holiday

Like many of you, I don’t need another good Italian cookbook. Yet I’ve found Amber Guinness’ “quanto basta” or “just enough” approach in her newest book “Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and the Quanto Basta Way “ (Thames & Hudson) immensely appealing — and useful when I’m looking for dinner ideas. A vegetarian take on the Tuscan beef stew peposo? She captures the original’s hearty flavors with chestnuts, mushrooms, red wine and lots of thyme. Despite her “House of Guinness” lineage, this Guinness, who grew up in Tuscany, has an easy, approachable style. Consider “emergency rosemary and garlic spaghetti,” a 10-minute preparation from Siena that is more in the vein of the un-recipe approach that her fellow Florence-based author Faith Willinger favors. Sometimes, in the “one’s own way is usually the best” philosophy she advocates, I’ll use Guinness’ recipes as good suggestions to tinker with — as I did the other night with her orecchiette with Brussels sprouts and pancetta. Other times, I’ll relax and just follow her conversational instructions for say, “Good Time” radicchio, Gorgonzola and walnut lasagne, which includes the line, “remove any sad outer leaves from the radicchio.”

Sarah typically works on Christmas Day. She has devoted countless Christmases to caring for newborns on the same emergency neonatal unit where her own baby was born prematurely this year

This is the heartwarming moment Sarah Alcock found out that her husband had nominated her for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Christmas for the 35-year-old doesn’t tend to be spent tucking into a roast, opening presents and relaxing with the family.

In fact, Sarah typically works on Christmas Day. The Oakwood, Derby mum has missed out on many a festive day at home due to work nursing shifts at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, where her own baby was born prematurely this year.

Born at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 12oz, the eight-month-old will be celebrating her first Christmas this year, but with staffing pressures mounting, she has volunteered to step in again to help her fellow colleagues out.

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Her husband, Dave, a marketing manager, from Oakwood, Derby, wanted to recognise how hard Sarah works, so he nominated her to win a break with easyJet.

“She’s a hero. Her work doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas, so she has to go there regardless of the date,” he explained.

Alongside Sarah, NHS nurse Nicky Starkowitz and care home manager Niccii Gillett, who also selflessly work every Christmas, were gifted holidays as part of a campaign by tour operator easyJet Holidays to recognise the UK’s hidden heroes.

Nicky faced a breast cancer diagnosis in August this year and tragically, her four-year-old son Raffi was also diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain cancer in March. Her husband Neil said: “With everything going on this year we haven’t managed to get away or get the opportunity to do anything as a family together.”

Nicky added that “just to go away somewhere, as a family, and have time away together would be so nice”.

The holidays are a special easyJet Holidays escape, to give recognised key workers quality time with friends and family in the sunshine. They have been gifted to Christmas heroes after new research by easyJet Holidays found over 10 million Brits will be spending time apart from their families due to work commitments this year.

Nearly a third (28%) of key workers also feel that they haven’t taken a proper break in the past year, with nearly a quarter (22%) not likely to have a choice over whether they can work on Christmas Day or not.

Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays, said: “At Christmas especially, we’re reminded how many people quietly put others first, often sacrificing precious time with their own families. Our key workers do this year after year, and our communities simply wouldn’t function without them.

“This is easyJet holidays’ way of saying thank you – giving a few of these Christmas heroes the chance to properly step away, rest, and spend quality time together, whether that’s in the sunshine or exploring a new city. It’s about recognising the people who give so much, especially at this time of year.”

The easyJet Holidays poll uncovered the professions we feel most grateful for at Christmas, with nurses, paramedics, care workers and delivery drivers among them.

Just under a quarter (23%) of Brits say they leave out a gift for the postal workers at Christmas, while over a fifth (22%) say they do the same for binmen.

Six in ten also say Christmas makes them feel more generous towards others, with 51% saying they compliment others more during the festive period, while more than three in ten (31%) check in with their neighbours.

Top 10 professions Brits feel most grateful for at Christmas:

1. Nurses (46%)
2. Paramedics (39%)
3. Doctors (38%)
4. Care workers (29%)
5. Firefighters (27%)
6. Police officers (23%)
7. Delivery drivers (22%)
8. Retail staff (20%)
9. Postal workers (17%)
10. Hospitality (16%)

BRITISH Airways Holidays has revealed what travel will look like in 2026 – from new destinations to trending trips.

Teaming up with Globetrender, it has released its 2026 Travel Trends Report.

They have named eight of their “rising stars” which have seen a surge in searches for 2026 compared to 2025.

The biggest jump is Bermuda, which has seen a 38 per cent increase in searches.

This was followed by St Kitts (31 per cent), Turks & Caicos (22 per cent) and Grenada (20 per cent).

Yet some of Europe made the list, with searches to Crete up 18 per cent.

Otherwise Costa Rica (15 per cent), Nashville (13 per cent) and Antigua (8 per cent) are on the up too.

The most popular search destinations are some of the more well-known destinations, set to remain big in 2026:

1. New York
2. Orlando
3. Dubai
4. Maldives
5. Barbados
6. Las Vegas
7. Cancun
8. St Lucia
9. Dominican Republic
10. Antigua

Along with destinations, they also looked at some of the trend when it comes to what kinds of holidays people are booking.

This includes Stream Parks (theme parks combining physical attractions with AR) and Neurosurfing (more wellness based holidays).

Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, said: “I always look forward to what our annual Travel Trends Report will reveal.

“It’s clear the prevailing interest in wellness culture is continuing to impact the way we holiday, with many of our trends leaning into this overarching movement.

“I wasn’t too surprised to learn of The Valueverse, and the ever-increasing demand for new ways to collect and spend points. We’re excited to make these trends a reality for our customers.”

Globetrender founder Jenny Southan added: “In a world shaped by economic pressure, digital saturation and rising social fragmentation,
holidays are becoming spaces of transformation – opportunities for people to test new identities, restore mental balance and discover forms of joy that everyday routines suppress.

“This shift marks a profound redefinition of what a holiday is for: not just escape, but expansion.

“The findings in this report show a British traveller who is more experimental.”

Here are 10 other destinations set to be big next year, according to Skyscanner.

We’ve also revealed how to take six holidays in 2026 for under £1,000, all in.

And there are some places to avoid for a holiday next year – here’s the full list.

ARE you a “Just-in-case Jetsetter” or a “Chill Improviser” when it comes to travelling abroad?

A new travel quiz aims to uncover what type of traveller you are, by asking a series of trip-related questions.

Other outcomes include “The master planner” and “The social explorer”.

It comes after a poll of two thousand adults who go on holiday revealed Brits’ biggest travel blunders including getting lobster red sunburn (26 per cent).

Going exploring and winding up completely lost (24 per cent) and spilling my drink all over myself or even an unsuspecting stranger (14 per cent) also made the list of blush inducing mishaps.

Misreading a menu and ordering something unexpected (12 per cent) and accidently boarding the wrong train or bus (nine per cent) also made the top 30 list.

The study was commissioned by ibis to support the launch of its new social media miniseries, the Go Getters.

Jean-Yves Minet, global brand president of ibis, said:  “Everyone travels differently. Some people prepare for every possibility, and others prefer to go with the flow – but no matter your style, the odd mishap is part of the experience and the story you tell when you get home.

“This research shows just how universal those moments are.

“We focus on making travel feel simple and stress-free, whether you’re the spontaneous type, or somewhere in the middle.

“What matters most is feeling confident on the move and being able to enjoy the journey, even when it does not quite go to plan. Sometimes the magic is in the mayhem – it certainly makes for the best story.”

The research found as many as 86 per cent have experienced some kind of mishap on holiday, with 11 per cent experiencing a mishap during most or all of their trips.

And while 68 per cent said other people had had a little laugh at their blunders, 77 per cent did manage to see the funny side too eventually.

When a holiday blunder strikes, 44 per cent would try to fix it, while 22 per cent said they would laugh it off straight away.

But while 56 per cent think a few travel dramas are all part of the adventure, 77 per cent believe they are pretty good at planning to avoid them in the first place.

Buying travel insurance (56 per cent), triple checking their passport is there (48 per cent) and continually applying sun cream (43 per cent) were among the key hacks to avoid disaster.

Followed by double checking the locks and keys (36 per cent), packing a first aid kit (31 per cent) and keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast (30 per cent).

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 31 per cent want to travel more in 2026 than they did this year, with 35 per cent claiming the experience is more important than just ticking somewhere off their list.

When it comes to planning these trips, they prioritise location (61 per cent), as well as price (59 per cent) and reviews (44 per cent).

While 64 per cent think the key to affordable travel means getting the best value for money and smart planning and budgeting (40 per cent).

Jean-Yves added: “Everyone has had a moment on holiday that didn’t quite go to plan.

“These findings show just how common they are, and how quickly most people turn them into moments of connection, laughter and shared stories.”

A new study of 2,000 holidaymakers has uncovered the UK’s most embarrassing travel blunders – with 86% admitting to cringeworthy mishaps abroad

Brits’ top holiday gaffes include suffering lobster red sunburn, purchasing something they couldn’t bring home and missing their flight, according to a poll. The survey of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed that a whopping 86% have experienced some sort of mishap while on holiday. With 11% admitting to making at least one blunder during most or all their trips abroad.

Getting utterly lost while exploring (24%) or spilling a drink all over themselves (or an unsuspecting stranger) (14%) also made the list of cringe-worthy incidents. The study was commissioned by ibis to promote the launch of its new social media mini series, the Go Getters.

Jean-Yves Minet, global brand president of ibis, said: “Everyone travels differently. Some people prepare for every possibility, and others prefer to go with the flow – but no matter your style, the odd mishap is part of the experience and the story you tell when you get home.”

Are you a ‘Just-in-case Jetsetter’ or a ‘Chill Improviser’ when it comes to travelling abroad? Take this new travel quiz to find out.

“We focus on making travel feel simple and stress-free, whether you’re the spontaneous type, or somewhere in the middle,” he added.

“What matters most is feeling confident on the move and being able to enjoy the journey, even when it does not quite go to plan. Sometimes the magic is in the mayhem – it certainly makes for the best story.”

When a holiday blunder strikes, 44% try to fix it, while 22% said they would laugh it off straight away. But although 56% think a few travel dramas are all part of the adventure, 77% believe they are pretty good at planning to avoid them in the first place.

Purchasing travel insurance, triple checking their passport is there, and continually slapping on sun cream were amongst the key tricks to avoid disaster. This was followed by double checking the locks and keys, packing a first aid kit and keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 31% want to travel more in 2026 than they did this year, with 35% claiming the experience is more important than just ticking somewhere off their list.

When it comes to planning these trips, they prioritise location (61%), as well as price (59%) and reviews (44%). Whilst 64% think the key to affordable travel means getting the best value for money and smart planning and budgeting (40%).

Jean-Yves added: “Everyone has had a moment on holiday that didn’t quite go to plan. These findings show just how common they are, and how quickly most people turn them into moments of connection, laughter and shared stories.”

THE TOP 30 BIGGEST HOLIDAY MISHAPS:

1. Got badly sunburnt
2. Got lost
3. Spilled a drink all over myself or someone else
4. Misread a menu and ordered something unexpected
5. Couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi when I needed it most
6. Got hit with unexpected roaming charges
7. Mistakenly boarded the wrong train or bus
8. Lost my luggage
9. Missed a flight
10. Going over the luggage allowance and having to repack at the check-in desk
11. Missed a scheduled tour or activity
12. Said Muddling up phrases in the local language, leading to a mix-up
13. Requesting a stranger to snap a photo of you, only to find later that your head’s been chopped off or they’ve taken a single blurry shot
14. Alighting at the wrong stop because you misinterpreted “next station” as the current one
15. Purchasing an item that I couldn’t bring back home
16. Accidentally entering the wrong hotel room
17. Jet-lag blunders – Waking up raring for breakfast… only to realise it’s still pitch dark outside
18. Getting stuck in a loo
19. Dropping my towel/swimwear from the balcony
20. Stashing my valuables in the hotel safe and promptly forgetting the combination
21. Luggage confusion, picking up someone else’s suitcase at the airport
22. Experiencing a suitcase malfunction and having all my clothes spill out
23. Engaging in a row with a stranger over reserving a sun lounger
24. Tripping or slipping while capturing a selfie
25. Arriving at the airport on the incorrect day
26. Taking an unplanned dip in the pool fully dressed
27. Misplacing or dropping my mobile in the sea or pool
28. Swimwear going missing (losing them) on a waterslide
29. Locking myself out of my room clad only in swimwear
30. Ending up at a completely different destination than planned

WANTED to try out life in a new country but don’t have the cash?

One stunning village in Tuscany is hoping to attract new residents, by offering to pay for their accommodation.

The local authority will cover half your rent for the first two years – and there’s an incentive for buyers too.

Tucked away on a hilltop in Tuscany is a little town called Radicondoli.

It has winding cobbled streets, stone houses and is surrounded by green fields.

What’s even better is that the local authority wants to encourage people to move there – and will even cover some rent.

The plan to boost residents means the authority will cover half of the first two years’ rent for new residents who move in by early 2026 – if you want more details, take a look here.

For those wanting a more permanent move, Radicondoli offers grants to help with the cost of purchasing a property.

There is one catch however, as buyers have to commit to living there for 10 years, while renters have to stay for four.

Available homes range from apartments with one or two bedrooms all the way up to dreamy Tuscan farmhouses.

For anyone keen on an idyllic move, you’ll have to indulge in a quiet life as the town is in the middle of the countryside.

There are still a few places to pop into, like the local Piazza that serves up dishes like beef carpaccio., truffle Taglioni and Pappardelle with duck ragu.

Another serves up Pomodoro with mozzarella and salami, calzones and a variety of wines.

There’s also a beer hall, bakery, electrician, a shop selling handmade ceramics and a few B&B options.

For those who like a bit more going on, from Radicondoli, you can reach cities like Florence in an hour by car or Pisa in two hours.

The province of Siena has medieval buildings and a fan-shaped square called Piazza del Campo.

The region of Tuscany itself is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.

Stats for 2023 revealed that there were over 52million overnight stays within the region.

Within the region are plenty of cities like Pisa, Siena, Lucca and Florence – which alone attractions over 10million visitors each year.

Flights don’t have to cost a lot either, in July 2026, one-way flights start from £38 with Vueling.

Travel Writer Hope Brotherton went on a Tuscan adventure last year where she discovered great food and historical excursions.

She said: “I’m spending my morning at Fattoria di Maiano, a sprawling farm on the outskirts of Florence that forms part of Italy’s largest botanical garden.

“Returning to Florence, there’s even time for one more tasting, this time at Villa Travignoli, a short drive from the farm. Sitting on a terracotta balcony overlooking the Fiesole Hills, I couldn’t think of a better spot to sample four glasses of Tuscan wine.

“With subtle hints of strawberry, the rosé had to be my favourite — and you can bet one found its way into my suitcase.

“After my six-hour outing in the Tuscan countryside, I arrived back in Florence, where I marvelled at the magnificent Duomo cathedral and strolled along the banks of Arno River, with its stone bridges such as the Ponte Vecchio.

“I grabbed dinner at eclectic Trattoria Zà Zà — the portion sizes are huge and I thoroughly recommend the parmigiana.

“And for a restful night’s stay, book a room at Hotel La Casa di Morfeo. Just a ten-minute walk from the centre, the rooms have all the essentials and the breakfast buffet is enough to keep anyone going.”

Plus, check out this other Italian town that’s selling houses for €1 and you don’t even have to pay a big deposit.

To relax on holiday, you can now stay in the Spanish villa designed by Alan Carr and Amanda Holden for just £28 each a night.

A LAND of lochs, monumental mountains and breathtaking beaches, Scotland is an unforgettable holiday destination. 

Whether you’re keen to relax by the sea, trek through glens, take the family to a country park or savour this nation’s brilliant cuisine, there’s something for everyone. 

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

Families wanting to explore the local area will have stacks of choice. 

You could start with a gentle steam train ride through the countryside, with the likes of Strathspey Steam Railway sure to put a smile on your child’s face.

Need to up the ante? Older kids can test their courage with adrenaline-pumping activities like the Highland Fling bungee jump in Killiecrankie or burn off steam at Pirate Pete’s adventure play park in Ayr.

Taking your brood to a country park like Eglinton is another great way of letting them run off excess energy – and it has the added bonus of being completely free to visit.

Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

If you want a deeper dive into nature, you could head to one of the country’s two National Parks – at Loch Lomond and Cairngorms – which are packed with nature trails. 

For a route that’s loaded with history, try the outdoor “museum without walls” Cateran Ecomuseum.

It features ancient Pictish stones and the Cateran Trail, which you can explore by foot, bike or car. 

Alternatively, try and catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster at Loch Ness – the world’s largest lake by volume.

Prefer to bask by the beach (weather permitting)? Then you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

With over 11,000 miles of coastline including its islands, Scotland has some of the UK’s best beaches, with Camusdarach Beach on the west coast and Gullane Bents, East Lothian, among those highly rated. 

Sun readers also have their own favourite Scottish beaches, from the near-deserted shores of Embo Beach in the Highlands to the family-friendly sands at Silver Sands near Lossiemouth. 

And with so many beautiful lochs, you also have freshwater beaches including the UK’s highest beach at Loch Morlich (318m). 

Beach days can be filled with buckets and spades, sea swimming or trying a raft of activities such as paddleboarding (do it off the coast of Nairn, and you could spot the resident pod of dolphins).

A swim in nature doesn’t have to be by the sea – with wild swimming spots that include river pools in the Highlands and “Rob Roy’s Bathtub”, a massive plunge pool fed by the Falls of Falloch.

You can also explore Scotland’s incredible lochs by kayak or paddleboard, with Priory Island on Loch Tay a fantastic option for an adventure without any crowds. 

When it’s time to refuel, Scotland has everything from sea view restaurants to cheap and cheerful cafes, like Doon the Beach, a community cafe just behind Stevenson Beach, and Milk Bar in Inverness. 

Keen to sample local flavours? Get your fill of everything from hearty haggis to Cullen Sink – a soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions – at somewhere like Garden Cafe Pitlochry.

And no trip to Scotland would be complete without a wee dram. 

There are traditional pubs aplenty, like The Auld Smiddy Inn in Pitlochry, as well as distilleries like the Blair Athol Distillery where you can learn more about the process of making the tipple on an organised tour.

A travel blogger has shared three affordable European cities ideal for winter city breaks, which also stick to tight budgets

Winter has officially arrived and amidst the Christmas chaos, it might be time to consider a short getaway. We’ve still got a fair stretch until summer, which is the prime travel season.

But there’s no need to hold out for the warmer months to enjoy a budget-friendly escape from the UK. If you’re keen on embracing the winter vibes, a travel blogger has revealed her top three European cities that are ideal for a short trip.

Plus, they’re all quite affordable, so your wallet can breathe easy. TikTok travel enthusiast emsbudgettravel has divulged her top three budget-friendly destinations from the UK.

Em sets herself a £200 limit per country she visits, which she assures you’ll be able to adhere to as well. Her first recommendation is Yerevan in Armenia, which she declares as one of her favourites.

Em elaborated: “It is perfect on a budget. You can find really cheap connecting flights here and I recommend combining this city break with an overnight stop over in a city like Milan or Rome.”

“This is an amazing option if you are on a budget. The accommodation is so affordable, we got this apartment overlooking the city’s main tourist attraction for £12 each per night.

“And, the metro costs just 20p per journey. It is also surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery and is cheap to take a day trip out of the city to visit.”

She also recommended Poznan in Poland, which she claimed rivals more renowned destinations like Krakow. Em continued: “My next destination has a beautiful old town and the food is also delicious and affordable.

“There’s loads to do on a budget like the Palm House or this amazing spa, which is the largest in the country and costs just £16 for a three-hour pass.

“I thought this was such an underrated Polish city, just as good as the more popular city breaks like Krakow and Gdansk. But, I actually found it to be a little bit cheaper.”

Her final winter getaway recommendation is Tallinn, Estonia. Em revealed: “The final recommendation is in the Baltic region of Europe with really affordable flights recently. It probably is one of the most picturesque cities I have visited.

“It is also really affordable for accommodation. We recently paid £21 each to split this Airbnb in the centre of Old Town.

“It’s one of Europe’s best preserved Medieval cities and every street is so photogenic. I’d say this is the perfect destination for a snowy weekend away and I have also heard it’s got a lovely Christmas market.”

WE know Stephen Mulhern as a cheeky chappy TV host with a warm smile who is quick with a gag.

But when his mates Ant and Dec challenged him to make a travelogue, Stephen — best known for TV shows Saturday Night Takeaway, Deal Or No Deal and In For A Penny — was terrified.

Because what people probably don’t know about the 48-year-old is that he has lived, in his own words, a very sheltered life.

And of all the destinations Ant and Dec could have picked for him to visit in their new ITV show, Accidental Tourist, South Korea would be the most challenging one.

What is, in places, a funny entertainment show, turned into a life-changingly emotional experience for Stephen, not least because he had recently lost his father Christopher.

He says: “The idea of doing something out of my comfort zone was terrifying, but recently I feel I’ve wasted a lot of time doing the same things.

“I’ve thrown myself into work for so many years that I’ve never really gone, ‘Let’s try something new’.

“So when Ant and Dec suggested this, I thought, ‘I’m going to really go for it’.

“It’s taught me a lot. I thought it would just be an experience that lasted for as long as it took to make the show, but it’s actually changed my life.”

Stephen has always stuck to the familiar, like eating roast dinners and holidaying on the Med.

Fear of the unknown has stopped him from ever swimming in the sea or eating mayonnaise.

So when Ant and Dec lined up a host of Korean challenges — including eating octopus and doing a naked sauna — Stephen panicked.

“It exposed so many fears,” he says. “But sometimes you’ve got to break patterns, because otherwise you’ll never grow. It’s too easy to say, ‘This feels comfortable’.

“For example, I’ve always eaten bland food like steak and chips, roast dinners.

“But although I didn’t like a lot of the Korean food, some of it was quite nice. And now I’ve got chilli flakes in my cupboard!”

Born in Stratford, east London, Stephen grew up with market trader parents Christopher and Maureen and siblings Vince, Chris and Susie.

Holidays were in seaside resorts such as Margate, or Butlin’s parks.

He says: “They were the best times. We’re a very working-class family: I worked from the age of 11 in Petticoat Lane with my family and we’d save up enough money to play the penny arcade machines or whatever.”

It’s understandable, then, that Stephen felt pushed out of his comfort zone when he went to Korea.

One particularly moving scene shows him wading into the sea to hand dive for fish with locals. He ends up in anxious tears and almost doesn’t go through with it, telling the producers to stop.

“I’ve never in my life felt anxiety like it,” he admits.

“But I felt so triumphant at the end when I’d done it. It was a very special moment.

“I’ve never got emotional on TV. There are times where I listen to contestants’ stories on Deal Or No Deal where I feel emotional inside, especially when my dad passed away.

“But with this, you can physically see how upset I was.

“Dec’s wife Ali said she could really feel my pain when she watched it.

“This is the most real travelogue you’re likely to see. It’s exposing because it’s the real me, not me as a host, and I’ve never done that before.

“So for the audiences that normally watch my shows, it’s going to be a bit of a curveball.”

Since returning home, Stephen says he feels more relaxed and less anxious. He is also willing to try for further adventures and is considering more travel.

He adds: “I’ve never been so nervous about doing a show but about a week later I realised I was feeling different about everything, and I’m so pleased I did it.”

• Stephen Mulhern: Accidental Tourist is on ITV1 and ITVX from today.

WANT to score big for the 2026 World Cup? Then start planning now.

Price-comparison site Skyscanner saw a 340 per cent increase in searches for flights from the UK to host nations the US, Canada and Mexico on Saturday after the draw.

Don’t panic, though, as there’s still time to bag a deal and plan the ultimate holiday.

Sophie Swietochowski has tips for booking a World Cup trip, with things to see and do in the cities where England will be competing.

Dallas, Texas

England v Croatia, June 17

IT may be a booming skyscraper city, but Dallas has managed to maintain that classic Southern charm for which Texas, the second largest state in the US, is so well known.

Even non-footie fans may be familiar with its 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium, home to the NFL’s Cowboys and America’s most famous cheerleading squad, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

A dedicated fan zone will take over Fair Park – a 277-acre parkland in the city centre which ­annually hosts the State Fair of Texas as well as regular festivals.

More details, including dates and activities, are yet to be revealed.

It would be a sin to visit Texas and not dine at a barbecue joint.

Cattleack Barbeque in North Dallas is one of the best, and it is featured in the Michelin guide for good reason.

Meats are scorched on oak-fired smokers and served with tangy pickles, cornbread, mac and cheese and “Granny’s coleslaw”. Go for the wagyu brisket.

If England win big, take the celebrations to Deep Ellum, the arty entertainment district known for its music venues and boisterous cocktail bars.

New York

England v Panama, June 27

IF you have never been to the Big Apple, you’re in for an ­absolute treat.

England will be taking on Panama at the MetLife Stadium, which sits just across the water from Manhattan and can be reached from Times Square in around 20 minutes by cab on a good day.

If it is your first time, you’ll want to tick off the must-sees, and the best way to do that is with a CityPass.

You can pick one up for around £100 per child and £120 per adult.

It is a rather hefty outlay, but it will save you money in the long run.

Passholders will gain entry to the Empire State Building Observatory and the American Museum of Natural History, as well as their pick of three other attractions, such as the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Booked independently, these would add up to almost £200.

The city promises to be even more buzzy than usual during the summer, thanks to a fan village that will open at the Rockefeller Center (July 4-19).

Expect interactive soccer pitches, live match viewing, musical performances and guest appearances.

And if that’s not enough, across the bridge, Jersey’s Liberty State Park will play host to the huge Fifa Fan Festival from June 11 to July 19.

Some of NYC’s most breath­taking landmarks, such as the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, will provide the backdrop to interactive experiences and concerts.

Atlanta, Georgia

IF England are successful in the initial stages and win their group, the Three Lions head to Atlanta for their first knockout match.

The Centennial Olympic Park will play host to the Fan Festival there, exactly 30 years after it welcomed the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

Elsewhere in the state capital, you can walk in the footsteps of the civil rights activist at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park.

Or uncover the secrets of Britain’s favourite fizzy drink at the World Of Coca-Cola.

The museum feaures interactive exhibits and hosts a vault that guards the secret recipe.

Mexico City

HERE’S hoping our boys battle it through to the last 16, because that means we will likely be playing in Mexico City.

What better way to celebrate a win (or drown your sorrows) than in the birthplace of tequila?

Licoreria Limantour is frequently named in the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars thanks to its creative concoctions (there are classic drinks, too).

There’s likely to be more than just official fan zones — the Mexicans know how to party so come prepared.

But there’s so much more to do, including the Basilica of Guadalupe temple ruins, museums, cable cars and parks.

Boston

HOME to the world-famous Harvard University, America’s oldest public park and a vibrant harbour, the city of ­Boston has some great stories to tell from down the years.

Games will take place at the Gillette Stadium, which is being temporarily renamed the Boston Stadium for the World Cup.

It sits in the town of Foxborough, around an hour on the train from the main city of Boston, so you might want to book a stay a little farther out if you wish to save those pennies.

But make sure you don’t miss out on the delights of the city, which has an incredibly rich history.

You can learn all about it and the American Revolution on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which will guide you to 16 culturally significant sites, from museums and churches to meeting houses and burying grounds.

And why sample one Boston foodie tradition when you can do several at once?

Head to Quincy Market, a huge food hall that dates back to 1826 where you can pick up classic New England grub like clam chowder, lobster rolls and the notorious Boston cream pie.

The whereabouts and details of the fan zone are still being decided upon for this city, but you can guarantee there’ll be lots of footie-themed fun.

January can be a great month to take a holiday as prices drop and there are plenty of destinations that are both hot and affordable.

Winter has arrived bringing with it dark, chilly and damp days. Whilst Christmas can inject some festive spirit into these dreary months, there’s still a considerable wait until spring makes its appearance.

Plenty of people will already be dreaming about their summer getaway, but if you’re unable to hold out that long, there are numerous destinations within easy reach of the UK that can deliver the sunshine you’re longing for.

January can prove to be an ideal time for travel, as holiday spots offer budget-friendly prices that allow you to kick off your new year in style.

A travel guru has highlighted four locations you can jet off to from the UK for “winter sun on a January budget”.

TikTok travel specialist Robonthebeach has revealed four of his personal top picks that Brits can escape to in the new year. He’s suggested destinations that are both warm and wallet-friendly.

As reported by the Express, Rob said: “January is one of my favourite months to book a holiday. Everyone’s skint, everyone’s cold, flights are quiet and the prices in a lot of destinations drop way lower than you’d expect.”

He examined January weather conditions, booking trends and pricing to compile his recommendations for a “warm, good value holiday next month”.

Madeira

Kicking off Rob’s suggestions are the Portuguese islands of Madeira. The four-island archipelago lies off the northwest coast of Africa and is renowned for its wine, pleasant temperatures and subtropical climate.

Rob pointed out that whilst January won’t bring scorching temperatures, visitors can still enjoy pleasant sunny conditions hovering around 19C to 20C. He described it as “one of the most gorgeous coastlines in Europe” and managed to find a bargain at £330 per person departing from Dublin, including flights and bed and breakfast.

Tenerife

The biggest of the Canary Islands offers consistently warm weather even during January, with temperatures reaching 22C to 23C and daily sunshine. Rob demonstrated the destination’s affordability by discovering a seven-night self-catering package from Liverpool for just £260 per person.

His personal tip was to base yourself in Costa Adeje, which he praised for being “sheltered, warm [with] loads going on”.

Sharm El Sheikh

This Egyptian resort town is celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Rob enthused: “If you want actual summer in January, this is it. You’re looking at 24C to 27C here, blue sky every single day and water that’s like a bath.”

He tracked down an all-inclusive seven-night package with flights from Luton for a mere £225 per person. “If you want heat for cheap, this is the one,” he declared.

Miami

Rob confessed this pick is his “wildcard” but insisted that with the right offer, it can still represent excellent value for a winter escape. He located seven nights at a Miami Beach hotel with indirect flights from Heathrow for £605 per person.

The travel guru remarked: “For Miami beach in January, peak sunshine season, that’s pretty nuts.” Miami’s weather sits at a balmy 25C to 27C.

I’VE found the best holiday park to spend the Christmas holidays at – and we’re returning as a family again this year.

My family of five has visited Haven, Butlin’s, Center Parcs and Away Resorts for a seasonal staycay in recent times, but we always end up back at our favourite.

Park Holidays‘ Broadland Sands near Great Yarmouth, is our fail-safe every year, even when none of the park facilities like the pool or the climbing wall are open in December.

But for a cosy Christmas getaway, it’s all about the accommodation for us.

With a big open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, there’s enough space (and crockery) to host a sit-down meal for a dozen people, so its ideal for hosting larger families.

It’s so much easier than trying to gather everyone together at home, hunting for extra chairs, working out how we can all fit around the table and cleaning the house before guests arrive.

Instead it feels like a real treat to be staying in a spotless space where everyone can chip in with the cooking without treading on anyone’s toes.

My top tip would be to bring a slow cooker or an air fryer so you’ve got a back-up plan if you can’t fit everything in the oven, especially if you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed. 

The lodges at Broadland Sands are tucked away at one end of the park and it really does feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of normal life, waking up to the sun glistening through frosty trees outside.

Next door is St Bartholomew’s, a semi-ruined church that still hosts some Sunday services.

And just up the lane is the Lodge at Woburn Farm, which offers music nights and food, so you can enjoy a party atmosphere if the mood takes you.

I like to bring a stash of cosy treats, like fluffy socks, matching PJs and hot chocolate with marshmallows so we can really make the most of our comfortable accommodation and take a bit of time to get some R&R during the festivities.

While we love our quiet Christmas away, there’s also something to be said for heading to Haven or Butlin’s for full-on family fun.

Last year we spent Twixmas at Haven’s Seashore park and had a great time, splashing in the pool and watching the panto in the entertainment venue.

But the best bit of the break was wandering along a deserted beach in the late December sunshine and cosying up in our caravan for a family film night.

The festive season is already so busy with nights out, children’s parties and end-of-term activities that we all just want a bit of peace and quiet by the time we go on our Yuletide getaway. 

That’s why going to a luxury lodge on a closed park proves perfect most years.

Happily it also tends to be the most cost-effective option.

We spent around £250 for the weekend, compared to the steep £1,400 at Center Parcs Elveden Forest or £1,060 for a seaview lodge at Haven Seashore.

Having said that, we do also enjoy an occasional seasonal staycay elsewhere, especially now so many more UK parks have opened up until the New Year.

We quite often make a cheeky midweek visit to Butlin’s, which is usually a bargain £50 for four nights.

One year, there was even a free ice-skating rink at Skegness, so it really did give my family that festive feel for next to nothing.

Now’s the perfect time to bag a bargain break to end 2025 with a bang, so get booking!

Hello! I’m Mark Olsen. Welcome to another edition of your regular field guide to a world of Only Good Movies.

Even in a year like this one, during which there are numerous truly remarkable movies in the awards-season conversation worthy of ongoing consideration, it is easy to grow tired of talking about a tightening circle of titles.

Which is part of the reason why the announcement of the program for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival came right on time this week. New movies! This will be Sundance’s last edition in its longtime home in Park City, Utah, before moving on to Boulder, Colo., starting in 2027. Adding to the import and emotion of the event is that it will be the first festival since the recent death of Sundance figurehead Robert Redford.

A number of films from the 2025 festival are still part of the ongoing awards conversation. Just this week, both “Train Dreams” and “Sorry, Baby” received Golden Globe nominations — which I am relatively certain was not on the minds of those filmmakers when they had their world premieres at Sundance this past January.

Among the titles to look forward to for Sundance 2026 are Gregg Araki’s provocative “I Want Your Sex,” Cathy Yan’s satirical “The Gallerist,” Jay Duplass’ family story “See You When I See You,” Tamra Davis’ ’90s music doc “The Best Summer” and a profile on Courtney Love called “Antiheroine.”

Of course, there will also be many titles from relatively unknown filmmakers, and it is that promise of discovery that keeps us coming back to Sundance year after year.

As festival director Eugene Hernandez put it, “As much as we can talk about the legacy and history and the old timers — which I think will add an incredible aspect to the festival this year — we’re creating a festival that is also focused on the celebration of new voices. … For so many people, it will be brand new, no matter what.”

‘Home Alone’ 35th anniversary

On Saturday, the Academy Museum will have a 35th anniversary screening of “Home Alone” with star Macaulay Culkin and director Chris Columbus in-person. Written by John Hughes, the film is about a young boy (Culkin) accidentally left behind by his family at the holidays and how he comes to defend himself against two bumbling thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern).

The movie has become a beloved all-ages holiday classic and seeing it with an enthusiastic audience should be a treat. The event is already sold out, but standby tickets are available.

In his original review of the movie, Peter Rainer noted, “Macaulay Culkin has the kind of crack comic timing that’s missing in many an adult star and even when the script gets soppy, he doesn’t turn himself into a cutesy ball of gloppy goo. He is refreshingly abrasive throughout.”

‘Mustang’ 10th anniversary

On Sunday, the American Cinematheque at the Los Feliz 3 will host a 10th anniversary screening of French-Turkish filmmaker Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s feature debut “Mustang,” which was nominated for the Academy Award for international feature. Ergüven is scheduled to be there in person.

The film is the story of five teenage sisters living in an isolated village and yearning for a life of freedom. In her review, Katie Walsh wrote, “‘Mustang’ beautifully expresses the girls’ unbridled energy, a force that refuses to be locked up, controlled or repressed. It’s a moving portrait of sisterhood, a celebration of a fierce femininity and a damning indictment of patriarchal systems that seek to destroy and control this spirit.”

In an interview with me at the time of the film’s release, Ergüven described the performances by the five actresses — Elit Iscan, Günes Sensoy, Ilayda Akdogan, Doga Zeynep Doguslu and Tugba Sunguroglu — as “one character with five heads.”

Ergüven added, “From very early on I always said it’s a monster of femininity, with 10 arms and 10 legs. They are intertwined, they are extremely familiar with one another. Sometimes, I said, they react to one another’s bodies as if they are extensions of their own body.”

Points of interest

‘Danger: Diabolik’ and ‘Barbarella’ in 35mm

The Secret Movie Club is going to have a groovy Euro holiday party on Saturday with 35mm screenings of both Roger Vadim’s 1968 “Barbarella” and Mario Bava’s 1968 “Danger: Diabolik” at the Million Dollar Theater. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best psychedelic finery.

“Barbarella” is one of those movies that’s difficult to describe and best to just experience for yourself: a sci-fi sex satire starring Jane Fonda directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim and co-written by counterculture maverick Terry Southern. Based on a French comic, the film was shot in Italy and produced by Dino De Laurentiis.

In a 1967 profile of Fonda and Vadim in Rome, which includes Fonda driving a Ferrari through the streets of the city to get from the historic villa where they are staying to Cinecittà studio, Fonda said, “The main thing about this role is to keep her innocent. You see, Barbarella is not a vamp and her sexuality is not measured by the rules of our society. She is not being promiscuous but she follows the natural reaction of another type of upbringing. She isn’t a so-called ‘sexually liberated woman’ either. That would mean rebellion against something. She is different. She was born free.”

“Danger: Diabolik” stars John Philip Law (also in “Barbarella”) as a master thief. With a score by Ennio Morricone and directed with high style by Bava, best known for more lurid genre excursions, the film is the ’60s Euro-heist jaunt of your wildest imagination.

Elaine May’s ‘A New Leaf’

On Wednesday, the Academy Museum will show Elaine May’s 1971 debut feature as writer-director, “A New Leaf,” in the big David Geffen Theater. Selected by the writer’s branch of the Academy, the screening will feature screenwriter Karen McCullah, writer-producer Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith and writer-producer Katie Silberman in person to talk about the film and May’s ongoing influence.

Even though the film as we know it was taken away from May and isn’t her complete vision, “A New Leaf” is nevertheless a film of bold, confident energy. Walter Matthau plays a trust fund playboy who is fast running out of money. He hatches a scheme to find, marry and then murder a woman of means to continue to fund his lifestyle. Enter May as a botanist who is equal parts awkward and rich. Dark, funny and insightful, the film is a true gem.

Here’s hoping the recently renewed interest in May’s slim body of directorial work — she has so far made only four films — spurs a long-gestating new project rumored to be shooting soon into a reality.

Eric Rohmer’s ‘My Night at Maud’s’ and ‘A Tale of Winter’

On Wednesday at the Aero, the American Cinematheque will have a double-bill from French filmmaker Eric Rohmer: 1969’s “My Night at Maud’s” and 1992’s “A Tale of Winter.”

“My Night at Maud’s,” a breakout international hit for Rohmer, was nominated for two Oscars, for foreign language film and original screenplay. A series of conversations among an interlocking cast of characters, the film helped set the template for dialogue-driven adult dramas that still hold sway.

In his April 1970 review, Charles Champlin wrote, “‘My Night at Maud’s’ argues that thee attractive and intelligent people sitting around arguing about the philosophy of Pascal constitutes a movie. I agree. Standing on my chair and waving noisemakers in the air I agree. … But whether or not one cares about the substance of the arguments, ‘My Night at Maud’s’ is a hugely pleasurable evening out because of the excellence of its performances and the convincing and captivatingly credibility of its three principals. It is an adult film which makes clear once and for all what randy juvenilia all other ‘adult’ films are. This one is, of course, in impeccable taste.”

“A Tale of Winter” is the second of what became Rohmer’s “Tales of the Four Seasons.” In reviewing the film, Kevin Thomas wrote, “The French respect the quirky workings of the human heart more than any other people and among the French filmmakers, the keenest observer may be Eric Rohmer, whose ‘A Tale of Winter’ finds him at his scintillating best, never wiser or funnier.”

WHEN it comes to finding a holiday home to stay in, in the UK, we really are spoilt for choice – but one Cornish spot looks as if it should feature on a postcard.

North Rocks in Cornwall looks over the beach, with the property sitting on top of the cliff of Sennen Cove.

The stunning spot sleeps up to seven people across four bedrooms in total.

Inside, the house has a main lounge with views across the ocean, a snug area and a dining-slash-sun room.

In the kitchen, guests will find a Magimix Nespresso coffee machine too, for much-needed morning caffeine hits.

There is also a heated swimming pool outside, which is surrounded by neat gardens and a number of patios.

When the sun is shining, there is even a barbeque area to cook up some burgers and hot dogs.

Guests even receive a Cornish Food hamper when they stay.

The house also has a “Mediterranean-style wellness area” according to creator Kelsey in London, with a sauna and a cold plunge.

In the evenings, when the sun goes down, guests can cosy up around a firepit too and toast marshmallows.

One guest said: “Beautiful, cosy and even more stunning in real life!”

Another added: “Absolutely phenomenal place. This beautiful home has everything and more, so much thought has been put into the guest experience.”

A four-night stay in January for seven people costs from £2,575 working out to around £91 each a night.

From the house, you can explore Sennen Cove just 200 metres away, which boasts white sands and turquoise water.

The beach was even named one of the best in Britain by Conde Nast Traveller earlier this year.

The publication said: “Most travellers visiting Cornwall for the first time will head to Land’s End, but not many of them know that just around the corner lies this breathtakingly beautiful beach.

“Sennen Cove, a mile-long stretch, has long been loved by locals, who tell tales of how mermaids used to swim up along the shoreline.

“Turns out these were just excitable dolphins, but if you’re lucky they’ll leap up and frolick on your next visit. It’s also a haven for surfers.”

The nearby village has a couple of spots to grab a bite to eat too.

For example, you could head to The Blue Lagoon Fish Bar and grab some cod or haddock and chips for around £12.

One recent visitor said: “Best cod I have ever tasted in my life, with a batter that’s crisp but melts in your mouth.”

Alternatively, you could head to Sennen Surf Lodge for a breakfast roll costing £6 or a Surf Lodge Fry with smoked bacon, sausage, tomato, sourdough toast, baked beans, mushrooms, egg and fries for £15.

One recent visitor said: “What a gem! We could not get enough of this place and I think we ended up coming here every day during our two week break.”

At Sennen Beach, visitors can explore the mile long family-friendly beach, which is just under a mile from Land’s End.

The beach also has a surf shop and the UK’s top surf school at the Sennen Surfing Centre, with lessons costing from £35 per person.

A recent beachgoer said: “Sennen Beach is absolutely stunning. The beautiful white sands and blue water look incredible.”

Another visitor added: “Walking barefoot on the beach, you can experience the unique charm of feeling both the grains of sand and the cool touch of the seawater simultaneously.

“It’s a beautiful spot where golden sands, rolling waves, and the blue sea come together in perfect harmony.”

If you are wanting to explore further afield, then head along the South West Coastal Path, which runs along Sennen Beach, through the village and over the cliffs before reaching Land’s End.

On the route you will pass Sennen Cove Lookout Point with spectacular panoramic views before reaching the Mayon Cliff Shipwreck – a German cargo ship that beached in 2003 after the chief officer fell unconscious whilst on his watch shift.

You’ll then head past Maen Cliff Castle – an ancient Iron Age fort – before reaching Goose Slade Point – a granite headland – and Dr Syntax’s Head – the most westerly point on the British mainland.

Finally, you will find the First & Last House – which gets it’s name from the fact that it is either the first or last house you will see depending on whether you are entering or leaving the UK.

Inside the historic building you can pick up some souvenirs or ice cream.

For other staycation inspiration, here are the exciting new hotels, attractions and festivals coming to the UK’s seaside towns and cities next year.

Plus, our expert picks for UK staycation trips to banish post-summer blues – including free hidden gems for kids and £1.50 meals.