The bundle includes three suitcases in different sizes, designed to cover everything from short weekend breaks to longer holidays abroad
16:25, 12 May 2026Updated 16:27, 12 May 2026
Home Bargains has a growing selection of deals on homeware, furnishings and travel(Image: Home Bargains)
Holidaymakers hoping to upgrade their luggage without spending a fortune might want to pop into Home Bargains before jetting off on their next summer getaway. The discount retailer has quietly slashed the price of a travel essential by nearly £90, and it’s being hailed as “perfect for every trip”.
Home Bargains has cut the price of the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3, which normally sells for £149.99, down to a bargain £59.99. The set comprises three suitcases in varying sizes, catering for everything from quick weekend escapes to extended holidays overseas.
According to the product listing, each case is crafted from lightweight ABS material with a hard-shell construction designed to offer durability while minimising weight. The product description, available on the Home Bargains website, reads: “Travel smart with the Overlow Suitcase Set of 3 in sleek black – lightweight, durable ABS material with smooth 4-wheel glide for effortless airport navigation. Perfect for every trip, whether you pack light or heavy.
“Modern Suitcase. Lightweight. Whether you pack light or travel heavy, we’ve got you covered! The smooth 4-wheel glide makes navigating airports effortless, while the strong yet lightweight material ensures durability without adding extra weight.”
The largest case measures 70 x 48 x 29cm, while the medium and cabin sizes come in at 60 x 41 x 26cm and 50 x 35 x 20cm respectively. All three cases are designed to stack inside one another for convenient storage when not being used.
Home Bargains describes the set as “perfect for any trip”, emphasising its lightweight construction and smooth-rolling wheels as standout features designed to reduce travel hassle. Thanks to the current discount, shoppers can now save an impressive 60 per cent, with comparable sets elsewhere carrying significantly steeper price tags.
Budget-friendly suitcase sets such as this have grown increasingly sought-after amongst travellers seeking to reduce costs before holidays, especially as travel demand continues climbing during peak booking seasons. Retailers have noted strong appetite for affordable luggage bundles as families and solo travellers hunt for value-focused alternatives.
The set is also stocked in other colours including grey and navy through the same retailer, with prices staying uniform across the collection while stocks remain available. Shoppers keen on the offer can locate further information, including home delivery arrangements, via the Home Bargains website.
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The island is beautiful and chilled out(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A beautiful island with crystal clear waters and impeccable vibes has been named the most relaxed place for a holiday.
It’s a mad old world out there at the moment. And during mad old times, heading to a hectic, vibrant, crowd-filled holiday destination may not be at the top of everyone’s list.
If you’re looking for somewhere where the pace is slow and the atmosphere is calm, then Alonissos is the place.
The Greek island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe’s largest marine protected area. As the most remote of the Northern Sporades islands, it offers an authentic, laid-back experience far from the bustling crowds of nearby Skiathos.
The travel experts at Solmar Villas analysed over 160 global destinations to crown Alonissos as the most relaxing places for a chilled-out summer holiday in 2026, noting its lack of crowds, beautiful nature, the slow pace of life and its lovely climate.
Melissa, a travel blogger, recently visited the island and fell in love with it. She wrote: “Alonissos is one of those places you feel. It ended up being my favourite of the three islands I visited. It’s quiet, a little wild, totally underrated. Out of all the Sporades islands, it’s the furthest out, which probably explains why it’s still kind of a hidden gem. It’s way less touristic and definitely more laid back than islands like Mykonos. No cruise ship crowds, no overpriced cocktails. I paid on average 9€ for my Aperol Spritz, where in Mykonos, that’s gonna cost double.”
What to do in Alonissos?
First and foremost, time spent in Alonissos is best spent relaxing, kicking back on the beach and dreamily gazing into the middle distance. But if you do feel the need to do something, there is plenty to choose from. Including:
National Marine Park: A 2,200 km/sq haven for biodiversity, home to the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
You can take boat tours to uninhabited islets like Kyra Panagia, which features a 12th-century monastery.
World-class diving and snorkelling: Alonissos is home to the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks” at Peristera, Greece’s first underwater museum, where divers can view thousands of ancient amphorae at 30m depth. The water is so clear that visibility can reach up to 50 metres.
The charming old town of Chora: Perched on a hilltop with 360° views, the postcard-perfect Old Town was painstakingly restored after a 1965 earthquake and is filled with cobbled alleys and flowering balconies.
Its pristine beaches: Agios Dimitrios, striking “horn-shaped” pebble beach with vivid turquoise water, Kokkinokastro, known for its dramatic red cliffs and deep blue sea, and Chrisi Milia: The island’s only golden sandy beach, featuring shallow waters ideal for families.
Eco-tourism and nature: The island is a magnet for hikers, with over 40 km of signposted trails that lead through dense pine forests and olive groves to secluded bays. Alonissos is also a pioneer in sustainability, being one of the first Greek islands to go plastic-bag-free.
The findings revealed that Greece stands out as the best country to visit for relaxation in 2026, with destinations across the Greek islands and mainland dominating the rankings. In fact, 70% of the top 10 destinations are located in Greece, highlighting the country’s strong appeal for travellers seeking a more peaceful summer holiday this year.
There is no airport on Alonissos. To get there you need to travel by ferry from the nearest airports, which are on Skiathos (2.5 hrs by ferry) or at mainland Volos (3-4.5 hours by ferry). You can also fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and continue via internal flight or ferry.
Jet2 has issued a major announcement for British holidaymakers after its inaugural flight to the Greek island of Samos departed from Manchester Airport on Friday
Jet2’s inaugural flight to Samos departed from Manchester Airport on Friday (stock)(Image: Getty)
Jet2 has announced a major “first” for the airline, in a huge boost to British tourists.
The airline revealed its inaugural flight to Samos departed from Manchester Airport on Friday, marking “the start of the brand-new Greek route for summer 2026”.
Jet2 says it will now be offering flights and holidays to the island. Samos is “for holidaymakers looking to discover the beautiful Greek island”, it says. The island lies just off the coast of Turkey and is renowned for its golden beaches as well as lush, mountainous landscapes.
Jet2 will operate twice weekly services on Tuesday and Friday until the end of October. The Manchester flight will be followed by one to Samos from Birmingham Airport on May 4, and another from London Stansted Airport on May 7.
Weekly Monday services will operate from Birmingham until October 26, and twice weekly services on Monday and Thursday will go from Stansted until October 29, BirminghamLive reports.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “As we commence our biggest ever summer programme to Greece, we are pleased to see our first flight to Samos take off from Manchester Airport for Summer 2026.
“We are already looking forward to seeing our first flights depart from a further two additional UK airport bases, offering customers and independent travel agents fantastic choice and flexibility when it comes to enjoying a sun-kissed holiday.
“Samos is a fantastic addition to our portfolio, and since putting these new flights and holidays on sale they have been proven very popular with holidaymakers looking for a laid-back Greek island experience.”
British holidaymakers have been suffering delays at airports on continental Europe because of the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which involves people from external countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area.
More than 100 easyJet passengers stuck in delays at passport desks at Milan Linate airport missed a flight to Manchester last month. Greece has already ditched the new rules for UK holidaymakers until September after they led to huge queues.
Airports in Portugal are reportedly already waving passengers through if queues get too big. Italy is expected to follow Greece and allow people to enter on a passport stamp as the May half-term looms. Places like Spain, France and Croatia could do the same.
This hidden gem provides the perfect no-crowds experience for summer 2026.
15:11, 28 Apr 2026Updated 15:15, 28 Apr 2026
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This island has so much to offer(Image: Freeartist via Getty Images)
Summer is just around the corner and many of us are already dreaming about our next sunny escape. With so many destinations to pick from, settling on the perfect spot can feel like quite the challenge.
Many of the world’s most coveted holiday hotspots are now bursting at the seams, which can turn a much-needed break into something of a headache. If you’re after a getaway unspoilt by hordes of tourists, it pays to explore the roads less travelled.
Travel specialists at Solmar Villas have scrutinised more than 160 destinations worldwide to reveal the most tranquil spots for a laid-back summer holiday in 2026 – and Greece has taken the top spot.
Greece boasts more than 6,000 islands to explore and while some are overrun with visitors, others remain blissfully peaceful.
Each location in the top 10 was rated across eight key factors: crowd density, climate, nature and scenery, pace of life, affordability, safety and ease of access.
Remarkably, eight of the top 10 destinations were found in Greece.
Topping the list is Alonissos – a tiny, serene island nestled in the northern Sporades – an archipelago in the Aegean Sea.
To reach it, travellers can fly from the UK to the neighbouring island of Skianthos before hopping on a high-speed ferry across to Alonissos.
The island feels worlds apart from everyday life.
Verdant hills blanketed in pine trees cascade down towards crystalline waters, ideal for a summer dip. Life moves at a leisurely pace, with traditional villages dotted across the hillsides.
The island also houses the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades, one of the largest protected marine areas in Europe, reports the Express.
This transforms it into a haven for divers and snorkellers.
A boat trip around the island reveals caves, reefs and colourful marine life thriving beneath the sea’s surface.
It’s also home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal – fewer than 700 of them survive in three or four isolated subpopulations in the Mediterranean.
On her blog Asinglewomantraveling, travel blogger Melissa said that Alonissos is “absolutely stunning and peaceful”. She added that the island is “quiet, a little wild, totally underrated”.
Tourists visiting this holiday hotspot may find it harder to book a hotel room in the future as local authorities are seeking to freeze new hotel licences in a bid to tackle tourist numbers
The city could start clamping down on new hotels(Image: Getty)
A European tourist hotspot that’s popular with Brits is eyeing plans to tackle overtourism, including potentially putting a freeze on the opening of new hotels.
The mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, is desperate for his city not to become too overcrowded and overwhelmed by tourists. Haris previously oversaw a ban on new permits for short-term rentals such as Airbnbs in three neighbourhoods in central Athens.
Now, he has told Euronews that he wants to avoid the city becoming like other crowded spots. He said: “We really need to see if and how many more hotels we need and where. We need to see and think about how much extra tourist load we can lift and where.
“We must not become Barcelona. We have to understand that there are saturated areas that cannot afford new beds: whether short-term rentals or not. Talking at events around the globe, we see that capping is not only being put on short-term rentals but also on hotels; in specific, ‘saturated’ areas.”
Across the Attica region, where Athens is located, there are 68,934 rental apartments, nearly half of which are found in the city center. Across Greece, tourist demand has seen a huge increase in the amount of accommodation available, with 450 new four- and five-star hotels opening between 2019 and 2024.
Should Athens enact the ban, it would join cities including Barcelona and Amsterdam, which already have similar initiatives to tackle the issue of overtourism.
Evgenios Vassilikos, President of the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association – spoke at the same event. He argued that there needed to be a careful planning process when it comes to expanding the number of hotel beds and short-term rentals.
He said: “There are practices abroad which have been implemented. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The example I gave is that in Barcelona they have completely banned short-term rentals from 2028 and from 2017 onwards no new hotel licences are being issued. So there are, therefore, these restrictions abroad. We will possibly have to see in Athens what we want in terms of where we want to be in 10 to 15 years. “
He added: “We will definitely need hotel beds there. How many will these be? How many will be five-star, how many four-star, etc. There has to be a specific plan. And of course that drags in all kinds of beds, meaning non-primary tourist accommodation and short-term rentals.”
Athens has become the most popular tourist destination in Greece with about 12 million international arrivals in 2025. This included around 4.5 million British tourists, up from 3.5 million in 2019. The Acropolis alone receives millions of visitors a year, and at peak times can see over 17,000 visitors a day.
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The country has chosen to abandon the new biometric security measures over concerns about queue chaos and flights taking off without passengers
07:21, 20 Apr 2026Updated 07:45, 20 Apr 2026
The new entry and exit system (EES) has led to huge delays for passengers, with some missing flights(Image: Getty)
Greece has suspended EU fingerprint and facial scans for British holidaymakers. The country has chosen to abandon the new biometric security measures over concerns about queue chaos sweeping across the continent. Queues have been hitting the country with four hours reported in many destinations, including Greece.
All travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries are supposed to be photographed and fingerprinted at EU airports and border crossings under the new entry and exit system (EES) introduced by Brussels.
Holidaymakers have been cautioned that the new security measure, which is now fully operational, could trigger airport delays of up to four hours. Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK, stressed that the decision would “ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience in Greece” and would “significantly reduce waiting times” while alleviating congestion at airports.
The EES is intended to replace manual passport stamping and better monitor the 90-day visa-free limit, but its introduction has caused havoc at some of Europe’s busiest airports.
A statement on the website of the Greek Embassy and posts on official social media channels said: “Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece. “In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”
There was no further detail of how long the exemption would last, and FCDO travel advice for Greece has not been updated.
“Abta has been warning destinations and the (European) Commission for some time about the need for proactive steps to be taken to avoid delays, including the full use of contingency measures to stand down biometric checks at busier times, and adequate staffing especially at peak times.”
A total of 122 passengers were reportedly unable to board the flight from Milan Linate to Manchester on Sunday because of delays at passport desks caused by the ramp up of the EU’s Entry Exist System (EES).The 11am departure was held for 59 minutes before departing with the majority of seats empty.
One of the affected easyJet passengers, Kiera, 17, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, said she and her boyfriend arrived at Milan Linate airport at 7.30am on Sunday. She told the BBC: “We got to Border Control and it was a massive queue of people. I wasn’t feeling great anyway because I think I’d got food poisoning.
“At about 10.50am they brought some water over for people, and when we got to the front of the queue someone asked us if we were going to Manchester, and told us our flight had just gone.”
Vicky Chapman, 26, from Wirral, Merseyside, was booked on the flight with her family, including her five-year-old son.
She told the Liverpool Echo they arrived at the airport “with more than enough time” but were “refused entry through passport control”.
She continued: “We were then told that we are a ‘no show’ on our flight because we did not get to the gate on time, even though passport control had issues and they would not let us through.
“We were passed from pillar to post for three hours and no-one helped us. “It was so hot in the airport, people were vomiting, people were almost passing out.
“We’re being told that Tuesday is the earliest we can get back, and that we have to fly to Gatwick. We’ve had to pay out of pocket for an Airbnb.”
An easyJet spokesman said: “Due to delays in EES processing by border authorities, some passengers departing from Milan Linate on Sunday experienced very long waiting times at passport control.
“We held flight EJU5420 from Milan to Manchester for nearly an hour to give passengers extra time but it had to then depart due to crew reaching their safety regulated operating hours.
“Customers who missed the flight have been offered a free flight transfer.
“We continue to urge border authorities to ensure they make full and effective use of the permitted flexibilities, for as long as needed while EES is implemented, to avoid these unacceptable border delays for our customers.
“While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Of the 156 passengers reportedly booked on the return flight to Manchester, just 34 made it on board – leaving a staggering 122 stranded in Italy. EasyJet subsequently issued an apology over the incident.
At three of the UK’s “juxtaposed” border controls in Dover, Folkestone and London St Pancras, the pricey EES kiosks remain unconnected to the French police aux frontières IT system. These issues are not expected to be resolved until September, according to the Independent.
Greece is heavily dependent on British tourism, particularly at its bustling island hotspots such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes, which can welcome upwards of 2,000 UK passengers daily during peak season.
The decision by Athens is widely regarded as a move to offer reassurance to British holidaymakers, and could encourage other Mediterranean nations to follow its lead. Greece is yet to confirm an end date. for its EES exemption for British travellers.
Holidaymakers are already considering switching their summer holiday plans this year, according to travel industry experts.
“Because of the war in the Middle East, Europe is seeing a big increase in interest as a holiday destination this year,” an ABTA spokesman said.
ABTA added that Greece was anticipated to be the fifth most-visited destination by Britons this summer, trailing behind Spain, France, Italy and the USA.
The spokesman said: “I think it’s too early to say what this change might mean for the number of people visiting, particularly as decisions on where to go are based on a number of factors.”
It’s thought travellers now weighing up a continental break may pivot towards Greece to sidestep potential headaches caused by the new scheme. “Greece for me this summer then, was thinking of Tenerife, but no way I’m putting up with those queues and chaos,” one man posted on X.
Another person added: “I work in the travel industry, already had customers worried about this new system believe me, Greece will benefit from this stand!” While a third chimed in: “Perfect – off to the Greek islands this summer – common sense prevails!”
