Holiday tips tricks and hacks

I WATCH the sun slowly drop away behind the sandy horizon, as the sky transforms into a dozen magical shades of yellow and orange.

My tour group had decided to make a quick photo stop ahead of our dune-bashing tour in the Qatari desert, with aptly named driver Basham.

And we were so glad we did.

This is my first time visiting the Middle East and a 4×4 excursion across the vast sands is the perfect start to my stay in Doha, Qatar’s capital.

After soaking up the sunset, I’m led back to my huge vehicle by Basham who spends the next 30 minutes putting both car and passengers through their paces.

It’s an exhilarating experience, soaring over the ridges of the tall dunes and veering towards the edges of sandbanks at ferociously high speed.

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Doha certainly isn’t short of action-packed day trips for adrenaline junkies.

If the dune-bashing isn’t your thing, visitors can also get their kicks at Doha Quest, an indoor theme park that is home to more than 30 rides and attractions including the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster Epiq Coaster.

If you’re more of a sun worshipper, the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park at the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort will be the place for you.

There are 30 thrilling slides and rides here, although the lazy river is the most addictive in my opinion — I could spend hours bobbing around on the water, floating serenely around the park.

But if you prefer an adrenaline hit, there are spine-tingling rides here, too.

I swear that I saw some airtime on the Whizzard Mat Racer, a sheer-drop slide that sends riders plummeting towards a blue foam mat.

Qatar isn’t just about thrills and spills, though.

The Middle Eastern country is also a hub for major sporting events, including Formula 1.

Experiencing the Qatar Grand Prix up close is a must for any petrolhead — and I was able to do just that through a package booking with Qatar Airways, a global partner of Formula 1.

Affordable luxury

The airline rolls flights, hotel and F1 tickets into one, making it much easier for Brits who have maybe never visited Qatar before.

I relished every second of watching drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris speed around the circuit, lap after lap.

You can be sure that I jumped at the chance to go on a pit-lane walk, too, which took me past the teams’ garages where I could take hundreds of pictures and videos.

And you would be a fool to miss out on a tour of the track in a huge open-top truck before the race gets under way — I was able to feel all the twists and turns that the racers would be experiencing during the race, although at an admittedly much slower speed.

After all that excitement, I was grateful that my hotel, the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, has just over two miles of private beaches, where I could flop on a sun lounger with fantastic views over the glittering Arabian Gulf.

Even the most basic room here feels luxurious, thanks to the huge wooden headboard towering behind the plush bed, a spacious sofa area where holidaymakers can relax to the max after a day of snoozing by the pool, and glass double doors opening on to a large balcony.

That’s the real highlight of Doha — luxury has a much more affordable price tag. Rooms here cost from around £188 with breakfast, which considering the quality and detail is impressive value.

The food is high-end, too. For classic Qatari and Middle Eastern flavours, head to the on-site Levantine restaurant, where you can pick up some excellent kofte for under £20.

If you’re looking to really push the boat out, though, the Raffles Doha hotel will blow your socks off.

Rooms cost from £335 per night here, but this is still a a lot less than most other hotels in the Raffles chain, including The OWO in London where rooms can cost just shy of £1,000 per night.

Raffles Doha occupies half of the prestigious Katara Towers. These U-shaped buildings are a symbol of Qatar’s national seal, representing traditional scimitar swords.

It’s the height of luxury, from its grand lobby all the way through to its suites and restaurants — and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.

Decked out with hardwood floors, mirrors and golden motifs, my spacious suite was a luxurious haven — and even came with a personalised butler service.

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered fantastic views over the Arabian Gulf and, if you can brave the morning heat, a warm brew on the terrace is the perfect way to start your day.

I was too focused on heading to downstairs to eat at L’Artisan, a restaurant that whips up the very best breakfast omelettes I’ve ever eaten.

You might want to keep food to a minimum if you’re heading out dune-bashing, though.

IT’S 11pm and I’m at the all-night cafe in pyjamas and slippers, unsure whether to order six or eight chocolate-chip cookies.  

The lady next to me, by contrast, is dressed in a glamorous ballgown and buying an espresso. 

Peering down into the Piazza below — my eight cookies in hand — I spy a lively crowd who are throwing their best shapes to dance music at the silent disco. 

A cruise is like no other holiday. 

While I was preparing myself for a girls’ night in, with room service and a movie, other passengers were rolling out of glitzy restaurants and heading off in search of late-night fun in the Piazza or pouring out of the theatre after another West End-style show. 

Couples were taking a stroll around the outside deck in the warm Mediterranean air and the casino’s bright lights were still drawing in crowds.

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Where else can you get such varied fun rolled into one small(ish) space? 

That’s why, when it came to deciding our girls’ trip this year, a voyage on the high seas came out on top.

My work pals and I can’t take credit for coining the girls’ trip at sea. 

More and more women are swapping long weekends sipping pina coladas in Marbella for action-packed sailings. 

And major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, have begun flogging packages designed solely for female groups — championing the on-board shopping and sleek bars and the appeal of the multiple destinations in one trip. 

Princess Cruises’ Suzanne Korff says: “It’s the ultimate girls’ trip — the perfect blend of luxury, laughter and adventure, all with incredible value.”  

It’s certainly true that cruises offer more bang for your buck — a huge perk in a time when people are more cash-strapped than ever.

My week’s Mediterranean sailing on board Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess cost my pals and I around £900 per person.

When we weren’t pounding the sunny streets of Palermo in Sicily, or gobbling up pizza in Naples, we were aboard the 21-deck ship soaking up the sun.  

That included not just our flights and cabin, but all of our food and all the entertainment — from Broadway musicals in the large theatre to Celtic bands in the traditional Irish boozer. 

When we weren’t pounding the sunny streets of Palermo in Sicily, or gobbling up pizza in Naples, we were aboard the 21-deck ship soaking up the sun.  

And there were plenty of places to gather for a good dip and gossip.

There are two sparkling pools on the Lido deck, complete with plenty of loungers, as well as a fantastic Wake View pool with infinity edge overlooking the back of the ship. 

Mixologist tricks 

For those chillier, early-morning swims, the indoor/outdoor pool in the glass-ceilinged Dome was perfect — again with plenty of places to chill with your pals. 

Those wanting to really up the ante can splash out on a suite, which will give you access to the Sanctuary Club.  

Think your ultimate Mediterranean beach club but with a chilled, tranquil atmosphere and cushioned beds and loungers, scattered between hot tubs. 

There’s also a decent-sized pool, as well as a bar that can whip up all manner of cocktails, including an excellent frozen daiquiri.

Some afternoons, a DJ or live singer appear, perfect to lull you into a serene snooze while you tan.

But the highlight of this exclusive zone is undoubtedly the prosecco wall.

Several times a day, during the afternoon, guests are encouraged to ring a large bell protruding from a plant-covered wall.

Moments later, a hand will emerge from the shrubbery, as if by magic, clutching a complimentary flute of prosecco for the bell-ringer.  

On sea days, the magical wall even serves up mimosas from 9.30am to 11am. 

Of course, drinks can be delivered directly to your sunbed. Food can be ordered anywhere within the Sanctuary Club, too, so you really needn’t lift a finger. 

But with 30 restaurants and bars on board, you would be mad not to dine around.  

Among complimentary options are Soleil and Eclipse dining areas, each serving a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner in a grand two-level setting.  

For something more casual, The Eatery is Sun Princess’ take on a buffet, where you can flit between Mexican, Italian, American and almost every other cuisine imaginable.  

Elsewhere there’s sushi, pub grub and a gelateria, all included in the price of your cruise. And that’s before you get to the specialty joints, for which guests pay extra.  

Spellbound, created in partnership with American arts venue Magic Castle, is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar where mixologists perform tricks. 

The teppanyaki restaurant is well worth the dosh. Sat at a horseshoe-shaped bar, around a huge steel griddle, we watched as our chef turned dinner into a show — tossing eggs with a flick of his fish slice and transforming an omelette into a snake that slithered before our eyes. 

The magic did not end there, though. What makes this cruise ship truly stand out lies behind an unassuming door on the eighth deck.

Spellbound, created in partnership with American arts venue Magic Castle, is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar where mixologists perform tricks. 

Welcomed into a cosy, low-lit room with a flickering fireplace and panelled walls covered in black-and-white photographs, we were transported back in time to the roaring Twenties.

We were listening as an ominous voice recalled the story of a family of magicians — when suddenly the wall ahead slid open, revealing a hidden bar. 

Every detail within, from paintings that follow you while you walk, to the ghost of a pianist who even takes song requests, has been carefully schemed. 

And the sorcery doesn’t end there. Smoke-billowing cocktails are accompanied by card tricks — leading up to a grand finale that will have you gasping in awe. 

Not even the sunrise view from our cabin balconies could top that magic. 

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the most popular holiday destinations – as well as some lesser-known areas.

This week we’re shining a spotlight light on Kotor Bay in Montenegro, one of Europe‘s most spectacular yet underrated seaside escapes.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey explains: “When it comes to affordable holidays in Europe, going east is always a good idea.

“However, most Brits tend to stop at Croatia, forgetting about Montenegro.

“It was recently named an underrated destination by US News, and British Airways announced new flights to the capital of Tivat in 2026.

“So you should head to see it sooner rather than later if you want to avoid the crowds.”

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Kotor Old Town is the bay’s beating heart, with cobbled alleys, Venetian palaces and fortress walls.

Then a short walk along the waterfront towards Dobrota takes you past a public lido, stone swimming platforms and little cafés right on the water – a calm stretch that’s also one of the safest spots in the bay for an easy sea swim.

A short hop around the bay, Perast is impossibly picturesque, with its baroque houses and tiny islets.

From the harbour, small boats take about ten minutes to reach Our Lady of the Rocks, the postcard-pretty church sitting on its own artificial island.

The historic Ladder of Kotor rises directly behind the Old Town – a zig-zag mule trail with big views the higher you go.

Or head further inland to Lovcen National Park, where the road climbs towards the Njego? Mausoleum and its 360-degree mountain panorama.

The Vrmac Ridge trail, between Kotor and neighbouring Tivat Bay, is another great option, an old military road with superb views over both sides of the coast.

Tour operator Untravelled Paths can fix up guided trips taking in everything from honey farms to white water rafting on the Tara river.

HIDDEN GEM

One of Montenegro‘s quirkiest experiences awaits at the Underwater Kraken Wine Cellar.

This unique winery ages its bottles underwater for a flavour like nothing on land. Bottles are lowered roughly 20 metres to the seabed in metal cages and left to age for about a year.

Travellers can join a guided dive to racks of barnacle-covered bottles on the seabed, then sample the results back on shore.

BEST VIEW

The bar Monte 1350 crowns the upper station of the new Kotor-Lovcen cable car, its terrace looking straight down over the bay and out towards the Adriatic.

Visitors can sip a cold drink while watching the sunlight shift across the bay or stay to catch the sunset.

RATED RESTAURANT

Galion is Kotor’s standout dining spot, with one of the most romantic waterfront settings in Montenegro.

The glass-walled restaurant juts out over the water, giving diners views of the bay while they enjoy fresh seafood and local wines.

Perfect for a special evening without the hefty prices of other Med hotspots.

BEST BAR

Evergreen Jazz Club is a cosy, dimly-lit spot with exposed brick walls and live music ranging from acoustic sets and blues to Balkan fusion. Its great-value drinks are enjoyed by friendly locals and travellers.

HOTEL PICK

Klinci Village Resort on Lustica peninsula is a peaceful spot with rustic charm, sea views and Montenegrin hospitality, with rooms from around £80 per night.

For something more budget-friendly, Hotel Vardar in Kotor offers comfortable rooms and a prime location near the Old Town from around £60 per night.

A FLURRY of new cruise ships have taken to the ocean waves in recent weeks, giving cruise fans even more choice.

From the adult delights of Celebrity’s fifth Edge class ship, Xcel, and Virgin Voyages’ latest Brilliant Lady to the family- friendly fun onboard Star Princess and Disney Destiny, there is plenty to please all ages.

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CELEBRITY XCEL: I’m just back from a fantastic sailing exploring this lovely new ship and can say it is one of my favourites for adults who love a little bit of luxury in a relaxed setting.

The ship has seven reimagined spaces onboard.

Bazaar is a new multi-level space that transforms depending on the ship’s destinations.

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While in the Caribbean, you can expect entertainment, food and crafts inspired by the tropical islands.

When it moves to the Mediterranean in summer 2026 it will reflect the European ports of call.

I loved the new Bora restaurant on the top deck beside the Roof Garden and the retro games in The Attic.

The main pool has had a real upgrade and keep an eye out for the PhotoBooth — it promises a lot more than just a selfie!

See celebritycruises.com.

VIRGIN BRILLIANT LADY: Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship set sail this autumn, adding to the line’s signature adult-only sophisticated cruises for party people.

The 2,770-passenger ship has had some enhancements over its siblings, including a larger pool and the new Roundabout enlarged atrium.

The ship is also the first in the fleet capable of transiting the Panama Canal, with some new cabin types having smaller balconies to accommodate it.

Other highlights include brand new shows, a new supper club with an interactive dinner-and-a-show experience and retro karaoke lounge with private booths.

See virginvoyages.com.

DISNEY DESTINY: Spider-Man swings off the side of Disney Cruise Line’s latest luxury liner — and that’s just the start of the fun onboard this family-friendly ship.

The 4,000-passenger vessel is the seventh in the fleet and the first to feature a new theme, with exclusive encounters with a host of Disney’s favourite heroes and villains and unique entertainment not found on its other ships.

In a departure from its previous cruise ships, the theming is more immersive, with a Marvel-inspired Grand Hall, new restaurant Pride Lands: Feast Of The Lion King — promising dinner and a show — and a new Broadway-style Hercules show.

There’s a new bar based on the Haunted Mansion theme park attraction, too.

See disneycruise.disney.go.com.

STAR PRINCESS: The second of Princess Cruises’ Sphere-class ships, Star Princess builds on the success of Sun Princess.

The 4,000-passenger liner features an expanded O’Malley’s Irish Pub, one of my favourite venues onboard the ship.

There’s more than 30 dining and drinking options, including a new expanded speciality dining restaurant Love By Britto.

The top deck features a new multi-sport court with facilities for pickleball and basketball as well as a splash pad.

New shows include the circus-themed Illuminate! and love story Meridian, both taking full advantage of the theatre’s in-the-round staging.

And the popular Dome entertainment venue, which transforms from day to night, plus the multi-level Piazza are both returning favourites.

See princess.com.

IF you have always wanted to go on a ski holiday but thought they were too expensive, you are in luck.

This Black Friday, a limited new ski holiday deal is letting you spend a week on the slopes for under £100 each.

Launched by Sunweb, the seven-night stay includes accommodation and ski passes.

You have to be ready to book quickly, as the cheap holidays are only on sale until December 2.

One of the biggest bargains is staying in Val Cenis at the Résidence Les Toits Du Dévoluy, costing just £86 each.

The two room apartment sleeps up to four people, with the deal for seven nights, departing on April 11.

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One of the closest airports is Turin, and both Ryanair and easyJet fly there.

For another £86pp stay, you can stay in the resort of Superdévoluy in Le Massif du Dévoluy.

This is one of the biggest slopes in southern France so both beginners and pro skiers will be able to find something that suits.

This deal is much sooner, with the two-room apartment deal being for seven nights on December 13.

But it also means you can get in a great holiday just before Christmas.

The best airport to fly to is Grenoble, with both Ryanair and Wizz Air having cheap flights.

You will have to pay for your flights and ski gear yourself, although you can rent lots of the gear when you get there.

Another cheap deal is seven nights at Résidence Vacancéole La Turra also at Superdévoluy for around £136pp.

One skiing pro revealed how booking an April holiday can help you find the biggest bargain.

Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell told Sun Online Travel: “Around 1.5 million Brits go skiing every year.

“Often overlooked, but April is the go-to time for many ski experts and enthusiasts, with a more relaxed feel in the resorts, crisp virgin snow for an early morning start, and long lazy afternoons in uncrowded mountain restaurants.”

We spoke to the experts about the mistakes Brits always make on ski trips, and how to avoid them.

And a ski mum revealed the big mistakes people often make when booking a skip trip with kids.

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She told Sun Online Travel: “Decide if the holiday is predominantly for parents, with the kids looked after in Kindergarten or Ski School or if the idea is to spend family days skiing and playing together.

“Make sure that childcare, nursery slopes and non-ski activities are close to where you stay.”

AS winter sets in, many Brits are already looking ahead to their next holiday.

But travel experts have revealed the destinations that shouldn’t be on your 2026 bucket list, including a sunny favourite for UK residents.

From overtourism to negative environmental impacts, there are a variety of reasons to avoid this stunning locations.

Fodor’s Travel has revealed its No 2026 List, explaining: “Its purpose is to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities.”

While the round-up of locations is “not a call for boycott”, it aims to highlight the issues facing each area, urging tourists to “ease up on a spot for now–not forever”.

“Give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather,” the travel pros encouraged readers.

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The list includes a popular tourist destination for Brits as well as a city set to host next year’s World Cup.

Antarctica

Unlike most destinations, Antarctica doesn’t need marketing campaigns to lure visitors to fuel its existent economy.

In fact, it doesn’t have an economy at all, and therefore doesn’t need tourists.

Despite this, the remote region welcomed 120,000 visitors from 2023 to 2024, a number which is projected to double by 2033.

Mike Gunter, professor of political science and chair at Rollins College in Florida, who studies ecotourism and environmental policy, spoke about the recent shift in tourism for Antarctica.

“Unfortunately, in the last quarter century, Antarctica has been moving more toward mass tourism instead of the traditional ecotourism world,” he explained.

Expedition ships offer visitors a chance to set foot on the driest land on the planet and witness calving glaciers.

Elizabeth Leane, professor of Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, pointed out that a major draw of Antarctica is that it “still has that mystique of being the last place, the last wilderness”.

However, Jessica O’Reilly, associate professor of anthropology at Indiana University and an advisor to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, explained: “The environment is fragile, and it’s a rare environment”.

“That’s why people want to go there, but it’s also why it can’t really sustain high numbers of tourism,” she said.

With no caps on visitation in Antarctica, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has only been able to set out voluntarily regulations for visitors.

Canary Islands

With warm temperatures for most of the year, the Canary Islands have established themselves as a long-time favourite destination for Brits.

From cheap prices and direct flights to world-class waterparks and stunning scenery, there are many draws to the destination.

However, a whopping 7.8 million visitors in 2025 alone has left locals concerned over how much their islands can take.

Thousands even marched through the streets of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote in May under the banner, “Canarias tiene un límite” (“The Canaries have a limit”).

The booming tourism is causing soaring housing costs and mounting environmental strain, threatening the foundations of island life.

While tourism contributes more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and employs roughly 40% of its population, it has come at a price.

“Residents have started protesting because they’re genuinely fed up,” says John Dale Beckley, founder of the sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org.

“The government previously changed regulations that allowed residents to rent out their properties on Airbnb and Booking.com.

“This has driven up both rental prices and property values. Many young people now find it almost impossible to rent or buy a home.”

Meanwhile, there have also been “alarming losses in biodiversity” due to overcrowding.

And water scarcity and infrastructure strain are predicted to be the next looming crises.

Glacier National Park, Montana

First opened in 1910 with the displacement of the Blackfeet tribe, Glacier National Park (GNP) in Montana struggles to live up to its name.

GNP is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, leaving just 27 of the estimated 150 glaciers from early 20th century.

And these too, are expected to disappear by 2030. 

While Michael Jamison, Northern Rockies campaign director for the National Parks Conservation Association, cited climate change as a main factor, with more frequent and expansive wildfires and milder winters.

“For a lot of these species, climate change is what they call a ‘threat multiplier,’” Jamison explains. “

It magnifies existing threats and intensifies them … We’re seeing changes to migration routes, to seasonal habitats and winter range, and to entire populations.”

For some travelers, the last-chance draw of the rapidly melting glaciers has motivated visits to the park.

Already one of the most visited national parks in the US, Glacier saw around 300,000 more visitors in 2024 than 2023.

These large and growing numbers have various impacts on the park, from traffic congestion on Glacier’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road to the faster accumulation of garbage, and a greater risk of wildlife disturbance.

Glacier National Park has implemented policies to mitigate some of the effects, with visitors required to have timed reservations to enter during peak summer months and hours since 2020.

However, the damage may already have been done.

“The challenges absolutely are unprecedented,” says Jamison. “At no point in the history of Glacier Park have so many existential threats intersected all at once.”

Isola Sacra, Italy

This small community near Rome has been given the green light for a new port, where some of the world’s largest cruise ships will dock.

These plans have caused backlash from residents and environmental campaigners.

Despite the devastating impact of the cruise industry on other Italian areas such as Venice and Santorini, the quiet coastal district of Isola Sacra in Fiumicino is set to become the next cruise destination.

Located just 20 miles from Rome, the stunning area will become home to a pier for mega cruise ships, each over 230 feet high, over 1,150 feet long, and capable of carrying up to 6,000 passengers. 

Authorities say the project will bring an employment boom, however various local and national associations have been fighting against these development plans since 2010.

Long-time residents of Isola Sacra have formed Tavoli del Porto, a committee working to safeguard the area. 

“Only together can we stop these projects that threaten to destroy a delicate ecosystem of dunes, wetlands, agricultural land, unique vegetation, and terrestrial and marine animal species,” the activists told local press ahead of a protest planned in November. 

The project includes measures for the protection of marine biodiversity, with Fiumicino’s seabed so shallow it will require 105 million cubic feet of sand would to be extracted to create a deep channel allowing access for ships.

The Jungfrau Region, Switzerland

Located in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region stretches from the valleys of Interlaken to the imposing summits of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

The area is most famous for its Alpine villages of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren. 

However despite its stunning scenery, the Jungfrau Region faces the challenge of balancing a booming tourism with the preservation of its environment and local quality of life.

The popularity of the area strains natural resources and the daily lives of residents, making now a critical moment to address sustainability.

According to Jungfrau Railways’ corporate announcements, both visitor numbers and profits have never been higher.

More thana million people visited the Jungfraujoch, the ridge that joins two of the Bernese Alps’ towering 13,000-foot peaks dubbed “the Top of Europe”, in 2024, up 5.1% from the previous year.

Meanwhile, the Eiger Express gondola transported more than 2.1 million passengers, while the Harderbahn, Firstbahn, and Lauterbrunnen-Mürren cableways also broke attendance records.

In the first half of 2025, transport income has generated record profits, offering tourists the chance to reach the high Alps.

But this booming industry has had a visible impact on the surrounding countryside.

“Where there was ice, there are now trees,” explained climate and science reporter Mark Poynting of the Great Aletsch.

Mexico City

Set to host the opener of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, this city

On July 4, large protests erupted in Mexico City against gentrification, short-term rentals, and rising rents.

Signs reading “Mexico for Mexicans” and “gringos out” were spotted across the city.

Similar to the Canary Islands, the proliferation of Airbnb and other short-stay listings are contributing to housing displacement and rental inflation in the city.

“Simply put, Airbnb should be banned from Mexico City,” says Natalia de la Rosa, the Mexico City-born and bred operations leader of Club Tengo Hambre.

“It’s a platform that incentivizes evictions and tears at the social fabric of communities in neighbourhoods.”

“Deep-pocketed elites and large corporate and international portfolios purchasing entire apartment buildings to convert them into short-term rentals are negatively impacting our city,” she added.

Inside Airbnb, an advocacy group that analyzes the company’s footprint on residential areas through data-driven research, estimates that there are over 25,000 short-term rentals in the city.

Airbnb listings in the city have shot up by 35% since 2020.

Mombasa, Kenya

With a record 2.4 million international arrivals last year, Kenya’s tourism industry has been booming, making travel the third-largest industry in the country for amassing foreign currency.

Cruise travel is one of the sector’s new tourism products, bringing a 164% rise in port traffic in coastal cities Mombasa and Lamu in 2024.

However, despite the country’s vigorous campaign to attract more travelers, Kenyan officials do not have a clear understanding of how many tourists it can accommodate without harming ecological health.

Mombasa, the country’s oldest coastal city, renowned as “the white and blue city,” now hosts 70% of tourists visiting the coast.

And now overtourism has left the city grappling with depleting resources, overcrowding, poor and congested roads, poor waste management–littered beaches and polluted oceans.

Officials have continuously prioritized tourism over local needs, going so far as to establish a Tourists’ Inspectorate Unit, a special security team safeguarding tourist centres, despite worries about crime outside these areas.

Montmartre, Paris

Paris’ hilltop village of Montmartre has long drawn tourists to its picturesque cobbled streets, from Van Gogh lovers to John Wick fans alike.

Montmartre, once a village on the outskirts of the city, has remained untouched, maintaining the narrow cobbled streets of yore.

Today, these picturesque ruelles are considered an undeniable tourist draw in the city.

However in recent years, it’s become more than the 30,000 residents can bear. 

Some 11 million visitors now throng the area each year, topping the numbers seen by the Eiffel Tower.

Rémy Knafou, professor at Paris 1–Panthéon Sorbonne and author of several books on overtourism has noticed that even previously quieter spots, notably the northern flank of the hill, now teem with tourist shops.

“At night, the Place du Tertre is completely invaded by café and restaurant terraces,” Knafou told Fodor’s.

“Some of the population living in the area is protesting–discretely, politely, but firmly–its discontent. It is therefore possible to speak of overtourism.”

Local government officials claim that they are working to reduce the impact of tourism on residents.

However, if trends continue in this way, experts warn Montmartre may be “progressively emptied of its population.”

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This could contribute to “a loss of ‘authenticity,’ or, at any rate, a modification of the local identity”.

“We’ll need to ask ourselves: whether tourists will be satisfied to come and only encounter other tourists.”

THE first flight linking two of the UK’s top holiday spots has officially taken off, restoring a vital travel link just weeks after the collapse of its former operator.

The route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick had been left in limbo earlier this month when Eastern Airways revealed it was on the brink of administration.

The regional carrier, which had operated the connection seven times a week, suspended services as the company folded.

But on Sunday afternoon, November 23, Skybus officially stepped in – with its inaugural flight marking the return of the essential link used by holidaymakers, commuters and the region’s tourism industry.

The daily service is being supported by both the Government and Cornwall Council.

Only twelve passengers were on board the Boeing 737 for the first take-off, leaving plenty of space on the 180-seater aircraft as the replacement route got underway.

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Cornwall Airport Newquay’s managing director Amy Smith said the launch marked “an important milestone” for the region.

She added that the reinstated London link would strengthen Cornwall’s “resilience” and support the economy year-round, welcoming Skybus as a partner for “a dependable service for residents, businesses and visitors alike”.

Cornwall Council also hailed the restart as a major boost.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said the return of the connection would play a key role in supporting local business and tourism confidence.

How much does it cost?

Fares on the new Skybus service begin at £79.99 one-way, including a 15kg checked bag.

Travellers can pay extra for additional luggage or a FlyFlexi add-on, which offers increased baggage allowance, ticket flexibility and security fast-track from £22.50 each way.

Skybus confirmed it expects to switch to a smaller 78-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft next month, with services increasing to twice daily from mid-February.

Managing director Jonathan Hinkles said the launch was “a proud moment” for the airline and a major step forward for Cornwall’s connectivity, describing the route as crucial for keeping communities and businesses linked to the capital all year.

Airline collapse

The reinstated service comes after weeks of uncertainty for travellers. Eastern Airways, one of the UK’s remaining regional carriers, collapsed earlier in November after years of financial struggle.

The airline reported a £19.7million net loss for the year to March 2024 – almost £5million worse than the previous year.

Cornwall Council moved quickly to secure a temporary agreement with Skybus, ensuring the connection wasn’t lost for long.

Leader of the council Leigh Frost said the route was essential, particularly with the county’s unreliable rail links, adding that Cornwall “needs that secure route so it can access the rest of the world”.

Skybus will continue to operate the service until at least mid-2026, while the council works to find a long-term airline to take on a four-year contract.

Previously, the route has been operated by FlyBe and after that, British Airways.

Eastern Airways took over operations in 2020 until its collapse earlier this month.

While stepping in on the Newquay–Gatwick route is new territory for Skybus, the airline is no stranger to Cornwall.

It has flown between Newquay and the Isles of Scilly for more than 30 years, with flights also running from Land’s End and Exeter.

Its parent company, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, also operates boats to the islands.

With the reinstated air link now back in action, Cornwall’s gateway to the capital is once again open, offering welcome stability after a turbulent month for regional travel.

Plus, here are the pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall.

And another Cornish village compared to Greece with seafront Roman attraction and one of the UK’s warmest beaches.

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Plus an English village that’s the ‘quiet side of Cornwall’ has A-list holidaymakers and no cars.

For alternatives to Cornwall, one travel writer would encourage Brits to head to her county instead.

A UK THEME park has revealed plans to build a new holiday village, marking the first accommodation at the much-loved attraction.

Paultons Park near Romsey is looking to build over 120 holiday homes for just under 600 guests.

Each holiday home will be either two, three or four bedrooms and they will all be self-catering.

Inside, the holiday homes will feature a Scandinavian design, with a more rustic and traditional style.

And there will be accessible units as well.

The plans for the site also include a welcome building and reception known as “a gateway building”, which will provide space for resort guests to be dropped off.

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There will be a 400sqm restaurant too and a 65sqm shop selling food and essentials.

The existing car park will be changed, with better access for guests to the welcome building and reception.

An entertainment room is planned as well and so is a games room for indoor games and activities.

Originally, the theme park wanted to create accommodation for 700 guests – however, after feedback they revised the proposal.

According to the Hampshire Chronicle, James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: “We are still in the very early stages of our accommodation project.

“The report outlines the results of specialist surveys, such as ecology and heritage, as well as revised unit numbers for the scheme following detailed financial and viability modelling.

“Our vision is to deliver 122 units, designed to comfortably accommodate just under 600 guests at full capacity, 100 guests fewer than previously outlined.”

He added that it will be several years before the onsite accommodation will be built, but that Paultons is committed to making it happen.

Paultons Park recently scooped up the award for the Theme Park of the Year at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025.

And ahead of possible accommodation, the attraction will open a new Viking-themed ‘Valgard’ area next year, on May 16.

The new land will feature a number of rides including a rollercoaster called Drakon which will invert, a themed restaurant and a playground.

There will also be a ride called ‘Vild Swing’, which will measure 12 metres high and by the first of its kind in the UK.

And back in May, the park opened Ghostly Manor – an interactive, family-friendly ride where guests have to capture ghosts that have “escaped the house of renowned ghost hunter Dr Kinley”.

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In other theme park news, Universal’s UK theme park to get its own train station as part of mega £6.6billion project.

Plus, the UK’s biggest live action show reveals plans for new historical theme park.

MORE Americans are looking to vacation in the States — and search data reveals the surprising destination that’s leading the way.

According to Google Trends, it seems as though we have started to ditch the beach for icy thrills, with record-high numbers of us looking up “Alaska cruise”.

Interest in domestic travel has surged in the past few years since the pandemic.

After months stuck indoors, we clearly rediscovered our love for fresh air, wildlife spotting and larger-than-life landscapes.

Alaska fits perfectly with this new outlook, as we increasingly seek nature-packed getaways.

The state’s appeal is plain to see — already one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, the Last Frontier wows even the most seasoned travelers.

Think lush, secluded mountain ranges and abundant wildlife — from grizzly bears to towering moose.

Out on the ocean, passengers can see stunning spectacles like whales breaching alongside the vessel or seals chilling on ice caps.

But one of the things that appeals most about sailing these waters is the ability to set your own pace.

Want to spend days trekking across colossal glaciers? They’re there for exploring.

Prefer soaking in a hot spring with unbeatable views? Go and lap it up.

Many voyages let you do both: adventuring through rugged coastline and fully indulging in the relaxing facilities onboard afterward.

It’s the perfect blend of excitement and laid-back comfort, with a huge variety of trip types on offer.

Most long-haul cruises head out from Seattle or Vancouver and last about a week, although more travelers are opting for 10 to 14-day itineraries crammed with exploration.

Flying straight to Alaska is also an option, allowing for shorter, more intimate, and adventure-focused itineraries.

Smaller ships can venture where big liners can’t, offering hikes, kayaking, fishing, and other memorable experiences.

But with Google Trends showing far more searches for Alaska cruises than flights, Americans seem to want to take their time.

Most Alaskan voyages run between May and September, when the days are long, warm, and perfect for sighting humpbacks, orcas, and even bald eagles.

So it makes sense that online interest for voyages peaks around July and August.

Searches for cruises overall have soared in the past three years, with summer 2025 seeing the highest peak for half a decade.

Caribbean cruises still attract more online interest than Alaska though.

Curiosity for hot-weather retreats spikes in December and January, but Alaska’s popularity shows Americans also crave epic experiences as well as beach breaks.

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The data trends suggest Americans are hungry for slow travel that mixes comfort with real adventure and wild encounters — all without leaving the country.

With pure escapism high on the wish list, it’s no wonder more people are setting their sights on Alaska.

TRYING to choose the right ski resort for the family – especially if you have beginners or young additions – can be tricky.

Thankfully, there are some great resorts depending on what different needs you have, as well as some great deals alongisde.

Crystal Ski Holidays has done the hard work and broken down some of the best in Europe.

Some don’t even have to break the bank, with a week-long trip including flights for just over £500 each.

So here are eight different resorts, based on younger skiers, new skiers, to those who want some cozy resorts or party resorts. 

Best for Little Ones

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Hundfjället, Sweden 

Just a 15–20 minutes transfer from the airport, Hundfjället is easy to get to and simple to navigate.

The resort is designed with families in mind.

This means features such as Valle the Snowman and Trollskogen, an enchanting forest filled with wooden trolls and storybook creatures as children make their way down the slopes. 

And when having a break from skiing, children can enjoy tubing, mini snowmobiles, or relaxing at the hotel’s spa. 

Seven nights at SkiStar Lodge Hundfjället  with return flights, 20kg hold luggage and transfers from £1,233pp.

Best for Beginners

Soldeu, Andorra 

Soldeu offers calm, family-friendly skiing, with the main gondola taking visitors straight to nursery slopes and the ski school.

Wide green and blue runs through the trees make progression easy.

And younger kids can build confidence in the playful Baba Boom Circus area, complete with obstacles and fun features. 

Seven nights at Apartamentos Prat De Les Molleres with return flights, 23kg hold luggage and transfers from £1,615pp.

Rauris, Austria 

A peaceful, compact resort, Rauris is perfect for first-time skiers.

Everything is within walking distance – from family-run accommodation to the gondola and ski school.

Children can learn on the nursery slopes, progress to gentle blue runs with panoramic views, or have fun on the mini racetrack.

Off-slope activities include sleigh rides, ice climbing, and snowshoeing under the stars. 

Seven nights at Hotel Rauriserhof  with return flights, 20kg hold luggage and transfers from £997pp.

Best for Alpine Charm & Comfort

Obergurgl, Austria 

High in the Austrian Alps, Obergurgl combines alpine charm with family convenience.

Quiet slopes and excellent ski schools help children gain confidence quickly, while parents enjoy high-quality hotels, hearty Tyrolean cuisine, and stunning mountain views.

Family-friendly facilities like pools and playrooms add extra appeal, and reliable snow cover keeps everyone happy all season. 

Seven nights at Obergurgl, Austria with return flights, 20kg hold luggage and transfers from £1,967pp.

Flaine, France 

Flaine has both sunny slopes and reliable snow, ideal for beginners and families.

Kids can enjoy Crystal Childcare while exploring beginner areas, and there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained off the slopes – from ice skating and bowling to magical dog sled rides. 

And with accommodation near the lifts it ensures a smooth and comfortable stay. 

Seven nights at Dormio Resort Les Portes du Grand Massif with return flights, 20kg hold luggage and transfers from £1,770pp.

Best for Off-Slope Fun

Zell am See, Austria 

Set beside a pretty lake, Zell am See combines scenic beauty with family-friendly adventures.

Kids can ski in Schmidolin’s Dragon Park, with themed fun runs and a dragon mascot.

Families can also enjoy sleigh rides, an alpine rollercoaster, and explore the lively lakeside town.

It even has one of Austria’s largest ski schools, so the resort caters to all abilities. 

Seven nights Boutique Hotel Martha  with return flights, 23kg hold luggage and transfers from £1,164pp.

La Plagne, France 

La Plagne is perfect for families that want a more gentle terrain with beginner-friendly runs.

But there is lots to do off the slopes too including ice skating, igloo villages, and even an ice grotto on the glacier.

There is a huge variety of accommodation options and welcoming resorts ensure comfort for all ages. 

Seven nights at Premium Residence Les Hauts Bois, Plagne Aime 2000  with return flights, 20kg hold luggage and transfers from £507pp.

Best for Arctic Adventures

Ruka, Finland 

For an authentic winter wonderland, Ruka offers traditional log cabins and slope-side stays, so mornings with the kids are extra easy.

It is also just 20 minutes from the airport, so you don’t have to travel far.

Otherwise the resort has a number of gentle runs, family parks with magic carpets and fun obstacles.

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Don’t forget to go dog sledding and on reindeer safaris.

Seven nights at Aurinkorinne Apartments with with return flights, 20kg hold luggage and transfers from £1,348pp.

OUR Spotlight On column rounds up the best things to see and do in top holiday destinations – and shines a light on some lesser-known spots too.

This week we’re spotlighting Belfast – the Northern Irish capital bursting with charm, heritage and plenty of good craic!

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens recently spent a weekend in the city centre, and is wondering why she didn’t visit sooner.

She said: “Belfast wasn’t on my bucket list, but after going I can’t believe I overlooked it. I’m convinced it’ll be the next go-to city for weekend breaks.

“Flights only cost £15 with Ryanair, and they’re so quick you barely have time to have a drink and stretch your legs before you’re landing again.

“The city’s got some amazing architecture, like the grand city hall and cathedral that watches over the city with its signature spire poking out.

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“The food scene in Belfast is criminally underrated too – local pubs served up some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.

“The Afternoon Tea at the Grand Central Hotel was miles better than The Shard.

“It had loads of unique tea flavours such as lemon smoothie, and plenty of well-stuffed sandwiches to go round.

“Plus, the Causeway Coast is breath-taking and under an hour’s drive from Belfast.

“It’s worth extending your trip, hiring a car and driving up the entire coast to see dramatic cliffs and Game of Thrones filming locations – not just a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway.

Must see and do

Head to McConnell’s Whiskey Distillery for a tour that blends history, culture and some fantastic local flavours.

Housed in the former Crumlin Road Gaol, the £25 experience begins with a welcome drink and a guided tasting of three spirits.

You’ll get to walk over the eerie markings of old prison cells, whilst seeing how whiskey is crafted from grain to glass.

The most memorable part of my visit, however, was the black cab tour.

Our cab driver, Billy, gave us a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, and drove us through a series of murals and past the Peace Walls.

It’s an excellent way to learn more about the city through the eyes of a local.

Else, take a stroll through the Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled streets buzz with street art and live music.

Hidden gem

Belfast lies partly in County Antrim, home to the stunning Causeway Coast.

In an hour’s drive you can discover the breath-taking coastline: from the dramatic rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede to the sweeping sands of White Park Bay.

Head to Glenariff Forest Park for panoramic landscapes and an enchanting waterfall walk.

You can even book a tour with a forest guide, who will tell you all about the area and its wildlife.

And if hiking’s not your thing, you can simply sit in the park’s cafe with a cup of tea to soak up the emerald green landscape.

Best view

For a striking view that makes you think, visit Titanic Belfast.

From here, you can look out over the historic slipways and docks where the liner was built and launched – a backdrop that transports you back in time.

After taking in the sheer scale of the ship from the slipway markings, the attraction itself becomes even more meaningful.

Here you can even step aboard the SS Nomadic – the White Star Line ship that ferried passengers to the Titanic itself.

The walk through takes a couple of hours, and is fascinating, immersive and deeply moving.

Rated restaurant

Mourne Seafood Bar is renowned for its ultra-fresh, locally sourced fish.

From seafood casserole to creamy mussels with crusty bread, the menu champions seasonal flavours.

Casual, welcoming and full of maritime charm, it’s the go-to spot for seafood lovers in Belfast.

If seafood’s not your thing, I recommend heading to Amelia Hall for delicious and generous portions of creamy pasta and freshly made pizza.

Best bar

Ask anyone in Belfast and they’ll say it’s hard to find a bad pint – and they’re right.

But the name that continually crops up the most amongst locals is Kelly’s Cellars.

One of the oldest pubs in Belfast, the low-beamed interior is warm and welcoming, alive with chatter and perfectly-poured pints.

Hotel pick

The Grand Central is Belfast’s showstopper hotel.

Once hosting icons from Churchill to the Beatles, today it continues to impress the modern guest with sleek rooms and city views.

Head to The Observatory, Ireland’s tallest bar, for cocktails or afternoon tea with the skyline shimmering below.

Classic Rooms at the Grand Central start from £220 per night, including breakfast. See www.hastingshotels.com/grand-central.

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Northern Ireland is part of the common travel area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers.

For more information visit: Ireland.com/northernireland.

THERE’S a county in England that’s been my secret holiday hotspot since I was a child – and now it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.

I love a trip to Lincolnshire, which has something for everyone, whether you love castles, coastline, charming cobbled streets or grand country houses.

So it came as no surprise when Lincoln Castle was given gold for its overall visitor experience by VisitEngland, while Lincoln Guildhall won acclamation in the best told story and tour categories.

My first visit to Lincoln was when my grandma took me to the famous Christmas market in the 1990s.

It was lovely wandering the cobbles near the cathedral, browsing the stalls.

More recently, the market became a victim of its own success and hasn’t run for a couple of years now, because the city became overwhelmed by the number of visitors thronging its historic streets.

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But there’s still loads to do in the county town over the festive season, with carol concerts galore at the cathedral, an illuminated light trail at the castle and hand-carved ice sculptures throughout the city centre on the first weekend in December.

Thirty miles away, on the border between Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, is Belvoir Castle, near Grantham, which was recognised by VisitEngland in the best told story category.

And Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby, halfway between Lincoln and Grantham, was named a hidden gem.

It must have been quite difficult to single out just a few attractions for recognition, as Lincolnshire has a lot to offer when it comes to affordable days out and holidays.

It’s always been a popular destination for Midlands folk heading to the coast, but seems to have slipped below the radar for much of the rest of the country.

I’ve been visiting Sutton on Sea, Mablethorpe and Skegness for as long as I can remember and I love to head back to that stretch of coast with my family, as it feels like a little slice of childhood nostalgia.

We used to stay in a chalet owned by a family friend, with a path down to the nearby beach.

Nowadays, we’re more likely to be found at Butlin’s in Skegness or Haven Golden Sands near Mablethorpe as we love the pools and family entertainment at both.

And more recently, I’ve discovered lots of great days out further inland.

If you want to give Lincolnshire a look, the area around Grantham is easily accessible and has lots to do.

Belton House has one of the biggest outdoor adventure playgrounds in the National Trust.

We often visit in the summer, when the gardens have extra family activities and the miniature train is usually running.

But lots of visitors head there in the winter for its award-winning light trail.

If you prefer smaller sites, I loved Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Isaac Newton where he is reputed to have discovered gravity when he watched an apple falling from a tree in the garden.

There’s a small hands-on science centre if you’ve got little ones who are keen to follow in Newton’s footsteps.

If you’re after somewhere to stay to explore everything the county has to offer, I really rate Away Resorts Tattershall Lakes, which is about 45 minutes from the coast, Lincoln and Grantham.

It’s a great base for days out, no matter which direction you drive.

It has lovely hot tub lodges, an indoor splash pad for little ones with a view out over the lake, a lakeside lido for summer swimming and an atmospheric spiegeltent for shows, which really comes into its own at Christmas time.

And just nearby is the Kinema in the Woods, which has been running in a converted sports pavilion for more than a century, making it one of the oldest cinemas in the country.

This quirky little spot is just one local that reflects the laid-back Lincolnshire way of life.

It’s lovely to see this much-loved Midlands mecca finally getting a bit of the limelight.

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For more recommended spots by VisitEngland, here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

Plus, Britain’s best hidden gems have been named from free museums to brewery tours.

SPAIN’S Costas have long been British holidaymakers’ top choice for a summer getaway.

But that’s by no means all this captivating country has to boast about.

Its rich culinary scene comes alive in winter, with the northern regions revelling in truffle season while the Asturias readies its cider houses for an influx of visitors.

Anna Viladot, of Vueling, says: “Social media has influenced how people choose where to travel. For many, the food comes first and the destination follows.”

Whether it’s hearty stews in Santiago de Compostela or seafood in Seville that takes your fancy, Sophie Swietochowski has a winter escape guaranteed to tickle your tastebuds.

STEWS IN SEVILLE

TRADITIONALLY a peasant dish, Andalusian stews are some of the heartiest out there, served with hunks of meat and beans that have spent hours bubbling away in spices. Seville is a great city to sample it in and the traditional, family-run restaurants do it best.

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Book a well-located base, like the 4* Porcel Torneo – which puts you within easy reach of all the best spots – and go for a basic, room-only package so you can sample grub from all the best places.

The modern, practical hotel is just a short walk from the Guadalquivir river and a 15-minute drive from the Royal Alcazar, a former royal palace that’s a must-see.

For a true flavour of the city, book on to a 2.5-hour Flavours of Andalusia food tour, which costs just £31 with tastings (for details see getyourguide.co.uk)

GO: A week room-only at the 4H Porcel Torneo is from £379pp, flying from Gatwick January 17.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

Flights-only, Gatwick to Seville, are from €38.99 one way at vueling.com.

BODEGAS IN BARCELONA

IN summer, Barcelona has a glorious sandy beach flanked by laid-back bars, but in winter when the crowds disperse, you can enjoy the city’s magic in relative solitude, sipping wine in charming bodegas.

Bodega J Cala, in the Sant Marti district to the east of the centre, is one of the best.

The vermouth really packs a punch and you can chase it down with tapas. Make sure to try the anchovies.

Calcots are another famous food in Barcelona and the Catalonia region in general. The long onions, which are sweet in flavour, are generally griddled on an open fire.

Roll yourself back to The Moxy, a rather swish hotel with a rooftop pool, hip atmosphere and neon signs decorating the rooms and the lobby.

GO: Four nights’ room-only at Moxy Barcelona, right, is from £328pp, flying from Birmingham on February 22.

See jet2citybreaks.com.

Flights-only, Gatwick to Barcelona, from €35.22 one way at vueling.com.

APPLES IN ASTURIAS

FANCY a cider? The mountainous region of Asturias will have you guzzling it back like juice.

The apples are harvested in autumn and the cider houses open for winter, serving small glasses that are meant to be knocked back in one hit.

Holidaymakers can follow the official cider trail, which visits some famous houses to explain how the apple-flavoured booze is produced to create one of three kinds: Natural, newly-pressed or sparkling.

Oviedo, a city that sits between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay, is one of the more popular areas to stay in thanks to its many hotels.

The Silken Monumental Naranco is an excellent place to base yourself, and has a restaurant serving hearty local dishes (perfect for after a day of cider-drinking).

GO: Seven nights’ room-only is from £265pp including flights from Stansted on January 26.

Book at onthebeach.co.uk. Flights-only, Gatwick to Asturias, from €30.99 one way at vueling.com.

MACKEREL & MORE IN MALAGA

IF you like a side of architecture and culture with your dinner, look no further than Malaga.

The southern coastal resort is loved for its vibrant beaches where travellers can soak up 30C sunshine during the ­summer.

The winters are just as decent, rarely ­dropping below 17C during the day.

Mackerel, especially horse mackerel (jurel), is a popular and affordable fish here, prepared in various ways such as fried or grilled.

Grilled ­sardines are popular, too, traditionally skewered into a sardine kebab, scattered with salt and then scorched on wooden embers that gives them a deep smokey ­flavour.

El Espigón de Pepe, set back from the beach front, is an excellent place to try them.

Stay at the modest, but cosy and well-located, Casual del Mar Málaga, right, a 3H hotel a short walk from the port.

GO: Seven nights’ room only costs from £349pp including flights from Luton on February 4.

See loveholidays.com.

Flights-only, Gatwick to Malaga, from €30.23 one way at vueling.com.

ARROZ IN ALICANTE

THE southern region of Alicante has so much more to it than action-packed beaches.

If you’re a fan of classic Spanish rice dishes (arroz) then the ones here, piled high with seafood and charred at the edges, won’t disappoint.

Book a stay in the modern Hotel Bonalba Alicante, a sprawling resort geared up for laid-back winters thanks to the wellness centre with a whirlpool, Turkish bath and sauna.

It’s home to one of the best golf courses in the region, where holes boast epic views.

The resort has some excellent restaurants, whose menus are littered with classic local dishes.

But if you fancy venturing out for the evening, Taberna del Mar, 15 minutes away by cab, dishes up some of the best home-cooked rice dishes in the area.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Hotel Bonalba Alicante, right, is from £259pp including flights from Manchester on January 30.

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Flights-only, Gatwick to Alicante, from €30.99 one way at vueling.com.

WE watched from our balcony as the sunset bled into the sky, transforming its blue hues into a vibrant shade of pink.

We weren’t expecting a visitor, but a sudden arrival only made this serene moment more magical.

From the trees above, a fuzzy owl had swooped down, perching on the edge of our balcony just feet away from where we lay. He seemed to be enjoying the views as much as we were.

We weren’t shocked by his arrival — after all, this was just one of many incredible wildlife interactions my partner and I had here on Portugal’s south coast.

As well as spotting dragonflies and lizards roaming between the hotel’s ten swimming pools, we stumbled upon dozens of turtles sheltering in the shady streams while walking down to the beach one day.

The wildlife is certainly a highlight of a visit to the Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, in Portugal’s Algarve.

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But it’s not the main reason holidaymakers head here. The sprawling resort is famous for its 18-hole golf course, one of the most challenging in the country as well as one of the most scenic, sandwiched between a beach and a nature reserve.

We were not here to practise our putting, though. Instead, R&R was at the top of our agenda.

With a state-of-the-art gym, huge spa hub and a health foods cafe which specialises in zero waste food, we couldn’t have picked a more appropriate place for our weekend of wellness.

Better still, at this time of year, flights start at just £42 and the journey only takes two-and-a-half hours.

We’d opted for a garden view room which overlooked the pool and an abundance of tropical greenery.

The suites here, which start at a bargain £116 per night, come decked out with a proper kitchen, including fridge and a washing machine.

There’s also a modern living area and large balcony complete with padded armchairs for soaking up the last of the afternoon rays with a glass of fizz.

With such extensive cooking facilities, you needn’t spend a penny on meals out if you don’t want to. But, with our focus on relaxation, the hotel’s buffet restaurant, In Season, became our go-to.

Ripe goodies

Daily breakfasts here were an exciting affair, with a fresh omelette station stealing the show. The fruit bar piled high with ripe goodies, freshly-pressed juices and a vast bread and pastry selection kept us more than satisfied until lunch.

The dinner options at In Season are limited to a small but excellent spread of buffet foods including a delicious freshly cooked tuna served in a salsa verde sauce and scorched BBQ chicken skewers.

While the options for vegetarians were more limited, the salad bar and cheese plates more than made up for it with every salad topping you could think of plus a variety of dressings.

If you get the chance, make sure to visit the Italian joint in the neighbouring hotel, too — but don’t forget to book in advance.

Elsewhere, within the resort, there’s an Indian restaurant, pizzeria and, my personal favourite, Green Artisan cafe.

Treat yourself to a body scrub, foot bath or facial if you have cash to splash, although the calming atmosphere of the place is enough to soothe away troubles.

This wellness restaurant was our favourite of the bunch, serving made-to-order tropical fruit smoothies, healthy snacks and home-baked cakes, all made with natural and nutritious ingredients.

This isn’t where the wellness ends, though. Complete with hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and ice cold bucket shower, the hotel’s spa is an ideal spot for whiling away the hours in blissful peace.

Entry isn’t automatically included for guests but it is well worth the additional 20 euros, with access from 9am until 7pm.

Treat yourself to a body scrub, foot bath or facial if you have cash to splash, although the calming atmosphere of the place is enough to soothe away troubles.

If you’re travelling with little ones, there’s a small splash pool and outdoor play area, as well as a kids’ club for children aged between four to 12, which costs an extra 45 euros a day.

And for those who are keen to venture further afield, you’ll find plenty to do in the neighbouring town of Albufeira which is just a 15-minute taxi ride away.

While it’s known for its wild party scenes, the old town is a pleasant place to take a stroll with colourful cobbled streets flanked by teeny shops and markets.

We booked a sunset boat cruise via GetYourGuide (£40pp, getyourguide.co.uk) which took us along the coast on a small yacht, watching the sun dip slowly behind the horizon while we bobbed peacefully on the water.

For those with a more adventurous streak, the local tour site has everything from Jeep tours and horse riding to parasailing and day trips to Seville for really decent prices.

We preferred to spend most of our days at the beach by the hotel, though.

During peak season the hotel offers a shuttle service to the sea, but why risk missing out on the wildlife?

The walk only takes about 20 minutes through the hotel’s gardens, following various streams down to the sea.

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The yellow beaches of the Algarve rarely disappoint, but this one was particularly beautiful.

And with the chance to spot baby turtles, it couldn’t get better.

ON the hunt for a bargain festive getaway? Forget the traditional European spots — as this year Vilnius is the place to head.

New research has revealed the capital of Lithuania is the most wallet-friendly destination for a Christmas market break, with low-cost accommodation plus ginger bread and mulled wine galore.

According to the Post Office’s annual Christmas Markets Barometer report, a two-night getaway in the historic city will set holidaymakers back significantly less than a short break in any other European destination.

The study looked at the cost of six basic holiday items in 15 countries that are popular for a festive break — to calculate where travellers would get the most bang for their buck in 2025.

These holiday items included B&B accommodation, return flights or Eurostar travel, coffees, and three-course dinners for two with wine.

It found the total cost of all of these essentials in Vilnius came to £508.94, with travel and accommodation being the leading cause for its affordability.

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The costing is dramatically less here than it would be in other destinations.

The study found that the city has not been affected by inflation in terms of holiday costs, with prices 0.4 per cent lower than they were in last year’s Christmas Markets Barometer.

In second place on the barometer is Riga in Latvia, which has been shown to be eight per cent more expensive than Vilnius overall, although comparatively general items, such as ginger bread or stollen at the market and a three-course meal for two, cost less.

Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office, said: “Sterling’s drop in value is an important factor for travellers to consider before booking a trip because this varies between currencies.

“The pound’s fall against the euro is smaller than against other European currencies — five per cent compared with 10.6 per cent against the Hungarian forint and 10.9 per cent against the krona in Sweden.”

If it is mulled wine you have got your eyes on, this year’s research suggests that Bratislava in Slovakia is the best place to get enjoy it without splashing the cash.

This destination came in third place overall but had the most affordable tipples, with four glasses of mulled wine priced at £10.77, more than £7 less than it would cost in Vilnius.

Prices for all the holiday items had risen in Bratislava, in comparison to the previous year, with flights and accommodation soaring by 12.9 per cent, while meals, drinks and airport transfers have increased 8.5 per cent from 2024.

Poland has been revealed as one of the most affordable countries overall for a festive mini-break, with three cities making it into the top ten on the budget barometer.

Gdansk, Warsaw and Krakow came in fourth, fifth and seventh place respectively with total holiday costs of £585.85, £588.97 and £674.17.

Despite being the most expensive of the Polish cities in general, Krakow is definitely the best place to head if you plan to load up on cake, stollen or gingerbread at the markets.

Here, it costs £10.56 on average for four portions of these sweet treats, which is less than half of what it would cost you in Warsaw (£22).

This still doesn’t compare to Stockholm, however, where visitors heading to the Christmas markets can get samples of these goodies for free.

At the other end of the scale, Copenhagen in Denmark was the priciest of all 15 destinations in the charts, with the total cost of all holiday items coming to a staggering £1,055.92 — more than double that of the cheapest spot, Vilnius.

Austrian capital Vienna was the second most expensive spot overall. However, the barometer shows that costs have fallen by 2.4 per cent since last year.

Laura Plunkett added: “Away from the Advent markets, there are tempting opportunities to shop for Christmas gift items.

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But we advise holidaymakers to think carefully before using a credit or debit card to make payments as they are likely to end up paying some extra non-sterling transaction charges.

“Instead, consider loading spending money on to a pre-paid card such as the Post Office Travel Money Card, which is widely accepted and does not incur these transaction charges.”

WHILE holiday destinations in Spain and Portugal remain popular with Brits, one woman is on a mission to visit places a bit further afield.

Hannah Fry’s new series, The Infinite Explorer, sees her take a different approach to travel, looking at quirks of history and geography behind the locations of some of the world’s lesser-visited spots.

Hannah Fry, who is a traveller and professor, went around the world with National Geographic filming her new six-part series.

She headed to some off-the-beaten-track places within La Gomera in the Canary Islands, and an island off South Korea.

But one of the places she went to were first-time visits for her – and one spot that particularly impressed her was Vietnam.

She told Sun Travel: I wasn’t expecting to like Vietnam as much as I did. In my head, I haven’t really updated my opinion of it from like watching war movies, to be honest.

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“So I think I was expecting somewhere that was really poor, that was like struggling quite a lot and actually, that’s not what you find.

“Once you get there, there’s like skyscrapers and really posh hotels.

“There’s bustling tourism. I was really surprised by how quickly they’ve managed to kind of turn the story around from what it was in the past.

“It’s an amazing country, really beautiful, and the people were so like almost ridiculously friendly.”

Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable countries for holidays.

The Post Office declared Hoi An in Vietnam as the top best-value long-haul destination when looking at the price of items from a cup of coffee to local lager, a cocktail to a three course evening meal.

It’s also affordable when it comes to luxury accommodation – Which? analysed five-star listings on Hotels.com and found the cheapest in Vietnam.

The Emerald Bay Hotel and Spa in Nha Trang, Vietnam was priced at £22 per night.

It has sea views on a rooftop terrace, two pools, and complimentary access to a private beach.

Meanwhile back in the UK, the average cost for a luxury hotel in London is around £535 to £580 per night.

Or in the likes of the Maldives and Dubai ,luxury resorts can set you back thousands.

Hannah also found that in Vietnam you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great food.

She told us: “To be honest, in Vietnam, you don’t even really need to go anywhere to get nice food – you could stop off at like what is effectively a motorway service station.”

Authentic food in Vietnam can cost as little as £8 and beers around £1 as one Sun Writer discovered on his recent trip to the country.

Another spot that Hannah ventured to was South Korea’s largest island, Jeju.

Talking about it, Hannah explained: “Jeju is absolutely stunning. Imagine Thailand, right? That’s what Jeju is like.

“It’s where all of the Koreans go on holiday, so it’s full of really fancy hotels. It’s got a proper jungle, rainforests, and lush greenery.

“There are unbelievably beautiful white sandy beaches – it’s stunning. Like paradise vibes, and with good Wi-Fi.”

It wasn’t all long-haul destinations, Hannah went to one of the most popular tourist spots for Brits, the Canary Islands.

However, she did go to one of the lesser-visited islands, La Gomera.

“It’s definitely much lesser known, especially compared to Tenerife -it was so quiet and much less drunk tourists!

“I can’t explain how beautiful these landscapes were – absolutely stunning, and lovely beaches.”

Hannah revealed that her travels were slightly less glamorous than she hoped.

She confessed: “I was freezing for most of it. Naturally, I was excited when they said – you have an entire series get to travel the entire world.

“But we filmed it all in winter – I was freezing. The warmest place we probably filmed in was Ireland.”

Back in the UK, Hannah actually likes to embrace the cooler weather.

“I love going to Cornwall – and when it’s grey and drizzly with the leaves on the ground I can just turn the fire on, have a cup of hot chocolate and read a book under a blanket.”

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Hannah’s adventures continue with her trip to South Korea, and you can catch up on previous episodes on National Geographic too.

TRYING to figure out what to get someone for Christmas often feels like a part-time job – but if they love to travel, then they will love these finds for less than £15.

From frantic packers to document forgetters, travelling can sometimes be stressful.

On the other hand, it is the perfect time to indulge and get something for someone else that will make their holiday even more special.

Here are Sun Travel’s top gifts for under £15… bargain!

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Important documents case

After leaving my home to catch a flight, I have already unzipped my bag to check I have my passport at least five times.

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But it can get lost in my bag, and often this is when the panic sets in.

Add to it trying to find you debit and credit cards, printed documents such as booking references and insurance and of course, once you’re at the airport, your boarding pass – it becomes a flustered nightmare.

All of this stress goes when you have a documents purse.

This sleek travel wallet from Amazon for just £13.98 is ideal.

It has several pouches and pockets for all your important bits, meaning they don’t get lost.

And the wrist strap means important documents are right in your hand.

Reusable travel cup

If you are anything like me, you will never be able to face the day or journey ahead without a good old cup of coffee.

And often, when I am rushing between airport, train, hotel and attractions, there is nothing I want more than a caffeine hit.

Paper cups just don’t do it for me – I am fed up of the dribbles down the side thanks to a loose fitting lid, having burnt hands when no coffee collars are available and of course, my drink going cold in a matter of seconds.

Husk’s reusable 12oz travel cup is simple and stylish.

It is made from the husks of coffee beans, hence the name and is super lightweight to throw in a bag.

The cup itself is super durable and keeps my coffee hot for much longer.

For £12, it’s a steal.

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Pretty hand luggage bag

After a series of unfortunate events in which my suitcase was misplaced twice during one trip, I’ve learned that one essential every holidaymaker needs is a sizable hand luggage bag.

Any seasoned traveller will know that to take just a handbag on a flight is unwise, especially if you’re taking a connecting flight.

You need at least a day’s worth of clothes and your essentials on the plane with you.

So a stylish bag for taking on the plane that you can slide under the seat in front of you is a great Christmas gift.

This one from Amazon fits airline dimensions of 40x20x25 and even has a separate compartment for shoes.

Or opt for this navy duffel bag which is water-repellent, tear-resistant with various pockets and strap options too.

And both are under £15.

World scratch map

Whether you know someone who is a casual jetsetter, loves a family holiday or a keen solo traveller, a scratch map is a great gift.

It’s incredibly satisfying to mark off everywhere you’ve been across the world, and if you get the right one, it can make for some fun wall art too.

Scratch The World Map Print from Not on the High Street is A2 size and has all the countries covered in gold until you scratch them off leaving colourful destinations underneath.

Plus, whoever you gift it to can even pop it in a frame and put it on the wall if they like – and it’s just £13.59.

Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer

Hot drinks flask

When you’re dragging yourself out of bed at 4am to catch a flight, a hot cup of coffee is essential to kick you into gear – especially if it is cold.

And if you’re choosing between downing a rushed cuppa out the door or forking out on an expensive airport latte, neither sound particularly appealing.

That’s where this simple gift becomes a travel lover’s saviour.

A reusable coffee flask is the underrated travel lover’s best friend.

From the airport journey, to filling up at the hotel for a day of exploring – and it’s especially handy for a caffeine hit mid-hike.

For skiers and snowboarders, a flask is a life saver when battle sub zero temps too.

Also, coffee shops like Pret a Manger and Starbucks discount your coffee if you bring your own cup – so they’ll be chuffed that you’re saving them money in the long run, too.

This bright choice from Smash is only £8.50 from Argos.

Power bank

Let’s be honest. No one is ever going to be mad that you’ve bought them a power bank.

It’s one of those gifts that can only be useful – whether you’re travelling, commuting, or stuck at a festival when your phone hits one per cent.

It’s a perfect choice for jet-setters, concert lovers and anyone who’s glued to Google Maps while exploring a new city.

A decent power bank means no more desperate searches for plug sockets in airports or cafés – and no missed photo ops because your phone’s dead.

It’s a small gadget that makes a big difference – the kind of gift they’ll be super thankful for when their phone survives a 12-hour travel day.

Just make sure that they are aware of the rules as to taking power banks on flights – they must be in your carry-on luggage, and some airlines don’t allow them.

This one from HMV is small and sleek, perfect to slide straight into your bag and it costs less than a tenner (£9.99).

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Lavender pillow spray

I have an overnight bag that I bring with me absolutely everywhere.

In it are several pairs of ear plugs, an eye mask and the most important (and giftable) item of all: lavender pillow spray.

As a self-confessed insomniac, there are few things that soothe me more ahead of a snooze than a cuppa and a spritz of my spray, whether that’s on an overnight flight or in an unfamiliar hotel room.

ThisWorks is my favourite brand, made from a dreamy combination of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert essential oils.

The mini 10ml spray costs just £10.80 in the Black Friday sale and is diddy enough to fit into a pocket.

For a more budget-friendly option, Feather & Down’s Sweet Dreams Pillow spray costs £8.

Packing cubes

Is your giftee a keen organiser?

If so, they’re sure to love a set of packing cubes.

I find them to be incredibly useful on short trips where I’m trying to cram a lot in.

They’re also great for more intrepid adventures where I’m travelling around a lot – that way I can keep track of where everything is without needing to fully unpack when I reach the hotel.

I use one for socks and underwear, one for trousers, one for tops and one for gym gear.

This Amazon bunch is an absolute steal at less than a tenner (£9.98) and it’s got a cube for everything: toiletries, shoe bag, cubes of varying sizes and even a laundry bag.

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Eye mask

If there is one thing I cannot do on a flight, it’s sleep.

And with my job taking me around the world 10+ times a year, I’ve tried everything to try and make that long-haul overnight flight easier.

But one game-changer I’ve found is ditching the travel pillow for an – albeit strange looking – eye mask that you attached to your head rest.

The contraption might look bizarre at first, but once you tie the straps around the seat behind you, it quickly looks like a normal eye mask.

Also padded, this means your head is kept in a much comfier upright position once you tie it around your head while blocking out any cabin light.

So if you care more about sleeping than how you look? Try this editor-approved bit of kit for just £9.99 on Amazon.

Toiletries set

I love to treat myself to a small kit of travel toiletries before I go on holiday, to get me in vacation mode.

And there are loads you can find for under £15 this Christmas that fit in your stocking.

There is the Space NK Caribbean Shores Body Duo, with body wash and lotion for £12, with smells that will take you straight to the beach.

Boots have both Sanctuary and Champneys travel essentials for £10 as well, with shower gels and moisturisers.

I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up keeping them for yourself this Christmas…

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

Travel gifts don’t have to just be for adults… these are all great stocking fillers, and I’ve tried and tested each of them on multiple trips with my child. 

Wikki Stix

These Wikki Stix are excellent for keeping kids occupied on planes.

You can mould them into all sorts of objects and animals and they pack away easily at the end for another use.

Plus, it’s super fun to use as an adult.

Pack of two for £13.99. 

Magnetic ball drawing board 

This magnetic ball drawing board has come on at least 20 holidays with my son, since he was just three years old. 

It’s great from an early age, as they don’t have to be good at drawing to create good designs.

Then as they get older, the creations can get more intricate.

As a family, we also play, guessing the drawing – where you have to guess quickest in order to have the next turn.

This works on planes, in cars, at restaurants – anywhere apart from the beach really. 

Available on Amazon from £6.99.

Magnetic chess board 

Ok, hear me out.

I never pictured myself as a chess player either.

But a friend taught my six year old a year ago and it has transformed mealtimes at restaurants on holiday. 

We’ve sat there for an hour as we battle it out, which gives me extra time to enjoy my wine. 

Definitely get a magnetic version though, as you’ll have a nightmare keeping track other the pieces otherwise. 

Available from £7.99 on Amazon. 

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If you fancy spending a little more money, you could get the item that travel reporter Cyann Fielding swears by – it’s a lifesaver and takes up very little room.

Or perhaps opt for the ‘high quality’ travel gadget that keeps your luggage safe – and means it will never get lost.

BRITS returning home will face shorter wait times at passport control after a facial recognition trial passed with flying colours.

Border Force conducted a successful trial of the technology that would allow for contactless passage when arriving back at UK airports.

The trial run was held at Manchester Airport in October which would replace the traditional passport checks with facial recognition technology.

Border Force boss, Phil Douglas, said the trial in Manchester “considerably reduced” waiting times.

“So people approach the e-gate, it recognizes them [as] already on our database, and they’re checked through,” Douglas told The Times.

The facial recognition was fitted into existing passport e-gates and reduced waiting time as passengers no longer had to scan their passports.

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“The border has really changed over the last few years and that work is picking up pace. Public expectations have changed and technology has changed,” Douglas added.

“We now have AI facial recognition, the use of biometric identifiers in parallel with the more traditional forms of identification, like visas and passports.”

Douglas explained that Border Force wanted to make use of the existing 270 e-gates at airports and ports around the country by fitting them with the new technology.

 “It’s our intention that almost everybody will go through an e-gate of one description or another,” Douglas said.

“The Manchester pilot has shown that we can actually reduce transaction times considerably as well.”

He did warn that while this was a huge leap in technological advancement and would reduce waiting times, there was “something important about the ‘theatre’ of the border.”

Douglas said passengers should still expect to feel a sense of a border and scrutiny when entering the UK and when “they’re stopped it’s a moment they know they’re being checked.”

The UK is not the only country to introduce facial recognition technology at airports with the United Arab Emirates allowing passengers from 50 countries to enter using it.

Australia and the US were also considering trialling the software.

The Sun contacted Border Force for comment.

Facial recognition technology was also being considered at ports which would remove the need to even step out of your car to go through passport control.

The technology will be used at ports to match their faces with passport and car details already logged in government databases.

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The cameras, which are being trialled at four ports since November 2024 – are designed to cut queues that build up during busy holiday periods.

Only “passengers of interest” highlighted as a risk because of intelligence, safeguarding concerns or questions over their identity will have to undergo manual checks by a Border Force officer on arrival.

WHEN it comes to taking a break in autumn, many Brits look to escape the worsening weather at home with a sun-soaked getaway.

So we’ve found the sunniest beach in Europe – and it’s just over four hours from the UK.

Saga Holidays has discovered Europe’s sunniest beaches during the low season, and coming in the top spot is Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

During the months of November to April it has just over 10 hours of average daily sunshine, and average maximum highs of 22C.

Playa de Maspalomas is just over two miles long and the waters are ideal for swimming and paddling.

Visitors can sunbathe on the sandy shore, but be warned that the beach is known for being windy thanks to it being so flat.

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It’s also well-known for its golden sand dunes that look like a desert – which are made from the island’s breeze which moves the sand to create the spectacular shapes.

The dunes even have its own ecosystem with plants, animals and a lagoon – here you might spot waterbirds and the native Maspalomas giant lizard.

Near the beach is the Maspalomas Lighthouse, which was built in 1861, and there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants for families to enjoy too.

Behind the front row of eateries on the promenade are even more places to grab a snack and lots of souvenir shops.

Playa de Maspalomas was also one of the best beaches for 2024 according to Tripadvisor.

It was well-loved thanks to its family-friendly facilities, as well as miles of rolling sands as well as watersport zones and designated nudist areas.

To get to the sunny beach, you need to head to Gran Canaria which you can do from £16 for a one-way ticket with easyJet.

You can fly from all over the UK including London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Belfast, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Birmingham.

As a whole, the island of Gran Canaria is a favourite of Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski.

She said: “I paid a visit to Gran Canaria for the first time this year – and it did not disappoint. 

“The volcanic island is only a four-hour (ish) flight from the UK, yet it offers balmy weather that is worlds apart from those April showers back home, reaching highs of up to 23C in spring.

“I’ll be honest, I barely left the resort during my visit, but there’s no harm in that. Book yourself a plush all-inclusive hotel and it’s simply impossible not to unwind when you’ve got pina coladas being delivered to your sunbed every hour. 

“Got children? That’s what the kids clubs are for. My resort, Paradisus by Melia, had an excellent one for all ages from tiny tots up to teens.”

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Here are the sunniest beaches in Europe…

Low Season

Gran Canaria, Playa de Maspalomas
Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas
Limassol, Lady’s Mile Beach
Almeria, Playa de los Genoveses
Crete, Agia Fotia Beach

High Season

Fethiye, Ölüdeniz Beach

Rhodes, Antony Quinn Bay

Samos, Tsamadou beach

Limassol, Lady’s Mile Beach

Ayia Napa, Nissi Beach

Here you can find more of our travel team’s favourite European holiday destinations.

Plus, here are the top five places in the UK where you get the most hours of sunlight during autumn and winter months.

HOLIDAYMAKERS jetting off with one of the UK’s most popular budget airlines are being stung by a sneaky charge hidden in the small print – and families could be left £140 out of pocket.

Even as a seasoned budget traveller, I thought I knew every trick.

But when recently travelling with Wizz Air, I was still caught me out with a rule in the fine print. 

Like many travellers, I tried to check in on the morning of my flight – only to be met with an error message.

Online check in had closed, and I was told I had to pay €40 (£35) at Milan Malpensa just to get my boarding pass.

Wizz Air’s online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight – and unlike most airlines, closes three hours before departure.

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Miss the window, and you’ll be slapped with a hefty fee to pay.

So if you check in on the day of your flight – or fly early in the morning – you could easily miss the cut off. 

The strict fee allows even less time than Ryanair or easyJet, which open online check in up until around two hours before take off.

According to Wizz Air’s policy: “Online check-in is available from 30 days up to three hours before the scheduled departure time if you have purchased a seat during your booking.

“In case you have not purchased any seats with your booking, check-in will become available only 24 hours before departure.”

That means a family of four who forgets to check in online within the specific time frame could be looking at an eye-watering €160 (£140) bill before they’ve even reached security…

And though the airport check in fee is listed at just €13 (£11) on the official Wizz Air site, this price only applies to those who choose to add this charge on in advance, rather than check in online.

Plenty of travellers have been caught out by this little known rule too.

On social media, you’ll find threads full of passengers complaining about “unexpected” airport check-in charges.

Luke, 22, from London, was caught with the charge flying back to the UK.

He told The Sun: “You’d think checking in three hours before a flight would be fine, but with Wizz Air, it’s already too late.

“We had to pay €80 (£70) for two of us to check in at the airport – I thought I could just do it on my phone like every other airline.” 

Wizz Air isn’t breaking any rules in the UK; the information is there on its website.

But, it’s easily missed unless you’re combing through the small print before your holiday. 

Terms and conditions on Wizz Air’s website state: “Online check-in is available from 24 hours up to three hours before scheduled departure.

“Passengers who fail to check in online must complete the process at the airport and will be charged a fee as outlined in our terms.”

How to avoid the €40 fee

Here’s what travellers should do to stay one step ahead:

• Check in as soon as online check-in opens. For Wizz Air, that’s exactly 24 hours before your flight. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget. 
• Download your boarding pass immediately. Don’t rely on the app or airport WiFi, which can be unreliable. Print it at home, or save it to your smartphone’s wallet.
• Avoid leaving it until the morning of your flight – always check in the day before, then you know that you’re sorted.

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: “Like many other airlines, Wizz Air encourages all passengers to check-in online as early as possible before their scheduled departure time. We aim to make check-in simple for passengers and provide instructions during the booking process, on the Wizz Air website and via email reminders on how to check-in online to avoid fees.

“Customers who have not purchased seats with their booking, can check-in online 24 hours before departure via the Wizz Air app or website. At this point, they also have the opportunity to purchase a seat.   

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“Passengers who fail to check-in online, or who wish to check-in within three hours of their flight, must do so at the airport. This service can be pre-booked online for £12.00 or €13 per flight. Airport check-in without pre-booking costs £36.50 or €40.00. Full details on our check-in policy can be found on the Wizz Air website.

“Wizz Air does not discriminate against any passenger. While we are a digital-first airline, we offer special assistance to any passenger who might need it, abiding by all relevant UK CAA regulations, which specifies passengers who need special assistance should contact the airline at least 48-hours before departure. Wizz Air is fully committed to accommodating the special needs of any passenger who contacts them in the stipulated timeframe, which can also be requested by telephone.”