Countries

WHETHER you’re on a fly and flop break or sight-seeing adventure, it’s only natural to want more out of a holiday.

TUI has revealed one trick that lets you visit three countries in one day – and there’s no queueing up at the airport either.

It works particularly well if you’re booked at a TUI hotel, called the TUI BLUE Kalamota Island which is on an island off the coast of Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Not only is it off the coast of Croatia, it’s right beside both Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This is where TUI comes in – if you book with TUI Musement it offers full day tours and experiences of the neighbouring countries which don’t require any flying.

In some cases they can even pick you up from your hotel.

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One day trip to Montenegro starts off in Perast with a visit to the island of the Lady of the Rocks before heading off to Kotor.

There’s a guided tour as well as free time where guests can explore the sites in their own time – these start from £79pp.

There are more options if you start away from the hotel in Dubrovnik – for example a full day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro starts from £52pp.

It includes a drive through Zupa Dubrovacka and Konavle valleys and along the picturesque Bay of Kotor.

This is followed by a visit to a charming fishing village called Perast and then hop onboard a boat to reach the island of Lady of the Rocks.

There’s then a tour of the Old Town of Kotor before returning to Dubrovnik.

You can also book a tour to explore some of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Dubrovnik without having to fly.

One experience heads to the city of Mostar and the beautiful Kravica Waterfalls from £41pp.

The full day trip starts at the waterfalls where visitors can even have a quick dip in the water.

Then it goes onto Mostar to wander about the city, see the famous Old Bridge before heading to the village of Počitelj.

If you want to book a stay in the TUI BLUE Kalamota Island this year, there are still holidays available from £718pp.

This is for an all-inclusive break from October 11-18 in a double room with a balcony or terrace including return flights from Birmingham Airport.

The hotel is adults-only with a white pebble beach, swimming pool and the island itself is traffic free.

TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Experience Manager Kelebek Canbulat said: “Guests can wake up on a peaceful island, head out on a TUI Musement experience to Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina, and be back in the evening for dinner by the sea.

“It gives customers the best of both worlds. They can explore multiple countries during their stay, but still enjoy the comfort, ease and relaxation of having one hotel base.”

Turkiye wants to expand its newly formed defence pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to include more countries, says Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, citing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Under our president’s vision, we should not remain limited to three countries. We should grow and, if necessary, bring all countries under this umbrella,” Fidan told state news agency Anadolu, according to a report published on Saturday.

Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Friday signed the Mecca Joint Deterrence Agreement, in what analysts say could be a step towards a new security architecture in the region.

So who could join the pact next, and what would an expanded alliance mean for regional security?

What does the pact do?

The Mecca defence pact builds on a previous agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan a year ago.

Regional officials have suggested that the pact could eventually expand to include other countries, strengthening its role as a mechanism for collective security and deterrence.

The pact’s central feature is a NATO-like stipulation that an attack on any one of the three states would be treated as an attack on all of them although the details have yet to be fleshed out.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the allies will decide through consultations what degree, form and format of support they would ask for in the event of an attack but no country would be considered a threat as long as a member state is not attacked.

Turkish and Saudi officials have stressed that the pact is not meant to supplant any other strategic alliances or relationships while Turkiye, which is a member of NATO, has said the agreement does not target any country, including Iran.

Which countries could join next?

Egypt is the only country whose potential membership has been publicly raised by an official from one of the pact’s signatory countries.

Fidan described Egypt as a “natural partner” and said he expects Cairo to formally join once “technical issues” are ironed out.

“I believe that at the next stage, Egypt will also be among us in the alliance,” Fidan said. “We already act towards one another as if we were alliance members.”

Ali Bakir, professor of international relations, security and defence at Qatar University, said Egypt’s inclusion would “significantly increase the pact’s political weight, regional influence and operational effectiveness” if it materialises.

What might stand in the way of Egypt’s membership?

Egypt already has a solid working relationship with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, with which it is part of a group called the R4, which consults on regional issues. Egypt has also recently developed stronger military ties with Turkiye despite previous tensions over the Egyptian military’s 2013 overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi, the conflict in Libya and the discovery of gasfields in the Eastern Mediterranean.

But analysts said Cairo may be wary of the potential military obligations that could come with a binding defence treaty with states whose interests do not always align with its own as well as the implications for its existing peace treaties.

“Egypt may join only if the language protects its aid relationship with Washington, doesn’t undermine existing alliances and peace treaties, and maintains its own freedom to decide when and where it fights,” Karim Elgendy, associate fellow at Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Programme, told Al Jazeera.

“If the pact stays a political framework with room to calibrate each response, Cairo can live with it and may eventually sign. If it hardens into an obligation that could pull Egyptian forces into someone else’s war, the answer is likely to be negative,” Elgendy said.

Technical issues holding Egypt back could be both “legal and operational”, Elgendy added. “On the legal side, Egypt needs to know exactly what it is committing to defend, and it will want assurances so that a signature never reads as a commitment against Israel or as taking Ankara’s side in Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.

For Bakir, Cairo’s decision will come down to how it weighs the benefits of membership against the diplomatic complications.  Egypt’s decision on whether to join the pact will hinge on the level of “strategic value” it believes it brings as well as its ability to “manage relations with countries whose interests” contrast with or even “actively oppose” the alliance, he said.

Ahmed Aboudouh, an associate fellow with Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Programme, told Al Jazeera that while Egypt broadly shares the trilateral pact’s security concerns, it “does not share its underpinning threat perception” and may be resistant to “security commitments”.

“Cairo’s preference is to be part of overlapping regional security arrangements that are narrow in scope and are issue-related … rather than being entangled in defence commitments with elevated risks/cost,” Aboudouh said.

He added that Egypt may still opt to join the pact in the future but it would be a “complex decision”.

Which other countries could join?

Several officials have suggested other Gulf countries could eventually join the alliance.

In a post on X, former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani expressed hope that all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) would “take the initiative to join” the pact. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the GCC includes Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Fidan also spoke about the alliance bringing in more regional countries, saying some nations, which he did not name, had already expressed interest. “Under our president’s vision, we should not remain limited to three countries. We should grow and, if necessary, bring all countries under this umbrella,” Fidan said.

Among the Gulf states, Elgendy said, “the names to watch first are Qatar and Kuwait.”

Both countries are “close to all three signatories” and “have the strongest motive to buy extra insurance” after feeling “exposed” during the United States-Israel war on Iran and by Israel’s strike on Doha in September, he said.

Bakir similarly identified Qatar as the “most natural” Gulf state to opt in with Kuwait another possible candidate. He also said Azerbaijan, Syria and Jordan could also join “relatively quickly”.

Elgendy expressed scepticism about the pact transforming into a broader bloc. “This looks like a coalition of the willing that will grow on a case-by-case basis, shaped by each capital’s own risk calculus,” he said.

The FO-backed Travel Health Pro site has completed new review and warned of new high levels of Brits returning with disease

Officials have issued a new list of countries people need to be wary of after ‘UK deaths’ caused by a disease. The Travel Health Pro site, which is backed by the UK’s Foreign Office said people need to take precautions at these 13 locations.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued new guidance this summer on how to avoid getting malaria. Travel Health Pro added: “Each year several UK travellers die from malaria after visiting malaria risk countries, with most travellers who catch malaria reporting travel to Africa.” To read the guidance click here.

2,004 imported malaria cases were reported in the UK in 2023 (returning to pre-pandemic levels), up from 1,369 in 2022

Most affected individuals had traveled to Africa, particularly11 visiting friends and relatives.

Travel Health Pro said this week it has completed a review and has now published new risk maps for the key countries:

• Belize
• Botswana
• Dominican Republic
• Eswatini
• French Guiana
• India
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Sudan

Malaria is a serious febrile illness due to infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium and is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Clinical symptoms and signs of malaria

(These symptoms and signs are taken from the UKMEAG malaria treatment guidelines.)

Non-specific symptoms of malaria:

• fever, sweats or chills
• malaise (vague discomfort)
• myalgia (muscle pain, tenderness)
• diarrhoea
• cough

Major features of severe or complicated falciparum malaria in adults:

• impaired consciousness or seizures
• renal impairment (oliguria less than 0.4 millilitre per kilogram (ml/kg) bodyweight per hour or creatinine more than 265 micromoles per litre (μmol/l))
• acidosis (pH less than 7.3)
• hypoglycaemia (less than 2.2 mmol/l)
• pulmonary oedema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• spontaneous bleeding or disseminated intravascular coagulation
• shock (algid malaria)
• haemoglobinuria (without G6PD deficiency)

Travel Health Pro added: “All travellers visiting areas where malaria occurs are at risk of acquiring the disease, particularly migrants to the UK who were born in malaria risk areas and return to visit friends and relatives in their country of birth. Any immunity travellers may have acquired in their country of origin wanes rapidly on migration to a country with no risk of malaria; their UK-born children will have no protection from the disease. Certain travellers are at increased risk of severe disease such as: pregnant women, those with an absent or poorly functioning spleen, children and older travellers.”

In terms of prevention it added: “Travellers should follow insect bite avoidance advice, including covering up with loosely fitting clothes, ideally long sleeves, long trousers and socks if out of doors. This helps to reduce biting mosquitoes’ access to skin.

“All travellers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of malaria and should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if these occur either whilst abroad or up to a year after their return. They should also let the health professional know they have visited a malaria risk area.

“No regimen is 100% effective, but a combination of preventive measures will give significant protection against the potentially severe consequences of malaria.

“Choice of malaria prevention tablets depends on the malaria species common in the area to be visited and whether there is resistance to any of the available drugs. Certain drugs may not be suitable for certain individuals due to existing medical problems or interactions with their regular medication.”

For more information click here.

The cruise line is returning to the Amazon for the first time in almost a decade, with their latest cruise also giving holidaymakers the chance to witness the dramatic landscapes of Antarctica

With summer holiday season in full swing, many Brits who are sick of the usual beach resort might already be planning something more unique for their next getaway. And the wow factor doesn’t get much bigger than with Fred Olsen’s newest cruise that stops off at an incredible 28 ports – but holidaymakers will need to have some hefty savings.

The Amazon and Antarctica Adventure has just been announced by the cruise line, and it’s one of the longest trips available to book. Setting sail from Southampton on January 5, 2028, this cruise aboard the Borealis ship is a whopping 87 nights long and visits dream destinations across five continents, from the Canary Islands all the way down to the Antarctic Peninsula via the likes of Jamaica, Costa Rica, Brazil and Chile.

The voyage marks the first time in nine years that Fred Olsen has offered a cruise to the Amazon – and it’s the only cruise line sailing from the UK to do so, offering British holidaymakers a unique opportunity. “Time ashore brings you closer to lush rainforest, with toucans, butterflies, monkeys and pink river dolphins among the wildlife to look out for,” the description of the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure teases.

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A place on this adults-only cruise understandably doesn’t come cheap, with prices starting from £11,499 per person. But with travel, accommodation, food and entertainment all included at under £140 per night, those with the cash to spare might consider it worth the investment to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

For those seeking something more budget-friendly, the longest cruise on offer from fellow cruise line Ambassador is the Caribbean Sunsets and South American Secrets holiday. Sailing from London Tilbury in January 2027, this cruise currently has 30% off all cabins with prices now starting from £3,233 per person, and visits 12 countries over 45 nights, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.

Book the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure

From £11,499pp

Fred Olsen

Book here

This 87-night cruise sets sail from Southampton in January 2028 and visits 17 countries across five continents.

Meanwhile, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering last-minute summer cruise deals with flights included in their price. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise, which is on offer for £944pp reduced from £1,623, and the Grecian Discovery holiday, now priced from £949pp down from £1,598.

Back at Fred Olsen, another highlight of the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure is the Antarctic Peninsula, described by the cruise line as a place with ‘vast glaciers and snow-topped mountains’ where there’s also a chance for passengers to spot penguins and whales. Here’s the full itinerary of stops and highlights on this 87-night cruise:

• Santa Cruiz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
• Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands
• St John’s, Antigua
• Samana, Dominican Republic
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
• Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
• Willemstad, Curacao
• Kingstown, St Vincent and Grenadines
• St George’s, Grenada
• Roseau, Dominica
• Bridgetown, Barbados
• Cruise past Barra Norte, Brazil
• Santarem, Brazil
• Cruising Amazon River, Brazil
• Manaus, Brazil
• Parintins, Brazil
• Alter do Chao, Brazil
• Fortaleza, Brazil
• Buzios, Brazil
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Puerto Madryn, Argentina
• Punta Arenas, Chile
• Cruise by Cape Horn, Chile
• Cruise Drake Passage, Antarctica
• Cruise Antarctica Peninsula
• Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
• Montevideo, Uruguay
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Salvador, Brazil
• Mindelo, Cape Verde
• Las Palmas, Canary Islands
• La Coruna, Spain

As well as travel and accommodation, the price of a cruise also includes full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea, and selected drinks with lunch and dinner. And there’s no shortage of things to do on the ship, with the fare also including access to the swimming pools, fitness centre and classes, expert talks and lectures and a variety of other activities, as well as evening shows with live music and dancing.

For those looking to get away sooner, this isn’t the only bumper cruise Fred Olsen is offering. The cruise line’s longest holiday currently available to book is the World Cruise with Japan and Hawaii, which stands at a staggering 98 nights and sets sail from Southampton in January 2027 with prices starting from £13,999 per person.

The third-longest is departing from Southampton this September for a last-minute autumn and winter getaway lasting 71 nights. The Exploration of the Mediterranean is priced from £9,999 per person and visits Spain, Italy, France, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Gibraltar, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Portugal.

Spain has condemned the “selfish, polarising and unlawful” reaction of some EU countries to the influx of about 60,000 migrants from Morocco to Ceuta.

Officials say almost all those who reached the enclave on 30 July have returned, while Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Saturday that the death toll had risen to at least 67.

It comes after Italy temporarily suspended the EU’s border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the scenes “shocking”.

Finland and Denmark backed Italy’s move, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš urged a temporary suspension of Spain’s Schengen membership.

In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he had “serious concerns” about some European governments.

He said the Spanish government had fully restored control over the border and prevented any “unauthorised onward movement towards continental Europe” in less than 48 hours.

While most had shown “support and solidarity”, Sanchez said other European governments had chosen to attack Spain, “driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest”, and pointed out that Ceuta was not part of the Schengen area.

“The European Union cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction,” he said.

The Spanish leader called for an urgent meeting with EU interior ministers to “reaffirm that the security of our external borders is a shared responsibility of all Member States”.

Meanwhile, 22 of the EU’s 27 countries also called for emergency talks in an open letter, citing “serious concerns” regarding the developments in Ceuta.

The nations “welcome that Spain and Morocco are cooperating closely to ensure the swift return of migrants”, but said a video conference of EU interior ministers would help reach agreement on mobilising EU instruments and support for Spain to restore “effective control” of the border and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he had spoken to Sanchez and the UK was “providing what help we can”.

South Korea, the United States, Japan and eight other countries on Friday issued a joint alert about North Korean information technology (IT) workers accused of generating revenue to help fund Pyongyang’s weapons of mass destruction programs.

The relevant authorities of the 11 countries released the alert, urging all countries, companies and other entities to deepen their understanding of North Korean IT worker schemes, implement measures to deal with them and strengthen countermeasures, such as enhancing identity verification procedures.

“North Korea relies upon a network of skilled Information Technology workers, deployed within and outside of North Korea, to obtain false identities and remotely earn income to fund North Korea’s unlawful nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs,” they said in the alert released by the U.S. State Department.

They pointed out that North Korean IT workers impersonate nationals of other countries to obtain work and income through online platforms operated by private companies for employment, procurement and contracting of services.

“These workers seek out contracts with the intent of remitting their salaries to their parent North Korean agencies. They also pose an insider threat to companies and are involved in data exfiltration, cryptocurrency theft, and theft of sensitive information,” they said.

“North Korean IT workers employ increasingly sophisticated methods, including the integration of AI, to obfuscate their identities and expand their activities globally.”

All U.N. member states must repatriate to North Korea all North Korean nationals earning income in that member state’s jurisdiction, subject to limited exceptions, they stressed, citing a U.N. Security Council resolution on the reclusive regime.

“Additionally, contracting with North Korean IT workers and paying them for services rendered may also violate the domestic laws of many countries, including Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea, and may result in legal consequences or financial penalties,” they said.

The countries that issued the joint alert included Britain, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

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BRITS have now been advised against travelling to two countries in the Middle East.

It comes one month after the travel ban was lifted, but an escalation of conflict between the US and Iran means the rules have been put back in place.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised “against all but essential travel” to both Bahrain and Kuwait.

The travel warning for travel to Bahrain was lifted on June 18 after being in place since March.

But the FCDO has since changed the advice due to a “risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region”.

It added: “On 20 July, the US Embassy Manama issued an advisory that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama.

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“Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.”

The FCDO has advised against travel to Kuwait as well.

The advice detailed: “Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Kuwait, against US military and civilian infrastructure.

“There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. 

“British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.”

Non-essential travel is considered to include holidays, and while Brits can choose to go against the advice, this invalidates your travel insurance.

The FCDO has told Brits booked onto flights to check details with their airline before travelling.

With existing 10 percent levies set to expire, Trump issues new tariffs on 60 countries under forced labour provision.

President Donald Trump is going ahead with new double-digit tariffs on dozens of trading partners of the United States just as the clock runs out on Friday on stopgap levies he announced after a stinging defeat at the Supreme Court.

The US will slap levies of 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries accounting for 99 percent of US imports, charging that they have inadequately enforced bans on goods produced by forced labour.

“The United States has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it; it’s well past time for our trading partners to do the same,” US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement on Thursday.

“Today’s action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere.”

The new tariffs will take effect just as the temporary 10 percent worldwide tariffs expire at 12:01am on Friday in Washington, DC (04:01 GMT). Trump had turned to the temporary levies after the Supreme Court struck down his biggest and boldest tariffs in February.

Now he is tapping more durable tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose import taxes and other sanctions against countries found to engage in “unjustifiable”, “unreasonable”, or “discriminatory” trade practices.

Trump used Section 301 to impose big tariffs on China in his first term, and they survived court challenges.

More Section 301 tariffs are likely coming: Greer’s office has launched a probe into whether 16 countries — accounting for 70 percent of US imports — have overproduced goods, pushing down prices and putting US companies at a disadvantage in global markets.

The administration has yet to complete that investigation.

Trump, who argues that high tariffs will revive US manufacturing, last year overturned decades of US policy that favoured lower tariffs and freer trade.

Invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), he imposed double-digit tariffs on imports from almost every country, saying that the US’s longstanding trade deficit amounted to a national emergency.

But the Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA did not authorise tariffs. The decision forced the Trump administration to pay refunds to importers that had paid the levies.

In response, Trump announced 10 percent worldwide tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. But he can only use Section 122 levies for 150 days, and the time runs out on Friday.

AS the Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve certainly racked up the countries, hitting 60 this year.

This has included some insanely beautiful islands along the way, some of which you might not have heard of.

When it comes to island holidays, there is a strict criteria I always look for.

Stunning beaches and beautiful blue waters are obviously a must.

However, I also want a mix of relaxation and adventure, not just one or the other – after all, I want my hiking offset with a sunlounger cocktail.

So here are my top 11 picks I think everyone should visit, ranging from established Spanish islands to barely-known ones further afield.

Holbox

While Tulum and Cancun are great holiday destinations in Mexico, let me pitch you Isla Holbox. It’s a two-hour bus from the airport, followed by a quick ferry ride – but it is worth the trip.

Expect no cars, only golf buggies, people playing live music and dancing into the night and brightly graffitied coffee shops and taco stands.

White sandy beaches, palm trees and slightly dodgy electricity… but it truly makes you feel like you’re a million miles away from the world.

You can get some insanely beautiful hotels to stay in for really cheap as well – try Alcobas Del Mar which is from £30 a night, with an indoor pool. Flights to Cancun start from £507 return.

Tenerife

Sometimes, all you want is a beautiful fly and flop hotel resort – enter Tenerife.

Of course, the Spanish island has its iconic Siam waterpark, named the best in the world for years, its volcanic beaches and crazy Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival every year.

But I went there to celebrate in style for my 30th, and was sold by the pink Ritz Carlton Abama hotel (complete with a hidden beach you can only get to by land train).

I never left thanks to its Villa Ambassadors who are on call for your every need, from better pillows to booking massages.

If you’re looking for that hallowed 1 euro holiday pint you’ll be searching for a while as most of the cheap bars have put their prices up to a minimum of 1.50 (£1.30) euros a pint now – to find these deals, head to the strip in Los Cristianos, Playa De Las Americas and Costa Adeje.

Not every holiday has to be an adventure, and I came away being so relaxed I almost missed my flight back. Deals can be found for £839 each for a seven-night and flight package, via loveholidays.

Mauritius

If you asked me where the best sunsets are found in the world, I’d say Mauritius, an African island which had gorgeous bright pink skies every night.

Yet I was transported to Dubai thanks to the hotel rooftop infinity pools, Bora Bora from the thatched lobbies and Maldives for its overwater restaurants. That’s before exploring the beautiful history via L’Aventure du Sucre, and some rum cocktails at the beach bars….

It’s the kind of island where you never want to leave your resort, with friendly locals always cracking jokes as you laze by the pool.

You can fly directly there with Air Mauritius from £536 return, while you can easily find seven-night package holidays for under £1,000pp.

Ria Formosa

Don’t overlook Faro as a holiday destination, despite it being the gateway to the Algarve – it is home to some tiny, crowd-free islands in Ria Formosa, that only locals know about.

Ilha Deserta is just a few euros and 20 minutes by boat, where its golden sands are compared to the Caribbean of Portugal. The only thing on it? The fabulous Estamine restaurant, serving fresh fish and local wine.

Or there is Isla Armona, with a few more local houses and cafes, and is just as quiet to visit, along with islands Cabanas, Culatra and Tavira.

You’ll have to stay back on the mainland, with Faro hotels from around £80 a night. Flights to Faro start from £30 return with Ryanair.

Naifaru

At this point, the Maldives is on everyone’s bucket list, but there is a way to see the real side of the country, outside of the resorts.

I went on a day trip to Naifaru, where I met rehabilitated turtles at Atoll Marine Center that were injured from boats, as well as learned more about the local way of life from the people themselves.

Of course, if you want luxury you have a lot of options on nearby islands – if you want a larger, more established resort, opt for Atmosphere Kanifushi, while a smaller and more intimate resort is something like VARU by Atmosphere.

Deals for the Maldives are insanely cheap right now – loveholidays has some for as little as £1,179pp for a seven-night and return flight package.

Crete

Trying to name the best Greek island when there are hundreds to choose from seems like an impossible task. But the largest of them all sold itself as the perfect places for both couples and families.

I explored two sides of Crete, with Numo Ierapetra going up there as one of my favourite hotels. Adults-only, live DJ pool sessions, quiet beach and fantastic breakfast buffet – all boxes ticked.

Or head to the other side of the island and swap Chania for the Venetian city of Rethimno, where I hopped between cafes and trendy shops, as well as the tiny village of Margarites known for its ceramics.

Flights to Crete with easyJet are around £56 return, while stays at Numo Ierapetra start from £137 a night.

Sri Lanka

Mix palm-tree lined beaches with the best cup of tea in the world, and you’ll find Sri Lanka. It’s the size of Ireland, so it’s easy to get around, but with an insane amount of things to do.

Catch some waves at Weligama Beach, followed by an elephant safari in Yala, ending on some of the best – albeit spicy – curries of your life. Make sure to spark up a conversation with the locals, where it won’t take long to get onto the topic of cricket.

Hotels are crazy cheap – as little as £25 a night – but it has some of the world’s best hotels for a relatively reasonable price given the quality, like Jetwing Vil Uyana (from £271) or Cape Weligama (from £364).

Or keep it simple with a package deal with On The Beach from £870pp.

St Kitts

If you like hiking volcanos, paragliding in bright blue waters and ziplines through the jungle – St Kitts is the island for you.

Adventure tourism is a huge thing here. Think horse riding, jet skis, snorkelling and buggy rentals, which are the tip of the iceberg of what you can do there.

Although it still has its beautiful beach bars serving cheap cocktails and tasty lobster, alongside live reggae music.

Even better? You can fly there directly with British Airways, with return flights from £420pp. Hotels start from £68 a night, although most tend to sit around £100-£140.

Iceland

Sometimes you don’t want a sweaty, overly-hot holiday – which is where Iceland comes in. Even as a hot-weather girly, I was left in awe of the island’s natural landscape.

I spent my mornings in the famous Blue Lagoon, before getting cosy with a hot chocolate in front of my hotel fire.

Crazy geysers, rocky road trips, Northern Lights – it felt like I was going back in time to a more basic, rural way of living.

You can do it on a budget if you know where to look. Icelandair have a “Just the Basics” package trip from £421 which is return flights and two nights at a hotel.

Puerto Rico

If there is one island that surprised me in how much I loved it, it was Puerto Rico. While it’s popular with Americans, Brits often overlook it as a holiday destination, most likely because it requires a stopover flight.

It was a fascinating mix of American and Caribbean culture, where Medalla Light Beers were just £2.50 chased by great-value pork sandwiches to soak it all up. A tour of the Casa Barcardi distillery includes a lot of cocktails along the way too…

Definitely get a boat trip to Flamenco Beach, frequently classed as one of the best in the world, with the unique feature of a WW2 US army tank stranded on the shoreline, as well as a visit to El Yunque National Forest to see the glowing bioluminescent waters.

Don’t expect super cheap hotels, but you can find some guesthouses for under £100 a night. Return flights start from £610.

Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos is no longer as easy to get to, after Virgin Atlantic scrapped flights there – but it is 100 per cent worth the trip.

It’s a place for lazy days spent at resorts. All I did was explore sunrises on Grace Bay (another world’s best beach), kayak in glass-bottomed boats alongside chilled turtles, and drink alcohol on floating pontoons.

Don’t even try to compare it to its nearby neighbours of Jamaica and Barbados – it feels worlds away when it comes to the paradisical island.

Seven-night holidays start from £1,159pp with loveholidays.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday convened leaders from more than 60 countries to take part in the Trump administration’s latest effort to quell what it calls “left-wing” political terrorism, a marquee issue for Republicans heading into the midterm elections.

This focus comes even as studies show that there are very few reported cases of such incidents in the U.S., especially compared to historically higher levels of far-right violence.

With sweeping statements about the “alarming rise” of political violence by the left, Rubio and other U.S. officials painted a dark image of the future if the “communists and Marxists” perpetrating these supposed acts are not defeated. He urged officials in attendance — mostly from European and Latin American countries — to unite to address the issue, which he says has been a “blind spot” in counterterrorism doctrine.

“So many people in positions of power have repeatedly dismissed acts of violence and even terrorism as legitimate forms of political expression, so long as they served a left-wing cause,” Rubio said in opening remarks. “A bomb planted by a neo-Nazi group was ‘a nefarious and murderous act of evil.’ It is, but a bomb planted by a Marxist revolutionary, well, that’s just merely a tragic excess of idealism.”

A report published last year by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that left-wing terrorism attacks as of July 4, 2025, had surpassed those from the far right for the first time in more than 30 years. However, a closer look at the data reveals that the uptick reflects a very low starting level and a concurrent drop on the far right.

There was an average of 0.6 left-wing incidents annually from 1994 through 2000, compared with an average of 20.6 on the right, the report shows. From 2016 to 2024, there was an average of four per year on the left and 22.7 per year on the right. Those numbers had dropped dramatically on the right as of early July 2025, with only one incident. Meanwhile, there had been five from the left.

But the report’s authors note that right-wing terrorism could easily return to elevated levels and that it is important to fight terrorism on both sides of the political spectrum.

President Trump and his allies have prioritized talking points against the far left ahead of the congressional elections this November. Trump has repeatedly stated that the Democratic Party’s ascendant left are communists who want to “completely destroy the traditional American way of life” and even engage in assassinations.

Vice President JD Vance has similarly called out communism as a political shift that is “something we haven’t seen in the U.S.” House Speaker Mike Johnson has decried “radical candidates” who are “self-described, self-identifying Marxists.”

For Rubio, his worldview on this issue has been largely shaped by his own history: he is the son of Cuban immigrants who arrived in Miami in May 1956, a few years before communist leader Fidel Castro rose to power in Havana. The former Florida senator said Thursday that it was that same government’s sprawling intelligence and ideological network that “helped to build the far left in our country and in our hemisphere.”

Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and main architect of the administration’s immigration policy, followed Rubio’s remarks, aiming to drive home the immediacy of the perceived threats he saw to American institutions coming from the left, and what response is needed in return.

“If your civilization is your home, you must defend it with the same passion and force as if an enemy intruder is inside your own house where your family lives,” Miller said. “That is the level of dedication and urgency that is required.”

This ideological focus has repeatedly conflated democratic socialism — which often centers on securing universal healthcare, higher taxes on the wealthy and stricter corporate regulation — with communism, under which private ownership is largely eliminated.

It has only intensified in the last year, after the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani to become New York City mayor and several of his proteges who won their New York City congressional primaries last month, beating out incumbents.

One of the ways the administration has started to target left-wing efforts is through sanctions. In November, the State Department designated four antifa or anti-fascist groups in Europe as foreign terrorist organizations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in his remarks Thursday that targeting these entities’ financial networks is the best way to circumvent their efforts.

“We have spent decades developing the world’s most sophisticated financial counterterrorism capabilities, and now we are mobilizing some of the same tools that we have deployed against terrorists abroad to confront this emerging threat here at home,” he told the conference.

Amiri and Kinnard write for the Associated Press. Amiri reported from New York and Kinnard from Columbia, S.C. AP writer Melissa Goldin in New York contributed to this report.

ONE travel expert who has lived in 25 different countries has revealed the one destination that trumps them all.

The Turquoise Coast in Turkey has it all from year-round sunshine to cheap hotels with huge swimming pools, and plenty of restaurants.

Gary Cook, a TUI retail agent, explained: “I’ve worked everywhere, but I keep coming back to Turkey – particularly the Antalya region and Marmaris on the Turquoise Coast.”

He’s racked up 17 trips to Turkey since working in Marmaris over 30 years ago.

“It’s got everything you might want – stunning beaches, such as the Turunc Beach, incredible history, amazing food.

“With an amazing selection of all-inclusive resorts, you can enjoy the views, sip on a cocktail and not have to worry about paying extra while you’re there.”

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It’s no secret that the Turquoise Coast with destinations like Marmaris and Antalya is a hit with Brits thanks to its cheap prices and short four-hour flight from the UK.

While Antalya has golden sands and is famous for its huge waterpark, The Land of Legends Theme Park, Gary really recommends Marmaris.

Gary added: “Marmaris offers a completely different vibe – a large beach dotted with bars and restaurants.

“A promenade stretching down to the old town with its markets and bazaars, plus a cosmopolitan harbour. The bay is absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise.”

When it comes to where to eat out, Gary recommends Nil, a fish restaurant on the Marina or Mehmet Ocakbasi for authentic Turkish food.

When it comes to shopping, the newly renovated Marmaris Bazaar is the place to be.

When it comes to booking, you don’t have to wait until the summer seasons as Gary explains that “even the winters are mild”.

“Whether you want to go in the school holidays or off-season, you are sure to get your fix of sun.”

Although the season runs from April through to October, Gary calls it a year-round destination with mild winters.

While it’s not necessarily ‘hot’ in the months of November to March, it can still see highs of 17C – much warmer than it is in the UK.

Gary even has hotel suggestions, including some of his favourites.

TUI BLUE Side

Found in Antalya, the TUI BLUE Side has a huge swimming pool, three restaurants, and five bars.

Gary said: “This adults-only hotel is smaller and modern with loads of activities. The pool area has luxury sunbeds spread, and there is a beautiful sandy beach club and jetty.

“Hop on a local bus to Side’s historical centre where you’ll find the Temple of Apollo – one of those rare places where time seems to pause, set dramatically at the edge of the Mediterranean.”

A seven-night trip to TUI BLUE Side can be booked from £632pp – or £90pppn.

Trendy Lara

With its big swimming pool, plenty of waterslides and evening entertainment – the Trendy Lara is an ideal family destination.

Gary describes it as a “modern hotel” with a “great selection of restaurants, pools and activities for all ages”.

Lara Beach is also right on your doorstep.

A family of four heading abroad during the school holidays in August 2027 for a seven-night stay can book the Trendy Lara from £1,327pp – or £189pppn.

Liberty Lara

The Antalya hotel sits right by a beach – it comes with a few pools, a private pier and has plenty of food and drink spots.

Gary calls it a “beautiful hotel, with the most amazing service and food.”

It’s close to Lara Beach and is in a great central location perfect for exploring.

An all-inclusive seven-night break for two at the Liberty Lara can be booked from £530pp – or £76pppn.

TUI BLUE Grand Azur

Found in Marmaris, this hotel is another by the beach with a promenade just a short walk away.

It has a freshwater pool surrounded by sunloungers as well as a tennis court, and fitness classes.

Gary confessed it’s his “absolute favourite hotel in Turkey” with great customer service and a private beach.

An all-inclusive seven-night stay at the TUI BLUE Grand Azur starts from £615pp – or £87.85ppn.

WE pause half way up the hill, observing the perfectly still lake below that offers an exact reflection of the lush trees and craggy mountain scape behind.

Normally, I’d be pulling out my phone to snap a picture of the stunning scene. But it’s back at the hotel, locked away and I couldn’t be happier about it.

I was on a digital detox in Austria’s breathtaking Lesachtal Valley, where the alpine air, jaw-dropping scenery and tranquil sounds of nature are guaranteed to melt even the most anxious traveller’s stresses away.

Before our stunning hike, I’d ticked off a soothing yoga session, tucked into a lunch of traditional Austrian pasta with a hearty potato filling, and relaxed in a jacuzzi under a clear sky. And without the distraction of our devices, my five fellow detoxers and I felt fully present in every moment.

According to a recent study from the Austrian Tourism board, 53 per cent of Gen Z Brits spend over four hours in front of their screens outside of work or education and as a result three in five don’t feel well-rested in the morning.

I can’t argue with those stats. After a couple of days without my phone, I was sleeping significantly better. Plus, my entire group had noticed a difference in their mood and stress levels.

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This feeling of zen was amplified by our stay at the Hotel der Paternwirt, a beautiful building with gorgeous rooms overlooking mountains and a wellness area with sauna offering the same panoramic views.

Even the delicious breakfast buffet had wellbeing at the forefront with unusual additions like lavender butter.

Despite how jam-packed our itinerary was, life here seemed slow. And being in a rural setting, we felt that we were able to simply breathe.

The nearby meadows blooming with daisies and cornflowers were a great place to unwind. Or you could visit the Weissensee – a crystal-clear alpine lake in Carinthia, around 90 minutes from the hotel – which was worth the drive for the scenery alone.

The region is also home to the Michelin-starred Die Forelle, which serves up some of the freshest fish caught from waters nearby.

If you’re not into fish but still want to sample some traditional grub, the set dinner at Hotel Zum Weissensee is worth a go. Each of the five courses was perfectly executed with star dishes being the pickled elderleaf buds, celeriac cannelloni and plum sorbet with fennel greens.

Even on my final and rather gloomy morning in the Austrian alps, I couldn’t help but appreciate the sheer beauty of this region.

The clouds were slowly drifting behind the mountains, making the views in front of me look like an impressionist painting.

So, I’d managed to conquer a solid five days without my phone. But did I miss it? Apart from having the ability to take photos with ease, not one bit.

Being surrounded by nature and tranquillity definitely had some impact.
And I no longer felt an uncontrollable urge to check my notifications every ten minutes. Not when the views were this good.

I AM admiring green rolling hills as the sun beats down on Italian ­terracotta roofs.

There’s just one twist. I’m not IN Italy.

I’m in San Marino — the tiny, landlocked microstate completely surrounded by its famous neighbour, and officially the fifth-smallest country on the planet.

Set atop Mount Titano, 700 metres above sea level, San Marino is the oldest republic in the world but is still relatively undiscovered by British tourists who remain in the surrounding regions of its bigger neighbour instead.

One of the easiest ways to reach the centre is via cable car and once you step out you’re welcomed by centuries-old streets, the Basilica of Saint Marinus and the incredible Three Towers of Mount Titano.

Built in the 11th century, the towers formed the medieval defences and while the steep incline to get to them is not for the faint-hearted, it’s worth it.

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You can visit the two main towers — Guaita and Cesta — linked by a 13th century stone walkway the locals nicknamed The Witches Path.

But there’s another reason to visit.

San Marino is virtually a duty-free haven with taxes around five percentage points lower than in Italy.

I had to be dragged away from all the beautiful handbags and shoes in the cute boutiques dotted throughout the city.

San Marino also produces an array of products including olive oil and wine, which I had a chance to sample over lunch at Ristorante Titano.

Alongside the light and fresh local wine, I devoured a bowl of cappellacci; the traditional stuffed pasta with a distinctive “big hat” shape originating from the Emilia-Romagna region that San Marino sits within.

While San Marino is landlocked, it is only 30 minutes drive from Rimini’s wide, 15km-long beaches, so close it is visible from the top of the city on a clear day.

Rimini has been a popular seaside destination for decades and I could see why as I gazed out of my balcony room at the 4* Hotel Savoia across the golden sandy beach and the newly redeveloped waterfront.

The hotel itself has the celeb factor — it featured in Italian classic La Dolce Vita and the film’s director Federico Fellini was born in Rimini.

But the hotel isn’t the only place where the famous director has left his mark.

There is a museum dedicated to his work split across three spaces, one of which is housed in Castel Sismondo, a medieval castle.

He and his most famous characters are also immortalised in a mural in Borgo San Giuliano, an ancient fisherman district full of pastel-coloured little houses.

And it was history that had me star-struck when I moved on to an­other Italian city, ravishing ­Ravenna.

Stunning mosaics from the early Christian and Byzantine periods can be found in Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Ravenna is also home to Dante’s Tomb, the resting place of Dante Alighieri, the famous poet known for Dante’s Inferno and as the father of the Italian language.

Another bard with links to the city is Lord Byron, and the Byron Museum is housed in Palazzo Guiccioli, where he pursued an intense love affair with the wife of aristocrat Alessandro Guiccioli in 1819.

After exploring the brilliant interactive displays, I enjoyed an incredible alfresco lunch of lasagne at Taverna Byron at the Palazzo.

All these attractions were just a short walk from my cosy, family-run hotel, Villa Noctis, which has its own peaceful courtyard overlooked by the traditional-style breakfast room.

Ravenna has its own glorious stretch of golden sand and selection of beach clubs to enjoy.

I settled on Singita Marina Beach and I have to say, a cocktail, sun lounger and a delicious plate of tuna tartare on potato croquettes — they don’t scrimp on the portions either — was the perfect way to end the day.

Now that’s La Dolce Vita.

July 7 (Asia Today) — China said countries should not overinterpret its test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific, after the firing drew criticism from Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific island nations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular briefing Tuesday that the launch was part of regular military training by the Chinese military and was not aimed at any country or target.

Mao said China had notified Solomon Islands and other South Pacific and related countries in advance, adding that the launch complied with international law and international practice.

“China follows the path of peaceful development and a nuclear strategy of self-defense,” Mao said. She said China keeps its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security and that “relevant countries do not need to overinterpret this.”

China’s state-run Global Times also defended the launch in a commentary Tuesday, saying it demonstrated China’s determination and capability to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The newspaper said China’s nuclear capability had reached another milestone and that the country would continue to strengthen its strategic deterrence system, including its nuclear triad.

A nuclear triad refers to a country’s ability to deliver nuclear weapons through three systems: intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and strategic bombers. Such a structure is intended to preserve the ability to retaliate after a nuclear first strike.

Chinese diplomatic sources in Beijing said China announced Monday that one of its nuclear-powered strategic submarines had successfully launched an SLBM carrying a dummy warhead into international waters in the Pacific.

China has not officially identified the missile. Experts believe it may have been the Julang-3, or JL-3, which was displayed during a military parade last year marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

The JL-3 is believed to have a range of up to 12,000 kilometers, or about 7,456 miles, placing much of the Pacific, including the U.S. mainland, within reach. Analysts say the missile strengthens China’s nuclear triad strategy.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said China’s military activities, combined with a lack of transparency, are a serious concern for Japan and the international community.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized the launch as destabilizing to the region. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said it was not consistent with regional stability.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also expressed caution, saying, “We cannot be naive.”

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, who chairs the Pacific Islands Forum, said he had delivered a strong protest to China’s ambassador in that capacity. Wale said the Solomon Islands government also submitted an official protest letter to China.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260707010002704

Ten European and Western countries have barred Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering their territories, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said the ten countries had imposed entry bans on the two far-right ministers, who have faced widespread criticism over statements seen as advocating the extermination of the Palestinian people.

In a statement, the ministry said it was monitoring the diplomatic development and urged the countries to reconsider what it described as their “unjustified” decisions.

The countries that have imposed the bans are the UK, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand and France.

Ben-Gvir was already banned from entering France and Ireland at the end of May after publishing a video showing detained activists from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs following the interception of their vessel at sea. The activists were later held in southern Israel, prompting international condemnation.

READ: Smotrich announces retaliatory measures against Palestinian Authority after ICC developments

Several countries, including France, Spain and Italy, have called for European sanctions against Ben-Gvir. Judicial authorities in both France and Italy have also opened investigations into allegations that he was responsible for the torture of the activists.

On Tuesday, Ben-Gvir cancelled a planned trip to New York to attend the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit amid concerns over planned protests by human rights groups, as well as growing calls for his arrest and investigation.

The Hind Rajab Foundation had previously asked the US Department of Justice to launch an urgent criminal investigation into the Israeli National Security Minister and arrest him upon his expected arrival in New York next month.

The legal request was backed by a broad case file prepared by the pro-Palestinian rights organisation, which said it was presenting the case to US judicial authorities as a test of Washington’s commitment to upholding international law.

READ: Ben Gvir attacks Trump-Iran deal: Israel ‘not bound by US agreement’

One solo traveller who often shares tips and clips from his overseas adventures with his online followers has named the five cities he’d ‘never go back to if his life depended on it’

Many people are often looking for new places to explore if they’re planning to go travelling, whether that be alone or in a group. However, one solo traveller who says he’s been to 60 countries has advised against the places you definitely shouldn’t go – according to him.

Lucas Brancatisano, who is known as @alocalguide_ on Instagram, often shares travel tips, experiences and clips from his overseas adventures with his 6,300 followers on the site. In one of his latest reels, he named the five cities he’s visited during his travels that he’d ‘never go back to if his life depended on it’.

1. New Delhi, India

Lucas described the Indian capital as a ‘whole new level of overstimulation’, saying that there’s pollution, noise, busses, horns and cows on the road, and claims that the sky is ‘filled with smog’.

He exclaimed: “It’s not for me, I don’t think I’ll ever go back.

“The rest of India in parts is absolutely lovely, but New Delhi… not for me.”

2. León, Nicaragua

The solo traveller described León as “sweaty and dangerous at night”. Lucas said Nicaragua itself is fantastic and he had a “great time” there in 2024, but that he just didn’t enjoy going to León. “I’ll never go back,” he said.

3. Oia, Santorini

Lucas exclaimed: “This place is my definition of hell,” as he describe the holiday spot.

He added: “In summer, getting sunburnt, 1,000 selfie sticks with everyone getting the same sunset photo.

“You can just look at it online, you don’t have to go and get a photo of it.

“Don’t go there, you’ll have a really bad time.”

4. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Lucas said he went to Phnom Penh in Cambodia “a long time ago”, but said that when he went there, all he remembers is a very built up city with lots of tyre shops and “not much going on”.

He added: “I could be wrong, and please let me know in the comment if I am wrong, because Phnom Penh maybe I would go back to.

5. Benidorm, Spain

The traveller descried Benidorm as “hell”, adding: “If you find yourself there and you’re not British, you’re in hell.

Lucas said there’s English breakfasts on every single menu there and loads of British people “rolling around”, as well as “pasty skin everywhere”, saying that it’s just “not a very nice place”.

He added: “If you’re in Spain and you’re going to Benidorm, you need tor rethink all the life choices you’ve made up to that point, because your’e in the wrong spot.”

Concluding his reel, Lucas exclaimed: “That’s my list, there’s not many I wouldn’t go back to, but they are five of them.”

Despite the post racking up more than 6,000 likes, some people had differing views.

One person wrote: “Will definitely go back to León in Nicaragua.”

While another added: “I was in Phnom Penh last year. It was very cool. Great riverside markets, river cruise, pubs and restaurants, temples. Beauty everywhere.”

A third chimed in: “I loved Oia!”

While a fourth added: “Benidorm to Brits is Cancun to Americans.”

A fifth chimed in: “Went to India, New Delhi, 10 years ago; the taxi just dropped me off in the city centre and left. I was so overwhelmed with everything going on that I sat down on the footpath and started to cry, a cow came out of nowhere and started to eat a cardboard box beside me.

“Locals stopped and started pointing at me and taking photos. Weirdest and best travel story I think I have, would I do it again? Hell ya haha.”

IF you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and glam hotels but your bank account is saying otherwise, you don’t have to cancel your summer plans just yet.

While traditional holiday hotspots like Spain and Greece are reliable, they are becoming increasingly expensive.

Luckily, there’s a handful of stunning European destinations offering amazing holiday vibes for a fraction of the cost.

How about the white sand beaches of Albania, or the affordable resorts of Montenegro

We’ve rounded up three incredible, wallet-friendly European countries where your money stretches further.

This means spectacular package holiday deals starting from just £159pp.

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Albania

Bathed in sunshine for over 300 days a year, Albania offers stunning natural landscapes, sweeping beaches and cheap hotels that feel ultra-luxurious.

The coastline blends the dramatic, rugged scenery of the Balkans with the sparkling, turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

Your budget stretches remarkably far here compared to holiday hotspots like the Greece or Italy.

For a mix of golden beaches and historical sites, head to Durres, where you can climb the Venetian Tower or explore Roman ruins for free.

For wallet-friendly restaurants and stunning landscapes, try Sarande, which is home to the Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with scenic thick forest overlooking the shore.

Or head to Vlore to stroll its pretty old town lined with boutique cafes and shops, hop on a boat trip to visit stunning sea caves and stay in one of its super glam hotels for a very affordable price.

OUR TOP DEAL

The four-star Ames Hotel & Spa in Vlore is a glamorous hotel with its own private beach and spa.

It’s a small, friendly hotel that is perfect for couples, where you can spend your days taking beach walks and unwinding in the sauna and steam bath.

The deal we’ve found is for early October, which would still be nice and warm with temperatures sitting at 24°C.

The five night stay with breakfast at the Ames Hotel & Spa in Vlore, including return flights from London Luton, is for £219pp.

Montenegro

More and more Brits are catching on to Montenegro as their next holiday destination, with its other-worldly beaches and affordable package holidays.

Budva is a buzzing coastal spot with a walled medieval Old Town to explore, and even an island you can visit called Sveti Nikola dubbed by locals as ‘Hawaii Island’.

For a spot of sunbathing, head to Mogren Beach, where towering limestone cliffs shelter two sandy coves with turquoise waters.

Similarly, spots like Ulcinj and Bar are great value coastal towns – Ulcinj is home to Velika Plaza, or ‘Long Beach’, an eight-mile stretch of sand with shallow waters to paddle in and activities like kite boarding.

While Bar is home to unique attractions like Red Beach, a cove with a maroon-coloured shore, and King Nikola’s Palace, a castle-turned-museum surrounded by lush green gardens.

Visit Becici for endless golden beaches dotted with loungers, activities like paragliding and paddleboarding, and high-end hotels for cheap.

OUR TOP DEAL

The Eurostars Queen of Montenegro hotel is in Becici, where a pristine stretch of beach is backed by a line of luxurious yet affordable hotels, visited by the likes of Madonna and Angelina Jolie.

The hotel itself has a huge wellness zone with a Turkish bath, tropical shower, saunas and whirlpool – as well as a sprawling outdoor infinity pool.

Rooms alone usually cost between £200 – £250 per night, however we’ve found a very affordable deal.

We found a deal for a five night stay with breakfast at the Eurostars Queen of Montenegro in Becici, including return flights from London Stansted, for £325pp.

Bulgaria

You might already know about Sunny Beach, but Bulgaria is home to a whole host of affordable coastal resorts that you may never have heard of.

Just south of Sunny Beach, Nessebar is the affordable and arguably more beautiful neighbour.

Both the north and south beach offer soft sands and clear, shallow water – plus a strip of seafront bars and restaurants that feel less chaotic than the party vibes of

This ancient city feels like an open air museum, with and Old Town packed with 20 ancient Byzantine churches and a fascinating ancient fortifications.

Further up the coast you’ll find Golden Sands, a resort that earns its name with a two-mile beach backed by a buy promenade lined with buzzy restaurants and seafront bars.

This family-friendly resort town also has plenty of attractions and activities like Aquapolis Water Park and off-road buggies.

OUR TOP DEAL

Perla Golden Sands is an action-packed, family-friendly hotel backed by the vibrant greenery of a natural park.

The hotel has plenty to do for kids, including an adventure playground, kids club, evening shows and activities like table tennis and horse riding.

And a week-long holiday is an absolute bargain.

We found a deal for a seven night stay with breakfast at the Perla Golden Sands with return flights from London Luton for £209pp.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said all Gulf countries oppose a toll in the Strait of Hormuz during a tour of the region following US-Iran talks. Rubio added, “There isn’t a nation on Earth that supports having to pay money to go through the straits”.

For the first time in 48 years, Japan has changed its visa fee, rising by a staggering five times for foreign nationals, who will need to pay an extra £55 when visiting

Japan has dramatically hiked its visa fees for tourists, with the cost of entry now a whopping five times higher.

From Wednesday, 1 July, many foreign nationals travelling to the country home to Mount Fuji will be required to pay 15,000 yen (£69.99) for a single-entry visa, a sharp rise from the previous 3,000 yen (£14). Meanwhile, multi-entry visas will now set travellers back 30,000 yen (£139.98), jumping up from 6,000 yen (£28).

This represents a staggering fivefold increase, meaning visitors will fork out an additional £55.99 for a single trip, or £111.98 for a multi-entry visa. Remarkably, this marks the first time Japan has raised its visa fees since 1978 — a full 48 years ago.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the changes were made to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”. He added: “We do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.”

The updated visa fees will apply to all applications submitted on or after 1 July, 2026, as the nation continues to experience a surge in visitor numbers. Last year alone, Japan welcomed a remarkable 42.7 million international tourists, with iconic destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka remaining amongst the most sought-after, reports the Express.

The good news for Brits is that Japan has reciprocal visa exemption arrangements with 74 countries and regions, allowing citizens to enter for short-term stays without a visa. UK passport can stay for 90 days visa-free.

Japan’s new visa charge places it among the pricier destinations to enter globally. Other nations with steep tourist visa costs include the UK, where a standard visitor visa costs £135, and Ghana, where travellers from non-African nations pay $260.

Some countries levy per-night charges, with Bhutan ranking among the most expensive. A daily sustainable development levy of $100 is imposed per adult.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises that Brits travelling to Japan must make sure their passport remains valid for the duration of their visit. The FCDO states on its travel advice page: “No additional period of validity is required. You need a blank page for your visa stamp.”

In guidance on obtaining a visit, the Foreign Office adds: “You can get a visa on arrival in Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days. You do not need to apply before you travel. If you need a multiple-entry visa, you must ask the immigration officials when you arrive. If you want to stay longer, you can apply at your nearest immigration office for an extension for another 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the period of the extension.”

The FCDO adds: “For long-term stays or to work or study, you must meet the Japanese government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you need. It is illegal to work in Japan without the correct visa, no matter how informal or temporary the work.

“If you overstay your permission to remain in Japan, you risk arrest, detention and a heavy fine. For residency information, see the Japanese Immigration Services Agency website and read about living in Japan.”

While there is no advice against travelling to Japan, the FCDO has warned about “global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East.” They stated: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

“Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• Check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
• Review your travel insurance policy for coverage
• Monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts.”

For more information on travel to Japan, visit the Foreign Office travel advice website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The Foreign Office has issued fresh travel advice for 14 countries following the announcement of a ‘memorandum of understanding’ between the US and Iran amid Middle East tensions

Significant travel updates have been released by the Foreign Office for 14 countries after the US and Iran revealed a ‘memorandum of understanding’, in the wake of the Middle East conflict.

The Foreign Office has now removed its travel ban to destinations including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, while also providing additional updates for 12 other nations. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) published new guidance on Thursday, 18 June, for the 14 countries amid “regional tensions”.

On the Foreign Office’s ‘warnings and insurance’ section for each nation, they confirmed: “The US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.”

The complete list of nations receiving the updated guidance includes: Cyprus, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Iran and Kuwait, reports the Express.

While the FCDO has warned of regional tensions, it “no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE”. Since March, there had been a warning in place against all but essential travel to the UAE, but with the update today (June 18), it’s the first time it’s been waived.

In additional guidance, the FCDO outlined that should “hostilities resume”, Brits should take the following steps:

• Read if you’re affected by a crisis abroad – GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• Monitor local and international media for the latest information
• Sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date.

FROM seeing Shakira perform in Rio to a drinking cocktails in the world’s tallest cocktail bar – it’s fair to say I’ve been to a lot of countries in my career as a travel writer.

Since my first trip abroad 30 years ago, I’ve wracked up 60 countries… and counting.

Yet while I love a far-flung trip, some of my favourite cities are a bit closer to home, and MUCH cheaper to fly to.

So here are my 10 favourites which you can get to in just a few hours, and none of the flights there are more than £20.

Agadir

The Moroccan city is perfect for some cheap, quick, winter sun.

Agadir is ideal for those wanting relaxation and was even named the most affordable summer holiday destination earlier this year.

A highlight is Souk el Had, one of the largest markets in Morocco, and I recommend the White Beach Resort Taghazout just outside of the city for a relaxing stay, right on the beach.

Flights can be found with Ryanair for £14.99 from London Stansted or £17.99 from Edinburgh.

Seville

As one of Spain‘s most southern cities, you can expect some scorchingly good weather (just avoid the summers where it hits 40C).

Watch some flamenco, buy some famous Seville orange perfume or explore the Moorish Royal Alcazar Palace.

Make sure to stay at Only U – stays are around £100pp per night and it felt more exclusive members club than hotel thanks to the rooftop pool, onsite florist and bakery and VERY trendy rooms.

Flights can be found with Ryanair for £14.99 from London Stansted or £17.99 from Edinburgh.

Brussels

It was during a Christmas trip to Brussels that I realised it would actually make the perfect girly trip in summer.

I explored the Rue de Flandre neighbourhood – once named one of the world’s coolest – for noodle bars, pizzarias and cosy drinking spots.

I stayed at the Hilton Brussels Grand Palace hotel, with the fancy breakfast room being a highlight. Prices start at £185 for a double room.

Flights from Newcastle start from £14.99 with Ryanair.

Faro

Faro gets overlooked for just being the gateway to the Algarve, but it’s criminal to skip this stunning Portuguese city.

It has beautiful Caribbean-like islands just off the coast which are ideal day trips, costing just a few euros.

It is also home to 3HB the city’s only five star hotel complete with high spec rooms and rooftop bars with firepits perfect for Love Island style chats. Rooms start at £76 pp per night.

Flights start from £13 with Wizz Air from London Gatwick.

Madrid

The Spanish capital has quickly become my favourite place in the country for so many reasons.

There are fun neighbourhoods such as Malasana with bars and shops (try the fantastically decedant bakes in Santo) or visit on weekends to El Rastro, one of Europe‘s biggest flea markets.

If you’re on a budget you can’t go wrong with the recently opened easyHotel too, with rooms starting at £59 per night. It is an easy few metro stops from the city centre – also easy to use even if not used to underground networks.

Flights can be found with Ryanair from £14.99 from Bristol and London Stansted.

Milan

While Milan can be slated as one of the less-loved Italian cities, it is worth a weekend trip – IF you know where to go.

The street-art lined Navigli is popular with locals for its vibey restaurants lining the canal (go just off the main road to Iter for amazing wine and fun interiors).

Try NYX hotel, with double rooms from £156 per night. It is right beside the train station and has a rooftop terrace.

Flights start £14 with Wizz Air from London Luton or from £14.99 with Ryanair from Manchester and London Stansted.

Marbella

Marbella may be a beach club capital but in my opinion, off season is the best time to visit – as I found when I planned a trip in April.

This meant quiet dinners in the local-populated Taberna la Nina Del Pisto, or bar hopping from La Tienda to Vinalium Castillejos for cheap wine.

The Hard Rock Hotel is a hilarious place to stay – make sure to get the music-themed massage where music is played from speakers to the vibrations of the bed. Prices start at £120 per night for a double room.

Flights start from £14 with Wizz Air from London Gatwick, or with Ryanair from £14.99 when flying from Bristol, Birmingham, Newcastle, London Luton or Bournemouth.

Copenhagen

One of my favourite trips was when I was between jobs, and decided to spend a chic weekend in Copenhagen.

I brunched at Atelier September, explored the Fashion Museum and popped into Tivoli for a step back in time, as well as popped to see the famous Little Mermaid statue and Hans Christian Anderson grave.

Hotel SP34 – from £80 pp per night – is a must, if not just for the free wine and cheese hour ever evening…

Flights from Edinburgh and London Stansted from £14.99 with Ryanair or £16.99 from Bristol and Manchester.

Amsterdam

You might have already visited Amsterdam, but let me sell you on Amsterdam Noord.

Get the free ferry over from the main train station along with all the other cycling locals and before dinner and drinks at Next. Don’t forget some of the amazing art galleries and museums – STRAAT and NXT are worth a visit.

Stay at Bunk for a unique stay, built into a church with some VERY interesting artwork and a vibey bar. If you are on a tight budget a pod for one starts at £25.

Flights from London Southend from £14.99 with easyJet.

Palermo

You can’t visit Palermo without getting a famous Negroni and Bar Timi claim to have the best in the city (best chased by some fresh arancini at the food markets.

There are loads of flea markets and antique markets to explore, although you could also leave the city to find a beach club for the afternoon as well.

When it comes to hotels, there is the new NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano which feels quintessentially Sicilian but is also in a great location. Prices start at around £95pp per night.

Flights from London Stansted start from £16.99 with Ryanair.

A 48-HOUR strike in Europe has already seen Eurostar trains cancelled – and more could follow.

Strikes across Italy and France today and tomorrow are impacting rail services including Eurostar trains to and from the UK.

Cancelled Eurostar trains include the 7:12am service from Paris to London and then the 3:31pm service from London to Paris, both today.

Tomorrow, the 7:12am service from Paris to London will also be cancelled.

A number of other Eurostar trains are facing delays as well including between Paris and Brussels, which will impact Brits changing trains at Paris.

According to the Eurostar website, the cancellations are due to “strike action on the French network” and that “local and national traffic in France will be heavily disrupted”.

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Passengers are being advised to keep an eye on Eurostar’s website and app for updates.

The Eurostar delays and cancellations aren’t the only trains impacted.

Across France and Italy there are nationwide strikes over the next 48 hours on rail services.

In France, strike action today is causing disruption across the entire country’s network including trains heading to Normandy, Brittany and Provence.

The action started at 7pm yesterday and will continue until 6am tomorrow.

According to Rail Europe, delays of between one-and-a-half hours and three hours can be expected on trains being run by TGV INOUI, OUIGO, and Eurostar.

On the other hand, in Italy, workers at state-owned rail companies such as Trenitalia, Trenord, and Trenitalia Tper will strike tomorrow from 3am until 2am on Friday.

Delays and cancellations are expected across the country including services to destinations such as Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice and Naples.

Though due to Italian laws, there will be services at peak times which include between 6am and 9am and between 6pm and 9pm.

According to RTL Today, train connections to Luxembourg are also being impacted.

For Brits on holiday in either Italy or France, if you are due to get on a train within the country or even on a Eurostar service, expect delays and cancellations, as well as busier train stations.

Sun Travel has contacted Eurostar for comment.