expert

Our writer Sarah White – and frequent skier – discovered stunning views and thrilling activities on a family trip to the French ski resort of Les Arcs

On arrival at Arc 1800, one of five resorts in the Les Arcs ski region in southeast France, we were surprised to discover a 4ft dump of snow had fallen overnight. Skis were parked up, snowmen were being built and snowballs were flying through the air like scenes from a Christmas movie.

Although the extreme snowfall had temporarily closed some of the ski lifts, it freed up time on our first day to explore the village’s bustling pedestrianised centre. It’s well equipped with restaurants, bars, ski shops for the inevitable lost gloves, and patisseries with fancy cakes that wouldn’t look out of place in a capital city.

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What to do in Les Arcs

Our apartment at Pierre & Vacances Premium Résidence Le Roselend offered impressive views of Mont Blanc direct from our balcony. Our daily ritual quickly became an early morning walk down the hill to the village bakery to buy delicacies for our afternoon tea. The steps back up to our accommodation were a steep but short journey, and were a good warm-up for the day of skiing ahead.

Part of the Paradiski ski circuit, Arc 1800 gives you easy access to Les Arcs’ highest slope at 3,226m, at the top of the Aiguille Rouge mountain – and with 70% of the ski area above 2,000m, you can expect fantastic snow coverage throughout the season.

As you would expect, the views from the top are truly impressive, and they’re not the only attraction at the summit. There’s a new awareness area where skiers can learn how the glacier has evolved over time and discover the problems surrounding its existence, so you can educate yourself while taking in your surroundings on the Varet panoramic terrace.

Also up here is an eco-friendly café, where the produce is organic and locally sourced, alongside another popular attraction, the Aiguille Rouge Zipline. This exhilarating ride is a speedy, 1.8km descent from 2,680m, offering breathtaking views of the Alpine landscape – if you have your eyes open, that is!

Adrenaline levels still pumping? You might want to seek out some après ski at Folie Douce for an unforgettable experience. Nestled into the mountain near the Arc 1800 village, it’s easily accessible by skis or by foot via the Villards gondola and Dahu cable car. It boasts the world’s highest cabaret show and a 360° stage for performing dancers and aerial artists.

DJs provide first-class entertainment while revellers dance on tables, making dancing in ski boots look ridiculously easy. Families are welcome to join in the fun or you can sit back and just enjoy the people watching, as we did. A little tip: remember where you put your skis upon arrival if you want to avoid playing an Alpine edition of Where’s Wally? at home time.

What else to do in the Paradiski area

Les Arcs makes up only half of the Paradiski area, so you might also fancy skiing over to neighbouring La Plagne. Make a day of it but check the weather conditions before you set off.

Ski down to Peisey-Vallandry, where stunning forested slopes meet tree-lined runs that connect you to the Vanoise Express cable car for your onward journey to La Plagne. Ensure you have the accessible Paradiski lift pass to get to the other side of the mountain, otherwise your journey will end here.

The Vanoise Express is the world’s largest double-decker cable car, with two levels that can carry 200 people across the valley at once. The crossing is 380m above the ground, giving you a birds-eye view of the snow-capped scenery, and the journey takes less than five minutes. Travel in the lower level for the thrill of seeing the valley through the glass floor.

Do check lift closing times with the brilliant Yuge app, a must when skiing in this area. It gives you live information to avoid busy periods, instant GPS tracking and live weather updates, and you can even buy passes and reserve activities through it. All this saves you precious ski time and aching legs when searching for those sometimes hard-to-find ticket offices.

After each full-on day, we would head back to Le Roselend, prise off our ski boots and enjoy the well-deserved afternoon tea and cakes we purchased in the morning. Also on the agenda was a swim in the residence’s indoor pool, a sauna or hammam to help our muscles recover and planning the next day’s activities – including which cakes to buy.

Five best things to do in the Paradiski ski region

• The Mountain Animals Museum: A museum dedicated to mountain fauna with more than 30 animal species on display, including wolves, deer and bears.
• First Track event: Be among the first to carve your line on freshly groomed runs. Take in the sunrise at the top of the slopes and share breakfast with the ski patrol.
• The Illuminated Murals of the Aiguille Rouge: An immersive installation inside a converted ski lift garage, where you can experience all the seasons of the mountain in a light show.
• Aerolive: A gondola like no other! Strap on a harness, clip onto the open-sided gondola and feel the fresh mountain air rushing around you. You’re completely exposed to the elements on your ascent with no windows to block the view.
• Icefall: Scale the 24m-high artificial ice tower, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

How much does it cost to visit Les Arcs?

2026 rates at Pierre & Vacances Premium Résidence Le Roselend start from £1,357 for a seven-night stay for five people. For more information on Les Arcs, click here.

For more ski holidays to Les Arcs, have a browse of Neilson’s and Iglu Ski’s offerings.

Black Friday is a great opportunity to snap up a discounted holiday, whether you’re looking for a European getaway or to finally book that long-haul flight, but there’s one blunder to stay clear of

Black Friday deals are now in full swing, and there are some fantastic holiday packages available at a discounted rate. However, amid the excitement of booking that next getaway, a travel expert has outlined the one mistake you need to avoid.

From today (Friday, 28 November) the internet is ablaze with tempting offers during the annual Black Friday event, with many discounts also available before and after this date. Some of the most appealing offers are those related to our next holiday, whether that’s booking a tropical getaway for early next year or a last-minute trip to explore a charming European Christmas market.

A vast number of airlines, travel booking websites, and hotels offer major deals and discounts during Black Friday, but there’s something we need to be aware of when planning that desirable trip. Travel expert and Managing Director at hoppa, Chris Harrington, warned that the cheapest deal isn’t always the best for value.

“Black Friday deals can be extremely tempting, with many companies offering as much as £100 off per person or 20% off overall flights. But these headline prices can often hide add-ons,” Chris shared. “So be sure to check what’s included in your deal, such as resort fees, airport transfers and cancellation policies, before comparing offers.”

To help us navigate the chaos of Black Friday deals, Chris outlined additional top tips, including how to make the most of the annual sale. A key point is to verify your flight times before confirming the booking.

He explained: “Sometimes, a deal can be too good to be true. Sure, it may look like you’re getting a steal, but the flight may be going cheap because it departs at 5am or there’s a 12-hour layover. If the deal is a long-distance flight, be sure to check both legs of the journey to ensure you’re not stuck with ridiculously long layovers or connection times that are too tight to make comfortably.”

Black Friday doesn’t just need to be for booking a new holiday, but you can also take advantage of the deals when it comes to upgrading your flights or hotel. The expert said: “In addition to bagging a cheaper deal than usual, there’s also the opportunity to secure an upgrade at a fraction of the usual cost. This can range from flight upgrades to all-inclusive resorts and hotels with more luxurious facilities. If you fancy a sweeter deal, now is the time to cash in.”

Furthermore, Chris pointed out that it’s a good idea to have a flexible booking policy, particularly for trips next year. “If you’re booking trips for this time of year, keep in mind the likelihood of weather disruptions like heavy snowfall and storms. I suggest prioritising Black Friday deals that include a flexible cancellation policy or allow you to exchange flights. A slightly higher upfront cost can save you hundreds if plans need to change,” Chris shared.

While it may seem like you need to rush to book the holiday before it’s sold out or before the end of November 28, you still need to be sensible with your decisions.

“Deals can move quickly, but keep a steady head and spend some time checking recent price trends by using price comparison websites or fare-tracking tools, as it may turn out to not be a decent deal at all. If the price has been inflated before the discount, it’s not a true saving. Something I’d suggest is to keep a budget in mind in terms of how much you wish to spend and stick to it to avoid overspending,” he continued.

If you follow these simple tips from Chris, you will help ensure a great bargain while enjoying the best possible holiday, without any hidden surprises. The expert added: “Black Friday is a brilliant opportunity to secure yourself a great deal or treat yourself to that extra bit of luxury, but take the time to do your research before booking. Compare what’s included, check the fine print, and make sure the deal supports the kind of holiday you actually want. A little diligence now can save you a lot of stress later.”

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Thousands of people suffer from motion sickness while travelling in a car, on a ferry, by train or on a plane, and it can cause some unpleasant symptoms but one 30p item could help

Your bags are packed, and you’re on route to your anticipated getaway, but the excitement is overshadowed by the nuisance of feeling travel sick. Thousands of Brits go through the ordeal, whether that’s travelling by car, plane, train or boat, yet there’s one cheap item a travel expert swears by.

Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from parts of the body that sense movement. Symptoms vary from case to case but typically include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, a headache, feeling cold and going pale or sweating.

It can be an uncomfortable feeling, particularly during a lengthy journey, with symptoms lasting up to a few hours in some cases. In a bid to avoid that dreaded feeling, there’s a clever but simple remedy you can take before travelling, and it costs just 30p.

Forget the tablets, patches, and travel bands – all you need is a cup of peppermint tea. “People are always surprised by how effective it is,” travel expert Yasmin Pekel from Blue Cruise explained. “You don’t need expensive tablets or special wristbands. A peppermint tea bag from your local supermarket can cost 25 or 30p, and it genuinely helps settle the stomach before you travel.”

Due to its natural compounds, peppermint tea can help relax the stomach and relieve nausea. Not only this, but it’s a great alternative to other expensive medications that can often come with some unsettling side effects.

The travel expert explained further: “When your eyes and ears send mixed messages to the brain, that’s when travel sickness starts. Peppermint helps smooth out that response and stops the feeling of motion building up.

“Peppermint has stood the test of time. It’s safe, it’s easy to find and it works for adults and children. A lozenge or mint sweet can help too, but tea is the best option because it keeps you hydrated and the smell alone helps people feel less queasy.”

While travelling is the cause of that nauseous feeling, stuffy and warm environments, like being packed on a crowded coach, can often make us feel even worse. Yasmin added: “Thick coats, stuffy cabins and early starts can all make nausea more likely. A small change like sipping peppermint tea or sucking on a lozenge before you board can make a big difference.”

The expert advises having a peppermint tea before your journey. Alternatively, you can try a mint sweet during your journey, which could help ease your symptoms as well.

Additionally, if you’re in a car, keep some air flowing so you avoid that stuffy feeling, and keep your eyes on the horizon. It is also best to avoid reading or strolling on your phone while in motion, and where possible, choose a seat with the least noticeable movement, such as the wing on a plane or the middle section on a ferry.

“For less than the price of a mince pie, it’s worth a go. If you’re heading abroad for mulled wine and Christmas lights, pack a few peppermint tea bags or a bag of mint sweets. They might be the best thing in your suitcase,” Yasmin expanded.

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WASHINGTON — During a political career that spanned three decades, former Sen. John Tower, who died Friday in a plane crash at the age of 65, was a recognized leader on defense policy. Yet he surely will be remembered as a tragic figure–the man whose alleged preference for wine and women prevented him from becoming defense secretary.

It was just two years ago this week that the Senate, where Tower had served as the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, decided in a close but humiliating vote to deny him his life’s ambition to head up the Pentagon.

He recently got his revenge by writing an intensely bitter book, aptly titled “Consequences: A Personal Memoir,” which savaged his many political enemies. A spokesman for his office in Dallas said he was on his way to Sea Island, Ga., for a party to promote the book when he died.

Tower was no ordinary politician. He was a man of unquestioned intellect with an extraordinary grasp of national security issues–the man to whom President Ronald Reagan turned in 1985 to negotiate a nuclear arms agreement with the Soviet Union and in 1987 to conduct the initial investigation of the Iran-Contra affair.

But he was also a highly complex personality who often rubbed people the wrong way. Many people believed that his sensitivity about his 5-foot-5-inch stature led to his many affectations–fancy clothes, beautiful women and expensive liquor.

Tower, a Dallas Republican, had been a political science professor before being elected to the Senate in 1961 at age 35. He replaced then-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, and his election represented a breakthrough for Republicans in the South at the time.

His mastery of defense issues and his ability to outsmart his political opponents made him a formidable force in the Senate. He initially was a staunch conservative but gradually moderated his views of government and later referred to himself as a “pragmatic.”

As a leading Republican and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, he was the primary proponent of Reagan’s military buildup. On Friday, Reagan issued a statement saying: “Though he will be remembered for many accomplishments, none will stand as tall as his commitment to a strong national defense.”

In California, President Bush called the death “a tragic loss.”

“I started with John Tower in politics in Texas 30 years ago,” Bush said, “and we became friends then, and we remain friends until this very moment. It’s very sad.”

From the day in 1984 that Tower resigned from the Senate after three terms, he let it be known that he aspired to serve as defense secretary. Instead, Reagan called on him first to serve as chief U.S. arms control negotiator in Geneva and later to head a commission that investigated the Iran-Contra affair.

Despite Tower’s loyalty to Reagan, the final report of the Tower Commission was by no means a whitewash of the Iran-Contra scandal. The panel’s findings were eventually corroborated by a lengthy congressional investigation. Moreover, the commission harshly criticized Reagan for paying too little attention to the policies of his Administration.

It was not until George Bush was elected President that Tower finally got his wish to be nominated as defense secretary. At first, he appeared to be a shoo-in. Never in the history of the Senate had it rejected a nominee who once had served in that body.

But, gradually, opposition grew as the Senate deliberated on the nomination for three months. Sordid stories of heavy drinking and womanizing were leaked to the press by senators who were given access to the findings of an FBI investigation into his background.

Tower denied most of the allegations and insisted that he did not have an alcohol problem. But he volunteered to quit drinking if confirmed.

Much of the derogatory information about Tower’s personal habits was derived from acrimonious divorce proceedings with his second wife, Lilla Burt Cummins.

“I went through a 90-day character assassination campaign,” Tower recently told the Washington Post, recalling his ordeal. “No public figure has been held up so much to scrutiny and has been so publicly pilloried as I have, without ever having been accused of anything very, very serious.”

The Senate was bitterly divided on the day it defeated the Tower nomination by a vote of 53 to 47, making him only the eighth Cabinet nominee in the history of the nation to be rejected by the Senate.

Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, who was named to the job after Tower was rejected, said Friday, “Our victory in Operation Desert Shield was due in part to men like John Tower and their vision . . . .”

In retrospect, some analysts saw Tower as a victim of a changing morality standard in American politics–the arrival of a new era in which public men are held accountable for their private lives. Others said Tower was simply being repaid for the arrogance and contempt he had shown for some senators during his 23 years in the Senate.

But Tower himself blamed one person: Sen. Sam Nunn (D-Ga.), who as chairman of the Armed Services Committee lobbied hard against the nomination of his former colleague. In his book, Tower accused Nunn of blind ambition, arrogance and duplicity.

Since his defeat, Tower had been living in Dallas. At the time of his death, he was working as a consultant and as chairman of the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. In December, Dorothy Heyser, the woman whom he described as a “girlfriend” and who stayed by his side throughout the Senate confirmation hearings, married another man.

From his first marriage to Lou Bullington, Tower had three daughters, Penny, Marian and Jeanne. He remained close to them, and they frequently appeared with him during his confirmation hearings. Marian died with him in the plane crash.

I’M a Travel Editor who also happens to be a London mum of a six-year -old – and while we spend plenty of time travelling the world, one of my favourite places to explore is my home city.

Because London is one of the best cities in the world for families, with stacks of free attractions, great parks, child-friendly restaurants and pubs.

In fact, I have spent whole days out with my son in London at museums, galleries and theatre shows, without spending more than £50.

So if you’re planning a family trip to London, here are some of my favourite places to go with kids in the city.

Free attractions

There are so many free attractions in London that you could fill a week’s worth of activities without spending a penny on tickets.

Of course, three of the biggest are always worth a visit – the British Museum, Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

I’d say the earliest your child is like to be interested in the British Museum, near Russell Square, is around six years old.

The exhibits are better suited to older children and adults, but they have gone to great lengths to make things interesting to young children too, like museum explorer trail guides and the Gallery backpacks.

Inside the bags are a number of items and activities, including hieroglyphs, toy animals, amulets and even fancy dress.

Be sure not to miss the mummies in the Ancient Egyptian section, hugely popular with anyone aged 6 to 96. Although it does get very busy.

The Science Museum in South Kensington is perfect for kids of all ages, I’ve been taking my child there since he was a one-year-old, as the interactive ‘Garden’ in the basement is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

There are plenty of excellent free exhibitions around the museum – one of our favourites being the Space section – but the most popular (and deservedly so) is the Wonderlab, an interactive gallery featuring numerous experiments that will fascinate children aged 3-14. Tickets cost from £15 for this area.

The neighbouring Natural History Museum is another one with some excellent paying exhibits, but the dinosaur gallery is free and perfect for kids, as is the creepy crawlies gallery and the Earth Hall.

For more of an arty trip, try the Tate Modern – my son loves the Pop Art and the huge installations in the Turbine Hall.

But his favourite is Tate Draw, where kids can make their own creations on a bank of screens, an activity that kept him busy for over an hour.

Further down the South Bank is the Southbank centre, which offers some of my favourite free activities on weekends and in school holidays.

My son has been to Lego-building, screen printing and even helped to build a Moomin House with real saws, wood and hammers at the venue, all completely free.

It’s worth checking if you need to book in advance though, as tickets for the free events go very fast.

For an event they’re sure to remember forever – I still have a hazy recollection of my first Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace when I was just seven years old, and my son went last year and loved it too.

The ceremony takes place at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and it’s worth getting there early for a good spot.

For something considerably more modern, try the Outernet – the huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road that claims to be the most visited cultural attraction in the UK.

The space shows a series of artist-made short films, some of which invite audience participation, and it’s so entertaining that my son and I are happy to sit there for an hour.

Pubs And Restaurants

Taking a child to a pub or restaurant can strike fear into the heart of any parent – will they sit still? Will they eat? It’s a culinary minefield.

Here are some of my favourite places that welcome children.

Brewdog Waterloo is easily my favourite pub in London for families.

It has an indoor slide, a duckpin bowling alley, scavenger hunts and face painting during school holidays, an ice cream van, ping pong tables and an extensive kids’ menu.

It gets quite busy after 5pm with post-work drinkers, but any time before that and you feel like it’s perfectly acceptable that your kid is doing their 20th lap of the pub to reach the two-storey slide.

Much like Brewdog, Sixes cricket bars have excellent activities for kids – their high-tech batting cages mean children can burn off some serious energy while you sip on a pint

They also have tasty food to suit everyone – my personal favourite is the flaming candy floss pudding in the giant martini glass.

As a Travel Editor who has taken my child to many restaurants over the years, I’ve recently hit upon a surprising winner – ramen.

Introduce a child to chopsticks and noodles in a bowl, and they’ll stay entertained for at least half an hour.

Tonkotsu has a chain of ramen restaurants across London, with both bento boxes for kids and non-spicy ramen bowls.

Particularly adventurous child who doesn’t mind a queue? Try Borough Market on a Monday or Tuesday, when it’s less crowded.

They’ll love the bowls of free bite-sized food the traders leave out to tempt you and the hot stations round the back really do have something for everyone.

You can indulge your love of Thai or Indian, while they chow down on pizza or fish and chips.

Then you can share some of those ludicrous strawberries in chocolate or a giant brownie for afters.

If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, I can’t speak highly enough of the Rosewood Hotel’s Holborn Dining Room.

They have the most beautiful Rosewood-themed activity books for kids to fill in and the huge bowl of sausage and mash went down a treat, as did the chance to pet the very cute Labradors who stand on duty at the entrance.

Parks

London’s parks are second to none – I’ve never been to a city in the world that has so many, with such a variation.

Perfect if you’re paying a visit to Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park playground is excellent for many reasons.

Firstly, it has a Go Ape next door, so you can easily kill at least four hours in a 100-metre radius.

Secondly, the playground itself is excellent with two different areas for older and younger kids that feature huge slides, trapezes, massive climbing frames and plenty more.

It is particularly great for parents because the park cafe serves beer and pizzas, and you can grab a table with a perfect view of the playground – great for keeping an eye on your kid AND people watching, as I’ve never visited this playground without spotting a celebrity.

One of my favourite parks if you’re in the centre of town is Coram’s Fields, a seven-acre walled playground in the heart of Bloomsbury.

It feels particularly safe in the centre of busy London because they have a rule that ‘no adult can enter without a child.’

If you’re exploring the many attractions the South Bank has to offer, then it’s well worth stopping by the Jubilee Gardens playground, next to the London Eye.

Smaller than the others I’ve mentioned, it’s very well designed and perfect for those kids who need to run off some steam in between organised fun.

A little bit further out, Greenwich Park playground is possibly my favourite in London (while the Princess Diana Memorial Playground is closed for renovations).

It has all the usual suspects, as well as an excellent sand and water play area – so remember to bring some plastic cups and spades.

Plus afterwards, you can walk to the top of the hill in the park, for great views of the capital.

Paid for attractions

OK, there are many that I could have shared here, but these are some of the paid-for attractions that have been the biggest hits with my child from the ages of 3-6.

As every parent knows, attractions with lots of ‘look don’t touch’ rules are a nightmare for those with inquisitive kids which is why HMS Belfast is such a winner (adult tickets £26.35 and kids £13.15).

Built to last at sea in wartime, this Royal Navy ship moored on the Thames near London Bridge is not in the least bothered about curious little hands.

They have audioguides for older kids and activity packs for younger children.

My son spent three hours exploring every level of this battle ship and would easily have stayed for a further three.

Speaking of ships, the Golden Hinde further along the South Bank near the Globe Theatre is another hit.

A seaworthy reconstruction of the ship captained by Francis Drake when he sailed around the world in the 16th century, the attraction has particularly great value activities on during school holidays.

For just £8, my son took part in a 1.5-hour session onboard where they went on a scavenger hunt, learnt how to fire cannons, had a tour of the ship and practised (foam) sword fighting.

When it comes to the pricier attractions, one of our most memorable days out has been a ride on the Thames Rockets – the speedboat tours of the River Thames.

We went on their new 26-seater boat The Rocket Rebel, for a hair-raising trip accompanied by some of London’s best pop and rock music.

Then on the way back, the hilarious tour guide filled us in on some very interesting titbits about the capital as we passed the many famous landmarks.

With adults from £59.95 and kids from £49.95 it’s not cheap, but it is an absolutely brilliant way to sight see the city that guarantees the kids won’t moan about being bored.

Theatre Shows and Culture

This is a tricky one, because if you’re aiming for theatre that young kids will love then shows tend to be limited to school holidays.

But of the big budget ones that I’ve seen which will not disappoint – The Lion King and Starlight Express are perfect for all ages from 6 to 96.

Other than that, take a gamble by signing up to discount ticket websites like Show Film First and The Audience Club several weeks ahead of your visit.

They operate as seatfiller sites and I have found Band A and B tickets for £15 to huge shows on both websites.

Also, check out what the Southbank Centre has on offer. They have so many free cultural events aimed at families, from art to dancing, building and live music.

Plus, in the summertime your kid can play in the Jeppe Hein Appearing Rooms fountains, with views of the Thames.

It’s that time of year when many people think about booking a European winter getaway to hit the snowy slopes on their skis or boards, and there’s one picturesque location that comes with a discounted price tag

Taking to the snow-covered slopes for skiing or snowboarding is a notoriously expensive getaway for anyone, particularly when you factor in equipment hire, lessons, accommodation and flights. However, one savvy savings expert has revealed the European skiing hotspot that costs just £200 per person – and that’s with everything included!

Travel expert, Chelsea, who has accumulated more than 180K followers on TikTok thanks to her holiday-saving hacks, appeared on This Morning to reveal a nifty hack that helps save hundreds of pounds when booking a desirable skiing holiday. Speaking to Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Chelsea explained she had just booked a three-night ski getaway to Zakopane in Poland for a mere £200.

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During the ski season, Zakopane offers miles of powdery white snow within the Tatras Mountains for a truly magnificent backdrop. The town has often been described as a “hidden gem” with inviting thermal pools after a day on the slopes and a thriving food scene.

With a budget of £200 for the “whole thing”, Chelsea said this would include a three-night trip, with flights, transfers, lessons and ski hire. Sharing further details, she said travellers can fly into Kraków and “take a two-hour bus for £7.50” to get to the resort.

Chelsea added that this particular ski resort is “fantastic for beginners and perfect for learning”, as the ski lessons and ski hire cost around £30 each per day. At various ski resorts across Europe, some lessons can cost anything from £50 to £110 a day.

Revealing how she secured this nifty deal, Chelsea explained that there’s a relatively new website called Heidi, which allows travellers to search for their desired skiing package holiday with any dates or locations they prefer. She added that users can also select certain filters, such as beginners, advanced, families, big ski area, apres-ski or opt for a short transfer.

After making the preferred selections, a list of bargain holiday packages will appear, allowing travellers to book, with many offering an incredible saving. This discounted cost is in stark contrast to other European ski resorts, where visitors can spend anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000 per person for a week.

Following her appearance on This Morning, Chelsea shared the clip on her TikTok account (@cheapholidayexpert) and divulged that she had shared details of the bargain ski trip after a caller had rang into the show. Chelsea wrote in the video caption: “Here, Jayne had asked where I could recommend for a cheap solo ski trip for under £500.”

She then went on to outline further details to help other holidaymakers cut costs this winter. Chelsea revealed: “Have a look on @Heidi Holidays, they’re a new ski website that lets you search ‘anywhere’ which is great when you’re on a budget, as then you can just go where the price is right!

“They do let you search for solo travellers too, but I think if you’re on your own, the best deals can come from booking it yourself, as then you can piece together exactly what you need without paying any double occupancy fees.

“I’ve done a DIY cheap ski trip before – I went to Borovets in Bulgaria last year and managed to get my flights, hotel, car hire, petrol, ski hire, lift pass, ski lessons, food and drink for £410 in total for a 3-night trip. I’ve got a full breakdown on cheapholidayexpert.com – just search for ‘Borovets’ on there and it will come up!”

Chelsea continued: “And yeah, I may have revealed that I’m attempting cheap ski again as I want to see if I can do it for even cheaper this year by heading to Zakopane in Poland!“Both Zakopane and Borovets (Bankso too!) are great for beginner skiers who don’t want to spend a fortune, but want to get a few lessons under their belt to get them on their ski journey!”

WHEN it comes to Christmas markets, there are so many to choose from in the UK let alone Europe.

If you’re struggling to pick which you want to visit, one expert has named his top five across Europe.

Scott Lindsay, Cruise Experience Manager at TUI River Cruises has shared his top list of Christmas Markets Brits must visit this festive season.

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Complete with its own “Singing Christmas Tree”, ‘Christkindelsmarik’ in Strasbourg is one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic Christmas markets. 

Scott revealed that this festive market is for those who really love Christmas.

He said: “During the festive season, local choirs perform live French and German Christmas carols from platforms nestled within the tree’s branches.

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“The local carollers sing rich Alsatian heritage songs and allow the tree to come to life as it becomes a living concert stage for passers by to enjoy and watch.”

Colmar Christmas Market

You’ll find Colmar off the edge of Strasbourg. It’s a pretty town with multi-coloured timber houses and winding streets.

Colmar is famously known for being the inspiration behind Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – even visitors have said the small town looks like its from a movie.

The narrow cobbled streets run either side of idyllic canals, all lined with pink cottages and cosy historical taverns.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said it was a “photographer’s dream” adding: “It’s like walking into Disney movie. The whole region is! I literally gasped walking around beautiful corner after corner.”

Scott stated: “Colmar’s Christmas Market is located in the historic city centre of Colmar and includes illuminated canals and fully decorated medieval buildings. A hidden gem not to miss!”

It’s in Colmar where you can get a unique mulled wine that’s actually white, rather than the classic red, made from Vin Chaud.

Rüdesheim ‘Christmas Market of Nations’

This festive market is based in the wine and brandy making German town of Rüdesheim.

Scott said: “This Christmas Market of Nations is known for selling over 20 different countries local cuisines across six continents from Hungarian Lángos to Spanish Paella.” 

He added that it’s perfect for those who are indecisive when it comes to different foods.

Those who love a festive tipple will love Rüdesheim Coffee, a traditional hot drink made with locally distilled brandy, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate – according to Scott it’s “a must-try”.

Cologne Christmas Market

Scott’s number one must-visit which should be at the top of everyone’s festive list this year is the Cologne Christmas Market.

First and foremost, Cologne packs a punch when it comes to variety and choice. 

Scott said: “Brits can spend a whole week in the city spending each day at one of seven different Christmas markets, from the famous ‘Weihenactsmarkts am Kolner Dom’ to the special Market of Angels.”

When it comes to the main event, don’t miss the ‘Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom’, which has a “stunningly beautiful sky of fairy lights”.

For those looking for a lesser-known Christmas market, Cologne’s Harbour Christmas Market, sells maritime themed memorabilia and fresh festive fish.

Scott encouraged those who wanted a more alternative experience in the city to check out ‘Markt der Engel’ or ‘Market of Angels’ Christmas market on Neumarkt.

The festive market is filled with real-life golden angels who walk freely around the market, and of course there are places where you can pick up a warm mulled wine.

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For more Christmas, here’s a full list of London’s best Christmas lights and when they will be switched on this year.

Plus, the one-of-a-kind tropical Christmas market in England with 35C temps – and it doesn’t matter if it rains.

When asked how much of the alien language used by the franchise’s central hunter species he is able to speak, “Predator: Badlands” director Dan Trachtenberg quickly answers, “Zero.”

“My mouth will not even permit me to utter [even] a phonic from it,” Trachtenberg says of the language created for his film, praising his actors for learning it. Linguist Britton Watkins “really developed the language as if it had evolved from the mouth shape and the throat sounds that we have heard before from the ‘Predator’ [movies], but it really fits the ecology of the Yautja species. And my throat won’t allow me to do it.”

“Predator: Badlands,” which opened to a franchise record $40 million at the domestic box office, is the first “Predator” installment where one of the alien hunters is the hero. The movie follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Yautja outcast on a quest to prove his worth to his clan by hunting a massive, nearly unkillable beast on a deadly planet.

Thia (Elle Fanning) and Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) meet on a deadly planet in “Predator: Badlands.”

(20th Century Studios)

During his hunt, Dek encounters Thia (Elle Fanning), an android that has been separated from the rest of her research party — as well as the lower half of her body — and is happy to provide helpful intel on the planet’s lethal flora and fauna.

For Trachtenberg, who rejuvenated the long-running sci-fi franchise with the 2022 prequel “Prey,” it was important that the Yautja and their culture feel “as authentic and archaeological” as the human ones he has featured in his “Predator” films, which also include this summer’s animated anthology “Predator: Killer of Killers.”

“I wanted to make sure that the Yautja species was treated seriously and with dignity,” the filmmaker says. “We’re asking people to empathize with a monster, with something that was the slasher in a slasher movie to some degree, decades ago.”

That meant consulting an expert to fully construct a language for the Yautja. Watkins was recommended to the “Predator: Badlands” team by Paul Frommer, the linguist who created the Na’vi language for the “Avatar” films. He was tasked with developing both the spoken and written Yautja language, first introduced in “Killer of Killers.”

Watkins understood that “Badlands” would involve both the type of action that audiences expect from a “Predator” film as well as more quiet moments where characters are just talking to each other. This meant creating a language that was as faithful as it could be to the trills and roars of previous “Predator” movies while also being “a tonal match and a kind of atmospheric match” to English for scenes when both languages are used in conversation.

“I started, rather than with a complete language and vocabulary and everything, a framework that I could build out as things changed with the production,” Watkins says, explaining that this involved creating both phonological and grammatical rules. “I built the framework for a language that was never going to have sounds that didn’t belong in it, but could expand in terms of vocabulary and grammar to suit whatever we needed over the long course of filming.”

He also knew that once Yautja was introduced, there would be fans eager to dissect and learn it just like there have been for other constructed languages created for sci-fi and fantasy movies and TV shows.

“I knew that … people would want to pause [the movie] and they’d want to rewind and they’d want to figure it out,” Watkins says. “So I wanted to keep it simple, but it’s not dumbed down. It’s culturally appropriate but it’s approachable as a language [for] people [that] want to learn it.”

Here are a few tips from Watkins for those interested in learning Yautja.

The alphabet includes complex consonant clusters

The Yautja alphabet can be seen in the writing on some of the objects in “Predator: Badlands.”

(20th Century Studios)

When designing the phonology of the Yautja language, Watkins took into account the aliens’ physiology.

“They don’t have lips, so they can’t make ma or ba or fa [sounds] because they don’t have the lips to do that,” Watkins explains. “To supplement not having F and V and Th and M, we have consonant clusters like jl and cht … that we don’t have in English, but they can be made lower in the throat.”

These consonant clusters comprise multiple letters when written out in the Roman alphabet, but are one letter in the Yautja alphabet. The Yautja word for prey, for example, starts with the letter hrr.

Their alphabet “is optimized for visual efficiency for their sound system,” Watkins says. Yautja writing can be seen on weapons and other objects in “Badlands.”

Basic sentence structure is the reverse of English

In Yautja, the structure of a declarative sentence — one that makes a statement, provides a fact or offers an explanation — is the reverse of those in English.

“The object or the predicate comes first, the verb is in the middle and then the subject comes at the end,” says Watkins. “Once you establish a rule like that, you have to keep it unless you have a legitimate reason to break it, like we do in English.”

Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) in “Predator: Badlands.”

(20th Century Studios)

Listen for recurring words

Yautja words are largely analytical, meaning “there aren’t 14 versions of a single noun,” Watkins explains. This includes the first-person pronoun ‘I,’ which in Yautja is chish.

“When it’s ‘me’ earlier in the sentence, it’s chish [and] when it’s ‘I’ as a subject at the end of the sentence it’s still chish,” Watkins says. “It doesn’t change.”

Another sound to try to catch is nga. Ngai is the Yautja word for ‘no,’ so nga occurs in any word that has a negative element in it, like “nobody.”

You can tell how Yautja feel about you by what they call you

Unlike chish, the Yautja use different words when addressing or referring to others based on respect and affection.

“The words for ‘you’ and the words for ‘he’ or ‘she’ change depending on who’s speaking about whom,” Watkins explains. “It’s culturally appropriate for Yautja, in the Yautja culture, [to] talk about other people pejoratively.”

Think of it a bit like the difference between using tú or usted in Spanish. When addressing someone they look down on or are disrespecting, the Yautja use wul, while someone they respect would be addressed as dau. Kai is the word used when addressing a close friend.

Yautja isn’t a gendered language (for the most part)

Unlike languages such as French and Spanish, Yautja has no grammatical gender, so nouns aren’t assigned gender categories.

There is, however, a pronoun gender distinction for he and she, much like in English. Similarly, all Yautja use chish for “I” and “me” regardless of gender.

One of the reasons Yautja has no grammatical gender is because that was most practical.

“There was not a lot of time [to create Yautja], and adding gender like that is going to add complexity to the language,” Watkins says, explaining that this complexity would have made it more difficult to quickly turn around any adjustments to the script that needed to be made over the course of filming.

That it also helps keeps the language accessible for Yautja learners is a bonus.

Oliver Brendon, travel expert and CEO of AttractionTickets.com, has shared his top five tips for saving money ahead of Black Friday, which takes place on November 28, 2025

A travel expert has shared a top tip for saving money before Black Friday comes around.

Oliver Brendon, travel expert and CEO of AttractionTickets.com, says that knowing how and where to look can be the difference between a good deal and a great one when the big shopping day arrives on November 28.

Brendon warns that “logging on early is no longer enough to get a great travel deal. To make the most of the biggest sale of the year you’ll want to navigate price algorithms, leverage loyalty perks, and utilise more clever hacks that many buyers overlook.”

If you really want to save the big bucks, then putting in some time now to sign up to the best loyalty schemes is key.

“Brands are almost always going to reward their loyal customers first and, because of this, the very best deals often never reach the main sale. By signing up for loyalty programmes and email marketing opt-ins ahead of Black Friday, you may get early access to pre-sale discounts, exclusive codes, or even bonus rewards. If the particular booking you’re after is likely to sell out, signing-up to these is the best way to know you’re one of the first customers to access the sale,” Brendan said.

Here are his other top tips:

1. Outsmart Price Algorithms

“Before you start comparing prices, you need to clear your cookies or switch to an incognito browser window. Some airlines and booking platforms can adjust fares based on your browsing behaviour, so if you’ve been researching Disney tickets for months hoping for a great deal, you might not be shown the best price.”

2. Flex Your Dates and Group Size to Unlock Hidden Deals

“Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to travel savings. Flying midweek, especially Tuesday to Thursday, or opting for early-morning departures can cut costs dramatically, but you won’t get shown these deals if you have specific date and time filters in use. Ensure when browsing that you have the most flexible option selected, and that includes your group size too. Don’t assume group bookings are always cheaper as sometimes two single tickets cost less than one multi-traveller fare.”

3. Use Filters and Comparison Tools Smartly

“When comparing travel options, choosing a ‘low to high’ filter may not actually be showing you the lowest prices first. Some travel websites order their low-to-high offerings by the price of the just accommodation. Instead, where possible, use filters for ‘lowest total price’ to make sure you’re seeing the full cost including travel, taxes, luggage, and other hidden fees.”

4. Turn Cashback Into Holiday Spending Money

“Cashback rewards is another easy win that many people overlook. Banks, credit cards, and even cashback-specific companies often offer cashback on travel bookings as well as retail purchases. Those savings can quickly add up, and if you activate these schemes before Black Friday, you’ll have extra spending money for your holiday or even a discount on your next trip.”

The Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are collecting bodies after the deadly takeover of North Darfur capital, US researcher says.

A researcher at Yale University in the United States says the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are digging mass graves in el-Fasher, the city in Sudan’s western Darfur region that has seen mass killings and displacement since the RSF took over last month.

Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale’s School of Public Health, told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that the RSF “have begun to dig mass graves and to collect bodies throughout the city”.

“They are cleaning up the massacre,” Raymond said.

The RSF seized control of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, on October 26, after the withdrawal of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has been fighting the paramilitary group for control of Sudan since April 2023.

More than 70,000 people have fled the city and surrounding areas since the RSF’s takeover, according to the United Nations, while witnesses and human rights groups have reported cases of “summary executions”, sexual violence and massacres of civilians.

A report from Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab on October 28 also found evidence of “mass killings” since the RSF took control of el-Fasher, including apparent pools of blood that were visible in satellite imagery.

UN officials also warned this week that thousands of people are believed to be trapped in el-Fasher.

“The current insecurity continues to block access, preventing the delivery of life-saving assistance to those trapped in the city without food, water and medical care,” Jacqueline Wilma Parlevliet, a senior UN refugee agency (UNHCR) official in Sudan, said.

Sudanese journalist Abdallah Hussain explained that, before the RSF’s full takeover, el-Fasher was already reeling from an 18-month siege imposed by the paramilitary group.

“No aid was allowed to access the city, and no healthcare facilities [were] operating,” Hussain told Al Jazeera from the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on Tuesday. “Now it’s getting even worse for the citizens who remain trapped.”

Amid global condemnation, the RSF and its supporters have tried to downplay the atrocities committed in el-Fasher, accusing allied armed groups of being responsible.

The RSF’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has also promised an investigation.

But Raymond at the Humanitarian Research Lab said: “if they want to actually have an investigation, then they need to withdraw from the city [and] let UN personnel and the Red Cross and humanitarians enter … and go house-to-house looking to see who’s still alive”.

“At this point, we can’t let the RSF investigate themselves,” he said.

Raymond added that, based on UN figures and what can be seen on the ground in el-Fasher, “more people could have died [in 10 days]… than have died in the past two years of the war in Gaza”.

“That’s what we’re talking about. That’s not hyperbole,” he told Al Jazeera, stressing that thousands of people need emergency assistance.

More than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7, 2023.

A frequent traveller has shared his top tips for anyone heading off on a city break – and it’s all about the luggage you use

When you’re jetting off on an autumn city break, there’s one crucial travel hack you absolutely must know about. If you’re not a regular flyer, you might assume the smartest way to pack is with a suitcase – but you’d be completely wrong.

Actually, one seasoned traveller is encouraging everyone to abandon their suitcases in favour of backpacks. Netflights chatted with Karl Loudon from PR firm Rise at Seven about his essential travel advice.

Karl jets off at least twice monthly for business and knows airports like the back of his hand, reports the Express.

His number one suggestion was that anyone embarking on a city adventure should opt for a backpack instead of a suitcase.

He said: “A wheelie trolley case always feels like a clever idea, but they end up being a pain when travelling in cities.

“Travelling with a backpack that complies with the airline’s luggage allowance allows you to pack plenty inside it, and it is much more practical to travel with.

“Find backpacks online titled ‘MLC’ (maximum legal carry on), which are the best luggage to use.”

For those with both hand luggage and checked baggage, Karl also suggests always stashing an extra T-shirt in your carry-on.

Aircraft seats can be tight, accidents occur and you don’t want to arrive at your destination looking dishevelled and feeling uncomfortable.

If you’re jetting off for work, don’t forget that your laptop can double up as a power bank, saving you precious luggage space.

Karl said: “When travelling, organise your cables prior to flying. Remember, you might not need a power bank when travelling, as your laptop is one giant power bank, which many travellers forget about.”

Resist the urge to flop onto your hotel bed as soon as you arrive at your destination. Instead, stretch your legs with a brisk walk to shake off the travel fatigue and get your bearings.

If you’ve been on a long-haul flight, this simple trick can help alleviate jetlag and reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Frequent flyers should be aware of the risk of deep vein thrombosis, but regular stretching and exercise can help keep it at bay.