THE crisis in Iran has had a knock-on effect around the world from the rising cost of fuel, an increase in energy bills, and where to go on your next holiday.
But when it comes to the price of summer breaks this year, the good news is that they’ve barely moved – and in some cases, the cost of holidays have even dropped by hundreds of pounds.
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Three destinations in Italy, including the Amalfi Coast, have seen price dropsCredit: Getty Holidays to the Dominican Republic have dropped by £130pp on averageCredit: Alamy
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On average holidays are up £23, but TravelSupermarket has also revealed that surprisingly, hundreds of popular destinations have actually seen prices fall.
TravelSupermarket has found that some holidays at certain destinations are actually cheaper than when the Iran conflict began.
Here are the top five destinations with the biggest price drops in the summer holidays based on a seven-night holiday between April and September, 2026.
At the very top with the biggest price drop is the Neapolitan Riviera in Italy.
Here, holidays are sitting at an average price of £905 per person, which has a price drop of £232.
It’s where you’ll find beautiful and colourful towns perched on clifftops – with spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius in some cases.
Specifically, it’s where you can explore the clifftops of Sorrento, the island of Capri and Ischia in the Bay of Naples.
Other places in Italy make it into the top five too – the Amalfi Coast and the Italian Lakes.
The Amalfi Coast is a popular destination with millions of tourists who flock there every summer for its great weather and tasty food.
Now, holidays on average there have dropped by £126 per person, with the average price of a break being £1,073.
At the Italian Lakes, which is where you’ll find the beautiful Lake Garda, Como, Maggiore and Orta – prices have dropped on average by £122pp.
Now, the average cost of a holiday here per person during the summer is £714.
For more on holidays, here are our favourite TUI breaks…
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Globales Montemar, Ibiza
This hotel sits on a quieter side of Ibiza, so you can soak up the island’s natural beauty away from the party crowds. This family-friendly option has a large pool that curves around the resort, surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, plus a kids zone. Here you’re just a 10-minute stroll from a horseshoe-shaped bay with clear waters.
This resort is set up like a small village, with low-rise buildings set among palm trees and six different swimming pools. Entertainment spans from DJ nights to bingo and live sports screenings, plus sports on offer include water polo, rifle shooting and shuffleboard.
This hotel sits on Majorca’s Cala Gran Beach, a beautiful cove just a short drive away from the coastal town centre, with its trinket shops and relaxed bars. The hotel itself has all the activities and entertainment you’d expect, including bingo and live music – as well as some unique extras like mini golf and archery. Week-long breaks start from £478pp.
The Riu Baobab is the only TUI hotel in the country, sat on the Pointe Sarane coastline. There are the four huge pools overlooking the beach, swim up pool bars and a copious amount of sunloungers to choose from. The sushi at the Asian Dorayaki and the pasta dishes at Veneto are the highlight meals of this standout hotel. Week-long breaks start from £883pp.
If you’re looking for a long-haul destination, check out the Dominican Republic.
TravelSupermarket worked out that the average holiday here is now £1,364pp – a drop of £130pp.
It has cracking weather, white sand beaches, beautiful resorts and lively towns like Punta Cana on the eastern side of the island.
The Dominican Republic is also the cheapest in the Caribbean – the average price of coffee is £1.53 and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can start from £4.90, according to Wise.
In comparison, a meal in Barbados is around £14.50 and a coffee is around £3.32.
The Canary Island of La Palma is incredible affordable this summerCredit: Getty
Spain
If quick and easy holidays are more your bag for 2026, then check out La Palma.
It’s not the most well-known of the Canary Islands and is much quieter too.
It doesn’t have the enormous resorts, so if a calmer, nature-inspired holiday is on the cards, it’s a great option.
The main town is Santa Cruz La Palma which has bright coloured buildings, cobbled streets and wooden balconies that look over the black-sand beach.
Holidays here have dropped by £120 and can be on average as cheap as £474pp.
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Despite the current uncertainty, summer holiday prices haven’t moved dramatically — up by just £23 on average across all destinations.
“For holidaymakers sitting on the fence, that’s a signal worth paying attention to. Prices won’t stay like this indefinitely, and with so many destinations actually seeing prices fall — places like Majorca, Corfu and Turkey — now could be a smart time to book ahead of any increases.
“Holiday companies are keen to get bookings moving, and that’s likely filtering through into some very competitive pricing right now.”
These are the 20 holiday destinations that have fallen in price, according to TravelSupermarket…
Here are the 20 destinations that have fallen in price – and the average amount less per person…
The Republic of Kosovo is a partially-recognized state and disputed territory at the heart of the Balkans in South-eastern Europe.
Following the collapse of Yugoslavia, ethnic tensions in Serbia erupted into to the Kosovo War in 1998.
The conflict resulted in the establishment of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
In November 2005, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Martti Ahtisaari to lead the Kosovo status process.
On February 17th 2008, the Kosovo assembly unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia “in full accordance with the recommendations of U.N. Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari.” It pledged to be a democratic republic and accept all the obligations under the Ahtisaari plan, including the adoption of a new constitution within 120 days.
The constitution was signed on April 7th 2008 at 13:00 local time at the national library in Pristina.
The constitution was then ratified on April 9th and came into effect on June 15th 2008.
It is the most important legal document which guarantees the basic rights and freedoms of all the citizens of the country.
With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are keen to jet off on a cheap long weekend getaway and a travel expert has shared the four best value destinations he’d “genuinely” book himself
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
09:36, 08 Apr 2026
A holiday expert has listed four destinations he’d “genuinely” book himself for a “hot and cheap” May getaway and some spots may come as a surprise (stock image)(Image: Frans Sellies/Getty Images)
A holiday expert has listed four “hot and cheap” destinations well worth booking this May for a spring getaway without the “summer prices”.
With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are looking to make the most of a break from work by jetting off on a long weekend on the quest for some guaranteed sunshine – never a safe bet here in the UK. With that in mind, holiday expert Rob, known online as Rob On The Beach, listed four places he’d “genuinely” book for himself.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Four places I’d personally book for May if you want a properly hot holiday without paying summer prices.”
He continued: “May is easily one of the best value months for good weather at a pinch of a price. Plus, the UK’s fully into bank holiday season so you can stretch that annual leave a bit further, too.
“So I’ve looked at the data, the weather and the live pricing to find the four places I’d genuinely book myself.”
4. Malta
Kicking off his list, Rob began with island country Malta, which boasts 300 days of sunshine per year.
The holiday expert said: “In fourth, Malta. This is one people are slowly catching onto now. You’re getting consistent mid-20s heat, loads of sunshine, but it’s still not hit the peak pricing window yet in May.
“And the best part about Malta is it’s not just sit by the pool, either, which you can do, but there’s loads to explore and loads to see on the island.”
He then shared a deal he found from Monday, May 4 until Saturday, May 9, which cost £240 per person for direct flights from London Luton and a stay at the “gorgeous” St Julian’s Levante, Affiliated by Melia hotel.
3. Cyprus
Next, Rob listed Cyprus, another island country, which is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It offers renowned beaches and 320 days of sunshine a year, as well as rich history and culture.
Rob said: “This is your safe bet because in Cyprus in May, there’s proper sunshine every single day and by mid May, you’re well into the high 20s here.
“Also, quick one, because people always ask; yes it is safe in Cyprus right now. The FCDO advice has not changed and everything there is operating as normal. But speaking of things that aren’t normal, just look at this deal.”
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Rob detailed a five night stay at Hylatio Tourist Village in Paphos from Friday, May 15 until Wednesday, May 20, at half board, with direct flights from London Stansted for £280 per person.
He added: “For that level of weather, this early in the year in a premium destination like Cyprus, that’s a cracking price.”
2. Dalaman
In second place, Rob put Dalaman, a municipality and district of Muğla Province, Turkey. Dalaman is famed for its award winning beaches, scenic snorkelling, rich history, views of the legendary Turquoise Coast, as well as its natural beauty complete with nesting loggerhead turtles, and plenty more.
Rob “specifically” recommended Fethiye and said: “Now look, Fethiye is unreal all year round but May is when I personally think it’s at its best.
“You’ve got that perfect balance of temperatures in the mid 20s, proper sunshine all month and all without the peak pricing the peak level of tourists.
“It’s green, it’s scenic, there’s loads to explore, it’s absolutely drop dead gorgeous and you still get that classic Turkey all-inclusive value here, too.”
Rob shared a deal he’d found for a five night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Club Tuana Fethiye with direct flights from London Gatwick from Saturday, May 2 until Thursday, May 7, for £350 per person.
He said: “This is one of the best value holidays you can book in May, full stop.”
1. Albania
Rob said he’d “gone for something a bit different this time”, putting Albania in first place. The small Balkan country boasts vibrant coastlines and rich history and culture. There’s many castles and archaeological sites, as well as hiking options and peaceful, uncrowded Mediterranean beaches.
The holiday expert explained: “Somehow, Albania is still flying under the radar – because here, you’ve got coastline that looks like Greece but prices that really do not.
“In May, you’re comfortably in mid-20s heat with loads of sun and crucially not a lot of people there.”
Rob shared a deal he found for four nights at the three star Hotel Vola with breakfast included from Saturday, May 9, until Thursday, May 14, and direct flights from London Stansted, priced at £175 per person.
He added: “For a sunny, cheap European beach break that’s also a hidden gem, that’s cheaper than most people’s weekends at home. This is the kind of place to go to now as well because people will cotton on and it will be busy next year.”
A five-star Haven holiday park is packed with family-friendly activities, and best of all it has direct beach access with a long stretch of sand to enjoy
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Enjoy the outdoor pool in summer(Image: Haven )
The UK has loads of great holiday parks to choose from, and they’re a practical option for families who’d like cost-effective accommodation, plenty of activities, and a lively atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a staycation for May half-term or the summer holidays, then this may be the perfect option for families with school aged kids. Set on a beautiful sandy beach, this holiday park has a 5-star rating from the AA, who called it “a very popular park with many guests returning every year”.
Perran Sands Holiday Park in Cornwall sits on 500-acres of grassland and sand dunes, and if you walk through the grassy paths you’ll reach the vast sandy beach that stretches over three-miles. The sand is soft and fine, and when the tide is out rockpools full of tiny sea creatures are uncovered. The park even offers surfing lessons for those who’ve always wanted to try catching a wave.
The sea can be quite choppy at Perran Sands, and although there is a lifeguard on duty at peak times, you may prefer to take a dip in the pool instead. On chilly days holidaymakers can enjoy the indoor pool with its own flume ride, while in the summer months, the outdoor pool is a great place to cool off. There’s also an outdoor lazy river where swimmers can float around and enjoy the sunshine.
Back on dry land, guests can book a round of crazy golf, enjoy the NERF Training Camp, hire go-karts, or take part in fun outdoor activities such as den building. In the evenings, entertainment includes appearances from Haven’s seaside squad. There are also lots of options for dinner, including the Surf Bay Café which has a Cornwall-style interior including its own campervan, and a brand new branch of popular US-chain Slim Chickens.
Like most Haven parks, Perran Sands has a number of accommodation options. You can book a 4-night break in a saver caravan from £49, and other budget-friendly options include yurts and geo-domes, some of which are right on the seafront. The park also has lodges, chalets, and three-bedroom beach houses which offer sea views and sun decks.
Walk along the seafront for about half and hour and you can visit nearby Perranporth. This charming seaside town is full of souvenir and surf shops, relaxed pubs, fish and chip shops, and tearooms. About a 20-minute drive away is Newquay, famous for its beautiful beaches and for being a surfers paradise.
Visit Newquay Zoo, a compact but fun zoo in the gardens of Trenance Park, or explore the 16th-century Trerice manor house. The Blue Reef Aquarium is also popular with families thanks to its wide range of colourful sea creatures on display, while the Oasis Fun Pools offer indoor and outdoor slides, rapids, and more.
Find out more about Perran Sands and book your break here. Of course it’s not the only tempting offering in Cornwall; there are a wealth of different sites where families can find bargain breaks too. Away Resorts for example has a St Ives Bay site with private access to a three-mile-long sandy beach, while Parkdean Resorts has budget-friendly midweek breaks as well as new all-inclusive packages for families wanting to stretch their holiday budget that little bit further.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Before the holiday begins, observant Jews will remove and discard all food with leavening (called chametz) from their households, doing a thorough job, so that not even a crumb remains. This tradition is called bedikat chametz.
In the absence of leaven, Jews will eat specially prepared unleavened bread, or matzah, on Passover. Many Jews will also eat products made with matzah “flour” – unleavened bread that has been finely ground. Matzah dates back to the Exodus, where the Jews, not having had time to wait for the dough to rise before leaving Egypt, journeyed into the desert with unleavened bread.
Passover is a family holiday and a happy one. The first night is the most important, followed by the second night. It is traditional for a Jewish family to gather on both these nights for a special dinner called a seder (literally translating as “order”, due to the very specific order of the ceremony) where the reading of the story of the Exodus from Egypt, the Haggadah retells the story of the Israelite exodus from Egypt.
At the seder, three matzohs are used. During the seder, the middle matzoh is broken in half. The smaller piece is returned to the set of matzohs while the larger piece is designated as the Afikomen, or the dessert matzoh. Two distinct customs have arisen regarding the afikomen, both of which involve the afikomen being hidden as a means of keeping the children interested in the proceedings. In one custom, a child “steals” it and the parent has to find it. If the parent can’t find it, the child is given a reward for the return of the afikomen. In the other custom the parents hide the afikomen and the children look for it at the end of the meal. If the children find it, they receive the reward.
ONE of the Center Parcs resorts is planning a huge overhaul of 120 holiday lodges.
The holiday park in the Lake District has submitted plans as part of its ‘second phase’ of an overhaul to improve accommodation at Whinfell Forest.
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120 lodges at Whinfell Forest will get upgrades to outside spacesCredit: Center ParcsIn some cases the patio areas will be expanded and pergolas addedCredit: Center Parcs
Center Parcs has put forward proposals to expand some of its existing accommodation with the extension of its outside patios.
Increasing the size of the outdoor areas means new pergolas will be added and means families can still enjoy the outdoors in rain, wind or shine.
The design and access statement said: “Center Parcs is a major local employer and has an obligation to continually improve its operation and building stock in order to maintain its position in the market.
“The proposed improvement to the external areas will help in the continuation of the popular holiday destination.
“The proposal will improve tourism facilities within Whinfell Forest by providing betterment of the general facilities which are paramount in maintaining Center Parcs position as a great holiday destination.”
The upgrades are part of the second phase of a ‘lodge refurbishment project’ to improve guest accommodation at Whinfell.
The first phase of the Whinfell Forest lodge refurbishment was announced in August 2025.
The Woodland Premium Lodges have fully equipped kitchen along with be a flame-effect electric fire, blackout curtains for a well-needed sleep after all the holiday park activities and a coffee machine.
The Grand Forest Lodge is “indulgent accommodation” suited more towards large groups or multi-generational families on a trip together.
There will be two, three or four-bedroom lodges available, and each will have ensuite bathrooms in every bedroom.
The standout feature of the Grand Forest Lodge is the heated outdoor pergola – so you can stay warm outdoors even in the cooler months.
It even has an indoor ‘snuggle pod’, a cosy retreat with an interactive games screen and colour-changing mood lighting.
Whinfell Forest is on the outskirts of the Lake DistrictCredit: Center Parcs
Here are more of our favourite holiday parks…
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Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire
This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.
This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.
This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.
Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.
The finance expert has said these could help make travelling much smoother
15:02, 07 Apr 2026Updated 15:07, 07 Apr 2026
Martin Lewis’ wallet ‘essentials’ before any trip abroad(Image: ITV)
Martin Lewis has said that Brits going abroad should have up to five essential items in their dedicated ‘holiday wallet’. These important items could make travelling much easier, and in some cases, cheaper, through one simple money-saving technique.
According to the Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, founded by Martin Lewis, he has previously suggested that people set aside a separate wallet or purse for use only when abroad. He recommends keeping five items inside at all times, even when you get back to the UK, to make future holidays ‘easier’.
The financial broadcaster calls this his ‘overseas wallet or purse‘, and he has followed this advice for decades. In the 2013 blog post, the ITV regular said: “I genuinely have a second wallet I pick up when I go abroad. Not to better match my overseas shoes, but as a MoneySaving arsenal to ensure that when I am away, I get more bang for my buck.”
Starting with some of the most common and relevant to the average traveller. Martin suggested that this wallet should have a specific bank card for overseas use.
He said: “Everyone who regularly travels abroad should hold a specialist overseas credit card. This isn’t about borrowing, it’s simply an easy vehicle to get the best exchange rates in every country.
“Spending abroad on most plastic should be avoided. While banks and building societies themselves get the nigh-on perfect Visa/Mastercard wholesale rate, they then add a 3% load to what they charge us.” If you can’t get a credit card or don’t want one, prepay cards are effectively an electronic traveller’s cheque.
Martin wrote: “Load it up with cash in advance and use it while away. If you lose it, no problem, pay a replacement fee and the cash is re-credited.”
If you frequent the same country or region often, cash leftover from previous trips. Although it can be tempting to swap anything back into pounds straight away, it could be a welcome surprise for future trips – whether that be a few months, a year or more later.
If people are often travelling in European countries, such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, it might be worth keeping a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) in their travel wallet for emergency medical care . It is free on the official NHS site and lets UK travellers access state-run healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland for certain medical costs, often at the same price locals pay.
These cards don’t replace travel insurance, which you’ll need for things such as cancellations, private hospitals or repatriation. Check the expiry date at the bottom right of your card now, as many could be travelling with expired cards.
For anyone who drives abroad, keep your original driving license handy (and remember to swap it out of any physical travel wallets before packing them away). Martin said: “As well as the obvious car hire advantages, it’s also useful as ID, which is often demanded when paying by card.”
When travelling further afield, and over to the United States, a copy of your ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) number will be handy to keep close. An ESTA lasts for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once it runs out, you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Although you don’t need to present the reference number at Border Protection when you land in the US, print or screenshot it and bring it to the airport. That’s because some airlines may require it at check-in, so check with yours.
Martin also said: “My wallet’s also packed with unspent small euro and dollar notes. After all, why pay to change back £30 or £40 of foreign currency? Leave it sitting for next time.” Martin also recommends keeping a photocopy of your passport. He said: “Just in case my passport goes missing, the key details can be very useful.”
SIX in 10 dog owners base their holiday destinations on what their pet would like.
A poll of 2,000 people with a pooch found Cornwall is considered the best doggy holiday destination, followed by Devon and Yorkshire, where dog-friendly pubs, restaurants and scenic walks are abound.
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The research was commissioned by EV charging company GRIDSERVECredit: SWNS
But 30 per cent would never return to a staycation spot that didn’t meet their pup’s needs.
More than three quarters (78 per cent) have selected specific destinations because they believed their woofer would love the walks, and 55 per cent actively look out for dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.
The research was commissioned by EV charging company GRIDSERVE, which is giving away doggy bags of pet-pleasing goodies at its electric charging points at forecourts across the UK over the Easter weekend.
Rebecca Trebble, chief customer officer at the company, said: “The research clearly highlights the impact pets have on our journeys.
“The nation holds its four-legged friends so dearly, it seems only natural to cater to them at our EV charging stations.
“Every Electric Forecourt is now dog-friendly, offering walking routes so drivers and their hounds can stretch their legs while they recharge.”
The study also found man’s best friend is an influence when it comes to pit stops, with 36 per cent choosing where to pull over based on the doggy amenities in the area.
Nearly half (48 per cent) of those polled chat to their dog while driving, and 36 per cent choose to put their pet in the front seat.
More than one in 10 (13 per cent) even admitted they’ve tailored driving playlists to include songs they thought their hound would enjoy, according to the OnePoll research.
Photos from trips away are most likely dominated by pooches according to their owners, with 28 per cent saying they tend to take and share more photos of them than themselves.
Men were revealed as the biggest spenders on their pets while travelling, splashing out £49 per trip on average, compared to women who part with £40.
Rebecca Trebble, from GRIDSERVE, which is also offering members 25 per cent off charging across the UK, added: “We also found the average journey break is around 42 minutes, but the latest electric vehicles can add over 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes, so your car will often be ready before you are.
“We want every stop to feel like a highlight of the journey, for drivers and their pets”.
Devon is one of the other popular spotsCredit: SWNS
When booking holidays, you might forget to check when your passport expires. Different countries have their own rules on passport validity, with some requiring it to be valid for your entire trip while others for even longer.
To travel to Europe and Schengen countries, passports must be less than 10 years old before your departure date and valid for at least three months after your planned return date.
If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to renew it. However, on Wednesday, April 8, the prices are set to increase.
A new passport application online currently costs £94.50 for an adult standard 34-page passport and a standard child passport costs £61.50.
The fee for a standard online application will then be £102 for adults and £66.50 for children.
Applications made by post are currently £107 for an adult and £74 for a child. Yet, as of tomorrow, these will go up to £115.50 and £80 respectively.
Other passport fees are set to increase this week. If you need a passport quickly, the fee for a premium one day service made within the UK will rise from £222 to £239.50.
If you apply for a UK passport overseas, this will increase from £108 to £116.50 for adults and £70 to £75.50 for children. Overseas standard paper applications will increase from £120.50 to £130 for adults and £82.50 to £89 for children.
The Home Office said of the increase: “The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.
“The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.
“The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.”
It said that in 2025, 99.7% of standard passport applications from the UK were processed within three weeks when no further information was required.
If you are requiring a new passport and don’t want to pay the additional fees, it has been recommended to submit your application before the increase on Wednesday.
New passport prices
Adult standard online application from within the UK – £102
Child standard online application from within the UK – £66.50
Adult standard postal application from within the UK – £115.50
Child standard postal application from within the UK – £80
Premium one day application from within the UK – £239.50
Adult standard online application from outside the UK – £116.50
Child standard online application from outside the UK – £75.50
Adult standard paper application from outside the UK – £130
Child standard paper application from outside the UK – £89
A disabled woman has been left “very upset” after missing her holiday to the Canary Islands due to issues with her mobility scooter battery.
Carol Hutchins had been eagerly anticipating a sunny getaway at the TUI Magic Life Hotel in Fuerteventura with her daughter, Layla, scheduled for late October. However, the mother-and-daughter pair’s dream holiday came to an abrupt end at Manchester Airport, where staff informed them Carol’s scooter couldn’t be loaded onto the aircraft.
Carol has been left “very upset” by the cancelled holiday and the fact she’s more than £1,000 out of pocket. There is no indication that TUI failed to follow protocol. However, Carol and Layla’s experience acts as a cautionary tale for Brits travelling abroad with a mobility scooter.
A TUI spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that Ms Hutchins wasn’t able to travel on her holiday, and we recognise how upsetting that must have been for her. This was due to them not having the required documentation and battery identification information for their electric mobility aid, which meant it couldn’t be cleared to fly under safety guidance. The TUI airport team supported her on the day and explored alternative options, which she chose not to accept.”
Carol arranged her holiday to the sun-drenched Canary Islands at the TUI Doncaster branch on 23 October 2025. As the reservation was made within a fortnight of departure, the travel agent contacted the welfare team while Carol was in the shop, to ensure the mobility scooter was included in the booking. When a mobility aid is included in a holiday booking, customers are sent the Conditions of Carriage, which contain crucial instructions passengers must adhere to before their flight, reports the Mirror.
They specify: “The battery or batteries should clearly be labelled showing the type and the watt-hour (Wh) rating. Failure to show this can lead to refusal of battery or batteries. Please carry the manufacturer’s operating instructions with you, which will help you and the airport staff to block the vehicle’s electric circuits and remove the battery if necessary.”
According to TUI, the Conditions of Carriage were sent to Ms Hutchins four times via email as her booking was amended, and provided twice more alongside ticket documentation.
When Carol and Layla arrived at Manchester Airport on October 29, her battery lacked any visible identification label, meaning airport personnel could not lawfully approve it under safety regulations.
An on-site duty manager liaised with the resort team in Fuerteventura to locate an alternative mobility scooter she could utilise during her holiday.
However, according to Layla, Carol did not feel at ease travelling without her own scooter or with the prospect that she might be without one for a time once at her destination.
According to TUI, Carol and Layla declined the offer of two alternative flights and goodwill vouchers.
TUI’s website features a section that outlines what customers using mobility scooters need to know and do before they travel.
Before flying with your electric mobility aid, you’ll need to:
Check your battery type and specifications
Provide battery details to TUI in advance
Bring manufacturer documentation to the airport
TUI accepts these battery types:
Non-spillable batteries (like AGM, Gel Cell, SLA)
Lithium batteries with specific watt-hour limits:
Single battery: maximum 300Wh
Two batteries: maximum 160Wh each
However, wet cell (spillable) batteries are not permitted on TUI flights.
Important pre-flight steps:
Share your device’s battery details with TUI as early as possible
After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Askar Akayev became President.
In 2005, a popular uprising known as the “Tulip Revolution”, forced President Akayev’s resignation in April of that year. Opposition leaders formed a coalition, and a new government was formed under President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
On April 6th 2010, civil unrest broke out in the town of Talas after a demonstration against government corruption and increased living expenses.
On April 7th 2010, the unrest had spread and mass anti-government protests in Bishkek turned violent, with over 84 people being killed and many hundreds injured in clashes with security forces.
A transition government took control and Bakiev fled the country soon afterwards.
The day has been a public holiday since 2016.
To mark the events of 2010, hundreds of people attend a special ceremony at a memorial site near Bishkek, including top government officials and the relatives of victims who died during the revolution. People laid wreaths and flowers and held prayers for the deceased.
Wemyss Bay where you can wander the gorgeous Inverkip coastal pathCredit: Getty
Most of these routes tick off multiple destinations and you can save buckets on soaring air fares going by foot, car or train and sea.
Sophie Swietochowski has ideas to inspire you . . .
GOOD FOR: FOODIES
ROUTE: Sail Poole to Guernsey then on to Saint-Malo, Normandy before returning to Portsmouth or Dover.
Saint Malo beach in FranceCredit: GettyLe Nautique restaurant is renowned for its seafood, especially the oysters — you can pick up half a dozen for £12.50Credit: Getty
IT takes just three hours to reach Guernsey via ferry — a big win if you’re travelling with youngsters.
Seafood and dairy are the food heroes here and there are plenty of seafront spots to sample them.
Le Nautique restaurant is renowned for its seafood, especially the oysters — you can pick up half a dozen for £12.50.
Expect even more plates of wonderfully fresh fish in Saint-Malo.
From this port city you can then make your way to some of Normandy’s top foodie hotspots, all within a couple of hours’ drive.
Bayeux, which is most famous for housing the historic Bayeux Tapestry, is crammed full of gorgeous apple orchards, hence why cider is a popular drink in these parts.
Ferme Lecornu is right in the city centre and offers a “Royal tasting” experience.
GOOD FOR: COASTAL VIEWS
ROUTE: Sail Holyhead to Dublin, return from Belfast (Larne) to Liverpool.
The idyllic bay at Cushendun, County Antrim, Northern IrelandCredit: Getty
THE rail routes of Ireland are among the most beautiful in the world, offering simply stuinning views of the blustery ocean as you trundle along the cliffside tracks.
This ferry and train-hopping route requires no car — so make sure to celebrate your sustainability efforts with a Guinness or two.
You won’t be hard pushed to find a decent pour in Dublin, although Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street repor-tedly serves the best — and it’s even attracted a few famous faces in its time, including John F Kennedy and Judy Garland.
Head from one Irish capital to another, catching the train to Belfast.
If you do just one thing here, make sure it’s a Black Taxi Tour that unearths the fascinating history of Belfast’s troubled past.
Then catch the train to Larne, where the scenery gets pretty spectacular — about six miles from the centre you’ll find The Gobbins Cliff Path, overlooking the often ferocious sea.
GOOD FOR: WILDLIFE
ROUTE: Sail Penzance to the Scilly isles – St Mary’s, then Bryher and Tresco, returning back via St Mary’s to Penzance.
Tresco is the second-biggest island of the Isles of ScillyCredit: Getty
KEEP your eyes peeled because your chances of spotting dolphins are always high in both Cornwall’s Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.
Once you’ve caught the ferry over to St Mary’s island, head to Peninnis Head which offers panoramic views of the ocean.
From this high perch you can watch bottlenose dolphins hunting in the choppy waters below.
Hop on the small ferry over to Bryher where even more magnificent coastal creatures await.
We’re talking grey seals, hermit crabs and even puffins.
Your best chance of spotting them is from now until July, so if you’re heading out there, it’s a good idea to pack a decent camera.
From here, make your way over to Tresco and catch some well-deserved downtime on the glorious beaches.
Pentle Bay has previously been named one of the best beaches in the UK thanks to its white sands and peaceful turquoise waters.
GOOD FOR: WHISKY CRAWLS
ROUTE: Sail from Ardrossan to Arran then to Kintyre, on to Cowal then to Wemyss Bay via Bute. If short of time, consider a single-destination option – Oban to the Isle of Mull is just 45 minutes each way.
Head to the Isle of Mull, and sample picturesque Tobermory, home to a very fine single maltCredit: Getty
SCOTLAND blends breathtaking scenery with world-famous whisky — what could be better?
Make your way from the mainland to the Isle of Arran, which has all the unspoilt beauty of the Highlands, but comes with ocean views.
The coastal road wraps all the way around the island in 55 miles and is well worth exploring — with the famous distilleries of Lochranza and Lagg.
Or save those tipples for your next stop in Kintyre peninsula and specifically Campbeltown, otherwise known as the Whisky Capital of the World, because it was once home to over 30 distilleries.
Stay sober enough to take in the views at Cowal and then Bute (sometimes known as the Madeira of Scotland), before finishing your adventure in Wemyss Bay where you can wander the gorgeous Inverkip coastal path.
For a different tasting experience, ferry over from Oban to the Isle of Mull, and sample picturesque Tobermory, home to a very fine single malt.
HOW TO BOOK: Direct Ferries has some excellent tools for planning routes.
The travel site has designed an interactive map that identifies the most convenient port for any journey, with links out to each individual ferry operator to book.
Prices vary per journey, but all ferry journeys mentioned above cost from under £100 per car.
MY family’s favourite seaside holiday park has just been named best holiday park in AA’s Caravan And Camping Awards, and it’s about to open its very own Wetherspoons to boot.
We visit Great Yarmouth several times a year and Haven Hopton is always the first place I check when I’m booking us somewhere to stay.
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Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse loves visiting Haven Hopton with her familyCredit: Catherine LofthouseThe family love Hopton’s tucked-away village vibe, despite being in between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.Credit: Catherine Lofthouse
We love its location right by the beach and the family-friendly feel, and it turns out we’re not alone – AA inspectors were impressed by its immaculate grounds, top-tier amenities and welcoming atmosphere.
One of the best improvements in recent years has been the expansion of the indoor pool areas, by covering the old outdoor lido and linking it with the existing indoor area – to double the capacity for a year-round splashabout.
My boys loved the flume and the aqua inflatable course.
The soft play was also a winner and Hopton’s a great spot for a wander along the beach, as the caravans are set right by the sand.
It’s a half-hour bus ride to Great Yarmouth, where you have loads of great attractions, including the hippodrome with its seasonal shows, funfair rides and arcades.
It’s off the main road and once you’re there, there’s plenty to keep you occupied if you never venture off-site.
It’s even got its own nine-hole golf course set beside a lake, which is perfect for families introducing youngsters to the sport.
Just by the lane into the site, there’s a ruined church that’s been turned into a community garden, which is great for some peace and quiet away from the holiday park hustle and bustle.
You’ll be walking past a chip shop and an arcade to get there from your caravan, so it would be rude not to have a little go on the slot machines or grab something tasty to eat as you stroll past.
If we’re heading for a seaside resort nearby, it’ll always be Gorleston for us.
If they’re heading for a seaside resort nearby, it’ll always be Gorleston for the Lofthouse familyCredit: GettyThe Lofthouses love Hopton’s location right by the beach and the family-friendly feelCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
We love the wide golden sands, the splash pad and the clifftop playground, and we’ve had lovely food at the Pier Hotel and enjoyed open-air music at the bandstand overlooking the beach.
Our latest find is the beach huts at one end of the promenade, which are a perfect base for a day by the sea.
They are great all year round, a place to keep cosy by the coast in the winter and for a seat in the shade with a bit of sea breeze in the summer.
One place on our must-visit list this year is Pleasurewood Hills, which is about 15 minutes away from Hopton.
It’s come under new ownership and has four extra rides opening this season.
Locals could get into the theme park for a tenner over the Easter weekend, but if you’re quick, you can convert Tesco Clubcard points into vouchers for entry before the park leaves the Clubcard scheme later this month.
The vouchers will be valid until October 22, so you can use them over the summer if you’re heading to the coast.
I think we’ve stayed in all the big caravan parks around Great Yarmouth now and Hopton is one that we’ll return to time and again.
Although we’ve enjoyed Haven holidays at Caister, Wild Duck and Seashore and they all have their own highlights, Hopton is hands-down our favourite.
If you’re looking for somewhere for May halfterm, you can actually stay there for less than the other three sister sites at the moment, with a midweek caravan at Hopton starting at £339, compared to £355 at Caister and Wild Duck and £479 at Seashore.
My top tip would be to go at the end of the season – we stayed there for Bonfire Night one year and we got two different light displays.
Haven put on a laser show and then we could also see the excellent fireworks being set off at the renowned Potters resort next door. It felt really festive.
And if you make Hopton your holiday hotspot this year, you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat at the new Wetherspoons that’s opening this spring.
The White Clover will be the one of nine boozers from the pub chain now open on Haven sites.
Catherine’s sons also loved the flume and the aqua inflatable courseCredit: Catherine LofthouseCatherine’s family on a recent trip to Haven Hopton on the Norfolk coastCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
Hull — once crowned Britain’s biggest dump in the book Crap Towns — is suddenly being talked about as one of the world’s hottest holiday spots.
National Geographic has stuck the northern port city on its list of top 20 global places to visit in 2026, right up there with Manila, Beijing and even Route 66.
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Inside Hull – the ‘crap UK town’ that’s tipped to be as one of the world’s hottest holiday spotsCredit: Visit Hull and East Yorkshire / Jack Gray PhotographyPrincess Quay and Ferens Art Gallery in the city of HullCredit: Getty
So, on a soggy halfterm, I grabbed my eleven-year-old son and headed north for 48 hours to see whether Hull’s new swagger stacks up — or whether the UK’s former “snoring capital” is still a total snooze.
It might look out on a limb on the map, but Hull’s a breeze to reach — direct trains from London take just two and a half hours. And once you’re there, it’s all ridiculously walkable, with every major sight just a short stroll away.
We checked into the Hideout Hotel, a slick set of self-catered apartments in the city centre, then dashed across the road to the mighty Hull Minster.
The 13th century church — and the cobbled Old Town around it — somehow survived the Blitz while 95 per cent of Hull’s homes were flattened.
Locals say Luftwaffe pilots used the Minster’s spire as a handy marker as they crossed the North Sea – so didn’t destroy it.
Hull’s Old Town is a proper gem: narrow lanes and alleyways filled with cosy pubs like WM Hawkes, The Lion & Key and The Sailmakers Arms, and The George Hotel — the city’s oldest boozer — which proudly shows off England’s smallest window. Well worth looking into.
While grownups can tackle the famous Ale Trail, we went for the family-friendly Fish Trail — a quirky hunt for 41 bits of fish art hidden around the city. It’s free, fun and worth doing… just for the halibut.
For the real thing, we headed to “The Deep”.
Hull’s futuristic aquarium sits on the estuary and houses more than 5,000 sea creatures, underwater tunnels, a glass lift shooting up through a giant ocean tank, rays, turtles, jellyfish and sawfish that look like hedge trimmers with fins — plus a colony of adorable Gentoo penguins.
It’s immersive, educational and perfect for a rainy day.
A five-minute wander takes you to the Fruit Market, once a derelict warehouse district and now a buzzing hub of indie shops, bars and cool cafés.
We tucked into topnotch tapas at Ambiente — prawns and anchovies included, despite having just admired their cousins at The Deep — washed down with a crisp, bone-dry sherry.
The Fruit Market, once a derelict warehouse district and now a buzzing hub of indie shops, bars and cool cafés.Credit: Visit Hull and East Yorkshire / Jack Gray PhotographyThe Hideout Hotel, a slick set of self-catered apartments in the city centreCredit: Visit Hull and East Yorkshire / Jack Gray Photography
Next morning we returned for a hearty breakfast at Thieving Harry’s, a hipster hangout with great coffee, brunch and the odd DJ night.
Then it was on to the Museum Quarter — three brilliant, totally free museums in one neat cluster.
The Streetlife Museum dives into Hull’s transport past with vintage trams, retro arcades and a wartime high street.
Both are cracking fun.
Then came Wilberforce House, birthplace of Hull’s most famous son, William Wilberforce — the MP who led the charge to abolish slavery.
The museum tackles the transatlantic slave trade, the fight to end it and its legacy today.
It’s incredibly powerful, thoughtful and handled with real care — not just suitable for kids, but essential.
Culture continued at the Ferens Art Gallery, one of Britain’s top regional galleries, before some light relief at Dinsdales Joke Shop — a gloriously chaotic treasure trove of whoopee cushions, itching powder and fake poo.
It’s been going since the 1930s, making it the oldest joke shop in the country.
“People in Hull are a unique bunch,” owner Angela Dinsdale told us.
“There’s loads of culture and history — it’s quirky, friendly and there’s plenty for tourists to do.”
And there’s more coming.
A £70m Maritime Project is about to drop anchor: the docks have been revamped, the Maritime Museum reopens later this year, and both the Arctic Corsair trawler — “Hull’s Cutty Sark” — and the Spurn Lightship have been restored to their former glory.
And Hull’s star power doesn’t stop at penguins, ports and pubs.
The city can now brag about producing one of Britain’s hottest acting talents — Robert Aramayo, who is Hull born-and-bred and enrolled at Hull’s Truck Youth Theatre at the age of 11.
The local lad stunned Hollywood this year by beating Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan to scoop Best Actor at this year’s BAFTAs.
Nearly a decade after being crowned UK City of Culture, there’s never been a better time to go to Hull and back.
Dinsdales Joke Shop — a gloriously chaotic treasure trove of whoopee cushions, itching powder and fake pooCredit: Visit Hull and East Yorkshire / Jack Gray PhotographyThe Ferens Art Gallery, one of Britain’s top regional galleriesCredit: Visit Hull and East Yorkshire / Jack Gray Photography
Since independence, the history of this small, landlocked African country has been dominated by tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups.
The first democratic elections in June 1993, brought the Hutu, Melchoir Ndadaye to power, though he was assassinated in October of that year.
In early 1994, the parliament elected another Hutu, Cyprien Ntaryamira as President.
On April 6th 1994, Ntaryamira died in a plane crash. The private Dassault Falcon 50 jet which belonged to Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana, a fellow Hutu, was shot down while landing at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda. The plane crashed, killing both presidents. The deaths ignited the Rwandan Genocide.
President Ntaryamira Day is a solemn observance during which people reflect upon one of the most tragic events in African history.
After taking us through stunning caves, with crystal-clear water, she put bait on to our poles and insisted: “You will find it the most relaxing thing you ever do.”
She wasn’t wrong. And now, pardon the pun, I am hooked. We caught fish after fish and it was relaxing, but also exciting and fun.
Back on land, Eva has an agreement with a lovely restaurant, Agkyra, to grill her customers’ catch and they served ours with roasted vegetables and lemon butter.
Although Alex had seen her gut and descale the fish, my husband Chris and I watched in amazement as he tucked in enthusiastically — even picking his way through the bones and asking for more.
I opted for tzatziki and a Greek salad.
With wine, complimentary orange cake and a shot of raki, it cost less than 25 euros for all three of us.
The boat fun was the highlight of our holiday — but not the first exciting trip.
On our flight from Manchester, with Tui, Alex got to visit the cockpit — then the fancy ceiling lights of our airport taxi made us feel like we were in a limo.
Our hotel, The Royal Senses Resort & Spa, which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, was also pretty fancy — and not least its reception, with floor-to-ceiling gleaming glass doors and the smartest- looking staff you have ever seen.
By the way, those staff were also the kindest of teams, ensuring each guest felt like a VIP.
Like Yorgos, who ushered us into a golf buggy to whisk us to our room — and let Alex help with the driving.
Along the way, Yorgos pointed out the kids’ club, as well as the main pool, a waterslides zone, adult pool, gym, spa, bar and four restaurants.
The picturesque Rethymno has history and charmCredit: Getty
There are 178 rooms, ranging from doubles to villas, and spread out up a hill so that each has a sea view.
A cable car-style glass lift travels up and down the hill, lest you have to work too hard.
We were upgraded to a room with, joy of joy, a private plunge pool.
Our room had a kingsize bed plus sofa-bed for Alex, plenty of storage, a coffee machine, free bottled water, fluffy white towels and locally made toiletries crafted from olive oil and mandarin.
But we didn’t get to relax in our room for long.
At 5am, Alex was up, trunks on, goggles ready and raring to go. And breakfast only added to his giddiness.
Lifes a beach at the Royal Senses resortCredit: Supplied
Although he tucked into fresh pineapple and watermelon, I struggled to divert him from the temptaion of fresh cookies, pancakes, cakes and waffles.
I loved the Cretan breakfast with rusks, fresh tomato, olive oil and feta cheese while Chris struggled to resist the free- flowing fizz.
The hotel isn’t bang on the beach but its sister, The Royal Blue, is and guests share facilities.
There is a free shuttle bus but we walked.
It took five minutes and there’s a supermarket en route.
Although the city of Rethymno, with an old Venetian harbour, is just 30 minutes and 25 euros away in a taxi, we loved the relaxed vibe in Panormos.
It is six minutes from the hotel by taxi, £7 each way.
Or the green and yellow Magic Train travels by road to and from the village several times a day. It’s £2.60 for kids over five and £4.35 for adults.
It felt like an easy funfair ride and Alex loved it.
Panormos has a sandy beach, church, bakery, supermarket, taxi office and a few tourist shops.
We bought olive oil from a man whose family have farmed locally for hundreds of years.
There are several restaurants, too.
Every room at the resort has a sea viewCredit: Supplied
Our No1 was the Locus Deli, on a cobbled pedestrian street where local musicians played Greek music and Alex ran around, danced and played with the local cats.
We had chicken with pistachios and a fava-bean dip with fresh basil oil.
Even the child pasta was made with chopped local tomatoes.
With drinks, our bill came to less than £50.
The hotel also offered great dining options.
Alex was desperate to try a spot of fishingCredit: Supplied
The evening buffet had amazing variety, plus homemade pizzas that could have come from Italy.
Other treats included a restaurant with Michelin-starred chef — which welcomed kids and offered adult mains from £30 — as well as wine-tasting evenings.
Musicians played of an evening, and the hotel even invited loom weavers to demonstrate their art — we crammed a new bath mat into our suitcase, which was already bulging with pottery after a Tui trip to Margarites.
The mountain town stands on rich clay, and pottery has been made there since 3000BC, during the Minoan period.
But my best trip was to the hotel spa. It’s the largest on Crete, with therapeutic thalassotherapy seawater pool.
I celebrated my birthday on holiday so also had some pocket money.
The Sun’s Jane Atkinson had a go tooCredit: Supplied
And during an hour-long massage for £58, chiropractor Costos rid me of longstanding shoulder knots.
We spent our last night at Geropotamos Beach’s Old River taverna, 1km from the hotel.
As Alex played on the beach and the sun set, we had some very drinkable local wine and reminisced.
We agreed few places could beat Crete, for its warm hospitality, fab food, glorious beauty — and modes of transport.
GO: CRETE
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the 5H Royal Senses Resort & Spa, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is from £859 per person including Tui flights from Stansted on May 17, 20kg of hold luggage and airport transfers.
To book your stay, go to tui.co.uk, visit your local Tui holiday store or download the app.
The Easter Bunny is now an established part of the Easter traditions. In Europe and America, the Easter Bunny visits the garden of children leaving chocolate eggs and treats for the children to find on Easter Egg hunts.
Rabbits and hares don’t have any direct connection to any Christian tradition and it is interesting to note that the pagan goddess, Ostara was always traditionally accompanied by a hare. The modern tradition derives from a German custom that was first recorded in the 16th century. It may seem strange for a rabbit to be laying eggs, but as eggs were part of the foods banned during Lent, then the reintroduction of eggs would have been a welcome treat, no matter how they arrived in the garden.
It was once thought that hares could give birth without conceiving, which may have made them a way of explaining the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. It is also said that the sight of Rabbits appearing from their underground burrows is a reminder of Jesus appearing from the tomb after his resurrection on Easter morning.
On Easter Sunday, the traditional meat for dinner is lamb. The lamb was a sacrifice during the Jewish Passover, and it became a symbol for Jesus. It is also seasonal as Spring lamb is particularly tender and noted for its subtle flavour.
THE SUN’S £9.50 Hols Agony Aunt, Tracey Kennedy has tried and tested holiday parks across the UK for over 30 years.
Over her decades of staycations, Tracy’s ticked off popular holiday spots from the Isle of Wight, to North Wales, down to Land’s End in Cornwall.
Tracy Kennedy has been taking her family away on budget-friendly staycations for 30 yearsCredit: Tracy Kennedy
It’s fair to say that Tracy knows her stuff when it comes to UK holiday parks – whether it’s how to bag a bargain break, or find the best free and cheap family attractions whilst you’re away.
Over three decades of staying at holiday parks up and down the UK, Tracy has ranked her top five holiday parks based on accommodation, entertainment and location.
Plus she’s sharing all of the hacks she uses to save while she’s away.
We’ve paired each park with the cheapest deal available online, including three-night breaks for two for under £50.
5. Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village
“This holiday park is in a lovely seaside town in Somerset, and I like it so much that I’ve been back several times.
“My tip for booking a Haven holiday would be to book a Haven Hideaway package.
“These are the cheapest breaks possible, and can cost just £49pp. I paid just £120 for a full week away on a Haven Hideaway.
“However it’s worth noting that Hideaway holidays don’t come with a Play Pass as the standard breaks do, so make sure to check which activities are included at each Haven park, and which you would have to pay extra for”.
Entertainment and activities
“There’s plenty to do here without paying extra for the add-on activities. This site has a lovely arcade, which is cashless apart from the classic 2p machines.
“I wasn’t too keen on it being cashless at first, but once you’ve got your card and have topped it up with as much or little as you want, it’s easy to use.
“As for the evening entertainment, I went last year and it was really quite good. The comedy is especially great.
“With Haven parks, if you make sure to download the app, about 2 weeks before it’ll tell you which activities you can book if you have the Play Passes.
“But you dont need passes for the arcade or evening entertainment, it’s just for swimming and paid activities. They can be nice to have, but you don’t have to get them”.
Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village has an outdoor pool and caravans looking out to seaCredit: HavenKids will love the indoor splash park and water slide at Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday VillageCredit: Haven
Accommodation
“I stayed in a saver caravan, which is the lowest grade, but it still has heating and everything you need.
“I always go for the cheapest I can but that is still nice, and the saver option here is great if you’re looking to stay on a budget“.
Local area
“Burnham is a quiet town, so it can be quite a peaceful place to stay. There’s also a lovely beach and lighthouse in walking distance from the park, as well as a cinema. But mainly this is a great base for exploring.
“Brean is about a 10-minute drive away, and there’s loads to do there. Brean Beach is gorgeous, plus there’s a splash park, Brean Theme Park and an animal farm, so there’s loads to do.
“You’ve also got Cheddar Gorge a half-hour drive away. You can of course try loads of cheese, but there’s really fascinating caves and clifftop walks there, too.
“If you’re willing to drive a bit further, about 40 minutes, you can also visit Wells. There’s loads of medieval historic sites there, like Wells Cathedral as well as the Palace and gardens”.
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing. This deal also comes with a low-deposit option from £30.
Haven Burnham-on-Sea is only 10 minutes away from the beautiful Brean DownCredit: GettyTake a day trip from Burnham to Cheddar Gorge, just a 30-minute drive awayCredit: Getty
4. Riverside Holiday Village, Bleadon, Weston-super-Mare
“I went to this holiday park last year for my 50th, and had such a fantastic time. I have lots of memories coming here with parents, and now I get to bring my kids!
“One of the best things about this park is where it’s located. It’s less than 10 minutes from Weston-super-Mare‘s seafront”.
Entertainment and activities
“This is quite a small site, but it does have a good arcade, restaurant, and entertainment performances.
“There’s no costume characters for the kids, but if you visit in peak season, there’s a pretty packed activity schedule that keeps them busy.
“It’s a very relaxing site if you prefer a peaceful holiday. There’s a beautiful lake to walk around, and you can pop out into Weston whenever you’d like”.
Accommodation
“We stayed in a large Gold caravan, which doesn’t work out to be too expensive once you split the cost between a group of people.
“We paid £650 total, and the Gold caravans can sleep up to six people, so that works out at around £109pp – which isn’t bad at all for a full seven days during the summer holidays.
“We had wrap-around decking which is lovely to sit on and enjoy your coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening.
“I recommend going as a large group and splitting costs so you can try out the nicer accommodation. This is one of the parks where I’d say it’s worth it”.
Riverside Holiday Village is a peaceful escape in the countryside town of BleadonCredit: TripAdvisorIt’s only an 11-minute drive from Bleadon into Weston Super Mare, where there’s an exciting pierCredit: Alamy
Local area
“The surrounding area, Bleadon, is very quiet. There’s just a couple of cosy pubs.
“But if you want a proper day out, then you should drive or catch the bus into Weston-super-Mare itself.
“There’s loads of things to do in Weston. If you want to stick to free things to do, Weston Museum is a great one and has activities for kids.
“Visiting the Grand Pier is a full day out itself – there is a small charge of £2, which is the same for both adults and kids.
“There’s lots of cost-friendly places to eat on the pier, like chip shops, a Costa and a Tiffany’s.
“My favourite though is Revo Kitchen. It’s inside the old Sea Life centre and it has 360-degree views of the sea. It’s dog-friendly, and does amazing, family-friendly food.
“It’s easy to spend the whole day at just the pier. There’s a ball pit, arcade games, fun house, ghost train – loads to do.
“Obviously it can be costly, but there are great-value wristbands available for kids to go on unlimited rides.”
“The Little Kids wristband, with unlimited rides suitable for younger children, costs £15 and lasts all day. The Big Kids wristband costs £20.
“There is also an Ultimate wristband available for £30, which includes unlimited rounds of golf and go-kart races.
“You don’t have to pay the entry fee cost of £2 for those with wristbands. You can buy the wristbands for the Grand Pier ahead of time online“.
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a three-night stay at Riverside Holiday Village in a Purn Gold WF caravan from £169, based on two adults sharing. This deal also offers a low deposit option of £25.
You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan at Martin Mere Holiday Village from £49Credit: TripAdvisorMartin Mere Holiday Village is a 10-minute drive into the popular seaside resort of BlackpoolCredit: Alamy
3. Martin Mere Holiday Village, Blackpool
“This park is around 10 minutes’ drive into Blackpool, and there is so much to do there for families.
“They have also just had a major upgrade, with a brand-new restaurant, a refreshed Show Bar, and an expanded arcade added”.
Entertainment and activities
“It’s all about the entertainment with Haven. And the best part is that most of it is free.
“There’s an outdoor pool and lazy river, and you can book inflatables for your little ones to use.
“They’ve got plenty of fun things for families with kids like a climbing wall and a giant football dartboard.
“You’ve also got Linked Bingo at 5:15pm every evening, which sometimes has massive cash prizes.
“They’re also adding four new kids shows ready for summer this year”.
Accommodation
“The caravans are spacious, clean and have everything you need. Even the saver caravans are tremendous value for what you get.
“What I like about the accommodation here is that most caravans are only a short walk to the entertainment, which is great if you stay up late”.
You could visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach, with its brand-new ride Aviktas set to open this MayCredit: SuppliedHaven Martin Mere has an outdoor splash park that can be enjoyed in the warmer monthsCredit: Refer to source
Local area
“There is absolutely loads to do in Blackpool. You can even see the tower flashing its lights at night from the park.
“Blackpool can be as cheap or expensive as you like, but I’ve been going for years and found some good ways to save money.
“One of the best-value places to go is Coral Island Arcade, which has a restaurant where kids eat free.
“Once you’re at Coral Island, make sure to pick up any free leaflets that are there. They often have vouchers inside for discounted attractions.
“We picked one up and got a free go on the camel derby – so always look out for leaflets before you book something!
“Some of my other favourite things to do are going up into the tower, where there’s an arcade, the dungeons and a circus inside the tower itself.
“Then of course you’ve got Pleasure Beach – but if you know you want to go, book ahead of time online.
“That way you can pay £30 for entry rather than £60 on the day.
“If you’re wanting to save money on ticking off the paid attractions, there’s a new card where you can do them all for a fixed price called The Blackpool Pass.”
“The Blackpool Pass starts from £35 and includes unlimited entry to eight Blackpool attractions: Madame Tussauds,SEA LIFE,Blackpool Tower Ballroom,Blackpool Tower Eye,Blackpool Tower Dungeon,Blackpool Tower Circus,Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse and Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play.
“You can expect to save up to 70 per cent on attractions compared to booking individually.”
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing.
This deal also comes with a low-deposit option of £30.
A Platinum caravan at Lyons Robin Hood is a spacious option that comes with a balconyCredit: TripAdvisor
2. Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl, North Wales
“This site is really up-to-date. It’s recently undergone a £1.5m makeover, with all the new developments set to be fully done in May 2026, ready for your summer holiday!
“Some of my favourite things about this park are the enthusiastic entertainment staff, as well as the food – I always really look forward to the food when holidaying here!”
Entertainment and activities
“The pool here is so good that my youngest went swimming every single day. It has a brand-new splash zone, three super slides and even a spa for the adults.
“It’s just had activities like go-karting added to the list of things to do, and there’s new sports courts and trampolines.
“Ilast went at Halloween and it was just absolutely fantastic, but the entertainment is great year-round too.
“The costume characters come out to meet the kids – all the info on who is coming out when is listed on the wall, so you can meet the characters, comedians and singers.”
Accommodation
“The standard caravans here are slightly different to other holiday parks, for example like at a Haven resort.
“Their highest-ranking option is a platinum. We’ve stayed in platinum and it’s lovely. We had a little bit of a balcony that we had our coffee and drinks on.
“I’ve stayed in three levels of accommodation here, and I liked all of them. Each caravan was clean and spacious, with multiple big bedrooms, so you can’t go wrong here no matter what your budget is.
“I usually like to bring my own food to save money, however the food here is just lovely and definitely worth the money!
“We had cod and chips (£6.95) from the on-site chip shop here and really enjoyed it – in fact, we had it twice because it was that good! Food here is also really good value for money”.
Tracy recommends a sightseeing bus trip from Rhyl to LlandudnoCredit: AlamyTracy Kennedy continues to return to Lyons Robin Hood as one of her top-rated parksCredit: Supplied
Local area
“There’s a beautiful beach just across the road from the park, just remember to bring some snacks, as there’s no cafe or shop to buy food.
“You might see seals here – we saw some on my last visit and I was so excited.
“You can see them bobbing around in the sea, it’s nice to see them out in the open compared to an aquarium.
“Rhyl is just 5 minutes away, and there’s loads to do there. Shops, a massive marine lake, and my favourite – a little train that takes you around.
“Lots of people go crabbing, too…we caught some massive ones!
“A trip into Rhyl could be a free day out if you planned for it. Pack a picnic, wander through its streets, plus there’s even a free attraction: Rhyl Museum and Arts Centre.
“The only thing you would have to pay extra for if you wanted to would be the train, which costs £4 per adult and £3 per child.”
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a three-night stay at Lyons Robin Hood in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £111.30, based on two adults sharing.
Lyons Robin Hood is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.
Lower Hyde has entertainment for families ranging from pool time to discos to magic actsCredit: Lower Hyde Holiday ParkLower Hyde in the Isle of Wight came out on top for Tracy’s pick of the best UK holiday parksCredit: TripAdvisor
1. Lower Hyde, Isle of Wight
“The best holiday park I’ve ever been to is Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight – that is my firm favourite.
“I’ve returned several times because my family and I really liked it. I like everything about the park.
“There’s loads to do on site itself, it’s actually one of the only sites where we didn’t mind spending the entire day there.
“There’s plenty of nature trails around the park, and there’s also an adventure park on site.
“Lower Hyde also have a restaurant with really good pub-style food called The Barnhouse,plus they also have little food huts such as the Thunderbird Chicken shack and an ice cream parlour.
“They’ve just hada new outdoor bar open up, too.”
Entertainment and activities
“The entertainment teams are top-quality at Lower Hyde and plenty is free compared to other parks.
“I like the archery in the daytime, plus there’s a great pool to make use of, too.
“I watched some brilliant entertainment there last year.
“In the evenings, the entertainment starts off with discos and character meet and greets for the younger kids, with their own show.
“Then there’s some great bingo, followed by an adult game show.
“Later in the evening there’s more acts from visiting acts such as comedians or magicians, or a performance from the entertainment team.
“There’s then a disco until midnight, so you can stay there all night, if you fancy it.”
Accommodation
“I’ve stayed in both chalets and caravans, and the caravans are top-notch, very cosy and warm.
“The accommodation is in a really nice quiet area. There is a little bit of a hill walking down, so do let the site know if that’s an issue if you plan to visit”.
Accommodation in Lower Hyde is set in pretty woodland close to the beachCredit: Refer to sourceYou could visit the old village of Shanklin and stop by the Old Thatch Teashop for afternoon teaCredit: Getty
Local area
“The must-visit spot nearby is Shanklin. There’s lots of little artisan shops, and it’s not a far walk, about a 10-minute walk into the centre.
“If you walk further, it takes you into Shanklin Old Village. There’s a lovely little restaurant there called The Crab, with beautiful seafood.
“There is also the famous old thatched cottage from all the postcards. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it does afternoon tea inside (from £7.95).
“There’s also Shanklin Chine, a wooded coastal ravine that is the oldest attraction on the island.
“If you wanted to visit, then you can loop right down to the beach afterwards and make your way back up – that’s the perfect day out.
“Some of my favourite things to do in the area are keep an eye out for red squirrels on nature walks, and go stargazing at night – the Isle of Wight has clear skies where you can see the stars”.
Bag a cheap stay
You can book a three-night stay at Parkdean Lower Hyde in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £99, based on two adults sharing.
Parkdean Lower Hyde is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.
How Tracy saves extra on her holidays
As ouur Hols From £9.50 Agony Aunt, Tracy Kennedy has several tips and tricks up her sleeve when it comes to saving money on your staycations.
Here is exactly what Tracy does to prepare ahead of time and save on her holidays, as well as her top tips for saving whilst you’re away.
She told us: “One of the most cost effective things you can do is cook your own meals.
“I’d make a note of some easy, cost-effective meals that are quick to make so you can get it done and get out and enjoy your holiday.
“I like to pack an essentials box of non-perishable food bits with me, like packets of rice, pasta, and tinned food – just make sure you don’t forget to bring a tin opener, too.
“I also bring a small amount of washing up liquid and cleaning products in little travel bottles so we don’t have to buy full-sized ones. This really helps with the shopping, especially if you’re on a budget.
“Then when you do go shopping, all you have to do is buy the fresh stuff like bread, milk and butter.
“I like to slowly buy bits to add to my box in the months before my holiday, as it spreads the cost out and saves you spending too much in the expensive on-site supermarkets when you arrive.
Tracy and her daughter Chloe enjoy packing up a picnic and visiting local historic attractionsCredit: Tracy Kennedy
“Once you’re prepared with food and cleaning supplies, it’s time to start thinking ahead on how to save on attractions.
“Before I go anywhere, I make sure to Google everything there is to do nearby. Especially for days out. See if there are any two for one ticket offers at local attractions, or even places that are free to visit.
“Especially during holidays like Easter, as nearby attractions will often have free events for kids like Easter egg hunts.
“When I visited Prestatyn in North Wales, I did my research ahead of time and found free pottery classes for kids, so we spent an afternoon doing that.
“Also check the National Trust website as well as English Heritage, because sometimes they offer free days out, too. Also check Sun Superdays and Sun Club offers, too!
“If you’re staying at a seaside resort, you can easily spend an entire day out on the coast for free. Check which dates you are there have good weather, and plan to pack a picnic, walk along the promenade, go for a swim.
“Sometimes there will be free children’s Punch and Judy shows, or local festivals – always Google the area and search on local Facebook groups in case there are events whilst you’re there.
“If you’re going as a couple or friends, it can be nice to explore local towns with cheap public transport.
My friend and I visited Lyons Robin Hood last year, and planned to go to Llandudno.
“We bought a £6.50 day saver ticket, jumped on a bus with Llandudno as the final stop and sat on the top deck at the front, and the views we had were absolutely amazing.”
Visit Newquay in Cornwall for a free day out of beautiful beaches and scenic filming locationsCredit: Alamy
“You can get family saver tickets too if there are more of you, then you can go out for the day, get a great view of the local towns and all you have to buy is the bus ticket. It’s a nice, cheap day out for all of the family.
“Similarly, I planned a cheap day out at the coast a few years ago in Newquay, Cornwall.
“We visited all the local beaches, walked to Lands End, and I planned a walk past the hotel where the Roald Dahl film The Witches was made.
“We also drove out to Port Isaac, and walked around where Doc Martin was filmed. All you have to do in these places is pay for is parking and bring your own food.
Then you can just walk around and see all of these really cool filming locations, and that costs you nothing!
“Definitely research the area before you go to see if any movies or TV shows were filmed there”.
Read more of our Hols From £9.50 Agony Aunt’s holiday park tips
Tracy Kennedy is our Hols from £9.50 Agony Aunt, and has plenty more tips and advice when it comes to UK holiday parks…
WE are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle East.
Price comparison site TravelSupermarket has found British holidaymakers are returning to reliable European favourites but also looking further afield.
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We are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle EastCredit: Getty
In the first 25 days of March, interest surged for the Italian island of Sardinia, with searches up 236 per cent.
Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “What’s striking about this data is the range of destinations seeing a boost.
“On the one hand, you have Majorca and Bodrum, places that Brits know and love, seeing huge jumps, which tells you a lot of people just want the certainty of a tried-and-trusted destination.
“But then you have California in the top ten, which is a sign some travellers are using this moment to think differently about where they want to go.”
IT has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surprise.
From family-friendly resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, to the laidback delights of Sa Coma for couples, there is something for everyone.
Majorca has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surpriseCredit: Getty
The Tui Blue Levante sits in one of Cala Bona’s smartest spots and has indoor and outdoor pools, as well as direct beach access.
Seven nights’ half-board is from £442pp including flights from Gatwick on April 17, 25kg luggage and transfers.
WITH its perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich history, the coastline on this Turkish delight is dotted with beautiful beaches and lively coastal spots.
A standout is the 5* Bodrum Holiday Resort, set directly on the shores of a crystal- clear bay.
Bodrum is the perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich historyCredit: Getty
There is lots to keep little ones entertained, including a water park with five slides.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £279pp including flights from Gatwick on April 19.
SMALLER than Wales, this tiny Balkan country on the shores of the Adriatic has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to sleepy medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.
The 4* Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort sits alongside the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and has stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor pool.
Montenegro is on the shores of the Adriatic and has so much to offerCredit: Getty
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,110 including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and transfers.
THERE are more and more travellers looking towards the Caribbean for their long-haul sunshine breaks.
So it’s no wonder this holiday favourite is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parks.
The Dominican Republic is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parksCredit: Getty
The 3.5* Sunscape Dominicus La Romana hotel is next to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus and has 13 restaurants, as well as plenty of activities on water and land.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,081pp including British Airways flights from Gatwick on October 25.
The 2,700 hours of annual sunshine definitely help, combined with the fascinating history in Dubrovnik.
Croatia, known as the Land of a Thousand Islands, has crystal-clear waters and 2,700 hours of annual sunshineCredit: Getty
The 5* Hotel Croatia Cavtat is a 30-minute drive or boat ride from the famous city but also offers the chance to switch off and relax in style overlooking the waters of Cavtat Bay.
There’s a spa with indoor pool and rooftop pool to soak up the rays.
Seven nights’ B&B is from £576pp including flights from Bristol on April 12.
The Caribbean paradise of St Lucia is an-eight hour direct flight from the UKCredit: Getty
THE Caribbean paradise is an-eight hour direct flight from the UK and promises rainforest adventures, volcanic mud baths and, of course, endless beaches.
The small but perfectly formed Bay Gardens Inn is in lively Rodney Bay, a short walk from Reduit Beach.
There’s also a complimentary shuttle to sister hotel Bay Gardens Beach Resort where you can enjoy the beach and water park.
Seven nights’ room-only is from £1,004pp including flights from Gatwick on September 15.
‘We were five people in my parents’ 2CV; we would set out at 3am and by 10am, around about Lyon, my father would need a break. My mother would set up a deckchair for him under a tree by the side of the road and he would sleep before driving the rest of the way to Toulon.”
On a recent road trip through France, I met up with Thierry Doillon, a vintage car fanatic who helped restore a 1950s petrol station on the Route Nationale 7. I wanted to talk about the heyday of this iconic road (so famous that singer-songwriter Charles Trenet released a song about it in 1955) and why it’s enjoying a renaissance with holidaymakers.
Illustration: Guardian Graphics
The RN7 stretches 996km (619 miles) from Paris to Menton on the Côte d’Azur, passing through Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Avignon, Lyon, Aix-en Provence, Fréjus and Nice. In summer 1936, the French government passed a law that mandated paid holiday, a move that kickstarted the exodus of northerners to the Med every August, and it became a true emblem of the French vacances. In the 50s and 60s, the route was awash with petrol stations, traffic jams, picnickers and roadside cafes.
Although the RN7 fell quieter when the Autoroute du Soleil (Motorway of the Sun) was completed in the early 1970s (the new toll road knocked a third off the journey time), it is now experiencing a resurgence thanks to the trend for slow tourism and discovering the road less travelled.
One of the bornes that mark the RN7 route. Photograph: Ricochet64/Shutterstock
My road trip started on Paris’s Place d’Italie on a chilly September morning after an overnight stay at Hôtel Rosalie. Although my hired Citroën was capacious in comparison with Thierry’s 2CV of yesteryear, I could imagine the thrill he must have felt as a kid, embarking on an adventure that would take him to a land unrecognisable from the cold and grey of northern France, with the promise of warm sea, palm trees and glowing sunsets at its end.
Only a few kilometres from the centre of Paris, the roads started to widen and troops of Napoleonic plane trees lined up to guide this adventurer south. Historic highway it may be, but there’s a subtlety to the RN7 compared with the likes of America’s Route 66: instead of the shield-shaped “Historic Route” markers with “66” in large numbers, there are simple red-and-white bornes – round-topped concrete distance markers that dot every kilometre. There are faded ghost signs instead of screaming billboards, a mere whisper of the promise of parasols and pastis to come; Relais Routiers restaurants instead of roadkill cafes; and the soundtrack is Trenet’s 1955 whimsical hit (“L’amour joyeux est là qui fait risette, On est heureux Nationale 7”) rather than Chuck Berry or the Rolling Stones getting their kicks.
I imagine Thierry’s father despairing at my sluggishness, but nonetheless I made my first stop just 50km from Paris, in the village of Barbizon in the Fontainebleau forest. I stretched my legs in the shady wooded paths in the footsteps of the mid-18th-century artists who decamped here from the city to be inspired by nature.
Back on the road, I counted numerous art deco frontages of now-derelict mechanics along the route. “There were sometimes as many as 12 garages in a 6km stretch,” Thierry had told me. “Not just because the petrol tanks were so tiny back then, but because the cars broke down all the time!”
The Ozo petrol station restored to its former glory. Photograph: Rachel Ifans
I drove through pretty riverside towns such as Charité-sur-Loire and Nevers and parked up at the Hôtel de Paris in Moulins, a charming town that’s intersected by the RN7. The historic hotel has played host to many French stars over the decades, from Coco Chanel to Edith Piaf, and was such a popular stopping point in the 50s that it used to have two daily lunch sittings – the first for those heading south from Paris, the second for those driving north from Lyon and the Riviera.
The next morning, I journeyed further back in time in La Pacaudière, a tiny village that bore witness to the importance of this north-to-south route centuries before it thronged with holidaymakers. Le Petit Louvre is a coaching inn in the village with a gargantuan, gleaming Burgundian roof that since the early 1500s has served variously as trading point, post office, prison and school, as well as hosting many passing bigwigs.
While residents in La Pacaudière are now free of traffic jams thanks to a bypass that avoids the village, those in the next village of Lapalisse hold a biennial traffic jam party called Embouteillage to celebrate the nostalgic bottlenecks of the 60s.
My next stop was Roanne, one of those French towns most Britons have never heard of that turns out to be a gastronomic gem, in this instance partly due to it being home to Michelin-starred chef Michel Troisgros. While he has a three-star gastronomic restaurant in the nearby village of Ouches, I stopped at little-sister restaurant Le Central, which is bang on the RN7 as it cuts through town in front of la gare.
The route’s history is intertwined with that of the Michelin Guide, which provided essential information and maps for millions of holidaymakers. Many legendary chefs and eateries are synonymous with the route – from Eugénie Brazier, the first woman to earn six Michelin stars, to Fernand Point with La Pyramide in Vienne, who achieved three Michelin stars in the 30s.
An artisan pâtissier in St Symphorien-de-Lay has created a cake that celebrates Route Nationale 7
My lunch at Le Central started with a fish broth amuse bouche, continued with a hunk of white fish and confit peppers, and ended with a volcanic île flottante called Mont Fuji, all of which really kickstarted the gastronomic second half of my slow journey through France.
Not far after Roanne came the visual highlight of my trip: the Ozo petrol station which Thierry and his friends have restored to its former glory. He’d told me how the first guardian of the station had been a woman – AKA the godmother – who had lived in the tiny kiosk and been on hand 24/7 to help drivers at the pump.
Fully fuelled, my drive then took me to the Vallée de la Gastronomie, a stretch of central France that pulses with the heartbeat of artisans, chefs, producers and winemakers.
I met Pierre-Yves at Maison Mure in St Symphorien-de-Lay, an artisan boulanger, pâtissier and chocolatier who has created a cake that celebrates the Nationale 7, a light sponge sandwich in the shape of its road sign. I spent the night in a cottage at Domaine de Clairefontaine, a small hotel and bistronomic restaurant.
The vineyards of Tain-l’Hermitage. Photograph: Pernelle Voyage/Alamy
The next morning, I continued to Tain-l’Hermitage, visiting its Citè du Chocolat museum and hiking through the Hermitage vineyards that border the town. I stopped over at Maison Chabran in Pont-de-l’Isère, another good example of the many superlative family-run hotel-restaurants that dot the length of the RN7.
The culinary treats came one after the other as I made my way south, from roadside nougat in Montélimar to the historic rolling vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France’s first wine appellation. My journey reached its gastronomic zenith with an overnighter at the Michelin-starred La Mère Germaine, perched in the heart of the wine village, before I trundled to the coast, the greenery of la vraie France now behind me and the dusty roads, rocky outcrops of the Luberon and big hitters such as Orange’s Théâtre Ancien, Avignon’s papal palace and Aix-en-Provence’s Cézanne celebration ahead.
From plane trees to palm trees, from big rivers to the Mediterranean, the route was now edged by melon vendors and seafood stalls, with seemingly infinite blue sea in front. I spent the last night of my road trip in Fréjus, a town that combines ancient history with modern-day Med sparkle, staying in l’Aréna hotel. In 1799, Napoleon slept here en route from Egypt to his coup d’état in Paris.
I like to take the road less travelled when I can in France, but this time I had taken the road much travelled, then barely travelled, and now more travelled again. My out-of-season journey down the Route des Vacances was a memorable mix of quiet roads, nostalgia, superlative food and wine, and a variety of landscapes.
Chungmyung Day falls on one of the 24 divisions of the year and represents the sky clearing up for spring.
Traditionally the day is spent tidying up graves and doing home repairs that could not be done during the winter months.
It takes place on the same date as the Ching Ming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) in China which also shares rituals about ancestor worship.
Despite the rich history of the traditions of this day, it has only been an official holiday since 2010, when Kim Jong Eun declared this day as a holiday so that the people could spend it conducting traditional rituals.
Along with New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year’s Day, Dano (May 5th) and Chuseok, Hansik is one of the five ‘folk holidays’ offically commemorated in North Korea, but are not viewed as important as Kim Jong Il’s and Kim Il Sung’s birthdays, which both are normally celebrated with three days of holidays.
Customers of Center Parcs resorts have said they “could cry” after the holiday park chain announced it would no longer be offering a popular service from the end of May
The service has been removed from all Center Parcs sites
Center Parcs has scrapped a popular service at its resorts, prompting criticism from families.
The holiday park chain has announced it is no longer offering a crèche service for those aged between three months and three years of age.
By the end of next month, visitors to Center Parcs will not have the option to pay around £30 for a three-hour creche service for their children.
A spokesperson for Center Parcs told the Mirror: “At Center Parcs, we’re always looking to review and evolve the guest experience. We have made the decision to remove the crèche activity from our breaks, to reflect guest feedback and limited demand for this particular activity.
“Crèche sessions are one of more than 20 activities available within our Activity Den and our other activities will continue to run as normal. We’re developing new activities for children of all ages, with the aim of creating even more engaging experiences for families to enjoy together at Center Parcs.”
Customers who are due to visit a Center Parc resort in the coming months discovered that they could no longer book crèche slots from June.
One parent wrote on a Center Parcs Facebook page: “We go to Longleat for a week in June and bookings opened today for our break. We’re going with our three children and will be celebrating my birthday while we’re there. I had planned to book a much-needed child-free trip to the spa with my husband and planned to put the children in the kids clubs and our two-year-old in the crèche so we could go together. However, the crèche is unavailable for booking?? I could cry.”
Another lamented: “We’ve been to Center Parcs loads of times over the years and the crèche is such a godsend.”
Prior to the decision to close it, Center Parcs explained what the crèche offered. “Crèche is a colourful interactive environment for children from 3 to 23 months and 24 to 35 months old. Here, they are encouraged to take part in a variety of structured activities to help them develop and learn, guided by our experienced carers. Location: Activity Den. Duration: 180 minutes or 120 minutes. Activity available at all villages.”
One happy customer described the staff in the crèche as “friendly and professional.”
In other Center Parcs news, work has begun on a new site in the Scottish Borders. The £450 million holiday resort is expected to generate approximately 1,200 jobs.
The new forest will comprise multiple tree species and other plant life, establishing an environment abundant in biodiversity and teeming with wildlife.
The Center Parcs Scottish Borders development will feature 700 lodges and flats, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise mirroring those at existing sites, retail outlets and dining venues in the village hub, plus an Aqua Sana Forest Spa nestled within the woodland. Virtual tours and 3D renderings show numerous amenities positioned along the waterside.
