expert

Thailand is a popular travel destination for Brits seeking some winter sun – but new travel restrictions came into place earlier this year that people should be aware of before arriving

As the colder weather approaches, some of us may not be ready to say goodbye to summer, and looking for some winter sun.

While there are many destinations offering balmy weather for freezing cold Brits, Thailand is a popular spot for many people over the winter months. Data from Thailand Travel Specialists at Travelbag found that during peak travel seasons (November to February), departures to Thailand increase by more than 158 per cent.

More than 35 million visitors flock to Thailand annually, with more than 700,000 travelling from the UK alone. With this demand, the experts urge all travellers to be aware of the new entry requirement that took effect in May of this year to avoid any stress or delays when entering the country.

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According to Helen Wheat, asia destination manager at Travelbag said: “As of May, all foreign nationals travelling to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. While there is no strict minimum time, it is recommended to submit the TDAC at least 72 hours before arrival to avoid any delays in processing.”

She said this digital form has replaced the traditional paper TM6 card to “streamline immigration procedures” and does not require any fee or payment.

Wheat further noted: “If the TDAC isn’t completed in advance, travellers may experience delays at immigration and be required to fill it out at a self-service kiosk on arrival, which can take much longer.”

The expert also recommended screenshotting or emailing the confirmation to your phone as you may be asked to show it, and said to make sure you have your passport, flight details and accommodation information ready when completing the form.

“At Travelbag, we advise all customers to complete the TDAC ahead of time to avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a hassle-free start to their trip,” Wheat added.

For those who don’t want to travel as far as Thailand, there’s a European secret that delivers a comparable adventure much nearer to home. The Shala River has earned the title “Thailand of Europe,” offering a taste of paradise without the lengthy journey or cost of a holiday in Southeast Asia. It features stunning turquoise waters and dense, rainforest-like landscapes, creating an exotic adventure in Europe’s heartland.

Ideal for an autumn getaway, Albania enjoys delightfully mild temperatures of approximately 25C in October, with plenty of sunshine making it perfect for late-season sun-seekers.

For those drawn to Thailand’s 1,500 miles of shoreline and more than 1,400 islands scattered with limestone formations, colourful coral reefs, and magnificent beaches, Albania’s Shala River offers an extraordinary substitute.

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In the push to expand as quickly as possible, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is aggressively wooing recruits with experience slapping handcuffs on suspects: sheriff’s deputies, state troopers and local cops.

The agency even shelled out for airtime during an NFL game with an ad explicitly targeting officers.

“In sanctuary cities, dangerous illegals walk free as police are forced to stand down,” the August recruitment ad warned over a sunset panorama of the Los Angeles skyline. “Join ICE and help us catch the worst of the worst.”

To meet its hiring goal, the Trump administration is offering hefty signing bonuses, student loan forgiveness and six-figure salaries to would-be deportation officers.

ICE has also broadened its pool of potential applicants by dropping age requirements, eliminating Spanish-language proficiency requirements and cutting back on training for new hires with law enforcement experience.

Along the way, the agency has walked a delicate line, seeking to maintain cordial relations with local department leaders while also trying to poach their officers.

“We’re not trying to pillage a bunch of officers from other agencies,” said Tim Oberle, an ICE spokesman. “If you see opportunities to move up, make more money to take care of your family, of course you’re going to want it.”

But despite the generous new compensation packages, experts said ICE is still coming up short in some of the places it needs agents the most.

“The pay in California is incredible,” said Jason Litchney of All-Star Talent, a recruiting firm. “Some of these Bay Area agencies are $200,000 a year without overtime.”

Even entry level base pay for a Los Angeles Police Department officer is more than $90,000 year. In San Francisco, it’s close to $120,000. While ICE pays far more in California than in most other states, cash alone is less likely to induce many local cops to swap their dress blues for fatigues and a neck gaiter.

“If you were a state police officer who’s harbored a desire to become a federal agent, I don’t know if you want to join ICE at this time,” said John Sandweg, who headed ICE under President Obama.

Police agencies nationwide have struggled for years to recruit and retain qualified officers. The LAPD has only graduated an average of 31 recruits in its past 10 academy classes, about half the number needed to keep pace with the city’s plan to grow the force to 9,500 officers.

“That is a tremendous issue for us,” said Brian Marvel, president of the Peace Officers Research Assn. of California, a professional advocacy organization.

A person walks near the stage during a hiring fair by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Aug. 26 in Arlington, Texas.

(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

ICE, too, has long failed to meet its staffing targets. As of a year ago, the agency’s Enforcement and Removal Operations — it’s dedicated deportation force — had 6,050 officers, barely more than in 2021.

As of Sep. 16, the Department of Homeland Security said it has sent out more than 18,000 tentative job offers after a summer recruitment campaign that drew more than 150,000 applications.

It did not specify how many applicants were working cops.

At an ICE career expo in Texas last month, the agency at times turned away anyone who didn’t already have authorization to carry a badge or an honorable discharge from the military.

“We have so many people who are current police officers who are trying to get on the job right now and that’s who we’ve been prioritizing,” one ICE official at the event said.

But the spirited pursuit of rank-and-file officers has sparked anger and resentment among top cops around the country.

“Agencies are short-staffed,” said David J. Bier, an immigration expert at the Cato Institute. “They are complaining constantly about recruitment and retention and looking every which way to maintain their workforce — and here comes along ICE — trying to pull those officers away.”

Law enforcement experts say that outside of California, especially in lower income states, many young officers take home about as much as public school teachers, making the opportunity for newer hires to jump ship for a federal gig even more enticing.

Some fear the ICE hiring spree will attract problematic candidates.

“The scariest part keeping me up at night is you hear agencies say we’re lowering standards because we can’t hire,” said Justin Biedinger, head of Guardian Alliance Technologies, which streamlines background checks, applicant testing and other qualifications for law enforcement agencies.

At the same time, the Trump administration is finding ways to deputize local cops without actually hiring them.

The Department of Homeland Security has dramatically overhauled a controversial cooperation program called 287(g) that enlists local police officers and sheriff’s deputies to do the work of ICE agents.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks at a news conference at the Wilshire Federal Building in June in Los Angeles.

(Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times)

As of early September, according to the program website, 474 agencies in 32 states were participating, up from 141 agencies in March.

Some states such as Georgia and Florida require their agencies to apply for the program. Others, including California, forbid it.

But that, too, could soon change.

The administration is exploring ways to force holdouts to comply, including by conditioning millions of dollars of funding for domestic violence shelters, rape crisis hotlines and child abuse centers on compliance with its immigration directives. In response, California and several other states have sued.

Even in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions such as Los Angeles, where local laws prohibit cops from participating in civil immigration enforcement, police officers have found themselves tangled up in federal operations. The LAPD has drawn criticism for officers responding to the scenes of ICE arrests where confrontations have erupted.

“We get called a lot to come out and assist in providing security or making sure that it doesn’t turn violent,” said Marvel, the police advocacy organization president.

“The vast majority of peace officers do not want to do immigration enforcement because that’s not the job they signed up for,” Marvel said. “We want to protect the community.”

Among the agency’s most vocal critics, the push to beef up ICE is viewed as both dangerous and counterproductive.

“Punishing violent criminals is the work of local and state law enforcement,” said Ilya Somin, law professor at George Mason University and a constitutional scholar at the Cato Institute. “If we were to abolish ICE and devote the money to those things, we’d have lower violence and crime.”

The cash and perks ICE is dangling will inevitably draw more people, experts said, but some warned that newly minted deportation officers should be careful about mortgaging their future.

The potential $50,000 hiring bonus is paid out in installments over several years — and the role may lack job security.

At the same time Trump is doubling ICE’s headcount, he’s also rewriting the rules to make it far easier to ax federal workers, said Sandweg, the former Obama official.

That could come back to haunt many agency recruits four years from now, he said: “I think there’s a very good chance a future Democratic administration is going to eliminate a lot of these positions.”

Zurie Pope, a Times fellow with the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, contributed to this report.

A travel expert has provided a list of several important travel tips to make your trip to Paris run more smoothly, claiming ‘no-one tells you’ about them elsewhere

If your debating whether to take a trip to Paris , an expert claims there are a number of things “no-one tells you” about the City of Love that may help sway your decision. Tonya Bullock of Crossroads Travel Agency, who has visited the French capital on eight occasions, took to TikTok to share her advice.

She began by pointing out that whilst Parisian shops and restaurants take card payments, you should still take Euros in cash “just in case”. Tonya added that unlike some countries, tipping is optional as a service charge is usually included in the cost within a bill.

No doubt if you are heading to Paris, you will be keen to snap up some authentic French breads and pastries – and if that’s the case, Tonya suggests avoiding any “Instagram hype” and instead look for local, independent boulangeries.

When it comes to the city’s many museums, meanwhile, Tonya advised that entry to these is free of charge on the first Sunday of every month, whilst EU residents under the age of 26 can take advantage of not having to pay whatsoever. “Many museums offer evening hours – smaller crowds and magical light,” she added.

Of course Paris’ most famous sight and attraction is the Eifel Tower – another “magical” experience Tonya suggests, advising that it “sparkles every hour after sunset – but only for five minutes”.

As an alternative, however, Tonya recommends visiting the “less crowded” Notre Dame Cathedral towers or those of Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre to get that perfect city view.

In addition, you take in the cityscape free of charge from the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette – an upmarket department store found on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.

As for the Arc de Triomphe monument, meanwhile, the expert urges visitors to “use the walkway tunnel” and avoid trying to cross the Champs-Élysées avenue street.

More tourism tips followed in the form of Louvre Museum – where queues can be “skipped” should you use the “lesser-known” Carrousel entrance underground, according to Tonya.

When dining out, meanwhile, she has a simple suggestion to save you more money. “Water is free in most restaurants and cafes,” she said. “As for ‘une carafe d’eau’ [a carafe of water]’.”

However, she continued: “Coffee culture is different – espresso is standard, whereas cappuccinos are “mostly for tourists”. And when it comes to your meal, you are better off dining inside any restaurant as outside seats tend to be “pricier”.

Writing in response, one TikTok user sought further advice from Tonya, asking: “What is the best thing to carry your money/ID/ cards to prevent pickpocketing?”

To which she revealed: “The biggest thing is try to keep items on your front! NEVER wear your backpack on back or have a basic purse on shoulder. Keep things out of your back pockets too.”

Whilst a second person asked: “How do I tell who are locals? I’m totally clueless. I’ve seen multiple posts saying they dress to blend in and not stand out.”

Tonya explained: “I’d say fashion is a big one. We always like to play a game while sitting outside at a brasserie to identify if the person walking in front of us was Parisian or an American tourist. Not hard and fast rules but: no shorts/capris no athleisure layers – scarves, blazers, heavy jackets, etc.

“Especially when temperatures start to get a little cooler it’s crazy how they bundle up. For where to eat, I’d avoid anything near a major tourist attraction – all the restaurants will mark up and not good. Find a boulangerie off the beaten path that is literally just a counter – the best ones will typically be busy in the morning and mostly speaking in French.”

When mum of two Hannah Britt checked into the want-for-nothing all-inclusive Mallorca hotel with her children, she never wanted to leave

I’m just going to say it… I’m not a fan of many all-inclusives. I find that often quantity takes the place of quality when it comes to what’s actually in your glasses and on your plates. So when I was invited to check out Zafiro Palace Alcudia, my expectations were fairly low. Well let me tell you – I was wrong. Oh so very wrong. No more than 10 minutes after we’d strewn our luggage in our room and headed to the buffet, I fell head over heels with the hotel – and never wanted to leave. Let me tell you why…

WOW FOOD

The food at Zafiro Palace was nothing short of superb, with an expansive ever-changing selection to choose from. There are several a la carte restaurants to enjoy (Italian, sushi, local Mediterranean flavours) but to be honest, as a family with a one year old and a five year old, we spent every mealtime in The Market. A top-tier buffet, each night there’s a theme, be it Mexican or Asian etc, which runs alongside your classics like pasta, pizza and salads, and everything served up is delicious. There’s something for all ages to munch, from tasty mashed potato for your teething one year old, to fresh fish like John Dory and monkfish, and seafood paella. Drinks are well made and carefully considered, with premium wines and delicious cocktails. Waiters and cleaning staff whip round constantly so you want for nothing and any mess is taken care of quickly and graciously. Mealtimes, as a result of all the above, are a delight – even with tiny humans in tow.

PLAYGROUND FUN

Whoever designed the Zafiro Palace hotel clearly has young children, because to put a contained playground right next to the family buffet restaurant is a genius move. It means that once little ones are done with their food, they can run off to have a play on the bouncy castle, slides and climbing frames, while their grown ups enjoy a glass of wine, knowing they are safe and having fun nearby.

KIDS CLUB

…and right next door to said playground is a gorgeous little kids club for ages four to teens. There’s loads to do from crafting to games, with an enclosed playground for them to run around in too. There’s family entertainment too every evening, and a games area to explore.

POOL JOY

When it comes to pools, Zafiro Palace has all the whole family needs for a splashing good time. There are six swim up pools, a super-zen adults only pool surrounded by shady spots to relax, two indoor swimming pools and a kids’ pool with a pirate ship. Some rooms have private pools too, and if this is within your budget I can wholeheartedly recommend one, because it was in ours that my nervous-of-water-daughter learned to swim!

STUNNING ROOMS

When it comes to room options, there are plenty to choose from, catering to a variety of wants and budgets. All are clean, ultra modern, well-designed, spacious and airy, with large floor to ceiling windows, terraces or balconies, and expensive bedsheets. Some have hot tubs, swim up pools and private pools. Cots for babies and day beds are provided when required.

NEARBY TOWN

One of the best things about Zafiro Palace Alcudia is, as the name would suggest, Alcudia. Indeed, a short stroll away down a tree-lined street, you’ll find the stunning Old Town, with its gorgeous streets to wander down, pretty squares and delicious eateries to try. On Tuesday and Sunday mornings a visit is a must in particular as there’s a big and lively market, selling food, gifts, toys and more.

BEACH DAYS

Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel also lies Alcudia beach, a large stretch of sand surrounding a picturesque inlet of sea. This makes it incredibly calm and safe and thus very popular with families. The water is warm, clean and clear and if you can tear yourself away from your bucket and spade, there are watersports like stand up paddle boards to try too, and plenty of cafes and bars in which to have lunch, relax and wile away the day.

*Rooms at Zafiro Palace Alcudia start from €373 per night

PRINCE Harry is desperate and needing stardust from King Charles in order to stay relevant, even if it means sacrificing his privacy, a royal expert has claimed.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, briefly met with his father, for the first time in 19 months, during his visit to the UK last week.

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Their meeting, lasting just under an hour, was followed up by an interview where Harry said his priority this year was to “focus on my dad”.

However, Royal Expert and Biographer Ingrid Seward has said that Harry’s move was just a “PR stunt” as he “needs the King’s stardust” in order to stay relevant.

She told The Sun: “I think it’s a massive PR move to re-establish Harry in the hearts of the British people.

“Harry needs the stardust of his father. He needs people to see him as the son of a king.

“His earning power is related to who he is. Without being the royal he is, Harry would not be interested to anyone in California.

“But because he is the son of a king, and the brother of an heir to the throne, he is of great interest and he needs that connection.”

Ingrid explained that since Harry “makes his money in America”, through his Netflix deals and other ventures, he would need to keep his image strong there.

She said the view of a “split” family did not sit well with audiences in the US, and so this decision would help mend that image and keep him relevant.

Ingrid continued: “This is a big, big PR push, and Harry was finally all smiles and charm, reminiscent of himself of old.”

Turning to Harry’s statement that his “conscience was clear”, in regards to the publication of his controversial memoir Spare, Ingrid said: “I’m not sure that Harry knows what a clear conscience is.

“You don’t badmouth your family in print and then have a clear conscience.

“Whether what he was saying was true or not, you just don’t do that.”

Ingrid added: “And it has far-reaching consequences, as it has had with Harry.

“But Harry obviously wants to wipe the slate clean, but people’s memories are a little bit longer than that, and I think a lot of the royal family are still very angry, and I suspect that Charles isn’t particularly happy with his son.

“But to him, it’s more important to welcome Harry, if not back into the family, at least back into his own, you know, personal fold, because at least Charles can then keep an eye on what he’s doing as well.”

HARRY’S BRIEF MEETING WITH CHARLES

This comes after Harry spoke out after briefly meeting King Charles during his visit.

The meeting, a “private tea” between the two, lasted 55 minutes – almost double the time Harry got last year.

And when quizzed on the possibility of further meetings with the King, Harry said: “The focus really has to be on my dad”.

He also leapt to the defence of his controversial memoir, Spare, claiming his “conscience is clear”.

Speaking to The Guardian, the Duke said: “I know that (speaking out) annoys some people and it goes against the narrative.

“It was a series of corrections to stories already out there. One point of view had been put out and it needed to be corrected.

“It was a difficult message, but I did it in the best way possible. My conscience is clear. It is not about revenge, it is about accountability.”

After his four-day trip, a spokesperson for Harry told how he “loved catching up with old friends” and colleagues.

Harry also admitted he wants to spend more time in the country.

When asked if he would bring his children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, he responded: “This week has definitely brought that closer.”

With rooms starting at less than £180, mum of two Hannah Britt reveals how this under the radar Balearic hotel should be firmly on your bucket list

As a family who love to travel, when I find a good deal I just have to share it. And this is one I simply cannot keep to myself. Mallorca is super popular with Brits, we flock there in our thousands year on year. With good reason, of course – it’s gorgeous, the beaches are flawless and there are plenty of things to do for all ages from water parks to markets to nightlife. There are hotels catering to all tastes too. But it’s the Hilton Mallorca Galatzo I’m going to talk about today. Because you need to add it to your family holiday bucket list right now…

DEALS TO BE HAD

Let’s start with the price, shall we? Rooms at the HMG start from just €207 per night, which works out at just less than £180. For that you get a Superior Lateral Sea View room, which comes with a king bed, room for a cot, floor-to-ceiling windows and a Balearic style design.

A recent revamp has seen decor throughout the accommodation updated and it’s all very swish indeed – modern, stylish, super clean and well considered. All rooms have a balcony with some variation of a sea view.

MEGA LOCATION

The Hilton Mallorca Galatzo is ideally located for exploration and ease. 20 minutes by car gets you to the airport, or to Palma de Mallorca for a day of shopping or sightseeing. The hotel is sat atop a hill with a gorgeous view looking down over Costa de la Calma, and a complimentary daily shuttle takes guests down to the beaches and eateries below. Taxis are easy to summon too, and cost just a few Euros to do the same.

The marinas of Andratz and Puerto Portals and the beaches of Peguera are a must. Or, for the intrepid, white sands, hiking trails and Insta-worthy landscape moments are less than 2km away on foot.

PLENTY TO DO ON SITE

If you fancy wiling away a day at the hotel, there’s lots to keep the whole family busy, with an indoor pool, outdoor pool, spa and tennis facilities to enjoy. The pool area was particularly lovely from a family point of view as there was a large shallow area, plus a fenced off baby pool. Towering palm and pine trees provided much welcomed dappled shade throughout the day.

There’s a beautifully bright and well-equipped kids’ club too, which offers fun for 4 to 14 year olds and provides games, crafting, soft play and more.

DELICIOUS FOOD

Breakfast at La Cocina is busy but ordered, with lots of choice from porridge and cereals to fruit, baked treats and full-English options like eggs, sausage, bacon and beans. Freshly made pancakes and omelettes were a nice touch and very popular, especially with my children. The same restaurant does a popular buffet for dinner too.

Elsewhere, the Alma bar was comfy and chic, serving ice cold cava and tasty tapas – the garlic prawns, padron peppers and iberico ham were delightful. There was a children’s menu too, and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming.

But my favourite eatery at HMG was the Paradis Pool Bar. The food was really good here, with mouthwatering poke bowls and pizza to munch. Cocktails, too, were moreish and well made.

NOW that autumn has officially arrived, there’s no better time to give your home a refresh.

While the new season brings comfort and cosy vibes, not everyone enjoys the lack of sunshine and colder days.

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Which is why interior experts have revealed that now is the perfect time to add some colour back into our lives.

And it’s all about “edible” interior colours this year, with the quirky new decor style dominating trends.

Food-inspired interiors and, specifically, fruit-inspired paint colours are in high demand in 2025, experts have said.

A new study by pros at The Paint Shed has revealed that over 2.4million people across the globe have been searching for it so far this year.

And the most in-demand colours range from lime and apple to cherry and wine — a palette the brand has dubbed “sugar drenching.”

Colour and paint expert Michael Rolland said searches showed that 40 per cent of the top 25 shades that people are looking for are “edible” colours.

And he has revealed the top ten most sought-after “edible” interior colours in 2025.

Green dominates the list, with four of the top five spots collectively attracting over 1.2 million searches.

At the top of the list is Lime, which is a bright and bold colour, followed by the slightly softer but warmer Apple and then the earthy, calming tones of Olive.

Chocolate makes a surprising appearance at number four in the list, with its deep richness impressing homeowners this autumn.

Another green colour rounds out the top five, adding a touch of tranquillity, freshness, and optimism to the home.

Classic fruit colour Peach comes in sixth on the list, with many drawn to its soft and delicate, yet light and cheerful tones.

Lemon follows close behind, injecting some energy and brightness into the home, and then Salmon for its cosy, welcoming finish.

Duck Egg Blue is ninth on the list with the soft, muted tone that offers a versatile, calming, and fresh aesthetic.

While Mocha rounds out the top ten, with homeowners drawn to it for creating a relaxing, intimate, and cosy atmosphere.

Other Beverage tones, such as red wine and espresso, also proved popular, totalling over 152,000 searches.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

FOR those keen to incorporate these colours into their home, Michael has shared his top tips on styling these tasty tones. He says:

Lime Paint – “Lime is bright, bold and a little avant-garde, perfect for accents. Pair with emerald or neutrals so its zest doesn’t overpower and wash across kitchen cabinets and feature walls.“

Apple paint – “Apple green paint is ideal for kitchens, where it brings warmth and freshness. It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones and toasted neutrals.”

Olive paint – “Olive green paint works well in smaller spaces such as bathrooms, cosy bedrooms or studies. It complements natural textures and suits both colour drenching and single accent walls.“

And psychotherapist Amy Thomas-Owen said our growing obsession with dessert-based paint palettes is deeply rooted in psychology.

She explained that more and more people are being pulled to this because food is associated with offering safety and comfort.

And this, in turn, is exactly the feeling we want to have when we enter our homes.

Amy said: “In the wake of ongoing uncertainty, from cost-of-living stress to digital overwhelm, people are understandably turning to their homes for a sense of emotional safety and comfort.

“Food-based tones tap into this need by evoking positive emotions and memories, and help to create spaces that feel soothing, tactile and emotionally safe.”

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School holidays mean many parents are having to fork out staggering amounts in order to go on holiday during the summer and a leading travel expert has urged schools to change their term breaks

Many parents have to plan their holidays around their children’s school breaks – but one leading expert has said this needs to change. It’s no secret summer holidays can cost families a fortune, having to travel in peak times, which is why many reluctantly take their kids out of school during term time in order to book a trip away for significantly less.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership has demanded drastic changes to school calendars, and said recorded temperatures in the Mediterranean were making it harder for families to go away in the summer.

School holidays currently run from late July to early September in England and Wales, and Ms Lo Bue-Said thinks they should be shortened by two weeks and each week saved could then be added to the current May and October one-week half terms instead.

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She told The Independent: “We see trends that are really impacting how families are thinking about holidays now. With 40C weather in parts of Europe, families just do not want to be going to those destinations at that time of year.”

With these proposed date changes, she said it would be better for children and their wellbeing, as well as better for families and teachers who are all “constrained” to having to go away in the school holidays.

At the moment, parents who take their children out during term times face fines of £80 or more, and the expert said: “Frankly, people are traveling out of school holidays. We’re seeing exceptional increases in fines by schools now to families. The change is happening, people want to reconsider the school calendar.”

Ms Lo Bue-Said believes holiday prices could fall if the demand for trips were spread across the year instead rather than just in the peak demand of when schools close.

While families in Scotland, where school summer holidays tend to run from the end of June to mid-August are able to take advantage of cheaper deals from English airports during the early part of the break.

In Northern Ireland, schools are closed for all of July and August. Most of England’s schools are now academies who can set now their own holidays, and some have already opted for five weeks in summer and two weeks in October.

According to BBC, Surrey’s county council has decided to follow suit for all the schools it supports from autumn 2026.

Parentkind, the charity for parent-teacher organisations, has released polling suggesting 53% of parents would like a four-week summer holiday, rising to 60% in families with a child with special educational needs.

KING Charles is unlikely to let Harry back into the royal fold should the pair meet in London this week, a royal expert has claimed.

The Royal Family can’t trust the Duke of Sussex for fear anything they say will be used in his next tell all, historian Hugo Vickers said.

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Harry jetted into the UK yesterday, on the three-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

While Harry visited his grandmother’s grave, the Prince and Princess of Wales were hosting an event in the late Queen’s honour just eight miles away.

And the King is set to return to London from his Scottish break this week while Harry is in the UK – sparking speculation the two could meet.

However, Hugo Vickers – a royal expert and the author of several bestselling royal autobiographies – says Charles should tread carefully.

He says that the Royal Family “doesn’t trust” Harry anymore, after the Prince gave out personal “information” about them in his autobiography Spare.

Faced with the prospect of a second bombshell book, the family remembers how Harry caused “a lot of harm”.

Now, the Royal Family has to “tread very carefully” with the Prince.

Harry made headlines yesterday, when he was heard joking about the “challenging” relationship between siblings at a glitzy charity bash.

When he met Declan Bitmead – the 17-year-old winner of the inspirational young person 15-28 years award – Harry asked the youngster about his brother.

The Prince asked: “Does he drive you mad?

When Declan replied “no, we get on fine” Harry replied “you know what – siblings”.

And when told his brother went to the same school, Harry said: “You’re at the same school, that sometimes makes it more challenging.”

Hugo says that the strained relationship between the Prince and his brother, as well as with his father, can’t be repaired until he makes a big admission.

The expert says that, in order to get back in with the Royals, Harry will need to “apologise”.

Hugo said: “It would be in his, and everybody else’s, interests if somehow he could form some sort of personal reconciliation with his father.

“Because, we know even from Prince Harry’s book that his father said: ‘Don’t make my last years miserable.’

“And if something happens to the King and Prince Harry has not reconciled with him, then he’s going to be bearing more sort of guilt and remorse and things.

“And he’s got enough on his plate already with the death of his mother and the things that he feels about all that.

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“So in order for that to happen, he is the one who has to apologise. He is the one who has to give assurances.”

Harry’s current visit – set to last for four days – will be his longest since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.

The Prince previously lost his battle with the Home Office over the level of security he will be granted during visits to the UK.

That court battle reportedly cost Harry a staggering £1 million.

During the Prince’s current visit, King Charles III jetted back to London from his Scottish break.

The King had been in Balmoral for a month, with his return fuelling speculation that the pair could reunite after not seeing each other for 19 months.

However, Hugo says that there will always be “suspicion” over Harry’s return trips to the UK.

He said: “I suppose the suspicion is that, if he comes over here, he is sort of almost reestablishing himself as a member of the royal family.”

Hugo added: “But in the days when he was right in the middle of it and doing things, he was a very hardworking and successful member of the family.

“You know, putting in his bit for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and all the things that he does.

“And, he was wearing fine uniforms and he looked like a prince.

“Latterly, of course, he’s just a guy in jeans with a backpack on his back.”

Now, Hugo says Harry can be seen “loitering in the background of one of Meghan Markle’s cooking sprees”.

7

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Antiques Road Trip descended into bitter clash on Sunday afternoon’s episode as an expert abandoned co-star during a heated row that saw them split up at the auction house

Antiques Road Trip descended into a bitter clash on Sunday afternoon’s episode as an expert abandoned co-star during a heated row. The BBC afternoon favourite returned over the weekend with a previous instalment when Paul Laidlaw joined fellow expert Margie Cooper on the valuation programme, and the pair ventured from Lincolnshire as they set off on their way to the auction house in Harrogate.

With Paul behind the wheel as Margie set out on an expedition that would see her try to contact spirits from beyond, she warned him ‘not to start with all this war stuff’ as they made their way to the auction house.

Paul began: “I don’t know much about it, airfields! Lincs, East Coast. I’ve got to bring the war up.” Margie then joked: “Oh, don’t, you’re not going to start with all this war stuff!”

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Paul shot back: “My tactic is… but you won’t. I’m sure this won’t upset you. I will just be hovering behind, ready to snatch. Is that the best you can do?”

Margie hit back: “Don’t you dare! Don’t you dare!” Paul, who was pursuing the purchase of military memorabilia and did go on to discover some rather interesting artefacts, joked to his co-star: “We may end up in the same shop this morning. I’m talking about militaria.”

Not quite satisfied with that stance, Margie shot back: “Sniffing around! Oh no! Please! You’re not still buying that old rubbish, are you?” and she suggested once they had arrived: “Shall we divide and conquer? I’ll just abandon you by the roadside!”

Once inside, Margie deliberately crept up on her co-star and he fumed: “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Are you familiar with the concept of trespassing? I thought you were,” but she fired back: “I am allowed to go where I want to! I was told!”

Paul, furious at this stage, ranted: “is this? An interrogation? You come in here and interrogate me!” Despite this, the pair still maintained a good rapport on screen for the rest of the episode and were on civil terms by the time the auction came around.

It comes just days after dealer Paul was gobsmacked after he stumbled upon a rare vintage camera in an antique shop. The camera later fetched a whopping £20,000 at auction.

Paul had snapped up the camera for a mere £60 and was left stunned alongside competitor Kate Bliss at the Bury St. Edmunds auction in Suffolk when the hammer fell at such an astronomical price, especially after watching the bidding increments soar.

The specialist found the camera while hunting for curiosities and collectables in Margate, Kent. The shop owner explained: “Three floors, the upstairs is mainly furniture, but there’s stuff everywhere. And on this floor, there are four rooms through, and in the middle, there’s a staircase which goes down to a room full of chairs and another room full below!”

Faced with the daunting task ahead, Paul joked: “Don’t send the cavalry, okay?” After spending a considerable amount of time rummaging through the treasures, Paul returned to the counter and proposed: “In your cabinet over there, optical instrument… £75 on that, I bid you £50.

“Give me £60 and I’ll shake your hand, but I’m not doing any better than that, I’m afraid,” the proprietor responded. “Shake my hand!” Paul retorted, and the owner added, “Good man, deal done.”

He then turned to the camera and revealed: “What do you get for your money when you open it up? That looks like a peepside and it is!”.

“I think this is a very early camera. If I’m right, that could be quite exciting. The photographic market is very much in the ascent, it’s a hot market, I think that’s a good thing.”

Antiques Road Trip is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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Tourists visiting France needn’t speak perfect French, but these seven essential phrases can make all the difference in the kind of holiday you experience abroad.

A French cultural advisor has unveiled seven essential phrases that could completely change how locals treat British tourists visiting France.

MaryAnne Sparkes, cultural advisor at cruise company European Waterways, says British visitors needn’t speak perfect French but must master a handful of crucial phrases to avoid being dismissed in the globe’s most-visited destination.

Sparkes counsels British holidaymakers planning journeys across the Channel as she says: “Locals don’t expect fluent French but you do need to say Bonjour and a couple of other key words to avoid offending. In some places one word is your ticket to being treated like a local.”

The cultural advisor explains French etiquette remains hidden until violated, particularly in scenic regions where life follows a customary pace.

“In France etiquette is invisible until you get it wrong. Skipping a simple greeting can instantly brand you as an outsider especially in the prettiest parts of the country” she says.

According to Sparkes, the most vital phrase is “Bonjour” which should never be omitted when entering shops, restaurants or any social environment. “Bonjour isn’t just a greeting. It’s a sign of mutual respect” she points out. “It’s how you announce that you see and acknowledge someone.”

The expert emphasises six additional indispensable phrases British visitors should master before arrival, which include “s’il vous plaît” (please) when requesting anything from café orders to directions. Sparkes observes courtesy operates as social currency in France, with minor pleasantries creating a substantial impact on how residents react.

“Excusez-moi” (excuse me) comes third on the essential list for navigating crowds or making enquiries, followed by “Comment ça va?” (how are you?) which demonstrates genuine concern even during fleeting interactions.

The cultural expert also suggests perfecting “Merci beaucoup” (thank you very much) for any kindness from opening doors to serving meals.

For unavoidable tourist blunders, “Je suis désolé(e)” (I’m sorry) preserves social peace.

The concluding expression “Puis-je…?” (May I…?) should be employed when seeking approval in official circumstances.

The specialist emphasises these expressions prove most effective when spoken with genuine intent rather than flawless accent. “French etiquette isn’t complicated but it is expected. These phrases make the difference between being tolerated and being truly welcomed”, she says.

The advice emerges as statistics demonstrate approximately 17 million British nationals travel to France annually despite its standing as one of the most discourteous nations globally. As increasing numbers of British holidaymakers explore beyond conventional tourist destinations into countryside villages, these social signals become progressively vital.

Whilst fluency remains unnecessary, grasping fundamental cultural standards opens the door to friendlier, more genuine encounters across the nation. Sparkes emphasises that modest linguistic attempts demonstrate respect for French culture, which residents recognise and value.

“You don’t need perfect French. Just showing you’ve made an effort with these few phrases opens doors to genuine connections with locals” she says.

For British holidaymakers planning French getaways, European Waterways recommends practicing these expressions beforehand, observing that even flawed efforts generate favour from residents.

The cultural advisor concludes that learning these seven expressions enables tourists to discover authentic France beneath the tourist veneer.

An Antiques Roadshow expert was left stunned after inspecting a “never seen before” item

An Antiques Roadshow expert went “raving mad” for a never seen before item that was worth thousands.

The popular BBC show, filmed at Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, North Wales, saw locals bring their antiques and fine arts for appraisal.

During the episode, jewellery expert Geoffrey Munn was shown a pendant and an aquamarine brooch crafted by Fabergé, the renowned jeweller from 1900.

The guest revealed that her friend owned the items and had asked her to bring them along for valuation.

“Well, I’m jolly glad she did because they’re very, very exciting things for me,” Geoffrey enthused, reports the Express.

The pendant featured someone’s initials encrusted with diamonds, set over a geocache ground – a machine-created sun ray effect.

Inside the pendant was an inscription in Cyrillic, loosely translated as, “Maybe it’s better not to wait.”

“Then it’s flooded with pink enamel and you can see through the enamel onto the geocache, which looks like a sunburst behind,” Geoffrey elaborated.

“I think we can possibly assume that this is somebody who could afford to go to Fabergé. Absolutely the highest level of elite.”

Meanwhile, the Siberian aquamarine brooch was encircled by diamonds, topped with a true lover’s knot.

“It’s a remarkably deep stone, and when you turn it up, you can see there’s a gallery beneath which is really quite extravagant, quite wide,” Geoffrey noted.

“The reason that it’s there is because the stone itself is actually very deep.”

The expert continued: “This is court jewellery at the highest possible level by Fabergé.”

Geoffrey then revealed that the pendant could fetch up to £10,000, while the brooch was worth a staggering £35,000 to £40,000.

“This one is an unusual prototype, never seen the like before, I’m going to say £10,000 for this one,” he said.

“And I’m going to go absolutely raving mad for this one, which is sort of predictable, and tell you that I think it ought to be worth £35,000 to £40,000.”

The assembled crowd let out a collective gasp, with the guest excitedly exclaiming: “Isn’t [my friend] going to be happy!”

She added: “My friend is out of the country, so she asked me to bring them. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to bits to hear about all that I shall tell her.”

Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Transfeero’s residents travel expert, Andrea Platania, shares her top five tips for ensuring a smooth airport pick-up at even the most chaotic and crowded arrival zones

Reliable airport transfers are more valuable to Brits than ever, with many passengers scrambling for taxis and struggling to find designated pick-up points at major transport hubs. Luckily, an expert has shared five practical, traveller-first tips for ensuring a seamless airport pick-up.

A 2024 IATA Passenger Survey found that 68% of travellers rank “smooth airport-to-hotel transit” as a top factor in overall travel satisfaction, while UK travel forums frequently cite long taxi queues at peak arrival times, sometimes exceeding 45 minutes at major hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick.

According to Transfeero, preparation is the key to turning a potentially frustrating arrival into a seamless, stress-free transition from airport to destination. The company’s resident travel expert, Andrea Platania, has shared five ways to up your chances of a smooth pick-up.

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1) Pre-book your ride

Booking your airport transfer ahead of time means you are less reliant on chance, which is especially low during busy travel periods like summer holidays or bank holiday weekends.

Once you’ve secured your booking though, it’s important to confirm all pickup instructions with your provider. This should include exact meeting points inside the terminal (e.g., arrivals hall signage, specific exit doors).

2) Share your flight details for tracking

Even the most meticulously planned trips can be derailed by delayed departures, rerouted flights, or early arrivals. Supplying your pick-up contact with your flight number allows them to monitor real-time flight data and adjust their own arrival accordingly.

3) Match the car to your needs

Choosing the right vehicle is more than just a comfort preference, it’s also a practical necessity. An undersized car can mean cramped seating or unsafe stacking of luggage — not ideal for particularly long journeys. Consider the number of passengers, total bags, and any oversized items such as ski gear or pushchairs when booking your pick-up car.

4) Get your driver contact details

Arrival zones are notoriously crowded, and it’s easy to miss your driver even if you know what vehicle to look out for. Thus, having their mobile number or an in-app chat function ready means you can quickly connect and coordinate.

5) Plan for special requirements in advance

Special needs like child safety seats, wheelchair accessibility, or extra luggage capacity require advance notice to ensure your vehicle is equipped and ready. Advising your driver or travel company of these needs early helps them prepare an appropriate car and any additional equipment.

According to Andrea: “The difference between a stressful arrival and a seamless one often comes down to two things: preparation and communication. By pre-booking and sharing your flight details, you’re giving your transfer provider the information they need to meet you at exactly the right time and place. Start your trip with confidence.

“In our experience, the best results come when travellers think ahead about their unique needs, whether that’s extra luggage space, child safety seats, or accessibility requirements.”