destinations

SEARCHING for sun in November but don’t know where to find it? Here are five great options with temperatures well over 20C.

Whether you’re after short-haul breaks or lengthy holidays, check out these destinations where you’ll certainly get a healthy dose of vitamin D.

Morocco

For a bit of autumn sun that isn’t far or breaks the bank, Morocco is a solid option.

Brits can get there in less than three hours and the country basks in highs of 24C in November, while the UK average highs of between 10-12C.

Marrakesh is one of the most popular cities with Brits with vibrant markets, souks, palaces and pretty hotels. 

Essaouira on the other hand sits on the Atlantic Coast and has sandy beaches if you fancy heading for a beach break. 

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Meanwhile, the city’s capital of Rabat is another coastal spot that’s considered an ‘understated seaside gem’ and has enormous royal palaces.

In November, return flights to Essaouira and Rabat can be as little as £28. 

Holidays are affordable too for a quick break – two adults can check into Las Palmeras in Marrakesh for four-nights from £279pp or £34.87pppn.

This includes return flights to London Gatwick, a full board stay at the four-star hotel which has an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant and wellness area with treatments available.

Thailand

Thailand is a popular autumn and winter destination for Brits seeking some sun and it has highs of 34C in November.

There’s something for everyone from its bustling cities to beautiful coastlines and incredible islands.

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok was recently named the best city in the world by Conde Nast Traveller being praised for its “buzzy markets, glittering palaces and captivating religious sites unite – street food sellers dishing up tasty food between them all, of course.”

If getting out of your city and lazing about on a beautiful island is more your bag, it’s very easy to get from the mainland across to the likes of Phuket, and Koh Samui.

The likes of Eva Air and Thai Airways offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok in November from around £831.

If you opt for a stopover – these can be much cheaper with some dropping to almost half the price. 

Air Arabia offers a roundtrip from London Gatwick to Bangkok International Airport from £484 with a two hour layover at Sharjah International Airport.

With Expedia, 10-day package holidays to Bangkok are around £800 – including direct return flights and accommodation, breaks to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui package breaks here with Expedia around £760.

Dubai, UAE

Thanks to its hot desert climate and very little rainfall, Dubai is ideal for autumn sunshine.

From its luxury five-star hotels to beaches, incredible restaurants and shopping scene, Dubai is known for glitz and glamour.

However you can visit on a budget too as Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey and Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski when they visited the city.

They lots of tasty treats at the Grand Souk, like breads stuffed with cheese or Nutella for £1.22, or Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup — for £1.

When its time to cool off, head to one of Dubai’s many waterparks like Aquaventure World with day passes from £50 – but it is so huge, you’ll have to spent the day there.

With On the Beach two adults can stay for 10-nights at the Arabian Park Dubai, An Edge By Rotana Hotel from £870pp.

This is for half board and return flights from London Gatwick departing on November 21.

The hotel has a large swimming pool, gym, spa, the Wafi City shopping centre is five minutes away and it’s 20-minutes from the beach.

Dominican Republic, Caribbean

Of all the Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic is considered one of the cheapest – and it’s 30C in November

Some of the top places to visit include Punta Cana, a town on the eastern coast known for its stunning white-sand beaches and bright blue waters.

There’s also Santo Domingo, the island’s capital, where you’ll find plenty of bars – the average price of a local beer is 150DOP (£1.78).

The Dominican Republic also has two of the best in the world; Canto de la Playa and Bahia de las Aguilas.

In the waters you’re likely to see vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays – sometimes even sharks, dolphins and humpback whales.

In November, you can get a 10-night all-inclusive holiday for two from £1,579pp.

This includes flights from London Heathrow departing on November 1 and a stay at Whala Boca Chica.

It’s a four-star beachside hotel with two outdoor swimming pools and two restaurants.

Florida, USA

Known for being a theme park have, Florida enters its dry season so there’s little rainfall and highs of 26C.

This makes it pleasant for a wander, checking out the rides, and heading to the state’s beautiful beaches in the likes of Miami and Florida Keys.

Florida is home to the mega theme park, Walt Disney World which s the same size as San Francisco and even has waterparks too.

Nearby is also Universal Resort Orlando which last year opened it’s new theme park, Epic Universe which has a How to Train Your Dragon themed-world and an immersive Wizarding World.

If you want to visit the theme parks but want to cut down the price, stay out of the parks like Avanti International Resort.

With Thomas Cook, a 10-night stay for two starts from £720pp including return flights from London Gatwick departing on November 22.

The hotel has a swimming pool, beach volleyball set up, and bar a grill along with free shuttle buses to the theme parks – so there’s no need to hire a car.

Or if you’d rather a different holiday vibe, head to Boca Raton which Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot called ‘Florida’s secret paradise‘.

NOT a lot beats the feeling of having that first pint on holiday – but it would taste even better if it was a fraction of the cost too.

Jet2 has found the cheapest holiday destinations for a beer where the average pint costs less than £3.

At the very top of the list for cheapest pints is Tunisia, which comes in at £1.27 – this is £3.74 less than that of the UK where an average pint stands at £5.01.

From the UK, Tunisia is around three hours away and it’s a great autumn and winter sun option for Brits too as in October temperatures can reach 25C.

In November, temperatures in Tunisia can be as high as 20C and even in December it can be 16C – at that time in UK, highs only reach 8C.

Return flights in December can be as cheap as £48 too.

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The most popular spots in Tunisia include Hammamet which is known for its long sandy shores and Sousse, a lively resort town.

On a recent trip to Tunisia, Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot explored the island off the coast called Djerba.

Lisa said: “Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites.

“Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine.”

Jet2Holidays has a break to the 3-star Les Orangers Beach Resort which is seven-nights all-inclusive departing from Manchester on May 25 2027 from £839pp.

The resort has an outdoor pool with lots of activities and it’s close to a sandy beach and Hammamet’s Old Town.

The next spot is shared by Bulgaria and the Czech Republic which both have an average beer cost of £1.74.

Bulgaria has everything you need for a great holiday from vibrant cities like Sofia to coastal resorts like Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and Albena.

One-way flights to Sofia can be as little as £14 – and returns can cost under £30.

Czech Republic is the perfect city break for Brits thanks to being two hours away and it has one-way flights from £17.

The city’s capital of Prague is filled with history with a huge Cathedral , old town squares and beer culture – which is easier to get involved with when pints cost less than £2.

3-star Comfort Hotel Prague City East, 3 nights bed and breakfast departing from Leeds Bradford on November 2, 2026 from £497pp.

The American-style hotel has a huge lobby and restaurant area – and the nearest tram shops is right outside the entrance.

Other top spots include Hungary which has an average beer price of £2.08.

The capital, Budapest, is also known for having lots of thermal baths – it has 123 natural hot springs and 50 thermal bathhouses.

Coming in fifth on the list is Portugal where beer is an average of £2.14 per pint.

Brits can easily head to the Algarve, known for its beautiful beaches, or the Silver Coast which is much less crowded but still has an incredible coastline.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, said: “We know that value matters to our customers, and that doesn’t just mean getting a great deal when booking their holiday. It’s about how far their spending money goes once they arrive too.

“With destinations including Portugal, Spain, Turkey and Croatia offering beers for considerably less than the UK average, there are plenty of places where customers can enjoy some sunshine or a city break and make their holiday money stretch that little bit further.”

Here are the 10 destinations where your beer money goes further…

1. Tunisia – average beer £1.27

2. Bulgaria – average beer £1.74

3. Czech Republic – average beer £1.74

4. Hungary – average beer £2.08

5. Portugal – average beer £2.14

6. Montenegro – average beer £2.39

7. Spain – average beer £2.56

8. Turkey – average beer £2.77

9. Poland – average beer £2.92

10. Croatia – average beer £2.99

IT’S out with the old and in with the new, as holiday-makers seek out less visited destinations.

This year will see growing interest in “Cinderella destinations”, previously overshadowed by more heralded neighbours, finds research for operator Riviera Travel.

Bookings for South Korea are up 167 per cent, year on year, while those for Uzbekistan have risen by 42 per cent.

So, before securing next year’s getaway, take a look at Sophie Swietochowski’s alternative suggestions . . . 

TRANSYLVANIA

You might think Transylvania, a Romanian region strongly linked to vampires, should only be visited at this time of year as we approach the spooky season.

But there’s so much culture and fascinating history to be explored, beyond the Dracula myths.

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Glorious hiking trails make it a rambler’s paradise while animal lovers should keep their eyes peeled for brown bears, which are highly concentrated in this area of Romania.

This eight-day Transylvania and Bucharest tour will tick off the must-sees, from tiny villages with medieval squares and clocktowers to Bran Castle, inspiration for the Gothic lair in the Dracula books.

GO: The eight-day trip costs from £1,749pp based on two people sharing and including return flights and transfers, accommodation in four-star hotels, daily breakfast, two lunches and two dinners, and 12 experiences. For details, check out rivieratravel.co.uk.

SRI LANKA

While Sri Lanka is not exactly an undiscovered destination, it has become more popular in recent years as more and more travellers favour it over the much-visited Thailand.

Tourist numbers are lower than for other nearby destinations, meaning prices are still cheaper and travellers can get more bang for their buck.

Also, you won’t be dealing with mega crowds and tourist traps.

Instead, you can expect high-end accommodation and loads of wildlife (a half-day safari trip should be top of your list of things to do).

If wildlife is what you’re after then a stay at the 5H Sun Siyam Pasikudah offers great value for money — and you’re likely to spot monkeys and cows strolling the beach or elephants in the backstreets nearby.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board at the 5H Sun Siyam Pasikudah is from £1,379pp including flights from Gatwick and transfers on April 13. Book by October 15. See travelbag.co.uk or call 0203 393 9620.

SLOVENIA

Those on the hunt for glorious alpine views and vast lakes tend to make a beeline for Switzerland or Austria.

These destinations can make a heavy dent in the wallet, though.

So why not look to Slovenia instead?

Its glacial rivers and snow-drenched peaks could rival those in the fanciest resort towns of popular holiday countries, with the dramatic Lake Bled offering the most glorious backdrop for tourist snaps.

Make sure to visit the Vipava Valley, too.

It’s Slovenia’s answer to Tuscany and home to some unique white wines that you won’t find anywhere else.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Triglav Bled is from £459pp including flights from Luton on February 22. See loveholidays.com.

UZBEKISTAN

Brits can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, which is more than enough time to indulge in the country’s fascinating architecture.

Turquoise domes and colourful mosaics are a key feature of many notable buildings, including the Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, which was built between the 11th and 15th Centuries.

The ancient trading route that makes up the Silk Road passes through the heart of the country and, if you have got cash to splash, you can soak up the best of it on an 11-day adventure.

The trip starts in Tashkent before heading to the Ayaz-Qala desert fortress, Khiva (a Unesco World Heritage city), Bukhara and Samarkand.

GO: The Silk Road trip is from £3,249pp based on two people sharing, including return flights and transfers, nine nights in three to four-star accommodation, daily breakfast and nine meals, plus ten experiences. For details, check out rivieratravel.co.uk.

SOUTH KOREA

Forget Japan, South Korea’s K-pop music, quality beauty products and fascinating culinary scene have the younger generations hooked.

And with the recent launch of direct Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow to South Korean capital Seoul, the country is now easier than ever to reach.

So if this sounds like your cup of tea (or bowl of kimchi), book now before visitor numbers skyrocket.

Seoul, in particular, blends history and culture with modern-day living — palaces sit between skyscrapers, and traditional markets are close to contemporary shopping areas.

GO: Eight nights’ room-only at the 5H Grand Hyatt Incheon is from £1,458pp including flights from Heathrow on May 12. Check out virginatlantic.com/holidays.

THE UK might still be getting a last burst of heat but now is the time to lock in a winter sun holiday to get through the dark nights of December.

And new research has revealed which holiday destinations are much cheaper to go to this year compared to last year – and the ones to avoid which have jumped in price.

The study, conducted by TravelSupermarket, looked at holiday prices between December 1 and January 31, looking at seven-night breaks.

And the biggest drop in prices was Gambia in West Africa.

The average holiday price last year was £299 each a night, while this winter it has dropped to £219 – a fall of nearly 27 per cent.

This was followed by Ras Al-Khaimah in the UAE, which fell 19.41 per cent £64 to £52.

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Others that saw prices drop include Las Vegas (-13.05 per cent), Bali (-11.78 per cent), and Dominican Republic (8.82 per cent).

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “This winter‘s package prices show that it pays to look beyond your usual destination.

“These are averages across different hotels and board bases, so individual holidays still need comparing carefully, but the picture is far more varied than winter sun simply becoming more expensive everywhere.

“There are savings further afield , with average package prices to the Dominican Republic down 8.8% and Jamaica down 6.1%.”

Sadly, it’s the destinations closer to home that have risen in price this year.

Tenerife, one of the hottest Spanish islands in winter, is up nearly 25 per cent compared to last year with average prices per person, per night going from £91 to £113.

The Algarve was close behind, with prices up from £81 to £99, a rise in 22.8 per cent.

The Bahamas (+18.67 per cent), Costa Blanca (+16.92 per cent) and Madeira and Porto Sando (+15.43 per cent) rounded up the top five.

Chris added: “Average prices for Tenerife are up 10.5% year on year and Gran Canaria 8.2%, while Cape Verde is down 6% and Gambia nearly 27%.

“Neither is a new destination, but those contrasting price movements give travellers a reason to widen their search.

“Egypt also stands out because its average package price has barely moved, rising just 0.3%.

“At around £117 per person per night, it remains below the averages for Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote in our analysis.”

DRAMATIC Alaskan landscapes, a medieval city on Spain’s north coast and surf beaches in Morocco are among THE places to visit in 2027, according to Lonely Planet.

The experts’ latest book – Best In Travel 2027 – recommends exploring a treasure trove of places off the beaten track.

And that includes unforgettable experiences tipped for 2027, from “flightseeing” in the skies above icy Alaska, to hiking the historic St Cuthbert’s Way from the Scottish borders to Northumberland.

Lisa Minot picks her favourite destinations and experiences from the list.

BEST EXPERIENCES

GO FLIGHTSEEING ALASKA: With just 20 per cent of Alaska accessible by road, taking to the skies in a small plane is one of the best ways to experience its vast wilderness.

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May and June are the best months for the driest, most stable weather, while July and August mean up to 20 hours of daylight and lush landscapes.

WALK ST CUTHBERT’S WAY: Follow this 62-mile pilgrimage from Melrose to Lindisfarne through the wild uplands of the Scottish borders to Northumberland.

You’ll pass through moorlands, by ghostly hill forts and stop at cosy village pubs before visiting Holy Island.

See stcuthbertsway.info.

DIVE THE AEGEAN: Once heavily restricted to protect underwater antiquities from pillaging, you can now discover Poseidon’s underwater world as new legislation and the opening of underwater archaeological sites allows you to explore marine treasures.

Examples include the Peristera shipwreck off the island of Alonissos.

It sank in the 5th century, carrying more than 4,000 wine amphorae (clay jars).

Or visit the Fourni Archipelago, known as the ancient shipwreck capital of the world.

SAIL THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS, ITALY: Island hopping isn’t the reserve of the Greeks.

Sail between these lesser-known islands to discover rugged coastlines, clear waters and Italian traditions.

Set sail from Sicily on the fast ferries that visit all seven islands, but book ahead in summer.

Or join a skippered sailing holiday through UK operators such as Sunsail or Dream Yacht Charter.

EXPLORE KILLARY FJORD, IRELAND: Tucked along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the Killary Fjord in Co Galway cuts its way ten miles inland towards the village of Leenaun, past steep peaks that change dramatically with the seasons. It’s some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.

BEST PLACES

SWEDISH RIVIERA: After this year’s heatwaves, travellers may be looking for cooler destinations.

The twin towns of Skanor and Falsterbo are connected by a bridge and home to colourful cottages, gardens and an endless coastline.

SIBENIK, CROATIA: This small but lively Adriatic city has colourful festivals and gastronomic delights from fresh Adriatic seafood to truffle pastas.

Explore a labyrinth of steep stone alleyways, hidden plazas and Venetian-era architecture.

The city sits between the coastal towns of Split and Zadar and there are plenty of low-cost flights into both from the UK.

LEON, SPAIN: Northern Spain is having its moment in 2027.

Known for its many bars offering free tapas, Leon combines centuries of history with a lively contemporary spirit.

When you order a wine, cider or beer, expect a substantial plate of local cured beef, cheese and spicy blood sausage.

Best explored by hire car, flying into Santander or Bilbao.

RABAT, MOROCCO: Think all the exotic excitement of Marrakech but without the crowds.

Rabat on Morocco’s coast boasts royal palaces, coastal breezes and clean, palm-lined avenues.

The country’s imperial city still has a great Medina — for haggling over leather goods, spices and rugs — as well as miles of wide, sandy beaches.

There are direct flights from Gatwick and Stansted.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA: Known as Canada’s food island, the country’s smallest province is known for mussels, oysters and roadside lobster rolls served straight off the fishing boats.

Expect lush hills, white sand beaches and red sandstone cliffs dotted with lighthouses.

Author LM Montgomery set her novel Anne Of Green Gables here, and Netflix’s adaptation, Anne With An E, filmed in the province.

IF you haven’t started planning your holidays for next summer yet, well you’re in luck as easyJet has just announced 18 new routes.

Whether you want to head off to a popular city break destination or explore somewhere you would have never considered, the major budget airline is launching routes to several countries.

For example, if you love visiting Spain there will be six new routes to the country including the airline’s first-ever flights to Girona.

Often dubbed the Immortal City due to its long history of being attacked and defended over the centuries, Girona is the perfect spot for Game of Thrones fans as it was used for filming the series.

The route will take off from Liverpool on March 28 and operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Though, if you are based closer to London flights to Girona will also take off from Gatwick starting on June 3, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

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Fancy somewhere else in Spain? Liverpool will gain a new route to Murcia from March 29, taking off twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

Alternatively, if you are based in Scotland, Aberdeen will gain flights to Barcelona from March 31, taking off on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The same airport will also launch flights to Majorca from May 3, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Or with a 700-year-old historic quarter, you can travel to Bilbao from Edinburgh starting March 30 with flights operating on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Away from Spain, there will be three new routes flying to France from next summer as well.

Found on the island of Corsica, with sprawling Mediterranean beaches and scenic coastal walks, you could head to Ajaccio from London Gatwick, starting on June 30.

Alternatively, from Bristol Airport, head to Montpellier from July 1 or if you are based near Manchester, flights to Bastia launch on June 29.

Each of these routes will operate twice a week.

If enjoying delicious pasta in Italy is more your thing, there is a new route launching between Birmingham and Milan Malpensa from March 29 operating twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

Edinburgh will also gain flights to the ‘eternal city’ of Rome from March 30, with flights departing on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

For somewhere a little different you can head to Montenegro from Edinburgh, with flights heading to Tivat from March 29.

There will be flights between Birmingham and Tivat too, beginning on May 3.

Both routes will operate twice weekly.

When in Tivat, explore the marina backed by mountains and home to the Tivat Submarine, which is a decommissioned Heroj P-821 submarine that is part of the Maritime Heritage Museum.

If you happen to live in or near the Scottish capital, you can fly to Hamburg in Germany as well from March 29.

And Bristol will add flights to Burgas in Bulgaria from May 28.

Back in the north, from Newcastle you could head to Larnaca, Cyprus, and enjoy soft,sandy beaches from March 31, operating weekly on Wednesdays.

And if you want to live out your Mamma Mia dreams, there are two new routes to Greece launching including flights from London Southend to Rhodes starting on April 27 and operating twice a week as well as flights between London Luton and Thessaloniki starting on May 1, with weekly Saturday flights.

KEEN to get that winter sun break locked in? Holidaymakers on a budget should set their sights on Africa.

A new report released today by the Winter Sun Holidays Costs Barometer from The Post Office Travel Money reveals that Cape Town in South Africa, and Mombasa in Kenya, offer the best value for money for people seeking a sun-drenched winter break.

To calculate which destination gives travellers more bang for their buck, the research considered the average costs of eight essential holiday items in 24 popular long-haul and short-haul destinations.

Items included a cup of filter coffee, a bottle of beer or lager, a can or bottle of cola, a glass of wine, a 1.5l bottle of water, suncream, insect repellent and a three-course evening meal for two with house wine.

The overall cost for all of the above came to just £58.24 in Cape Town, making it the most affordable destination on the list.

According to the Post Office, prices in the South African hotspot have fallen by 9.7 per cent in the last six months, which will have a hugely beneficial impact on tourists.

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A three-course dinner with wine was shown to be cheaper here than anywhere else on the list, totalling £39.26 on average.

Despite its reputation for excellent wineries, Tokyo pipped Cape Town to the post for budget vino with a glass costing just £2.53 in Japan’s capital, on average, compared with £3.24 in Cape Town.

Tokyo came in third place overall on the affordability scale with a total barometer cost of £66.76, beaten by Mombasa, in second place, with an overall price tag of £63.66.

Prices haven’t dropped dramatically in this Kenyan city, but the rise of sterling against the Kenyan shilling does mean that you will now pay slightly less than when the country was last surveyed by the Post Office in March this year.

Coming in fourth place on the winter sun budget chart is Colombo in Sri Lanka, where a basket of all eight holiday essentials added up to £74.79, getting on for £20 more than the cheapest spot of Cape Town.

And be sure to ditch the wine and opt for beer instead, as a glass of red, white or rose will set you back £6.60 on average — over double the cost of a glass of wine in any of the previously named locations.

A bottle of beer, on the other hand, costs just £2.47.

Phuket in Thailand closely followed Colombo in fifth place with an overall barometer cost of £76.39 and cheap beer at £2.09 a bottle.

Of course, for the top five spots, the trade off for spending little while in the destination is shelling out for pricier flights to get there.

But remember that holidaymakers will be rewarded with better odds of sunshine and higher temperatures in these long-haul locations.

Those looking to stay a little closer to home still have budget-friendly options, however, including Portugal’s Algarve which came in sixth place overall.

While the total cost of all holiday items came to a slightly steeper £82.35, coffee-drinkers won’t be complaining as this is the cheapest destination to grab yourself a cuppa (£1.27 on average).

YOU’LL be able to travel to 34 more destinations with Jet2 from the UK soon.

The airline is launching a number of new routes for Winter 26/27, with destinations including winter sun spots, city breaks and pretty Christmas markets.

It marks the airline’s biggest winter programme as well as its first winter season from London Gatwick Airport.

Destinations in Europe include La Palma in Spain, Copenhagen in Denmark and Vienna in Austria.

Though, you can head further afield too as there are flights to two spots in Egypt – Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh – as well as a route to Agadir in Morocco.

For some winter sun with temperatures up to 24C in December, fly to Hurghada in Egypt.

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The Egyptian resort city sits on the Red Sea and is the ideal spot to head off scuba diving to see colourful coral reefs.

And there is sunshine year-round.

You’ll get the best of both worlds too as after exploring the water you can head to the desert, for a quad biking or camel riding experience.

Another destination getting Jet2 flights is a city that feels more like stepping into a Disney movie.

Often referred to as a fairytale city due to its winding medieval streets, Tallinn in Estonia takes just three hours to get to from the UK.

The old town of the city is full of interesting shops as well as grand medieval churches and walls.

For a city centre, it is very quiet as well.

And if you happen to visit in December, go the Christmas market, full of chalets selling handmade Estonian gifts as well as glögi – which is essentially Estonian mulled wine.

At the centre of the market is the world’s oldest recorded public Christmas tree as well, which dates back to 1441.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “We are seeing strong demand from customers and independent travel agents for all kinds of winter holidays, so we have responded by putting a fantastic selection of brand-new routes on sale for Winter 26/27.

“Whether holidaymakers want winter sun, a festive Christmas market break, a ski holiday to the Alps or a city break, this expanded programme gives them more choice and flexibility than ever before.

“The addition of 34 new winter routes, three new destinations and our first winter season from London Gatwick Airport shows how we are continuing to grow in direct response to demand.

“This is about giving customers more of what they want for winter, with an exciting mix of destinations that caters for every type of getaway.”

Flights for the new routes cost from as little as £30 per way.

And if you don’t want to wait, the airline currently has 6.3 million seats on sale to 42 destinations for this winter.

IF you’re looking for winter sun, but don’t want to spend a fortune on flights, check out these destinations from Spanish cities to Greek islands.

Skyscanner has found the cheapest spots to jet off to between October and February next year – some of which have return flights from £30.

Starting off with the best value destinations for autumn and winter flights, Skyscanner have found it’s Tangier.

The Moroccan city is just over two hours away from the UK – it’s quicker than heading to southern Spain and in October can see highs of 30C.

According to Skyscanner, return flights on average cost £105 – but from the UK to Tangier in November and December these can be as little as £30.

The city itself has plenty to see, from a whitewashed medina to its busy souk, and landmarks like the Kasbah and the Caves of Hercules.

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In fact, it’s believed that Tangier was created by the son of Hercules, with the god himself staying in one of the caves.

It has a vibrant café culture thanks to its French influence, tapas culture from Spain – and a mix of languages too.

Thanks to its position in the north of the country, it has long, sandy beaches too like Plage de Tanger and Achakkar Beach.

The second cheapest for return flights is Seville which has an average price of £151.

Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest city – and is one of the hottest during the autumn, winter season.

During October, Seville can still reach highs of 26C and even in January can see highs of 16C.

Here’s the list of the best value destinations for travel from Oct 2026 – Feb 2027…

These are the destinations and the average economy return flight price, according to Skyscanner…

• Rhodes, Greece: Average price £218 (-21% YoY)
• Montego Bay, Jamaica: Average price £764 (-13% YoY)
• Tangier Morocco: Average price £105 (-13% YoY)
• Seville, Spain: Average price £151 (-12% YoY)
• Valencia, Spain: Average price £122 (-11% YoY)
• Valletta, Malta: Average price £164 (-11% YoY)
• Perth, Australia: Average price £1,425 (-6% YoY)

Some of the top attractions include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de Espana.

Rhodes in Greece has seen the biggest drop in flight prices year-on-year – it’s down 21 per cent.

The average return flight price is £218 – but in October, we found return flights for less than £60 with Ryanair.

The island is the fourth-largest in Greece, the biggest in the Dodecanese – and it’s considered quieter and cheaper than the likes of Santorini and Mykonos.

Lindos is a popular spot for visitors, the coastal village sits on the eastern coast with a clifftop Acropolis, whitewashed alleys, and sandy beaches.

Greece has incredible summers, but also mild winters with highs of 15C in January and February.

Further afield, long-haul journeys that have cheap return flight include Montego Bay in Jamaica which from the UK has an average price £764.

Montego Bay on north-west coast of Jamaica is the capital of the parish of Saint James and is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island.

Of course Brits flock there for its great weather and beautiful bays like Doctor’s Cave Beach which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand and bright turquoise waters.

Aside from sunbathing and paddling, snorkelling is popular too as swimmers are likely to spot parrotfish, turtles, and small sharks.

Looking on Skyscanner, October is the cheapest month for flights with returns from £364.

THERE’S a specific point during every peak-summer holiday when even the most committed sun worshipper has to admit it’s all getting a bit much.

The beach is shoulder-to-shoulder, the sand is hot enough to cook an egg and you’ve started timing dinner around whether you can secure a table without joining a queue.

That’s why I’ve become a massive advocate for the October break.

Across the Mediterranean, daytime temperatures comfortably hover in the mid-twenties and, even in October, there are hours and hours of proper sunshine every day.

Meaning you can still pack your swimwear, bring the sun cream and expect to come home a lot more tanned.

And my favourite part is: you enjoy all of that without the intense August heat, peak-season crowds or, most importantly, peak-season prices.

I crunched the booking data across our most popular summer resorts and found that October breaks are up to 49 per cent cheaper than their peak-August counterparts.

So these are the seven classic summer spots where October can genuinely be a better and much cheaper time to travel.

7. Hersonissos, Crete – 40 per cent cheaper

Crete is one of the best places to squeeze a final dose of proper Greek sunshine out of the year.

As one of Greece’s most southern major holiday islands, it holds onto summer far longer than many of its northern neighbours.

October in Hersonissos still serves up highs of 24°C and warm seas, keeping proper beach-and-pool days firmly on the menu.

Hersonissos also stays lively well into autumn, and the gentler heat also means exploring Heraklion or visiting the Palace of Knossos doesn’t turn into a sweaty endurance test.

Matched booking data shows that October packages here are, on average, 40 per cent cheaper than in August.

And I found a four-star, all-inclusive stay at Hotel Heronissos, just 100m from the beach.

It has a huge outdoor pool and puts you within walking distance of the resort centre, while your meals, snacks and local drinks are all included.

The full package works out at £320pp for 7 days – roughly £46pp a day – including the flights. Bargain.

Book a 7-night all-inclusive stay at Hotel Heronissos from 8 October 2026, with direct return flights from Bristol, for £320pp.

6. Cala Millor, Majorca – 40.1 per cent cheaper

Majorca doesn’t just pull down the blinds the second September finishes, you know?

October in Cala Millor can still hit highs of 25°C earlier in the month, with sea temperatures sitting at a very swimmable 23°C.

But the biggest win in October, by far, is the elbow room.

In August, finding a towel-sized patch on Cala Millor’s huge sandy bay feels like bidding for a London flat – but in October, you can just walk down and lay your towel out.

Booking data shows that October packages are, on average, 40.1 per cent cheaper than in August, which is a pretty crazy saving for Majorca.

I found a four-star, half-board stay at Bakour Garbi Cala Millor, which sits just 400m from the beach, has a large outdoor pool, kids’ club and playground, and its heated indoor pool and spa area is ideal for an October break.

It gives your family a built-in back-up plan if an autumn cloud briefly rolls past.

Book a 7-night half-board stay at Bakour Garbi Cala Millor from 14 October 2026, with direct return flights from Bournemouth, for £340pp.

5. Afandou, Rhodes – 43.7 per cent cheaper

Rhodes is arguably the strongest weather bet on the entire list for autumn.

October brings highs of 25°C, around nine hours of sunshine a day and sea temperatures of approximately 24°C.

That is still proper tanning weather, and feels particularly nice when everyone back home has already turned the central heating on.

Afandou is ideal for a quieter escape, with one of the longest beaches on Rhodes and a traditional village centre.

The slightly gentler heat also means you can explore the island properly without spending the entire day desperately seeking shade.

My booking data shows that October packages are, on average, 43.7 per cent cheaper than in August – another massive saving.

I tracked down a room-only stay at Golden Days Aparthotel, a simple, cheap-and-cheerful base with an outdoor pool, a separate children’s pool and a tourist train running down to Afandou Beach.

Getting a full week on one of Greece’s warmest islands for under £190pp is an absolute steal. In fact, I’ve paid more than that for a train ticket to London this year.

Book a 7-night room-only stay at Golden Days Aparthotel from 2 October 2026, with direct return flights from East Midlands, for £185pp.

4. Albir, Costa Blanca – 44 per cent cheaper

Albir delivers Costa Blanca sunshine without putting you in the middle of Benidorm.

That being said, Benidorm is still close enough for waterparks, nightlife and an emergency tribute act, but Albir itself stays super-relaxed.

October brings highs of 24°C and around eight hours of sunshine a day, alongside a palm-lined promenade overlooking the pebble beach.

The cooler autumn breeze also makes it a far better time to tackle the scenic walk up to Albir Lighthouse without desperately searching for shade every five minutes.

Booking data shows that October packages are, on average, 44 per cent cheaper than in August.

And I spotted a four-star, bed-and-breakfast stay at Sun Palace Albir in a quiet part of the resort.

It has an outdoor pool, a big sunbathing terrace and a spa area for when you fancy taking relaxation very seriously.

The stand-out feature here, though, is its restaurant terrace, which has panoramic views across the mountains and out to sea, a far better spot for breakfast than a rainy motorway service station – speaking from experience.

Book a 7-night bed-and-breakfast stay at Sun Palace Albir from 20 October 2026, with direct return flights from Manchester, for £305pp.

3. Kusadasi, Turkey – 44.3 per cent cheaper

Kusadasi stays properly hot into October, with daytime temperatures reaching highs of 26°C along the Aegean coast – and I have to say it’s absolutely gorgeous.

You could easily spend seven days flitting between the pool and the buffet, but October’s gentler heat also makes exploring the ancient marble streets of nearby Ephesus infinitely more enjoyable than during the height of summer.

When I took a peek, matched booking data showed that October packages to Kusadasi are, on average, 44.3 per cent cheaper than in August.

And to highlight that value, I found a four-star, all-inclusive stay at Marbel Hotel.

It has a huge outdoor pool, tennis court, gym and Turkish hammam bath house, with your meals and drinks wrapped into the price.

It’s a great choice if you want plenty to do at the hotel while remaining close enough to dip into the centre of Kusadasi.

Book a 7-night all-inclusive stay at Marbel Hotel from 7 October 2026, with direct return flights from London Stansted, for £365pp.

2. Laganas, Zante – 45.7 per cent cheaper

Laganas in August and Laganas in October feel like two completely different worlds.

Peak summer brings wall-to-wall crowds and full-throttle nightlife, but by October, the volume turns right down, but temperatures can still reach highs of 25°C.

You get to enjoy Laganas’ vast golden-sand beach and the clear Ionian Sea without sharing them with thousands of foam-party-obsessives.

Some seasonal bars and clubs begin closing as the month progresses, but for me that’s part of the appeal.

You still get the sunshine, warm sea and beautiful coastline – just with considerably less people around.

And booking data shows that October packages are, on average, a whopping 45.7 per cent cheaper than in August.

I found a bed-and-breakfast stay at Atlantis Hotel Zante, and this place is just 7km from the airport.

That means you can be beside the pool remarkably quickly instead of spending the first afternoon touring every hotel on the island aboard a transfer coach.

The hotel has an outdoor pool, a separate children’s pool and a Jacuzzi, while the rooms include a mini fridge, kettle and toaster to keep the snack admin easy.

Book a 7-night bed-and-breakfast stay at Atlantis Hotel Zante from 13 October 2026, with direct return flights from London Stansted, for £255pp.

1. Oropesa del Mar, Costa del Azahar – 48.6 per cent cheaper

Taking the top spot for the biggest seasonal saving is Oropesa del Mar on Spain’s underrated and underdiscovered Costa del Azahar.

October temperatures here can still climb to highs of 25°C, allowing summer to stretch on long after the UK has descended into grey drizzle.

This purpose-built Spanish resort has broad beaches and wide promenades that feel calm and effortless once the July and August rush clears out.

The slightly gentler temperatures also make October a much better time to explore the coastline or head towards Castellon and Valencia.

My booking data shows that October packages are, on average, a staggering 48.6 per cent cheaper than in August – nearly half the price for the same Spanish coastline.

I found a bed-and-breakfast stay at Magic Sports Hotel, part of the Magic World resort and a real gem of a hotel for the easily-bored holidayers among us (guilty).

It has sports simulators, themed rooms, huge swimming pools and an on-site waterpark with slides inspired by everything from Formula 1 to winter sports.

Finding seven nights here with direct return flights for £265pp feels, quite frankly, ridiculous – and it’s my pick of the deals, for sure.

Book a 7-night bed-and-breakfast stay at Magic Sports Hotel from 3 October 2026, with direct return flights from London Stansted, for £265pp.

Conceived by owner Heidi Ledger as a showcase for small independent makers, including women in particular, Thread Spun is a sunny, inviting retail space offering fair trade apparel, home goods, accessories and gifts from around the world.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of great gifts for others — or yourself — including Los Angeles women-owned brands such as Amente clothing, Flowerhead Tea, hand-poured candles from Roen Candle Co. and Jessica Gonzalez’s playful asparagus-shaped candles for Happy Organics.

Grab a cold drink while you shop — visiting on a hot day, I appreciated that they offered refrigerated drinks for sale — while perusing a wide assortment of cards, books, apothecary gifts and jewelry.

The boutique also offers creative workshops for the local community on the back patio, including sewing, upcycling, journaling and, fittingly, the art of making sun catchers to brighten your home.

Around Encinitas: The boutique opened here in 2020, right next to 101 Piercing, Child of Wild jewelry and Leucadia Floral and Plant, known for its great selection of houseplants and fresh flowers. If you head farther down North Coast Highway 101, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, surf shops and coffee houses, including the longtime favorite, Pannikin Coffee and Tea.

THE summer is almost over here in the UK, and if you are already craving some autumn sun don’t fret, as there are plenty of options out there.

Here are 10 destinations with high temperatures even in October – and some spots are less than three hours away from the UK.

Marrakesh, Morocco

A top choice for autumn sunshine is Marrakesh in Morocco which in October has highs of 28C – and it’s three and a half hours from the UK.

Marrakesh is nicknamed the ‘Red City’ because it’s been built from red clay and sandstone so in the sunlight it appears to glow an orange-red colour.

While it doesn’t have beaches, there’s plenty to explore from its Bahia Palace to shop-filled souks.

Or head to Jemaa el-Fnaa square for vibrant cafes and colourful market stalls.

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With Wowcher you can buy a 4* holiday to Marrakesh including a hotel stay and return flights from £59pp from October 5-9.

Seville, Spain

Under three hours away from the UK, Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest city with lots to offer from its tasty tapas and fabulous flamenco.

Not to mention in early October temperatures tend to sit around 26C on sunny days.

Top spots to see include Plaza de Espana – and pop by El Rinconcillo, the city’s oldest tapas bar where a huge glass of wine barely costs £3.

With loveholidays, book a stay at the Ilunion Alcora Sevilla which has sweeping views of the city, and a luxury swimming pool.

A four-night stay between October 19-23 starts from £279pp with return flights to London Gatwick.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Dubbed to be super popular next year (so get ahead of the game), Sharm El Sheikh is in Egypt.

The resort city on the Red sea has world-class reefs, incredible beaches and average highs of 31C in October.

For Brits, it has lots to offer alongside its sunshine like all-inclusive hotels and waterparks.

With Wowcher, there’s an offer for a seven-night 4* all inclusive Sharm El Sheikh getaway with return flights – the hotel has a spa, sauna, gym, tennis courts and watersports.

Book a stay at the Sharm Club Beach Resort from £299pp

Antalya, Turkey

If you’re seeking autumn sunshine, why not look in what has been called ‘paradise on earth‘?

Antalya sits on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey with beautiful beaches, mountain scenery and October highs of 26C.

To make it even better, the average flight time from the UK is around four and a half hours.

There’s a current offer with Wowcher for a 4* Antalya getaway in a sea view hotel stay with breakfast and return flights included.

Book a stay from 5-8 October from £159pp.

Limassol, Cyprus

Five hours away from the UK is the city of Limassol in Cyprus which has daytime highs of 27C next month.

Some favourite sunbathing spots include Kourion Beach and Pissouri Beach which has been described as a “beautiful rustic pebble beach with pristine water.”

The largest waterpark in the country, Fasouri Watermania Waterpark, is open for weekends during October.

With loveholidays, you can book into the Troodos Hotel which is minutes from Mount Olympus and is surrounded by natural beauty.

A seven-night holiday between October 5-12 starts from £369pp.

Reggio Calabria, Italy

In just three hours, you could be basking in the Italian sunshine in Reggio Calabria with city with sun, beaches, mountains, waterparks and lots of history.

Not to mention there are highs of 26C in October and Brits can fly directly to Reggio Calabria from London Stansted and return fares start from under £30.

As southern Italy is the perfect place for vineyards, there are even vineyard tours and wine tastings for £20.

You can book a getaway with loveholidays to La Bussola a hotel with huge swimming pools and plenty of space to sunbathe.

A seven-night break between October 4-11 starts from £270pp.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a safe option for autumn sunshine, and in October, the island of Tenerife has highs of 26C.

The island also has hundreds of beaches, coastal towns with bustling promenades and head up to Mount Teide National Park on the cable car.

Siam Park, an enormous Thai-themed waterpark is open throughout next month too.

It has high-speed slides, family zones, beaches and plenty of swimming pools.

With Wowcher, book an all-inclusive break to Tenerife from October 5-8 including return flights from £169pp.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Tenerife’s trusty neighbour, Fuerteventura has the same high temperatures – and can actually be cheaper.

On the second largest Canary Island, you can explore a number of beaches like Playa de Matorral, Corralejo and Playa Bajo de la Burra.

It’s easy to take a boat excursion out into the waters and go snorkelling to spot colourful fish and sometimes even stingrays.

Also make sure to check out Acua Water Park and hike on Corralejo Natural Park.

With Wowcher, book an all-inclusive break to Fuerteventura including return flights from £179pp.

Sousse, Tunisia

It’s no secret that Tunisia is a top spot when it comes to staying sunny during autumn.

In October, daytime highs can reach 28C – perfect sunbathing weather.

Sousse in particular is known for its sandy beaches and modern marina with boutique shops and boat trips.

Tunisia is relatively cheap too with a pint of beer costing less than £2.

With loveholidays, book a seven-night break between October 9-16 to Riadh Palms which has an enormous swimming complex – prices start from £415pp.

Dubai, UAE

In the UAE, Dubai offers all the delights of an autumn getaway from its many luxury hotels to its thrilling waterparks and exotic beach clubs.

You can do all this next month while enjoying highs of 35C – and Emirates offers direct flights to Dubai which get there in seven hours.

Don’t forget to hit the shops or head to the Grand Souk for tasty treats like stuffed breads.

Or try a Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup.

With Wowcher, book a break to Dubai (a four or seven night stay) including breakfast and return flights from £449pp.

In terms of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the FCDO no longer advises against travel to the UAE, but warns that “the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable”.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

Known as MEHKOs, microenterprise home kitchen operations come in many shapes and sizes. They are coffee shops, barbecue joints, supper clubs, backyard tea parties, pickup-only pizzerias and everything in between. For some of these operators, it’s a passion project, and for others, it’s their only source of income.

MEHKOs were first legalized by state lawmakers in 2019, spurred by advocacy from nonprofit organization the COOK Alliance. Riverside County was the first in the state to adopt the program in 2019. MEHKOs were greenlighted in L.A. County in May 2024, and since then over 400 licenses have been approved. While informal backyard restaurants are nothing new in L.A., the program offers a legal, health-department-approved pathway for many existing home kitchens to thrive.

MEHKOs can only sell up to 30 meals per day and no more than 90 meals per week. They’re also not allowed to advertise with signs on their homes or front lawns. And unlike commercial restaurants, where line cooks will often prep ingredients for the rest of the week, MEHKOs can only serve food that was prepared the same day.

“A home kitchen is not designed or required to have the same commercial infrastructure, such as ventilation systems, grease interceptors, specialized wastewater systems,” said James Dragan, who oversees initiatives including the MEHKO program at the L.A. County Department of Public Health. “The limits are important because of the food safety perspective.”

When dining at a MEHKO, be flexible. It might not be as easy as just placing an order. These home businesses are often open just a few days per week with limited hours, and might only accept orders placed in advance. For example, Palestinian home kitchen Mid East Eats — one of L.A.’s first MEHKOs — currently only offers private dinners and monthly supper clubs. It was previously open for walk-ins with a larger menu, but the format was difficult to sustain and would often create food waste.

“I want to continue doing my private dinners because that’s my favorite thing to do,” said Mid East Eats founder Sumer Durkee. “It’s satisfying to me and feels like home, and people leave feeling so happy.”

MEHKOs can serve as a relatively low-cost stepping stone toward opening a brick-and-mortar and offer one-of-a-kind food experiences, even in a city with as rich a culinary vocabulary as L.A. These eight home kitchens, all of which offer dine-in service, are a great starting place to discover the city’s burgeoning MEHKO scene.

THE SUMMER holidays are in the rearview mirror now, so it’s likely you’re already daydreaming about next year’s getaway.

As for where to book, these spots have been revealed as the trending destinations for 2027 including one place in Europe with tropical-looking beaches, and another country with highs of 30C even in winter.

Advantage Travel Partnership, a UK-based consortium of independent travel businesses has said Albania as the destination to watch for 2027.

The country is much lesser-visited by Brits than the likes of France, Spain and Greece – but it has so much to offer, including beautiful beaches and hot summers.

One spot along the Albanian Riviera called Ksamil is regularly labelled the ‘Maldives of Europe,’ for its stunning coastline.

The village is in the south of Albania very close to Corfu – in fact on a clear day you can see across to the island.

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Ksamil has white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and offshore islands that you can swim to from the mainland, giving it similar attributes to the Maldives.

The easiest way to get to Ksamil is actually to fly into Corfu Airport and take a quick ferry crossing across.

Another spot in Albania that is loved by singer Dua Lipa is the seaside village, Dhermi, which in the summertime is called a ‘bustling seaside paradise’.

It has pebbled beaches, beach clubs, a historic old town, and one of the biggest attractions is Pirates’ Cave.

Albania during the spring sits around the mid-20s, and during summertime can be over 30C.

There are direct flights from London Heathrow, Stansted and Luton to the country’s capital, Tirana, which start from £30.

Visitors to Albania have been steadily rising, previous statistics reveal that tourists visiting Albania nearly doubled from 6.4million in 2019 to 11.7million in 2024.

Other places that the data revealed are on the up next year include Egypt, an affordable winter sun hotspot.

The country and particularly Red Sea resorts attract Brits in the later part of the year thanks to its high temperatures.

In October, Egypt can still bask on the beach in 30C heat – meanwhile the UK’s average is around 10C.

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

According to Wise, a beer in Egypt can be as little as 50EG which is 77p.

Coffee can be as little as 54p and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs an average of £2.75.

Earlier this year, Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK&I named Egypt as one of their “most in demand destinations.”

He named Sharm El Sheikh as a popular spot for couples with its blend of relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and world‑class reefs.

Hurghada is a spot that’s “especially popular with families thanks to its impressive all‑inclusive offering, shallow beaches, and brilliant snorkelling”.

Nearby Marsa Alam is also gaining in popularity thanks to its “pristine beaches, exceptional diving, and a more laid‑back atmosphere”.

There are plenty of direct flights to Egypt from the UK, particularly in the winter months, with an average flight time of just over five hours.

Two other on-the-rise destinations for 2027 include Hong Kong and Vietnam.

The Sun’s Business Affairs Editor James Flanders visited Vietnam last year where he was delighted to find beers for £1.

James said: “From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable.

“The city doesn’t just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can’t help but fall in love. 

“My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past.”

Outside of the capital, one popular activity is kayaking along Ha Long Bay which has emerald waters and is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

No one will be disappointed by the food and drink scene in Vietnam, James enjoyed Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a stir-fried rice noodle dish for less than £8. 

THERE’S lots of exciting things happening in 2027 across England, with plenty to interest all ages.

From the opening of the world’s first Minecraft land to a beautiful resort in Oxfordshire and the reopening of a funicular cliff lift in Kent – these spots should be on your radar.

Chessington, Surrey

If you’re a fan of the Minecraft video game, head to Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey for the opening of an immersive new land.

Minecraft World will cost £50million and will also have the first ever Minecraft coaster.

There will be other interactive features too like “epic block built playscapes” along with themed food and drink stores and a gift shop.”

It’s easy to make a day of it too by checking out the other 40 rides and attractions at the theme park.

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Paultons Park, Hampshire

Over at Paultons Park in Hampshire, the theme park will be opening its very first water coaster.

Called Serpent’s Curse, it will be an exciting new addition Valgard: Realm of the Vikings and it will be one of the biggest rides ever built in the theme park.

The watercoaster will be 471-metres long, with top speeds of 44mph and will open next spring.

For ride enthusiasts the details say that it will have ‘a lift hill, fast-flowing twists and curves, and a dramatic plunge into a final splashdown.’

The exact date of the opening of the ride is yet to be confirmed.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is known for having it all, and it’s about to reopen a much- loved attraction, the River Caves.

The classic water ride first opened in 1905 before closing in 2024 due to technical complications – it will reopen next year after a period of “reimagination”.

It’s one of the oldest operating dark rides in the world and takes visitors through Ancient Egypt and lost jungles past dinosaurs and temples on a boat.

Amanda Jean Thompson OBE, the managing director of Pleasure Beach Resort teased some details, she said: “What I can tell you is what will remain – the Egyptian scene will remain but it and the Angkor Wat scene, which is so integral to Aviktas will remain, but rethemed and redone.”

She added: “I think the Blue Grotto may stay because I particularly like that area. The rest will be new and remains top secret for now, because I keep changing my mind.”

For anyone heading to Blackpool, another must-do is head to Sandcastle Waterpark which was recently voted the best waterpark in the country.

It’s kept at a toasty 29C and has more than 18 waterslides and attractions including a spa.

Don’t forget to pop into the seafront Wetherspoons either – called Velvet Coaster, it sits right on the front with views across the pleasure beach.

It’s across three floors, there’s a beer garden on the ground floor, a balcony on the first floor, and a roof garden on the pub’s highest level.

Morecambe, Lancashire

Work has officially started on the £100 million Eden Project in Morecambe and the majority will open in 2028.

But part of it will actually open next year – and it will be completely free to enter.

Called the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, it will have tall Austrian pine trees, grasses, a natural flower meadow as well as a solar-powered, shell-shaped outdoor pavilion and classroom that harvests rainwater.

The garden was shown off at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show and will open as a permanent part of the Eden Project in Morecambe in spring 2027.

The rest of the Eden Project Morecambe is scheduled to fully open in winter 2028.

There’s plenty to see in Morecambe like the Happy Mount Park, the Eric Morecambe Statue and The Smugglers Den pub all rated highly on TripAdvisor.

Folkestone, Kent

If you love the Kent coast, Folkestone might be the seaside town to visit next year as its funicular lift is set to open after being closed for 10 years.

Folkestone’s Leas Lift first opened in 1885 and was forced to close back in 2017.

But a long campaign has finally seen restoration works start – and it’s set to reopen in 2027.

The £6.6million works will restore the main systems, which connect the top of the cliff to the beach.

The cafe is also being restored, along with the waiting room and addition of an outdoor terrace.

It remains one of the oldest in the UK, and one of just three of its kind left, being a water-balance funicular.

Along with its beach, the town has its own art trail, including a 2014 Banksy, as well as the Antony Gormley cast iron statues and ‘Folkestone Mermaid,’ similar to the one in Copenhagen.

Pop by its Artist’s Quarter to see local artwork and coffee shops.

Oxfordshire

If a bit of R&R is part of your 2027 plans then perhaps a trip to Oxfordshire is on the cards.

CABÜ is set to open a new resort just outside of the Cotswolds – and it will be the third of its kind in the UK.

It will have beautiful luxury cabins, a relaxing nature spa as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

There will be a new range of 51 “ultra- cool timber cabins” which will have either one, two or three bedrooms.

Guests will be able to use all of the facilities which include a nature spa, hot tubs, saunas and plunge bucket.

There will be an indoor swimming pool too surrounded by loungers and huge windows which will let in lots of natural light.

During the warmer months, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool – also on site will be a shop, restaurant, two bars and a studio events space.

The resort will open in Langley and will be a short distance from popular Cotswolds villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

Isle of Wight and East Yorkshire

If you’re looking for a holiday park break next year, then two Parkdean Resorts are getting major makeovers for spring 2027.

The first is Thorness Bay on the north-west coast of the Isle of Wight.

Added to the site will be the new Hat-Tricks Sports Bar with pool and darts.

Joe’s American Grill is its new dining and there will be Minigolf & Adventure Activities which include high ropes, low ropes and climbing wall.

The second resort undergoing an upgrade is Skipsea Sands in East Riding of Yorkshire.

As part of a £5million makeover, it has recently added a Clip & Climb wall, Bear Grylls Escape Rooms and Fairground Golf.

Paignton, Devon

If you fancy a trip to the seaside this summer, one of the biggest hotels in Paignton is getting a huge refurb.

The Redcliffe Hotel is set to open in early 2027 and when it does, it will have been closed for a full year for the refurbishment.

The hotel has Indian-style architecture and sits right next to Paignton Beach and Preston Sands.

During the refurb, the 67-room hotel will be reduced to 55 rooms and the ground floor function room will be converted into guest rooms.

There will be a new restaurant and bar, and enhanced spa facilities.

Outside, there will be a restaurant patio with seating pods, planters and benches, terraced terraced gardens, guest patios and a refurbished outdoor pool area as well.

If you want to find a slice of Greece in Devon, then head to Elberry Cove which sits on the South West Coast Path between Paignton and Brixham and has crystal clear waters.

WELL, it’s officially long-haul season.

There is a specific point every September when the rain starts in the UK that I accept summer’s officially over.

Then I find myself looking beyond my usual European resort searches, and wondering just how much further the exact same holiday budget could take me on my next one.

Conveniently, right now is also a brilliant window for you to start hunting.

Airlines are releasing their fresh seat availability for the next 12 months, hotels are opening up their early-bird room rates, and some properly absurd package prices are dropping onto holiday sites.

When you break a full package down into a nightly cost per person – including flights, hotels, and sometimes full all-inclusive – long-haul stops start looking like an unattainable luxury.

I tracked down direct London half-term flights to New York with a 4-star hotel for £578pp, nine nights in Bali for £630pp, and a 4-star Caribbean all-inclusive break for under £500pp.

So whether it’s bagging some sunshine this winter or getting booked ahead for next year – here are nine long-haul holidays you can bag for seriously cheap prices.

1. Oistins, Barbados – £127pp per night

Barbados carries a reputation for high-end price tags, but target the lively south coast and the maths changes completely.

Oistins and Christ Church give you pristine white sand, local rum shacks, and direct access to the legendary Friday night fish fry without the West Coast luxury premium.

And unlike a lot of long haul beach destinations, self-catering works brilliantly here – grab breakfast at a local bakery, then use your savings to eat fresh seafood by the beach.

If you did fancy a deal for Barbados, I’d keep an eye on Virgin Atlantic and British Airways for direct Heathrow slots, or TUI for regional departures.

I found a seven-night self-catering stay at the 3-star Butterfly Beach Hotel from £890pp, flying direct from London Heathrow on 9 June 2027.

That breaks down to just over £127pp per night for direct flights and a beachfront stay… in Barbados!

2. New York, USA – £116pp per night

If Manhattan has been sitting on your bucket list, February is the absolute golden window to grab a budget package.

Yes, you’ll need a proper winter coat, but you get much smaller crowds, shorter queues at headline attractions, and room rates that drop by hundreds of pounds compared to peak autumn or Christmas.

Skip the inflated hotel blocks right on Times Square: Lower Manhattan puts you steps from Chinatown, Little Italy, and Soho, with quick Subway links everywhere else.

Plus, airlines fiercely compete on this route, driving package prices down when new seat blocks open up.

I even clocked five nights at the 4-star Wyndham Garden Chinatown over February half-term – departing 14 February 2027 – for £578pp, flying direct from London Heathrow.

When you break it down, that works out to less than £116pp per night for five nights in the Big Apple.

3. Tokyo, Japan – £101pp per night

February is an underrated time to explore Tokyo, in my opinion.

It’s dry, crisp, and significantly calmer than the cherry-blossom season.

You can wander through historic temples, ramen alleys, and neon cityscapes without fighting through wall-to-wall tour groups.

To maximise your budget, target hotels slightly outside the main tourist hubs of Shinjuku or Shibuya. And because Tokyo’s rail network is unmatched, staying a few stops out slashes your hotel bill without adding any stress.

The 4-star Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel sits in the quiet bay area with direct rail links into central Tokyo and Disney Resort.

And it’s where I found a seven-night package for £805pp, including flights from Manchester with hold luggage included, departing 17 February 2027 – working out to a little under £101pp per night.

4. Hanoi, Vietnam – £95pp per night

Hanoi is where you head if you want a long-haul trip that feels like a genuine adventure.

It’s a sensory overload of ancient temples, bustling night markets, and amazing street food stalls.

There’s also a brilliant local coffee culture, serving as the ultimate launchpad for overnight cruises around Ha Long Bay.

June brings tropical warmth and greener mountain landscapes, unlocking some of the lowest package pricing on the board.

You can grab seven nights with breakfast at the 5-star Lucien Hanoi Lakeside Hotel and Rooftop for £758pp, with indirect Manchester flights and hold luggage departing 6 June 2027.

That’s a full 5-star south-east Asian escape for just £95pp per night.

5. Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai – £75pp per night

Dubai is the ultimate option if you want guaranteed long haul sunshine without committing to a two-week journey.

A seven-hour flight gets you world-class dining, rooftop pools, and massive shopping malls.

The single biggest insider trick to saving money in Dubai is looking just past the expensive beach strip.

Inland developments like Jumeirah Village Circle offer far higher hotel specs for a fraction of the cost.

Plus these spots have plenty of cheap, frequent taxis connecting you to the beach in 15 minutes.

Our booking data shows Dubai is dominating long-haul demand right now too.

It’s no wonder either, because I found a seven-night bed and breakfast stay at the 4-star The First Collection at JVC for £598pp, including direct Gatwick flights and hold luggage, departing 20 June 2027.

That comes out to just £75pp per night, which is a pretty extraordinary price for a Dubai holiday of this quality.

6. Patong, Phuket – £72pp per night

Thailand remains the reigning champion for ground-level value.

While long-haul flights require an upfront investment, everyday costs in Thailand – from street-food meals to local transport – cost pennies once you arrive.

Patong is Phuket’s lively epicentre, packing hundreds of restaurants, beach bars, and night markets into a walkable strip.

But connecting flights via Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi keep the package prices remarkably low throughout autumn.

So I managed to track down a seven-night stay at the 3-star Red Planet Phuket Patong for £650pp, including indirect Heathrow flights and hold luggage departing 5 October 2026.

That delivers a week under the Thai sun for an incredible £72pp per night.

7. Playa del Carmen, Mexico – £71pp per night

Mexico’s Riviera Maya serves up the perfect balance of Caribbean beaches, a bit of history, and incredible food.

And Playa del Carmen is ideal because it combines palm-lined beaches with a buzzing, walkable strip along 5th Avenue.

That said, all-inclusive is a must here for keeping your spending under control, particularly for families.

Autumn sits in the tropical shoulder season, unlocking huge package drops while still delivering daily sunshine.

I flagged what I think is a bit of a pricing loophole right now: seven nights all-inclusive at the 4-star The Reef Coco Beach, including direct Manchester flights departing 5 October 2026, for £500pp.

That’s full all-inclusive on a Caribbean beach for £71pp per night – tough to beat!

8. Kuta, Bali – £70pp per night

Bali is unbeatable if you want an extended, laid-back break where your spending money goes miles further.

Kuta and neighbouring Legian are a convenient, high-value base packed with beachfront cafes, surf spots, and local markets.

It’s worth ticking this paradise island off your bucket list while prices are low, and in Kuta you can try everything from surfing to ticking off amazing temples.

The Sevn Legian hotel is an ideal base to book, with modern rooms, a great pool and a swim-up bar.

I clocked seven nights at the 4-star Sevn Legian for £630pp, including indirect London Heathrow flights and hold luggage departing 25 February 2027.

That works out at just £70pp per night for seven nights in Bali. Run, don’t walk…

9. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – £68pp per night

If your goal is a classic Caribbean beach break with no extra spending once you arrive, Punta Cana easily takes the number one spot in my list.

All inclusive dominates this coastline – 97% of Punta Cana bookings with On the Beach opt for it – and our recent data shows package prices sitting at near-record lows (down 14% fortnight-on-fortnight).

You get turquoise water, swaying palm trees, and expansive 4-star beachfront resorts for three-star European prices.

And even better, I found a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the 4-star Sunscape Coco Punta Cana for just £478pp, including direct Manchester flights departing 6 October 2026.

That’s flights, 4-star accommodation, all meals, and all drinks in the Caribbean for a staggering £68pp per night.

This is definitely the one I’d be booking right now.

BRITISH families could be charged up to an extra £100 to holiday in England, as Andy Burnham has announced plans to let England’s 14 regional mayors impose an uncapped levy on overnight stays.

But while it will be unwelcome news among cash-strapped Brits, there could be ways to avoid it depending on where you choose to staycation.

Yesterday, the PM announced revealed the tourist tax could be charged on overnight stays across the UK at hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets.

Labour’s regional mayors in England have pledged to cap a new fee on visitors’ overnight stays at 5 per cent.

But it could still hike the cost of a family holiday by as much as £100.

However, there are ways to get round it – the tax isn’t set to be introduced for another two years, and there are some places that might not implement it at all.

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England is split into 14 regions with different mayors looking after each – and the tourist tax will be added at their discretion.

It’s likely that all Labour mayors will add the tax, and some of the places where there is support are Greater London, the West Midlands, Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire and the North East.

Therefore cities within those regions like Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle will all introduce the extra charge – including surrounding towns.

Where there are Reform UK and Conservative mayors ,the levy may not be introduced at all, as both parties have criticised plans for the optional levy.

For example, the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has said that she won’t be introducing a tourism tax – where many of The Sun’s £9.50 Holiday parks are based.

She went on to warn that it could “drive out” people from visiting the region.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns (Reform UK) has reiterated that she won’t be introducing the levy as she fears it could discourage visitors.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns said: “The Government’s made more announcements about devolution powers that I completely welcome – having more powers and ensuring that your voice is heard here in our region.

“But one thing I won’t be implementing is the visitor levy. I can see how our hospitality industry has been quite frankly hammered over the years – the B&Bs, the hotels, the pubs and restaurants.

“I do not want to drive out people from visiting our region, so I will not be implementing it.

“People are struggling anyway, so don’t worry, your seaside holidays, the local businesses, I’ve got your back.”

Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley Ben Houchen also ruled out introducing any tourist tax last year.

Paul Bristow, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, wrote on X that “this is not the time to put extra costs on staying overnight in #Cambridgeshire and #Peterborough“.

While at the moment these regions have either said or implied that they won’t be introducing tourist tax, it could change if there are local elections and the ruling party switches.

Another question mark is on the places that do not have an elected regional mayor – for example Cornwall.

Cornwall does not have a mayor for the whole county, but is looking for a way to set up a foundation strategic authority (FSA) so it could be set up by 2028.

During a visit this summer, Burnham said an overnight levy could be a “major game changer” for Cornwall and wanted to start discussions about it “sooner rather than later”.

Other places like Cheshire and Warrington are setting up mayoral authority and will hold elections next year.

Parts of Scotland have a tourist tax – it first started in Edinburgh in July 2026.

Aberdeen is also planning adding a new levy in 2027 with a stay the city potentially costing an extra £4.90 per night.

TO ESCAPE the chaos of summer and enjoy the delights of quieter hotels, lots of us like to book holidays between September and November.

Those three months have lots of names like the ‘magic period’ or ‘shoulder season‘ and taking a break then can save you some serious cash.

Whether you want a quick trip to Spain or a holiday to African resorts for winter sun, there are some great deals out there, and lastminute.com have helped us find some of the best.

They told us: “Once the peak summer period has passed, travellers can often find significantly better value on flights and holidays, while still enjoying warm weather and everything a destination has to offer, proving that it is better to leave it until the last minute.”

The cheapest spot is Costa Dorada in Spain where on average holidays cost £79pppn.

The Costa Dorada is a region along the Mediterranean coastline and includes popular spots like Tarragona and Salou.

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What’s even better is that you can definitely still spend time on the beaches too as in October there are average daytime temperatures of around 22C.

It’s also home to the enormous PortAventura World which is one of Europe’s biggest theme parks – and is home to Europe’s tallest and fastest accelerator coaster Red Force in Ferrari Land.

If it tickles your fancy, check into Hotel Best Negresco in Salou.

It’s a beach front spot with rooms that have views of the coast along with a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sun terrace and spa.

A four-night stay for two with return flights to London Luton in October starts from £248pp – or £62pppn.

If you want to add half-board to have breakfast and dinner included it’s an extra £26pp.

The second cheapest destination for autumn is Sousse in Tunisia.

The coastal resort city is known for having bright blue waters and plenty of beach clubs.

Visitors can explore the Medina of Sousse – a historic walled quarter that is an open-air market where you can pick up ceramics, leather bags, shoes and jewellery.

With lastminute.com you can book to stay at the Hotel Royal Jinene Beach & Spa from £66pn – and it includes return flights and half board.

The hotel has an indoor pool, outdoor pool with a big slide, bar, restaurant and coffee house as well as activities like tennis and mini golf.

There’s also a spa and live music nights and a short walk away is the sandy Plage El Menchia.

A four-night stay for two people with half board and return flights to London Southend in October is £264pp – or £66pppn.

It’s back to Spain for the third cheapest destination in autumn which is the Costa Brava where on average a holiday is £87pppn – although there are cheaper deals to be found.

The coastal region in northeastern Spain has lots of beaches with cliff backdrops and coves.

The Costa Brava has 300 days of sunshine every year and is mild throughout September and October.

Hotel Tahití Playa & Suites 4Sup is right on the Mediterranean coastline and is just a few steps away from the beach.

It also has a swimming pool, restaurant with themed dinner nights, sun terrace, pool bar, activities like table tennis and yoga classes.

There’s also a spa as well as live performances and entertainment.

A four-night room only stay for two in October at Hotel Tahití Playa & Suites 4Sup including return flights to London Stansted is £153pp – or £38pppn.

The Albanian Coast is emerging as a cheap alternative to other coastlines – with white sand beaches, no wonder it’s loved by celebs like Dua Lipa.

Sarandë is known as the the ‘city’ of the Riviera.

It’s surrounded by the blue waters of the Ionian Sea with seafood restaurants and cheap beer, with pints as little as £1.30.

Here, you can book a stay in the four-star Bougainville Bay Hotel which is considered a gallery itself full of sculptures, paintings and mosaics.

The hotel is next to the sea and you can enjoy the views from its beautiful infinity pool.

It also has four bars, two restaurants and four swimming pools.

In October, temperatures in the daytime sit around 21C – although they do drop in the evening.

A four-night stay for two including breakfast in October at the Bougainville Bay Hotel including return flights to London Stansted is £229pp – or £57.25pppn.

Coming in fifth position for being one of the cheapest spots for a holiday in autumn is Hammamet.

The coastal resort town in northeastern Tunisia boasts golden beaches and there’s plenty of historical sites to explore if you fancy a wander.

Hammamet is a great spot for anyone wanting a dose of sunshine and heat as in October temperatures can be as high as 26C.

For Brits it’s ideal as it’s as little as three and a half hours away from the UK.

The Yocca Hotel Residence is slightly outside of the city with spacious rooms some of which have balconies, swimming pool, garden, terrace and restaurant.

A six-night stay for two at the Yocca Hotel Residence including return flights from London Gatwick is £308pp – or £51.34pppn.

THE holiday destinations without the crowds that want MORE tourism have been revealed.

Intrepid has released its annual ‘Not Hot’ List, partnering with Globetrenders to look at alternative destinations to visit instead of the popular, oversaturated places.

Using both Intrepid’s local leaders and destination experts, along with trend forecasts, the study looks at three key elements – areas with few visitor numbers, their ability to welcome more tourists, and any new infrastructure for 2027 such as big events or transport systems.

When it comes to Europe, you might be surprised to realise there are still some Greek islands that don’t have the tourist crowds.

Intrepid named Alonnisos as a “not hot” destination which is a more sustainable holiday experience in the region.

They said: “Alonnisos is a slice of paradise that plays host to an array of aquatic and land-based delights, including the endlessly entertaining – and endangered – Mediterranean monk seals.”

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The island is actually home to the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades (Europe’s largest marine protected area), as well as Greece’s only underwater museum, the Peristera shipwreck.

It remains off the radar for most tourists as you can’t fly to the island, with it only accessible by ferry or private yacht.

In 2024, it saw just 70,000 tourists – compared to its neighbour Skiathos’ 500,000 or Santorini’s 3.4million.

Intrepid’s eight-day Sail Greece excursion which includes a trip to Alonnisos starts from £2,102.

Another European destination highlighted was Liepāja, a beach city in Latvia.

Nicknamed the Baltic Mediterranean, next year it will become Europe’s Capital of Culture, meaning hundreds of events, festivals and shows.

Just under 120,000 tourists visited last year, meaning you’ll get the five-mile, white sand beach all to yourself.

To get there, Ryanair fly to Palanga from London Stansted for £25, which is around an hour from Liepāja

Sweden‘s Dalsland made the top 10 list as well, for being “unspoilt and unexplored”.

Around two hours from both Gothenburg and Oslo, it is known as Sweden‘s ‘Lake District’ for all of its outdoor activities from wild camping to kayaking and hiking.

Just 320,000 people visited last year, compared to the capital of Stockholm which saw 16million.

Other destinations on Intrepid’s list included Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, named for being the place for both “crowd-averse safari fans” and an “emerging astrotourism destination”.

Georgia is fast becoming a new holiday destination, after both British Airways and easyJet launched direct flights to the capital Tbilisi last year.

But Intrepid praised Mestia as an alternative, quieter place which, while popular with neighbouring tourism, is set to become bigger with international tourism due to new infrastructure plans.

Otherwise it is popular as an outdoor adventure holiday destination, with both hiking and skiing experiences.

Also mentioned was the Northern Highlands in Jordan, a green “alternative to the country’s iconic landscapes” while “Arctic tourism” was highlighted for visiting Whitehorse in Canada.

Timor-Leste, one of South East Asia’s least-visited destinations was also highlighted, with new flight routes to connect the capital of Dili to major hubs such as Kuala Lumpar.

Sri Lanka‘s first long-distance walking trail Pekoe Trail (with a new 10-day Intrepid trip launched) and Chile‘s ‘route 7’ Carretera Austral rounded out the list.

Each year, Intrepid Travel releases its Not Hot List, spotlighting a short list of lesser-known destinations that are ready to welcome more visitors over the coming year

While some destinations are creaking under the strain of too many visitors, others are actively hoping more tourists will come.

In recent years, Canary Islanders, Romans, Santorinians and even Laplandic folk have complained that overtourism is changing the way they live their lives, and for the worse. Roads are too busy; accommodation too expensive; neighbourhoods unreconigsable.

There are, however, some places that are actively hoping more people will come.

Each year, Intrepid Travel releases its Not Hot List, spotlighting a short list of lesser-known destinations that are ready to welcome more visitors in 2027. Developed using insights from Intrepid’s extensive global network of local leaders and destination experts, the list shines a light on under-the-radar alternatives and less-visited regions where travellers’ presence can have an outsized positive impact.

OPINION

The destinations on the Not Hot List are selected based on three key criteria:

(1) being less visited, with fewer visitors than comparable places

(2) demonstrating tourism readiness, with infrastructure and capacity to support more tourists

(3) new initiatives, improved connectivity, major events, launches or infrastructure developments that give travellers a compelling reason to visit in 2027.

The 2027 Not Hot List

1. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

2. Mestia, Georgia

3. Northern Highlands, Jordan

4. Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

5. Alonnisos, Greece

6. Dili, Timor-Leste

7. Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka

8. Liepāja, Latvia

9. Carretera Austral, Chile

This year’s list is designed to highlight destinations that offer compelling alternatives to some of travel’s most popular experiences. Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve, for example, represents a nationwide effort to combat overtourism in some of East Africa’s busiest national parks. While Chile’s Carretera Austral provides an alternative to some of the well-trodden trails of Patagonia.

The 2027 Not Hot List also highlights countries like Timor-Leste, Latvia and Georgia, which receive fewer international visitors than their regional counterparts, as well as lesser-known regions of Jordan and Sri Lanka.

To coincide with the report, Intrepid has launched five new trips to several of the featured regions. These include the new 10-day Kenya Safari Adventure, the 16-day Wild Canada & Alaska, the 10-day Hike Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail, the 12-day Jordan Uncovered and the new 9-day Trek the Trans-Caucasian Trail in Georgia.

Erica Kritikides, general manager of experiences at Intrepid Travel, said: “If we want tourism to continue to be a force for good, we need to constantly rethink how and where we travel. The Not Hot List isn’t just about surfacing lesser-known places, it aims to shift the conversation and help travellers to discover new destinations where their visit can make a meaningful contribution to local communities and economies.”

Travel experts say people are confused and think they only need a passport

Thousands of UK holidaymakers are being stopped at international borders and refused entry due to confusion around visas, permits, and entry requirements, new figures have shown/ Data obtained by Confused.com found that more than 2,800 British travellers were refused entry at the US and Australian borders between 2023 and 2025. ^{2,836 Brits were denied entry across the two countries over the three-year period. More were turned away in 2025 alone (1,607) than in the 2 previous years combined (1,229).}

In the US, the 2,533 refusals related to visa or travel-documentation requirements under the visa waiver programme (VWP). In Australia, 303 Brits were refused immigration clearance between 2023 and 2025.

The US figures show a sharp rise in recent years, more than tripling from 424 refusals in 2024. Of the 2,533 Brits turned away, men made up more than two-thirds (1,745), while 18–35-year-olds were the largest age group (1,498). Nearly 100 under-18s were also refused.

Incorrect documentation was behind over half of UK refusals at the Australian border. While some destinations now offer visa-free access, many still require certain permits or specific documentation to be allowed in the country.

Travellers often assume they can rely solely on their passport or arrange permits upon arrival, when in reality, permits can take time to process or come with additional costs. This leaves them at risk of being turned away at the border.

Further research suggests the problem is part of a broader lack of awareness and confidence among travellers. Half say they aren’t confident which countries require a tourist visa for entry and 54% say the visa application process is too complicated or confusing.

Over half of travellers cite visa fees as a deterrent.

Confused.com has launched a new visa checker tool, designed to help UK travellers quickly understand the entry requirements for their destination before they travel.

Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Being turned away at border control is something no traveller expects, but it’s a real risk if you’re unsure about the entry requirements for your destination. Visa rules can be complex and vary between countries, so even small mistakes can result in people being refused entry and losing out on their holiday.

“And it’s worth knowing that if you’re refused entry, it may not be covered by standard travel insurance. Insurers may treat refusals as a preventable risk rather than an unforeseen emergency. This means you could be left to bear the cost of return flights and non-refundable bookings yourself.”

He added: “Visas are just one part of getting ready for a trip. Travellers should also check their passport validity, make sure they have appropriate travel insurance and understand what it does and doesn’t cover, and keep important documents and emergency contacts easily accessible to avoid any last-minute issues.”

Destinations with visa requirements

European Union

• Requirement: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) permit required for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).
• Cost: €20 application fee (exempt for under 18s and over 70s).

United States of America

• Requirement: Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Cost: $40 USD.

Australia

• Requirement: eVisitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), valid for stays up to 3 months.
• Cost: Free eVisitor visa, or a service fee of $20 AUD if applying via the ETA app.

China

• Requirement: Temporary visa-free entry allowed for short stays under a policy running until December 2026.
• Cost: N/A (Free during the temporary policy window).

India

• Requirement: e-Visa or regular paper tourist visa (passport must be stamped upon arrival).
• Cost: £25–£80 for an e-Visa (depending on duration); approximately £127 for a standard paper tourist visa.

Pakistan

• Requirement: Tourist visa required prior to arrival; Intent to travel must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure to obtain a Visa Grant Notice.
• Cost: Varies by visa type and duration (processing takes 7–10 business days).

Kenya

• Requirement: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) applied for online in advance (recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure).
• Cost: Approximately £16.