holiday

Hotels are one of the priciest parts of a holiday, with UK travellers now spending around £92 per night on domestic overnight trips on average. But there’s a way to save money

If you’re planning a holiday, it’s always a bonus to save some money. The costs can quickly mount up between flights, accommodation and of course, activities.

However, there’s a brilliant way to book your hotel that could save you hundreds. Hotels are often the most expensive part of a holiday, with UK travellers now spending around £92 per night on average for domestic overnight trips.

If you’re staying in a big city, that cost can soar even higher.

Take London, for instance, where recent industry data shows average room rates nearing the £200-a-night mark.

But experts at Webpop design have shared a simple trick that could save your hard-earned cash.

Once you’ve decided where you want to book, clear your browser cookies and cache or use a private window, then search again, reports the Express.

The price you find could be significantly lower.

This is because booking sites use dynamic pricing and tailor your results based on what they know you’re looking for.

By clearing your cache and cookies, you give yourself a fresh start to search from, free from dynamic pricing.

There are also certain times of day which are better for booking holidays – for example, Tuesdays are likely to offer lower prices. This is because the weekend rush is over, and there is often more availability.

Sites will also be keen to fill any remaining slots quickly. And booking sites are eager to fill up their remaining hotel stays – fast.

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider booking your stay from Sunday to Thursday. You’ll avoid the weekend price hikes and likely snag a bargain.

So if you don’t mind missing out on a weekend in your dream destination, aim to book your accommodation during these days.

Oliver Brendon, travel expert and CEO of AttractionTickets.com, has shared his top five tips for saving money ahead of Black Friday, which takes place on November 28, 2025

A travel expert has shared a top tip for saving money before Black Friday comes around.

Oliver Brendon, travel expert and CEO of AttractionTickets.com, says that knowing how and where to look can be the difference between a good deal and a great one when the big shopping day arrives on November 28.

Brendon warns that “logging on early is no longer enough to get a great travel deal. To make the most of the biggest sale of the year you’ll want to navigate price algorithms, leverage loyalty perks, and utilise more clever hacks that many buyers overlook.”

If you really want to save the big bucks, then putting in some time now to sign up to the best loyalty schemes is key.

“Brands are almost always going to reward their loyal customers first and, because of this, the very best deals often never reach the main sale. By signing up for loyalty programmes and email marketing opt-ins ahead of Black Friday, you may get early access to pre-sale discounts, exclusive codes, or even bonus rewards. If the particular booking you’re after is likely to sell out, signing-up to these is the best way to know you’re one of the first customers to access the sale,” Brendan said.

Here are his other top tips:

1. Outsmart Price Algorithms

“Before you start comparing prices, you need to clear your cookies or switch to an incognito browser window. Some airlines and booking platforms can adjust fares based on your browsing behaviour, so if you’ve been researching Disney tickets for months hoping for a great deal, you might not be shown the best price.”

2. Flex Your Dates and Group Size to Unlock Hidden Deals

“Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to travel savings. Flying midweek, especially Tuesday to Thursday, or opting for early-morning departures can cut costs dramatically, but you won’t get shown these deals if you have specific date and time filters in use. Ensure when browsing that you have the most flexible option selected, and that includes your group size too. Don’t assume group bookings are always cheaper as sometimes two single tickets cost less than one multi-traveller fare.”

3. Use Filters and Comparison Tools Smartly

“When comparing travel options, choosing a ‘low to high’ filter may not actually be showing you the lowest prices first. Some travel websites order their low-to-high offerings by the price of the just accommodation. Instead, where possible, use filters for ‘lowest total price’ to make sure you’re seeing the full cost including travel, taxes, luggage, and other hidden fees.”

4. Turn Cashback Into Holiday Spending Money

“Cashback rewards is another easy win that many people overlook. Banks, credit cards, and even cashback-specific companies often offer cashback on travel bookings as well as retail purchases. Those savings can quickly add up, and if you activate these schemes before Black Friday, you’ll have extra spending money for your holiday or even a discount on your next trip.”

A man has slammed an ‘entitled’ couple for stealing his sun loungers at a holiday resort in the Caribbean, but while some people agree with his stance, others say he is part of the problem

A man has sparked a debate after sharing how he took revenge on an ‘entitled’ couple for stealing his sun loungers at a holiday resort. He explained how he and his wife were enjoying a well-earned vacation in the Caribbean after saving up for a week of relaxation.

He explained: “It wasn’t very crowded. We picked out a couple of nice loungers and spent most of the week there with no issues. Another couple showed up a few days before we were scheduled to leave. My wife caught them looking at us a few times over a couple of days.”

On their last morning at the resort, they noticed the couple’s belongings spread across their loungers.

While they wouldn’t have had an issue with this if the couple were sitting on them taking in the sun, the man explained how the couple “didn’t show up until noon”.

He said: “Later, after they arrived and we saw who it was, my wife said they stole our spot on purpose.

“Confirmed when my wife was in the water and saw then walk by me in our new, less awesome spot. They looked at me and started laughing.”

Before leaving the resort to fly home the next day, the man came up with a plan to teach them a lesson they’d never forget.

“We were leaving the next day,” he added. “We went down very early, spread fresh towels on the loungers, put fresh folded towels down, and left our leftover suntan lotion and our inflatable floats on the loungers.

“Hope they spent all day waiting to see who stole their spot.”

While some users praised him for his revenge, others say he’s “just as bad” because he tried to claim the same beds all week long.

Commenting on his post, one user said: “I don’t get it… you thought the loungers belonged to you for the whole week?”

Another user added: “Every resort and cruise ship needs to adopt the policy of not saving seats. If you get up to go jump in the pool for a bit and leave your belongings there, fine.

“But leaving a towel on a chair all day is silly, and I have seen some places that have signage saying that towels left on chairs like that will be taken by staff.”

A third user said: “People who think they own a spot at a hotel are the worst.”

One more user added: “They were the hotels loungers – for the hotels guests. First come, first served.

“If you want your personal loungers then pack them into your cases and take them with you.

“Then you intentionally left a bunch of junk and littered the place up. And now you’re bragging about it.”

Pickpocketing is a major issue in popular tourist cities such as Barcelona, but it’s not Spain that tops the list as the prime location for this slick-fingered crime

While Barcelona is infamous for its high levels of pickpocketing, it’s not Spain that takes the crown as the prime hotspot for this nimble-fingered crime. Despite pickpocketing being a major issue – particularly for tourists – in Barcelona, the problem is rampant across Europe and beyond, with one European holiday destination dubbed the “worst” for light-fingered theft.

In tourist-heavy areas, holidaymakers must be extra vigilant with their belongings, especially in airports, train stations, underground systems, hotel lobbies or even while strolling down certain streets. UK travel insurance firm Quotezone.co.uk revealed last year that it had pinpointed where travellers were most likely to fall prey to pickpockets, singling out a location visited by 3.5 million Brits each year.

Tourists have corroborated the research with reviews on one particular visitor hotspot warning of “a lot of pickpockets in the area”. Data gathered by Quotezone showed that Italy was the prime spot where tourists are likely to be separated from their possessions by nimble-fingered thieves.

Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain has been flagged as a hotbed for pickpocketing, with the landmark boasting over 100,000 reviews – and hundreds of mentions of “pickpockets” on TripAdvisor, reports the Express.

As a site that becomes packed from spring through to summer, visitors are cautioned to “be careful” at this “beautiful” Roman landmark.

One disgruntled holidaymaker took to TripAdvisor to vent: “You have to elbow your way to the front of the fountain. Many people gather in front and sit for hours, so sitting is almost impossible.

“We didn’t spend more than 15 minutes. Be aware of pick pockets, as you are body to body in front and around the fountain.”

Another tourist, also reviewing on TripAdvisor, described a “beautiful fountain” but warned that the area was “extremely crowded”, cautioning others to “beware of this area” due to “lots of scams and pick pockets”.

According to research by Quotezone, Italy tops the list as the prime hotspot for pickpockets, closely followed by France, with the Eiffel Tower in Paris being particularly notorious.

Currently, Google reviews of the Eiffel Tower reveal over 800 visitors citing pickpockets as a problem – and the area is swamped with tourists throughout the year.

One Google reviewer shared their experience, describing the Eiffel Tower as “enormous and breathtaking”, but they also issued a warning.

The visitor penned: “It’s a very popular place, so expect big crowds; people from all over the world gather here to admire the monument and take in the scenery.

“Because of that volume of visitors, be mindful of your belongings. Pickpockets operate in crowded tourist spots, and there are street hustles and game scammers who may try to distract you or pressure you into playing quick ‘games’ that aren’t fair.”

The reviewer added: “Keep bags zipped and close, avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible pockets, and politely decline invitations from anyone hawking games or insisting you join impromptu activities.”

Quotezone’s comprehensive European pickpocketing index has revealed Italy as the top spot, with France coming in second and Spain taking third place. These rankings are based on mentions of “pickpockets” or “stolen” per million visitors.

The researchers reached their conclusions by analysing the number of mentions of “pickpocketing” or “stolen” on traveller review websites for Europe’s top destinations, compared to the number of visitors to each country.

Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, warned: “Theft can happen anywhere, and tourist hotspots are convenient places for criminals to target holidaymakers’ wallets and purses while they are busy taking in the sites.

“Many holidaymakers are unaware that some of the most popular destinations for Brits have some of the highest incidents of pickpocketing in Europe.

“Our research revealed some surprising results with Italy having the most pickpocketing mentions, yet France and Spain have much larger volumes of tourists.”

According to data from Quotezone, the “worst” European countries for pickpocketing are:

1. Italy
2. France
3. Spain
4. Germany
5. Netherlands
6. Portugal
7. Turkey
8. Greece
9. Poland
10. Republic of Ireland

A BAN has been placed on tobacco on a popular island to stop people of a certain age from ever buying it.

Called a ‘generational ban’ it means that anyone born after January 1, 2007 is prohibited from buying or using tobacco.

The destination that’s implemented the new rules is the Maldives, and it’s the only place in the world to have done so.

The measure makes it the only country with a generation-wide tobacco prohibition in an effort to promote a ‘tobacco-free generation’.

The ministry said: “Under the new provision, individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives.

“The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

The health ministry called the measure a “historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health”.

It added that the prohibition “reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco”.

The measure is not just for locals, it applies to any tourists visiting the islands.

So for Brits heading to the Maldives, you might find yourself being asked for ID in shops if buying tobacco.

Selling cigarettes to minors will carry a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (£2,470) for the sellers.

Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the archipelago’s tobacco control board, told the BBC that he didn’t expect bookings to reduce due to the ban.

He said: “People don’t come to the Maldives because they’re able to smoke.

“They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air”.

And then added that the Maldives was projecting more than two million tourists in the next year making it one of the world’s most popular destinations.

The banning of tobacco is a new rule, but the Maldives also banned the import, possession and use of vapes last year.

Electronic cigarettes and vapes are completely banned no matter what age you are – and you aren’t allowed to bring them into the country.

You won’t be denied entry if caught bringing one into the country, but it will be confiscated at the border and a customs officer will provide you with a receipt which you must present when you depart the country to have your items returned to you.

Anyone caught vaping in the Maldives will face a 5,000-rufiyaa fine (£247).

These measures apply to all of coral islands in the Maldives, of which there are over a thousand.

A similar generational ban proposed in the UK is still going through the legislative process.

FESTIVE FEELS

John Lewis reveals tear-jerker Xmas ad set to nostalgic 90s house track

TRAFFIC CARNAGE

Major motorway shut with TWO-HOUR delays after crash between lorry & van

The Maldives isn’t the only place putting a ban on smoking; another country is set to introduce new strict bans at beaches, restaurants and bars.

For anyone interested in heading to the Maldives, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski took a holiday there for cheaper than a week at Center Parcs.

THERE are some places that thrive in the summer, but others are best explored when there are crisp orange leaves on the ground, and the grass is littered with frost.

On my recent adventure to Northumberland, I discovered sprawling National Parks, living museums, quaint village and plenty of cosy pubs.

My adventure took me to the site of the former Sycamore Gap tree – the story that seemed to upset the entire nation.

The famous tree was mysteriously cut down in the middle of the night in September 2023. Something about the hateful environmental crime captured the public imagination globally.

Before and after pictures appeared in the media around the world and tears were shed.

It would later emerge that the 120-year-old specimen tree – which had featured in the 1991 Robin Hood film as well as countless holiday snaps – had been felled by two oddball friends as some kind of warped prank.

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

The pair were eventually jailed this summer for four years and three months each.

The episode initially seemed to spell the end of one of the North East’s greatest tourist attractions – but in fact it hasn’t.

The following year, the area earned nine per cent more from recreational visitors than it had before the tree was felled.

But if that makes it sound like the area is overrun with tourists, it isn’t. Not at all.

Unlike rivals such as the Lake and Peak Districts or the Yorkshire Dales, rural Northumberland doesn’t have quite as much mass appeal and it’s big and desolate enough to absorb the visitors it does get, so seldom feels busy.

Autumn is a particularly good time to go because the landscape and vernal colour palette seem to blend harmoniously together. 

If you go at low season (and now that half-term week has passed, that’s pretty much right now) you will find it feels most of the time as if you have the place to yourselves.

And it won’t cost much either – there’s excellent value for money.

Like the Sycamore Gap itself, much of what you will see is dotted along or near Hadrian’s Wall, the 2000-year-old fortification line that snakes its way up hill and down dale through all this glorious countryside.

And, of course, it joins up various other Roman sites that pepper the area with historic interest.

Our favourites were Vindolanda, an excavated village, the museum at Corbridge and the Temple of Mithras which has a counterpart in the buzzing heart of the City of London.

But naturally this one has a very different vibe as it’s out on its own on windswept moorland, miles from anywhere – and so superbly atmospheric.

We based ourselves in an Airbnb in converted outbuildings of a farm just outside the small town of Riding Mill, about 20 miles to the east of the Gap.

It was modestly priced but very pleasant and made an ideal base when motoring.

A couple of times we went east towards Newcastle or Beamish museum, with its charming recreation of streets and buildings from different periods.

We could also explore the coast, from the sweeping sands at Tynemouth to the more dramatic cliffs northwards.

Heading inland to the west it was more remote. Even at more managed spaces like the stunning National Trust park at Allen Banks, we scarcely saw another walker.

Our dogs loved it as much as we did. And after every walk we seemed to find ourselves conveniently close to a decent pub.

The area teems with them. I even compiled a top ten of the many boozers we went to during our week in Northumberland.

Here are John’s top 10 pubs in Northumberland…

1. Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland – Ancient, spooky, cosy, perfect.

2. The Ship Inn, Low Newton – Understated gem on a gem of a beach

3. The Rat, Anick – Just a perfect country food pub.

4. The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman Rest, Brampton – Wild location, good food, well done.

5. The Pele, Corbridge – Not named after the footballer but the circa 1350 tower it is set in. Wonderful.

6. Crown Posada, Newcastle – Lavish and delightfully intact interiors.

7. The Free Trade Inn, Newcastle – Grog on the Tyne. Amazing cityscape view.

8. Langley Castle Hotel, Hexham – Surrounded by suits of armour.

9. The Tynemouth Castle Inn, Tynemouth – Art Deco seaside gorgeousness.

10. The Sun Inn, Beamish Museum, Stanley – Technically a fake pub in a theme park- but so well done

Pubs aside, there was still the question of actually visiting Sycamore Gap itself – or what’s left of it.

We had put this off as it felt a bit sad but we had to face it before leaving.

It’s a short and very scenic walk from the village of Once Brewed, up to and then along in parallel with the surprisingly intact Roman Wall.

And going back to the question of its surprisingly enduring popularity, we saw more people here than on any rural outing.

It was still not exactly crowded but busier – and you realised that others too wanted to pay tribute to the lost tree, whether that was with a selfie or a quiet thought or two.

Even in this remote corner we weren’t far from not one but two decent pubs: The Twice Brewed Inn at Bardon Mill and The Milecastle Inn at Haltwhistle, both of which were delightful.

Visiting here is a way of putting two fingers up at the vile pair who are now languishing in prison, it’s also an absolute treat.

FESTIVE FEELS

John Lewis reveals tear-jerker Xmas ad set to nostalgic 90s house track

TRAFFIC CARNAGE

Major motorway shut with TWO-HOUR delays after crash between lorry & van

Plus, find out more on the quaint UK town hiding ‘Disney for history buffs’ attraction that’s loved by Countryfile star.

If you want to head to the beach, check out the Northumberland coast that is one of the world’s trending destinations.

A ‘faeces fountain’ has been filmed bubbling up through the streets of a popular UK expat hotspot – with horrified locals sharing footage and confirming it ‘smells awful’

Horrified locals at a Brit holiday hotspot have shared grim footage of what seems to be human waste bubbling up through the ground during heavy rain.

Shocking images show rising sewage lifting a manhole cover and spilling onto the pavement. The pounding rain liquefied the waste, causing it to quickly flood the surrounding area, turning it a murky brown. The video, shared online on October 29, was captured on a main road in Fuengirola – a favourite spot for British tourists and expats – on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

“It smells awful,” commented a local passer-by. A spokesperson from the town hall stated: “We have a special team in place, with vehicles and staff working across the city to inspect and act where needed. The area is being monitored, and work is underway to get everything back to normal.”

READ MORE: ‘I play on the PGA Tour with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler – it’s clear who is better’READ MORE: BBC star died penniless after lifetime fortune leaving ‘nothing but an empty caravan’

Social media users took to the comments section to poke fun at the situation with one person saying: “When you lose the battle just as you’re reaching the bathroom.” Another video, shared the same day, shows a “faecal fountain” further up the coast in Torremolinos – another British holiday hotspot. An ankle-deep torrent gushed down the road, with a column of spray rising in the centre like a water feature. Spain’s Andalusia region woke up to chaos yesterday as a violent storm battered the area with torrential rain, tornadoes, and flash floods.

Huelva and Seville provinces were hit hardest, with Huelva recording up to 160 litres of rain per square metre. It comes one month after eight people were injured in an explosion on a “tourist boat” in the Costa del Sol resort. Three of the casualties have sustained what are being described as serious injuries and have been taken to hospital. The incident occurred as the motorboat, described locally as a tourist boat, was leaving the marina in the Spanish town.

Footage from the scene showed firefighters in the marina dousing the flames with hoses from the closest point on dry land after locals on jet skis and other boats went to the aid of the stricken passengers and helped try to put out the fire. The alarm was sounded around 12.20pm on October 4 with several witnesses calling the emergency services as a black plume of smoke rose into the air which was clearly visible from nearby beaches. The cause of the explosion is not clear.

A fisherman working in the area said: “It was an open boat made of polyester, which is a very bad combination with fuel because it burns very quickly.” The boat sank as a result of the fire on board. The area where the incident happened has now been sealed off as an investigation gets underway.

Fuengirola Town Hall said in a statement: “The Rescue and Lifesaving Service, the Fire Department, and the Local Police of Fuengirola, as well as the Civil Guard, responded today to a fire on a boat sailing in the marina, near the mouth of the harbour. For reasons which are still unclear there was an explosion and the boat caught fire. Within minutes, rescue workers from the Rescue Service reached the crew and brought them to safety.

“A total of eight people were on board. All of them were injured, three of them seriously, and they were placed in the care of emergency medical responders. As a result of the explosion, the boat sank and officials from the Andalusian Ports Agency are closely monitoring the situation to assess the need for anti-spill measures.”

READ MORE: Garnier’s ‘chic and stress-free’ hair dye mask that works in 30 mins now £8

JOJO Siwa looked incredible in sizzling holiday snaps as she cosied up to boyfriend Chris Hughes.

The Dance Moms star, 22, and her Love Island star beau, 32, have been thrilling fans with photos from the romantic getaway.

JoJo and Chris, who met on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, have kept their destination a secret.

But they’ve shared glimpses of their huge hotel suite, private pool, and day trips to the beach.

The couple lounged by the pool in one sweet photo, with JoJo stunning in a blue and white gingham bikini.

Chris cradded JoJo and wrapped his legs around her in the intimate snap.

READ MORE ON JOJO & CHRIS

HOUSE OF SPARKLES

Inside JoJo Siwa’s $4M LA mansion with bejewelled piano & fish tank table

BABY LOVE

Chris Hughes’ ex gives birth to Britain’s richest gypsy’s grandchild 

JoJo posed for another selfie on the beach, and revealed her toned figure in a tiny pink bikini.

JoJo and Chris are in a long distance relationship but have already been discussing marriage plans.

And Chris has revealed the moment they made their romance official, after Celebrity Big Brother viewers suspected they were more than just friends.

He has spoken openly about their connection on the Question The Default podcast with Harry Corin, in which he told “nothing was rushed or forced, it just happened.”

He then confirmed it was when he flew Mexico in May that they made things official.

He surprised her at a festival she was playing at which happened few weeks after CBB – with her family there – and they became an item.

Chris said they “rekindled and met up in Mexico” and said: “I flew out to surprise her, which was nice.

“I spent a few days with her and her family in Orlando as well before flying home and that’s where it all started.”

Later in the chat, he said: “I went to Mexico and met up with her which is where the whole feelings developed and things changed.

“Which was lovely and no secret to anybody.

“But it was genuinely lovely and nothing was rushed or forced it just happened.”

The Boomerang songstress talked about her potential wedding plans in an exclusive chat with The Sun. 

She said: “A wedding is a two-person thing. So we would have to decide what it looks like.

“But I do know that I want it to have a baby-blue scheme and I need to help Chris make the playlist.

“Otherwise, it’ll be all songs I don’t know!

“He likes to educate me on music. He loves The 1975 and all these boy bands, but I don’t know any of them as they are British.

COST CUTTER

John Lewis launches early Black Friday sale a MONTH early with up to £300 off

SPY STORY

Telltale clues CHEATERS use to spot you secretly reading their dodgy texts & pics

“Give me some NSYNC or Backstreet Boys!

“At the end of the day, we have a very public life, but we are still two humans who love each other very much.”

A TEENAGE boy was banned from boarding his flight because of a sticker on his passport.

Thirteen-year-old Alix Dawson was due to fly to Thailand with his family last month for two weeks.

However, after arriving at Edinburgh Airport, his mum Meghan Law was told that he wouldn’t be allowed to board the flight with his passport at the check in desk.

Meghan, who lives in Aberdeen said: “We got to the airport and were checking in my bags when the [check-in staff member] looked at my passport then just walked away from the desk. She didn’t say anything.

“We were standing there for 20 minutes before I asked what’s going on. She came back and said that my passport was damaged.

“I said I’ve used this umpteen times. No one’s ever mentioned any damage on it before.

PASS OVER

World’s strongest passport revealed and UK hits record low in more than a DECADE

PASS IT ON

First look at the new British passport design being rolled out this year

“There were no rips or stains, I don’t know what she was trying to imply. I was really shocked.

“What they were trying to say was that the luggage check-in stickers that had been stuck on one of the pages [and] had damaged the page. But it wasn’t even on the photo page.

“There were no rips, it was just where the sticker marks had been. They said we couldn’t travel with it.

“I knew there were no issues with their passports. We’d probably travelled over a dozen times with them.”

She was then told that they would need to go to Glasgow Airport to get a new emergency passport.

Fearing for their £3,000 holiday, she contacted TUI, who they booked the trip with.

After sending photos of the reported ‘damage’, Meghan said the tour operator found no issues with the passport and put them on the next available flight to Thailand which was with Emirates rather than Qatar Airways.

The family were able to head on holiday with no further obstacles, albeit the next day, from a different airport.

Meghan said: “If I hadn’t booked through TUI and booked it myself, we just wouldn’t have been able to go on holiday.

“One way from Glasgow on the same day of travel would’ve been £2,800.

“We used it six times over the two-week holiday and no one said anything which confirms there were no issues with the passports.”

She said that it “ruined the start of the trip” for being so stressful and is calling for compensation.

Other passengers have been banned from their flights due to them being too damaged.

Countries such as Bali and Vietnam have some of the strictest rules in the world when it comes to passport condition, with airlines fined thousands if they let passengers fly with them.

ALL CHANGE

Supermarket giant rolls out huge loyalty scheme change nationwide

HOT STUFF

I live in world’s best city 3 hours from UK… it’s warm in winter & buses are free

Here are some other passport rules you need to know about.

And here are the world’s strongest passports.

Owned by Hope Creature, the business sells plants, gifts and garden supplies in one building and organic drinks and pastries in another. A 50-foot greenhouse shelters indoor tropicals, organic edibles, drought-tolerant native plants and small potted succulents, which go for less than $2. The outdoor seating area is outfitted with plants available for purchase.

“A lot went into making this space architecturally stunning as well, with every design detail considered,” Creature says. “The space also serves as a platform for our ongoing community programming, which showcases what the space is all about — bringing people together to explore, learn and connect.”

The queer-owned-and-run cafe offers standard coffee fare including matcha, espresso, cortado, cold brew and drip options from local roaster Unity, as well as a selection of teas and pastries.

Entertainment and Features Editor: Brittany Levine Beckman

Lead Gift Guide editor: Marques Harper

Project editor: Betty Hallock (food)

Writers: Lisa Boone, Stephanie Breijo, Kailyn Brown, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Danielle Dorsey, Marah Eakin, Betty Hallock, Jenn Harris, Jeanette Marantos, Todd Martens, Deborah Netburn, Christopher Reynolds, Lindzi Scharf, Deborah Vankin

Senior deputy design directors: Jim Cooke, Faith Stafford

Lead Gift Guide art director: Nicole Vas

Art director: Judy Pryor

3D illustrations and lead animation: Daniel Jurman

Executive director of photography: Kim Chapin

Photo editors: Taylor Arthur, Raul Roa

Copy editors: Blake Hennon, Ruthanne Salido

Digital production: Nicole Vas

Fact checking: Michael Darling

Audience engagement: Defne Karabatur, David Viramontes

Editor’s note: Prices and availability of items and experiences in the Gift Guide and on latimes.com are subject to change.

Owned by Hope Creature, the business sells plants, gifts and garden supplies in one building and organic drinks and pastries in another. A 50-foot greenhouse shelters indoor tropicals, organic edibles, drought-tolerant native plants and small potted succulents, which go for less than $2. The outdoor seating area is outfitted with plants available for purchase.

“A lot went into making this space architecturally stunning as well, with every design detail considered,” Creature says. “The space also serves as a platform for our ongoing community programming, which showcases what the space is all about — bringing people together to explore, learn and connect.”

The queer-owned-and-run cafe offers standard coffee fare including matcha, espresso, cortado, cold brew and drip options from local roaster Unity, as well as a selection of teas and pastries.

Open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., the shop’s enclosed outdoor patio (buttressed on either side by the cafe/general store and greenhouse) offers a peaceful reprieve from the relative hustle and bustle of Eagle Rock Boulevard.

Bethany Clarke and her best friend Simone White were backpacking together around Southeast Asia when they drank bootleg shots laced with methanol – and it proved tragically fatal for Simone

A woman has died after unknowingly drinking shots laced with methanol.

Bethany Clarke, 28, from Orpington, southeast London, went backpacking around Southeast Asia with her best friend, Simone White, 28, last year.

Both the women drank the bootleg alcohol, and tragically it proved fatal for Simone.

Bethany and Simone started their backpacking in Cambodia and went from there to Laos. They had spent the day tubing down the river – a popular tourist activity – before returning to their hostel for a night of drinking.

Bethany said: “We had methanol-laced shots. We had five or six each, just mixing them with Sprite.

READ MORE: Man collapsed and died within three minutes after texting ‘it’s my lucky day’READ MORE: ‘I went to a bar to celebrate after work – then I woke up completely blind’

“The next morning, we didn’t feel right, but we just assumed it was a hangover. It was strange though – unlike any hangover I’d had before.

“It felt like being drunk but in a way where you couldn’t enjoy it. Something was just off.”

Despite their condition, they continued on with their plans, heading to the Blue Lagoon and kayaking down the river again.

Bethany added: “We were just lying on the backs of the kayaks, too weak to paddle. Simone was being sick off one of them. Neither of us wanted to swim or eat – which, we later learned, are early signs of methanol poisoning.”

It wasn’t until hours later, after they’d boarded a bus to their next destination, that things worsened, with Bethany fainting and Simone continuing to vomit.

Eventually, they were taken to a local hospital – one that Bethany described as “very poor”.

She said: “They had no idea what was wrong, they talked about food poisoning, but we hadn’t eaten the same things. It didn’t make sense.”

Still confused and deteriorating, the women made it to a private hospital. But by then it was too late.

READ MORE: Pensioners snorting cocaine skyrockets as UK hospitals in crisis

Bethany said: “They told me they’d do all they could to save her. She was having seizures during dialysis.”

When Simone’s condition worsened, her mother, Sue White, flew out to Laos, arriving just as her daughter was being wheeled into emergency brain surgery.

Bethany said: “Her brain had started to swell, and they had to shave her head. The surgery relieved the pressure but caused bleeding and the other side started swelling.”

The results confirming methanol poisoning wouldn’t arrive until two weeks later. By then, Simone had died.

Bethany said: “On an emotional level, it’s been a lot to process. Sometimes I still think, ‘Why don’t you reach out to Simone for that?’ and then I remember I can’t.”

Bethany has channeled her grief into campaigning for change and awareness. She said: “People still aren’t aware and don’t know the signs to look for.

READ MORE: Fake vodka poisoning kills 19 people with one fighting for life as nursery teacher arrested

“The government aren’t doing enough to educate British citizens about the signs of methanol poisoning.

“In Australia, where I live now, they have a big TikTok campaign and signs in all the airports.

“There’s a lot more work to be done in the UK – we’re behind. Anywhere there is organised crime, the opportunity exists – even in the UK.

Bethany also reckons there will be more deaths until people become more aware.”It’s highly likely we’ll see more deaths unless the UK government acts in a more radical way,” she said.

“It has to be in people’s heads – stick to canned drinks. But bottles can be more risky because the cap could have been replaced.

“Any spirits can be a risk. I say ‘steer clear, drink beer’ which rolls off the tongue.”

READ MORE: Limoncello poisoning victims’ parents reveal they bought booze that killed couple

Just recently, the Foreign Office added eight further countries to the risk list for methanol poisoning due to risks associated with counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks.

The list already covered Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.

Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were now included in the list following incidents.

Methanol poisoning results from methanol being added to drinks such as cocktails and spirits to up the volume and cut costs.

Signs of the poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion – and more distinctive symptoms, such as vision issues, can develop between 12 and 48 hours after consumption.

The Spanish city is a popular short break destination as well as being popular with groups who want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, but a new ban could see their parties cut short

A Spanish city which is a major tourist destination for Brits, including stag and hen parties, is introducing a brand new rule in an effort to curb antisocial behaviour linked to drinking.

Barcelona, which sees over 500,000 Brits visiting each year, has banned pub crawls citywide at all hours of the day. Previously, pub crawls were only banned in the area of Ciutat Vella and L’Eixample, which had restrictions between 7PM and 7AM.

On the official website for Barcelona City Council, a statement explained how it defines a pub crawl: “Pub crawling is a business that takes customers on organised drinking tours to a series of establishments that offer discounted alcoholic drinks.

“It typically involves quickly consuming one or more low-quality drinks before heading to the next stop.”

The statement went on to say: “This activity has been identified as a risk factor that causes disturbances in neighbourhoods, puts extra strain on public spaces and potentially leads to criminal behaviour or road safety violations.”

It also confirmed: “The new decree introduces a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, year-round, rather than being only seasonal. ” It stated that the new ban will be in place for four years. The change came into force yesterday (October 29).

Organisers who ignore the ban and plan an event could find themselves hit with fines of up to €3,000. While participants in an organised pub crawl wouldn’t face charges, authorities could potentially give them fines for public drinking or other disturbances, which range from €100 to €3,000.

The move is the latest in a long-line of measures brought in by authorities to ease the impact of tourism on Barcelona, and other Spanish destinations could follow suit.

In May, it was announced that Spain was cracking down on holiday rentals, with authorities ordering Airbnb to remove 65,000 properties from their website. Reasons such as lack of licence numbers and unclear ownership records were cited for the mass removal. Many of the delisted properties were in popular areas such as Barcelona and Malaga.

Demonstrations against overtourism have also taken place over the last couple of years, with hundreds of protesters taking to the streets of Barcelona waving banners with slogans such as “tourists go home”.

READ MORE: Europe’s little-known Christmas market with 86p mulled wines and £32 flights from the UKREAD MORE: Winter wonderland weekends: 5 holiday parks offering festive stays from just £39

A trade union in the Balearic Islands has even proposed a €15 a day tourist tax during high season to work as a “deterrent” for tourists. The union’s general secretary said: “”This is not an increase aimed at raising revenue, but rather a deterrent, so that the Balearic Islands send a clear message to the world that there’s no room for more people here during the high season.”

Some resorts have also dealt a blow to Brits who were hoping to enjoy copious amounts of booze. Those visiting certain areas of Majorca and Ibiza may find themselves limited to six drinks a day, even if they’ve paid for all-inclusive.

CENTER Parcs has revealed a multi-million pound Christmas experience at one of their parks this year.

The site in Suffolk has invested £2million to transform its Winter Wonderland, and its opening next month.

Elveden Forest has upgraded certain areas of the park for Christmas, and has added its Woodland Workshop.

From November 7, families will get the chance to meet Santa and his elves who are hard at work before the big day.

You can also get a glimpse of Santa while enjoying brunch at Huck’s, or join the team for a festive dance along to Christmas tunes at Santa’s Greetings.

The wooden chalet will have a snow-capped roof and be wrapped in pine decorations next to a huge Christmas tree.

Read More on Winter Holidays

YULE DO

Travel expert reveals cheap UK holiday parks with Xmas breaks from £9pp a night

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

There’s a new Christmas Shop too, filled with festive gifts, bespoke decorations, souvenirs and hand-painted baubles.

When the weather gets chilly, guests can warm up in the Tipi, enjoy a hot chocolate, mince pies, traditional sausage rolls, Bratwurst, and Christmas tree-shaped waffles.

Santa’s Woodland Village has been refreshed and visitors can enjoy the new seasonal displays.

It’s there where guests will find the new Snow Zone, a giant snow globe where families can step inside for a festive photo.

Other attractions include the Enchanted Light Garden which is essentially a festive light trail which is open from 4PM-9PM every day.

There are also activities like the Elf Pyjama Party, and festive craft workshops throughout the day.

Lots of activities are included in the price of a break over the festive period – and you can even pre-order decorations to dress up the lodge too.

You can book to stay in Center Parcs’ hotels or apartment, to treehouses, and the newly introduced premium lodges.

If you still want to book, Sun Travel found that a family of four can book a Woodland Lodge for four nights in Elveden Forest from November 17 to November 21 for £629 – which works out at £39.31pppn.

Of course there aren’t just festive activites, at Elveden Forest you can also check out the Subtropical Swimming Paradise which is head to 29.5C.

So you won’t have to worry about being cold while swimming in a number of pools, heading down flumes or the a ‘Tropical Cyclone’ slide and checking out the water rapids.

The site recently announced that it will refurbish Venture Cove in The Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with the site expecting to reopen the attraction on December 19.

The Aqua Sana Spa on-site also underwent refurbishment in 2023, with a new £6.5million Forest Spa opening with steam rooms, saunas, a heated outdoor pool, an ice cave and a number of relaxation rooms.

Other activities include golf, archery, dance classes, inflatable football, glow-in-the-dark badminton and table tennis, to winter workshops.

MY HORROR

I laughed off Ella-May’s funny faces as Halloween act… it was cardiac arrest at 5

RIDES FROM HELL

Are funfairs safe? As rides leave kids bloodied & revellers with split jaws

This new attraction opened at Elveden in summer 2025…

Center Parcs’ new Treetop Glider experience allows guests to glide above the forest canopy, passing views of its lake and the surrounding countryside.

Riders will have to take a leap of faith from a treehouse nestled in the woods, to then glide along a 180-metre track.

Along the route there will be twists and turns, as well as views of the Suffolk countryside and Elveden’s lake.

To go on the ride, guests must be between 1.1metres and 1.87metres tall and each rider will get two laps of the course, per booking.

The experience opened on September 2, 2025.

Set within the Breckland, an area of national importance, there are a number of other treetop adventures at Elveden Forest, including Aerial Adventure, where guests are secured to a harness and get to swing through the trees.

The aerial rope course gets gradually higher, before it finishes with a zip wire experience.

For more Center Parcs upgrades, check out the first pictures of the holiday park coming soon to Scotland.

And for anyone heading to the holiday park soon, Center Parcs has introduced a huge change to check in times.

If Celebrity Traitors has you thinking about visiting rural Scotland, here’s a beautiful country estate that offers a perfect mix of countryside, cosy and entertainment

With Celebrity Traitors sparking interest in Scottish holiday spots, we visited a country estate that’s a blend of Center Parcs and a five-star hotel. Nestled in 27 acres of Perthshire countryside, Wyndham Duchally Country Estate has nine hotel rooms and 55 self-catering lodges, rivalling the grandeur of the Highlands.

The lodges, all two or three bedrooms with matching bathrooms, are as well-equipped, if not more so, than what you’d find at Center Parcs. The kitchens are kitted out for a proper self-catering holiday – no mini fridges here! Expect a toaster, kettle, oven, hob, dishwasher and microwave, plus a full-size fridge and freezer.

Despite the chilly weather outside, our lodge was kept cosy and warm thanks to efficient electric radiators with individual controllers (though do keep an eye on these if you’re travelling with little ones – they can get hot), reports OK!.

Complimentary WiFi is available in all the lodges and the main hotel, and we found it worked a treat. You can connect up to four devices per room or lodge.

Many of the lodges are currently being upgraded to top-of-the-range new buildings. We didn’t notice any signs of the works, but it might be worth ringing the Estate to check on timelines.

There are often deals to be had if you book direct, such as 25% off lodge stays between 1 December 2025 and 21 March 2026.

Restaurant and bar

There are two on-site options for food and drinks – the a la carte Monteath’s Restaurant, and The Gatehouse Bar.

The latter serves a light menu from 12.30pm to 9pm, and you can also order from the restaurant between 5pm and 9pm. A tip – we can recommend trying the Estate’s very own Gatehouse Gin – and our bartender made a mean espresso martini.

The restaurant has a solid menu, with traditional Scottish fare like smoked salmon pate (£10) and haggis pakora (£10) on the starter menu (we can vouch for the haggis pakora although be warned – the portions were generous!), and fish and chips (£18.50), mac and cheese (£17) and 8oz sirloin steak (£39) on the mains.

The steak was particularly good, and despite emptying our plates, we still had room for a delicious sticky toffee pudding (£9) for dessert.

Is it child-friendly?

Yes, very. There’s lots of safe spaces for young ones to run around, plus a separate kids’ pool in the Leisure Centre.

Our lodge had a retractable stair gate downstairs, useful for keeping both four-legged and small children on one floor. The pub has a large outdoor area with lots of tables – and if you’re lucky with the weather, a selection of things to entertain large and small kids, including an inflatable slide and a giant Connect 4 game.

The Beauty by Brenda spa also offers a Little Miss Manicure for ages seven to 12 (£15), which we thought was a sweet addition to the menu.

Spa and pool

The spa area is complimentary for Estate guests, you just need to ring ahead to reserve a slot, or turn up and cross your fingers. Towels were supplied and we could store our clothes in electronic lockers using a pin number, so there was no need to fret about keeping tabs on wristbands, which is always a plus.

In addition to the heated indoor pool, there’s also a hot tub, sauna and steam room – not forgetting a gym, for those more committed than us.

The leisure centre’s Beauty by Brenda spa appears to have something of a cult following around these parts, and while we didn’t encounter Brenda herself, we can vouch that our head and shoulders massage, and our 30-minute luxury facial, lived up to the buzz. There’s one treatment room, so booking is crucial.

We were particularly fond of the range of treatment durations (and prices) available – from a half hour aromatherapy massage (£50) up to a 90-minute Top to Toe massage (£90).

Is Wyndham Duchally Country Estate dog friendly?

This is one of the benefits – it’s a dog-friendly site and a maximum of two dogs are permitted in selected lodges. Just a heads up, you need to book a pet space in advance, and they’re not allowed in the main hotel rooms, Monteath’s restaurant or hotel bar.

The location is an ideal base for walkers and their well-behaved dogs (we felt a bit sorry for the bloke in chest-high pond water trying to retrieve his overexcited duck-chasing dog!).

What is there to do around Wyndham Duchally Country Estate?

This is the perfect spot for those who love the great outdoors (though snuggling up in a lodge for the weekend is equally appealing), with an abundance of countryside, public footpaths, fishing spots and mountain bike trails to explore.

It’s just a half-hour drive from Perth, and you’ll find Drummond Castle and Scone Palace nearby.

For those with children (or animal lovers), Blair Drummond Safari Park is also about 30 minutes away by car, and Estate guests receive a 10% discount on the entrance fee.

The renowned Gleneagles hotel and golf course is just a stone’s throw away, as is Auchterarder Golf Club. So if you fancy a round of golf without splashing out on hotel prices, Wyndham Estate is a win-win.

A Murder Mystery evening

As avid fans of all the Traitors series, we were over the moon to partake in our very own murder mystery night at Wyndham Estate. Hosted by Spirit of Glasgow company, we were treated to a thrilling live-action murder mystery play – The Dalliance – complete with a three-course dinner and plenty of chances for some real detective work.

The cast members remain in character and occasionally mingle in the dining area to converse with each other and answer guest’s queries (not that it aided our team…).

Regrettably, our team performed about as well as the current batch of Celebrity Traitor devotees, failing to correctly pinpoint the killer… However, it was a fantastically enjoyable evening, with a blend of singles, couples, mates and a hen do.

Find out more about the Estate and book at Wyndham Duchally Country Estate.

VIRGIN will soon be flying to a Thai destination for the first time ever.

From October 18, 2026, Virgin Atlantic will launch flights to Phuket in Thailand three times a week.

The flight will be the only direct service between London Heathrow and Thailand‘s largest island.

The flights will operate seasonally in the winter, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from London Heathrow and Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays from Phuket.

Tickets for the flights will go on sale on November 26.

The aircraft used will be a Boeing 787-9 and onboard passengers will get complimentary food and drink, entertainment including movies and TV series and WiFi available for purchase.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

SI MORE

Ditch Paris and Mykonos… experts reveal most overrated hols and where to go instead

There will be 31 Upper Class seats, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy.

If you can’t wait until November 26 to book flights, then package holidays will be available to book from today, with prices starting from £999 per person.

For example, you could spend seven nights at the four-star Sugar Marina Hotel Fashion – Kata Beach in a deluxe double room on a bed and breakfast basis, with return economy flights from Heathrow for £999 per person.

If you fancied something a little more luxurious, then you could stay at the five-star The Sands Khao Lak by Katatthani in a ‘Sands’ double room on an all inclusive basis for £1,599 per person.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 230 accommodation options in Phuket, and over 80 throughout Thailand.

In addition, through the airline’s partnership with Bangkok Airways, travellers can head to a number of other destinations such as Koh Samui.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer for Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.

“As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine.

“We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”

In 2024,  Bounce – a luggage storage company – announced that Phuket was the world’s most popular island holiday destination.

Phuket is known for having stunning beaches and a rich food scene.

For example, there is Patong Beach which is known for having a vibrant nightlife.

For families, Karon and Kata Beaches are then popular spots, with white sand and crystal clear waters.

Cultural attractions include the Big Buddha perched at the top of Nakkerd Hill – it is 45 metres tall and at the site, visitors can get 360-degree panoramic views of the landscape.

Phuket’s old town is also a famous spot to explore, with lots of history and pretty architecture.

For Phuket, island hopping is great day out as well, with the famous Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) nearby.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is then home to the island’s only remaining evergreen rainforest.

There are numerous walking trails through the rainforest, and on some, hikers can see waterfalls such as Bang Pae Waterfall.

Phuket benefits from warm temperatures year round, with the lowest temperature being around 25C and the highest 35C.

September is the wettest month to visit and February is the driest, with around two days of rainfall.

FOOTBALLER GONE

Football League star tragically dies aged just 42 after cancer battle

CHA-CHA-CHAOS

Strictly’s Amber Davies breaks silence after pro Nikita pictured kissing her

In other news about Thailand, strict rules are in place for Brits across the next two months.

Plus, from kayaking and hiking to cooking classes and zip-lining – the Thai city that is top place to visit.

Pretoria Drever and Rhonan Kelly said they were “absolutely gutted” to miss their trip to Amsterdam but felt they “probably would’ve died” had they stayed on the KLM plane

A British couple claim they had no choice but to leave their aircraft and miss their holiday despite boarding — as staff “ignored” their nut allergies.

Pretoria Drever and Rhonan Kelly say KLM flight attendants continued to hand out free almond-topped cakes, even though they had told employees of their airborne allergies. Despite again raising their concerns after boarding, the couple decided they had no option but to disembark and miss their holiday to Amsterdam booked for Rhonan’s 25th birthday.

KLM says it “cannot control or prohibit other passengers” from eating products that contain — or may contain — nuts during flights. It did, though, state staff do request tourists refrain from doing so by delivering onboard announcements upon boarding.

But the situation at the gate at Edinburgh Airport on Saturday October 25 became so concerning for the couple, they felt “backed into a corner” and left the aircraft.

READ MORE: NHS ‘you must avoid’ warning to anyone experiencing common Covid symptomREAD MORE: Virgin Atlantic passenger with severe allergy was horrified to see dessert on flight

Rhonan, who recently got engaged to Pretoria, said: “I’ve never felt so discriminated against in all my life. I honestly believe if we took off on that flight and they served the nuts they’d have taken an emergency landing in London or we’d have probably died on the flight.

“When we book a holiday, we always double check with the airline [about our allergies]. We asked if they’d put an announcement out to ask passengers not to open anything if they do have nuts in them and if they could not sell nuts on the plane.

“Even the menu for that day was meant to be a cookie but when we got on the plane it was a banana loaf with almonds and nuts on it. The manager on the plane was saying ‘we’re not going to stop selling [nut products]. We spoke to KLM Amsterdam and they’ve told us to go ahead with selling the nut products and they can’t put an announcement out’. They said if we don’t like it, we have to basically not fly.

“I was angry but it was very embarrassing. I felt as if I was backed into a corner because no matter what we said or did, we knew we weren’t going to win.

“The pilot said that basically they need to carry out a service for what everybody’s paid for but I paid for it as well. I feel quite disgusted that an airline would do something like that.”

Although staff allegedly told Pretoria and Rhonan EpiPens were onboard, the couple felt this was not sufficient because it is only a short-term measure and typically effective until paramedics help.

Now, having missed the two-day trip, Pretoria and Rhonan, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, hope to get a refund from KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands. They say they declared their allergy to nuts and peanuts on an online form, and arrived two hours early to Edinburgh Airport so they could alert staff on Saturday.

“I was absolutely gutted [to miss out on the trip] It’s put me off using that airline again and it’s actually putting the fear in me flying. I have to build myself up to be able to go on a plane. I know the air is circulated and I know that’s the chance I take,” Rhonan added.

Pretoria, who works in car insurance, admitted she could go into anaphylactic shock within just two minutes of nut exposure because of her airborne allergy and the experience has put her off flying.

Pretoria said: “Before we got on the flight, I had such bad anxiety about flying but I thought ‘it’s only an hour and a half’. But it was the worst experience ever.

“It made me feel I was different to everyone else. It was humiliating getting off the plane and as if we were less than everyone else, as if we’ve paid less so we should be leaving.

“But we obviously paid the same as every other passenger. It made me feel rubbish and unwanted. No-one even stuck us for us or said ‘I won’t eat that so they can fly’.

“They were putting our safety at risk. There’s two of us but 190 passengers so that’s the whole air with nuts in it, it was horrible. I’ll never fly with them again and it’s put me off flying ever again.”

A KLM spokesman said: “We are sorry to hear about the experience Mr. Kelly and Ms. Drever had prior to their flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam.

“We understand how serious nut allergies can be and how distressing this situation must have been for them. When a passenger informs our crew about a nut allergy, we can make an onboard announcement kindly requesting fellow passengers to keep nut-containing products sealed for the duration of the flight.

“However, we cannot control or prohibit other passengers from consuming products that may contain nuts during the flight. While we do our utmost to support passengers with allergies, we unfortunately cannot guarantee a nut-free environment on board.

“More information can be found on our website: https://www.klm.nl/en/information/travel-class-extra-options/dietary-meals We regret that Mr. Kelly and Ms. Drever felt they had no choice but to leave the aircraft, and we understand their disappointment.”

With stone cottages, beautiful countryside and roaring fireplaces, the beautiful UK market town wouldn’t be out of place in the classic Christmas film The Holiday

I’ve always been captivated by the snug atmosphere of the classic Christmas film The Holiday, but I believed it would be nearly impossible to find a place that could mirror Cameron Diaz’s experience.

However, there’s one quaint market town in the UK that fits the bill perfectly. On a recent weekend getaway in the Yorkshire Dales, I visited the idyllic Middleham and was immediately taken aback by its charm.

The main cobbled street is adorned with a diverse array of antique shops, tea rooms and fish and chip shops, not to mention the beautiful stone cottages boasting picture-perfect flower pots and charming trinkets on their porches. Rose Cottage in The Holiday may be fictional (apologies for the spoiler), but the homes in Middleham certainly give it a run for its money.

The entire place feels as though it’s been preserved in time, and I mean that in the best possible way. I made a pit stop at the Castle Keep Tea Rooms where you’ll discover about 6 tables, a crackling fireplace and comfy armchairs.

The menu offered all the traditional breakfast items you could desire, some light sandwiches and some seriously scrumptious cakes baked on-site.

Everything is within walking distance, primarily because it takes about 10 minutes to traverse from one end of the town to the other; although be prepared for the hill!

The town, known as the childhood home of Richard III and the location of the historic Middleham Castle, is steeped in history. I decided to visit the English Heritage site, being the main attraction, and was pleasantly surprised.

The ruins are quite charming and impressive, and it’s easy to imagine how grand the castle must have been in its prime. If you dare to climb the winding staircase to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the town below. (Adult tickets start from £9.50, more information can be found on english-heritage. org.uk). The ruins and the views give you a feeling of being in the Game of Thrones universe; I half expected dragons to fly overhead.

The town’s prime location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park makes it an ideal base for walkers; there are countless footpaths and trails around, and some fantastic pubs with low beams and roaring fires where you can enjoy a pint. (The Dante Arms was a particular favourite).

For families, Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is just a half hour’s drive away and offers a plethora of rides, rollercoasters and attractions for children aged 12 and under. We booked a group ticket which worked out at about £15 per person and were extremely impressed by what was included in the ticket.

When it comes to lodging, there’s a vast selection available. I was off to Middleham for a weekend getaway with mates, but since I live a few hours away from Yorkshire, I opted to book a snug cottage on Airbnb for one night to get the travel out of the way and savour the region.

The stone walls, plush furnishings, and delightful decor gave me serious ‘The Holiday’ vibes.

The following day, I made my way just down the road to Middleham House, which was ideal for our group of roughly 24 people. It’s no small task finding a pleasant base for such a large crowd, but the house didn’t disappoint with its massive living room, library, dining room, and roomy ensuite bedrooms. A crackling fireplace was also available, making it hard to pull myself away to actually do some sightseeing! You can learn more and book stays at themiddlehamhouse.com.

The On The Beach worker shared five destinations he is convinced will go viral next year

With 2026 rapidly approaching, many families are already planning next year’s holiday. For those in need of inspiration, a travel blogger and On The Beach specialist has revealed five destinations he expects to explode in popularity next year – and which you could book now to avoid the rush.

Rob Brooks, a travel enthusiast and influencer with the travel company On The Beach. He is well-known online for providing budget-friendly travel advice, hotel reviews, and holiday tips, which has helped him amass a significant following on social media, especially on TikTok where he goes by the username @Robonthebeach.

In a new post, Rob shared a video titled: “Five destinations I think are about to go viral, my 2026 holiday destination predictions.” His caption said: “Trust me, these 5 holiday destinations will be all over your ‘for you’ page next year.” Rob told viewers: “There are five destinations that I think are about to go viral in 2026.

“I spent a lot of time recently looking through the holiday data from this year, and I think these places are gonna be huge next year. These are places rising fast in 2025 that I think are about to hit the next level next year.”

Sharing fifth place on his list, Rob said: “Porto in Portugal. Lisbon had its moment, and Porto’s next. It’s cheaper. People say it’s trendier, and it’s got that perfect mix of Old Town charm and ocean views.

“It’s becoming the new city break with sunshine favourite, and we’ve seen bookings here shoot up already this year. The fact that it still flies under the radar against Lisbon and the Algarve makes it feel like the next big thing for travellers, and I found three nights in Porto next year with flights from £213 per person. Not bad.”

Moving onto the fourth spot, he said: “Seville in Spain. Seville is the Spanish city that’s finally getting the love it deserves. It’s got the architecture of Madrid, the atmosphere of Barcelona, but it’s half the price and the food’s better. 2025 was its breakout year, and we can see that in the booking numbers. But 2026 is when it’ll go properly big time. And at these prices, I’m not surprised. I found three nights in Seville with flights for just £182 per person.”

In third, Rob said: “Bulgaria. This one’s a bit of a dark horse. Bulgaria is becoming the go-to for affordable beach holidays. But it’s not just about being cheap anymore. The hotels are improving, the beaches are spotless, and Sunny Beach is growing up a little bit. It’s still dead fun. There’s just less chaos. If value stays king next summer, which I think it will, Bulgaria will be massive.

“We’ve seen more bookings this year, and the data shows more searches for lower-cost Eastern European holidays. And when I did a search myself, I found seven nights in Sunny Beach with flights for a family of four for £214 per person, and that’s all-inclusive.”

Revealing second place, the blogger said: “Agadir in Morocco. It’s a four-hour flight from the UK, the weather is about 25 degrees all year, and the resorts have gone up a notch in the last few years. All-inclusive holidays here tend to be cheaper than the Canaries, and people are realising that it’s an exotic destination, but without a long-haul flight. In recent years, we’ve seen Agadir popping up as a real contender to the usual winter sun destinations. This year it’s gone up again. You can expect to see more deals like this one in 2026. Seven nights in Agadir, all-inclusive package with flights, just 370 quid per person. It’s a no-brainer.

Rob’s top spot goes to Egypt, reports the Express. He said: “I feel like I bang on about Egypt, but it’s had one of the biggest glow-ups in years. Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada genuinely have world-class hotels now, proper five-star resorts with stunning views of the Red Sea, and unbeatable weather all year round. The beaches and the diving and the all-inclusives are unmatched at its price. And I think 2026 is the year that Egypt becomes the luxury destination without the long-haul flight. And here’s why. Five-star all-inclusive in June 2026 for seven nights is just £412 per person.

“So that’s my five to watch for 2026. Porto, Seville, Bulgaria, Agadir and Egypt. Each one of them has seen a big surge already, and each one of them offers something different to people.”

The video racked up over 300k views and thousands of likes. One viewer replied: “Agadir in November was gorgeous! Just chilly on evenings.”

Another commenter thought: “Seville is so beautiful and underrated. Great food spots and amazing things to do. Just don’t go in June you will be cooked in the heat.”