holiday

First look at new countryside holiday park opening in the UK next year with woodland lodges and £30pp stays

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 spring next year.

A huge new holiday park in Malvern Hills is set to open in spring next year Credit: Landal
It will have 40 lodges each sleeping between two and six people Credit: 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.

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.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs


ALL IN

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

There’s parking on site, as well as electric car charging points and WiFi across the entire park.

The park sits on the edge of Malvern Hills National Landscape AONB where you can head off on hikes.

And stays cost as little as £30 per person, per night Credit: Landal
Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

A four-night stay for up to four people costs from £516 in March 2027, working out at £32.25 per person, per night.

Or a four-night stay for up to six people costs from £716 in March 2027, working out at £29.83 per person, per night.

As for things to do in the local area, you aren’t far from the pretty town of Broadway as well as attractions such as the 19th-century Eastnor Castle.

The city of Worcester is also only a short drive away where you can visit the historic cathedral and discover the ruins of Witley Court.



Source link

Friday 30 October Nevada Day in Nevada in USA

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’ review: Defective holiday horror

p]:text-cms-story-body-color-text”>

“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

Running time: 1 hour, 38 minutes

Playing: Opens Friday, Oct. 30 in wide release

Source link

English holiday park that’s the ‘ultimate getaway from life’ named best in the UK with cosy lakefront lodges & £17 stays

THE UK’s best holiday park has been revealed and it is the ultimate peaceful retreat.

Named Best Holiday Park at the Sykes Gem Awards 2026, 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 UK Credit: Charteroak
The lodges each have been one and three bedrooms and some even have a terrace hot tub Credit: 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.

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.

Read more on travel inspo

BOOK IT

20 ultra cheap girly hols – UK trips, city breaks & all inclusive stays from £59


CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

If the weather is nice and sunny, you can sit on the outside terrace.

The inside is just as nice though, with a roaring fire to cosy up next to on cold winter days.

And what’s better is that your four-legged best friend doesn’t have to miss out as the site is dog-friendly.

For a day out, you can also head to the villages of Looe or Polperro, which are both around eight miles away.

Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.
You could also choose to have a lodge with a cinema room Credit: Charteroak
And many overlook the lake Credit: Charteroak

There are several hidden beaches nearby as well, such as Lansallos Cove, Lantic Bay and Talland Bay – which are all within a 15 to 25 minute drive.

Silvano Geranio, owner said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named Holiday Park of the Year in the Sykes Gems Awards.

“Personally, I feel incredibly proud to own a park that has received this recognition, but more than anything, I’m delighted for the team.”

Many visitors note how peaceful the park is, with one person commenting: “My idea of paradise.”

Another guest said: “We over looked the lakes which has an abundance of wildlife so quiet and peaceful and relaxing.”

A third person added: “It’s the ultimate relax.”

You could book into a lodge that sleeps up to four people for £477 for seven nights – working out at just £17 per person, per night.

Stays cost from as little as £17 per person, per night Credit: Charteroak

Full list of 2026 Sykes Gem Awards winners

  • Best Farm Stay: The Sty
  • Best for Beaches: Bucket and Spades – Right on the Beach
  • Best for Couples: Hona
  • Best for Young Families: The Olde Cow House
  • Best for Glamping: Evendine Hut at Evendine Cottage
  • Best for Large Groups: Oakdene Country House
  • Best Pet-friendly Property: Estuary View
  • Best for Sustainability: Oh Deer
  • Best for Views: 2 Channel View
  • Best for Walking: Larch Cottage
  • Best Historic Property: Clocktower – Culzean Castle
  • Best Longstanding Property: Lottie’s Loft
  • Best Luxury Property: The Ridge
  • Best Newcomer: Celyn
  • Best Quirky Property: The Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse
  • Best in Central England: 12 Manor Farm Close
  • Best in East Anglia: Polly’s Annexe
  • Best in Ireland and Northern Ireland: Atlantic Sea Breeze
  • Best in Mid and South Wales: Rusty Boathouse
  • Best in North East England: Puffin Cottage
  • Best in North Wales: Glallyn Bach
  • Best in North West England: Laithe House
  • Best in Peak District: Parlour Barn
  • Best in Scotland: Bramble Cottage
  • Best on the South Coast and Isle of Wight: The Happy Hut
  • Best in Cornwall: Sea Two Seas, Cape Cornwall
  • Best in Yorkshire: The Barn
  • Best in Devon: Searles
  • Best in Dorset and Somerset: 3 Beach Way House



Source link

Thursday 29 October Republic Day Holiday in Turkiye

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.

Families face paying extra £100 on UK holidays in new Budget tourist levy affecting hotels and holiday parks

UK holidays could soon get much more expensive after new overnight tourist tax rules were announced in today’s Budget.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to the ‘tourist tax‘ which will impose an extra charge for families on a staycation – and it could cost families an extra £100.

The ‘tourist tax’ could be introduced on overnight stays across the UK Credit: Alamy
It could raise the cost of a Great British holiday by £100 Credit: Alamy

Set out in the Autumn Budget, Andy Burnham once again spoke about what’s officially called the ‘overnight visitor levy‘ which is set to be in place by 2028.

It would allow local authorities in England to charge visitors an additional fee on overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets and even holiday parks.

The fee would be officially uncapped – however, Labour’s regional mayors in England have pledged to cap a it at five per cent.

According to UK Hospitality, it could still add up to £100 to a two-week family stay based on £2 per person per night.  

HAPPY HOLLY-DAYS

The 8 UK holiday parks opening for Christmas this year with £6.62pp stays


BAG IT

Cheap summer 2027 holidays you should book NOW for under £60pp – before prices go up

The money gained by the tax would be invested back into local communities and infrastructure.

Talking about the levy, Jon Hendry Pickup, CEO of Butlin’s said: “The Government still hasn’t explained how a Holiday Tax will work in practice or whether it will actually achieve that objective.

“If local areas are going to retain significantly more business rates revenue, alongside a share of income tax, the case for adding another tax on British families taking a holiday in their own country becomes even harder to understand.

“We’ve consistently warned that making UK destinations more expensive risks deterring the very visitors whose spending supports local economies.

“Giving regions the power to invest can have a positive impact, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of UK families booking a holiday.”

However, there are ways to get round the visitor tax, as some places might not implement it at all.

The Butlins CEO has slammed the new levy Credit: Butlins

England is split into 14 regions with different mayors looking after each – and the tourist tax will be added at their discretion.

It’s likely that all Labour mayors will add the tax, and some of the places where there is support are Greater London, the West Midlands, Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire and the North East.

Cities within those regions like Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle are likely to introduce the extra charge – as are surrounding towns.

However, where there are Reform UK and Conservative mayors, the levy may not be introduced at all.

Certain places like Leeds are likely to introduce the tourist tax Credit: Alamy
Cornwall doesn’t have a local mayor – but it set to set up a local authority by 2028 Credit: Alamy

For example, Dame Andrea Jenkyns who is the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has said that she won’t be introducing a tourism tax as it could “drive out” people from visiting the region.

Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley Ben Houchen also ruled out introducing any tourist tax last year.

Paul Bristow, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, wrote on X that “this is not the time to put extra costs on staying overnight in #Cambridgeshire and #Peterborough.”

Meanwhile, there’s a question mark on the places that do not have an elected regional mayor – for example Cornwall which draws in thousands of visitors every summer.

Cornwall does not have a mayor for the whole county, but is looking for a way to set up a foundation strategic authority (FSA) – this could be set up by 2028.

Where the levy is introduced could also change depending on local elections and if the ruling party switches.



Source link

The trending UK destinations for a winter holiday this year from seaside spots to royal-loved Victorian towns

FROM big cities to waterfront towns in the Lake District – these destinations are the top places to visit this winter.

The Tripadvisor Travel Index has found places on the up based on searches for travel between November 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027.

The top Tripadvisor trending spots in the UK have been revealed – including Durham Credit: palliki
At the very top is Cardiff which will open its Christmas market in November Credit: Alamy

At the very top of the list is the city of Cardiff which “transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas.”

Tripadvisor suggests a walking tour of the city, or if you want to explore further afield, take this day trip by steam train.

The capital of Wales has plenty to explore from its historic castles to museums and shopping arcades.

Cardiff Market, which is housed under a Victorian glass ceiling is a market that spans across two floors with lots of food stalls underneath.

HAPPY HOLLY-DAYS

The 8 UK holiday parks opening for Christmas this year with £6.62pp stays


BAG IT

Cheap summer 2027 holidays you should book NOW for under £60pp – before prices go up

Another popular spot is Caroline Street which is known locally as Chip Alley as it’s where you’ll find the majority of fish and chip shops and fast food takeaways.

For those wanting to visit in time for the Christmas market, the Cardiff Christmas Market runs from November 12 until December 23.

In second place is Pitlochry in Scotland which has deep ties with the royal family.

It dates back to the 1840s when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Pitlochry.

Queen Victoria praised the town for having fresh ‘Highland air’ which transformed the quiet village into a thriving Victorian holiday resort.

One suggested attraction is a trip to Blair Athol Distillery which is a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winner.

Newquay is popular in the summer and has lots to offer in the winter too Credit: Alamy
Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

In third spot is Keswick which was praised for its “stunning scenery” particularly around Derwentwater.

It’s framed by mountains like Skiddaw which is the fourth-highest mountain in the Lake District.

For those who want to get out on the water visitors can book onto a Keswick lake cruise – this has views of Skiddaw and ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’ which is a dramatic and narrow gorge.

Another spot on the list is the seaside town of Newquay which while it’s popular for its beaches in the summer, is proving to be a top winter choice too.

When it’s a little darker, take a stroll around the town which has cosy cafes, pubs and shops.

One of the trending cities includes Durham, the historic city sits on the River Wear and has thousands of years of history including its castle and cathedral.

Other cities on the list include Bristol, Leeds and Norwich.

Keswick in Cumbria has sweeping views across Derwentwater Credit: Alamy

Top Trending UK Destinations…

  1. Cardiff, Wales
  2. Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross
  3. Keswick, Cumbria
  4. Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne
  5. Bristol
  6. St Andrews, Fife
  7. Norwich, Norfolk
  8. Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands
  9. Newquay, Cornwall
  10. Leeds, Yorkshire



Source link

Win a one night stay at the newly reopened Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4, Jct.4

One lucky reader will win an overnight stay for two, including a delicious three-course dinner with wine and a full breakfast in the contemporary, newly transformed Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4, Jct.4.

Why wait until you reach your destination to start your getaway? Whether you’re planning a festive day out, a family adventure or an early flight, a night away can turn the journey into part of the experience.

To help one lucky reader make more of their winter plans, Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4,JCT.4 is offering the chance to win a one-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay for two. The perfect excuse to escape for the night, enjoy a delicious dinner and wake up ready for whatever the next day has in store.

Recently reopened following a major refurbishment, Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4,JCT.4 has unveiled a fresh new look. From the redesigned lobby and arrival area to the revamped restaurant and lobby bar, the refreshed spaces offer guests a more contemporary experience.

Just off the M4 and close to Heathrow Airport, the hotel is also ideally placed for exploring some of the UK’s most popular winter destinations, including Central London, Windsor, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and Thorpe Park.

Make a weekend of a festive day out, add an overnight stay to a family adventure or arrive the evening before an early flight. However you choose to spend your time, guests can return to the hotel for dinner, unwind in the newly refreshed surroundings and settle in for a comfortable night’s sleep.

With its stylish new spaces and convenient location, Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4,JCT.4 makes it easy to turn a day out, an overnight stop or the start of a holiday into a winter getaway worth looking forward to.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill in the form below. If you can’t see the form, click here.

This competition closes on the 6th December.

Source link

I look at THOUSANDS of cheap holiday deals a year

LOOKING at thousands of holiday deals all day, every day, you start to spot patterns and see certain bargain resorts always cropping up.

But let’s get one thing straight: cheap does not automatically mean good value when you factor in some of the other forgotten costs.

Keen to book your next holiday? Take a look at these fantastic deals Credit: Reuters

When I’m digging through deals at On The Beach, I’m ALWAYS looking at the practical realities.

Like what the hotel actually offers, whether you’ll be stranded miles from the beach pushing a pram up an incline, and how much cash you’ll burn through on snacks and dinners once you arrive.

So I’ve crunched our booking data and matched it with years of deal-hunting experience to bring you eight proper bargains that are actually worth it.

And these aren’t just cheap on paper – they’re places I’d genuinely spend my own hard-earned cash on.

1. Els Llorers Apartments, Lloret de Mar from £190pp

Els Llorers Apartments is great if you want your own kitchen but a huge pool complex too Credit: Onthebeach

Lloret sometimes gets pigeonholed as a party spot, which means people overlook what makes it a useful budget holiday: beaches, plenty of places to eat and enough going on that you don’t need to pay for an excursion every morning.

You can have a great week’s holiday built around a beach bag, some brilliant spots to eat and a wander – that’s a fairly strong itinerary in my book!

I’d look at Els Llorers Apartments, where having your own kitchen gives you control over the spending: breakfast in, lunch out and cold drinks in the fridge.

There are pools, children’s play areas and it’s set in a quieter area around a kilometre from the beach, which gives you some breathing space from the busiest part of the resort.

The booking data backs up the budget credentials: three-quarters of the packages analysed were below £300pp – that’s the sort of consistency that gets a hotel straight onto my radar.

The deal I found is seven nights self catering from £190pp, including flights from London Luton on April 13, 2027. A week away for under £200pp is never something to be sniffed at.

2. Colina da Lapa, Carvoeiro, Portugal from £145pp

The Algarve is a great bargain spot, so try Colina da Lapa which has all the frills on a budget Credit: Onthebeach

Carvoeiro is the side of the Algarve I’d suggest to someone who wants a relaxing week, with a gorgeous beach tucked between cliffs and some of the best food the region has to offer.

And my hotel pick, Colina da Lapa, suits that approach to a tee, which is an apartment and villa complex near Carvoeiro, with gardens, outdoor pools, tennis courts and self-catering accommodation.

I’d choose it for space and a decent little base, while allowing some budget for getting around.

What caught my eye with this one originally was the breadth of affordable departures, with deals from a whopping 23 UK airports.

And a bargain becomes considerably more useful when you don’t have to rely on a major airport for flights.

January and February produced the cheapest prices here, so I’d consider those months for exploring and eating out, with a good chance of some welcome winter sunshine.

The deal I found is seven nights’ Self Catering from £145pp, including return flights from London Stansted on February 2, 2027.

That’s about £21 per person per night for the flights and accommodation combined, and for someone who wants an inexpensive change of scenery, that definitely deserves a look.

3. Tildi Hotel & Spa, Agadir from £245pp

Agadir is insanely cheap, and you can get hotels right by the beach for very cheap prices Credit: Onthebeach

If you want a proper winter escape with a relaxed pace and some winter warmth, Agadir is somewhere I always recommend as Morocco‘s beach capital.

You can explore, because Agadir is also packed with culture, but you can also have a day where your main achievement is getting up in time for lunch.

My hotel pick here is Tildi Hotel & Spa, a four-star option close to the beach.

And the location is why I love this one, because being able to get out on foot makes a holiday easier and helps avoid the drip-feed of transport costs.

I’d look particularly closely at the B&B packages – breakfast included gives you one meal sorted, while leaving you free to try different places later on.

In the booking data, Tildi’s packages were 30 per cent below the average Agadir B&B deal throughout 2026 – that’s a useful saving to know about.

The deal I found includes seven nights on bed & breakfast from £245pp, with flights from London Stansted on November 20, 2026.

Breakfast sorted, beach nearby and a week out of the usual routine before December takes over. Bosh.

4. Phenicia Hotel, Hammamet from £275pp

Phenicia Hotel sits between gardens and the beach and has great reviews Credit: Onthebeach

Hammamet is one I’d consider when the goal is to stay somewhere nice, eat well and come home feeling like you’ve had a proper break.

There’s a beachy coastline and an old town to explore, but don’t feel like you can’t keep the pace pleasantly low with a little wander, a little shopping, a long sit-down (no medals available for doing too much, right?).

Phenicia Hotel makes sense – it sits between gardens and the beach, with direct beach access right out the hotel.

That gives you somewhere lovely to spend your days without constantly paying to go elsewhere.

This is also where the guest feedback deserves a mention: 4.6/5 on Tripadvisor from more than 10,000 reviews – a very reassuring detail when the price looks particularly tempting!

And here, I’d prioritise Half Board.

Having breakfast and dinner included makes the week’s spending easier to judge, especially if you’re going mainly to relax.

The deal I found is seven nights’ Half Board from £275pp, including return flights from Liverpool on March 4, 2027 – that’s flights, a week in a beachfront hotel and two meals a day for under £300pp.

5. Sunlight Garden, Side from £350pp

Two pools, beach shuttles and nearby ancient ruins – try Sunlight Garden Credit: Onthebeach

Side is a good choice for someone who likes a beach holiday but also likes a splash of culture on their jollies with ancient ruins as well as an old town and a massive list of places to eat.

And all of this gives the week a bit of variety without requiring you to organise expensive excursions.

My hotel pick here is Sunlight Garden, particularly if you’d rather get the main holiday spending sorted before you arrive.

There are two main outdoor pools, a separate slide pool and children’s pools, all in a gorgeous setting.

The beach is around 500 metres away, with a shuttle service available too if you don’t fancy the walk.

But the value argument here is definitely picking the all inclusive board option, taking all the stress out of having to find a spot for meals.

The deal I found is seven nights on all inclusive, with flights from London Gatwick on May 5, 2027 from just £350pp.

That works out at £50 per person, per night for a week where your meals and drinks are covered.

6. Gorkem Hotel, Ovacik from £330pp

Ovacik should’t be overlooked if you want an affordable holiday in Turkey Credit: Onthebeach

Ovacik is criminally overlooked in Turkey – you’re inland rather than directly on the beach, so this is a different proposition from booking a seafront resort.

But I’d choose it as a base for exploring the surrounding area, mixing pool days with trips towards Oludeniz and evenings out.

Gorkem Hotel fits that simpler style of holiday.

The pool and mountain setting are a big part of the appeal for me, but I’d be booking it for a relaxed, good value base rather than a long list of luxury extras.

The bed & breakfast basis makes sense here, because you’ve got the first meal of the day covered, then the flexibility to go out for lunch and dinner rather than feeling you should stay at the hotel to get your money’s worth.

Its 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating is also worth talking about – it’s not easy to get a score like that at a budget hotel.

The deal I found is seven nights’ Bed & Breakfast from £330pp, including flights from Birmingham on July 1, 2027.

I’d keep some spending money for exploring and eating out, because that freedom is a large part of why I’d choose it.

7. Pebbles Resort, St Paul’s Bay from £185pp

If you want a city break destination, try Pebbles Resort in Malta Credit: Onthebeach

Malta is somewhere I’d happily consider outside the main beach season if you wanted to keep the cost way down.

There’s more than enough to build a week around exploring, eating and getting out along the waterfront, and you can use St Paul’s Bay as your base to mix slower local days with trips further afield.

My pick here would be Pebbles Resort hotel, particularly for a winter deal.

It has an indoor pool open throughout the year, alongside an outdoor pool, plus a fitness centre and a hot tub – useful facilities when you’re travelling at a time of year that might involve the occasional change of plan.

But the timing is what makes this recommendation really work – January packages were around £178pp in the analysis, considerably below the hotel’s overall median.

That’s why I look at when a hotel becomes good value, rather than deciding it’s permanently cheap or expensive.

The same place can make much more sense on different dates. The deal I found is seven nights with bed & breakfast from £185pp, and includes flights from Liverpool on January 22, 2027.

A week in Malta with breakfast thrown in for under £200pp? I’d happily start planning a few days out around that.

8. Surfing Colors, Corralejo from £265pp

Surfing Colours has a heated pool, yoga classes and a nearby beach Credit: Onthebeach

Corralejo is one I’d put forward for someone who wants beaches, places to eat and enough life around them to enjoy going out in the evening.

It also gives you access to Fuerteventura’s famous scenery and the option to try something more energetic than just turning your sunlounger towards the sun.

Surfing Colors hotel definitely fits that sort of holiday.

It offers a heated swimming pool, free yoga classes and access to surf and kite lessons. Yeah, really!

You don’t have to become a surfer, but it’s a useful choice if you fancy a relaxed hotel with a few things to get involved in between pool sessions.

The deal I found comes in at £265pp for seven nights on a room only basis, including return flights from London Stansted on December 5, 2026.

And, personally, I’d much rather spend that week deciding where to have lunch than standing in a Christmas shopping queue wearing a damp coat.

Source link

Major update for Blue Badge holders as it’s now accepted in huge holiday hotspot

Blue Badge holders travelling in Europe can now park in a major holiday hotspot, thanks to an agreement between the Department for Transport and Ministry of Disabilities

British holidaymakers with Blue Badges can now use it in a major holiday hotspot. The disabled parking permit assists people with severe mobility issues or hidden disabilities to park nearer to their destinations. It covers both drivers and passengers.

Now the Department of Transport has struck a deal with Italian authorities so the paperwork can be used in the boot-shaped country.

It builds on a similar arrangement agreed with France, where Brits have been using their permits since August last year. Work is ongoing with Spain to explore similar arrangements for Blue badge holders. Italian visitors travelling to the UK will also benefit, with Italy’s disabled parking permits to be recognised here.

Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “Disabled people shouldn’t have to worry about whether their parking permit will be recognised when travelling abroad. These new arrangements with Italy mean Blue Badge holders can relax and enjoy their trip, with easier access to reserved parking and exemptions from charges, whether they’re travelling for a holiday, visiting family or for work.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The definitive status of Blue Badge recognition across European Union nations – together with key neighbouring non-EU countries – falls into several distinct categories.

The Blue Badge is fully or partially recognised in the following countries:

  • Austria — Fully
  • Belgium —Fully
  • Croatia — Fully
  • Cyprus — Fully
  • Czech Republic — Fully
  • Denmark — Fully
  • Estonia — Fully
  • Finland — Fully
  • France — Fully
  • Germany —Fully
  • Greece — Accepts non-EU parking cards
  • Hungary — Fully
  • Iceland — Accepts non-EU parking cards
  • Ireland — Fully
  • Italy —Fully
  • Latvia — Fully
  • Liechtenstein — Fully
  • Lithuania —Fully
  • Luxembourg — Accepts non-EU parking cards
  • Malta — Fully
  • Netherlands — Fully
  • Norway — Fully
  • Poland — Fully
  • Portugal —Fully
  • Romania —Fully
  • Slovakia — Fully
  • Slovenia — May not recognise non-EU-issued parking cards
  • Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) — UK Blue Badge recognition decided by local administrations
  • Sweden — Fully
  • Switzerland — Fully

The DfT cautions that even in nations where the badge is recognised, disabled parking regulations can shift quickly or differ between towns. To steer clear of hefty penalties or vehicle removal, travellers should consult local tourist information centres or local authorities before departing.

Certain countries demand a local parking notice or clock disc be shown alongside the Blue Badge. The DfT also suggests carrying a doctor’s letter or a translated version of your Blue Badge, particularly when entering countries with stricter enforcement policies.

When parking you should always:

  • look for any signage indicating disabled parking spaces
  • make sure that your Blue Badge is displayed correctly and that you comply with any additional requirements, such as displaying a parking disc in countries such as Denmark

Source link

Flavor Flav declares ‘paid holiday’ for WNBA Finals Game 6

If you need permission to watch “The Permission” — a.k.a. Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream — try to keep her team’s WNBA championship dreams alive, Flavor Flav’s got you covered.

The rapper issued signed permission slips Tuesday on social media for everyone to be excused from work on Thursday to watch Game 6 of the WNBA Finals. The next matchup in the best-of-seven championship series between the Dream and the Golden State Valkyries is set to tip off at 9:30 a.m. Pacific that day, when many people would be at work.

“Thursday is a paid holiday. Because Flavor Flav said so,” Flav, whose name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr., declared on Instagram and Threads. “Everyone should be able to watch Women’s Sports.”

The document, which includes a blank space for fans to fill in their own names, urges bosses to “go ahead and approve that day off” for the “very important” Game 6 of the WNBA Finals.

“You support women’s sports, RIGHT?!” the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Hype Man” wrote in the note. “Consider it your contribution to gender equality.”

The Valkyries clinched Game 5 at home at the Chase Center on Monday night 64-55 to move within one game of the team’s first-ever WNBA title. The Bay Area expansion team, led by head coach Natalie Nakase and known for its emphasis on defense, is just in its second season.

Flav’s note echoes the message Valkyries stars Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes sent after Monday’s win to encourage their fans to tune in to Game 6.

“Call in sick,” Burton said. “I recommend it.”

“Y’all know how to fake a cough,” Stokes added.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also shared a statement Tuesday on Threads asking employers and educators to “show a little love and extend a little grace” to those who may be cheering the Dream on during their school or work hours.

“Lean into the historic moment, embrace the excitement and let Atlanta show up for Atlanta,” he wrote.

The WNBA announced Monday that Game 6 would be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta with the earlier start time. The game was originally scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific but was rescheduled so it could be played in the larger arena. Games 3 and 4 of the series were also moved to the larger venue.

The Dream normally play at the 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena at College Park. State Farm Arena, which can seat around 17,000 for basketball games, will host all Dream home games starting in the 2027 season.

The matinee timing of Game 6 is because of Atlanta’s NBA team, the Hawks, also being scheduled to play at State Farm Arena on Thursday. The team will face the Cleveland Cavaliers for a regular-season matchup at 5 p.m. Pacific.

“Thank you for your cooperation and for doing the right thing,” Flav wrote.



Source link

Wednesday 28 October Independent Czechoslovak State Day in Czech Republic

The area of Czechoslovakia had been a part of the Austro Hungarian Empire until the Empire collapsed at the end of the first world war. The Czech speaking areas of Bohemia and Moravia had been under Austrian rule while Slovakia was part of Hungary.

Before the first world war, there had been nationalist movements in both the Czech lands and Slovakia. Despite the Czech area being an industrialised region and Slovakia being a mainly agricultural-based country, the two regions took the opportunity to become a new nation.

‘Czechoslovak’ independence was proclaimed in Prague’s Wenceslas Square on October 28th 1918. The president of the ‘First Republic’ was Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who was the leader of the nationalist movement outside the Austro Hungarian Empire.

New £732million ‘airport on the sea’ to open in popular holiday hotspot with huge 10m passenger terminal

A HUGE new airport is coming to Turkey and it will be built directly on the sea.

The new airport in the Black Sea province of Trabzon in Turkey will be the country’s third airport built on the sea and is set to cost £732million.

Turkey is getting a new airport and it will be built on the sea Credit: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey
The airport will be in Trabzon, a city home to around one million people Credit: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey

The airport will eventually have a 3,000 metre runway that will be 45 metres wide, meaning it will be able to handle larger planes.

There will also be a taxiway next to the runway of the same width and length.

As for the terminal, it is set to span 110,000-square-metres and will be able to handle up to 10million passengers a year.

There will also be a new air traffic control tower.

Read more on travel inspo

BOOK IT

20 ultra cheap girly hols – UK trips, city breaks & all inclusive stays from £59


GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

Currently, the airport has one runway that is 2,640 metres long and handles around three million passengers a year.

In order to build the new airport, more than 100million tonnes of ‘fill’ will need to be dumped into the Black Sea to create the airport.

Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.
The airport is set to be complete by the early 2030s Credit: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey

A 6,000 metre breakwater will also need to be built.

Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said that the current runway is not suitable for the growing passenger numbers at the airport.

According to Daily Sabah, Uralogu added: “We will give Trabzon a new, higher-capacity, modern airport that meets international standards.”

The airport is set to be completed by the early 2030s.

The city of Trabzon is home to around one million people and is known for its cliffside monasteries as well as rolling green hills.



Source link

I’m a Disney World regular – here are 7 top tips for booking and planning a holiday

Walt Disney World holidays are a bucket list event but that can amp up the pressure to get ‘everything’ right – we take a look at some easy booking tips not to be missed

At 40 square miles, Walt Disney World isn’t just theme park. The entire resort is roughly the same size of San Francisco, with four theme parks, two water parks, countless hotels, and even Disney Springs, a dedicated shopping zone with a cinema, theatre and bowling alley. While all of that means heaps of rides, shows, attractions and play areas to discover, it’s not surprising that for first-timers it can feel overwhelming.

Mickey Mouse’s Orlando home is worth it; it genuinely lives up to the hype. The pyrotechnics, the immersion, the magic; it’s all brilliant. But a place this huge requires planning – it’s not somewhere you want to wing it entirely. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Walt Disney World three times and let me tell you; the difference between a magical holiday and a sweaty, feral meltdown can come down to some tactical decisions.

Here are my top tips for getting the most out of your Walt Disney World holiday…

1. Make use of Walt Disney world package deals

Booking doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, you can find Walt Disney World packages that include your hotel, flights and park tickets. British Airways Holidays currently offers seven-night packages in 2027 including your return flights, a Disney hotel stay, 2027 Free Dining + Drinks Offer and 14 days for the price of 7 Disney Magic Tickets. Package options include:

  • 3* Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, from £1899pp
  • 4* Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, from £2249pp
  • 5* Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa from £3749pp

You can book by November 1 to make use of the deals on ba.com/orlando. Disney’s 7-day and 14-Day Magic Tickets cover all four theme parks (and park hopping), water parks, and a Memory Maker which gives you unlimited professional photo downloads.

You can find plenty more information and packages at disneyholidays.co.uk.

2. Download the Walt Disney World App

It is not optional. It is the holiday. Live wait times, park hours, maps, restaurant bookings, your photos and, if you’re staying on-site, your hotel room key all live in the My Disney Experience app.

Download it before you fly and learn where things are. Resort guests can book Lightning Lane passes up to seven days before their stay begins, so work out your must-do rides now. Turning up without a ride strategy is exactly how Snow White ended up exhausted, making a panicked apple purchase, and sharing one bathroom with seven strangers. My must-do rides? TRON, Flight of Passage, Rise of the Resistance and the new muppets-themed Rock N Rollercoaster.

Consider a MagicBand+ too. This handy watch can be used to tap into the theme parks, unlock your hotel door, scan into fast pass queues, and even download your ride photos straight to your account. There are some fun surprises along the way – one of which is how it syncs up to the evening fireworks!

3. Meal planning

Do not be a poor, unfortunate soul standing in a 40-minute queue for a cheeseburger. Nothing triggers a family mutiny faster than a hangry child in the Florida sun. Use the Mobile Order feature on the app. You tap a button, waltz past the sweating masses, grab your tray, and try to hide your supreme smugness.

For proper sit-down dining, you can book exactly 60 days out before your visit. Just be warned to get in early, as tables in the more popular restaurants feel like they vanish faster than Cinderella’s carriage at midnight. My elite tier? Space 220 and Via Napoli in Epcot, Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios.

As for Character Dining, it’s worth the splurge. At the Grand Floridian’s 1900 Park Fare, I ate Eggs Benedict and gummy bears with Cinderella, Tiana, Mirabel, and Aladdin coming directly to my table. It is peak efficiency. Let the royalty come to you. (Prices for this experience cost £44 per adult and from £27 per child at 1900 Park Fare).

Currently if you book by November 4, Walt Disney World has a Free Disney Dining and Drinks deal for holidays in 2027, which includes school holiday dates. The offer includes free table service dining plans or quick service plans, along with one drink per meal (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, depending on the plan chosen). The offer applies to a minimum of five consecutive nights when booking a Walt Disney World hotel alongside a park ticket package.

4. It doesn’t have to be an intense holiday

You do not need to be strapped to a ride vehicle for 14 consecutive hours to “get your money’s worth.” The Florida heat is aggressive, and the daily walking can be tiring. Take breaks, like enjoying some downtime at your hotel. Do not become a Disney Villain just because you want to force your sobbing toddler onto Peter Pan’s Flight a third time.

Don’t dismiss the water parks either. I retreated to Blizzard Beach – a “melted ski resort” where you float down a lazy river in blazing sunshine surrounded by fake snow. It is an absolute fever dream of a concept, and it is glorious. Disney has been here for decades. The castle will still be there after you’ve had a lie-down.

5. Don’t underestimate the size of the place

Walt Disney World isn’t simply one theme park; in fact, the entire resort is roughly the same size of San Francisco. Leave the glass slippers at home and pack your broken-in trainers. You will walk a half-marathon every day, and wet shoes feel like walking on angry sponges. And for the love of Jiminy Cricket, bring a refillable bottle. Ice water is completely free at quick-service spots if you just ask.

Staying on-site at a Disney hotel comes with some handy perks; for example, you get free transfers from your accommodation to the parks, and you can get 30 minutes of Early Theme Park Entry. Half an hour may not sound like a huge amount, but it’s enough to get in the parks early and head to the biggest rides before the queues kick in. The easy transport options also mean you can park hop or head back to your hotel for a break.

My advice is plan the logistics for high-stakes elements such as key rides you want to do, or food you want to eat, but leave space on the itinerary for the plot twists, and even just time to sit by the hotel pool doing absolutely nothing. This is a holiday after all!

Source link

Couple hit with £109 phone bill after 2 hours in popular European holiday spot

Polo Lam and his girlfriend Laura Matos say they only spent minutes on the phone to check Google Maps and the internet but were stunned at the final cost

A British traveller has warned holidaymakers about the risk of unexpected charges after spending just two hours in Monaco left him and his girlfriend with a £109 (€128.88) phone bill. Polo Lam, 30, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, was travelling across Europe with his girlfriend Laura Matos, 29, in September when the couple made a brief stop in Monaco.

Despite using just 18.66MB of mobile data between them, the pair were left picking up almost £85 (€99.79) in roaming charges, sending their monthly bill soaring to £109 (€128.88), compared with just £25 (€29.18) the previous month. Experts say 18.66MB is roughly the amount of data someone might use scrolling through Instagram for just three to 10 minutes, depending on the content being viewed.

The couple were enjoying a budget-friendly interrail holiday from Barcelona to Vienna, travelling through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. While staying in Nice, they decided to visit nearby Menton and make a short stop in Monaco, which hadn’t originally been part of their plans.

Laura, a psychologist and founder of La CoolMente, said: “It was actually my idea to visit Monaco. I’d heard so much about the luxury and the famous casino, and I wanted to see what it was like for myself.”

But it was only when they continued their journey into Italy that Polo checked their mobile account and discovered the their trip had cost more than they bargained for. Speaking to Nomad eSIM, Polo said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the bill. We’d only been in Monaco for a few hours, and somehow our phone bill had jumped to £109 (€128.88).

“We’d barely used our phones. We only checked Google Maps and opened Instagram, but that was about it.

“What really scares me is thinking about what could have happened if we’d stayed overnight. If we’d spent a whole day or two there, we could potentially have been looking at a bill running into the hundreds, or even thousands of pounds.

“I’m pretty stingy when it comes to money, so you can imagine how I felt. We’d gone interrailing to have a relatively inexpensive holiday, and suddenly we had this huge phone bill.”

Laura added: “We were both confused about where the charges had come from. We’d only used our phones briefly to find our location, so we felt the bill was completely unreasonable. We kept talking about it for days afterwards because we’d been trying so hard to save money throughout the trip.”

Polo said the unexpected expense put a dampener on their holiday. “The worst part was thinking about what else we could have spent that money on. We were trying to keep costs down, and it would have paid for three or four meals out in some of the places we visited.”

Laura agreed that the money could have been put to much better use. She said: “We’d been avoiding expensive experiences to save money, so it was frustrating to see that money disappear on a phone bill without getting anything enjoyable in return.

“I’d much rather have spent it on a nice meal at a restaurant with a view, visiting a museum or even a more comfortable hotel. When you’re travelling around Europe by interrail, a bit of extra comfort can make a big difference.”

The experience left the couple more cautious about using their phones abroad, particularly when travelling between countries. Polo said: “I’d tell anyone travelling around Europe to check exactly which countries are covered by their mobile plan. Just because somewhere is in Europe doesn’t mean your normal roaming allowance applies. We found that out the expensive way.”

Ensure our latest travel news always appears at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Tim Page, Marketing Lead at Nomad eSIM, said: “One of the biggest misconceptions about mobile roaming is that travelling within Europe automatically means you’re covered by your usual mobile plan.

“Monaco is a perfect example. Despite being surrounded by France on three sides, it’s not part of the European Union and isn’t automatically covered by the EU’s Roam Like at Home rules. Introduced in June 2017, these rules generally allow customers of EU mobile operators to use their calls, texts and data across EU countries without paying additional roaming charges.

“This means travellers could be using their phones in Nice without additional roaming charges, then cross into Monaco and face significantly higher rates for exactly the same usage. Before travelling, always check which countries are included in your mobile plan, particularly destinations such as Monaco, Andorra and Switzerland.

“Even small amounts of data can result in surprisingly expensive bills, so consider switching off data roaming or using a travel eSIM that specifically covers your destination. If you do receive an unexpected roaming charge, contact your mobile provider as soon as possible. While there’s no guarantee, some providers may be willing to reduce or waive the charges as a goodwill gesture.”

Source link

Tuesday 27 October Full Moon Day of Thadingyut in Myanmar

Known as the Festival of Lights, Thadingyut is the second most popular festival in Myanmar after Thingyan Festival.

Maya, the mother of Buddha died a week after Buddha was born. She was reborn in the Trayastrimsa Heaven as a god named Santusita. To honour his mother, Buddha ascended to the Trayastrimsa Heaven and preached from the Abhidhamma texts to Santusita for three months. 

The full moon of the month Waso (Dhammasetkya Day) marks the ascent by Buddha and the start of the three month period of Buddhist Lent, when the monks retreat to their monasteries. During this time, monks dedicate themselves to meditation and study. During Buddhist Lent, marriages are forbidden and many people give up meat and alcohol. Buddhist lent often coincides with the rainy season in Myanmar.

The full moon in Thadingyut marks Buddha’s return to earth and signifies the end of Buddhist Lent.

Thadingyut is called the festival of lights as the followers of Buddha lit up their houses and temples to mark the return of Buddha. Towns and villages across Myanmar will be illuminated in honour of this auspicious event.

The holiday hack that unlocks luxury airport lounges with free booze, buffets and even massages – and it’s 20% off

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows A flute of champagne and a passport on a table in an airport lounge, Image 2 shows Businessman waiting, drinking coffee in modern lounge area, Image 3 shows Family enjoying breakfast buffet together in the hotel

EVERY traveller knows the main airport terminal is essentially a giant, chaotic waiting room where a sad sandwich and a pre-flight pint can set you back a small fortune.

But tucked away from the crowds is a world of plush sofas, Prosecco refills, buffet spreads and hot showers – and getting past the velvet rope is cheaper than you might think.

Priority Pass members can enjoy food and alcoholic drinks as part of their airport lounge experience Credit: Alamy

Claim 20% off Priority Pass membership

The trick to bypassing the terminal madness is a Priority Pass membership.

Once you’re signed up, you’ll get access to more than 1,900 premium airport lounges across the globe.

And right now, savvy Sun readers can bag 20 per cent off their first year by clicking here.

This includes major UK airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, East Midlands, Manchester, and Birmingham. In fact, Priority Pass covers 85 per cent of the world’s top 100 airports.

Read more on travel hacks

CASH IN

£1 travel hack unlocks some of the CHEAPEST holidays in UK & abroad – from £79pp


BED IN

The disgusting hotel room item I learned to love and 9 more surprising travel hacks

Instead of battling for a plug socket in a busy terminal, the smart holidaymakers are hiding out in spaces like the Aspire, No. 1, Skylife, and Escape lounges.

Inside these lounges you get access to food as well as alcoholic drinks, comfy seating, fast Wi-Fi and plenty of places to charge your devices.

But it’s far more than just filling your boots at the buffet. Depending on where you’re flying from, these spaces are kitted out with hot showers, exercise zones even nap pods to counter that gruelling early morning start.

And for even more pampering, at airports with Be Relax spas you can squeeze in a pre-flight massage or a fresh manicure, ready to show off on holiday.

And if that’s not enough, Priority Pass members also get free access to the WithU Fitness app.

The app normally costs £79.99 a year, and includes personalised audio coaching and workout programmes that you can take home with you.

Skip the airport chaos and sink into a comfy sofa in a relaxing airport lounge Credit: Getty

Claim 20% off Priority Pass membership

A standard plan usually costs £69 a year, but drops to just £55 with our 20 per cent discount.

That works out to less than a fiver a month, coming in a £4.60.

After that, with a standard pass you pay a flat £24 entry fee each time you visit a lounge – giving you access to those all-you-can-eat buffets and free-flowing drinks.

Priority Pass members get access to:

  • Complimentary food and drinks (including alcohol)
  • Sleep pods to catch up on rest at selected locations
  • Be Relax spa treatments (at participating airports)
  • Bring along a guest (£24 Guest visit fee)
  • Discounts on further airport dining and spa treatments
  • The option to re-book selected lounges for a supplementary fee
  • Free membership to the WithU Fitness app (worth £79.99 per year)

Claim 20% off Priority Pass membership

Priority Pass members get free food in airport lounges, many of which have buffets Credit: Getty

Priority Pass plan options

  • Standard Plan is on a pay-as-you-go basis – all lounge visits are charged £24 at the time of usage to your payment card.

£69 £55 for first year (20% discount) / £4.60 per month

  • Standard Plus includes 10 free visits during your membership year, visits after this will be charged £24 to your payment card.

£229 £206 for first year (10% discount) / £17.17 per month

  • The Prestige Plan is unlimited free member lounge visits. Under all three plans members can take accompanied guests into the lounges for the visit fee stated which is charged to your payment card.

£419 per year / £34.92 per month

SIGN UP HERE

Prices correct at the time of publication.

Source link

Monday 26 October National Day in Austria

The Declaration of Neutrality was a declaration by the Austrian Parliament declaring the country permanently neutral. It was enacted on October 26th 1955 as a constitutional act of parliament.

The declaration was a direct result of the allied occupation by the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and France between 1945 and 1955. The Soviet Union would not have agreed to the signing of a State Treaty in May 1955 if Austria had not committed itself to declare its neutrality after the allied forces had left the country. The final foreign troops left Austria on October 25th 1955.

Since 1955, neutrality has become a deeply ingrained element of Austrian identity. Legally, Austrian neutrality is both a part of the Austrian constitution and of international law. There is some debate as to whether Austria could change this neutral status on its own account and whether Austria is still truly neutral, given it is a member of the EU.

Sunday 25 October Retrocession Day, Battle of Guningtou in Taiwan

Retrocession Day is the annual observance to commemorate the end of Japanese rule of Taiwan and Penghu and the claimed return of Taiwan to the Republic of China on October 25th 1945.

The Battle of Guningtou, also known as the Battle of Kuningtou or the Battle of Kinmen, was fought in October 1949 on the island of Kinmen, located in the Taiwan Strait, during the final stages of the Chinese Civil War. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Republic of China forces and marked a significant turning point in the civil war.

The UK holiday parks which are BETTER in winter with 30C waterslides, woodland spas & forest pubs

WHEN the temperature drops and the nights get darker, booking a holiday in to look forward to feels all the more important.

Luckily, if you know where to look, Britain is packed with brilliant holiday parks that actually get better in the winter months.

Finlake Resort offers super glamorous wooden lodges for more affordable rates than places like Center Parcs Credit: Supplied

We’re talking massive, 30C indoor water worlds for warming up from the frost, to luxury log cabins and magical woodland light trails.

Plus, avoiding the peak summer rush means you can bag incredible deals for a fraction of the usual price, so here’s our winter holiday park favourites from a tiny £3.06pp per night.

Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset

Treat yourself to a hot tub lodge at Parkdean Resorts’ Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset Credit: Warmwell Holiday Park

This cosy woodland holiday park in Dorset is made up of timber lodges only, with lakeside, hot tub and pet-friendly options sleeping up to eight people.

But don’t let the tranquil woodland setting fool you: Warmwell is packed with adrenaline. The park actually has its own 110m all-weather ski slope where you can ski, snowboard, or hurtle down in a rubber ring.

If you’d rather stay inside, the massive heated indoor pool has a thrilling, twisting water flume and a mini wave pool for little ones.

We found a three-night break in a superior lodge sleeping eight for £263, working out to £10.96pp per night.

Tattershall Lakes Country Park, Lincolnshire

Winterfest at Tattershall Lakes sees candlelight concerts, festive evening entertainment and more Credit: Away Resorts

While this action-packed holiday park is famous for its summer watersports, you’ll get a completely different experience in the winter.

This park puts on its very own ‘Winterfest‘, where from November 20 – December 20 you’ll find special events like candlelight concerts, kids house party events and the ‘Winterfest Spiegletent’ full of festive live entertainment.

There’s also the massive indoor pool and kids splash zone with slides for the kids, plus a luxurious spa and the cosy Tattershall Park Pub for Mum and Dad.

You can bag a four-night midweek break in a superior caravan sleeping eight from £168, or £5.25pp per night.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Hampshire

The Forest Of Light event at Sandy Balls sees the New Forest lit up ready for Christmas Credit: Away Resorts

For a dose of woodland magic this winter, book in for a lodge retreat at Sandy Balls Holiday Village in Hampshire.

With The New Forest on your doorstep, you’ll have plenty of time for family bike rides, woodland alpaca walks or even strolling through the ‘Forest of Light’ festive display which arrives at the park in November.

Kids can head indoors to warm up with pottery painting or slime factory sessions, while grown-ups might prefer the evening’s Boombox Bingo, quiz or karaoke sessions.

We found a deal for a four night break in a luxury caravan sleeping six for £264, working out to £11pp per night.

Bluestone Wales, Pembrokeshire

Bluestone Wales in Pembrokeshire has a giant subtropical waterpark with slides and a gentle wave machineCredit: Refer to Source

Head to Pembrokeshire in Wales this winter to escape the cold and drizzle for a site with a giant, subtropical temperature waterpark.

Spend rainy afternoons in the Blue Lagoon Water Park, which is totally free for guests. There’s a wave machine, four waterslides, plus a relaxing lazy river and bubbling pools.

There’s plenty more weather-proof activities like an indoor zipline, climbing wall and a bear-making boutique.

We found a deal for a four-night break in a spacious wooden lodge for four for £540, working out to £33.75pp per night. Or if you want to book ahead for Jan or Feb, there’s an early bird offer on where you can save 10-20 per cent on 2027 breaks.

Seashore Holiday Park, Norfolk

Enjoy Great Yarmouth’s flat, golden sands on a breezy winter beach walk – with far less crowds than peak season Credit: Getty

If you love a winter beach break away from the crowds of the summer, you’ll love Great Yarmouth‘s only beachfront park: Seashore Holiday Park.

The flat, golden sands of Yarmouth are perfect for a winter stroll, before coming back to warm up in the heated indoor waterpark with two 11 metre flumes.

Once you’re done making a splash, you can retreat to a double-glazed, toasty heated caravan for a movie night.

We found a deal for a four night break in a saver caravan sleeping four for £49, working out to £3.06pp per night.

Finlake Resort & Spa, Devon

Finlake Resort has A-frame timber lodges set among the woods that make for a scenic winter break Credit: Supplied

Finlake feels like a glamorous forest retreat with A-frame timber lodges with hot tubs, a woodland spa and sauna offering hot stone massages, and a glimmering fishing lake.

Kids will love the on-site waterpark Finlake Falls, which is heated to around 30C and packed with waterslides, fun sea scooters and a beach-like area with gentle waves for little ones.

Compared to somewhere like Center Parcs, where the cheapest seven-night lodge break we found this winter was £1,548 you’re getting much better value for money here.

At Finlake, you can bag a seven-night stay in a traditional, two-storey wooden lodge from £239 for the week.

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

Craig Tara in Ayrshire, Scotland has a huge subtropical waterpark called Splashaway Bay Credit: Haven Holidays

From the snow-dusted peaks of the Isle of Arran to the rugged clifftops of the Ayrshire coast, Scotland is beautiful in winter.

But it’s even better when you can retreat back to a cosy, centrally heated caravan or luxury lodge to thaw out.

Haven’s Craig Tara offers not only luxurious lodges and warm, affordable caravans, but one of the biggest heated indoor waterparks in Scotland, Splashaway Bay.

As for indoor activities, there’s also a giant indoor Airspace facility loaded with interactive darts, shuffleboard, and a climbing wall to wear the kids out.

You don’t even need to head out and brave the cold for dinner with an on-site Burger King, Papa Johns, and a sea-view restaurant just steps away.

We found a deal for a four night break in a saver caravan sleeping four for £49, working out to £3.06pp per night.

Stay in Hampshire’s New Forest in a woodland lodge at Sandy Balls Holiday Village Credit: Visit Hampshire

Source link

Saturday 24 October Founding Day in Azad Kashmir Pakistan

October 24th is a public holiday throughout the Pakistani state of Azad Jammu Kashmir. 

The Founding Day is celebrated in commemoration of the date of establishment of the state and freedom from the Dogra regime on this day in 1947.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, abbreviated as AJK and colloquially referred to as simply Azad Kashmir, is a region administered by Pakistan as a nominally self-governing entity and constituting the western portion of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947.

In Muzaffarabad, the day begins with a 21 gun salute. The main function are held at Parade Ground, where the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir hoists the national flag.

Special prayers are offered in mosques for the integrity and prosperity of Pakistan and the early liberation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Friday 23 October Republic Day in Hungary

Following the end of the Second World War, Hungary had increasingly come under the control of their liberators from Germany, the Soviet Union.

Following democratic changes in Austria, some Hungarians had hoped for similar concessions in their country, but those hopes were quashed with the establishment of the Warsaw Pact in 1955, placing Hungary behind the so-called ‘Iron Curtain’. Demanding democratic changes and the withdrawal of Soviet forces, Hungarian students held a demonstration in Budapest on October 23rd 1956. The demonstration drew popular support and the crowds grew and similar protests broke out across Hungary. This led to the Soviets deploying tanks on the streets of Budapest in an attempt to take back control. Violent rebellion then erupted in all parts of Hungary, with uprisings removing the local government. A new democratic government ousted the ruling communist party.

On October 28th the Soviets called for a cease-fire, withdrew their troops and pledged to re-establish free elections.

However, on November 3rd 1956, the Soviets changed their minds. The new government was arrested and within a week the Soviet military had crushed the rebels and the short-lived revolution was over.