Holiday tips tricks and hacks

WHAT’S your check list for a family holiday that keeps everyone happy? Several pools? Water slides? Beach access? Good kids club?

This month, the TUI Holiday Village in Sarigerme, Dalaman, was voted TUI’s best family-friendly hotel in the world.

The Magic Life property on the edge of the Aegean Sea has 253 rooms, five pools and four restaurants… and enough activities to keep guests busy for an entire month.

I visited for a week last summer with my 6 year old and was blown away by the offering. 

As a Travel Editor for nearly a decade, I’ve slept in some of the world’s best places, from five-star resorts to Disney theme park hotels. 

But this flagship Holiday Village property by TUI got a 10 out of 10 for many things, from food and cleanliness to extracurriculars. 

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I’ve been to five-star hotels with far poorer service and fewer food choices.

On my family’s trip our days were so busy I had to schedule everything. 

We filled our days with Go Ape-style aerial adventures, drama classes, inflatable obstacle courses, discos, game show challenges, arcades… 

There truly was something for everyone, including football and swimming lessons, or even chocolate parties.  

Despite scorching temperatures in August hitting 48C, the staff were amazing.

The entertainment team were always on form, the food at breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious, the poolside was immaculate and the rooms were spotless.

Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for — Turkish pastries, English favourites, about six types of eggs, continental, and a huge fruit selection.

Lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge mezze selection consisting of about 40 different dishes.

But the best meal was dinner, with an even more expansive mezze selection, soups, salads and several hot food stations serving everything from pizza to gourmet to-order dishes, and a pudding buffet of dreams.

They also had themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings.

And they had a separate kitchen for kids’ food at all meals. 

There were three a-la-carte restaurants too, serving American, European and Asian dishes.

At night, most of the hotel decamped to the 500-seat amphitheatre to watch the entertainment.

One evening towards the end of our holiday, my son and ten others put on a half-hour show that was deeply impressive given the minimal six hours of rehearsals that had taken part in the run-up. 

Also part of the evening entertainment schedule were DJs, dance contests, quizzes and a musical. 

Admittedly, you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy this hotel.

“Never a dull moment” extends to all times of the day, with a full-on range of activities taking place by the pool during the afternoon.

But if that’s you, then the TUI Village Sarigerme really does offer everything the whole family could want from a holiday.

Seven night all-inclusive holidays at the hotel start from £655pp, with return UK flights.

WE’VE all seen the headline of £14 flights plastered across airline websites, social media and publications – but what does a £14 flight actually look like and can you really get it for that price?

When it comes to booking a holiday, we all love a bargain.

And in the UK we aren’t short of budget airlines to choose from, such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air.

But the reality is that airlines actually often lose money on £14 flights if you book them without extras.

This is because the flight tends to be listed at cost or below cost to entice people in to go on the website.

According to The Flight Club, Ryanair has previously claimed that each passenger costs them about €34 (£29.55) to fly each way, excluding fuel.

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Broken down, this is about €8 (£6.95) for staff, €8 (£6.95) for airport and handling costs, €6 (£5.21) for travelling in the air space, €8 (£6.95) for aircraft ownership and maintenance and €4 (£3.48) for other expenses.

On the other hand, Wizz Air’s costs are around €52 (£45.19) per passenger per flight and easyJet’s are around €79 (£68.66) (again, both excluding fuel).

When looking at flights, once on an airline’s website you can get hooked in and before you know it you’re adding a return flight and luggage adding up to a figure far from that original £14 fare.

At the moment, the cheapest flight available is with Wizz Air to Gdansk in Poland, costing just £13.99 one-way.

But this is just one of a myriad of ‘cheap’ flights.

Other Wizz Air options include Seville in Spain for £19.99 one-way, or Barcelona and Valencia – also both in Spain – return flights for £40 each.

EasyJet has the second cheapest flight on offer, which is to Nice in France, costing £14.49 one-way.

Other cheap easyJet options include Fuerteventura in Spain for £16.99, Innsbruck in Austria for £16.99, Palma de Mallorca in Spain for £16.99 and Pisa in Italy for £16.99 – all one-way flights.

Ryanair then comes in a touch more expensive, with flights to to Alicante and Barcelona in Spain starting from £14.99 one-way.

The main issue with these flights from the offset? All of them except a handful fly out from London airports.

For those who don’t live in or near the capital, this is where your first additional cost will come in.

Either you spend money travelling to the London airports or you opt to fly from your local airport, but at the sacrifice of your ticket being more expensive.

The second cost on top of the flight price are add-ons.

These include things like cabin bags and hold luggage.

For example, to add cabin luggage to each a Wizz Air, easyJet and Ryanair flight it would cost around an additional £32.97, £17.20 and £43.98 per person, per flight respectively.

These additional costs do also include standard seat selection and ‘speedy’ boarding for each airline.

Though if you want extra legroom, then again that will come at a price.

So if you intended to take anything more than a handbag, your flight will already be costing you a lot more.

Another issue is getting a flight back.

While one-way flights can be a bargain, prices tend to rise when you book a return.

For Gdansk, for example, the return leg costs around £28.99.

So the basic flight costs you more like £42 and with cabin luggage it would sit more around the £75 return mark.

One way to get around this is by having flexible holiday dates, as then you can choose the day with the cheapest return flight.

Other hidden costs include checking in at the airport, which Wizz Air charges €40 (£34.78) to do – more than double the price of the actual flight!

If you are travelling light and able to fit your stuff into a small bag (45cm x 36cm x 20cm for easyJet or 40cm x 30cm x 20cm for Wizz Air and Ryanair), then the cheap flights are worth it.

One centimetre bigger than this though, and it could cost you an additional £70 at the gate.

But if you do choose to fly with just a handbag that fits under the seat in front of you, then perhaps opt for easyJet to make the most of those extra few centimetres allowance.

On the other hand, if you are travelling as a family with extra luggage, who want to sit together and have fixed holiday dates, then maybe this isn’t the best offer.

If we take the £75 per person price for return flights to Gdansk as an example, a family of four, with two children aged over two (under twos don’t need their own plane seat), you could be looking at £300 for return flights.

And that’s before your hotel booking.

The better option for families is to book a package holiday that includes flights.

For example, you could stay in a sea view studio at Albatros Family Hotel in Salou, Costa Dorada in Spain for four nights, flying from London Gatwick on April 20 with four 10kg cabin bags and four 22kg hold suitcases and airport transfers for £573 total or just £143 each.

And for that price, you get hold luggage, which if you booked on a flight separately, it would cost you even more.

Of course, with a holiday package you also get peace of mind in case of things going wrong, as you’ll have ATOL Protection, which helps in cases of your travel operator going bust.

The bottom line?

If you are travelling with a backpack, and live near an airport, go for it.

For those who like to pack more or are travelling as a family, perhaps book a package to avoid the headache.

For more flight tips, here are the new 2026 travel hacks you need to know about.

Plus, our travel team’s best tips for flying with budget airlines from ‘free’ legroom seats to a cheap food hack.

THINKING of booking a holiday? Well, it’s perfect timing as TUI has just announced its most-loved hotels across the world.

Over 13,000 hotels have been assessed with only those achieving top Customer Satisfaction Scores being considered for the awards.

And coming out on top for UK holidaymakers, is TUI Blue Barut Andiz in Türkiye.

Located in the town of Side, the adults-only hotel scored the highest guest ratings across the entire TUI portfolio.

UK travellers noted how the hotel has friendly staff, brilliant food and a chilled, child-free setting.

Inside the hotel, guests can dine at two à la carte restaurants on a first-floor terrace whilst looking out at the sea.

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When booking via TUI, you’ll get one free visit to the hotel’s signature à la carte restaurant – the Culinarium – which specialises in seafood and hosts themed evenings.

As for bars, you can enjoy the orange glow of the evening at the Sunset Bar or enjoy a tipple by the water at the Meltem Pool Bar.

Need some caffeine? Well, you can head to Thea’s Coffee Shop for ice cream, desserts and of course, hot drinks.

The hotel also boasts a spa with a Turkish bath and a mix of solo and couples treatment rooms.

This year the hotel is celebrating 10 years since opening and as a result, throughout this summer will be hosting a number of celebratory fitness sessions, food experiences, live music events, silent discos and parties.

Fitness sessions include BLUEfit, which are outdoor instructor-led sessions including Aqua Board classes, Pilates and yoga.

Around the hotel, you can head to the beach, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

And Side’s old town is also not too far, where you can explore Roman ruins with glass walkways that sit over dug-out ruins.

If you want to discover artefacts that have been found during the excavations in the old town, then head to Side Museum, which costs £4.36 per person to visit.

A seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people in a double room with a balcony this April costs from £1,389.32.

Perhaps you are wanting to go on holiday with the family though? Then look at TUI Magic Life Sarigerme, which has been named the best family-friendly hotel.

Also located in Türkiye, the hotel features five swimming pools, seven bars and four restaurants – all sat on the beachfront.

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Dalaman but also right by Sarigerme Beach, which is a large, sprawling beach loved by locals for kitesurfing.

There is even a watersports centre on the beach if you want to try out kitesurfing for yourself.

An all-inclusive seven-night stay for two adults this April in a double room costs from £1,383.68.

Fancy heading to Greece? Well, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel and Suites has been named the best hotel in the Cyprus and Greece category.

With its own private beach, there are two restaurants to pick from as well, serving traditional Mediterranean dishes.

There are two outdoor freshwater pools, an indoor pool and even a whirlpool.

Over the summer months, the hotel usually also puts on entertainment such as live music.

Two adults can stay for seven-nights on a bed and breakfast basis this May from £2,114.82 in a double room with a sea view.

And if you are thinking about heading to Spain, you might want to book in to Hotel Fariones in Lanzarote.

The hotel came out on top for the best in Spain and Portugal category and boasts two pools, three restaurants and direct access to the Playa Grande Beach.

Just a short walk away, you can discover Puerto Del Carmen’s Old Town where you will find a selection of restaurants and bars.

A seven-night break for two adults this May costs from £2,509.14, on a bed and breakfast basis in a double room with a sea view.

For more inspiration on hotels in Europe to book, here’s Europe’s number one beach hotel with a huge pool and sea-view suites.

Plus, Europe’s biggest hotel is in a VERY surprising part of the UK – with 1,630 rooms.

Jenna Carr aka ‘Travel Mum’ has made travelling with her family her full-time job.

On her social pages, she reveals how to find last-minute cheap holiday deals, top travel tips – and now, her most underrated holiday destinations.

For fun family breaks that you might not have considered – Jenna says we should think about our closest neighbour.

Talking to Sun Travel, Jenna said: “France is overlooked a lot and it’s so close to us – you can drive over, which is much easier with a family.

“Of course you’ve got the famous spots like Paris and Disneyland, but there are lots of other places that are just as lovely.

“We went camping in the south of France last summer and flew into Nice, which didn’t take long from the UK – and went to a couple of places along the coast.”

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“It also has so many great holiday parks and campsites too.”

In fact, France has over ten thousand registered campsites across the country – some even have waterparks and beach clubs.

Equally great for a cross-Channel break is the Netherlands, thanks to its award-winning theme park that Jenna reckons is on a par with Disneyland Paris.

She said: “We’ve driven over there from the UK a lot, and there’s loads to do for families.

“The theme park, Efteling, is really cool – I’d call it Disneyland Paris after dark. It’s based on fairytales and is a little creepy.

“But I prefer it to Disneyland. I think it’s a bit more authentic, and it feels more magical.”

Efteling is a popular fairytale-themed attraction in Kaatsheuvel.

Some of the most thrilling rides in the park include Baron 1898 which has a 120ft free-fall drop into a mineshaft at 55mph.

There’s a double-track rollercoaster called Joris en de Draak where riders can speed past a 39ft fire-breathing dragon.

The theme park is also home to the world’s largest swinging ship, a monorail, and an 100-year-old steam carousel.

Day tickets for Efteling for anyone over the age of four range from €40 to €56 depending on the day of visit.

You could tie the theme park into a city break with the kids, as it’s under an hour on the train from Amsterdam – so plenty of culture for the adults and roller coasters for the kids in one trip.

March is one of the most reliable months for a family city break, and Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to do with children.

The weather sits around 10 to 12C, the city starts to feel brighter, and peak tourism is still a few weeks away.

It is flat, organised and designed for everyday life, which makes navigating it with kids feel intuitive rather than stressful.

March is also when parks, canal walks and museums like NEMO Science Museum really come into their own, giving you options that work whether the day is high energy or low key.

If you’re looking for somewhere with guaranteed sun, head outside of Europe for Agadir in Morocco.

The coastal resort city has plenty of sunshine, sandy beaches with vibrant souks and hotels.

Jenna said: “I know it’s not a place where families would traditionally go – but it’s amazing.

“It’s very cheap, they’ve got lovely hotels and there’s lots of fun activities to do, and it’s culturally interesting.

“It’s not like the Costa del Sol where everything’s made for the Brits. It’s Morocco, so you can go to markets and explore the desert.”

During her holiday, Jenna and her family checked into the Allegro Agadir.

She went on to tell Sun Travel that not only is Agadir family-friendly, it’s also cheap as she paid just £600 for her family of three at the time.

It has plenty of running about space for kids on the grassy areas and children have their own swimming pool, games and club.

There’s also a tennis court, evening entertainment and all rooms either have views across the pool, or over the garden.

The hotel is a short walk from the beach where there are complimentary sunbeds for hotel guests.

Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available now on Amazon.

For more on family holidays, here are the cheapest destinations under three hours from UK that are over 20C this Easter.

And here are eight holiday destinations the Sun Travel team have their eye on for March – with flights from £13.

TELLY viewers have been delighting in the trials and tribulations of actor Danny Dyer and his Love Islander daughter Dani as they invest in, and manage, a holiday caravan park.

The Dyers’ Caravan Park, on Sky, is filmed at the Priory Hill site on Kent’s Isle of Sheppey – and has seen increased interest in park life, reports staycation giant Hoseasons.

It says bookings are up 29 per cent for pet-friendly breaks, and nine per cent for couples.

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BEST FOR BEACHES

SUN HAVEN HOLIDAY PARK, CORNWALL: Featuring a “secret” woodland path leading to dog-friendly Mawgan Porth Beach, above, 15 minutes away, this holiday park just outside Newquay’s famous bay is perfect for a seaside break.

It’s a surfer’s paradise and is just a short drive from the waves of Fistral Beach.

You can choose between holiday homes, rustic shepherd’s huts and modern, luxury lodges. Prices start from £322 for seven nights.

NORTH SHORE HOLIDAY PARK, SKEGNESS: This park is perfectly positioned just a ten-minute stroll from Skegness’ Blue Flag sands and its lively pier.

On site, families can enjoy an 18-hole pitch-and-putt, tennis courts and a classic arcade as well as the park’s very own pub.

There are apartments, caravans and lodges to stay in. Prices start from £165 for seven nights.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

LADRAM BAY HOLIDAY PARK, DEVON: Having been family-run for 75 years, Ladram Bay, knows what a multi-generational getaway should be.

It’s won awards, not just for its knockout activities, which includes the Fae & Flurry interactive dragon show, and adventure golf, but also its modern static caravans, some of which come with hot tubs.

There is a private beach, too, for rockpooling and kayaking. From £305 for seven nights.

RIVERSIDE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, SOMERSET: An absolute haven for young nature lovers, tucked away in the village of Bleadon, Riverside has walking trails galore on its doorstep.

There’s also an on-site fishing lake.

Meanwhile, big kids will love the indoor heated swimming pool with a splash pool for younger tots, the amusement arcade, a convenience shop and two adventure playgrounds.

Prices from £325 for seven nights.

BEST FOR COUPLES

CRAKE VALLEY, LAKE DISTRICT: Few regions in the UK offer views more breathtaking than the Lakes – and at Crake Valley couples will be blown away by the spectacular setting, above Coniston Water and backed by craggy fells.

There are a number of quaint two-person lodges, which come with log burners and hot tubs ideal for stargazing under the sparkling sky.

Prices from £409 for seven nights.

MULLION COVE COASTAL RETREAT, CORNWALL: Couples can hunker down in the one-bedroom Porthleven Premier lodges which feature French doors leading on to a spacious decking area complete with sunken Jacuzzi.

Tucked away just above Cornwall’s Mullion Cove, the secluded setting makes for a great off-grid escape where you can while away the hours with a book, or watch the sun set.

Prices from £295 for seven nights.

BEST FOR WATERPARK FUN

VAUXHALL HOLIDAY PARK, GREAT YARMOUTH, NORFOLK: Tropical Waterworld, is undoubtedly the shining star of this action-packed holiday park, kitted out with twirling waterslides and splash zones that will get adrenaline junkies’ hearts pumping.

Kids will love the treehouse adventure playground, jungle golf and mini golf.

Satisfy little tummies with fish and chips, pizza, fried chicken and ice cream. From £139 for seven nights.

TRELAWNE MANOR, CORNWALL: Waterslide, lake or pool?

You can take your pick at this Cornish gem, set in the grounds of a stately home in Looe.

The outdoor pool, with whooshing flume, is so large that it never gets too crowded.

Kids can have a play on the amusements while adults enjoy a game of snooker or take to the tennis courts.

Lodges and caravans are airy and modern. Prices from £122 for seven nights.

BEST FOR WALKING

SUNNYVALE HOLIDAY PARK, PEMBROKESHIRE: This site sits at the gate-way to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, ideal for exploring rugged cliff-top trails and hidden coves.

It’s also within easy reach of treks in the Snowdonia National Park and along historic Offa’s Dyke Path.

With a variety of nearby walking routes, from gentle seaside strolls and waterfall treks to longer, more challenging mountain trails, it’s ideal for all abilities.

From £446 for seven nights.

LEE VALLEY, HERTFORDSHIRE: Close to the bright lights of London, this holiday park is set within a 10,000-acre park surrounded by picturesque countryside here and in Essex.

There are miles of flat, accessible riverside paths, above.

Perfect for all generations and direct access to forest trails and cycling routes.

A mix of lodges and caravans to choose from, too. Prices from £339 for seven nights.

BEST FOR PETS

WAYFIND PENNANT PARK, NORTH WALES: This haven near the coast has views of the Dee Estuary and dedicated paths coastal trails for dog-walking.

Lodges, feature fully enclosed decking and include a Dog Welcome Pack with bowls and treats.

The resort also offers weekly events including live music and quizzes.

Prices start from £359 for seven nights.

SANDYMOUTH HOLIDAY RESORT, NORTH CORNWALL: This park also welcomes dogs and is close to the expansive, pooch-friendly sands of Sandymouth Bay.

Surrounded by miles of coastal walking trails and open countryside, there’s also lots for the humans to keep themselves amused, from watersports and swimming pools, to sports courts and evening entertainment.

Prices from £179 for seven nights.

BEST FOR ACTIVITIES

DARWIN FOREST, PEAK DISTRICT: This woodland escape on the edge of the Peak District combines award-winning facilities with miles of scenic trails for walking and cycling.

After a hike, unwind in the spa or indoor swimming pool.

Other action-packed fun ranges from archery and mini-golf, to pickleball and scavenger hunts.

With Alton Towers nearby, it’s ideal for family adventures. From £635 for seven nights.

Finlake Resort & Spa, Devon: Set within 130 acres of woodland, this park offers the perfect mix of peaceful nature and all-action fun.

Holidaymakers can fill their days with everything from fencing, archery and horse riding to fishing, tennis and even sea scooters.

There’s a luxury spa and fitness complex as well as indoor and outdoor pools with flume rides and children’s water playground. From £229 for seven nights.

DUE to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, many Brits will find their holiday plans postponed or cancelled.

From those who are stranded in the UAE or supposed to be heading abroad, what does the conflict mean when it comes to travel insurance and your airline rights?

Well, UK travellers stranded across the globe or due to fly via the Middle East in the coming days have very different rights depending on who they booked their trip with.

Those who booked flights with a non UK or EU airline like Emirates, Etihad or Qatar and were travelling from a destination outside the UK via the Middle Eastern hubs have limited rights compared to those who are travelling with a UK or EU airline or flying directly in or out of the UK.

UK passenger rights mean airlines have a duty of care to provide you with food and drink while you are delayed as well as a way to communicate by email or phone and overnight hotels and transfers if needed. 

Under these same rights, the airline must get you to your destination as soon as is possible, even if that involves a different airline.

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However, those travelling on non UK or EU flights from elsewhere in the world to the big hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar do not get the same rights.

This could be someone travelling from Thailand back to the UK via Dubai that is now stranded in Thailand as flights have been cancelled and the airspace is closed.

Airlines in this case MUST get you to your destination as soon as possible but there is no legal right to meals, accommodation or communication.

They also must provide you with a refund if you choose not to travel but beware of this option. The minute you accept a refund, the airline has no duty of care to you and no obligation to re-route you.

You would then need to book new flights yourself, which may be significantly more expensive. Travel insurance would not cover the difference between a refunded ticket and a new booking.

Despite this, the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE have – in a very rare move – confirmed that the state would be covering all accommodation and hosting costs for stranded passengers.

Of course, this only applies to Brits who are stranded in the UAE, so the likes of Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Due to its location many holidaymakers will pass through the likes of Dubai or Doha before travelling onwards during an indirect journey.

In fact more than half a million travellers head through the hubs of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha every day.

For Brits, many long-haul flights to destinations like Thailand, Australia and South Africa generally stop in these airports.

Due the ongoing conflict, the airspace has been closed, as have the airports in Dubai and Doha.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is starting up very limited flights with Etihad Airways.

Tim Riley, MD of travel insurer True Traveller and chairman of the UK Travel Industry Association, which represents all the major UK insurers, has advice for impacted travellers.

He explained that while airlines have an obligation to re-route passengers, they cannot override certain situations.

Tim said: “The primary issue in the current situation is airspace closures and the inability to leave the country.

“Travel insurance cannot override government airspace restrictions or operate repatriation flights.

“Airlines have a legal obligation to re-route passengers to their final destination once services resume, whether on their own aircraft or with an alternative carrier.”

Airlines are releasing statements on imminent trips, and head here for the latest updates on flights and holidays.

Here’s where you’ll find information on Cyprus airport which was evacuated as easyJet and British Airways among 60 flights to cancel.

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FOR 90 years, Butlin’s has been a go-to seaside holiday destination in the UK and next month it is having a huge celebration.

Across all three Butlin’s resorts this Easter, there will be celebrations for the brand’s 90th birthday.

Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness Butlin’s sites there will all be hosting a three-night event starting on April 10.

The event will include shows and activities exclusive to the three-day break.

For example, on April 11, guests can watch a firework and laser display, which will start at 7:36pm exactly to commemorate the year that the Lincolnshire resort first opened.

The fireworks display will be hosted by the Redcoats, alongside Billy and Bonnie – the official mascot bears – and then there will be a nine-minute show lighting up the skies – a minute for each decade Butlin’s has been open.

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In addition, there will be a new Birthday Party Bingo with themed games, party dances and even a ‘special moment’ when the number 90 is called out.

Any guests who happen to be celebrating their own birthday over the weekend will also get a ‘special moment’.

The Birthday Party Bingo will also be a part of the programme for all breaks for the remainder of 2026.

The Skyline Gang, Sarakasi All Stars and the Redcoats will all perform on the Skyline Pavilion Stage in the Party In The Skyline show as well.

There’s even a special ‘Birthday Bonanza’ cocktail that has been created for Butlin’s’ birthday, with a mix of vodka, amaretto and Coca-Cola.

The three-night birthday break starts from £188 for the Minehead site, £214 for the Skegness site (the original destination) and from £283 for the Bognor Regis resort.

The birthday breaks also include Butlin’s Easter entertainment which includes The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling.

And of course, you get the usual access to the Splash Waterworld pools, fairground rides and the soft play centres.

Mike Godolphin, Butlin’s entertainment director, said: “No one does it bigger and better than Butlin’s, and we’ve been proudly doing it for 90 years.

“A milestone this special deserves a Butlin’s style celebration to match.

“From the spectacular firework and laser display and incredible entertainment across the weekend, we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone across the three resorts.

“This weekend is not only dedicated to the memories made over the last nine decades at our resorts.

“We’re also looking to the future, and all the special moments that will be made at Butlin’s in the next 90 years.”

To celebrate its 90th birthday, Butlin’s is also looking for the ultimate Butlin’s family to give away a break in Skegness.

To enter, you’ll need to go to Butlin’s social pages and show why you should be crowned the winner.

In other holiday resort news, thousands of new £9.50 holidays on sale this weekend – join Sun Club for early access.

Plus, the epic French holiday resort you can get to by ferry with kids club and laid back vibes.

FROM our boat chugging its way across Sydney Harbour, the tourists on top of the famous Bridge look tiny.

“That’ll be us tomorrow!” my travelling companion gleefully shouts. I gulp. I’m not a fan of heights.

The splendour of the Opera House, bathed in early autumn sunshine, provides a welcome distraction as we make the short trip up the coast.

The $A8 (£4) ferry trip to the chilled beach suburb of Manly is a cheap way to get the stunning views of Sydney’s skyline from the water without shelling out for a tourist boat.

Manly is a popular spot for surfing, swimming and chilling out, and we also went to snorkel in the protected marine reserve of Cabbage Tree Bay with our expert guide from EcoTreasures.

Just a few hours earlier we’d been knocking back cocktails in the late-night bars of harbourside area, The Rocks.

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But a 20-minute hop on a ferry and we were donning masks and flippers and seeing a wonderful array of exotic sea creatures in their natural habitat.

We saw green turtles, blue gropers, banjo rays and tropical butterfly fish in Manly’s welcoming waters.

A quick stop for a tasty beach-side lunch with waves crashing below us at The Pantry, and we head back into the city for a sumptuous waterfront dinner at Midden by Mark Olive in the base of the Opera House, before taking in its annual open-air show just round the corner.

That was a decent distraction ahead of the looming bridge climb.

The experience isn’t cheap, with prices from £126pp, but the views are as amazing as you’d expect.

And, for those who also get nervous around heights, it wasn’t too bad at all, given the gradual nature of the climb and the sturdy construction of the bridge!

Our climb was led by an indigenous Australian guide who gave us a fascinating walk-through of Sydney’s history from an Aboriginal perspective as we ascended.

And that native Australian flavour underpinned all of our experiences as we explored Sydney – from our harbour tour with the Tribal Warrior Cruise company to a menu inspired by traditional bush food at Midden.

A guided tour around the city’s stunning (and free to enter) Botanical Gardens was a relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon.

If you’re travelling as part of a group, I’d recommend buying a picnic box from the Botanic House restaurant to take out among the exotic trees and chattering birds.

For a less formal, more fun way to eat in the evening, try the newly opened Paddy’s Markets just a short hop from the city centre in Chinatown.

Here, you’ll find an array of vibrant street food and bars serving cocktails or whatever else takes your fancy after a day exploring.

Or if you’re celebrating – after Sydney helped you conquer your fear of heights.

HAVEN is adding four brand-new Wetherspoons pubs to some of its parks across the country – and has revealed their names.

The holiday park has invested £9million into its venues that will open later this year.

Haven revealed last year that even more of the popular British boozers would be coming to its holiday parks, taking its total up to nine.

The first pub to open will be The Alfred Wainwright at Haven’s Lakeland holiday park in Cumbria. 

It has been named after Alfred Wainwright, the British fellwalker who wrote about the 214 fells in his seven-volume guide to the Lake District.

Over in Blackpool, the Haven’s Cala Gran holiday park will open The Springfield.

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The pub is named after Springfield House which stood on what is now the main entrance to the park in the 1960s. 

The Cornwall-based holiday park called Riviere Sands will open up The Bluff.

Its name refers to the steep bank or cliff edge where the pub is located.

However the pub site isn’t actually new as it will takeover the existing pub site – also called The Bluff.

The last of the new Wetherspoons pubs will be at Haven’s Hopton in Great Yarmouth.

It’s name is The White Clover – named after the flower grown across the county representing good luck. 

Simon Palethorpe, Haven’s CEO, said: “Our partnership with J D Wetherspoon continues to grow. With a record 4 million holidaymakers and owners due to take a Haven holiday in 2026, the UK coastal holiday shows no signs of slowing down.  

“The naming of the J D Wetherspoon pubs is highly anticipated and always reveals an interesting historical, geographical or cultural reference to the area.  

“We look forward to more guests enjoying a pint whilst taking in some of the most beautiful views of our UK coastline.”

The four new Wetherspoons brings the total at Haven up to nine.

The very first of the pubs to open at the holiday park was the Five Stones at Primrose Valley in Yorkshire.

This was followed by The Red Rocks at Devon Cliffs, The Humber Stone at Cleethorpes Beach, The London Stone at Kent Coast and The Sir Thomas Haggerston at Haggerston Castle in Northumberland.

Since 2021, Haven has invested £660 million upgrading the guest experience and facilities.  

The holiday park is also set to renovate the Show Bar at Marton Mere in Blackpool and build a new supermarket at Kent Coast. 

One writer went for a drink at the UK’s first on-site Wetherspoons at Haven…

Writer Christine Challand visited Haven’s very first Wetherspoons called The Five Stones – and chatted to visitors who love it…

“It’s a grey and blustery morning on the North Yorkshire coast but guests at Haven’s Primrose Valley holiday park in Filey are still in high spirits

“It might have something to do with the company’s first and only Wetherspoons pub, The Five Stones, which is set to make the resort even more popular with holidaymakers.

“Hilary, 65, has visited 829 Wetherspoons pubs and says the couple are always happy to travel to compare menus and bar lay-out.

“She said: ‘People might think it’s a bit strange that we go all over the UK to do this, but it’s a lot of fun,’ she added. ‘There’s a nice inclusive atmosphere here in Filey.’

“For Andy and Gill Bishop, a £2.80 pint of Ruddles and a cheeky £5.26 glass of Sauvignon Blanc make a perfect mid-morning start to the day at The Five Stones.

“The couple, who live in Harrogate and run their own holiday apartments in Filey, have been caravan owners at Haven’s Primrose Valley site for 14 years and think the Wetherspoons opening will be a major draw for holidaymakers.

” Gill said: ‘This is just a warm-up for celebrating my 61st birthday tomorrow. It doesn’t matter what the weather’s like, Filey was recently voted one of the ten best beaches in the world so we’d never go anywhere else.’”

For more on Wetherspoons, one Sun Travel writer went to the first ever foreign pub with mini beers and a huge queue of Brits.

And Sun Travel visited the world’s smallest Wetherspoons that’s built on the remains of a 2000-year-old palace.

FLYING in economy usually makes you think of leg pain thanks to limited space.

But one airline’s economy seats are known for having the opposite.

Japan Airlines is often considered as having one of the best and most spacious economy seats in the world, having won the Skytrax award for ‘Best Economy Class Airline Seat’ for six consecutive years.

For example, Japan Airlines has a seat pitch – that’s the distance between seats – of up to 86cm.

Other airlines usually have up to a maximum of 81cm.

The seats are also wider on a Japan Airlines flight, with the Boeing 787 Dreamliners using a 2-4-2 configuration, rather than 3-3-3.

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This allows each seat to have an extra 5cm of room, reaching up to 48cm in total width.

There’s more room between armrests as well, ranging from 45cm to 48cm.

Seats also have 13-inch 4K entertainment screens, adjustable headrests, power outlets and built-in cup holders.

The food on board is next level too, as Japan Airlines collaborates with leading Japanese restaurants to create their in-flight meals.

And Brits can experience this as well…

Japan Airlines runs long-haul flights from London Heathrow to a number of destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Okinawa.

Japan Airlines flights from the UK usually start from around £700 return.

Last year, travel writer Jacob Lewis tried out the first cabin seats with built-in speakers, which were on Japan Airlines aircraft.

He said: “Settling into my private business class suite, I felt nervous as I queued up The Super Mario Bros Movie on my massive 24-inch 4K monitor.

“But it turns out my fears of disturbing my neighbours‘ peace were unfounded.

“Even with explosions raging at full volume through the headrest speakers, you couldn’t hear a peep from the aisle.

“I thoroughly tested this theory by enthusiastically blasting some aggressively peppy J-pop, but again, the audio seemed to be tuned perfectly to keep it confined to my seat.

“The speakers will truly come into their own if you’re the kind who likes to fall asleep to music or a movie.”

He also added that the rest of the cabin felt futuristic.

He said: “Each seat now comes with fully closing doors featuring translucent panels that feel private without being claustrophobic.

“There’s wireless charging built right into the console (no more wrestling with cables mid-flight) and a handy wardrobe space to store your shoes before you step inside, Japanese style, along with your jacket.

“The seat itself features pressure-dispersing cushions that make you forget you’re in an airplane seat at all, and the cabin crew will fetch a nice squishy memory foam-style mattress when it’s time to sleep.”

In other airline news, British Airways launches £2 flights to two European destinations – with a catch.

Plus, British Airways launches European holiday sale with 25% off flights and £200 off breaks – here are the best deals.

WE were all set for a summer beach holiday until a massive passport mishap saw my poor son turned away at the airport check-in desk.

So to make it up to him, I took him to Disneyland Paris — but in the depths of winter, would it be a hit?

As the mercury plunged across Europe, Rufus and I set out to enjoy a “tropical” break at Europe’s most famous theme park.

Tropical? Well, Disneyland Paris has 300,000 plants which create microclimates and as we wander in, the Arctic chill noticeably lessens. It is actually HOTTER in Disney than outside.

But how do the prices compare to sand, sea and sunshine?

January, February and March are certainly the best time to go for value.

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In March this year, stays in a Disney hotel cost from £132pp per night including park tickets, which is a darn sight cheaper than the Christmas and summer peak times.

And the post-Christmas drop in park attendance also means shorter queues — great when you’re with youngsters.

The tropical holiday style of much of Adventureland extends beyond the themed music and decor.

Home to the Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Peril roller coaster, it is a medley of the Africa of The Lion King, the Caribbean of Pirates Of The Caribbean and the Agrabah of Aladdin. All are brought to life with tropical bamboo, ferns and palm trees.

Not that I’ve got much time to appreciate the foliage, as Rufus drags me from one big ticket roller coaster to the next.

After tackling the multiple loop-the-loops of Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Avengers-themed Flight Force plus the pitch-black twists and turns of Crush’s Coaster, I decide we need a break. Despite Rufus’s insistence that the Mickey the Magician show is going to “babyish”, he loves it.

The 20-minute song medley is like a mini West End show, bringing the classic film hits to life, with can-can girls in gold frilly knickers playing the tableware in Beauty And The Beast and dancers weaving through the crowds operating giant puppets of giraffes, zebras and tropical birds to the Lion King soundtrack.

Thoroughly thawed out, we tackle the Tower Of Terror — even scarier in the fading light.

As we rattle around on my favourite ride, Thunder Mountain’s runaway mine train, we soak up great views of faux-gothic Phantom Manor and the beautifully lit steamer which pootles up and down the lake.

We scoff chocolate churros while watching the early evening Disney parade.

By the time it hits 6pm it’s time for a stiff drink — not to mention a sit down which doesn’t involve over-the-shoulder straps.

So we head to the Pirates Of The Caribbean restaurant, whose pina colada cocktails, humid air and splashes of the river ride moving past us add to the holiday vibes.

After this brief pit stop, we then make the most of the shorter evening queues, racing around everything from Spider-Man Web Adventure to the gentle joys of Peter Pan’s Flight over a minature London.

By 8pm we’ve done 22,000 steps and it starts to rain, but we dodge it by navigating the Victorian-style gas-lit arcades which connect different areas on Main Street USA.

Mercifully when it gets to 10pm, the rides shut. Sixteen roller coasters down, and I’m barely standing.

I’m not a big fireworks fan — too many years of my dad coming close to danger in the back garden — but the Disney display is incredible.

The clever drones and laser projections diminishing the firework fear factor.

When the show comes to a close, I’m glad we only have to stagger ten minutes back to our hotel in the park, the superhero-themed Hotel New York, The Art Of Marvel.

Not that Rufus’ energy or enthusiasm are at all dampened by either the weather or the marathon we’ve walked. As we fall into our beds, he’s already begging me to bring him back next year.

The summer’s passport disaster is a distant memory. Turns out we didn’t need a beach for a fab holiday.

Winter at Disney is the hottest ticket in town.

BOOKING a holiday can feel overwhelming at the best of times, but when you’re travelling alone with children, it becomes something else entirely.

You are the organiser, the navigator, the passport holder and the snack distributor. And if anything goes wrong, there is no one else to tag in. I work in travel and look at holiday pricing data every day. One trend that stands out consistently is that single-parent bookings often cost more than people expect.

With only one adult in the room and fewer family-room configurations available, the price per person can climb quickly.

So I wanted to approach this properly. I analysed booking data to identify the hotels that come out cheapest for single parents, ranking them by how far below the average single-parent booking they sit.

Then I sense-checked them: reading reviews, looking at layouts, and
considering whether they genuinely work when you are the only adult in charge.

So here are the ten cheapest hotels for single-parent family holidays, and why they’re actually smart choices for a trip with the kids.

BLUESEA Montevista Hawai, Costa Brava

Costa Brava remains one of the most reliable regions for affordable family breaks, and BLUESEA Montevista Hawai delivers on practicality.

It is an all-inclusive property with two pools and regular kids’ entertainment, which immediately removes the daily stress of budgeting for meals.

Buffet dining means flexibility, and the hotel sits within easy walking distance of both the beach and the town.

When I compared it to the average single-parent booking, it came out around 52 per cent cheaper, which is a big gap.

Reviews describe it as lively and full of families, which helps if you’re worried about your kids being the only ones making noise.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026, direct from Bournemouth, bed & breakfast from £250pp for one adult and one child.

For Spain in June, that’s really good value, and upgrading to all-inclusive doesn’t send the price sky high.

Pierre & Vacances Benidorm Horizon

If space is high on your list, this Benidorm apartment complex makes sense.

You get a separate bedroom, living area and kitchen, which means once the kids are asleep, you’re not stuck sitting in the dark.

Benidorm itself is flat and easy to walk around, with supermarkets and restaurants close by.

In the data, it worked out just over 53 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent holiday.

That level of saving, combined with proper apartment space, makes it a very strong option.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026 from Leeds Bradford, self-catering, from £400pp for one adult and two children.

For early summer, that’s competitive.

Sol Puerto Marina, Costa del Sol

Location is doing most of the work here. Sol Puerto Marina sits right on Torremolinos Marina, with the beach, promenade and restaurants just minutes away.

When you’re managing children alone, being able to walk everywhere makes a real difference.

Rooms include kitchenettes for flexibility, and compared to the wider single-parent market, it is priced at roughly 55% below average.

I found a deal for 8 nights in early June 2026 from London Luton, room only, from £620pp.

Beachfront Costa del Sol in June at that price is impressive.

London Blue Hotel, Dalaman

Not every family wants a huge resort in Turkey. London Blue Hotel in Dalaman is smaller and calmer, with reviews praising friendly staff and a relaxed pool area.

When you’re the only adult supervising, that quieter feel can make things much easier.

It also came in at around 55 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent booking, according to the data.

I found a deal for 8 nights in June 2026 from London Gatwick, bed & breakfast, from £240pp.

Turkey in June at that level feels almost too good to be true.

Campanile Val de France, Disneyland Paris

Theme park holidays can get expensive quickly, which is why this hotel stands out.

Campanile Val de France offers family rooms, breakfast included and a free shuttle to Disneyland Paris.

You get the location and convenience without paying Disney hotel prices.

Compared to the average single-parent booking, it came out around 56 per cent cheaper.

I found a deal for 7 nights in late June 2026 from Birmingham, bed & breakfast, from £357pp – around £1,070 total for one adult and two children.

FuerteSol, Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands are a safe bet for sunshine, and FuerteSol gives you flexibility.

It’s made up of bungalow-style apartments with terraces and kitchenettes.

The beach is five minutes away, there’s a supermarket nearby and the promenade is flat and easy for evening walks.

In the data, it worked out just over 56 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent holiday, which is a big saving for June.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026 from Bournemouth, self-catering, from £210pp.

The Canaries in early summer for that kind of money is excellent value.

Els Llorers Apartments, Costa Brava

Els Llorers is another apartment-style option that focuses on practicality.

Full kitchens, separate bedrooms and a kids’ pool with slides make it very family-friendly.

There’s even a shuttle into town, so you’re not dragging tired children up hills.

Price-wise, it came in around 57 per cent below the average single-parent booking, which explains why it performs so well.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026 from Birmingham, self-catering, from £187pp – roughly £560 total for one adult and two children.

Spain, early peak season, under £600 is hard to beat.

Staycity Aparthotels, Disneyland Paris

This is another smart option for Disney.

Modern apartments, a heated pool and a free shuttle mean you can prepare breakfast, head to the parks and come back to your own living space rather than squeezing into one hotel room.

It is also priced around 58 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent holiday.

I found a deal for 7 nights mid-June 2026 from Belfast, room only, from £364pp.

For a well-rated aparthotel near Disney in summer, that’s solid value.

Pebbles Resort, Malta

Malta is straightforward, and that counts for a lot. English is widely spoken, it’s easy to get around, and even the plugs are the same as the UK, which saves hunting for adaptors.

Pebbles Resort gets strong reviews for friendly staff and spacious rooms, and there are several restaurants on site.

In cost terms, it came in nearly 60 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent booking.

I found a deal for 7 nights in late June 2026 from Norwich, room only, from £460pp.

Malta in June for under a grand is very good value.

BLUESEA Puerto Caleta, Fuerteventura

At the top of the list is BLUESEA Puerto Caleta in Fuerteventura.

It’s simple and self-catering, but brilliantly located. The beach is two minutes away, and the supermarket is even closer.

When you can walk everywhere, you remove half the hassle.

It is priced around 67 per cent below the average single-parent booking, making it the biggest saving in the data.

Summer 2026 is already sold out, which says a lot.

The deal I found was for January 2027: 7 nights from London Luton, self-catering, from £310pp.

How to pick a hotel for a single-parent holiday:

When you step back and look at the data – pricing, bookings, reviews – the pattern is clear.

• Apartments tend to be cheaper than big-name resorts.
• Central, walkable locations make life easier than remote luxury.
• Flexibility usually matters more than flashy extras.

Single-parent holidays might feel stressful, but with the right hotel choice, the price doesn’t have to add to it.

BRITISH Airways have launched another sale and it could see you land some mega cheap business class flights.

British Airways and British Airways Holidays’ are launching a business class sale today.

Running until March 17, travellers can get savings on a number of business class flights and holiday packages.

For example, travellers can save up to £500 on Club World return flights.

Club World is British Airways’ long-haul business class and Club Europe is the airline’s short-haul business class.

If you fancy a European getaway, then in Club Europe you could get return flights to Berlin, Germany from £270 and Dublin, Ireland from £199.

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Other cheap business class flight offers include to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, from £124 each way.

And there are lots of offers on Spain flights including to Barcelona from £132 each way, Ibiza from £119 each way, Madrid from £133 each way, Palma from £156 each way and Valencia from £138 per way.

When it comes to further afield, you could head to Barbados from £1,899 and Sao Paulo from £2,899 with Club World.

Don’t want to spend that much? Then you could opt for return flights in Club World to Agadir in Morocco for £457 return.

Or you could venture off to Cairo in Egypt for £723 return.

Perhaps you want to book an entire holiday package?

Well, you could head off to Berlin in Germany for three nights, staying at INNSiDE Berlin Mitte hotel from £399 per person.

If you would rather head to Spain, you can holiday to Valencia for three nights staying at the Senator Parque Central Hotel from £399 per person.

If you want your holiday to last longer, then you could spend seven nights in Tuscany, Italy at the four-star Ilaria & Residenza Dell’Alba, costing from £589 per person, including breakfast.

For a holiday further afield, you could go to Marrakech in Morocco, staying at the Kasbah Africa Hotel for seven nights, with breakfast, costing from £808 per person.

To get any of these offers, you must book by March 17.

In other holiday deal news, thousands of new £9.50 holidays go on sale this weekend – join Sun Club for early access.

Plus, here are the most popular UK holiday park from £9.50 Hols – with beachfront pods, hot tub lodges and a surfing simulator.

THOUSANDS of new breaks have been added to the Sun Hols from £9.50 website this weekend

So you’ll be glad to know it’s not too late to book that summer staycation or autumn break at your choice of over 300 holiday parks.

We’ve spotlighted 10 of our top UK resorts that have had a boost of new breaks added – included previously sold-out dates.

From beach pod stays in Cornwall to action-packed family fun in Northampton, here’s 10 UK holiday parks to pick from over at Hols from £9.50.

Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire

Sand le Mere holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort just steps from the stretches of Tunstall Beach.

Entertainment is what this resort does best, and there’s something here for all ages in the family.

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From March to November, costume characters Burrow and Buddies host dance and sing-a-long performances onstage.

And with Segways, go karts, pottery painting, an arcade and heated swimming pool with a waterslide, you won’t get bored finding things to do as a family.

Plus for the grown-ups there’s Link-up Bingo, comedy and cabaret to enjoy in the evenings – and there’s even bingo with prizes up to £20,000.

Accommodation ranges from the standard Gold Caravans with fully-equipped kitchens and comfy, modern lounges, to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.

Food and drink comes as un-fussy classics like burgers, pizza and salad options served up in the main restaurant – as well as food trucks and takeaway service options available in peak seasons.

Nearby you can visit one of Yorkshire’s most magnificent country houses, Burton Constable Hall, or visit renowned aquarium The Deep in Hull.

St Ives Bay Beach Resort, Cornwall

This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing.

Just steps from a 3 mile-long sandy shore with its own surf school, St Ives Bay Beach Resort is perfect for getting out and exploring the great outdoors.

Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.

Stay in dreamy Stargazer caravans or sea-view lodges with large dining tables where you can enjoy a family meal with a view.

Plus it’s well worth taking a day-trip out from the resort into the local town to do some sightseeing.

The picturesque town of St Ives has long been popular among holidaymakers thanks to its postcard-perfect harbour and artsy streets with quirky shops.

Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northampton

Spread across 235 acres of land and lake, Billing Aqudrome in Northamptonshire is top of the list when it comes to adventure activities and things to do for kids.

This newly-upgraded park has loads of unique activities on offer include a TikTok dance masterclasses, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway.

Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself a great mix of activities to pick from.

Choose to stay in a lakeside pod by the glossy Kingfisher Lake for calming views over the water, or bring a tent and pitch up in family camping for a true back-to-basics experience.

Top picks for food and drinks include the Bak’D & Swirls sweets and dessert shop and Smash’d Town burger joint – but there’s healthier options like grazing boards available, too.

Evening entertainment includes all the usual singing and dancing shows, as well as silent discos and an outdoor amphitheatre with performances in the warmer months.

Parkdean Resorts Southview, Lincolnshire

Southview Holiday Park is close to seaside resort Skegness, popular for its traditional pier, rollercoasters and rides at Fantasy Island.

Whilst Skegness is brilliant for family days out, this resort itself has plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained.

On site you can have a go at pirate mini golf, climb an outdoor adventure playground, go head-to-head in a gaming arena and more.

There’s some unique activities available here too, like underwater aqua jets and a Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

Plus if you prefer to relax, there’s a large indoor pool with a sauna and steam room to unwind in.

Lodges and caravans are tiered from Bronze through to Gold and even upwards to Prestige, but even the most basic accommodation comes stylishly-decorated and fully-equipped.

Food options include the popular Thunderbird Fried Chicken, as well as several family restaurants and the colourful Scoops ice cream parlour.

Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay

Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay, Cornwall is perfect for explorers of all ages.

Exciting activities available here include the Hendra’s Superheroes training, kid-sized 4X4 off-roading and a mini jet ski course.

Evening entertainment takes place in The Venue, where you can expect to see everything from acrobatics to magicians – plus you may even get to meet mascots Henry and Henrietta Hippo.

Caravans are clean, comfortable, and well-located, so you won’t have to walk too far to get to all of the activities.

Alternatively, there’s an exclusive area of the park called Meadow Retreat. Here, Meadow Lodge residents can make use of Oasis – one of the largest indoor fun pools in south west England.

Outside of the resort, there’s the popular Camel Creek Adventure Park with plenty of rides, as well as a local Lobster Hatchery and Cyder Farm.

Plus with Fistral Beach and the resort town of Newquay on your doorstep, there’s endless options for family days out.

Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex

Camber Sands Holiday Park in East Sussex is a popular choice thanks not only to its beachfront location, but the exciting family atmosphere of the resort itself.

Here you’ll see families pedalling past your caravan on fun carts, dancing to evening entertainment or building sandcastles and paddling in the sea on Camber Sands beach.

If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races.

Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.

Accommodation comes as brand new, dog-friendly caravans and lodges just steps away from the beach.

And as for food and drinks, you can choose between Parkdean Resorts favourites like the Pizza Box container and the Fish & Chippery.

Nearby, there’s a seven-mile stretch of golden sand to explore, plus the medieval town of Rye is only a 10-minute drive away.

Golden Coast, Devon

Golden Coast Holiday Park in Woolacombe, Devon is set amongst rolling green fields and is just two miles away from the award-winning Woolacombe Beach.

Choose to stay in relaxing Driftwood, Ocean Breeze or Seascape Villas – each of which comes with large comfy beds, multiple TVs and a spacious decking area.

There’s also the budget-friendly Surf Wave and Shoreline Apartments, which have plenty of bedrooms for large families and fully-equipped kitchens.

When it comes to things to do, thrill-seekers can have a go at the high ropes course and climbing wall, or you can take it easy with mini golf and bowling.

The park’s evening entertainment program is packed with game shows, musical bingo, and top-quality tribute acts.

And as for food, the Beach House Restaurant serves up everything from full English breakfasts to tasty chicken burgers and roast dinners.

Plus The Old Mill Pub is a dog-friendly watering hole on site with a spacious beer garden and outdoor playground.

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay, Scarborough

Cayton Bay Holiday Park in North Yorkshire is just a stone’s throw away from the beach, and a few minutes’ drive to the seaside towns of Scarborough and Filey.

This resort is built for families – with hoverboards, bumper zorbs, karting and a soft play available.

Plus the Starland Krazy and Professor Slime activities make for even more fun additions on top of the already action-packed activity program.

Stay in a budget-friendly 2 bed camper with all the facilities you’d need, or splash out on a lodge with a hot tub for some added luxury.

Food and drinks on offer are familiar Parkdean favourites, including great-value Street Eats and BBQ favourites at Joe’s American Grill.

And if you fancy a day out, there’s plenty of family-friendly attractions nearby. Meet the animals at Playdale Farm Park, jump on rides at Flamingo Land, or check out the historic Scarborough Castle.

Unity Beach, Brean Sands, Somerset

Somerset‘s Unity Beach remains a consistent top choice for £9.50 holidaymakers, and it’s clear to see why.

If you’re looking for a park with lots to do, you can take your pick from rifle shooting, archery, games of Padel and burning off energy in the site’s new trampoline park.

There’s also an 18-hole golf course and sports pitches, plus there’s even discounts to be had at nearby Brean Theme Park for the adrenaline junkies.

Alternatively, make a splash at the indoor pool, outdoor heated pool, waterslides and toddler splash park. Plus bumper boats are an adorable away for tots to get used to the water.

There’s plenty of unique spots to eat like the Wonky Donky family restaurant, plus the Breakers Bar is the perfect place to relax with a drink after an action-packed day.

Make sure to explore the nearby beaches and scenery of Brean Down by bicycle or simply by heading out on a walk, as it would be a shame to not make the most of the breath-taking nature here.

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, South Wales

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay in Porthcawl sits within our top ten most-booked UK holiday parks for families over at Sun Hols from £9.50.

This resort is one of the largest holiday parks in Europe, and it’s very hard to get bored or run out of things to do at this giant site.

Pirate crazy golf, an arts and crafts den, a sports dome, VR experiences and a colourful splash park – this is just the start of activities on offer at this resort in South Wales.

Plus if you visit when it’s hot there’s an outdoor wet play zone to cool off in, or if it’s chilly outside you’ve got bowling, amusements and more indoors.

The best in food and drinks include the site’s island-themed cocktail bar Aloha, as well as an on-site Burger King and Papa Johns.

And if you set off to explore the local area, there’s a range of award-winning beaches to explore nearby.

In fact, Trecco Bay Beach itself has just been awarded Blue Flag status for the 14th year in a row.

SUN Holidays from £9.50 is back with a restock of brand new breaks to book.

Thousands of new breaks have been added across over 300 holiday parks over at Sun Hols from £9.50 – but which resort is the most popular?

Some of the most popular resorts to book include Unity Beach in Somerset and Hendra in Cornwall, but one park consistently comes out on top.

Seal Bay in Chichester, West Sussex is an award-winning holiday park that tops the list of both our most popular parks for families and most popular holiday parks in general.

And with its range of activities for all ages and setting smack-bang on the sands of Selsey, it’s easy to see why this resort is such a big hit among holidaymakers.

When picking a place to stay, you can choose from simple seaside caravans to beachfront pods or glamping options.

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All stays come with kitted-out kitchens, bed linen, as well as access to swimming pools and entertainment – so there’s no need to fork out on costly entertainment or linen passes.

The most simple option is camping, where you can pick between grass, electric or serviced pitches – each with room to park your car and access to hot shower facilities.

Plus the best part is you can pitch up just steps from the beach, whether you’re bringing a pop-up tent, your own caravan or giving a luxurious pre-pitched Safari Tent a go.

Caravans, on the other hand, range from comfy Bronze bases where six to eight guests can sleep comfortably, to Platinum caravans that feel more like a homely countryside cottage than a static.

Lodges are larger, starting at a 20ft-width minimum with private decks to enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail. Some luxury lodges even come with a private hot tub.

Beachfront pods, on the other hand, are cosy hideaways facing the sea with mezzanine and fold-out double beds to retreat to, as well as private decking to enjoy that sea breeze.

Or if you’re visiting as a large party, you can even book an entire self-catering house to turn your holiday park stay into more of a coastal cottage retreat.

There’s accessible and dog-friendly options too – just make sure to seek out these options specifically when booking.

When it comes to entertainment, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice at Seal Bay.

There’s all the usual options such as pool activities and a soft play, but this adventure-driven resort also offers axe throwing and a surfing simulator.

Families with young children can enjoy a create-your-own teddy bear factory, as well as sand art sessions and mini archery for ages 2 – 5.

Plus the beloved Cove Crew, made up of characters Sandy the seal, Fisher the penguin, Luna the wolf and Laurel the otter, are never too far away to meet and greet.

And if you’ve got older kids that need to burn off some energy, they can run around zorbing or have a go at climbing or laser tag.

There’s plenty for adults and couples too, like live music and comedy nights, as well as the park’s twist on classic holiday activity: Big Red Button Bingo.

If you can manage to drag yourself away from this award-winning holiday park, the local area of Selsey has plenty to see and do, too.

This park has its own private beach, so if you visit in the warmer months make sure to pack your buckets and spades.

Plus there’s a reason this resort is named Seal Bay – stroll down to the shores and you may spot adorable seals and even dolphins popping up out of the water.

But the best way to explore the local area is by picking one of its walking trails to explore.

Take the aptly-named Seal Art Trail and stop by artsy seal sculptures where signposts with QR codes will teach you all about the local wildlife and history.

Or head to the nearby high street, where there’s quirky cafes and fish and chip shops to check out, as well as colourful independent shops.

But there’s no need to spend money on dining out – the food and drink at Seal Bay offers something for everyone.

Executive Chef Jason is Michelin Star-trained, and put together a high-quality menu that really makes this holiday park’s food and drinks stand out.

Grab a proper burger or a sizzling steak from Smokey’s BBQ Kitchen, or sit down to hand-crafted cocktails in the Secret Garden.

The Viking pub is designed with sports fans in mind, with plenty of screens for you to catch the big game, and if you fancy a takeaway treat there’s a Greek Street Food Box and a Papa John’s on site.

There’s even Millie’s Cookies and the Box Treats sweets and desserts shop to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

If all this sounds up your street, you’ll be glad to know that new breaks have been added to Sun Hols from £9.50 website – including stays at Seal Bay.

Plenty of other popular parks are being updated with extra availability too, such as Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay in Wales and Golden Coast in Devon.

There’s even holiday parks abroad in countries like Spain and Italy being topped up with extra breaks, so if you fancy heading overseas make sure to check out the European resorts.

New breaks will be added from midnight on Sunday 1 March, so make sure to hop on to the Hols from £9.50 website fast with Sun Club access to secure your stay.

QUEEN of Sun Holidays from £9.50 Tracy Kennedy is back to answer all your burning questions on booking your break

The £9.50 holiday deal is the ultimate steal, but with hundreds of parks and dates to choose from, how do you make sure you’re bagging the best of the bunch?

Having taken Sun holidays for the past 30 years, our expert Tracy Kennedy has plenty of experience when it comes to Holidays from £9.50.

So whether you’re looking for the holiday parks with the most beautiful beaches, or the very best in entertainment, Tracy is here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect park.

This week, Sun reader Maureen Findley has been awarded best question of the week – which means she’s been selected to win a £100 Amazon voucher. Congratulations, Maureen!

What is the best place to travel in the winter?

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Dawn Baines

If you’re planning a holiday in the winter, I’d recommend looking for somewhere with a lot of indoor things to do.

Start by checking the websites of parks you’re interested in to see what activities they have that take place indoors.

And if you don’t mind going out for a brisk winter walk, a lot of places look really pretty in the snow, too.

Scotland and North Wales are beautiful in winter. From some sites in North Wales you can see the top of Mount Snowdon, and it looks so lovely in the snow.

Which holiday is suitable for a mixed age family?

Maureen Findley

I’d recommend somewhere like Billing Aquadrome in Northampton. That site truly has everything for all ages.

You can go fishing or swimming, plus you’ve got arcades and a ball pit for the little ones.

There’s lots of walks all around the area and the lakes too, if the older members of the family want to get some peace and quiet.

Plus they have an outdoors amphitheatre with entertainment for all sorts of different age groups.

Is there a specific week in the year that is less popular and therefore easier to book?

Ceri Mullen

This depends on if you’re bringing children on your holiday. But if you’re going as a couple or group of adults, you should definitely book during term time.

I’d say the best week to go would be when the kids go back to school in early September.

You get some really good deals and nice weather then, too. Early June just before the schools break up is another good time.

If you’ve bringing the kids, then October is less busy than summer, but still packed with activities and things to do for Halloween.

Sometimes the half term dates are different throughout the UK, so if you live in a different part of the country to your holiday park, then you might be able to go the week before or the week after their half term.

Which park has the best evening entertainment for families?

Nikki Lewis

I’ve always loved the entertainment at Parkdean Resorts holiday parks.

I found Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight had some fantastic entertainment.

You had bingo and quizzes which were both great for mums, dads and kids to all join in together.

Then you’ve got discos and character meet and greets, which are great for the kids.

Some of us adults then stayed up and watched a couple of comics, and they were absolutely fantastic. They had some hilarious jokes which I definitely can’t repeat!

What are some of the most popular locations?

Rebekah Lewington

I see the names of lots of popular parks pop up over and over again.

Seal Bay in West Sussex is one of the top parks and for good reason, it speaks for itself. There’s loads to do on that park, it’s massive!

There’s a free bus that picks you up and takes you where you want all around the park – which is especially great if you’re not so mobile.

Trecco Bay in Porthcawl is another popular one. The whole park is absolutely gorgeous, and people always recommend it after going there.

Lyons Robin Hood in Rhyl is also very popular. There’s loads to do on that site, with family entertainment all through the day into the evenings.

There’s a fantastic arcade, a soft play and even a train on site that takes you for a little ride around the park.

Now they’e building a high ropes course, so if you’ve got kids that enjoy adventurous activities then I’d recommend it!

Plus you’ve got the beach across the road where you can go seal spotting.

Before I book a location, can I find reviews to see what other families made of the park?

Graeme Sutherland

There’s lots of reviews online for the holiday parks, and you can check Google reviews to see what other people thought about their stay.

But I’d also recommend searching the park name on Facebook. People in my Facebook group put their photos and reviews up all the time from their £9.50 holidays.

It’s also a good way to see what’s on at each park, and get some extra tips and tricks on what people enjoyed doing there.

There’s also people in the Facebook group who post about what’s going on in their area, so you can get clued up before you go!

Which park would you say has the best beach?

Lisa Evans

I’ve stayed in a lot of coastal resorts and love visiting beaches, so this is a really difficult one!

But I think the best beach I’ve found would be Towan Beach in Newquay, as well as Fistral Beach.

They’re both absolutely stunning, clean beaches in Cornwall with clear water.

There’s also surf schools, cafes, ice cream shops, restaurants and more nearby – Newquay has everything you’d want from a beach.

IF you missed out on the January launch of The Sun’s Hols From £9.50, there’s no need to worry.

From March 1, thousands of new breaks will be added to the Sun Holidays from £9.50 website – where you can gain early access from one minute past midnight if you’re a Sun Club member.

This includes previously sold-out dates at some of the most popular UK holiday parks, as well as breaks at plenty of sunny resorts across Europe.

Plus if you’re a Sun Club member, you’ll be able to catch a head start when booking.

Sun Club members can head straight online at midnight on Sunday March 1.

Others must wait until morning to collect code words from the newspaper to unlock booking.

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How do I go about booking?

There’s multiple ways to get access to £9.50 holidays, including collecting tokens from the newspaper to enter online to unlock the deal.

However there is a faster and easier way to gain access, which is by joining Sun Club. Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 a month or £12 for a year.

Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols From £9.50 page – book your break from midnight on Sunday March 1.

This gets you ahead of those collecting codes, who have to wait until morning to purchase a newspaper to find the final code.

Plus once you’ve signed up you can enjoy plenty of other benefits too, such as discounted tickets to top UK attractions.

So why not stay up and join the midnight service to be among the first to access these new breaks?

What are Hols from £9.50?

The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50 are a selection of breaks available to book across the UK and Europe that can cost you as little as £9.50pp.

These holidays range from mega family parks in the UK to sunny beachfront stays abroad.

Over at Hols from £9.50, there are more than 300 holiday parks to choose from.

These range from romantic adults-only resorts such as Sand Bay in Somerset, to fully-fledged family resorts like Billing Aquadrome in Northampton.

Some of the most popular UK holiday parks for families include Seal Bay in West Sussex and Unity Beach in Somerset, both of which have an action-packed entertainment program.

Plus it’s not just UK holiday parks receiving a major boost in booking dates – there’s sunny hotspots across Europe that you can book, too.

These include holiday parks in Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Croatia, the Netherlands and more.

And with sunny holiday resorts like the palm-fringed Bella Terra in Spain and Orbitur Valverde in the Algarve to pick from, you could be jetting off abroad for cheap.

These are just some of the 300+ resorts available under Sun Hols from £9.50.

And if you had your eye on a resort that quickly sold out in January – we’ve got good news!

Even previously sold-out dates at a range of popular parks are back with a fresh restock this March.

Tips for bagging your break

Queen of the £9.50 holiday Tracy Kennedy has been booking these holidays for nearly 30 years, and has shared her top tips for logging on and bagging the resort you want.

Tracy recommends getting prepared with your top picks for parks, as well as joining the website at midnight with Sun Club membership.

She said: “Come up with a list of your top four parks from the list of those available.

“Popular sites like Seal Bay and Unity Beach tend to go really fast.

“So if you’re set on which park you want, book it as soon as possible.

“But you should also add a few extras you wouldn’t mind going to, just in case you don’t get your top picks.

“To be in with the best chance of getting the one you want, you should set an alarm.

“I book through Sun Club  at midnight, so I make sure to stay up.

“I call it The Midnight Service. It started years ago when we could start booking online.

“A few minutes after midnight comes, then Sun Club people can book. Which includes me, straight after midnight. The people collecting codes have to wait a bit longer”.

“I love the convenience of having it all online. And it’s nice getting that extra priority with it opening early.

“I definitely recommend joining Sun Club to get first dibs.”

NEW data has revealed the best – and worst – airlines in the UK.

In a new Which? report, Jet2 has been named the best airline in the UK, based on the responses of 5,500 travellers.

The airline – which was the only airline with short-haul flights to be named a Which? Recommended Provider – achieved an average score of 76 per cent based on several categories including boarding, customer service and seat comfort.

Last year, Jet2 cancelled fewer flights last minute than its biggest rivals.

This helped the airline to hold on to four stars for its booking process, customer service and value for money.

One customer said: “Compared with other budget airlines they give you a generous luggage allowance, which makes such a difference.”

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And unlike other budget airlines, Jet2 allows passengers to take on board one piece of hand luggage – as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and isn’t bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm – free of charge, each.

And you can also bring a small, under-seat bag as long as it is not bigger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.

More than 76 per cent agreed they hadn’t had any problems with their flight, whilst only 63 per cent said this about Ryanair.

When it comes to other short-haul airlines that performed well, Lufthansa and Norwegian scored 73 per cent satisfaction, British Airways, TUI and KLM each scored 72 per cent, Aer Lingus scored 71 per cent and Air France scored 69 per cent.

At the other end of the table, it might not come as a surprise that Ryanair finished bottom, achieving a satisfaction score of just 55 per cent.

The airline, which is often called out for having hidden fees, scored two stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service and cabin environment.

It then also achieved just one star for seat comfort, with one customer commenting: “The plane is dirty and the seats are awful.”

And even though the airline did get three stars for value for money, another customer added: “It is billed as a budget airline but they make money from extras which far outweigh price savings on other flight companies.”

In total, over a third of Ryanair’s customers said something went wrong with their journey.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: “Neither we nor our 208million passengers pay any attention to these made-up manufactured surveys or their fake results.

“Every passenger booking a flight has a choice and last year 208million consumers chose Ryanair, while nobody reads or pays any attention to Which? fake surveys.”

Wizz Air also didn’t do too great, scoring just 59 per cent for customer satisfaction.

The budget airline achieved two stars in most categories and then three stars in the value for money category, with one customer remarking that the airline is “consistently terrible and overpriced”.

Passengers also noted how the airline has poor customer service and lack of communication around delays.

A spokesperson for Wizz Air said: “Once again, Which’s survey relies on a tiny sample size.

“While the total number of passengers surveyed was 5,500 – only 259 of those actually flew with Wizz Air.

“That’s less than five per cent of those surveyed, and only 0.002 per cent of passengers carried on WIZZ flights to and from the UK in 2025.

“This tiny sample size of Wizz customers is a point we’ve raised with Which for the last three years, which has also been echoed by other airlines.

“Despite raising our concerns about how misleading this figure is, there have been no major improvements, and the survey remains entirely unrepresentative of what the vast majority of customers have experienced – and therefore an inaccurate source of information for the British public.”

EasyJet did slightly better, scoring 67 per cent overall, with three stars for its booking process and value for money and two stars for its customer service, seat comfort and cabin environment.

The budget airline also improved its punctuality over the past two years with fewer cancelled flights.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “With around 40 per cent of our customers choosing to travel with just the fare and our customer satisfaction scores at a ten year high, it’s clear that customers continue to value this choice and our service.

“Given this survey is not weighted, it simply isn’t representative when comparing with airlines who carry far fewer passengers.”

Which? also found that the price for flights with low-cost airlines often shoots up once you add cabin bags to your booking.

And these prices usually don’t become clear until towards the end of the booking process.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said: “It’s outrageous to see Ryanair and Wizz Air openly scoff at the poor experiences of their own customers.

“They love to blow their own trumpet about the number of passengers who fly with them, but on many routes, there is simply no other choice.

“Many other passengers fly with them because of the enticingly low headline fares.

“But ridiculously expensive charges for baggage and other add-ons mean they are no longer guaranteed to be the cheapest option.

“We’ve repeatedly found that airlines that include baggage and seat allocation in their fares can actually work out cheaper overall.

“Fly with anyone else, if you can.”

Sun Travel has also contacted the airlines mentioned for comment.

In other aviation news, two UK airports are about to be much easier and cheaper to travel to – after thousands fined £100.

Plus, another English airport introduces hugely unpopular charge for passengers.

TRYING to feed the whole family before a flight can quickly become a very expensive affair – but I’ve found a bargain way to do it (and it comes with unlimited fizz and beer).

A recent trip to London from Edinburgh meant myself and a friend, along with our kids, decided to meet for dinner before the flight at the airport.

But fully expecting to pay a small fortune – the kids take a lot of feeding – we did a bit or research before and learned about the new Escape Lounge.

The Escape Lounge in Edinburgh Airport opened at the end of last year, found near Gate 4 and joins Aspire and Plaza Premium.

Although it looked tempting, I assumed that airport lounges were reserved for business travellers and first-class flyers and would cost a fortune.

However, when I checked online, I noticed that the lounge could be booked in advance for around £35 per person (although this goes up £49 at the door).

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Crunching the numbers, I knew that the airport Wetherspoons – The Sir Walter Scott – costs around £15 for a main meal with a bottle of Prosecco costing £49.

That’s £39 each before you add on any extras like desserts, sides or coffee.

Even better? Revolut members get a 15 per cent discount, so after signing up to the free membership, meant I paid just £29 per person.

Even if that sounds like a lot, once we stepped inside, it quickly became clear we’d made the right choice.

Inside the lounge, everything was included.

There was a hot buffet, fresh sandwiches, cakes, homemade shortbread and biscuits.

There was even a Costa Coffee machine, so we could grab proper coffees before flying.

And then there was the bar. Prosecco was on tap – rose and white – alongside beer, spirits and soft drinks which were all unlimited.

So, there was no worrying about bar tabs, counting rounds or a surprise bill at the end.

We helped ourselves, settled into comfortable seats, and relaxed while the kids tucked into snacks and desserts.

It felt more like a mini break than the usual stressful airport wait.

We were allocated two hours but when our flight was delayed, the lovely staff let us stay and drink Bloody Marys instead of being squashed with the hordes of other families waiting at the gate.

We would have easily spent over £40 each at Wetherspoons and then more again in WHSmith or Costa on extra drinks and snacks.

The Escape Lounges aren’t just in Scotland either – you’ll also find them at Manchester Airport, Bristol Airport, East Midlands Airport, London Stansted Airport

This experience showed me that an airport lounge can actually be the cheapest option especially for families or anyone planning to eat and drink before flying.

Instead of rushing around busy terminals, juggling trays and watching the bill climb, we relaxed, ate well, and started our trip feeling calm.

We arrived at the gate fed, watered, and in a good mood – something that doesn’t always happen when travelling with kids.

And best of all, we did it for less than we would have spent in the pub.

Next time I fly, I won’t be heading for the bar, I’ll be heading straight for the lounge.

A NEW $21 airport surcharge is now in place for American travelers flying to a popular destination.

It’s due to the introduction of an electronic permit – which is mandatory from today for visitors.

Visitors to Britain from 85 countries must now obtain an electronic permit in advance of their trip.

This includes those taking flights, or booked on cruises, coaches and even rail journeys.

Those failing to do so will be barred from traveling, the UK interior ministry warned.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visitors who do not need a visa to enter Britain to buy a pre-travel permit online at a cost of $21.57.

The scheme was introduced three years ago, and extended to European visitors last April, but has not been strictly enforced – until today.

Airlines will stop passengers from boarding flights if they do not have an ETA, eVisa or other valid documentation, the interior ministry also warned.

The UK is trying to beef up border security checks.

It’s following the likes of Canada, the US, and other countries which already use the system.

What is the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme?

An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK

It is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK – it merely allows a person to travel to the UK.

Visitors can find more information about applying for an ETA on Gov.uk

It lets you travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to six months.

It currently costs Americans $21.57 to obtain one.

Those without an ETA will be banned from boarding their flight, ferry, coach or train for travel to the UK.

An ETA lasts for two years and is linked to your passport.

If your passport has expired or changed, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA.

EXEMPTIONS:

There are some people who do not need an ETA, for example if you have:

• A current British or Irish passport
• Permission to live, work or study in the UK

“The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security,” said migration minister Mike Tapp.

It will “help to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public,” he added.

An ETA lets you travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to six months.

Visitors will usually need an ETA rather than a visa if they’re traveling from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.

Each person traveling needs an ETA, including babies and children.

It covers visits for tourism, business or short-term study.

“We are making improvements to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year,” said the Home Office.

“Visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot travel to the UK, unless exempt.

“Eligible visitors who take connecting flights (transiting) and go through UK passport control need an ETA.

“Those transiting through Heathrow and Manchester airports who do not go through UK passport control do not currently need an ETA.”

Flyers have complained the new system’s introduction has already caused delays at some airports.

Plus, there are fears it’ll muck up schedules when traveling to the UK over Easter, as it can take several days for requests to be processed.

British citizens with a second nationality risk being blocked from entering the UK as a result of the new rule, the Home Office has confirmed to British newspaper The Guardian.

There are already plans to hike the price of the ETA to $27 at an unspecified future date.

A SAVVY passenger dodged an airline’s luggage charge by posting her belongings instead.

Laura Poole flew from Bristol to Glasgow on Sunday and would’ve had to pay £30 to take her clothes.

But she swerved the baggage charge, which was more than the cost of her £25 flight.

The 33-year-old cleverly packed a sports bag with most of the clothes she was taking on her trip.

Laura then shoved it in a Lidl carrier bag and dropped it off at an InPost locker.

She sent the parcel three days in advance 380 miles from Bristol to Dundee, where she was travelling to after landing in Glasgow.

The postage cost Laura just £2.29, roughly the price of a cup of coffee.

And the parcel was delivered to a Tesco Express locker a short walk from her hotel in Dundee.

She joked that she was “quietly protesting baggage fees”.

In a post on social media, she wrote: “I’m flying Bristol to Glasgow on Sunday. My flight cost £25… cabin baggage fees £30. That’s more than my flight.

“Can I afford baggage fees? Absolutely.

“Will I pay them? F*** no! (On principle)

“Packed up my gym bag with 60% of the clothes I’m taking, shoved it in a Lidl bag, then dropped it off at an Inpost locker to be posted up to Dundee and will arrive at the Tesco Express near my hotel the day I arrive, £2.29!

“And I have one less bag to carry. I did this at the end of last year too.

“It’s so good! I’m quietly protesting baggage fees.”

Laura was hailed for her smart travelling and attracted thousands of comments on social media.

One person said: “This is genius! I’m flying to Edinburgh and I hate sleeping without my own pillow. I’ll be posting myself some clothes that I can miss for a few days.”

Another wrote: “Omg Laura. This is brilliant.”

A third said: “You are so smart well done.”

WITH its subtropical waterpark, outdoorsy activities and handy restaurants, Center Parcs is a dead cert for a family friendly break. 

Yet sky-high prices, especially during school holidays, mean it’s out of reach for many.

There is a way to enjoy a virtually identical break in the same picturesque British region as one park without breaking the bank though.

I live less than ten minutes’ drive from Woburn Forest, the newest and most modern Center Parcs in the UK, set across 357 acres of woodland in Bedfordshire an hour from London.

But you don’t need to stay on site to enjoy woodland walks, sporty adventures and cosy self-catering accommodation, especially if you know the locals’ favourite spots. 

Upper Wood End Farm is a 15-minute drive from Center Parcs and is surrounded by fields full of sheep and horses, with rural rambles on the doorstep.

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The two one-bedroom holiday cottages sleep up to three people each, so more than enough space for small families, along with a fully-equipped kitchen and outdoor patio for morning coffee.

A four-night midweek break in the Easter holidays for a family of four costs £552 – a fraction compared to the £1,429 for the same dates up the road at Woburn Forest.

If you need a bit more space to yourself, families can rent The Acorn, a new two-bedroom detached house sleeping five in nearby Clophill.

Along with countryside views, there are two excellent pubs in walking distance and local free-range eggs in the fridge.

A three-night stay for a family of five over the Easter weekend costs £655 – you’d have to fork out £1,549 to scoff your Easter eggs at Woburn Forest instead. 

Of course, neither have a subtropical swimming dome or water slides, but you can still take the family swimming for less.

Flitwick Leisure Centre is a mile from Center Parcs and has a 25-metre pool where adults can swim for £6.15 while five to fifteen-year-olds cost just £3.30.

It also has squash and badminton courts for hire plus a full schedule of workout classes from yoga to aqua aerobics, starting at £4.90 for a 30-minute lesson.

For something more high adrenalin, Box End Park is a 20-minute drive and has two lakes for stand up paddleboarding and waterskiing.

There’s also a fantastically fun inflatable aqua park open between April and October for £17.50 for one hour or £60 for four people. 

If you’d rather stretch your legs on dry land, there are countless walking trails to choose from.

A three-mile public footpath runs through the forest around the entire outer perimeter of Center Parcs or head to Millennium Country Park and Forest Centre, which has scenic walking routes around a lake, a nature reserve and bikes for hire.

It’s free to access every day of the year but parking costs £2 for three hours.  

Extra activities don’t come cheap in Center Parcs itself, but you can find plenty of similar ones all within ten-minutes’ drive of Woburn Forest so you can have just as much fun staying off-site.

Arrowdox has weekend archery sessions for £25 for 90 minutes, there’s pottery painting from £10 an item at the friendly Crafty Little Things and horse riding at Flitwick’s Little Ranch Riding Centre costs around £20.

The nearby 160-acre Ampthill Park – once used for hunting by Henry VIII – has a large children’s play area with a zipwire, a lovely café and free-to-use outdoor tennis courts.

One of the best things about skipping Center Parcs to stay nearby is that you won’t be stuck eating in onsite chain restaurants such as Starbucks or Café Rouge.

The pretty Georgian market town of Ampthill is five-minutes’ drive away and is chockful of independent restaurants.

This includes the family-owned Fratelli for unbeatable pizza and pasta, American barbeque and burger joint Big 10 – Smoke & Grill and several gastro pubs including The Prince of Wales Ampthill, which serves food all day every day. 

For the best caffeine fix, follow locals to Wooden Hill – just round the corner from Woburn Forest – which roasts its own beans on site and has a small café selling coffee and homemade cakes.

You could even splash out on posh fine-dining at Eileen’s by Steve Barringer, a former runner-up on the BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals.

After all, with the money you’ve saved on your budget break, you can definitely afford a few extra treats.