holiday

Ella Marie Gill documented her holiday on social media after paying just £99 for mystery holiday package via Wowcher, who allocate destinations to customers at random

A woman who snapped up a £99 mystery holiday voucher from Wowcher has taken to social media to share her experience. Wowcher, known for its daily deals and discounts on a range of experiences, products and services, was something traveller Ella Marie Gill was eager to try out.

“We are heading to Malaga in Spain and have no idea what to expect,” she started off in a TikTok video after finding out her destination. After a three-hour flight, Ella Marie confessed she was “most nervous” about the condition of her hotel after checking out photos of it online.

“We’ve just arrived at our hotel and it’s not looking too bad,” she optimistically added, following a 10-minute Uber ride from the airport. Ella Marie highlighted it’s a four-star accommodation as she ventured inside where she was immediately taken by the hotel’s lobby.

“I do think it’s quite nice,” she admitted, sweeping her camera around the reception and seating areas. Stepping outside, she commended: “And we are literally on the beach, so 10 points for that.”

After picking up her room key, Ella Marie headed to the lift, thankful she was allowed to check-in two hours early. Upon entering the room, she exclaimed: “It’s absolutely huge. Honestly, I’m quite pleasantly surprised.”

Indeed, Ella Marie showed off her room’s sofa, king-size bed, chair, desk and even a mini-fridge that was already filled with a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks.

“The bathroom is lovely too,” Ella Marie declared, highlighting an immaculate-looking bath and shower. “It’s such a big size.”

Regarding her bed, she gushed about how comfortable it was, before escorting her viewers outside to her balcony – complete with table and chairs – which boasted views across the city. “I’m actually really impressed,” Ella Marie concluded. “Honestly, for a Wowcher holiday I am pretty impressed.”

In the comments section, one TikTok user shared their own Mystery Holiday experience, writing: “I’ve done this and got lake Garda in Italy. We paid £50 per person to upgrade our flights. We had to change our hotel as all the reviews on the hotel they had given us everyone said they all got bedbugs so we had to pay £250 for a new hotel and Wowcher wouldn’t change it for us or compensate us unless we went there and actually got bed bugs. Beautiful place though.”

A second person commented: “Stayed here too with the £99 holiday! So amazing, we upgraded to a beach view room. Would definitely go back.”

Meanwhile, a third exclaimed: “Absolutely bargain! Hope you enjoyed it! I love Malaga, it’s beautiful, and go as often as I get the chance.”

Wowcher markets its mystery breaks, which differ in cost depending on distance. The company states: “Experience the thrill of a surprise getaway! Whether it’s the vibrant streets of New York, the breathtaking beaches of Bali, or the historic charm of Rome, our Mystery Holidays take you to incredible destinations- without the hassle of planning!

“Whether this is an exciting trip for yourself, or you want to gift a mystery holiday voucher to a loved one, we’ve got you covered! Indeed, from long-haul destinations including Maldives, Barbados and Bali, to city breaks and beach holidays such as Venice, Rome and Amsterdam, Wowcher says customers could find themselves heading to one of more than 100 destinations through the Mystery Holiday package.”

As for how you’ll discover your destination, Wowcher explains: “Each customer is randomly assigned a destination tier and will receive a travel location within that tier, based on their selected travel dates. The destination will remain undisclosed at the time of purchase. Once revealed and the voucher is redeemed, the booking becomes non-refundable. Refunds will not be issued if a customer is unhappy with the allocated destination.”

In an age of hyperconnectivity and overtourism, the desire to “get away from it all” when we travel has never been greater. We’d love to hear about those corners of Europe where you can still escape from the noise and the crowds, whether it’s a remote national park, a wild coastline, a rocky islet, off-grid retreat or a sleepy town which the 21st century seems to have overlooked. And if you stayed in a great campsite, hostel or cottage, tell us about that too.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,tres000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

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Millions of people head to the Spanish sunshine from the UK every year making it the country’s most popular holiday destination

As summer disappears and the cooler months approach, it’s time for many people to look back on their summer break and begin to plan their next venture. Last year around 18 million people travelled from the UK to Spain for their holidays.

The lure of brighter sunshine and warmer coastlines can be very attractive but it is still important to make the most of your spending money. Now, a new study has revealed the Spanish cities where Brits can get the best value for their money.

Learn Spanish with James, led by James Smith, a fluent Spanish speaker with over 10 years of teaching experience and extensive living experience across Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica, conducted comprehensive research into 29 popular Spanish destinations. He said: “Having lived in Spain for years, I’ve seen firsthand how different cities offer vastly different value propositions for British visitors.

“While Spain is generally affordable compared to the UK, some cities stand out as exceptional bargains where your pounds can stretch much further.”

The study analysed hotel costs, dining expenses, beer prices, transport fares, and attraction entry fees across 29 Spanish cities popular with foreigners. Data was collected from Booking.com for accommodation, Numbeo for living costs, and TripAdvisor for attraction prices.

All costs were converted to GBP using average exchange rates. These were then normalised into a Holiday Value Score ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better value for British tourists.

James, an expat living in Spain, added: “Some cities offer exceptional value for British tourists by combining low daily costs with rich cultural and leisure experiences. What makes these top-ranking destinations special isn’t only their low prices, but how they balance affordability across all aspects of a holiday, from where you sleep to what you eat and see.

“Cities like Cádiz and Córdoba are proof that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for value. These places offer authentic Spanish experiences, incredible history, and local charm at prices that make your pounds work harder.

“For Brits considering a move to Spain or planning an extended stay, understanding these cost differences can literally save thousands while opening doors to some of the country’s most fascinating destinations.”

Top 10 Spanish Cities Where Brits Get the Best Value – GBP

Rank

City/ Municipalities

Avg. Cost of 3-star Hotel per Night

Avg. Cost of Meal for Two at Mid-range Restaurant

Avg. Cost Bottle of Beer

Public Transport Ticket Price (One-way)

Avg. Attraction Entry Fee

Holiday Value Score

1

Cádiz

£ 126.16

£ 29.50

£ 1.19

£ 0.93

£ 20.08

79.34

2

Córdoba

£ 80.89

£ 35.83

£ 1.20

£ 1.10

£ 26.88

77.18

3

Torrevieja

£ 65.83

£ 33.72

£ 1.00

£ 1.31

£ 44.37

70.02

4

Cartagena

£ 104.35

£ 42.15

£ 0.87

£ 1.01

£ 37.90

69.34

5

Granada

£ 99.31

£ 31.61

£ 1.25

£ 1.18

£ 32.39

68.62

6

Alicante

£ 104.18

£ 42.15

£ 1.12

£ 1.22

£ 32.39

67.20

7

Murcia City

£ 104.91

£ 37.09

£ 1.07

£ 1.10

£ 99.76

63.60

8

Ourense

£ 77.73

£ 37.93

£ 1.38

£ 0.72

£ 37.57

62.90

9

Vitoria-Gasteiz

£ 78.17

£ 37.93

£ 1.19

£ 1.18

£ 67.05

60.78

10

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

£ 73.40

£ 42.15

£ 1.35

£ 1.26

£ 31.74

60.76

1. Cádiz – The Unbeatable Value Champion (79.34)

Cádiz claims the top spot with an impressive Holiday Value Score of 79.34, making it the ultimate destination for budget-conscious Brits. While hotel costs sit at £126.16 per night, the city more than makes up for it with incredibly affordable dining at just £29.50 for a meal for two, and bargain beer at £1.19 per bottle. Transport is particularly cheap at £0.93 per ticket, and attractions cost just £20.08 on average.

“Cádiz is a hidden gem that British tourists frequently overlook,” explains Smith. “It’s one of Europe’s oldest cities with stunning beaches and incredible history, yet it offers some of the best value you’ll find anywhere in Spain.”

2. Córdoba – Moorish Magic on a Budget (77.18)

Córdoba secures second place with a score of 77.18, offering exceptional accommodation value at just £80.89 per night. Dining costs £35.83 for two people, while beer remains affordable at £1.20. The city’s rich Moorish heritage, including the famous Mezquita, comes at reasonable attraction prices of £26.88.

“Córdoba perfectly balances affordability with cultural richness,” notes Smith. “You can explore one of Spain’s most historic cities without breaking the bank.”

3. Torrevieja – Coastal Living for Less (70.02)

Torrevieja rounds out the top three with a score of 70.02, boasting the cheapest accommodation at just £65.83 per night and the most affordable beer at £1.00 per bottle. Meals for two cost £33.72, though attraction fees are higher at £44.37.

“Torrevieja is perfect for Brits who want that coastal lifestyle without the premium prices of more famous beach destinations,” says Smith.

4. Cartagena – Naval History Meets Great Value (69.34)

Cartagena offers excellent value with a score of 69.34, featuring the cheapest beer in our top five at just £0.87 and reasonable transport costs of £1.01. Hotel prices sit at £104.35, with dining at £42.15 for two.

“Cartagena’s naval history and stunning Roman theatre make it a fascinating destination that won’t drain your wallet,” explains Smith.

5. Granada – Alhambra on a Shoestring (68.62)

Granada completes our top five with 68.62 points, offering reasonable accommodation at £99.31 and excellent dining value at £31.61 for two people. Despite being home to the world-famous Alhambra, attraction costs average just £32.39.

“Granada proves you can experience Spain’s most iconic sights without paying tourist trap prices,” Smith adds.

Penny Moyses and her family, who are from Hertfordshire, had hoped to see the beautiful sights of Croatia but a last-minute snag dashed the group’s travel plans

A mum had to leave her five-year-old son at home during the start of their holiday due to a basic admin error.

Penny Moyses, 37, has today warned fellow parents to always ensure their children’s passports are valid after she discovered her eldest son’s document expired. Penny only realised this was the case just days before they were due to depart from Stansted airport, dashing her family’s hopes to attend a wedding in Croatia and spend time enjoying the country’s beautiful sights.

Panicked, the mother of two rushed to secure an emergency one – but was stunned to find out children’s passports need to be applied for at least one week in advance. So, the tragic admin error meant Penny had to leave husband James and their five-year-old son at home, while she flew to Croatia with their youngest child.

“Fear totally went through me – I felt sick to my stomach. I just had a quick peek just to double-check I had the exact right passports and just happened to notice that my eldest son’s passport expired,” Penny said today.

“I thought ‘It’s fine we can get an emergency passport, you can get those in a day” Turns out that for kids you have to wait a week as there’s a lot of safeguarding regulations, which I totally respect.”

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Despite missing their flight and a few days in the sun, James eventually managed to secure their eldest’s emergency passport. The pair met the group at the port and, with their outfits in tow, quickly changed on the boat transfer before stepping off in their suits – much to Penny’s relief.

Penny, who lives in Hertfordshire, said: “My eldest ended up missing the first two days of the holiday. Luckily we managed to intercept the passport at our local sorting office and they arrived just in time for the wedding, literally the boat transferred them to the wedding.”

The traumatic event has encouraged Penny to take charge of what she refers to as the “silent load” of life admin that swirls around her head on a daily basis. One new trick in particular is helping her brain take a break from constant worries about planning.

The mum is using an app called Fyio, a digital filing cabinet that helps users keep track of their most important personal documents. She said: “The silent load is often what can fall on a woman for various reasons but typically the person that is running the household.

“It’s something that I certainly can’t switch off. By using Fyio I can now keep track of my important documents; if I had the passport expiry dates in there, I would’ve completely avoided the Croatia disaster and saved myself hundreds.

“My son wouldn’t have missed two days of our holiday. For me, it’s those family moments that paperwork can really impact. I totally underestimated what it was like going back to school with kids.

Penny first came across Fyio when it launched at her 2022 ‘Clean & Tidy Home Show’. Since then, her event has evolved into ‘Home, Life & You LIVE’, which returns to Excel London in October 2025.

She is now an avid user of the app, which allows for everything from passport renewal reminders to managing prescriptions, uploading files in seconds and sharing documents safely with others, with them set to expire after a chosen time.

The platform uses military-grade security and even Fyio’s own team cannot access the data. She said: “Now, I have all the important documents in my online filing drawers, such as school uniform regulations ” and, of course, passport info.

“The app helps with the silent load I used to feel and helps me take ownership of my life admin in a simple way. Finding ways to save time ” especially as a parent ” means I can be present with my family instead of worrying if I’ve forgotten something. This app makes my life easier and takes some of the pressure off my shoulders ” something every mum could do with.”

A REAL life Coronation Street couple have shared a slew of snaps from their dreamy getaway to the posh Greek island of Santorini.

Actress Sally Carman and her co-star husband Joe Duttine appear to have had the trip of a lifetime after jetting off to the sought-after location in the Mediterranean.

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The Abi Webster actress looked glam as she uploaded a series of snaps from hers and Joe’s loved-up getaway.

Joe, who plays Tim Metcalfe, could be seen beaming alongside his proud wife in one of the couple’s shots from the getaway.

Sally simply captioned the snaps with: “Santorini sun.”

It appeared to be no expense spared as Sally shared a photo of the pool at their resort which overlooked the sea and featured a floating bed in the middle of the water.

In another candid snap, Sally looked the picture of happiness as she sipped on a cocktail through a straw as she enjoying a sunset tipple.

She wore a leopard-print headband in the picture and kept her make-up simple.

In one of the other photos, Sally could be seen laid by the front of a boat wrapped in blankets as it appeared she had taken a tumble.

Their Corrie co-star Samia Longchambon commented on the snaps: “Gorgeous every bit”

Another fan added: “Lovely photo of you Sally. Enjoy yourself.”

As fellow soap actress Sue Devaney added: “Oooooooh I want to hug you in all that there cuteness of yours!!

“Stunning stylish sexy Sal in Santorini! So beautiful xx.”

Sally and Joe began romancing one another after meeting on the set of the ITV soap opera.

They tied the knot in Salford in 2022.

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Northern Lights holidays are a hit with intrepid explorers over the winter season but 2026 is well worth having on your radar as it’s one of the ‘best years in a decade’ for booking

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, then this winter might be the time to finally do it.

In fact, you may want to consider a trip in January or February, as 2026 is expected to be the best year in a decade for Aurora viewing opportunities.

That’s because next year will bring with it a once-in-a-decade phenomenon; the solar maximum. This rare event sees the Sun’s heightened magnetic activity release charged particles that collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating brighter and more frequent auroras. Scientists are expecting it to peak until March 2026, before fading again until the mid 2030s.

The good news is that you don’t need to head into the deep depths of the Arctic if you want to try and spot the lights. There are plenty of European destinations including Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland where you can watch the Aurora because of their proximity to the Arctic Circle.

READ MORE: ‘I went to the world’s most beautiful bookshop – there’s just one catch’

The experts at Travel Republic recommend the likes of Iceland, Sweden and Finland as these destinations offer over 200 nights of Northern Lights activity every year, so they’re the spots where you’ll be putting the odds in our favour. The travel insiders also suggested Norway, specifically areas such as Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, Alta, and Svalbard.

If you want to go further afield, Canada’s northwest territories offer Northern Lights viewing opportunities for up to 240 nights annually, while Alaska’s Fairbanks promises an 80% chance of seeing the aurora.

The best time to spot the aurora typically falls between October through to March; some destinations do have sightings in February and April but the likelihood of getting a great view is reduced.

READ MORE: World’s ‘most peaceful country’ is real-life winter wonderland just 3 hours from UKREAD MORE: Europe’s ‘most charming Old Town’ also has one of the best cheap Christmas markets

If you are thinking of booking that dream getaway, the Travel Republic team shared some of their top tips for planning the ultimate trip – check out their advice below.

• Choose dark, remote locations: Rural or wilderness areas, away from buildings and vehicles, with minimal artificial light, offer the most vivid aurora displays.
• Monitor the weather: Clouds can get in the way, even during peak aurora activity. Check forecasts and aim for clear nights in regions known for stable winter weather.
• Consider guided tours: Experienced operators know the best locations and conditions, helping you chase clear skies and capture unforgettable sightings of the Northern Lights.

You don’t necessarily have to go abroad as there are parts of the UK where you can spot the Aurora when there are clear, dark skies over the winter months. Scotland will be your best bet, especially regions such as Caithness, Lewis and Harris, the Moray Coast, the Isle of Skye and the Cairngorms, thanks to their remote landscapes and dark, clear skies. Over in England, the likes of Cumbria and Yorkshire have also been the setting for Northern Lights spotting.

In fact, earlier this month the Met Office said that the Aurora Borealis would be visible across parts of the UK, as the enhanced geomagnetic activity created conditions that could allow the lights to be visible further south than usual.

Do you have a holiday story that you want to share with us? Email us at [email protected].

GEMMA Collins flaunted her three stone weight loss in stunning snaps from her holiday.

The glam reality TV star looked slimmer than ever after embarking on a health kick earlier this year.

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She jetted abroad with her fiance Rami and shared sun soaked snaps of their getaway, one showing her topping up her tan on the beach.

The Towie legend looked incredible modelling a white swimsuit as she stood with one hand resting on her hip.

Gemma, 44, later stood for a romantic snap with Rami, and wore a long pleated pink dress.

She teamed the look with a bouncy blow dry and large shades.

Earlier this year, Gemma revealed she had gone from a size 26 to a size 20 in just three months since starting weight-loss injections, describing them as “life-changing”.

GLP-1 injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, have had a surge in popularity in the past 12 months.

Having been used primarily as diabetes drugs, they are now prescribed to boost weight loss by suppressing your appetite.

In January, Gemma teamed up with weight loss injection company Yazen in a paid partnership to try the jabs.

Elsewhere, The Sun recently revealed Gemma will be fronting a new reality show following her IVF journey.

Titled Four Weddings And A Baby, it sees the reality star team up with Sky.

The eight-part series will depict her daily life, from domestic moments, planning her dream wedding to striving for a baby through IVF.

Gemma is engaged to her long-term fiance Rami Hawash, 50, whom she first met in 2011.

Discussing the new series, she said: “This really is the most important year of my life, and for the first time people will get to see the Gemma behind the GC.

“Over the next year I will be planning my wedding and beginning the steps into starting a family.

“I’ve always felt natural in front of the cameras, but now I want to let the world see the real raw me sharing the most intimate and personal times in my life.

“I feel ready to truly open up, not just about the present, but about my past and everything I’ve been through to become the woman I am today.

“I feel truly blessed and excited for everyone to come with me on this new chapter of my life.”

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A woman recently booked a holiday to Turkey and she can’t believe how much it cost. Suzanna was floored when she saw her bill for her recent trip away in the sun

A woman booked a holiday to Turkey, but was left floored when she realised how much it cost, and it’s not the only thing that’s left people stunned at the holiday hotspot recently. Suzanna, known as suzannatravelsolo on TikTok, recently admitted she jetted off for a few days in the sun to have a break from “rainy Liverpool“.

Even though she enjoyed her time away, she admitted she was taken aback when she realised how much it would cost her to spend the weekend in Turkey. In a candid video shared online she claimed she bagged a weekend away in Turkey for “less than £200.00”, and this included taxi fees, so it was pretty good.

The news may surprise some people as it’s been heavily documented that, in recent years, tourists think Turkey has become expensive. Just a few months ago, Brits admitted they were looking for “cheaper options”, as they claimed the hotspot has witnessed such high levels of inflation.

However, Suzanna said she had a bargain break away and she opened up about it in a few videos. However, she did warn it can be come expensive when you actually land at the destination.

In a different video, Suzanna explained whether she thinks it’s cheaper in Turkey or Hurghada, Egypt. She said she did notice it was pricey when she was out and about.

Suzanna explained: “The beach clubs in Hurghada are much better and a lot cheaper. I mean, if you drink, you’re going to spend a lot of money, because it was £12.00 for a cocktail.

“If you wanted vodka and Sprite, a vodka was just £11.00 on its own without a mixer. £11.00 for a vodka. I found local restaurants in the area I’m staying – the food has been lovely.

“You can get good value if you shop around. Tourists spots are just so, so expensive. Turkey will always be a part of my life, but Hurghada wins hands down for value and for what you get for your money.

“I mean, to just go on a boat trip here you’re talking €60.00. In Hurghada, we do it for €30,00, so there’s a big difference in the price. Turkey is still there in my heart.”

In the video, Suzanna also stated she had bed and breakfast, and people were quick to comment and share their thoughts. Some had similar views.

One said: “Love Turkey but my favourite will always be Egypt. We used to go to Luxor for two weeks and then go to Hurghada for a few days in between.”

Another added: “Definitely stay away from tourist spots, but I prefer that anyway – wherever I go.” Some people love Turkey though, as someone else wrote: “I’d personally choose Turkey – we’ve had the best holidays there, twice last year.”

One more commented: “Just came back from Hurghada and absolutely loved it – can’t wait to return. Great people – fab holiday.”

Is Turkey becoming expensive?

There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in parts of Turkey. If you’re wondering about the situation, Statista has offered an explanation as to why it may be happening.

The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”

However, it’s said Turkey is taking steps to help boost tourism, including addressing rising prices, making tourist offerings more diverse and investing in infrastructure. The Government is said to be working to reduce inflation, and some people are also promoting niche tourism areas like spas and health care.

British cruise line Ambassador Cruises are so confident of the value of their sailings, and the packed schedule of events and delicious variety of food onboard, they challenged me to have as much fun during a day out in London as I would onboard

What would you do if you had £338 to spend on a day out?

That’s the question Ambassador Cruises asked me, and the one I answered last month. The British cruise line’s people are so confident of the value of their sailings, and the packed schedule of events and delicious variety of food onboard, they challenged me to have as much fun during a day out in London as I would onboard.

Armed with £338 (the price of a night’s bed and board for two on an Ambassador ship), I began plotting a big day out in the English capital for my partner and myself, to put their value claims to the test, and to find out if going away on holiday is all a big waste of time and effort.

My philosophy was simple and borrowed classic present-giving wisdom: we’d plump for things we’d never normally do.

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First up was breakfast in The Delaunay. If you’re looking to treat yourself to one of the best breakfasts of your life, then the Covent Garden-based all-day brasserie is the place to go. The grapefruits come sliced into segments and arranged into a bursting flower shape; the fried eggs are perfectly round; and the company, well-heeled lone men, seemingly from another century, reading broadsheets. £71 well spent on delicious food and a novel experience.

Next, we wandered up to London Zoo in Regent’s Park, where entry costs £38 per adult in peak season; which, on that particularly scorching August Saturday, it certainly was. Presumably, the Dudley Dursley imitators are out in lesser force on most days, as the banging on snake vivarium glass and screaming inches from a hanging sloth was relentless.

Beyond the beautiful gorilla babies Venus and Juno, and the excellently creepy bug house complete with a golden orb spider walk-through, there was little at the zoo I can recommend unless you like feeling a bit sad about nature.

Harbouring mixed feelings, we hopped on a bus to Soho and made for Tamarind Kitchen. The small plates restaurant specialises in seriously fancy curries and silver service. It’s a whole different kettle of fish than the poppadom-stacking, waistband-stretchingly plentiful curry houses you find on most UK high streets. We’re talking more tasting bowls of delicate vegetarian curries and £5 sparkling water than a chicken coop’s worth of tikka and a Tiger beer for £10. The damage: £106.

The highlight of the day was next on the schedule and had us slapping down our cash in a hurry and heading to the South Bank for a performance of Nye at the National Theatre. Booked a week in advance, we’d managed to bag two tickets for £38 each. Every seat in the Olivier section of the theatre is excellent, meaning we had a wonderful view of Michael Sheen as he brought the story of the NHS founder to life.

From the lofty peak, things could only go downhill, and so they did. Our night ended with a rejection metres from the front door of Ronnie Scott’s, where our hour of queuing for the non-ticketed 11 p.m. jazz live show proved in vain. Four Negronis in Bar Termini down the road provided good solace for £44.

So how does all of this compare to a cruise?

The major difference is the one-destination nature of our jaunt. The joy of a cruise is most obvious when you wake in the morning and look outside to see a new city or country there, ready to explore. Another big tick in the cruise column is the value of accommodation.

Had my partner and I swapped our flat for one of London’s cheapest hotel rooms, it would’ve cost us at least £100. More likely, £150. As my colleague Sophie Harris discovered on a recent Ambassador sailing on Ambience from London Tilbury to the Netherlands, the junior suites are “gorgeous” and replete with a large dressing area and a balcony.

“The space was super comfortable and cosy, and the outdoor area was perfect for relaxing, breathing in the fresh sea air and watching the waves. We were also treated to fresh canapés every day, fresh fruit and a stocked mini fridge,” Sophie wrote.

Which brings us on to the consumables. Even with £338 bolstering your wallet, drinks in London do not feel cheap. Or certainly not as cheap as they do when ordered on an all-inclusive cruise package, whatever the total is once all is said and done. Food-wise, Ambience ’s Buckingham Restaurant and its 80s-themed night complete with prawn cocktail, chicken Kiev and baked Alaska won major praise from Sophie.

But it’s hard to imagine that the variety and quality of any cruise kitchen could match that on offer in the UK’s major towns and cities. Similarly, London theatres such as the National, Young Vic and Almeida are much more tempting than anything I’ve watched on a cruise ship.

That said, if you’re a Bucks Fizz or Fleetwood Mac fan, Ambassador’s cover shows will likely win your heart. “The live music and shows onboard Ambience were a highlight of my stay, and due to it being an 80s cruise, the themed evening entertainment was incredible,” Sarah concluded.

At the end of it all, I’d say honours are pretty even. But, if you’ve recently had your fill of cruising or a package break, why not try a “holiday at home”? It’s a great way to unearth new local delights and see a new side of where you live.

Jenn Carr, founder of The Travel Mum, has shared her experience of taking her family to Duinrell Holiday Park in the Netherlands

When it comes to half-term escapes, staycations are a hit with families looking for a week-long break that won’t empty their wallets. And there’s no shortage of destinations, up and down that country that don’t require lengthy travel times.

However, one mum has discovered that jetting off abroad can actually be more cost-effective than choosing the ever-popular UK spots like Devon. Jen Carr, family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, has shared how her family holiday to Duinrell Holiday Park in the Netherlands was cheaper than a trip to Devon.

She revealed: “We priced up a summer week in Devon recently and found a two-bedroom caravan on a holiday park for £2,100. That’s before petrol, food, and activities! Instead, we booked a trip to the Netherlands, and, to our surprise, spent less overall.”

She added: “Driving from where we live to Devon would have meant seven hours in the car each way and about £120 in petrol, plus the stress of motorway jams and backseat meltdowns. Instead, we found return flights to Amsterdam for £380 for four people.

“If you book early, you can often get them even cheaper, especially from London or Manchester. The flight itself takes just one hour, and from Amsterdam Airport we hopped in a quick taxi straight to our holiday park.”

The Carr family chose to stay at Duinrell Holiday Park, a mere 40 minutes from Amsterdam. They secured a modern two-bedroom lodge for just £950. Similar accommodation in Devon would have cost them over £2,000.

Jenn reveals that Duinrell was an “absolute dream for kids and grown-ups alike”, with the cost of their stay including unlimited access to the on-site theme park, and huge waterpark, with both indoor and outdoors facilities.

Continuing to praise her holiday, Jenn noted that food was also more affordable than had she booked a staycation, explaining: “One of the biggest shocks? How affordable eating out can be in The Netherlands compared to UK hotspots like Devon.

“In Devon, we’ve spent £60+ on a pub lunch for four without blinking. At Duinrell, we ate at family-friendly restaurants nearby where main courses started at €10 and kids’ meals were around €6.

“Supermarkets are great value too, we stocked up on fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and snacks at the local town, saving loads by preparing a few meals at our lodge.”

Affordability wasn’t the only advantage of the trip, with Jenn observing that it was also far quieter than Devon during peak season.

She explained: “If you’ve braved Devon in peak season, you’ll know the pain: packed beaches, tiny lanes, queues everywhere. At Duinrell, we cycled to Wassenaar Beach, just 15 minutes away, and it was huge, sandy, and blissfully quiet compared to British hotspots.

“Getting around was easy too — wide roads, excellent public transport, and no stressful traffic jams on tiny overcrowded roads!”

The Greek government is considering extending a ban on short-term rentals. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, spoke on the topic of holiday lets

Holidays to parts of Greece may soon get a little trickier if Athens goes ahead with a new crackdown.

The Greek government is considering extending restrictions on short-term rentals to alleviate the strain on the nation’s property market. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, said that the possibility of prolonging the ban on new short-term lets in three Athens districts for another year was under consideration.

He also suggested that the ban could be expanded to other regions of the country. To incentivize more property owners to switch from short- to long-term leases, a three-year tax exemption would also be extended in proposed legislation.

“I am open to extending the ban on the inclusion of new homes in short-term rentals outside of Attica, to other popular destinations, and it is something we will decide on in the next one to two months,” the prime minister said.

“The problem has arisen in recent years and is a result of a rapidly growing economy. The problem for the tenant is a benefit for the landlord. We need to see both sides.”

The abundance of holiday lets in the Mediterranean country is causing issues in the housing market. According to ekathimerini.com, official 2024 statistics indicate that the average number of properties available for short-term rentals per 1,000 permanent residents in Greece is 46.

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In the Cyclades, this figure rises to 611 per 1,000 residents, while in the Ionian Islands it stands at 340, and in the Dodecanese at 125.

The Greek government has been wrestling with a surge in short-term lets, driven by platforms like Airbnb, and the urgent need for local housing, reports the Express.

When the ban on short-term rental licences was announced in 2024, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni cautioned that it could be extended beyond a year. The ban came into effect on January 1.

Tourism brings in billions for Greece, with the country’s beaches, hot weather and warm seas attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. During the nation’s debt crisis following the 2008–09 financial meltdown, residential property values crashed by 42%.

They have since bounced back to the extent where homeownership has become an unlikely prospect for some residents trying to climb onto the property ladder. Estate agent Engel & Völkers Germany reports that Greek prices have kept climbing since hitting rock bottom in 2017, with this upward trajectory persisting throughout this year.

The estate agent has noted that Greece still provides “affordable” and “moderate” pricing compared to other European destinations.

Engel & Völkers, highlighting the dilemma facing the Greek administration, indicated that predictions for the coming year stay “positive”. It continued: “Greece is increasingly positioning itself as a safe and value-stable destination for investments in vacation and lifestyle properties.”

In June Mr Mitsotakis made a commitment to address overcrowding and manage the number of visitors on the country’s islands, including limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.

Mr Mitsotakis acknowledged that the Cycladic Islands were “clearly suffering”, amid complaints from locals about the effect on their daily lives and the cost of living, according to Bloomberg reports.

The Greek Prime Minister has highlighted Santorini as the “most sensitive” to overcrowding, with around 800 cruise ships docking last year, closely followed by Mykonos with 750 in 2023.

In April last year, Athens was rocked by furious protests, with demonstrators reportedly shouting: “They are taking our houses while they live in the Maldives”.

Trains may become available for residents and visitors in Jersey, making a return after nearly 100 years – and it means transport across the island may be easier than ever

It might be easier than ever for Brits to travel to this popular UK holiday spot – as trains may become available in Jersey for the first time again since 1936.

There haven’t been trains in the largest Channel Island in nearly a century, but Jersey Western Railway (JWR) are hoping to bring them back making it easier for people travelling around to the island.

JWR has expressed interest which will provide “affordable, comfortable and sustainable transport for Jersey”, and the trains will follow most of the same original routes.

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It would run from its capital St Helier with branches to both La Corbière and the airport. Then in the long run will roll out a dedicated beach service, a direct service from Trenton Square to Jersey Airport, and even a steam train.

There will be free passes for the over-65s and people with a medical or mobility issues, but while there are no solid plans in place, according to the BBC, Alexander Sparrow, founder of JWR, said if the plans were backed, trains would run every seven-and-a-half minutes with a journey costing £4.90.

The Jersey Western Railway service website is encouraging people to express their intrest in a bid to get the trains back. The website reads: “There is only one person in the Government that can approve this on the Island. The Infrastructure Minister. They need to see the interest and wish for the railway to return.

“With your responses, we can prove that Islander’s and Tourists alike, wish for this service to return and restore a bit of Jersey’s History in the process too!”

The old railway service was first opened in 1870 and ran between St Helier and St Aubin with hourly services which were then increased to half-hourly. Then came the launch of a second railway three years later known as Jersey Eastern Railway which took people from St Helier to Gorey Pier.

Bus services then launched which is what is believed to end the popularity of the trains as these buses were operating further and cheaper. The Jersey Eastern Railway closed down in 1929 and the Jersey Railway ended in 1936. However there are still two trains that run, known as Le Petite Train.

The minature trains operate on a small scenic path across St Aubin Bay and runs seven days a week. It can accommodate up to 60 people and is a great attraction for tourists to see the island – however it’s not a commuters journey.

The railway tracks are still there, but have been made into a walking and cycling route instead and visitors can walk or cycle from St Aubin to La Corbière through tree lined track to take in views of St Owen’s Bay and La Corbière Lighthouse which is at the end of the route.

School holidays mean many parents are having to fork out staggering amounts in order to go on holiday during the summer and a leading travel expert has urged schools to change their term breaks

Many parents have to plan their holidays around their children’s school breaks – but one leading expert has said this needs to change. It’s no secret summer holidays can cost families a fortune, having to travel in peak times, which is why many reluctantly take their kids out of school during term time in order to book a trip away for significantly less.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership has demanded drastic changes to school calendars, and said recorded temperatures in the Mediterranean were making it harder for families to go away in the summer.

School holidays currently run from late July to early September in England and Wales, and Ms Lo Bue-Said thinks they should be shortened by two weeks and each week saved could then be added to the current May and October one-week half terms instead.

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She told The Independent: “We see trends that are really impacting how families are thinking about holidays now. With 40C weather in parts of Europe, families just do not want to be going to those destinations at that time of year.”

With these proposed date changes, she said it would be better for children and their wellbeing, as well as better for families and teachers who are all “constrained” to having to go away in the school holidays.

At the moment, parents who take their children out during term times face fines of £80 or more, and the expert said: “Frankly, people are traveling out of school holidays. We’re seeing exceptional increases in fines by schools now to families. The change is happening, people want to reconsider the school calendar.”

Ms Lo Bue-Said believes holiday prices could fall if the demand for trips were spread across the year instead rather than just in the peak demand of when schools close.

While families in Scotland, where school summer holidays tend to run from the end of June to mid-August are able to take advantage of cheaper deals from English airports during the early part of the break.

In Northern Ireland, schools are closed for all of July and August. Most of England’s schools are now academies who can set now their own holidays, and some have already opted for five weeks in summer and two weeks in October.

According to BBC, Surrey’s county council has decided to follow suit for all the schools it supports from autumn 2026.

Parentkind, the charity for parent-teacher organisations, has released polling suggesting 53% of parents would like a four-week summer holiday, rising to 60% in families with a child with special educational needs.

We have been holidaying in the UK for the past few years, and recently returned for a break in Norfolk – which is a brilliant spot for family holidays, especially when you go to the free kids play park

“My kids are running with glee into a huge woodland playpark, with castle-like forts, giant sand pit, zip lines and water tower offering a dizzying choice of things to play on, as far as the eye can see,” shared Lifestyle editor Dianne Bourne, who visited a “magical spot” with her family this summer – and the best part of all, it’s completely FREE.

This isn’t your average playground either; it boasts a Royal endorsement. Nestled within King Charles III’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, this Woodland Playground is part of the rural retreat that the Royal Family have used as their holiday home for the past 150 years, reports the Manchester Evening News.

You’d typically expect to pay an entrance fee for a playground of this size, but here, you only need to cover the cost of parking. Additionally, there’s access to lovely woodland walks and bike rides across the estate’s 20,000 acres, which are open and free to the public all year round.

Dianne wrote, “It makes it one of the special things about this part of the world which makes it a brilliant spot for family holidays, as I have found with my two young boys over the past few years. We returned to Norfolk for our holidays this year, and struck gold with the weather in the ongoing heatwave.

“The base for our stay was a lovely holiday cottage booked with Norfolk Hideaways close to the Sandringham Estate, in the village of Tattersett. It made for the perfect location for exploring brilliant family attractions both inland and by the sea in North Norfolk.

“Sandringham made for a great day out during our stay, with the kids running off lots of energy in the Woodland Playground, and then a lovely stop off at the Sandringham coffee shop for snacks and ice cream.”

The free play area is open for as long as you wish. It features main equipment like wooden play forts, slides, and obstacle courses, suitable for five—to 12-year-olds. There’s also a dedicated woodland play spot suitable for younger children, along with a sandpit that toddlers particularly adore.

For those intrigued by the site’s Royal history, you can also pay to explore the Royal house and gardens on selected dates throughout the year.

Other activities for kids

What’s brilliant about this part of the world is the sheer number of things you can do with young children, many of which are free. Not least the fact that there is just one stunning beach after another along the North Norfolk coast, and here are some of our favourites.

Dianne went on to say, “We love Hunstanton as the more traditional seaside resort with funfair, chippies and ice cream, while neighbouring Old Hunstanton has a stunning stretch of sand and lots of starfish and crabs to find in the sea.

“Brancaster is another beautiful stretch of sand, owned by the National Trust, with a car park right next to the beach, which is handy for those not keen or able to walk all that far. Holkham is the most spectacular and epic beach you’re ever likely to see, but be prepared for the half an hour walk down to it, which in itself I personally find to be a really special experience.”

This is the beach adored by the Royal Family, likely due to its vast expanse and abundant sand dunes, giving you the feeling of having your own private beach even in the peak of summer. Cromer is another quintessential seaside resort, this one boasting a pier made famous in the Alan Partridge film.

She added, “We loved wandering along there where many people are crabbing. The beach is impressive, although does get very busy, and there’s also some pretty fabulous ice creams to be had, with a Mr Whippy shop right by the pier selling multi-coloured and even chocolate-dipped creations.

“Away from beach activities, we also discovered close to where we stayed an absolutely brilliant garden attraction called Pensthorpe at Fakenham. You have to pay for entry, but once inside, there’s a huge outdoor play area for kids, as well as an indoor playbarn that you can book a timeslot for on arrival.

“The gardens themselves were utterly stunning, with a rather comical ‘poo trail’ during the school holidays for kids to find, which, as you can imagine, the youngsters found hilarious.”

Where we stayed

Having previously lodged in a self-catering cottage in Norfolk, Dianne found this option more favourable when travelling with young children – it provides ample space for play and everyday living during a week-long getaway, complete with your own kitchen and washing machine.

Her family were guests of Norfolk Hideaways, which boasts over 550 properties scattered across Norfolk, ranging from cosy cottages for couples to larger accommodations suitable for big groups and multi-generational families.

For Dianne’s holiday this year, her family chose Mallard Cottage in the quaint village of Tattersett. It was an ideal location, featuring bunk beds that the kids adored upstairs, as well as a comfortable living area downstairs equipped with a lounge and dining area, plus a kitchen.

Short breaks can be booked from £453, or seven nights from £551, although our four-night stay in August, during peak school holiday time, cost us £772.

For those requiring more room and who favour being closer to the beach, last year they also stayed with Norfolk Hideaways at The Little House in Brancaster. This property can accommodate six or eight guests, with prices starting from £1,672 for a short stay, or £2,075 for seven nights based on eight people staying.

Getting there

“The only bad thing I have to say about Norfolk is the fact the journey there is not the easiet, as it is one of the only counties in England with no motorway,” said Dianne.

She went onto explain: “The fastest route from the north west in terms of miles (and usually time) is via the A50 through Stoke, Derby and then Nottingham, and then across Lincolnshire towards Kings Lynn in Norfolk and then on to the coast.

“You’re looking at a drive of around three and half to four hours from Manchester to North Norfolk depending on the day and time you go, and depending on what sort of vehicle you get stuck behind on the single lane roads.

“In terms of public transport, there’s a mainline train station in Kings Lynn, although from Manchester you’re looking at a four-hour trip with a change at Ely. But there is a decent Coastliner bus (the 36) that stops in all of the villages mentioned during our stay above.”

A BRIT dad who allegedly tried to drown his daughter-in-law on holiday has reportedly been freed from jail.

Mark Gibbon, 62, has been released on a £19,200 bail but he must wear an electronic tag and surrender his UK passport until his trial takes place.

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Gibbon and Jasmine Wyld, 33, got into a heated drunken row when on holiday together in Florida last month.

The grandad from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, was initially accused of attempted murder after repeatedly holding Ms Wyld’s head underwater in a hotel pool, according to police.

It was later revealed the pair had been in a relationship for some time before the incident.

At a court hearing last week, the second degree attempted murder charge Gibbon was facing was downgraded to a charge of battery by strangulation.

And after almost a month behind bars, the Brit was allowed to leave his Florida jail cell after making bail.

Court records obtained by the Daily Mail show Gibbon met the terms of the £18,500) bail over the battery by strangulation charge.

He also had to pay £700 bail on a second charge of simple battery.

Last night a police spokesman confirmed: “Mr Gibbon has been in Polk County Jail since his arrest on August 3 because he was considered a flight risk. 

“He was granted bail but has to wear an ankle monitor, surrender his passport and stay within a restricted area.”

Gibbon is due back in court later this month with his trial expected to take place early next year. 

He faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted on the battery by strangulation charge.

Investigators are continuing to look into the allegations first made by Ms Wyld in August.

She claimed that Gibbon, who also runs hairdressing business Sage Hairdressing, pushed her underwater after telling her she was not the main beneficiary of his will.

He reportedly admitted to pushing her but denied trying to kill her.

He claimed they had both been drinking when she slapped him as the situation escalated.

Ms Wyld initially told prosecutors she “could not breathe” and feared “she would drown”, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s office.

Her nine-year-old daughter is said to have been forced to leap into the hotel pool to try to “save” her.

Police reports added that Gibbon’s alleged attack left the mum with scratches and bruising.

Police were also making inquiries into whether the case should be treated as domestic violence.

Neighbours in Beaconsfield described Ms Wyld as the Brit granddad’s “girlfriend” – and said she was often seen at his £800,000 semi-detached home.

Family insiders also claimed Gibbon’s son Alex allegedly found Ms Wyld in his father’s bed around four years ago.

This is said to be around the time Alex and Ms Wyld called off their engagement in 2021.

One source told the Daily Mail: “Alex went up the stairs and found Jasmine in his father’s bed.

“They had a massive row. It’s torn the family apart… there’s been so much bad blood between Alex and his dad.”

The feud deepened when Alex was jailed for driving an £80,000 Porsche Cayenne into his father during a public row.

He was released seven months ago and the pair no longer speak.

FOR warm weather, beach resorts and mountain views, Tunisia is slowly becoming the hot new destination again.

The African country had been a popular spot with Brits for years up until the attack in Sousse 10 years ago – but numbers reveal it is rising in popularity once again.

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Tunisia has so much to offer for an autumn or winter break for Brits wanting sun, sea and sand.

In November, you can easily laze about on a beach in Tunisia as temperatures can still reach at 20C.

The most popular beaches in Tunisia include Hammamet which is known for its long sandy shores and Sousse, a lively resort town.

Ten years ago, the attack at the Bardo Museum in Tunis followed by the one on the beach resort in Sousse, resulted in plummeting bookings for Brits heading to Tunisia.

Now, statistics have revealed that holidaymakers are returning to the country in similar numbers.

Foreign arrivals to Tunisia have jumped by nearly 10 per cent this year compared with 2024, reaching 5.3 million through July 20, according to the National Tourism Office.

The government hopes to attract 11 million visitors by the end of the year – which is a million more than in 2024.

Back in 2014, there were 7.1 million tourists visiting the country, one year later in 2015, that dropped to 5.3 million.

The capital of Tunisia is Tunis, and is found on the northeastern coast.

Visitors to the city will find an ancient Medina and Roman Mosaics as well as plenty of bars and restaurants.

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Just outside of the capital is the pretty town of Sidi Bou Said which has a completely different feel with white coloured houses and cobbled streets.

It has lots of al fresco eateries and small art galleries with a marina on a sandy beach.

One writer visited the town last year and treated herself to a three-course meal for £10.

She also bumped into friendly locals and saw Ottoman-inspired architecture.

On a recent trip to Tunisia, Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot explored the island off the coast called Djerba.

Lisa said that one thing she noticed was that it had an uncanny resemblance to the Greek islands.

Like Mykonos and Santorini, Djerba has vibrant pink bougainvillaea and white-washed buildings with blue window shutters and doors – unlike Greece, coffee costs 25p.

Lisa said: “Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites.

“Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine.“

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The island is a great place to explore for any fans of Star Wars as the small town of Erriadh was used as a filming location.

Back on the mainland, the city of Tataouine was said to have inspired the location for Star Wars with its desert look and unique house exteriors.

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, even called his fictional planet, Tatooine.

EasyJet runs flights to Tunisia from multiple airports across the UK – one-way flights from London Southend to Enfidha in November are as cheap as £26.

It launched year-round flights to the island of Djerba from both London Luton and Manchester with one-way flights starting from £35 in November.

EasyJet even runs multiple tours from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. 

TUI also offer all inclusive holidays to Tunisia, as do Thomas Cook and On the Beach to name a few.

Read more on Sun Travel’s favourite TUI holidays from African beach resorts to European bucket list hotels.

Plus, discover the other two African destinations that Brits are heading to rather than Europe.

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On his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, finance guru Martin Lewis outlined how passengers could be owed hundreds of pounds

Holidaymakers who jetted off this summer could potentially claim up to £520 in compensation. A financial expert has revealed that travellers whose flights were disrupted might be entitled to substantial pay-outs.

On his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, finance guru Martin Lewis outlined how passengers could be owed hundreds of pounds. Compensation is available if your flight to or from a UK or EU airport was delayed by a specific amount of time. If your flight was scrapped, you might also qualify for monetary compensation alongside a replacement flight.

Writing for MSE, Martin posed the question: “Did you have a flight delayed or cancelled this summer? You may be due fixed compensation of up to £520 per person.”

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The flight doesn’t necessarily need to be recent – if it occurred within the past six years (or five years for Scottish departures) you could still secure a payout, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Martin explained that to be eligible, your flight must have:

• Been any flight from a UK/EU airport, or a flight to a UK/EU airport, but in the latter case, it must also have been on a UK/EU airline
• Landed three or more hours late to be considered delayed
• Been cancelled less than 14 days before it was due to fly
• Been the airline’s fault, so not bad weather, or issues with air traffic control – though airline staffing or servicing issues or knock-on delays due to previous flights usually do count

Martin noted: “The amount you are due is fixed depending on the length of the flight and delay. For some family long-haul flights, it can be £1,000s.”

MSE provided additional details, explaining: “Compensation under EU and UK rules is designed to makeup for the inconvenience of a delay – it’s not a refund of the flight ticket cost. So the amount you’ll get is fixed depending on the amount of time you were delayed and how far you were travelling.

“Crucially, it’s about when you arrive, not when you leave. You’ll start being eligible for compensation if your flight arrives three hours (or more) later than scheduled. So if you’re on a flight that takes off four hours late but lands two hours 55 minutes late, you won’t be eligible.” The arrival time is deemed to be when at least one of the aircraft doors opens.

What amount of compensation might you be able to claim?

Should your flight be cancelled, you ought to be offered either a replacement flight to your destination or a full refund. You may also be entitled to as much as £520 in compensation, according to MSE.

One MSE reader called Linda was motivated last year to attempt claiming money back for a delayed flight, and secured a total of £1,040. In an email she revealed: “I just wanted to thank you for your article on flight delay compensation.

“It triggered my memory of a delayed flight last November and I went straight on to the British Airways website and filled in the short form. It was so easy and a couple of weeks later I received an email advising that an amount of £520 per person would be paid into my account.

“We received £1,040 in total. What a result. Thanks to all the information on Martin Lewis’s site.” For further details, visit the MSE website.

An aiport, which is set to become one of the largest airport hubs in the world is currently underway – and it offers cheap holidays for sun-seeking Brits looking for a getaway

The construction of a brand new airport is underway – and it’s in one of the cheapest holiday destinations in the world.

The huge £9.5 billion mega airport Long Thanh, in Vietnam is set to open next year after being under construction for years and it offers a cheap destination for travellers. Despite the multimillion pound construction, Vietnam is often overlooked compared to nearby popular location Thailand, it’s far cheaper than most places in South East Asia.

Located in Ho Chi Minh, the largest city in Vietnam, it’s proving to be a dynamic hub for the country. The airport, costing VND336 trillion (£9.5billion), is hoped to attract more tourists, and will become the country’s largest airport.

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The new airport will feature some pretty impressive design elements, including the main concourse, which will have an 82m glass roof in the shape of a lotus flower and is expected to replace the current Tan Son Nhat International Airport with international flights, leaving Tan Son Nhat to just handle domestic and short-haul flights only.

A fourth terminal and the fourth runway also hope to be built by 2035. It’s expected to eventually welcome up to 100million passengers a year, making it one of the largest hubs in the world, taking on airports in Atlanta and Dubai.

The new airport also means transfer waiting times will reduce, as currently it can take up to five hours for connecting flights. Vietnam is an appealing place to visit for those looking for warm temperatures, as the climate remains above 30C throughout the year.

It is seven hours ahead of the UK and Brits don’t need a visa for holidays lasting 45 days or less, but your passport will need to have at least six months left on arrival.

It was also named one of the cheapest places by the Post Office in 2023, naming Hoi An as the most affordable beach destination and last year, the country was named the most affordable place according to the Expat Insider survey.

It comes as a brand new huge airport is currently set to be built in Europe, and will rival London Heathrow and Dubai as one of the biggest airport hubs in the world. Designs for Centralny Port Komunikacyjny airport, nicknamed CPK, have finally been accepted, with building work starting in 2026, costing a whopping £25billion.

The terminal design reveals two phases of development with the first set to open before 2032, and will be almost three times the size of nearby Warsaw Chopin Airport’s passenger terminal.

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

Pontins Holiday Park in Prestatyn, Wales was once a thriving tourism hotspot, but now it lies dormant and soulless after it was closed permanently in November 2023

Countless memories were made by families up and down the country at Pontins Holiday Park in Prestatyn, Wales.

A once thriving tourism hotspot with its own private beach, swimming pools and playground — but now the “filthy hellhole” lies completely dormant, and a shadow of its former self.

Having been open since 1971, the park closed permanently back in November 2023, and speculation would continue to swirl about future plans.

There have been rumours of redevelopment into a new attraction, or perhaps to be knocked down for flats and houses, but no decision of any substance has ever truly been made, and it has been left to rot away.

Photos emerged over the years, showing an overgrown, sad and dilapidated site with run-down buildings dotted throughout.

News of the park’s unexpected closure hit the local community hard. Britannia Hotels, who owns Pontins, had not only brought the shutters down on the Welsh site, but also its Camber Sands park in East Sussex.

Local residents spoke to North Wales Live earlier this year where they explained what they would like to see done, with Pete Davis, who owns a cleaning business that once operated at Pontins, saying: “It ought to be used for something. I think it should be a holiday camp again. The council could issue a compulsory purchase order (to help that happen).”

Another agreed, adding: “It’s empty and I’d rather it was a holiday camp again. We moved here in 1973 and it was never any trouble to us.

“I don’t want it knocked down for more houses as I don’t feel there are enough doctors’ surgeries and schools, not enough infrastructure to support them.”

But a grandmother-grandson duo labelled it a “decrepit” and an “eyesore”, saying: “It’s quite decrepit and an eyesore for the local community. Something needs to be done. It should be reborn as a holiday camp or used for modern apartments.

“Something needs to be doing to it otherwise it’s going to become a drug den or a place for flytippers.”

The people are not the only ones who wish to see change at the abandoned holiday camp, with the Mayor of Prestatyn, Cllr Adrian West, adding: “I want to see the site brought back into some form of productive use again.

“For it just to be lying idle is doing nobody any good. I would not want it used for some sort of industry, given that it’s right next to the waterfront.”

He added how Pontins Prestatyn holds the keys to bringing life back to the town’s streets, increasing footfall which would be a mega boost for shops, as well as increasing the number of employment opportunities in the area.

But not everyone is upset the park has brought the curtains down after more than half a century of operation, with one Tripadvisor review admitting: “Thank god this rancid filthy cesspit has shutdown. Awful, worn out and really dirty. and it needed knocking down years ago.”

A second under added: “As time has gone by all the rooms are filled with mold, vomit, worse than a dog kennel. It looks like a garbage dump,” while someone else confessed: “There are no words to describe how awful this place is. A prison cell would be preferable to the chalet.

“The areas outside are overgrown, potholes in the car park, pavements cracked and overgrown. Concrete on stairs broken, support for stairs rotten, nails sticking out.”