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LOOKING for some domestic help around the house this autumn?

Head straight to Amazon, where there’s a self-emptying robot vacuum on a massive, limited-time sale, slashed to under £200.

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Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Cleaner, £199.98 (was £329.99)

Robot vacuums come in a wide variety of budgets and capabilities, from basic models that just sweep to high-end devices that map your entire home and even mop.

But you don’t always have to splash the cash for great features, as Amazon often drops the price on some leading cleaning devices.

Right now, you can snap up the Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum Cleaner for an absolutely steal.

It was priced at £329.99, but is currently reduced to just £199.98 – that’s a discount of almost 40%.

We in the Sun Shopping team haven’t tested out this particular models ourselves – for some tested recommendations, you’ll need to head to our best robot vacuum cleaners page.

But this device has proved incredibly popular with shoppers, currently ranking as the third-best selling robot vacuum on the Amazon site.

The Vexilar packs two pieces of impressive tech for a price that’s now firmly in budget territory.

Firstly, it’s unusual to get a robot vacuum for less than £200 that comes with a self-emptying bin – that’s usually the domain of premium devices.

(I recently reviewed a flagship robot vac that self-empties, but it costs a whopping £1,119 – read my Eureka J15 Max Ultra review if you’re curious.)

The Vexilar’s base station contains a 2L dust bag, which is advertised to last for 60 days before you need to empty it.

That’s a massive plus for busy households.

Secondly, there’s the laser-mapping, which is something you’ll not often see with cheaper devices.

Basically, its Advanced LDS Laser Navigation will precisely map your home in 360 degrees, allowing it to plan the most efficient cleaning route.

It even lets you set virtual ‘no-go’ zones and customise suction or water levels for specific rooms via the app.

When it comes to power, the vacuum boasts a 6000Pa suction, and the manufacturer says it’s effective at tackling pet hair and debris on everything from hardwood floors to low-pile carpets.

The device also has a long 180-minute runtime on a single charge in quiet mode, before returning to its base station to re-charge.

You can control it via the companion app, or connect it to your smart home using Alexa, Google Home, or Siri – that’s seriously hands-off cleaning.

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Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Cleaner, £199.98 (was £329.99)

Over 800 people have left five-star reviews on the Amazon page for this device.

“Worth it – powerful, reliable, and hassle-free,” says one happy customer.

“[I’m] really happy with this robot vacuum. Easy to set up, cleans well, and the auto-empty base is a big time saver.

It navigates around furniture without any issues and picks up dust and pet hair easily… Makes life a lot easier. Definitely recommend.”

Another shopper writes: “I’ve been using this for a few days now but oh boy! I’m honestly impressed!

“The battery lasts long enough to finish the whole house, and if it runs low it goes back, recharges and picks up where it left off.

“I also like that I can control it with the app or just ask Alexa to start cleaning,” said another.

“Worth every penny, don’t hesitate!” wrote a third shopper, while other buyers described it

“Complete game-changer,” commented a fourth.

“Life-changing,” was the verdict of a fifth reviewer.

This huge saving on the Vexilar Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum Cleaner is marked as a limited-time deal, so you shouldn’t wait too long if you want to bag this bargain.

Keep in mind that Amazon Prime Day is happening next week (October 7th-8th), and it’s not impossible that this device could drop even lower in price.

However, any potential further discount will likely be a deal only available to Amazon Prime members.

Shoppers getting winter-ready shouldn’t miss a superb deal on a heated throw, which has been reduced by 54% on Amazon.

Paraguay is one of just 12 countries that maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, not China.

But is Beijing using unofficial channels to extend its influence into the South American nation?

In our three-year undercover investigation, we meet a shadowy Chinese businessman who says he is a proxy for Beijing, a claim that China denies.

Our undercover researchers reveal that the alleged middleman has his own agenda.

He is plotting to build a secret scam compound near the Paraguayan capital, a safe haven for Chinese crime bosses fleeing crackdowns in Southeast Asia.

In a special exclusive report, 101 East investigates China’s Paraguay connection.

You can read the full statements given to 101 East below:

A WOMAN in her 50s has been flooded with praise online after showing off her massive “glow up” – and people are calling it “legendary.”

The brunette beauty named Kristina told how she achieved her flawless skin and youthful appearance without surgery or any invasive procedures.

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So it’s little surprise people have been begging the brunette beauty to reveal her anti-ageing secrets.

Taking to TikTok (@kristina.maay), she penned: “When you’re a good-looking 50, but you were very ugly in your early 40s.”

In the clip, she shared a stunning video of herself revealing her flawless skin now – and there’s not a wrinkle in sight.

She then posted a series of photos from in her 40s to show just how much she believes she has changed.

In response to one person who commented that she must’ve had a change in money to achieve her new look, Kristina confirms: “No change in finances.

“I spent more before on my face tbh.”

Kristina also shared a second post shared to TikTok and went on to reveal some of the changes she made in just six years that she believes have helped to turn back the clock.

Firstly, she explains how she started using glycolic acid,
microcurrent, gua-sha and doing facial yoga.

Next, she made changes in her eating and started focusing on consuming a high protein diet.

Kristina also says she stopped eating gluten and started ditching alcohol and sugar.

As for exercise, she took up weight training and shed a whopping 5kgs.

“Weight loss is absolutely a massive glow up isn’t it?! Body composition changes are an even bigger glow up,” she wrote, in response to one social media user.

She notes that ditching the “ugly fake lashes” also helped to make a huge difference and says she also let her feather touch brows fade.

Along with having 2 pre-cancerous moles removes, Kristina also started her supplement regime.

It wasn’t long before the post went viral, racking up a whopping 408k views and several comments from very impressed social media users.

“Wow we who, what, where, when and HOW!!!” wrote one.

A second commented: “We are sat for lessons!”

A third wrote: “You are beautiful no matter what. Looking more sophisticated now and natural so well done.”

Meanwhile, a fourth added: “You were beautiful before, but the glow up is legendary!!!!”

Another praised: “You look so good now.”

A further noted: “You’re 50!?! You look amazing.”

And another pleaded: “So what’s the secret?”

A British man living in Benidorm has claimed the party city may be ‘finished’ after witnessing its surprising ’emptiness’ this summer, and people claim it’s all down to cost

A British expat living in Benidorm has claimed the renowned party city is “finished” as tourists are being “priced out,” with some claiming they are instead flocking to a more affordable destination. Harry Poulton, a TikTok influencer known for sharing his travel advice on the Spanish resort, suggested in a recent video that Benidorm might be “finished” after noting the streets this summer appeared more empty than usual.

In a clip which has racked up over 125,000 views, hints at the city’s rising costs as a potential reason for its decline. “[Is] Benidorm finished? Where is everybody? It’s the middle of July, and it’s absolutely dead,” he noted.

The 24-year-old, originally from Brighton, remarked: “Normally at this time of year, Benidorm’s mentality – it’s busy, there are people absolutely everywhere,” according to Luxury Travel Daily. Harry added that he’d just been down to the beach, and there was simply nobody around.

“I’ve been down the Benidorm strip; hardly anyone there. Bars [aren’t] even that busy – what’s going on? Is everyone going to Tenerife now? I’ve only been away a week.”

Harry also expressed his astonishment at the lack of crowds, noting that even during usual peak hours around 7pm, the streets remain deserted.

His observations have sparked a flurry of theories among TikTok viewers, one of whom commented: “Have to say hotels are getting more and more expensive. Crazy prices.”

Meanwhile, a different user suggested where all the missing tourists might be. “Everyone is going to Salou, Spain,” they said. A third person agreed: “It’s got too expensive.”

A fourth individual lamented: “People are fed up with being robbed, mate [sic].”

Meanwhile a fifth TikTok user expressed: “Getting too expensive. Used to be my go-to holiday. However, I cannot afford Benidorm this year. Other Spanish places half the price.”

In a separate video, meanwhile, Harry reiterated his frustration with the rising costs in the city. The content creator asserted: “Benidorm is getting expensive. Everything this year has gone so much more than last year. I’m not the only one that feels this way.”

Reacting to a follower who had spent nearly £1,000 for a week’s stay in a single room, Harry sympathised: “Ouch, that’s got to hurt. Don’t get me wrong – eating out, drinking, all those sorts of things are still very reasonable, especially price-wise compared to the UK.

“Everything has got really expensive; not just in Benidorm, but in general.”

And he concluded, reflecting: “Is Benidorm falling off? Or is it just the world in general? Mad, really – what are holidays? What’s a cheap holiday now?”

Brits abroad have been warned to brace for more summer holiday protests from anti-tourists, meanwhile.

The Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET) group, already revelling in the widespread disruptions caused on a Europe-wide day of action on June 15, is threatening there is more disruption to come. In a strong statement they said: “Common sense is changing.

“The myth of tourism as economic salvation is over. Touristification is no longer a problem perceived by a few. It has become a widespread concern across generations, social classes, cities and regions. And this is just the beginning.”

The group added: “Given the situations we are witnessing everywhere, there is no doubt that more actions and mobilizations will take place here and there this summer, much like there might be more anti-touristification actions on 27th September for World Tourism Day. The struggle against touristification is growing, expanding, and is being organized. Because our lives are worth more than their profits.”

Brits are said to be “ditching” a popular holiday destination as prices to visit continue to soar. They instead seem to be opting for a cheaper alternative

Brits are reportedly giving a once-beloved holiday spot the cold shoulder as sky-high prices make trips to the destination increasingly unaffordable. Reports suggest that the cost of a holiday in Turkey is on the rise, with inflation hitting the tourist favourite hard.

In recent times, disgruntled travellers have been vocal about the escalating costs, with many considering a boycott in favour of more budget-friendly sunny escapes. Now, it appears a new destination has caught their eye, as viral posts suggest holidaymakers are swapping Turkey for Albania, and they’re loving the change.

A TikTok user by the name of ahmadsquad1 shared her bewilderment in a video post-holiday in Turkey, pondering over the noticeable lack of bustle. She acknowledges the inflation issue but is curious about why certain spots remain deserted.

In her video, she queries: “So we just got back from Turkey, and [in] every single shop we went to they were complaining about how quiet it is, and how there’s not that many people on holiday and, if they are on holiday, they are broke and don’t do loads of shopping – us included, but why is it?

“Where are people going? Why is that you have stopped going? One thing we did notice when we were there was like, for example, any kind of can – whether it’s branded or local brand – they would be like £4.00. Ice cream was like £4.00. Everything was so expensive.”

She mentioned that a typical meal such as a kebab and chips would set you back roughly £8.00, leading her to wonder whether the sparse crowds are down to inflated costs. Alternatively, she suggested that holidaymakers might simply be hunting for more budget-friendly getaways.

When she invited viewers to share their opinions, many disputed her claim that Turkey had ever been the top choice for British tourists. Nevertheless, some confessed they’ve sworn off returning to the country.

One person responded: “Been going to Turkey for years, but last year was different. Inflation hit hard, prices were high, getting overcharged. Hospitality didn’t feel the same. Not surprised fewer people are going now.”

Another suggested: “Should try the Balkan countries. Bosnia and Albania are lovely and very affordable.”

A third chimed in with: “Turkey has gone more expensive now, especially in Istanbul which makes it not worth it. People are now going to Bosnia or Albania.”

Meanwhile, a fourth contributor noted: “Turkey has gone expensive and a lot of people are choosing cheaper options like the North African countries, Balearic Islands or Greek islands.”

However, not everyone was convinced by the complaints, with one person writing: “Turkey isn’t that expensive – I don’t see what everyone is moaning about.” Another countered: “Of course the tourist areas are expensive, but decent places are cheap.”

Why is Turkey becoming so expensive?

There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in Turkey. Statista has offered one explanation.

The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”

Nevertheless, Turkey is reportedly implementing measures to revitalise tourism, tackling escalating costs, diversifying holiday experiences and pumping money into infrastructure. Authorities are allegedly working to curb inflation, whilst some are championing specialised tourism sectors such as wellness retreats and medical tourism.