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According to the Future of Work in Travel and Tourism report from the World Travel and Tourism Council, the world is facing a huge shortage in people working in the industry by 2035

The world is facing a 43 million worker shortfall by 2035 that could spell chaos for holidaymakers if not addressed.

Many of the world’s biggest holiday economies, including Japan, Greece and China, will require millions more workers to keep their tourism industries afloat.

Ageing populations and a desire not to work in low-skilled jobs will see labour supply slump to 16% below demand levels in ten years’ time, according to the Future of Work in Travel and Tourism report from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

There will be a forecast shortfall of 20.1 million people required for low-skilled roles, with deficits projected across all 20 economies. China (16.9 million), India (11.0 million) and the EU (6.4 million) will be hardest hit. In relative terms, the economies projected to face the largest shortfalls are Japan, with labour supply at 29% below demand, Greece (27% below), and Germany (26% below).

Since the Covid pandemic, a number of countries have struggled to fill vacancies, with many tourism workers leaving the industry when hotels and resorts shut down to stop the virus’s spread. The shortfall has already led to price rises.

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All-inclusive family package holidays from the UK jumped in price for some of the most popular destinations, including Spain, Cyprus and Turkey over the past year. The average price for a week in Cyprus in August went up by 23%, from £950 per person to £1,166, the TravelSupermarket show reported in July.

While there are multiple factors at play including the rising cost of plane fuel, a shortage of workers in key countries is contributing. La Tribuna de Ciudad Real reported that almost half of the vacancies in Spanish bars and hotels remained unfilled in 2024. Unfilled vancancies reached 80,000 in Greece in May, the Guardian reported.

Gina Fleming, senior director of Learning and Development at Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, said: “Recruiting chefs is so competitive as many cruise companies have elevated the food experience to meet guests’ higher expectations. There is a high demand for culinary skills and roles like Junior Sous-Chef. We are partnering with chef schools to build a pipeline.”

Tourism has been booming worldwide in the post-Covid years. In 2024, the sector supported a record 357 million jobs worldwide and is forecast to support 371 million this year. Over the next decade, travel and tourism is projected to generate 91 million new roles, accounting for one in every three net new jobs created globally.

However, by 2035, global demand for workers in travel and tourism will outpace supply by more than 43 million people, leaving labour availability 16% below required levels.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism is set to remain one of the world’s biggest job creators, offering opportunities for millions of people worldwide. But we must also recognise that wider demographic and structural changes are reshaping labour markets everywhere. Many workers left the sector during Covid when travel and tourism came to a standstill. Now, as global unemployment is expected to fall and working-age populations to shrink, this is creating increased pressure on labour supply, especially for fast-growing sectors like Travel & Tourism.

“This report is a call to action. By working together with governments and educators, our sector will meet these challenges and continue to be one of the most rewarding sectors, offering dynamic futures for the next generations. WTTC will work with government officials around the world to ensure policies are implemented to reduce this gap and unlock the potential in their countries.”

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, added: “By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from Travel & Tourism — no other sector can claim that. Saudi Arabia shows what vision and investment can achieve, with over 649,000 training opportunities, and a workforce that is nearly 50% women.”

Reddit (RDDT 0.79%) stock has been a big winner since its initial public offering (IPO). Since the day of its market debut in March 2024, the company’s share price has rocketed 606% higher as of this writing.

With such incredible gains across a relatively short period of time, it’s not unreasonable to wonder if Reddit stock has become overvalued — even with the stock seeing a recent valuation pullback. On the other hand, there are some good reasons to think that Reddit stock can continue marching higher.

Image source: Getty Images.

Reddit is flashing very strong growth indicators

With revenue of $1.67 billion over the trailing 12-month period, Reddit has posted sales growth of roughly 49% across the period — but growth has actually been accelerating at an incredible pace recently. For example, the company’s sales increased 78% year over year in this year’s second quarter. Meanwhile, the business recorded a gross margin of roughly 90% over the TTM period.

Data by YCharts.

Even better, the company’s gross margin continues to climb higher. The strong improvements in sales and profitability largely stem from the company’s wins with licensing data from its social-media platform for the training of artificial intelligence (AI) models.

With very strong sales growth and stellar gross margins that have continued to trend higher in recent quarters, Reddit could have the makings of a long-term profit-generating machine. While the stock has already seen huge gains, history could eventually show that it was cheaply valued at current prices.

One UK man visited the world’s most expensive cafe, Cedric Grolet, in Monaco. After ordering a coffee and some pastries, he was shocked to receive a bill that left his wallet empty

It seems like the cost of a coffee and pastry has soared everywhere. Whether you’re popping into your neighbourhood Greggs or a hip independent bakery, it’s hardly shocking to fork out £5 or more for a flat white and croissant.

But while that stings your purse, it pales in comparison to what’s available at one of the globe’s most lavish cafés, where a basic sweet indulgence can exceed your entire weekly grocery bill. Head south to France and you’ll discover Monaco, the billionaire’s paradise. This minuscule principality is famed as the beating heart of Formula One, home to countless multi-million pound superyachts – and its legendary casino.

Perched above that very casino within the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an upmarket patisserie has gained notoriety for its exquisite pastries and bakes – alongside the astronomical prices they demand.

Stroll through the marble foyer and you’ll discover what’s been branded the “world’s most expensive café”, Cedric Grolet.

Grolet is a globally celebrated French pastry chef boasting millions of social media fans and honours, including “Best Pastry Chef in the World”.

The Monte-Carlo branch marks his Mediterranean debut, following phenomenally successful launches in Paris, London and Singapore, though given its setting, it appears among the most expensive.

His masterpieces are immediately identifiable, with puddings crafted to mirror lemons, peaches or strawberries perfectly on the exterior, before unveiling intricate layers of mousse, cream and sponge inside.

Some of the traditional pastries might not necessarily empty your wallet, but they’re still decidedly on the expensive side. For instance, a pain au chocolat will set you back a hefty €12, but with some more luxurious pastries available, one visitor soon fell into the sweet trap and was left with a massive bill.

During a visit to the bakery that he later shared on TikTok, Charlie Betts ended up shelling out an eye-watering £140 on just a few items and a matcha.

Upon arriving at the bakery, he said: “There’s life like looking at fruits, I don’t even know what they would be, maybe little chocolate tarts? I’m not sure, but I think it’s going to be quite good. Hopefully, the best sweet treats I’ve ever had in my life.

“This has got to be the best thing of my life. I’m really scared of what the price is going to be.”

Ordering a chocolate chip cookie, a peanut, mango and strawberry styled dessert, and a final special rose tart, the bill was certainly on the steep side. Each dish was clearly meticulously assembled with layers of mousse, foams, cake and jams all rolled into something scrumptious, but can any baked good justify such a high price tag?

Charlie summarised: “If price isn’t involved, I’m going to give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. My most expensive meal ever.”

Many in the comments were as shocked at the price. One person wrote: “As a pastry chef, those prices are ridiculous.”

While another added: “I get hives at the price of Costa, can’t imagine what medical condition I’d develop here.”

The Residence is a three-room, 125-square-foot suite designed to feel more like a private luxury apartment than an aircraft seat

While most of us are accustomed to shelling out less than £100 for a Ryanair flight, the world’s wealthiest individuals enjoy an entirely different level of air travel. There are your run-of-the-mill flights, and then there are those that become legendary tales.

One ticket stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to sky-high luxury, so opulent that it makes business class seem pedestrian. Picture this: your own personal flat soaring thousands of feet in the sky, complete with a private living room, separate bedroom, mid-flight shower facilities, and a personal butler at your beck and call.

Throw in some customised gourmet dining — think succulent steak instead of microwaved pasta — access to a lounge before take-off, and even Armani pyjamas to slip into when you’re ready to hit the hay.

The price tag is enough to make most of us choke on our peanuts. If you fancy flying like the crème de la crème, you’ll be paying a pretty penny. You’ll need to cough up as much as £50,000 for “The Residence” experience aboard one of Etihad Airways’ A380s, reports the Express.

“The Residence” is far from your average cabin. It’s a three-room, 125-square-foot suite designed to feel more like a swanky private flat than an aeroplane seat. Etihad describes it as a “bespoke journey above the clouds”.

The service is just as lavish. Each guest has a personal butler, trained at the prestigious Savoy Butler Academy in London, to handle everything from meal service to unpacking luggage to keeping your champagne glass brimming.

Whilst the luxurious service isn’t offered on every route, The Residence operates from the UK, primarily on journeys to New York or Abu Dhabi.

The premium travel experience commences well before boarding, featuring a bespoke airport welcome and dedicated escort to guarantee a smooth airport journey.

Whilst most passengers switch their devices to flight mode, those travelling in The Residence can access complimentary onboard Wi-Fi with unlimited data.

The second room of your airborne suite is the sleeping quarters, featuring a generous double bed to guarantee you reach your destination fully refreshed. Cabin crew will serve meals at your convenience, including a special breakfast in bed arrangement if desired.

Experiencing one of the services from London to Abu Dhabi, travel vlogger Walk With Me Tim shared his thoughts on YouTube. He commented: “Wow, what an experience from start to finish. The service is impeccable. The food, I cannot fault. They walked me to where I got my case, and then escorted me to where I got my car.

“They took my case the whole way there. I didn’t even have to get it off the belt. That bedroom, though, as something else, the whole thing was an experience, I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”

Many investors don’t give Impinj (PI 4.59%) a second look nowadays. It’s easy to gloss over this technology stock when you see a trailing price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 695 and a price-to-sales ratio (P/S) just below 15. The company’s RFID tagging technology may be crucial to inventory management and shipping services in this digital era, but that’s still a downright offensive valuation.

Yet analysts agree that Impinj’s stock is a solid buy, and their average price target is roughly in line with current share prices. How is that possible, when Impinj’s valuation could result in nosebleeds and acrophobia?

This chart can clarify the situation, and maybe even change your mind about Impinj’s lofty stock price:

PI Revenue (Quarterly) data by YCharts

Impinj’s sales and free cash flows are soaring right now — despite weak results in the company’s core target markets. Many retailers and shipping specialists are reporting soft or even negative revenue growth and sliding cash flows in this economy. Yet, Impinj is enjoying robust order growth and record-level gross margins right now.

And this looks like the start of a golden age for Impinj. Management set optimistic growth targets for the next quarter and next year, based on strong demand for RFID tags and data management systems.

Image source: Getty Images.

What’s next for Impinj?

In other words, Impinj is breaking through to a new era of consistently positive earnings, for the simple reason that its main customers absolutely require tighter operations nowadays. Accurate and flexible unit-tracking tools are more valuable than ever.

And the incredibly high valuation ratios should subside as Impinj continues to tell this thrilling growth story. P/E ratios can look weird when a bottom-line improvement is passing by the breakeven level, as Impinj’s trailing earnings are doing now. Those headline-writing ratios should look a lot less scary in 2026 and beyond.

A restaurant in Spain has shared a photo of a receipt with a huge €63,000 (£55,000) bill racked up on it – and people are desperate to know who could have paid it

A Spanish restaurant has shared of a receipt showing an eye-watering €63,000 (£55,000) bill, that a group of tourists unbelievably walked away from.

The eatery teased that the party might have featured a well-known American sporting celebrity. Situated in Palmanova, Majorca, the waterfront establishment appealed on social media: “Whose bill is this? Tag them below, please – we’d like to talk..”

Sharp-eyed observers noticed that a massive chunk of the total was splashed on “various fish”. With such an astronomical sum, punters in the replies have been desperately attempting to identify who could possibly fork out this much at a restaurant.

A fierce discussion has erupted in the comments section as people scramble to determine who would blow this kind of cash at the venue.

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The establishment later revealed that 18 guests were accommodated at the table and suggested the party might have featured a well-known American sporting celebrity, according to Majorca Daily Bulletin.

The mystery diners didn’t just splash out on grub but also shelled out a fortune on premium beverages.

Another entry on the receipt shows valet parking, which forms part of the venue’s upmarket offerings.

The Instagram post exploded online with countless users desperate to uncover the identity of the enigmatic customer, reports the Express.

It has now become the hottest topic across Majorca as residents attempt to crack who splashed out on one of the island’s priciest ever dinners.

Majorca stands as one of the biggest islands in the Balearics and serves as a beloved getaway destination. The island boasts crystal clear waters and breathtaking beaches, making it a must-visit destination that draws in two million Brits per year.

Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, but many people make a mistake when it comes to exchanging their money that can make their trip more expensive

Turkey is fast becoming a favourite holiday spot for Brits, with its sun-soaked resort towns and bustling cities like Istanbul drawing in millions of us each year. In fact, a whopping 4.4 million UK tourists jetted off to Turkey in 2024 alone, making it the eighth most popular destination for British holidaymakers. While it’s still playing catch-up with hotspots like Spain, France, and Greece, the number of visitors is on the rise each year, and it could soon break into the top five.

But there’s one common blunder many Brits make when heading to Turkey that can make their holiday pricier than they bargained for. With just one simple change, you could save a pretty penny on your trip.

A Turkey travel guru named Katherine has shared some insider tips for those planning a trip to Istanbul in a TikTok video, but her top piece of advice applies no matter where in the country you’re headed.

She warns against exchanging your local currency for Turkish Lira before you set off, as you could end up getting a poor exchange rate and spending more dosh than you planned.

Instead, she suggests swapping your cash for Euros or Dollars first, then taking that to Turkey and changing it into Turkish Lira once you’re there.

She explained: “Never change Lira in your home country or the airport in Turkey. Instead, bring Euros or Dollars and exchange small amounts [while you’re here], because Turkish Lira is pretty unstable.

“The best exchange spots [in Istanbul] are the Grand Bazaar or Istiklal Street. I always go to the one right across from the Swarovski store at Istiklal.”

Whilst that money-saving tip works throughout the nation, Katherine’s additional guidance focuses specifically on getting around Istanbul.

She advised that you should never pay for public transport using your credit card or contactless payment, as you’ll face a staggering 40% surcharge. Instead, you should purchase a travel card known as an Istanbulkart, which is available at any metro station.

Lastly, Katherine cautioned against hopping into “random airport taxis,” as you could end up paying five to ten times more than the journey should actually cost.

Taxi applications such as Uber, Bitaski, and InDrive offer far superior alternatives for travelling around the city, as you can opt to pay through the app.

Turkey travel guidance

When travelling to Turkey with a full British citizen passport, the passport must expire at least 150 days after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page inside.

You can visit Turkey for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, whether you’re visiting for business or tourism. Longer stays require a short-term residence permit. If you’re considering taking money to Turkey for exchange, it’s crucial to understand the currency rules.

While there’s no cap on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish Lira you can bring into Turkey, you’re restricted from taking Turkish Lira equivalent to more than $5,000 USD out of the country.

Plus-sized passengers make have to fork out hundreds extra if trying to fly thanks to a popular airlines new policy that sees plane seat restrictions tighten in the coming months

A popular airline has made huge changes for plus sized passengers – and people aren’t happy. Southwest Airlines has announced a new role for larger passengers, which could see their ticket prices more expensive.

Southwest is a major airline in the United States, and for those who can’t find within the armrests of their seat will need to soon book an additional seat before they fly.

It comes as a rollout of new changes coming into effect on January 27 2026, including pre-assigned seats. At the moment, plus-sized travellers who may need extra room can purchase an additional seat upfront and apply for a refund after flying, or request a complimentary seat at the airport.

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One of the biggest changes to this will mean refunds may still be possible, but not always guaranteed which could result in passengers facing higher upfront costs without the certainty of getting their money back.

In a statement released by the airline, they said: “To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.” It goes against what the airline was previously known for as being traveller-friendly and operating a ‘customer-first approach’ according to Metro.

These perks, which also included open seating at boarding and a generous free baggage allowance are slowly disappearing as the free baggage was stopped in May, and the rules around seats getting stricter.

The refunds for plus-sized passengers will only be granted if at least one seat on the flight was empty at departure and if both tickets were purchased in the same booking class. In other words, passengers can no longer assume that an extra seat will automatically qualify for a refund.

In order to get their money back, passengers will need to request a refund within 90 days of their flight. In a bid to still protect the promise for flexibility for passengers, it may still hike up costs for people being asked to pay hundreds upfront without the certainty of getting it reimbursed – and if it’s a fully booked flight, they will be turned away and booked onto the next available flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, told AP: “I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody.”

Tigress Osborn, chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance told the New York Times: “Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying. And now that beacon has gone out.”

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Dutch Bros (BROS 6.46%) stock is finally getting some market love. It’s more than doubled in value over the past year, and it trades at a P/E ratio of 193. That’s expensive by almost any standard, but it’s not the only valuation ratio worth a look. The valuation could also be justified given the company’s growth prospects.

Here’s a deeper look.

Image source: Dutch Bros.

High growth, high profits for Dutch Bros

With performance as good as Dutch Bros’ has been posting since it went public in 2021, it’s surprising that it’s taken the market this long to take notice. It reliably reports high sales growth, and profits continue to rise. In the 2025 second quarter, revenue increased 28% year over year, while net income rose from $22.2 million last year to $38.4 million this year.

However, there were reasons the market was concerned until recently. It didn’t report its first annual profit until 2023. In addition, investors were worried about its chances when same-store sales growth was low, even in negative territory for a short time, and most of the increase was coming from price hikes.

Dutch Bros has moved way past that now. Earnings per share (EPS) increased from $0.03 to $0.34 in 2024, and from $0.12 to $0.20 in the 2025 second quarter year over year. Same-store sales were up 6.1% in the quarter, with a 3.7% rise in transactions.

More importantly, analysts expect EPS to increase about 350% over the next three years.

Data by YCharts.

There’s a lot of expectation here. Dutch Bros has a huge growth runway in opening new stores, and net income is following. While there’s some growth built into Dutch Bros’ current price, the opportunity is enormous, which is why it commands a premium valuation. As for other valuation methods, the forward one-year P/E ratio is a more reasonable 74, and the price-to-sales ratio is a very reasonable 5.

THE MOST expensive seaside town in Britain has been “abandoned” by tourists with the implementation of an outrageous new parking fee.

It means visitors have to pay a daily parking price of £10.

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The coastal town of Salcombe in Devon has had a new parking charge of £10 introduced for day-trippers.

Locals also are required to pay £8 per day for parking, if they have the annual £5 permit.

This has triggered outrage, a notable drop in visitors according to residents.

One local business owner, Beck Gordon who owns a cafe and fishmonger’s, said: “In terms of day-trippers, if you talk about more local people, they definitely don’t come any more.”

Beck added: “It’s quieter generally.

“The parking’s definitely an issue.”

She pointed to the “absolutely ridiculous” fact that it is cheaper to get a weekly parking ticket that costs £25 or £50 than pay the car park fees, which would add up to £70.

Another cafe manager in the area revealed spending £120 of her earnings just on parking.

Salcombe was recently dubbed the most expensive seaside town in the UK, with average house prices of around £1.2 million in 2022.

Lloyds, however, revealed they did tumble by 22 per cent in the Devon hotspot to £970,657 in 2022.

It is known for its high concentration of second homes, which constitute 60 per cent of its housing stock, which are being hit by double council tax.

Despite having some of the UK’s best seafood, and being a small fishing village, it receives hardly any tourists anymore.

Councillor Julian Brazil, who is in charge of community services at the local council, stated: “We’d like to do everything to help the tourism trade and we have kept our car parking charges as competitive as possible.

“Residents of the South Hams can benefit from our discounted resident parking scheme.”

 “Many workers in Salcombe have benefited from our competitive parking permits, which offer significantly lower long-term parking compared to our pay-on-the-day rates.”

He added: “Be under no illusion, we don’t want to increase prices, but this is the best choice for us under the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

According to Brazil, the prices have been frozen for four years, and visitors are just being asked to contribute to public services.

Anti-tourist measures have been seen to be sweeping hotspots across the UK and Europe.

Officials have attempted to reduce the impact of holidaymakers by implementing additional taxes on tourists, or banning new hotels.

Earlier in the year, the Greater Manchester Mayor suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors.

Salcombe in Devon has been deserted by tourists after it was revealed to be the UK’s most expensive seaside town – and a new £10 parking charge has been implemented

A new £10 parking charge is putting off day-trippers from visiting Salcombe, recently branded the UK’s most expensive coastal town.

Lloyds revealed in May 2024 that the average house price in the Devon hotspot has tumbled by 22% to £970,657, compared to over £1.2million in 2022. However, Rightmove’s August rankings still positioned Sandbanks and Canford Cliffs in Dorset at the summit of the list for the most costly seaside towns, with average asking prices of £1.5million and £1.2million respectively.

Salcombe, known for its high concentration of second homes – making up about 60% of its housing stock – is already hitting these properties with double council tax. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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The recent launch of a £10 daily parking fee for visitors has triggered outrage, whilst South Hams District Council provides locals an annual permit for £5, enabling them to park for £8 per day, reports Devon Live.

Local business owners are worried about the effect on trade. Beck Gordon, owner of a cafe and fishmonger’s, said: “It’s quieter generally. The parking’s definitely an issue.”

She noticed a drop in visits from nearby residents, saying: “In terms of day-trippers, if you talk about more local people, they definitely don’t come any more.”

Gordon also emphasised the gap in parking costs, pointing out it’s cheaper to get a weekly parking ticket for £25 or £50 than paying the car park fees, which would total £70. She branded the situation “absolutely ridiculous”.

A local cafe manager revealed that she spends a whopping £120 of her earnings solely on parking. Councillor Julian Brazil, who is in charge of community services at the local council, commented: “We’d like to do everything to help the tourism trade and we have kept our car parking charges as competitive as possible.

“Residents of the South Hams can benefit from our discounted resident parking scheme.” He also highlighted the benefits for Salcombe’s workforce, stating: “Many workers in Salcombe have benefited from our competitive parking permits, which offer significantly lower long-term parking compared to our pay-on-the-day rates.”

Councillor Brazil was frank about the financial decisions, asserting: “Be under no illusion, we don’t want to increase prices, but this is the best choice for us under the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

He further clarified the reasoning behind the pricing strategy: “Our prices have been frozen for four years, and now everyone who benefits from our public services are being asked to contribute, and that includes our visitors.”

Property experts at Zoopla have pinpointed Devon’s South Hams district as a prime location. The area, which includes the historic town of Dartmouth and nearby Kingsbridge, Ivybridge, Salcombe, and Totnes, is deemed “desirable”.

They expanded on the available housing options, stating: “Dartmouth and its surrounding town and villages offer a range of properties from terraces, cottages and merchants’ houses, to new-builds and luxury sea-view flats, town houses and boathouses.”

It has been named Europe’s most expensive city to drink in, with the average cost of a pint in the seaside town coming in at a whopping £6.30, according to new research

A beloved UK coastal town has officially claimed the title for Europe’s priciest pint, knocking London off the top spot. Research conducted by credit card company Aqua reveals that Brighton boasts the costliest pints among 50 European cities.

In Brighton, you’ll be shelling out an average of £6.30 for a pint. London trails closely behind in second place with an average pint price of £6.20, while Cambridge takes third place with an average pint costing £6.

Despite its steep drink prices, Brighton remains a highly sought-after holiday spot.

Renowned for its vibrant music scene, delectable food and, naturally, its beach, Brighton is an ideal choice for a day trip – though it’s easy to extend your stay.

Time Out recently hailed Brighton as one of the top 50 cities worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why.

Attracting a whopping 11.8 million visitors from England alone each year, its quirky five-mile-long promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

You’ll find karaoke bars, eateries, independent shops and, of course, a plethora of pubs, reports the Express.

Not to mention the grand Royal Pavilion, a true architectural wonder that began construction in 1787.

Constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style inspired by Indian architecture, this pavilion served as a seaside retreat for Prince George of Wales in 1811, who later became King George IV in 1820.

Today, the building welcomes the public for tours, and its stunning gardens are simply unparalleled.

If shopping is more your cup of tea, then a trip to The Lanes is a must. These winding streets are brimming with coffee shops and vintage markets where you can happily lose yourself.

For those seeking a touch of the great outdoors, just a stone’s throw from the town centre lies the UK’s largest dry valley.

Devil’s Dyke offers an idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking rolling green hills, and it’s a splendid spot to catch a sunset.

Sandbanks has been named the UK’s most expensive seaside town again after a new survey found that the average asking price for a home is an eye-watering £1,282,565

City-dwellers dreaming of coastal escapes during the sweltering summer heat want to think twice before setting their sights on Sandbanks.

The exclusive Dorset enclave has once again been named the most expensive seaside town in the UK, with property prices soaring well above the million-pound mark.

According to new figures released by Rightmove, the average asking price for a home in Sandbanks is now £1,282,565 – making it the only seaside location in Britain where average house prices break the £1 million barrier. That figure is more than three times the UK average of £378,240.

Despite the eye-watering price tag, the data also reveals that even Sandbanks hasn’t been immune to the wider market downturn. Prices in the coastal hotspot have dipped three percent compared to 2024. But that hasn’t dented buyer interest.

READ MORE: Tourists on Spanish island directed to fake beaches in ‘dirty’ ploy by fed-up locals

“Sandbanks now stands out as the only seaside spot with an average asking price of over the million-pound mark,” said Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove.

The figures reflect a broader trend as buyer demand is up eight percent in the UK’s most desirable coastal areas, even as prices drop. Across the top 50 most expensive seaside towns, average asking prices have fallen one per cent year-on-year.

Long established as Britain’s answer to Monte Carlo, Sandbanks’ allure lies in its rare mix of golden beaches, luxury properties, and close proximity to London.

Nestled on a tiny peninsula at the mouth of Poole Harbour, the town boasts some of the most coveted real estate in the country – and it’s a magnet for celebrities.

Harry Redknapp, Karl Pilkington, and Liam Gallagher are among the A-listers believed to own homes in the area, which is known for its upscale dining, sleek modern builds, and sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast.

Just two miles up the road, the nearby neighbourhood of Canford Cliffs also made the list, claiming the second most expensive coastal town spot.

Properties there command an average price of £974,635, despite a nine per cent drop from last year.

In third place is Milford-on-Sea, a picture-postcard village in Hampshire, where buyers can expect to pay around £728,460 on average.

While the south coast dominates the luxury end of the market, bargain-hunters should look north.

The most affordable seaside town in the UK, according to Rightmove, is Saltcoats in Ayrshire, where average asking prices are less than a quarter of a million pounds – well below the national average.

Other budget-friendly options include Peterlee in County Durham, further underlining the North-South divide when it comes to coastal property prices.

“Lower-priced seaside spots like Saltcoats and Peterlee offer home-movers a sea view at a fraction of the price,” Babcock said.

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FOOTIE legend Wayne Rooney has been booted into third place in the Soccer Aid shirt auction – by a boyband heartthrob and a rising telly star.

The former England skipper’s signed shirt is currently sitting at £1,578, but that’s still miles behind the top two.

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One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is topping the leaderboard with a whopping £5,364 bid for his England top – despite barely touching the ball on the pitch.

Coming in second is Bella Ramsey, the breakout star of The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, whose shirt has pulled in an impressive £1,731.

But it’s not just Rooney who’s struggling to get to the top in the footie world – Brazil legend Rivaldo’s shirt is number five, with a bid of £809.

The former Barcelona man is surprisingly beaten into fourth by Twitch streamer Morgan Burtwistle, better known online as AngryGinge.

Even more surprising, though, is the fact there’s no place in the top 10 for former Manchester City star Carlos Tevez.

Fans have been scrambling to snap up the signed shirts from this year’s charity clash, which raised £15.28million for UNICEF.

But Rooney’s spot behind Louis and Bella has raised a few eyebrows – especially considering he’s England’s all-time top scorer.

It just shows how fast the world of fame moves – especially when you step out of the limelight.

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Louis has a cult-like following, and his fans are proving they’ll do anything to get their hands on his kit.

And Bella’s fanbase is booming after she has been smashing it on screen.

The auction is still live but with bids flooding in it looks like pop power and screen stardom are winning this match.

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The Skye Bridge is a road bridge over Loch Alsh, which connects mainland Scotland to the Isle of Skye. The bridge was the scene of controversy over the fees charged to use it

The UK is home to some of the world’s most impressive bridges, with iconic structures such as Scotland’s Queensferry Crossing, and the Humber and Tyne bridges. With a total of 3,680 bridges, they provide vital links between regions and cities across the country. Scotland alone boasts 577 bridges, one of which sparked public outrage due to the toll fees charged for its use.

This bridge quickly earned the title of the world’s most expensive, until the charges were eventually abolished. The Skye Bridge, which opened to the public on October 16, 1995, connects the island to the mainland, reports the Express.

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Construction began in 1992, led by Scottish company Miller, but the design was the work of German engineering firm DYWIDAG Systems International, in partnership with civil engineering company Arup.

The main structure is a concrete arch, supported by two piers, linking Skye to the small island of Eilean Bàn, with the remainder of the bridge extending level to the mainland.

Spanning a total distance of 1.5 miles, the main arch stands approximately 35m high, allowing a clearance of 30m for boats at high tide. The bridge offered a faster and more efficient route for locals to reach the mainland.

Before its construction, which cost an estimated £28 million, residents faced lengthy queues during the summer months for the ferry from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye.

The decision to impose a toll for crossing the Skye Bridge, which escalated from a mere 40p to an eye-watering £11.40, sparked outrage among the public, earning it the title of Europe’s priciest bridge.

Locals often quipped: “The Skye Bridge – the only place in the world where you get mugged AND get a receipt!” Skye and Lochalsh residents didn’t take long to rally together, forming the protest group Skye Bridge Against Tolls or SKAT.

After relentless campaigning, the authorities finally caved to the pressure, scrapping the tolls on 21 December 2004.

Protesters alleged that the firm running the bridge had raked in over £33 million from tolls, dwarfing the bridge’s operational costs pegged at £3.5 million.

A poll of 2,000 travellers found three in 10 felt they have often paid more for something on holiday because they were a tourist

Holidaymakers have shared some of the priciest purchases they have unintentionally made while abroad. A survey of 2,000 travellers revealed that three in 10 felt they had often been charged more for items on holiday due to their tourist status. One unlucky holidaymaker shelled out £30 for a single glass of Coca-Cola in Rome, while another unsuspectingly bought a T-shirt for £80, believing it was only £10.

Other surprising expenses reported by respondents included paying a staggering £48 for a single shot of whiskey. Another person spent £25 on a taxi ride in Amsterdam, only to discover their destination was less than a mile away.

The study, conducted by the Post Office, indicated that travellers frequently struggle with ‘currency confusion’ – becoming muddled about the value of money ‘in pounds’ when they are away. This has resulted in a quarter of people paying more than they anticipated for an item.

The most common currency conversion for Brits, changing to euros, also baffled respondents, with nearly a third unsure of how much £5 would equate to in Euros. Moreover, 40% were in the dark about the conversion rate for dollars.

According to the survey, four out of ten try to calculate local currency rates in their heads, while 6% will ask someone nearby and then take their word for it.

Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, commented: “Our research reveals many travellers overestimate their ability to mentally convert currencies on the go, and that can lead to overspending. We wanted to highlight how easily confusion around exchange rates can impact holiday budgets – no one wants to waste time abroad worrying about money. “

The study was commissioned to promote the Post Office’s Travel Money Card, as well as their Travel App which allows holidaymakers to check exchange rates and monitor spending in real time.

Currently, 17% rely on conversion apps to work out how much they are spending. “It’s surprising that only 19% of travellers use a prepaid travel card for their spending abroad when it can allow travellers to lock in a good rate before travelling,” Laura said.

Meanwhile, 49% utilise a separate card not connected to their primary bank account for overseas spending in an effort to safeguard their ‘main funds’ from fraudsters or thieves.

Laura further stated: “Nothing disrupts a holiday like a financial mishap. Keeping your travel money separate from your main account is a smart move to give you greater control, clearer visibility of what you’re spending.

“Whether you’re budgeting carefully or just want to avoid mixing travel purchases with everyday costs, this small step can make a big difference to your trip.”

Stag Web describes the experience as an “ultra-high-end weekend exclusively for those with 10-digit bank balances” that is “inspired by Jeff Bezos’s upcoming nuptials”

Things have come a long way in the world of stag do planning.

A few decades ago a typical “last night of freedom” consisted of traipsing down to the local pub with your best friend from school, a cousin and a father-in-law or two for an evening of ale, crisps and perhaps a go on the fruity.

Those days are now a long way behind us, with a typical stag far more likely to jet off to Benidorm or Amsterdam.

For those who enjoy a bit of one-upmanship, one stag do company is taking things to the next level with a “bespoke service for the top 0.0001%: the Billionaire Stag Do”.

Stag Web describes the experience as an “ultra-high-end weekend exclusively for those with 10-digit bank balances” that is “inspired by Jeff Bezos’s upcoming nuptials”.

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“They only quote actual billionaires, though, so unless you have the money to prove you’re a real high roller, you won’t be able to enquire,” the firm jokes. Unfortunately, they won’t let on how much the package costs.

When the Mirror asked, Stag Web’s spokesperson said: “It’ll be a bespoke, build-from-scratch service so the sky’s the limit!” Judging from the list of possible options, it is not going to be cheap.

They include:

• A private jet to “fly the squad in from wherever the hell they currently live”.
• Helicopter transfers “between continents, countries, courses, and clubs”.
• Supercar convoy “through a sun-drenched city”.
• Private mega-yacht or “Bond villain-style clifftop villa with panoramic views”.
• Private chef “squad crafting midnight wagyu sliders and 4 am caviar toasties”.
• The works “which means hot tubs, infinity pools, cigar lounges, saunas, secret bars”.

Stag Web urges punters to “party like the 1%”, although it is hard to imagine exactly how that is possible if you don’t have a tech company or large private income.

Nonetheless, the happy-go-lucky firm is willing to arrange a “elicopter bar crawl across three countries in a single night, luxury golf experience on a private course with Champagne caddies, private island takeover for beach parties, shark diving, etc, personal comedy roast by a stand-up who’s actually been on TV and casino hire.”

If that isn’t enough to clear out your bank account, then you can hire a butler for each guest, a Champagne cannon for dramatic entrances andstag do goodie bags filled with Rolexes, “keys to your new penthouses, and other billionaire goodies”.

“We created the million-pound stag weekend 10 years ago, but that’s chump change to the billion-pound club,” said Jon Stainer, director at StagWeb.