expert

Before taking any travel trip, it’s vital that you’re aware of any rules that are in place for the country you’re visiting, as a harmless habit can catch you out and land you a hefty fine

Jetting off abroad is always exciting, but if you’re visiting a popular European destination, there’s a little-known rule you need to be aware of.

Taking photos while wandering the quaint streets of a European town or capturing snaps of the city’s famed landmarks comes second nature to holidaymakers when exploring somewhere new. And afterwards, many tourists look forward to sharing their snaps on social media, but this harmless habit could land you in trouble, alongside a hefty fine.

Travellers planning a trip to Germany are being warned about the country’s strict rules on taking photos in public and sharing them on social media. While tourists have every right to take photos while visiting Germany, there are regulations on publishing or sharing images of people without their consent, even if the photo was taken in a public place, under the Art Copyright Act (KUG).

READ MORE: UK Foreign Office issues travel warning for country popular with 400,000 BritsREAD MORE: ‘I’m a TUI expert – Tenerife’s best city has £5 wine and 24C weather in April’

Simon Hood, a travel expert and Executive Director of John Mason International, explained: “Taking a photograph of a stranger and publishing or distributing this without their permission is illegal in Germany. Even if a person’s face is not in the picture, if they can be recognised by their tattoos, clothes, or the context of the photo, this is still disallowed.

“The regulations are complicated, for example, posting photos of strangers at public events such as parades, sports events and demonstrations are allowed, as long as they are not specific photos of the crowd. The Federal Court of Justice judge cases individually and ultimately determines what is and isn’t unlawful.”

Fines for sharing an unauthorised image online can range from £850 (€1,000) upwards, Simon added. “With this in mind, it’s best to ask those in-frame before posting a photo that includes them.”

Family Law Attorney Stephen Bardol explained the rule further: “From a family law perspective, this topic is often underestimated, especially when children appear in photos. Many assume that posting a photo of someone else is a harmless act, such as during travel, holidays or at family celebrations. But the fundamental rights of the image and privacy protection in Germany are often highly violated here.

“If a person can clearly be identified in a photo, posting the photo is no longer a decision for the person posting the photo, but rather a consent, privacy and interference with the fundamental rights of others.”

Stephen added that the situation can become much more complex when children are involved. He said: “The fact that a child cannot fully understand what the publication of their photo on the internet implies, eg, where it will be accessible, for what period of time and who will have access to it, and most of all the possibility that the picture will be shared or re-published by other users, means that the protection of children is greater than that of adults.”

He advised: “Tourists who are visiting Germany should be careful when taking photos, especially of families with small children. Posting a photo of a square where the families are only visible in the background is one thing, but posting a photo of a single child or a single family is an entirely different matter.”

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

A ‘stylish Spanish’ city that is packed with ‘character’, has been recommended by a TUI travel expert for a serene escape with sprawling beaches and seawater pools

It’s not easy finding the right destination for that sun-soaked getaway, but a travel expert highly recommends a vibrant city in Tenerife, where you can grab a bottle of wine for around £5 and bask in the balmy 24C in April.

TUI travel advisor, Natasha Mooney, has booked holidays to Tenerife for more than a decade and lives there part-time with her husband, Javier, who hails from the Spanish island.

“I’ve been a TUI travel advisor for 10 years, now working as a homeworking retail expert. Javi and I split our time between the UK and Güímar in northern Tenerife, so I can genuinely call it my speciality,” Natasha said.

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As a Tenerife expert, Natasha certainly knows a thing or two about where to go, particularly for those looking to ditch the crowds and opt for a quieter escape. One destination that Natasha can’t recommend more is the coastal city of Puerto de la Cruz, with its incredible seawater pools, black-sand beaches, a charming harbour and historic old town.

“This is Tenerife at its most authentic,” the expert explains. “Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast, is the place I recommend for travellers who want a stylish but genuinely Spanish experience. There’s a relaxed elegance to it. A pretty harbour, historic streets, colonial-style restaurants serving modern Canarian cuisine, and cocktail bars with live music.”

The city offers that desirable beach escape, alongside a town bursting with character, eateries, and cafés, against its colourful architecture and vibrant Spanish atmosphere. Adding to its allure is the promise of blistering rays of up to 24C in April.

One of the city’s most striking features is the iconic saltwater pool complex, Lago Martiánez, designed by Canarian architect César Manrique. The outdoor interconnected pools, with four for adults and three for children, are filled with Atlantic water, framed by volcanic rock and palm trees.

It’s been beautifully designed to incorporate natural elements against the backdrop of the rugged terrain of the striking volcano, Mount Teid, alongside views of the sea, for a spectacular day spent in the basking heat. There are plenty of terraces and sun loungers with umbrellas dotted around the leisure complex for extra comfort, along with kiosks and restaurants for a bite to eat.

Of course, there are plenty of beaches to uncover in the area, with Playa Jardín, Playa Martianez and Playa del Castillo, all with their striking black sand and blue waters for an inviting dip. The city itself is packed with character from its Puerto Street Art Project, where vibrant artwork lines the street, to the art installation of the Agatha Christie Steps, with printed titles of her most famous books.

There are botanical gardens, including Sitio Litre Garden, to wander around during a leisurely afternoon, along with colourful streets lined with bars offering drinks al fresco. Natasha noted that visitors could even bag themselves a bottle of wine for a mere £5, and advised holidaymakers to look out for Listán Blanco or Malvasía whites and Listán Negro reds.

“You’ll often find good bottles in local restaurants and shops from around €6–€10 (£5.19 to £8.60). It’s a brilliant way to taste the island for very little money,” she explained.

The food scene is another highlight across Tenerife, as Natasha said: “Tenerife has Michelin-starred restaurants, but most visitors fall in love with the guachinches. They’re family-run eateries serving traditional Canarian food with their own local wine. They’re always authentic and very affordable too.”

If you’re tempted by a trip to Puerto de la Cruz, you can grab a flight from London Stansted to Tenerife from as little as £18 one-way. There are also affordable flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and various UK airports, making it even easier to jet off to this charming coastal city.

TUI also offers a seven-night package at Hotel Rui Garoe from £634 per person, based on two adults sharing on a half-board basis. It includes travel from Birmingham Airport on Tuesday, 28 April with TUI Airways, along with overseas transfers, 10kg of cabin luggage, and a 20kg checked-in bag.

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

He has just returned from the UAE with crucial advice

A travel expert has issued a warning to individuals with flights booked to or from the Middle East. The alert comes as tensions continue in the area, with Israel and the US maintaining their strikes on Iran which commenced over a fortnight ago.

Iran continues to hit back with drone and missile attacks on several neighbouring and nearby nations. This resulted in Dubai, a major hub for international travel and home to the world’s busiest airport, temporarily closing its airspace for the second time in 48 hours due to strikes in the vicinity.

Simon Calder, a journalist with the Independent, has just returned from the United Arab Emirates. He provided an update on the current situation for those flying to or from the Middle East, including passengers transiting through the region en route to other destinations.

He stated: “I’ve just arrived at London Heathrow Terminal 4 after a fairly normal flight from Abu Dhabi on Etihad. What wasn’t normal was just how quiet it was when I arrived. Terminal 4, the main hub for the Middle East from London, is frankly a bit of a ghost town. Many of the flights that you would normally expect to see multiple departures on Qatar Airways to Doha and on Etihad to Abu Dhabi are not flying, and there’s also, for instance, Gulf Air based in Bahrain who are not going there.

“Having said that, there’s perhaps more flights than you might expect, given that, for example, Qatar and the UAE are on the Foreign Office no-go list. There’s a departure this evening to Abu Dhabi on Etihad and one a little later on Qatar Airways overnight to Doha. As well as that, El Al is going out to Tel Aviv. Now, you might have heard that the airspace in Israel is closed; well, it kind of is, but if you’ve got permission, and El Al certainly has, then you can go in.

“And finally, Gulf Air is flying from here later on today, but not to the normal destination of Bahrain. Instead, it’s going to Dammam, which is very close by in Saudi Arabia, from where passengers can travel to that island quite happily over the causeway. But bear in mind that the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are all on the Foreign Office no-go list. If you choose to ignore that advice, then it’s likely your travel insurance will not be valid.

READ MORE: Travel expert issues holiday ‘rise’ warning as jet fuel price surges 70 per centREAD MORE: Simon Calder issues update for anyone flying with Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways

Unsurprisingly, the conflict has impacted international travel in numerous ways. Not only have passenger numbers and flights passing through the Middle East declined dramatically, but neighbouring countries favoured by Brits seeking spring sunshine, including Cyprus and Turkey, have also experienced a fall in visitor numbers.

Conversely, nations to the west boasting milder weather, including Spain and Portugal, have witnessed a surge in reservations – as has the Caribbean. The situation has not only left thousands of British holidaymakers stuck in the Middle East, but many are also anxious about their upcoming travel arrangements.

The Association of British Insurers attempted to address these worries with the following statement when questioned about whether insurance will cover the cancellation of a trip to the Middle East due to concerns over the conflict.

It stated: “As the situation evolves, we can understand why people may be reconsidering their future plans to travel to the region. If you wish to cancel your trip, contact your airline, accommodation provider or tour operator in the first instance. They may be able to rebook parts of your trip or offer a refund.

“Travel insurance may not cover cancellations linked to the conflict, depending on your policy’s terms, any war exclusions, and when you bought it. Policies differ, and insurers may take different approaches, so it’s important to check with your insurer to understand what’s covered.”

Tourism consultant David Evans has warned that the cost of flying is likely to rise sharply

A travel expert has advised folks to snap up flights now in anticipation of a predicted ‘surge’ in airfare costs. Tourism consultant David Evans revealed that aviation fuel prices have rocketed by 70 per cent in the wake of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he suggested that this could soon make flying considerably pricier. This situation is likely to be compounded by the financial strain many airlines are under due to the cancellation of numerous flights amid the unrest in the Middle East.

When asked by host Rachel Burden whether people should book now before flight prices soar, Mr Evans responded: “If you can get a flight that you feel is offering you a really good value-for-money price and it is via somewhere like Singapore (then yes).

“It’s also worth bearing in mind that, once all this blows over, which hopefully won’t be too far off, the Middle Eastern airlines will undoubtedly be introducing some attractive fares into the market to try and recoup the demand they’ve lost over the past few weeks.

“According to the data we’ve seen, the cost of jet fuel has risen by about 70 per cent. Fuel accounts for roughly a quarter of an airline’s operating cost, so the maths are pretty straightforward – if the fuel price is climbing that much, it won’t be long before air fares start to rise. If this carries on for many more weeks, travelling is likely to become more expensive.”

READ MORE: Simon Calder issues update for anyone flying with Emirates, Etihad or Qatar AirwaysREAD MORE: Foreign Office issues fresh travel guidance for anyone heading to the US

Mr Evans’ remarks follow revelations that holiday-goers are eschewing Easter trips to traditionally favoured destinations such as Cyprus, Turkey, and Dubai, opting instead for western locations like Spain, Italy, and Portugal, as well as the Caribbean and Mauritius. According to Thomas Cook, bookings to Portugal saw a 42 per cent surge in the fortnight leading up to 13 March.

British Airways has axed some Middle East flight routes until June due to ‘airspace instability’, whilst the UAE and Dubai have been compelled to repeatedly shut down both airports and airspace following retaliatory Iranian strikes. Iraqi officials reported that Iranian strikes over the country on Monday (March 16) were the most intense they had seen throughout the entire war.

“I think the announcement from BA is probably good news in that it gives those people who would otherwise have been in complete limbo thinking, ‘crikey, is this situation going to improve or not over the next few months’ – now they know their flight is cancelled, they can either rebook on a different route or they can get a refund and use the money to either holiday domestically or to go to a different destination, so at least it provides certainty,” Mr Evans added.

“I guess we could say that the 2020s have been a bingo card of doom and this is the square for 2026, but it is also worth saying that the tourism industry and indeed tourists are incredibly resilient.

“Yes, clearly many people are being disrupted if they had either to or from the UK to or via the Middle East, but there are lots of other destinations that are still open for business and lots of other visitors able to get to the UK very easily.”

A travel expert claims he has saved money by looking for flights at a specific time, and early risers could bag a bargain, but there are also other ways to cut the cost of your flight

A travel expert has claimed that the time you book a flight can be just as important as the day you choose to travel, and that setting your alarm at a very specific time could help you land the best deals.

Jamie Fraser, owner of Wild Packs, claims that the cheapest time to book flights is exactly 2:48am in what could be good news for night owls and insomniacs. He also claims that evening searches between 8pm and 2pm can also be around 5% cheaper than searching during peak morning hours.

Airlines will often raise prices when they see heavy demand for a destination, so if lots of other people are up at the same time looking for the same route and dates, this could potentially put prices up. Jamie says: “Most people search for flights first thing in the morning while they’re having coffee, but that’s exactly when everyone else is doing the same thing.

“When airline systems see that spike in demand, prices can rise quickly. It’s one of the easiest ways travellers overpay. The cheapest time to book is usually in the early hours of the morning, around 2:48 am, when far fewer people are searching, and airline pricing systems have reset overnight.”

He added: “If you’re not willing to set a 2 am alarm, the next best option is late evening. Booking between 8 pm and 10 pm can still save around 5% compared to that busy morning window.”

So does this hack work? In the early years of internet travel booking, airlines and other sites would update their fares manually overnight. This meant that savvy travellers could sometimes pick up middle of the night bargains. However, nowadays, it’s more complex because systems have evolved, so you may still need a bit of luck on your side.

You could also potentially save money by using Jamie’s other suggested hack, which is to set up price alerts rather than checking fares repeatedly. Jamie also reiterated the often given advice that travellers should be flexible with travel plans, looking out for different airlines, dates, or nearby airports.

READ MORE: Best age for family holidays as parents say 8-year-olds make trips ‘most fun’READ MORE: Easter passport warning for Brits as common mistake could see you turned away at the airport

If you use sites such as Skyscanner, you can often tick a ‘nearby airports’ box, as an airport a short drive away could end up being cheaper. If you’re flexible on destination, for example you simply want to go somewhere sunny with a beach, then choosing ‘everywhere’ as a destination will show you the cheapest options for your dates.

It’s also worth signing up for emails from specific airlines and looking out for deals such as flash sales or kids fly for free offers, which often have limited availability and need to be snapped up quickly.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

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IF you’re planning your next holiday but you’re on a strict budget, the experts have stepped in to help you save hundreds.

TUI‘s Commercial Director, Chris Logan – who has worked there for 17 years – as shared some of his top tricks to shave hundreds of pounds off your holidays.

One of those is forgetting that Saturday departure.

He explained: “Mid‑week departures offer a sweet spot of value and convenience for travellers.”

“Flying midweek, especially Monday to Wednesday, could save you hundreds on the exact same holiday. 

” For example, this week there’s a deal for a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the 4T TUI Suneo Kenzi Europa in Agadir, Morocco for just £523pp.

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“Travelling on May 4 (Monday) instead of May 3 (Sunday) currently saves you nearly £300 per person.”

Not only that, but travelling just a month out of the busy season can save you loads.

He continued: “May and September offer gorgeous weather without the peak prices. 

“You’ll get balmy temperatures upwards of 20 degrees in destinations like the Canaries and Greece but pay a fraction of the cost.” 

When it comes to what board you want to book, he also advises not always going for the all-inclusive.

He explained: “If you’re not a big drinker, you don’t need to splash out on all-inclusive. 

“Half board could work out as much better value for money. 

“And if you love exploring local restaurants and heading into town for dinner, self-catering or bed and breakfast are your best bets.”

He added: “The best hack is to always scroll down on our holiday pages – there’s a calendar that breaks down prices by departure date, so you can instantly see which days are cheapest.” 

Otherwise TUI has a secret “under £500” page for all holidays that are less than that, if you don’t mind where you travel to,

Chris finished by saying: “The ‘Holidays under £500‘ page brings together all the best deals in one place – you can filter by your local airport, star rating and board type. 

“It’s how customers can find some incredible deals for five-star hotels for under £500.”

One of the cheapest deals we found was seven nights in Greece in May for just £265 each.

Otherwise there are a number of five star holiday packages in Spain, Bulgaria and Tunisia that just come under £500 each.

Chris says his inside advice could save holidaymakers huge amounts on their next trip – but his hacks come with a warning: “Bargain hunters really need to act fast – my biggest tip is to lock in your next trip asap to secure the best rates, as the deals are constantly updating and changing.” 

Travel in the region continues to be severely disrupted

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his thoughts on the prospect of ‘normality’ returning to airports in the Middle East. Flights to and from the region continue to be severely disrupted in the wake of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

A multitude of flights to and from Dubai, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi – all three being vital transport hubs for individuals travelling to and from the Gulf and Asia – have been cancelled. Approximately half a million passengers typically utilise these airports daily.

More than 37,000 Brits have made their way back to the UK from the Middle East since the crisis response commenced, with it believed that tens of thousands more remain stranded.

Mr Calder has been regularly updating on the crisis, which began on February 28. He stated that whilst he anticipates an increase in the number of flights departing from the region, there’s no definitive end to the disruption in sight.

“There are tickets now being sold by Etihad out of Abu Dhabi,” he revealed. “Which is an interesting development. On top of that, I expect there to be a ramp-up in flights out of Doha and out of Dubai, but at the moment we are still a long way away from anything that could be described as normality, whatever that looks like.

“You know, the idea that you have half a million people flying to, through, and from the three big hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi every day. And it’s an interesting question as to what on earth happens when, of course, the war is finally over, which cannot come soon enough. But anyway, so I hope that people will be able to get out.”

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On Monday, 16 out of the 18 scheduled flights from the UK to Qatar were cancelled due to ongoing airspace closures, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Eleven out of 33 flights from the UK to the United Arab Emirates – encompassing Dubai and Abu Dhabi – were also scrapped. It’s anticipated that clearing the backlog of stranded passengers caused by the conflict will take weeks.

“British Airways has taken the view that we’re not going into Dubai or Abu Dhabi or Doha,” Mr Calder explained. “If you want to fly out, we’re happy to do that, but we’re going to be arranging flights from Muscat and looking at Friday night’s Virgin Atlantic flight to Dubai, that was arguably a good call because the effect was that the flight got to within maybe a couple of hundred miles of Dubai over Saudi Arabia and then turned around because of the attack on Dubai airport.

“It flew back, couldn’t get all the way back, went to Budapest to refuel and then continued to Heathrow. So it was roughly, I think, something like an 18-hour flight to nowhere.”

The war in Iran has put a spanner in the works for travel plans with many countries now off-limits – here are six replacement destinations for people looking to change their March getaway

There have been many knock-on effects of the Iran war which ignited a week ago. While no means the most important, a disruption to travel plans has been one factor to consider.

Parts of the Middle East have been popular with British tourists, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The cities offer almost year-round sunshine, incredible hotels and luxury breaks that entice UK tourists to snap up trips in their droves.

Those destinations, along with a host of other hotspots in the Middle East and Mediterranean, are now effectively no-go zones, at least temporarily.

Fortunately travel writer Annabelle Thorpe has compiled a list of six possible destinations to book your holiday to instead.

Athens

The expert recommends swapping Cyprus for the iconic Greek capital. Athens is pretty quiet in March which means the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon are likely to be virtually crowd-free.

March is considered ‘shoulder season’ in Athens with fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures as the mercury normally hovers around 16-17C.

There are direct flights from five airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City – with a range of carriers including easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Seville

If you had a trip to Istanbul in the pipeline, Annabelle says consider going to Seville instead. The city in the south of Spain is famed for its Moorish palace, Gothic cathedrals and flamenco dancing.

Seville enjoys daytime highs of around 22C in March, making for a cool contrast before the stifling summer heat. Visitors can also enjoy the blooming orange trees and the preparations for the Easter festivities.

Most London airports as well as Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh offer direct flights to the city.

Tunis

If Amman, the capital of Jordan, was on your travel list, the expert suggests making a beeline for Tunis instead. The ancient city, the capital of modern day Tunisia, offers an incredible blend of Mediterranean charm, French colonial history and Arab heritage.

It also boasts a UNESCO-listed medina along with the ancient ruins of Carthage. Daytime highs in the city are a pleasant 20C.

Direct flights depart from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted, with Tunisair the main carrier.

Marrakech

Annabelle recommends trading in the UAE’s glitzy malls for a spot of shopping in Marrakech’s world famous medina instead. It’s a great spot to shop for cashmere shawls, handmade jewellery, antiques, spices and much more.

Away from the hectic souks, there is Jardin Majorelle, a one-hectare botanical landscape garden, and the bustling Jemaa El Fna Square. Temperatures can reach a pretty steamy 25C in March but many riads have pools to allow their visitors to cool off.

Several airports fly direct to the Moroccan city, including major London hubs and Manchester, Birmingham and John Lennon Airport in Liverpool among others.

Gran Canaria

Bodrum has long been popular with Brits seeking winter or early spring sun. But with its proximity to the war zone, Annabelle called on tourists to try out Gran Canaria instead.

The island is the third-largest and second-most-populous island of the Canary Islands. March highs reach around 22C, but the sun-drenched beaches along with the duty-free shopping and nightlife make it a rival for Turkey’s holiday resorts.

Over 15 airports offer direct flights to the island’s capital Las Palmas, including London’s hubs and Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Bristol.

Nice

One of the big draws of Dubai is its city-beach combination. Many British tourists enjoy soaking up the sun before enjoying some shopping. The travel expert puts forward Nice, on the French Riviera, as an alternative to the popular UAE city.

The Promenade des Anglais sweeps along a four-mile stretch of seafront, and that couples with the open-air bars and restaurants make for a heady mix.

You can catch direct flights from most London hubs along with Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast.

With the conflict in the Middle East continuing to intensify and showing no signs of abating, causing holiday chaos, one travel expert has given Britons four holiday alternatives to Dubai

Last year, Dubai was named one of the safest cities in the world, attracting thousands of people from the UK who moved there not just for a holiday, but to live there permanently.

Fast forward to today though, and it finds itself in the middle of the Middle East War. Drones and missiles have rained down on the United Arab Emirates city, striking luxury hotels and hitting airports.

For Brits hoping to enjoy the sunshine of Dubai without the very obvious dangers, travel expert Laura Carden-Lovell of Transfer Travel, said there were five alternatives.

Speaking to us, Laura recommended four spots from across the world – with some not even that far from the UK.

Agadir, Morocco

Laura said of Agadir: “It’s perfect for travellers who want to get the winter sun without the long haul flight. I think it’s just under four hours form the UK.

“You still get the golden beaches, warm temperatures and relaxed seaside atmosphere. The culture over there is amazing, very colourful, very exotic, but incredibly accessible and affordable.”

La Palma, Canary Islands

Describing La Palma as a “hidden gem”, Laura added that it was “a bit quieter and greener but still has volcanic landscapes”. She added: “You can stargaze, perfect for travellers who still want warmth and taking in nature.

“You can hike through the national parks, explore the charming towns and the you’ve got some natural pools as well you can swim in. Sunshine without the crowds.”

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira in Portugal is also an option. Laura said it was worth the effort (there are no direct flights from the UK) to make it to the region. She said: “It’s a little bit harder to get to without the direct flights. It’s not mainland Portugal but it’s still good for those who want year round weather so it’s a good one.

“They’ve got eternal springs over there and dramatic cliffs. Hikes in the morning and then if you want to enjoy sea view dining.”

Antigua

Meanwhile, for those willing to go a bit further afield, Laura said Antigua was still one travellers should put on their list for it’s “beaches” and “gorgeous turquoise water”.

She expanded: “You can go sailing, snorkelling. I think they’ve also have some carnivals as well. That’s a perfect for travellers who really want the warm waters and calm weather. It’s got a lot of character and culture.”

Specialist Claer Barrett issued the advice to concerned people who have flights in the area booked

A travel specialist is calling on Brits to stay calm and follow crucial guidance if their travel arrangements have been jeopardised due to the US-Israel military action against Iran. Travel chaos continues to plague the Middle East as Iran launches counter-attacks.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 Britons were left stranded in the area as airports including Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai shut down operations because of the hostilities. More than 2,000 passengers landed in the UK on evacuation flights from the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, according to Government officials.

Questions persist about the duration of the conflict, casting doubt over numerous travellers’ plans given the crucial role of Gulf airports as connection hubs for journeys to Asia and Australasia. Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine, specialist Claer Barrett delivered ‘vital’ guidance for those planning to travel in the near future.

She stated: “My big message to everyone watching is don’t panic and hit the cancel button, because if you cancel a flight, a holiday, whatever, yourself, you won’t have as many rights as if the airline cancels the flight.

“Let’s start off with flights,” she went on. “So if an airline cancels your flight, as long as you’re flying with a UK airline or departing or flying back to a UK or EU airport, you’re legally entitled to choose. So if they cancel you, you can say, ‘Well, I want a refund, I want my money back,’ or, ‘I want a different flight with a different airline, I want to be rerouted’ or offered assistance if you were stuck somewhere. So it’s important not to cancel yourself.

READ MORE: Travel expert Simon Calder update for people with Dubai, Qatar or Abu Dhabi flights bookedREAD MORE: Aviation expert Alex Macheras predicts when Emirates, BA, and Qatar Airways flights might resume

“But if your upcoming holiday is in the affected area, the advice from Which?, the big consumer website, is monitor the airline’s website to determine whether your plans are going to be affected, because lots of different places are or aren’t.

“Keep an eye on the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office website, that’s the FCDO, they’re the people who can issue ‘do not travel’ warnings. And for goodness’ sake, make sure that you’ve got your travel insurance in place when you book your holiday.

“This is the advice that me and other consumer experts give, because something could happen before you go and you’d need to make a claim.”

Package holidays

Package breaks – where holidaymakers purchase their flights and lodging in a single booking from the same provider – are frequently more economical and generally regarded as being a more secure choice. The explanation for this is that numerous packages are safeguarded by the Atol scheme or the Package Travel Regulations (PRTs).

Any package holiday booked in the UK automatically comes with the protection of the PTRs, whilst package holidays that include a flight are safeguarded by Atol. All travel firms selling package holidays with flights to UK customers are legally obliged to hold an Atol licence.

This ensures people are brought home during a crisis. When the original Thomas Cook went under in 2019, nearly 150,000 holidaymakers were flown back by the UK government in the largest repatriation in the UK’s peacetime history.

You will also receive a refund if your package holiday is cancelled, and be compensated if various factors result in a subpar trip.

“So we’ve covered flights, but package holidays, you’re much better protected with a package holiday because most of them, anyway, are reaching out proactively, I’m hearing, to customers who do have packages booked to the Middle East,” Claer continued.

“And most of them are offering people for no charge the ability to either move their holiday dates or, in many cases, change destination, you know, so you still have your holiday but you go somewhere else. So speak to your tour operator and see what they can do for you.”

HUNDREDS of you, Sun Readers, have reached out to us about your holidays concerns because of the ongoing Iran crisis.

So our Travel Expert – Head of Travel, Lisa Minot – is answering them all for you.

From whether Greece is safe to whether you can cancel your holiday for a refund, here is everything you need to know.

We are going to Cyprus in June and the balance is due by March 17, should we still pay it?

Although many Sun readers are concerned about their holidays to Cyprus following on from the attack on the RAF airbase on the island and the cancellation of flights from British Airways, easyJet and TUI, currently the UK Foreign Office has not issued any warnings about travel to the island.

Unlike the UAE, where the current advises against all but essential travel, Cyprus remains on the safe to travel list.

If you do not pay the balance of your holiday, you face losing the money you have paid to your travel provider so far.

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If the advice were to change, your travel company would have to offer you the chance to amend your travel to a different date or offer you a full refund.

We have had lots of questions about holidays to Cyprus – both Larnaca and Paphos, later in June, July and September and the advice really remains the same.

Unless you have paid a minimal deposit, you should continue to make payments. If you cancel now you could lose money – and discover that holidays are significantly more expensive when you look to book again.

What is important is to make sure you have bought good travel insurance NOW to cover you in the run up to your holiday dates. A lot can happen in the coming months.

Take the time to enquire about what you would be covered for in terms of delays and cancellations as these can vary from policy to policy.

Will this affect holidays in Egypt? We’re due to fly there in May for our honeymoon

While it is very understandable that travellers would be a little nervous of the proximity of Egypt to the current crisis, the popular Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurgahda and Marsa Alam as well as the majority of Egypt including ancient cities of Cairo and Luxor are NOT under any Foreign Office travel ban.

While no one can predict what is going to happen in the region, it is currently considered safe to travel to these destinations and your tour operator or airline is under no obligation to refund you if you chose not to travel. 

Hurghada and Marsa Alam are hundreds of miles away from the conflict zone and holidays there should not be impacted at all.

I had tipped Egypt as one of the stand-out destinations for British travellers to enjoy 5* luxury at great value prices this year.

Increased flights from the UK and an ever greater number of new luxury resorts mean it still offers guaranteed sunshine for all budgets.

I travelled to Luxor, Hurghada and Marsa Alam in February and could not have felt safer with the Egyptians taking security very seriously.

Is Greece safe to travel, being so close to Turkey?

Yes Greece is safe to travel to – and is not under any UK Foreign Office travel warnings.

The main popular tourist resorts in both Greece and Turkey are many thousands of miles from the current problems in the Middle East.

If you choose to cancel a holiday you have already made payments on you will NOT get your money back as your travel company is under no legal obligation to refund you.

A refund is only triggered if the Foreign Office advises against all travel or all but essential travel.

Again, ensuring you have fully comprehensive travel insurance from the moment you make your booking is really important to give you added protection in the run up to your trip. 

We’ve had questions from Sun readers looking at trips to Corfu and Rhodes this summer – they should be reassured that the chance of holidays to these islands being impacted, while not impossible, is extremely unlikely.

Will travel disruption escalate to the Canary Islands travel from the UK?

While nothing can be guaranteed in these extraordinary times, there is nothing whatsoever to lead me to think that the current crisis will have any impact at all on holidays to the Canary Islands from the UK.

It is understandable that people are worried about the situation, but all of the Canary Islands – along with the rest of Spain – remain on the Foreign Office’s safe to travel list and there is no indication this will change at all. 

There is not any worry about international travel as a whole at the moment and airlines and tour operators take the safety and security of their passengers extremely seriously. 

There should be no issues with travel this summer, where lots of Sun readers are looking forward to holidays.

Are Turkey resorts affected? We have a holiday booked for half-term

No – at present Turkey is not impacted at all by the current situation.

While there are Foreign Office bans on travel to the border between Turkey and Syria, the entire rest of the country is safe to travel to.

The popular coastal resorts of Dalaman, Bodrum, Antalya, Side, Marmaris and more are many thousands of miles from the conflict zone.

As the advice is that it is safe to travel, tour operators and airlines are under no obligation to offer you a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to cancel your trip, you will lose any money you have paid.

While some people may feel uneasy, the distances involved mean it is extremely unlikely that anything would impact your holiday.

With all package holidays, you have enhanced protection should the situation change.

If the Foreign Office changes its advice to all but essential travel, you will have extra rights to a refund or amended date.

But right now, that is not necessary as trips to the popular Mediterranean Turkish resorts are safe.

We am due to fly to Dubai March 12-18, having paid £6,000 for a package through Emirates. Do you know where I stand with cancelling?

With the huge popularity of holidays to Dubai – more than 1.47MILLION British travellers headed to the Emirate in 2025 – the Foreign Office now advising against all but essential travel will have a huge impact on those with upcoming holidays.

As the situation remains so uncertain, airlines and travel companies are dealing with upcoming bookings on a rolling basis – prioritising those who are due to travel soonest first.

As of today, passengers with bookings up to March 10 can request a refund directly from Emirates via an online form – and you should expect to receive that refund within a week.

But as your holiday doesn’t depart until March 12 you will have to contact Emirates directly to see if they will allow you to amend your booking or get a refund.

I totally appreciate that this is going to be challenging with many hundreds of thousands of travellers looking to rebook flights and holidays.

Right now, British Airways Holidays are offering rebooking options for those travelling up to March 8 to request a refund.

Those travelling up to March 15 can change their holiday dates or destination free of charge if they depart before March 29.

If you amend to a holiday that is more expensive, you’ll have to pay the difference. If it is cheaper, BA will refund you the difference.

Those travelling after March 15 can change their booking up to 14 days before travel for a fee of £100 or if within 14 days of travel for a fee of £500. 

Virgin Atlantic Holidays has the same options in place for the same dates.

 If you have bought travel insurance – and I really do recommend everyone does this from the MOMENT they book their holiday – it would be a good idea to contact them as well to see if there is anything you can claim for.

Anyone with holidays from April onwards, I recommend keeping an eye on the current travel advice, but do not cancel holidays unless you want to be out of pocket.

My daughter is due to return from Mauritius via Dubai on March 5 with Emirates Airlines. Will this be possible & what are her options?

Emirates has only suspended flights until midnight on March 4.

However this is likely to be extended as they are currently only operating repatriation flights for passengers who are stranded in Dubai.

It is advised for your daughter to contact Emirates and see if there is an alternative way to travel home.

Emirates must provide her with an alternative flight home, or a refund.

However, be aware that if she accepts a refund, your daughter will have to pay for her own alternative flight home which might be quicker, but much more expensive and she will not be able to claim the difference back from Emirates.

Air Mauritius offers direct flights from Mauritius to UK, otherwise airlines with non-Dubai stopovers include Air France (stopover in Paris) and Lufthansa (stopover in Frankfurt).

I have a long-haul holiday planned later this year, stopping in the Middle East. Should I cancel my trip or find another airline?

We have had lots of questions from you about upcoming holidays with stopovers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar – seeing as they’re huge hub airports for Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, this isn’t surprising.

This includes destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bali, China, Vietnam, Australia and Pakistan. 

If you have partly paid for your holidays for any of the above destinations, you must still pay the remaining balance or you will be left out of pocket.

It is only if the UK Foreign Office advises against any travel to these destinations that you will be able to cancel a holiday for a refund.

Unless you are travelling in the next few days, it is likely the holidays will still go ahead.

 If you are wary of booking a stop over in the Middle East, then other popular destinations include Singapore, with Singapore Airlines, or Hong Kong, with Cathay Pacific and Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.

I’m confused about the government advice and where travel companies stand – surely a holiday shouldn’t be classed as “essential travel”?

I appreciate the travel warnings can be slightly confusing, so I’ll break them down for you.

There are two travel warnings from the UK Foreign Office – “against all but essential travel” and “against all travel”.

If the advice is against all travel, package holiday companies and airlines have to give you a refund.

If the advice is against all but essential travel the legal standing is a little more complicated. 

However, most travel companies will offer to refund or amend your booking as they recognise they will not be able to provide you with the trip you purchased due to exceptional circumstances.

A TikTok money expert has revealed how a travel credit card could save you thousands on holiday — but there’s a catch you need to know before you go abroad

Many holidaymakers think they’ve got their trip finances sorted but one money expert says a simple tool could save you thousands and protect you from scams. Mat The Money Man, known as @thequidsquid on TikTok, revealed the £3,000 holiday hack that many people completely overlook.

“If you go on holiday and don’t bring one of these, you could be in serious trouble,” he warns in the viral video. Over 9.4 million tourists have fallen victim to holiday scams over the past five years, making financial protection a must.

Mat explains that travel credit cards are often safer than using a debit card because they offer Section 75 protection under UK law. Any purchase between £100 and £30,000 is covered, meaning you can claim your money back if something goes wrong — a safety net debit cards rarely provide.

READ MORE: Aviation expert Alex Macheras predicts when Emirates, BA, and Qatar Airways flights might resumeREAD MORE: Travel expert Simon Calder explains when Dubai, Emirates and Qatar flights could resume

He also points to other perks, such as better exchange rates and cashback on overseas spending. “So if you get scammed, you can claim that money straight back,” he says, highlighting how the average person spends around £1,320 on two long holidays each year.

According to Compare the Market, a typical European holiday costs £1,000 to £2,000 per person, while longer-haul trips can exceed £2,000 per person depending on flights and accommodation. For many, the combination of fraud protection, exchange rate benefits, and potential cashback makes travel credit cards a valuable tool. Mat claims the total holiday savings could reach £3,633.

Experts, however, stress that not all travel credit cards are created equal. MoneyHelper notes that while these cards often provide no foreign transaction fees and built-in insurance, consumers should compare annual fees, interest rates, and exchange rate policies before signing up.

The “catch” is simple but critical: you must have the right card and actually use it during your trip to unlock the savings and protections. Without it, you risk missing out on thousands of pounds and the extra security a travel credit card can provide.

For holidaymakers who want peace of mind and the chance to save big, a travel credit card could make all the difference — but only if you bring it along and use it correctly.

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With thousands of people either stranded or diverted across the Middle East following the attacks on Iran, one travel expert has shared the advice you need to know

Thousands of travellers are either stuck or have had their plans thrown into disarray across the Middle East following Israel and the US’s strike on Iran. The missile strikes have triggered widespread disruption throughout the UAE and the broader Middle East region, leaving thousands of holidaymakers facing an anxious wait.

Flight cancellations have swept through major Gulf aviation hubs as well as Cyprus in what experts are calling the most severe travel turmoil since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chris Harrington, Managing Director at hoppa, has outlined the top four things travellers need to understand if their flight gets axed, including your passenger rights and what compensation you might be owed.

The initial step when you spot that dreaded red ‘cancelled’ notice appearing on the departures board is to get in touch with your airline.

If you’re already inside the airport terminal, make your way to the customer service desk. However, if you turn the corner and discover a mammoth queue of passengers already assembled there, Chris has an alternative approach, reports the Express.

He advised: “Try using the airline’s app if they have one or ring the customer service team to find out about the next steps.”

Once you’ve managed to locate a staff member to speak with, it’s time to explore what options are on the table.

“In most cases, the airline will have to make an alternative plan for you. When you manage to speak to a member of staff, see if they can rebook you on a later flight.

“You may also want to consider opting for an alternative route or flying to another airport close to your final destination. It’s important to understand that the airline can book you a flight through a different provider, so make them aware of this.”

It’s vital to ensure you’ve got insurance sorted for any overseas trip. This will safeguard you against cancellations or other complications.

Chris explained: “If your flight has been cancelled, check your travel insurance documents as some policies will cover the cost of hotels, airport transfers, alternative flights, and food. It’s also worthwhile enquiring with your airline about vouchers for cancelled flights, as many offer them for passengers to find accommodation and cover the cost of food.”

Chris’s final piece of advice is to ensure you’re fully aware of your passenger rights.

He stated: “If the flight cancellation is due to the actions of the airline, then it’s likely you’ll be entitled to compensation. As stated by ABTA, if an airline cancels your flight in less than 14 days before you’re due to depart, then you’ll be entitled to compensation based on the length of your journey.

“However, in this case, because the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances outside of the airline’s control, compensation is unlikely to apply. In these cases, passengers are still entitled to a refund or rebooking, as well as care and assistance such as meals and, if necessary, overnight accommodation.”

Simon Calder said it ‘possibly points the way forward’ but there was still a long way to go

A travel expert has provided an update on when flights to and from the Middle East might resume normal service. Flights continue to be severely disrupted due to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which started over the weekend.

It is estimated that around 300,000 Brits are currently in the Gulf region. Airspace closures in the Middle East have led to numerous commercial flights being grounded, with over a third of today’s (Monday, March 2) scheduled flights to the area cancelled.

Major airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates are among those to have cancelled flights. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is presently advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Travel journalist Simon Calder gave an update on the Independent’s Instagram page about how the situation might unfold. He stated: “Day three of the crisis in the Gulf, which has seen all air operations cease at the key hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, and tens of thousands of passengers stranded as a result trying to head back to the UK.

“The latest news is not encouraging from the airlines; Qatar Airways has just said we’re not going to tell you any more updates until Tuesday morning. Emirates says we will not be flying anything before 3:00 on Monday-I think it’s extremely unlikely that that will happen; similar story from Etihad, who are based in Abu Dhabi.

“At the moment, though, obey the Foreign Office advice, and if you are booked to travel on one of those airlines-Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways-your flight will not be operating today, and I fear that it might be some time before we see those planes back in the sky.”

READ MORE: Aviation expert Alex Macheras predicts when Emirates, BA, and Qatar Airways flights might resumeREAD MORE: Travel expert Simon Calder explains when Dubai, Emirates and Qatar flights could resume

It is believed that out of the 300,000 Brits in the region, approximately 100,000 may require evacuation back to the UK. British citizens are being advised to heed the instructions of local authorities and keep a close eye on the Foreign Office’s travel advice, which officials anticipate will change rapidly.

One current proposal is that individuals may be transported overland to countries such as Oman and Saudi Arabia, before catching flights back from there. At present, these countries do not have any travel warnings against them.

Mr Calder added: “One development overnight, though, I think possibly points the way forward. A British Airways Boeing 787 flew out overnight from London Heathrow to Oman and landed at Muscat-that is the airport where there is no Foreign Office warning at the moment.

“It took on board pilots and cabin crew from British Airways who were stranded in the UAE when airspace was closed. Now, you might be thinking, ‘well, why didn’t they bring back any passengers?’ but there’s a good reason for that..

“The Foreign Office says, ‘no, you should not travel anywhere if you are in the UAE”. However, if the crisis drags on-and unfortunately, it shows every sign of doing that-then I fear we are going to be in a situation where the best option is to organise an airlift from Muscat, possibly another one also from Saudi Arabia for people travelling overland from Qatar.”

PASSENGERS across the globe are facing travel chaos as the escalating attacks and closure of airspace impact millions.

More than half a MILLION passengers would usually pass through the major hub airports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha every day – and are now unable to travel.

The conflict has even brought those travelling to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus into the situation this morning – with the drone attack on the RAF Akrotiri British airbase forcing the evacuation of Paphos Airport, and more than 60 flights cancelled this week.

The government is thought to be drawing up plans for a mass evacuation of those more than 50,000 holidaymakers trapped in Dubai and neighbouring countries.

But the impact of the attacks means more than 360,000 passengers due to travel on flights and holidays via the Middle Eastern hubs across this week have now seen their plans thrown into chaos.

With the Foreign Office advising against all but essential travel to the UAE (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar and Bahrain as well as Israel and Lebanon, millions more are potentially looking at their holiday plans being impacted.

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Here is everything you need to know from flights and cruises to package holidays and travel insurance.

What if I have a package holiday booked?

The UK FCDO advice change means customers have a right to cancel a package holiday (with a full refund) where there are extraordinary circumstances at the place of destination.

That will impact tour operators who had booked passengers on flights via the UAE or Qatar to destinations beyond including Asia, Australia and India.

For example, loveholidays has cancelled all holidays to the affected areas in the Middle East where travel is now banned, up until March 7.

A spokesperson said: “In line with the FCDO’s current guidance, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel and refund all holidays to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain departing up to and including 8 March.”

Brits on package holidays in destinations like Thailand, Bali and Maldives are also being caught up in the cancellations, especially if the flights were due to fly via the Middle East.

Package holiday providers have an obligation to book you on the next available flight home, even if it means going indirectly via another country.

What does it mean if you have booked flights?

For passengers meant to be flying in or out of the region, your rights depend on whether you were flying directly in or out of the UK or EU or if you are flying with an UK or EU airline.

Those who are will not get compensation as it is not the fault of the airline, BUT they do have a duty of care to look after impacted passengers.

Depending on the length of the delay, that could include food and drink, a means of communicating and overnight accommodation.

Those flying on non-UK or EU carriers may find their rights are slightly different if they are not on a direct flight to the UK – different rules apply and you may not be provided with the same assistance.

For example, someone travelling from Mauritius to London with a non-UK or EU traveller via Dubai who has completed the first leg of their journey to Dubai but not yet been able to leave the country does not have the same rights.

While so far airlines like Emirates have been issuing hotel vouchers, there is no legal requirement to provide assistance.

They are, however, expected to offer you the right to a refund or another flight in the case of cancellations.

What about cruises?

The worsening situation in the Middle East is not just impacting those on land in the UAE and Qatar but cruise passengers.

Six cruise ships are stuck in ports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, unable to sail to safer waters without entering the Strait of Hormutz.

Among them is the MSC Euribia, which was due to depart from Doha on March 1 but remains in Dubai, where it was scheduled to visit last Friday and Saturday.

The ship is capable of carrying more than 6,000 passengers and those onboard have been told to shelter in place.

TUI has two ships in the region, Mein Schiff 4 in Abu Dhabi and Mein Schiff 5 in Doha – both were due to depart on seven night cruises on Saturday.

Celestyal cruises has two ships in the region – the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey in Doha and the 1,360-guest Celestyal Discover in Dubai. Both ships remain in port waiting to leave.

Assistance will be provided to all impacted guests, and cruisers on cancelled sailings will receive full refunds or a future cruise credit to reschedule.

Are you covered by your travel insurance?

If you have travel insurance, it may be possible to claim for expenses incurred because of the situation. 

Tim Riley, MD of travel insurer True Traveller and Chairman of the UK Travel Insurance Association representing all the major UK travel insurers says: “Standard travel insurance policies do not cover war, hostile acts, civil war, military action, invasions or similar large-scale conflict events.

“However, travellers are still covered for claims that are unrelated to the conflict itself.

“For example, if someone becomes ill, has an accident not connected to hostilities, or experiences lost or stolen baggage, those claims would typically be handled in line with the normal terms and conditions of their policy.

“The primary issue in the current situation is airspace closures and the inability to leave the country.

“Travel insurance cannot override government airspace restrictions or operate repatriation flights.

“Airlines have a legal obligation to re-route passengers to their final destination once services resume, whether on their own aircraft or with an alternative carrier.”

However, he warned against accepting an airline refund if your flight is cancelled – as this leaves you on your own.

He added: “Accepting a refund effectively ends the airline’s duty of care, leaving the traveller responsible for arranging and paying for new flights themselves – which are likely to be significantly more expensive.

“Travel insurance will not cover the difference in cost between a refunded ticket and a new booking.”

Mum of two Hannah Britt is a fan of a family road trip, but driving with young children in tow can be tough. Here she shares how to keep them entertained, not a screen in sight

I’m a mum of two, my children are six and one. And as a family we like to travel. One of the things we tend to do the most is hop in the car from our home in Manchester and drive to the Lake District, or Scotland. Having the car with us means we can lug all the things we need for the children and get to our destination under our own steam. But keeping my little ones entertained can be tricky.

On a recent trip to the Lake District, my good friends at Volvo were kind enough to lend us one of their cars to try – the XC60 Plus plug-in hybrid. It came with a promise: the children will love it. And it gave me an idea, could I entertain them the whole 90 minute journey without a screen or toy in sight?

READ MORE: We banned screens during our family trip away and the change was staggering

I SPY

Best for: my six year old. How it’s done… Select a Spy: One person is chosen to be the “spy”. Choose an Object: The spy selects an object in plain sight of all players but keeps it secret. Give a Clue: The spy says, “I spy with my little eye something…” followed by a hint. By Letter: “…beginning with the letter [letter]” (e.g.”B” for ball). By Colour: “…that is [colour]” (e.g. “Red”). By Description: “…that is [shape/size]” (e.g. “Round”). Guess the Object: Other players take turns guessing the object. Switch Roles: The person who correctly guesses the object becomes the new spy for the next round.

NURSERY RHYMES

Best for: both my one year old and my six year old. How it’s done… there couldn’t be more famous nursery rhymes to choose from, some even have actions to increase the fun and interactivity.

• Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: A soothing lullaby about a star.
• Humpty Dumpty: A classic rhyme about a fragile egg.
• Ba Ba Black Sheep: A rhythmic, repetitive poem.
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A gentle, interactive, and rhythmic song.
• Old MacDonald Had a Farm: A fun, interactive song for learning animal sounds.
• Jack and Jill: A well-known rhyme about a trip up a hill.
• Hickory Dickory Dock: A classic rhyme featuring a mouse and a clock.
• London Bridge Is Falling Down: A traditional game song.
• Mary Had a Little Lamb: A familiar tale about a loyal lamb.
• The Itsy Bitsy Spider: An action-based song

YELLOW CAR

Best for: my six year old, but my one year old did join in too. How it’s done… To play, simply see who is first to spot a yellow car. First to five or 10 wins. Once you’ve done yellow, move onto other colours. And then play spotting other things, like a helicopter, a tractor and a broken down car.

SPOT THE SHEEP

Best for: my one year old, but my six year old did enjoy. How it’s done… Choose an animal everyone recognises – and one you’re likely to see. There’s no point picking a zebra in Derbyshire! Then simply see who is the first to spot one. Once you get to the countryside you can elevate Spot the Sheep to Count the Sheep – and see who can be the first to spot 100.

WOULD YOU RATHER?

Best for: my six year old. How it’s done… This is a fun, thought-provoking question game to spark conversation. Choose age appropriate things to ask about, examples of which could be:

Food & Silly Choices

• Would you rather eat broccoli-flavoured ice cream or fish-flavoured cookies?
• Would you rather have a bath full of baked beans or mushy peas?
• Would you rather eat only pizza for a year or only tacos for a year?
• Would you rather drink hot chocolate or a milkshake?
• Would you rather swim in a pool of jelly or a pool of marshmallows?

Superpowers & Magic

• Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
• Would you rather have the power to control time or control the weather?
• Would you rather have a magic carpet or a teleportation device?
• Would you rather be able to speak to ghosts or aliens?
• Would you rather have a pet unicorn or a dragon?

Animal & Nature

• Would you rather have a tail like a lemur or a trunk like an elephant?
• Would you rather roar like a lion or hiss like a snake?
• Would you rather have fur like a bear or scales like a fish?
• Would you rather be a tree or a flower for a day?
• Would you rather live in a jungle or a desert?

School & Daily Life

• Would you rather have as many toys as you wanted or as many books as you wanted?
• Would you rather go to the park or go to the zoo?
• Would you rather be a superhero or a super-villain?
• Would you rather live on land or under the sea?
• Would you rather build a treehouse or a go-kart?

NUMBER PLATE GAME

Best for: my six year old. How it’s done… See if you can spot number plates from different countries while on your journey. Or see if you can do the whole alphabet, A, B, C and so on. You can make up stories, prompted by the letters too.

*The Volvo XC60 Plus plug-in hybrid costs £63,850, find out more at volvocars.com

READ MORE: We went on an epic family road trip to France and holidays won’t be the same again