Croatia Holidays

Turning up at the hotel check-in desk straight away might be harming your chances of getting a more premium holiday experience

Checking into your holiday at the earliest possible opportunity might seem like the savvy move at first, but it could be ruining your chances of getting a luxury hotel room free-of-charge. According to industry analysis from travel experts, checking-in during a specific 90-minute window could be the ultimate strategy.

Graziano Gagliardi at Private Italy Tour claims that turning up at the front desk between 4.30pm and 6pm gives reception staff a much clearer picture of the premium suites that remain available. Arriving too early, say 2pm for instance, means housekeeping is likely still preparing and cleaning rooms, which leaves workers unable to confirm what higher-tier options are unoccupied for the night.

Gagliardi said: “If standard check-in begins at 2pm or 3pm, arriving immediately may not give you the best chance of an upgrade. Housekeeping may still be preparing rooms, while reception staff may not yet know which guests are arriving, cancelling or requesting changes.

“By around 4.30pm, the hotel usually has a much clearer picture of its room availability. If a larger room, a better view or a higher category is likely to remain empty, staff may have more flexibility to offer it.”

Turning up extremely late can also backfire, he claims, particularly at smaller boutique properties that operate limited front desk hours. He said: “Turning up at 10pm without warning is not a clever upgrade trick. If you expect to arrive late, always notify the hotel in advance.”

Holidaymakers booking shorter stays of one or two nights stand a significantly higher chance of being bumped up to a better class of room. Terms outlined by major hotel chains like Hilton confirm that complimentary upgrades strictly depend on space being continuously available for the entire duration of a guest’s stay.

A similar policy is enforced by Marriott, which explicitly states that room improvements are determined upon physical arrival at the front desk. Experts warn that travellers should remain realistic, as an upgrade often means securing a quieter location, higher floor, or better balcony view rather than the top luxury suite.

To maximise your chances, Private Italy Tour recommends using a specific phrase to politely ask front desk staff without sounding overly demanding or entitled. The travel guru suggests asking: “I understand it depends entirely on availability, but if there are any complimentary upgrades available this evening, I would be very grateful to be considered.”

Joining a hotel’s free membership scheme prior to travel can also boost your odds, as many major operators prioritize enrolled guests for empty premium spaces. However, guidelines published by Hilton Honors clarify that simply signing up does not guarantee a better room without holding eligible membership status or rates.

Guests celebrating genuine milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons are advised to notify the hotel a few days before their arrival date. Mentioning a real special occasion often encourages reception teams to offer a complimentary perk or a room improvement.

Finally, the experts strongly warn holidaymakers against manufacturing fake complaints or inventing faults with their original room just to pressure staff into moving them. Dishonesty is far more likely to harm your chances than help them, meaning a polite, well-timed request during that crucial 90-minute window remains your absolute best bet.

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a triple discount on holidays with hundreds to save on once-in-a-lifetime trips

The summer holiday season is officially here – and those who are bored of lazing on a beach every year might want to try something a little different by embarking on a cruise. While the cost factor may usually be enough to put travellers off the idea, one popular cruise line has launched some huge discounts on holidays for 2026 and beyond.

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a series of stacked deals on voyages setting sail from ports across the UK. With more than 200 holidays to choose from, there’s 20% off to be had on selected cruises running from London, Liverpool, Newcastle and more in a sale running until July 29.

Holidaymakers can also score an additional 5% off all no-fly cruises using the code SMILE5, on top of all other sale offers, with just hours left to nab this deal. And to top it off, Ambassador is offering an extra 15% off a handful of its winter sun trips with the discount code SAILMORE15 – giving holidaymakers the chance to save up to 40% in total on a cruise to the likes of the Caribbean or Canary Islands.

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One of the biggest deals gives passengers the chance to kick off the New Year in style with the Gems of the Caribbean Sea cruise setting sail from London Tilbury on January 5 for an incredible 42 nights. Calling at 14 countries, stop-offs include iconic destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and Antigua.

At £3,415 per person, this six-week trip doesn’t come cheap – but those who book before 9 am on Friday, July 17 and stack their discount codes can get on board from £2,049 with a huge 40% saving, working out at less than £49 per night. And the beauty of a cruise is that travel, accommodation and dining are all included in that price.

Get up to 40% off Ambassador cruises

From £202pp

Ambassador Cruise Line

Book here

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering multiple discounts on holidays from the UK to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands and more.

Another top deal comes on the Gems of the Adriatic & Mediterranean Autumn Sun holiday, which also has 40% off if passengers book before 9am on Friday, bringing prices from £2,903 per person down to starting at £1,742. Setting sail from London Tilbury on November 3 for 31 nights, this journey has 15 ports of call across seven countries, from beauty spots in Greece and Croatia to hidden gem destinations in Morocco and Tunisia.

And for those seeking a shorter and more budget-friendly option, there’s also the Autumn Escape to the Canary Islands, which not only has 10% off all cabins and an extra 5% off on top, but is also on a Cruise of the Week offer, spelling an extra 10% discount. Now available from £991.50 per person, this 14-night holiday from London Tilbury promises “volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and stunning beaches” as it visits Madeira, La Palma and Tenerife.

Meanwhile, those who plan ahead can also bag a buy-one, get-one-half-price deal on Ambassador cruises from April 2028, meaning passengers can bring a loved one along for less. But this isn’t the only cruise line offering savings on holidays departing from the UK.

Fred Olsen is also running special offers on selected winter sun cruises, such as the Mediterranean & Canary Islands Warmth holiday in November 2026. Passengers can get a half-price drinks package and a free flight at the end of the cruise back to London or Manchester.

Half-price drinks and a free flight are also available on the Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta. As well as a discount for solo travellers on B-grade cabins.

In addition, TUI Marella Cruises is also offering a selection of last-minute cruise deals for summer holidaymakers, although it’s worth bearing in mind that these also include flights. Top offers for the summer holidays include the Mediterranean Medley trip sailing from Palma on August 1 for seven nights, now priced from £1,114 per person with a £712 discount.

Another option is the Aegean Delights cruise from Cyprus for seven nights from August 5. Now £1,095 per person with a discount of £822.

There are several Jet2 rules to note when planning your trip

Jet2 has clarified its baggage allowances after an enquiry from a holidaymaker. The customer asked for help as they got ready for their summer getaway.

The person contacted the provider over social media on June 23. The traveller had booked their journey through Jet2holidays, and was due to jet off the following week.

They posed a question about their luggage entitlement. The customer wrote: “We have 3 x 22kg baggage allowance. Assume we are good to check in just two bags provided weight doesn’t exceed allowance?”

They went on to ask if they could check in one suitcase weighing 23kg and another at 25kg while remaining within their total allocation. Jet2 replied to set out the options available to the customer.

Combining your baggage allowance

The airline confirmed: “You can pool your luggage into two suitcases as opposed to three, as long as this doesn’t exceed your combined allowance of 66kg, and that no single article of luggage exceeds 32kg. I hope this helps.”

According to Jet2’s official guidance: “Any baggage that exceeds your total weight allowance will be carried subject to availability and at our discretion. You’ll also need to pay an excess baggage fee, which is £12 per kg. Please note that no single item of baggage can weigh more than 32kg.”

You can add extra luggage when you book or through the Manage My Booking facility. Simply enter your booking reference, surname and departure date, then navigate to ‘Add Holiday Essentials’.

Query over 10kg allowance

Jet2 was also recently asked another question about its baggage weight rules after a passenger reported receiving contradictory information. The person had a booking for two adults and a six-month-old infant.

They explained: “Told we get two extra carry ons such as a buggy and travel cot that will be checked into the hold at the gate.”

They said they had two 22kg checked bags and that on a prior Jet2 holiday they had been told they qualified for “an extra 10kg for the baby”. According to Jet2’s official website guidance for bookings with children, passengers receive “an extra 10kg allowance for infants” plus “up to two items per child or infant free of charge”.

The passenger asked whether the additional 10kg could be combined with one of the 22kg cases, creating a 32kg allowance. They described receiving mixed messages on their last Jet2 journey. The customer recalled: “On the way out with you we were told it’s fine to have a 32kg case (22kg + the 10kg).

“On the way back we were told the 10kg should be a separate small checked case. Please can you clarify which it is and what the rules are because on our last holiday with you we were told different things.”

Setting the record straight, Jet2 responded to the passenger: “The additional 10kg is applied to one adult’s baggage, allowing for a total of one bag at 32kg and one bag at 22kg.”

Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index has identified the top 10 destinations where you can enjoy a five-star stay on a budget – with some high-end options available from as little as £70 a night

The top 10 destinations offering five-star stays on a budget have been revealed. Despite unpredictable travel costs, securing a luxury holiday without breaking the bank is entirely achievable – with high-end range accommodation available for as low as £70.

The findings from Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index drew on internal booking information and a worldwide survey of 11,000 travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and South Korea.

Travel expert and spokesperson Melanie Fish said: “Travellers may be feeling the squeeze, but they’re also getting smarter. “With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travellers are making real trade-offs.”

The research revealed that luxury breaks in Croatia, Estonia, Zaragoza, Spain and Bulgaria can also be enjoyed for less than £150 a night.

The Index also uncovered other affordable yet indulgent alternatives destinations, including stays in Wrocław, Poland (£120), Tirana, Albania (£130) and Riga, Latvia (£130). Five-star accommodation can be found in the UK as well – with options in Brighton (£115), Cornwall (£135) and Liverpool (£170).

Alongside identifying 10 of the most budget-friendly destinations, the research highlighted 10 notable locations that have experienced significant price reductions over the past year – including Loire, France (down 32%) and Edmonton, Canada (down 31%).

Additional destinations include St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (down 30%), Dortmund, Germany (down 21%) and Turin, Italy (also down 21%).

Surprisingly, the findings showed that booking last minute can actually save money, with hotel rates up to 26% cheaper when reserving closer to your departure date. For those seeking to reduce expenses even further, the data revealed prices are 14% lower for Sunday stays – with Saturdays proving the most costly.

Escaping in January delivers the best value, while the second week of July commands the highest rates – domestically at least.

Hotels.com’s global study, conducted through OnePoll, also disclosed what tops everyone’s luxury dream wish list – a hot tub with a view (44%) followed by a penthouse suite (41%).

When questioned about what defines a genuinely luxurious hotel experience, exceptional food at the hotel (31%), a room with a view (30%) and premium in-room amenities (28%) emerged as the top priorities.

TEN OF THE CHEAPEST FIVE-STAR STAYS ABROAD:

1. Nha Trang, Vietnam (£70)
2. Zaragoza, Spain (£120)
3. Wrocław, Poland (£120)
4. Tirana, Albania (£130)
5. Riga, Latvia (£130)
6. Zagreb, Croatia (£130)
7. Sofia, Bulgaria (£135)
8. Heraklion (Crete), Greece (£135)
9. Tallinn, Estonia (£140)
10. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (£140)

TEN OF THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL PRICE DROPS YEAR-ON-YEAR:

1. Loire, France (-32%)
2. Edmonton, Canada (-31%)
3. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (-30%)
4. Dortmund, Germany (-21%)
5. Turin, Italy (-21%)
6. Kassandra (Khalkidhiki) Greece (-21%)
7. Agrigento (Sicily), Italy (-21%)
8. Montego Bay, Jamaica (-18%)
9. Cancun, Mexico (-16%)
10. Dominica (-13%)

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.

With its Venetian-style houses, crystal-clear waters and relaxed coastal charm, this gem could be the perfect alternative for families and couples looking for a quieter beachside getaway

Millions of Brits will be jetting off in search of sunshine this summer, flocking to hotspots like Spain and Italy. But one destination still flying under the radar is the stunning Istrian coastline in Croatia.

With its Venetian-style houses, crystal-clear waters and relaxed coastal charm, Istria could be the perfect alternative for families and couples looking for a quieter beachside getaway without some of the price tags that come alongside Italian holidays. Which begs the question: Is Croatia the new Italy?

I spent five days exploring Croatia’s beautiful Istrian coastline to discover exactly what the region has to offer, from truffle hunting and wine tasting to national parks and medieval hilltop towns.

What stayed with me most about Istria wasn’t only the Roman architecture or the endless coastline, but the way the people seemed to carry centuries of wisdom so casually in conversation.

Standing beside an olive tree over a thousand years old in Brijuni National Park, our guide told us, “Olive trees are like your mother, they will always wait for you.”

It was such a simple sentence, yet it captured the patience and permanence woven into the region itself.

Located on Croatia’s largest peninsula, Istria is a hidden gem packed with history, culture and breathtaking scenery. Every season here has its own charm, but summer is when the region truly comes alive.

Alongside its peaceful beaches and picturesque forests, traces of Istria’s medieval past remain everywhere, from defensive hilltop towns to centuries-old churches and cobbled streets. It is a place that offers something for every kind of traveller.

Adventure lovers can enjoy water sports, zipline experiences and waterparks, while history enthusiasts can explore stunning medieval towns like Motovun and admire the Venetian Gothic architecture of Poreč.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in Istria’s famous food culture by meeting families who have run truffle farms for generations, tasting local wine and olive oil on mountain tops, and exploring national park islands complete with safari-style tours.

Later, while wandering through Pula’s ancient streets, we were taught another local saying: “Not everything is that bad if you have someone you can drink a beer with.”

That warmth and perspective seemed to define the city. Beneath the Roman arches and weathered stone is a place full of life, where history feels less like something preserved and more like something shared between people.

Unlike some of Europe’s busier summer destinations, Istria still feels authentic and relatively untouched. The coastline is dotted with charming harbour towns, hidden coves and waterfront restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and homemade pasta infused with the region’s famous truffles.

Truffle hunting was one of the most memorable experiences I had on my trip. What could have easily felt like a tourist activity instead became something personal and authentic.

Watching Sky, the truffle dog, sprint through the centuries-old farm was both impressive and strangely heartwarming. There was something special about seeing a tradition passed down for generations still carried out with so much passion. Our tour guide was in the process of teaching her 5-year-old daughter the family trade.

I was invited into an intimate truffle tasting experience where everything felt unhurried and local, from the stories shared around the table to the rich earthy flavour of the truffles themselves and the homemade elderflower cordial made from the family’s century-old elderflower berries.

It was one of those moments where Istria’s connection to food, family and tradition became impossible not to feel.

Holidaymakers can find surprisingly good value packages in the region. Jet2holidays currently offers a range of getaways across the Istrian Coast, including a seven-night stay at the three-star Arena Grand Kazela Eurocamp in Medulin from £759 per person, based on two adults sharing and departing from East Midlands Airport on 28 June 2026. The package includes 22kg baggage allowance and car hire.

Families looking for a luxury escape can stay at the four-star Keight Hotel Opatija Curio Collection by Hilton in Opatija from £949 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing, departing from Birmingham Airport on 2 October 2026. The seven-night stay includes return transfers and baggage allowance.

Meanwhile, couples searching for a more upscale coastal retreat can opt for the five-star Valamar Collection Marea Suites in Poreč, with prices from £1,749 per person departing from Manchester on 11 June 2026, or from £1,653 for families departing from London Stansted on 21 June 2026. Both packages include half-board accommodation, transfers and checked baggage.

Nature lovers will love exploring the breathtaking Brijuni National Park, a stunning island just off the coast near Fažana. The islands are home to Roman ruins, botanical gardens, a safari park and the former summer residence of Yugoslav leader Tito.

Brijuni added another layer to my time in Istria. It felt like stepping into a different world, despite being just a short boat ride away from the mainland.

The safari park was unexpected, with open landscapes where animals including zebras, elephants and ancient cows moved freely against a backdrop of coastal wilderness.

What stayed with me most, though, was being shown the preserved footprints of “Sunda,” a dinosaur that once roamed these islands millions of years ago. Standing there, it was hard to fully grasp the scale of time.

Elsewhere, visitors can wander through the Roman streets of Pula and visit its preserved amphitheatre, one of the largest surviving Roman arenas in the world. The city perfectly blends ancient history with a lively café culture and bustling marina atmosphere.

Pula reminded me of a more serene and personal version of Rome. It is impossible to overlook the Roman heritage here. Weathered stone gateways, historic temples and grand arenas emerge suddenly amidst the local coffee shops and residential blocks, echoing the architectural rhythm of the Italian capital.

I felt lucky to experience these things in a far quieter and more intimate way than you can in Rome or Florence.

For me, Istria felt like one of those rare places that quietly changes your pace without you realising it. I found myself slowing down, lingering longer over dinners, watching the light hit the old stone buildings and appreciating conversations that would normally pass by unnoticed.

There was something grounding about being surrounded by history that has survived for thousands of years, while life still moves so effortlessly around it.

Between the sea air, the crowded café terraces and evenings spent wandering through Pula’s streets, the region felt both deeply historic and incredibly alive at the same time.

It works for breaks across Europe and even long-haul holidays

Holidaymakers could snap up bargain return flights from as low as £30 to the most popular holiday hotspots thanks to a little-known TUI Airways booking trick. The ‘insider trick’, revealed by TUI UK’s Commercial Director Chris Logan, reveals how travellers can snap up last-minute flights weeks before departure which include bargain breaks across Europe and even long-haul escapes for a fraction of the usual price.

On TUI’s dedicated ‘ Cheap Flights ’ page Brits can find seats on return routes which are regularly released at heavily reduced prices in the weeks and months leading up to departure. “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, this is one of the easiest ways to find a great-value getaway. It’s not something everyone knows about, but checking our flights page regularly can uncover some genuinely low fares, especially closer to departure as we look to fill remaining seats,” said Chris Logan.

“We’re talking everything from quick European breaks to long-haul trips across the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand. Because TUI Airways flies from 22 airports across the UK, it makes it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and fly from your closest regional airport.”

The best deals tend to be snapped up by those who can be flexible on dates and airports, with flights leaving from more than 22 UK airports. And it’s not just quick getaways. The deals can stretch from short breaks to two-week holidays or even longer.

Chris added: “For customers who don’t mind when or where they go, it can be a really simple way to save money on flights and land some of the best-value fares”.

Right now, Brits can find deals such as: