A woman has been arrested by Spanish police as she attempted to board a flight out of the country, having allegedly left a £2,000 hotel bill unpaid
The tourist was led away by police(Image: National Police)
Restaurant owners have complained that “dine and dash” offences are on the increase, with some customers ducking out on bills of hundreds of pounds. But as shocking as those losses are, they are dwarfed by a massive £2,000 bill left unpaid after one family’s 11-night holiday at an all-inclusive resort in the Canary Islands.
Officers of Spain’s National Police have arrested a foreign tourist on suspicion of fraud after she allegedly left a hotel in San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Gran Canaria) without paying for her stay, which was valued at 2,483 euros (£2,125).
In a press release, the National Police explained that hotel managers had reported that a family of two adults and a child had left the premises after an 11-night all-inclusive stay without settling the bill.
The stay had been booked through the resort’s website, and the customers had provided a credit card number as a security deposit. However, when hotel staff attempted to process the bill at the end of the guests’ stay, they were unable to complete the transaction.
Despite making several attempts to contact the customers, no payment was received and police officers were mobilised to intercept the guest as she attempted to leave the country.
Video footage provided by the National Police shows the as-yet-unnamed suspect being arrested at Gran Canaria Airport. After her arrest, the woman was taken to the Maspalomas police station for processing and was subsequently placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities.
The National Police emphasised its commitment to protecting the Canary Islands’ tourism sector and reminded visitors that any attempt to avoid payment for goods or services will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Here in the UK, a 2018 survey found that one in 20 people had walked out without paying for a meal.
Donna Jones, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, told The Daily Mail that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of “dine and dash” offences in recent years.
While some have blamed the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Ms Jones dismissed that suggestion, saying, “They’re driving away in their own cars.” She urged any businesses affected by crimes of this kind to “share images online … and to name and shame those individuals”.
Kate Nicholls, the CEO of the industry organisation UKHospitality, told the Guardian that while only a minority of customers behaved in this way, incidents of people avoiding paying for meals could be “a serious matter” for the bars and restaurants involved.
“These businesses operate on very tight net-profit margins – less than 4% – and often it can be quite big-spend items that people are going for,” she explained.
Adding that referring to the offences as “dine and dash” escapades trivialised what could be a very serious problem for hospitality businesses: “Let’s call it what it is,” she said. “This is theft and fraud and it should be prosecuted as such. It’s not a victimless crime. It is money that is being taken from a business for goods and services consumed – it’s exactly the same as shoplifting.”
A week’s stay costs significantly less than many popular European rivals
Many UK households are reconsidering their holiday plans for 2026(Image: Philip Openshaw via Getty Images)
Many UK households are reconsidering their holiday plans for 2026, with nearly half (47%) of Brits with travel plans deciding to cut back due to soaring flight costs.
Research from the credit card firm Aqua examined the cost of a week’s stay in summer holiday destinations across the UK and Europe to uncover where Brits can stretch their money the furthest this year.
Albania has emerged as the top destination for a summer getaway in 2026, with return flights costing £100 and a week’s stay for two in July coming in at £381.
One British seaside resort also made a notable appearance on the list. Blackpool is the only UK destination to feature in the top 10, landing in ninth place as one of the most budget-friendly summer holiday spots for 2026, boasting the lowest average prices for local attractions (£31) and fuel costs averaging £35.
Things to do in Blackpool
Blackpool offers a wealth of attractions listed on TripAdvisor, among them Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and The Blackpool Tower.
It is Blackpool Pleasure Beach, however, that sits at the top of TripAdvisor with a rating of four, based on an impressive 15,000 customer reviews. The amusement and theme park is open seven days a week, with unlimited-ride eTickets available from around £31.50 online for adults (ages 12+) and £22.50 for children, compared to gate prices of up to £50.
Ticket prices at Blackpool Pleasure Beach vary by date, and booking at least seven days in advance can save visitors up to £14 per ticket.
Those who prefer to pay as they go can purchase individual ride tickets starting from £7.
Visitors have been singing the praises of Blackpool Pleasure Beach on TripAdvisor, with one guest writing: “An amazing day on the theme park with amazing rides, all the staff were friendly and helpful, great day all round, would recommend going.”
A second visitor added: “Amazing friendly staff, always happy to help, amazing rides as well, can always have a great day at the Pleasure Beach.”
“We had a fantastic trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which was enjoyed by all ages,” said another. “Our youngest is just a toddler, and our oldest is a teenager, and they both had a great time. There is really something for everyone.”
A fourth guest enthused, “Best day ever today! Jake and Jamie, who work on the Big One, you were right, it doesn’t go upside down! Although we got wetter than we ever would have on Valhalla! All staff were great, and the facilities were too. Can’t wait to come back.”
Rounding off the glowing reviews, one visitor posted: “Great, I had a wonderful time at the amusement park. I am glad I enjoyed all the attractions and entertainment. The atmosphere there was absolutely delightful. It was a pleasure to hear about such positive experiences.”
Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, London ranks as the most sought-after staycation destination in the UK. The capital tops the list with steep accommodation costs (£1,133 per week for two adults), affordable meals (£20), and pints (£7).
Yet a number of top attractions, including the British Museum and the National Gallery, are free to enter, which helps to soften the blow on overall expenditure.
Brighton takes second place, with accommodation on the pricier side — the second highest of all destinations analysed (£1,715 a week for two adults). Falmouth, UK, follows closely in third, also driven by some of the steepest accommodation costs (£1,501 a week for two adults).
The top 10 most affordable European destinations for 2026:
Martin Lewis has shared his top holiday money saving tip, explaining whether you should pay in local currency or pounds on your card abroad – and how it could save you money on extra charges
09:31, 01 Jul 2026Updated 09:31, 01 Jul 2026
Martin Lewis has shared his holiday advice (file image)(Image: ITV)
Martin Lewis has finally settled the age-old holiday debate, revealing whether it’s better to pay in pounds or local currency when using your bank card overseas. Sharing his expert insight with BBC viewers, he cut through the confusion, offering clear guidance on the smartest way to spend abroad without losing out.
Martin advised: “When you go abroad and you pay on plastic [card] and the overseas cash machine or shop asks you: ‘Do you want to pay in Pounds or Euros?’ What do you do?
“Well, the correct answer is you should always pay in euros or whatever the local currency is. That means it’s your plastic that’s doing the exchange rate conversion, not the overseas shop or ATM.”
He stressed that this rule applies no matter where in the world you are. Social media users were quick to chip in with their own tips and experiences. One user suggested: “Just get Revolut or Monzo.”
Another declared: “I use Starling Bank it has no fees abroad and recommends paying in the local currency instead of Pounds. Something I saw online about dynamic exchange rate and it can cost you more otherwise.”
A third added: “Revolut has always been the best on doing this, can exchange right in the app as well, and when withdrawing it’ll just take it straight from that, half the time the only fee is the cash fee by the machine you use.”
Meanwhile, a recent holidaymaker shared their own experience: “Just back from Spain and not a single ATM did free cash withdrawals either, thankfully that’s all I was charged with my Chase account.”
One shrewd traveller commented: “I just get Euros before I go anywhere save all the hassle, and if I’m really stuck for cash go into an actual bank on holiday and withdraw money on my card.”
This handy tip comes on the heels of advice from a money-saving guru who stressed the importance of securing travel insurance ‘ASAB’.
During an appearance on This Morning, the financial whizz revealed: “My travel insurance rule is get it ASAB (as soon as you book). People do get a little confused about this, so let’s break it down.”
He continued to explain: “If you’re getting a single trip policy, so that is a policy to cover just one holiday, then what you do is as soon as you book, you go on one of the travel insurer’s website, you tell it your holiday dates and you buy the policy then.”
Martin Lewis made clear that if your holiday falls in August but you booked back in January, getting your insurance sorted in January is equally crucial.
“That means you have the travel insurance in place to covers that holiday,” he said, adding: “You don’t need to [cover yourself] for extra dates [in case there’s a delay at the airport] because you have your return date.
“If something delays you, so you weren’t back, that would still be covered because that delay is all part of the travel insurance.”
A travel blogger has warned holidaymakers not to put their full address on their luggage tags, as it could open them up to luggage tag scams and holiday fraud
Mark Wolters is urging people not to share their address on their luggage(Image: Wolters World)
That advice might appear contradictory to many, given traditional luggage tags typically feature space for your name, phone number, address, and even email. Yet travel blogger Mark Wolters argues that displaying your address on your suitcase could expose you to a range of scams.
“Think about it, if you’re at baggage claim and you’re a cute young man like myself, and my address and phone number are right there, and someone goes ‘I like, that guy, I’m going to follow him to his house.’ You don’t want that.”
Mark reveals he and his family simply list their name, phone number, and email address. He continued: “If I travel, how is my home address going to help? They’re not going to send it to London, they’re going to send it back to the US.”
He went on to stress that travellers should refrain from sharing “too much information”. He also urged travellers to ensure they have a privacy flap concealing their basic details.
While this may appear over-the-top to some, he insists that anyone seeking access to your information is merely a straightforward photograph away. He warns that your private information could also be exploited for identity fraud.
If your details remain visible on your luggage, Mark cautions travellers that fraudsters can manipulate the airline into rerouting their baggage elsewhere, granting them access to your belongings.
He said: “Your bag tags have that number on there, and people can file false claims saying, ‘Here’s my bag tag number, where is it? Oh it’s not there, send it to this hotel, this address’. Then you’re out of luck.”
This prompted Mark to urge holidaymakers not to reveal excessive personal information on social media. Beyond the bag tags, he warns this can include your boarding pass or even updates while you’re away.
He explains that disclosing precise trip details essentially alerts potential thieves that your property is “wide open”. On top of this, Mark cautions tourists to be vigilant for fraudulent customer service contacts.
He points out that posting about your airline on social media can attract fake accounts messaging you, claiming they can resolve your issue if you provide your banking information. He added: “Those airlines aren’t going to ask for your credit card details in your DMs, they already have that information because you bought a ticket.”
He urges travellers to ensure they are contacting verified customer service channels.
A BBC expert has warned more than 270,000 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Financial expert Laura Pomfret explained what the CCJ letters are and what to do about them(Image: BBC)
More than 270,000 people across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have received letters through the post, according to a BBC expert – and those who ignore them could find themselves facing court action. Viewers of BBC Morning Live were recently warned about the thousands of letters connected to county court judgements that have been dispatched over the past 12 months.
Expert Laura Pomfret explained to viewers that a County Court Judgement (CCJ) is essentially a court order issued in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland when someone fails to repay a debt and the creditor pursues enforcement action. She noted it could come from a council, company, landlord or a private individual – and if left unpaid, it can appear on the person’s credit report.
She said: “I think that’s what a lot of people resonate with that they’ve heard of CCJs can be bad for your credit. They stay on your credit report for six years. It can impact you getting a mortgage, even getting um a rental property. Sometimes credit checks are done, even when getting a mobile phone contract.
“It’s definitely something to avoid if someone can avoid it, and worryingly, in the first quarter of this year, over 270,000 new CCJs were registered, and that’s 17.5% up on last year. So this is obviously showing that people are struggling and in the energy industry is something that you know it’s it’s getting bigger and bigger.” She explained that these are frequently issued to those falling behind on energy bills — with the latest Ofgem figures revealing debt standing at £4.5 billion — while Energy UK puts the figure even higher at £5.5 billion.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
She added: “That’s like such a big bill that lots of people are pay and people pay every month clearly struggling with it. And interestingly as well, credit card transactions in February were up 6% versus last February whereas debit transactions were only up 1%. And that also shows, you know, that people are having to rely on credit for even the most basic of bills.”
Ms Pomfret noted that receiving a CCJ typically follows a series of threatening letters, meaning the householder will already be feeling anxious. She said: “Firstly, it is upsetting to receive a formal document like that. If you get that through the post, it’s got a court seal on it it’s very formal. It might have followed you, you know, debt demand letters with red writing all over, which is overwhelming.”
“Firstly don’t be overwhelmed is easy to say but don’t be alarmed like it’s just a formal process it’s essentially a document asking you asking you for money and so it if it comes through the post you it will tell you what you owe it’ll tell you how to pay it and it will also tell you the deadline by which to pay so you have a few options when you receive a CCJ.” She explained that the first option was to repay the debt – and if someone does so within a month, it could be removed from their credit file. She said: “After that, it stays on your report, but it says that you paid it. So, please make sure you prioritise paying it.”
It’s also possible to vary the terms of a CCJ, she noted, which involves approaching the court to attempt to alter the conditions of the judgement. “Another thing that you may be able to do is apply for what’s called breathing space. So this is formerly called in England and Wales the debt respite scheme. “What this does is it gives you space from creditors, including the CCJ, and maybe gives you time to make a plan to pay it back or speak to a debt advisor, which is super helpful. The last thing that you may be able to do is you may actually be able to get the judgment or CCJ set aside. or recalled if you believed um that it’s an error.””
She stressed that there would need to be a legitimate reason to apply for it to be set aside, including submitting evidence, primarily that the individual doesn’t owe the money or that it’s a mistake. She added: “Another reason is that you didn’t receive the original claim form. So before a CCJ is issued or a decree is issued, you will get a claim form put forward and there’s an opportunity to respond.
“So you could have, for example, the wrong address, it could have been sent somewhere else. You may not have received it. Now, the court’s not going to take kindly to just saying, ‘I didn’t receive it.’ It’s kind of like the dog ate my homework sometimes for some people, but you may genuinely not have done. So that could be an option. Ultimately, you’re going to need evidence, you’re going to have to fill in the correct forms. You may have to pay fees to get it set aside, but you know, in the long run, it may be worth doing tha if you don’t want it to damage your credit.”
To find the steps and court forms involved in asking a court to vary the terms of a CCJ or decree, such as requesting to pay in instalments, or even how to get a judgment cancelled, you can click on the links below.
For England, Wales and Northern Ireland you can click here.
British holidaymakers are increasingly seeking out budget-friendly European breaks
Seville ranked third at £2.06 per pint(Image: SolStock via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers grappling with spiralling travel costs are increasingly turning their backs on pricey resorts in favour of wallet-friendly destinations where a pint can still be enjoyed for under £2.50.
The most affordable European spots for travellers keen to keep their spending in check have been revealed, with southern Italy, Portugal and Spain leading the way. Puglia in Italy and Vilamoura in Portugal came out on top for inexpensive beer, with visitors able to snap up a draught pint for just £1.74, according to research by Zable.
Seville ranked third at £2.06 per pint, while destinations such as Gran Canaria, Faro, Madeira and Tenerife all clocked in at an average of £2.18. The findings emerge as countless families hunt for methods to slash holiday expenses amid ongoing strain on household finances.
Researchers examined flight costs, accommodation prices, tourist levies, supermarket shopping, dining out expenses and attraction fees across 49 destinations to identify where travellers receive the strongest overall value.
Cheapest European hotspots for a pint
Destination – Pint price – Av 5-night accommodation
Puglia, Italy – £1.74 – £516
Vilamoura, Portugal – £1.74 £1,592
Seville, Spain – £2.06 – £667
Plovdiv, Bulgaria – £2.07 – £386
Lanzarote, Spain – £2.18 – £830
Gran Canaria, – Spain £2.18 – £536
Faro, Portugal – £2.18 – £965
Madeira, Portugal – £2.18 – £1,031
Tenerife, Spain – £2.18 – £777
Tirana, Albania – £2.26 – £315
Puglia was highlighted as among Europe’s most budget-conscious destinations owing to its blend of bargain beer prices, complimentary attractions and comparatively affordable lodging. The region boasts nearly 15 hours of daylight throughout the height of summer, alongside its renowned beaches, olive groves and ancient towns.
Vilamoura equalled Puglia on beverage costs, though accommodation expenses were notably steeper due to demand for the Algarve resort’s marina, golf courses and vibrant nightlife scene. Meanwhile, Albania’s capital Tirana came out as the most affordable overall destination for a five-night getaway once flights, accommodation and daily expenses were factored in.
A typical five-night stay there totals £492.31, the study revealed. The report also identified Kotor in Montenegro as the top-value underrated destination overall, benefiting from reasonably priced flights, minimal tourist taxes and a wealth of attractions.
Cheapest destinations overall for a five-night trip
Destination – Country – Total cost
Tirana – Albania – £492.31
Plovdiv – Bulgaria – £558.10
Zagreb – Croatia – £651.06
Puglia – Italy – £690.37
Gran Canaria – Spain – £761.06
Seville – Spain – £802.47
Fuerteventura – Spain – £844.13
Bari – Italy – £914.81
Tallinn – Estonia – £953.11
Kotor – Montenegro – £974.03
Travellers opting for self-catering accommodation could slash their grocery bills by choosing destinations such as Sopot in Poland, where a standard supermarket shop costs just £30.74.
Cheapest destinations for grocery shopping
Destination – Country – Grocery basket
Sopot – Poland – £30.74
Vilamoura – Portugal – £31.19
Kotor – Montenegro – £31.63
Benidorm – Spain – £31.93
Dubrovnik – Croatia – £32.44
The research also spotlighted the growing trend of so-called “destination dupes”, where holidaymakers ditch pricey long-haul destinations for more affordable European alternatives boasting similar climates. Amongst the recommended alternatives were Capri instead of the Maldives, Mallorca instead of Hawaii and Sardinia instead of Costa Rica.
Arielle Rogers-Jenkins, senior product manager at the credit card company, Zable, said: “Planning a holiday often means balancing the experiences you want with the budget you have available. “Our research shows that travel costs can vary significantly between destinations, so choosing locations that align with your budget can make a real difference to the overall cost of a trip.”
WOULD you believe me if I told you that you could bag yourself a break for £1 just by doing your regular grocery shopping at Sainsbury’s or by filling up with petrol at BP – no strings attached?
You may roll your eyes at the term ‘loyalty scheme’, but you’re going to want to hear me out on this one, as Avios will make your Boots Advantage Card seem utterly pathetic.
IAG Loyalty allows you to collect points on over 2,000 brandsCredit: GettySophie now has enough points to fly to Australia and back againCredit: Supplied
And I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but what you think you know about Avios or air miles is completely wrong. You won’t need to hop on a single flight to earn points here.
In fact, I’m so confident about this scheme that if you follow my advice below for one year and don’t end up with enough points for a free flight or holiday, I’ll eat my hat (…that I bought with my points).
So, pay close attention. Here’s everything you need to know.
What actually is Avios?
It is essentially a rewards currency, some may call it an air-mile points scheme, although it’s so much more than that.
Avios is linked to the IAG (International Airlines Group) loyalty scheme, meaning you can earn and (most importantly) spend with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL, as well as partner airlines Qatar Airways, Finnair, and Loganair.
It’s a very common mistake, however, to think that you can only earn Avios on direct spend with these airlines, by booking flights, for example.
IAG Loyalty allows you to collect a generous number of points on over 2,000 brands, including major names like Deliveroo, Domino’s Pizza and Just Eat – and that’s only if you want a takeaway.
Clothing retail brands include River Island, H&M and Sports Direct, while department stores include Debenhams, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, and wellness brands include Superdrug, Boots and Holland & Barrett.
You can earn points (Avios) on every penny you spend with these brands.
I won’t name every brand right now, but you can find the list here on the Avios website – chances are if it’s a well known name, it’ll be on there.
Do I need to spend big to earn big?
I was sceptical too, but rest assured you won’t have to pain-stakingly collect points for 10 years to reap the benefits.
A few months ago I gained 2,500 Avios simply by renewing my car insurance with Compare the Market – another brand on IAG Loyalty’s books.
I’ll explain what the number of points equates to below, but, in rough terms, that’s about a quarter of the points you’d need to pay for a one-way flight to Amsterdam.
If you’re serious about it, you can earn mega points quickly and easily (more on that below too).
What can I buy with Avios?
The most popular way to spend Avios is on “reward” flights with the IAG and Oneworld airlines. The big players will tell you that this gets you the most for your money, but you can also redeem your points against holiday packages (flights and hotel), as well as hotels, car hire and cases of wine.
There’s also the Avios shop which sells everything from perfumes and lotions to Apple products and coffee machines; plus you can convert Avios to Nectar points and spend in Sainsbury’s, Argos or Habitat; or feast at Pizza Express.
You’ll need around 27,500 to visit the far-flung cities of Chicago, Dubai and TorontoCredit: GettyAround 10,000 points can get you a one-way ticket to short haul destinationsCredit: Supplied
That’s why Avios is nothing like your Boots card – you’re not tied to one product or brand.
How many points will I earn?
It varies from retailer to retailer with many brands offering special deals throughout the year – keep your eyes peeled at Christmas time and in January.
But to give you some perspective, last month I earned 1,790 Avios, just through my regular, everyday shopping: I get 19 points for my train to work (booked through Uber), I earned 136 points for buying some protein powder and 14 points for some new socks from ASOS.
No, I’m not a big spender. I’m a frugal 33-year-old that’s currently living with her parents, in the process of buying her first home, meaning my key expenses are my commute to work, petrol for my car and the odd meal out with pals.
I – properly – started my Avios journey almost exactly two years ago and I now have 99,420 Avios.
Just shy of enough to fly me to the furthest-away destination possible, Sydney, Australia, and all the way back again.
But that is by following a few simple rules carved out at the end of this piece.
How many points do I need for a holiday or flight?
If you’re just looking for flights then 10,000 points can get you a one-way ticket to short haul destinations like Paris, Copenhagen or Munich, while 27,500 can get you to the far-flung cities of Chicago, Dubai and Toronto.
Sydney is of course the priciest spot, costing a minimum of 55,000 Avios each way.
The above figures are all based on travelling in an economy seat at off-peak times, although you can splash your points on premium economy flights and even business class, or use points to upgrade if you’ve already booked your flight.
Head for Points has a useful table on which destinations your points will get you to.
There is one thing you need to know, though.
Every time you do any online shopping, check if you can earn points at that retailerCredit: GettyThose who like to shop on their phones should download the Avios appCredit: Getty
You may have noticed that my opening sentence to this piece read: “bag a break for £1”. That is because you will have to pay a flat-fee, essentially a nominal charge that covers taxes, carrier charges and a fixed Avios amount.
For short-haul flights like Paris, this is just £1, but for destinations like Chicago this is £60 and this price increases if you decide to fly in an upper cabin or further afield.
Points work differently on holidays and products, however, and you can pay partly in points and partly in cash – the split is entirely up to you. If, for example, I were to buy a fancy Dyson hairdryer worth £400, I could pay £200 in cash and the rest can be paid with 33,670 Avios.
How do I actually earn Avios points then?
This requires several minutes of faffing to set yourself up and link your cards and accounts, but once you’re done that’s everything sorted for good.
Sign up for free to Avios here, or if you are already a member of the free British Airways Club you can sign in that way – or you can sign in via Iberia Club or Aer Club if you’d prefer.
Those who like to shop on their phones should download the Avios app.
What comes next is the MOST important step. In general, every time you do any online shopping, you should check if you can earn points at that retailer by clicking on the ‘collect’ button on the Avios site or on the app.
Then select that retailer and the ‘shop now’ button. This will register your visit and then you can shop as normal and earn those points.
Sophie’s personal hacks
If you use Uber, link your account to your Avios account (Avios has a guide on this); if you buy your petrol at BP, link your Avios account to your BPme account; and if you shop at Sainsbury’s, link your Nectar account to your Avios account… you get the drift by now.
You don’t necessarily need one to earn Avios but simply using the Amex for the majority of your spending is the easiest way to accumulate points. Just remember to pay it off in full at the end of the month.
I have just two rules for earning big: Always(!) check if you can earn Avios before making any purchase (literally, any purchase) and only buy what you were going to in the first place – no willy-nilly spending, please.
Of course there are other airline loyalty schemes, I just don’t know enough about those yet.
