Family holidays

A family’s long-awaited Easter getaway turned into a nightmare after travelling hundreds of miles only to find their booked resort shut and fenced off

After months of planning a relaxing family break abroad, one couple thought they had everything organised down to the last detail. But what awaited them at the end of a nine-hour journey across Europe was something they never could have prepared for.

The couple, who asked not to be identified due to the man’s occupation, had booked a stay at the Waterside Elegance Sky Pad at the Your Nature Resort in Belgium through Booking.com last October. Having previously visited the resort, they were eagerly anticipating their return with their two young sons in April, only to arrive and discover the site appeared to be closed.

Instead of checking into their accommodation and settling in for a long-awaited family holiday, the couple claim they were met by locked entrance gates, construction fencing and an eerily empty car park. Signs displayed outside the resort also appeared to indicate the site was no longer operating.

The Waterside Elegance Sky Pad is a luxury duplex cabin located within the 280-hectare Your Nature Eco Forest Resort in Antoing, Belgium. The £105 million resort has reportedly been fenced off and forced into bankruptcy, leaving holidaymakers stranded after it allegedly exceeded €15 million in losses, according to Forbes.

In a lengthy Reddit post, the man explained how the family’s entire trip had been carefully planned around the needs of their children, including their eldest son who is autistic and non-verbal. But after arriving at the resort entrance and, by chance, speaking with a site manager, the couple claim they were informed the resort had gone into administration months earlier in October.

This is despite Booking.com allegedly repeatedly reassuring the family their holiday would go ahead as planned, with emails recognising the reservation remained valid. The Reddit post also claims the company accepted tourism tax payments and issued a check-in voucher just weeks before the family travelled to Belgium.

“If you think your holiday is secure because you have a confirmed booking voucher, think again,” he warned.

Speaking to The Mirror, the man detailed how the family were left scrambling after the revelation, with hundreds of pounds spent on Le Shuttle crossings, fuel, food and overnight accommodation in France. He also claimed Booking.com later suggested alternative accommodation options, though the family considered them unsuitable.

Booking.com is understood to have refunded the original accommodation costs, though disputes between the two parties are said to remain ongoing.

The family are seeking compensation for more than £400 in additional travel expenses incurred during the ordeal. They claim the online travel agency is refusing to accept liability, despite allegedly issuing a separate payment of 150 EUR which they say they have refused to accept.

In the Reddit post, the man referenced provisions within the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, arguing the family relied on written assurances when booking non-refundable travel arrangements. However, no court has ruled on the claims and Booking.com disputes wrongdoing.

A Booking.com spokesperson told The Mirror: “We’re sorry to hear about this customer’s experience. When a property chooses to list on Booking.com they must agree to our terms and conditions, which includes keeping their room availability up to date.

“If an accommodation partner wants to end their agreement or remove their listing, we have simple processes and clear guidance to help them do this. We can confirm this property is currently closed on our platform, and that we’re also in touch with the customer to offer support.”

Consumer experts regularly advise travellers to retain booking confirmations, receipts and written correspondence when arranging holidays online. According to Citizens Advice, customers may have rights if services are not provided as described, although compensation outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances and booking terms.

A holiday expert says a caravan site in Cornwall offers the cheapest family holiday of its kind in the UK – and despite a lack of facilities, he was left completely speechless

A travel YouTuber who has experienced some of Britain’s most affordable caravan parks was left “speechless” following a week-long stay at a budget site in Cornwall. The Haven Perran Sands site, he claims, offers the most wallet-friendly holiday of its type anywhere in the UK.

The reviewer, who shares his escapades on the Beachlife and Beyond YouTube channel, was forced to cut his trip short due to unpredictable weather. “One minute it’s raining, then it’s sunny, and we just can’t make many plans at all,” he explained.

Elaborating on his decision to leave early, he said: “The next couple of days are going to be raining pretty much non-stop, and we don’t want to be sat stuck in a caravan. The kids have already done the activities, they’ve done the arcades, and we’re going to be bored otherwise. So, we’re just going to go home.”

Despite finding the caravan park itself a little underwhelming in terms of entertainment, he was full of praise for the stunning surrounding area: “We’ve enjoyed the holiday park. It is a little bit run-down, and there isn’t a lot to do, unfortunately. But the local area, Perranporth, St. Ives, Newquay, they are stunning.”

He went on to say: “I’ve always wanted to come to Cornwall and the last time I was in Cornwall was about 40 years ago when I was a toddler, and I don’t remember it, and it surpassed my expectations. It’s such a beautiful area. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend you come.”

For a family of five, the holiday came to a remarkably affordable £300. Despite a couple of drawbacks – most notably a mattress that was well past its best – Haven Perran Sands made an overwhelmingly positive impression overall.

Introducing his home for the week, the YouTuber remarked: “This is my caravan for the week. This is a bronze caravan. It’s a two bed, one bathroom, no ensuite this time, apparently, unfortunately. I’m a bit little bit gutted about that.

“Look at the state of it,” he continued. “It doesn’t look the best, does it? It doesn’t look the most appealing. I’ve had some absolute shockers last year. I’m hoping this one is at least decent inside.”

His first port of call was what he calls the smell test: “Caravans can be quite dodgy from the previous guest aromas when you first come in and you usually need to open a window.”

Pleasantly, the caravan smelled perfectly fine upon entry. It was generously sized too, with seating for six on its sofa. However, comfort proved to be another matter entirely: “It is a sofa bed, but the mattress is diabolical. You can feel the springs through it. I mean, this mattress is basically a glorified yoga mat. It’s that bad.”

The main bedroom was no better: “I really don’t understand the point of memory foam mattresses. Who wants a bed that remembers the previous guests?” The next morning, he confirmed that the mattress left a great deal to be desired in terms of comfort.

He added: “As I suspected, I slept absolutely diabolically. That bed is appalling. I feel like I’m bent like a pretzel this morning. My back is absolutely killing me. But one plus note is I didn’t wake up with any mysterious itches. So that’s always a bonus, isn’t it, when you’re sleeping in a caravan?”

While the caravan seemed reasonably clean overall, Beachlife and Beyond wasn’t willing to leave anything to chance: “A little tip for you before you do come to a caravan holiday is when you arrive, make sure you wash everything up before you use it because I heard that cleaners only get 20 minutes per caravan to clean the entire van. So, the likelihood of these [cups] being washed properly is probably slim to none.”

In terms of entertainment, the site offers relatively little: “We’ve got an outdoor pool and also a lazy river, which I think is really cool, but it’s only open during the summer months.

“I was speaking to a lifeguard yesterday and she was saying it’s open usually from the May Bank Holiday onwards. It’s a really small site.”

He went on to say: “It’s large in terms of actual acreage because it’s also a touring site and there’s things like safari tents here, eco glamping pods, the lot. It’s covered in all these sand dunes that stretch for miles.

“But from what I’ve seen looking around, there’s honestly not a lot here at all. It’s one of the smallest sites in terms of things to do that I’ve been to so far.” However, he noted that any letdowns regarding the actual location were more than made up for by Cornwall’s breathtaking natural landscape: “I’m speechless. My breath is completely taken away. St Ives has not disappointed one little bit. It’s just amazing,”

The ‘smart’ holiday hack went viral on social media after a family used it on their recent trip

A family has gone viral after using what’s been described as the ‘ultimate’ travel hack to simplify their holiday. The ‘smart’ method could be ideal for anyone visiting crowded tourist areas.

According to Clarissa Hen, who posts on TikTok under the username @Clarhens, her family used AirTags to keep track of each other during a recent day out in Japan. Sharing a video of the ‘genius’ hack in action, Clarissa wrote: “Ultimate travel hack: Put airtags on everyone before going to crowded tourist traps.”

As seen in the post, everyone received a lanyard with their own AirTag, making it easier to find each other after they were finished exploring. The idea caught the attention of social media users.

The video went viral, racking up over one million views and more than 50,000 likes. In her caption, Clarissa asked viewers if they thought the hack was ‘smart or extra’.

Explaining why her family gave it a go, she wrote: “When everyone has the attention span of a goldfish, airtags are key!!! No need to worry about someone’s phone dying or them not replying/answering (like my dad and sister) you can just track them like lost luggage lol.”

In response, TikTok users were quick to share their thoughts. While not everyone was convinced, several viewers loved the idea. Someone commented: “We just have meeting spots when we break up and come back together at the same place.”

Another social media user said: “Me and my friends shared our google maps locations and it was so helpful.” A different response read: “Use the Life360 app!! It’s free and it is super accurate! Used it to find my friends when we went to Japan.”

Meanwhile, a commenter wrote: “But if y’all have iPhones you wouldn’t need AirTags, just saying.” But Clarissa replied: “Yes we have our phone locations on too but iPhone batteries can run out within the day and cell service isn’t always reliable so AirTags are a great alternative!”

Other social media users loved the hack. A fan of the idea commented: “Needed this for all my aunties.” Another reply said: “Genius.” Someone else wrote: “Very smart.” More praise read: “I love this!”

A viewer shared: “That’s literally what I did with my family in Japan so I can freely roam around.” Meanwhile, a commenter replied: “Wait!!!! This is so smart! I gotta do this with my family at Disney.”

Clarissa said: “Right!?? Soo useful lol we all lost each other then I tracked them down.” Someone else claimed: “Save those for Tokyo Disney if you’re going. I got lost TWICE for HOURS both times and I was just trying to find a place to pee.”

Many Brits are concerned that the new EU Entry/Exit system (EES) could put a dampener on their holidays, but an obscure clause could mean that the system is paused at the busiest times

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be uncertain for holidaymakers. A combination of the jet fuel issues and new requirements for Brits entering the European Union (EU), means many travellers are braced for delays, cancellations, or long airport queues.

But a little-known clause in the EES rules could become a lifeline for Brits heading to Europe this summer, and it could be invoked if the queues at European airports become too long.

Some countries are already taking their own measures to tackle the chaos caused by EES. Greece has switched from using EES back to manual passport stamping to ensure a smoother entry system. While reports that Italy and Portugal may follow suit have been shut down by Brussels.

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However, there are exemptions built into the EES system that could be invoked in “exceptional circumstances” and these could potentially come into play if the new procedures overwhelm EU airports.

A parliamentary briefing notes that the European Commission “referred to the possibility” that EU countries could “suspend EES operations potentially for a further 150 days after the 10 April implementation date.”

This suspension can be for periods of up to six hours in “exceptional circumstances where there are excessive waiting times”, the document went on to say.

This means that up until July 9, some borders would have the power to suspend EES for up to six hours a day.

“Member States should use that possibility only when such suspension is strictly necessary and for the shortest period possible. In the case of partial suspension, the registration of biometric data in the EES should be suspended. In the case of full suspension, no data should be recorded in the EES,” the legislation adds.

Since the implementation of the new system, there have been mixed reports on its efficiency. Some have claimed that it’s made the process of getting through the airport tougher for Brits. Holidaymakers have reported long lines, blaming slow software and machines going down, while others have claimed it’s made little difference in times getting through the airport.

READ MORE: UK Government update for easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI over cabin ‘ban’READ MORE: UK’s best campsites for families with outdoor pools, on-site bars and pizza ovens

Later this year, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will also come into play, requiring Brits to get a pre-travel authorisation before they enter the EU.

While this visa waiver system was set to cost €7, just over £6, the fee has now been set at €20, about £17.37, almost three times the original cost. All travellers aged between 18-70 will need to apply before they travel once the new system is launched.

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

Keeping the kids entertained is no mean feat, but a UK attraction has been named as the best for a family-packed day out or holiday, with thrill-seeking rides that beat Alton Towers and Thorpe Park

It’s not always easy to keep the kids entertained and prevent them from losing interest, but there’s one attraction that has been named as the UK’s best – and it’s not where you might think.

As we lap up warmer rays on weekends and edge closer to school holidays, parents will be looking for fun-packed holidays and activities to keep the little ones entertained now more than ever. A trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris has long been a popular choice among families, yet these trips can come with a hefty price tag, despite the never-ending fun.

In a bid to help parents beat the kids’ boredom, Attraction Tickets has ranked the holidays most likely to keep little ones happily off their screens. While Disney and Universal claimed the top spots on the global list, Blackpool Pleasure Beach was the top UK destination, ranking in a respectable sixth place.

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Taking the number one UK spot on the event ticket seller’s Banish Boredom Index, following thousands of analysed reviews across 160 worldwide destinations, Blackpool Pleasure Beach scored 24.3 out of 30. The combination of immersive attractions and high-energy experiences is thought to make these top attractions, where parents need not worry about their kids getting bored.

As a thrilling seaside amusement park with nostalgic wooden coasters and mega rides like ICON and The Big One, Blackpool Pleasure Beach even beats the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park on the list. There are jaw-dropping rides at the Blackpool theme park, with loops, turns, twists and drops, along with Nickelodeon Land, water rides and attractions for younger children.

And it’s not just the event ticket seller that has hailed Blackpool Pleasure Beach as the best UK family day out. One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Visited through the week with my 11-year-old son. Had a great day. Got on loads of rides. Went on all the big rides numerous times. Found all the staff were very friendly. The guy at the entrance was lovely.”

They added: “Disappointed that Valhalla wasn’t open. Got lunch at the Southern Fried Chicken shop. Wasn’t expecting much, but the chicken was actually really nice. Not a bad price for a theme park either. Toilets were all clean too. We will be back.”

A second shared: “The children loved it here. Very good value with the ultimate pass.” While a third summed up their trip by commenting: “I love the Pleasure Beach, it seems to get a bit of a reputation for being a ‘tired’ amusement park, but I completely disagree, still think it holds its own against the more popular parks like Alton Towers or Thorpe Park, etc.”

Top 10 attractions to beat the boredom

1. Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA
2. Universal Studios Orlando, Florida, USA
3. Disneyland Paris, Paris, France
4. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan
5. Aquatica, Florida, USA
6. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire, UK
7. Waterbom Bali, Bali, Indonesia
8. Universal Studios Hollywood, California, USA
9. Diggerland, Kent, Durham, Yorkshire, Devon, UK
10. Legoland Billund, Denmark

Oliver Brendon, CEO of Attraction Tickets, said: “Nowadays, keeping children entertained on holiday is more challenging than ever. With many kids accustomed to the instant gratification of iPad games and interactive television shows, traditional holiday moments, such as lounging by the pool or playing on the beach, often aren’t enough to hold their attention.

“To take the guesswork out of planning, we created the Banish Boredom Index. By analysing hundreds of thousands of reviews, we identified the destinations and attractions that genuinely captivate kids and keep them engaged throughout the trip. The results are clear – the best family holidays are the ones where children are immersed in the experience from start to finish.

“It’s no surprise that destinations such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Disneyland Paris top the list, as they each offer high levels of interactivity and imagination. For parents, that means fewer screen-time battles and more meaningful moments together. However, you don’t always need to travel across the pond, as spots like Blackpool Pleasure Beach prove that the UK can deliver that same level of excitement and engagement closer to home.

“If you’re hoping to break the iPad habit this summer, the data speaks for itself – swap Wi-Fi for rides, tower drops, or historical activities. Whether you’re planning a staycation or a long-haul escape, real-world excitement is the key to banishing your children’s boredom in 2026.”

To book tickets or to read the full list of holidays on the Banish Boredom Index, you can visit the Attractions Tickets website. For more information on Blackpool Pleasure Beach or to plan your day out, visit their website.

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