Spain had occupied Western Sahara since 1884. Morocco had made a claim on the land highlighting a long-standing allegiance between the Moroccan Throne and the local Sahrawi tribes. Mauritania had made similar claims and some of the Sahrawi tribes had declared an interest in independence from everyone else.
In mid-October 1975, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague declared that there were legal ties of allegiance between Moroccan Throne and some of the Sahrawi population, but that the local population should determine their own future.
Following the ICJ verdict, King Hassan II announced the organisation of the Green March, on October 16th 1975, to liberate the Moroccan southern provinces from Spanish colonialism.
“We have to do one thing dear people and that is to undertake a peaceful march from the north, the east, the west to the south. It behoves us to act as one man in order to join the Sahara,” King Hassan II said.
On November 6th 1975, in a significant show of national unity, about 350,000 unarmed Moroccan men and women, accompanied by 20,000 Moroccan troops headed towards the Sahara and met in Tarfaia.
This was the largest peaceful march in the world. The marchers carried Moroccan flags, green banners (representing Islam), Qur’ans, and pictures of King Hassan II throughout the march.
On entering Spanish Sahara, the Spanish forces did not open fire. Partly, this was to avoid killing thousands of innocent marchers, but also it was the last days of the rule of General Franco and after seeing Portugal lose its colonies the year before, the Spanish had no appetite to start a major conflict in its territories, especially over territory they had already agreed to give up.
Eurocamp has announced a major change affecting its popular Spain holiday parks from 2026 but it could be good news for Brits looking for a sunny getaway
16:43, 04 Nov 2026Updated 16:57, 04 Nov 2026
Eurocamp has announced a change to its Spain sites this winter (Image: Getty Images)
Eurocamp parks (or parcs, as they call them) are already a firm favourite with Brits looking for cheap and cheerful getaways in the summer, with sites across plenty of popular destinations including France, Italy and Spain. Now, the holidays giant has announced it will be making a major change to a number of its Spanish locations, in what could be good news for holidaymakers.
That’s because for the first time ever, Eurocamp is going to be offering winter sun holidays, kicking off in 2026. While typically Eurocamp sites close for the winter, this year there will be three parcs remaining open throughout the colder months; Alannia Costa Blanca and Alannia Guardamar in Costa Blanca (home to Benidorm), and Alannia Els Prats in Costa Dorada (home to Salou), with prices from £452 per party during the quieter seasons.
It marks the first time that Brits can opt for Eurocamp breaks in Spain during Christmas, or even for February half term. However, they’re not the only destinations on offer. Eurocamp already has sites in the French Alps which are open during the ski season, as well as its Paris-Est location which is popular with Brits hoping to visit the French capital for its Christmas markets.
It’s not the only brand to offer up holiday parks during the winter months. For example, Center Parcs has a number of sites in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, including one park just a stone’s throw away from Disneyland Paris.
For Brits who are after winter sun but don’t want to commit to jet-setting off to far-flung Caribbean islands, Spain and its islands can be an ideal compromise. In fact, the popular country has 8 of Europe’s 10 sunniest cities according to research from travel pros at Holidu. Cities such as Cordoba or Malaga, in the southern part of Spain, are where you’ll likely have more luck given temperatures average 19C in November, while Barcelona keeps a balmy 15C although it does get cooler in the evenings.
Meanwhile the Canary Islands are famed for their year-round sunshine, and can enjoy temperatures of up to 23C as late as early December. So while it may not be warm enough for swimming in the sea, it’s still pleasant enough that you can enjoy the outdoors whether you wander along the bustling promenades, or want a lunch al fresco. (Not to mention the cooler mornings are ideal for those who want to kick off the day with a hike around those volcanic landscapes).
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The Green House can be found in a quaint village with independent shopsSource: Classic Cottages
The Green House in the village of Nunney, Frome, is a quaint Grade II listed cottage that can sleep up to four people (though children under the age of nine are not allowed).
In the lounge there is a cosy fire, which guests can snuggle up by and admire the period features of the cottage.
In the chilly mornings make sure to head outside to the secluded terrace that overlooks the stream.
In the village – which is often dubbed one of the prettiest in Somerset – there’s also a pub and a small shop.
Nearby attractions include Nunney Castle and Cranborne Chase – an International Dark Sky Reserve.
The Cottage at The Feathered Nest looks most like Rosehill CottageSource: pawsandstay
Now if you really want to stay in a cottage that looks almost identical to Rosehill Cottage in The Holiday, book into The Feathered Nest’s cottage in the Cotswolds.
Known as ‘Little House’ it is part of The Feathered Nest’s pub site and dates back to the 15th century.
The cottage found in the village of Chipping Norton, has a double bedroom as well as a lounge area with a sofa bed.
There is a grand open fireplace and a sleek kitchenette too.
Your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on this one either as it is dog friendly.
Stays are a bit steeper costing from £800 for two nights for four people, but if you stay from a Sunday to a Monday you get a discount making it £760 – or £95 per person per night… Maybe a good one for a friend group.
Blackbird Cottage, Dorset
For a dog-friendly stay, head to the Blackbird Cottage in DorsetSource: Airbnb
Blackbird Cottage in Beaminster is dog-friendly and sleeps up to five guests.
This restored Grade II listed cottage boasts its original features across its three bedrooms and walled garden.
The ground floor of the cottage also features historic stone floors as well as a wood-burning stove to keep you warm.
You’d be a short walk from shops and pubs as well as a short drive to the famous Jurassic Coast.
If you stay for three nights, you can get a £50 discount working out at £526 total or £35.07 per person per night.
A HOLIDAY park left abandoned for two decades on the Isle of Wight is set to be transformed into the ultimate luxury coastal escape.
Previously known as Atherfield Bay Holiday Camp and abandoned since 2007, the site is now being redeveloped by Evergreen Escapes as the Isle of Wight Resort.
The Isle of Wight Resort will be on the site of a holiday park left abandoned for two decadesSource: Evergreen EscapesThe new holiday park will have 63 luxury lodges with sea viewsSource: TripAdvisor
According to the resort’s website, it will be a “peaceful haven, where sweeping sea views and star-filled skies go hand-in-hand with exceptional accommodation and five-star facilities”.
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The multi-million pound project includes building 63 luxury lodges with sea views.
Elite lodges will feature either two or three bedrooms sleeping up to six people, with an open plan living and dining space, as well as a private outdoor decking.
On the other hand, Signature lodges will be slightly more luxury, sleeping up to eight people across four bedrooms.
The living and dining space will be open plan like the Elite lodges, but guests can also expect pops of colour or feature walls.
All the lodges are dog friendly and if you do bring you beloved pooch, they will get their very own welcome pack.
There will be a welcome pack for the humans too though, with Isle of Wight goodies.
Each lodge will have Rituals smellies and luxury robes and slippers too.
There will also be a number of wellness facilities including a cafe and poolSource: TripAdvisorThe park is set to open in April 2027Source: TripAdvisor
All of the lodges will be be self-catered accommodation.
Also on-site will be an indoor swimmingpool, – perfect for the colder winters months – as well as a sauna, steam room and a gym.
At the centre of the resort, The Wight Isle Lounge will serve hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks and fresh pizzas.
Local residents will also be able to use the entire holiday park.
And discounted ferry tickets will be available to staying guests.
Bookings are currently open for stays from April 2027, with 38 out of the 63 lodges available to rent (the rest will be for sale).
And bookings are already openSource: TripAdvisor
Geoff Cowley, CEO of Evergreen Escapes Group, said: “The Isle of Wight Resort will be a fantastic addition to the Island’s already thriving hospitality scene when it opens.
“Not just because we’re investing in high-end accommodation and facilities, but also because we’ll be investing in the resort team.
“We’ve already filled a number of senior roles but are actively looking for others to join us and showcase the best the Island has to offer for guests and owners alike.”
Evergreen Escapes also has plans for another 15 to 20 resorts over the next five years.
The Isle of Wight Resort will follow Evergreen Escapes acquiring Manor and Ashbury Resorts in Devon and Doublebois Lodge Escape and St Mabyn Lodge Escape, in Cornwall.
FROM East European luxury to affordable Spanish aparthotels – the following resorts have all received masses of rave reviews from British customers.
Loveholidays has collated the top hotels most loved by Brits from thousands of customer reviews over the past year – these are the ones that really have the stamp of approval.
Solymar Gran Hotel The One, Spain
Solymar Gran Hotel The One in Spain sits on the shores of Arenal Beach in CalpeSource: loveholidays
This pretty four-star hotel sits on the sandy shores of Arenal Beach in Calpe with incredible beach views and received incredibly high scores from its customers.
Its two freshwater outdoor swimming pools are available year-round and there are plenty of sun loungers too.
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The on-site spa has a sauna, steam bath and hot tub.
A seven-night holiday with breakfast and flights from London Stansted on March 1 starts from £639pp.
An all-inclusive break to Ikos Olivia starts from £2,219pp
Luxurious five-star Ikos Olivia is an all-inclusive resort set on a the beach in Gerakini, Northern Greece – and it’s another top scorer.
It has three outdoor pools, a spa, six restaurants and lots of activities from watersports to ball games like tennis, beach volleyball and table tennis.
The rooms vary from twin and double with balconies to bungalow suites with a private garden.
A seven-night, all-inclusive holiday with flights from London Gatwick departing on April 12 starts from £2,219pp.
Hotel Wawel Queen, Poland
This hotel in Kraków is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the city
Visitors love the four-star Hotel Wawel Queen which sits in the heart of Kraków – its location means it is easy to explore Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square.
After a day of exploration, guests can put their feet up in one of the 49 rooms which have heated floors and flatscreen TVs.
There’s one restaurant on-site too which serves buffet-style breakfasts and it offers service during certain hours.
A seven-night break with breakfast including flights from London Stansted on January 16 starts from £599pp.
Club Tuana Fethiye, Turkey
The resort in Fethiye looks over the coast and has multiple swimming poolsSource: loveholidays
This resort sits on the coastline of Fethiye in Turkey with beautiful views across the bay.
The hotel’s swimming pools are huge and also form part of the waterpark and water slides.
It has a Kids’ Club divided into Mini for ages 4 to 7 and Maxi for ages 8 to 14 – there’s a playground, slide, playhouse and mini-disco too.
A seven-night all-inclusive holiday including flights from London Gatwick on April 22 starts from £649pp.
Hotel Sumratin, Croatia
This luxurious resort sits on the coast of Dubrovnik in Croatia
The luxurious five-star Hotel Sumratin is highlighted as a great choice for couples looking for a holiday in Dubrovnik.
During the summer season, the outdoor swimming pool opens and there are sun loungers and parasols on the sun terrace too.
One visitor wrote in their review “Beautiful! Polite and attentive staff. Gorgeous food. The rooftop bar, our favourite place to unwind in the evening.”
A seven-night holiday including breakfast and flights from London Stansted on March 7 starts from £809pp.
La Pergola Aparthotel, Majorca
La Pergola Aparthotel in Majorca is described as being best for families
The comfortable four-star La Pergola Aparthotel is described as a ‘superb choice for families’.
The accommodation, which for cleanliness is rated 4.9/5, ranges from cosy studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, bungalows and villas.
Children can splash about in the pool or check out the activities at the kids’ club and playground.
A seven-night self-catering holiday with flights from London Stansted on March 9 starts from £469pp.
Sergiani Garden, Greek Islands
The hotel in Crete is close to beaches, restaurants and shops in Stalis
This two-star hotel on the island of Crete has been described as ‘first class’, ‘amazing’ and ‘one of the best restaurants in Stalis’.
It’s set in a peaceful location with easy access to the sandy beach; it also has a children’s pool and playground.
It’s near to the popular coastal resort village of Stalis and is within walking distance to the town and beaches.
A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Luton on May 3 starts from £419pp.
Iberostar Selection Anthelia, Tenerife
Three swimming pools, a spa, adults can really relax at this hotel in TenerifeSource: loveholidays
The luxurious five-star Iberostar Selection Anthelia is an adult-only resort in Costa Adeje.
Everything you need for a holiday is at your fingertips, the resort has four restaurants, five bars, three outdoor swimming pools and a spa.
Guests in their review say the hotel is spacious – and that it still didn’t feel busy even during peak summer holiday season.
A seven-night holiday including breakfast with flights from London Stansted on May 2 starts from £1,069pp.
Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto (Old Town), Poland
This city has everything guests need for a relaxing stay in Poland
Another popular hotel in Poland that makes it onto the list is the 4-star Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto.
It’s in a great spot for exploring Poland’s cultural capital with modern rooms and all the essentials.
It’s on-site Winestone Restaurant provides dinner, drinks at the bar and breakfast.
A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Stansted on January 8 starts from £539pp.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Dubai
This hotel in Dubai is the highest five-star in the world
This glam hotel in Dubai is the highest five-star hotel in the world and there’s so much there that guests say there’s actually no need to leave the hotel.
It has multiple restaurants and two heated outdoor swimming pools; to enjoy the sunshine, step onto the sun terrace and take a seat on the loungers.
Its rooms are impressive too – these have panoramic views across the city thanks to their floor to ceiling windows.
A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Gatwick on February 8 starts from £1,649pp.
It was created in 2004 and celebrates the liberation of Moscow from Polish troops in 1612, led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. This event marked the end of the “time of troubles” and foreign intervention in Russia. It led to Mikhail Romanov’s accession to the throne.
Speaking in 2021, President Putin said: “National Unity Day marks a dramatic, life-changing period in the history of our country. In the early 17th century, Russia found itself on the brink of losing its sovereignty and could have disappeared from the European and world maps forever. However, the people of Russia did not let this happen. They came together in a volunteer army led by Minin and Pozharsky to defend their homeland, chase out the invaders and traitors, restore a strong state, and stop sectarian strife. They took on the task of saving the country and paved the way for Russia’s revival and strengthening.”
The event was marked by a public holiday which was celebrated in Russia on October 22nd from 1649 till 1917.
The name of the day is in recognition that all the classes of Russian society united to save Russia, even though there was no Tsar to lead them.
There are 193 peoples (tribes or ethnic groups) living in the territory of the country. Russia has a unique religious composition, with the three world religions represented –Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. Russia has 277 languages and dialects. More than three dozen languages, along with Russian – which form part of the Russian Federation – are national
Ecuador’s Public Holidays provide a handy guide to this South American country’s road to independence from Spain.
Independence Day commemorates Quito’s declaration of independence in 1809, the first city to do so in Latin America. While that attempt proved unsuccessful, it paved the way for the nationalist movement that would sweep over Central and South America later that century.
Eleven years later, on October 9th 1820, Guayaquil declared its independence during the Ecuadorian War of Independence – this event is marked by another public holiday.
Cuenca, the economic centre of the southern highlands, declared its independence on November 3rd 1820.
These declarations were important milestones in the war and gave momentum to the liberation of Quito.
After the war and independence, Cuenca became the capital of one of the three provinces that made up the newly-formed republic.
Cuenca is the third-largest city in Ecuador and the capital of the Azuay Province. The historic centre of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its many historical buildings.
WINTER is coming – and it’s bringing a whole host of scenic travel destinations with it.
France’s Strasbourg is top of holidaymakers’ hotlists, according to the latest Tripadvisor Travel Index, while Tromsø in Norway is creeping up the popularity scale.
There’s more to winter fun than just skiingCredit: GettyFancy spotting the aurora borealis painted across the night sky – from your bed?Credit: Alamy
The travel report revealed the most up-and-coming holiday spots for this season, based on search data for breaks between November 1 this year and February 28, 2027.
Here Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the most popular holiday packages this winter.
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STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg boasts a stunning cathedral, one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets and hearty Franco-German cuisine, making it a festive winter escapeCredit: Getty
SO much for Paris — the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg is just as glorious.
It was named among the top experiences in France in the 2026 Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards.
Known as the Gateway to the Arctic, this winter destination offers dog sledding, whale watching, snowmobiling and spectacular views of the Northern LightsCredit: Getty
THIS area, AKA the Gateway to the Arctic, was crowned second most popular spot for this winter.
While its location means that during winter, the sun never rises above the horizon, that doesn’t mean you need to hunker down inside — far from it.
Among popular activities to try are dog or reindeer sledding, whale watching, snowmobiling, ski touring and fishing in the icy fjords.
It’s also one of the best spots in the world to catch the Northern Lights in all their colourful glory.
GO: Five nights’ room-only at the 4* Moxy Tromsø is from £909pp including flights from Gatwick on January 17.
Ghent offers a quieter winter escape than nearby Bruges and Brussels, with illuminated medieval streets and a magical festive market featuring an ice rink and Ferris wheelCredit: Getty
THE nearby hotspots of Bruges and Brussels typically steal the limelight when it comes to winter getaways.
And that’s just why Ghent should be top of your list.
The fact it is less crowded means you can explore its Gothic and medieval architecture at leisure, although it’s best to do so at night when the intricate alleyways and twisted spires are illuminated by spotlights, giving the spires an even more dramatic appearance against the night sky.
Ghent’s winter festival, which operates throughout December and into early January, is magical, with a mini ice rink, ferris wheel and rows of stalls that lead from the canal to the central square.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 3* Hotel Gravensteen is from £489pp including flights from Heathrow on November 26.
Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland offers glass igloos with views of the Northern Lights, Europe’s longest toboggan run and traditional saunas to warm up after a day in the snowCredit: Getty
IF Tromsø’s coastal location doesn’t tickle your fancy, then Saariselka, where earthy pine woodlands are buried in deep powdery snow, just might.
Make sure to stay in a glass igloo — after all, this is the place where they were popularised. And what a spot for them.
From your bed, you have high chances of spotting the aurora borealis painted across the night sky.
Make sure to test out the longest toboggan track in Europe, which stretches 1.8km from the summit of Kaunispaa mountain.
Then warm up those chilled bones in a traditional Finnish sauna.
GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3* Holiday Club Saariselka is from £914pp including flights from Gatwick on November 29.
Chamonix combines traditional French alpine charm with world-class skiing, a spectacular glass skywalk, ice caves and delicious cheesy racletteCredit: Getty
A COSY and typically French resort town, Chamonix has maintained its traditional charm, despite having sparked the big ski boom.
And unlike the purpose-built ski resorts, this town is vast and sprawling, with lots of wooden chalets dotted around.
While it is a destination that is known for its skiing, there is still plenty else to do in winter.
Le Pas Dans Le Vide is an awesome glass skywalk, suspended at an altitude of metres, at the summit of Aiguille du Midi.
It gives visitors the thrilling sensation of floating above the spectacular Bossons Glacier.
There are also ice caves and ice sculptures and you can dig in to some of the best cheesy raclette in the country.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3* Residence Pierre & Vacances La Riviere is from £551pp, including flights from Gatwick on January 2, plus 20kg luggage per person.
WHEN someone tells me holidays have got more expensive, my first question is usually: where are you looking?
Because holidays – and winter sun ones especially – don’t always come with the steep price tag… if you know where to look.
Even on the same island, holidaymakers can end up paying more in one resort while spending less in another.
And knowing which names to put into the search box can make all the difference.
So I’ve been digging through the booking data, comparing this winter with the winter before, to find the destinations where holidaymakers actually paid less on average.
From Tenerife, to Egypt, to long-haul luxury in Mexico – I’ve found a holiday alternative in every destination where the prices are considerably lower right now, compared to how much they were last year.
And with up to 18 per cent slashed off the price of a five-night stay, there’s no excuse not to consider a little pre-Christmas getaway…
10. El Medano, Tenerife – 1% less
Tenerife’s El Medano is perfect for a seaside holiday with a bit of activity tooCredit: Getty
El Medano earns its name for offering a completely different flavour of Tenerife.
Beach and water sports are a big deal here, making it a good option for someone who likes an active seaside holiday alongside the usual eating, relaxing and enjoying being away.
I’d put it on the shortlist if you want the beach to be the centre of the trip, with plenty of opportunity to get outside.
The average amount paid here edged down one per cent year on year, with a small dip in the nightly average too.
It’s a five night Bed & Breakfast break from £315pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on December 14, 2026 – a perfect pre-Christmas seaside break.
9. Matagorda, Lanzarote – 2% less
On the island of Lanzarote, try Matagorda if you want a cheaper optionCredit: Alamy
Matagorda is somewhere I’d suggest for a simple, classic Lanzarote beach break – the long stretch of golden sand gives you the perfect starting point for a winter holiday.
The average amount paid here dipped two per cent, keeping spending down between the two winters.
That’s a result, especially when you consider Playa Blanca – also on Lanzarote – saw average costs rise seven per cent.
For someone who already likes Lanzarote, Matagorda is another name worth checking before deciding where to stay.
The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at San Marcial from £200pp, including direct return flights from Bristol on December 12, 2026.
There’s a pool for spending time around the accommodation, while the self-catering basis gives you control over the food budget.
This means popping to the local supermarket – one of my favourite things to do on holiday – for your food, while having the option to eat out without feeling like you are wasting a meal at the hotel.
And at just £400 for two people, including flights, you’ve got a very tempting starting price for a winter escape.
8. Makadi Bay, Egypt – 6% less
Makadi Bay in Egypt is a cheaper alternative to HurghadaCredit: Getty
Makadi Bay is one I’d check out for a Hurghada holiday this year, and it’s perfect for a holiday where leaving the hotel isn’t top of your list between cocktails and swimming.
Think time by the pool, trips down to the beach and making the most of having your main meals sorted if you choose all inclusive.
It suits the sort of break where getting extremely comfortable for a week is the whole plan.
And the average amount paid here between winters fell six per cent.
What makes that especially sweet is the contrast with Hurghada itself, where holidaymakers paid nine per cent more on average.
It’s just another example of why I’d always compare individual resort areas rather than searching for one destination and assuming the job is done.
The deal I found is at the five-star Stella Beach Resort & Spa Makadi Bay: a five night all inclusive stay from £415pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on December 12, 2026.
Five-star accommodation, all inclusive and flights for £83 per person per night across the package? That deserves real consideration, even from me.
7. Sharm El Sheikh (town) – 6% less
Egypt remains one of the biggest bargains this year, and even Sharm El Sheikh costs have dropped this yearCredit: Getty
Sharm El Sheikh is one I regularly consider when someone asks for a winter holiday recommendation.
There’s a massive choice of resorts, with an endless coast of gorgeous beaches right on your doorstep.
The booking figures make this result particularly interesting – Brits paid six per cent less on average, year on year.
And, I should say, this was a spot attracting substantially more bookings compared to the year before. Yet still, the average costs came down.
The deal I found is five nights, all inclusive at Amwaj Oyoun Hotel and Resort from £345pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on December 6, 2026.
It’s a five-star hotel with a massive pool area, and it’s the sort of place where I’d happily build my day around which pool and which restaurant I’m liking the look of.
That’s £690 for two people, with flights, accommodation, meals and drinks covered.
Fuerteventura is one of our cheapest on the list for a winter sun holidayCredit: Alamy
Nuevo Horizonte, also known as Costa de Antigua, is a useful name to know if you’re keen to get away this winter for a good price.
It’s on Fuerteventura’s east coast, close to Caleta de Fuste, and I’d consider it for a relaxed holiday with plenty of warmth.
For a budget-conscious trip, I’d look closely at apartment options.
This means more control over your spending by having breakfast in your apartment, keeping beers in the fridge and choosing when to eat out.
This had the lowest average amount paid of anywhere on the list, with holidaymakers spending seven per cent less on average than the winter before.
The deal I found is five nights self catering at Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel from £200pp, including direct return flights from Newcastle on December 12, 2026.
There’s a large pool area to enjoy, and as mentioned, the self-catering basis lets you decide how much of the holiday involves eating in or heading out.
Five nights in Fuerteventura for £400 for two, including flights, is a very sweet deal to have on your radar.
5. Playa del Carmen, Mexico – 8% less
If you want something a but further, try Mexico’s Playa del Carmen for the biggest price dropCredit: Getty
If you’re thinking about a bigger, flashier winter escape, this is the spot I’d pay close attention to.
Playa del Carmen puts Mexico’s Caribbean coast on this shortlist, with plenty of beach time and the option to explore the Riviera Maya.
However, I would always look particularly closely at what the hotel includes here.
On a longer trip, an all inclusive package can cover a substantial part of your holiday spending before you arrive.
The average amount paid fell eight per cent, which meant a reduction of over £170 per person on average – the largest cash decrease on this list.
For two people, the difference between those averages was more than £350.
The deal I found is ten nights all inclusive at the five-star Bluebay Grand Esmeralda from £1,250pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on December 2, 2026.
That gives you a longer stay to settle into, with your main meals and selected drinks already part of the booking – a tantalising way to spend the run-up to Christmas.
4. Om El Sid, Sharm El Sheikh – 8% less
You might not have heard of Om El Sid, which is why the prices are lowerCredit: Getty
Om El Sid is one of my favourite parts of Egypt.
The area is known for its coral reefs and snorkelling, giving you something rather more interesting to look at than the bottom of a swimming pool.
For me, that’s a good reason to be specific about where in Sharm you stay – the location and beach access can become a major part of what makes the hotel worth booking.
Holidaymakers paid eight per cent less on average here too.
The deal I found is a five night all inclusive break at Old Vic Sharm Resort & Spa from £295pp, including direct return flights from Newcastle on December 9, 2026.
The hotel has a gorgeous pool if you don’t fancy a snorkel, and the all inclusive basis means your meals and drinks are covered while you’re there.
That’s £590 for two people, including flights – or £59 per person per night across the package.
So you’re bagging five nights away with a huge chunk of the everyday spending sorted. It’s easily one of the best deals I’ve spotted all year!
3. Golf del Sur, Tenerife – 9% less
Tenerife’s most laid back (and more affordable) side is found at Golf del SurCredit: Alamy
Golf del Sur is worth a look if you fancy a much slower-than-usual Tenerife holiday, particularly if you like the idea of spending plenty of time enjoying your hotel.
And, as the name rather helpfully suggests, golfers have an obvious reason to take a closer look.
The area’s course combines volcanic scenery with Atlantic views, making a round here a very different proposition from searching for your ball in a wet British hedge.
But I’d also consider the area for a straightforward week of pool time, leisurely meals and a change of scenery.
The average cost here fell nine per cent, giving you another Tenerife name worth comparing when you’re searching.
The deal I found is five nights’ Bed & Breakfast at Grand Muthu Golf Plaza Hotel & Spa from £250pp, including direct return flights from Liverpool on December 13, 2026.
With breakfast included, you’ve got the first meal of the day sorted before you’ve had to make any meaningful decisions.
That’s £500 for two people for five nights away, including flights – I’d happily start planning around that.
2. Playa de la Arena, Tenerife – 13% less
Playa de la Arena is known for its black sand beach, and its a bigger bargain this yearCredit: Getty
Playa de la Arena is another spot in Tenerife that gives you something different to what you’d expect.
The black-sand beach is the centrepiece here, with places to eat nearby and lovely sunset views towards La Gomera.
Holidaymakers paid 13 per cent less on average.
This is the largest fall among the three Tenerife resorts on this list.
The deal I found is five nights including Bed & Breakfast at Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes from £250pp, including direct return flights from London Stansted on December 5, 2026.
It’s an adults-recommended hotel so perfect if you want a break without any kids splashing you from the pool.
It comes high recommended too, with a very impressive 4.7 out of 5 Tripadvisor score.
Breakfast sorted, five nights in Tenerife and flights for £500 for two – hard to argue with that.
1. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria – 18% less
You can’t go wrong with a trip to Gran Canaria, which has seen the biggest drop of 18 per cent this winterCredit: Getty
Las Palmas gives you two very good reasons to get on a plane: a proper city break and a beach holiday in the same place.
You’ve got the restaurants, cafés and everyday life of Gran Canaria’s capital, alongside Las Canteras – a long city beach with a promenade made for chilled-out walks and stopping for something to eat.
I’d recommend it to someone who wants winter sunshine but also likes having plenty on the doorstep.
By that, I mean each in the morning, lunch somewhere different and an afternoon where the world is your oyster.
And handily, this was the biggest mover in my analysis with Brits paying a whopping 18 per cent less on average!
The deal I found is five nights self catering at URBANSEA Holiday Homes from £245pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on December 10, 2026.
I like the self-catering option for this sort of trip because you can sort some meals and drinks yourself, leaving more spending money for trying different places around the city.
That’s £490 for two people, including flights, for five nights combining Gran Canaria with a city break. My pick of the bunch!
The use of slaves on Mauritius was widespread. It began when the French took control of the island and established sugar cane plantations, which needed a large workforce of slaves.
By the time the British took control of the island in 1810, slaves accounted for around 80% of the island’s population with most from Madagascar and East Africa.
In February 1835, slavery was abolished in Mauritius. This instantly created a demand for replacement labour on the plantations.
The solution was to use indentured workers. Effectively indentured workers would work as slaves, but only for the term of their contract, after which they would be freed. This process started in Mauritius and was expanded to other parts of the British Empire.
Between 1834 and 1920, half-a-million indentured immigrants (labourers and their families) arrived on Mauritius, with 97% of the immigrants coming from India. The first labourers, called coolies, arrived from Calcutta (Kolkata) on November 2nd 1834.
A commission to look at the practice of indenture first took place in 1872, though it was 1924 before the practice was abolished.
In 1849 an immigration depot was built at Trou Fanfaron, Port Louis, where the coolies lived for two days before heading out to the sugar estates. It was listed as a national monument and renamed to Apravasi Ghat in 1989.
In 2006, the depot, seen as a symbol of human endurance, was included in Unesco’s list of world heritage sites.
The need to disclose ethnic identity was dropped from the census in 1982, so there are no official figures, but over 60% of Mauritians have ancestors from the Indian subcontinent.
This holiday on the anniversary of that first arrival in 1834 celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Indian population and their contribution to Mauritian society.
In Los Angeles, we’re truly spoiled. We have sunny weather most of the year along with several beaches where we can cool off. We also have dozens of wonderful restaurants that showcase the diversity of the city as well as all of the entertainment one could ever ask for. As if that weren’t already enough, L.A. is home to some of the coolest and most exciting brands.
Looking for apparel? Home goods? Something else? There are several local businesses worth supporting year-round, but especially during the holiday season.
All of the gifts featured on this list are from L.A. brands — some of which were created by native Angelenos like visual artist Lauren Halsey and Cash Saunders of the Shea Parlor. Only a handful of the businesses have storefronts, while others serve their customers online (and sometimes at local flea markets). All of them, though, serve as reminders of why purchasing a gift from a neighbor is a way bigger flex than shopping at a big-box store.
Editor’s note: If you make a purchase using some of our links, the L.A. Times may be compensated. Prices and availability are subject to change. In some cases, listed websites may use location-based pricing.
There’s a reason why people like to shop locally during the holidays. You don’t have to worry anxiously about when your gift will arrive — for the kids; it’s always for the kids. It doesn’t have to be like that.
This year, try visiting a local gift shop or a holiday craft fair and pick out a gift in person from a neighbor right here in L.A.
As in past years, many of the items in our Made in L.A. list are small-batch or made-to-order. You’ll find things including unique ceramics, puzzle candles, handmade jewelry and even a life-affirming baseball cap designed by an 11-year-old.
The best holiday gifts aren’t just those that arrive quickly. They also have heart. If you’re searching for the perfect gift, whether it’s the perfect handmade coffee mug or silk-screened tee boasting local pride, check out our list of favorites below.
Editor’s note: If you make a purchase using some of our links, the L.A. Times may be compensated. Prices and availability are subject to change. In some cases, listed websites may use location-based pricing.
When we went looking for the best independent gift shops in Los Angeles, we discovered a Tarot Arts store in South Pasadena, found a fun mix of paper goods — and stickers! — at Paper and Plant Co.’s new location in Highland Park and met three adorable shop cats at Adelaide, a charming flower and gift shop in Altadena, which was forced to close temporarily following the Eaton fire.
We’re fortunate in Los Angeles that holiday shopping doesn’t have to revolve around a crowded mall — or an Amazon delivery.
Shopping local can be fun.
At Little Flower in Pasadena, you can enjoy a meal or savory treat while browsing the shop’s shelves stocked with seasonal goods. At Curious in Hermosa Beach, you can book a haircut at a speakeasy-style barber inside the “pop and pop shop.” Or you might catch an art show at Tim Biskup’s Face Guts in Verdugo Village, right next to his unique lifestyle store, Home Guts.
This holiday season, why not try shopping in your neighborhood? Whether you need something for a teacher or loved one, shopping small helps support businesses that may have had a tough time of late. Many store owners shared that the holidays can make or break their entire year. “The holidays matter a lot to us,” says Ivana Suvak of Goods in Santa Monica. “I think in-person retail matters more than it used to. We’re all online all day, but walking into a shop, touching something, smelling it, discovering something you weren’t looking for and talking to another person … I don’t think that can be replaced.”
Shopping local makes a difference beyond just your gift recipient — it helps your neighbors. “My thought every year is: If you build it, they will come,” says Sonya Gallardo, who owns Highlow Gift Shop in Torrance. “To make the heavy investment, I have to have faith that my customers will remember my shop, and new customers will want to shop small and find me.”
Here’s a list of our favorite gift shops in Los Angeles.
From the start of the sixteenth century, Algeria had been under the partial rule of the Ottoman Empire. In 1830, the country was invaded by France. The conquest of Algeria was a long and bloody affair, and unusually for French foreign territories, Algeria’s status was that it was treated as being part of France rather than as a colony.
Emigration from Europe to Algeria was encouraged by the French, with tribal lands confiscated by the French government and Europeans even becoming the majority of the population in some cities like Algiers.
In the middle of the twentieth century, local resentment to the presence of France by the local Muslim population led to the uprising known as the ‘Red (bloody) All Saints’ Day’ (French: Toussaint Rouge).
On November 1st1954, the Christian festival of All Saints’ Day, 70 individual coordinated attacks were made on police and military targets across Algeria by the National Liberation Front (FLN). These attacks signaled the start of the Algerian War. The events of November 1st 1954 became known as the ‘Red (bloody) All Saints’ Day’ (French: Toussaint Rouge).
While France won the conflict and regained control of the country, the brutality of the suppression of the revolution further alienated the Algerians and resulted in a loss of support for France’s control of Algeria, both in France and abroad. This change in attitude directly led to independence from Algeria on July 5th 1962.
THERE is nothing sinister about Tenerife or the capital of romance Paris. Or is there? With Halloween finally here, we uncover the spooky sides of European destinations.
From a cursed canalside palace in Venice to headless ghosts in Malta, Lisa Minot and Sophie Swietochowski share their pick of surprisingly scary holiday hotspots.
Paris decided to solve the problem of its overflowing cemeteries by exhuming the bones relocating them to tunnelsCredit: GettyMany believe the 15th-century Ca’ Dario that borders the Grand Canal is cursed due to series of suspicious deathsCredit: Getty
PARIS
THE French capital is reportedly home to the world’s largest underground ossuary — where the remains of six million people are buried beneath the streets.
Thrillseekers can stroll the network of underground tunnels, which are embedded with human skulls and bones.
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You may see the City of Love in a whole other light after this.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Explorers Hotel is from £459pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on November 9.
Includes a 22kg baggage allowance. Approximately £28 in tourist tax is payable at the property. See jet2holidays.com.
ROME
DESCEND into the Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the bustling Via Veneto and you’re greeted with a stunningly creepy sight — the bones of nearly 4,000 friars decorate five subterranean chapels.
The bones are laid out in intricate patterns across walls and archways and have even been turned into chandeliers.
GO: Two nights’ B&B at the 5H Villa Agrippina is from £399pp including flights from Heathrow on select dates in December. Price includes 23kg luggage. See britishairways.com/rome.
PRAGUE
IT may be famous for its pretty cobbled squares and fairytale spires but its medieval past has some chilling folklore.
The 14th-century Charles Bridge is said to be haunted by headless ghosts of executed nobles.
And the Old Town is famous for the legend of the Headless Templar Knight — a ghost who rides a white horse through the streets after midnight.
GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3H Comfort Hotel Prague City East is from £419pp including flights from Bristol on November 27 and 22kg luggage. See jet2holidays.com.
TENERIFE
ANCIENT spirits lurk in one of Tenerife’s oldest buildings, the Palacio de Lercaro.
This is the former home of Catalina Lercaro, the daughter of a wealthy businessman who was forced into a loveless marriage.
Catalina tragically took her own life by throwing herself down a well, and rumour has it that she still walks the building today. Holidaymakers can explore the building, with a traditional stone staircase, before venturing into the gorgeous old town for a bit of light respite.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3H Coral Compostela Beach Golf & Siam Park Waterpark is from £429pp based on four sharing and including flights from Manchester on November 1. Includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers. See jet2holidays.com.
Frangokastello on the island of Crete is said to be home to ghosts of fighters who died in an horrific battle in 1828Credit: GettyThe 14th-century Charles Bridge in Prague is said to be haunted by headless ghosts of executed nobles.Credit: Getty
DUBROVNIK
JUST 600 metres off the shore of Dubrovnik lies the isle of Lokrum.
It may look like a lush paradise but local folklore has it that Benedictine monks placed a curse on anyone who tries to take control of the island, after they were forced out by French forces in the late 18th century.
A string of former owners suffered mysterious deaths and tragedies, and today you can visit the eerie ruins of the abandoned monastery.
GO: Three nights’ B&B at the Hotel Porto is from £338pp with flights from Gatwick on November 14. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.
MALTA
LISTEN out for whispers when you stroll in fortified medieval hilltop city Mdina — the headless ghost of Katrina still wanders the narrow lanes, calling to passers-by.
Traditional folklore claims she was sentenced to death for killing a knight in self-defence.
She was granted one final wish — to marry her true love — before being marched to her death immediately after the ceremony.
Mdina, known as the Silent City, is a spooky place to explore and many have claimed to see a woman in a bridal gown disappearing into the walls.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3+H Mayflower Hotel is from £519pp including flights from London Stansted on November 6, plus 22kg baggage and return transfers.
Approximately £18 in tourist tax is payable at the property for this holiday. See jet2holidays.com.
VENICE
IF you visit Venice, you may want to steer clear of the 15th-century Ca’ Dario that borders the Grand Canal. Many believe the palace is cursed, after seven owners and visitors have met tragic ends since the 1980s.
People became so suspicious that the property remained empty for many years until 2026 . . . when it was listed for sale.
GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3H Il Mercante di Venezia is from £182pp including flights from London Stansted on December 13 and hand luggage. See tui.co.uk.
CRETE
GREECE is full of gory history so it’s no surprise that one of its fortresses is said to be crawling with an army of ghosts.
Head to Frangokastello, on the island of Crete, and you’ll find a restored Venetian castle overlooking a sandy beach.
At first glance, it may look peaceful but visit in the morning in May and you might be able to spot shadowy figures emerging from the misty waters.
They are said to be the ghosts of fighters who died in an horrific battle in 1828.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Creta Palm Resort is from £799pp including flights from from East Midlands on May 4 next year. Includes 22kg baggage and return transfers.
Approximately £58 in tourist tax is payable at the property. See jet2holidays.com.
In November 2025, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI decreed that October 31st of each year will be a national holiday, designated as “Aid Al Wahda” (Unity Day in English), according to a statement from the Royal Cabinet.
The royal proclamation marks the adoption of a United Nations Security Council resolution that supports the Kingdom’s position on the Western Sahara issue, which has been widely described in the news as a “Sahara Victory at the UN.” The move is intended to underscore Morocco’s national unity and sovereign identity.
The Security Council resolution renewed for one year the mandate of the long-standing United Nations peacekeeping mission in the disputed Western Sahara, referencing Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal presented in 2007 — which envisions the territory as self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty — as a basis for negotiations.
The resolution is historic as it directly and explicitly joined the growing momentum in support of the Moroccan initiative as the basis to end the dispute under Morocco’s sovereignty.
The creation of “Unity Day” adds a significant new date to the nation’s calendar, reinforcing the importance of the UN’s resolution and its implications for the region. Unity Day will serve as a unifying occasion to celebrate national unity and the Kingdom’s territorial integrity, and it will also be a day on which the King grants royal pardons.
IF YOU are looking for your next countryside escape then look no further than this holiday park set to open next year.
A new Landal holiday park in Malvern Hills is set to open in springnext year.
A huge new holiday park in Malvern Hills is set to open in spring next yearCredit: LandalIt will have 40 lodges each sleeping between two and six peopleCredit: Landal
Landal Malvern Hills will be set in a woodland with 40 timber lodges complete with terrace hot tubs.
The lodges can each host between two and six people.
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Inside, the interiors will have a modern design, with light woods throughout.
The entire park will be dog friendly too so your four-legged friend doesn’t need to be left behind.
Nevada Day commemorates the admission of the state of Nevada into the union on October 31st 1864, when it became the 36th state in the union.
The words ‘battle born’ appear on the state flag, as Nevada gained its statehood during the American Civil War.
As Nevada Day is a state holiday, all state, county and city government offices will close, along with most schools and libraries. Private businesses can close at their discretion. The US Post Office will be open as will most banks and public transport will operate on nearly normal schedules.
The name ‘Nevada’ is Spanish and means ‘snow-covered’.
The biggest event to mark Nevada Day is the parade in downtown Carson City, the state capital of Nevada. The Nevada Day Parade is the state’s oldest and most historical event, and with the exception of Hawaii and West Virginia, Nevada hosts the only admission day activity of its kind in the country.
Informal celebrations of this holiday began in the 1870s when it was called Admission Day. Nevada Day became a state holiday in 1933 the State Legislature passed a bill, introduced by Senator Ira L. Winters of Carson City designating Oct. 31st as “Nevada Day” as well as a discretionary holiday. Parades and pageants commemorating Nevada’s history along with the usual gatherings of pioneers were among the festivities.
“Christmas at the Kringles” is a Christmas-themed horror movie getting released on Halloween weekend but largely set on Valentine’s Day, if that gives you any indication of the identity crisis this confused project is going through. Scripted by Zack Imbrogno and directed by Kevin Lewis, it should just be content to be a comedy — the horror elements are unnecessary, forced and mean-spirited, even for the spooky season.
Christmas horror has been around for a while. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a ghost story at root, and some of the earliest slasher films, 1972’s “Silent Night, Bloody Night” and 1974’s “Black Christmas,” utilize the holiday setting for both aesthetic and thematic tension. The ironic juxtaposition between Christmas cheer and bloody terror heightens the stakes. Usually.
But in “Christmas at the Kringles,” the Christmas theme is the lowest common denominator, present only as gaudy decoration, creepy song cues and vulgarly re-appropriated sayings. In an opening sequence, we witness a woman impaled by a Christmas tree, her severed head plopped atop it in lieu of a star. Do we know her? No. Will we ever? Also no. She serves merely as a cautionary tale, when it’s already too late for our protagonists. Her grisly demise also lets us know that this is a horror movie, because it’s mostly a comedy for the first act.
It really should have stayed that way, especially when the filmmakers have Thomas Lennon and Arden Myrin at their disposal, playing the baddies: Kringle parents Nick and Carol, who celebrate Christmas year-round and warmly welcome their new neighbors the Seversons, Mark (Ron Livingston) and Julie (Rachel Bilson) and their son Bobby (Jake Jewkes). The Seversons are refugees from “the city” who have decamped to the suburbs in hopes of getting their spark back as a family.
Livingston, playing a cold workaholic, seems generally perturbed to be there, while Bilson’s Julie, desperate to make her family whole again, also has an air of desperation. The Seversons are sucked into the Kringles’ orbit, despite warnings from a man-child neighbor, Daryl (Donald Faison), and a drunk mall Santa (Rob Riggle), who speak eerily of the home’s previous inhabitants (presumably the woman we saw with the tree).
Lennon, a founding member of comedy troupe the State and creator of the cult comedy series “Reno 911!,” is a secret weapon, a cruise missile of targeted timing and hilarious asides. Myrin mostly manages to match him beat for beat and the pair are quite funny together. So why couldn’t this just ride with that, in a “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” kind of way? In a nod to that film, Beverly D’Angelo co-stars as the Kringle family matriarch.
Instead, we’re treated (more like tricked) to a plot about a cult of “joy” into which the Kringles are trying to recruit the new family next door. David Wain appears in a recruitment video as leader Noel Tannenbaum. It all starts to feel like a veiled skewering of Scientology, which could be interesting until they start throwing chainsaws and Christmas gimps into the mix. It devolves into a noisy, chaotic and ultimately meaningless bloodbath, simply a means to an end in which Bilson gets to kill someone with milk and cookies.
Ostensibly, Livingston’s Mark is supposed to be the Grinch, Lennon’s character jolly old St. Nicholas, their eventual roles reversed as the chainsaws rev up. That’s the idea at least, but “Christmas at the Kringles” is too disorganized and janky for any of its concepts to land, so the filmmakers rely on gore and hacky punchlines to wrap up this lump of coal and pretend it’s a shiny new toy. It should come with a gift receipt.
Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.
‘Christmas at the Kringles’
Rated: R, for some strong bloody violence, language, and some sexual material
THE UK’s best holiday park has been revealed and it is the ultimate peaceful retreat.
Named Best Holiday Park at the Sykes Gem Awards2026, Stonerush Lakes in Lanreath, South Cornwall is spread across 28 acres and is home to numerous different lodges.
Stonerush Lakes in Cornwall has been named the best holiday park in the UKCredit: CharteroakThe lodges each have been one and three bedrooms and some even have a terrace hot tubCredit: Charteroak
Lodges vary in size between one and three bedrooms, are all detached and timber clad.
Many also have views of the lake or hillside and you can book one with its own hot tub too.
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And if you really want something special, there are lodges with cinema rooms and spa facilities available.
There’s an onsite Old Mill Bar and Restaurant right by the lake, ideal for grabbing a bite to eat with meals made using local produce.
Following the defeat of the Ottomans in World War I, the allies occupied Turkey as part of the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire.
An uprising of Turkish nationalists led to the Turkish war of independence (1919 -1923). The allies left Turkish regions in July 1923.
Mustafa Kemal, the leader of the Turkish troops was named the first president on October 29th 1923 when the First Grand National Assembly declared Türkiye to be a republic officially in the new capital, Ankara, at the First Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Building.
On the same day, it was decided by the parliament to celebrate with 101 guns.
In 1934, Kemal was given the title Atatürk, which means ‘Father of the Turks’.
A republican constitution was adopted the following April. Islam remained the state religion for several years, though this was eventually removed from the constitution in April 1928, making Turkey a secular state. Turkey remained a single-party government until 1945.
For the Turkish people, Republic Day is one of the national holidays where national unity and solidarity and social solidarity are at the highest level. It was essential to determine a new form of administration in order to eliminate the administrative vacuum that emerged after the War of Independence, which ended with the victory of the Turkish nation.
