destinations

There has been queues for hours, with some holidaymakers even missing flights

Many Brits are heading to Europe in the coming months for their summer holidays. However, there are major changes to entering European countries this year.

The new EU Entry/Exit System (ESS) was fully implemented on Friday 10, April, with significant travel disruptions happening as a result. Holidaymakers have found themselves in long queues lasting hours as they try to pass through the digital border system.

It has even left some missing their flights and having their holidays in tatters. The EES has replaced manual passport stamping and requires all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph.

As delays continue at European airports, there have been mounting worries about how it will affect travel during the summer holidays, which is famously one of the busiest periods to fly.

Travel expert Simon Calder says there has been “a litany” of people stuck in queues at Dover for hours or even missing their flights home due to delays.

He described the system as a “Euro shambles” before being pressed on where in Europe is the worst impacted by the new process. Simon named Milan Malpensa, Lisbon, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt and Copenhagen as the airports with the “worst” delays.

Simon said on The Travel Expert podcast: “From what I have experienced, and certainly one of them is Milan Malpensa. The fingerprint stuff took an hour, and I was the first one off the EasyJet plane from Gatwick.

“Then, I went through the other terminal to check out and it took 45 minutes that time but they wanted those fingerprints again, which is absolutely not in the rules.”

He added: “I have heard terrible stories from Lisbon, other places frequently mentioned, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt. Both of them are huge hubs where you have got a lot of people flying from various regional airports across the UK into Paris and Frankfurt to connect.

“That’s okay if you are going intercontinental but if you are trying to connect to somewhere in Europe it is awful.”

Simon explained he had a friend travel to Frankfurt last weekend, who experienced 90 minute queues.

A friend was there last weekend and it took 90 mins, connection could be toast. Simon went on to name Copenhagen as also experiencing bad delays.

Co-host Greg Dickinson said: “This was a rare instance where the Foreign Office said you may encounter long queues in or out of the airport.”

Despite the issues, Simon was optimistic about the future of travel this summer. When asked if he thinks there will be more delays this summer, he said: “I would hope we might see a bit less.”

‘Worst’ European airports for ESS delays

• Milan Malpensa
• Lisbon Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport
• Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Frankfurt Airport
• Copenhagen Airport

ROLLING hills with rude names and hidden dinosaur footprints on beautiful beaches are just a couple of attractions of one UK island.

Dubbed ‘Scotland in miniature’ thanks to its different mountainous and rolling landscapes caused by sitting on the Highland Fault line, the Isle of Arran has something for everyone.

“It’s the best Scottish island,” claimed Andy McNamara, owner of outdoor tourism business Otter’s Tail that leads groups on adventures around Arran.

“Scottish islands all offer something special to do but we’re the best one,” he added.

One of the main draws of the island for Andy is the beaches, which he claims are some of the best in the world.

There’s Silver Sands Beach in Kildonan, for example, which is often named one of Arran’s most beautiful spots.

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“It’s ideal for kids as there are dinosaur footprints – specifically a five-fingered dinosaur – on the beach that you can look at,” Andy revealed.

While in Kildonan, Andy also recommends staying at The Boathouse.

“It’s an amazing little cottage which used to be the old Holy Isle ferry.

“They put it upside down, with walls underneath and made it into accommodation – right on the beach,” he explained.

Inside, guests will find room for two people, as well as a small kitchen area.

Those staying at The Boathouse have often spotted seals and dolphins, basking sharks – as well as resident otters – from the accommodation.

For the warmer months, there is also a table and chairs and barbeque outside.

He added: “Wild camping is very popular and we’ve got raised beaches right around the island.

“You’ll get spots where the sea has receded from a few thousand years ago and created a nice flat area just above the beach to camp on – which you can do for free as we have a right to roam in Scotland.”

Alternatively, adults wanting a bit of a different adventure could head to the nudist colony on the island which according to Andy has been there “for about 30 years”.

Funnily enough, this isn’t the only ‘nudity’ on the island.

Andy said: “Most hills are dubbed locally as being like breasts or penises.”

You could head to the peninsula of Kintyre for example, which is next to the island and is known for its penis-like shape.

And this isn’t the only unusually named place on the island – there’s also the Witch’s Step (or Coombe na Ceolach in Gaelic).

One of the adventures Andy runs is a day trip to the Holy Isle.

He said: “The Holy Isle is in Lamlash Bay – it’s two kilometres across the water and it’s a Buddhist island.

“The island has a herd of wild horses – about 40 of them wild – as well as a herd of goats and little brown sheep.

“On our Grand Tour experience, we’ll kayak across and round Holy Isle and then we’ll also walk to the summit of Holy Isle.

“Along the way we’ll walk by the Buddhist artwork and walk by St Molaise’s Cave – who was a saint from Ireland and lived on the island.”

Andy also runs other sea kayaking, gorge walking and scrambling adventures on the Isle of Arran.

More confident kayakers can even head with him to Ailsa Craig – the volcanic island where Olympic curling stones are made.

Speaking of the different kayaking adventures, Andy joked: “Husband and wife duos go on double kayaks sometimes, but that can be dangerous because they’re known as ‘divorce boats’.”

“With gorge walking on the other hand, we’re in full wetsuits and we’ll go into the river, see waterfalls and even climb up them or jump from the waterfall into the water below.

“There are a lot of natural slides – it’s a good fun, some of the pools are really beautiful,” he added.

When it comes to finding a place to tuck into some food or enjoy a tipple, Andy said: “The social scene in Arran is really good.

“There’s a lot of music, where a lot of the bars have open sessions for folk music.”

And getting to the island is pretty straightforward as well.

From Glasgow, head to Ardrossan port – which is about a 50-minute drive or half-hour train journey.

Once at Ardrossan port, you can hop on the ferry across to Arran, which takes about an hour.

SUN, sea and bargains are three things that all of these destinations have in common.

easyJet has revealed its best cheap ‘sun-guaranteed’ holidays this summer with no rain – and you can bag package holidays for under £200.

Topping the list of cheap wet-weather escapes is Djerba in Tunisia.

It has zero rain over the summer months so if you want guaranteed sun, it’s the best place to visit.

The island off the coast of Tunisia has beautiful Mediterranean beaches and whitewashed desert towns to explore.

When Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot visited the island last year, she headed to Erriadh.

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Lisa said: “The small town sits at the centre of the island of Djerba —which was used as a filming location for Star Wars — just off the south coast of Tunisia. 

“And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world’s best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed.

“Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood.”

Temperatures in July and August sit at an average of 28.5C.

Not to mention that you can get here for cheap too with easyJet flights starting from £45.13.

Package holidays which depart from both London and Manchester from £471.

Seville in Spain is another cheap spot with barely any rain.

It has an average temperature of 28.3C in the summer and an average of just 0.4 days of rainfall.

The capital of the Andalusia region is easily walkable with flamenco dancing in the streets and up to 75 per cent of sunshine.

One of the biggest and most well-known landmarks in Seville is Plaza de España.

It’s a huge semi-circular plaza stretching over 50,000 square metres with four bridges sitting over a canal decorated with brightly coloured mosaics.

In the middle of the city is the enormous Seville Cathedral – which is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world.

You can get easyJet flights from £44.99 and package holidays from £174.

The Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh comes third on the list and has no rainfall during the summer months with average temperatures of 31.2C.

Just five hours away from the UK, the Egyptian destination is known for having beautiful beaches and water activities like snorkelling.

easyJet offers flights from £125.99 and holidays from £639.

Kos in Greece and Marrakesh in Morocco also rate highly as sun-guaranteed destinations with up to an 89 per cent average chance of sunshine during the peak summer.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK’s Country Manager, said: “The British weather is famously unpredictable, but now is a great time to escape the grey and chase the rays as our fantastic value fares to hundreds of fair weather destinations are still available this summer with flights from just £38.49, and packages from just £174.

“And customers can continue booking with confidence as we operate our flights and holidays as normal this summer.

“Our Book with Confidence Promise guarantees that the cost of flights and holidays will stay fixed after booking, meaning customers can trade the brolly for the beach knowing their hard-earned break and sunshine are protected.”

The complete list of ‘sun-guaranteed’ destinations wih easyJet flights and package holidays…

1. Djerba, Tunisia
   Flights from £45.13
   Holidays from £471
2. Seville, Spain
   Flights from £44.99
   Holidays from £174
3. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
   Flights from £125.99
   Holidays from £639
4. Kos, Greece
   Flights from £47.99
   Holidays from £668
5. Dalaman, Turkey
   Flights from £59.49
   Holidays from £275
6. Larnaca, Cyprus
   Flights from £67.49
   Holidays from £539
7. Marrakech, Morocco
   Flights from £38.49
   Holidays from £476
8. Hurghada, Egypt
   Flights from £152.99
   Holidays from £753
9. Paphos, Cyprus
   Flights from £64.99
   Holidays from £748
10. Izmir, Turkey
    Flights from £50.99
    Holidays from £761

WHEN it comes to picking a holiday, the temptation to go abroad can be huge – but the UK has many spots that look and feel like you are in a different country.

If you want to avoid the chaos of long airport queues and delayed flights, we’ve named some of our favourite places across Britain that will transport you to being hundreds of miles away instead.

Swap Champagne in France for Balfour

Balfour Winery has mushroomed in size since it opened as a tiny winery
in 2002, in the Kent village of Staplehurst.

You can now enjoy an excellent bottle of wine on their gorgeous
verandah, accompanied by exceptional sharing platters or flatbreads
and more recently, hot meals, instead of heading all the way to the Champagne region in France.

It even rivals some of Kent’s better-known vineyards, such as Chapel Down.

But it has also kept a nice local touch – they have no problem with
guests taking a walk around the vineyard or the neighbouring woods on
the estate, in fact it’s encouraged.

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They mingle with the fabulously-dressed, down-from-Londoners, there
for a full day out in their floor-length dresses.

And if you squint on a sunny summer’s day after a rose or two, the
view from the restaurant could quite feasibly be somewhere more exotic
on the continent. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Swap New Zealand for North Wales

New Zealand should be on everyone’s bucket list. But it’s a long and pricey journey from the UK, so how about just pocketing that cash and visiting North Wales instead?

The wild scenery is very similar – trust me, I’ve spent a decent amount of time in both destinations.

Both are known for their rugged, snow-capped mountains; untouched, rural landscape; and vast lakes that are so still they paint a perfect reflection of the skyline.

They are also both big on adventure – craggy hiking trails are in abundance in North Wales and adrenaline junkies will love whizzing along the fastest zip line in the world at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.

I had buckets of fun white water rafting in Rotorua during my New Zealand trip – and you can do that in North Wales, too.

National White Water Centre has a whole host of options starting from £45. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Swap the French Riviera for the English Riviera

The English Riviera can be found in Devon and earned its name from feeling like the French Riviera with palm trees, big beaches and its very own microclimate.

The region is made up of three towns – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – each of which has its own unique character.

In Brixham, you can spot fishing boats bobbing on the water with seals often swimming around them.

In Paignton, you can venture along the pier, testing out the different penny slot machines before heading to one of the many beaches with an ice cream in hand.

And last but not least is the queen of the English Riviera, Torquay.

It has a bustling town centre, picturesque harbour and a large beach ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Swap Thailand for Eilean Shona, Scotland

Scotland is home to hundreds of islands and most are vastly different from each other – but there is one tiny tidal island that’s so special because it feels like you’ve stepped foot in Thailand.

Eilean Shona is a tidal island in the Inner Hebrides with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters that can only be reached by boat.

In fact, the island is even more exclusive as you have to stay at the accommodation on the island to visit it.

While the temperature is chillier, the magic of the island makes up for it – having even inspired J.M. Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Swap the Caribbean for Jersey

If I told you there’s an island an hour’s flight from the UK, with a
Caribbean-like coastline, that gets summer quicker than England and
you don’t need a passport – you’d think I was pulling your leg.

But such a unicorn does exist in the English Channel: Jersey.

When my family and I visited, every beach was outstanding, the weather
glorious, the food a fantastic hybrid of French and English tastes.

Jersey calls itself “curiously Brit . . . (ish)” and it sums up this
island, 14 miles from the coast of France, perfectly.

One of our best (of many best days) on our week away, was on a
wildlife RIB trip with Jersey Seafaris.

The company takes you to the stunning Les Minquiers sandbanks and
reef, which is often likened to the Maldives.

There was plenty of time for pure relaxation too, St Brelade’s Bay is
often billed as a rival to the Caribbean on a sunny day, thanks to its
palm tree-lined beach and clear turquoise waters.

From England to France, the Caribbean to the Maldives on one tiny
island that takes two hours to drive from top to bottom? That’s one
hell of a day out. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Swap Spain for Hove

It’s not often I go to the English coast and feel like I’m in Europe.

But when I hopped down to Hove for a weekend trip last summer, I did feel like I was on holiday in the Mediterranean.

Given, it was during the July heatwave, so I did have the glorious weather on my side.

But still, on a beautiful summer’s day, I was at Rockwater sipping on an Aperol Spritz by a huge open window staring out at the promenade and glittering water feeling like I was in Italy or Spain.

The food is another thing that has a Mediterranean seaside vibe, especially if you dine on fish dishes like mussels, crab linguine or catch of the day.

But to really make the most of the sun, the crown of Rockwater is the rooftop bar which has sun umbrellas, and it’s enclosed with a glass balcony to lessen the sea breeze. – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Swap Provence for Heacham, Norfolk

You don’t have to fly all the way to Provence, France, to stroll through rolling fields of bright purple lavender.

Norfolk Lavender in Heacham, north-west Norfolk has 100 acres of fragrant lavender fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.

There’s even an on-site restaurant where you can sip a lavender-infused tea, or sip something a little stronger and watch the sun set over the fields – no passport needed.

A visit to the site also makes for a fantastic family day out – there’s a farm where kids can meet alpacas, chickens and goats, as well as popular soft play barn Farmer Fred‘s.

To make the most of your trip, try a slice of lavender cake in the cafe, or treat yourself to some handmade lavender balms and creams in the gift shop.

As well as the fields, there’s manicured gardens with a bridge over a gentle stream, a peaceful gazebo and the historic Heacham Watermill building – which look like something out of a French countryside estate. – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Swap Spanish Islands for Margate

An Aperol Spritz, lo-fi music and uninterrupted views of the ocean – you’d think I was on some beautiful Spanish island.

But no, it’s a rooftop bar in Margate that transported me abroad, found on top of No42 by GuestHouse hotel.

When the sun is shining and the music is playing, you’ll forget you’re on the Kent coastline.

The chic interiors rival even some of London’s top bars – just with a golden sand beach just steps away. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Swap the Norwegian fjords for Boscastle Harbour

Boscastle, a small and quaint village located on the north coast of Cornwall, can feel a bit more like the Norwegian fjords thanks to its dramatic, rocky landscape.

The town’s harbour sits between a large valley and a number of local shops and even The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – home to the world’s largest collection of witchcraft items.

The beauty of Boscastle is often forgotten beneath its history, with blue waters and dark, that really do make you feel as if you are in the rugged landscapes of the Norwegian fjords.

I love Boscastle harbour because it is embellished by nothing but the nature that surrounds it, as well as being a quiet and picturesque escape without the hustle and bustle of larger beaches. – Katy Bright, Travel Writer

Swap Bondi Icebergs Pool in Sydney for Tinside Lido, Plymouth

I’ve always been jealous of people who have made it to Australia, chilling on the beach and the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool in Sydney.

But there is one in the UK that I think rivals it – enter Tinside Lido.

The Plymouth pool is one of the most beautiful Art Deco lidos in the UK, jutting out over the ocean where visiting on a hot day and relaxing on the side of the water will make you feel like you are thousands of miles away.

You can even grab a glass of Australian Chardonnay or Shiraz to enjoy after your tanning sesh from the sun terrace. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Swap the French Riviera for Salcombe

I instantly felt attached to Salcombe on my first visit. It stirred up a feeling of nostalgia, reminding me of childhood holidays to France and the French Riviera.

Back then, days were spent building sand castles on peaceful shores and wandering through flower-filled villages to gather up a dinnertime feast from the local fishmonger.

And that’s pretty much how my Devon visit went, too.

I’m probably a little too old for sandcastles, now aged 33, but Salcombe’s North Sands beach would be the perfect place to build one.

It has that laissez-faire, village vibe to it, too – positioned a 30-minute walk away from the central hub and with a cute cafe that’s popular with locals.

The setting feels similar to that in southern France, too – old stone houses facing a shimmering sea and a busy town with a delicatessen whose foodie window displays draw you in.

Local catches are dished up in the seafront restaurants, just like they are in the French Riviera.

Swing by The Crab Shed which serves a limited menu of fishy delights – the star dish is its whole cracked crab. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

THE top 10 destinations offering five-star stays on a budget have been revealed – starting from just £70 a night.

They’ve been identified by Hotels.com, which used search data to determine the most appealing locations for Brits.

Despite volatile travel prices, it’s possible to go on a 5-star holiday on a budget – with high-end range accommodation available for as low as £70 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

You can also enjoy luxury stays in Zagreb, Croatia, for £130 and Tallinn, Estonia, for £140, with the likes of Zaragoza, Spain (£120) and Sofia, Bulgaria (£135) also cheap.

The data was revealed as part of the global marketplace’s 2026 Hotel Price Index.

The report also includes findings from a global study of 11,000 adults who’ve ever stayed in a hotel – covering the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and South Korea.

It revealed how they define luxury accommodation, with offering great food (31 per cent), a room with a view (30 per cent) and premium in-room amenities (28 per cent) coming top.

Travel expert and spokesperson Melanie Fish said: “Travellers may be feeling the squeeze, but they’re also getting smarter.

“With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travellers are making real trade-offs.”

The Hotel Price Index also revealed other cheap but luxurious options include nights in Wrocław, Poland (£120), Tirana, Albania (£130) and Riga, Latvia (£130).

Heraklion, Crete (£135) and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (£140) are also offering high-end accommodation at a lower cost.

There are five-star offerings available in the UK too – including the likes of Brighton (£115), Cornwall (£135) and Liverpool (£170).

In addition to finding 10 of the cheapest, 10 notable locations which have seen major price drops during the past year were revealed – including Loire, France (down by 32 per cent) and Edmonton, Canada (down 31 per cent).

Further places include St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (down 30 per cent), Dortmund, Germany (down 21 per cent) and Turin, Italy (also down 21 per cent).

The report also found it pays to book holidays at the last minute, with hotel rates up to 26 per cent lower if booking close to departure.

TEN OF THE CHEAPEST FIVE-STAR STAYS IN THE UK:

1. Brighton (£115)
2. Bristol (£115)
3. Chichester (£120)
4. Llandudno (£125)
5. Worcester (£125)
6. Bournemouth (£130)
7. Cornwall (£135)
8. Leeds (£145)
9. Cardiff (£155)
10. Liverpool (£170)

If you’re looking to keep costs down further still, the data also found prices are 14 per cent lower for Sunday stays – with Saturdays the most expensive.

Getting away in January offers the lowest prices, while the second week of July is the priciest – at least domestically.

Hotels.com’s global study, carried out through OnePoll, also revealed what’s top of everyone’s luxury dream wish list – a hot tub with a view (44 per cent) followed by a penthouse suite (41 per cent).

When asked what they consider a truly luxury hotel to offer, great food at the hotel (31 per cent), a room with a view (30 per cent) and premium in-room amenities (28 per cent) came top.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEN OF THE CHEAPEST FIVE-STAR STAYS ABROAD:

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

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

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

Travel insurance for Turkey has jumped almost 50 per cent in just a year, according to new data

Five European and Mediterranean destinations including some hotspots much loved by British tourists have been named as having seen big rises in insurance costs, directly caused by the Middle East crisis. Travel insurance for Turkey has jumped 46% in just a year, according to new data analysing 5,000 policies across popular destinations near conflict zones.

There is no sign of the Middle East conflict calming down – today Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones towards Bahrain and Kuwait, Bahrain’s government said, adding that they were intercepted.

Bahrain’s government called on Tehran to immediately cease attacks on Gulf neighbours that it deemed a “serious escalation”. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the US early Saturday attacked surveillance facilities on Qeshm Island and near Sirik that it said were used to protect borders and “ensure the security of navigation in international waters”.

The latest exchange of fire came as the Trump administration pressed Iran to make a deal to end the war that has strained the global economy and threatened a hunger crisis in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.

The US military earlier said it shot down several Iranian missiles and drones launched towards the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf Arab allies, and struck some of the Islamic Republic’s coastal surveillance radar sites in response.

It has had a big impact on the region with some popular destinations seeing big rises in premiums. Quotezone travel insurance expert Helen Rolph warned travellers not to assume last year’s prices still apply and urges holidaymakers to compare policies carefully, buy cover as soon as they book, and check Foreign Office advice before travelling.

Industry experts compared 5,000 travel insurance premiums across five popular tourist destinations close to conflict zones, revealing which countries have seen the biggest price increases over the past year.

Prices in Turkey have been affected the most despite it traditionally being considered one of the most popular and cost-effective destinations for UK holidaymakers over recent years.

Standard travel insurance premiums to the country have jumped from £40.56 in early 2025 to £59.19 just a year later – a rise of 46% or almost £20 per trip – which may be due to the fact it shares a border with Iran.

Holidaymakers travelling to Bulgaria are also seeing a sharp rise with prices up 19%, possibly down to its proximity to Ukraine.

Premiums for Cyprus have increased by 6%, Egypt by 4% and Poland by 8%. To gather the data, popular holiday destinations for British tourists were cross-referenced with countries geographically close to conflict zones, namely Ukraine and Iran, creating a dataset of major holiday hotspots in relative proximity to areas of geopolitical tension.

Insurers regularly reassess risk when global tensions rise, particularly in destinations close to areas where travel complications might become more likely.

Destinations situated close to areas experiencing heightened tensions – such as Iran and Ukraine – could see premiums shift as insurers reassess the likelihood of travel disruption, delays or emergency evacuation should issues escalate.

Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Travel insurance prices change constantly as insurers respond to global events, the number of claims made and healthcare costs.

“Even if a destination remains popular despite its proximity to ongoing conflict, premiums can rise when the wider region becomes more uncertain.

“Travellers and holidaymakers shouldn’t assume last year’s prices will still apply and make sure they’re comparing policies carefully rather than opting for the cheapest option, as cover can vary significantly.

“It’s also sensible to arrange insurance as soon as a trip is booked, check government travel advice before departure, and ensure any medical conditions are fully declared.

“Travel disruption insurance can also be useful as it covers a wider range of issues while travelling but it’s important to remember that travel insurance won’t provide cover if the foreign office advises against travel to that region and most travel insurance policies won’t cover war related incidents. It’s crucial for holidaymakers to check what is and isn’t covered on their policy and add any extras or specialised cover they might need.”

Travel Insurance Premiums

Country // Average 2025 // Average 2026 // Average Price Change // % Change

Turkey £40.56 £59.19 £18.63 46%

Bulgaria £32.70 £38.82 £6.11 19%

Poland £10.50 £11.32 £0.82 8%

Cyprus £43.21 £45.80 £2.59 6%

Egypt £68.52 £71.30 £2.78 4%

One in five holidaymakers say they are less likely to visit a destination if they cannot pronounce its name correctly – here’s some of the ones people often get wrong

Millions of British travellers are limiting where they go on holiday due to a surprisingly simple barrier – not knowing how to pronounce the destination.

One in five holidaymakers (22%) are less likely to visit destinations like Ljubljana and Reykjavik because they are afraid of getting their names wrong while 23% avoid booking the trip altogether.

One in three meanwhile, are worried about sounding rude when they mispronounce a foreign destination, while 26% said they are embarrassed, according to multi-modal travel booking platform Omio.

From Ljubljana (lyoo-BLYAH-nah) to Reykjavik (RAKE-yah-vik) and Montjuïc (mon-zhwEEK), many of the world’s most culturally rich locations are being overlooked.

Anxiety about language barriers goes beyond place names. Half (48%) of British travellers admit they avoid ordering dishes they can’t confidently pronounce while travelling, often missing out on tasty dishes such as bouillabaisse, tzatziki and mille-feuille and açai.

Omio has partnered with language expert and polyglot Alex Rawlings to launch a pronunciation guide to help British travellers travel abroad with confidence.

From understanding how certain letters and sounds change across languages to focusing on using tools like AI and pronunciation apps, the guide highlights easy ways to improve communication while travelling.

Alex said: “Pronunciation can feel like a barrier, but it doesn’t need to be perfect. The key is to focus on the sounds rather than trying to replicate every letter exactly.

“Breaking words into smaller parts and practising them slowly can make a big difference. Even a small effort is often appreciated by locals and can help travellers feel far more confident when exploring a new destination”.

Veronica Diquattro, president B2C Europe at Omio, added: “At Omio, we believe travel should feel exciting and accessible, not intimidating. With so many incredible destinations reachable by train, bus, ferry or plane, we want to give people the confidence to explore beyond the obvious.

“We know that even small barriers, like unfamiliar place names, can make travel feel daunting, so pairing up with Alex to produce the guide will help keen travellers to discover new destinations with ease.”

Tips for mastering hard-to-pronounce place names

Tip 1: Don’t read it like your own language Even when languages use the same alphabet, letters often sound completely different. In German, Dutch, Scandinavian and many Eastern European languages, “j” is pronounced like a “y”, while in French, Portuguese and Catalan it becomes a soft “zh” sound.

Tip 2: Use technology to help If you can’t ask a local, use tools like AI or Google Translate’s listen function to hear pronunciations and identify unfamiliar sounds or stress patterns.

Tip 3: Focus on the stress Getting the emphasis on the right syllable is often more important than perfect pronunciation. Think about the word Birmingham – people are far more likely to understand “BIR-ming-ham” than “bir-MING-ham”, even if the individual sounds aren’t perfect.

Tip 4: Learn the pattern Many languages follow consistent pronunciation rules, meaning once you learn one pattern, you can apply it to lots of other place names too. In French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Catalan, for example, the letter “c” is pronounced like a “k” before “o”, “a” or “u”, but changes sound before “i” or “e” – becoming “ch” in Italian, “th” in Spain, and “s” in French and Portuguese.

Tip 5: Some letters are silent French is famous for silent letters, especially at the ends of words. That’s why places like Calais and Bordeaux are pronounced much more simply than they look. As a rule of thumb: if you’re in France and not sure whether you should pronounce the letter at the end of a word, you probably shouldn’t.

Tip 6: Don’t let language put you off Some of the world’s most exciting destinations – from Poland to Thailand – can also be the hardest to pronounce. Don’t let unfamiliar names stop you from exploring somewhere new.

Tip 7: Don’t be afraid to get it wrong Nobody expects perfect pronunciation – locals usually appreciate the effort more than accuracy. You might make a few mistakes, and you might earn yourself a few knowing smiles. But give it a go and see for yourself what worlds you might unlock!

The pronunciation guides are available to download now via Omio.

BRITAIN’S best staycations for 2026 have been revealed, with Cornwall’s St Ives once again taking the top spot and the Northumberland village of Bamburgh in second place as a new entrant.

The annual staycation report, based on a survey of 2,000 adults, revealed Bourton-on-the-Water and Salcombe have risen in popularity while other seaside destinations also saw shifts in the rankings.

Brighton overtook Lyme Regis after climbing to sixth place, ahead of the Dorset town, which has moved from fifth last year to seventh.

Almost a third of adults (28 per cent) are more likely to take a holiday on home soil this year than in 2025.

The research, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, also found 38 per cent plan to take their main holiday in the UK this year, rising to 53 per cent among Gen Z.

This compares with 34 per cent of adults who said the same last year, while Gen Z’s interest in UK holidays has risen from 45 per cent in 2025.

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James Shaw, chief commercial officer at the holiday brand which launched the annual Staycation Index Report, said: “The continued popularity of UK breaks demonstrates that staycations remain a key part of how Brits holiday.

“More people are choosing to stay at home and prioritising value, flexibility and reassurance when planning time away, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty around overseas travel.

“What’s especially notable this year is the growing influence of younger travellers, Gen Z is increasingly embracing UK holidays, with more people opting for experience-led trips that combine scenery, food, culture and the chance to explore multiple destinations in one break.

“From seaside towns and national parks to countryside retreats, the UK continues to offer an enormous variety of holiday experiences, and that’s reflected in the strength and diversity of destinations featured in this year’s rankings.”

The research also found when it comes to budgeting, staycation goers expect to spend an average of £1,171 in total on accommodation, food, travel and spending money.

It also emerged 64 per cent are planning to – or have considered – a multi-destination road trip, stopping off at an average of three locations.

Coastal spots (65 per cent) are the most sought after, followed by rural areas (56 per cent) and national parks (38 per cent).

Tourist attractions (48 per cent) were big influences when deciding where to visit, alongside locations with fond memories (38 per cent) and good reviews and ratings (35 per cent).

Of the 78 per cent hoping for a UK break this year, 67 per cent say they enjoy the country’s scenery and nature, while 48 per cent claim it’s simply the time they have to switch off and relax.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 14 per cent have been influenced by a film or TV show, with Peaky Blinders the most influential following its film release this year (11 per cent), set in Birmingham.

Similarly, Northern Island, home of the Game of Thrones prequel, and Northumberland, which was a location for Jurassic World, were also popular (both 10 per cent).

James Shaw, added: “For many people, holidays remain one of the most important opportunities in the year to properly switch off and spend quality time together, even as budgets remain under pressure.

“What this research highlights is that UK travel continues to appeal because it offers both convenience and variety – whether that’s a coastal escape, a countryside road trip or revisiting places that hold personal memories.

“We’re also seeing more travellers embrace flexible, multi-stop breaks, with people increasingly keen to experience more of what the UK has to offer in a single trip.”

WITH the soaring cost of living, £500 doesn’t get you far as it once did. It’ll just about cover the average bills for a UK household or a shiny new iPad or games console.

But if you trade in the British high steet for a boarding pass, that same budget can work absolute miracles on a holiday abroad.

As the resident Holiday Expert at On the Beach, I’ve been digging through our latest booking tech to find out exactly where British couples are flying for £500 per person.

While some destinations force you to compromise on your stargazing (hotel stars, that is), others are letting you live like royalty for less.

Here is everything you need to know about what a £500 holiday looks like right now, from destination to star-rating.

Where does £500 take you right now?

Most Brits with £500 to spend on a holiday end up on a Spanish beach.

Our data shows the Canary Islands and mainland Spain are the most popular destinations, especially for couples within this price band.

But popularity doesn’t always equal the biggest value haul. While the masses fight over towel space in Spain, a savvy minority are flying past the western Med to Turkey and Egypt.

They might not pull the same volume of bookings as Spain, but they offer a much bigger bargain.

For example, you can currently fly to Side in Antalya, Turkey, for a 7-night getaway at the ultra-plush, 5-star La Benata Hotel for exactly £500 per person.

It sits right on its own private beach, along with waterslides on a sprawling pool layout.

Getting a full week at a bona-fide 5-star property on an All-Inclusive basis, with direct flights from East Midlands? An absolute steal.

What kind of hotel does £500 get you right now?

You might think a £500 budget means settling for a basic, creaky two-star hotel with a brick-wall view. Happily, you’d be dead wrong.

Our data shows that 4-star hotels are the sweet spot.

If you head to mainland Spain, the Balearics, Greece, Portugal, Italy, or Tunisia, the vast majority of £500 packages land you a very respectable 4-star property.

But if you want to find the poshest hotel for £500, Turkey and Egypt are the ultimate luxury outliers.

In Egypt, a staggering 60 per cent or more of bookings at this price point are for 5-star luxury.

You can lock in a 7-night, completely All-Inclusive stay at the 5-star Il Mercato Splash Aqua Park in Sharm El Sheikh for just £475 per person, including direct flights from East Midlands.

It is positioned right on the bustling Il Mercato Promenade, which means you have endless shopping and entertainment right on your doorstep.

There’s also a free shuttle service to zip you down to the private beach club whenever you fancy.

How many nights does £500 get you right now?

If £500 is your budget for the holiday, you can either have a full week away or a higher-quality but shorter break.

Our data shows that a full seven nights is still the most popular duration overall, and you can find holidays for this much in the Canaries, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Tunisia for under £500.

But if you look at mainland Spain, the Balearics, Portugal, Italy, and Malta, the most popular duration pivots to a sharp four-night break.

For example, you can secure a four-night escape to the 4-star Gran Garbi Hotel in the lively heart of Lloret de Mar for a mere £305 per person, flying directly from Bournemouth.

What makes this an absolute game-changer is that while the average short-stay break in Spain only includes a simple Bed and Breakfast, this deal upgrades you to an all-inclusive package.

Even better, it grants you free entry to the nearby Aqua-Splash waterpark, meaning you are effectively getting a week’s worth of food, drink, and waterpark entertainment packed into a high-octane 4-night luxury budget window.

And that leaves you with nearly £200 change from your £500 budget to play with.

What’s included for £500 right now?

How do you like your breakfast?

If you want to book a holiday in mainland Spain, Portugal, Italy, or Malta for £500, you’ll likely get it included in your stay.

But if you opt for the Canaries, for £500, you’ll most likely need to opt for self-catering.

If your idea of a holiday involves completely locking your wallet in the hotel safe the second you arrive, all-inclusive is king.

It’s the most popular option in the Balearics and Greece as well as Egypt and Tunisia.

An astonishing 98 per cent of British holidaymakers going to Egypt and more than 95 per cent of those going to Tunisia book all-inclusive trips for under £500-a-week.

Turkey isn’t far behind either, with All-Inclusive capturing around 77 per cent of the market. 

Choosing a “no wallet, no worries” deal is the ultimate way to beat inflation.

This is because when your flights, hotel, meals, and drinks are completely covered for under £500, the cost-of-living crisis officially pauses at the departure gate.

One example is you can head out on a massive 10-night holiday to the 4-star Nesrine in Hammamet Yasmine, Tunisia, for just £410 per person, flying direct from London Southend.

From the beautiful, authentic Moorish architecture and the outdoor pool to a private, white sand beach paradise and an energetic entertainment team.

And you know it is all covered, meaning you can max out your relaxation.

The lesser-known beach destinations Brits are opting for right now for under £500

If you want to truly travel better for less, you need to look where the crowds aren’t looking. Because once a resort gets flooded with British tourists, the prices rocket.

To get a bargain that leaves you feeling incredibly smug, these five lesser-known, off-the-radar beach gems are where savvy holidaymakers are booking right now for maximum bang for their buck.

Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain

Think the Costa del Sol is all crowded strips and overpriced tourist menus? Think again – as Mijas gives you the best of both worlds.

You have a gorgeous, traditional white-washed Andalusian village in the hillside with cobbled streets and sweeping Mediterranean views, while Mijas Costa serves up a stunning, pristine seven-mile stretch of golden sand just below.

It’s a pure beach haven right near Marbella but without the eye-watering premium price tag. 

You can snap up a four-night stay at the 4-star Gran Hotel Costa Del Sol right in La Cala De Mijas for £305 per person, flying directly from Bournemouth on an all-inclusive package.

Mahdia, Tunisia

Mahdia is Tunisia’s calmer, historic fishing town where the streets are quiet, the sea is a deep blue, and the white-sand beaches look almost like they’ve been photoshopped.

You can easily nab a full week of luxury here for under £500. For instance, a seven-night getaway to the magnificent 5-star Nour Palace Resort costs just £405 per person, flying directly from Newcastle.

It boasts a massive, free-form outdoor lagoon pool that is just steps away from a private beach, giving you five-star all-inclusive indulgence with just under £100 to spare. 

Ovacik, Turkey

If you want a Turkish mountain escape that feels exclusive but keeps costs low, Ovacik is the place to go.

Tucked away in the picturesque hills near Fethiye and the famous Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz, it offers a calmer atmosphere surrounded by pine forests and fresh mountain air. 

You can lock in a seven-night escape here at the 4-star Sahra Su Holiday Village & Spa for just £315 per person, with direct flights from London Gatwick.

The hotel is styled like a luxury holiday village with swim-up rooms, thatched-roof bungalows, and a series of crystal-clear pools tucked between manicured lawns and palm trees on a fully all-inclusive basis.

Nabq Bay, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh has plenty of famous bays, but Nabq Bay is the rising star for sheer value.

Sitting just up the coast, it looks right out over Tiran Island and boasts incredible coral reefs for world-class snorkelling.

Because it’s a newer resort development, Nabq Bay feels ultra-polished, where a £500 budget makes you feel like an absolute VIP.

You can secure a full week at the five-star Parrotel Lagoon Resort for just £455 per person, flying directly from East Midlands.

This resort is brilliant because it features its own multi-slide aqua park right onsite, alongside a sprawling pool and five-star dining options that will forever ruin you for a budget buffet.

Guardamar del Segura, Costa Blanca, Spain

Benidorm can keep its neon lights; Guardamar is the Costa Blanca’s best-kept secret.

Famous for its stretch of fine, powdery dunes backed by a lush pine and eucalyptus forest, this town is loved by Spanish locals, so you know you’re in the right place.

That means the tapas bars are authentic and the hotel prices haven’t been inflated by an influx of Brits just yet.

You can book a full seven-night stay at the 5-star Alannia Guardamar for just £450 per person, flying directly from Glasgow Prestwick.

While on a self-catering basis, the hotel itself makes up for it with everything from a tropical pool area complete with waterfalls, bridges, and a line-up of waterslides to luxury villas and a hidden-gem beach.

Travel expert Simon Calder recommended some stunning but underrated European destinations

Montenegro

Travel expert Simon Calder has championed Montenegro as an absolutely breathtaking yet underrated European gem, boasting a spectacular coastline, sweeping national parks and enchanting medieval towns. The country also happens to rank among Europe’s most affordable destinations, according to a recent study by Jersey Island Holidays.

The most popular holiday spot is Kotor Bay, hailed as “a jewel of the Mediterranean,” brimming with picturesque fishing villages and jaw-dropping vistas.

On Tripadvisor, one traveller gushed that Kotor is one of the “nicest places” they’ve ever visited. Another remarked: “The bay is gorgeous with hills and mountains surrounding it. There are plenty of viewpoints to see it. The towns also look pretty with the red tiled roofs.”

A further visitor enthused: “What a spectacular scene. Kotor Bay is winding and resembles a fjord. It is located in the Adriatic Sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural beauty is stunning, with Mediterranean landscapes, mountains, and cliffs in contrast with the historic buildings.”

Portugal

Though better known as a summer hotspot, Portugal is a stunning nation of vibrant towns and a glorious shoreline. Simon Calder singles out Lisbon, along with the charming towns of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra as must-visit destinations.

He said: “I love Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, and the locations on its western flanks – in particular Cascais, Estoril and Sintra. But until now I haven’t strayed south to the Setubal Peninsula: much less well known, but full of surprises.

“Do try O Barbas – an amazing seafood restaurant overlooking the Atlantic in Costa da Caparica; the wild, windy and atmospheric cape of Espichel; and Setubal itself, a sleepy, friendly city.”

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is another under-the-radar treasure and a place where “your money goes further,” according to Simon.

He said: “We’ve been telling everyone for years that Bulgaria is a great holiday destination, about how wonderful the weather is, how soft the sandy beaches are, the excellent hotels and of course the low cost of living there.”

THINKING of heading on a city break but struggling to decide where to spend your hard-earned holiday cash?

Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina will get you the most bang for your buck in 2026, new research has revealed.

The Post Office Travel Money’s City Cost Barometer has unveiled the most budget-friendly destinations to visit right now – along with the ones that will make an eye-watering dent in your wallet.

Overall, Sarajevo pipped 49 other spots to the post and has been crowned the most affordable city this year with visitors able to bag free entry to its top heritage attraction and art gallery.

While this city may not have the most affordable accommodation of all the destinations analysed (£157 for two nights in a 3* hotel), basic items like a cup of coffee and a sightseeing city bus tour were shown to be very cheap, costing around £1.72 and £2.46 respectively.

To calculate the most affordable destinations, the Post Office looked at the cost of 12 typical city break items, including tickets to attractions, a bottle of beer/lager, a bottle of Coca-Cola/Pepsi, a glass of wine, a three-course evening meal for two, return airport bus or train transfer and a 48-hour travel card.

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It found that a two-night break in Sarajevo will set the average person back around £248.29 in total (around £10 less than the second cheapest destination, Bucharest in Romania).

Accommodation was shown to be more budget-friendly here than in Sarajevo, setting the average holidaymaker back £148 for two nights in a 3* hotel. This still wasn’t as cheap as accommodation in Tirana, though.

At just £128 for the weekend on average, this Albanian hot spot was shown to have the most affordable hotels of all 50 destinations in the barometer.

Overall, Tirana came in third place in the rankings with a total cost of £262.85 for the whole weekend, closely followed by Belgrade in Serbia at £265.13 on average.

While the cost of many things, including coffee, beer and food, were shown to be pricier in Belgrade than Sarajevo, travelling around the city looks to be much cheaper, with buses, trams, trolleybuses, and city trains all entirely free to use – great for those who are keen to go sightseeing.

If you’d rather spend your time taste-testing the local booze, however, you should set your sights on Trenčín in Slovakia instead, which was ranked fourth cheapest spot for a city break, overall.

According to the Post Office Travel Money, a bottle of beer will set you back just £1.49 on average here, less than it would in any other destination, including top budget city Sarajevo, where beer cost £2.46 on average.

It’s also the cheapest spot for sinking wine, at just £3.52 on average per glass.

You can soak up all that booze for little cost, too, with a three-course meal for two with (more) wine costing just £47.64 on average.

Comparatively, a similar three-course dinner with wine in Sarajevo would cost you £62.86.

In sixth place comes Riga in Latvia, followed by the French city of Lille, which may prove popular for holidaymakers worried about the jet fuel crisis as it can be reached by train.

In total, there are ten cities in the charts that can be accessed from the UK by train or ferry, including the ever-popular cities of Paris and Amsterdam, which sit at the pricey end of the charts in 40th and 44th place respectively.

Both were still cheaper than Oslo in Norway, however, which was shown to be the most expensive of all with a total barometer cost of £733.99 – almost triple the amount of a break in the cheapest spot, Sarajevo.

There are still some good bargains to be had for those that do their research, though.

Post Office Travel Money’s Laura Plunkett said: “Despite concerns about rising prices abroad, there are many European cities offering great value for money.

“Sterling has remained fairly strong but, in these challenging times, it will pay holidaymakers to do their homework before booking to see where their pounds are likely to stretch furthest, even for short breaks.”

British Airways has said it will cut flights to six destinations and permanently end its route to a seventh, citing the war in the Middle East

British Airways is cutting flights to seven major international airports in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The airline said it has updated its schedule of flights for the Summer 2026 season, which ends on October 24. Customers have been told the changes were made to destinations in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces in the region.

As a part of the new schedule, British Airways has reduced the number of flights to seven cities in the Middle East. Services to Dubai are being reduced from three flights a day to one, with the daily service due to return on August 1 (meanwhile, a second daily flight is planned to start on October 16).

Flights to Doha in Qatar, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Tel Aviv in Israel are also being cut from twice‑daily to once‑daily. All three routes are expected to resume normal frequency on August 1.

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Following a wider review of the programme, the airline has also made the decision to permanently end its route to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from April 24, The Express reports.

The airlines said in a statement: “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we have made further changes to our flying schedule to provide greater clarity for our customers.

“We are keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options.

“Since the disruption began, we have helped thousands of customers return home, operated relief flights, and added additional capacity on key long‑haul routes. We will continue to assess and introduce further flying where possible.”

Destinations impacted by reduced British Airways flights

• Tel Aviv
• Dubai
• Doha
• Riyadh
• Bahrain
• Amman
• Jeddah

Popular budget airline is to cancel routes in 2026 after a row with officials

Ryanair has given bad news for passengers going to 12 destinations. The airline regularly keeps customers with bookings in the loop regarding travel updates and on its website has explained that the routes are being chopped.

It said that 12 routes are being cut – with the result that 700,000 seats are effectively being lost to air gtravel. The issue has arisen around its Thessaloniki base – meaning it’s closing for the three aircraft based there. It said: “This devastating loss in off-peak winter connectivity is the direct result of the hopelessly uncompetitive costs charged at the German-run Fraport Greece monopoly and Athens Airport.

“The Greek Govt. made the wise decision to reduce the Airport Development Fee (ADF) by 75% (from €12 to €3 per passenger) from November’24, which should have directly stimulated year-round connectivity and tourism across Greece. However, most Greek airports, particularly those run by Fraport Greece, refused to pass the tax cut onto passengers and instead have pocketed the tax cut for themselves. Since then, Fraport Greece have continued to increase charges, which are now +66% above their pre-Covid levels. Likewise, Athens Airport will hike charges this Winter.

“Consequently, Greek airports are no longer competitive in the off-peak shoulder and Winter months, when the tourism industry’s reliance on low-fare connectivity is most acute. Ryanair has therefore been left with no choice but to reallocate capacity to more competitive countries like Albania, regional Italy, and Sweden where airports have passed on the savings from Govt. tax reductions. “

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Ryanair said it presented an ambitious growth plan to the Greek government in what it said would grow traffic to 12m passengers per annum, base 10 additional aircraft and launch 50 new routes over the next 5 years. It said it would carry out the plan if airport charges were frozen and the 75% Airport Development Fee reduction is passed on to passengers at all airports.

Ryanair Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness said: “Ryanair regrets to announce the closure of our Thessaloniki base and reductions in Athens for Winter ‘26, resulting in the loss of 700,000 seats and 12 routes across Greece, as well as the suspension of operations at Chania and Heraklion during the off-peak months. These preventable traffic reductions are a direct result of the airports’ failure to pass through the ADF reduction, particularly in Thessaloniki where the Fraport Greece monopoly have hiked airport charges +66% since 2019.

“The removal of 3 based aircraft, 500,000 seats (-60% vs. Winter ‘25) and 10 routes from Thessaloniki for Winter ‘26 will be devastating for the city and region, as Ryanair provided 90% of international capacity to Thessaloniki last Winter. Unfortunately, there will now be less low-cost air fares for Thessaloniki’s citizens and visitors, and year-round tourism will be harmed as a result. These aircraft will be reallocated to Albania, regional Italy and Sweden, where airports have passed on their Govt’s aviation tax savings – resulting in more connectivity, tourism and jobs this Winter in those regions.

“There is an opportunity for Greece to secure significant year-round traffic growth however, this investment can only be realised once the German-run Fraport Greece monopoly fully passes through the Greek Govt.’s sensible tax cut from November’24 – allowing airlines such as Ryanair, to deliver the connectivity required to reduce Greece’s chronic seasonality.”

The cancelled routes:

• Thessaloniki to Berlin
• Thessaloniki to Chania
• Thessaloniki to Frankfurt-H
• Thessaloniki to Gothenburg
• Thessaloniki to Heraklion
• Thessaloniki to Niederrhein
• Thessaloniki to Poznan
• Thessaloniki to Stockholm
• Thessaloniki to Venice-T
• Thessaloniki to Zagreb
• Athens to Milan-M
• Chania to Paphos

Ryanair has also pulled its aircraft from Chania and Heraklion.

Fraport, which runs 14 airports in Greece said Ryanair’s decision is “exclusively related” to the airline’s commercial strategy and profitability considerations. “Any claims linking this decision to airport charges or the airport development fee imposed by the Greek state are entirely unfounded,” it adds. Fraport Greece has invested over €100 million (£86 million) to upgrade Thessaloniki, the statement added.

Meanwhile, Ryanair has announced the closure of its Berlin operating base and a 50% reduction in its winter schedule to the German capital, citing escalating aviation taxes in the country. The Irish budget airline confirmed that relocating seven aircraft to alternative hubs would see its Berlin passenger numbers drop from 4.5 million to 2.2 million annually.

A pilot who has flown more than 750 times and visited more than 50 countries in just four years has shared the ‘really cool’ European city he’d recommend to holidaymakers

If you’re wondering where to jet off to for your next getaway, a pilot who has flown to more than 50 destinations might just have the answer.

There are plenty of beautiful cities, charming towns, and golden-sand coastal resorts scattered across Europe for that idyllic escape in the sunshine, and just a short flight from the UK. Yet with a sea of options, it can be hard to know exactly where to go. But fortunately for us, Wizz Air pilot Tom Copestake knows exactly what destination he’d suggest to travellers.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Tom said: “My favourite destination is Split in Croatia, I absolutely adore it. It has a mix of Mediterranean vibes, old architecture and castles, which is really cool.”

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Flights to the sun-soaked city of Split start from £28.99 with Wizz Air, where visitors will be greeted with the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace and lively seaside promenade. There’s a maze of narrow streets to wander around, ancient history to admire and nearby beaches to lap up the rays – you might even find yourself on the set of Game of Thrones while exploring the city.

The Wizz Air pilot, based at London Luton, also revealed an undiscovered destination that warrants a visit: Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. “I don’t think there’s any connectivity directly between the UK and Armenia, but we’re going to be the first people to do that, which is exciting.”

Wizz Air will welcome direct flights from London Luton Airport to Armenia this summer for the first time. The flights to Yerevan will launch on 12 June of this year, operating twice a week, with one-way fares starting from £36.99.

The pilot also added that Tirana, Albania, is another “undiscovered gem” and highly recommends that holidaymakers book a trip. Yet there’s one overlooked European destination Tom says tourists miss, but is well worth visiting, and flights start from just £26.99.

“I flew into Bilbao about two weeks ago – it’s a tremendous destination on the north coast. It was surrounded by what looked like amazing mountains or hills for hiking. I think there’s a lot of good walking in northern Spain,” Tom shared.

“I spoke to the ground handling agent in Bilbao, and he said how beautiful the area was and how we needed to stay and go exploring. There’s a place called San Sebastiá just down the road from Bilbao, which is apparently an amazing place to go and have a look at.”

After recommending Split, Tirana and Bilbao as go-to destinations, Tom offered a glimpse into life as a pilot. He acknowledged: “This is a customer service job that happens to be in the aviation industry, and I love the fact that each of the thousands of passengers I’ve flown has a story and a reason to travel. It might be for fun, to see family, or we have people who might be working in different countries. It’s really cool, and I love that so much.” He humbly added: “This job is a privilege”.

For more information on Wizz Air flights, or to book your next getaway, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com