times. When they’re not needed any longer, these items should be placed in the money belt. Larger valuables, such as laptops or tablets, can be placed in your carry-on luggage.

“Valuables such as jewellery should be strategically hidden among less valuable items, such as clothes, in your checked luggage.”

This town has been named among “Spain’s most secret destinations” by European Best Destinations, with colourful houses, fresh seafood and vibrant festivals

Tucked away between verdant rolling hills and the Cantabrian Sea lies a hidden gem of a village that European Best Destinations has crowned amongst “Spain’s most secret destinations”. Cudillero, situated in the Asturias region, is celebrated for its enchanting winding alleyways, vibrant houses down the slopes, and thriving fishing harbour.

Fishing has long been the lifeblood of the village’s economy, and today you can still observe fishermen carrying out their age-old routines along the waterside. Tourists can meander along the harbour, observe the fishing vessels gently rocking in the water, and savour fresh seafood and traditional northern specialities in the village’s eateries.

Asturian gastronomy, originating from the Asturias region in northern Spain, is celebrated for its robust and richly flavoured fare that frequently showcases fresh seafood, substantial stews, and locally procured produce, reports the Express.

Arguably its most iconic offering, the Fabada Asturiana, is a sumptuous and soul-warming bean casserole prepared with large white beans (fabes), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork.

Another comforting treat worth sampling during the chillier seasons is the Caldereta de Pescado, an Asturian seafood casserole that highlights the region’s maritime treasures.

It comprises an assortment of fish and seafood including hake, monkfish, prawns, and clams, simmered in a richly flavoured stock with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

The Empanada Asturiana, a savoury pastry filled with tuna, chorizo, or other ingredients is a beloved snack in Asturias and often taken on picnic trips and to family events by locals.

Visitors to this corner of Spain simply must sample the traditional Asturian Cider, known locally as Sidra Asturiana, which is customarily poured from a considerable height to oxygenate it and amplify its taste.

Cudillero is a village that invites discovery, boasting a historic quarter resembling a labyrinth of narrow, twisting lanes flanked by quintessential Asturian dwellings, many decorated with vibrant balconies with pots brimming with flowers.

Perched atop the village on a clifftop commanding views of the ocean sits the Church of Santa María, providing sweeping vistas across the vegetation-clad surrounding landscape.

Nature lovers will find Cudillero offers abundant opportunities for adventure, with neighbouring walking routes winding through dramatic coastal terrain and lush woodland.

Beyond its scenic splendour and seafaring character, Cudillero is also celebrated for its lively festivals held year-round, including L’Amuravela, which occurs every June 29th and commences with a local resident delivering, in rhyme and “pixueto” dialect, a sermon wittily recapping the year’s events whilst seeking divine protection for the 12 months ahead.

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