Favourite

There’s something endlessly appealing about an island holiday – a chance to escape the rest of the world and kickback in beautiful surrounds. We’d love to hear about your favourite under-the-radar discoveries in the UK and Europe. Whether it was a wild island in an remote Norwegian archipelago or a lesser-known sun-drenched Croatian isle, tell us about where you went and why you loved it for the chance to win a holiday voucher.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 14 July at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

Nicolás Pasquali, 44, who describes himself as the “first Argentinean to visit every country in the world”, has finally managed to tick off North Korea from his list after eight years of travel

Nicolás Pasquali, a man who has travelled to every country on Earth, has revealed that his favourite place is closer to home than one might expect. Nicolás, who considers himself to be the “first Argentine to visit every country in the world”, has recently smashed his impressive target after spending a remarkable eight years travelling.

In February, he finally put a pin in the last country on his list after a year waiting, the hermit kingdom of North Korea in East Asia, which often only grants tourists access via tightly controlled tours.

However, you’d imagine that picking a favourite from the near-200 on offer would prove to be a tricky task, but Nicolás was left in “no doubt”.

In an interview with Argentine newspaper Infobae, he stated: “As an Argentinean, there’s no doubt Argentina is number one. We have identity, culture, gastronomy, sports and unique natural landscapes. Despite economic problems, we keep standing out globally.”

A sense of unity

Nicolás pointed out that the South American nation has a “marked identity and a sense of unity” that he hasn’t “seen elsewhere”. He went on to draw comparisons with England, pointing to one aspect in particular.

He went on to say: “You go to England, and Britons aren’t proud of being British like we are proud of being Argentinean. We feel part of something bigger, which is impressive.”

Language also plays a significant role for the Buenos Aires native, who went on to explain that Spanish is the “second-most spoken language”, making it “easier for us to move around”.

It’s still a jewel

Nicolás encapsulated his experience by revealing something he’d learned while visiting all those other countries, a pearl of wisdom that may offer insight into his choice of Argentina as his favourite country.

Reflecting on his homeland, he remarked: “When you live in Argentina, you think that in other countries everything is perfect. But the truth is that it’s not. There are countries at war, countries where people don’t even have water, and countries where you can’t say what you think. And that’s when you realise that Argentina, with all its problems, is still a jewel.”

Second-largest country on the continent

Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, is divided into four distinct regions: the Andes, the Pampas, the north, and Patagonia.

The climate varies dramatically from subtropical in the north to sub-Antarctic conditions in the south, and the nation is home to an impressive array of wildlife.

In the rugged terrain of Patagonia, intrepid adventurers might spot sea lions, penguins, and seals along the coast. Meanwhile, offshore in the Atlantic, you could encounter dolphins, orcas, and even sharks.

Up in the northern parts, the wildlife includes crocodiles, caimans, flamingos, toucans, and jaguars.

How many countries are there?

The UN (United Nations) recognises a total of 195 countries, 193 of which are member states. The final two regions are the non-member observer states of Vatican City and Palestine, although the true number is actually disputed.

This is due to a number of disputed zones and countries with either full or partial sovereignty, writes the BBC. In fact, the CIA (the US’ Central Intelligence Agency) lists the full number as 237, for example.

Surfshark VPN lets Brits stream their favourite TV shows while travelling on holiday

These days, many TV fans plan their lives around their favourite TV series, with the latest season premiere a major event in the diary. The biggest streamers like Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video and Disney+ have already unveiled their stellar summer slates packed with new and returning shows.

June saw beloved series like Clarkson’s Farm, The Bear and Squid Game all back on screen, with more still to come including Dexter: Resurrection (Paramount+, July 11) and Alien: Earth (Disney+, August 13). But while everyone loves a summer holiday, jetting off to greener pastures often means having to wait to watch the latest episodes until one returns home.

This is because some content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ can only be accessed in the UK. But there is a way to access them from abroad with a VPN, which means Brits don’t have to miss out on the latest TV series when they jet off this summer.

READ MORE: The Hunger Games fans can get Sunrise on the Reaping for free in pre-Prime Day deal

READ MORE: Watch summer sports events on DAZN, Sky Sports and TNT with TV deals

Please be aware streaming platforms may take the view that the use of a VPN to watch content from another territory may be a breach of its terms of service and may constitute copyright infringement. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the use of a VPN is legal and The Mirror does not encourage any illegal use of a VPN.

How to watch your favourite TV series while travelling

Brits heading abroad this summer can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to unblock websites and services that usually only work in the UK. This allows users to access streaming platforms including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ from abroad as they would at home.

A VPN works by changing a device’s IP address – the unique identifier of a device connected to the internet – to any location around the world. There are many VPN providers on the market, with Surfshark a top choice that boasts the more than 3,200 Surfshark servers in 100 countries including the US, Australia, plus in Europe and Asia.

Get Surfshark VPN for £1.49 per month

£331.83

£40.23

Surfshark

Get Surfshark VPN here

Surfshark has slashed up to 88% off its VPN plans, offering 27 months’ access for £1.49 per month.

Surfshark is compatible with devices running Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and FireTV. The brand is currently offering its services for the discounted rate of £1.49 per month for its 24-month Surfshark Starter plan, which now comes with three extra months at the reduced rate.

This option costs a total of £40.23 over the 27-month term, a whopping 88% saving compared to the usual £331.83. With this, users get a secure VPN that lets them watch their favourite shows from outside the UK, with advert and cookie pop-up blockers, a constantly changing IP address and the ability to use Surfshark on unlimited devices simultaneously.

There’s also 24/7 customer support on live chat or email and a 30-day money back guarantee. However, Surfshark members on the Starter plan won’t receive antivirus protection, a feature included in the £1.89 Surfshark One plan.

This provides a range of security features, with 27 months of VPN, antivirus, alert, search, and alternative ID. It offers the same benefits as Surfshark Starter but with the added benefit of detecting and removing viruses and malware in real time, as well as preventing advertising companies and bots tracking online activity and sending alerts if an email address appears in breached online databases.

Other VPN services include NordVPN, which rivals Surfshark with more than double the amount of servers. However, this comes at a cost as it’s also more expensive at £2.69 per month for the Basic plan.

ExpressVPN is another alternative and is said to be easier to use than other services but is also more expensive at £4.04 on its 24-month plan. The Daily Express compared Surfshark, NordVPN and ExpressVPN and found Surfshark to be ‘great value for money’.

It said: “Surfshark offers great value for money and that’s one of the big attractions. It’s actually owned by the people behind NordVPN, but this is their budget offering – not that the features are lacking.

“There are apps for a wide range of devices, but Surfshark doesn’t put a limit on the number of devices on the same contract, so you can sign-in across all your devices, making sure your whole family is protected.”

However, Chris also found a potential downside, adding: “Surfshark has fewer servers than some of its rivals and can sometimes be a little slower, but unless you’re moving huge amounts of data around, that’s unlikely to be a problem.”

Surfshark users have awarded the service an average 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, with many impressed with its customer service. One said: “So nice to talk to a human when tech issues arise.”

Another said: “I’m really happy with how easy it is to use on the app and TV, and also for how reliable the service is.”

However, this mixed review said: “It has trouble connecting on my iPhone 12. Ok on iPad but seems to slow everything down.”

Summer has well and truly arrived, and schools will be breaking up soon for the long holidays. It’s a moment of high anticipation for the kids and possibly high anxiety for the parents about how to keep the kids entertained. We’d like to hear about your best family days out in the great outdoors, whether it be organised fun, such as a surfing course, an activity camp, or more spontaneous and free fun such as rockpooling on the coast or following a Forestry England nature trail.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 7 July at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

Italy’s lessser known peaks

The Julian Alps are mostly in Slovenia, but I have gone on many trips to the little known Italian portion of this mountain range to visit old friends in the ski town Sella Nevea. The scenery is awesome: pointed white, limestone peaks above deep and mysterious pine-forested valleys. The books of mountaineer Julius Kugy romantically describe this large wilderness, the obscurity of which amazes me. Nature is abundant with various large mammals, bird life and flora. If you love alpine adventure but don’t like tourists then seek it out, there’s nobody there!
Paul

Alone with orchids and sea birds, Sweden

Stora Karlsö, off the west coast of Gotland, is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world and is a few hours’ journey by train and ferry from Stockholm. It’s a tiny, rugged limestone island, mostly just a high cliff with an alvar (grassy heath) plateau. There were lots of orchids and plenty of sea birds. Once sheltered from the wind, I found the fragrant air was incredible. I spent the night in a simple cabin and enjoyed a decent meal, but civilisation in the regular fashion was far away, and there was hardly any cell reception.
Linda

Pink marsh, pink flamingos, France

Between Toulon and the Mediterranean, Hyères spreads across a series of headlands, salt flats and offshore islands. We based ourselves near the Giens peninsula, where the ancient pink salt marshes stretch out towards the sea, dotted with flamingos, herons and egrets. The coastal paths wind over rugged cliffs, with pine woods and scattered islands combining to create a setting of seabirds, wildflowers and open sea.
Steph

Camino de Santiago with detours

In the spring of 2023, my wife and I walked the 500-mile (805km) Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. The beaten track was busy, so we took every opportunity to deviate off it along alternative sections. Walking across the Meseta, the expansive, high central plateau famed for its isolation, we took the detour from Calzada del Coto to Mansilla de las Mulas along the Via Trajana, the old, cobbled Roman road. We were surrounded by birdsong, wildflowers and the ghosts of legionaries. Apart from when we stopped for a comfortable night and an immense breakfast at the Via Trajana hostel in Calzadilla de los Hermanillos, we only saw two other people in two days and 20 miles of walking.
Richard

Bears and wolves in the Romanian forest

The Carpathian forests of Romania, flanked by brooding mountains, are a brilliant place to lose yourself for a couple of weeks. On my hiking trip there last summer I spotted brown bears, wolves and lynx as I marched through valleys and woods. I came across medieval towns and villages that are rich in traditional folklore. One highlight was sampling local cheese and singing songs with villagers in the Barza valley. I was rewarded – or punished – for my musical efforts with a bumpy ride on a horse-drawn cart to the next village. Don’t miss a walk up to Postăvarul peak (1,800 metres) for great views over the area.
Joe

A hike through Iceland’s myriad landscapes

Thirty-five miles and three nights in mountain huts in the southern highlands of Iceland: the Laugavegur trail is a microcosm of the landscapes of that incredible country. Geothermal springs, high-altitude snowfields, multicoloured rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts and otherworldly moonscapes. Finally, the magical valley of Thórsmörk – Thor’s Valley – amid birch woods enclosed by three glaciers. Staying in mountain huts means you’ll feel part of a multicultural, international community of travellers, with the warmth and camaraderie this entails, with tales exchanged and memories made.
Bill Duncan

Sardinia’s wild west

Between the popular north coast of Sardinia, where the super-rich anchor their yachts, and the populated south with the capital Cagliari, lie several quiet areas where nature flourishes. Much of the west coast is relatively undeveloped. We joined bareback riders on horses along tracks, watched flamingos wade in salt marshes, visited ancient Nuragic ruins and sunbathed on the white-sand beaches of the peaceful Sinis peninsula.
Chris Allen

A Croatian island paradise

On the remote Croatian island of Lastovo, part of the Lastovo Islands nature park, we watched honey buzzards soar overhead and heard shearwater chicks calling to be fed at dusk. Lastovo is a dark skies island and we loved seeing the Milky Way sparkle so brightly. Most of the island is forested and the place remains very undeveloped, as a result of being reserved for the Yugoslav army until 1988. It’s a natural paradise of pine-scented trails leading to quiet beaches and interesting flora and fauna. It can be reached by frequent ferries from Dubrovnik and Korčula.
David Innes-Wilkin

Winning tip: The big beasts of Bieszczady in Poland

I went on a hiking tour to see large mammals in Bieszczady national park in south-east Poland in 2022 and it was amazing – gorgeous landscapes, wild bison, red deer, wolves, brown bears, lynx and wild boar. We walked through haunting overgrown orchards as the landscape was abandoned after the second world war. I went as a solo traveller with a company called Wild Poland (I did a three-day tour that started and ended in Kraków – but there are lots of different options and prices on their website).
Josie

A midsummer pole dance in southern Sweden

I enjoyed midsummer at a rented beachside cottage in the Skåne village of Bjärred, north of Malmö, with Swedish friends. We ventured to the local church to enjoy the dancing round a midsummer pole decorated with vibrant blue and red flowers, with many local residents adorned in intricately decorated flower crowns. After taking a dip in the Öresund strait along the long jetty with its bathhouse, we towelled off to indulge in deliciously sweet strawberries and sip Briska ciders into the late hours of daylight.
Caitlin

A party on Denmark’s northern shores

We spent the afternoon paddling with one foot in the Baltic and the other in the North Sea at the top of Grenen, North Jutland, Denmark. Then, we headed southwards along the beaches and through the sand dunes to Skagen to enjoy the midsummer celebration at Vippyfyret, where many hundreds gathered, having travelled mostly on foot or by bicycle to experience an evening of music with songs and recital. Artists, composers and poets were among the throng round a great bonfire which was a sight to behold.
Mal Jones

Pink light at midnight near Stockholm

For an easy midsummer escape from Stockholm, Vaxholm is unbeatable. A fast ferry gets you to the archipelago’s capital in under an hour. My tip is to spend the afternoon exploring the town, with its classic Falu-red wooden houses and gardens overflowing with flowers. But don’t take the last ferry back. Instead, find a spot by the water and watch as the midsummer sun refuses to set, bathing the islands in golden, pink light for hours. It’s a simple, accessible way to experience the magic of Sweden’s endless daylight without straying far from the city.
Pamela

Food, friendship and fire in Valencia

Last summer, while having a break in Valencia, I found out Spanish people mark 23 June as the beginning of summer by celebrating the festival of San Juan. For a few nights around the actual date of San Juan, bonfires, wine and music on the beaches seemed to go on until dawn. The local family I was staying with invited me to choose some old furniture to burn on a beach bonfire and helped me throw it on before we danced round the fire holding hands and singing songs to pagan gods to burn the evil of the previous year! We barbecued anchovies and sausages we had bought at Valencia’s marvellous Mercado Central at midnight before throwing ourselves into the Med at 2am – a feelgood way to celebrate midsummer, full of food, friendship and fire!
April

Cycle to the sun … or just Edinburgh

I’ve really enjoyed Ride to the Sun – a 100-mile overnight bike ride from Carlisle to Edinburgh held on 21 June. It’s inclusive, joyous, community-filled and fabulous. From the Moffat chippy queue to the midnight rave to the toasting of the sunrise on Cramond beach, it’s the best way to spend the shortest night.
Vicky

Red wine and cola on the beach in Asturias

We stumbled upon the midsummer Noche de San Juan in Cudillero in Asturias. Religious processions gave way to paganistic bonfires where people tossed mementoes of their year to forget. Next up were fireworks and a Brazilian samba troupe. Locals explained that the mayor could justify the expense because it was a prerequisite of getting re-elected. After midnight we headed to the beach for a party fuelled by calimocho (red wine and cola, don’t ask). We retired at 8am for a breakfast of chorizo and fried eggs just as a live DJ started up.
Kieran

A French midsummer nocturne

Our midsummer stay in Le Pin, a hamlet in southern France between Bordeaux and Toulouse was rich with natural wonders, not always seen but very much heard. From shrieking swifts diving through the 19th-century market hall in nearby Auvillar to a turtle dove purring beside a rural road, it was this bird lover’s idyll. We heard nightingale melodies throughout the day as well as after dark, and caught the calls of cirl buntings, hoopoes and black redstarts. And it wasn’t just birds. One night, crickets and frogs provided a chirruping and croaking medley – a memorable midsummer nocturne.
Sharon Pinner

Bands on every corner, Paris

Hiring a bike and exploring Paris for Fête de la Musique was a brilliant way to spend an urban solstice. Every year on 21 June, the city turns into one big free festival, with stages of all sizes springing up outside famous landmarks and local neighbourhood bars. Beginning in the heart of the city to catch some psychedelic guitar outside the Centre Georges Pompidou, we then pedalled past brass ensembles outside jazz bars near Jardin du Luxembourg, classic French techno along the banks of the Seine and scuzzy metal bands in squares of the 13th arrondissement.
Lizzy C

The golden light in Italy’s Piedmont

In the golden light of midsummer, Serralunga d’Alba’s rolling vineyards (about 35 miles south-east of Turin) come alive. Staying at Cascina Meriame, a working winery with panoramic views, I savoured barolo and barbaresco wines during intimate tastings led by passionate hosts. Evenings were spent watching the sun set over the Langhe Hills, a Unesco world heritage site, while enjoying local cheeses and nebbiolo wines. The nearby medieval castle added a touch of history to the serene landscape. For a tranquil midsummer retreat blending culture, cuisine and nature, this Piedmont gem is unparalleled.
Mr Ifan Morgan ap Dafydd

Winning tip: a fine place for a picnic, northern Iceland

We travelled to Grímsey from Akureyri for the island’s summer solstice festival. Arriving early, we hiked to the marker sign and received official certificates to confirm we had crossed the Arctic Circle. Celebrations began at Krian, the only restaurant on the island, and continued well into the night at the schoolhouse. The drink flowed and there was a treasure hunt, dancing, traditional songs and homemade food. Families came together for picnics on the wildflower-covered hillsides, outdoor chess tournaments were played at midnight and, local or stranger, all were welcomed. It was truly magical.
Elizabeth

Celebrities definitely know how to party but now a new destination is proving more popular than Ibiza. Famous stars like Dua Lipa and Chloe Sims from The Only Way is Essex have all holidayed there and it’s less pricey too

While Ibiza in Spain is still the top celebrity vacation spot, leading in both celebrity visits and 20million Instagram tags, it’s not the only party destination attracting the ‘in crowd’.

A recent study by Otherworld has identified the top celebrity-approved holiday spots of 2025 based on confirmed celebrity sightings from 2023 to 2025. These destinations were ranked using Instagram hashtag counts, Google searches, number of fine dining venues, and average cost per night at a 5-star hotel.

And while the Dominican Republic came in second, you may be surprised by which destination slipped into third.

Tulum in Mexico has a spectacular coastline, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and has welcomed famous holidaymakers including Lottie Moss and Austin Butler to name just a few. It’s slightly more popular on Instagram than the Dominican Republic, with 9.4 million tags.

READ MORE: Father’s Day ideal gift as dads get FREE day of adventure this weekend

But what really sets it apart is the cost, at $251 per night – or £186 – for a five-star hotel, making it the most budget-friendly luxury spot on this list.

However, some visitors warn this magical paradise is losing its appeal because it’s becoming overrun with tourists.

Tulum attracts close to two million visitors every year – a number expected to rise sharply following the opening of Tulum International Airport.

Travel experts over at Lonely Planet still hail the destination for its ‘cobalt water’, stunning beaches, and close proximity to ancient Mayan ruins as well as the underground world of cenotes.

Often dubbed ‘the new Dubai’ by the flock of influencers flying out there to impress their fans. You can fly to Tulum, Mexico from London, Manchester and Birmingham – with most routes including a stopover in New York.

A spokesperson from Otherworld commented on the study: “Some places attract stars because they’re remote and private, others because they’re easy to post about. What’s interesting is how much that mix varies.

“You’ve got destinations where everything’s built around luxury, and others where it’s about vibe and visibility. That difference is shaping how people, celebrity or not, think about where they want to go next.”

Meanwhile, Ibiza, Spain is one of the top celebrity-approved vacation spots of 2025, with stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kendall Jenner spotted there in the last two years.

The spot has over 20million Instagram tags, and offers the most fine dining options (136). Five-star hotels average $695 a night, which is less than many other luxury destinations.

The Dominican Republic stands out for its number of luxury stays, with over 3,200 resorts and villas, more than any other place here.

It may not be as Instagram-famous as Ibiza, but it still pulls strong celebrity interest, including Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. At $359 per night, it also offers some of the lowest five-star rates.

READ MORE: Dunelm’s stylish plug-in wall light that doesn’t need an electrician has 20% discount

Golden hour in Italy’s Dolomites

After a gruelling journey from the UK, arriving at Alpe di Siusi during golden hour felt like stepping into a dream. Farmers turned hay in some of Europe’s highest alpine meadows, framed by jagged Dolomite peaks glowing in soft evening light. We can recommend staying at the Hotel Schmung, a family-run gem with delicious northern Italian food and direct access to scenic hikes. Rifugios provide great lunch stops along the trails. The peaceful setting, breathtaking views and freedom to explore on foot without needing a car make this a perfect base for the Dolomites.
Louise

Panoramic meals in eastern France

The Vosges mountains in Alsace offer relatively gentle walking with fantastic way-marking (shown on IGN maps, the French equivalent of the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps). Panoramic views punctuate the walking through a mixture of pine woods and open pastures. Most Brits seem to keep to the valleys and the beautiful villages and towns but among my highlights of the area is the opportunity to compare the fare at the various fermes auberges that are scattered over the hills. Sharing a table with French and German visitors and locals, the short menus offer food that has to be mainly grown by the farmer/owner. Glasborn-Linge in Soultzeren has a four-course hearty lunch at just €27.
Tony Eginton

Donkey trails up Corsica’s highest peak

A spectacular train ride from Corsica’s seaport of Bastia to the small mountain town of Ponte Leccia provides access to the island’s highest peak, 2,706-metre (8,878ft) Mount Cinto. It can be approached from the dramatic Asco Gorge. For hikers, a network of donkey trails reveals arresting views, river pools and lost worlds, such as the abandoned village of Sepula. There are a couple of remote campsites off the gorge. There’s a ski resort halfway up Mount Cinto where the more challenging cross-island GR20 mountain hiking path can be joined. Late spring is the most enchanting time to visit.
Didier

A perfect chalet in heavenly Montenegro

We spent a heavenly week in Gornja Brezna, Montenegro, a peaceful village 1,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by mountains and with a turquoise river canyon (the Piva) to explore. Days were warm and nights cool. We pootled about on rusty bikes, got coffee at the Etno village restaurant, befriended local dogs, went on herb walks and ran about naked in the birch woods, as well as making bigger excursions to Durmitor national park. We stayed at Nikola’s beautiful Brezan Lug chalet, in its own private woodland, with hot tub, barbecue, fire pit and all mod cons.
Beth

High campiing in northern Albania

My partner and I had a magical time in the northern Albanian mountains. From Shkodër, we made our way to the Valbona valley national park via a two-night stay on (and boat across) Lake Koman. Once in Valbona, we camped with permission on the grounds of Hotel Rilindja, where the owner offered a wealth of hiking tips. From our base, we embarked on a series of spectacular hikes, including a three-day circular to Çerem. The first two days we saw no one apart from shepherds (and a few vipers, which were given a wide berth) before hitting a slightly more travelled section, where we encountered a handful of fellow hikers. The views were breathtaking; the hospitality, affordable and welcoming; and the experience, incomparable.
Alex

Mountain cabins on Sweden’s King’s trail

The mountains and glaciers surrounding the mountain hut at Nallo in north-west Sweden were so spectacular last year that I’m returning to stay for longer in July. It’s roughly seven miles off the popular Kungsleden trail (King’s trail) that winds its way through Lapland. There’s no mobile phone reception, or food, so bring your own supplies. These can be bought at the trailheads, three days’ walk away, or at other mountain huts along the way. What you find at Nallo is a welcoming cabin with a host (£32 for a bunk bed), cozy bunk beds and peace.
Catherine

Across the solar system in Switzerland

This exhilarating four-mile stroll across our solar system starts, appropriately, at an enormous sundial next to the Observatoire François-Xavier Bagnoud at Tignousa in the Val d’Anniviers. As you walk away from the sundial, the planets are revealed sequentially in large metal sculptures, informative panels and a hand-cranked audio track. Each one appears at its proportionate distance and size from the sun, so Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and Jupiter are soon ticked off on a shallow climb. Twenty minutes later, a striking silver-ringed Saturn overlooks magnificent views of the valley and down to the Rhône a kilometre below. Uranus presages a refreshing paddle in a mountain stream, good preparation for a steeper, but manageable, 30-minute scramble to Neptune and lunch at 2,300 metres, distracted by panoramic views of the Swiss Alps from the deck of the 19th-century Hotel Weisshorn.
Bryan Conway

Rare flowers high in Italy’s Apennines

I hiked through the Maiella national park in Abruzzo, just two hours east of Rome, where marsican brown bears, Abruzzo chamois and wolves roam while griffon vultures soar above. The drought-tolerant vegetation and steep-sided valleys conceal caves that were once inhabited by hermits – it was amazing to imagine what it must have been like living there. Flowering plants galore, with rarities such as the Apennine edelweiss, Apennine gentian, Alpine aster and dryas (a glacial relic) on the high peaks. Exploring ancient pathways and clambering up rocky slopes rewarded me with far-reaching views over the Adriatic Sea.
Monique Gadella

Risqué mountain, Germany

Rather than ascend the expensive and crowded Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962 metres), during a summer visit to Garmisch-Partenkirchen we instead opted for a cable car up the magnificently named Mount Wank (1,780 metres). We were rewarded with lush mountain meadows, superb views of the valley below and peace and quiet. A cold beer on the sun terrace at the Sonnenalm restaurant is a must. If you have the energy, you can walk the well-marked trail back to the town or head down on the Wankbahn.
Travis Roberts

Winning tip: Going with the flow in Spain’s Sierra Nevada

Walking the acequias of the Alpujarras in the southern Sierra Nevada, following 1,200-year-old irrigation systems built by the Moors while the snow-capped peaks above soar to almost 3,500 metres. Acequia Baja from the forest track above Capileira, curves round into the Poqueira valley, into a basin below the three highest peaks in mainland Spain while booted eagles ride the thermals. There are views across the Mediterranean to the Rif mountains in Morocco in clear conditions, framed by the deep valleys funnelling year-round snowmelt waters down steep gorges, yet the walk along the acequia is quite easy-going given the altitude.
Jeremy

Off the lead at Gunwalloe, Cornwall

Recently, Cornwall Council lifted the season-long dog ban on many of the county’s beaches, restricting it to just July and August rather than the six months or so it had been previously. The council publishes a list of beaches, with all restrictions listed, that it’s important to check before heading out (there are still 11 beaches where dogs are banned between 10am and 6pm, and there are three protected wildlife areas where they are banned at all times). One of the best beaches, we think, is at Gunwalloe where visitors can stay at the National Trust holiday cottage right by the beach and the cafe has water bowls for dogs. Church Cove is restricted for dog owners in July and August but Dollar Cove next door is dog-friendly at all times. The coast path runs right along the beaches and takes you over to Poldhu or Porthleven, so there are plenty of options for walkies.
Layla Astley

Dog-friendly inn in the Lake District

The four-star hotel Inn on the Square (doubles from £100 B&B) in Keswick is very dog-friendly. It provides a dog spa – very useful after a lovely walk in the fells – dog beds, and tips on green spaces for dogs to do their business. Keswick is a beautiful town with fantastic pubs on gorgeous Derwentwater. The hotel charges a nightly supplement of £25 a dog. Up to two dogs can stay in your bedroom.
Dee

A castle fit for a canine in South Ayrshire

North Firbank Cottage (from £700 a week, sleeps four) in the Culzean Castle and Country Park Estate near Maybole is a delightful cottage with two sizeable secure gardens for your dog. It is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is on a short private road that leads only to a couple of rentable cottages. A few minutes’ walk in one direction is the estate’s public car park, lake, cafe and children’s adventure park, while a few minutes’ in the other is the huge sandy Maidens beach (dogs welcome all year) with views of Arran and Ailsa Craig. Included in the price are miles of footpaths in the Culzean Estate and admission to the castle (but no dogs inside).
David Gilmore

Isle of Man’s best friend

The Isle of Man has miles of lead-free walking around the sandy beaches at the top of the island. There are 18 preserved national glens all suitable for off-lead walking – with clean rivers to splash in – and several have a lovely beach at the end. Dash around Gansey Bay beach (dogs welcome all year) in the south, then sit with your well-behaved dog in the bar of the Shore Hotel overlooking the bay.
Sue

Pamper your pooch in Norfolk

East Ruston Cottages in north-east Norfolk are totally devoted to dogs, providing everything you need for you and your dog. All cottages take at least three dogs. The cottage we stayed in earlier this year had a dog shower and toys, towels, treats and even a birthday card for our border collie. It was lovely for us as well. The company will even provide dog sitters if needed.
Margaret Dennis

Bracing beach walkies on Anglesey

Ynys Môn (Anglesey) is the sort of place where you wake to gulls not traffic. We booked a cottage above Red Wharf Bay then spent each tide-out morning striding sand to Traeth Lligwy, dogs off lead (there are no dog restrictions there) and noses full of salt. Lunch meant fish and chips outside the Ship Inn where water bowls appear before menus. For rainy days there is the dog-friendly cafe at the Oriel Môn museum and arts centre or woodland walks in Newborough Forest where red squirrels flit overhead. Every evening our spaniel snored beside the log burner while we planned tomorrow’s ideal beach.
Pamela

Pooch on the loose in Pembrokeshire

Explore ancient oak woodlands and secret beaches at The Little Retreat in Lawrenny (domes sleeping four from £120 a night), Pembrokeshire. Nestled in the walled garden of a 12th-century castle, these luxury domes are fully dog-friendly and overlook the Daugleddau estuary – perfect for wild swims and kayak adventures. Nearby, stroll to hidden coves or visit Carew Castle’s dog-welcoming (on the lead) grounds. It’s a wildly peaceful escape packed with history, beauty and charm.
Rosa

Set tails wagging in the Cotswolds

We really enjoyed a visit to the De Vere at Cotswolds Water Park with our dog. Our ground floor room had doors opening out on to a wide wetland panorama and a boardwalk to pootle along with the dog. The usual extras (beds etc) are provided, you can take your dog to breakfast and use the spa. Nearby towns such as Cirencester are fantastic for dogs, and the biggest hit of all was the Cotswold Wildlife Park nearby, a superb dog-friendly (dogs must be kept on a lead) animal park and gardens.
Jenni

Beach heaven at Ballymastocker, County Donegal

We spent our childhood summers at Rita’s chalets in Portsalon in County Donegal. The accommodation was basic and cheap. There was no heating, TV or shower but they allowed Sandy, our faithful dog, to stay every year. We still go back but the accommodation, now called the Pier Apartments (from €310 for two nights, two apartments, sleep 5 each) has been massively upgraded. But some things have stayed the same. The harbour is still full of kids jumping into the sea from the pier. The views are as spectacular as ever, and dog-friendly Ballymastocker beach is still the best in the world. And Sandy has been replaced by Benji.
Keiran

Winning tip: Mull – the isle of dogs

The Isle of Mull is the most dog-friendly island I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. George the labrador was welcomed with open arms on the ferry crossing from Oban – where they even had a special dog seating area with bowls of water and treats available. All the beaches are breathtaking, and dogs can roam off-lead to their hearts’ content. We even managed to take him on the tiny foot ferry over to The Boathouse restaurant on Ulva, where he made best friends with celebrity pooch Grampa, owned by the well-known interior designer Banjo Beale.
Hywel Sedgwick

Sejong, South Korea – By the standards of South Korea’s teeming metropolises, Sejong is not much of a city.

With a population of 400,000 people, Sejong, a planned city located about 100km (62 miles) south of Seoul, does not even crack the top 20 urban centres.

But if South Korea’s likely next president has his way, Sejong could soon become the country’s “de facto” capital.

Lee Jae-myung, the overwhelming favourite in Tuesday’s presidential election, has pledged to relocate the presidential office, legislature and numerous public institutions to Sejong as part of a renewed push to establish a new administrative capital.

“I will make Sejong the de facto administrative capital and Daejeon a global science capital,” Lee said in the run-up to the election, referring to the nearby central city.

“I will also push for the complete relocation of the National Assembly and presidential office to Sejong through social consensus.”

Sejong was conceived of in 2003 by late President Roh Moo-hyun, who believed that moving the capital would achieve the twin aims of reducing congestion in Seoul and encouraging development in South Korea’s central region.

Roh’s ambitions for Sejong were dealt a setback the following year when the Constitutional Court ruled that Seoul should remain the capital.

While the prime minister’s office and about a dozen ministries have moved to Sejong over the years as part of successive governments’ decentralisation efforts, Seoul has remained not only the official capital but also the centre of political, economic and cultural life.

Greater Seoul is home to about 26 million people – half of South Korea’s population – and most of the country’s top companies, universities, hospitals and cultural institutions are clustered in the region.

On a recent Friday afternoon, Sejong’s wide streets were mostly quiet, a world away from the bustling alleyways of downtown Seoul.

At the city’s express bus station, a number of government workers were waiting on a bus to take them to the capital.

Kevin Kim, a 30-year-old civil servant, travels to Seoul for the weekend at least twice a month.

“My family, friends and girlfriend are in Seoul,” Kim, who has lived in Sejong for nearly two years, told Al Jazeera.

“I have to go to Seoul, as all the big hospitals are there.”

Lee Ho-baek, who works for a start-up in Sejong, also visits Seoul several times a month.

“There just isn’t enough infrastructure or things to do in the city for us,” he told Al Jazeera, explaining that he is not sure if he will stay much longer despite having moved to Sejong only a year ago.

After years of roadblocks to Sejong’s development, including concerns about costs and constitutional legitimacy, candidate Lee’s pledge has stirred tentative signs of growth in the city.

In April, real estate transactions increased threefold compared with the same period the previous year.

But with Sejong’s fortunes so closely tied to the changing whims of politicians, there are concerns about its long-term sustainability.

During discussions about the possible relocation of the presidential office and legislature by Lee Jae-myung’s Democratic Party in 2020, apartment prices jumped by 45 percent – only to decline in the following years.

In Sejong’s Nasung-dong, a central neighbourhood surrounded by parks, shopping centres and flashy apartments, the streets were quiet as Friday afternoon turned into evening.

M-Bridge, a highly anticipated multifunctional mall designed by global architect Thom Mayne’s firm, was largely empty.

According to the Korea Real Estate Board, Sejong has a 25 percent vacancy rate for mid- to large-sized shopping centres, the highest rate in the country.

Few draws for young people

“In our city, the weekdays are busier than the weekends,” Jace Kim, a restaurant owner who came to Sejong in 2015, told Al Jazeera.

“Most public workers who work within the city spend their time and money outside of the city limits. Our city is relatively small and newly built, so it’s ideal for mothers and children. But we don’t have any universities or major companies that will attract young people to come here.”

Moon Yoon-sang, a research fellow at the Korea Development Institute (KDI), said Washington, DC, could be a model for Sejong’s growth and development.

“If the centre of the government moves to Sejong, it’s the hope that conventions and important meetings will happen there instead of in Seoul,” Moon told Al Jazeera.

“Today, there are only two major hotels in the city, but people are expecting a monumental effect with the moving of the National Assembly.”

Park Jin, a professor at KDI’s School of Public Policy and Management, said he supports Sejong becoming the official capital.

After the 2004 Constitutional Court ruling, relocating the capital would require an amendment to the constitution, which would need to be approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly and half of voters in a referendum.

In a 2022 survey by Hankook Research, 54.9 percent of respondents said they approved of moving the capital to Sejong, but 51.7 percent disapproved of moving the National Assembly and the president’s office out of Seoul.

“As all of the country’s talent pool and key infrastructure are staying within Seoul, the country needs to invest in developing our other major cities,” Park told Al Jazeera.

“For Sejong, this means combining with neighbouring Daejeon to become the nation’s centre for administration and research.”

Park believes that the country’s five major cities outside the greater Seoul area should have at least 4 million residents to maintain healthy urbanisation.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, has 3.26 million people. Last year, the Korea Employment Information Service officially categorised Busan as being at risk of extinction due to record-low birth rates and a declining young workforce.

Population declines in regional parts of the country have been further exacerbated by internal migration to Seoul. More than 418,000 people moved to the capital region last year.

Sejong has a goal of reaching 800,000 residents by 2040, roughly double its current population.

“Today, many people won’t think about moving to Sejong. In an age where it’s expected for both members of married couples to be working, it’s very difficult for both members to find jobs outside of Seoul,” Moon said.

“Maybe in the next 10 years, we might see differences in how people view Sejong.”

Park said developing a city from scratch is not a short-term project.

“But with the relocation of the capital, we can expect some real changes to happen,” he said.

Thousands of hotel, bar and restaurant staff are planning industrial action in the Balearics. The UGT union says there will be a mass walkout on June 6 followed by several days of strike action in July, the height of the busy tourist season

Chaos is due to befall hotels Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca as workers prepare to strike.

The holiday islands could face significant disruption in June and July as thousands of hospitality workers plan further strike action. Unless a last-minute agreement is reached, a mass walk-out is planned for June 6, followed by several days of strikes in July, during the height of the tourist season.

The UGT workers’ union has warned strikes are nearing as no progress is being made regarding their demands for improved pay and conditions. The union warns the industrial actions will greatly affect holidaymakers and urges hotels to do everything possible to prevent it.

“If we don’t see the possibility of an agreement in principle, we will call a strike lasting several days,” declared the general secretary of its Services federation on the islands. The union has made it clear that their goal is to exert maximum impact on tourists.

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At the same time, overtourism protests are due to break out across major resort cities. They include plans to occupy beaches and super-glue apartment locks.

Protests are set to take place in Platja de Palma and Palmanova-Magaluf. The UGT, the largest union in the sector, is playing a key role in negotiating the Collective Agreement of the Balearic hotel industry.

A strike involving thousands of hotel workers, including restaurant and bar staff and cleaners, already took place on May 1. On June 6, the first of the new protests will occur outside the headquarters of the Mallorca hotel federation.

Demonstrations are scheduled for the end of June in Platja de Palma and Palmanova-Magaluf, with the peak planned for July, featuring several days of strikes over alternate weeks.

On June 6, a protest is planned for 10am at the UGT office in Palma. Following the update on negotiation progress, attendees will hold a midday rally outside the Mallorcan Hotel Federation building.

Another demonstration is set to take place at Platja de Palma at the end of next month, with a worker’s march culminating in a rally in front of the local hotel association headquarters. A similar protest will target the Palmanova-Magaluf area, highlighting the workers’ unrest in key tourist hubs around the Bay of Palma.

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The unions are fighting for adequate housing and addressing issues such as tourist overpopulation without life quality improvements for workers, increased job demands, salaries not matching living costs, and pay inequality for identical work.

The union wants wages to rise by 19 per cent across the three years to 2027, while the offer from employers flags at 8.5 percent.

In other recent protest news, the CEO of Jet2 Steve Heapy expressed fears that tourist levies could rise in response to overtourism protests in Spain, which have been rumbling on for years and are due to disrupt key destinations this summer. The CEO told a roundtable event at the Spanish embassy in London that he opposed tourist taxes, but feared rises would prove “irresistible”.

Aimee Lou Wood has named a critically acclaimed film that is currently available to stream for free in the UK

Aimee Lou Wood has revealed one of her top film picks that UK viewers can stream for free.

The much-admired film is presently available on Channel 4 and promises to touch your heart in just a little over an hour.

The cherished British actress, known for her roles in The White Lotus and Sex Education, recently popped into the Criterion Closet to chat about some of her most treasured films.

She highlighted Céline Sciamma’s touching work on the themes of youth and bereavement, Petite Maman, labelling it as a ‘heartbreaking’ film that’s a must-see.

With the film’s critical praise and its brief runtime of 70 minutes, available at no cost on Channel 4, it’s easy to fit into your viewing schedule before it disappears from the service, reports the Express.

While discussing her top picks, Wood acknowledged Thelma and Louise, accessible on Prime Video in the UK, and Petite Maman as two standout movies.

Speaking about the celebrated French creation from 2021, she referred to it as “the sweetest, most haunting, beautiful film and it just tears me apart.

“It’s just mums, mums. Anything about mums gets me right in the ticker. I love my mum, I’ve got her name tattooed on my arm.

“And I also love [Sciamma’s] Portrait of a Lady on Fire, so I love all of her movies, so she’s just one of my faves.”

For those needing more persuasion, cinephiles have shared glowing five-star feedback supporting Wood’s enthusiasm for Petite Maman.

One enthusiast exclaimed over the motion picture, celebrating it as “A beautiful, tender hug of a film.

“And refreshing to have a film mainly from a child’s point of view. The child actors were wonderful. As was the pace of the film. Perfection.”

Another fan commented: “Mysterious, enchanting and very unusual. It draws you into their world and makes you ask questions. Very poignant. I wanted more!”

Meanwhile, a fan on Letterboxd raved: “What Céline Sciamma achieves in a mere 72 minutes is dumbfounding.”

They added: “A moving and tender portrait of familial relationships told through a fantastical but still grounded lens of time travel. My heart is full and I wept as the credits rolled. Sciamma is truly a master of the craft.

“I hope every living soul gets a chance to watch this.”

These glowing reviews make Petite Maman a must-watch for the week.

Petite Maman is available to stream on Channel 4.

It’s not the summer destination you’d expect from the head of the Catholic Church, but Pope Leo XIV’s friend has revealed his favourite summer destination

Surfing, beaches, camping and long road trips – not your typical summer for the man leading a billion Catholics. But for Pope Leo XIV, that lifestyle feels like a second home.

While Rome is now where he lives, it was in Australia where he truly enjoyed spending his down time. The 79-year-old has visited Australia many times and is said to have fallen in love with its lifestyle – its beach culture, vast roads and famous laidback spirit.

A close friend revealed it wasn’t just the beaches he fell in love during his trips, but he genuinely connected with the country’s pace and spirit. Father Banks, originally from Melbourne is a close friend of Pope Leo XIV revealed he visited the country many times and “loved the beaches”.

Banks has lived in Rome for the past 12 years and has witnessed how the Pope’s bond with Australia has grown stronger over time. “He felt very much at home in Australia, as a second home,” he added. “He enjoyed being in our company.”

But it wasn’t only the sun that he enjoyed, Pope Leo also saw the beauty in the country’s scale and silence. “He enjoyed driving from Brisbane to Sydney,” Father Banks said. It was the “the loneliness of the distances” that he was really drawn to.

However his connection with Australia was deeper than holidays. He once visited during World Youth Day – a Catholic gathering, typically held every few years. In 2008, it was hosted in Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.

Over that time, he also stopped at St Augustine’s College in Brookvale and met students and staff in a warm, down to earth exchange. “He has many great memories of Australia,” his friend added.

Australia is known for the relaxed atmosphere, surf scene and beautiful nature, which may seem a world away from the Vatican, but it seems the contrast is exactly why the new Pope loved it.

The country offered something he often didn’t find elsewhere, a place to slow down and just be – enjoying the outdoors and easygoing attitude. Whether it was the freedom of an open road or the casual warmth of a location conversation, Australia gave Pope Leo something beyond a holiday – it gave him a feeling of home, according to Father Banks.

Pope Leo was appointed last week and as he steps into one of the most powerful spiritual roles in the world, the memories he made in Australia will undoubtedly stay with him.

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Broadly speaking, Norfolk is perfect for sailing

Hunter’s Yard in Ludham, Norfolk looks after a fleet of 1930s cabin yachts and day boats, some now with electric motors. Beautifully maintained and easy to sail, they provide a restful, beautiful holiday. I used to go on organised cruises in spring and summer as a teenager, then skippered boats for young people on the same cruises. Away from the obvious and popular spots, the Norfolk Broads remain wild and full of birds and animals. Go to your bunk early, with the sound of water, ducks and rigging. Get up early and sail past the sleeping gin palaces. Moor up early near a pub for your evening drinks. Hunters Yard staff are friendly and happy to advise; I’ll never forget the smell of wood and varnish in their workshops.
Rupert

Inspired to poetry by the Cheshire Ring

It was while cruising the Cheshire Ring on a narrowboat that I started to write poetry. Why? I had never seen such glorious, contrasting scenery in England from this angle before – from old mills and factories casting their shadows on the water, to gliding through verdant countryside watching wildlife, to hearing the hustle and bustle of street-life above the canal in Manchester city centre. The circular route is 97 miles long, incorporates six different canals and takes up to two weeks to complete. And, who knows, by the end you too may be writing poetry.
Graham Lilley

On the Elbe from Dresden to Saxon Switzerland

Catch the paddle steamer from Dresden, nicknamed Florence on the Elbe, to Bad Schandau (about €30 for adults) in Saxon Switzerland with its rock formations, views and its walking. The passing steamers welcome each other with a blast from their funnels, startling the somnambulant day trippers. As we wound our way through the river’s bends during the six-hour voyage we passed beautiful villages and regal palaces and sometimes were accompanied by birds in flight such as herons. The waiters ensured a steady flow of refreshment including pilsners and wurst.
Dave Henry

An idyllic escape on the River Wye, Herefordshire

Canoeing down the River Wye makes for an idyllic escape. Many companies offer trips ranging from half a day to four days, suitable for all levels of enthusiasm and ability. We chose the scenic stretch from Hoarwithy to Symonds Yat, camping overnight at picturesque Ross-on-Wye. The river is ideal for novice canoeists – it’s calm throughout, surrounded by constant, stunning scenery. Drift along, stop for a picnic and immerse yourself in nature. A perfect summer adventure – just remember, canoes don’t offer much shelter from the elements.
Harry Crane

No locks but plenty of joy on the Lancaster canal

My two boys and I had a four-day break on the Lancaster canal, where you don’t encounter locks for the entire 41 miles. It was an absolute joy; the boys enjoyed it and didn’t look at their phones once. Even in the rain it was great fun. We hired our boat from Bluebell Narrowboat.
Tony

Sun rays and vineyards in Portugal

My 12-hour, €70 river cruise along the Douro River last autumn was a beautiful way to embrace the benefits of slow travel and enjoy the subtle, soulful vibe of the colours and atmosphere of Portugal. We chugged out of Porto and were soon sliding past rolling green vineyards, tinged with yellow and gold as the September sun cast its rays and magical shadows on deck. Sitting there watching the sun set over the hills and valleys as we glided along felt surreal. The village of Pinhão was a delight, with the grape harvest drawing a lively crowd for festivities.
Yasmin

Seabirds on the cliffs of East Yorkshire

Forget the blue lagoons and glass-bottom boats beloved of Mediterranean tourist resorts and step on board the Yorkshire Belle (adults from £25) at Bridlington. This historic boat will take you out around the craggy bulk of Flamborough Head to the vertiginous cliffs at Bempton for a puffin’s eye view of one of the largest sea bird colonies in the UK. The sounds and the smell will hit you first before the boat takes you within touching distance of the cliffs where during the nesting season you will see thousands of gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes and of course puffins, wheeling and diving above and below the water. Back on terra firma a short distance north of the town you can see the birds from a viewing area on the grassland above the cliffs where you may spot the burrows housing the puffin chicks.
John

Birders’ delight in the Scottish Highlands

I recently enjoyed a superb cruise on Loch Shiel near Fort William, the fourth longest in Scotland and one without a road running along it. The cruise offers beautiful scenery but for birders it’s extraordinary, with a good chance of seeing white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, black throated divers and more. A variety of cruises by Highland Cruises on the MV Sileas are offered, from about 90 minutes long to a full day, and cost from about £25, but consult the timetable to find one that suits you.
Pete Dale

From Italy to Switzerland across Lake Lugano

Last year, while travelling around northern Italy, I took the advice of a waiter in Milan and headed out to the pretty lakeside village of Porto Ceresio and waited for the public boat to Lugano in Switzerland. From the open-air deck of the gleaming white boat we could see pine-clad hills and snow-topped Alpine peaks soaring up in the distance. The journey took just over an hour. There was enough time to explore the town and have a swim in the clean energising lakeside waters before returning. This was also brilliant in the early evening light.
Nick

Winning tip: kingfishers and vines in western France

We hired a cottage in the Marais Poitevin (known as the Green Venice), which is partly in the Vendée between La Rochelle and Niort, which came with its own large canoe. Rather than exploring the wider area as planned, we spent almost the entire week paddling up and down the marsh’s canal network with its lush, green backwaters full of kingfishers and, in places, with vines laden with grapes hanging down to the boat.
Jo Baker

DAVE ALLEN has lived several lives, from supply school teacher to gambling addict and now, thankfully, a beloved boxing star.

Allen started as an amateur aged 16 and had just ten bouts before turning professional in 2012 – snubbing the chance to join the GB Squad.

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He was 20 when he made his debut but only three years later Allen had only fought seven times and was in need of cash.

The heavyweight made ends meet as a sparring partner – earning around £500 a week – but it was not enough.

So he got a job as a supply teacher – lying on his CV to get the gig – before returning to the ring in 2015.

But by then, Allen was gripped by a horrific gambling addiction which started after making a £1 bet on the horses with his dad when he was just eight.

And after being introduced to online betting, the boxer’s life began to spiral.

He bravely said on ex-middleweight champion Darren Barker’s podcast: “It just snowballed really.

“I used to go to the bookies and play on the machines there, they were great times.

“But the online stuff is where it got bad for me because it was so easy, it was numbers on the screen.

“Probably at the worst? It’s difficult to say really. I wasn’t gambling that much in my early 20s, but I was gambling everything that I had.

“As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.”

Allen – who has sparred Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk – said winning the bets was the route of his addiction not the cash.

He explained: “I have no interest in the money at all.

“The kind of gambler I am, it’s not about the money for me. When the money runs out, that’s the only issue.

“I never wanted to withdraw any money, I just wanted to keep winning. To be honest, at that time it was like an escapism from real life.”

Allen revealed his routine consisted of going to bed at 6am and waking up by 2pm to catch the first race of the day.

Fortunately, Allen has overcome his addiction with the help of his sister and wife, who he shares a son and daughter with.

As I got a bit older, I was gambling way more, tens of thousands of pounds. Maybe into hundreds of thousands overall.

Dave Allen

He said: “Since I was 26, I’ve not been in control of my own money.

“So at 26, I said to my sister, ‘You’re going to have to look after my money, to be honest.’

“My sister set me up a bank account and for the last seven and a half years if I want any money at all, I have to text my sister and now my missus, I get a card and they send me money.

“Because, if I could still gamble now, I think I would. I’ve spent mad money on mad s***, I was spending ridiculous money and when I boxed Luis Ortiz, I did it for the money, really.

“I think I owed a few quid at the time of the Dillian Whyte fight, I think I lost about eight grand on the day of the fight, I didn’t clear too much more than that really.”

Allen has also become a trainer and manager to young fighters to also keep himself on track.

He said: “I need it as much as them, start training the kids seven or eight years ago and that’s my sustainability really.

‘He’ll get knocked out’

“It’s really kept me on the straight and narrow.”

Allen initially retired from boxing in 2020 aged 28 after a brutal knockout loss to 2008 Olympic bronze medallist David Price.

But he returned a year later and has fought eight times since, remaining a hugely popular figure amongst British fans.

Allen, 33, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to Johnny Fisher, 26, in Saudi Arabia last December.

But the pair now rematch on Saturday at Fisher’s adopted home of the Copper Box Arena.

And Allen – who dropped Fisher in round five – warned: “If he fights me May 17th he’ll get knocked out because I’ll be sharper, a little bit fitter.

“If he boxes me it will be hard work, of course it is. But I don’t think at the Copper Box he’ll hold it together and box.

“He’ll get in a fight at some point. I’m not the biggest puncher but I hit too hard for him and I’m too strong for him. He’s tough, though.”

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