You can save up to £400 on a holiday in the sale(Image: Getty Images)
It’s never too early to start planning your 2026 getaway and it might be the best time yet as Jet2 has launched a huge sale, offering up to £400 off on all holidays. In a bid to help holidaymakers secure their getaway for next year, Jet2holidays has launched a sale just in time for Christmas. The UK’s biggest tour operator is offering travellers £100 off per person on all holidays, and a generous 20% discount on all Jet2.com flights, including one-way journeys.
This means a family of four could save a hefty £400 on a holiday to Spain or Italy, even during the school holidays. Additionally, hundreds of hotels and resorts offer free stays for children, providing the chance for even further savings.
But it’s not just families who can benefit. Couples booking a getaway with Jet2holidays during the sale can also enjoy a £200 discount on trips to destinations such as Greece or Cyprus.
The sale applies to all holidays, across all seasons booked through Jet2holidays, Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays, Indulgent Escapes and Jet2Villas. There are a bundle of holiday options available to suit everyone, from private villas nestled in Majorca near the Mediterranean coast, to an all-inclusive resort in Egypt with excursions to the sprawling desert.
However, there’s more. Holiday-goers can also secure their 2026 summer holiday for a low deposit of £25 per person.
Jet2 flies to more than 75 destinations across Europe from 14 UK airports so there’s a destination to suit everyone. However, if you’re hoping to take advantage of these savings you don’t have long as the sale runs until Monday, January 12, 2026.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Nothing beats the joy of booking a holiday and we are spreading that joy far and wide through the launch of this fantastic sale, making it easier for customers to getaway for less.
“Launched in time for the busy holiday booking season, Jet2 is offering holidaymakers fantastic savings on their holidays and flights, and we know that this, alongside our industry-leading customer service, will be a huge hit.
“With so much value and choice available, we look forward to welcoming even more new and existing customers, whilst showcasing what makes us the UK’s favourite tour operator and airline.”
For more information or to book your next getaway, you can visit the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays websites.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
EASYJET is launching new flights to a sunny island loved by partygoers.
Ibiza is known for having a vibrant nightlife and sprawling, sandy beaches.
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easyJet is launching a new flight route to IbizaCredit: AFP
And from summer 2026, it will have new easyJet flights from London Southend Airport.
The first flight between London Southend Airport and Ibiza will take off on April 26, with there being twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays from then on.
Seats and holiday packages for the route are already on sale, with one-way flights as low as £34 per person.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager, said: “With this latest route and packages to Ibiza now available to book from London Southend Airport for next summer, we’re continuing to provide our customers across the region with even more choice and access to Europe’s most loved destinations at fantastic fares, and we can’t wait to welcome more customers on board next summer.”
London Southend Airport business development director, Nigel Mayes said: “Ibiza is a firm favourite within our 8.2 million catchment – it caters to party-goers, culture enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike – so to be able to share this news now really does feel like an early Christmas present.”
Recently, Ibiza managed to secure the top three spots on the International Nightlife Association’s list for the best 100 clubs.
First place went to UNVRS, which is the world’s first-ever hyperclub.
The club only opened earlier this year and travel writer Katy Hastings went to check it out.
She said: “I joined thousands of revellers on opening night, which saw Carl Cox‘s return to Ibiza for a 14-week residency at UNVRS – his first on the island since Space closed in 2016.
“And it is MASSIVE. The club is so huge that you can easily lose your bearings in the underground network of corridors and dance rooms – helpfully, there is free Wi-Fi in case you lose your mates in the maze.
“But it is very, very slick. The main room is where all the magic happens, with a sound system that is crisper and clearer than any other on the island.
“Aerial acrobats perform high above the VIP balconies and main dance floor, where the Privilege swimmingpool has been consigned to history.
“The immersive lighting was next level too, as the lights come towards you, instead of just vertically, making you feel almost connected to the stage and helps to overcome the feeling of so many people in one room together.
“The best bit was at dawn, when the screens behind the DJ decks turned off to reveal 12-metre cathedral-like windows showing off the spectacular sunrise over the island – well worth hanging on for, given the club stays open to 6am each night.
“And the famous Privilege dome? That’s been kept intact, and now houses a huge sculpture called the Tree of Life.”
In the middle of the club UNVRS, there is a ‘Tree of Life’Credit: Louis Wood
Before opening as UNVRS, the building used to belong to another club called Privilege which could hold up to 10,000 people.
Second place also went to a spot in Ibiza, called Hï Ibiza, which was named the world’s best club by DJ Magazine last year.
Hï Ibiza features a number of different rooms, with luxury bars and outdoor terraces.
And then third place went to Ushuaïa, which is also in Ibiza.
The club is outdoors and located in a hotel grounds, with many events also involving light shows.
All three of the clubs have been created by The Night League, so across the clubs there are similar features including a mininightclub in the toilets.
The other two spots in the top three also went to venues in IbizaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
In addition to the vibrant nightlife, Ibiza has a number of beaches and coves to explore, such as Cala Salada, which is a spot with a number of caves and crystal-clear water.
Alternatively, head to Cala Comte, which is often regarded as the best spot in Ibiza to watch the sunset.
Ibiza is also home to a number of markets, such as Punta Arabi Hippy Market and Las Dalias, with stalls selling local crafts, unique clothing and souvenirs.
Of course, there are a number of places to go hiking too, such as Parc Natural de ses Salines, which is a natural reserve with salt flats, flamingos and Las Salinas beach.
And if you fancy a day trip, you can catch the ferry to Ibiza’s sister island, known as Formentera, with Caribbean-like white sand beaches.
The top 20 best nightclubs in the world
THESE are the top 20 best nightclubs in the world, according to the World’s 100 Best Clubs 2025.
WE all know Wowcher is good for offers, but did you know you could go on holiday for just £89 and it is all-inclusive?
Holidays really can add up – by the time you book flights, airport transfers, and accommodation, you may have already spent hundreds.
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You could head to Tunisia for two nights for £89 and it’s all-inclusiveCredit: WowcherThe hotel features two outdoor pools and direct beach accessCredit: Wowcher
Then add in the costs when you are there, like eating and seeing paid-for attractions.
Often, holidays aren’t cheap.
But this is what makes all-inclusive so appealing, as it takes away that stress.
And Wowcher now has deals as cheap as £89 for an all-inclusive break away.
There are a number of souks as well, such as Sousse Medina Souk.
One recent visitor said: “Needs at least a couple of hours to soak up the atmosphere and wander.
“I love wandering around a souk. This one is easy to navigate and not overlarge.
“Also very pretty in parts as this is a very ancient medina area, where people have been trading and living since ancient times.”
History lovers should head to the Ribat of Sousse, a small fort that was built in the eighth century and has a tower boasting panoramic views.
Or head to the Sousse Archaeological Museum where there are mosaics to exploreCredit: Getty
Or head to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, where you can explore a collection of mosaics and statues, as well as sit in a pretty courtyard.
There is one date left in January, from January 18 to 20.
But there are several dates still available in February, including February 1 to 3, 8 to 10, 23 to 25 and 25 to 27.
Or for £99, you could head off on February 24 for two nights.
Prices then rise from March onwards.
Alternatively, you could head to Majorca for two nights for £99 all-inclusiveCredit: Wowcher
Alternatively, you could head to Majorca in Spain, staying at the Bluesea Mediodia for £99 for two nights.
The hotel includes meals, snacks and unlimited drinks and your flights will be from either London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or Edinburgh.
At the hotel, there is a swimming pool, restaurants and beach access.
One recent guest said: “Considering the price and the services offered, I was very satisfied!
“The hotel is in an excellent location, very close to the beach. The food is varied and can satisfy both those with simple tastes and those who are more demanding.
“The rooms have air conditioning, which is a great plus during hot days.”
The hotel is located just 16 minutes from PalmaCredit: Wowcher
The hotel is just a 16-minute drive from Palma, so is a great spot for exploring the city, but also soaking up sunshine on the coast.
Dates available for the £99 offer include January 19 to 21, and the 26 to 28.
Or if you travelled in February, you could go on the 4 to 6, 23 to 25 or 25 to 27.
JUST a few months after Ryanair stopped flying to a much-loved city in France, it has announced that it will in fact return next summer.
It was one of the destinations axed in Ryanair’s ongoing seat-cutting drive, due to increasing air tax in certain countries.
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Ryanair will return to this pretty French city just months after stopping its winter routeCredit: AlamyThe budget airline has been battling rising air tax in particular countriesCredit: Alamy
Bergerac is a commune in the Dordogne region in the southwest of France, known for its old town and riverside cafe and outdoor markets.
While it’s a popular winter destination, Bergerac is a great place to go in summer as it gets highs of 30C in July and August.
Other popular summer activities include wine tasting at local vineyards and visiting nearby châteaus.
Popular sites in the city include the Statue of Cyrano de Bergerac in a small square which is surrounded by restaurants.
Other visitors explore Place de la Myrpe a neighbourhood which one person described as ‘Bergerac’s ancient heart’ with old brick and timber-lined buildings.
And the Eglise Notre-Dame is what visitors call ‘a beautiful church’ in the city centre.
Bergerac Airport feared it might close after Ryanair’s initial announcementCredit: AlamyBergerac has plenty of al fresco dining options during the summertimeCredit: Alamy
Following the announcement that Ryanair would be pulling out of Bergerac back in July of this year, the airport in Bergerac announced that it may be forced to close.
The airline added: “In response to this government tax, Ryanair will cease operations to Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg, and reduce capacity at several other French airports.”
Rising airport tariffs were cited for the cancellations, with Michael O’Leary claiming he would “fly elsewhere […] if the costs in regional Spain are too high”.
He added: “We are better off flying at the same cost to places such as Palma [on the island of Majorca] than flying to Jerez.”
French airports Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg have also lost their Ryanair flights while airports in Germany including Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig will not open for winter.
A POPULAR Spanish beach city is set to get new flights from the UK.
Valencia is known for its vibrant culture and being the birthplace of paella, and soon the city will get new Wizz Air flights from London Gatwick Airport.
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Valencia in Spain, is only three hours from the UK and will soon get new flightsCredit: Alamy
The new flights will be daily and launch on March 29, next year.
Return flights will cost from £40 per person.
Wizz Air also recently announced that there will be a route between London Luton Airport and Valencia, starting in March next year as well.
It takes just under three hours to get to Valencia, which experiences high temperatures of 17C during the winter months and 300 days of sunshine a year.
The city features a charming old town – also known as Ciutat Vella – home to Gothic architecture including the cathedral where you can climb the bell tower and the Silk Exchange – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For history lovers, there is also St. Nicholas Church, which is often dubbed as Valencia’s ‘Sistine Chapel’ due to its Baroque frescoes.
Visitors note the ornate ceilings inside and the light show that takes place, called ‘The Light of Saint Nicholas’, which highlights the numerous Baroque frescoes.
It costs €15 (£13.15) per person to visit.
Head to El Carmen too, to see medieval walls and experience a vibrant nightlife.
Of course, there are pretty beaches too, such as beaches Malvarrosa, which is the best-known beach in the city and has lots of deck chairs for hire, kiosks selling drinks and inviting waters.
For a bite to eat, make sure to visit Mercado Central, which is Europe‘s largest fresh produce market.
Visitors can pick up a variety of produce or grab a takeaway, including fresh oysters and raw shrimp with lemon juice and chilli.
One recent visitor said: “Everything was fresh and very tasty.
“We did a little shopping for vegetables and meats and drank Aqua di Valencia at two different stands, before finishing with empanadas and a roll with jamon and queso.
“The market itself is very large, with interesting architecture both inside and outside.”
The city features sprawling beaches, fascinating architecture and a large food marketCredit: Alamy
Other top foodie destinations in the city include Fum De Llum, where diners can try the tasting menu for €28 (£24.53) with citrus-marinated tuna tartare, Iberian pork shoulder and a number of homemade desserts.
One visitor said: “As I walked in, I was instantly greeted by a delicious aroma that filled the air, creating a wonderful atmosphere for my experience.
“The generous portions only enhanced my enjoyment, and it was clear that the ingredients were fresh.
“Each bite was packed with authentic flavours that transported me to a special place.
“I left feeling thoroughly satisfied and pleased with my choice, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to indulge in such a delightful meal.”
And if you happen to be in the city on March 19, you’ll get to see Las Fallas – a festival where giant cardboard sculptures are burned.
In 2026, Las Fallas will celebrate its 10th anniversary and will last 19 days.
If you happen to be in the city in March, you can head to the festival of Las FallasCredit: Alamy
The festival dates back to the 18th century when carpenters used to burn pieces of wood.
Next year, the city will also be hosting Gay Games from June 27 to July 4.
In total, there will be more than 3,000 people involved in the games across 37 events.
And later in 2026, the Sorolla Museum at the Palace of Communications will open.
The new museum will feature more than 220 works by the famous Valencia painter, Joaquin Sorolla.
There are also hotels for all budgets, including the adults-only Axel Hotel Valencia, which has city views and a spa and costs from £106 per night.
Alternatively, you could stay at the Vincci Mercat, which is less than 100 metres from Mercado Central, from £125 a night.
What’s Valencia liek to visit?
THE Sun’s deputy travel editor Kara Godfrey visited Valencia – here’s what she thought…
Valencia was named the best city in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler – and I was lucky enough to have visited.
My favourite attraction that I think is unmissable is the City of Arts and Science.
The huge complex – costing £760million and taking a decade – is home to a number of different structures to explore.
Film fans will recognise it, featuring in both Westworld and Doctor Who.
There’s the Science Museum, with enough interactive experiences for kids to enjoy.
But for adults there is the Opera House with live musical performances and shows.
Outside of the complex, the city is beautiful enough by itself.
Many of the huge Art Deco buildings make the streets feel like a film set,complete with vintage street lights.
There is El Cabanyal, a trendy district named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by The Guardian.
I stayed at the Valencia Oceanic by Melia. It was simple, but had its own pool and was a short walk to everything you need.
Epstein took dozens more flights to the UK than were previously known
Almost 90 flights linked to Jeffrey Epstein arrived at and departed from UK airports, some with British women on board who say they were abused by the billionaire, a BBC investigation has found.
We have established that three British women who were allegedly trafficked appear in Epstein’s records of flights in and out of the UK and other documents related to the convicted sex offender.
US lawyers representing hundreds of Epstein victims told the BBC it was “shocking” that there has never been a “full-scale UK investigation” into his activities on the other side of the Atlantic.
The UK was one of the “centrepieces” of Epstein’s operations, one said.
Testimony from one of these British victims helped convict Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell of child sex-trafficking in the US in 2021. But the victim has never been contacted by UK police, her Florida-based lawyer Brad Edwards told the BBC.
The woman, given the name Kate in the trial, was listed as having been on more than 10 flights paid for by Epstein in and out of the UK between 1999 and 2006.
The BBC is not publishing further details about the women in the documents because of the risk this might identify them.
US lawyer Sigrid McCawley said the British authorities have “not taken a closer look at those flights, at where he was at, who he was seeing at those moments, and who was with him on those planes, and conducted a full investigation”.
US Attorney’s Office SDNY
More information has emerged about Epstein, pictured here with Maxwell, and his UK links
Under the Jeffrey Epstein Transparency Act, the deadline to release all US government files on the sex-offender financier is Friday.
But the flight logs were among thousands of documents from court cases and Epstein’s estate which have been already made public over the past year, revealing more about his time in the UK, such as trips to royal residences.
The BBC examined these documents as part of an investigation trying to piece together Epstein’s activities in the UK.
It revealed that:
The incomplete flight logs and manifests record 87 flights linked to Epstein – dozens more than were previously known – arriving or departing from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018
Unidentified “females” were listed among the passengers travelling into and out of the UK in the logs
Fifteen of the UK flights took place after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor, which should have raised questions from immigration officials
Although Epstein died in jail in 2019, before his trial on charges of trafficking minors for sex, legal experts have told the BBC a UK investigation could reveal whether British-based people enabled his crimes.
Two months ago the BBC sent the Metropolitan Police, which has previously examined allegations about Epstein’s activities in Britain, publicly available information about the UK flights with suspected trafficking victims on board.
Later, we sent the Met a detailed list of questions about whether it would investigate evidence of possible British victims of Epstein trafficked in and out of the UK.
The Met did not respond to our questions. On Saturday, it released a broader statement saying that it had “not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation” into Epstein and Maxwell’s trafficking activities in the UK.
“Should new and relevant information be brought to our attention”, including any resulting from the release of material in the US, “we will assess it”, the Met said.
Sigrid McCawley, who represents hundreds of Epstein victims, criticised the Met for declining to investigate
US lawyer Brad Edwards, who has been representing Epstein victims since 2008, told us “three or four” of his clients are British women “who were abused on British soil both by Jeffrey Epstein and others”.
Other victims were recruited in the UK, trafficked to the United States and abused there, he said.
Mr Edwards said he is also representing women of other nationalities who say they were trafficked to the UK for abuse by Epstein and others.
Our analysis shows Epstein used commercial and chartered flights, as well as his private planes, to travel to the UK and to arrange transport for others, including alleged trafficking victims.
More than 50 of the flights involved his private jets, mostly flying to and from Luton Airport, with several flights at Birmingham International Airport, and one arrival and departure each at RAF Marham in west Norfolk and at Edinburgh Airport.
Limited records of commercial and chartered flights taken by Epstein, or paid for by him, show dozens more journeys, mainly via London Heathrow, but also Stansted and Gatwick.
In a number of the logs of Epstein’s private planes, including some detailing trips to the UK, women on the flight are identified only as unnamed “females”.
“He’s absolutely choosing airports where he feels it will be easier for him to get in and out with victims that he’s trafficking,” said Ms McCawley.
Private aircraft did not have to provide passenger details to UK authorities before departure in the same way as commercial aircraft during the period covered by the documents we examined. The Home Office told us they were “not subject to the same centralised record-keeping”.
That loophole was only closed in April last year.
Kate, the British woman who testified against Maxwell, was on some of the commercial flights in the records we examined. She described in court that she had been 17 when Maxwell befriended her and introduced her to Epstein – who then sexually abused her at Maxwell’s central London home.
In the 2021 trial, she described how Maxwell gave her a schoolgirl outfit to wear and asked her to find other girls for Epstein. As well as the dozen flights to and from the UK, Kate told the court she had been flown to Epstein’s island in the US Virgin Islands, New York and Palm Beach in Florida, where she says the abuse continued into her 30s.
Reuters
Kate, pictured on the right with her face blurred, testified at Maxwell’s trial
Mr Edwards, her lawyer, told BBC News that even after that testimony, Kate has “never been asked” by any UK authorities any questions about her experience – “not even a phone call”.
He said that if British police were to launch an investigation into Epstein’s activities and his enablers, Kate would be happy to help.
Prof Bridgette Carr, a human-trafficking expert at the University of Michigan Law School, said trafficking cases usually require many people working together.
“It’s never just one bad person,” she said. “You don’t think about the accountant and the lawyer and the banker – or all the bankers – and all these people that had to implicitly, and sometimes explicitly, be OK with what was happening for it to continue.”
There are also questions about how Epstein was able to travel freely to the UK after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for sex, which meant he had to register as a sex offender in Florida, New York and the US Virgin Islands.
Epstein was released from prison in 2009 after serving 13 months. Documents suggest Epstein took a Virgin Atlantic flight from the US to London Heathrow in September 2010, just two months after he completed his probation on house arrest.
Home Office rules at the time said foreign nationals who received a prison sentence of 12 months or more should, in most cases, have been refused entry.
But immigration lawyer Miglena Ilieva, managing partner at ILEX Law Group, told us that US citizens did not usually require a UK visa for short stays, so there was no application process where they would be asked about criminal convictions.
“It was very much at the discretion of the individual immigration officer who would receive this person at the border,” she said.
The Home Office said it does not hold immigration and visa records beyond 10 years and added “it is longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases”.
During the 1980s, Epstein also used a foreign passport – issued in Austria with his picture and a false name – to enter the UK as well as France, Spain and Saudi Arabia, according to US authorities.
Epstein also listed London as his place of residence in 1985, when he applied for a replacement passport, ABC News has previously reported.
Brad Edwards says his British client Kate has never been contacted by UK police
In its statement on Saturday, the Met said it had contacted “several other potential victims” when it examined 2015 allegations by Virginia Giuffre that she had been trafficked for sexual exploitation by Epstein and Maxwell.
Ms Giuffre also said she was forced to have sex with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on three occasions, including when she was 17 at Maxwell’s home in London, in 2001. The former prince has consistently denied the allegations against him.
The Met said its examination of Ms Giuffre’s claims “did not result in any allegation of criminal conduct against any UK-based nationals” and it concluded that “other international authorities were best placed to progress these allegations”.
That decision was reviewed in August 2019 and again in 2021 and 2022 with the same result, it said.
But for lawyer Sigrid McCawley, the message the Met is sending to victims is “that if you come to law enforcement and this is a powerful person you’re reporting on… it will not get investigated.”
Dec. 15 (UPI) — Trinidad and Tobago announced Monday that it will open up its airport to U.S. military flights as tensions escalate between the United States and Venezuela.
The country’s foreign ministry announced it has “granted approvals” to military jets to use its airports, adding that the United States said the flights would be “logistical in nature, facilitating supply replenishment and routing personnel rotations.”
“The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs maintains close engagement with the United States Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago,” an announcement from Trinidad and Tobago said.
“The honorable prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has affirmed the government’s commitment to cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region. We welcome the continued support of the United States.”
At its closest point, Trinidad is just 7 miles from Venezuela.
The country allowed the USS Graverly to dock Oct. 26 and conducted joint military drills with the U.S. 22 Marine Expeditionary Unit in October and November.
The U.S. military also installed a high-tech radar unit, AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, on Tobago, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking.
Persad-Bissessar initially denied reports of Marines being in Trinidad and Tobago. She retracted those statements last month, saying there were Marines working on the radar, runway and road.
Some on the island have expressed concern that it could be used as a launchpad for fighting with Venezuela, but Persad-Bissessar has denied that. She has voiced support of the U.S. attacks on boats in the Caribbean.
The United States has placed a large number of ships in the Caribbean, including warships, fighter jets, Marines and the USS Gerald R. Ford to show force against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a foe of President Donald Trump.
A new study of 2,000 holidaymakers has uncovered the UK’s most embarrassing travel blunders – with 86% admitting to cringeworthy mishaps abroad
The majority of holidaymakers have experienced some sort of mishap (Image: Getty Images)
Brits’ top holiday gaffes include suffering lobster red sunburn, purchasing something they couldn’t bring home and missing their flight, according to a poll. The survey of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed that a whopping 86% have experienced some sort of mishap while on holiday. With 11% admitting to making at least one blunder during most or all their trips abroad.
Getting utterly lost while exploring (24%) or spilling a drink all over themselves (or an unsuspecting stranger) (14%) also made the list of cringe-worthy incidents. The study was commissioned by ibis to promote the launch of its new social media mini series, the Go Getters.
Jean-Yves Minet, global brand president of ibis, said: “Everyone travels differently. Some people prepare for every possibility, and others prefer to go with the flow – but no matter your style, the odd mishap is part of the experience and the story you tell when you get home.”
Are you a ‘Just-in-case Jetsetter’ or a ‘Chill Improviser’ when it comes to travelling abroad? Take this new travel quiz to find out.
“We focus on making travel feel simple and stress-free, whether you’re the spontaneous type, or somewhere in the middle,” he added.
“What matters most is feeling confident on the move and being able to enjoy the journey, even when it does not quite go to plan. Sometimes the magic is in the mayhem – it certainly makes for the best story.”
When a holiday blunder strikes, 44% try to fix it, while 22% said they would laugh it off straight away. But although 56% think a few travel dramas are all part of the adventure, 77% believe they are pretty good at planning to avoid them in the first place.
Purchasing travel insurance, triple checking their passport is there, and continually slapping on sun cream were amongst the key tricks to avoid disaster. This was followed by double checking the locks and keys, packing a first aid kit and keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 31% want to travel more in 2026 than they did this year, with 35% claiming the experience is more important than just ticking somewhere off their list.
When it comes to planning these trips, they prioritise location (61%), as well as price (59%) and reviews (44%). Whilst 64% think the key to affordable travel means getting the best value for money and smart planning and budgeting (40%).
Jean-Yves added: “Everyone has had a moment on holiday that didn’t quite go to plan. These findings show just how common they are, and how quickly most people turn them into moments of connection, laughter and shared stories.”
THE TOP 30 BIGGEST HOLIDAY MISHAPS:
Got badly sunburnt
Got lost
Spilled a drink all over myself or someone else
Misread a menu and ordered something unexpected
Couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi when I needed it most
Got hit with unexpected roaming charges
Mistakenly boarded the wrong train or bus
Lost my luggage
Missed a flight
Going over the luggage allowance and having to repack at the check-in desk
Missed a scheduled tour or activity
Said Muddling up phrases in the local language, leading to a mix-up
Requesting a stranger to snap a photo of you, only to find later that your head’s been chopped off or they’ve taken a single blurry shot
Alighting at the wrong stop because you misinterpreted “next station” as the current one
Purchasing an item that I couldn’t bring back home
Accidentally entering the wrong hotel room
Jet-lag blunders – Waking up raring for breakfast… only to realise it’s still pitch dark outside
Getting stuck in a loo
Dropping my towel/swimwear from the balcony
Stashing my valuables in the hotel safe and promptly forgetting the combination
Luggage confusion, picking up someone else’s suitcase at the airport
Experiencing a suitcase malfunction and having all my clothes spill out
Engaging in a row with a stranger over reserving a sun lounger
Tripping or slipping while capturing a selfie
Arriving at the airport on the incorrect day
Taking an unplanned dip in the pool fully dressed
Misplacing or dropping my mobile in the sea or pool
Swimwear going missing (losing them) on a waterslide
Locking myself out of my room clad only in swimwear
Ending up at a completely different destination than planned
Airlines’ sophisticated pricing strategies mean the traditional Tuesday booking rule no longer applies, with new research showing a new day of the week offers better savings of up to 17% on international flights
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Airline pricing methods have become more advanced in recent years(Image: Kmatta via Getty Images)
The cheapest day to book a flight has been revealed, and it flies in the face of longstanding conventional wisdom.
For years, travellers were told to watch out for deals on a Tuesday, convinced it was the golden moment to book cheap flights.
But airlines’ pricing methods have become more advanced in recent years, with demand continually shifting prices. One flight can change prices several times in a single day. While the sophistication of ticket pricing models means that there is no single magic day when it comes to grabbing a bargain, there are still better – and worse – times to book flights.
Recent data from booking sites and search engines does reveal patterns worth noting. Expedia’s latest Air Hacks report, based on large amounts of global booking data, found that Sunday is now the cheapest day to book. According to its research, people who booked on Sundays saved about 6% on domestic flights and up to 17% on international journeys compared with booking on a Monday or Friday. That might only be a small saving on a single ticket, but it adds up for a family or group.
Airlines now change prices frequently rather than offering big sales on a single day. If a flight is selling quickly, the price may rise even if it is a Sunday or Tuesday. If it is selling slowly, it may drop on any random afternoon.
Travel experts Ski Vertigo suggest that people should pay more attention to when they are travelling and how far in advance they are booking, because those factors have a clearer impact on price. For many routes, the best time to book falls around one to three months before departure. Booking almost a year ahead is often not the cheapest option, and leaving it to the last few days can be even worse, especially for busy routes.
Skyscanner’s recent trends report tell a similar story. It suggests booking around one to three months ahead for many short-haul trips, and roughly two to six months in advance for a lot of international flights. The exact sweet spot still depends on where you are going and when, but the general pattern is clear: there is usually a broad window where prices are more reasonable, rather than one perfect date circled on a calendar.
Ski Vertigo’s advice is that booking early is “by far the most reliable method” for periods such as Christmas, New Year and February half-term, when chalets and flights fill up quickly and prices rise as seats disappear. For people who are flexible on dates and departure airports, last-minute bargains can save some money. But they warn that this is a high-risk tactic and not a sensible way to plan a family holiday that has to fit around school terms.
The day you actually fly, as opposed to booking, seems to have more impact on price. Expedia’s analysis shows that Saturday departures often offer the cheapest domestic fares, while Thursday stands out as a good day for international journeys. This fits with a simple pattern: when most people want to fly – such as Fridays after work and Sundays before the new week – prices tend to be higher. When demand falls, fares follow.
For anyone trying to cut costs, this means being flexible where possible. If you can move your trip by a day or two, it is worth checking what happens to the price when you switch from a Sunday to a Saturday, or from a Friday to a Thursday. Tools such as Google Flights and Skyscanner make this easy by displaying a calendar of fares and allowing you to set price alerts for specific routes. You can see at a glance which days are cheaper and get an email when the fare drops.
In the end, there is no single secret day that works for every trip. The strongest patterns are simple: avoid obvious rush times when everyone else wants to book, aim for the sensible booking window before you travel, choose quieter days to fly where you can, and use price alerts to track changes. Treated this way, the idea of the “perfect time” to book becomes a useful guide rather than a stressful guessing game – and it can help you reach your next holiday without paying more than you need to.
Jet2 has partnered with Eurocamp to offer package holidays to European holiday parks in France, Italy and Croatia, allowing families to easily book their flights, accommodation, and car hire in one
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Holidaymakers can stay in two or three bedroom mobile homes(Image: Eurocamp)
Jet2 has unveiled a partnership with Eurocamp, a leading European holiday park provider, allowing travellers to book package holidays with accommodation in select parks across France, Croatia, and Italy for summer 2026.
Those booking through Jet2 can opt for a variety of mobile homes for their stay, bundled into a convenient package alongside a Jet2 flight. These package holidays come with bed linen, flights with 22kg checked baggage and a 10kg hand luggage allowance, ATOL protection, and the assistance of a Eurocamp representative throughout the stay.
A standout feature of Jet2’s Eurocamp packages is the inclusion of car hire at your destination, eliminating the need for coach transfers and providing an easy means to explore during your holiday. The price of your package holiday typically includes basic car hire, but you can choose to upgrade at checkout if you wish, and there are a few different providers to choose from.
Eurocamp accommodations are tailored for families, offering a selection of self-contained units from the Classic range of mobile homes to upgraded properties boasting private terraces and garden furniture, reports the Express.
Options include two- and three-bedroom mobile homes, ensuring parents have ample space and privacy when travelling with children. Amenities include well-equipped kitchens, BBQs, WiFi, and air conditioning, depending on the chosen package.
For those seeking a touch of luxury, the highest grades of accommodation offer extras such as hotel-quality mattresses and hot tubs, guaranteeing a truly relaxing getaway.
Since Eurocamp accommodations come equipped with kitchen facilities, they can prove more budget-friendly than hotel stays. Nevertheless, if you fancy dining out, most parks feature on-site restaurants, takeaways, and other options for dining close to your mobile home.
There’s a wide selection of Eurocamps available, many boasting direct beach access or proximity to lakes and stunning mountain views. So, regardless of your chosen location, there’s typically loads to discover in the surrounding area.
Jet2 will be providing park packages across several French regions including the Dordogne and Provence areas, Lake Garda and Sardinia in Italy, plus Croatia’s Istrian Coast and Dalmatia Coast – all favourite spots for family getaways.
Within each park, you’ll discover numerous daytime activities, featuring energetic kids’ clubs and evening entertainment ranging from live performances to mini-discos. Eurocamp sites also boast swimming pools, with some having multiple pools, whilst larger parks may include waterslides and additional exciting outdoor amenities.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, commented: “The launch gives customers the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable outdoor holidays across Europe with Jet2holidays, including all the benefits of booking an award-winning package holiday with the UK’s largest tour operator.
“We know just how popular Eurocamp is, and we are very confident that its appeal, together with the perks of a Jet2holidays package, will mean that this new proposition is a huge success.”
WHEN it comes to January you can either embrace the chill, or escape it.
Sun Travel has got seven destinations all over the globe from African Islands to UK staycations and a beautiful city under four hours away with return flights from just £35.
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When it comes to January, head to the likes of Cape Verde for winter sun
Cape Verde
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey can’t abide cold weather during January so has a suggestion for anyone wanting winter warmth.
She said: “If you want guaranteed sun without having to spend too much post-Christmas money, then Cape Verde is a great option.
“Expect much warmer temperatures – think 26C in January – without having to hop on a long flight. Taking just six hours, there’s just one hour’s time difference, so no jet lag either.
“Both TUI and easyJet offer flights there, with Boa Vista and Sal the two most popular islands. TUI’s package holidays start from £515pp, or easyJet’ flights are around £92 each way.
“There’s activities from boat trips to dune bashing, but I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up on the sun lounger more often than not for some winter warmth.”
Cruises
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recommends hopping on a cruise next month. She said: “Getting your Vitamin D fix couldn’t be easier when you choose a holiday at sea.
“Ocean cruising in the warm waters of the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or even the Gulf is the perfect January pick-me-up and you can sit back and relax on deck soaking up the sunshine while a new port of call will deliver the chance to explore ashore.
“For Brits, Marella Cruises offers great all-inclusive packages including flights, all your food and alcoholic drinks plus tips.
“Or how about adding some Mexican flavour to your Caribbean escape? Iglu has a cruise-only deal for seven nights’ full-board on MSC Seashore from just £401pp, you’ll just need to book flights to Orlando to join the cruise. Seeiglucruise.com.”
Sophie says opt for staycation to the likes of North Wales – she took her pooch for a walk around Lake TegidCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Wales
Meanwhile Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggests sticking to the UK.
She said: “Generally speaking, I’ll pick a sunny holiday over a wintry escape every time. Except at this time of year, that is. January, for me, is about embracing winter – and I’m not quite ready to chuck on a bikini after all those mince pies.
“Instead, I’ll stay in cosy mode, with a cottage staycation where I can spend the week holed up in a typically British pub with a roaring fireplace and generously sized glass of red wine to warm me through.
“I visited North Wales in January last year and it was the perfect spot to reset myself after the festive period.
“Our Sykes Cottages property, Cefn Nannau cottage was set on a working farm and the area had just been caught in a flurry of snow.
“Mornings consisted of frosty dog walks around Lake Tegid, the largest natural lake in the country, followed by a soak in the outdoor hot tub with a cup of tea, watching the sheep huddle in the snow in the field opposite.
“A three nights’ self-catering break at Cefn Nannau cottage costs from £114pp, based on 12 sharing.”
Helen has been travelling to Tenerife with her two kids for yearsCredit: Helen Wright
Tenerife
Travel Writer Helen Wright has one island she goes back to year on year.
She said: “In my opinion, you can’t beat the Canary Islands in January. We go every year, usually to Tenerife, but if we get a good deal, we’ll sometimes choose Gran Canaria instead.
“It’s the perfect way to wind down after the Christmas chaos as the Canary Islands are always so chilled out.
“The weather is perfect for us as a family. It’s not as hot as some winter sun destinations, but very pleasantly warm. We’ll be wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day and then a hoodie or jacket with jeans in the evening.
“We spend our days on the beach or by the pool at our hotel – when booking, always remember to check the pool is heated and preferably not by solar panels because if it’s cloudy, the water can be cold.
“Often, we’ll book all-inclusive or half-board with Jet2, which means food and drink are hassle-free. Even when we eat out, the Canary Islands are never too expensive.
“It’s the perfect little January getaway and if you look around for some great last-minute deals, it can be super affordable too.”
You can explore Dar El Bacha Marrakesh in pleasant temperatures during JanuaryCredit: Alice Penwill
Marrakesh
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill is also seeking out heat in January and there’s somewhere you can be in under four hours.
She said: “I really don’t mind the cold up until Christmas. But post December 31 and I’m ready for spring.
“Sadly living in the UK means it won’t be warm for months so if I can, I’ll head off somewhere not too far for some sun – like Marrakesh.
“In January the weather can be as high as 19C, if you’re lucky. But it’s still pleasant enough to stroll about without packing on the layers and thermals.
“There’s lots of exploring you can do too in the mild weather – which I find more pleasant than their scorching summers. Some of my favourite spots are the Dar El Bacha – a huge palace with beautiful mosaics, and of course the medina full of spices, leathers and great souvenirs.
“You can get return flights to Marrakesh from £35 with easyJet flying out on January 27 and returning on January 31, 2026.”
Seville
One places close to home that Kara loves is over in Spain, she said: “The city of Seville is perfect to visit for your first 2026 trip. Just two hours by flight, it’s one of Spain‘s hottest cities.
“Not only that, but it’s not one you want to visit in summer, with huge crowds and temperatures hitting an unbearable 40C.
“It’s an easy place for a weekend break, with fantastic food, live flamenco and beautiful architecture. I recommend staying at Only YOU – a boutique hotel that opened last year and is as little as £96 a night.
“And top tip – try and nab the free tickets for the Royal Alcázar of Seville palace, which are found in the last hour of opening.”
Just a few hours away is Paris with lots to do indoors like visit the Musée d’OrsayCredit: Alice Penwil
Paris
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill believes sometimes you have to compromise on heat for a shorter travel time – and head to somewhere like lovely Paris.
She said: “While you might not get the heat of places further afield, sometimes you can’t beat a short trip to somewhere like Paris where you can do so much in just a few days.
“When I went across on the Eurostar it was for an extreme daytrip and took just a few hours – but of course you can stay longer if you like.
“See incredible sites like Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and you can even go on a food tour which will take you through beautiful neighbourhoods.
“When it’s not raining, walking along the River Seine during the winter with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is delightful.
“If you fancy a short trip, you can get a return journey on the Eurostar from £83 departing on January 27 and returning a day later.”
Organise your autumn and winter holidays for next year now and take advantage of easyJet’s Big Seat Release sale with flights available from just over £20 per person
easyJet has announced millions of cheap seats for next winter (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
If you fancy escaping the dull, wet and windy UK weather next winter or the thought of Halloween and Christmas festivities fills you with dread, now’s the time to book a winter getaway for 2026.
Low cost airline easyJet has just launched its Big Seat Release with millions of seats available for the October half term and Christmas holidays at bargain prices. There are plenty of destinations to choose from in Europe and North Africa too, whether it’s a short city break or a late sun-soaked beach holiday you’re after.
More than 14 million seats on flights from 22 UK airports, including Gatwick, Luton, Glasgow and Belfast are up for grabs, some for as little as £23.99, one way, per person.
Swap the snow for sand next winter at one of Palma’s stunning beaches (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The offer is for trips between 19 October 2026 and 31 January 2027, and booking early is essential if you want to bag the best prices.
If you live in or near Birmingham, you could take a trip to the beautiful city of Paris with its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Soak up the cafe culture and romance in the French capital from just £23.99 one way (including taxes).
From £34.99 those wishing to travel from Gatwick airport could head off to the sunny climes of Faro in Portugal, hit the sandy beaches in Spain’s Alicante and Palma or cruise the iconic canals of vibrant Amsterdam.
Cruise the canals in vibrant Amsterdam (Image: Getty Images)
EasyJet holidays also has thousands more package deals to favourite winter destinations such as the Canary Islands, Egypt, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia, as well as popular city escapes including Paris, Reykjavik, Prague and Amsterdam.
There are over 8,000 hand-picked hotels in 100 destinations to choose from, and the tour operator is also offering free kids’ places across a selection of their family-friendly hotels.
All packages include flights and hotel, with 23kg luggage and transfers on all beach getaways. They are also covered by Ultimate Flexibility, which has a refund guarantee, best price guarantee, and enables travellers the opportunity to change a booking.
Flights for next autumn and winter are available to book now via easyJet’s website and the mobile app. Head to the low fare finder section of the website to snag the best deals, and if you’re stuck for ideas, the Inspire Me section will suggest destinations across their network.
Visit the Eiffel Tower in the romantic city of Paris (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Kevin Doyle, easyJets UK country manager, said: “Putting millions more seats on sale today for next winter means our customers across the UK can book early and enjoy great value fares to Europe’s most popular leisure destinations, including firm favourites such as Amsterdam, Paris, Alicante, Tenerife, and Malaga.
“With hundreds of routes available from 22 UK airports, our short-haul network offers unrivalled choice for those planning their holidays for next year and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”
AN airline is launching its first flights from a major airport in the UK for the first time in decades.
Air France has confirmed it will start a new London to France route from London Gatwick Airport.
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Air France is launching its first Gatwick Flights since 2004Credit: GettyThe flag carrier scrapped its London Gatwick routes more than 20 years agoCredit: Alamy
Two flights a day will run from London to Paris from March 29, 2026.
Flights will take off from London Gatwick Airport at 9:20am and 3:45pm.
The return flights from Paris to London Gatwick will be 10:30am and 5:10pm.
It joins the current London Heathrow to Paris flight route already operated by Air France.
Gatwick chief commercial officer Jonathan Pollard said they were “thrilled” to offer more routes to Paris.
This was backed by Air France KLM UK and Ireland general manager Jrrome Salemi.
They added: “We are delighted to announce our new London Gatwick to Paris Charles de Gaulle service, further strengthening our commitment to the UK market.
“We look forward to welcoming London Gatwick customers on board our flights and sharing the very best of Air France’s service, comfort and innovation.”
Air France operated from London Gatwick in the 1990s.
It was in 1996 that Air France teamed up with Pepsi to launch a blue-painted Air France Concorde.
It was backed by celebs including Andre Agassi, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer.
However, the French flag carrier scrapped flights from the London airport in 2004.
It’s last ever flight from London Gatwick was in 2007, although this was via Brit Air.
Yet a number of other airlines are expanding at London Gatwick.
ONE regional airport in the south of the UK has had a huge increase in passengers over the last year.
Thanks to an extra TUI aircraft and the introduction of KLM flights to Amsterdam, the summer of 2025 bought in thousands more flyers to Exeter Airport.
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Exeter Airport has seen a huge growth in passenger numbers over 2025Credit: AlamyTUI placed a second aircraft there over the summer and has plans for new route in 2026Credit: Alamy
It said that over 450,000 customers passed through the terminal between April and October 2025 – which is an increase of 100,000 people.
This was followed by the decision for TUI to base a second aircraft at the airport over the summer which meant it had capacity for 50 flights per week to 13 destinations.
Exeter Airport said that TUI’s increased capacity meant that there were over 65,000 seats to Greece.
Another 60,000 seats to the Balearics and 40,000 to the Canary Islands were also added.
There are plans to continue the growth of the regional airport too with TUI already announcing a new and direct route to Kos which will start in summer 2026.
There are flights only as well as packages so customers can book seven or 14-night holidays there.
Flights only will start from £377pp based on travelling in June 2026 with 15kg hold luggage.
Daily flights started between Exeter and Amsterdam earlier this year
Package deals start from £1013 per person for a seven-night trip to staying at the4T+ Holiday Village Atlantica Mikri Poli Kos on an all-inclusive basis in June 2026.
Stephen Wiltshire, the airport’s managing director said: “We’re delighted with TUI’s announcement of new flights to Kos from Exeter Airport for summer 2026, and it’s the first time this beautiful Greek island will be directly served from here.
“This exciting addition expands the choice of sunshine destinations available to our passengers and reflects the continuing strength of demand for holidays from Exeter.
“We look forward to working closely with TUI to make the route a great success.”
Talking about her trip, she said: ” It only took us 90 minutes to drive from one end to the other and there is one main road too, so it wasn’t stressful. The first stop was the Melissa honey farm near the town of Kefalos in the west.
“We tasted all different types of the sticky, sweet stuff — including wild strawberry, pine and thyme — and left with plenty of jars, as well as a rich honey hand cream for me and baklava pastries packed with nuts.
“If you’re a nature fan then head to Plaka Forest, a natural park in the centre of the island which has trails for walkers. For a bit of culture, Antimachia Castle is bursting with history.”
Exeter Airport is experiencing an increase in passengers and additional TUI routesCredit: Alamy
