destination

I WATCH the sun slowly drop away behind the sandy horizon, as the sky transforms into a dozen magical shades of yellow and orange.

My tour group had decided to make a quick photo stop ahead of our dune-bashing tour in the Qatari desert, with aptly named driver Basham.

And we were so glad we did.

This is my first time visiting the Middle East and a 4×4 excursion across the vast sands is the perfect start to my stay in Doha, Qatar’s capital.

After soaking up the sunset, I’m led back to my huge vehicle by Basham who spends the next 30 minutes putting both car and passengers through their paces.

It’s an exhilarating experience, soaring over the ridges of the tall dunes and veering towards the edges of sandbanks at ferociously high speed.

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Doha certainly isn’t short of action-packed day trips for adrenaline junkies.

If the dune-bashing isn’t your thing, visitors can also get their kicks at Doha Quest, an indoor theme park that is home to more than 30 rides and attractions including the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster Epiq Coaster.

If you’re more of a sun worshipper, the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park at the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort will be the place for you.

There are 30 thrilling slides and rides here, although the lazy river is the most addictive in my opinion — I could spend hours bobbing around on the water, floating serenely around the park.

But if you prefer an adrenaline hit, there are spine-tingling rides here, too.

I swear that I saw some airtime on the Whizzard Mat Racer, a sheer-drop slide that sends riders plummeting towards a blue foam mat.

Qatar isn’t just about thrills and spills, though.

The Middle Eastern country is also a hub for major sporting events, including Formula 1.

Experiencing the Qatar Grand Prix up close is a must for any petrolhead — and I was able to do just that through a package booking with Qatar Airways, a global partner of Formula 1.

Affordable luxury

The airline rolls flights, hotel and F1 tickets into one, making it much easier for Brits who have maybe never visited Qatar before.

I relished every second of watching drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris speed around the circuit, lap after lap.

You can be sure that I jumped at the chance to go on a pit-lane walk, too, which took me past the teams’ garages where I could take hundreds of pictures and videos.

And you would be a fool to miss out on a tour of the track in a huge open-top truck before the race gets under way — I was able to feel all the twists and turns that the racers would be experiencing during the race, although at an admittedly much slower speed.

After all that excitement, I was grateful that my hotel, the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, has just over two miles of private beaches, where I could flop on a sun lounger with fantastic views over the glittering Arabian Gulf.

Even the most basic room here feels luxurious, thanks to the huge wooden headboard towering behind the plush bed, a spacious sofa area where holidaymakers can relax to the max after a day of snoozing by the pool, and glass double doors opening on to a large balcony.

That’s the real highlight of Doha — luxury has a much more affordable price tag. Rooms here cost from around £188 with breakfast, which considering the quality and detail is impressive value.

The food is high-end, too. For classic Qatari and Middle Eastern flavours, head to the on-site Levantine restaurant, where you can pick up some excellent kofte for under £20.

If you’re looking to really push the boat out, though, the Raffles Doha hotel will blow your socks off.

Rooms cost from £335 per night here, but this is still a a lot less than most other hotels in the Raffles chain, including The OWO in London where rooms can cost just shy of £1,000 per night.

Raffles Doha occupies half of the prestigious Katara Towers. These U-shaped buildings are a symbol of Qatar’s national seal, representing traditional scimitar swords.

It’s the height of luxury, from its grand lobby all the way through to its suites and restaurants — and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.

Decked out with hardwood floors, mirrors and golden motifs, my spacious suite was a luxurious haven — and even came with a personalised butler service.

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered fantastic views over the Arabian Gulf and, if you can brave the morning heat, a warm brew on the terrace is the perfect way to start your day.

I was too focused on heading to downstairs to eat at L’Artisan, a restaurant that whips up the very best breakfast omelettes I’ve ever eaten.

You might want to keep food to a minimum if you’re heading out dune-bashing, though.

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits who are planning on heading to a popular European winter holiday spot in the coming weeks, as they could be at risk of hospitalisation or even death

British holidaymakers planning their dream winter getaway in the coming weeks face potential hospitalisation or even death, according to Foreign Office warnings. More than 20 million people flock to the European destination each year, with over one million of those being UK travellers.

Renowned for its tranquil landscapes and stunning mountain views, Switzerland remains a favoured destination for those keen on winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. However, the Foreign Office has warned that some Brits may be engaging in ‘risky’ activities that might not be covered by their insurance policies.

Being inadequately prepared could result in serious consequences for both your well-being and your finances, particularly if you haven’t been careful about selecting the right insurance cover for your trip. In certain circumstances, you might find yourself liable for more than £3,000 if you lack proper travel insurance protection, and that’s excluding medical expenses and hospital bills.

Foreign Office guidance warns: “Adventure sports can be risky. British nationals in the Swiss Alps have been involved in accidents and have been hospitalised or died. Check the company you are using is well-established and that your travel insurance covers any specific activity.

“For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), you could get into difficulty and need emergency rescue. Adventure sports can be risky. British nationals in the Swiss Alps have been involved in accidents and have been hospitalised or died.

“Check the company you are using is well-established and that your travel insurance covers any specific activity. For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), you could get into difficulty and need emergency rescue.”

Making sure you’ve got the right cover for your winter holiday

If you’re planning a trip to a ski resort this winter, it’s crucial to make sure any activities you intend to participate in are covered by your travel insurance. When sorting out your policy, ensure you’re fully clued up on any exclusions included in the policy and when you won’t be protected.

It’s also vital to consider medical costs, and when your insurance policy will foot the bill for you, especially if you plan on using rental gear, as this likely won’t be covered. Moreover, those hitting the slopes off-piste without a guide may not typically be covered by their insurance.

According to SOS 144, a helicopter rescue in the Swiss Alps can cost as much as 3,500 CHF (£3,293).

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the most popular holiday destinations – as well as some lesser-known areas.

This week we’re shining a spotlight light on Kotor Bay in Montenegro, one of Europe‘s most spectacular yet underrated seaside escapes.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey explains: “When it comes to affordable holidays in Europe, going east is always a good idea.

“However, most Brits tend to stop at Croatia, forgetting about Montenegro.

“It was recently named an underrated destination by US News, and British Airways announced new flights to the capital of Tivat in 2026.

“So you should head to see it sooner rather than later if you want to avoid the crowds.”

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MUST SEE/DO

Kotor Old Town is the bay’s beating heart, with cobbled alleys, Venetian palaces and fortress walls.

Then a short walk along the waterfront towards Dobrota takes you past a public lido, stone swimming platforms and little cafés right on the water – a calm stretch that’s also one of the safest spots in the bay for an easy sea swim.

A short hop around the bay, Perast is impossibly picturesque, with its baroque houses and tiny islets.

From the harbour, small boats take about ten minutes to reach Our Lady of the Rocks, the postcard-pretty church sitting on its own artificial island.

The historic Ladder of Kotor rises directly behind the Old Town – a zig-zag mule trail with big views the higher you go.

Or head further inland to Lovcen National Park, where the road climbs towards the Njego? Mausoleum and its 360-degree mountain panorama.

The Vrmac Ridge trail, between Kotor and neighbouring Tivat Bay, is another great option, an old military road with superb views over both sides of the coast.

Tour operator Untravelled Paths can fix up guided trips taking in everything from honey farms to white water rafting on the Tara river.

HIDDEN GEM

One of Montenegro‘s quirkiest experiences awaits at the Underwater Kraken Wine Cellar.

This unique winery ages its bottles underwater for a flavour like nothing on land. Bottles are lowered roughly 20 metres to the seabed in metal cages and left to age for about a year.

Travellers can join a guided dive to racks of barnacle-covered bottles on the seabed, then sample the results back on shore.

BEST VIEW

The bar Monte 1350 crowns the upper station of the new Kotor-Lovcen cable car, its terrace looking straight down over the bay and out towards the Adriatic.

Visitors can sip a cold drink while watching the sunlight shift across the bay or stay to catch the sunset.

RATED RESTAURANT

Galion is Kotor’s standout dining spot, with one of the most romantic waterfront settings in Montenegro.

The glass-walled restaurant juts out over the water, giving diners views of the bay while they enjoy fresh seafood and local wines.

Perfect for a special evening without the hefty prices of other Med hotspots.

BEST BAR

Evergreen Jazz Club is a cosy, dimly-lit spot with exposed brick walls and live music ranging from acoustic sets and blues to Balkan fusion. Its great-value drinks are enjoyed by friendly locals and travellers.

HOTEL PICK

Klinci Village Resort on Lustica peninsula is a peaceful spot with rustic charm, sea views and Montenegrin hospitality, with rooms from around £80 per night.

For something more budget-friendly, Hotel Vardar in Kotor offers comfortable rooms and a prime location near the Old Town from around £60 per night.

JET2 is restarting flights to a Brit-loved holiday destination for the first time in more than a decade.

The airline will start flights to two destinations in Egypt, after scrapping routes back in 2011.

The Egyptian Cabinet Presidency has reported that there will be seven weekly flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada with Jet2 from 2027.

It added that Brits can get to the two cities from Birmingham, Manchester and London Stansted which will each offer two flights a week.

There will also be a weekly flight to Sharm El Sheikh from Edinburgh and a weekly flight to Hurghada from Glasgow.

Reports say Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy and Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy met at World Travel Market London earlier this month to discuss the flights.

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The Minister reportedly described the new flights as a significant step towards boosting British tourism to Egypt.

Details have also been published on Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Facebook page.

A spokesperson for Jet2 told Sun Travel: “As the UK’s favourite airline and tour operator, we continually review our flight and holiday programmes to ensure that they meet the needs of our customers.

“We are in the process of finalising a very exciting programme to Egypt and we will communicate the details, including a fantastic launch offer, with customers next week.

“With guaranteed sunshine and a great launch offer coming, our advice is to watch this space!”

While it’s not the first time that Jet2 has operated flights to Egypt, but has been 14 years since the last ones took off.

Jet2 previously offered flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, but these were pulled in 2011.

Egypt remains a very popular tourist destination for Brits, especially the Red Sea resort towns which are known for their stretching sandy beaches and plush holiday resorts.

In just five hours Brits can enjoy sun, sea and sand as well as affordable food and drink.

Of course the resort cities are perfect for winter sun as during the colder season there are average highs of 22C – even in December and January.

During the summer it’s very hot with temperatures reaching 38C.

In recent years, Egypt has been named the ‘best value for money’ destination, according to the Post Office Travel Money.

Brits stopped going to Egypt as much – leading to the 2011 flight cancellations – due to conflict within the region.

This was the year that the Egyptian Revolution started with demonstrations happening all over the country.

Some resorts were still visited, but then in 2015 there was a terror attack on a Russian passenger plane which killed all 224 onboard.

As a result, flights from the UK were stopped for at least four years, with TUI reintroducing holiday packages in 2019.

This was following the UK Foreign Office issuing new guidance which said certain destinations were considered safe with upgrades to things like airport security.

Now, many fly to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, like EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

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For more on Egypt, here’s the perfect destination for families seeking adventure from scaling pyramids to snorkelling and desert safari.

Plus, one writer headed to another African city home to a new £900million museum – and you can get there with easyJet flights.

THIS former pub has had a serious glow-up, says Senior Writer Donna Smiley.

Spa stays for two cost from £270 B&B (Ffolkes.org.uk).

THE LOWDOWN

Set in the sleepy village of Hillingdon, Ffolkespa, at former coaching inn Ffolkes, is a vibe and a half.

Think bold splashes of colour, neon lights, disco balls and graffiti-decorated crazy golf.

Want Ibiza feels? You’ve got them.

WHAT WE LOVED

Aside from the super-king beds, a smart TV that swivels from bed to bath tub (which is big enough for two, btw), home-made shortbread cookies, a drench shower and Templespa toiletries, our fave thing was our room’s door straight into the spa, which gave us Narnia feels, too.

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Talking of the spa, the giant hot tub complete with a bar made us feel like we were on our hols while sipping Revitalise smoothies of avocado, mango, spinach, broccoli, coconut, lime and ginger, £5.50, quickly followed by Hugo Spritzes, £10.

We were also big fans of the aroma steam room and the pre-steam salt scrubs, which left us with baby-soft skin for days.

Group sauna rituals featuring storytelling and scents hosted by a “sauna master” are quirky, £10 per person, and the “disco” toilets, where a smoke machine, flashing lights and loud tunes turn on at the press of a button are also very fun.

Most importantly, the My Kinda Skin facial, £80 for 45 minutes, left me glowing, and the afternoon street tea, £27.50 per person, is legendary, too, with cheeseburger sausage rolls, choc-chip scones, plus jalapeño and cheese scones with chilli butter.

Street-food traders take over come evening – we tucked into outstanding (and huge) onion, potato and kale bhajis topped with yoghurt, tamarind and pomegranate, £8, and beef keema roti kebabs with masala fries and a dal dip, £16.50.

WHAT WE DIDN’T LOVE

The coffee pod machines at breakfast were disappointing when all we craved was a proper barista hit.

What’s more, the poached eggs were made to order, but still a bit rubbery.

OUT & ABOUT

Blow away any hangovers with a walk on nearby Snettisham Beach, which is a natural haven for an array of wading birds (Rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/snettisham).

Follow it up with a chip butty at Snettisham Beach Fish And Chip Shop, £2.70.

Or hand-feed the beautiful red deer on a safari among the herd of more than 60 at lush Snettisham Park.

There are plenty of farm animals to visit on the 329-acre site, too.

Tickets cost £21 (Snettishampark.co.uk).

Norfolk Lavender in Heacham is equally close, with around 100 acres of peaceful gardens, not forgetting a cracking lavender sponge cake, £4.95 a slice (Norfolk-lavender.co.uk).

As is the historic town of King’s Lynn – follow its Maritime Trail from cobbled lanes to the Great Ouse river.

After working up an appetite, Mem’s Kitchen on Market Place serves delicious spinach and feta filo parcels, £7.95, and a super seafood casserole with calamari, mussels, king prawns, baby prawns and salmon, £20.95.

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Don’t miss the apricot, apple and almond crumble, £7.95 (Memskitchen.co.uk).

THE DAMAGE?

Spa stays for two cost from £270 B&B (Ffolkes.org.uk).

Ryanair has expanded its operations for this winter

Ryanair is offering flights to a sun-soaked destination with December temperatures of up to 18C from £15. The budget airline recently announced a 37% increase in its operations at Murcia airport for the upcoming winter, introducing four routes, including a new route to London Stansted with four weekly flights, and additional flights to Birmingham and Dublin.

Starting fares for flights to and from Murcia are as low as £15 from Stansted, and the expansion in connections will create over 450 local jobs and provide passengers with more choices at the lowest fares, according to Alejandra Ruiz, Ryanair’s spokesperson in Spain.

Ryanair’s schedule in Murcia for the 2025/2026 winter season continues to strengthen connectivity outside the peak season, creating over 450 local jobs and boosting year-round tourism in Murcia.

Despite Ryanair’s growth at Murcia Airport this winter season, the airline has been forced to cut one million seats from its overall schedule in Spain for the 2025/2026 winter season due to excessive increases in AENA charges (+6.62%) and ineffective ‘incentive schemes’, which are making regional airports financially unviable.

Ryanair has long championed and invested in regional airports, supporting access to low fares to stimulate tourism and employment, but it cannot justify continued investment in airports whose growth is hindered by uncompetitive charges.

Murcia is popular for its culture, warmer climes, and rich history, as well as its cuisine and beaches.

The Foreign Office put out a ‘serious illness’ alert on Tuesday

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent warning for Brits travelling to a hugely popular holiday destination. Nearly a million UK visitors are thought to travel to India each year, and on Tuesday, November 18, the FCDO updated its travel advice for those heading to the South Asian country.

Those travelling to India are now being cautioned: “There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world. Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell.”

Additional guidance on the Government’s Travel Aware website states: “Methanol is toxic even in small amounts. It is an industrial alcohol made from distilling wood and can be found in many commercial products, like antifreeze, fuel and paint thinners. In some parts of the world methanol products are sometimes illegally mixed with ‘real’ alcohol such as spirit-based drinks and cocktails.”

Identifying methanol poisoning can prove challenging as initial symptoms mirror those of regular alcohol consumption. However, early warning signs include vomiting, impaired judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness.

Between 12 and 48 hours after having a drink, you might experience symptoms such as stomach pain, dizziness, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, blurred vision or even blindness, falling into a coma, or having seizures. If you or anyone you’re travelling with starts to show any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical help.

According to Government advice, problems with your sight are a major warning sign and can also occur 12-48 hours after your first drink. Methanol poisoning can lead to blurry vision, difficulty looking at bright lights, and in some cases, total loss of sight.

If you start seeing “snowfield vision” (like the snowy static on an old telly) or tunnel vision, it’s vital to get urgent medical assistance.

Other countries where the FCDO has issued warnings about methanol poisoning are Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, Russia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Fiji.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is known around the world for its impressive length, but many don’t know that they can go further and enter one of the most dangerous countries on Earth

The world’s longest direct train journey takes eight days to reach its destination – and crosses into one of the world’s most secretive countries. Since June, direct passenger trains have been running from the Russian capital of Moscow all the way to North Korea’s Pyongyang.

Kim Jong-un’s hermit kingdom remains one of the most secretive – and feared – nations on Earth, with the tyrant’s iron fist seeing residents executed for the simple act of watching foreign TV.

That’s a staggering journey of 6,213 miles and makes it by far the longest train journey on Earth, according to the Guinness World Records.

A large portion of the trip uses the Trans-Siberian Railway, that runs across Russia from the capital Moscow in the west to Vladivostok in the east. Spanning a total of 9,288 kilometres (5,772 miles), that in itself is the longest single track in the entire world.

Passengers travelling from Russia to North Korea will travel in a specially-made carriage that is attached to the regular Trans-Siberian Railway service. Once arriving in Vladivostok, the carriage is then reattached to another train and carries on to Pyongyang.

These services were quite infrequent to begin with before being forced to grind to a total halt following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, however, the hermit kingdom has been trying to patch up its relationship with Russia, going as far as to send North Korean soldiers to fight in Ukraine.

Very few Westerners have dared to travel the full way from Moscow to Pyongyang. One group documented their trip back in 2018 and shared what the conditions on board have been like. As they boarded the train in Moscow, they explained that the dedicated Korean carriage was clear to see.

They claimed it was clear to see the train has not been kept in the best condition. “It was cold inside our compartment — no heating, maybe 10 degrees,” the travellers explained, adding that heating would not be turned on for several hours. “If it’s cold outside this period, the cars are individually heated with a coal stove, which is located in every car.

“However, individual heating requires that coal is available – and this was not the case in our North Korean sleeping car, but no problem, we had warm clothes.

“However, the water-boiler was working, so preparing tea, coffee and instant-noodles was possible.”

North Korea’s feared reputation is not without reason. The government is known to monitor all forms of communication by residents, to ensure there is no contact with the outside world. Thousands have been detained in “political prison camps” for “crimes” such as trying to flee the country or practising their religion.

Food is often withheld from the wider population, instead prioritising the elite and military. According to the UN, 10.7million, ore more than 40% of the entire population, are undernourished.

As the UK is hit by cold and wet weather, many Brits are looking to escape the winter blues by booking a last-minute holiday abroad – and one travel expert has shared his top recommendations

The dreary, grey November conditions are prompting Britons to snap up last-minute breaks overseas, as sun-seekers desperately hunt for an escape from the winter gloom. For those yearning for warmth, there are loads of options for a scorching getaway that won’t empty your wallet.

Holiday-makers hunting for ideas might want to check out four suggestions from Rob Brooks, a travel guru and social media star with holiday firm On The Beach. Well-known online for dishing out money-saving travel tips, accommodation reviews, and getaway guidance, Rob has built up a massive fanbase on TikTok under the handle @Robonthebeach.

One of Rob’s latest clips was called ‘Where I’d go for a hot, cheap holiday.’

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Offering guidance to his 34k followers, he explained: “Here are the four places that I can recommend for this November if you’re after a last-minute migration to escape the freezing cold here. I’ve seen loads of people asking recently, ‘Where’s hot in November?'”.

“But I think the real question is, ‘Where’s hot and cheap this November?’ Because sure, Dubai is lovely, and Thailand’s boiling, but can any of us actually afford that on short notice? So I’ve gone through the booking trends, weather forecasts and our live pricing to find four places I’d actually recommend this November for a warm, good value escape.”

Discussing his fourth choice, Rob revealed: “Costa Blanca. It’s not blazing hot, but it’s that lovely kind of jumper in the evening, t-shirt all day kind of weather. This November is looking like highs of 23 degrees, no rain, and loads of sunshine. Benidorm, Alicante, Calpe. They’re all ticking over lovely in November, but way quieter and way cheaper than summer. You can still swim in the sea and sit outside for dinner, there’s just less crowds there.”

He went on: “Antalya in Turkey. Still properly hot there, around 25 degrees most days, and it’s even warmer inland. While you’re soaking in the sun, your mates will be back home scraping ice off the windscreen.”

For his following suggestion, Rob remarked: “Tenerife, still hitting 27 degrees most days on the south coast. There’s loads of sunshine and the sea’s definitely warm enough to swim in. For me as well, November is actually one of the best times to go. Quieter beaches, lower prices, but still that proper Canaries heat.”

Wrapping up his recommendations, Rob concluded: “The number one place I’d recommend, Sharm El-Sheikh. If you want actual summer in November, this is it. It’s still 30 degrees every day. The Red Sea is like bathwater, and it’s one of the few places you can get an all-inclusive, proper luxury place for under £500 per person.”

The clip proved a hit with viewers, amassing thousands of likes. One person responded: “Malaga is always perfect in November.” Another user posted: “Just got back from Madeira last night. Can’t believe this wasn’t on your list.”

A POPULAR holiday choice for Brits has revealed plans to become a ‘super destination’.

With more cheap flights coming from the UK, it’s about to be even easier to get to.

Turkey as a holiday destination isn’t anything new to Brits, who have been fleeing to the affordable resorts there for decades.

However, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has now teamed up with Trip.com to relaunch the country as a “Super Destination” for travellers.

The new plans will push locations such as the cities of Istanbul and Izmir.

Other highlights spots include Cappadocia – known for its hot air balloons – and the much-loved beaches of Antalya.

TURK NOTE

Inside all-inclusive Turkey hotel with ten pools, waterpark and private beach

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TGA’s general manager Sinan Seha Türkseven said they were wanting to offer “distinctive, exceptional experiences”.

This was backed by Trip.com’s Amanda Wang, who added: “Türkiye is one of those destinations that truly has everything: beauty, culture, history, and an incredible story to tell.

“This partnership with TGA is about turning that story into meaningful travel experiences.

“To pursue this vision, we are curating high-end journeys that blend cultural authenticity with digital innovation.”

More flights are already being added to Turkey from the UK.

Turkish airline Corredon is launching more flights to Antalya from London Stansted, Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle.

SunExpress, a budget airline, is launching flights from the East Midlands to Antalya.

Last year, Ryanair launched its first ever flights to Turkey, with routes from London Stansted to Bodrum and Dalaman.

And TUI is opening two new hotels in Turkey next year.

TUI Blue Maviss in Belek and Akra Didim Resort & Spa in Mugla will both open in April 2026.

A number of places around Turkey have even been named top places to visit in 2026 too.

The Black Sea Coast was highlighted in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026.

Citing it as a “less traveled alternative to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts,” cities such as Samsun and Bartin were named as having “sandy strands on blue coves”.

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And İstanbul was named “Europe’s Most Desirable City at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

The Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor revealed what its like to visit a new hotel in Antalya.

A UK beach town that was named a trending destination for next year was previously named one of the country’s worst seaside towns.

It stated the reason as to why the seaside town is making a comeback is “thanks to a renewed love for quintessential British beach breaks.”

Flixbus has found the top trending destinations for 2026, one of which is Weston-super-Mare in Somerset.

It added: “Travellers are craving the simple pleasure of a day by the sea, with bookings for Weston rising as people seek out wide sands and retro charms.”

Weston-super-Mare is pretty retro as it was a popular Victorian seaside resort back in the 18th century.

The railway lines connecting it to Bath, Bristol and South Wales opened in 1841, which saw a huge tourism boost.

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It fell into decline in the 1960s when cheap package holidays tempted Brits to holiday abroad.

The town hasn’t always had a good reputation in recent years either, having been named as one of the country’s worst seaside towns in 2023 by Which? and the Telegraph.

However a huge rejuvenation project taking place is probably another reason Brits are looking into visiting Weston-super-Mare.

The seaside town is going through a huge rejuvenation as part of its £20million Weston Placemaking Strategy which will regenerate the town as part of a 10-year plan.

Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana is being transformed into a venue for culture, arts, and entertainment.

It will undergo work like having its 1930s facade repaired while the venue’s outdoor capacity will be increased, and it’s due to reopen in 2026.

After closing as a lido in 2000, the Tropicana stood vacant for years until Banksy used it as the venue for his Dismaland bemusement park in 2015.

There are also plans to revitalise Birnbeck Pier which was open between 1867 and 1994.

It had a range of attractions like a Pavilion, a Switchback Railway, mini fairground, a water chute and a roller rink.

The pier is the only one in the UK which links to the mainland to an island, with access to Birnbeck Island.

Old Town Quarry, also currently closed, could be turned into an event space.

The town council’s Tourism and Information Services Manager, Warren Parker-Mills said: “We could have an opera there, we could have a ballet there, we could have things that are not necessarily associated with Weston-Super-Mare.”

There are also plans for a weekly market at the Italian Gardens.

Other popular attractions include the Weston Museum and The Helicopter Museum, the Playhouse and Winter Gardens.

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The Northern county that made the Airbnb list of top trending beach destinations in the world…

Airbnb has revealed the trending beach destinations around the world, with the Northumberland coastline making the cut.

The northern county of Northumberland has been getting lots of attention over the summer, with plenty of pretty beaches that are usually less busy than those in the south.

Airbnb said: “Northumberland is drawing more summer visitors, with searches up over 50 per cent this summer, thanks to its pristine North Atlantic beaches.”

One beach that’s been highlighted as a must-see is Embleton Bay. It sits on the edge of the North Sea to the east of the village of Embleton.

The bay has a long stretch of golden sands, cool water and it’s overlooked by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

Near Embleton Bay is a pub that has previously held the title of ‘best beach bar in the UK’ – it’s called the Ship Inn in Low Newton-by-the-Sea.

It once claimed top spot in a list of the best beach pubs in the country put together by Conde Nast Traveller.

For more trending destinations, check out the holiday destinations our travel team predicts will be HUGE in 2026 – thanks to cheap hotels, flights and pints.

Plus, here are our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London.

One place has been enjoying a surge in popularity with Brits in recent months, and it’s not difficult to see why as the country boasts stunning beaches, lush greenery and incredible wildlife

Brits seeking to escape the dreary UK winter for sunnier climates typically opt for destinations like Bali or Thailand. However, travel experts have identified one ‘underrated’ country emerging as a strong competitor, boasting palm-fringed sandy beaches and stunning landscapes.

Sri Lanka, whilst not exactly a hidden gem, has experienced a notable surge in popularity recently, with Travel Republic recording a 72% increase in holiday bookings to the South Asian nation over the past month alone. Across social media platforms, influencers have been documenting their travels throughout the country, with followers eagerly commenting that it’s the “most magical place ever”.

With its picturesque coastline, verdant terrain and diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards, it’s easy to understand why the destination appeals to adventurous travellers.

The ancient fortress of Sigiriya, believed by locals to have been constructed by King Kasyapa, stands as a remarkable landmark. Sihagiri, also known as Lion Rock, derives its name from the massive carved stone lion forming the entrance to the impressive citadel.

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Whilst the ascent is challenging, the panoramic views make it worthwhile (though visitors should note it can become busy, so arriving early helps avoid the tourist crowds). Meanwhile, Udawalawe National Park provides the perfect backdrop for spotting wildlife on safari, from water buffalo and mongooses to jackals and spotted deer, reports the Express.

For those seeking Maldives-style beaches, Unawatuna Beach is essential viewing, with its pristine waters perfect for swimming or watersports.

Then there are the stunning temples scattered across the landscape, but if you can only visit one, make it the Temple of the Tooth. Located in the vibrant city of Kandy, this World Heritage Site contains the relic of the tooth of Buddha – a precious artefact believed to grant its holder the power to govern the country.

Unsurprisingly, the tooth itself remains secured within a golden casket, hidden from view. Nevertheless, the temple complex features numerous shrines and smaller temples to discover, offering a captivating insight into Sri Lankan culture.

A Travel Republic spokesperson said: “Sri Lanka is becoming one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. It offers stunning beaches, lush islands, rich local culture, and incredible wildlife, all without the crowds that have made other destinations feel overrun. For travellers seeking authenticity and adventure, it’s a destination that still feels fresh and undiscovered, much like Bali did two decades ago.”

Add in temperatures reaching 30C during December and January, and the attraction becomes immediately clear. However, a word of caution for those planning to visit during the winter months; it’s best to head to the south and west coasts, where it’s dry season.

The Northern parts of Sri Lanka will be in the throes of their monsoon season, which certainly won’t provide the winter sun you might be after!

The travel expert advised: “With Sri Lanka currently having its moment on social media, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip for 2026. The best time to visit the southwest coast and cultural triangle is from December to March, when conditions are warm and dry. For the east coast, including Arugam Bay, April to September offers ideal weather for surfing and beach activities.”

ARRIVING in India, I feel like Dorothy entering Oz. This country is an assault on the senses in every way.

One minute I’m practising sunrise yoga to the peaceful sound of birds chirping; the next, I’m surrounded by loud honking cars and bikes on a bumpy bus ride through the city.

My serene morning walk at the green Lodi Gardens sits in complete contrast to the brightly coloured markets, selling vibrant yellow flower garlands under the smell of rich incense, that I’m exploring just hours later.

It was my first visit to India and naturally, as a solo female tourist, safety was at the forefront of my mind. But the tide is changing with regard to how women are accepted across the country, and this has been incorporated into Intrepid’s unique Women’s Expedition tours.

It supports locals on the ground, and I met some during my stay in Chandelao.

A tiny village an hour from Jodphur and off the tourist trail, it is home to just 3,500 people.

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There, I explored the local arts centre Sunder Rang, which employs women to work — uncommon especially in more rural areas.

The shop is full of multicoloured items made from scrap fabrics, with everything from clothing and bags to decorations on sale.

One of the young jewellery makers let me try my hand at threading beads as we huddled together in the shade.

Due to my novice skills, I resorted to buying her handmade necklaces (guided by her on which to choose, as they even earn commission).

My art skills were tested further at Chandelao Garh, a stunning 17th century former fort now a hotel with 20 rooms and a swimming pool.

Locals taught me the art of Rangoli — circular patterns drawn on the ground in celebration.

I was only slightly offended when the cheeky hotel dog Pluto walked all over my wonky chalk designs.

Chandelao is the kind of village where slowness is encouraged — be it a sunset walk through the streets or a leisurely candlelit dinner chased by a Kingfisher beer.

But just a few hours east is the crowd-heavy Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City for its terracotta walls.

Keen to escape the market chaos, I opted for a tour with Renu, a rare female tuk-tuk driver and now chair of tour company Pink City Rickshaw.

While the women face adversity from both family and other male drivers, the job gives them economic independence.

I was whirled around in the electric tuk-tuks, exploring the Old City with street food stops to keep me going in the 33C heat. I recommend trying Sabudana tikki, an Indian hash brown with tapioca, followed by a cooling kheer rice pudding.

The female rickshaw drivers were patient enough to let me take my selfies at the famous pink Hawa Mahal palace, too.

Built to allow the female royal household to watch the city without being seen by others, the towering palace wall was too beautiful to skip.

It was as I was gazing up at the intricately carved windows (of which there are 953) that my driver explained some of the stares we noticed from locals while in the tuk-tuk.

“We’ve seen male drivers crash into walls, they are so shocked to see a woman behind the wheel,” Renu told me with a laugh.

My experience of the Fast & Furious-esque rickshaws that squeeze through impossible gaps in the traffic means this doesn’t exactly surprise me. Thankfully, the women drive at a slower, safer pace for any nervous travellers.

Travelling further east, we head to Agra, home to the historic red sandstone Agra Fort and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.

Haggled for scarves

It’s worth the 4.30am wake-up to see the sky lighting up behind the domed mausoleum, built over two decades by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honour of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

It’s almost impossible to comprehend the details that remain after 400 years, with the bright white marble towering 240ft high, ornamented with jewels and intricate patterns.

The early start also allows you to avoid the huge crowds and the midday heat.

I managed to skip the lunchtime crush by visiting Sheroes, a cafe run by acid-attack survivors.

It’s a hard visit, where staff share their stories about being injured.

Over homecooked chickpea curries and roti, I chatted to 25-year-old Dolly, who was attacked as a child by a man 22 years her senior. The cafe gave her confidence to re-enter society.

Being a female traveller, the Intrepid tour helped me explore the country safely as a woman.

I stopped in Jodhpur, the Blue City, and learned about the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort which was used to film Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, and the live-action movie The Jungle Book.

And in chaotic Delhi, I haggled for handwoven scarfs from eager market vendors, before being dragged into dance by a man wearing a bejewelled elephant outfit.

India might have a way to go still when it comes to equality. But it’s certainly on the right trajectory.

And with Virgin Atlantic now celebrating 25 years of flying to this awe-inspiring country, it shows this a destination that will always be top of British holidaymakers’ bucket lists.

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I’ll be back.

After a click of my new ruby red Indian slippers, of course.

A TEENAGE boy was banned from boarding his flight because of a sticker on his passport.

Thirteen-year-old Alix Dawson was due to fly to Thailand with his family last month for two weeks.

However, after arriving at Edinburgh Airport, his mum Meghan Law was told that he wouldn’t be allowed to board the flight with his passport at the check in desk.

Meghan, who lives in Aberdeen said: “We got to the airport and were checking in my bags when the [check-in staff member] looked at my passport then just walked away from the desk. She didn’t say anything.

“We were standing there for 20 minutes before I asked what’s going on. She came back and said that my passport was damaged.

“I said I’ve used this umpteen times. No one’s ever mentioned any damage on it before.

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“There were no rips or stains, I don’t know what she was trying to imply. I was really shocked.

“What they were trying to say was that the luggage check-in stickers that had been stuck on one of the pages [and] had damaged the page. But it wasn’t even on the photo page.

“There were no rips, it was just where the sticker marks had been. They said we couldn’t travel with it.

“I knew there were no issues with their passports. We’d probably travelled over a dozen times with them.”

She was then told that they would need to go to Glasgow Airport to get a new emergency passport.

Fearing for their £3,000 holiday, she contacted TUI, who they booked the trip with.

After sending photos of the reported ‘damage’, Meghan said the tour operator found no issues with the passport and put them on the next available flight to Thailand which was with Emirates rather than Qatar Airways.

The family were able to head on holiday with no further obstacles, albeit the next day, from a different airport.

Meghan said: “If I hadn’t booked through TUI and booked it myself, we just wouldn’t have been able to go on holiday.

“One way from Glasgow on the same day of travel would’ve been £2,800.

“We used it six times over the two-week holiday and no one said anything which confirms there were no issues with the passports.”

She said that it “ruined the start of the trip” for being so stressful and is calling for compensation.

Other passengers have been banned from their flights due to them being too damaged.

Countries such as Bali and Vietnam have some of the strictest rules in the world when it comes to passport condition, with airlines fined thousands if they let passengers fly with them.

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Flights start from £15

Ryanair is offering flights to a destination boasting November highs of 21C from just £14.99. The budget airline recently announced a 37% increase in its operations at Murcia airport for the upcoming winter, introducing four routes, including a new route to London Stansted with four weekly flights, and additional flights to Birmingham and Dublin.

Starting fares for flights to and from Murcia are as low as £14.99, and the expansion in connections will create over 450 local jobs and provide passengers with more choices at the lowest fares, according to Alejandra Ruiz, Ryanair’s spokesperson in Spain.

Ryanair’s schedule in Murcia for the 2025/2026 winter season continues to strengthen connectivity outside the peak season, creating over 450 local jobs and boosting year-round tourism in Murcia.

Despite Ryanair’s growth at Murcia Airport this winter season, the airline has been forced to cut one million seats from its overall schedule in Spain for the 2025/2026 winter season due to excessive increases in AENA charges (+6.62%) and ineffective ‘incentive schemes’, which are making regional airports financially unviable.

Ryanair has long championed and invested in regional airports, supporting access to low fares to stimulate tourism and employment, but it cannot justify continued investment in airports whose growth is hindered by uncompetitive charges.

Alejandra Ruiz, Ryanair’s spokesperson in Spain, announced: “Ryanair is pleased to announce its schedule for Murcia for the 2025 winter season, with four routes, including a new flight to London Stansted, with four weekly frequencies, as well as additional flights to Birmingham and Dublin.

“This new offering increases Ryanair’s capacity at Murcia Airport by 37%, giving our customers even more choice at the lowest fares.

“Despite excessive AENA charges, which have contributed to the loss of two million seats in 2025 in other regions, Ryanair remains committed to Murcia, where it operates year-round and supports over 450 local jobs.”