A new survey from Booking.com has revealed three in five people going on holiday to Europe are concerned about the long delays from the EU’s new border checks
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Holidaymakers fear they will miss their flights due to checks(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Three in five UK holidaymakers heading to Europe this year expect to be caught up in delays linked to the European Union’s new entry-exit system (EES).
Figures from a recent survey show that 59% of travellers believe they’ll be held up by the new system and fear they could miss their flights due to the border checks. EES involves people from third-party countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU.
For most UK travellers, the process is done at foreign airports. A poll commissioned by Booking.com revealed the worrying figures.
The representative body Airports Council International recently reporting that EES was causing delays of up to three hours, with airports in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy among the worst affected. Last month more than 100 easyJet passengers missed a flight from Milan Linate to Manchester as the border checks were ramped up at passport desks.
The survey indicated that 56% of UK travellers plan to arrive at airports earlier than usual in an attempt to avoid disruption, with 12% intending to arrive at least four hours before departure. More than half (52%) of respondents who have travelled to the EU since the introduction of EES said they experienced delays during their journey.
Meanwhile 43% said they were not delayed. Families and holidaymakers travelling to Europe during the May half-term break were told to make sure their passports are eligible for their dates and to keep items such as portable phone chargers and medication in their hand luggage.
Ryan Pearson, regional manager for the UK and Ireland at Booking.com, said: “May half-term is a key moment in the travel calendar, and we know many people are feeling anxious about how the new entry-exit system could impact their trip. We want to help travellers feel informed and prepared before they leave, whether that’s checking travel documents in advance or packing the right essentials in hand luggage in case of longer queues.
“Changes to the way we travel can understandably feel daunting, but we’re already seeing that many journeys are running smoothly. The key is preparation.”
Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, reported earlier this month that demand for holidays in Greece has surged since the country revealed on April 17 it will not impose the requirements on UK travellers this summer. The south-eastern European country’s market share of UK holiday bookings rose from 7.7% in mid-April to 9.98% by the end of the month, Advantage Travel Partnership said.
EES was first introduced in October last year, with its roll out ramped up on April 10. EU rules currently allow the checks to be temporarily halted to avoid queues at peak periods.
IF you want to do the ‘best experience in the world’ you’ll be pleased to know it costs less than a fiver and a few mere hours from the UK.
A city tour of Portugal’s historic Porto has just become the number one thing to do, according to Tripadvisor.
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A walking tour in Porto has just won the best experience by TripadvisorCredit: GettyOne of the tour stops is at Porto’s train station, Sao BentoCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
The tour begins at City Hall and heads through the city including stops at Avenida Dos Aliados, which is one of the largest avenues in Porto.
Another stop is at Livraria Lello, what’s considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.
Another stop is at the Livraria Lello bookshopCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Igreja do Carmo, the narrowest house in Porto, is also on the itinerary as is Porto’s university.
Other stops include at the city gardens, Jewish quarter, train station, and the Dom Luis bridge.
The tour isn’t long either, taking two hours and 30-minutes with a maximum number of 25 people.
The awards are based on quality and quantity of reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor between February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026.
On Tripadvisor, The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center has over 26,000 five-star reviews and it’s recommended by 99.9 per cent of travellers.
One reviewer wrote: “We had Diogo, and he was a fantastic tour guide, genuinely one of the best tours I have done. He gave us a lot of insight about Porto’s history, current situation, recommendations, and lots of jokes!”
Another said the tour was the “best way to see Porto”.
While the price of the tour is under £3, the experience does say “the price is flexible—pay what you think reflects your enjoyment” with tips “welcome and expected”.
Porto itself is Portugal‘s second-largest city that sits by the Douro River, and there’s so much to do outside of the tour too – especially when it comes to food and drink
Firstly, make sure to pick up a gooey pastel de nata which can be bought for as little as €1 (86p).
For savoury dishes, the region is known for its traditional food which includes bacalhau (salted cod fish).
And the Francesinha toasted sandwich which is layered with hot meats, cheeses and smothered in a rich beer sauce.
Of course, Porto is known for its Port production, having been making it since Roman times – and there are plenty of places to try a glass, or two.
WAITING times in airports have increased since the introduction of EES – but one destinations has had travellers queueing for up to six hours.
Portugal is a beautiful country for a family break, but the lengthy queues mean that some are spending longer lining up in the airport than they do on the plane.
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Portugal has been experiencing very high queues at its airportsCredit: AlamySome travellers have experienced queues up to six hoursCredit: Alamy
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EES delays and travel chaos have dominated the news, and some airports in Portugal in particular have passengers waiting in very long queues.
One travel blogger posted on Instagram: “Last week a family I advised landed in Lisbon and stood in line for 6 hours and 40 minutes. Their toddler slept on a suitcase. They missed their transfer to the Algarve.
“EES (the EU’s new biometric entry system) is now live. Faro processes 7x more summer traffic than its capacity. Luggage handlers are striking April through June. And the airport you choose to land in will define your first 24 hours in Portugal.”
The flight time between the UK and Lisbon is up to three hours, so some British travellers are standing in the airport for longer than they’re on the plane.
Queues through Lisbon Airport have been causing frustration amongst many travellers.
One Brit wrote just yesterday on X: “Warning if you are flying to Portugal any time now, actually spent longer queuing than the actual flight, was a shambles with half the machines not working, and further queues to passport control.”
Bottlenecking is a cause of lengthy wait times at Lisbon and FaroCredit: Alamy
Another said leaving Lisbon Airport was the “one of the worst passport control experiences” with hours of waiting.
The EU’s EES (entry/ exit) system has increased the queuing time for inward and outward passengers by four and even five times as much, according to The Resident.
It’s not just Lisbon either; Faro Airport in the south is experiencing lengthy delays too with some saying that they’ve queued from the terminal to airside.
One big reason for the delays that Lisbon and Faro airports suffer from is caused by what’s called ‘bottlenecking’.
Essentially it’s airport congestion from when lots of flights land at the same time, or delays cause lots of passengers to be in one place at the same time.
One holidaymaker called Lisbon Airport one ‘of the worst passport control experiences’Credit: Alamy
They occur mostly at security checkpoints, passport control, boarding gates, and baggage handling areas resulting in lengthy queues.
One of our own Travel Reporters experienced the situation herself in Lanzarote when multiple flights landing at the same time ended up in a three-hour queue through the airport.
Travellers to the continent may soon be able to board a new direct route to Europe on Eurostar, removing the need to change trains and cutting the journey time by around two hours overall
A new Eurostar route could connect Brits to three European cities(Image: Getty Images)
Eurostar could soon offer a new direct route from London St Pancras to three European cities, offering a faster and easier way to get to central Europe.
The plans were unveiled in a press release by Eurostar, confirming that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between Eurostar, SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), and French-operator SNCF Voyageurs to potentially offer a direct connection between London and Switzerland.
The move was described as “an important milestone” in the planning of the new route, which could see services from London to Zurich offered direct with a six hour travel time, direct trains to Basel taking five hours, and a route to Geneva which would take around five-and-a-half hours.
Currently, passengers can book London to Switzerland trains with Eurostar, although this currently necessitates a change at Paris Gare du Nord, and means travelling across the city to Paris Gare De Lyon to get a connecting TGV train. Not only is this less convenient, as it means taking your luggage on the metro, it also adds an hour or more to most journey times between London and Switzerland.
Eurostar’s press release explained: “The signed MoU is an important milestone. The next step is to analyse potential timetables and operational concepts. Based on this, the key steps and milestones for the potential introduction of such a direct connection from London to Switzerland.
“The three partners aim to offer the potential direct connection to London as soon as possible and are continuously driving the project forward.”, adding: “Implementation would be feasible at the earliest sometime in the course of the 2030s.”
Eurostar currently offers direct trains from London St. Pancras to five destinations: Paris, Brussels, Lille, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. However, passengers can book connecting trains to more than 20 destinations, including cities in Germany, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.
Eurostar has previously raised the possibility of running longer direct routes from London, with Marseille in the south of France and Milan in Italy mentioned among potential expansions of its rail routes.
It’s also announced that it has ordered up to 50 Celestia double-decker trains, which will be introduced onto its routes from May 2031, allowing it to offer increased capacity along popular routes. Eurostar also unveiled ambitious expansion plans last year for St Pancras International. The plans could allow the station to handle 5,000 passengers per hour by 2028.
By 2030, it’s expected that arrivals will be moved upstairs to increase capacity. At the time, Richard Thorp, chief operating officer at London St. Pancras Highspeed, said the station was ‘delighted’ to be joining forces with Eurostar to expand its capacity. “With growing passenger demand for international train travel, it is important that St. Pancras International station is future-proofed and optimised to accommodate this.”
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RYANAIR is axing MORE flights to Europe – hitting four popular airports this year.
The budget airline has confirmed that it would be closing its base at Thessaloniki as well as reducing flights at Athens.
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Greek holiday destinations Crete (pictured) as well as Athens and Thessaloniki are the latest to have Ryanair flights scrappedCredit: Alamy
Not only that, but off-season flights to Chania and Heraklion in Crete have been scrapped.
This means 700,000 fewer seats on sale this winter, working out to a 45 per cent reduction, and resulting in 12 routes being scrapped in total.
Ryanair has cited airport charges as the reason behind the reduction in flights, saying the airports are “no longer competitive” in the off peak season.
Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness said they “regretted” the closures and reductions, but said it was because of the “failure to pass through the ADF reduction” unlike other airports in Greece.
He added: ” The Fraport Greece monopoly have hiked airport charges +66% since 2019.
“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.”
Last summer, they airline confirmed two million seats across Spain would be scrapped, with all routes to Tenerife North, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Jerez and Valladolid cancelled.
EUROSTAR has taken the next step to launch trains to a new European country – for the first time ever.
A new agreement has been signed between the international train operator as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and French SNCF Voyageurs.
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Direct trains to Switzerland with Eurostar could launch by the 2030sCredit: AlamyThe fastest route would be London to Basel (pictured) taking around five hoursCredit: Alamy
The journey would take about five hours from London to the city of Basel, with other cities slightly longer such as Geneva (5.5 hours) and Zurich (six hours).
London is currently the ‘no.1 flight destination’ for Switzerland, with airlines such as Swiss, British Airways and easyJet operating direct flights.
If the new direct trains go ahead, they are likely to launch by the 2030s, although a confirmed date is yet to be revealed.
Along with routes to the same destinations, they could also launch trains from Manchester and Birmingham, as well as restore routes from Ashford and Ebbsfleet.
AFTER my sixth glass of wine, the boat began to rock – the first time in three days I felt like I was on the water.
Cruising down France’s majestic River Loire on board CroisiEurope’s Loire Princesse, I had to put it down to my slightly tipsy state, as until then, the unique long, low vessel had drifted along peacefully for the entire voyage.
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The cruise ship Loire Princess will take you from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire on the west coast and back againCredit: GettyLe Grand Elephant in NantesCredit: Getty
The ship has side-mounted paddle wheels and is designed to sail on France’s last wild river, known for its shallowness.
There’s a relaxed atmosphere on board, and unlike its ocean-going cousins, the Loire Princesse has a vibe that’s all about enjoying the slower pace — eating, drinking and snoozing as you pass through stunning scenery.
I joined the four-night Croisi-Europe sailing just a day after my 30th birthday and the gentle pace of the cruise was exactly what I needed after big celebrations back in London.
If you thought river cruises were for older folks you’d largely be right — I was the youngest person on board by about 20 years.
But that is not to say it was sedate — there was an open bar and at dinner my glass was constantly topped up.
Servers eventually just left entire bottles of red on our table.
The Loire Princesse took us from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire on the west coast and back again.
And Nantes, the sixth largest French city, was a highlight of the trip.
The Chateau de VillandryCredit: SuppliedThe region’s wine is superbCredit: Supplied
Just an hour’s flight from London, it is the perfect weekend getaway destination, with all the charm of a French city without the bustle of Paris or the remoteness of Provence.
With clean, cobbled streets, Nantes is home to plenty of exiles from Paris looking for a cheaper, quieter life, and the city feels like a mini version of it.
From July to September, follow the Green Line, or Le Voyage à Nantes — literally painted on to the pavement, it leads you through the city to discover hidden street art, pop-up installations and all the best viewing points, without needing a map.
Another arty must-do is Les Machines de I’île — unique steampunk-like artistic projects inspired by the fantasy worlds of 19th-century writer Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes.
The Grand Elephant is a 40ft mechanical jumbo made of wood and steel that walks across the quay at the city’s former shipyards, trumpeting and spraying water at unsuspecting onlookers.
You can even ride inside it.
And you can admire Le Carrousel des Mondes Marins — a giant, three-storey carousel filled with mechanical sea monsters which you can operate yourself.
And I am sure you’ll be inspired to create something beautiful yourself after a tipple or two in the Loire Valley.
The region is home to its own variety of vino — Muscadet — grown at the western end of the valley.
Muscadet is a dry, crisp white and is currently going through a bit of a renaissance, so an opportunity to visit one of the world-class wineries in the region is an absolute must.
On my trip, there were three day-trip excursions from the cruise, one of which was included in the price of the voyage, the others costing around £68 each.
In one day-long excursion from the cruise we travelled south of Nantes to the beautiful vineyard of Cassemichere.
Jules Verne was born in NantesCredit: AlamyInside the ship’s dining areaCredit: Supplied
Rather dramatically, our guide told us how the vintner’s brother had died just three weeks earlier, after opening a tank and being poisoned by the carbon dioxide flowing out.
Like the bizarre plot of some twisted nursery rhyme, the poor man had then fallen into the wine.
But I didn’t let that put me off the tasting, and I can confirm that the white made at Cassemichere pairs well with seafood.
We also visited nearby Clisson, a medieval village known for its unique Italian-inspired architecture, with a charming river flowing through the middle of it.
Clisson is the kind of place they stick on the front of the tourist brochure — large trees hanging over the flowing water with an old bridge to cross it.
It was full of history as well, and with typical French frankness, our guide told us how, in the 18th century, women had been boiled at the castle during the Revolution.
On another day trip from the boat we visited two gorgeous chateaus in the centre of the Loire Valley.
The beautiful homes are now museums, with manicured gardens which were lovely to walk around on a blue-sky day.
Each day trip came with a three-course lunch and again, plenty of wine.
At the Chateau de Villandry — a world heritage site — we ate a beautiful chicken lunch in a spot where weddings are hosted.
After all that wine and food I was in desperate need of a nap when we got back to the boat.
Luckily for us, the rooms were cleaned every day, had a sizeable bathroom and were quiet.
Cabins on the main deck have picture windows to admire the scenery as it glides byCredit: SuppliedThe Loire Princesse has a vibe that’s all about enjoying the slower pace — eating, drinking and snoozingCredit: Supplied
Cabins on the upper deck have balconies, while those on the main deck have picture windows to watch the scenery glide by.
When it came to the evening’s festivities, an intercom in our room would call us to the lounge, where we would enjoy several pre-dinner drinks.
Then, in a nice touch by staff, we would have our dinner menu announced to us.
As with the included breakfast and lunch, dinner was an à-la-carte affair.
Think refined French comfort food — plenty taking inspiration from the surrounding Loire region, including fresh seafood and local cheeses.
And, of course, the wine flowed freely — particularly the Muscadet, which was available every night with whatever dish.
In summer months, the ship’s sun deck with its deck chairs and sun loungers is the perfect place to enjoy another cheeky glass while soaking up the sun.
With its access to stunning cities and chateaus, fine food and wine, river cruises don’t only appeal to the older lot on board.
From now on I am a convert too — and got the boat rocking!
GO: RIVER LOIRE
GETTING / SAILING THERE: A five-night cruise on board CroisiEurope’s Loire Princesse is from £1,355pp including return flights from Gatwick,
French transfers, all meals and drinks on board, full day excursion to the chateaus of the Loire Valley and wifi.
Players’ union challenge French state’s failure to protect professional footballers from the health and safety risks.
Published On 8 May 20268 May 2026
Football players’ union FIFPRO is hailing a “landmark” legal win after a European rights body agreed to investigate whether the French state failed to uphold labour standards for professional footballers.
The unanimous decision by the European Committee of Social Rights in March marks the first time a players’ union has successfully advanced a collective complaint under the European Social Charter. It paves the way for an investigation into whether France has failed to ensure proper working conditions for professional players, including minors.
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FIFPRO described the heart of the dispute as the French state’s failure to protect professional footballers from the health and safety risks posed by a congested and expanding international match calendar, which it argues is driven by FIFA’s unilateral decisions on competition formats.
The inaugural edition of a rebranded and expanded FIFA Club World Cup came in for particular criticism from across the game when it was staged last year.
The French government had sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that any alleged labour violations were the responsibility of private sports bodies, such as FIFA or the French Football Federation, rather than the state.
The Committee rejected that objection, affirming that national governments remain legally responsible for ensuring fundamental workers’ rights are upheld within their jurisdictions, regardless of whether a private entity manages the industry.
FIFPRO Europe, which is supporting the French National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) in the case, described the decision as a “signal case” for the industry.
It added that the complaint highlights how global governing bodies “frequently bypass national labour standards regarding rest periods and collective bargaining.”
FIFPRO Europe confirmed it would provide full support to the UNFP during the upcoming proceedings and called on other European states to hold football authorities accountable for “systemic failures” that it said prioritise commercial interests over player safety.
“France is not alone: many other states are in a comparable situation, with minimum standards for working time, rest periods, occupational health and collective bargaining structurally undermined by decisions taken at global level,” its statement said.
YOU’VE heard of PortAventura, Efteling and Europa-Park, but there’s another European theme park that has just completed a 10-year makeover.
The little-known Walibi Rhône-Alpes attraction is just outside of the city of Lyon in France and has just reopened for the season with new attractions.
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Walibi Rhone Alpes theme park has just completed a €50million makeoverCredit: Walibi Rhone AlpesThe newest 4×4 ride can be found in its Exotic Island areaCredit: Walibi Rhone Alpes
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The paradise-looking Exotic Island based on the Pacific Islands like Fiji and Papua New Guinea has had a €4.5million (£3.8million) upgrade, installing a family ride, adventure trail and botanical maze.
Its new family attraction is called RépaR’ Ta Kar and is said to be the ‘first-of-its-kind in Europe‘.
The attraction will be themed around a 4×4’s and be between the high-speed Mahuka rollercoaster and the park’s Tiki Village.
The ride is described as having “off-road vehicles that bounce, rotate, and spin in a chaotic mechanical frenzy.”
Also ready to be explored this year are new walkthrough experiences at Exotic Island.
L’Expédition Perdue (which translated is The Lost Expedition) is a multi-level adventure trail with bridges, slides and climbing challenges.
Le Passage Oublié (The Forgotten Passage) is a sensory maze with underground tunnels.
This upgrade has been part of an overhaul that has been taking place since 2016 at the cost of €50million (£43.2million) – which has been marked by the completion of Exotic Island.
The French theme park has 36 attractions, shows, rollercoasters like Mahuka, Mystic, and Timber – and is divided into three themed zones.
These include Explorer Adventure which is themed around North America with a swinging ship and lazy river ride.
The Festival City zone is New Orleans-themed where visitors enter the ‘party world’.
Here are the likes of a traditional carousel, train and a swing ride.
The park that first opened in 1979 has attractions for children from age three and up, with family-friendly rides and some for the thrill-seekers.
Some of the biggest include the Mystic rollercoaster which has a 31metre vertical climb and top speed of 52.8mph.
The theme park is split into three different lands based on locations around the worldCredit: Walibi Rhone AlpesIt’s suitable for children age three and up – but does have big rollercoasters tooCredit: Walibi Rhone Alpes
Another is Mahuka which is a rollercoaster themed around escaping an abandoned temple.
Then there’s Le Totem, a high-impact drop tower which can be found in Festival City.
It has 12 food and drinks spots as well as shops throughout the park.
The shows include Les Plongeurs de l’Extrême where divers perform daring stunts and jump off platforms as high as 27metres.
At another show, the park’s mascot, Walibi, makes an appearance with meet and greet opportunities for children.
Visitors often leave happy reviews on Tripadvisor, one wrote: “A great park that improves year after year!”
Another described it as “a great park for the whole family.”
Theme park tickets start from €29 (£25.06) – if booked up to five days before the visit.
With Wizz Air, Brits can fly from London Luton Airport to Lyon from £16 in June.
From there, the theme park is around a one-hour drive away.
The Scottish champions will receive £3.7m for reaching the Champions League play-off round, with another £16.1m to come should they reach the league stage.
That is before bonus payments of £1.73m per win, £605,000 per draw and £275,000 per finishing position in the table – with additional payments should they progress to the last 16 or beyond.
Reaching the Europa League proper guarantees £3.7m, with performance bonuses of £388,000 per win and £130,000 per draw.
There is £187,000 available for each position in the final Europa League table.
Performance bonus payments for the Conference League are £345,000 per win and £115,000 per draw, with £24,000 for each position in the table.
Should Celtic or Rangers finish third in the Premiership, it would be a multi-million drop in their expectations of income.
For Hearts, Champions League qualification would be game changing.
Even if they drop into the Europa League, this would bring in a guaranteed minimum of around £7.3m with ticket sales and other commercial revenues to be added.
The pro-European Union coalition of Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has collapsed after a 281-4 vote of no confidence. The Social Democrats, Bolojan’s allies, sided with far-right parties to oust the prime minister. The leu, Romania’s currency, fell to a record low against the euro before Tuesday’s vote.
Tesla is encountering growing resistance in Europe as it seeks approval for its advanced driver assistance system known as Full Self Driving. While chief executive Elon Musk has expressed strong confidence that the technology will soon gain approval across the bloc, internal communications among regulators reveal a far more cautious and skeptical stance.
The system, currently marketed as Full Self Driving Supervised, allows vehicles to operate autonomously under certain conditions but still requires full driver attention. Approval in Europe is critical for Tesla as it attempts to recover market share lost over the past two years and expand its subscription based revenue model.
Early Approval and Wider Ambitions
The Dutch vehicle authority RDW granted initial approval for the system earlier this year. This decision has now been forwarded to the European Union for broader consideration, with discussions underway among member state representatives.
Tesla is aiming not only for approval of its current system but also for future deployment of fully autonomous robotaxis in Europe. Such ambitions depend heavily on regulatory trust in the safety and reliability of its technology.
Regulatory Concerns Across Europe
Despite the Dutch endorsement, regulators from several European countries including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway have raised serious concerns. These include the system’s tendency to exceed speed limits, its performance in icy and hazardous conditions, and the possibility that drivers may bypass safeguards designed to ensure attentiveness.
Officials have also questioned whether the branding of Full Self Driving could mislead consumers into overestimating the system’s capabilities. This concern reflects a broader issue in the automated driving industry, where terminology can blur the line between assistance and autonomy.
Safety, Environment, and Real World Challenges
European regulators are particularly focused on how the system performs under conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Winter driving, for instance, presents unique challenges such as icy roads, reduced visibility, and unpredictable obstacles.
Questions have also been raised about how the system would respond to unexpected hazards, including wildlife on roads. These concerns highlight the difficulty of deploying standardized automated driving technology across diverse geographic and environmental contexts.
Pressure, Perception, and Public Influence
Adding to regulatory unease is Tesla’s approach to public engagement. Officials have expressed frustration with the company’s encouragement of Tesla owners to lobby regulators for approval. In several cases, authorities reported being inundated with emails from supporters advocating for the technology.
While some regulators acknowledged that the system performed well in complex urban environments, others warned that public pressure could complicate an already rigorous evaluation process.
High Stakes Approval Process
For the system to gain EU wide approval, it must secure support from a qualified majority of member states representing a significant portion of the bloc’s population. No immediate vote is scheduled, but further discussions are expected in the coming months.
Approval is seen as a key factor in Tesla’s strategy to boost sales and profitability in Europe, especially as competition intensifies from other global and regional automakers.
Analysis
Tesla’s push for automated driving approval in Europe reveals a fundamental tension between technological ambition and regulatory caution. While the company frames its system as a breakthrough in safety and convenience, European authorities are prioritizing risk mitigation and consumer protection.
The skepticism is not merely bureaucratic hesitation but reflects deeper structural differences in regulatory philosophy. European institutions tend to adopt a precautionary approach, particularly in areas involving public safety and emerging technologies.
For Tesla, the challenge lies in bridging this gap. Securing approval will require not only technical validation but also greater transparency and alignment with regional expectations. For regulators, the task is to balance innovation with responsibility in a rapidly evolving sector.
Ultimately, the outcome of this process will shape not only Tesla’s future in Europe but also the broader trajectory of autonomous driving adoption across the continent.
AFTER five years of being shut-off, one small island off the coast of Montenegro is set to reopen, as is its luxury resort.
Called Sveti Stefan, the pretty spot has been closed for half a decade due to backlash from locals.
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The island of Sveti Stefan has been closed since 2021Credit: AlamyThe luxury retreat on the island will reopen its doors in JulyCredit: Aman
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A few miles away from Montenegro‘s town of Budva is the small and beautiful island of Sveti Stefan which is home to a luxury resort, Aman Sveti Stefan.
The hotel is accessible only to its guests who have to walk across a small strip of land which connects it to the mainland.
But the hotel closed back in 2021 due to a dispute between the property operator and locals over access to its public beaches.
When the hotel first opened in 2009, it made its surrounding beaches including Miločer Beach (King’s Beach) and Queen’s Beach accessible to its guests only.
Access for locals was made difficult with the luxury resort charging high fees around €200 (£172.63) for sunbeds and umbrellas.
However, these had historically been free for all to enjoy with space for locals to lay down a towel.
Restriction of the beaches caused a lot of backlash and there were even protests back in 2021.
The dispute between locals and the hotel ended up with the temporary closure of the resort which stretched on for five years.
Sveti Stefan is connected to the mainland via a small strip of landCredit: Alamy
In 2023, Europa Nostra, the European Voice of Civil Society committed to Cultural Heritage, said: “The Montenegro State has almost half privatised this national treasure and disenfranchised its own citizens from their own public domain.
“Public access to Sveti Stefan old town and other parts of the site has been forbidden, even during winter months when the hotel is closed, making it impossible for locals and non-hotel guest tourists to enjoy this cultural landscape.”
Five years on and the hotel operator, Aman,has confirmed the island retreat in Montenegro will be reopen on July 1, 2026.
The luxury resort still looks like a small village, and is made up of hand-restored stone cottages and suites all updated with modern furnishings.
The resort is made up of hand-restored stone cottages and suitesCredit: Aman
Some of the more luxurious suites even have private swimming pools, courtyards and terraces.
Stays include a daily breakfast, in-room refreshments and access to snorkelling equipment and paddle boards.
A stay in the Deluxe Cottage which is based on an original island home starts from €2,973 (£2,566.12) per night.
The resort has a mainland retreatcalled Villa Miločer, that and its Aman Spa will welcome guests back on May 22, 2026.
As for its surrounding beaches, these are open to the public once more with free access – but there are no shower, changing cabins or toilets.
For anyone who wants a glimpse of Sveti Stefan, the nearest airport is Tivat which is a three-hour direct flights from the UK and as little as £38 each way with easyJet.
Ryanair is reportedly considering closing its base in ThessalonikiCredit: AlamyThessaloniki is considered an entryway to spots like Mount OlympusCredit: Alamy
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Ryanair currently operates three aircraft from its base in Thessaloniki, but is considering shutting it down from October 2026.
Reports have been linked to issues related to a 15 per cent increase in airport charges.
However, no official announcement has been made by the airline.
With the airline considering leaving the city, there are growing concerns about tourism within Thessaloniki – a place where tourists visit to see Mount Olympus and the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki.
The news has prompted Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis to call an emergency meeting with regional tourism officialsto assess the situation.
A tourism representative told local media that the “priority for everyone is and must be the interest of the city.
“If the reason for the possible closure is the high increases, then Fraport should reconsider its pricing policy.”
The Greek embassy confirmed last month: “In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”
Eleni Skarveli, the director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, added: “The Greek National Tourism Organisation remains committed to ensuring a seamless and welcoming journey for all visitors from the UK.”
Airlines such as Ryanair are calling on other countries to pause the rules too, with fears of more problems during the busy summer holidays.
Countries including Spain and France are yet to confirm if they will follow suit.
MAKE convenience the driving force behind your holiday.
There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and Spain.
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There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and SpainCredit: Alamy
Escape to sunnier climes in the car with no pricey flights or fear of flight cancellations.
Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the five best getaways for families, all within an hour of the ferry terminal.
COMILLAS, SPAIN
DRIVE 40 minutes from the ferry terminal of Santander and you’ll find the rustic town of Comillas, crammed with striking Gaudi architecture and art nouveau buildings that overlook a pristine sandy shore.
It’s not as crowded as some of Spain’s more popular holiday resorts and it’s home to the Oyambre Natural Park which is littered with dramatic cliffs and has a plethora of bird life.
Make sure to try a dish loved by locals, marmitako.
The traditional fisherman’s stew comes loaded with tuna, seafood and veggies and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Comillas Hotel in the town is from £439.06pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Plymouth on July 20.
ACTIVITY-loving families will feel right at home in Boulogne-sur-mer, a 30-minute drive from the French port of Calais and with adventure on its doorstep.
Spend a day at the largest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaá, where you can gawp at over 60,000 creatures including reef sharks, manta rays, sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises — the Echappée Tropicale section is new for this year and is framed around mangroves and lagoons.
Nearby Wissant beach is ideal if you’re travelling with youngsters, thanks to its shallow water pools.
And Boulogne-sur-mer’s glorious old town with its cobbled streets, is a wonderful spot for an afternoon potter.
Boulogne sur Mer has a massive aquariumCredit: Alamy
GO: Two nights’ self-catering at the Evancy apartments is from £60pp based on a family of four sharing.
IF you’re less into fly-and-flop and more of a city dweller, look no further than the Spanish city of Bilbao.
The city centre is a 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Once you arrive, ditch the car as everything is easily accessible on foot or by tram/metro.
Pintxos, essentially the basque version of tapas, is the theme of most menus here.
This means you can sample as many restaurants as you fancy, tucking into the best of the nibbles — they tend to be very affordable, too.
Little ones will love riding the funicular up to the peak of Mount Artxanda, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.
Adults, on the other hand, will want to sample a glass of Txakoli, a local wine that’s dry, crisp and pairs perfectly with warm weather.
There’s also a beach if you do want to dip your toes into the sea.
GO: Six nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Euskalduna Hotel is £507.11pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao on July 19.
THE coastal resort, less than an hour from Calais, is chic French glamour meets old-world Britain.
Don’t take my word for it, though.
Back in the day, it attracted big names like Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sean Connery used to stroll its shores, and President Macron has been seen there.
You’re also within a short drive of France’s oldest amusement park, Parc Bagatelle, which will soon feature a new adrenaline ride, North Storm.
It is 33 metres high and throws riders around on 360-degree rotations.
On top of thrill rides, there are also shows and a mini animal farm.
GO: Two-storey family rooms at the 4H Le Grand Hotel Le Touquet cost from around £286pp with access to an indoor heated pool, a padel tennis court, games room and bike rental service.
A SWIFT 30-minute drive from Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, the sleepy fishing town of Courseulles-sur-Mer feels typically French and sits a little off the beaten tourist track.
Be sure to have a go at sand yachting.
Often described as a mix between go-karting and windsurfing, the sport relies on blustery winds to propel you across the sands in a three-wheeled cart with a sail attached to it.
Juno beach is a great spot to try it.
For adrenaline junkies there’s Parc du Chant des Oiseaux which has slides, climbing nets and a zipline, or for something more gently paced there’s an 18-hole mini golf course.
It’s worth renting a bike and exploring the nearby cycle routes while you’re here, too.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 3H La Crémaillère is from £454.85pp, based on four people sharing a one-bedroom duplex and including car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen on July 20.
MAKE convenience the driving force behind your holiday.
There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and Spain.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and SpainCredit: Alamy
Escape to sunnier climes in the car with no pricey flights or fear of flight cancellations.
Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the five best getaways for families, all within an hour of the ferry terminal.
COMILLAS, SPAIN
DRIVE 40 minutes from the ferry terminal of Santander and you’ll find the rustic town of Comillas, crammed with striking Gaudi architecture and art nouveau buildings that overlook a pristine sandy shore.
It’s not as crowded as some of Spain’s more popular holiday resorts and it’s home to the Oyambre Natural Park which is littered with dramatic cliffs and has a plethora of bird life.
Make sure to try a dish loved by locals, marmitako.
The traditional fisherman’s stew comes loaded with tuna, seafood and veggies and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Comillas Hotel in the town is from £439.06pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Plymouth on July 20.
ACTIVITY-loving families will feel right at home in Boulogne-sur-mer, a 30-minute drive from the French port of Calais and with adventure on its doorstep.
Spend a day at the largest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaá, where you can gawp at over 60,000 creatures including reef sharks, manta rays, sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises — the Echappée Tropicale section is new for this year and is framed around mangroves and lagoons.
Nearby Wissant beach is ideal if you’re travelling with youngsters, thanks to its shallow water pools.
And Boulogne-sur-mer’s glorious old town with its cobbled streets, is a wonderful spot for an afternoon potter.
Boulogne sur Mer has a massive aquariumCredit: Alamy
GO: Two nights’ self-catering at the Evancy apartments is from £60pp based on a family of four sharing.
IF you’re less into fly-and-flop and more of a city dweller, look no further than the Spanish city of Bilbao.
The city centre is a 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal.
Once you arrive, ditch the car as everything is easily accessible on foot or by tram/metro.
Pintxos, essentially the basque version of tapas, is the theme of most menus here.
This means you can sample as many restaurants as you fancy, tucking into the best of the nibbles — they tend to be very affordable, too.
Little ones will love riding the funicular up to the peak of Mount Artxanda, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.
Adults, on the other hand, will want to sample a glass of Txakoli, a local wine that’s dry, crisp and pairs perfectly with warm weather.
There’s also a beach if you do want to dip your toes into the sea.
GO: Six nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Euskalduna Hotel is £507.11pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao on July 19.
THE coastal resort, less than an hour from Calais, is chic French glamour meets old-world Britain.
Don’t take my word for it, though.
Back in the day, it attracted big names like Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sean Connery used to stroll its shores, and President Macron has been seen there.
You’re also within a short drive of France’s oldest amusement park, Parc Bagatelle, which will soon feature a new adrenaline ride, North Storm.
It is 33 metres high and throws riders around on 360-degree rotations.
On top of thrill rides, there are also shows and a mini animal farm.
GO: Two-storey family rooms at the 4H Le Grand Hotel Le Touquet cost from around £286pp with access to an indoor heated pool, a padel tennis court, games room and bike rental service.
A SWIFT 30-minute drive from Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, the sleepy fishing town of Courseulles-sur-Mer feels typically French and sits a little off the beaten tourist track.
Be sure to have a go at sand yachting.
Often described as a mix between go-karting and windsurfing, the sport relies on blustery winds to propel you across the sands in a three-wheeled cart with a sail attached to it.
Juno beach is a great spot to try it.
For adrenaline junkies there’s Parc du Chant des Oiseaux which has slides, climbing nets and a zipline, or for something more gently paced there’s an 18-hole mini golf course.
It’s worth renting a bike and exploring the nearby cycle routes while you’re here, too.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 3H La Crémaillère is from £454.85pp, based on four people sharing a one-bedroom duplex and including car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen on July 20.
An overlooked European city, just two hours from the UK, warrants a visit, thanks to its balmy rays of sunshine 300 days out of the year and affordable flights that start from £29
The European city is brimming with charm, alongside narrow streets and lively squares(Image: Getty Images)
Just two hours from the UK is a beautiful Mediterranean city that basks in a remarkable 300 days of glorious sunshine every year, and flights start from just £28.99 with easyJet.
Montpellier, in southern France, is often bypassed in favour of tourist hotspots such as Paris, but it definitely deserves a place on your travel list. The charming city offers a scenic escape from busy crowds, with a laid-back atmosphere amid its medieval architecture, bustling squares and delightful cafés.
You won’t be short of sun-soaked rays here, as Montpellier is widely considered one of France’s sunniest locations, with an average of 300 days of sunshine every year and summer daylight extending to around 10 hours. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers, so rainfall is rarely an issue, with temperatures reaching around 17C in May and 22C in June.
A spring escape couldn’t come at a better time as easyJet launched a new route from Manchester Airport to the sun-kissed city of Montpellier earlier this year. The first flight departed at the start of April this year, with services scheduled to operate twice-weekly on Mondays and Fridays throughout the summer season.
One-way direct tickets can be booked from £28.99, with the journey taking just over two hours from Manchester – meaning you’ll be basking in those southern rays in no time. If you needed another excuse to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle in Montpellier, you’ll be pleased to hear that it has an impressive selection of sights and attractions.
There’s the historic city centre to wander through, with the stunning Place de la Comédie, the historic Promenade du Peyrou, and the Gothic Saint-Pierre Cathedral. And a visit to the city isn’t complete without exploring its pedestrian-friendly Old Town, with winding medieval streets, chic boutiques, and lively squares filled with cafés, restaurants, and hidden courtyards.
Meanwhile, the botanical gardens, Jardin des Plantes – the oldest in France – provide a tranquil escape, boasting an impressive collection of plants and peaceful walkways. The Peyrou Promenade, on the other hand, offers stunning panoramic views across the city and the surrounding countryside, ideal for taking in the atmosphere of this overlooked European gem.
Following the launch of the new flights to Montpellier, Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “We are really pleased to be celebrating our inaugural flights to the fantastic city of Montpellier, just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast. By introducing new connections from Manchester on our unrivaled leisure network, customers from across the northwest can now enjoy even more choice this summer to book and travel with ease.
“We’re continuing to provide our customers with even more choice and connectivity at fantastic fares, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”
Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, added: “We are proud to connect the people of the North with more destinations than any other airport in the country outside London, so it’s fantastic to be celebrating this inaugural flight today.
“Montpellier is not currently served by any other airline so passengers planning a holiday to the south of France this summer will have even more choice of destinations when flying from Manchester. We’re sure this new route will prove extremely popular.”
For more information, or to book easyJet flights, visit their website.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
The US president has accused some NATO countries of not doing enough to support the US-Israel war on Iran.
Published On 4 May 20264 May 2026
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says European leaders have “gotten the message” after United States President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw 5,000 soldiers from Germany.
Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with NATO allies, accusing them of not doing enough to support the US-Israel war on Iran. Speaking on Monday, Rutte acknowledged “disappointment from the US side”.
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“European leaders have gotten the message. They heard the message loud and clear,” Rutte said before a European Political Community meeting in Armenia.
“Europeans are stepping up, a bigger role for Europe and a stronger NATO,” he added.
The Pentagon announced the troop withdrawal from Germany on Friday, days after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran was humiliating the US during the negotiations aimed at ending the war.
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the announcement’s timing a “surprise”.
“I think it shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in NATO, and we have to really do more,” Kallas said while stressing that “American troops are not in Europe only for protecting European interests but also American interests.”
Over the weekend, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said officials in the 32-nation military alliance “are working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany”.
‘Dangerous military intervention’
European criticism of the war on Iran has mounted in recent weeks as the conflict sends shockwaves through the global economy due to the continued disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Last week, Merz compared the war to previous military quagmires, such as the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It is, at the moment, a pretty tangled situation,” he said. “And it is costing us a great deal of money. This conflict, this war against Iran, has a direct impact on our economic output.”
Spain has refused to let the US launch attacks on Iran from its airspace or military bases. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned the war as “unjustified” and a “dangerous military intervention” outside the realm of international law.
Despite this, Rutte said “more and more” European nations were now pre-positioning assets such as minehunters and minesweepers close to the Gulf to be ready for the “next phase” in the war.
He provided no details, and European nations have previously insisted they would not help to police the Strait of Hormuz until the war is over.
Increased defence spending
Many European countries have committed to ramping up defence spending in the face of fears over Trump’s commitment to NATO and Russia’s assault on Ukraine – a push underscored by several leaders in the Armenian capital.
“Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands, increasing their defence and security spending, and building their own common solutions,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
“We have to step up our military capabilities to be able to defend and protect ourselves,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters.
May 2 (UPI) — The United States has started warning allies that delivery of weapons systems are likely to be delayed because stockpiles have been drained during the war in Iran.
The Department of Defense has warned several allies in Europe — including the United Kingdom, Poland, Norway and Estonia — that there will be delivery delays for several missile systems, Breaking Defense and The Financial Times reported.
The delays, which may also spread to deliveries to Asian allies, have been linked to growing concerns about the numbers of U.S. weapons used since the war in Iran started.
Concerns have also come up as to whether lower stockpiles could affect the United States’ ability to defend itself and its allies.
The Department of Defense already has been relocating weapons from bases in other parts of the world both to the U.S. stockpile and for use in the Iran war, which President Donald Trump noted on Friday.
“All over the world, we have inventory,” he said. “And we can take that if we need it.”
Among the weapons systems that could be affected are the HIMARS and NASAMS missile systems, shortages of which were reported in Estonia and Norway in April.
The president of Finland also said in recent days that some U.S. weapons stockpiles normally stored in the country have been rerouted, which lines up with Trump’s comments yesterday.
In Asia, Japan and South Korea are reportedly bracing for delays beyond the ones it already has not received, including Patriot missile interceptors and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Delays that have already happened, and the potential for more, could affect foreign nations’ reliance on weapons manufactured by the United States, experts have said.
“Japan already was deeply frustrated with delivery delays for systems they have paid for,” former Pentagon official Christopher Johnstone told the Financial Times.
“This reality will drive Japan, South Korea and other allies to focus more heavily on indigenous and non-American options, even in areas where U.S. equipment is clearly superior,” he said.
The reports of delays come after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday told members of the Senate Arms Services Committee that he is aware of concerns about the stockpile after two months of an intense campaign in Iran.
In response to questions about the Pentagon’s request for a nearly 50% increase in its budget, Hegseth noted that some of the increase is because of weapons used during the war, and that it could take “months and years” to fully replenish the stockpile.
Trump has asked defense companies to “quadruple” their manufacturing pace, but there are limits to how much production can be sped up, according to industry experts.
President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday. Trump signed an order to expand workers’ access to retirement accounts. Trump also signed legislation ending a 75-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after the House voted in favor of funding. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo
THE sun tickles my face as I gaze across the North Sea on a bright April day.
And I can safely say that this amazing spot on Sweden’s west coast radiates a stillness that could relax even the busiest soul.
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The 240-mile Kattegattleden cycle route runs parallel to the coast, weaving past idyllic farm shops, guesthouses, fishing villages and sandy beaches from HelsingborgCredit: GettyVarberg and its surrounding towns are a haven for seafood lovers, with Spiseriet — ‘the place to eat’ — living up to its nameCredit: Supplied
Varberg, a 40-minute train ride from Gothenburg, is emerging as a proper wellness spot.
One where holidaymakers come to escape life’s rigours and experience authentic Sweden, without the modern-day malls and restaurant chains that have taken over many major cities across Europe.
Here, old-fashioned practices and a fuss-free way of life are still very much the norm — and I couldn’t wait to try them out.
Throwing myself straight into the action, I head to the town’s Kallbadhuset — which translates as “cold bathhouse” — perched on the sea and reminiscent of a Disney castle.
Plunging into the water, I brace myself for the rush of cold — and the brief dip certainly wakes me up.
Luckily, I can follow it up with a visit to the spectacular sauna, warming my limbs while I soak up the stunning view of the town’s pier.
Of course, cold plunges are not the only perk of being by the sea.
Varberg and its surrounding towns in Halland County are a haven for seafood lovers. One of the best places to sample it is Spiseriet.
This sauna with a spectacular view really is hot stuffCredit: SuppliedIf you think Ikea’s meatballs are good then these will knock your socks offCredit: Supplied
Translated, it means “the place to eat” — and it certainly does its name justice.
Having worked at a string of Michelin-star restaurants throughout Gothenburg, charismatic host Peter Hallden and chef Martin Anneflod decided to open their own place in the picturesque Johnssons Gard.
Diners sit in a renovated former stable and choose from a ridiculously fresh menu of classic Swedish grub.
My Norwegian langoustines, Peter informs me, were in the sea four hours earlier, having been collected from nearby fishing village Traslovslage.
Make sure to try the falafel, too, made from local fava beans and pesto rustled up from local nettles. It is Michelin-star quality, but with a home-cooking feel to it and without the extortionate price tag.
If you do want to push the boat out, however, then Restaurant Ang by the Astad Vineyard is a great spot to sample Michelin-star dining.
At just over £100pp, its eight-course tasting breakfast is less eye-watering in price than its dinner and will keep you full for hours.
Star dishes include waffle with a side of caviar, thick hash brown with fava beans and a breakfast cheesecake.
Attention to detail is the name of the game here and doses of morning caffeine are served with a difference. Kenyan coffee beans are soaked in local lingonberries for 18 hours before being served as what looks like juice, but tastes like a refreshingly fruity iced coffee.
After gorging on several hearty courses, I’m properly fuelled for my hiking trip in Steninge, 45 minutes south of Varberg. This area is filled with glorious trails, although Steninge, home to the Steningedalens nature reserve, has some of the best.
An excellent path winds along the Hallandsleden coast, enabling ramblers to take in sensational views of the sea. Or if you prefer to cycle, stretching parallel to the coastal path is bike trail Kattegattleden.
The 240-mile route begins in Helsingborg and weaves past idyllic farm shops, guesthouses and fishing villages as well as sandy beaches.
Along the way is Steninge Kuststation, where I stop for vegetarian Swedish meatballs, mash and local lingonberries. If you think Ikea’s meatballs are good then these will knock your socks off.
Co-owned by Frida Fernbrant and Martina Gustafsson, the guesthouse is a perfect overnight stop for cyclists — with tastefully decorated old-fashioned rooms, sea views, homely food and an outdoor stage for live music.
Back at my base, the Varbergs Kusthotell resort helps me properly unwind and rest my weary legs.
The modern facility sits just 52 steps from the sea, with spa facilities open late so that guests can enjoy an after-dinner swim.
Three outdoor pools arc around the main spa building, which houses an indoor swimming facility in addition to two luxurious hot tubs.
As I watch steam from the heated pool rise into the still night air, I can’t help but feel totally at ease.
Wellness breaks don’t get much better than this.
GO: HALLAND, SWEDEN
GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Manchester and London Stansted from £30 return. See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at Varbergs Kusthotell cost from £119 per night, based on two people sharing. See varbergskusthotell.se/en.
Normally his public persona is somebody who does not give much away but during the quarter-final win against Zebre in Italy, you saw a rare public image of him leading the celebrations.
“The huddle is a personal thing and it was great it was captured on screen, I was so proud of the players,” said Tiatia.
Former Wales fly-half James Hook played with Tiatia at Ospreys. Hook described him as “an animal on the field and your nan’s favourite off it”.
“You don’t see everything of me, maybe you see some of the little bits,” said Tiatia.
“What I give you is what I give you. When I’m watching the game I’m not overly emotional but people who know me, know the true me.”
Tiatia is in his first full season as head coach and believes getting to know the players has been a key component of any turnaround.
“One of the biggest things is around care for one another,” said Tiatia.
“Players and staff understanding each other on a deeper level, not just surface level, actually bone-deep.
“Understanding it’s people first and then understanding the player. That’s been a big shift, not just trying to get the best out of them but also having players take responsibility.”
Tiatia was asked what he meant by bone-deep. His answer was illuminating.
“Surface level is knowing people by face and respectfully saying hello,” said Tiatia.
“On a deeper level, I will introduce myself to you and tell you where I’m from.
“I’m from Wellington. I’m Samoan. My first language is English, it was Samoan, I speak Japanese. I speak a little Italian.
“I’m a learner, I’m an introvert, I’m a trained extrovert. When I’m stressed I’ll be quiet.
“When I will be quiet, I’m thinking about my family first and foremost.
“I was taught from my parents very early on that gratitude is one of the biggest strengths. You understand what you have and you’re grateful for it.
“Those are things I would share at a bone-deep level. We then have a deeper understanding about each other, about our morals and values.
“Also the mistakes I’ve made as a young person is something I can now relate to with the group.
“I don’t want the players to make the same mistakes and they’re becoming the best version of themselves. So it’s not just coaching. It’s holistic growth.”
