holiday

DUA Lipa has shown off her incredible figure as she shared a slew of bikini snaps from a girls trip abroad this week.

The singer has been spending the last few days in Portofino on a girls’ trip to celebrate her pals’ engagement.

And sharing pictures from the getaway, Dua showed off her toned torso as she posed in a striped colourful bikini.

In the carousel of snaps, the singer lay on a sunbed while smoldering to the camera.

She also shared selfies with her pals as they soaked up the sun at the five-star Splendido, A Belmond Hotel.

The trip comes after she tied the knot with Callum Turner over the summer in a stunning Italian wedding.

VICK’S VERDICT

Vicky Pattison hits out at ‘millionaire’ trad wife influencer

SHARON’S FURY

Sharon Osbourne accuses ‘dry old c**t’ rocker of giving Kelly drugs as a teen

The smitten couple legally tied the knot at Old Marylebone Town Hall. 

They later celebrated their wedding with a huge three-day celebration in Italy, attended by stars including Elton John, Charlie XCX and Mark Ronson. 

And Callum spoke out on the nuptials for the first time this week, telling Esquire of the first legal ceremony: “It was amazing, and it was… it was the most beautiful day of my life.”

He added that it’s a “weird feeling” that so many people across the world are talking about them getting married. 

Callum said: “We went to the park yesterday, and everyone who walked past said, ‘Congratulations’. It was pretty surreal.”

On the subject of having children, he continued: “Obviously, yeah, I’m 36. I’d like to have a family and raise some kids.”

On what should have been a fun-packed summer holiday turned into a ‘nightmare’ after a family of six were ‘abandoned on the streets’ and told ‘we have no rooms for you’

A mum-of-four has been left ‘devastated’ after what was meant to be a cherished family holiday turned into a ‘nightmare’, after they felt “abandoned on the streets”.

Yasmin Kauser, who hails from Stratford-upon-Avon, had been looking forward to spending some quality time with her four children, aged 4, 12, 14 and 18, and her husband during their annual trip abroad in August. For the occasion, she booked a 10-night package holiday to Turkey through Loveholidays for £4,863, and was set to stay at a four-star hotel.

Following a lengthy journey from the UK, the family of six arrived at their pre-booked hotel in Alanya, Turkey, at around 2am. “We were knackered, we just wanted to go to bed, and the children were sleeping everywhere,” Yasmin exclusively told the Mirror.

But there was an unexpected issue with their hotel reservation. “We were told there were no rooms available for us.”

She outlined: “We remained at the hotel until around 5:30am, when, after I became increasingly frustrated and distressed, they eventually provided just one room for six people instead of the two rooms that had been booked.”

Yasmin says she repeatedly contacted Loveholidays, before the family was “given arrangements to move to a five-star resort”. The family made their way to the resort on the second day of their holiday, around half an hour’s drive away. “I hadn’t slept the night before, and I was exhausted. I’m only human, and I was breaking down because I was that tired, and the kids were very tired.”

‘There are no rooms’

However, when they turned up at the next resort, there was another issue. “At the resort, we waited for around an hour, only to be told that they had no rooms for us,” Yasmin alleged. “I said to them, ‘But we’ve got a reservation from Loveholidays, and they said, ‘There are no rooms’, so you’ve got to leave the hotel’.

She continued: “At around 3pm, I was left with my children on the road with our luggage and without access to suitable toilet facilities or accommodation. We were sitting outside the hotel; everybody was walking out, and we were like homeless people – we were abandoned.”

Yasmin was in touch with Loveholidays to explain the situation, and in an email, the company advised the family to “wait inside the hotel lobby for their safety and the safety of their children”, and said they were working on the issue as a “matter of urgency”.

The mum of four recalled: “I wasn’t panicking as it was around 3pm, the weather was nice, we had some water and snacks from the shop, so we just sat out there.” Although Yasmin added that it was around 40C, and when it got to 9pm, that’s when things became worrying.

“As it started to get dark, I started to panic, thinking, what are we going to do. We’ve got the children, and it was peak season.”

She claimed: “We remained without accommodation until around 11pm. My sister in the UK eventually contacted the emergency number on our behalf. After a further wait of around two hours, Loveholidays arranged emergency accommodation at a three-star hotel.”

Yasmin said that when her sister reached out to Loveholidays, they said they had emailed Yasmin earlier in the day, but the mum claims she never received it. She had told the firm that she was switching between a standard SIM and an eSIM, and the travel company said they tried to rectify the situation promptly.

Yet, they went to the third hotel in the hope of securing a room for their holiday.

“Not knowing what the hotel was like, but being so long on the street, I was just thinking we just need to get into some accommodation and have a roof over our heads”, Yasmin said. “We had to take another taxi to this hotel and eventually received two rooms at around 1am.”

‘Strong smell of urine and mould’

While they successfully obtained rooms, Yasmin was left disheartened. “One of the rooms was effectively a small box room with no windows and was in a condition that I found extremely distressing. There was a strong smell of urine and mould, and I struggled to breathe comfortably in the room,” she said.

Yasmin said she struggled to sleep “in the mess” and, early the next morning, got back in touch with Loveholidays about their accommodation. She claimed: “During the conversation, I was told that they had provided me with ‘shelter’. I was subsequently left in the emergency accommodation for the remainder of the holiday, despite repeatedly raising my concerns.” The family were later moved to another room during their stay at the hotel.

After hearing that Yasmin was dissatisfied with the alternative accommodation, Love Holidays offered her £1,015.99 in compensation for the inconvenience. In addition, they offered the family the option to relocate to an upgraded five-star hotel on an all-inclusive basis, but despite ongoing attempts to reach Yasmin on multiple platforms, they never received a response.

Yasmin said: “I don’t know if I was more tired before I left the UK or after the trip. I was in survival mode all the way through. We should have just stayed at home. This has been the worst experience in my life.”

A Loveholidays spokesperson told the Mirror: “We are very sorry that Ms Kauser’s experience fell below our usual high standards, and are investigating the issues she faced with the relevant hotel suppliers as a matter of urgency.“Our On Holiday Support team worked hard to put things right for Ms Kauser during her holiday, including an offer of cash compensation and a relocation to an upgraded five-star property. Despite several attempts to contact Ms Kauser, we did not receive a response to either of these offers or our subsequent communications and, as a result, we were unfortunately unable to put these solutions in place during her holiday.“We are contacting Ms Kauser to apologise for the stress and inconvenience caused and offer a full refund of her holiday.”

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

IT goes without saying that much of what an island holiday needs arrives by boat or plane.

The beer, the sunbeds . . . the bloke fixing the air con.

And holidaymakers end up paying the difference.

Holiday comparison site TravelSupermarket has found five island faves where a week away can cost hundreds of pounds per person more than it does on the mainland coast of the same country.

Sign up for the Travel newsletter

Thank you!

Here, we list five island-to-mainland swaps that will save you a fortune.

MADEIRA for the ALGARVE – Save £344pp

MADEIRA is all verdant forests, cliffs and volcanic drama, and it charges for the privilege.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

What the Algarve has that competes is the same coastal theatre with sandy beaches.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail scrambles along golden cliffs between Praia da Marinha, regularly voted one of Europe’s best beaches.

And don’t miss the Benagil sea cave with its famous skylight.

Base yourself in Lagos for the Ponta da Piedade arches, or Albufeira for waterparks, dolphin-spotting boat trips and a full strip of restaurants.

IBIZA for COSTA BLANCA – Save £336pp

NOWHERE can match Ibiza’s superclub DC10, but the Costa Blanca gets closer than you would think.

Alicante’s old town, El Barrio, runs tapas crawls into club nights that finish at 3am, and the city has two miles of golden sand at San Juan.

Benidorm, half an hour up the road, is a 24-hour operation with cabaret, karaoke and Blue Flag beaches.

For the stunning holiday snaps, there’s the whitewashed coastal towns of Altea as well as Calpe, where the 332m Penon de Ifach rock rears out of the sea.

SKIATHOS for HALKIDIKI – Save £180pp

THE trick here is that Halkidiki barely feels like the mainland.

Sithonia’s pine-backed coves, including the turquoise waters of Kavourotrypes and the fjord-like bay at Porto Koufo, are a match for anything on the isle of Skiathos.

Kassandra has big organised beaches and hotels, with the northern resorts the easiest to reach from Thessaloniki airport.

Check out the boat trips that run along the monastery coast of Mount Athos.

MENORCA for COSTA BRAVA – Save £163pp

MENORCA is known for its calas, small sheltered coves where a scoop of sand sits between pine-topped cliffs.

The Costa Brava has them too, along the Cami de Ronda, the old smugglers’ path that links cove after cove.

Aiguablava and Sa Tuna below Begur are the postcard ones, and the clifftop walk between Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc takes 20 minutes.

Add the medieval walls at Tossa de Mar, the Dali Theatre-Museum at Figueres and tapas in Girona, and there’s more to do on the mainland on less sunny days.

MAJORCA for COSTA DORADA – Save £153pp

MAJORCA has been a popular family hotspot for decades, with shallow bays, kids’ clubs and waterparks.

The Costa Dorada does the same job for less, and it has one thing the island can’t match — PortAventura World.

It boasts everything from the eight-loop Dragon Khan and the 100m-plus drop Hurakan Condor, to Ferrari Land and the Caribe water park.

Plus, Salou has two long sandy beaches and a lively strip, Cambrils next door is the seafood port, or check out Tarragona’s Roman amphitheatre by the sea.

IF YOU are thinking about where to go on your next holiday, then you might want to consider Albania.

New research has found that Albania is among Europe’s fastest-growing holiday destinations.

In fact, according to Thomas Cook, bookings are up a staggering 293 per cent year-on-year.

And it isn’t surprising as Albania has loads to explore including pretty beaches with crystal clear waters, a quiet capital city and cheap wine.

Recently, even the cast of TOWIE were in the country, filming the latest series of the popular reality TV show in Drimadhë – a small village near the Llogara National Park on the Ionian coast.

Brits wanting to head to the under-the-radar country, can fly direct from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool during the summer.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

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

CHEAP BREAKS

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

Head to Tirana

The capital of Albania is Tirana and despite being the capital, you won’t find heads of crowds here.

The city can reach 35C in the summer and is even one of the sunniest cities in Europe with more than 2,500 hours of sunshine each year. Pints in the city cost as little as £1.50 too.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding who visited the city recently, said: “One thing I really love about the city is it still feels completely undiscovered by Brits, lacking crowds and the typical souvenir shops on each corner that tend to come with that.

“In the heart of the city, visit Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll be able to get a clear view of the surrounding architecture – a mix of traditional Albanian villas and Soviet grey concrete buildings.

“If you want to earn your pint, climb the city’s very own pyramid, which has spectacular views of the mountains that border the capital.

“Make sure to also look out for ‘pillbox’ bunkers which are littered across the city – many of which have been turned into vibrant and quirky bars and cafes.”

You could stay at Hotel Elisa Tirana, Affiliated by Meliá with a spa, cafe and bar, for seven nights from £360 per person.

Maldives of Europe

Albania is also home to the so-called ‘Maldives of Europe’ in Ksamil, which earns the nickname from its pretty beaches with soft sand and crystal clear water.

You can head to Ksamil Beach, where you will also find the hand of Ksamil, which is a set of stairs up to a platform that is the palm of hand, hanging over the water.

If one beach isn’t enough, you can also head to Lori Beach ans Paradise Beach, which aren’t a long walk from Ksamil Beach. On Lori Beach you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas.

In the town itself you will find a number of bars and spots to grab a bite to eat as well.

You could stay at the four-stay Ventus Hotel right by the beach for a week costing from £171 per person.

UNESCO World Heritage sites

If you prefer exploring history, Albania has some beautiful historical towns such as Berat and Gjirokastra – which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Berat dates back 2,400 years and is known as the City of a Thousand Windows with boxy white houses and numerous Byzantine churches from the 13th century.

Gjirokastra, on the other hand, can be found in the Drinos River Valley and is known for its ornate 17th century houses.

Known as the ‘City of Stone’, visitors can explore a 13th century citadel as well as an old bazaar, traditional marketplace.

You could stay at the Te Gjyshi at Grandfather Hotel for seven nights costing from £199 per person.

Durres

Less than an hour from Tirana, you could head to the city of Durres.

In the city, you’ll find the Durres Amphitheatre, which is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans.

Make sure to also head to Durres Beach, which boasts a long stretch of golden sand as well as shallow waters ideal for families.

Stop by one of the restaurants along the seafront as well, to try out a catch-of-the-day grill, often with mussels and squid.

You could stay at the four-star Hotel Alion in Durres, Albania from £165 per person, including flights.

Golem

Golem is a great destination for beach lovers, thanks to being sat on a long stretch of the Adriatic coastline.

This pretty spot is also less than an hour drive from the airport.

Visitors can head along the seafront and find a boardwalk full of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.

Golem is also the perfect place to try out different water sports such as banana boat rides.

You could stay at the four-star Martiness Hotel in Golem for seven nights from £299 per person.

BELGIUM is currently seeing its largest wildfire on record, causing hundreds to evacuate.

Shifting winds have even caused smoke to drift as far as France and Germany as well.

The fire first started on August 14 after temperatures reached 37C.

Here’s everything you need to know about the current situation and what to do if you are due to travel to Belgium:

Where are the wildfires in Belgium?

The wildfires in Belgium are currently concentrated in the High Fens nature reserve, which is in the Liege province in the eastern part of Belgium, close to the German border.

The reserve is Belgium’s largest nature protection.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

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

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

Currently, surrounding impacted areas include Waimes, Bütgenbach, Jalhay and Malmedy.

Some smoke and fire is also evident near the German border in the town of Monschau.

Currently, the wildfires have impacted around 7,400 acres, making it the largest wildfire in Belgium’s history.

In parts of Waimes and Bütgenbach, around 600 residents have been evacuated so far.

Is it safe to travel to Belgium right now?

Major tourist hubs such as Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp are entirely unaffected.

However, if you are planning or due to travel to the east of Belgium or the Ardennes region, you must exercise caution.

A recent rainfall and drop in temperature has helped to slow the fire spreading, but thick smoke has drifted widely and as far as eastern France.

Visitors and residents are currently being warned to not travel to the nature reserve, hiking trails or surrounding forests in eastern Liège.

Are flights still going to Belgium?

Flights are still operating as normal to Belgium.

The current fire zone is around 85 miles east of Brussels, and while the smoke has caused locals to evacuate it has not caused disruption to flights.

What if I have a holiday to Belgium booked?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Belgium, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.

Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.

If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, such as wildfires.

So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.

It is also worth noting, that once in Belgium, open fires, disposable barbecues and wild camping outside official campsites are banned across Wallonian forests and nature reserves at the moment.

Can I cancel my trip?

If you want to cancel your trip or holiday, it is best to contact your airline and/or holiday provider.

Companies do not have an obligation to refund bookings unless Government advice changes.

IT’S easy to spend a crazy amount of money on holidays. But it doesn’t have to be that way – you just have to know where to look.

Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Forget paying hundreds of pounds just to fight over sunbeds in overpriced resorts like Ibiza and Mykonos – THIS is where to go instead.

We’ve found holiday destinations that give you the same glorious sunshine, golden sand beaches and gorgeous hotels for much, much less.

Think 86p beers, £3 cocktails, flights under 15 quid and entire holidays for the cost of a family meal out.

From dirt-cheap Portugal holidays to five-star Turkish getaways, here’s the foreign holiday destinations where your cash stretches the furthest.

The Algarve, Portugal

Brits looking for maximum bang for their buck this summer should set their sights on The Algarve.

This golden section of Portuguese coastline was crowned Europe’s best-value beach destination in the 2026 Post Office Family Holiday report.

The report compared a list of common holiday costs in 22 European destinations, looking at the price of things like meals out, drinks and everyday holiday items – and The Algarve came out on top.

This cheap holiday hotspot boasts affordable family-friendly hotels plus plenty of cheap flights from airports across the UK.

You can book a flight to Faro for only £14.99 each way with Ryanair, from airports such as Liverpool, Edinburgh and London Stansted.

And according to Wise’s Cost of Living report, a meal out for two here can cost as little as £8.55, while a beer can cost you as little as 86p.

The destination boasts dramatic cliff-backed beaches perfect for exploring by kayak or paddle-board, such as Praia da Marinha with its famous limestone arches, and Benagil Beach with a circular ‘hole in the roof’ cave.

Whether you’re planning to hit the strip in bustling Albufeira or sip cheap coffees in charming coastal towns, your spending money will stretch miles further in this Portuguese region.

Book a holiday: The Algarve

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Golden Club Cabanas in Tavira has a giant outdoor pool lined by palm trees that looks like a tropical oasis.

Here you’re close to the Ria Formosa natural park, where you can go kayaking, bird-watching over the salt marshes, or simply find a beach bar to enjoy a cocktail with a view.

We found a seven night self-catering stay from September 19, with return flights from London Stansted, for £195pp.

BOOK HERE

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Holidays to Turkey are looking remarkably cheap this summer, hitting rock-bottom prices that almost look too good to be true.

The good news is, they’re not – and there’s good reason as to why holidays to Turkey are currently so cheap.

The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, said: “There’s never been a better time to grab a bargain break to Turkey.

“With uncertainty over the Middle East conflict, holidaymakers have been looking at the Western Med over the Eastern Mediterranean destinations like Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt.

“But everything is operating normally in all three countries – Foreign Office travel advice has not changed and it is perfectly safe to visit.

“But the reticence of some has led to a fall in demand and with that, prices have started tumbling too.

“On the ground, everything remains the same – only the prices you’ll pay are very attractive as hoteliers and tour operators tempt us to travel.

“With beautiful Mediterranean coastal resorts offering great value, now is the time to grab yourself a sunshine bargain.”

Key spots on the Turkish Riviera that balance bargain prices with beautiful views include Marmaris, with its long seafront promenade, and Bodrum, often dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey.

Book a holiday: Turkey

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

The Solivia Hotel is a sprawling five-star property in Antalya, with a Blue Flag private beach and four swimming pools.

The food and drink is all inclusive done right. There’s an extensive buffet in the main restaurant, plus a beach snack bar, pool bar, unlimited ice cream hour and Turkish coffee on tap.

Book a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at the five-star Solivia Hotel, with return flights from London Luton, from £555pp.

BOOK HERE

Bulgaria

89p beers, £279 all inclusive holidays and flights under £15 – how could you go wrong?

Bulgaria is one of the most budget-friendly holiday options out there for Brits, and the Bourgas Area was even named the cheapest all inclusive holiday destination in 2026 by Travel Supermarket.

Furthermore, the country continues to appear year after year as a top affordable destination for families in the Post Office Family Holiday Report.

Plus, according to data from Wise, a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant averages £8.82, a cappuccino just 88p, and a beer as little as 89p.

You can even find cheap flights to spots like Plovdiv, Sofia and Burgas from £18 each way on Skyscanner.

Now you know just how cheap this holiday hotspot is – where abouts should you actually stay?

Sunny Beach continues to reign as one of the most affordable spots, with bargain waterparks and hotels, plus a nightlife scene where prices have barely budged.

But there’s a lot more to Bulgaria than Sunny Beach.

If you want a quieter beach break, Sozopol’s golden sands and wooden townhouses offer a far more relaxed feel than Sunny Beach – without bumping up the price tag.

Just 15 minutes outside of Sunny Beach, Nessebar boasts a UNESCO-protected old town with cobbled streets and ancient ruins, plus romantic cliffside dining where meals cost a fraction of Mediterranean prices.

Prefer a city break? Sofia and Plovdiv are excellent choices. Sofia boasts dirt-cheap metro rides, grand architecture, and bargain nightlife, while Plovdiv’s trendy Kapana district lets you sip 88p coffees surrounded by ancient Roman ruins.

Book a holiday: Bulgaria

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

The Sunny Day Club hotel is an ideal spot for families, sitting in a quieter, northern patch of Sunny Beach.

The buzzy bars, shops and restaurants of Sunny Beach are just a short bus ride away, with a convenient bus stop directly outside the hotel.

Book a seven-night, room-only stay at Sunny Day Club from September 17, with return flights from London Luton, from £179pp.

BOOK HERE

Albanian Riviera

If you’re craving vibey beach clubs, cheap cocktails, white sands and glimmering turquoise waters – Albania‘s your best bet.

This underrated holiday destination has jaw-dropping coastlines, dirt-cheap drinks, and a five-star feel without the price tag.

And it’s worth booking yourself a holiday here before too many people catch on, too.

Ksamil has even been called the “Maldives of Europe” thanks to its powdery white sands, crystal-clear lagoons, and plush beach clubs.

Another affordable spot is Durres, which is packed with boujee beach clubs and bars.

Head to Sunset Bar for front-row seats to the Adriatic coast and cocktails for a dirt-cheap 300 LEK (£2.75).

Here you can kick back on plush striped sofas, sip a cocktail, and soak in the legendary local sunsets.

Another cheap cocktail bar that actually feels high-end is Illyrian Garden, which has a 360-degree rooftop garden serving drinks from 500 LEK (£4.60).

Book a holiday: Albania

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

The 5-star Royal G Max hotel has a private stretch of soft sand beach, a large spa with a sauna and hot tub, plus several swimming pools.

If you like a sun lounger holiday where you can lazily drift between the pool and the sea in a glamorous setting, this is it.

Book a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at Royal G Max from October 13, with return flights from London Luton, from £449pp.

BOOK HERE

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir bagged the top spot as the cheapest destination for a seven-night summer holiday in 2026, according to research from Loveholidays.

The holiday booking site analysed package deals running between June 1 and August 31, with the Moroccan hotspot coming out on top.

According to their booking data, week-long holidays here averaged just £230 per person for a week away.

Agadir is a sunshine-drenched resort guaranteeing year-round heat, plus a six-mile stretch of beach and a vibrant old town bustling with colourful souks.

It’ s an extraordinarily cheap option thanks to plenty of budget airline routes and affordable package holiday deals from sites like Loveholidays and On the Beach.

Plus you can book a flight to Agadir from as little as £20.99 each way with Ryanair.

On top of wallet-friendly flights and accommodation, Morocco’s low local cost of living means dining out, watersports, and day trips can cost a fraction of the price compared to traditional European hotspots.

The average price of a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant here, according to Wise, is only £3.99.

Book a holiday: Agadir

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

For a stress-free family getaway, stay in an apartment at the Appart Hotel Igoudar.

Enjoy a spacious apartment with a well-stocked kitchenette and private terrace, and spend days soaking up the sun on a lounger and taking dips in the outdoor pool.

The building is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture and makes for both a relaxing and authentic Moroccan stay.

Loveholidays offer a five-night, room-only stay at the Appart Hotel Igoudar from September 27, including return flights from London Stansted, for £129pp.

BOOK HERE

Costa Blanca, Spain

Spain‘s Costa Blanca remains a reliably cheap option for a sunny holiday abroad – plus the quick and easy 2.5 hour flight goes by in a flash.

Spots like Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura are traditional Spanish towns where costs stay low.

Guardamar has a 6.8 mile-long, white sand beach, while Torrevieja is home to bubblegum-pink salt lakes like the Laguna Rosa and Blue Flag beaches like the palm-lined stretch of Los Naufragos.

But it wouldn’t be the Costa Blanca without Benidorm, which continues to reign as the final boss of budget breaks.

Holiday Expert Rob Brooks ranks Benidorm among the top destinations for Brits to bag a cheap holiday – and a cheap beer, too.

He said: “If there’s one destination refusing to let the £1 pint disappear quietly, it’s Benidorm.

“People love to moan that the strip isn’t as cheap as it used to be, and to be fair, they’re almost right.

“But every time I go looking for a proper value holiday, Benidorm still cleans up – and there’s one legendary venue everyone mentions: Uncle Ron’s.

“They’re famously flying the flag for the €1 pint long after everyone else moved on, making it the ultimate first pitstop to prove the old-school Benidorm spirit is alive and kicking.”

Book a holiday: Costa Blanca

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

What kid would say no to a pirate island-themed mega resort in sunny Spain?

The Magic Pirates Island Resort in Benidorm has a mega kids pool called Battleship Lagoon, with play boats and jets, plus more relaxed pools for grown-ups with hot tubs and Balinese beds.

Best of all, a stay here gives you free unlimited entry to the Aqua Natura waterpark right next door, as well as free access to Terra Natura Zoo.

Book a five night stay with breakfast from October 10, including return flights from London Luton, for £287pp. (Kids stay free – restrictions apply).

BOOK HERE

IT’S one thing renting out a cottage for all your mates – but what if you could hire out a village?

In the UK there are three whole villages where you can rent out the whole place and some even have heated swimming pools, barbecues and outdoor cinemas.

On Groupaccommodation.com, there are three spots to rent out and the biggest sleeps up to 100 people – so you’ll need a hefty guest list.

Darwin Lake in Derbyshire has a group of charming stone holiday cottages all centered around a pretty lake with woodland walks and a village green.

In the heart of the village is Darwin Hall, a space for up to 200 guests so it’s great for a special occasion.

Along with a stay in the village, there’s also a Peak Adventures activity package.

CHEAP AS CHIPS

10 UK summer holidays that are CHEAPER than a takeaway – all £12pp or less

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

Your group can try raft building or canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding on the lake, archery or bushcraft in the woods, or tackle a climbing wall.

Guests can use the complimentary rowing boat or fish on the lake, free of charge.

If you’d prefer a pampering session, there’s the chance to add spa and beauty treatments onto the booking.

With up to 93 overnight guests, the second village is the Knockerdown Holiday Cottages in the Peak District.

Near Carsington Water, it’s made up of 16 stone cottages which between them have 42 bedrooms.

If a group dinner is on the cards, the largest houses are The Farmhouse and Two Dales which can seat up to 12 guests in each.

Or you can hire out the Brackendale Function Room for up to 93 diners.

This village has its own heated indoor swimming pool too as well as a children’s play area, lounge with a games room, a dog exercise area and plenty of parking.

Thanks to its location, you can easily get to Alton Towers, Chatsworth House and Crich Tramway Village from here.

For both Darwin Lake and Knockerdown Holiday Cottages you need to enquire to get rates for hiring out the entire villages.

Lastly, there’s Orchard Hideaways in Cumbria which is made up of glamping pods rather than holiday homes.

Each pod has all the essentials from a mini-fridge to a microwave, kettle, heating and outdoor seats – some pods are fitted with TVs too.

When you’re not cosying up in the pods, guests can head to the Chill Out area – a space kitted out with a hot tub, sauna, outdoor cinema.

When it comes to cooking, head to the Sizzle Shack which has its own barbecue and an indoor fire pit.

If you opt for celebration packages, you can even have events like live DJ silent discos, saxophone performances and live shows – so it’ll be more like having your own music festival.

You can also organise outdoor adventures like guided hikes to Lake Ullswater as well as paddleboarding, lakeside archery.

All the accommodations here are dog-friendly so furry friends don’t have to miss out.

Rates are based on the hiring of the whole site including 16 pods and access to the social spaces – these start from £3,999 – or £31pppn (based on a four-night midweek stay).

Holidaymakers are now avoiding places they have returned to year after year

Brits are ditching holiday destinations they’ve returned to for years in search of ‘more meaningful’ trips, a study has found. Research from Tourism Tasmania found nearly two-thirds would no longer consider visiting a destination they once visited regularly.

More than a third say they want to discover new places, while one in five believe their old favourite has become too touristy, overly commercialised or overcrowded. Tourism Tasmania says the findings point to a broader shift in British travellers seeking more meaningful holidays, with a growing desire for deeper connections to people and places.

Almost all of the respondents say it’s important that their next holiday offers a ‘genuine connection to a destination, rather than an overly touristy experience’. Immersing in local culture, trying regional food and drink, discovering history and seeking new adventures now rank among travellers’ highest priorities.

Three-quarters hope to visit a bucket-list destination and more than two-thirds are actively searching for somewhere lesser known and off the beaten track.. Tourism Tasmania says interest in Tasmania continues to grow among Brits, with two-thirds of respondents to their research saying they would consider visiting in future.

Nearly halfare drawn to the island’s natural landscapes, while half say unique nature and wildlife experiences help them feel more connected to a destination.

Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson were even recently announced as the international headliners for Tasmania’s Tamar Valley Writers Festival, held in Launceston – a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

CEO of Tourism Tasmania, Sarah Kingston Clark, said: “While British travellers still want holidays that give them a chance to rest and recharge, this research suggests they’re increasingly looking for experiences that leave a lasting and more meaningful impression.

“We’re seeing a real shift in the UK and globally in what people want from travel. Holidays are becoming less about ticking another destination off a list and more about slowing down, connecting with a place and coming home feeling like you’ve genuinely experienced it.

“People are looking for holidays that feel authentic and meaningful, whether that’s spending time with the locals, immersing themselves in culture, discovering distinctive food and drink and experiencing the real character of a destination beyond its best-known attractions and bucket-list sights.

The Mirror’s Stephen Jones and his wife Charlotte have a lot of tips to pass on to other news parents after taking their newborn babies on holiday for the first time to the TUI Blue Orquidea in Gran Canaria

‘That’s it,’ my friends said, when I told them we were expecting twins. ‘Wave goodbye to your nice holidays, you’ll never have another,’ they warned.

Could it be true, that I would never relax in sunshine again? Never have I been determined to prove anyone so wrong. And never have I wanted a holiday more after the exhausting first few months of keeping two newborns alive, we needed a break.

A week-long trip with our TWO four month old babies to the fabulous all inclusive TUI Blue Orquidea in Gran Canaria (flying time: four-and-a-half hours) seemed an apt test. Whether you think we were brave, foolhardy or naive, I am pleased to say we not only survived, but we enjoyed it! Here’s what we learned.

1. It pays to prepare

We did our research and bought a lot of decent equipment in advance. Our rule was to pack half a suitcase each for ourselves while each baby had the other half. Pushing a suitcase and a pram each at the same time proved an acquired skill but was made easier with the two Bugaboo Butterfly 2 which can stow in overhead lockers. And we sensibly booked a night at a London Gatwick hotel to ease the stress of our 5am check-in time.

Having two babies sat on your laps for the whole flight once you have factored in feeding and sleeps isn’t too bad; having bottles prepped for both take off and landing is essential. We bought Alpine Muffy ear defender-style headphones to protect their precious ears, and Jellycat cloth books to keep them entertained. Changing a nappy in the cramped toilet is a challenge but doable. As the wheels touched down I breathed a sigh of relief the flight hadn’t been as bad as I expected and I felt buoyed by the sense of achievement.

Booking a private transfer from the airport to the hotel 20 minutes away in Bahia Feliz with two baby car seats was a luxurious extra which proved worth every penny and we will do again.

It meant we avoided queues at check-in and after our warm welcome, we were pleased to discover our room was spacious enough to accommodate two travel cots and the balcony provided a quiet post-bedtime drink spot.

We can highly recommend following travel journalist mums like Emma Cooke (@petite.blondine) on TikTok and Instagram for useful tips like bringing an inflatable chair for bathtime and collapsible bucket for sterilising bottles.

2. It doesn’t matter how much noise your children make

The one thing I really feared before our holiday was the embarrassment of our babies crying. I soon discovered the truth is most people are too busy worrying about their own children to care what yours are up to. The reassuring sight of so many other families trying to do exactly what we were trying to do spurred us on.

Even when our kids did cry in the restaurant, it was too noisy for anyone more than five metres away to really hear, and not once did anyone look bothered. The hotel’s buffet-style set up had a huge variety of choice but importantly meant we could take it in turns to get food while one of us stayed with the babies. A highlight of our stay was an evening out at the Orquidea’s scrummy a-la-carte restaurant La Taverna where they thankfully behaved.

The one time one of our babies did have a meltdown (in a queue on a day trip), people were sympathetic not judgmental. We soon realised the joy our babies bring others far outweighs any panic.

3. Plan, plan, plan

When you have babies you have to slow down your itinerary. Aim to only do one or two significant things a day. We soon learned to always make up bottles for the next feed straight after the current one; the next comes around pretty quick!

When you have fed them, you have a gap of max three hours to do an activity before they get grouchy, so try to already have something planned or booked in advance. Before our trip ,we hadn’t really appreciated how well set up for kids aged under three years old this family friendly resort was. One of the best things we did all week was a visit to the baby spa put on by the TUI baby and tots club staff, a sensory led experience where both babies delighted in being pampered.

Most days followed a pleasantly simple rhythm: breakfast, play time, lunch, naps, swimming, dinner and sleep. And repeat. When I have since been asked what the best thing about our holiday was, I’ve replied: ‘Being able to take the kids swimming every day’. Getting them used to being in water daily in the calm surroundings of the toddler pool, kicking their little legs and grinning while we held them, is a precious memory. We planned a lot of our feeds around these dips.

4. Hotel staff will help you out and people are kinder than you imagine

We were overwhelmed by the generosity of people who on seeing we had twin babies were only too happy to allow us to push in front of a queue or be served before them.

That said, travelling with babies is never completely stress-free. There were often moments when one twin decided nap time was optional or both babies demanded attention simultaneously. And we never left our room without extra nappies and wipes (having restocked at the nearby Spar) ready for any unexpected drama.

But somehow everything felt manageable. There was a godsend of Baby Lounge with aircon next to the pools we used every day to change nappies or just quiet time (the staff organise playdates for kids and their parents here too).

There’s tonnes for kids of all ages to do on a TUI holiday but it’s worth stressing they have trained staff who will take your babies off your hands for a couple of hours while you go and enjoy a peaceful lie by the pool or trip to the luxurious spa or gym (I pleased to say I made it to both more than once).

Indeed, the TUI staff couldn’t do enough to ensure we enjoyed the best possible trip – while we were staying at the busy Grupotel Orquidea, they recommended we check out their more sedate sister hotel, the Playa Feliz next door. This was a tip that made our trip as that’s where we ended up spending most of our time (the staff hold Little Splashers sessions for babies here as well).

5. Once you’ve done it once you will want to do it again

Now we have done it – and survived – I almost can’t remember what we were worrying about in the first place.

One of the other highlights of our trip was a day out to the village of Mogan – a picturesque fishing village on the coast known affectionally as ‘Little Venice – which you access via ferry.

I was 50/50 about booking a boat trip with babies but there was nothing remotely difficult about ditching our prams for slings. Our Ergobaby Omni baby carriers’ mesh design coped well in the heat as we explored the village’s quaint streets and waterways by foot.

Mogan has a pretty, sandy beach where we were able to dip the kids’ toes in the sea for the first time, a memory I will never forget. It was at that point I realised that’s the point of holidays, a chance to make those kind of long lasting memories. And when I started to think where we could go next.

Book the holiday

• TUI offers seven-night holidays to Gran Canaria, Spain staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Orquídea on an all-inclusive basis from £900pp, based on 2 adults and 1 child sharing a twin room, flying from London Luton in August, and 23kg luggage per person and transfers included. tui.co.uk
• TUI Musement offers a Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice’ – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat from £45 per adult, £28 per child (3-12 years old) and children (0-2) go free. tuimusement.com/uk

As Messina celebrated the Sicilian holiday of Ferragosto, thieves struck the MuMe museum to steal the masterworks by Antonello da Messina.

Thieves have stolen four Renaissance masterworks by Antonello da Messina valued at up to 80 million euros ($93m) from the MuMe Regional Interdisciplinary Museum in the Sicilian city of Messina in Italy.

Cultural officials and Italian media reported the theft on Sunday, saying the heist occurred at about 9:50pm (19:50 GMT) the day before, during Sicily’s major Ferragosto holiday.

Italian news outlet Il Giornale dell’Arte said that the perpetrators had exploited the citywide distraction of the traditional Vara procession, which drew police and large crowds to central Messina.

Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported that the thieves cut through metal perimeter fencing along Viale Annunziata to gain access to the grounds. They then forced open a side door to enter the gallery halls. Once inside, the group breached an armoured glass display case to extract a small, double-sided tempera panel dating back to 1465-1474.

The portable devotional piece features the Virgin and Child with a Franciscan Monk on its front and Christ in Pieta on its reverse. Originally part of the Wilhelm Soldan collection from 1930, it was acquired by the Sicilian region at a Christie’s auction in 2003 following its formal attribution to Antonello.

The perpetrators also dismantled all five remaining tempera-on-wood panels of the historic San Gregorio Polyptych. Commissioned in 1473 by Abbess Fabria Cirino for the monastery of Santa Maria, which was subsequently destroyed in Messina’s 1908 earthquake, the altarpiece stands as the only surviving masterpiece by Antonello that remained in his hometown. The thieves made off with three key sections of the piece.

Italian outlet Repubblica reported that the thieves abandoned the remaining two panels depicting Saint Benedict and Saint Gregory resting against a wall near the museum grounds.

‘A real movie-style heist like at the Louvre’

“We are devastated by what happened. They were two of Antonello da Messina’s most important and best-known works,” museum director Marisa Mercurio told Italian news agency ANSA.

Local Culture Councillor Enzo Caruso told outlet Il Tirreno: “Nobody in Messina could have imagined a real movie-style heist like at the Louvre.”

Caruso said that international interest in Antonello’s oeuvre had expanded after Italy’s Culture Ministry purchased his Ecce Homo painting for $14.9m earlier in the year.

Lynda Albertson, CEO of the ARCA art crimes research association, told La Repubblica that “stealing an Antonello may be far easier than selling one” given the high visibility and historic footprint of the stolen panels.

She explained that high-profile art of this kind rarely gets sold, often spending years traded within the criminal underworld as leverage for other illegal activities.

Born in Sicily around the year 1430, Antonello da Messina stands as one of the defining masters of the early Italian Renaissance. Because few of his works survive today, his surviving paintings are considered irreplaceable cultural treasures.

The theft follows a separate case days earlier in Parma, northern Italy, where police recovered three stolen works by Renoir, Cezanne and Matisse valued at roughly $11.5m.

ROMANTIC David and Victoria Beckham returned to the hotel where they sealed their love on a first holiday in 1997.

The couple went back this weekend to the retreat where they holidayed in secret 29 years ago before making their relationship public.

Posh and Becks shared a photo of themselves on a balcony overlooking the Med at the Splendido hotel in Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

Mum-of-four Victoria, 52, wrote next to the image: “Back in Portofino where we began in 1997.”

David, 51, also shared a video of his wife walking into the £2,000-a-night hotel and wrote: “29 years ago we came to Portofino to this hotel before anyone knew we were dating and here we are back again.”

In a Netflix documentary, Victoria revealed a never-before-seen picture from the 1997 trip, saying it was the first time they had met away from a car park where they secretly dated.

READ MORE ON THE BECKHAMS

BROTHERLY LOVE

Cruz Beckham shares surprise snap with brother Brooklyn amid family fall-out

ICE GIRL

David and Victoria Beckham enjoy quality time with Harper, 15, & grab ice cream

She said: “I know, it makes it sound like we’re really dodgy. We’d already fallen in love before then, but it was definitely the first time that we’d been somewhere so romantic and so private.”

They got engaged the next year.

On their current trip, the pair stopped for a drink before returning to their yacht moored at Portofino.

They are holidaying with son Cruz, 21, and daughter, Harper, 15.

WHEN on holiday, it seems easy to splash the cash when out all day and night.

But some travellers have discovered a ‘code’ on receipts when on holiday.

Often on restaurant receipts, the code ‘MKT’ appears.

According to Dojo, a UK-based card payment provider: “When MKT (or MP) is printed on a restaurant menu or receipt, it means ‘market price’.

“This indicates that the price of the item is not fixed and will fluctuate depending on the current market rate.

“Listing items on menus as ‘MKT’ allows restaurants to adjust their pricing in line with their cost, without reprinting menus.”

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

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

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

In a clip shared on TikTok, user @aribella_menold gained more than 4.1 million view on a video where she shows a receipt totalling $159.14 (£118.26) between three diners.

On the screen it states: “POV: You didn’t know what ‘mkt’ meant on the steak menu and now you’re paying for it”.

One user commented on the video: “Honestly, shame on your server for not informing you of the price when it’s clearly not listed.”

Another said: “I have never been anywhere where they told you the cost upfront unless you asked…. It’s totally the customer’s fault for not asking when there is NO PRICE LISTED.”

Experts at Dojo say: “In these situations, transparency from both sides is key.

“It’s likely the server assumed the customer was familiar with the pricing or would ask if unsure.

“To avoid confusion, diners should feel comfortable asking for clarification on any ‘MKT’-priced items.

“Equally, it’s good practice for servers to offer a prompt, such as: ‘Just to note, I can provide today’s price for any items listed as MKT upon request.”

Items that are most likely to have MKT pricing include seafood, due to some fish being more available during different seasons.

You can also get it with prime meat cuts, like steak, due to supply, demand and seasonal availability.

And you might not have guessed it but even fruit and veg can be impacted too, especially ones like berries and mushrooms, again due to seasonal supply.

Some ingredients will also be included, especially if they require importation such as caviar or truffles, as prices for these items often fluctuate.

WHEN I told my husband I was whisking him away for a romantic weekend, he was expecting a quaint B&B with chocolates on the pillows, not a static caravan.

But our three-night trip to Green Hill Farm Holiday Village turned out to be rather luxurious, not to mention quite steamy . . .  ahem, due to our private hot tub.

The Lovat Holiday Parks site sits just minutes away from the New Forest and it’s so much more than a budget family getaway destination.

We stayed in a modern two-bed luxury lodge, which overlooked a pond filled with ducks.

Alongside a comfy double bed, the lodge featured a cosy living room, a large kitchen and a decking area complete with a hot tub that glitters with LED lights at night.

The complimentary slippers and dressing gowns elevated the experience above your bog standard holiday park stay.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

If the kids come along, there’s an endless list of activities as well as a play area with a splash pad, and a board game library.

Plus there’s a forest ranger programme, unique to this holiday park, offering special segway-riding trails through the woodland, and archery and trampolining.

Meanwhile, parents can relax by the enormous lake, where they can try fishing, or get their workout fix at the small outdoor gym.

The highlight for us as a couple was the stunning location.

Perched at the edge of the New Forest, with direct access to the National Park, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts.

We went for a romantic ramble on the moors, where we spotted wild ponies and donkeys, many of which were tame enough to pet.

You don’t need to be a top-tier hiker, there’s a variety of routes to suit all abilities on your doorstep.

After working up an appetite, we treated ourselves to pizza from the Ember Restaurant back on site.

The margherita was £13.50, or you can opt for the Inferno, which comes with pepperoni, chilli and peppers smothered in hot habanero sauce.

There’s also the delicious Greek, which comes with olives, feta, red onion and oregano.

For burger-lovers The Smashed Buns van is sure to hit the spot.

Standard burgers will set you back £8.50 and fries are an extra £3.50.

There’s also a takeaway spot for coffee and fresh pastries in the morning and a mini on-site shop selling groceries, beer and wine.

The nearby Rockingham Arms has a cracking beer garden and does an excellent Sunday roast.

The barmaid entertained us with ghost stories about the local area.

Architecture fans will love ornate Salisbury Cathedral, while the high street offers a great mix of quaint independent stores and giants like Primark and Marks and Spencer.

For lunch, head to The Tabletop Tavern, a medieval-themed bar with a wooden chandelier and candle-like bulbs.

The menu is all hearty stews and Elderwine sausages.

Even the board games have a Medieval theme — Dungeons & Dragons, anyone?

Our favourite pub, however, was The Bishops Mill, which hosts regular live music sessions and quiz nights, and does excellent sharing dishes like the crispy duck nachos.

We could have spent hours kicking back with a pint, listening to the singer belt out ballads, but the romantic setting left us in the mood to get steamy back at the lodge.

And we know what that means — hot tub time!

STACEY Solomon has given an insight into her family holiday in ‘paradise’ with Joe Swash and her sister Jemma.

The TV presenter, 36, is currently enjoying a holiday in Turkey and has shared snaps and videos of their amazing experience.

The TV star looked incredible in a baby pink bikini while enjoying time with daughter Belle in a leafy swimming pool.

She also shared rare snaps of the family all together – but said she looked like a mole in them.

Stacey also enjoyed having fun in the stunning swimming pool with her sister as a bemused stranger looked on at their antics.

The TV presenter also shared a sweet snap of her cuddling her daughters on the golden sand in front of rows of luxurious sun loungers.

ALL ABOUT ASHLEY

Ashley James on rejecting marriage, mum-shamers & getting cancelled

jac’d in

Jac Jossa suffers fresh blow after split.. as insiders accuse Dan of game playing

Stacey also shared a super sweet clip of her family trying out a viral trend and captioned it: “Thought I’d share this for anyone who sees the cutest family video trends but this is what you’re dealing with.

“Take my hat off to those families who can get everyone to comply.”

Fans flocked to comment and one wrote: “You are all so cute”!

Another added: “We love this sister love.”

A third said: “I have loved this holiday I felt like I was there with you all.”

While a fourth wrote: “Beautiful family and beautiful holiday.”

Jemma and her husband Lee marked their 21 year anniversary while on holiday – after their recent business woes.

It came after Jemma’s home organising company was taken over by Lord Alan Sugar after she tearfully closed down the firm earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Stacey gave birth to Belle, her third child with former EastEnders star Joe, back in February 2023.

The couple had previously welcomed son Rex and daughter Rose, in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

Stacey already had older sons Zachary and Leighton from prior relationships, while Joe had son Harry.

HAVE you ever just wanted to pack up your bags and move away somewhere for a month?

Well you’re in luck – as there is a holiday deal which includes your flights and hotel for 28 nights… and it is less than the average mortgage cost for the month.

The deal is for a month in Malta for just £410 per person.

With the average UK mortgage costing between £1,355 to £1,592 (and average rent costing £1,369), you would still be saving money compared to just living a month in the UK.

Even if you head on holiday with another person, it will still be less than a mortgage or rent at £820 for two people.

The trip includes return flights from either Bournemouth on January 16, 2027, or Birmingham on January 6, 2027 and then 28 nights accommodation at the hotel.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

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

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

If you want to fly from another UK airport you can, it might just cost you a fiver or tenner more.

You’d stay at the Relax Inn in Bugibba, Malta, just a few minutes’ walk from the sea.

At the hotel there are 40 rooms, including single, twin and triple rooms with each one having its own bathroom as well as a balcony.

There’s also a bar in the hotel, where you can grab a tipple before heading to the lounge to watch a movie or the games room.

As for Bugibba, you’ll find cosy restaurants, bars and a number of shops to explore.

You’ll have to factor in some costs for food and drink, but it isn’t far from the centre of town which has lots of pubs and outdoor cafes.

The only downside? Don’t expect to use the rooftop swimming pool as it will be closed until the summer season.

While Malta won’t be hot in January, it is still warmer than the UK, at around 16C compared to our 7C.

You can head to Perched Beach – a man-made beach with lounging areas.

You can also go on boat trips from the town including to the Blue Lagoon in Comino.

To get to the hotel, you will fly into the capital of Valetta which is a half hour drive away.

The tiny city is known for St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

JAMIE Redknapp shared loved-up snaps with wife Frida as they enjoyed a family holiday in Italy.

It comes just days The Sun revealed that after Jamie’s ex-wife Louise Redknapp split from her boyfriend Drew Michael after two years.

The ex-Eternal girl group star, 51, separated from the businessman and former Army officer, 42, earlier this year.

They had been dating since autumn 2023 but called time on the relationship and he is believed to have left the UK.

Meanwhile, Jamie, 53, is busy enjoying a romantic getaway with his wife of five years Frida and their son Raphael, four.

The pair shared a sweet photo of with their arms around each other while out sightseeing.

Frida then put on a stunning display in an off-the-shoulder mini dress and white heels as she glammed up for dinner.

They also shared snaps of them enjoying some quality time together at the pool.

The Sun revealed this week that Louise and Drew had ended things.

But friends insisted she is thriving as a singleton and she recently jetted off twice on girls’ trips to Ibiza.

A source said: “Louise and Drew decided to end things a little while ago.

“Things had been really good between them but it felt like their relationship had run its course and they both thought it was best to move on.

“It was all very amicable and although it’s never fun when a relationship ends, Louise has thrown herself back into her social life and her busy work schedule.

Drew’s thought to have moved abroad for work so it’s been a clean break.

“She’s in no rush to jump back into another relationship because she feels very fulfilled with her life right now, but she’ll see what happens.”

Speaking about Drew last year, she said their relationship had inspired the track Manifesting on her fifth solo album, Confessions.

Louise, who shares sons Charley, 22, and Beau, 17, with Jamie, added: “Drew is great with my boys.

“He’s just a really great guy.

“I feel very lucky to have met him.”

Louise separated from Jamie in 2017 following a stint on Strictly.

She said of their separation: “I couldn’t just keep on kind of just being there existing — I’m an entertainer.”

Jamie went on to wed model Frida Andersson in 2021 and they have a son, Raphael, four.

Holidaymakers are being warned of new rules around spending cash in popular hotspots which are set to be implemented by next summer

While many Brits use debit, credit, or travel money cards when they go on holiday, for some, cash is still king no matter where they go in the world.

But new plans from the European Central Bank (ECB) could see a digital equivalent to physical cash being introduced, and the first step, a cash payment limit in Euros, is set to be enforced as of next summer.

As reported by Majorca Daily News, as part of the move to a digital Euro, the cash payment limit of €10,000 (about £8,500) will be introduced in Spain as of July 10, 2027. It’ll apply to all commercial transactions for goods and services, and can’t be bypassed by making lots of smaller transactions, as linked cash payments will be treated as a single payment under the law.

For transactions between €3,000 and €10,000, merchants will be obliged to verify the customer’s identity before they pay in cash. This ensures that all financial transactions can be linked to individuals, even if cash is used, and aims to prevent money laundering. This could affect Brits looking to pay for hotels or car hire in cash.

EU countries will be able to set their own limits, and France has already confirmed for its own taxpayers the maximum amount will be just €1,000, but for holidaymakers it’ll be €15,000, about £12,800.

Banks in the EU will continue to monitor unusual deposits at cash points, and will also need to report transactions of over €3,000 where large banknotes are used. While it’s unlikely that the average tourist would ever carry this amount, there is also a limit on the amount of cash someone can carry in public when in Spain which is €100,000, about £85,500. which is to deter criminal activities and terrorism.

If you’re travelling between countries, even if you’re within the Schengen area, you’ll need to declare any amounts over €10,000 to customs when you arrive.

The digital Euro plan would create a central bank digital currency (CBDC) overseen by the ECB. It would offer a digital alternative to physical cash, and mean people could make on and off-line purchases free of charge with their Euros stored on a card or mobile app.

A rollout is planned for 2029, and aims to reduce reliance on US payment systems such as Visa and Mastercard. In Russia, huge numbers of people were left unable to make payments when the firms pulled out of the country due to the war with Ukraine, and Europe wants to avoid using US firms for banking functions in a time of political instability.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde claimed in a Euronews interview that the move to a digital Euro isn’t about scrapping cash and coins or monitoring citizens, saying: “Cash will not go away, it will be rejuvenated”.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com