hack

Laura Teagle, who enjoyed a “gorgeous” day trip to a European city, has shared a money-saving hack that will help you travel to abroad for less than it costs to get around the UK

France is synonymous with its sun-drenched vineyards, bustling boulevards and medieval castles. A trip over the British Channel is one many make from the UK for a weekend break or longer. But one influencer has taken the extreme route and managed to find a genius way to make a day trip to France affordable.

While the Eurostar is famed for offering easy travel to places like Paris and Brussels, there’s one underrated gem in France that TikTok personality Laura Teagle says foodies and day-trippers must visit. While train fares continue to soar, making enjoyable days out across Britain increasingly costly, Laura has a handy trick to make a day trip to France easy and friendly on the wallet.

Posting under @teagleeats, Laura shared with her audience how she managed to secure discounted Eurostar fares. The influencer nabbed £39 railway tickets to a French destination she described as “gorgeous” at a lower cost than journeying between major British cities.

Laura chronicled her excursion to Lille, a “charming” city situated just inside the border with Belgium. She opened her post declaring: “When a day trip to France is cheaper than a day out in London you best believe I’m going.”

Laura – who also operates her own confectionery enterprise called Teagle’s Treats – outlined how she obtained the budget-friendly train fares. In a TikTok video following her post showcasing her adventure to Lille, she revealed: “Okay I didn’t realise this wasn’t common knowledge but I’m gonna tell you the best life hack for travelling to France for cheap.

“So I’m always going straight to the Eurostar website, then once I’m there instead of typing in a date, a time and location, I’m gonna go down and I’m gonna search for this – the book now button for Paris for £39. When you get there you’ll see this: all these different locations all from £39 each way.

“The next trick is to go all the way through the calendar and see where all of these £39 dates are and choose the one that’s most appropriate. So in this case I choose January 17 and then obviously to return on the same day, I’m gonna click the same date.

“Then we’re gonna choose ‘get times’ and we’re gonna be presented with this screen. Then I’m gonna swipe through all of the different times and choose the cheapest or the best time available.

“So in this case it’s a 7:04 train for £44 and for the return, I’m gonna do the exact same thing. I’m gonna swipe choose the best cheapest price for the latest train so the 7:35pm.

“And that’s literally it. That is how you travel to France for the day for so cheap.”

Throughout her adventure in Lille, Laura and her mate explored numerous bakeries to taste the regional delicacies. Following her 7am departure from London aboard Eurostar, she and her companion popped into a Lille supermarket to grab some brie for €1 (87p).

She described the “gorgeous” stroll to a patisserie, where she tasted pain au chocolat that she dubbed “literally the best” and declared she craved “75 more” of the bakery’s eclairs. Following that, it was a morning exploring the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum.

Laura branded it a “must go” destination for merely €4 (£3.5). Another bakery visit ensued, where she sampled Lille’s renowned brioche and suggested tourists should also savour the wonderful cuisine available. She continued: “Being close to Belgium we obviously had to check out beer shops” before making a beeline for Méert, a bakery that’s become an internet sensation for its delectable treats.

Laura enthused: “I don’t care that this is hyped up online and the queues are long, you have got to go.” She posted a snap of a vanilla tartlet from the bakery, confessing she “literally dribbled” while capturing the shot.

She reiterated: “I’ll say it again. God! Bless! The! French!” Laura and her companion then enjoyed an alfresco lunch, featuring a cheese board that left her “speechless” and saucisson, a French sausage she dubbed “our actual fave”.

After sampling some local booze, they made their way to the Lille flea market which she declared was “100% worth the visit”. Their next stop was Au Point Central, a bistro offering €5 glasses of Pinot Noir.

Come dinner time, Laura and her friend hit Cafe de Paris for a “perfect” sirloin steak, fries and a salad at a cost of €25 (£22). Laura’s final verdict was unequivocal.

She declared: “I will absolutely be continuing to advocate for getting the first train out/last train back on Eurostar on all and any occasions.

“£150 all in return trains, all food, drinks and activities like London could just never? Grab your passport, grab your girls and go flirt with the French, eat their food and drink their wine.”

The Emmys ceremony was about more than just glamour and excellence in television. The current heated political climate and the attack on cultural institutions on and off screen was also a flash point, even though much of it was bleeped for viewers.

During her acceptance speech after winning supporting actress in a comedy series, Hannah Einbinder of “Hacks” proclaimed, “F— ICE” at the end of her speech, denouncing the crackdown on immigrants across the country by the federal government.

Einbinder also mentioned Palestine in her speech and was among several actors, filmmakers and others who wore pins calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Megan Stalter, another “Hacks” cast member, carried a bag pinned with a note that said “Cease Fire.”

When the writing staff for HBO’s “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” took the stage after winning for writing for a variety series, senior writer Daniel O’Brien said he and his colleagues were happy to be in the company of writers of late-night comedy “while it’s still the type of show that is allowed to exist.”

Television Academy President Cris Abrego paid tribute to the Corp. for Public Broadcasting, which was presented with the Governors Award last week during the Creative Arts Emmys. When he noted that CPB’s federal funding had been shut down by Congress and that CPB would shut its doors, the comment elicited a loud “boo” from the audience.

Hannah Einbinder, who won an Emmy for supporting actress in a comedy series, in the trophy room at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. She referenced ICE and Palestine in her acceptance speech.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

“CPB has been the backbone of American public media, giving us everything from ‘Sesame Steet’ to ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’ to ‘Finding Your Roots,’” he said. “In many small towns, those stations were not just a cultural lifeline to small towns across the nation, but an emergency alert system that families could count on.”

He continued, “When division dominates the headlines, storytelling still has the power to unite us. Television and the artists who make it do more than address society — they shape our culture. At times of cultural regression, they remind us of what’s at stake.”

Before presenting the award for talk show, Bryan Cranston took a swipe at West Point’s recent cancellation of the Sylvanus Thayer Award to Tom Hanks, who has been a frequent critic of President Trump. Although a reason for the cancellation was not given, the move was seen by pundits to be politically motivated.

Cranston said in his remarks that the hallmark of an exceptional talk show was to have intelligent conversations with a variety of guests, “from the learned and inspirational Neil deGrasse Tyson, to the degenerate and woke Tom Hanks.”

The award went to “Late Night With Stephen Colbert,” which CBS is ending next year at the conclusion of its season. Although the cancellation was attributed to financial considerations, Colbert’s harsh criticism of Trump has also been blamed for the termination.

During his acceptance speech, Colbert said the show had initially been about love, but had evolved into a show about loss: “Sometimes you only know how much you love something when you get a sense you might be losing it.”

He also said he hoped the show’s end would not bring an end to the late-night talk show tradition.

As airlines are getting stricter with their baggage restrictions, travellers are coming up with inventive ways to pack more while paying less – but there’s one trick experts are urging people not to risk doing

There are so many different travel ‘hacks’ circulating on social media – but experts urge travellers not to follow the viral pillowcase luggage trick as it’s not worth the risk.

Many of us are guilty of overpacking when going away, so it’s no wonder we’re always looking at ways to pack more and keep within the allowed size and weight limit for our luggage without paying more.

However the viral pillowcase hack, that sees travellers stuffing an empty pillowcase with extra clothes rather than bags when boarding a plane could come at a risk that experts advise people not to follow.

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As airlines become stricter on their hang luggage rules, Amanda Parker from Netflights has shared her thoughts. She said: “Passengers are cunningly avoiding these strict hand luggage limits and avoiding paying up to £150 in extra fees by taking advantage of an empty pillowcase.

“Travellers are using a standard pillowcase, removing the pillow inside, and instead using it as a secret storage compartment for extra clothes. Travellers rely on airlines not counting a pillow as an additional item when boarding, so by stuffing a standard pillowcase with soft clothing items like T-shirts and jumpers, they’re essentially creating a travel ‘pillow’ that they hope to sneak through.”

However the expert said “airlines are cracking down on sneaky flight hacks” and said you might want to think twice about testing this hack on your next flight.

“An overly stuffed pillowcase bursting with clothes can raise suspicion, and if you’re already boarding the plane with maximum baggage, then your pillow can be flagged as extra.” Amanda said what works for one airline may not for another as different airlines cabin baggage rules vary.

She added: “By risking the pillowcase hack, you could risk holding up the boarding process or being denied boarding entirely if you can’t pay the fee. Some low-cost airlines state that any item used to carry belongings, even if disguised, must be treated as luggage,” and advised before jetting off to always check the baggage allowance rules with the correct bags.

The expert said airlines issue fines for overweight baggage due to the fact that the heavier a plane is, the more fuel it burns. “So every kilogram of baggage increases the plane’s weight, which directly impacts fuel consumption.

“Since fuel is one of the biggest costs for airlines, they want to limit unnecessary weight, and charging for excess baggage is one way to do it.”

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A MUM has been praised after sharing the genius hack she swears by to give her kids a toy room without making her house look messy.

As a home schooling mum, Paige has devoted a whole room in her abode to her kids’ learning – which also contains some toys.

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But as any parent knows, toys eventually make their way into different rooms, and can end up making the house look untidy.

So Paige came up with a clever idea to let her kids play in the lounge – one of the main family areas of the home – without it turning into another toy room.

In a video on her TikTok page, the mum-of-three showed the kitchen, toy room and lounge, all of which looked perfectly neat and tidy.

She then took the camera to behind the sofa, where she had set aside a large area for toys to go.

“Having a little mini toy room behind the couch was the best decision!” she wrote over the top of the video.

Thanks to the positioning of the sofa, the area is entirely invisible until you’re right on top of it.

And it also means that Paige doesn’t have to deal with tidying it up until she wants to.

“Really has help the house look a bit cleaner haha!” she added in the video caption.

People were quick to praise Paige in the comments section for the clever hack.

“This is so smart!” one wrote.

To which Paige replied: “It really works well!”

“So cute! Great idea!” another added.

“Your house is literally a dream – it’s beautiful,” a third gushed.

“Aww thank you!” Paige responded.

“We love it so much but we are growing and will need more room eventually.

“This space is huge, but tiny rooms is the down fall!”

How to baby-proof your house

IF you’ve got a baby coming very soon, here’s our top tips on how to get your home ready for their arrival…

Secure Furniture and Appliances: Use brackets or straps to anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall. Ensure that large appliances like fridges and ovens are stable and cannot tip over.

Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby-proofed.

Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to prevent little fingers from poking into sockets. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach or secured.

Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Store hazardous substances, sharp objects, and small items that can be swallowed out of reach.

Use Corner and Edge Protectors: Attach soft corner and edge protectors to furniture with sharp edges. Consider using them on low tables, countertops, and fireplace hearths.

Secure Windows and Doors: Install window guards or locks to prevent windows from opening more than a few inches. Use door knob covers and door stoppers to prevent pinched fingers.

Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the cot. Ensure the cot meets current safety standards.

Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Regularly check the floor for small objects that could be choking hazards. Be mindful of items like coins, buttons, and small toys.

Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding. Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in.

Use Baby Monitors: Place baby monitors in the nursery to keep an eye on your little one. Ensure the monitor cords are out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.

By taking these steps, you can create a safer environment for your baby.

“With all that wood accenting going on in there you could easily turn this into a hobbit house,” someone else pointed out.

Paige’s family home is located in Northern California, and is nestled within 10 acres of woodland.

She lives there with her other half and their three children – River Wildfox, Cedar Moon and Sequoia Rain.

If you’re rushing for your flight, you’re in luck. A travel vlogger has revealed how to breeze past security queues in one of the UK’s busiest airports for free using a little-known trick

There’s nothing more frustrating than rushing to your flight only to get stuck in a massive airport security queue, but luckily a travel expert has revealed a clever way you can beat the crowds.

Airports are incredibly busy places and changed flight times and luggage mishaps only make it worse. Even the most organised travellers have had to dash to make it to their boarding gate on time – an experience which can be even more panic-inducing in a busy airport like London Stansted.

Fortunately, travel vlogger Elaine Poon has revealed a handy way to skip past the crowds if you’re looking to get through security quickly. She posted her experience travelling through Stansted Airport using the trick.

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On her TikTok channel @travelainewithme, she explained that everyone usually enters security through the ‘Departures’ queue to the left.

However, she said passengers should “turn right” instead and walk towards the sign reading ‘Fast Track’. She then showed another ‘Departures’ queue beside the Fast Track one.

She said: “A lot of people only think this is for Fast Track, so no one goes to this side. But as you can see, this whole middle section is free for us to go through.” Elaine then showed herself breezing up to security while a massive queue of people stood waiting on the other side of the rope.

She said: “This is crazy, look at the queue on the other side. We just skip all of that and go straight through to the front.”

While some comments expressed scepticism, doubting that the lane was actually free to enter, others were quick to chime in that the hack was real and actually worked.

London Stansted’s official TikTok account even left a comment underneath the video, confirming the trick. They wrote: “We see you.”

Many viewers also thanked her for sharing her handy time-saving hack. “Thank you, just went through and it was super quick, no queue at all,” one said. “Only flown through Stansted Airport once will definitely use this hack the next time I fly thank you!!” a second chimed in.

A third joked: “I’m going next year. I need to tell my mum about these hacks.” However, other experienced flyers were slightly annoyed that their travel secret had been revealed.

One wrote: “Honestly, don’t tell people, I want to keep my almost empty path. I fly so much so I know the airport like the back of my hand.”

Finding savvy travel hacks online can make your holiday planning seamless and stressfree – but there is one hack experts urge people never to follow as it could spoil your trip

Social media is full of quirky travel hacks – but there is one trend experts are urging people not to follow.

The ‘last to board’ hack comes with the logic that by hanging back means you will be able to spot the free seats and hopefully bag some extra leg room. It also claims you can avoid the hassle of standing in the aisle while everyone else finds their place.

The internet is full of clever hacks that can make your holiday preparations a breeze such as packing tricks and how to skip long airport queues, and while the last to board trend may seem tempting, it could backfire in ways that may ruin your trip according to an expert.

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Travel expert Silvena Nonev from Scandinavia Private Tours said a lot of people think waiting until the end is a “clever move” but it’s actually a “far less glamorous” reality. “One of the biggest issues is luggage space. By the time you get on board, most passengers will have already filled the overhead bins.

“That leaves latecomers scrambling to find room wherever they can, which often means their bag ends up several rows away from them,” she said.

But it doesn’t stop there, as if there is no space left at all, passengers risk being told to check in their cabin bag at the gate. “That’s when things really become inconvenient,” she continued. “You lose access to your essentials during the flight and you’ll have to wait at baggage claim once you land. It’s hardly the relaxing start people have in mind when they’re heading off on holiday.”

She also said many travellers don’t consider until it’s too late. Airlines have the right to reassign seats if needed, and boarding late makes you a prime candidate for being moved around.

Silvena warned: “You might find yourself asked to swap so families can sit together or so that airline staff can balance the cabin. If you’ve paid extra for a particular seat, or you were hoping for peace and quiet, losing it can be very frustrating.”

Instead, Silvena said preparation is key. “Many airlines offer priority boarding for free if you’re a member of their loyalty programme, and even some credit card companies provide perks like early boarding. Making use of these options gives you the advantage without the chaos of last-minute boarding.”

She also recommends using booking tools wisely. “You can often select your preferred seat in advance, whether that’s extra legroom in the exit row or a quiet spot at the front. There are even websites that review seat layouts for different aircraft, so you can make the best choice depending on your flight length.”

And for those worried about overhead luggage space, she has a simple solution. “If you pack a smaller bag that can slide under the seat in front, you’ll never be forced to check it in. It’s worth thinking carefully about what you really need for the flight.”

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Ryanair’s optional seat reservation fees can quickly add up – but a former cabin crew member has shared a clever tip that could help you sit together without paying

Flying with a budget airline such as Ryanair can sometimes feel like rolling the dice.

While flight prices are often low, the extra fees for things like luggage, priority boarding and choosing your seat can quickly add up – especially if you’re travelling in a group and want to sit together.

Many travellers assume they’ve got no choice but to shell out for seat selection, but a former flight attendant has shared a clever trick that could help your party sit together without paying the fee. Jane Hawkes, a travel guru and ex-cabin crew member, explained that while this approach isn’t suitable for everyone, it can be highly effective for mates, couples or grown-up travellers.

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She explained: “Obviously if you’re travelling with children you might not want to do this. Because if you’re travelling as a family, you’ll probably want your children with you to keep an eye on them. But if you’re travelling with friends or a partner, then never pay to book a seat together.”

Instead, the travel guru recommends holding off until you board and then having a word with the flight attendants or other travellers, reports Galway Beo.

She continued: “Just wait to get onboard and then say ‘we’re travelling together and we didn’t realise we’d be separated’. You could just ask other passengers around you, who can be very accommodating. It’s worth asking but there’s not much point asking before you get onboard.”

Jane also noticed that passengers are generally more eager to help if it means they can escape an unwanted middle seat.

Ryanair offers a range of seating options, with prices varying depending on the location of the seat, the route, travel dates, and whether the seat is reserved at the time of booking or at the airport.

The cheapest option is the standard seats, which cost between €4.50 and €21.50 per flight. Extra legroom seats, usually located in the first two rows, are the most expensive, with prices ranging from €12 to €38 per flight.

Additional extra legroom seats situated further back in the cabin cost between €8 and €26 per flight. Front seats, covering rows 2 to 5, are slightly cheaper than extra legroom, costing between €7.50 to €24.50 per flight.

Families travelling with children under 12 – excluding infants – must also comply with Ryanair’s mandatory family seating policy. At least one adult must purchase a reserved seat and sit next to their children, however the airline allows up to four children free reserved seats in rows 18 and 33. Charges for compulsory family seats range from €4.50 to €13.50 per flight.

A SAVVY mum has shared a “genius” trick to guarantee there are no tears when applying sun cream.

Not only does it make the process much more fun for youngsters, but if your little one hates having sun cream applied, then you’ll need to check this out.

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With this simple tip, which has been hailed the “best sun cream hack ever,” you’ll need an unexpected kitchen essential.

Posting on social media, Gemma McCartan, a mum-of-two and full-time content creator from the UK, gave her followers a close-up look at her trick, which involves using spoons when applying spray sun cream.

Alongside her short video, the influencer beamed: “The best sun cream hack for kids EVER.”

She then said: “To the mum who posted this, I love you.”

Instead of wrestling her son Max to close his eyes so she could apply the spray sun cream to his face, the youngster instead put two spoons over his eyes.

Gemma was then able to spray his face with sun cream, without it getting in his eyes and causing any tears.

Moments after, the woman’s daughter then did the same, yet again ensuring a seamless application with no irritation of the eyes, whilst at the same time, making the often agonising process much more exciting. 

Thrilled with her hack, Gemma later wrote: “It’s been a game changer.” 

Clearly beaming with the simple trick, the mother added: “It’s made my day, I had the kids crying on holiday until we found this hack.” 

Gemma’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @gemmamccartan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 200,800 views.

Not only this, but it’s also amassed 2,074 likes and 138 comments. 

Parents were impressed with the “genius” trick and many thought it was a “great” idea. 

One person said: “What a brilliant idea.” 

Another added: “That is genius.” 

My son has allergies so this is amazing

Gemma McCartan

Whilst a third commented: “Not only practical, it gives the kids a feeling of control over what’s about to happen, so they are more willing to cooperate. Great idea.”

Meanwhile, someone else gushed: “Best idea ever for sun cream.” 

However, at the same time, one user wrote: “Should have cream on eyelids too as they can burn, I know it stings if it gets in eyes but it’s such a sensitive area so best to have full coverage.”

To this, Gemma wrote back and explained: “Yes but my son has allergies so this is amazing.” 

Not only this, but another person asked: “Won’t they get a burnt line where the handles are?”

In response, Gemma confirmed that instead of spraying the sun cream on her youngster’s eyelids, after the fun part, she then uses her finger for a more controlled application, as she acknowledged: “I use my finger to do the sides and lids.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

If you’re feeling a little peckish as you open this week’s letter from the editor, our latest cover subject, “Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder, has a recommendation for you: a breakfast burrito from Historic Filipinotown’s Doubting Thomas, home of her favorite in the city.

And while you wait for those eggs to cook up, let’s unwrap the foil on our Aug. 14 issue and chomp down on some highlights.

Cover story: Hannah Einbinder’s next act

(Bexx Francois / For The Times)

No, “Hacks” is not over. As of this writing, Season 5 is not even officially its last. But with a stand-up comedy special under her belt, Jane Schoenbrun’s “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” in the can and another hush-hush project already underway, it’s clear that the “Hacks” star isn’t planning to rest on the laurels of four Emmy nominations.

As former competitive cheerleader Einbinder tells Margy Rochlin in this week’s cover story, the prospect of leaving the “Hacks” nest is “emotional,” but the novelty of new challenges scratches its own itch: “I’m an adrenaline seeker,” she says. “I just have always liked the feeling of flying.”

Accompanying the story online is the debut of our new short-form series “In the First Place,” in which we ask cover subjects about life and career “firsts” — including, in Einbinder’s case, her first stop at the Americana, the first comedy album she listened to on repeat and more.

Inside the year’s most ambitious TV episode

(Matthew Lewis / Netflix)

As a result, perhaps, of my particular lens — former high-school teacher here — it wasn’t the destabilizing premiere, the wrenching finale, or Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty’s riveting two-hander that left me most awestruck when I watched Netflix’s “Adolescence” this spring.

It was only after the second episode, which weaves a murder investigation into a chaotic school day, that I found myself muttering under my breath, “I need a diagram of how they did that.”

Thanks to Emmy-nominated director of photography Matthew Lewis for obliging my curiosity (see above), and for speaking to contributor Bill Desowitz for his story about the extraordinary choreography required to piece a fire drill, a police chase and a drone shot into a single continuous shot, all with 350 young extras to corral.

For logistical stress, that puts even chaperoning prom to shame. And trust me, I’d know!

A real ‘Somebody’

(The Tyler Twins / For The Times)

“Somebody Somewhere’s” Jeff Hiller is having the time of his life — and not just in the photo above, snapped last month in the courtyard of his Manhattan apartment building.

As Tyler Coates writes in his profile of the first-time Emmy nominee, the surprise and delight of the announcement allows Hiller to keep basking in gratitude for the role of lovable queer Kansan Joel even though the series ended its three-season run last fall: “If I could play a role like that for six weeks once a year, for the rest of my life? I’d be more than fulfilled.”

It also allows him entree to HBO’s vaunted after-party, though my fingers are crossed that “Somebody Somewhere” doesn’t inspire any trays of “St. Louis sushi.”

Read more from our Aug. 14 issue

I go away a lot, and one thing that’s hard to avoid when you’re often packing and unpacking, is creased clothes.

My clothes steamer comes in handy all the time – it’s not fancy or branded, and costs just £21 on Amazon.

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BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer, £21.99

Working in an office means needing my clothes to be crease-free, and with plenty of linen and cotton in my summer wardrobe, this can feel like a neverending cycle.

I got fed up of ironing years ago, and decided to replace my most hated chore with an easier solution.

I bought the BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer from Amazon, in the hope that it would save me time and effort.

Performance

The handheld steamer couldn’t be easier to use – all you have to do is pull out the water tank and fill it with tap water.

Then, you just press the power button at the back and wait a few seconds for the steam to start up.

I find the easiest way to steam an item of clothing is by hanging it up on a doorway, and then I can run the steamer down it in lines, until all the creases have gone.

You don’t get the exact same finish as with an iron (clothes aren’t as crisp), however it does get the majority of wrinkles out, in more than half the time.

Not only does it do the job, but it also avoids having to lug an ironing board out of the cupboard.

Plus, my main two issues with ironing are solved – it’s near-on impossible to burn something with the steamer, and I don’t have to worry about creasing one side.

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BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer, £21.99

For best results, I’d recommend leaving the clothes hanging up for a while after steaming, just to let any leftover creases drop out – but I do sometimes use it in a hurry too.

The steamer can also be used horizontally on flat surfaces like tablecloths and even soft furnishings.

If, like me, you’re often packing a suitcase for a staycation or holiday, the steamer is fairly compact, so you could take it with you to use when you arrive.

I’ve never encountered any leaking when using the steamer, but it is best to switch it off as soon as you stop using it, to avoid damp surfaces.

It also works better on some fabrics than others – I would avoid using it for woollen or wool-effect clothes, as they can soak up the moisture.

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BEAUTURAL Clothes Steamer, £21.99

Speaking of handy household gadgets, there are some great deals out there at the moment, including the Ninja Summer Sale, which cuts 20% off almost everything online.

Or, if you’re kitting out your kitchen, I did a Ninja Crispi review, and found the air fryer to be a great household addition for getting crispy skin on chicken and cooking up snacks.

The sleep experts at Bed Sava claim that this military technique for falling asleep quickly and in uncomfortable, noisy environments is perfect for red-eye travellers

If you struggle to sleep on planes, then this expert hack might come in handy on your next red-eye flight. While you cannot control the cramped seating, noisy neighbours or cabin light, this hack will put falling asleep back in your command. According to sleep experts at Bed Sava, there is a tried-and-tested method used by military personnel to fall asleep quickly – even in uncomfortable, noisy environments – that translates perfectly to sleeping on planes.

Known as the “military sleep method”, this technique was supposedly first introduced in a US military manual during the Second World War to help fighter pilots fall asleep fast and in uncomfortable positions.

READ MORE: Sleep tourism is the rising travel trend for holiday-goers who love to sleep in

Today, the technique has gained mainstream popularity, particularly on social media sites like TikTok and Reddit. People have claimed they’ve been able to use the sleep-inducing hack to fall asleep easily while travelling.

Step-by-step guide to the Military Sleep Method

1. Relax your face completely – releasing tension in your forehead, cheeks, jaw and tongue
2. Drop your shoulders – allowing them to sink down along with your arms
3. Exhale and relax your chest – letting the air out slowly
4. Relax your legs – starting with your thighs, then mindfully letting your calves and feet go limp
5. Clear your mind for 10 seconds – if intrusive thoughts arise, picture a calm setting to reset your mind
6. Repeat silently to yourself: “Don’t think… don’t think…” for approximately 10 seconds

The whole process takes around two minutes. But according to the original manual, the last 10 seconds are when most people drift off. The military method supposedly works because it targets both physical tension and mental overstimulation — the two biggest blocks to falling asleep, especially on planes.

“Most people on planes stay tense without realising it — shoulders hunched, jaw clenched, legs crossed,” say sleep experts at Bed Sava. “This method focuses on deliberately releasing that tension. Once your body relaxes, the mind follows.”

If you want to increase your chances of falling asleep faster and soundly on an aeroplane, there are a few other measures you can take.

One is making sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing onboard. While you may be tempted to dress to the nines to bag an upgrade, there are more effective ways to do that than donning an uncomfortable outfit.

Another must-do is to avoid caffeine before your flight, even if it’s early and especially if you’re trying to adjust to a new time zone. Avoiding the coffee and tea on planes is also recommended because the hot water taps are less than pristine.

There are a few helpful accessories you can pack as well, to aid your inflight sleep. A neck pillow will keep your head supported and decrease muscle strain, while an eye mask and earplugs will block out cabin distractions.

Neil Armstrong was worried about potential charges over luggage size restrictions when he flies with his family of nine – so he decided to take matters into his own hands

When Neil Armstrong and his family of nine were gearing up to fly with a budget airline, he was concerned about potential extra charges due to luggage size restrictions. The clan had booked flights with Ryanair, an airline notorious for its stringent carry-on bag policy and associated fees.

To sidestep a hefty bill, the 54-year-old took the initiative. Equipped with cardboard and tape, he constructed his own replica of the airline’s sizer cage in just 15 minutes. He then used this DIY sizer to measure all the family’s hand luggage, ensuring there would be no costly surprises at the airport.

READ MORE: EasyJet, Ryanair and TUI travellers warned over little-known rule that could stop them flying

A viral video on TikTok shows Neil diligently crafting the sizer to the exact dimensions of 40x20x25cm. The father-of-three confessed that he had to swap his own hand luggage backpack after discovering it didn’t fit into his homemade box, reports the Daily Record.

However, he is now confident he has avoided a potential £510 fee, based on Ryanair’s standard charge of €60 (£51) per bag. The graphic designer remarked that he felt ‘like a Ryanair employee’ while inspecting the bags but urges other patrons of the budget airline to follow suit.

His daughter, Imogen (Immy) Armstrong, 20, shared a TikTok video of Neil assembling the box, which has since amassed over 200,000 views. Neil, from Maidstone, Kent, said: “The family had a bit of a snigger but they think it’s a great idea. I’m proud of it. I’ve read that people have been charged so I wanted to be sure that our bags would fit. I didn’t want to get caught out.

“You can get the tape measurer out but that’s not really accurate and I saw the boxes at the airport but when you’re there it’s too late. I thought I’d make my own and all 10 of us can get our hand luggage and make sure it fits in that.

“I went and got some cardboard, followed the strict centimetre rule, stuck the cardboard together and made this box. The rest of the family only live streets away so I told them to come round when they have a minute and pop their bags in.

“It’s not until you mock something up that you can actually visualise it (the Ryanair measuring box). I don’t want to spend my holiday spending money on a bag. I realised the bag I was going to take wasn’t going to fit so I’ve used another one. I felt like a Ryanair worker, saying to the kids ‘no that won’t do. Go and get another one (bag)’. I’d encourage other people to do it too so they’re not caught out.”

The family is now confidenT that they will avoid any extra baggage fees for their flight from London Stansted to Tenerife. Imogen’s TikTok video bore the caption ‘When your dad doesn’t wanna pay Ryanair £70 so makes his own hand luggage check’.

A TikTok user reacted by saying: “A new level of airport dad has been unlocked.” A second person commented: “Honestly, great idea.” A third quipped: “Hey, I don’t blame him! Work smarter not harder.” Ryanair has been approached for a response.

July 28 (UPI) — A cyber attack on Russia’s largest airline on Monday saw dozens of canceled flights after a pro-Ukraine team took responsibility for hacking airline computer systems.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called it “quite alarming” after at least 42 scheduled Aeroflot flights largely domestic in Russia got canceled.

Aeroflot officials gave no specific details or how long it would take to restore its mainframe after officials informed passengers of a “failure” in its tech systems advising service disruptions, but did warn travelers of delays and cancellations.

The airline said its tech teams were “actively working to minimize the impact on flight operations and restore all services to normal as quickly as possible.”

“We kindly ask passengers to monitor real-time updates on airport websites, information displays, and public announcements across the airline’s route network,” the airline said in a statement.

Aeroflot’s cyber-security attack was a direct result of Russia’s full-on invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the hacker group calling itself “Silent Crow” confirmed.

Russia’s prosecutor general’s office also confirmed that Aeroflot’s technological issues were a result of a virtual attack on its computer systems and stated that a criminal investigation is underway.

Silent Crow says it worked with a separate group based in Belarus called “Cyber Partisans BY.”

They pressed unverified claimed of access to flight history data, that it destroyed roughly 7,000 Aeroflot servers, compromised its corporate computer structure and further threatened to released “the personal data of all Russians who have ever flown Aeroflot.”

On its Telegram channel, Silent Crow wrote how for a year, “we were inside their corporate network, methodically developing access, going deep into the very core of the infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, Aeroflot partner air carries Rossiya and Probed have not reported any technological issues.

The cyber attack on Russia’s flag air carrier arrived weeks after another on Australian airline Qantas exposed the data of six million customers. That followed a similar event at the end of June on Hawaiian Airlines by a group FBI officials believe to be young adults and teens living in the United States and Britain.

“Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!” Silent Crow said in a statement.

Netflights travel expert Amanda Parker tackles the viral ‘free upgrade’ flight myth that’s circulating TikTok, offering three alternatives to boosting your luck for freebies

A travel expert has addressed a popular TikTok hack that promises to upgrade your flights for free. With the trend going viral this summer as jetsetters buckle up for a holiday abroad, Brits are desperate to know just how to save their coins whilst maxing out their luck.

One flier has circulated on TikTok, accumulating over 2.5 million views for sharing his means of a free upgrade. He said: “A little charm and confidence go a long way”. Instructing viewers to go to the lengths of buying chocolates at the airport and boarding last, the user suggested fliers charmingly gift the flight attendants upon board for a magical free upgrade.

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Splitting viewers in two over whether this trick really works or not has led to flying experts at Netflights coming forward to shed light on this gift-theory and whether sweet-talking is worth a shot.

Netflights’ Amanda Parker said: “The travel hack of buying flight attendants a gift, and sweet-talking them when boarding the plane has gone viral. Kindness will always be appreciated by airline staff, so small gestures like snacks or gifts won’t go unnoticed.

One TikTok comment shares, “as ex-cabin crew I can confirm this works”. However, the chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade just by handing over a box of chocolates might be slim”.

She went on, saying: “Free upgrades are usually determined by strict criteria, including frequent flyer status, ticket class, availability, and airline policies, unfortunately, not by last-minute sweet talk as you board the plane!”.

“The gift and sweet-talk hack may work, so it’s worth a try; but, we warn you not to get your hopes up, as these moments are the exception, not the rule! You may just strike lucky if your flight attendant likes chocolate M&M’s!”

As an alternative, Netflight provided their expert tips on how to really up your chances of that sought-after upgrade and ‘freebies’:

Join loyalty programmes

Frequent fliers and loyal customers are most likely to bag the free upgrades so take advantage of all those summer trips by joining an airlines reward scheme. Netflight adds that “even if you don’t fly frequently, some credit cards allow you to earn points that count towards upgrades. Over time, this can significantly boost your chances of an upgrade”.

Travel in off-peak periods

You can boost your luck by traveling in off-peak hours and days. Less popular times mean flights are quieter, therefore there are more Premium seats available – your chances suddenly peaking. Netflight suggests “to avoid flying in school holidays and Friday evenings or weekends” and to opt for “midweek flights at midday” as they are “typically quieter”.

Be polite and have good manners

Seems simple but whilst politeness won’t equal an instant upgrade, they never hurt. Staff should always be treated with respect, no matter whether you’re pinning for that upgrade or not. That being said, Netflight agrees that “being kind can make you stand out, so a small gift like chocolates might be remembered”. Either way, your flight attendants will definitely appreciate it.

Family travel guru Jen Carr, has taken to TikTok to share a “sneaky” travel hack that could save you some money on your next summer holiday with the kids

A savvy travel expert has shared a little-known hack for bagging a cheap last minute family holiday.

Jen Carr, known as @thetravelmum on TikTok, took to the social media platform to share “sneaky little tip” for navigating the Jet2 website to find the best possible price.

She demonstrated how to locate a hard to find calendar, which is where the search for your next bargain holiday begins.

Jen explained: “When you get to this page, you want to go to ‘edit search’ and here you can put in the airports you can travel from (try to include as many as possible), the dates you want to travel, the size of your family, then you can have a look at the calendar and find the cheapest dates for that month.

Once you’ve selected a holiday destination, Jen recommends sorting the prices from low to high, before deciding whether you want to view the prices by per person or total for the whole family. Then simply browse away.

Jen’s tips come as holidaymakers have been advised to avoid taking part in the popular ‘airport theory’ trend, as dozens of travellers have missed their flights after showing up to the gate too late.

A new TikTok trend has taken social media by storm, where travellers ignore the airport advice of showing up to the airport hours before their flight. Instead, passengers are showing up 15 to 20 minutes before their scheduled boarding or departure time.

Even if you’re only carrying a cabin bag, it’s still generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight, and 1-2 hours before a domestic flight.

As long as you have a digital boarding pass and your suitcase has the permitted measurements and weight, you shouldn’t have any issues breezing through security. But there’s one thing you should know.

Social media users have posted videos of their attempts to make it to their flights on a shorter timeframe, but this has led to some missing their flights, the Daily Mail reported.

TikToker @momlifewithtiff, whose name is Tiffany, documented the moment that she and her husband almost missed their flight by trying out the challenge. She wrote: “Definitely do not recommend trying the airport theory. Will certainly be getting to the airport 2 hours early from now on.”

Posting different snippets from the stressful situation, she filmed from the moment they got stuck in security whilst boarding had already begun, to begging people to cut in line, and finally, being the last two passengers to board the plane before the doors closed.

In a similar situation, another TikTok user @jenny_kurtzz, known as Jenny, said that she found out the plane had left without her showing up at the gate at the time of departure.

Unfortunately, in these circumstances, there isn’t anything that the airline can do.

When this happens, passengers have to book another flight at their own expense. However, this can change depending on the circumstances and their status with the airline.

It’s important for passengers to understand they must arrive at the gate at least one hour prior to departure time. During this hour, passengers board the plane. The departure time is the slot planes should take off, not when boarding begins.

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A frequent traveller has shared an airport hack that has people stunned – and wondering why they’ve never thought of it before as she claims it works “90 percent of the time”

A seasoned traveller has revealed their secret airport trick, leaving people baffled they hadn’t thought of it themselves. Airports can be incredibly stressful environments, packed with lengthy queues, rigorous security procedures and inevitable delays. However, most travellers associate airport arrivals with anticipation for their upcoming adventure.

Whilst countless people discuss strategies for smooth departures, fewer address the frustrations that arise when landing at your destination. Travel influencer Lindsay Mukaddam, known as @onegirlwandering, posted footage of herself positioned outside the terminal following her arrival in a clip that has since received over a million views.

READ MORE: British tourists urged to ‘never wear’ one type of shoes on plane for ‘vital reason’

Lindsay explained: “Come to the departures level if the arrivals level is completely slammed with cars, because then the person whose picking you up can get up here with no issues and they don’t have to wait in line.” She noted in the caption: “I may look like crud after a 20 plus hour travel day, but at least I don’t have to wait a moment longer to get home.”

Following the video’s viral success, the travel influencer revealed to Insider that “this tactic works about 90 per cent of the time” in her experience. “When I have had a hard time using it, it has usually been during a very busy travel period, like a holiday weekend,” Lindsay explained. In most instances and at most airports, passengers can actually be collected from the departures area rather than arrivals.

While travellers are typically encouraged to head to the designated pick-up zone, there are no regulations preventing them from doing the opposite.

Nevertheless, if you’re planning to collect a loved one at departures, they can likely forget about a lengthy reunion beside the vehicle. Typically, passenger drop-off zones at departures are fast-moving, and motors aren’t allowed to park, or if they are, not for extended periods.

Airport officials may hand the driver a ticket for loitering. On Reddit, one user highlighted this, commenting, “If you do this, make sure they’re waiting for you and not vice versa. In Nashville, if you attempt to pick someone up at departures, the airport police will probably give you a ticket, so make it as quick as possible.”

Some airports do offer brief parking facilities at departures. In these situations, there’s no reason passengers can’t be collected from this spot. One user joked: “Don’t be sharing secrets like this, you’re going to ruin it for us.”

@gwaipor wrote: “Sydney, Australia here. Doesn’t work at Sydney airport. Get a fine for doing so.” A Chicagoan added: “This does not work well at O’Hare.”

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The ‘game-changing’ hack is popular with travel fans because it helps prevent creases

A woman has revealed a “game-changing” packing trick that prevents wrinkles so you can look fabulous on holiday. The popular technique was showcased in a TikTok video shared by womenswear brand Sophie Cameron Davies.

Taking to social media, @sophiecamerondavies revealed why it’s worth investing a bit more time when packing your case to save hassle during your break. The caption read: “If your suitcase is full of floaty dresses, silk pieces or anything remotely crease-prone, try this.

“No more steaming out wrinkles for half your holiday. It’s simple, space-saving, and actually works.

“Save this one – your future self will thank you.” As shown in the clip, the trick requires holidaymakers to fold their garments, ensuring they stay flat within the suitcase.

Sophie explained: “Lay your clothes completely flat, don’t roll or overfold. Fill the full width of your suitcase right into the corners, and fold only once or twice max to avoid deep creases.

“Then just lay each piece on top of the other like a stack. It keeps everything smooth and compact, so simple but game-changing.” The clip has garnered more than 600,000 views, along with thousands of likes.

It also inspired commenters to share their preferred approach, and it appears many people swear by Sophie’s method. One enthusiast of the packing technique wrote: “I have packed like this for years and it’s honestly a game changer!

“Less folds = more space.” Another commenter shared their positive experience, writing: “I’ve been doing this more recently!

“So much better!” A third person revealed: “I always pack like this – never have to iron.”

Adding to the praise, someone mentioned: “I’ve always done this and left them on hangers too. So once I arrive, hang straight up.”

A social media user replied: “I do this too ….makes unpacking at hotel sooooo much easier.” Some people offered their own twist on the idea, like one who said: “I use the other side for clothes as it’s flat and the side you have put the clothes in I use for toiletries and shoes, swimwear etc .. it works no creases.”

Another viewer added: “I do this but I lay each piece flat hanging from the sides. Lay items on top then flip the sides inwards and secure it.”

However, not everyone was convinced by the packing hack. In response to a sceptic who said: “Then when you stand the case up everything will fall down,” someone defended the method but highlighted a different criticism, saying: “No, it doesn’t.

“I’ve packed like this – just a pain looking for things when arriving at destination.” Others expressed a preference for using packing cubes instead, reports the Express.

One such response read: “I swear by packing cubes, makes everything so much easier.” A fan agreed: “Same, family of 6, everyone has a set of their own colour cubes – makes life so much easier.”

The commenter replied: “Aren’t they just brilliant. I wouldn’t ever not use them now.”

However, someone else wrote: “They take up way more space though. I always lay clothes flat (or as flat as I can) and get more space out of the case.”

There’s nothing more stressful than travelling with young children, but a mum-of-two has shared a smart travel hack to keep all electronics charged more easily

Travelling with your children can be a joyful experience until their electronics run out of charge – but TikTok influencer Muddle Through Mummy shared her clever hack to keep her children’s belongings charged at all times while abroad, without worrying about bringing tons of adaptors.

After months of work, the only thing one wishes is to go on a holiday to a hot destination. As travelling with children can become difficult, this hack will make your travels less stressful. Different countries have different chargers, which means having multiple adapters is necessary to keep everything fully charged.

READ MORE: Brits are turning to clever travel hacks to maximise their holidays

Parents or not, we’ve all been in the situation when we’ve completely forgotten to pack one of the most important travel items after the passport.

The 10-second video shows the influencer saying goodbye to her tens of adapters and instead, taking an extension cube with USB and charging pods. “It makes travelling with electronics so simple,” she says.

Users flooded the comment section thanking her for the smart hack. One wrote: “Did this on our last trip and it was a lifesaver!!”

A second one commented: “Omg thank you,” with a third one saying: “We’ve got a few of these. Absolutely a life saver; we are a family of 7 and just needed a small suitcase just for wires and leads lol.”

READ MORE: Brits urged to ignore popular travel hack that’s making people miss flights

Known as Muddle Through Mummy, the mother of two has become popular on social media by sharing her parenting hacks, as well as her day-to-day life with her two sons and her husband.

Her relatable content and easy solutions to common parenting problems made her the go-to advisor. The social media influencer currently has 615.5K followers and over 66 million likes on her TikTok account.

Thanks to this travel hack, travelling has never been so much easier. It’s more convenient, less messy, and it can charge up to 10 devices at once, making it ideal for families or even solo travellers with multiple gadgets.

With this simple hack, family travel can be less chaotic and more convenient – just the way a holiday should be.