floored

A content creator and her friends were impressed by the palatial decor when they visited a café often praised as ‘the most beautiful in the world’, but there was one drawback

A content creator who went to one of the most beautiful cafés in the world loved her experience at the famous venue, but couldn’t believe the prices on the menu, especially after discovering how much a bottle of water would set her back.

Posting her financial ordeal on TikTok, Claudia Sierra and her friends revealed to her 45,000 followers on the platform the eye-popping price tags at the New York Café in the Antara New York Palace Hotel, Budapest.

The café is considered one of the most historic and luxurious cafés in the world and is beloved for its interior decoration, featuring chandeliers and frescoes. It was also a meeting point for Hungarian artists.

Discussing what she observed before she went in, Claudia said of the stunning restaurant: “Look at the coffee shop where we stopped for a cup of coffee. They can take my ribs out right here, I don’t care.

“All I see is people flipping through the menu on repeat, trying to find something reasonably priced.”

Upon flicking through the menu themselves, Claudia and her friends became shocked when they saw how much a bottle of San Pellegrino water cost, €12.50 (£10.91), a figure reflected in an online version of the menu.

A friend of Claudia’s said: “The water bottle costs 12.50 euros.”

Instead, the group opted for tap water to save a little bit of money.

Another friend added: “Oh, we’re going to have such a good breakfast! I’m crying. Thank goodness they gave us a little bit of tap water to wash down the biscuit.”

The water isn’t the only pricey item on the menu, with a cappuccino costing €11 (£9.59) and grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with sour cream flavoured salad priced at €16 (£13.95).

Claudia and her friends aren’t the first people to note how high prices can be in popular restaurants. Luxurious eateries have long been alluring for the experience of being in them, and being able to say you’ve visited.

Earlier this year, another content creator visited Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane in London, a venue which has just 13 seats at the sushi counter and is one of the UK’s most expensive restaurants.

The restaurant, which launched in 2023 and was masterminded by Shinji Kanesaka, charges around £420 per person for its set menu. So impressive is the experience, that one visitor described it as ethereal.

They wrote on Google: “The most amazing sushi I’ve ever had outside Japan. Awesome food, service and atmosphere. Only 13 sushi bar seats in entire restaurant, 9 in main and a more private 4 seater. Pricey but ethereal.”

On the expense, one diner wrote: “Yes it is expensive, however the experience is extremely intimate with only a few small sittings each night. Further to this the ingredients used are absolutely the best on offer.

“I have honestly never been served a blue lobster and the Kobe beef was certainly as good as the best wagu I have previously tried in Japan.

“The whole team was extremely professional and very attentive. The Sake pairing was again exceptional with the sommelier describing each in amazing detail.”

Jewells Chambers, an American expat who originally hails from Brooklyn, New York, detailed how she felt a “magnetic” pull towards the stunning “Land of Fire and Ice”

An expat who abandoned life in the US and relocated to a remote European nation has revealed one particular disadvantage she’s encountered. Jewells Chambers, an American expat originally from Brooklyn, New York, explained how she felt a “magnetic” attraction to the breathtaking “Land of Fire and Ice,” with its striking landscapes filled with volcanoes and glaciers.

Jewells, who currently makes $73,000 (approximately £54,200), first relocated to Iceland in 2016, after marrying an Icelander (they divorced in 2023) and securing a position in the marketing department at a local travel company.

Alongside this role, the 38-year-old also established the YouTube channel and podcast All Things Iceland in 2018, which offers viewers the “inside scoop” on the Nordic country, with Jewells making the brand her full-time focus in 2020.

However, despite appearing to relish her life in the nation, she did acknowledge one downside of residing there; Iceland is a famously costly country (eighth most expensive globally in 2023), with a cost of living allegedly 15.8 per cent higher than the US, according to Business Insider.

Speaking to CNBC Make It, Jewells revealed her living costs: “In general, Iceland is expensive, and in particular, when it comes to eating out, it definitely can be expensive.

“It is normal to pay somewhere between $25 to $30 (about £18 to £22) for one course at a restaurant, a main course. Often, when I’ve gone out and I had a three-course dinner, that would be somewhere around $100 to £120 (about £74 to £89).

“A cup of coffee also varies, depending on where you get it. It could cost you as much as $7.50 to almost $8 (about £5.60 to £6).”

Previously in the clip, the creators revealed a pie chart detailing Jewells’ monthly expenditure for June 2024.

Her total outgoings reached $4,667 (about £3,400), with $2,030 (about £1,500) going towards accommodation and utilities, plus $545 (about £400) on groceries.

However, her expenses have been mitigated somewhat thanks to a contract with a local vehicle hire company, which means she only covers petrol costs. She also takes advantage of Iceland’s free healthcare provision.

Iceland, a sparsely populated island in the North Atlantic, is known for its geothermal hot springs and geysers, as well as such natural attractions as the famous Blue Lagoon spa.

The country boasts 376,000 residents as of 2024, and this year secured third place as the world’s happiest nation in the 2025 World Happiness Report (just behind Finland in first place and Denmark).

The BBC reported that Iceland achieved the top score globally for social support whilst also earning impressive rankings for freedom and generosity, placing third and fifth.

Another element that allegedly adds to residents’ happiness is the country’s breathtaking scenery. US geologist Jessica Poteet, who also relocated to Iceland, discussed the matter with the corporation.

She revealed that living somewhere blessed with volcanoes, Northern Lights, “cotton candy-pink” skies, and snow-capped peaks during winter feels like a “dream” and something she “never” takes for granted.

Vietnam is regularly voted one of the best countries to visit in the world but when I visited I unearthed a whole new side to it – and it was incredible

Simon Green Head of Trendswatch

05:00, 05 Oct 2025

Simon joined Daily Star in 2015. Having spent a few years covering all things video, he became Senior Assistant Editor (Digital). Since June 2024, he has been Head of Trendswatch on the Content Hub

Looking out of my car window I see sandy coves drift past below towering cliffs. To my left are endless rolling mountains filled with lush jungle.

I’m winding my way around central Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass – described by former Top Gear man Jeremy Clarkson as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads. My destination isn’t a cheap no-frills hostel, the kind used by millions of backpackers who descend on Vietnam each year.

Instead, I’m staying in two five-star sister resorts – Angsana Lang Co and Banyan Tree Lang Co – on the outskirts of a small fishing village 55 minutes from Da Nang airport. I turn off a road on the edge of Lang Co village and drive past endless paddy fields, where water buffalo happily graze.

My first hotel – Angsana – comes into view. Smiling staff greet me with some welcoming cold flannels. I’m led to my one-bedroom courtyard suite and immediately take a dip in my private pool to wash away the jet lag.

I dry off on the sunbed and wonder what this already-impressive region has in store for me during my stay.

Just a short stroll from my room sits a golden two-mile private beach with no soul in sight. But the thought of walking its length doesn’t entice me after my 18-hour journey, so I instead hop on a quad bike that’s on offer.

I hurtle across the sand with gentle waves to my left and wild jungle to my right, before taking a turn that transports me straight into a scene from Jurassic Park. Insects and birds chirp all around as I navigate the well-marked path through the wilderness.

By the time I’m back at the resort, my adrenaline’s pumping and I’m in need of a pick-me-up. I slurp down some Vietnamese coffee, which is refreshingly iced and served with sweet condensed milk, and I’m raring to go again…

An hour from the Lang Co resort lies Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. My tour guide takes me to the impressive walled Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built in 1804, it boasts palaces that housed the rulers of the last royal dynasty. I walk over a lily-covered moat and through the guard gate that towers ahead.

The palace is adorned with dragons externally, but the interior is even more spectacular. Gold-leafed walls and pillars surround a glistening gold throne where the monarch used to sit.

This grandeur is juxtaposed with bullet holes that are still visible on the city’s walls – a tragic reminder of the site’s significance in the Vietnam War’s bloodiest battle.

Another conflict Hue residents have overcome is occupation by the French, which ended in 1954. And this clash of cultures is reflected by the region’s delicious diverse food scene. I head to a traditional Hue restaurant called Les Jardins De La Carambole, which translates as ‘the starfruit gardens’ in French.

But instead of the escargots and entrecote you’d expect to guzzle down in Paris, Bun Bo Hue is on the menu. The spicy beef noodle soup is served with Hue-style crispy pancakes known as Banh Khoai.

There’s also a tingly green mango salad, as well as grilled beef in banana leaves. It’s undoubtedly one of my favourite meals of the entire trip. Heading out of the Imperial city, belly full, I reach the final pitstop on my Hue tour – Dong Ba market.

Inside is a sprawling network of street vendors willing to sell you anything and everything – from replica Ralph Lauren shirts to traditional food. It’s customary to haggle within markets in Vietnam, so I give myself a pep talk and pretend I’m on an episode of The Apprentice.

I feel like Alan Sugar is ready to become my business partner when I haggle 1,000 Vietnamese dong off the price of some coffee.

Then my tour guide brings me swiftly back to reality. When I brag to him about the deal I made, he tells me (through laughter) that I’ve only knocked off 20p. Soon it’s time to check into my next hotel – Banyan Tree Lang Co.

It’s just a short boat ride from Angsana along a 950-metre-long canal. As I step off, a golf buggy is waiting to drive me to my beachfront private villa. It comes complete with a picture-perfect private pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the beach.

I happen to be visiting during the Season of the Lotus and a whole host of activities celebrating Vietnam’s national flower await me.

Treats include a two-and-a-half hour wonderful Lotus spa experience, finished off with an aromatic lotus bath to revitalise my skin after hours under the glare of the scorching sun. I then enjoy lotus afternoon tea, served by waiters in traditional Vietnamese garments pouring out mugs of fresh herbal brews.

I sit with lanterns hanging above my head, observing the pretty lotus flowers blooming above the water in front of me.

When the time comes to eat there’s just enough space left in my belly for a meal at the Saffron Thai restaurant, offering wonderful panoramic views over the bay. The spot has been awarded a Thai Select signature status (the cuisine’s equivalent of a Michelin star) and after gorging on my lobster curry I can see exactly why.

My day of relaxation feels perfect – but I’m soon itching to get back out there and explore what’s on my doorstep. Roughly 90 minutes away to the south of the Lang Co properties sits one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations – Hoi An.

Its ancient town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the 15th century. As I walk down its streets I pass wooden fronted Chinese shophouses, French colonial buildings and traditional Vietnamese houses.

But before I fully immerse myself in the region, I decide, perhaps rather bizarrely, to head to Hoi An’s leading bespoke tailors Yaly Couture. Hoi An has built a reputation as Vietnam’s clothes capital thanks to dozens of tailors offering jaw-droppingly cheap rates on anything from custom suits to dresses.

And Yaly is one of the most renowned, having tailored outfits for the likes of Mick Jagger and the president of Singapore. After picking from the exhaustive list of materials and colours, I opt for a two-piece cashmere suit.

Back at home, buying a tailored suit as good as this could easily cost north of £1,000. But my jaw drops when I go to pay and an unbelievable “£180” comes up on the screen. I’m seriously glad that I don’t have to do any haggling this time.

Shopping session completed, it’s time to sample some of the country’s world-famous Banh-Mi. A remnant of the country’s colonial past, it’s a French-style crispy baguette with a combination of delicious fillings.

I race to authentic local deli Madam Khanh to try it for myself before closing time – and luckily manage to nab the last one. In the queue behind me, the news filters down that I’ve sold out the shop and I’m greeted by jealous and slightly angry faces.

One bite of the veggie-filled sandwich reveals why – it is absolutely delicious. The Vietnamese Bamboo Circus is the perfect place to digest as I watch some wonderfully ripped men and women tell the story of central Vietnam through death-defying stunts – all using just bamboo. By the time I leave the theatre, the sun has set and the ancient town has come alive.

An iconic sight greets me at the river – hundreds of paper flower lanterns bobbing on the surface of the water. I hop onto one of the basket boats boat to release one myself.

You’re meant to make a wish as you let your light drift away into the night.

Wish you were here? What are you waiting for? Just go and book a Vietnam break you will never forget.

Book it

Travelbag offers seven nights on B&B at the Banyan Tree Lang Co resort in Vietnam from £1,699pp including flights from Heathrow and private transfers. travelbag.co.uk

Rooms at the Banyan Tree Lang Co resort start at £337 a night B&B.

Rooms at the Angsana Lang Co resort start at £118 a night B&B.

MORE INFO – vietnam.travel

It’s no secret that flights and hotels have increased in price, but for one traveller, the cost of their trip was dubbed ‘a trip to the moon with NASA’ as it saw a whopping price increase

Gone are the days of booking a flight seat for £15.99 and an all-inclusive hotel for £100 as prices for a getaway abroad shoot up. But for one traveller, they were left baffled after their holiday package increased by a whopping £17million, prompting people to label it as much as a “trip to the moon with NASA”.

The holidaymaker, who didn’t reveal the exact details of their elaborate holiday, shared a screenshot of the cost inflation while using the TUI website. What started out as an £8million trip jumped to a staggering increase of £17million.

In a message on the TUI website, with the title ‘The cost of your holiday has increased’, it read: “We’re sorry to say the price for your holiday has gone up by £17734902.34. It’s because this trip uses flights from a third-party airline.

READ MORE: Woman climbs ‘busiest mountain in UK’ but one thing leaves her annoyedREAD MORE: ‘I stayed at Premier Inn and unexpected feature I found left me floored’

“We receive the latest prices from the airline a few times each day, but the price might change when we come to request the actual seats. Your new total is shown in the holiday summary.”

While it’s uncertain what the traveller put into the booking website, he shared the screenshot and wrote on Reddit: “So, £297 for both with flights seemed a little too good to be true, so I went through the motions. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have £18,000,000 in the bank to spend 4 days in Athens, even with the £2m discount.”

The post was met with a flurry of comments as everyone applauded the post. One asked: “Who are the third party airline, NASA?”

A second added: “Just a short layover on the moon.” “Sounds more like a Space X side hustle to me. Uber x Space X if you will”, a third penned.

“NASA’s having a…. bit of time off”, another shared. “Its only £120 deposit. Put it on klarna,” a fifth wrote.

While another wrote: “I feel you OP. I hate when they add on that little 69p to the price like that too. Like it’s such a sneaky trick. You can sort of rationalise it by convincing yourself you’re only paying £8867599 but let’s be honest here, you’re really paying more like £8867600.”

Someone else remarked: “Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday”, before another chimed in with: “And right now you can save £1m per person. That’s £4m off for a family of four!”

A TUI spokesperson said the error was likely caused by a technical error, and they’d like to apologise for the confusion.

Many people from the UK will have stayed at a Premier Inn, but one guest shared her experience staying at one of the company’s East Midlands hotels, including something she didn’t expect

Premier Inn is a popular budget hotel brand in the UK and can be recognised by its signature purple and white colour scheme. Most of the hotels have similar features, like the room layouts, but one location stood out to a hotel guest.

Kerri, a mum from Norfolk who works in the travel industry, recently stayed at the Premier Inn Derby City Centre Riverlights hotel and was surprised by one thing. Turning to TikTok, she said: “Well, this is new for a Premier Inn. I’ve got a room that I’ve never had before and I’ve stayed in so many Premier Inns I’ve actually lost count.”

The hotel guest first showed viewers the courtyard she could see outside of her room with potted plants growing in the middle hanging on a wooden structure, which she found “strange for one.”

She was also surprised to see tiles on the floor in and near the bathroom and discovered that when you close the bathroom door, it opens the wardrobe.

What Kerri really didn’t expect, however, was the long walk to her car from the hotel room.

The travel worker had to go down a number of corridors and through several doors to get out of the hotel and once she got out, she had to walk around the hotel, cross the road, go under a bridge, walk up some steps into the Derbion Shopping Centre, down some more corridors and down some steps into the basement car park where her car was.

At the end of the video when she finally made it to her car, she playfully said: “Let’s just say the last thing you wanna do is forget something in your car if you’re staying in the hotel. That takes forever.”

In the caption of her post, she wrote: “It’s a long a** walk to your car staying at this Premier Inn!

“Plus side – you get your steps in and it’s a great location for the mall!”

Premier Inn Derby City Centre Riverlights, located near the River Gardens, doesn’t have on-site parking but guests can park their vehicles at the nearby Derbion Basement Centre Car Park for a discounted rate of £8 for 24 hours by registering at reception.

It takes about 10 minutes to walk to this car park from the hotel. Kerri’s TikTok video has garnered thousands of views, hundreds of likes and more than 70 comments.

One user sarcastically said: “Omg the trauma.” Another added: “Haha I know Derby when I see it, I was a student there and it’s probably because the city centre is very pedestrianised and it’s just a bit of a pain to drive round.

“Car parks have always been scarce.” Someone who stayed at a different Premier Inn commented: “It’s like this for the Cardiff Queen Street Premier Inn – we have got lost so many times walking from the car park to the hotel.”

A spokesperson for Premier Inn told the Mirror: “Our Riverlights hotel is in a fantastic location right by the Derby river gardens and due to its central location, as indicated on our website when booking, there is no onsite carpark.”

One UK man visited the world’s most expensive cafe, Cedric Grolet, in Monaco. After ordering a coffee and some pastries, he was shocked to receive a bill that left his wallet empty

It seems like the cost of a coffee and pastry has soared everywhere. Whether you’re popping into your neighbourhood Greggs or a hip independent bakery, it’s hardly shocking to fork out £5 or more for a flat white and croissant.

But while that stings your purse, it pales in comparison to what’s available at one of the globe’s most lavish cafés, where a basic sweet indulgence can exceed your entire weekly grocery bill. Head south to France and you’ll discover Monaco, the billionaire’s paradise. This minuscule principality is famed as the beating heart of Formula One, home to countless multi-million pound superyachts – and its legendary casino.

Perched above that very casino within the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an upmarket patisserie has gained notoriety for its exquisite pastries and bakes – alongside the astronomical prices they demand.

Stroll through the marble foyer and you’ll discover what’s been branded the “world’s most expensive café”, Cedric Grolet.

Grolet is a globally celebrated French pastry chef boasting millions of social media fans and honours, including “Best Pastry Chef in the World”.

The Monte-Carlo branch marks his Mediterranean debut, following phenomenally successful launches in Paris, London and Singapore, though given its setting, it appears among the most expensive.

His masterpieces are immediately identifiable, with puddings crafted to mirror lemons, peaches or strawberries perfectly on the exterior, before unveiling intricate layers of mousse, cream and sponge inside.

Some of the traditional pastries might not necessarily empty your wallet, but they’re still decidedly on the expensive side. For instance, a pain au chocolat will set you back a hefty €12, but with some more luxurious pastries available, one visitor soon fell into the sweet trap and was left with a massive bill.

During a visit to the bakery that he later shared on TikTok, Charlie Betts ended up shelling out an eye-watering £140 on just a few items and a matcha.

Upon arriving at the bakery, he said: “There’s life like looking at fruits, I don’t even know what they would be, maybe little chocolate tarts? I’m not sure, but I think it’s going to be quite good. Hopefully, the best sweet treats I’ve ever had in my life.

“This has got to be the best thing of my life. I’m really scared of what the price is going to be.”

Ordering a chocolate chip cookie, a peanut, mango and strawberry styled dessert, and a final special rose tart, the bill was certainly on the steep side. Each dish was clearly meticulously assembled with layers of mousse, foams, cake and jams all rolled into something scrumptious, but can any baked good justify such a high price tag?

Charlie summarised: “If price isn’t involved, I’m going to give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. My most expensive meal ever.”

Many in the comments were as shocked at the price. One person wrote: “As a pastry chef, those prices are ridiculous.”

While another added: “I get hives at the price of Costa, can’t imagine what medical condition I’d develop here.”

If you feel stuck for something to do in London, Skuna Boats is the perfect activity – relaxing, fun and something really different

Having lived in London for the best part of a decade I made it my mission when I first moved here to cross as many of the main tourist attractions off the list as possible.

It’s all too easy when you live in a city as amazing as London to take things for granted so after a feverish couple of years, I done all the big ones – St Paul’s, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Royal Parks, you name it, I’d looked round it.

You may think this would leave me at a loss for fun activities to do each weekend and that’s where you’d be very wrong. Some of the very best attractions London has to offer are those that fly under the radar – and there’s one I’ve been eyeing up out of the window at work for as long as I can imagine.

Skuna Boats, based in Canary Wharf, offer a dazzling array of water-based activities. From an igloo boat, where you cosy and ensconced is a see-through igloo while you potter about the water ways of Canary Wharf, to the BBQ boat, which pretty much does what it says on the tin. But the one that really caught my eye was the hit tub boat. Imagine the fun, being in a hot tub ON the water.

One gloriously sunny Saturday afternoon four friends and I donned our swimming costumes and ventured out onto the water. We picked evening so we got the best of both worlds, making the most of the last of the sunshine and then floating around Canary Wharf, gazing at the glittering lights, as the sun went down as we sipped wine and giggled.

The first thing to mention is Skuna take safety very seriously. You delegate one of your party to be captain and alcohol is banned for them. You’re then given a very thorough safety talk and quiz so you’re ready to take to the water in the safest possible way.

After changing in the lovely on site changing rooms, where you can rent soft and fluffy robes and towels, we made our way down to the pier and our waiting boat.

After another very thorough run through of how to operate the boat – which once you get your head round everything being in the opposite direction to where you think it should be – it’s surprisingly easy. We were loaded up with our waterproof containers holding our phones, which I would highly recommend taking as the views are spectacular and our drinks and we were off.

It took a few minutes to get the hang of steering our sturdy vessel but this only added to the fun. The water in the hot tub, which is wood fired, was absolutely perfect and felt like such a luxurious way to see Canary Wharf from a very different angle.

As we wound our way along the route, one thing that really blew my mind was the number of people stopping to wave, smile and shout hello to us. I’m not a born and bred Londoner but I’ve been here for long enough to know if this amazing city has a downside, it’s that the people aren’t always the friendliest.

I thought I’d feel somewhat mortified being spotted in my cossie so close to where I work every day but everyone was so nice and we were having such an amazing time, I didn’t mind in the slightest.

Canary Wharf has always been a stunning part of London and the views from our little hot tub oasis were absolutely spectacular. What a way to see what can be an underrated part of the city.

After 75 minutes on the water, it was time for us to get out and sample the Skuna Sauna. If I was feeling relaxed by the time I got out of the hot tub, I was positively zen after leaving the sauna. A real piece of luxury and health right there on the quayside.

So, next time you’re feeling a bit stuck with what to do in London I cannot recommend Skuna Boats highly enough – I can’t wait to set sail again.

For more information and for a full list of prices, make sure to visit the Skuna website.

Kelli Hollis, who played Yvonne Karib in the Channel 4 show, has opened up about her time on the iconic comedy drama and how she recently re-watched it for the first time in years

Two decades have passed since gritty comedy drama Shameless first graced our television screens – and one of the programme’s stars has recently revisited it for the first time in years.

The Channel 4 series ran for nearly ten years and was based on the fictional Chatsworth council estate in Manchester, where Frank Gallagher and his enormous family caused chaos at every turn.

Kelli Hollis, who also appeared in Emmerdale, memorably portrayed Yvonne Karib, a character who operated the neighbourhood shop and gave work to Frank’s son Ian, who subsequently began an affair with her spouse.

Speaking with the Manchester Evening News, Kelli, 49, revealed that she recently turned to Shameless for some evening viewing – and wasn’t let down.

“Shameless,” she remarked with affection. “I actually watched the first episode fully for the first time in years the other day. Everyone always asks me about Shameless and I watched the first episode which was interesting. You forget how good it is!”

Commending the programme created by Paul Abbott, she added: “When you say Shameless you think nudity, bad language, drugs and Frank Gallagher (played by David Threlfall) is the iconic character.

“But I think rewatching it, it is so beautiful when I think of some of the scenes. It is so well put together and it is actually a lot deeper than what people think. When you go back and watch it, you think, oh God yeah, it is actually really human in that respect.

“It is not just telling scandalous stories from a council estate. There is so much more to it so I really enjoyed watching it the other day.”

Shameless, now available on Netflix, aired its final episode in 2013 after an impressive run of 11 seasons and 139 episodes. Its popularity even sparked a US version – a successful series that ran from 2011 until 2021.

Despite the years, many fans still approach Kelli, a native of Beeston, Leeds, with questions about the show, and many recite memorable lines from Frank Gallagher, affectionately known as “Frankisms”.

One of his legendary quotes was: “People say the children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way. But after you’ve had eight of your own, you realise that’s a load of ********. Darwin had the right idea; just leave the ****** to fend for themselves.”

Another gem included: “Son when you have them, little babies, you love them. Even if they’re real mingers. I mean when Ian was born he looked like David Gest.”

Kelli returned to the UK in November after spending over two years in Thailand. She reflected on Shameless following a powerful interview about her father, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

A woman recently booked a holiday to Turkey and she can’t believe how much it cost. Suzanna was floored when she saw her bill for her recent trip away in the sun

A woman booked a holiday to Turkey, but was left floored when she realised how much it cost, and it’s not the only thing that’s left people stunned at the holiday hotspot recently. Suzanna, known as suzannatravelsolo on TikTok, recently admitted she jetted off for a few days in the sun to have a break from “rainy Liverpool“.

Even though she enjoyed her time away, she admitted she was taken aback when she realised how much it would cost her to spend the weekend in Turkey. In a candid video shared online she claimed she bagged a weekend away in Turkey for “less than £200.00”, and this included taxi fees, so it was pretty good.

The news may surprise some people as it’s been heavily documented that, in recent years, tourists think Turkey has become expensive. Just a few months ago, Brits admitted they were looking for “cheaper options”, as they claimed the hotspot has witnessed such high levels of inflation.

However, Suzanna said she had a bargain break away and she opened up about it in a few videos. However, she did warn it can be come expensive when you actually land at the destination.

In a different video, Suzanna explained whether she thinks it’s cheaper in Turkey or Hurghada, Egypt. She said she did notice it was pricey when she was out and about.

Suzanna explained: “The beach clubs in Hurghada are much better and a lot cheaper. I mean, if you drink, you’re going to spend a lot of money, because it was £12.00 for a cocktail.

“If you wanted vodka and Sprite, a vodka was just £11.00 on its own without a mixer. £11.00 for a vodka. I found local restaurants in the area I’m staying – the food has been lovely.

“You can get good value if you shop around. Tourists spots are just so, so expensive. Turkey will always be a part of my life, but Hurghada wins hands down for value and for what you get for your money.

“I mean, to just go on a boat trip here you’re talking €60.00. In Hurghada, we do it for €30,00, so there’s a big difference in the price. Turkey is still there in my heart.”

In the video, Suzanna also stated she had bed and breakfast, and people were quick to comment and share their thoughts. Some had similar views.

One said: “Love Turkey but my favourite will always be Egypt. We used to go to Luxor for two weeks and then go to Hurghada for a few days in between.”

Another added: “Definitely stay away from tourist spots, but I prefer that anyway – wherever I go.” Some people love Turkey though, as someone else wrote: “I’d personally choose Turkey – we’ve had the best holidays there, twice last year.”

One more commented: “Just came back from Hurghada and absolutely loved it – can’t wait to return. Great people – fab holiday.”

Is Turkey becoming expensive?

There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in parts of Turkey. If you’re wondering about the situation, Statista has offered an explanation as to why it may be happening.

The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”

However, it’s said Turkey is taking steps to help boost tourism, including addressing rising prices, making tourist offerings more diverse and investing in infrastructure. The Government is said to be working to reduce inflation, and some people are also promoting niche tourism areas like spas and health care.

A woman recently went to a restaurant in Turkey, and was floored by the cost of a three-course meal. When you’re abroad, you never know what to expect to pay

It’s no secret that the cost of visiting Turkey has risen, with various tourists having brought the matter to people’s attention in recent months. However, a woman who lives in Turkey recently revealed she was floored when she discovered how much it is to enjoy a three-course meal at a restaurant at the popular holiday destination, and Brits are equally as surprised.

The woman, known as lifeoflottss on TikTok, recently drew people’s attention to the food discovery in a candid video, and she was left pretty stunned. When you’re willing to look around, it turns out you can really find some bargains, with many people being left stunned by the price of the meal.

She explained she found the eatery in Marmaris and felt she had to show it off. It seems not everything is super expensive at the destination, despite reports of Turkey being “dead” due to inflation.

In the clip, Lotts said: “Hello everyone, if you’re staying in the Armutalan area in Marmaris then you can actually get a three-course meal for £3.50. If you really want to try traditional Turkish kitchen food then I would really recommend coming here.

“I’ll show you inside to show you what the food looks like. You can sit in and eat, or you can just get a takeaway. I absolutely love this food – all freshly made.

“Really nice, traditional Turkish kitchen food. Chef’s kiss. You’ve got puddings, drinks. You can get three courses for £3.50, or you can buy them separately. Honestly, it’s so cheap and the food is unreal.”

After she shared the video, people had all sorts of questions. In the comments, she confirmed the prices stay the same “all year around”, and she told intrigued holidaymakers to look for Anadolu Yemek Evi, Marmaris, when they visit.

One person said: “Love this place. My husband goes here to get us food all the time. Lovely food.”

Another added: “The food is the best type of food. Unbelievably cheap.” A third replied: “Tried this place in June when we were over. Great value. The food was really nice, and all the bread on the table was unreal.”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I went there in May. Cheap as chips.” Someone else also chimed in with: “Bargain.”

Anadolu Yemek Evi also has rave reviews on TripAdvisor too. It has an average rating of five stars, with one customer saying it serves up the “best meal” in Marmaris. It just goes to show you can find affordable dining at the destination when you look around.

Is Turkey becoming expensive?

Even though Lotts’s story is positive, there are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in parts of Turkey. If you’re wondering about the situation, Statista has offered an explanation as to why it may be happening.

The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”

However, it’s said Turkey is taking steps to help boost tourism, including addressing rising prices, making tourist offerings more diverse and investing in infrastructure. The Government is said to be working to reduce inflation, and some people are also promoting niche tourism areas like spas and health care.

Beth Alexandra recently visited Benidorm market with only €10 in her pocket, and she was floored by what she managed to buy. She thinks she got a lot for her money

A woman visited Benidorm market with only €10 in her pocket and can’t believe what she managed to buy – and it’s not the first time people have commented on the prices in Benidorm. Beth Alexandra recently posted a video of her journey, and she took people on a tour of the market.

The TikTok creator, from Scotland, recently opened up about her adventure in Spain, and she admitted she wanted to know what she could snap up for €10, which works out at about £8.66. Her story has left people a little stunned, as people couldn’t believe what she managed to bag whilst shopping.

In a recent clip shared online, she admitted she headed to Benidorm market to carry out the experiment. It seems as though she had a pretty good time, even though there are reports Spain has become “eerily quiet” this year.

Beth said: “This is what €10 can get you at Benidorm market. We’re just heading down to the Benidorm outdoor market, and I’m very excited to go.

“I don’t really know what I’m going to get, but I’ve got my €10, so let’s go and see what we can get.” After arriving at the location, she continued: “It’s just after 10 o’clock, but it’s absolutely roasting still.”

Beth admitted it was “very busy” when she was looking around, but she soon started to browse some of the stalls. She looked at various items – from bags to clothes to earrings.

She admitted she thought a few pairs were “cute”, including ones in the shape of cherries. As well as this, she took a liking to a pair of starfish earrings.

In the end, she settled on the starfish earrings, and she admitted she “loves” them. She also picked up some fruit earrings too, which were equally as pretty.

Beth didn’t clarify how much she spent, or if she had change, but she thought she landed a pretty good deal. She admitted she was “happy” with her purchases.

Over 30,000 people have liked the video since it was shared, and they were quick to comment too. Hundreds shared their views on her shopping trip.

One said: “You’re making me fancy a holiday.” Another wrote: “I love Benidorm – it’s so good.”

A third replied: “We were there today. Some cute finds. Hope you had a lovely holiday.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “We lasted 20 minutes on Sunday – it was too hot for the market.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “Omg, I’ve been there and I loved it. It was so hot when I went though.”

If you’ve never been before, Benidorm’s famous outdoor market is on every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. You will find a wide range of goods available at the stalls.

Tourists are warned that it’s always busy, so make sure you keep your purse placed away somewhere safe if you visit. There are also numerous nearby bars and cafés where you can relax and have a coffee if shopping is not your favourite activity.

A woman has shared a video of the “most scenic” train route in the world, which travels through the snowy Swiss Alps and has floor to ceiling windows for passengers to enjoy the views – but the price has floored people

Trains are a fantastic mode of transport for people, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to flying or driving, and providing passengers with the chance to take in the stunning scenery along their route. Experiencing the natural beauty of a foreign country can be an awe-inspiring adventure, as there’s always something new to discover when you’re exploring unfamiliar territory.

This is why a particular train journey through the snowy Swiss Alps has left people amazed. The train features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering passengers an unparalleled view of the breathtaking landscape. Eveline, a holidaymaker who regularly shares her train travel experiences on social media, has dubbed this Swiss route “the most scenic train journey in the world.”

One look at her footage and it’s easy to see why. “Want to ride the most magical train in December? Then now is the time to book! It sells out fast!” she captioned a TikTok video where she showed off her scenic train journey.

The clip offers viewers a glimpse of Eveline’s perspective from the train, featuring panoramic views of the snow-covered Swiss Alps as the train winds its way through the mountains, even passing through tunnels carved directly into the rock.

“POV: it’s December and you took the train from Switzerland to Italy,” Eveline wrote on the video as she continued to show the interior of the train, which featured floor to ceiling windows for passengers to fully take in the surroundings they were travelling through.

She went on to reveal: “This is the Bernina Express and it will take you on a scenic ride through glaciers and palms, parts of the route is an UNESCO heritage.”

The railway connects the Swiss Alpine city of Chur with Tirano in northern Italy, making numerous stops on its way. The full trip lasts approximately four-and-a-half hours, though travellers enjoy endless entertainment simply by gazing through the windows at the spectacular snowy peaks they pass.

During the winter months, passengers also journey through snow-covered woodlands resembling a perfect winter fairy tale. The complete four-and-a-half-hour rail experience costs around 66CHF (£61) per person for economy seating, or 113 CHF (£104) for premium class accommodation.

However, Eveline explained you can easily cut this expense in half by disembarking at one of the intermediate stations. “Or travel with an interrail pass and then you only need to book a seat for 32 CHF in first class,” she said.

Travellers must ensure they purchase tickets from the correct website, otherwise they risk boarding a “normal” service without the panoramic windows.

People were quick to express their awe in the comments, with many expressing a keen desire to experience the train journey.

“Omg this is a dream,” one individual commented, while another exclaimed: “Omg, this is like a movie.”

Another shared their personal experience, saying: “Me and my hubby travelled on the Bernina Express last month it was stunning. Window shopped in St Moritz – such a beautiful part of the world and not far from Italy.”

One person offered some advice, writing: “I did this and it was stunning, but don’t pay so much for the Berninia – just get the normal train. The Bernina was just and the end of our normal train carriage, so it was a lot cheaper!”

A restaurant in Spain has shared a photo of a receipt with a huge €63,000 (£55,000) bill racked up on it – and people are desperate to know who could have paid it

A Spanish restaurant has shared of a receipt showing an eye-watering €63,000 (£55,000) bill, that a group of tourists unbelievably walked away from.

The eatery teased that the party might have featured a well-known American sporting celebrity. Situated in Palmanova, Majorca, the waterfront establishment appealed on social media: “Whose bill is this? Tag them below, please – we’d like to talk..”

Sharp-eyed observers noticed that a massive chunk of the total was splashed on “various fish”. With such an astronomical sum, punters in the replies have been desperately attempting to identify who could possibly fork out this much at a restaurant.

A fierce discussion has erupted in the comments section as people scramble to determine who would blow this kind of cash at the venue.

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The establishment later revealed that 18 guests were accommodated at the table and suggested the party might have featured a well-known American sporting celebrity, according to Majorca Daily Bulletin.

The mystery diners didn’t just splash out on grub but also shelled out a fortune on premium beverages.

Another entry on the receipt shows valet parking, which forms part of the venue’s upmarket offerings.

The Instagram post exploded online with countless users desperate to uncover the identity of the enigmatic customer, reports the Express.

It has now become the hottest topic across Majorca as residents attempt to crack who splashed out on one of the island’s priciest ever dinners.

Majorca stands as one of the biggest islands in the Balearics and serves as a beloved getaway destination. The island boasts crystal clear waters and breathtaking beaches, making it a must-visit destination that draws in two million Brits per year.

Mark Danby, a UK expat who ditched Britain for a life in sunny Spain, recently found himself craving fish and chips but was left floored when he sampled an offering in Spain

A British man who recently treated himself to a “humongous” portion of fish and chips in Spain was left floored when he tasted it. Mark Danby, a UK expat who hails from Stockport, Greater Manchester, ditched his life in Britain for an enviable existence on the sun-kissed shores of Spain, namely Manilva, a municipality in Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

However, it seems that he has found it difficult to forget some aspects of life in the UK, particularly one of the nation’s delicacies. Luckily for him, the British favourite of fish and chips appears to be readily available in his new home.

Mark, who shares his continental exploits on his fledgling YouTube channel, Tapas Guy, recently found himself craving fish and chips and decided to visit a local chippy known as Marlows in CC Los Hidalgos.

He decided to order a large cod and chips for €16.95 (approximately £14.65) and sat outside to eat his meal. When it arrived, Mark noted the “humongous” size of the portion.

Indeed, conceding that he perhaps shouldn’t have “gone for large”, Mark unwrapped the paper to reveal not one but two fish in what appeared on camera to be a huge portion.

Despite this, when it came to the tasting, Mark was left unimpressed. Sampling the chips first, he said: “I mean, it’s okay, but it’s a little bit greasy.

“Don’t know if you can see the grease on that, but certainly not crispy. Sort of a bit soggy, bit sort of bendy. I think it needs a sauce. Not particularly tasty, unfortunately. I mean, they’re okay.”

Next up was the cod, which he also described as “greasy”, although he conceded the second piece was “crispy on the top” and looked a “little bit better” underneath.

He noted that it was a “bit flaky”, but it “doesn’t hold the flakiness” and proceeded to push pieces of it onto his work, but it “kind of just mushes together”.

He added: “I’m afraid the fish is absolutely tasteless. So what you’re left with…tasteless. I’m afraid it’s tasteless fish and greasy batter. Let’s try this piece of batter. Well, I have to say I’m disappointed at this point.”

Yet, during his summary, Mark appeared to have softened his opinion somewhat, saying the quantity and price were “pretty good value”, but he wasn’t a fan of the “quality” of the food, highlighting the fish in particular.

He did, however, note some “mitigating circumstances”, noting that the fryer could have played a “part” if they were cooking with just one, and said the tartar sauce was “very nice”.

Mark also mentioned that he ate a “fair amount” and conceded that it filled him up, and when it came to giving his meal a score out of ten, he gave the fish and chips a respectable seven or “possibly an eight”.

Coronation Street’s Audrey Roberts, played by Sue Nicholls, recently celebrated a birthday on the soap and fans have been left shocked after realising the actress’ real age

Coronation Street viewers have been left stunned after discovering the actual age of Sue Nicholls, who portrays beloved character Audrey Roberts.

Audrey first appeared on the cobbles back in 1979 as Gail Platt’s mum (Helen Worth), and has since become an absolute favourite amongst fans, featuring in numerous major storylines.

Throughout the decades, audiences have experienced both heartache and happiness alongside Audrey, witnessing her wedding to Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley) in 1985 and mourning his devastating passing in 1999.

READ MORE: Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton pays devastating tribute to colleague as they die age 38

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Fans have also watched Audrey evolve into a great-grandmother to characters such as Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), whilst seeing her collaborate with grandson David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) at Audrey’s hair salon.

More recently, she was left heartbroken when daughter Gail departed the cobbles last year following 25 years on the street, embarking on a fresh chapter in France with husband Jesse Chadwick (John Thompson), reports Leicestershire Live.

During this week’s episodes, Audrey marked her 85th birthday with a special meal at The Bistro, surrounded by her family including grandchildren Sarah (Tina O’Brien) and David.

Yet fans have been absolutely flabbergasted upon learning actress Sue’s true age.

On a Corrie Facebook fan page, discussing character Audrey’s recent birthday festivities, one person posted: “Aw, happy 85th birthday Audrey!”.

Another fan responded: “She looks good for her age, Sue who plays her is 81 in real life.” A third viewer exclaimed: “No way!”. Meanwhile, a fourth admiring fan declared: “She’s barely aged.”

Before her time on Corrie, Sue had a hidden singing career and landed her first soap role in the legendary Crossroads.

In 1968, she released a track titled ‘Where Will You Be?’, which climbed to number 17 in the UK Music Charts, and it’s said that she also performed in a cabaret club in Vienna during her younger years.

She became a familiar face on our telly, featuring in ‘The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin’ alongside Leonard Rossiter from 1976-1979, and as Nadia Popov in ‘Rentaghost’ from 1981-1984.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX

An American tourist visited Pembrokeshire, Wales, for the first time, and despite saying it moved her in a way that was hard to describe, she will ‘never forget’ the price of her ice cream

An American tourist famed for exploring different parts of the UK went to Pembrokeshire for the first time – before calling it ‘Wales’ most stunning coastline’.

Cara is the face of The Magic Geekdom YouTube channel where she has 76,500 followers and she started her recent vlog with the words: “I am spending a few days in Pembrokeshire. I have never been here before but I have heard a lot of great things about it. I just got to Tenby and immediately saw this view – it is stunning isn’t it.”

The travel guru also said it was her first time by the seaside in the UK and she was struck by how colourful and beautiful the surroundings were, especially the brightly painted buildings. And after taking in the views while sitting on a beach and listening to the waves, the tourist decided to buy an ice cream. This took her to The Stowaway in Tenby which is in the arches of an old boat store in one of the most iconic harbours in Wales.

And praising her refreshing sweet treat, Cara enthused: “I couldn’t resist getting a salted caramel ice cream cone.”

Giving it a try, she added: “Oh my god… that is so good. That is probably the best ice cream I have had over here. It is really good.”

However, the camera then cut to a few moments later, and it showed Cara holding an ice cream cone without any ice cream in it.

Laughing, she said: “Well, I was trying to take a picture of my ice cream cone, and a seagull stole the whole damn scoop of ice cream!”

Given it was so tasty, Cara returned to the shop, and decided to eat it inside this time to avoid another theft, meaning she ate one ice cream for the price of two.

She said: “My £4 ice cream became an £8 ice cream because I paid the bird tax but it was worth every penny. If you come here and want ice cream, definitely go to Stowaway, that place was amazing.”

Cara stayed in an AirBnb western-themed pod overlooking the countryside and day two of her trip saw her visit Pembroke Castle – and she described it as “fricking beautiful”.

The content creator also went to St Davids Cathedral and she said it was “so magnificent” before explaining how hearing the choir practising inside added to the “magic of the place”.

Making another observation, she added: “I love how quiet it is here this morning. There are a lot of people out and about but it is just very peaceful.

“Sometimes a place just moves you in a way that you don’t even know how to describe. It is hard to find words for and I think that’s what’s happening here. It is just so tranquil, just a good vibe.”

Cara also embarked on a boat tour from Martin’s Haven to Skomer Island where she witnessed puffins up close and she said it was one of the most memorable highlights from all her trips to the UK.

Summing up her stay, she said: “I have had an amazing time in Pembrokeshire. I have done a lot of firsts like that incredible puffin boat tour I just did. I had my first seagull steal food with my ice cream, I will never forget that.”

She added: “I cannot wait to come back. I have had an incredible time.”

After posting the video on YouTube, which you can watch in full here, one person replied: “Hello from the Welsh American Channel. We Americans of Welsh descent are very proud of our heritage, modern Wales, and its rich language. Thank you for the video. Cymru am byth!”

Another said: “Wales is an amazing place to live and visit.”

A third went with: “Wales is a beautiful country and people are friendly, love and respect from Scotland.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett took her toddler to Disneyland, Paris, and didn’t expect that she’d have to fork out so much cash for some bubbles

11:00, 15 Jul 2025Updated 11:12, 15 Jul 2025

Samantha Bartlett is an Assistant Editor of Social News across all Reach Plc titles. She frequently covers viral and lifestyle topics such as driving, money, cleaning, gardening, parenting, shopping and travel. Previously she has written for Daily Star.

Taking your child to Disneyland, Paris, is something most parent dreams of when they have kids. However, if you’re planning to take your little one to Disney anytime soon, then I suggest you start saving up for the trip now.

Of course, we all know the accessories on sale at Disneyland aren’t going to be cheap, but I was left a little startled by just how expensive a few things were when I went there with my toddler last week. Getting prepared, I ordered us some mouse ears online before we went there as I knew my three-year-old would want some and they would be expensive in the theme park. However, when I went to pack, I had completely misplaced his ears – something I knew would be a costly mistake.

Of course, as soon as we started walking up to the park and he saw everyone wearing mouse ears, he had to have some. I offered him mine but then when he saw the other sparkly versions on sale, he decided he wanted to pick his own. These will set you back €25 (£22) each, so they don’t come cheap – especially if you have more than one child.

He was happy with his ears, however once he saw some other kids with the Disney bubbles he just had to have those too. He is madly into Spider-Man at the moment and had his heart set on those bubbles, which were again another €25, plus another €2 (£1.70) for a bubble refill.

As he chomped his way through an €8 (£7) popcorn and a €4.50 (£4) ice cream, things were starting to add up.

It was then onto lunch and my little one and his dad had hotdogs, which were €10 (£9) each and then €3.59 (£3) for fries and a €3.49 50cl drink. Meanwhile, I opted for a vegan chilli, which was €8 (£7), but was very tasty.

We also treated ourselves to some chocolate-covered waffles later in the day, which I think were around €5 (£4.30) each.

The only other thing we spent out on were some fast passes for one of the rides. You can pay €90 (£80) to get you on all of the rides quicker, however we didn’t bother with that, considering our toddler couldn’t go on everything and that’s nearly the same price our ticket cost. Instead, you can also buy individual fast track passes for a ride of your choice, which we did for Orbitron, which cost us €5 (£4.30) for both adults.

So all in all, we did spend quite a lot, however, having only one child, it did make things a bit cheaper. I didn’t actually know that Disneyland also allows you to bring in your own food into the park, so if you’re prepared, you might want to pack lunch and snacks if you want to save a bit of cash there.

Those who are planning to take a toddler may want to do what we did and take them just before their third birthday as they get in for free up until they’re three. My little man managed to stay awake the whole time we were there from 10:30am to 6:30pm at night and enjoy himself on the rides, but if he was any younger I do think he would have struggled a bit with the long day and would have had to have a nap.

As well as Disneyland, he also travelled on the Eurostar free, which they can do up until they’re four.

So am I a bit sore about paying £22 for bubbles? Well yes, it wasn’t ideal. But to be fair, they made his day and brought him joy, and as parents, we know that’s priceless!

A man issued his honest thoughts about his flight with low-cost airline Ryanair, after being left staggered by the price of a coffee and ham and cheese croissant

A YouTuber has been left shocked by the prices of Ryanair‘s breakfast items on board. Johnny G opted to travel with the low-cost airline from Sofia to Varna in Bulgaria, after hearing complaints about some its services. Before delving into his review, he told his subscribers: “Today I made it my mission to fly with Ryanair and see for myself how bad this airline really is.”

Once settled onto the plane, Johnny, from Switzerland, said he found the cabin “very basic” as he expected, and wasn’t a fan of the seats. Yet, what truly caught him off guard was the pricing of the airline’s refreshments. Presenting the menu to his viewers, a Lavazza coffee was listed at a cost of €3.15 (£2.72), while croissants and breakfast rolls were priced between €3.25 (£2.81) and €6 (£5.19).

Johnny chose to purchase a ham and cheese croissant, which cost €5.75 (just under £5) alongside a coffee during his 2023 flight. Sharing his thoughts, he said: “For a coffee and a croissant, I pay more than for the flight itself.”

What also left him stunned was how nice the coffee actually tasted, compared to others he’s tasted on flights. He added: “To be fair, I’ve probably never had such good coffee on a plane, but it takes me a while to figure out how this wicked cup works.”

After his flight came to an end, he shared his verdict, adding: “Although Ryanair certainly has its imperfections, I don’t think it’s as bad as everyone says.

“You can’t spend pennies and expect gold for it. The crew were friendly, the plane was in good condition and the flight was on time.”

Since Johnny’s experience, inflation has prompted Ryanair to increase their prices. A Lavazza coffee is now €3.75 (£3.25), while a ham and cheese croissant €6 (£5.19).

To some, these prices might appear steep, but keep in mind that only hot beverages served by Ryanair are allowed on flights.

Ryanair’s clear policy states: “You must not take hot drinks on the plane, or drink your own alcohol when on the plane.”

Passengers are however welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board, as long as it does not exceed the hand-luggage weight limit.

In a recent announcement, Ryanair shared plans to expand their “personal bag” allowance by a sizeable 20 per cent, in line with new EU standards for hand luggage.

Under the changes, passengers will be allowed to carry on a bag with maximum dimensions of 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, without any additional fees.

The bag must weigh under 10kg and it has to fit “under the seat in front you.”

These amendments are expected to come into force in the next coming weeks.

A British expat proved just how far a fiver can get you in Benidorm after finding a ‘hidden gem’ in the Old Town where you can fill up on beer and tapas without breaking the bank

A British woman who has lived in Benidorm for 40 years found a “hidden gem” bar – and the price of beer and tapas was “outstanding”.

Michelle Baker used to run a newspaper in the holiday hotspot for two decades and she now shares valuable information on her Benidormforever Facebook page. And it was here that the mum, who has raised her children in Spain, revealed her latest find. After strolling through the Old Town, Michelle discovered Rumbo Bar, which she said has been there since 1968, and was recently taken over by Juani and Nico.

Writing on her page, she said: “Regular followers know I’m a HUGE supporter of the small bars, and in the Old Town yesterday I stumbled across this little gem; Bar Rumbo.”

She added: “Realising their location is just off the busy square that overlooks the little Mal Pas beach is slightly hidden, the couple have put their heart and soul into making their pet friendly pub as welcoming as possible, with quirky decoration, a selection of board games and they’ve some outstanding offers too.”

And as for the incredible prices, Michelle explained how a beer and two tapas cost just €4.90 (approx £4). A glass of wine meanwhile is just €2.20 while a coffee is priced at €1.50. For something fancier, the owners also sell two cocktails for €10.

Michelle pointed out that the air conditioned space provided a “peaceful escape” from the raucous part of Benidorm.

Explaining why she was keen on highlighting it, she said: “I love to point out the hidden places in the hope more of you will support them before they are all swallowed up by the big boys; your choice to pop in for a round or two of drinks makes all the difference to their day and it shows in their eagerness to please their customers.”

Speaking to Michelle during her pleasant visit, Juani joked that he had no music playing in the bar, but being a musician, he sometimes sings to customers.

He added: “What we really want is for people to feel welcome and meet new friends and they do. Once they find us they come back night after night.”

After posting on her page, one person replied: “In all the years visiting Benidorm I have never seen this bar and we always stay and eat, drink in the old town. I will certainly be looking for it next time we visit.”

Another said: “We used to live above the Rumbo bar it’s a lovely little bar I know the original owner and his son who took over. Miss living in the old town such good memories.”

A third went with: “I don’t want to be in a bar full of English people I know that sounds bad but it’s how I like to spend my time when over in old town.”