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WILDFIRES are continuing to sweep across Europe and Turkey is one of the latest countries to battle the blazes.

Here’s everything you need to know right now about travelling to Turkey.

Where are the wildfires in Turkey?

Fires have broken out in various parts of Turkey.

One location which is popular for holidays is Antalya, and within the province there are multiple wildfires.

Currently, these are further inland than the coastal resorts popular with tourists.

The Fethiye–Antalya highway was temporarily closed due to smoke but later reopened under controlled conditions.

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Another serious and active fire is in Seydikemer, 20-minutes away from the city of Fethiye, where 600 people have been evacuated from their homes.

It’s in the hills between Fethiye and Marmaris – the fire started on Wednesday morning and spread into woodland.

On the northwestern Aegean coast, three neighborhoods in the Ayvalık district – Hacıveliler, Tıfıllar, and Bağyüzü – have been evacuated.

This is as a precaution due to a wildfire spreading across Turkey’s western Balıkesir province.

Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on X: “We are continuing to fight the wildfires day and night.

He said emergency responders had tackled 169 fires across the country since Wednesday, and 163 of those have “been completely brought under control.”

Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

Most of Turkey is still considered safe to travel to, excluding the areas of the Syrian-Turkey border.

But officials do heed warning about the natural disaster as there is a “high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October”.

It reads: “Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer.

“You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited.

“If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.

“If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112.”

GOV.UK adds that “extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months.”

Are flights still going to Turkey?

Flights to Turkey remain unaffected.

If you are due to fly in and have concerns, it may be worth contacting your airline to check if they are operating normally.

What if I have a holiday to Turkey booked?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Greece, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.

Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.

If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, like wildfires.

So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.

Can I cancel my trip?

If you do choose to cancel your trip, it is best to contact your airline or holiday provider.

There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings unless government advice changes.

A SPANISH airport will close for nearly a week as part of a major renovation.

Almeria Airport in Spain is set to shut down for six days to upgrade its runway.

The closure is set to take place in February 2028, with all scheduled flights cancelled.

This is part of a longer 19-month €29million (£24.8million) project to upgrade the entire airport.

However, during this period there will be work at night between 10:45pm and 7:10am the following day.

Between these hours, flights will be impacted as well.

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Aena – Spain‘s airports operator – has already notified airlines that operate at the airport, including Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia.

The airlines will now have to reschedule flights or divert the routes to other airports.

Flights from Almeria Airport to the UK, including to Birmingham, London Southend, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and Leeds Bradford.

The revamp will mark the first work on the runway in 20 years.

Other parts of the project included improving the taxiways, as well as upgrading over 600 lights and replacing 34 directional signs.

The airport is around a 15-minute drive from Almeria city centre in the Andalusia region of Spain.

Each year, the airport handles up to 800,000 passengers.

Of which, Brits make up between 55 and 70 per cent of travellers.

THERE’S no doubt that Spanish islands are popular and soon you will be able to fly to one with British Airways for the first time, from the UK’s biggest airport.

BA is launching flights between London Heathrow Airport and Fuerteventura Airport in the Canary Islands from winter 2026.

Starting December 13, the flights will take off twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.

Thursday departures will leave Heathrow at 7:05am, arriving into Fuerteventura at 11:30am.

The return flight will then leave Fuerteventura at 12:30pm and arrive back at Heathrow at 4:50pm.

Then the Sunday departure will take off at 10:05am from Heathrow and return from Fuerteventura at 3:40pm.

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The route will replace British Airways‘ Euroflyer route which was planned between London Gatwick Airport and Fuerteventura.

And it will be the first time the airline flies direct to the destination from Heathrow.

Fuerteventura boasts more than 3,000 hours of sunshine every year and compared to the other popular Canary Islands spots such as Tenerife and Lanzarote, it is more affordable.

In fact, Fuerteventura holiday packages can be between 30 per cent and 40 per cent cheaper during peak periods compared to higher-demand spots, like Tenerife.

Fuerteventura is the Canary Islands’ second largest island and when exploring you can head to a number of beaches including Sotavento Beach and Playa de Cofete.

If with the family, there is also Acua Water Park, which boasts a number of waterslides as well as a wave pool and a lazy river.

The island is home to Corralejo Natural Park too, which is ideal for keen hikers wanting to discover the volcanic landscape.

CRETE is the latest destination to be struck by wildfires and with it being a holiday hotspot for Brits, lots are asking – is it still safe to travel to?

Here’s everything you need to know right now about travelling to the Greek island.

Where are the wildfires in Crete?

The majority of the wildfires in Crete are on the south of the island.

On Wednesday, a large fire broke out in the south of the Rethymno regional unit where around 8,000 people have been evacuated.

A large fire is being tackled near the villages of Krya Vrysi, Orne and the coastal resort of Agia Galini.

Hotels in Rethymno have been placed on high alert.

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It’s believed the fire that has been exacerbated by 125km per hour winds has destroyed a number of homes in the area.

According to the BBC, it’s one of the biggest active fires on the island, with its front exceeding 9.3miles.

Hundreds of residents and tourists were evacuated from Krya Vrysi on Wednesday.

Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to battle the blaze, and two sadly died on Wednesday during high winds in Crete.

Forecasters warn fire-prone conditions will spread towards the centre of Europe this week, with Greece among one of the places most affected.

Is it safe to travel to Crete right now?

The travel advice for Greece remains unchanged.

But there are warnings on being prepared for wildfires which are “high risk” between April and October.

The advice from GOV.UK reads:

“Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.

“Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

“To avoid starting wildfires:

• leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires
• make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
• do not light barbecues

“Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.

“Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:

• follow @112Greece for official updates
• follow the guidance of the emergency services
• call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
• contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK”

Are flights still going to Crete?

Flights to Crete remain unaffected.

If you are due to fly in and have concerns, it may be worth contacting your airline to check if they are operating normally.

What if I have a holiday to Crete booked?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Greece, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.

Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.

If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, like wildfires.

So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.

Can I cancel my trip?

If you do choose to cancel your trip, it is best to contact your airline or holiday provider.

There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings unless government advice changes.

RYANAIR is known for budget-friendly flights – and they’re getting even cheaper in its flash sale.

From now until 23.59 tonight there are deals to be had on its 235 routes – some fares for travel in August are as little as £14.

The cheap Ryanair flights can be booked on the website or app for this summer up until the end of October.

Some of the cheapest flights still available in August include routes from Bournemouth Airport to Edinburgh from £14.09.

Other bargain flights include ones from Edinburgh to Belfast which start from £13.79.

Over 100 routes are on sale from London Stansted including one-way flights in August to Copenhagen from £15.99.

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Also under £20 in August are flights to Fez, Carcassone, Pula, Limoges and Milan.

There are 22 routes on sale from London Luton – some of the cheapest include one-way flights to Alicante in August for as little as £19.99.

Other flights for £19.99 include routes to Majorca – the popular Balearic island with beautiful beaches.

From Manchester Airport there are 50 routes available with cheap flights through the summer into autumn.

In October, some of the cheapest flights are to Santander with one-way tickets from £15 – also you can head to Zagreb from £22 and Pisa from £18.

There are deals available from 22 airports including London Gatwick to Aberdeen, Teeside, Norwich and Leeds Bradford.

Ryanair’s Director of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said: “July Pay Day means one thing – it’s time to book your next summer getaway!”

“Whether you’re dreaming of a last-minute beach escape, a sun-soaked city break, or simply need a well-deserved getaway, Ryanair’s 24-hour July pay day flash sale has you covered with fares from as little as £19.99 for travel throughout August.

“Book before 23:59 tonight (Wed, 29 Jul) on the Ryanair App.”

AN AFFORDABLE airline has delayed its flights from a major UK airport – before they’ve even taken off.

AirAsia X was due to launch flights from London Gatwick on August 27, however flights have been removed from the schedule.

The airline has said that due to “prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia” the route is now expected to launch in March 2027.

Benyamin Ismail, General Manager of AirAsia X said: “Following a thorough review of the operating environment, we have made the difficult decision to defer the commencement of our Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick services due to the prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia.

“This decision was made in view of ongoing safety and operational considerations, with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew remaining our highest priority.

“It is also in line with actions taken by other carriers that have reduced or suspended operations in the region.

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“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and review the route when conditions are conducive to safe and sustainable operations.”

The route will travel between London Gatwick and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stopping at Bahrain and would’ve operated four times a week and then daily from the start of November.

Flights were set to be on an Airbus A330-300, which with AirAsia X, holds between 285 and 377 passengers.

Despite being a long-haul flight, the airline has been able to make the route low-cost due to the stopover in Bahrain and choosing Gatwick Airport over London Heathrow.

The Malaysian airline already delayed the launch of the route due to conflict in the Middle East.

However, the airline said at the time that it was still focusing on growth, with specific destinations including Busan, Batam, Bahrain and London.

When flights eventually launch, British travellers will be able to head to 100 destinations across Asia through the airline’s Kuala Lumpur hub, including Japan and Sri Lanka.

The airline used to operate budget long-haul flights from Kuala Lumpur to London but the service stopped in 2012.

AirAsia X added that all impacted travellers will be informed and offered either a full refund or credit to be used within 730 days.

HEATHROW passengers to face DECADES of higher fares as the airport is set to recoup costs of its multi-billion expansion plans.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed the UK’s biggest airport will be able to recover up to £320million that it’s spent on its third runway proposal.

The maximum airport charger per passenger will be about 15p in 2028, rising to an estimated 30p in subsequent years.

The higher airline charges, which will be built into the cost of flights, will last for about 20 to 25 years.

Heathrow West, a rival expansion scheme led by property billionaire Surinder Arora, has been given the go-ahead to recoup £4.1 million it spent on its plan in 2025 up to November 25, despite it not giving the go-ahead.

Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) scheme is estimated to cost £33billion, including £1.5billion to move the M25, and is expected to be fully privately financed.

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It would see Heathrow’s annual capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150million passengers.

British Airways, the largest airline at Heathrow, warned that early cost recovery by HAL would create a risk that expansion will be “unaffordable for consumers and inconsistent with a credible benefits case”, according to a CAA document.

Airlines have repeatedly complained that Heathrow has the highest charges of any airport in the world.

Tim Johnson, the CAA’s director of consumers and markets, said: “Our decision strikes a balance between supporting the delivery of benefits to consumers through timely progress on Heathrow expansion, whilst also protecting them from undue increases in costs.

“The costs Heathrow can recover are capped, independently scrutinised and subject to efficiency reviews, helping ensure that passengers only pay for efficient costs that are justified.”

A separate process will be conducted to decide arrangements for costs incurred from 2027.

Last month, the Government launched a consultation on its Heathrow expansion national policy statement, setting out the conditions needed if the project is to be given the go-ahead.

Former chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was determined to get “spades in the ground” for the third runway which is set to be built by 2035.

However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously expressed concerns over Heathrow expansion, stating the plans divert infrastructure investment “away from the North and traps it in London”.

A Heathrow spokesperson said the project will give passengers more choice while providing a “real economic boost to every region and nation of the country”.

He went on: “We have been clear from the start that unlocking the private investment that will deliver these benefits requires a supportive regulatory framework.

“We are carefully considering the CAA proposals and will make investment decisions accordingly.”

Brits have been urged to make two essential passport checks before heading abroad this summer as data shows more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements

British travellers heading to France, Greece, Italy and Spain have been urged to make a crucial passport check before heading on their summer holidays as new data reveals more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements.

Brits entering the EU Schengen area must have a passport issued less than ten years before the start of the trip and have an expiry date at least three months after the return.

New data reveals that more than 705,000 UK passports currently have fewer than three months’ validity remaining, meaning travellers would be unable to board their plane.

A further 350,000 were issued more than a decade ago, meaning more than one million could fail entry requirements for some overseas destinations.

Holidaymakers have been urged to check their passports before travelling abroad in the coming months following this new analysis of HM Passport Office data from June 2026.

The 10-year rule is particularly relevant for travellers whose passports were issued before September 2018. Before then, when renewing a passport, HM Passport Office could add up to nine months of unused validity from an old passport to a new one.

This means some passports may still be in date but no longer meet the Schengen entry requirements.

In total, HM Passport Office data shows that 2.37 million passports are due to expire during 2026.

Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Many travellers assume if they have a valid passport they can travel overseas without any issues, but that’s not always the case.

“Some countries, including many popular European destinations, require several months’ validity extending beyond the length of a trip, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for each destination before travelling.

“With more than 700,000 UK passports now having less than three months’ validity remaining, it’s worth travellers taking a few minutes to check theirs before heading abroad.

“Renewing a passport early could help avoid unnecessary stress and reduce the risk of holiday plans being disrupted.”

AN airport in the UK has issued a warning for anyone travelling there this week, due to a major road closure.

Bournemouth Airport has said passengers will need to allow extra time there due to this, with fears of disruption.

From tomorrow until July 31, Matchams Lane just beyond the Dorset airport will be closed for ‘essential maintenance’.

Passengers arriving that way by car can expect disruption from its junction with Avon Causeway and Bostwick Lane.

The road will be closed to all vehicles from 7am to 6pm on all three days.

For drivers there will be no parking and no waiting at any time on the road.

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There will be a diversion in place, but as a result, Bournemouth Airport has told passengers to allow ‘extra time’ when travelling.

BCP Council added: “These arrangements may be amended/extended should works overrun or weather conditions delay operations; restrictions may be in effect under this Notice for up to five days, and extended by a further Notice or Order.

“The Council regrets any inconvenience to the public caused by this temporary prohibition.”

This comes just one month after Bournemouth Airport hiked its costs at short-stay pick-up and drop-off charges, with some fares doubling.

Motorists who use the pick-up and drop-off zone of the car park now have to pay £8 for up to 30 minutes of parking which is an increase of £2 from last year.

Stays between 30 and 60 minutes have doubled in price, now costing £15 to park, compared to £7.50 previously, with one to four-hour parking priced at £20.

AS many as one million Brits could have invalid passports – which could see them banned from boarding their flight at the airport this summer.

New research conducted by Compare the Market has found that hundreds of thousands of passports are falling foul of two major rules.

The research analysed HM Passport Office Data in June 2026.

One of the more common mistakes is passports not having at least three months left on them.

This is required for more European countries like France and Spain, and the study found that as many as 705,904 passports in the UK don’t follow these guidelines.

Some countries require even more than this – Turkey need 150 days and Egypt needs six months – so Brits need to check how long they have left after the expiry date before booking a holiday.

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This recently caught out one family who were forced to miss their ‘dream holiday’ to Egypt because one of their passports had less than six months left on it.

Another rule that holidaymakers are still breaking is the 10-year rule, which no longer allows passports to be more than this.

Pre-Brexit rules allowed passports to carry over 10 months from the previous document, meaning passports could be 10 years and 10 months.

But those extra 10 months are no longer seen as valid, and it is thought that as many as 347,268 passports could be out of date due to this.

Anyone with a burgundy passport, issued before September 2018, are affected by this.

This has affected a number of families already this year, including one who were forced to miss her 50th birthday abroad and was lest £900 out of pocket.

Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Many travellers assume if they have a valid passport they can travel overseas without any issues, but that’s not always the case. 

“Some countries, including many popular European destinations, require several months’ validity extending beyond the length of a trip, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for each destination before travelling.

“With more than 700,000 UK passports now having less than three months’ validity remaining, it’s worth travellers taking a few minutes to check theirs before heading abroad.”

The study also warned of the risk of passports being stolen or lost, with more than 422,000 reported this last year. This works out to more than 1,100 a day.

He added: “While some travel insurance policies will cover lost and stolen passports, there are specific conditions and policies vary so it’s always worth comparing different deals and checking details of your cover to ensure you get the right level of protection for your circumstances.”

If your passport is lost abroad, you will need to apply for an emergency one at the British embassy in that country. Here are some other passport rules you need to be aware of this summer to avoid holiday chaos.

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A NUMBER of airlines have changed their seat allocation rules – and it means you’ll have to shell out more cash.

The Lufthansa Group, which owns Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Discover Airlines, has announced a change to the way seats are handed out.

Passengers will still be allocated a seat at check-in, but if they want to change it, they will now need to pay.

The change applies to the airlines’ long-haul flights across Economy and Premium economy.

Before this change, travellers who hadn’t booked a seat in advance would be given a standard seat at check-in, which they could then change free of charge if they wanted to.

The rules are already in place on some short and medium-haul flights, but now extend to lots of long-haul Economy and Premium Economy tickets.

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Prices to swap your seat will depend on a number of different factors including your flight route and departure point.

As an example, according to Travel Mole, swapping your standard Economy seat on many intercontinental routes with Austrian, Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa could set you back between €25 (£21.36) and €45 (£38.46).

Lufthansa Group has said that it will try to keep families together though, where possible.

The airline group has said the change has been introduced to make fares “more transparent”, so travellers only pay for the services they want.

The new rules came into effect on July 1 and the seat allocation process and any wanted changes take place at check-in.

A number of people have taken to Reddit to share their outrage for the new rule.

One person commented: “Why are they so busy trying to compete with Ryanair.”

Another added: “Next they will charge us if we think about our seat.”

IF I had wandered through the centre of Nantes alone, I might not have noticed something peculiar about France’s sixth biggest city.

I would have simply gazed appreciatively at the tree-lined boulevards, the grand chateau and the Corinthian-columned opera house.

Thanks to a guide, though, I was encouraged to look up at the shop fronts, head behind an apartment block and approach a statue from the correct angle.

There were pigs’ heads over the top of a butcher’s wearing wigs, an urban mini-jungle behind the nondescript building and a bronze figure’s foot stepped off the plinth.

All very quirky, all very Nantes.

Once the largest port in France, this former industrial metropolis in the Loire region has been busy reinventing itself as a playful and vibrant place to be.

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None of this is more obvious than on the city’s island, where part of the docks have been transformed into a major tourist attraction.

And I didn’t need anyone to point out the totally unique selling point of the Les Machines de l’Île ‘theme park’.

There was no missing the 40ft-high mechanical elephant, able to carry dozens of excited visitors.

But you might want to be careful where you stand, because the trunk sprays water at surprised passers-by.

Le Grand Éléphant wanders freely around the island and you don’t need to stump up any cash to get close to it.

The other elements of Les Machines de l’Île, albeit for paying guests, are similarly wondrous.

The Carrousel des Mondes Marins was inspired by the Nantes-born 19th century author Jules Verne.

The ride has mechanical sea creatures that visitors can operate, paying tribute to Verne, whose most famous novel is Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea.

Close by, a cavernous port building has been transformed into the Gallery Of The Machines, where I saw guests riding a pneumatic spider and a giant ant.

This steampunk-style attraction is unlike anything I’ve seen before.

In a world obsessed with screen entertainment, the machine animals are refreshingly hands-on.

Back in the main part of Nantes, I experienced other examples of this quirky approach to public attractions.

In the west of Nantes, there is the appropriately titled Jardin Extraordinaire exotic park with a man-made waterfall and a nest-like viewing platform designed by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata.

The botanical gardens feature a mound shaped like a sleeping cat and oversized benches.

Helpfully, a green line is painted on the city’s streets so you can find your way to most of the artworks.

Visitors in July and August can expect far more open-air art during the Summer Journey festival.

But there is certainly more to Nantes than its cultural offerings.

We were never far from a bar, cafe or restaurant, particularly near the central Hotel De France Oceania, where we stayed for three nights.

The 4* hotel, with its grand domed entrance, was an 18th-century mansion, and our spacious room overlooked the opera house.

We dined at the opulent La Cigale brasserie, which is a local institution, and at the British co-owned Pilgrim restaurant serving modern dishes.

On the hipster Rue du Maréchal-Joffre, we ate at L’Éphémère bistro which has mastered unpretentious gourmet food.

The colourful fishing village of Trentemoult and the cute restaurants on house boats near Saint-Mihiel bridge are also fantastic.

A highlight of our trip was a journey up the Erde river, lined by chateaux and vineyards, on a traditional wooden boat with La Toue de Nantes.

There are numerous boat trips available in the summer months — and you can even sample local wines and produce as you sail along.

Public transport is free in Nantes on weekends and, if you pay for the Pass Nantes, access to attractions such as the Gallery Of The Machines is also free.

Like its famous son Verne, Nantes serves up a wonderful adventure.

YOU’LL need plenty of Gaul to brave the rides at Parc Asterix.

As an experienced theme park fan, I thought I’d seen it all but some of the rollercoasters at this theme park, north-east of Paris, left me feeling like a Roman soldier on the wrong end of a clobbering from Obelix.

I took my wife and our daughters, aged five and three, and I must confess I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Despite having been a fan of the Asterix comics growing up, I had no idea France had its own theme park dedicated to the combative Gaul.

But in fact, Parc Asterix predates Disneyland Paris by three years, and in the past decade or so has really ramped up its offering to compete.

And sacre bleu, does it ever!

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The park is divided into areas themed around parts of the ancient world, including Rome, Greece, Egypt and Gaul itself, with Londinium on the way in 2028.

Rides include Cetautomatix, a spinning chariot coaster; Trace du Hourra (Trail of Hooray) which is like a juddering luge track; and the bone-shuddering Tonnerre 2 Zeus (Zeus’s Thunder) wooden coaster, which left me feeling elated but also like I’d been in some sort of crash.

There is also a clutch of river rapids and log flumes, refreshing on a hot day, including one called Le Grand Splatch (I’ll let you work out the translation), although it was actually the Menhir Express — menhirs being the enormous boulders beloved by Obelix — that left me thoroughly drenched and giggling.

Despite the play parks and small rides for toddlers, I did feel that at three, my youngest Alyssa was a bit too ­little to get the most out of it. My five-year-old, Bronwyn, had more ride options but I think from seven up would get the best experience.

One thing to also take on board is that Parc Asterix is proudly French, and a smattering of the language is useful, especially for the shows, although even if you don’t understand a word, attractions such as the 4D cinema Attention Menhir! are certainly a hoot.

We stayed at Les Quais de Lutece — one of three themed hotels and counting on site — designed to look like a fort on the ancient River Seine, and it made a great base for exploring the park, with early entry to the park to beat the crowds.

Being so close was also helpful for the late-night drone, laser, water and fireworks show over the park’s lake, which was a memorable way to ­finish the day.

I’ve left the biggest rides until last, and I’ve been showing people back home the “POV” videos on YouTube to show how impressive they are.

First we were steered towards the Pegase Express, and as it was dark I hadn’t seen in advance what awaited us.

Assuming that as Bronwyn passed the height limit it would be fine for her, I soon realised I’d miscalculated and as she clung to me, even I was wondering if I’d ­bitten off more than I could chew.

A rollicking rollercoaster took us up to Medusa’s temple, where the Gorgon lost her temper and sent her snakes chasing us BACKWARDS down another twisty-turny track.

Once she’d recovered, Bronwyn enjoyed the far gentler Vol d’Icare (Flight Of Icarus) rollercoaster much more and asked to go back on it two further times over the weekend.

Definitely for bigger thrillseekers only was the Goudurix, a barrelling coaster that at one stage had the most loops in Europe.

Same with the OzIris, which was probably the most exhilarating ride — a Nemesis-style leg-dangling coaster.

Finally — having saved the very best until last — there’s the Toutatis, and just looking at this one made me gulp.

It’s France’s tallest, fastest rollercoaster, which launches you forwards at speeds of up to 66mph and features a backwards element, an ingenious switch-track, and a vertical arch that you only get up and over on the second attempt before going straight down the other side.

So there’s only one question you have to answer to see if you’re ready to take on Parc Asterix:

Are you a menhir or a mouse?

RYANAIR is set to cancel hundreds of flights to and from a popular European country.

Two million seats will be axed from the winter season in Belgium and next summer due to rising air passenger tax.

The airline said today that it would be removing five aircraft from its base at Charleroi, according to local media.

Cuts will affect services at Charleroi and Brussels Airport in Zaventem starting later this year.

Ryanair said the axing of routes is a decision made as part of the Federal Government’s plan to increase the departure tax on air tickets.

Just a few days ago, the Belgian government announced it would raise the amount from €5 (£4.26) to €7 (£5.97) from January 1, 2027.

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Despite this being lower than expected, Ryanair said it is still too high.

When the tax increase was announced at the beginning of the year, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary slammed the plans, calling them “silly” and “damaging”.

He added: “Over the last 20 years, Ryanair has grown to be Belgium’s largest airline.

“This growth can easily be lost to tax abolishing countries like Sweden Hungary, Slovakia and Italy, and if Charleroi and Belgium don’t reverse these taxes.”

Ryanair currently carries 11.6million passengers to and from Belgium, making it the largest airline operating in the country.

It’s not yet clear whether the routes axed will be from the UK.

Current flights routes to Charleroi include from Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

BUDGET flights are set to be cheaper this summer, which means you could go on your dream break for less.

Ryanair recently announced that its profits have fallen dramatically as a result of the war in the Middle East forcing jet fuel prices to rise.

However, the airline has also said that it expects summer prices to be slightly lower than last year.

With that in mind, there are some bargain breaks you can still get for this summer – so here are our best picks for Greece and Spain:

Andalucia, Spain

For a Spanish break, you could head to Líbere Córdoba Tendillas in Andalusia.

The four-star hotel sits in the centre of Cordoba, making it the ideal spot to explore the city.

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The hotel features 22 air-conditioned apartments, with kitchenettes and smart TVs.

Near the hotel, you can head to Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba or even a Roman Temple just two minutes away.

You’d fly from Bournemouth Airport on July 31 and land at Malaga, and then return on August 5, costing £159 per person.

Rhodes, Greece

On Rhodes, you could stay at the Kassandra Family Aparthotel & Spa. All rooms at the aparthotel have their own balcony, as well as a kitchenette and dining area.

As for things to do on site, there aren’t one but two outdoor pools, with loungers and there is even a smaller pool for little ones.

Parents needing some R&R can head to the spa too, where they will find a sauna, steam room and hot tub.

There’s also Greek-themed evenings for the family with karaoke and the beach is less than a 10 minute walk away.

You’d fly from Edinburgh Airport to Rhodes on August 10 and return to Glasgow Airport on August 15, for £229 per person.

Madrid, Spain

Ramada by Wyndham Madrid Tres Cantos is a great spot for those wanting to explore the Spanish capital, while staying out of the hustle and bustle.

The centre of Madrid is a 22-minute drive away, so it’s not too far.

But at the accommodation you can enjoy air-conditioned rooms, an on-site restaurant with a continental breakfast each morning and even a coffee shop.

For families seeking some fun, there are a number of sports facilities including tennis, volleyball and mini golf.

You’d fly from London Luton Airport on July 31 and land at Madrid, and then return on August 5, costing £219 per person.

Crete, Greece

If you fancy a Greek island, you could head to Valentina Apartments on Crete, which are surrounded by olive groves. Each room has its own kitchenette as well as balcony or terrace.

You can head to the swimming pool area, where you will also find loungers and a poolside bar.

The hotel also boasts a restaurant and weekly barbeque nights.

And if you fancy a beach day, it takes just 10 minutes to walk there – the same amount of time it takes to walk to the town centre where you’ll find restaurants and bars.

You’d fly from Liverpool Airport to Heraklion on July 31 and return to Manchester Airport on August 5, for £299 per person.

Majorca, Spain

For a trip to Majorca, you could stay at Playa Moreia, which overlooks the sea.

The hotel boasts a large pool, as well as a playground and onsite entertainment.

Rooms have a separate living room area, and most have a balcony as well.

You’d fly from Bournemouth Airport to Palma on July 30 and return on August 4, for £240 per person.

Corfu, Greece

For another Greek break, you could head to the Oasis Beach Club aparthotel in Corfu. The beach is just a short walk away, ideal for soaking up the sunshine.

As for the accommodation itself, there are 32 rooms as well as an outdoor freshwater pool for a dip and then a poolside bar and even BBQ facilities for when you want a bite and a tipple.

Then for families looking for an activity, there are also table tennis tables and darts at the hotel.

The centre of Kavos is a few minutes away as well, where you’ll find more restaurants, bars and cafes.

You’d fly from Manchester Airport to Corfu on July 31 and return on August 5, for £289 per person.

Tenerife, Spain

Or perhaps you want to go to Tenerife? Well, then you could book into Parque Carolina.

The apartment complex boasts its own pool and the beach is less than 500 metres away.

In the surrounding area, you can also head to a waterpark.

You’d fly from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Tenerife South on August 26 and return on September 2, for £170 per person.

ANOTHER family missed their flights home and were forced to spend nearly £2,000 due to massive airport queues abroad.

Matthew Wilson, his wife and their son were travelling home to Manchester from Milan back in April.

They were returning to the UK after a nine-night holiday when they got stuck huge passport queues due to the new European entry rules.

Talking to the iPaper, Matthew said that despite easily getting through security, they were then stuck in another queues for 90 minutes, in which they only moved about 10m in that time.

Frustratingly, he family were then told by ground staff that their luggage had been removed from the plane as the flight was going to depart while they still stuck in the queue.

They were then forced to wait three hours before easyJet, who the family were flying with, offered the family a flight back home – but this was six days later than the original flight.

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Rather than waiting, Matthew spent £1,969 on new flights from Barcelona, taxis, food and accommodation.

This was on top of the money they had already paid on the flight they missed which had cost £377.

Not only that, but their travel insurance provider also said they were unable to recuperate his costs.

Matthew said: “It was very stressful – we will think twice before travelling in Europe again.”

The airport operator apologised, adding that EES “requires more complex operations than before and longer processing times”.

Not only that, but it said that on the day the Wilsons were due to fly home (April 12), there were malfunctions at the automatic gates due to issues connecting to the border systems.

This resulted in “particularly long waiting times” as passengers had to be manually checked at passport control.

The Wilsons weren’t the only ones to miss their flight on this day – in fact 100 easyJet passengers were left behind in Milan Linate Airport.

The flight to Manchester had been held for nearly an hour “but it had to then depart due to crew reaching their safety regulated operating hours”, explained easyJet.

There have been warnings over wait times because of EES – and it’s only set to get worse.

Rafael Schvartzman – the vice-president for Europe at the International Air Transport Association (Iata) – warned queue times could stretch to as much as six hours this summer.

Mr Schvartzman said: “What we are seeing is a very hard risk of really challenging times or waiting times, talking about expectations of three, four, five, six hours which is unacceptable.

“We know for a fact there are many cases where people have lost flights or their connectivity.”

IF YOU are looking for your next hidden gem island to jet off to, then look no further.

Picture luscious green trees, pristine beaches and its currently 30C – well, you could experience this less than five hours from the UK.

Losinj is a small Croatian island that is connected to the mainland via a bridge from the neighbouring island of Cres.

The island is loved for its natural beauty, but historically, has also been loved for being a health resort.

By 1891, more than a million trees covered the island – a mix of Aleppo and Scot pines.

A year later, the island was declared a natural health resort thanks to the aromatic oils of the pine trees filling the air and producing a natural aerosol that when inhaled helped those with respiratory diseases.

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Known as the ‘Island of Vitality’, Losinj today is still loved for its natural state but has also become popular for its pretty beaches with clear water.

Littered across the island are a number of picturesque towns and villages to visit.

The main hub is Mali Losinj, which is home to 19th century Captain’s Houses, as well as a natural harbour and a Museum of Croatian Apoxyomenos.

There’s also Sveti Jakov – a small fishing village home to around 70 people – with ancient olive groves as well as a sandy cove ideal for swimming.

One spot that is ideal for history lovers is Veli Losinj, where you’ll find the oldest settlement on the island.

This used to be the spot where Austro-Hungarian royalty used to stay, as a health retreat on the island, with palm trees, villas and its very own small fishing port.

Most of the island remains covered in trees making it the ideal hiking destination.

If you do head on a trek, beeline for Televin – a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the island and surrounding ocean.

According to one recent review, a round-trip trek to the viewpoint takes about five-and-a-half hours, though it isn’t too strenuous.

The viewpoint can also be reached via car, along a road.

There are a number of places to stay across the island including Vitality Hotel Punda, which costs from £75 per night.

The hotel sits near the coast and boasts its own gardens as well as three restaurants, five bars, a rocky swimming area, outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a spa.

It is also only three miles from Mali Losinj ferry terminal, where you can hop on a ferry to Zadar (which is the easiest point to access the island from).

One-way flights to Zadar cost from £19 per person, in August.

The journey to Losinj then usually takes about two hours.

A MAJOR airline is set to take off to a new destination that is known for having some of the fewest tourists in Europe.

Wizz Air is launching a new route from London Gatwick Airport to Chisinau in Moldova.

The route will operate year-round, four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Flights will take off on October 25 and cost from £36.99.

Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director at Wizz Air UK, said: “We’re delighted to give our UK customers another opportunity to discover Chișinău with the launch of our new service from London Gatwick.

“Moldova is one of Europe’s emerging destinations, offering everything from fascinating history and vibrant culture to some of the world’s oldest wine regions.

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“We’re making it easier than ever for customers to uncover one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for less.”

Sun reporter Felix Naylor Marlow visited the country last year and here are his thoughts:

“Despite sharing a continent, Chisinau feels a world away from the UK with its stark Soviet design

“Once there, pretty much every local I met was shocked to see a tourist doing a spot of sightseeing.

“Their confusion was understandable though, as the largely forgotten country of Moldova – squeezed between Ukraine and Romania – holds the title of ‘least visited country in Europe’.

“Chisinau is a city that has been through a lot – a mind-boggling 70 per cent of it was destroyed in wars across the twentieth century.

“During my stay in the city in early March, as the UK was seeing temperatures of 6C, I was wandering around the city in a T-shirt thanks to highs of 24C.

“I spent a very pleasant evening ordering several martinis in the bar’s cute cocktail garden, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.

“If you fancy somewhere completely different, cheap as chips, and where people are genuinely pleased to see you, book a flight.”

Budget airline Ryanair has shared an ‘important’ announcement on Facebook telling people to stop wearing jeans on flights – and passengers have plenty to say about it

Ryanair has issued an ‘important’ message to passengers who choose to wear jeans on their flights, having previously threatened to introduce a ‘denim fee’ for travellers not adhering to this guidance.

Staying warm and comfortable during a flight can prove more challenging than expected, especially when you’re confined to your seat with limited movement for hours at a time. Fortunately, selecting the appropriate travel attire could dramatically improve your comfort levels while in the air.

For many, this means tracksuit bottoms or leggings, while others continue to wear less comfortable garments, such as jeans, on their journeys.

But now, Irish budget airline Ryanair has posted an announcement on its Facebook page addressing all passengers regarding their clothing choices on flights.

“Important Travel Announcement,” the company posted, accompanied by three images of a Ryanair aircraft in the sky, zoomed in to reveal various details.

The first two images showed a Ryanair plane soaring through the air, with a brilliant blue sky visible in the background. However, the third image displayed a banner trailing from the rear of the aircraft.

The message was short and sweet. It read: “Stop travelling in jeans.”

This isn’t the first occasion the airline has criticised passengers wearing jeans on their flights, as they’ve previously advised travellers to avoid the popular clothing item when flying.

While there’s no real cause for concern here, the joke simply comes from most travellers preferring to dress comfortably on flights, as jeans are well known for being rather restrictive when sitting for extended periods of time.

But this didn’t deter passengers from joining in with the banter. Scores of people quickly headed to the comments section to share their views, with many insisting they had no intention of ditching their beloved denim on flights.

“I’m always flying in jeans because they are 200g heavier than sweats and you would just love to charge me for those 200g in my suitcase,” one person said. Another went on to say: “It’s how many layers we have under our jeans that you should be worrying about.”

“Noted. I’ll fly in pyjamas… unless that’s a €12 add-on too,” a third person said.

Someone else wondered: “What, should I just travel in a t-shirt and my pants to save weight?”

Another person went on to share the safety reasoning of flying in jeans, explaining: “Better jeans than shorts… much safer in case of an emergency evacuation (same applies to closed shoes vs flip flop by the way).”

Keeping the item with you until you’ve got off the plane and collected your luggage on the other side is best

Millions of people are expected to go abroad during the six-week holiday, as the peak travel season typically sees masses of British families take advantage of the kids being off. With so many people set to pass through UK airports over the coming weeks, it is important to stay up to date with the latest guidelines and advice to ensure a smooth journey.

Jet2 is one of the most popular budget airlines in the UK, and welcomes around 20 million passengers on board each year. Jet2‘s website is full of information for passengers to read up on and keep in mind when travelling, including steps to take and things to do to minimise disruption and delays as much as possible, especially when bringing luggage to go into the aircraft’s cargo hold.

On its ‘Top Tips Before Travel‘ page online, the airline urges passengers to bring one particular item along with them on their journey, right until they collect their checked luggage at their chosen destination. By doing so, they can reduce the risk of longer delays should the worst happen

The airline explains: “At check-in, each item of checked baggage will be given a destination tag showing your flight number. Do not get rid of your checked baggage receipts (if given) until you pick up all checked baggage at your destination airport. Never carry unidentified items on behalf of other people.”

Why is it important to keep the luggage receipt with you?

It’s important to keep your checked baggage receipt because it helps you track down lost luggage, file for compensation, and prove ownership if security or customs officials need to check your bags. Usually, these are the small adhesive tags that get stuck to your boarding pass or passport after you drop off your luggage at the check-in desk.

When you check-in a bag, the barcode and receipt information are linked to your digital flight booking file. If your suitcase doesn’t show up, the barcode and the 10-digit number on your receipt help airline agents find your specific bag using global systems like WorldTracer.

If I lose my luggage receipt, will I face delays?

If your bag is lost and you have misplaced your checked baggage receipt, the airline can still look up your digital tracking information, but the process will require more manual verification and may face delays. Locating your profile manually can be time-consuming, particularly during busy travel times or when the booking system is experiencing delays.

If your bag is lost for good (missing for over 21 days), the airline or your travel insurance company may ask for more evidence of check-in. Misplacing the receipt can complicate the process of making a formal financial compensation claim, but your digital booking records usually serve as a valid paper trail, according to Citizens Advice.

Jet2 also urges passengers to label each piece of baggage with their name, flight number, and phone number. It adds: “Please ensure your baggage is strong and fit for purpose, to protect the contents and to withstand the normal baggage handling process. Soft sided cases and handles, wheels and locks can be particularly vulnerable.”

The airline also says: “Take care when claiming your baggage at your destination, as many suitcases look the same. It is best to always check the name on the baggage tag.

“You must contact the Jet2.com team at the airport (or our handling agents) immediately if your baggage is damaged or has not arrived. Irregularities must be reported immediately as claims cannot be processed once you leave the airport. Staff will help you to complete a Property Irregularity Report Form.”

A CITY with 3,000 sunshine hours a year that is barely visited by Brits is getting its first UK flights in more than a decade.

Launching later this month, Air Zimbabwe will connect the UK to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

The first route takes of on July 22 from London Gatwick, with three flights a week.

It will be the first direct flights to the capital in 14 years, amid plans to open up travel between the UK and Africa.

The route was scrapped back in 2011 due to a financial difficulties at the time.

Fights start from £490 each way, or £675 return.

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While Zimbabwe welcomed 1.78million tourists in 2025, 76 per cent of this was from Africa.

Despite this, the UK is the biggest market for the city when it comes to European arrivals.

Harare is known as the City of Sunshine for its sunny weather all year round thanks to it high altitude.

It is also much better to visit in the autumn and winter, as this is where highs of 30C can be found (compared to the cooler summers of 20C).

The city is also known for its beautiful green spaces, such as Mukuvisi Woodlands where you can everything from zebras and giraffes to wildebeast and impalas.

It also a great jumping off point for going on safari, or visiting Victoria Falls.

Here are some other new flights launching in the UK soon:

EVERYONE dreams of heading to the beautiful Maldives with its bright blue waters and incredible resorts.

But did you know, there’s a very similar destination which has all the qualities and luxury of the tropical escape? And it even has an extra perk – it’s much quicker for Brits to get to.

Saudi Arabia is in the process of developing its new luxury destination called The Red Sea Project, which also includes a significant residential component.

It has everything you need from a holiday escape from beautiful islands to coral reefs, beaches, desert and even mountains.

Talking about the destination, Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development at Red Sea Global told EuroNews: “It’s true that the islands may remind you of the Maldives, with crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches. But that’s where the similarities end.

“Our landscapes are far more diverse. In addition to the islands, we have mountains, volcanoes, deserts and kilometres of virtually untouched coastline.

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“A visitor can spend the morning scuba diving among coral reefs and that same afternoon head into the desert or dine in the mountains. Very few destinations in the world offer such a variety of experiences in such a compact area.”

For Brits who dream of a holiday to somewhere like the Maldives, but don’t like the idea of a long flight – the Red Sea is much quicker to get to.

From the UK to the Maldives takes a minimum of 10 hours, and when you factor in seaplane or boat transfers to the hotel, can often exceed 12 hours in total.

But to get to The Red Sea Project from the UK takes around eight hours.

A direct flight from the UK to Riyadh will take six hours 30-minutes, followed ay a short domestic flight from Riyadh to RSI Red Sea Airport.

There could eventually be direct flights to RSI Red Sea Airport however, after it launched its first flights from Italy back in November 2025.

The Red Sea is under construction but lots of hotels are open for business with the first opening in 2023.

Currently, The Red Sea Project has 11 resorts with more set to open in the coming months.

At its centre is Shura Island which once completed will have hotels, shops, a marina and an 18-hole golf course.

In total there will be 50 hotels on the Red Sea resort including the Four Seasons, Six Senses, Rosewood Resort and Equinox.

The St Regis Resort even has overwater villas – some with private pools and butler service.

A seven-night stay in a One Bedroom Dune Villa in September is £1,512.

By 2030, the Red Sea aims to welcome around one million visitors each year.

For those keen on exploring the ocean, the Red Sea is home to one of the ‘world’s largest barrier reef systems’ – so it will be a sought-after diving destination.

Stephen Cheesebrough added that the destination is set to be open year-round for guests who want “luxury” as well as “exceptional experiences.”

To get there, guests can fly into Red Sea International Airport (RSI) which is in the Tabuk Province of Saudi Arabia.

It’s purpose- built for those visiting The Red Sea Project.

It connects to cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, but is yet to expand to Europe – however, that is in the works.

Stephen Cheesebrough said “there would be no point in creating a destination of this scale without ensuring that travellers can reach it easily.”

If the UK is added to the roster of direct flights, Brits could reach the Red Sea on a direct flight in up to seven hours.