destinations

‘I’m a travel expert, ditch these 3 popular UK destinations and go here instead’

One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of more popular destinations. “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently,” she said

The UK is full of incredible places to visit, from historic sites dating back thousands of years, to bustling towns and cities. Whether you want to spend some time in the countryside or on a beach, or if shopping in high-end boutiques and eating in Michelin-star restaurants is more your speed, we’ve got it all.

There are plenty of places in the UK which are famous across the world as destinations for tourists, from the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and the historic streets of Edinburgh, to the spectacular countryside of the Cotswolds and the iconic Big Ben. But what if you want something a bit more off the beaten path?

One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of the more popular destinations. Apryl, who has 47,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shares tips for travel in the UK, shared the advice on social media. Writing in the first slide of the post, Apryl said: “Three places everyone plans in England but I wouldn’t… where I’d go instead.”

Writing in the caption, she said: “Everyone goes to the icons, and you probably should too. But if you’ve already done them, or want something a little less crowded, here’s what I’d add to your England itinerary.” She added: “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently.”

Ely instead of Oxford

Firstly, she said people planning to visit Oxford should instead consider the Cambridgeshire city of Ely. She said: “Fewer crowds, cathedral views, medieval streets.”

Nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside, the city’s most iconic feature is the spectacular Ely Cathedral, with its incredible octagonal tower. Tourism site Visit Ely describes it as “the destination city with something for everyone”.

It said: “From the monastic buildings of the city past, the vibrant food scene and the scenic majesty of the Riverside, Ely packs a great deal into a pocket city. With Ely Cathedral, independent shops around the city centre, places to relax and replenish both body and mind, there has never been a better time to enjoy this quintessentially English jewel in the heart of East Cambridgeshire. “

Hastings Old Town instead of Brighton Pier

Next, Apryl said people planning a visit to Brighton Pier should instead consider travelling 36 miles east to Hastings Old Town in East Sussex. Apryl said: “Fishing huts, antique shops, and a slower seaside.”

Hastings Old Town is famous for its 19th-century Net Shops, tall, black wooden sheds originally built to provide weatherproof storage for fishing gear. Today the huts are Grade II-listed, while one serves as a free museum.

The area itself comprises the part of the town of Hastings which existed before the 19th century. Today it is the easternmost valley of the current town.

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Chester instead of York

Apryl’s final tip was directed at people planning a trip to the historic city of York. She said people should instead visit Chester in Cheshire. She said: “Timbered streets, Roman walls, and fewer crowds.”

Steeped in history, Chester has the most complete city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the UK, as well as a 10th century cathedral. Chester Zoo is also home to 35,000 animals, and is reportedly the most-visited attraction in the UK outside London.

Visit Cheshire said: “Visit Chester, for its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere which make it one of Britain’s most popular places for an unforgettable short break. The ancient city is a breath-taking experience with each chapter of Chester’s history etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons.”

Concluding, Apryl clarified she wasn’t suggesting people shouldn’t visit Oxford, Brighton, or York, but that they should consider other lesser-known destinations too. “Don’t cancel your trip… just try these too,” she said.

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Our travel experts’ guide to their favourite lesser-known holiday destinations that are cheap and not crowded

IF you’re tired of battling the crowds – and the soaring prices – of Europe’s busiest tourist spots, it’s time to rewrite your travel bucket list.

That’s where our travel experts come in. We’ve spoken to a range of holiday experts, from seasoned Travel Editors to Travel Supermarket pros, who have revealed their favourite lesser-known holiday destinations.

If you love the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Casablanca is just as beautiful… and much cheaper Credit: Alamy

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @TheSunTravel

These are underrated spots where you can visit beautiful remote beaches, wander historic cobbled streets, or dine at authentic restaurants without the dreaded “tourist tax”.

From Amalfi Coast breaks that are actually affordable, to Spanish destinations where you can fly and flop for under £200 – here’s our travel experts’ underrated favourites.

*Price were correct at time of publication

Casablanca, Morocco

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

While I love the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Casablanca is just as beautiful… and much cheaper.

The cost savings are huge, according to Kayak. The average hotel room price in Marrakech is £298 per night, while Casablanca is just £140.

Even if you want to splurge, you could pay £421 to stay at the five-star Four Seasons Casablanca.

Visit the five-star La Mamounia in Marrakech on the same day, and you’re splashing out more than £1,000.

When there, you can still haggle for a bargain at the medinas, just with far fewer crowds than in Marrakech.

Book a break to Casablanca

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Loveholidays offer seven nights’ room-only stay at the Ibis Casablanca Nearshore, including return flights from London Heathrow, from £369pp.

The Hassan II Mosque shouldn’t be missed either – it’s one of the biggest in the world.

Cheap street food is easy to find, with ‘Sfenj’ doughnuts costing less than 50p.

Make sure to visit Rick’s Cafe too, based on the 1942 classic movie. Here’s looking at you, kid.

Tignabruaich, Scotland

Heather Lowrie, Travel Editor at The Scottish Sun

Tignabruaich sits on Scotland’s Cowal Peninsula and offers stunning natural landscapes Credit: Alamy

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Tighnabruaich on the The Cowal Peninsula offers stunning coastal views, including the Kyles of Bute – that and the utter quietness are just some of the reasons to go.

The Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, offers sailings through the Kyles from Tighnabruaich in spring, summer and autumn.

Kilbride Bay is a beautiful sandy beach with wide open views and clear waters. You could go beachcombing, swim or just let the kids go wild. And best of all, it’s free.

You can also go wildlife watching, which includes spotting seals and dolphins, and head to Caladh Lighthouse, and the ruins of Asgog Castle and explore – all for free.

There’s also lots of cheap things to do. Head to the Benmore Botanic Gardens just over 30 minutes drive away, and gaze at its 160-year-old giant redwoods and exotic blooms (£10.80 per adult, kids go free). Or visit Caol Ruadh Sculpture Park, an 18-acre outdoor art gallery (£5 per adult, kids go free).

There’s also plenty of sailing and watersports opportunities, lovely restaurants and quiet places to stay without the price tag of bigger, more well-known Scottish tourist spots like St Andrews and Edinburgh.

Cefalu, Italy

Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Sun Head of Travel Lisa Minot recommends Cefalu for an affordable Italian break Credit: Alamy

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Lastminute.com offer a five-night stay with breakfast at the Hotel Costa Verde, including return flights from London Luton, from £306pp.

The charming Sicilian beach town of Cefalu is a great value alternative to the glitzy towns of the Italian Riviera or Amalfi Coast.

It has the same Italian aesthetic – think cobbled streets, medieval architecture and dramatic cliffs – without the ‘luxury tax’ found on the mainland.

I had a superb burrata salad at Porta Ossuna restaurant right on the seafront in Cefalu for just £10 – washed down with a £3 glass of rose.

My husband was delighted with his foaming beer – a large one cost just £4.

Accommodation is also cheaper with a 4* hotel in Cefalu priced around £115 per night, compared to similar in Sorrento setting you back around £260 a night.

It’s also a great, compact city to explore with the walk from the Norman cathedral to the beachfront taking just ten minutes.

The hike up to La Rocca costs only a few euros and provides panoramic views that rival those of the expensive clifftop terraces of the Riviera.

Efteling, the Netherlands

Helen Wright, Travel Writer

Efteling Theme Park in the Netherlands is a budget-friendly, thrilling break for families Credit: Getty

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Hotels.com offer a stay in a family room sleeping three at the Efteling Wonder Hotel, including breakfast and theme park tickets, from £368 per night.

One of Europe‘s best-kept secrets is Efteling Theme Park in the Netherlands.

With lots of families planning to visit Disneyland Paris in France, Efteling is largely overlooked. 

However, at only £35 to get in, this theme park is fantastic value and has so many fantastic rides for families.

There are white-knuckle rollercoasters and attractions for all ages. Plus, the lines are usually manageable, meaning no need to pay extra for fast passes to jump to the front of the queue. 

Efteling has been open for over 70 years and still has areas preserved as it was when it opened, including a forest trail mapping out classic fairy tales like Red Riding Hood. Princess and the Pea and The Little Mermaid. 

Food and drink tends to come in cheaper than at Disneyland too, don’t miss the classic Stroopwafel for only £3.50, which goes perfectly with a coffee as the kids play. 

There are two hotels at Efteling, with rooms starting from £220 per night, including theme park access for the whole family.

It’s easy to get to by car (parking is £12 a day) or you can travel by Eurostar to Amsterdam and hop on the local train directly to the theme park. Allow for at least 2 days at the parks because there is so much to do.

Albanian Riviera

Rob Brooks, Holiday Expert

Ksamil in Albania has turquoise waters and parasol-dotted golden beaches Credit: Alamy

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On the Beach offer a five-night stay at the Hotel Vola in Sarande, including return flights from London Luton, from £175pp.

If you’ve ever looked at the Greek islands or the Amalfi Coast and thought it looks amazing, but you’re not up for paying the price, this is where you go instead.

The Albanian Riviera – especially around Sarandë and Ksamil – has that same crystal-clear water, white beaches and relaxed beach club feel, just without the crowds or the price tag.

It genuinely feels like Greece and southern Italy combined, but way earlier in its tourism story.

What I love about it is how unspoilt it still feels. You’ve got small beach bars, simple but brilliant restaurants, and loads of coastline that hasn’t been overbuilt yet.

And the value is ridiculous once you’re there. You can sit down for fresh seafood, drinks and a proper meal for under £15, and you’ll still find pints for around 250 Lek, or about £2.30, in most places.

The deal I found is for Hotel Vola in Sarande, flying direct from London Luton in May.

It’s coming in at £175pp for five nights, bed and breakfast, so you’ve got a base with a sea view and pool, then loads of freedom to eat and drink out for next to nothing.

Hua Hin, Thailand

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Hua Hin in Thailand has paradise beaches like those in the popular resort of Phuket Credit: Getty

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On the Beach offer a seven-night stay at the ibis Hua Hin, including return flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok, from £860pp.

Most beach-seeking travellers in Thailand will make a beeline for the island of Phuket.

But I’d always opt for the less commercial and far more affordable Hua Hin over this.

Not only is the coastal town relatively crowd-free, you can stay in some pretty high-end hotels with stylish rooms that cost a fraction of the price they would at sister resorts elsewhere in the world.

You’ve got everything you’d want from a typical getaway in Thailand: excellent night markets where you can pick up budget fashion pieces, quality restaurants dishing up traditional grub in fuss-free settings, and sun-drenched sands overlooking an endless ocean.

It’s also under three hours from Bangkok, so makes for a great twin-centre beach and city break.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Jacob Lewis, Guest Travel Expert at TravelSupermarket

Fuerteventura is the second biggest of the Canary Islands, and has 160 miles of beaches Credit: Getty

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Travel Supermarket offer a seven-night self-catering stay at the Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel, including return flights from Manchester, from £399pp.

Swap Tenerife for this cheaper Canary with better beaches.

When most Brits think Canary Islands, they go straight to Tenerife, Lanzarote or Gran Canaria – and prices reflect it. But there’s a cheaper alternative hiding in plain sight.

Based on TravelSupermarket searches between 1 January and 12 April 2026, holidays to Fuerteventura average around £622pp – compared to £702pp for Tenerife, £667pp for Lanzarote and £776pp for Gran Canaria. That’s a saving of up to £154pp. And you’re not exactly slumming it.

Fuerteventura is the second-largest Canary Island and has arguably the best beaches in the archipelago – huge sweeps of pale sand that feel closer to the Caribbean than Spain.

It’s also quieter and more stripped-back than its neighbours, with fewer mega-resorts and a slower pace overall.

Corralejo in the north is the liveliest base, with plenty of bars and restaurants, while the Jandía peninsula in the south is calmer, with more space and smarter hotels.

The island is also a magnet for windsurfers and kitesurfers, with reliable conditions year-round at spots like Flag Beach.

Weather-wise, it’s one of the safest bets in Europe. Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands closest to Africa, and its flat landscape means it’s generally drier and sunnier than the more mountainous islands. Even in midwinter, average high temperatures hover around 20°C.

Food is simple but good – expect plenty of fresh fish and local goat’s cheese – and all-inclusive deals tend to be well-priced across the island.

Flights take around four hours from the UK, just like the bigger-name islands.

The difference is you’ll often pay less – and get a more relaxed version of the Canaries.

Faro, Portugal

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recommends a trip to Faro in the Algarve, Portugal Credit: Alamy

Book a break to Faro

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Lastminute.com offer a five-night room-only stay at the Faro Boutique Hotel, including return flights from London Stansted, from £205pp.

The city of Faro is often used as the gateway to the rest of the Algarve, but I’m fighting its case as a holiday destination in its own right.

Sure, it has far fewer hotels than the rest of the Portuguese coastline, but it is just as affordable.

For example, pay a few euros and you’ll find yourself on one of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa islands, which feel like you paid to have it all to yourself.

Try Ilha Deserta, home to just one restaurant and nothing else, to feel like Robinson Crusoe discovering new lands.

Otherwise stay on the mainland and hop in some of the beachfront bars where pints of beer are easily found under two euros.

Costa de la Luz, Spain

Rob Brooks, Holiday Expert

Spain’s Costa de la Luz has a calmer feel than busy Costa Brava Credit: Getty

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On the Beach offer a five-night stay at the Alegria Costa Ballena AquaFUN Hotel in Costa Ballena, including return flights from London Stansted, from £195pp.

If you like Marbella or Malaga, but not the prices or how busy it gets, this is the upgrade most people don’t know about.

Down on the Costa de la Luz, around Cádiz and Costa Ballena, you get the same golden beaches, proper Spanish food and hot weather – just with a much calmer, more local feel.

This is where Spanish holidaymakers go, which is usually a very good sign.

The big difference is space. The beaches here are huge, sandy, and never rammed.

You’ve still got beach bars and restaurants dotted along the coast, but without the ‘popular-location tax’ you get further along in the Costa del Sol.

And it’s properly affordable once you’re there. A beer will set you back about €2 (the cheapest I found here was just €1.30) and you can still find really good tapas and fresh seafood dinners for €10-15 a head if you go local.

The deal I found is for the Alegria Costa Ballena AquaFUN Hotel, flying from London Stansted in May for £195pp. It’s a solid, well-rated hotel with big pools and a waterpark on site – so you’ve got loads going on without needing to spend loads once you’re there.

Patmos, Greece

Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Patmos in Greece delivers the classic Greek island experience without the high costs Credit: Alamy

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Expedia offer a four-night stay with breakfast at the Skala Hotel from £316pp.

With their labyrinthine white-washed cobbled alleys and blue domes, Mykonos and Santorini are the classic Greek island experiences but their popularity means prices have soared.

Pretty Patmos is a fantastic alternative. The UNESCO World Heritage site offers a quieter, arguably more authentic version with boutique-filled streets and stunning hilltop views of the Aegean.

A sunset cocktail could set you back up to £25 in Santorini – but you can find the same chic venues and prices half of that in Patmos’ Chora.

Mykonos beach clubs sell sunbeds at £130 a day but you can have the same sand between your toes experience facing stunning turquoise waters at Patmos’ Grikos Beach for pennies.

And when it comes to food, the tavernas on Patmos are more than capable of giving those big chef restaurants of Mykonos and Santorini a run for their money.

Fish is still a highlight but a high-end, fancy dinner for two on Patmos with wine will set you back £100 as opposed to nearly £250 on the trendy islands.

Isle of Whithorn, Scotland

Heather Lowrie, Travel Editor at The Scottish Sun

The Isle of Whithorn in Scotland is a scenic Scottish destination that’s affordable, too Credit: Alamy

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Booking.com offer a stay in a cosy wooden lodge, Wigtown by Wigwam Holidays, from £123 per night.

One of the most southerly Scottish villages, this is a fabulous place to escape the crowds but still with plenty to occupy your time – most of it free!

Visit St Nina’s sea-side cave, said to be the hideaway of the early Christian saint.

As one of Scotland’s earliest Christian sites, it brought travellers, traders, pilgrims and royalty to Whithorn for more than 1,000 years.

Ten crosses are cut into the cave wall, and the 18 early Christian carved stones found inside are at Whithorn Priory and Museum.

The Latinus Stone – Scotland’s earliest Christian monument is also housed here. Entry is just £7.50 for adults and children 4-15 are £4.50.

There are three tall standing stones at nearby Drumtroddan, dating to the second or third millennium BC which are part of a unique prehistoric landscape, including the nearby Drumtroddan Cup and Ring Marked Rocks. All free.

Take the Isle of Whithorn Loop, to the Priory, stopping at the iron age roundhouse and finish with coffee and cake at the lovely community cafe and shop and bed down at the Steampacket Inn to explore nearby towns and villages like Garlieston, Sorbie and Monreith.

Salerno, Italy

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Salerno in Italy is a cheap spot to stay in on the dramatic Amalfi Coast of Italy Credit: Getty

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Loveholidays offer a five-night room-only stay at the 4* Hotel Cetus, including return flights from London Luton, from £599pp.

Sipping Aperol spritz from a cliffside restaurant on Italy’s rugged Amalfi Coast should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Don’t waste your cash staying there, though. The charming town of Salerno sits just a short (around 30 minutes or so) and cheap ferry ride away – and you can save yourself hundreds by staying here instead.

When you’re not daytripping to Positano, explore Salerno’s cobbled side alleys, teeming with pokey restaurants where nonnas are cooking up huge portions of fried fish and pasta from family recipe books.

Sopot, Poland

Helen Wright, Travel Writer

Sopot in Poland has a pretty traditional pier, beaches and cheap places to eat Credit: Alamy

Book a break to Sopot

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Loveholidays offer a seven-night room-only stay at the Hotel Aqua Sopot, including return flights from Newcastle, from £239pp.

If you are looking for a wide, golden sand beach, lined with beach bars and cafes, a busy promenade and a seaside destination with a lot of character, consider Sopot in Poland

This beach town is less than half hour from the nearest city, Gdansk. Flights direct to Gdansk from the UK start from £12 each way on Ryanair and it’s an easy (and cheap) train ride to get to the coast.

Hotels start from £40 per night for two people, so it’s ideal for those on a budget.

The coastline is so stunning, you could be forgiven for thinking you ‘re on the beach in Italy or the South of France but for the bargain prices everywhere.

Beautiful, historic buildings sit along the coastal road, including the Sofitel Grand Hotel, which looks like the setting of an Agatha Christie thriller.

The beach is huge and, although popular in the summer months, never feels crowded. The sea here is calm and ideal for a paddle or swim – although the water can be on the chilly side.

At beach cafes along the front, you can grab a cold beer for £2 and cocktails for £5.

Prosto, a pizzeria with a beautiful garden and outdoor seating is just steps from the beach. Here, a huge pizza will only set you back £10 and is definitely enough for two adults to share. 

You can lay down a blanket and spend the whole day basking in the sun, or take position in one of the fancy beach clubs, which have Ibiza vibes but start from £10 per day for a comfy sunbed and umbrella. 

Kefalonia, Greece

Jacob Lewis, Guest Travel Expert at TravelSupermarket

Kefalonia in Greece is a cheaper alternatife to Skiathos Credit: Alamy

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Loveholidays offer a seven-night stay at Efrosini Village, including return flights from London Gatwick, from £239pp.

Swap Skiathos for this Greek island that’s £370 cheaper.

Skiathos might be one of Greece’s best-loved islands – but you’ll pay for it.

TravelSupermarket data shows average prices at around £955pp. That’s nearly £370 more than Kefalonia, which comes in closer to £588pp. For families, that’s a serious saving.

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands – and one of the most dramatic. Think steep limestone mountains, dense forests and electric-blue bays, including Myrtos, regularly ranked among Europe’s best beaches.

It shot to global fame thanks to Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, but it’s long been a favourite with travellers who want something a bit less built-up.

That’s partly down to stricter planning rules, which have limited large-scale development and kept much of the island feeling low-key. You’ll find more small hotels, villas and apartments than huge resort blocks.

Argostoli, the capital, feels more like a proper Greek town than a purpose-built resort – with a lively waterfront, good tavernas and a laid-back atmosphere.

Up north, Fiskardo is one of the prettiest harbour villages in Greece. It survived the 1953 earthquake that flattened much of the island, so its Venetian buildings are still intact – and it’s easily worth a day trip.

You still get the same essentials as Skiathos – clear, warm water, great beaches and reliable sunshine – just spread across a bigger, less crowded island. Flights from the UK take around three hours, so there’s no extra hassle.

It’s one of the best-value destinations in Greece right now.



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10 holiday destinations British tourists love — but can’t pronounce

From popular beach resorts to bustling European cities, language experts reveal the holiday destinations that British tourists commonly mispronounce — plus how to say them correctly

Brits are passionate about their overseas holidays. One advantage of living in the UK is having Europe right on our doorstep – yet many people may be completely unaware of how to pronounce their chosen destination correctly.

Linguistic specialists at the learning app Preply have compiled a list of locations Brits most frequently mispronounce. If you’re arranging a trip to any of these spots, verify your pronunciation using Preply’s handy guide (below). Mastering the correct pronunciation of your dream destination could help you avoid embarrassment while you’re there, reports the Express.

Cannes, France

The pronunciation of this glamorous French resort continues to catch people out. Many Brits naturally pronounce the final “s” or insert an additional syllable, but it’s actually a quick single syllable “kan”.

Phuket, Thailand

This stunning island getaway is incredibly popular among British holidaymakers but remains consistently mispronounced. The spelling can be deceptive, but the proper pronunciation is much simpler, beginning with a soft “p” to create “poo-ket”.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Renowned for its pastel-coloured buildings and picturesque harbours, this beautiful Italian coastal stretch welcomes millions of visitors annually, and countless people are getting it wrong.

Don’t rely on English pronunciation rules; instead, follow Italian conventions, starting with “cheen-kweh” and finishing with a rolled “teh-rreh”.

Kraków, Poland

This Polish city is regularly mispronounced. The main error is overemphasising the “ow” ending, when it ought to be a gentler “kov”.

Ibiza, Spain

It may be among the UK’s most beloved party destinations, but that hasn’t protected it from mispronunciation. Numerous people continue to overpronounce the “z” when it should actually be a gentle “th” sound.

Lagos, Portugal

This Algarve holiday favourite is frequently mispronounced by visitors. English speakers tend to pronounce it phonetically, whereas in Portuguese, the ending features a gentler “sh” sound, creating “lah-gosh”.

Budapest, Hungary

Common mispronunciation: “Buda-pest”

Hungary’s capital presents difficulties due to its misleading spelling. The proper pronunciation replaces the hard “pest” with a gentler “pesht”.

Barcelona, Spain

Despite Barcelona being an exceptionally popular tourist destination, many continue to anglicise the name. In Spanish, the “c” is pronounced “th”.

Marylebone, London

Despite being on British home turf, many people still struggle to pronounce certain locations. Marylebone is among these places. Instead of pronouncing it phonetically, it’s shortened to “Mar-li-bone”.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital represents a classic stumbling block for tourists, who frequently over-enunciate every letter while attempting to get it correct. In practice, locals adopt a considerably more casual approach, dropping the ending completely and keeping it brief and low-key: “Edin-bruh.”

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EasyJet unveils nine new routes to beautiful destinations from UK airports with £24 fares

EasyJet, has launched nine new routes to some major holiday hotspots that will take off this year from airports across the UK – and some fares are incredible affordable

EasyJet has launched nine new routes from airports across the UK, and fares start from as little as £24.

In an exciting update for holidaymakers, easyJet is introducing new flights to the Canary Islands, Egypt, France, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Poland and Slovenia. The new routes will launch in winter this year, and will see easyJet be the only airline to offer some of these holiday hotspots from three UK airports.

The new routes and package holidays released by easyJet are:

  • Birmingham to Agadir
  • Belfast International to Rome and Sharm El Sheikh
  • London Luton Airport to Ljubljana
  • London Southend Airport to Budapest
  • Newcastle to Fuerteventura, Reykjavik, and Krakow
  • Southampton to Paris

READ MORE: Full list of 18 UK airports that still follow 100ml liquid ruleREAD MORE: France rule could see UK holidaymakers fined 150 euros

In an exciting update for Birmingham, the route to Agadir, the coastal resort city in Morocco, will start on 27 October, 2026. They will depart twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and are ideal for those looking for a sun-soaked getaway in one of their sprawling resorts dotted along the sand beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters.

The flights from Belfast International to Sharm El Sheikh and Rome will launch on 25 and 26 October, respectively. The Sharm El Sheikh service will fly twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays, while the Rome service will depart twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

The route from London Luton to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, will start on 26 October and depart three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Ljubljana offers a largely pedestrianised area in Slovenia’s largest city, with a scenic river, the iconic Dragon Bridge, vibrant café culture and striking architecture.

Meanwhile, flights from London Southend to Budapest will also begin on 26 October, departing twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. This is a welcome connection for Essex and London residents who want to easily explore the ‘city of spas’ situated on the stunning Danube riverfront, alongside its famed ruin bars.

Expanding its Newcastle links even further, the flights to Fuerteventura, Reykjavik, and Krakow will start their departures on 25, 26, and 27 October, respectively. The route to Fuerteventura will depart twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, the Krakow route will depart twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, and the Reykjavik flights will depart twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Elsewhere, the new route from Southampton to Paris Charles de Gaulle will start on 25 October, and will operate twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. This is ideal for those looking for a romantic weekend escape in the city of love, or to simply explore its iconic landmarks.

Following the launch of its new mega routes, offering fares from £23.99, easyJet will be the only airline operating from Belfast International to Sharm El Sheikh, and the only airline offering a regular route from Belfast International to Rome. Additionally, the budget-friendly airline will be the only air service connecting London Southend to Budapest and London Luton to Ljubljana.

Holiday packages are available with easyJet to all of these new destinations, including flights and hotels, plus 23kg luggage and transfers. The airline noted that all holidays can be booked with a deposit of just £60 per person, making it even more convenient for Brits to book their winter escape.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are excited to be launching nine new routes and packages from across the UK for this winter, providing customers with even more choice and connectivity. Whether they’re looking for winter sun, or a weekend away in some of Europe’s most iconic capitals, this new batch of routes further expands the range of exciting destinations available for our customers to choose from at affordable prices.”

For more information or to book your next getaway, visit the easyJet website.

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EasyJet to launch new flights to two affordable holiday destinations and they’re 36C this week

BRITS will soon be able to bag a bargain as easyJet is launching new flights to a sunny African destination for less than £37.

The budget airline will launch new flights to Morocco from the UK this winter.

EasyJet will be launching two new routes to Morocco Credit: AFP
One route will be from Newcastle to Marrakech and the other will be from Birmingham to Agadir Credit: Getty

The routes will include one from Newcastle to Marrakech starting November 3 and operating two times a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The flights for this route are already on sale and cost from £36.99.

And then there will also be a new route between Birmingham and Agadir, with flights coming on sale this spring.

In the meantime though, the two destinations will reach temperatures of up to 36C this week.

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Flights to Marrakech cost as little as £19 per way for the remainder of April, and for Agadir, flights cost as little as £15 per way for the remainder of April.

What to do there

Marrakech is known as the ‘Red City’ thanks to its iron-rich coloured buildings and is home to bustling souks and palaces.

For example, you could head to Bahia Palace, which is a 19th-century building with 160 rooms and beautiful mosaics.

Make sure to see the courtyard which spans across 1,500-square-metres and is paved with Italian Carrara marble.

Jemaa el-Fnaa is then the main square in the city and during the day boasts a market.

From the square, you can also venture to Souk Cherratine known for leather goods and Souk Haddadine, home to a number of blacksmiths.

If you fancy a bit of an adventure, head to Agafay Desert which is about 45 minutes away.

It is a top spot for seeing an orange-glowing sunset and going on quad-biking adventures.

When visiting the city, make sure to stay in a riad, which is a traditional courtyard house that has been converted into a boutique hotel in Morocco.

Lisa Minot, The Sun’s Head of Travel, has visited the city and said: “Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

And this week weather in both destinations will reach up to 36C Credit: Getty

Marrakech will reach temperatures of up to 35C next week.

On the other hand, if you fancy visiting Agadir, you can explore a six-mile beach.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “At Taghazout Beach, hordes of eager surfers took to the sea before I’d even finished my morning coffee.

“As a novice surfer, I opted to watch those riding the waves, while my companion made friends with the stray dogs and hawkers selling Moroccan breads.”

After a stroll along the beach, make sure to visit Souk El Had, which is one of North Africa’s largest markets with over 6,000 stalls.

And over at the Medina, you will find a number of artisan workshops selling traditional Moroccan items including colourful carpets and pottery.

Last month the destination was named the most affordable break for this summer.

In Marrakech, you can explore souks selling leather and other traditional Moroccan items Credit: Alamy

Our favourite Morocco hotels

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Riu Palace Tikida Taghazout

This hotel in laid-back surf capital Taghazout has seven giant pools to pick from, as well as six bars and four restaurants. The on-site spa offers massage treatments, facials and even a hair salon, should you fancy a pampering. Take a stroll outdoors to find colourful souks and a five and a half mile-long beach.

BOOK A BREAK

El Pueblo Tamlelt, Agadir

El Pueblo Tamelt in Agadir sees year-round sunshine and is just steps away from the beach. The huge resort has 363 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea or gardens. Food here includes three daily meals in the main buffet restaurant, as well as snacks like pizza, hot dogs and burgers at the snack bar.

BOOK A BREAK

Diwane Marrakech

Smack-bang in the centre of Marrakech, this hotel is a private paradise with its own giant pool and sun deck hidden within. Kids will love dancing and singing along to the live entertainment, whilst parents can unwind in the sauna and spa. Here, you’re only 10 minutes’ drive from both Jemaa El-Fnaa square and the medina.

BOOK A BREAK

Riad Meski
Enjoy a stay in a traditional riad in Fes, know as Morocco’s capital of culture. Soak up the sun from the rooftop terrace, enjoy the artistic interiors, and wander through the famous blue gates into the oldest medina in the world, just a 15-minute walk away.

BOOK A BREAK

According to loveholidays, a week in Agadir would cost as little as £33 per person per night between June and August.

Agadir will reach temperatures of up to 36C next week.

Easyjet will also offer package holidays to both destinations from both UK airports too.

News of the new routes comes as the airline officially launched a new permanent three-aircraft base in Marrakech this week.

It marks the airline’s first-ever base in Africa and has created 100 new jobs.

The city is also home to a grand 19th-century palace Credit: Getty

Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, commented: “We couldn’t be happier to launch our base in Morocco for our 20th year of operations in the country and to mark the milestone of 20 million passengers flown over that time.

“This is a milestone for our development in the region, providing more travel opportunities than ever before for our airline and holidays customers, while contributing to the local economy through tourism and the jobs we are creating.”

In other destination news, these are the most family-friendly destinations for 2026 – including affordable hotels with rooftop pools and kids’ clubs.

Plus, here are the seven holiday destinations Brits are booking instead of other spots due to ongoing Iran conflict.

As for Agadir you can explore the medina and wander along the six-mile beach Credit: Love holidays

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‘I’m a travel expert, avoid these 3 UK tourist destinations and go here instead’

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead

You don’t have to travel to an exotic foreign destination to see some absolutely stunning sights, with so many amazing things to see right here in the UK. But one travel influencer has said some of UK’s best-known tourist sites might not be all they’re cracked up to be – and suggested some lesser-known alternatives that are just as good, if not better.

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead.

Writing in the description of her post she said: “Unpopular opinion… some of England’s most famous spots aren’t actually the best ones. These are just based on my experience, and what I’d do differently if I planned my trip again.” She added: “England is full of beautiful places… but I’ve realised there’s almost always a better, quieter alternative.”

The first place she said she’d skip? Stonehenge. The prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain is famous around the world and attracts more than one million visitors every year, drawn by the mystery of what exactly it was built for.

Apryl, from Manchester, said: “Looks iconic, but disappointing in person.” She added visitors “can’t get close”, tours and tickets are expensive, and there is “always a crowd”.

Instead, she recommended visitors should travel just 25 miles north to Avebury, home to the world’s largest stone circle. Apryl said the site is “older than Stonehenge”, and visitors can walk among the stones. She added it’s free to visit, and there are “no crowds”.

The second place Apryl said she’d avoid is the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The chocolate box village is known around the world for its iconic architecture and beautiful Gloucestershire surroundings.

Apryl said: “Charming, but can feel overcrowded.” She added it’s the “busiest spot in the Cotswolds” and is “very touristy” and “hard to enjoy at slower pace”.

Instead, she suggested visitors to the Cotswolds should instead pay a visit to the nearby villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. She described the villages as “quieter” and “just as scenic”. She added visitors can enjoy “a relaxing walk”.

Apryl’s third suggested location to skip is the stunning Seven Sisters and Beach Head cliffs in East Sussex, part of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Specifying the destination should be avoided in the spring, she warned it features “longer hikes than people expect”. She also said it is “very weather dependent” and “not the easiest to access”.

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Instead, she suggested sightseers should travel just up the coast a little to the Birling Gap. She said this alternative offers views of the same cliffs, is “easier [to] access”, doesn’t require a hike, and is “just as stunning”. Writing in the post’s description, she added she would still recommend the Seven Sisters lighthouse walk “in calmer weather”.

People had a range of views in the comments. One said: “I thought Stonehenge was super cool!! Yes it’s crowded and you can’t walk up to them normally, but I thought the audio guide was really interesting and the museum and all the information was really cool, so I loved it!

“Also I did Seven Sisters both ways! Parked at Birling Gap and then walked to the lighthouse along the cliffs and loved it! I thought that’s what you were meant to do to reach it??”

Another said: “I loved Stonehenge. Yes there were a lot of people but honestly it never felt crowded. So awe inspiring.”

Another had an alternative suggestion. “I suggest you don’t skip these spots,” they said. “Just go off season. We had Bourton on the water to ourselves in December.”

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The top 5 holiday destinations where prices have DROPPED in time for summer 2026

THE crisis in Iran has had a knock-on effect around the world from the rising cost of fuel, an increase in energy bills, and where to go on your next holiday.

But when it comes to the price of summer breaks this year, the good news is that they’ve barely moved – and in some cases, the cost of holidays have even dropped by hundreds of pounds.

Three destinations in Italy, including the Amalfi Coast, have seen price dropsCredit: Getty
Holidays to the Dominican Republic have dropped by £130pp on averageCredit: Alamy

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration.

On average holidays are up £23, but TravelSupermarket has also revealed that surprisingly, hundreds of popular destinations have actually seen prices fall.

TravelSupermarket has found that some holidays at certain destinations are actually cheaper than when the Iran conflict began.

Here are the top five destinations with the biggest price drops in the summer holidays based on a seven-night holiday between April and September, 2026.

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Italy

At the very top with the biggest price drop is the Neapolitan Riviera in Italy.

Here, holidays are sitting at an average price of £905 per person, which has a price drop of £232.

It’s where you’ll find beautiful and colourful towns perched on clifftops – with spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius in some cases.

Specifically, it’s where you can explore the clifftops of Sorrento, the island of Capri and Ischia in the Bay of Naples.

Other places in Italy make it into the top five too – the Amalfi Coast and the Italian Lakes.

The Amalfi Coast is a popular destination with millions of tourists who flock there every summer for its great weather and tasty food.

Now, holidays on average there have dropped by £126 per person, with the average price of a break being £1,073.

At the Italian Lakes, which is where you’ll find the beautiful Lake Garda, Como, Maggiore and Orta – prices have dropped on average by £122pp.

Now, the average cost of a holiday here per person during the summer is £714.

For more on holidays, here are our favourite TUI breaks…

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Globales Montemar, Ibiza

This hotel sits on a quieter side of Ibiza, so you can soak up the island’s natural beauty away from the party crowds. This family-friendly option has a large pool that curves around the resort, surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, plus a kids zone. Here you’re just a 10-minute stroll from a horseshoe-shaped bay with clear waters.

BOOK HERE

Hotel Club Jandia Princess, Fuerteventura

This resort is set up like a small village, with low-rise buildings set among palm trees and six different swimming pools. Entertainment spans from DJ nights to bingo and live sports screenings, plus sports on offer include water polo, rifle shooting and shuffleboard.

BOOK HERE

Gavimar Cala Gran Costa Del Sur, Majorca

This hotel sits on Majorca’s Cala Gran Beach, a beautiful cove just a short drive away from the coastal town centre, with its trinket shops and relaxed bars. The hotel itself has all the activities and entertainment you’d expect, including bingo and live music – as well as some unique extras like mini golf and archery. Week-long breaks start from £478pp.

BOOK HERE 

Riu Baobab, Senegal

The Riu Baobab is the only TUI hotel in the country, sat on the Pointe Sarane coastline. There are the four huge pools overlooking the beach, swim up pool bars and a copious amount of sunloungers to choose from. The sushi at the Asian Dorayaki and the pasta dishes at Veneto are the highlight meals of this standout hotel. Week-long breaks start from £883pp.

BOOK HERE

Caribbean

If you’re looking for a long-haul destination, check out the Dominican Republic.

TravelSupermarket worked out that the average holiday here is now £1,364pp – a drop of £130pp.

It has cracking weather, white sand beaches, beautiful resorts and lively towns like Punta Cana on the eastern side of the island.

The Dominican Republic is also the cheapest in the Caribbean – the average price of coffee is £1.53 and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can start from £4.90, according to Wise.

In comparison, a meal in Barbados is around £14.50 and a coffee is around £3.32.

The Canary Island of La Palma is incredible affordable this summerCredit: Getty

Spain

If quick and easy holidays are more your bag for 2026, then check out La Palma.

It’s not the most well-known of the Canary Islands and is much quieter too.

It doesn’t have the enormous resorts, so if a calmer, nature-inspired holiday is on the cards, it’s a great option.

The main town is Santa Cruz La Palma which has bright coloured buildings, cobbled streets and wooden balconies that look over the black-sand beach.

Holidays here have dropped by £120 and can be on average as cheap as £474pp.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Despite the current uncertainty, summer holiday prices haven’t moved dramatically — up by just £23 on average across all destinations.

“For holidaymakers sitting on the fence, that’s a signal worth paying attention to. Prices won’t stay like this indefinitely, and with so many destinations actually seeing prices fall — places like Majorca, Corfu and Turkey — now could be a smart time to book ahead of any increases.

“Holiday companies are keen to get bookings moving, and that’s likely filtering through into some very competitive pricing right now.”

These are the 20 holiday destinations that have fallen in price, according to TravelSupermarket…

Here are the 20 destinations that have fallen in price – and the average amount less per person…

  1. Neapolitan Riviera, Italy (price drop -£232)
  2. Dominican Republic (price drop -£130)
  3. Amalfi Coast, Italy (price drop -£126)
  4. Italian Lakes, Italy (price drop -£122)
  5. La Palma, Spain (price drop -£120)
  6. Bodrum Area, Turkey (price drop -£118)
  7. Mexico (price drop -£110)
  8. Dalaman Area, Turkey (price drop -£110)
  9. St Lucia (price drop -£101)
  10. Cape Verde (price drop -£99)
  11. Antalya Area, Turkey (price drop -£90)
  12. Costa de Almería, Spain (price drop -£88)
  13. Majorca, Spain (price drop -£86)
  14. Montenegro (price drop -£84)
  15. Corfu, Greece (price drop -£83)
  16. Skiathos, Greece (price drop -£82)
  17. Hurghada, Egypt (price drop -£77)
  18. Izmir Area, Turkey (price drop -£76)
  19. Tuscany Coast, Italy (price drop -£69)
  20. Costa Brava, Spain (price drop -£63)

For more cheap holidays, here’s a 10 all-inclusive weekend holidays abroad that are cheaper than a night out with mates in the UK.

And here are 20 of the cheapest all-inclusive resorts for summer 2026 – with family holidays from £349pp.

Holiday prices along the Neapolitan Riviera and Italian Lakes have dropped by more than £100Credit: Getty



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Eurostar launches flash sale across ALL its destinations with £35 tickets to 5 European cities – but they sell out quick


EUROSTAR has launched another huge flash sale with tickets starting at just £35 – but you’ll have to be quick. If you’re looking for your next European getaway, now’s the perfect time to book. The flash sale is across all Eurostar destinations, but the reduced tickets are only too five specific European cities. Travellers can…

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Travel expert names 4 cheap holiday destinations you should book for May

With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are keen to jet off on a cheap long weekend getaway and a travel expert has shared the four best value destinations he’d “genuinely” book himself

A holiday expert has listed four “hot and cheap” destinations well worth booking this May for a spring getaway without the “summer prices”.

With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are looking to make the most of a break from work by jetting off on a long weekend on the quest for some guaranteed sunshine – never a safe bet here in the UK. With that in mind, holiday expert Rob, known online as Rob On The Beach, listed four places he’d “genuinely” book for himself.

Taking to Instagram, he said: “Four places I’d personally book for May if you want a properly hot holiday without paying summer prices.”

He continued: “May is easily one of the best value months for good weather at a pinch of a price. Plus, the UK’s fully into bank holiday season so you can stretch that annual leave a bit further, too.

“So I’ve looked at the data, the weather and the live pricing to find the four places I’d genuinely book myself.”

4. Malta

Kicking off his list, Rob began with island country Malta, which boasts 300 days of sunshine per year.

The holiday expert said: “In fourth, Malta. This is one people are slowly catching onto now. You’re getting consistent mid-20s heat, loads of sunshine, but it’s still not hit the peak pricing window yet in May.

“And the best part about Malta is it’s not just sit by the pool, either, which you can do, but there’s loads to explore and loads to see on the island.”

He then shared a deal he found from Monday, May 4 until Saturday, May 9, which cost £240 per person for direct flights from London Luton and a stay at the “gorgeous” St Julian’s Levante, Affiliated by Melia hotel.

3. Cyprus

Next, Rob listed Cyprus, another island country, which is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It offers renowned beaches and 320 days of sunshine a year, as well as rich history and culture.

Rob said: “This is your safe bet because in Cyprus in May, there’s proper sunshine every single day and by mid May, you’re well into the high 20s here.

“Also, quick one, because people always ask; yes it is safe in Cyprus right now. The FCDO advice has not changed and everything there is operating as normal. But speaking of things that aren’t normal, just look at this deal.”

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Rob detailed a five night stay at Hylatio Tourist Village in Paphos from Friday, May 15 until Wednesday, May 20, at half board, with direct flights from London Stansted for £280 per person.

He added: “For that level of weather, this early in the year in a premium destination like Cyprus, that’s a cracking price.”

2. Dalaman

In second place, Rob put Dalaman, a municipality and district of Muğla Province, Turkey. Dalaman is famed for its award winning beaches, scenic snorkelling, rich history, views of the legendary Turquoise Coast, as well as its natural beauty complete with nesting loggerhead turtles, and plenty more.

Rob “specifically” recommended Fethiye and said: “Now look, Fethiye is unreal all year round but May is when I personally think it’s at its best.

“You’ve got that perfect balance of temperatures in the mid 20s, proper sunshine all month and all without the peak pricing the peak level of tourists.

“It’s green, it’s scenic, there’s loads to explore, it’s absolutely drop dead gorgeous and you still get that classic Turkey all-inclusive value here, too.”

Rob shared a deal he’d found for a five night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Club Tuana Fethiye with direct flights from London Gatwick from Saturday, May 2 until Thursday, May 7, for £350 per person.

He said: “This is one of the best value holidays you can book in May, full stop.”

1. Albania

Rob said he’d “gone for something a bit different this time”, putting Albania in first place. The small Balkan country boasts vibrant coastlines and rich history and culture. There’s many castles and archaeological sites, as well as hiking options and peaceful, uncrowded Mediterranean beaches.

The holiday expert explained: “Somehow, Albania is still flying under the radar – because here, you’ve got coastline that looks like Greece but prices that really do not.

“In May, you’re comfortably in mid-20s heat with loads of sun and crucially not a lot of people there.”

Rob shared a deal he found for four nights at the three star Hotel Vola with breakfast included from Saturday, May 9, until Thursday, May 14, and direct flights from London Stansted, priced at £175 per person.

He added: “For a sunny, cheap European beach break that’s also a hidden gem, that’s cheaper than most people’s weekends at home. This is the kind of place to go to now as well because people will cotton on and it will be busy next year.”

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Brits admit to choosing holiday destinations… based on their DOG

People walking dogs on a sandy beach.

SIX in 10 dog owners base their holiday destinations on what their pet would like.

A poll of 2,000 people with a pooch found Cornwall is considered the best doggy holiday destination, followed by Devon and Yorkshire, where dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and scenic walks are abound.

A person in a blue coat and wellington boots walks with a black dog on a rocky beach next to the foamy surf.
The research was commissioned by EV charging company GRIDSERVECredit: SWNS

But 30 per cent would never return to a staycation spot that didn’t meet their pup’s needs.

More than three quarters (78 per cent) have selected specific destinations because they believed their woofer would love the walks, and 55 per cent actively look out for dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.

The research was commissioned by EV charging company GRIDSERVE, which is giving away doggy bags of pet-pleasing goodies at its electric charging points at forecourts across the UK over the Easter weekend.

Rebecca Trebble, chief customer officer at the company, said: “The research clearly highlights the impact pets have on our journeys.

“The nation holds its four-legged friends so dearly, it seems only natural to cater to them at our EV charging stations.

“Every Electric Forecourt is now dog-friendly, offering walking routes so drivers and their hounds can stretch their legs while they recharge.”

The study also found man’s best friend is an influence when it comes to pit stops, with 36 per cent choosing where to pull over based on the doggy amenities in the area.

Nearly half (48 per cent) of those polled chat to their dog while driving, and 36 per cent choose to put their pet in the front seat.

More than one in 10 (13 per cent) even admitted they’ve tailored driving playlists to include songs they thought their hound would enjoy, according to the OnePoll research.

Photos from trips away are most likely dominated by pooches according to their owners, with 28 per cent saying they tend to take and share more photos of them than themselves.

Men were revealed as the biggest spenders on their pets while travelling, splashing out £49 per trip on average, compared to women who part with £40.

Rebecca Trebble, from GRIDSERVE, which is also offering members 25 per cent off charging across the UK, added: “We also found the average journey break is around 42 minutes, but the latest electric vehicles can add over 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes, so your car will often be ready before you are.

“We want every stop to feel like a highlight of the journey, for drivers and their pets”.

People walking dogs on a sandy beach.
Devon is one of the other popular spotsCredit: SWNS

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The seven holiday destinations Brits booking instead due to ongoing conflict

WE are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle East.

Price comparison site TravelSupermarket has found British holidaymakers are returning to reliable European favourites but also looking further afield.

We are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle EastCredit: Getty

In the first 25 days of March, interest surged for the Italian island of Sardinia, with searches up 236 per cent.

Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “What’s striking about this data is the range of destinations seeing a boost.

“On the one hand, you have Majorca and Bodrum, places that Brits know and love, seeing huge jumps, which tells you a lot of people just want the certainty of a tried-and-trusted destination.

“But then you have California in the top ten, which is a sign some travellers are using this moment to think differently about where they want to go.”

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We’ve found great deals for some of the destinations seeing the big increases in online searches. 

1. SARDINIA – Searches up 236%

THIS Italian island is the ultimate beach destination and promises pristine white sands with turquoise waters.

From the granite coves and glitzy resorts on the Costa Smeralda, to the dramatic cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei, there is huge choice.

This Italian island is the ultimate beach destination and promises pristine white sands with turquoise watersCredit: Getty

The 4* Sentido Orosei Beach sits on wide, soft white sands and has a huge pool to laze alongside.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £766pp including flights from Stansted on May 20, 22kg luggage and transfers.

For details see jet2holidays.com.

2. MAJORCA – Searches up 168%

IT has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surprise.

From family-friendly resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, to the laidback delights of Sa Coma for couples, there is something for everyone.

Majorca has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surpriseCredit: Getty

The Tui Blue Levante sits in one of Cala Bona’s smartest spots and has indoor and outdoor pools, as well as direct beach access.

Seven nights’ half-board is from £442pp including flights from Gatwick on April 17, 25kg luggage and transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

3. BODRUM – Searches up 138%

WITH its perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich history, the coastline on this Turkish delight is dotted with beautiful beaches and lively coastal spots.

A standout is the 5* Bodrum Holiday Resort, set directly on the shores of a crystal- clear bay.

Bodrum is the perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich historyCredit: Getty

There is lots to keep little ones entertained, including a water park with five slides.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £279pp including flights from Gatwick on April 19.

See loveholidays.com.

4. MONTENEGRO – Searches up 122%

SMALLER than Wales, this tiny Balkan country on the shores of the Adriatic has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to sleepy medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.

The 4* Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort sits alongside the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and has stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor pool.

Montenegro is on the shores of the Adriatic and has so much to offerCredit: Getty

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,110 including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and transfers.

For details see jet2holidays.com.

5. TUSCANY – Searches up 122%

THERE’S no better place to start exploring the idyllic Tuscan way of life than with a city break to its capital, Florence.

Breathtaking Renaissance art, architectural masterpieces and restaurants for hearty food are all within easy walking distance of the Italian gem.

There’s no better place to start exploring the idyllic Tuscan way of life than with a city break to its capital, FlorenceCredit: Getty

The 4* Hotel Embassy with cosy interiors sits in an elegant 19th-century building close to the city centre.

Three nights’ room-only is from £468pp including flights from Luton on May 4.

Check out easyjet.com/en/holidays.

6. SOUSSE – Searches up 102%

YOU are guaranteed a sunshine break with a difference on the shores of the Mediterranean here in Tunisia.

The historic city and its 3,000 years of history sit alongside Bou Jaafar Beach with 10km of sugar-soft sands.

You are guaranteed a sunshine break with a difference on the shores of the Mediterranean here in TunisiaCredit: Getty

The 3* Marhaba Salem Hotel has palm tree-filled gardens right beside a sandy beach, as well as five pools.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £396pp, which includes flights from Birmingham on April 20.

Head to tui.co.uk for more details.

7. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Searches up 95%

THERE are more and more travellers looking towards the Caribbean for their long-haul sunshine breaks.

So it’s no wonder this holiday favourite is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parks.

The Dominican Republic is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parksCredit: Getty

The 3.5* Sunscape Dominicus La Romana hotel is next to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus and has 13 restaurants, as well as plenty of activities on water and land.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,081pp including British Airways flights from Gatwick on October 25.

See britishairways.com.

8. CROATIA Searches up 91%

KNOWN as the Land of a Thousand Islands, the crystal-clear waters of this Adriatic wonder are the big attraction.

The 2,700 hours of annual sunshine definitely help, combined with the fascinating history in Dubrovnik.

Croatia, known as the Land of a Thousand Islands, has crystal-clear waters and 2,700 hours of annual sunshineCredit: Getty

The 5* Hotel Croatia Cavtat is a 30-minute drive or boat ride from the famous city but also offers the chance to switch off and relax in style overlooking the waters of Cavtat Bay.

There’s a spa with indoor pool and rooftop pool to soak up the rays.

Seven nights’ B&B is from £576pp including flights from Bristol on April 12.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

9. CALIFORNIA – Searches up 90%

WITH the World Cup arriving this summer, the West Coast of the US was always going to be of added interest.

The state is hosting 14 matches, in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

With the World Cup arriving this summer, the West Coast of the US was always going to be of added interestCredit: Getty

But there’s also the long-awaited reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur after years of reconstruction.

Take a road trip to experience it all. Virgin Holidays has flights from Heathrow to Los Angeles plus seven nights’ car hire from £782pp in May.

See virginatlantic.com/holidays.

10. ST LUCIA – Searches up 86%

The Caribbean paradise of St Lucia is an-eight hour direct flight from the UKCredit: Getty

THE Caribbean paradise is an-eight hour direct flight from the UK and promises rainforest adventures, volcanic mud baths and, of course, endless beaches.

The small but perfectly formed Bay Gardens Inn is in lively Rodney Bay, a short walk from Reduit Beach.

There’s also a complimentary shuttle to sister hotel Bay Gardens Beach Resort where you can enjoy the beach and water park.

Seven nights’ room-only is from £1,004pp including flights from Gatwick on September 15.

To book, see britishairways.com.

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Airline launches first flights in two years from UK airport to one of the world’s best food destinations

AN AIRLINE has returned to a major UK airport for the first time in two years.

ITA Airways has returned to London Heathrow Airport after two years and has launched a route to Italy.

ITA Airways is launching two daily flights from London Heathrow to Rome, ItalyCredit: Alamy

The Italian airline is operating two flights a day between the UK and Rome, Italy after securing slots from Lufthansa.

The flights from London Heathrow will depart each day at 10:30am, landing at 2:10pm and the second flight will take off at 4:30pm and arrive at 8:10pm.

Flights from Rome to Heathrow will leave at 7:50am and arrive in London at 9:40am and then at 1:50pm, arriving at 3:40pm each day.

A one-way flight in April costs as little as £57.45 with the airline.

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Last year, Rome was named the world’s best food destination in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.

The awards recognise destinations with a high volume of “above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period”.

TripAdvisor stated: “In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct.

“Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino.”

Italy might be well-known for being the home of pizza and pasta, but more specifically a number of great dishes originated from Rome.

For example, Cacio e Pepe, spaghetti carbonara and tray-baked pizza were all created in the city.

Earlier this year, Rome was also named the best city for ‘noctourism’ by Radical Storage.

The luggage storage platform assessed over 50 destinations across four categories including experiences (such as the number of night tours) and natural factors (light pollution levels).

Rome came out on top scoring 6.07 overall out of 10.

The Italian capital scored particularly well in the experience category (9.2 out of 10), offering an impressive 305 night tours.

ITA Airways used to operate flights from London Heathrow but suspended operations due to high costs.

The airline also did not own its Heathrow slots, instead it was leasing them from Etihad Airways for around £3.3million per year.

The airline hasn’t flown from Heathrow in two yearsCredit: Alamy
Rome was named the best city in the world for food last yearCredit: Alamy

Instead, the airline turned to focus on London City Airport and London Gatwick Airport.

The airline’s return to Heathrow Terminal 2 has been made possible through its partnership with the Lufthansa Group, which means the airline has been given slots at the airport by Lufthansa.

According to Travel Weekly, the airline said in a statement: “The resumption of flights from Europe’s busiest airport – the most connected airport in the world – was made possible thanks to the co-operation with Lufthansa, which made the necessary airport slots available to ITA Airways.

“Connections between the British capital and Milan Linate will continue to operate via London City Airport.”

ITA Airways chief executive Joerg Eberhart added: “Today we celebrate a major milestone: our company is back at Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport and the most connected airport in the world.

“Returning to Heathrow will bring many advantages.

“Thanks to the characteristics of the airport, we will be able to operate flights with larger aircraft and greater capacity, increasing both passengers and revenues.”

In other flight news, a UK airport has revealed plans for its first long-haul flights in 15 years – with a massive £500million investment.

Plus, find out when flights are cheapest and what is the best day to book a flight, here.

And earlier this year, it was also named the best city for ‘noctourism’Credit: Getty

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Five UK destinations with loads of cheap and FREE family attractions

WHEN you book a £9.50 Holiday, you get the added bonus of all the fun family events and activities available on-site.

But sometimes you fancy venturing out as a family to explore the area, and luckily, these resorts have plenty to see and do out and about.

We’ve picked out £9.50 holiday destinations with plenty of family-friendly activitiesCredit: Getty

Plus you don’t have to blow the budget by leaving the park – there’s loads of free and cheap things to do as a family.

Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.

If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head to thesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a month or £12 for a year.

Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols From £9.50 page.

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Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.

Whether you’re a family full of mini outdoor explorers, rail enthusiasts or older teens who love a thrill ride, we’ve rounded up some of the most affordable family days out at top £9.50 UK holiday destinations.

Here’s our pick of UK holiday spots with plenty of affordable attractions and day trips to enjoy, close to £9.50 holiday parks.

Kent

Kent makes for a fantastic family holiday destination, not just for its beautiful beaches and unspoilt outdoors, but for the range of cheap attractions and museums it offers, too.

If you holiday at Harts on the Isle of Sheppey, you’ll have some of Kent‘s most unspoilt nature on your doorstep.

What better place to re-wild with the kids than by taking a walk over saltwater marshes that are home to local wildlife.

The Swale National Nature Reserve fills the southeast of the Isle of Sheppey, with flat landscapes that make cycling its routes a breeze for the whole family.

Stop to take in the views of coastal marshland home to creatures such as rare butterflies, and birds of prey like Marsh Harriers.

Enjoy a history-filled family day out at Whitstable Castle in KentCredit: Getty

The reserve is completely free to enter.

Over in Dymchurch, families can stay at Romney Sands, Marlie or New Beach – three seafront resorts that are built for families.

Dymchurch beach make for the ideal afternoon walk full of fresh sea air. Kids can enjoy rockpooling, building sandcastles and perhaps finding a buried fossil.

Over in Whistable, Alberta is a £9.50 holiday park with plenty to do nearby.

For an affordable indoor option, the Whitstable Community Museum is a family-friendly attraction bursting with hands-on activities for kids.

Dedicated volunteers show kids the ‘wonders of Whitstable’, like the invention of the diving helmet.

Adult tickets are only £3 each and children are free with an accompanying paying adult.

Or if it’s a sunny day, what nicer activity than a family picnic?

At the top of a winding hill overlooking the sea, Whitstable Castle provides the perfect backdrop to lay out the picnic blanket.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the perfectly-manicured gardens, and let the kids sail the high seas in the hidden gem pirate-themed play area, Dollar Dan’s Tankerton Cove. Sometimes the castle even puts on events.

Best of all, entry to the grounds is completely free!

And if you fancy checking out New Romney, train enthusiasts are in for a real treat at New Romney Station.

Watch steam locomotives chug on past at New Romney stationCredit: Alamy

Not only can they watch the collection of traditional steam locomotives come and go, the station itself is home to a massive interactive model railway exhibition.

Construction of the model railway started in 1973, and has been running for 270 days each year since.

Kids will love watching these tiny trains travel a remarkable 3.5 miles a day. Entry for children is only £2 and £4 for adults.

Take your pick from five £9.50 holiday resorts in Kent.

Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire boasts a wide range of attractions and activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Budding naturalists in the family will love exploring some of Lincolnshire’s wildlife attractions.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, recommends the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, saying: “It’s very interesting – and there is more than seals to see.

“You also have other animals like parrots (Australian cockatiels), lemurs and reptiles.”

If you fancy getting outdoors in nature, Hubbard’s Hills is a fantastic free option for families holidaying in Lincolnshire.

The outdoor area of natural beauty is just under 30 minutes from £9.50 resorts Southview Holiday Park and Parkdean Sunnydale.

Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park said: “Woodhall Spa is a former spa town with a really beautiful place called Hubbard’s Hills.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks“.

Here, families can while away the day by splashing in rivers, taking nature walks or visiting the cafe, which has a play area for kids.

Animal lovers can met rescue seals at Mablethorpe Seal SanctuaryCredit: Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary

There are also plenty of hills for kids to burn off their energy by climbing and playing.

Hubbard’s Hills is totally free to visit, so if you take a picnic you can enjoy a free family day out. However if you’re driving, parking costs £1.

Of course no trip to the Lincolnshire seaside would be complete without a visit to Skegness.

Sun Hols from £9.50 offers four affordable resorts in the area: Southview, The Chase, Golden Anchor and Golden Palm Resort.

Simply enjoy a free day out on the beach and strolling the bustling promenade, or if you have pocket money to spend, load up an iCard with £5 to use the tokens on rides at Fantasy Island.

The park has thrilling rides for the whole family, from white-knuckle roller coasters to Dodgems, water flumes and carousels.

There’s also ten-pin bowling and crazy golf to help keep your whole brood entertained all day.

For some nature away from the noise, a fantastic free-to-visit option is the unspoilt Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve.

Here there’s walking trails, dunes, and bird watching, all located just a short drive south of the town.

Take your pick of from 9 Hols from £9.50 resorts in Lincolnshire.

What’s a holiday in Lincolnshire without a visit to Skegness Pier?Credit: Alamy

Sussex

If you’re eyeing up a £9.50 family holiday to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.

Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beautiful beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.

Camber Sands in East Sussex is a perfect pick for families, the Blue Flag rated beach being home to calm waters and soft sands practically made for buckets and spades.

Plus with Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands on the seafront, you’ll only be steps away from your lodge or caravan down to the shore.

But if you’ve already had your fill of beach trips, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities nearby.

Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.

She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”

The location will also put parents’ minds at eas, as lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.

Camber Sands beach is popular with families thanks to its shallow waters and nearby amenitiesCredit: Alamy

The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).

Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Hols from £9.50 resort Chichester Lakeside has practically more water than land, with 10 fishing lakes spread across 150 acres.

But if that’s not enough, it’s only an 8-minute drive from the resort to Chichester Watersports.

Here there’s an aqua park complete with inflatable slides. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20.

For another activity that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.

Cycle the The South Coast East route along the seafront of SussexCredit: AFP

If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.

The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.

Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.

If you can’t bring your own bikes, hire a Donkey Bike via the app (from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.

Take your pick from six £9.50 holiday resorts in Sussex.

All the ways to book a holiday from £9.50

There are five routes to book our Hols From £9.50

Book online: Simply collect codewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.

Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members on Tuesday, March 31.

Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.

Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on April 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.

Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens on April 1.

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One of Europe’s cheapest city break destinations with £2 beers and massive waterpark has new UK flights

WHEN it comes to city breaks, some of the cheapest in Europe are found a bit further east.

And Romania‘s Bucharest is not only affordable, but is getting more flights too.

The Romanian city has just got new UK flights – and you can get there for less than £20Credit: Getty Images – Getty
One of the biggest draws to Bucharest is its Therme spa and waterparkCredit: Alamy

Romanian airline, AnimaWings, has started six new weekly flights from London Gatwick to Bucharest.

This isn’t the only option though as there are also cheap flights with Ryanair from London Stansted with one-way journeys starting from £18.99.

Wizz Air also offers cheap flights to the city from London Luton.

With a flight time of just over three hours, Bucharest is the ideal city break destination.

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Last year, The Telegraph even named Bucharest as being one of Europe’s ‘last great cheap cities’.

It added that Bucharest has everything you need for a good city break with “expansive, tree-lined avenues, lively bars and characterful museums.”

Bucharest is inexpensive, according to Numbeo – a pint of local beer costs on average £2.55 and an average meal is around £10.18.

For a three-course meal, you’re looking at around £50 and a cappuccino is just £2.45.

It’s not just food and drink that’s on the cheaper side as public transport is the same – a typical single journey on the tram and metro network is as little as 85p.

One of the most popular places in the city to go is Therme Bucharest, a spa and waterpark.

Split into three parts, the Galaxy area is a more family-orientated with 17 water slides, a wave pool and water playground.

The Palm zone is where people go to relax – with three mineral pools and swim-up bars, it has been created for relaxation.

And Elysium is a ”restoration area’ with lots of traditional and modern treatments from hammams to infrared light therapy beds.

Sun Writer Steve Corbett visited Therme and called it one of ‘Europe‘s greatest secrets’.

He compared it to Center Parcs’ Subtropical Swimming Paradise as he tried out the water slides, high-tech treatments and poolside bars.

It also has cheap beer with a pint costing £2 on averageCredit: Alamy
The city even has it’s own Van Gogh-inspired cafeCredit: Alamy

One woman even flew to Bucharest for a spa break at the Therme because it was cheaper than one in the UK.

Kara Wildbur booked her and her mum in at the Therme for £64 after finding out a spa break would be £400 back home.

Even with the flights being £157 return for the two of them, with the hotel costing £94 – it worked out cheaper than a UK spa day.

Another attraction is the Museum of Senses, which is an interactive museum – especially good if you’re visiting the city with kids.

It’s full of optical illusions, infinity rooms and hands-on exhibits.

Tickets for adults start from £9.33, and £6.79 for children.

When it comes to eating, there’s plenty of quirky cafes within the city.

Some top spots include The Grand Café Van Gogh in Bucharest which some visitors have said reminds them of Amsterdam.

It’s an art-themed cafe filled with Van Gogh artwork in the Old Town.

Another is Dulcinella which sells éclairs, New York-style rolls and is known for having an ‘Instagrammable-vibe’.

Caru’ cu Bere is considered the most famous restaurant and beerhouse in Bucharest and was founded in 1879.

Its house beer, called Berea casei, is brewed on-site and is still made from the original recipe – you can pick up 400ml from £4.30.

The best times of year to visit Bucharest are between April and October, with highs of 31C in June and July.

Just skip the winter months – the average temperature in December and January is around -2C.

For more on Romania, here’s another city that is one of the world’s ‘most underrated destinations’ that’s super cheap with new 3-hour flights.

And one Travel Writer visited the ‘barely-known European city that has easyJet flights – with world-famous castle’.

Bucharest is a cheap city break destination and has even more UK flightsCredit: Alexandr Spatari

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Three hidden gem European destinations perfect for quiet summer holidays

Planning your summer holiday but want to avoid crowded tourist hotspots? These three stunning European destinations offer beautiful beaches and coastal charm without the crowds.

Spring has finally sprung, meaning summer is just round the corner. Britain is fortunate to have countless stunning countries within easy reach, and if you’re pondering where to head this year, you’re in for a treat.

One of the most frustrating aspects of arranging a holiday is deciding on a destination – and with hordes of tourists flocking to all the popular spots, finding somewhere peaceful and relaxing can prove even more challenging.

If you’re after coastal beauty without thousands of holidaymakers crowding the beaches with towels and parasols, these are the three European locations you need to consider, reports the Express.

La Gomera, Canary Islands

In contrast to Tenerife or Lanzarote, this stunning island remains relatively undiscovered and experiences fewer crowds during peak season than the British favourites.

Laura Evans-Fisk from eurochange commented: “It’s the perfect tranquil, peaceful alternative to the more popular islands. You could stay here for a restful few days or make a day trip from Tenerife by hopping on the ferry.

“La Gomera is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers, home to the lush UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.

“Its beaches are much more secluded than the ones you’ll find on the other islands, and you’ll encounter no large-scale resorts or nightlife.”

“Like other islands in the region, La Gomera benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year too. And, its low light pollution means it’s an excellent spot for stargazing.”

Ksamil and Porto Palermo, Albania

Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine sand beaches, this stretch of Albania is known as the “Albanian Riviera”. It’s becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, yet sections of it remain largely undiscovered.

Laura explained: “Ksamil, an area often coined the ‘Maldives of Europe’, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches, with white sands and strikingly clear waters.

“For a more relaxed vibe, visit Porto Palermo – this stunning bay has a small peninsula connecting it to the mainland, and an impressive 19th-century castle, Ali Pasha.”

Alentejo, Portugal

The Algarve is frequently packed with tourists, but further north in Alentejo there’s a far more laid-back atmosphere. With its picturesque coastal landscapes and gorgeous beaches it provides the ideal summer getaway.

Laura commented: “Further North than the Algarve, this coastline surrounds the city of Lisbon, making charming towns like Cascais, Estoril and Azenhas do Mar perfect day excursions from the capital.”

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Two popular holiday destinations including the ‘world’s best city’ to get new British Airways flights from the UK

BRITISH AIRWAYS is launching two exciting new long-haul routes from the UK.

The airline is launching a route to Melbourne in Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

British Airways is launching two new long-haul flights and one is to Melbourne in AustraliaCredit: Alamy
The flights to Melbourne will be daily and launch on January 9, 2027Credit: Alamy

The Melbourne route will be launching on January 9, 2027 in time for the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix.

The flights will operate year-round from London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur, on a daily basis.

It will take off from Heathrow at 9:10pm and land in Kuala Lumpur at 6:05pm the next day.

The flight will then take off again at 7:45pm and land in Melbourne the following morning at 6:40am.

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The return leg will start on January 11, taking off each day at 4:35pm and landing in Kuala Lumpur at 9:35pm.

The flight will then take off from Kuala Lumpur at 11:15pm and land back at Heathrow the following day at 5:20am.

Return flights will cost from £1,130 and go on sale on March 17.

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is Australia‘s second-largest city.

It was recently named the world’s best city by Time Out, with it scoring high among younger residents as well as for its food scene, art and culture scene nightlife.

The city is also often ranked among the world’s most liveable cities.

When you are there you can explore the city’s lively arts scene in Fitzroy, where there are a number of vintage shops, record stores and cosy cafes.

The city often hosts major sporting events as well, such as Formula One.

Melbourne also loves its coffee, with a large café culture including hidden bars and restaurants.

Flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka will launch sooner, on October 23, 2026.

Flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka will also launch in October, operating three times a weekCredit: Alamy

The flights will operate three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from London Gatwick to Colombo.

The route will only operate during the winter though.

The flight will depart at 5:30pm each time, landing in Colombo the following day at 9am.

And the return leg – which starts on October 24 – will depart at 11am and land back at Gatwick at 5pm.

Return fares start from £620 and also go on sale on March 17.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and is known as a vibrant and bustling city.

Top things to do include heading to Pettah Market, which features different ‘zones’ for specific goods, including spices and textiles.

Make sure to explore the colonial-era buildings in the Fort area as well.

British Airways is also increasing flights to a number of other destinations including Cape TownCredit: Getty

Tuk-tuks are popular in the city too and are an experience in themselves.

In addition to the two new routes, BA is also boosting capacity on several routes including Cape Town in South Africa; Tokyo in Japan; Bridgetown in Barbados; Kingston in Jamaica and San Jose in Costa Rica.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: ”We’re delighted to announce sizeable growth to our flying schedule for winter 2026, including two notable new destinations that I’m confident will prove popular with our customers.

“We’re also increasing services across several high-demand routes around the world.

“Together, these changes represent a significant investment in our long-haul leisure network, adding even more options and choice for our customers.”

In other flight news, there are 37 new flights launching from a major UK airport this year including budget routes to Asia.

Plus, a UK airport is launching its biggest ever flight schedule with 19 new routes in major £60million expansion.

Flights are available to book from March 17Credit: Alamy

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The European holiday destinations Brits are flocking to instead of Turkey and Egypt due to Iran crisis

AS A RESULT of the Iran crisis, Brits have been looking for different destinations to travel to, with demand rising for some countries.

The conflict in the Middle East has had a ripple effect throughout the travel sector, with Brits being forced to cancel their holidays as the Foreign Office has issued ‘do not travel’ warnings to some destinations.

A number of European destinations are experiencing a rise in demand including spots in Spain like Ibiza (pictured)Credit: Getty
Italy has seen an increased in demand too, where you could visit cities like Florence (pictured)Credit: Getty
While some providers are seeing bookings for Greece fall, despite it being safe to travel to (pictured: Corfu)Credit: Getty

And now, Brits looking at booking a holiday are choosing destinations closer to home in Europe.

Last week, On The Beach confirmed that they had experienced a drop in demand for popular holiday destinations including Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt, as a result of growing tensions in the Middle East.

This is despite the Government having no warning against travel to any of the popular holiday regions in these countries.

But on the other hand, TUI has seen increased interest in Greece, as well as Portugal and Spain, as customers look to “familiar destinations”.

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Neil Swanson, a director at TUI, said: “While we are seeing some cancellations in the affected areas, these are currently outweighed by customers choosing to amend their plans instead,” reports The Guardian.

Hays Travel on the other hand, has seen interest grow for trips to Italy, Malta and Croatia.

And Surrey-based holiday operator Kuoni has seen interest in longer haul destinations such as the Caribbean grow although this also comes with a jump in price as well.

Mark Duguid from Kuoni said: “What we’ve seen is huge increases in flight prices, because the seats remaining are limited – we are talking about seats going up by £1,000 a person for an economy seat, which then prices the holiday out of the market for many customers.”

Pure One Travel founder, Wesley Baker, said: “Travellers are still eager to explore the world, but geopolitical events inevitably influence where people choose to go.

“We are seeing customers pivot towards destinations they perceive as easier and more straightforward to reach.”

The tour operator added that interest has increased for destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

Baker added: “Many travellers are simply redirecting their plans rather than cancelling them.

“Europe remains extremely popular, while long-haul destinations in Latin America are also attracting interest from travellers looking for something more adventurous.”

According to Expedia, popular European destinations for this spring based on search data include Paris in France; Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Rome in Italy and Majorca and Tenerife in Spain.

Hays Travel has seen interest grow for trips to Italy, Malta and Croatia (pictured: Florence, Italy)Credit: Getty
Pure One Travel are seeing increased interest for Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece (pictured: Milan, Italy)Credit: Getty

Ljubljana in Slovenia has seen a 90 per cent increase in search as well, and Valencia in Spain has seen a 65 per cent increase.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained: “There’s no doubt the current crisis in the Middle East is going to have a seismic impact on our holiday habits.

“Reports of travellers stranded in the UAE and across the globe will certainly prompt those looking to travel long haul to look at alternative ways to fly – with direct flights to places like Thailand, the Maldives and Japan sure to be very popular.

“Closer to home, the situation will sadly likely impact destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and possibly even Greece.

“And with soaring fuel costs, tour operators will be looking to price alternative destinations competitively.

“But there are other options – our traditional resorts in places like Spain and Portugal are good, safe bets.

“Comparison giant TravelSupermarket has crunched the numbers for this summer and declared Spain’s Costa Calida one of the best-value destinations for this summer.

“Dubbed the ‘warm coast’, this region stretching along the south eastern region of Murcia is one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines with 150miles of beaches, crystal clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lake.

“Also worth exploring are the likes of Montenegro, Albania and even North Macedonia for cheaper hotel and restaurant costs as well as traditional favourite Bulgaria.”

For more inspiration on where to go on holiday, here are 10 European getaways in the Easter holidays for under £200 per person.

Plus, cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe’s best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.

Other destinations on the rise are Croatia (pictured: Dubrovnik, Croatia) and MaltaCredit: Getty

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The UK’s best affordable family hotel is in one of the country’s top tourist destinations… with rooms from £69

THE best hotels in the country have been revealed and one even has rooms for under £70 a night.

It has also been praised for being family-friendly and sits on the estate of a stately home that appeared in the film, Pride and Prejudice.

The Hide has appeared as the ‘great-value’ 2026 hotel stay by The TimesCredit: Chatsworth Escapes/The Hide
The restaurant serves up all day dining, breakfast buffets and Sunday roast dinnersCredit: Chatsworth Escapes/The Hide

The Times has revealed its ’50 best places to stay in 2026′ and The Hide was declared the winner for ‘great-value’.

The cosy 19th century hotel was formerly a Premier Inn, before being converted and reopened in October 2025.

The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate in the rolling Peak District hills – so guests can enjoy magnificent views.

The Times praised it highly and said: “It’s laid-back and unpretentious while still offering Chatsworth hospitality including produce from the estate farm, curated art on the walls and bespoke textiles in the bedrooms plus hand-painted room numbers.”

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It was awarded the title of ‘Great-value winner’ with rooms starting from £69.

They added: “The idea is that all are welcome – dogs, children, walkers in muddy boots.”

The hotel has a mix of bright and spacious rooms from doubles to triple, quad, bunk rooms and accessible ones too.

Each come with a double or king size bed, power shower and free Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile the triple or bunk rooms are suited towards families of three or four.

Guests can eat in from the All Day Dining menu available, with options such as fish and chips and beef and ale pie, as well as stone baked pizzas, burgers, steak, salads and BBQ ribs.

During the summer months, The Hide opens up its patio for outdoor dining with a pizza oven and BBQ.

There’s even a fire pit for s’mores – guests can get a sharing board for two for £10.

The breakfast buffet option starts from £15.95, or there are cook to order options including The Full Hide (essentially a full English).

There’s also a veggie option, pancakes and waffles too.

Rooms vary from cosy doubles to triple and bunk roomsCredit: Anna Batchelor
The restaurant offers Sunday lunches from £18 per personCredit: Chatsworthescapes/ TheHide

Sunday lunch is from £18 per person with a choice of Chatsworth beef, roast chicken, lamb or butternut squash, spinach and chestnut wellington.

As The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate, it’s easy for staying guests to explore the house.

Chatsworth House was built in the 1600s and famously appeared in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Darcy’s house, Pemberley.

It has also appeared on screen in The Duchess and Peaky Blinders.

Guests can buy a multi-entry ticket to Chatsworth to use throughout their stay, for less than the cost of a single day ticket.

This can be added to your booking or bought while at the hotel.

Chatsworth House is around a 15 minute drive away from The Hide.

On the grounds of Chatsworth House there’s also a farmyard and adventure playground.

On the estate is a farm and adventure playgroundCredit: Chatsworth
Chatsworth House sits in the Peak District surrounded by countrysideCredit: Alamy

At the farm are small animals like pigs, horses, goats and guinea pigs.

The playground has ladders, a climbing wall, rope bridges and racing slides – there’s also a zip wire, swings, and a giant sand play area

Tickets can be bought from £10 for both adults and children.

The Hide is a 23-minute drive from Matlock Bath which is known for being a seaside-themed town that’s nowhere near the coast.

Visitors strolling along the River Derwent will feel like they’re by the seaside as it’s lined with fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and arcades.

You can get beautiful cliff-top views over the water, and there are boat parades too – also known as the Matlock Bath Illuminations.

The nearest city is Sheffield and it’s a 17-minute walk to Chesterfield.

For more hotels near The Hide, this hotel was named the best in the UK has Peak District views and guests say is ‘worth every penny’.

And here are some very affordable hotels that are better than a five-star – by a holiday expert who’s visited more than 200.

The Hide was formerly a Premier Inn and is now a family-friendly hotelCredit: Photographer: Anna Batchelor

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