Family holidays

Galway, located on the west coast of Ireland, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary energy. But is it better than Dublin?

A charming Irish city boasting a distinctive mix of historic appeal and modern vitality has been praised as “better” to Dublin. Galway, commonly known as the “City of Tribes,” is a dynamic and culturally abundant city situated on Ireland’s western coastline.

The destination is renowned for its creative soul, energetic ambience and closeness to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking natural scenery. Travel blogger The Tales of Tiny Boots penned about Galway: “When I think of Dublin city, I think of people rushing around, walking as fast as they can through the streets, glued to their phones and getting to their next destination.

“The atmosphere is cold. Now to jump to Galway. How do you even compare it? As well as cultural capital, the city is bathed in bohemian vibes that every visitor falls in love with.” In other news, an abandoned UK Butlin’s site is now seaside town’s ‘hell hole’ hotel.

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They added: “It feels like Galway is one long 24/7 festival. There is music always drifting through the streets, there are crowds of people milling around and if there is sun, you will find every patch of grass occupied by groups of people drinking, laughing and having the craic.

“Life is a lot slower in Galway. People walk slower, they are not rushing and focused on where they need to get, they just enjoy walking around the city. The relaxed vibes emanate from the cobbled streets of the Latin quarter. It is such a happy atmosphere in the streets coupled with amazing performers enticing walkers by to stop and enjoy the entertainment.”

Galway, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, is a cultural powerhouse. The city plays host to a plethora of festivals throughout the year, including the Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, and the Galway Races, reports the Express.

Traditional Irish music is a staple in Galway’s numerous pubs, offering live performances in an authentic setting. In 2020, the city was crowned the European Capital of Culture, underscoring its reputation as a hub for creativity and cultural expression.

The city centre is marked by its narrow, winding streets that hark back to medieval times. Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, and the Claddagh area are just a handful of the historic sites that lend the city its unique character.

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Another draw for tourists is the city’s diverse and thriving food culture, with a strong focus on local produce and seafood. The city boasts several award-winning restaurants, as well as a variety of cafes and food markets.

Galway’s nightlife is legendary, offering a wide array of pubs featuring everything from traditional Irish music sessions to contemporary live bands. The Latin Quarter, in particular, is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists looking for a lively night out.

One traveller wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “Galway Bay is the site of a historic city in the West of Ireland. These days, the cobbled narrow back streets are homes for artisans. Among the artisans are those who knit the ganseys. ‘Ganseys’ are derived from ‘Guernsey,’ which are worn by fishermen.

“The ganseys are uniquely knit to a family pattern, which helps identify those fishermen who work at sea. The Claddagh is a historic fishing village that is known for its location and beauty. Galway is a wonderful place to wander around in search of artisan products.”

A second user said: “Sat here while visiting with my daughter in Galway and ate our donuts and bagels from the market that day. The market is a must-do as the food is incredible as well as the arts and crafts you can see and buy.”

I’m a family travel expert, mum of two and a lifelong bargain hunter who has made it my mission to prove you don’t need loads of money to have an unforgettable family holiday

As a mum of two and a lifelong bargain hunter, I’ve made it my mission to prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make unforgettable family memories. In fact, with a little flexibility and some clever planning, it’s often cheaper for my family of four to jet off abroad than to holiday right here in the UK.

While others are booking pricey cottages or UK resorts, I’m tracking flight deals, exploring European holiday parks, and uncovering little-known ways to stretch the family budget without compromising on fun. Because for us, holidays aren’t about luxury, they’re about connection, culture and quality time together.

Whether we’re eating street food in Greece or camping on the French coast, I’ve learned one universal truth: kids don’t care how much you’ve spent. They care that you’re there. And with that mindset, here’s how we make European getaways cheaper than a British break, and how you can too.

1. Rethink holiday parks abroad

Start by finding cheap flights from your nearest airport (you can use The Travel Mum website for this). Once you’ve landed a bargain flight, look for nearby holiday camps. Don’t be put off by the word camp, most offer mobile homes with air conditioning, pools, kids’ activities, arcades and more.

We’ve got a few lined up along the south of France this summer, and I’ll be sharing the trip on Instagram stories. These sites offer so much more than a basic UK caravan park, often for a fraction of the price.

2. Use last-minute holiday finders

If you’ve got nerves of steel, tools like TUI’s Last Minute Holiday Finder can land you incredible deals. Sure, planning in advance lets you spread the cost, but if you’re flexible on destination, you could bag a full-package break for less than a long weekend in Cornwall.

3. Try house-sitting

Want to travel without paying for accommodation? Housesitting could be your answer. We’ve stayed across Europe for free by looking after people’s homes and pets, from dogs and cats to house rabbits, lizards and even alpacas! It’s not for everyone, but it can save you hundreds if you’re happy to take on some light responsibilities while enjoying a local experience.

4. Travel before the school holidays start

If your kids can miss a day or two of school, departing just before the official break can save you hundreds. You won’t be fined for the odd day off, and this small shift can make a big difference to your budget.

5. Use the right cards abroad

A lot of people overlook this, but it’s a big one. Avoid transaction fees by using a travel debit or credit card. Many offer near-perfect exchange rates, which means more for your money. It’s one of those small swaps that makes a big impact over the course of a trip.

6. Sign up for deal alerts

Get ahead of the game by joining mailing lists (like The Travel Mum! ) to receive handpicked flight and holiday deals straight to your inbox. The best bargains often don’t last long, so it pays to be ready to act fast.

7. Final thoughts

We’ve done luxury. We’ve done budget. And honestly? The best memories, the laughter, the adventures, the real moments, have almost always come from the simpler trips. So, if you’re weighing up a £1,200 weekend in Devon versus a £900 week in Spain with pools, sunshine, and new experiences? You know what I’ll be choosing. Travel smart, travel often, and don’t let the idea of “abroad” scare your wallet.

Jen Carr AKA @thetravelmum is a family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, where she shares the best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week. https://thetravelmum.com/family-holiday-deals/

Separated parents going abroad with their children have been warned about six crucial documents they need to bring with them this summer, or they may be denied travel.

Divorced parents face the prospect of being refused entry at airports without the proper paperwork, experts have cautioned. Separated mums and dads have been alerted about six essential documents required for summer travel.

Travelling without the consent of the other parent could be considered child abduction under UK law. Therefore, it’s essential to carry a signed consent letter and supporting documents whenever travelling abroad to avoid problems.

Ann Owens, a consultant solicitor specialising in divorce law at Richard Nelson LLP, explained that estranged and divorced parents must obtain a consent letter from the parent staying behind, a birth certificate, a divorce certificate, a marriage certificate, the child’s passport and a court order (where relevant).”

READ MORE: Holiday-goers warned not to pack white or blue swimwear this summer

As reported by Birmingham Mail, Ann said that a consent letter from the non-travelling parent is very important. She said: “A signed letter provides proof that your ex-partner has agreed to you holidaying abroad should you ever be challenged while travelling.”

Exceptions may apply in different cases. As explained by gov.uk, if the person has a Child Arrangement Order stating that the child lives with them, then they can travel up to 28 days without the other parent’s consent, unless the court has said otherwise.

Ann added: “The letter will need the other parent’s contact details as well as the details of your holiday, such as where you’re going to be staying. As well as carrying the passport, you must also ensure it’s valid for the specific country you’re travelling to.

“In the majority of instances your passport will need to be valid for at least three months after your intended return date but for countries like Dubai, Thailand and Australia it must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the country.”

READ MORE: Mum’s clever travel hack makes holidays with children ‘so simple’

Ann warned: “If you’re relying on a court order to take your child abroad it’s imperative to allow as much time as possible for the case to be heard. While you can request an urgent court order these can take more than a week to go through the courts.

“For those who have been successful in gaining permission this way then you must travel with a sealed copy of the Court Order with you. Border officials may ask for proof of your legal right to take the child abroad at the airport, and if you can’t provide it, you may be turned away at customs.”

But most importantly, besides having all the paperwork in order, parents are responsible for ensuring that their child’s passport is valid and accessible.

A mum of two tried out the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark, and she was seriously impressed with what she found, calling it ‘the perfect family day out’ for her brood

The summer holidays are stretching ahead of us, and for parents across the UK prospect of keeping the kids entertained whilst they are off school can sometimes be pretty daunting.

Many families throughout the country are working to pretty tight budgets, so parents are often on the lookout for days out that won’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for a day out to remember with the whole family, then one mum-of-two has recommended paying the UK’s biggest waterpark a visit this summer – which promises fun for every age group.

Perched right by the stunning beach, Goodrington Sands, Splashdown Quaywest is a jewel in Devon’s crown as the largest outdoor waterpark in the country.

Mum of two, Chloe Sweet, posted about her family’s day out to the waterpark on her TikTok account, which boasts 113,000 followers.

She was seriously impressed with the range of what the waterpark offered, with something to keep children of every age entertained.

“There’s 18 waterslides in total,” Chloe explained in her video, “If you’re into that adrenaline buzz, it’s got some serious fast flumes for older children and adults, you’ve got the slides such as the devil’s drop, the screamer, Kamikaze, and much more that will test [your] nerves”.

However, the facilities and slides for younger children and toddlers left Chloe really impressed, with one area a major perk for young families.

“They have a dedicated section called Shipwreck Island, which is amazing for toddlers and little ones. There’s seven slides in this section, and it’s just the right height for toddlers.

“The water is all shallow, so you don’t have to stress, it’s like a big massive splash zone.”

Chloe added, “They have water sprinkling out all over and, of course, the big massive tipping bucket that soaks everyone every couple of minutes, the kids absolutely enjoyed themselves”.

The mum of two explained the different tickets you can get for the waterpark, which include two, three, and four-hour slots, as well as entire day passes.

The waterpark warns on their website that you cannot get tickets on the door for this attraction, so anyone interested in spending a day out there has to make sure they have booked their slot ahead.

Chloe added that there were good food offerings available at the waterpark, including things like burgers, but that her family opted to bring packed lunches – and there was plenty of space for them to enjoy their little picnic.

There’s also an ice cream stand, which families will definitely make the most of during a hot summer’s day, and Chloe advised that if you are planning on booking a two or three-hour slot, you should make the most of the day out by spending time at the beach next door as well.

She called Splashdown Quaywest the “perfect family day out,” and people in the comments seemed keen to try it out, with many asking for further details, and one user writing: “That’s awesome, looks like it’s abroad.” and another commenting: “Went Monday…I love it’.

Margate is known for its sandy beaches and charming seaside attractions – but it’s also a hotspot for celebrities and has one of the UK’s ‘coolest’ neighbourhoods

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect weekend getaway, then Margate is a hidden gem that ticks all the boxes. With its stunning beach, vibrant atmosphere, top-notch eateries and refreshing sea breeze, it’s an ideal spot for families or couples seeking a romantic mini-break.

While Margate has long been recognised as a seaside retreat, the town of today offers so much more. It’s home to a remarkable food scene and a bustling arts community. But fear not – while embracing modern trends, Margate hasn’t lost its classic coastal charm. Nowadays, it manages to blend being trendy and artistic with maintaining a traditional British holiday feel.

READ MORE: ‘I visited UK’s worst seaside town but was floored by what I found on arrival’

And we can’t forget about Margate Main Sands – boasting some of the softest, golden sands spread across 19 miles of breathtaking Kentish coastline. The town’s Cliftonville district has been dubbed one of the ‘coolest’ in the UK, and TimeOut has listed the town among the top places to visit.

It’s no surprise that Margate has become a hotspot for celebrities and Londoners, leading to a boom in property prices. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot famous faces such as Lilly Allen, Sam Mendes, Olivia Coleman, and even some cast members from EastEnders.

For unique sights, Margate is the destination, with standout attractions including the Margate Museum, the quirky Crab Museum, the enchanting Shell Grotto, and the underground wonders of Margate Caves.

Margate Old Town serves as a charming centre for boutique museums and a diverse collection of shops ranging from vintage to contemporary. Staying true to its heritage as a coastal resort, Margate offers all the classic seaside attractions: plenty of fish and chip establishments, ice cream vendors dotting the seafront, beachside pubs, and opportunities for mini golf.

Dreamland, merely a brief stroll from the shore, stands as the retro theme park cherished by families. It boasts classic funfair attractions, stages musical performances, and houses the Scenic Railway – Britain’s most ancient wooden rollercoaster.

READ MORE: ‘Most beautiful place’ in UK where thousands visit to ‘discover magic’

For visitors wanting fish and chips following a beach day, Peter’s Fish Factory at 12 Royal York Mansions in Margate comes highly praised. Yet for those desiring a more upmarket meal, Margate also shines with venues like Angela’s and Bottega Caruso, plus emerging favourites including Sargasso and Fort Road Hotel.

Selecting standouts proves challenging, yet Sargasso distinguishes itself with its stunning ocean panoramas and recently earned recognition in SquareMeal’s Top 100 UK restaurants for 2023, a compilation highlighting the “highest calibre of restaurants” across the country.

Alternatively, you might be drawn to the authentic Italian atmosphere at Bottega Caruso, where you can not only relish cuisine from the proprietor’s native Italian village, but also buy fresh pasta, house-made tomato sauce, and other Italian delicacies. They also run pasta-making classes and organise Supper Club nights for a taste of Italy in Britain, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

Those seeking a cultural adventure should make the Turner Contemporary gallery a priority, featuring diverse art exhibitions that rival London’s cultural scene. Guests can join guided tours and activities or unwind in the café whilst taking in harbour vistas.

If you’re planning a weekend getaway, don’t miss Margate’s spectacular four-acre tidal pool, located just 1.4 miles from Margate Main Sands. The Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, beloved by swimmers and families year-round, is Britain’s largest and also boasts “fresh water springs rising from the beach” within its boundaries.

It’s an ideal spot to soak up the sea air and enjoy a dip or simply lounge beside the water.

The difference in price between breaks during the summer holidays and those when most state kids have to be in school has long been a sore point for parents

British families face forking out £388 more per person if they don’t break school rules and head away during term times.

The difference in price between breaks during the summer holidays and those when most state kids have to be in school has long been a sore point for parents.

New research has revealed just how big the price hike facing families still planning a getaway during the school summer holidays this year is. The figures reveal that summer holiday package prices rise by an average of 15% when compared to term-time travel – equal to an extra £338 per person.

According to the study, a family of four will pay an additional £716 on average if they travel during a school half-term or holidays across the year, compared to travelling in term time. It also finds that this number rises even further during the six-week summer break, when travel costs increase the most.

Do you take your kids on holidays during term time to save money? Email us at [email protected]

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Go.Compare analysed package holiday prices for popular European family destinations, uncovering the cost to parents who want to travel during school holidays. The comparison site found that prices increase by 9% per person overall during school holidays.

The average price for term-time packages to family-favourite destinations like Spain, Italy and France is as low as £290 per person. Meanwhile, the lowest average package price during school breaks sits at £384 per person – close to £100 more per person.

Trips to Spain saw the largest spike in costs, with holidaymakers charged 27% more per person – an increase of £496 – if they travel during the summer break. But across all the school holidays, Greece was the most expensive destination, with a median price of £2,329 per person.

Package price increases for the summer holidays

(Destination; Summer increase (%); Summer increase (£ pp))

• Spain; 27%; £496
• Italy; 7%; £152
• France; 3%; £57
• Greece; 24%; £646

Due to rules around unauthorised absences, the sharp rise in prices is particularly concerning for parents who would otherwise be faced with fines for removing children from school to travel. Without authorisation, a family of four could be fined up to £640, depending on the rules for their council.

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Despite these risks, more than two out of five (44%) parents and guardians said they have, or would consider taking their children out of school for a family holiday. More than half (53%) of these parents said the biggest reason for this was to help save on travel costs.[3]

Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert for Go.Compare, said: “The cost difference between term time and school holidays is stark, particularly during the summer holidays. For many families, it’s a choice between affordability and avoiding a fine or even further action.

“Although travelling outside school holidays can seem tempting to save money, it’s important to factor in if the trip might impact your child’s education. You’ll also need to consider the full cost of a trip, including insurance, local travel, food and entertainment.

“Travel insurance, in particular, shouldn’t be overlooked. Prices for cover can vary significantly based on timing, destination and the size of your group. Comparing policies early ensures families can get the right protection without adding unnecessary costs.”

Family travel guru Jen Carr, has taken to TikTok to share a “sneaky” travel hack that could save you some money on your next summer holiday with the kids

A savvy travel expert has shared a little-known hack for bagging a cheap last minute family holiday.

Jen Carr, known as @thetravelmum on TikTok, took to the social media platform to share “sneaky little tip” for navigating the Jet2 website to find the best possible price.

She demonstrated how to locate a hard to find calendar, which is where the search for your next bargain holiday begins.

Jen explained: “When you get to this page, you want to go to ‘edit search’ and here you can put in the airports you can travel from (try to include as many as possible), the dates you want to travel, the size of your family, then you can have a look at the calendar and find the cheapest dates for that month.

Once you’ve selected a holiday destination, Jen recommends sorting the prices from low to high, before deciding whether you want to view the prices by per person or total for the whole family. Then simply browse away.

Jen’s tips come as holidaymakers have been advised to avoid taking part in the popular ‘airport theory’ trend, as dozens of travellers have missed their flights after showing up to the gate too late.

A new TikTok trend has taken social media by storm, where travellers ignore the airport advice of showing up to the airport hours before their flight. Instead, passengers are showing up 15 to 20 minutes before their scheduled boarding or departure time.

Even if you’re only carrying a cabin bag, it’s still generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight, and 1-2 hours before a domestic flight.

As long as you have a digital boarding pass and your suitcase has the permitted measurements and weight, you shouldn’t have any issues breezing through security. But there’s one thing you should know.

Social media users have posted videos of their attempts to make it to their flights on a shorter timeframe, but this has led to some missing their flights, the Daily Mail reported.

TikToker @momlifewithtiff, whose name is Tiffany, documented the moment that she and her husband almost missed their flight by trying out the challenge. She wrote: “Definitely do not recommend trying the airport theory. Will certainly be getting to the airport 2 hours early from now on.”

Posting different snippets from the stressful situation, she filmed from the moment they got stuck in security whilst boarding had already begun, to begging people to cut in line, and finally, being the last two passengers to board the plane before the doors closed.

In a similar situation, another TikTok user @jenny_kurtzz, known as Jenny, said that she found out the plane had left without her showing up at the gate at the time of departure.

Unfortunately, in these circumstances, there isn’t anything that the airline can do.

When this happens, passengers have to book another flight at their own expense. However, this can change depending on the circumstances and their status with the airline.

It’s important for passengers to understand they must arrive at the gate at least one hour prior to departure time. During this hour, passengers board the plane. The departure time is the slot planes should take off, not when boarding begins.

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We’ve teamed up with interactive audio platform Yoto, who are giving away 10 travel bundles worth £150 each – to help keep the little ones entertained without a screen in sight. Enter now!

As families prepare for six weeks of holiday fun, we’ve teamed up with interactive audio platform Yoto to help keep the little ones entertained on their journeys this summer.

Travelling with children often means managing meltdowns and battling boredom, but the Yoto Player can help make all the difference. And now, Yoto is giving away 10 amazing travel bundles, each worth over £150.

Each prize includes a Yoto Mini audio player, Yoto Wireless Headphones, a protective Adventure Jacket, Yoto Mini Travel Case, and the bestselling Gruffalo Yoto card by Julia Donaldson, one of the UK’s most beloved children’s authors.

Whether it’s a road trip, a rainy afternoon, or winding down after a long day at the beach, this bundle is packed with stories, songs and imagination that is sure to bring focus and wonder to busy little minds. It’s the perfect way to spark creativity and keep kids entertained, all without a screen in sight.

With physical cards that children can insert themselves, they stay engaged with tactile play while enjoying audio content that sparks curiosity. The on-the-go audio device makes the perfect companion, whether you’re travelling by car, plane, or train.

With hundreds of titles to choose from – including stories, music, and educational content – Yoto has something for every child. If you’re seeking a screen-free way to keep your children entertained this summer, don’t miss your chance – enter our unmissable competition today.

Simply fill in your details below to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize. If you can’t see the form, click HERE.

The competition closes at midnight on Sunday, August 24 and the lucky winner will be selected at random. Good luck!

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There’s nothing more stressful than travelling with young children, but a mum-of-two has shared a smart travel hack to keep all electronics charged more easily

Travelling with your children can be a joyful experience until their electronics run out of charge – but TikTok influencer Muddle Through Mummy shared her clever hack to keep her children’s belongings charged at all times while abroad, without worrying about bringing tons of adaptors.

After months of work, the only thing one wishes is to go on a holiday to a hot destination. As travelling with children can become difficult, this hack will make your travels less stressful. Different countries have different chargers, which means having multiple adapters is necessary to keep everything fully charged.

READ MORE: Brits are turning to clever travel hacks to maximise their holidays

Parents or not, we’ve all been in the situation when we’ve completely forgotten to pack one of the most important travel items after the passport.

The 10-second video shows the influencer saying goodbye to her tens of adapters and instead, taking an extension cube with USB and charging pods. “It makes travelling with electronics so simple,” she says.

Users flooded the comment section thanking her for the smart hack. One wrote: “Did this on our last trip and it was a lifesaver!!”

A second one commented: “Omg thank you,” with a third one saying: “We’ve got a few of these. Absolutely a life saver; we are a family of 7 and just needed a small suitcase just for wires and leads lol.”

READ MORE: Brits urged to ignore popular travel hack that’s making people miss flights

Known as Muddle Through Mummy, the mother of two has become popular on social media by sharing her parenting hacks, as well as her day-to-day life with her two sons and her husband.

Her relatable content and easy solutions to common parenting problems made her the go-to advisor. The social media influencer currently has 615.5K followers and over 66 million likes on her TikTok account.

Thanks to this travel hack, travelling has never been so much easier. It’s more convenient, less messy, and it can charge up to 10 devices at once, making it ideal for families or even solo travellers with multiple gadgets.

With this simple hack, family travel can be less chaotic and more convenient – just the way a holiday should be.

here are 6 blunders that an expert encourages visitors to avoid when going to Disneyland.

A travel agent who specialises in Disneyland has shared the ultimate no-nos for Brits jetting off to meet Mickey at the happiest place on Earth.

A Disney getaway represents a significant financial commitment, and for many families, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Therefore the important thing to do is pre-prepare so that all of the wonderful opportunities available are not missed.

Hannah Westphal from byHannah Vacations is a travel agent to specialises in Disneyland and Disney World. She says on her website: “The Most Magical Place on Earth will be the most stressful vacation planning you’ve ever done.”

So to that end, here are 6 blunders that the expert encourages visitors to avoid . . .

1. Dressing inappropriately

Hannah warns against impractical clothing choices, stating: “It’s easy to forget, but comfortable shoes are essential for a fantastic Disneyland trip. High heels, flip-flops, and brand-new shoes might not be the best choice after a day of exploring rides and soaking up the magic.”

2. Lingering too long over meals

Additionally, don’t spend ages dining when you could be enjoying attractions. Whilst Disney offers an incredible array of dining options, Hannah advises striking a balance between eating and entertainment

She explained: “If you’re tight for time exploring the parks, a long, leisurely meal might not be the best way to spend your day.

“It’s a shame to see visitors feeling deflated after a lovely meal, only to find they’ve squeezed themselves out of time for their top ride.”

The specialist recommends that guests should either set aside sufficient time for dining or choose swift bite-sized options to maximise their park experience. For those curious about food budgeting, Disneyland has published comprehensive details of all its dining establishments online, including pricing brackets and full menus.

3. Failing to utilise the Disneyland app

To elevate your enchanting adventure, visitors can download the Disneyland app, which the specialist describes as a “fantastic tool” for your trip. Yet countless guests fail to harness its full potential.

“The app provides everything you need to know, from current ride wait times to character meet-and-greets and show schedules,” Hannah explained.

Visitors can also browse their PhotoPass snaps and attraction photos, store their park tickets conveniently on the app, and pre-order meals to avoid lengthy queues.

The specialist recommends downloading the app and establishing your profile well in advance. This approach allows you to familiarise yourself with its capabilities before arrival, preserving valuable park hours for what truly matters – soaking up the enchantment.

4. Standing in line for treats

Few things prove more frustrating than developing an appetite whilst trapped in an endless queue for refreshments at Disneyland (or whilst awaiting an attraction). Thankfully for visitors, there’s a clever strategy to sidestep those interminable waits – pre-ordering your snacks.

Disneyland has come a long way from the days of our childhood, now offering a host of conveniences to its visitors. One such convenience is the ability to pre-order food and drinks via the Disneyland app, allowing guests to bypass queues and spend more time enjoying the attractions.

Hannah explained: “Simply place your order and pay through the app. Once you get a notification that your food’s ready to collect, you can swing by and grab it.”

5. Watching fireworks inside the park

When it comes to the nightly fireworks display, a favourite among park-goers, Hannah cautioned about the typically large crowds that gather to watch.

“While the fireworks are stunning from within the park, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowds,” she revealed. “For a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider alternative viewing spots outside the park.

6. Not exploring beyond the rides

Hannah also highlighted that there’s more to Disney parks than just the rides; they’re brimming with amazing performances by talented cast members.

She encourages visitors not to overlook these experiences simply because the thrill rides seem like the main attraction.

Hannah advised: “The way I see it, it wouldn’t be a good idea to miss out on a fantastic show just for the sake of a short ride with a lengthy wait.”.

She recommends guests make the most of the parades, spectacular evening shows, and captivating daily events that only Disney parks can provide.

The Northumberland Coastal Route has been named as England’s best road trip, taking you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country – and it’s just a road trip away from Newcastle

The North East boasts England’s top road trip, according to one travel blogger. If you’re looking for a last-minute trip that doesn’t necessarily involve getting into a plane and travelling thousands of miles away, this is a good alternative. You need a car, good company and a bathing suit.

Paul McDougal champions the Northumberland Coastal Route, stating it “isn’t the biggest, the most famous, or most dramatic road trip in England, but it’s absolutely my favourite”. However, the travel aficionado concedes he “might be a bit biased” as he hails from the region himself.

READ MORE: ‘Dreamy’ seaside town with sandy beach and one of UK’s best ice cream parlours where you can spot dolphins

Nonetheless, once you see it for yourself, it won’t take you long to understand why. He also suggests starting the journey from Tynemouth and “hugging the coast as closely as you can”.

Departing from Tynemouth, just a stone’s throw from Newcastle, it’s a mere 10-minute drive to Whitley Bay. This seaside town is packed with traditional pubs and independent shops, and boasts a mile-long stretch of Blue Flag beach, reports the Express.

A half-hour drive from the bay will take you to Cresswell, a coastal village renowned for its sandy beach, which Visit Northumberland describes as “one of the best on the Northumberland coast for dog walkers and families looking for a day at the beach”.

Just shy of an hour further up the coast, you’ll find Craster, a fishing village nestled within the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This designation makes it one of England’s 34 sites earmarked for conservation under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Visit Craster describes the village as “it is a popular destination for those seeking peace and quiet in a spectacular setting.” Just moments away lies Alnwick Gardens, cultivated by the Duchess of Northumberland back in 1996.

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Welcoming visitors to explore its grounds, the attraction boasts a mysterious “poison garden” housing roughly 100 lethal and hazardous plants, with standard adult admission priced at £18.95.

A mere 50-minute journey north from Craster brings you to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the ultimate destination on this scenic route. This charming town earned recognition as the Guardian’s “happiest place to live in Britain” for 2025, with Monty Python legend Michael Palin once describing it as: “It feels like somewhere where stories happen and where stories are told.”

Travellers are advised to savour the journey at a leisurely pace, allowing ample opportunity to immerse themselves in each location and experience the region renowned for its welcoming locals.

Despite being named one of the ‘worst’ seaside towns in the country, I had a lot of fun visiting Great Yarmouth in Norfolk – and here’s why you should visit it

Despite being rated as the UK’s ‘worst’ seaside town, my family’s staycation to Great Yarmouth in Norfolk turned out to be a really fun trip. Going on holidays doesn’t always mean having to hop on a plane and travel hundreds of miles away. Wanting to save some money, my parents and I decided to try something different: staying in a caravan with two of my good friends who joined us.

In a 2023 survey by Which?, Great Yarmouth was among the 10 worst beachside spots in the country. Some of the complaints were disappointing B&Bs (bed and breakfasts), run-down arcades and ‘aggressive’ seagulls. However, my experience was completely the opposite – and I liked it.

READ MORE: ‘Best UK seaside town’ has beautiful beach and cheapest fish and chips in the country

We didn’t do much research, and I had never even heard about Great Yarmouth, but Norfolk came up in our search, so we thought, why not? Two nights for five people cost us around £150, and we had a whole balcony with each person having their own room.

We arrived after a two-hour drive from London to find clear skies and a friendly atmosphere. We stayed at a caravan park, where we saw both locals and visitors, and some decent outdoor activities – including a lively pub.

Sure, you had to drive around to get to places, and the phone service was awful, but still it was the perfect excuse to have a phone detox and enjoy the moment.

READ MORE: Tiny UK seaside town crowned among Britain’s best but it’s missing 3 key things

The next day we drove around the town, and found some restaurants, sweet shops, and ice cream parlours. Thinking it’s a quiet town, there’s actually a lot to do. Great Yarmouth hosts a SEA LIFE Aquarium, lots of arcades, museums, National Trust properties and even a Britannia Pier.

Due to its relatively small size, we were able to see everything in one day. We walked across the beach and stomped with the ‘aggressive’ seagulls – but they weren’t that scary. My friends and I also visited a cat café where I saw a Sphynx cat for the first time.

Later on that day, we ate some delicious and affordable English breakfast by the sea. With our stomachs filled and a colourful slushy cup, we came across a tattoo shop. To add some spontaneity, my friend and I got a tattoo done for £20 each, which I found shocking.

READ MORE: Idyllic seaside town in UK that’s so posh it’s known as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’

In my opinion, Great Yarmouth defied its reputation. From beachside breakfast to arcades and affordable tattoos, it had more to offer than I expected. Two days were more than enough, and I left with good memories and a small tattoo as a souvenir.

It’s the ideal place for families with small children, and for those looking to spend some time at the beach without flying across the world. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly escape from the city, Great Yarmouth might be your new summer spot.

Wake up in beautiful surroundings this summer with a visit to one of these stunning camping sites

With the summer holidays looming, parents may be looking for a fun trip to fill some of the 6 weeks with the kids and camping is a great option. Caravan insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk named seven sites across the country to pitch up in front of stunning landscapes.

Greg Wilson, CEO and price comparison specialist at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Many families and couples will be looking to pitch up their tents and caravans this summer in some of the most stunning sites in the country in a bid for a stress-free breather. The UK countryside has so much to offer visitors – with spectacular landscapes, attractive beaches, colourful meadows and calming woodlands.

“Camping in some of the most peaceful spots will give holidaymakers the chance to relax, save money, sleep under the stars and avoid airport delays and security hassles that can come with holidaying abroad.”

Advice from camping websites states that the better the view, the more wind you’re likely to encounter – so investing in a sturdy tent will be beneficial, reports the Express.

Here are some of Britain’s most picturesque camping spots:.

Devon

Devon’s countryside is a haven of tranquillity, boasting sprawling meadows, soothing natural springs and lush woodlands. It’s an idyllic spot for those yearning to sleep under the stars, with breathtaking views and sunsets that will make you feel truly at one with nature.

Woodovis Park is Devon’s 5 Star Holiday Park near the ancient Stannary Market town of Tavistock and nestled on the edge of Devon’s Tamar Valley: an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a designated World Heritage Site.

You can snuggle down in your own tent or opt for a luxurious glamping pod. More info at www.woodovis.com

Norfolk

For those seeking a beachside camping experience, Norfolk is the place to be. Here, you can indulge in seal spotting or enjoy a leisurely walk along the sandy shores.

Nestled within the iconic Norfolk Broads are numerous picturesque sites, offering families the chance to explore walking routes and waterways during their getaway.

Beeston Regis Holiday Park is a peaceful clifftop holiday park on the North Norfolk coastline, aptly nicknamed ‘The King of the Clifftop View’.

The park is dog-friendly, and you’re welcome to fire up your BBQ. Amenities include a top-quality shower block with reliable hot water, washing-up sinks, a launderette service and Elsan point.

See more here: www.beestonregis.co.uk

Lake District

Home to some of the UK’s most stunning lakes and mountains, the Lake District is a prime location for camping enthusiasts. This idyllic spot offers the perfect setting for relaxation amidst breathtaking landscapes or for embarking on long walks to soak in the picturesque scenery.

Castlerigg Farm, Keswick is a lovely, family-friendly site, with far reaching views across Derwentwater and the northern Lake District fells. There is a shop on site, and a takeaway van visits daily through the high summer season.

More info: castleriggfarm.com

Yorkshire

For those seeking a laid-back camping experience, Yorkshire is the place to be. With vistas of charming villages and miles of rugged coastline, it’s an idyllic setting.

The beautiful local beaches and delightful coastal towns make for a splendid camping holiday in this corner of the world.

William’s Den in Yorkshire is a 12 acre family-friendly site next to the award winning children’s attraction William’s Den. The campsite offers ‘Pitch Up & Play’ options which are fantastic value for money giving you and the kids all-day access to William’s Den Adventure Play during your stay.

The site now has 5 cosy bell tents to stay in, if you fancy glamping.

See more at www.williamsden.co.uk/stay-camp

Argyll and Bute, Scotland

In Argyll and Bute, Scotland, campers are met with some of the most awe-inspiring views in the country. Campsites here offer panoramas of lush greenery, stunning beauty and breathtaking lochs.

Take in those wonderful lochs and mountain views from your very own glamping pod with heater, kettle, microwave, fridge and private decking at Loch Awe. You’ll want to head to this secluded spot if wild fishing, mountain hikes and lochside campfires are on your bucket list.

More info at Pitchup.

Somerset

A camping trip in Somerset provides holidaymakers with a tranquil escape in the countryside. Ancient woodlands and vibrant meadows provide campers with a spectacular backdrop for their rural retreat.

Mendip Basecamp is an award winning off-grid family adventure campsite in the Mendip Hills, North Somerset. Surrounded by ancient woodland, the spacious campsite is perfect for families, small groups and adventurers and offers flushing toilets, hot showers, a pop up shop, a licensed cafe-bar, usb charging, washing up areas, ice-pack freezers, recycling and drinking water.

There’ll not be a single bored moment thanks to the Mendip Activity Centre, the onsite outdoor activity centre with over 20 activities to experience, from Live Music to Rock Climbing, Skiing to Archery and Storytelling to Nature Walks.

See more here: mendipbasecamp.com

Worcestershire

Camping in Worcestershire offers visitors unique landscapes and extensive trails to explore. The stunning, picture-perfect views are perfect for families and couples who enjoy hiking and reconnecting with nature.

Hopley’s in Bewdley is a well-established family-friendly campsite, with a mix of glamping, tents and caravans. They offer an on-site eatery, café, camping shop and farm shop as well as live music and festival events.

More info: www.hopleyscamping.co.uk

If you’re happy to stay in the UK and show your loved ones the beauty of the Isles, hostelling is a great way to do so on a budget. Here are our pick of the bunch from across the UK

Parents looking for cheap places to take their kids this summer holiday need to search no further.

As the school holidays begin, the big questions are where to go and how much it’ll cost. If you’re happy to stay in the UK and show your loved ones the beauty of the Isles, hostelling is a great way to do so on a budget.

As I wrote earlier this year, there are many misconceptions about hostelling – chiefly that it’s for youth only, but also that you have to sleep in a dorm. There are loads of beautiful hostels that are really family friendly and provide cheap private rooms.

The Mirror has worked with Independent Hostels to find some of the prettiest and cheapest hostels that have free beds over the coming summer holidays.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email [email protected]

Snowdonia

Perched above Cardigan Bay with stunning views of Cader Idris, Bunkorama offers self-catering accommodation ideal for walkers, cyclists, climbers, and families. This converted stone stable sleeps up to 10 and is perfectly located near top routes like the Wales Coast Path, Cambrian Way, and Cycle Route 8.

Barmouth’s beach, shops, and pubs are just a mile away, and outdoor adventures like climbing, mountain biking, and paddleboarding are right on your doorstep. From solo travellers to group getaways, Bunkorama offers great value – just £92 per night for a family room or £184 for exclusive use. A separate camping pod adds extra flexibility. Dogs welcome with group bookings.

Best price: £92 per dorm

Lake District

Elterwater Hostel is located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 minutes drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell.

Pubs, shops and other amenities are available nearby. The area is also a favourite for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and many other outdoor activities. An established overnight stop on the Cumbria way. The hostel is also ideal for individuals, families, outdoor groups, schools and college trips.

Best price: £25 per person

Scotland

Located in the heart of the coastal village of Findhorn in northeast Scotland, this self-catering hostel sits near the Moray Firth, offering easy access to the beach, Findhorn Bay, and Culbin Forest, all rich in wildlife like ospreys, seals, and dolphins.

Just a short drive from the Speyside whisky region and the Cairngorm Mountains, it’s an ideal base for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Housed in a converted village school, the hostel welcomes both groups and individuals, featuring a well-equipped kitchen, lounge with Netflix, Freeview TV, WiFi, central heating, and optional conference rooms.

Accommodation includes two 10-bed dormitories, a private double room (“The Mates Cabin”), a four-person family room with en suite (“The Captains Suite”), and a modern studio flat sleeping up to six.

Best prices: Dorms from £25pp, mates’ cabin £50. Discount for groups.

West Wales

Escape to the wild and beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with a stay at the Old School Hostel in Trefin, a charming village just quarter of a mile from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The area offers circular walks to beaches and harbour villages, and it’s just a 20-minute drive to St Davids and Whitesands Bay.

This 4-star hostel is full of character and offers private double, twin, and rare single rooms and family/friends rooms with en suite showers. A light breakfast is also included, and it’s dog-friendly.

Best price: Single occupancy from £45.

Yorkshire

Wharfeside House is a self-catering group hostel in the heart of the unspoilt village of Kettlewell, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Ideal for youth groups, families, and adult groups, it sleeps 10 to 32 people and is popular with walkers, cyclists, bird watchers, climbers, artists, and team-building retreats.

Opened in 1969 by the Huddersfield Wharfeside Youth Trust, it offers warm, comfortable accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen, communal lounge with open fire, dining/conference room, conservatory, and a drying/boot room. Outdoors, there’s a large garden with stunning views and parking for four vehicles. The village shop is nearby, and several pubs serve home-cooked food.

Best price: The whole hostel can be rented out for £220, with a 300% reduction for midweek bookings.

Cornwall

Located in the centre of St Ives, Cohort is stylish and comfortable. Specialising in educational trips, Cohort offers catering for groups and support with all aspects of trip planning, including assistance with developing enriching itineraries. It is open to the general public at Easter and during the Summer holidays.

Fantastic facilities include a hot, outdoor shower, laundry and dry room, big guest kitchen, super fast WiFi, a TV room & pod beds – all with USB ports, lights, curtains & under-bed storage. afés, bars, galleries, Tate St Ives, and four spectacular beaches are within a 10-minute walk.

Best price: From £26 per person

Norfolk

Deepdale Rooms offers comfortable private self-catering accommodation in the scenic village of Burnham Deepdale on the North Norfolk Coast, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guests can choose from a variety of room types—double, twin, triple, quad, family, and group rooms—most with en suite bathrooms, underfloor heating, and access to shared facilities including a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge with TV, and free WiFi.

Bedding is provided; guests just need to bring towels. The Deepdale Visitor Information Centre serves as reception and offers local guidance. Passionate staff celebrate the area’s seasonal beauty—coastal walks, birdwatching, and starry skies—and invite visitors to discover it for themselves. Large groups are welcome by arrangement, and there’s an adjoining campsite for those who prefer to stay outdoors.

Best price: From £42 for a private room

Lochness

A multi-award-winning hostel with a range of rooms to meet all needs and budgets in the bustling village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. The perfect base to explore the Loch Ness area and an ideal stop off on the Great Glen Way.

Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and set in wooded grounds, this is the perfect budget accommodation option in the Hub of the Highlands! A variety of room types include dorms, doubles, twins and family rooms; 24 hour self-catering facilitates, excellent home-made meal options, a rustic bar stocked with a great selection of local beers and malts, a beer garden, free WiFi, activity booking service, ample car parking, an awesome team to look after you, plus a whole lot more. 4 Star VisitScotland. GOLD Green Tourism Award.

Best prices: From £27pp in dorm beds, doubles/twins from £33pp and family rooms from £86.

If you’re planning a family holiday, there are some rules you need to be aware of

Going on a family holiday is an exciting time, but the preparation and the actual outgoing journey itself can be quite the faff. You need to make sure you have everything you need, including passports and boarding passes among many other items.

While a trip abroad is a time for relaxation, the travel can be stressful, especially if you aren’t familiar with all the rules you’ll need to follow. And if you’re jetting off with little ones, there’s a common baggage rule you may not be aware of.

With Ryanair, TUI and easyJet, some form of hand luggage allowance is included with even the most basic of fares. But if you have a child under two with you, no baggage is included, unless you book them their own separate seat.

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An exception to this is with Ryanair and easyJet you can bring a small baby changing bag at no extra cost. To make sure you’re clued up on all you need to know ahead of setting off, including baggage rules, we’ve listed TUI, Ryanair and easyJet advice for travelling with kids below, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Ryanair

Ryanair does not permit infants aged up to seven days to travel on any of its flights. Infants (aged 8 days to 23 months inclusive) travelling with Ryanair must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over (one infant per adult).

All infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap and do not have a separate baggage allowance. Baby changing facilities can be found on board, typically at the rear of the aircraft, and cabin crew are also able to assist in warming baby bottles if needed.

If an infant reaches 2 years old or a child turns 16 during your journey, it is advised to purchase two single flights instead of a return ticket. At the airport, you’re allowed to check in two pieces of baby equipment per child (a pushchair plus a car seat, booster seat or travel cot) free of charge.

Ryanair strongly recommends parents or guardians to seek approval from their doctor that these very young infants are fit to travel by air. You’re permitted to bring two items of carry-on baby equipment at no extra cost.

This can include a pushchair/buggy, car seat, booster seat or travel cot. These items will need to be tagged either at the check-in desk or at the boarding gate.

TUI

According to TUI’s guidelines, an infant must be older than 14 days to travel on an aircraft, due to health and safety considerations. All TUI planes are equipped with baby changing facilities

Any pram or pushchair you bring along needs to be collapsible. While there are no restrictions on size or weight if it’s going in the hold, if you wish to bring your pushchair on board, it will count as your larger piece of hand luggage and cannot exceed dimensions of 55cmx40cmx20cm and 10kg.

The good news is that you can check in pushchairs and car seats into the hold free of charge when flying with TUI Airways. According to regulations for all UK-registered aircraft, infants under 6 months must be seated on an adult’s lap and secured with an infant lap-strap throughout the flight.

Children between 6 months and 2 years are also required to sit on an adult’s lap unless a separate seat has been purchased, in which case a car seat may be utilised if needed. Liquid baby food or baby milk, whether pre-packaged or prepared at home, is permitted onboard.

Foods catering to special dietary needs can also be brought along, provided they’re essential for the duration of the flight or holiday. Solid baby food can be packed in either your hand or hold luggage. There are no restrictions on carrying powder formula – you’re allowed to bring your baby milk powder to mix up during your holiday as part of your luggage allowance.

All children, including newborns, are now required to have their own individual passport. The child’s passport will initially be valid for five years, but can be renewed for an additional five years at the end of this period.

Upon reaching their 16th birthday, they’ll become eligible for a standard 10-year passport.

easyJet

easyJet also states that babies under 14 days old are not permitted to travel. If your child is over two years old or turns two while you are travelling, you will need to book a separate seat for them.

Children aged between two and fifteen years cannot travel unless accompanied by an adult who is 16 years or older. Unaccompanied minors aged 15 and below are not allowed to travel alone and will be denied boarding.

The airline deems anyone aged 16 and above as an adult, who can then fly with children, or adults who require special assistance. Infants with reserved seats and children over the age of 2 years are entitled to the same cabin bag and hold luggage allowance as adults.

If you’re journeying with an infant who will be seated on your lap, only an extra baby changing bag is permitted for the infant. For every infant or child, you can bring up to two of the following items free of charge to go into the hold, in addition to your cabin bag allowance: travel cot, pushchair, double pushchair, buggy, car seat, collapsible or non-collapsible pram, booster seat and baby back carrier.

You’re allowed to carry baby food, baby milk and sterilised water in your cabin bag if you’re travelling with an infant. The 100ml liquid limit enforced at some airports doesn’t apply to baby food, milk or sterilised water, provided that the total amount in each container does not exceed 2 litres.

easyJet aircrafts are equipped with baby changing facilities. However, passengers are required to bring their own nappies and wipes as these are not supplied on board.

Baby food and milk

When travelling with a baby, you’re allowed to bring enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the duration of the journey. There isn’t a legal limit to how much you can bring, but it’s always best to check with your airport before you travel.

As per Gov.uk, breast milk can be carried in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby. However, frozen breast milk is not permitted in hand luggage.

Individual containers of breast milk must not exceed 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff may need to open the containers to screen the liquids.

A family of 10 were excited about their trip to Orlando, Florida, but were left stunned when they walked into their ‘luxury villa’ and were met with something that resembled ‘Satan’s guest house’

When it comes to booking accommodation for a holiday, whether that’s a villa or a hotel, it can be hard to narrow down the best option. One family thought they had found the perfect “luxury villa”, but they were stunned when they discovered what was lurking inside.

In a post on Reddit about “bad holidays”, the traveller revealed that when they arrived at their villa in Orlando, they were met with “tobacco coloured walls” and “dead cockroaches”. With the trip booked for 10 people, it quickly turned into a holiday from hell.

They shared: “My father-in-law took us to Orlando in 2015. He paid for 10 people, a luxury villa and hired cars as he’s a generous guy. We get to our villa about maybe 9pm, and I’ve already clocked that it’s not in the nicest of areas.

“We unpack and go in to meet the rest of the family. The ‘luxury’ villa was a s**thole. It was all brown and green decor with tobacco coloured walls. We then realised that it was a f**king disgrace.

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“The games room was full of dead cockroaches, the kitchen had only enough stuff for 4 people and had broken glasses in the kitchen, we couldn’t open one of the doors to the pool as it was screwed shut, all the doors were mismatched, the smoke and fire alarms were all painted over, the chandelier was holding on by a thread, two chairs collapsed and the air conditioning only put out hot air.

“My eldest son called it ‘Satan’s guest house’. After wasting half of the first day, we got a replacement, but it was such a bl**dy palaver to even stay there overnight.”

The post was met with comments from concerned travellers, with some reflecting on their own experience in Florida. One holidaymaker said: “I went to Florida when I was 10 to do the Disney thing as a family.

“I remember my mum saying she’d never felt more unsafe than downtown Orlando. Fast forward 15 years and I live in the USA and finally understand what she meant! That place is f**king sketchy.”

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This is just one of the many disaster holiday stories shared online. Another detailed how when they were a teenager, they were left in “misery” after their parents surprised them with a family trip to Butlins – and it wasn’t the location or weather that ruined the getaway.

The traveller shared on Reddit: “When I was 14, my mum and stepdad packed us all into the car for a surprise holiday at Butlins (we didn’t find out until we were there).

“One small detail they also forgot to mention was that they also didn’t pay for me to actually go into the resort, so I had to get into the boot of our car at the closest petrol station, sleep on the floor of the chalet, and couldn’t use any of the facilities.”

They added: “It was just a week of misery, getting to watch my siblings have fun, whilst I couldn’t even bring a stack of books, because I didn’t know we were going away for a week in the first place.”

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Booking that anticipated holiday is always exciting, but for one traveller, they were left completely disappointed after their parents booked a surprise getaway

Being whisked away on a surprise family holiday when you’re younger couldn’t have been more exciting. But for one unfortunate teenager, their trip ended in total “misery” – and it wasn’t because of the destination or weather.

With the summer holiday season in full swing, one traveller opened up about a family trip to Butlins when they were 14, which has clearly had a lasting impact. In a Reddit post, they shared the “one small detail” their parents failed to mention for the surprise getaway, leaving it far from what they expected.

The holidaymaker shared: “When I was 14, my mum and stepdad packed us all into the car for a surprise holiday at Butlins (we didn’t find out until we were there).

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“One small detail they also forgot to mention was that they also didn’t pay for me to actually go into the resort, so I had to get into the boot of our car at the closest petrol station, sleep on the floor of the chalet, and couldn’t use any of the facilities.”

They added: “It was just a week of misery, getting to watch my siblings have fun, whilst I couldn’t even bring a stack of books, because I didn’t know we were going away for a week in the first place.”

The post was flooded with sympathetic comments as one user asked: “Did they at least apologise to you?”. The disappointed traveller replied: “They did not. They actually told me I should’ve been grateful to have been brought along at all.”

This is just one of the holiday disasters that holidaymakers have shared on the online platform. Another on Reddit recalled the time they were asked to relocate their hotel in Turkey or pay for their stay again during the midst of their vacation.

They wrote last month: “Went to Turkey years ago and bang in the middle of the holiday, our holiday company went bust.

“The hotel called a meeting and told us all to pack our bags or else pay the bill again. We paid again, thinking that anything was better than being on the streets in a strange land. Our fellow holidaymakers objected, and the staff and guests all fell out. Things were getting heated, so we decided to bail out and return later on in the evening.”

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They continued: “Fast forward four hours, we landed back to a practically deserted hotel. We were personally welcomed by the manager, who was all over us like a rash from then on. He must have thought we were millionaires, because it turned out that we were the only guests to have paid again.

“We also learned that some of the guests and staff had been arrested for throwing punches and were taken off the premises. The remaining guests were nowhere to be seen, but I read on TripAdvisor afterwards that they had left their luggage in the hotel temporarily until they managed to change their return flights.

“Apparently, when they opened their luggage back at home, they found that it was full of Mars bars, wrappers removed, that had melted in through their clothes. Fun times.”

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Think you’ve missed the boat on a summer beach holiday, or that it’s too pricey to even consider? Travel Mum Jen Carr knows just the trick for getting a travel bargain – even during the school summer holidays

From the golden sands of Spain’s Costa Brava to the surprisingly affordable shores of Bulgaria, there are plenty of destinations offering value for money even during the school summer holidays, if you know where to look.

Whether you’re craving short flight times, child-friendly resorts, or self-catering spots that make dining with little ones easier, Jen has five of the best last-minute summer deals from sun-soaked countries like Spain and Italy for families in 2025.

Costa Brava, Spain

Just a short flight from the UK, the Costa Brava offers sandy beaches, safe shallow waters, and great-value accommodation. Towns like Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar have family hotels from under £400 per person, including flights. Many beaches have play areas, and local restaurants are super welcoming to kids.

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Turkey

A great destination for a family holiday. The Antalya Coast and Dalaman area offer tons of family friendly hotels at great prices. TUI have a last minute deals page with lots of great options for August. Turkey hotels are brilliant at catering to bigger families, with many hotels offering rooms to fit up to 6 people. You can holiday in Instanbul in August from Luton airport from just £299 per person.

Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast

For a beach holiday with a difference, and some of the cheapest prices in Europe, Bulgaria is a hidden gem. Sunny Beach and Nessebar offer golden sands, water parks, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Accommodation and food are super affordable once you arrive and you can fly from London Stansted to Sofia Bulgaria for £303 with a room only option.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu remains one of Greece’s best islands for families, with calm beaches, charming villages, and warm hospitality. The food is amazing and you can find some great package deals to stay in areas like Sidari and Aghios Georgios. I recently helped someone book a 7 night stay in August for under £380pp with flights, luggage, transfers and hotel!

Sicily, Italy

Italy and budget don’t always go hand in hand, but Sicily can be an exception. Not only is it beautiful and culturally rich, but there are surprisingly affordable apartments still available this summer. Add in family-friendly beaches, delicious food, and warm welcomes from the locals and it’s a winner. Look at flights to Trapani and find an apartment rental in the town. You can currently fly from London STN to Trapani for a week in August for £144pp.

Tips for booking holidays on a budget:

• Be flexible with your dates – mid-week departures are often cheaper.
• Use comparison tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights to find cheap flights for DIY bookings.
• Consider flying from regional airports or into alternative destinations. If you can fly from Scotland in August you will save a fortune.
• Look at self-catering options to save money on meals.
• Set up deal alerts or use sites to find last-minute bargains.

Don’t assume you’ve missed the boat just because it’s July. With a bit of flexibility and the right approach, you can still enjoy a sun-soaked family beach holiday this summer, without the eye-watering price tag, for more tips check out https://thetravelmum.com/family-holiday-deals/.

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A survey of 1,700 holidaymakers has revealed some of the best and worst of British holiday park breaks

A survey by Which? has revealed some of the best and worst holiday parks in the UK for 2025, with well-known brands such as Haven and Center Parcs losing out to lesser-known providers.

The survey was completed by 1,700 Which? members who were asked to rate their experiences in UK holiday parks and resorts. Respondents were asked to rank details from the cleanliness of the park to the quality of their accommodation, variety of free activities on offer, and the overall value for money of their holiday.

Topping the chart for “customer score” was Potters Resorts, which offer all-inclusive holidays at two resorts based in Essex and Norfolk. While it’s an adults-only resort most of the year, children are allowed during the summer holidays in Norfolk. Potters scored an impressive 87%, with an impressive five-stars for quality of facilities and accommodation, and a perfect score for the variety of free activities on offer.

Although Potters is the most expensive of the parks included in the Which? survey, the price includes all food and drink, activities that range from pickleball to archery and evening entertainment which is described as ‘West End’ quality, netting the parks a four-star rating for value for money.

Forest Holidays came in second, with an overall customer score of 80%. The brand has eight parks in England, three in Scotland, and two in Wales, with rural locations and accommodation such as log cabins and treehouses. Customers gave positive feedback for the quality of the accommodation and cleanliness, although they only got three-stars for value for money.

Another winner was Bluestone Wales, which is set in picturesque Pembrokeshire. Bluestone offers luxury lodges and cottages, also scoring highly for the quality of accommodation on offer. While they scored well for the variety of children’s activities on offer and the entertainment, they also scored three-stars for value for money, giving them an overall score of 77%.

Pontins are yet again at the bottom of the chart, having also come bottom in 2024. The brand only has one holiday park that’s currently open to guests, the adults-only Sand Bay Holiday Village in Weston-Super-Mare. Their other two parks in Burnham on Sea, Somerset and Pakefield, Suffolk are temporarily closed in order to house construction workers.

Scoring just 56% for customer satisfaction, Pontins scored just two-stars in most areas and, despite being the cheapest option, customers still felt they received poor value for money.

In a Tripadvisor review of their Pakefield park, one customer said: “Worst place I have ever visited, chalet was old unkempt and dirty, holes in sheets, beds pushed together with terrible matress and pillows, to shower you had to keep pushing a button in, it leaked all over the floor”.

Another complained: “Rooms are shabby and quite dirty. Dirt on the baseboards, cobwebs in the corners and behind doors, our shower curtain had pink mold growing along the bottom seam, clearly not laundered between guests.”

However, there were positive reviews of the Pontins experience. One said: “We went beginning of October had a brilliant week! Food was great, swimming pool was really good and for the price you really can’t get any better!”

And many reviews praised the entertainment on offer, with one saying: “The Bluecoats show Vegas was amazing! They are all so talented and are always doing some activity or joining in on the dance floor and having a laugh or chatting with people.”

The bottom of the list also included Largo Leisure Parks, a chain of six parks in Scotland, who scored 64%. However, it’s worth noting they had a small sample size of just 30 respondents who had visited their parks.

A spokesperson for Largo Leisure said: “Whilst this is of course disappointing, this relates to only 30 people who were surveyed about Largo Leisure over 12 months ago. On both TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, where we have thousands of reviews for each of our six Scotland holiday parks, all of them are rated 4.3 or above out of 5.

“We regularly get 5 star reviews on both TripAdvisor and Google reviews and we would encourage people to take a look on both to see a true reflection of the guest experiences at our parks. We are very proud of our track record for providing exceptional holidays for our guests but we never stop trying to improve. We are enjoying a busy year across all our parks and if people read the online reviews they will see why.”

Away Resorts had the same score. They have 25 parks across the UK, including the popular south-west of England area and the Isle of Wight.

Away Resorts got just two stars for value for money, despite offering a wide range of accommodation from caravans and glamping to luxury lodges. They also scored poorly for customer service, but received three-stars for cleanliness and quality of accommodation.

The most popular holiday park provider in the survey was Center Parcs, which scored 69%, putting it neck and neck with Haven. While it scored well for the quality of its facilities and accommodation, it received low scores for the variety of free activities on offer and overall value for money. It was the third most expensive on the list, coming in after Potters and Warner Leisure Villages, who offer adults-only breaks.

One Which? member wrote: “Very expensive for what it is. Accomodation excellent, apart from the oasis pool, everything was extra. Staff were very helpful and the children enjoyed their stay. I will not be going back.”

Haven, who have 38 parks across the UK, scored the same percentage as Center Parcs, although they did get three stars for value for money. Which? readers gave them two star scores for food and drink and the variety of free activities on offer.

Best and worst holiday parks in the UK ranked by customer score

1. Potters Resorts 87%
2. Forest Holidays 80%
3. Bluestone Wales 77%
4. John Fowler Holiday Parks 77%
5. Hoburne Holidays 75%
6. Hoseasons 74%
7. Waterside Holiday Group 74%
8. Warner Leisure Villages 71%
9. Center Parcs 69%
10. Haven Holiday Parks 69%
11. Parkdean Resorts 68%
12. Butlins 67%
13. Park Holidays UK 66%
14. Away Resorts 64%
15. Largo Leisure Parks 64%
16. Pontins 56%

Pontins, Away Resorts, Park Holidays, Butlins, Center Parcs, and Haven have been approached for comment.

Tony Holliday, 57, was left with a fractured right leg, head and shoulder injuries after the crash – which happened after being given a complimentary quadbiking trip while on holiday

A holidaymaker who is suing TUI at the High Court following a quad bike crash has issued a stark warning to tourists while on excursions abroad after he suffered serious injuries which “should never have happened”.

Tony Holliday, who now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, required two operations on his right leg after he collided with rocks and was thrown from a quad bike while on an excursion in Cape Verde in March 2023.

The property developer travelled to the island, off the coast of west Africa, with his wife, Bev, and two of his daughters, Keeley and Rhianna.The 57-year-old, from Cockermouth, Cumbria, is suing TuUI UK, claiming it misrepresented the nature of the excursion and was negligent, and is seeking more than £500,000 in damages.

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Mr Holliday has now urged travellers to take precautions while abroad. He said: “Please check everything. If something doesn’t feel right… take the full checks, make sure everything’s there (and) the health and safety looks like it’s in place.” He continued: “We asked questions at the time but were not given the correct answers.”

Mrs Holliday, 54, said: “Make sure that you’ve got the right insurance in place, that you’re going through your tour operator, and just think carefully about the excursions that you take your family on and that you go on, and just to try and look out for things that we didn’t see.”

The family agreed to go on the free quad bike excursion as compensation for issues with lost luggage and rooms smelling of sewage earlier in the trip.

In court documents filed by law firm Stewarts, which is representing Mr Holliday, Sarah Prager KC said that TUI staff described the excursion as “suitable for total beginners”, despite the company saying online that it was an “off-road adventure”, an “action-packed excursion”, and “four adrenaline-pumping hours” on “very powerful machines”.

Mr Holliday believed the excursion was provided by Tui but later found out it was organised by a local provider. Mr Holliday continues to suffer from anxiety and issues with sleep following the incident, and said he “feels a second slower than where I should be”.

He said: “Although I went through it, I didn’t witness what my family had to witness, and I don’t think they’ll ever get that image out of their head. So it’s not just me who has suffered. I think the full family has suffered through this. It should never have happened.”

Mrs Holliday said: “It’s really strange when you’ve got a partner who has no fear… he gets himself out there and he loves the challenge, work-wise. It’s really strange to then find yourself in the position where he hasn’t got that confidence any more, and your life completely changes. He will get back, he will get back to where he is. We’ll make sure he does.”

Chris Deacon, international injury lawyer at Stewarts, said: “Sadly, every year I see cases like Tony’s, of people sustaining serious, life-changing injuries on holiday excursions. One of the key factors which influences whether a person can bring a compensation claim for their injuries is how the excursion (is) booked.

“This is because booking your excursion through your tour operator as part of your package holiday brings with it certain protections under the package travel regulations.

“If you book through a small, local provider, there is a risk they won’t be insured, fully or at all, with no safeguard that the tour operator may have risk assessed the provider or activity, and the added complication of potentially having to bring your legal case in a foreign jurisdiction.

“What is also worth knowing is that many travel insurance policies exclude high-risk activities such as quad biking, parachuting, bungee jumping and certain watersports. So even if you have travel insurance, don’t assume it will cover you for everything.”

A spokesperson for TUI said: “We are sorry that Mr Holliday was injured during his holiday to Cape Verde. As this is now a legal matter, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

Tui is understood to be opposing the claim and is due to file its defence at the High Court later this year.