holiday

MAKE convenience the driving force behind your holiday.

There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and Spain.

Escape to sunnier climes in the car with no pricey flights or fear of flight cancellations.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the five best getaways for families, all within an hour of the ferry terminal.

COMILLAS, SPAIN

DRIVE 40 minutes from the ferry terminal of Santander and you’ll find the rustic town of Comillas, crammed with striking Gaudi architecture and art nouveau buildings that overlook a pristine sandy shore.

It’s not as crowded as some of Spain’s more popular holiday resorts and it’s home to the Oyambre Natural Park which is littered with dramatic cliffs and has a plethora of bird life.

SWISS GRAND TOUR

I went on Europe’s ‘Route 66’ with 46 attractions and beautiful beaches

TEMPTED?

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

Make sure to try a dish loved by locals, marmitako.

The traditional fisherman’s stew comes loaded with tuna, seafood and veggies and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours.

GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Comillas Hotel in the town is from £439.06pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Plymouth on July 20.

Find out more at brittany-ferries.co.uk.

BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, FRANCE

ACTIVITY-loving families will feel right at home in Boulogne-sur-mer, a 30-minute drive from the French port of Calais and with adventure on its doorstep.

Spend a day at the largest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaá, where you can gawp at over 60,000 creatures including reef sharks, manta rays, sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises — the Echappée Tropicale section is new for this year and is framed around mangroves and lagoons.

Nearby Wissant beach is ideal if you’re travelling with youngsters, thanks to its shallow water pools.

And Boulogne-sur-mer’s glorious old town with its cobbled streets, is a wonderful spot for an afternoon potter.

GO: Two nights’ self-catering at the Evancy apartments is from £60pp based on a family of four sharing.

See evancy.com.

The ferry from Dover to Calais costs from around £200 for a family of four travelling in a small car.

See directferries.com.

BILBAO, SPAIN

IF you’re less into fly-and-flop and more of a city dweller, look no further than the Spanish city of Bilbao.

The city centre is a 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal.

Once you arrive, ditch the car as everything is easily accessible on foot or by tram/metro.

Pintxos, essentially the basque version of tapas, is the theme of most menus here.

This means you can sample as many restaurants as you fancy, tucking into the best of the nibbles — they tend to be very affordable, too.

Little ones will love riding the funicular up to the peak of Mount Artxanda, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.

Adults, on the other hand, will want to sample a glass of Txakoli, a local wine that’s dry, crisp and pairs perfectly with warm weather.

There’s also a beach if you do want to dip your toes into the sea.

GO: Six nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Euskalduna Hotel is £507.11pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao on July 19.

Yiou can book at brittany-ferries.co.uk.

TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGE, FRANCE

THE coastal resort, less than an hour from Calais, is chic French glamour meets old-world Britain.

Don’t take my word for it, though.

Back in the day, it attracted big names like Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sean Connery used to stroll its shores, and President Macron has been seen there.

You’re also within a short drive of France’s oldest amusement park, Parc Bagatelle, which will soon feature a new adrenaline ride, North Storm.

It is 33 metres high and throws riders around on 360-degree rotations.

On top of thrill rides, there are also shows and a mini animal farm.

GO: Two-storey family rooms at the 4H Le Grand Hotel Le Touquet cost from around £286pp with access to an indoor heated pool, a padel tennis court, games room and bike rental service.

See legrandhotel-letouquet.com/en.

The ferry from Dover to Calais costs from around £200 for a family of four travelling in a small car.

See directferries.com.

COURSEULLES-SUR-MER, FRANCE

A SWIFT 30-minute drive from Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, the sleepy fishing town of Courseulles-sur-Mer feels typically French and sits a little off the beaten tourist track.

Be sure to have a go at sand yachting.

Often described as a mix between go-karting and windsurfing, the sport relies on blustery winds to propel you across the sands in a three-wheeled cart with a sail attached to it.

Juno beach is a great spot to try it.

For adrenaline junkies there’s Parc du Chant des Oiseaux which has slides, climbing nets and a zipline, or for something more gently paced there’s an 18-hole mini golf course.

It’s worth renting a bike and exploring the nearby cycle routes while you’re here, too.

GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 3H La Crémaillère is from £454.85pp, based on four people sharing a one-bedroom duplex and including car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen on July 20.

For details, see brittany-ferries.co.uk.

MAKE convenience the driving force behind your holiday.

There are superb destinations within easy reach of ferry terminals in France and Spain.

Escape to sunnier climes in the car with no pricey flights or fear of flight cancellations.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the five best getaways for families, all within an hour of the ferry terminal.

COMILLAS, SPAIN

DRIVE 40 minutes from the ferry terminal of Santander and you’ll find the rustic town of Comillas, crammed with striking Gaudi architecture and art nouveau buildings that overlook a pristine sandy shore.

It’s not as crowded as some of Spain’s more popular holiday resorts and it’s home to the Oyambre Natural Park which is littered with dramatic cliffs and has a plethora of bird life.

SWISS GRAND TOUR

I went on Europe’s ‘Route 66’ with 46 attractions and beautiful beaches

TEMPTED?

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

Make sure to try a dish loved by locals, marmitako.

The traditional fisherman’s stew comes loaded with tuna, seafood and veggies and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours.

GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Comillas Hotel in the town is from £439.06pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Plymouth on July 20.

Find out more at brittany-ferries.co.uk.

BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, FRANCE

ACTIVITY-loving families will feel right at home in Boulogne-sur-mer, a 30-minute drive from the French port of Calais and with adventure on its doorstep.

Spend a day at the largest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaá, where you can gawp at over 60,000 creatures including reef sharks, manta rays, sea lions, penguins and giant tortoises — the Echappée Tropicale section is new for this year and is framed around mangroves and lagoons.

Nearby Wissant beach is ideal if you’re travelling with youngsters, thanks to its shallow water pools.

And Boulogne-sur-mer’s glorious old town with its cobbled streets, is a wonderful spot for an afternoon potter.

GO: Two nights’ self-catering at the Evancy apartments is from £60pp based on a family of four sharing.

See evancy.com.

The ferry from Dover to Calais costs from around £200 for a family of four travelling in a small car.

See directferries.com.

BILBAO, SPAIN

IF you’re less into fly-and-flop and more of a city dweller, look no further than the Spanish city of Bilbao.

The city centre is a 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal.

Once you arrive, ditch the car as everything is easily accessible on foot or by tram/metro.

Pintxos, essentially the basque version of tapas, is the theme of most menus here.

This means you can sample as many restaurants as you fancy, tucking into the best of the nibbles — they tend to be very affordable, too.

Little ones will love riding the funicular up to the peak of Mount Artxanda, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.

Adults, on the other hand, will want to sample a glass of Txakoli, a local wine that’s dry, crisp and pairs perfectly with warm weather.

There’s also a beach if you do want to dip your toes into the sea.

GO: Six nights’ B&B at the 4H Abba Euskalduna Hotel is £507.11pp, based on a family of four sharing a room and including car ferry travel from Portsmouth to Bilbao on July 19.

Yiou can book at brittany-ferries.co.uk.

TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGE, FRANCE

THE coastal resort, less than an hour from Calais, is chic French glamour meets old-world Britain.

Don’t take my word for it, though.

Back in the day, it attracted big names like Winston Churchill, Noel Coward, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sean Connery used to stroll its shores, and President Macron has been seen there.

You’re also within a short drive of France’s oldest amusement park, Parc Bagatelle, which will soon feature a new adrenaline ride, North Storm.

It is 33 metres high and throws riders around on 360-degree rotations.

On top of thrill rides, there are also shows and a mini animal farm.

GO: Two-storey family rooms at the 4H Le Grand Hotel Le Touquet cost from around £286pp with access to an indoor heated pool, a padel tennis court, games room and bike rental service.

See legrandhotel-letouquet.com/en.

The ferry from Dover to Calais costs from around £200 for a family of four travelling in a small car.

See directferries.com.

COURSEULLES-SUR-MER, FRANCE

A SWIFT 30-minute drive from Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, the sleepy fishing town of Courseulles-sur-Mer feels typically French and sits a little off the beaten tourist track.

Be sure to have a go at sand yachting.

Often described as a mix between go-karting and windsurfing, the sport relies on blustery winds to propel you across the sands in a three-wheeled cart with a sail attached to it.

Juno beach is a great spot to try it.

For adrenaline junkies there’s Parc du Chant des Oiseaux which has slides, climbing nets and a zipline, or for something more gently paced there’s an 18-hole mini golf course.

It’s worth renting a bike and exploring the nearby cycle routes while you’re here, too.

GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 3H La Crémaillère is from £454.85pp, based on four people sharing a one-bedroom duplex and including car ferry from Portsmouth to Caen on July 20.

For details, see brittany-ferries.co.uk.

A UK HOLIDAY park that’s been compared to Portugal has reopened for the season – along with a £1million upgrade.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Budleigh Salterton, Devon is now open with some big new changes.

Onsite are now 13 new modern holiday homes, which will all have three bedrooms.

Dubbed the Lobster Lodges, they are the most spacious lodges onsite and feature luxury interiors with a double bedroom, a bedroom with two single beds and also a sofa bed.

The best part though is that each lodge has a hot tub on the decking with amazing views of the coastline.

The children’s outdoor play area, which features a pirate ship dubbed ‘NaNa of Ladram’ has been rebuilt and the indoor soft play has been updated as well.

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The Beach Shack is being upgraded too, with a typical seaside feel inside including an ice cream counter and is set to open by the summer.

Those who like to boogie will be happy to hear the park has also launched silent discos.

And as the summer approaches, there will be new outdoor furniture and speakers at the Pebbles restaurant for events and the splash park will reopen.

The family-run holiday park sits on the top of a cliff and is home to around 140 caravans as well as three apartments, safari tents and glamping pods and a renovated former fisherman’s cottage.

The Sun’s Executive Daily News Editor, Emma Glanfield, recently visited Ladram Bay Holiday Park.

She said: “With a glass of wine in hand, watching the sun set over the sea as clear waters lap the shore, I could have been in the Algarve.

“But no, rather than basking in Portugal, I was holidaying with the family at a caravan park on east Devon’s Jurassic Coast.”

Emma added: “Ladram overlooks a gorgeous section of the coast and even has its own private beach — accessible only to guests, via a slipway at the bottom of the park.”

“As well as an on-site gym, huge outdoor adventure playground, indoor soft-play centre and enormous amusement arcade, the park also boasts pottery and art classes in its new studio.

“The indoor pool is magnificent — one of the cleanest I’ve ever known — and offers free family playtimes as well as exercise classes.

“The adjoining outdoor splash park is brilliant, too, for cooling off on a hot day, while the indoor fun slide kept us all entertained — even the grandparents.

“That’s before you even start on the evening entertainment in Waves Bar — with bingo, a pool table, darts, kids’ disco, singers and the Ladram Stars Showtime.

“And when we visited Portugal just a few weeks later, I looked out at the coastline, from our accommodation, and realised it didn’t look too different at all from that special view back at Ladram.”

Currently, you can get 20 per cent off stays at the park by using the code ‘DEVON20’.

In the local area, there are a number of attractions guests can visit.

For example, the holiday park sits on the South West Coast Path which featured in the recent Salt Path film and is ideal for breezy walks with views of the coast.

Then just down the road is Crealy Theme Park, which is great for kids who aren’t ready for big rollercoasters – like those found at Thorpe Park or Alton Towers – quite yet.

There are over 60 attractions to explore at the park, including the Maximus train rollercoaster and the Tidal Wave log flume.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding visited the park many times growing up.

She said: “Crealy Theme Park is great no matter the weather as it has an even amount of indoor and outdoor attractions.

“Outside, the Maximus rollercoaster is a great introduction to rides for children – it is slick and smooth, but not too jolty or fast.

“The Tidal Wave log flume is a bit more of a thrill – but definitely leave it until last as you will get soaked (though the park has drying machines you stand in that you can pay for).”

If you want to explore more of the Devonshire coastline, then a short drive away from Ladram Bay is also the seaside town of Sidmouth, which has a large pebble beach.

Another beach to head to in Sidmouth that is the more secluded Jacob’s Ladder Beach which has red sand, rock pools and dramatic cliffs.

And nine miles down the road at the park’s sister site – Castle Brake, near Woodbury – there are also £300,000 improvements.

The park now has a new static caravan area with two holiday lodges.

The park also has new roads and hard-standing bases making it suitable for a mix of two-bed and three-bed static caravans.

In other holiday park news, these are the nine most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as booking opens for 2026.

Plus, one of the UK’s most popular holiday parks reveals mega £50million expansion.

Spring is a great time to go on holiday, but it does come with a certain level of risk

Spring makes for a brilliant time to get away, though it does carry a certain element of unpredictability. The weather during the spring months can be rather capricious and while some holidaymakers don’t mind a spot of rain, others prefer to dodge it wherever possible.

According to the Met Office, Britain experiences rainfall on between 170 and 180 days annually on average – that’s nearly every other day. In a bid to escape the drizzle, Parkdean Resorts has examined Met Office data, geographical details and shelter options to identify the most rain-proof beaches across the nation. Each beach was then assigned a ‘rain-proof’ rating out of 100.

Topping the list is Bournemouth on the Dorset coastline, achieving a score of 95. The seafront spans seven miles, making it the ideal location for natural protection from showers, with plenty of indoor amenities to duck into when the heavens open, reports the Express.

This seaside spot is hugely popular with British holidaymakers, who rave about its stunning golden sands, the pier and famous cliffs. Boasting a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, it’s a magnet for visitors.

One reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor: “The beach at Bournemouth is a timeless slice of the British seaside. Stretching seven miles, its soft sands evoke memories of fresh sea air, melting ’99’ flakes, and arcades. From the iconic cliff lifts to the vibrant Lower Gardens, it remains a haven of nostalgia.

“Whether tracing the shoreline or watching the sunset, it’s a place where the simple joys of summer never truly fade. Always plenty to do and places to go nearby.” Another wrote: “Bournemouth Beach is stunning – soft golden sand, clean water, and a lovely promenade with great views. The beach was well-maintained, and there were plenty of facilities nearby. Perfect for a relaxing day out, whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just strolling along the shore.”

The south coast commands the rankings, so for a seaside escape unlikely to be marred by downpours, consider seeking out a location somewhere along Devon or Dorset’s coastline.

The north coast of Wales also proves remarkably sheltered, with two destinations featuring in the top 10.

Practitioner psychologist Ravi Gill discussed the significance of heading outdoors with Parkdean Resorts – regardless of the conditions.

She said: “A holiday isn’t ruined by rain. It’s shaped by how we respond to it. Let go of perfection: shift your mindset from ‘Perfect weather’ to ‘Flexible fun’ – disappointment often comes from a mismatch between expectation and reality.

“If we mentally attach the holiday to blue skies, anything else feels like a loss. Instead, frame the trip around experiences rather than weather, using phrases like ‘we’re going to explore, we’re going to slow down and rest’.”

Simply because there’s rainfall doesn’t mean your getaway has to be ruined and actually, Ravi suggested it could even enhance it.

She explained: “We forget rest doesn’t need sunshine. In fact, rain can help slower, indoor moments often allow deeper conversations, board game evenings or afternoon naps – genuine nervous system down-regulation.”

The UK’s best rain-proof beaches

Bournemouth Beach — South West England — 95

Exmouth Beach — South West England — 94

Weymouth Beach — South West England — 93

Woolacombe Beach — South West England — 92

Paignton Sands — South West England — 90

Sandbanks Beach — South West England — 88

Llandudno North — Wales — 87

Bridlington South — Yorkshire and the Humber — 87

Rhyl Beach — Wales — 85

Portobello Beach — Scotland — 85

According to pest control, people should routinely check their luggage for warning signs

Many people will be heading home today after a bank holiday weekend getaway. While travellers often take great care when packing, it’s quite common to spend far less time unpacking – simply tipping the contents of your suitcase straight into the wash.

Throwing your clothes in the washing machine as soon as you arrive home is a sensible idea. However, there is another crucial step everyone is urged to take when emptying their luggage. Holidaymakers are advised to check their suitcases carefully for signs of any unwelcome guests, such as bed bugs.

The advice comes from James Rhoades, the founder of ThermoPest, a pest control firm specialising in bed bug treatment and registered with the British Pest Control Association. James says frequent travellers should check their suitcase as part of their routine whenever they return from a holiday.

The tip could help to prevent issues year-round, but it could be especially helpful for travellers to get into the habit now, ahead of the summer holidays. He explained: “During hot weather, bed bugs become more active and need to feed more frequently.

“They get all their hydration from blood, so a warm, humid summer gives them the perfect opportunity to bite. With people wearing lighter sleepwear or using thinner sheets, there’s less of a barrier between the bugs and their food source – us.

“There’s also typically a rise in cases after holiday periods, as bed bugs can easily be brought back hidden in suitcases or laundry. Once inside, they spread quickly, so early detection and prevention are key.”

Fortunately, there are steps people can take to minimise the risk when they arrive at their holiday and when they return home. “Hotels, guest houses, and short-term rentals can become hotspots for bed bugs during peak travel periods. Before unpacking, check the seams of the mattress, headboard, and upholstered furniture for telltale signs such as tiny rust-coloured spots or shed skins.

“Keep luggage elevated on racks rather than placing it directly on the floor to reduce the chance of bed bugs crawling into your belongings. You could also store clothes in sealed bags inside your suitcase for added protection and to make it harder for bugs to hitch a ride home,” says James.

When it is time to return home, it’s recommended that you unpack your clothes straight into the machine and carefully inspect your suitcase. James claims: “Returning home is one of the most common times for bed bugs to be introduced into your living space. As soon as you arrive back, unpack directly into the washing machine and wash everything on a hot cycle.

“Visually inspect your suitcase inside and out, paying close attention to pockets, seams, and linings for any signs of bed bugs such as dark spots, shed skins, or live insects. If you travel frequently, making this a routine step can help you spot potential issues early before they spread.”

Holidaymakers will be banned from ordering more than six drinks in their package deals each day under new ‘Responsible Tourism’ rules introduced in Majorca, Magaluf and Ibiza

British tourists heading to popular destinations on package holidays will be limited to only six drinks per day under new rules designed to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

The limit is now in effect across a number of Spain‘s Balearic Islands – including Majorca, Magaluf and Ibiza – after locals complained that unruly behaviour was making their lives ‘hell’ during the peak holiday season.

Under the Responsible Tourism rules, hotels will be banned more than six alcoholic drinks to guests in package deals each day, with additional alcoholic beverages sold separately.

READ MORE: Jet2 announces major ‘first’ for airline in huge boost to British holidaymakersREAD MORE: Spain holiday warning as Brit tourists limited to six drinks

A £2,600 fine is also being imposed on anyone caught drinking alcohol on the street.

Executive director of John Mason International, Simon Hood, told the Mirror: “In response to recent overtourism protests, the islands of Majorca and Ibiza have implemented Responsible Tourism rules following some understandable concern from local residents.

“These laws were first introduced in 2024, however, new amendments have recently been proposed that many Brits are unaware of.

“Be careful you’re not caught out taking alcoholic drinks onto the street and spilling them. Being overly loud and drawing attention to yourself will also land you in trouble quicker.

“Holiday-goers planning on booking all-inclusive packages or bar crawls are also affected by these laws. For example, limits on all-inclusive drinks have been introduced in the party resorts of Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and San Antonio.

“If you have booked an all-inclusive package, you’re only allowed a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per day, and these must be split between your lunch and evening meal.

“Make sure you’re not going over your allowance and trying to cheat hotel staff. Hotels are allowed to charge you more money for breaking all-inclusive rules.”

He added that the ban “doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a few pina coladas by the pool”, but that tourists “need to be cautious of your surroundings.”

He added: “These rules may seem strict, but they’re trying to promote harmony between local residents who want to go about their lives and tourists enjoying their holidays. If I can provide one piece of advice, it’s have fun.”

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

Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire

This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.

BOOK A BREAK

St Ives Bay Beach Resort, Cornwall

This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.

BOOK A BREAK

Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northampton

This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.

BOOK A BREAK

Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex
This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.

BOOK A BREAK

The world’s longest suspension bridge is currently in Turkey but a new record could be held if the government in Italy gets its way and the Messina Bridge project is completed by 2033 as planned

The world’s longest suspension bridge was given the green light last year – and it could be of serious interest to Brits. In 2025, the Italian government’s plans to build the longest suspension bridge in the world was approved. If it becomes a reality, it would connect the mainland region of Calabria to Sicily.

However, a lot has happened since then. The controversial Messina Bridge project, which would cost a staggering £11.7bn, faced a setback last November, meaning it was put on hold again.

If the bridge ever gets built along the Strait of Messina, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni still intends, it would be a hugely ambitious infrastructure challenge that has been talked about in Italy for decades.

Pietro Salini, chief executive of Webuild, the engineering group leading the project, said it would be “transformative for the whole country” and he promised that it would “stimulate growth, employment, and lawfulness across southern Italy”.

The colossal bridge, consisting of two towers stretching 400-metres (1,300 feet), would span an incredible 3.3km (2.05 miles). Three lanes of traffic would sit either side of two railway lines in the middle.

It would be particularly welcomed by Brits travelling in Italy, because it would cut their journey to Sicily to just ten minutes, compared to taking the ferry, which can take a lot longer than the 30 minutes crossing when you factor in the immense queuing at peak times.

Speaking last year, Meloni said: “It is not an easy task but we consider it an investment in Italy’s present and future, and we like difficult challenges when they make sense.”

Transport minister Matteo Salvini spoke in August that the goal was to have it built between 2032 and 2033. He also boasted that 120,000 jobs a year would be created, something he said would bring economic growth to the poor regions of Sicilia and Calabria, which is on the tip of Italy’s boot.

Rome was given the approval for the project in August after years of the plans being scrapped. One of the biggest reasons plans have been halted historically was concerns of mafia fraud, including worries about taxpayers’ money being siphoned off by the Sicilian and Calabrian gangsters.

Other concerns have repeatedly been raised about environmental damage, cost and safety, and given the region is one of the most seismically active areas in the Mediterranean, designers promised the Strait of Messina Bridge would be able to withstand earthquakes.

However, in November, yet another setback was reported, after an Italian court ruled the bridge would go against EU environmental and tender rules.

The Court of Auditors ruling concluded: “The assumptions regarding the various ‘reasons of public interest’ are not validated by technical bodies and are not supported by adequate documentation.”

But the Italian government is refusing to give up and has vowed to review the ruling carefully and continue with its ambitions of making the bridge a reality.

As well as still having to convince the Italian Court of Auditors and both national and EU environmental agencies, there would also be pushback from the 4,000 residents who live either side of the Strait.

Their homes would be at risk of demolition and this could mean legal challenges regarding having to abandon their properties.

As it stands, the current world’s longest suspension bridge is the 915 Canakkale Bridge in Turkey – which connects Asia to Europe and takes six minutes to cross.

Construction across the passage of water (Dardanelles Strait) started in 2017 and it only became open to the public three years ago. Journey times have been cut by up to 93%.

This means 90-minute ferry trips can be avoided by using the bridge that starts in Gelibolu, Turkey, which is based on the European side of the country, to the Asian town of Lapseki.

In response, Spanish authorities have imposed a crackdown on tourists and excessive alcohol consumption, particularly around the areas of Magaluf and San Antonio

Spanish holidaymakers could fall foul of the six-drink rule this summer, a travel expert has warned.

Tourists heading to the Balearic Islands may find themselves slapped with heavy fines, as Spanish authorities move to crack down on excessive partying as the holiday season gets underway.

Over 3.5 million Brits visit the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera last year, jetting off in search of vitamin D and cheaper pints. However, amid a surge in unruly tourists and their booze-fuelled benders locals have begun to organise anti-tourism demonstrations, demanding action against rowdy behaviour, soaring rental prices, and overrun beaches in recent years.

In response, Spanish authorities have imposed a crackdown on tourists and excessive alcohol consumption, particularly around the areas of Magaluf and San Antonio. Under the 2024 ‘Decree for Responsible Tourism’, it’s now illegal to consume alcohol on the streets. Breaking these rules will land tourists a sizeable fine, ranging anywhere from €500 up to €3,000, depending on the severity of the violation.

READ MORE: I am saving £3,000 on each family holiday by taking the kids away during term-timeREAD MORE: Packing is ‘so much easier’ with ‘simple’ suitcase hack for ‘no creases’

Executive director of John Mason International, Simon Hood, has issued a warning to Brits jetting off to the party destinations of Majorca and Ibiza in the coming months. The travel expert has said that holidaymakers should avoid public drinking and excessive noise at night if they want to avoid facing penalties, with authorities planning stronger enforcement of key laws throughout the summer.

Simon has warned that anti-social behaviour from tourists will not be tolerated by the local authorities in the coming months, as they enforce stricter measures and potentially hand out sizeable fines to offenders.

Simon explains: “In response to recent overtourism protests, the islands of Majorca and Ibiza have implemented Responsible Tourism rules following some understandable concern from local residents.

“These laws were first introduced in 2024, however, new amendments have recently been proposed that many Brits are unaware of. Be careful you’re not caught out taking alcoholic drinks onto the street and spilling them. Being overly loud and drawing attention to yourself will also land you in trouble quicker.”

“Holiday-goers planning on booking all-inclusive packages or bar crawls are also affected by these laws. For example, limits on all-inclusive drinks have been introduced in the party resorts of Magaluf, Playa de Palma, and San Antonio.

“If you have booked an all-inclusive package, you’re only allowed a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per day, and these must be split between your lunch and evening meal. Make sure you’re not going over your allowance and trying to cheat hotel staff. Hotels are allowed to charge you more money for breaking all-inclusive rules.”

Gone are the days of two-for-one cocktails and happy hours, as the islands have tightened control on public drinking and alcohol promotions in bars and pubs. The Balearic law now forbids tourists from drinking alcohol on the streets and beaches, with penalties ranging from €750 (£650) to €3,000 (£2,600) for violations.

Off-licence alcohol sales have also been clamped down on, with sales prohibited between 9.30pm and 8am in specific areas in a further attempt to limit street drinking and curb anti-social behaviour.

Simon says: “At John Mason International, we always advise our clients to remain cautious and respect local rules and regulations. This Act hopes to crack down on excessive binge drinking, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a few pina coladas by the pool and have a great vacation – it just means you need to be cautious of your surroundings.

“These rules may seem strict, but they’re trying to promote harmony between local residents who want to go about their lives and tourists enjoying their holidays. If I can provide one piece of advice, it’s have fun.”

GOING on holiday to Greece this year just became a whole lot easier.

If you dream of lazing on white sand beaches and gazing at turquoise waters with a Mythos beer in hand, you’re in luck.

Getting to Greece is set to be a breeze, as the country has ditched the new European border control systems for Brits that have resulted in three-hour queues as holidaymakers arrive at their destinations.

On April 18, the Greek Embassy stated that Brits entering the country will not have to enrol in the new EU border biometrics system, EES.

This means British holidaymakers visiting Greece can skip the fingerprint scanning and questioning that comes with enrolling in the Entry/Exit System.

Not only can you skip the queues in time for your Greek summer holiday, but if you’re yet to book something abroad, you still have time to nab an affordable break.

Insiders at Travel Supermarket have tipped Sun Travel off about the country’s most affordable destinations – plus we’ve found last-minute deals you can bag for cheap.

Here are the trusted travel company’s top five cheapest Greek island destinations, based on the average price per person for a 7-night stay.

*Prices correct at time of publication

5. Crete

Crete is one of the most affordable Greek holiday destinations, with an average holiday price per person of £718 for a week away (though we’ve found a steal of a deal for £235pp).

Chania on the west coast offers some of the island’s most beautiful natural landscapes, where you can hike Samaria Gorge or laze on the pinkish sands of Elafonisi Beach.

Lasithi on the east coast is home to lots of upscale resorts, which may bring the average holiday price up compared to the other islands.

Heraklion in the centre houses the island’s fascinating historical artefacts.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is well worth an afternoon’s visit, and the coastal city of Rethymno has a historic Old Town.

4. Santorini

Given that sunny Santorini is an A-lister hotspot, it may come as a surprise that it’s made the list of the cheapest Greek islands to book for Brits.

The average price per person for a week’s holiday here is just £621, which feels like a bargain considering its status.

Santorini is a picture-perfect Greek island, with bright white buildings that tumble down hills towards the Aegean Sea.

Visit Oia Village to spot blue-domed churches and to find the best viewpoints for the island’s spectacular sunsets, or sail off on a catamaran cruise to look back at the island from afar.

3. Rhodes

Rhodes remains a popular choice for British holidaymakers, and comes in joint-second place for the most affordable of the Greek islands.

Think picturesque whitewashed villages, cobbled narrow streets and endless blue horizon.

Not only are there plenty of beautiful beaches, like the emerald cove of Anthony Quinn Bay or beach-bar-lined Tsambika Beach, but there’s plenty of history here, too.

Wander the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town to its massive 14th-century castle, or walk the preserved Street of the Knights.

2. Lefkas

At an average cost of £599pp, Lefkas, or Lefkada, is the second-most affordable Greek island according to data from Travel Supermarket.

This lesser-known island has plenty of picturesque traditional villages and beautiful white limestone cliffs.

It’s worth visiting this quiet island before more people catch on to its beauty. Top beaches include the unspoiled Milos Beach and the crystal-clear waters of Agiofilli Beach.

Take a visit to the island’s traditional fishing resorts like Nidri, where its pretty harbour faces electric-blue waters.

This island also connects to mainland Greece via a bridge, making it one of the only islands you can drive to if you’re not a fan of travelling by boat.

1. Kefalonia

Kefalaonia was revealed as the most affordable Greek island, with the average week-long holiday costing just £554pp.

As the largest Ionian island, Kefalonia has plenty to offer.

This beautiful island is full of white sand beaches and hidden coves to explore, such as the Blue Flag-listed Antisamos Beach and the crescent-shaped Myrtos Beach.

Plus, this is a great island to escape to for pure relaxation, as it offers a much more relaxed feel in comparison to the nightlife of its buzzy neighbours, Corfu and Zakynthos.

With so many affordable holidays to pick from, which Greek island destination would you go for?

Chris Webber, Head of holidays and deals at Travel Supermarket, suggests ticking off celeb-favourite Santorini.

He says: “Rhodes has been our most booked Greek island so far this year, but it’s only our third cheapest and fifth in terms of price drops — which shows there are real bargains out there for holidaymakers willing to look beyond the usual suspects.”

“The biggest surprise is Santorini. It has a reputation as a pricey, aspirational destination, but it’s had the largest price drop of any
Greek island we track, down more than £200 per person on the same time last year.”

“If Santorini has ever been on your list, now is clearly the moment to go.”

Follow @thesuntravel on Instagram on TikTok for more travel tips and inspiration

DIY expert Nick Knowles said he’s no longer going to Turkey as BBC Morning Live viewers told ‘it could see holidays in jeopardy’

A BBC travel expert has given an update to anyone with holidays booked or considering going on a foreign break this summer. On BBC Morning Live consumer champion Rebecca Wilcox told hosts Rav Wilding and Holly Hamilton how concern is growing from people with breaks lined up – as to if it could be cancelled, will they be charged more supplementary fees and will they be covered.

And during the section show DIY expert and guest Nick Knowles revealed his family has decided to cancel their holiday to Turkey amidst all the uncertainty. Host Helen said: “With this morning’s headlines showing oil prices at their highest level since 2022 there’s growing concern that airlines could respond by raising fares or even cancelling some flights.”

Ms Wilcox agreed and said: “It’s very worrying and and the number of headlines make us spike in our concern and I can see that the fuel price is going up making concerns go up and what we’re going to talk about today is how specifically that is going to affect the holiday pricing with airline fares because, of course, jet fuel, is integral for flying through the air.

“Jet2 has told us they are seeing an increase in holidaymakers leaving it to the very last minute to book their holidays, and that’s so they know the full cost of their trip at the time of purchase and that is due to the conflict in the Middle East.

“It tells us that there’s a real worry going on out there. People are quite hesitant to book, they don’t know whether they should go ahead with it. On Monday we heard the Prime Minister saying that airlines actually do have enough jet fuel at the moment but it could see holidays in jeopardy in the future and that depends upon how long this conflict goes on for which, of course, nobody knows.”

She said more people are considering whether to go ahead or just book a staycation in the UK instead. Presenter Holly Hamilton said: “Most people when you chat to them, it’s at the forefront of their mind about booking holidays and in some cases they are cancelling them. Nick you and I were chatting about it and you’ve cancelled your holiday.”

Nick Knowles said: “Yes a holiday in Turkey and we’ve decided to stay home. A holiday in the UK is more expensive than going abroad – so we’re going to go in the back garden and drink cocktails and sunbathe in the back garden. The trick is don’t tell anyone you’re not going away because then they’ll ring you and interrupt.”

Holly said, “Bad news, you’ve just told everybody.” Nick added, “I’m going to be in such trouble with my wife now.”

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Rav asked: “Can holiday companies just raise prices then?” Rebecca said: “I’m devastated that Nick is not going to Turkey – how is he going to get those new teeth he was talking about earlier? I’m joking, obviously his teeth are beautiful.” Nick interjected: “I’m going back to the same people who did my hair it’s fine.”

When can holiday companies raise prices

Rebecca said: “They can only raise their prices in specific circumstances because there is a law protecting consumers from these huge hikes in prices that they could add on for any random charges. This law is known as the Package Travel Regulation and it means we are protected.

“The surcharges they are allowed to add on are related to things like fuel cost increases, which we’re talking about today, transport taxes and fees and any fluctuations in the exchange rate movement. They have to say this in your T&Cs at time of booking so just c heck your terms and conditions.”

Holly said: “The people who have booked their holiday will be thinking ‘how much could they possibly add on?’ “ Ms Wilcox said: “Well, it is a limited amount they can add on before they give you the option of cancelling or a refund and that amount they can add on is 8 per cent. This 8 per cent is broken down into 2 sections because the holiday company has to swallow that first 2 per cent and then you as consumer will only pay 6 per cent and that’s of the total cost of your holiday package.

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“What does that look like for a holiday? So for instance if you’ve spent £1,000 on your holiday that’ll be an extra £60. A £3,500 holiday, another £210, and a £5,000 cruise that’s £300. They can only ask for this for up to 20 days before you travel and that’s why people are booking these last minute holidays because the time limit for that 6 per cent has already gone.”

Package holidays

Rav gave an example from a viewer, Jeff, who was due to pay the balance on his holiday – he’d booked the flights and the accommodation through the same agent and asked if his family would be able to get a full refund if they have to cancel our holiday because of the shortage. Ms Wilcox said: “This sounds like he’s booked a package holiday when he’s booked the flight and the accommodation together and that means you do have more protection and you should be offered a full refund and a suitable alternative if they make major changes.

“If it’s a flight only deal they must offer you a replacement flight or a refund. If they offer you a holiday voucher or credit with them instead of cash be really wary and think twice about doing it. They may lure you in by offering you something that’s supposedly more than what you spent so it looks like it’s of greater value, but I would say you’re more protected if you get the cash back.” She said there may be restrictions, there may be an end date on the credit and also the company could go bust.

She said getting travel insurance when you make the booking was vital as you’re protected from then until time of travel.

A STAYCATION can often be the ultimate way to relax, but what if you could make it better by having your own private lock-ins…

A former village pub in the Peak District has been transformed into the ultimate group retreat.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Called The Crewe & Harpur, the pub which is in the village of Longnor, sleeps up to 34 people across 17 bedrooms in four buildings – the main building (which is the converted pub), Abbey Cottage, Calke Cottage and Etwell Cottage.

But what makes this spot truly special is that in the main building, there is still the original bar, where you can pour yourself a pint.

If guests want to do this, they just have to ask their hosts to put in a keg of local ale.

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The oak bar boasts typical boozer stools, shelves of glasses, fridges to keep beverages cool and an ice machine at your disposal.

One of the best things about cosy pubs is the mismatched furniture, which you’ll also find inside the converted pub, such as corner benches and different chairs.

Of course, a boozer isn’t complete without some form of entertainment, so guests can get competitive with a round of darts.

But if that wasn’t enough entertainment, there is also a smaller games room with table tennis and table football.

There’s a comfortable living area as well as a fully equipped kitchen too.

Most of the features you see inside are original as well, such as the beams and fireplaces, as the pub is Grade II listed.

And ideal for the sunny weather, outside you’ll find three different areas including a courtyard with picnic benches and a brick barbeque, a paved patio with views of the valley and a grass garden.

Even where the pub is located is special as it sits in the middle of the old market square of the village, where at the edges you’ll find a fish and chip shop, village shop, local pub and a tea room.

The main building dates back two centuries and used to be a coaching inn for people travelling between Manchester and London.

A three-night stay between Friday and Monday costs from £4,000 which works out around £41 per person per night.

In the surrounding area you can visit the spa town of Buxton (also the home of the famous bottled water brand), with independent shops and weekly markets.

In the town you can head to Pavilion Gardens, which is a Victorian event venue surrounded by 23 acres of landscaped gardens.

The attraction has a number of play areas for kids as well, and over the year has around 100 events and festivals including Comic Con, antique fairs and toy fairs.

In the town centre, don’t miss out on filling up your bottle with fresh mineral water from St Ann’s Well.

If you are with the kids, Buxton has a Go Ape adventure attraction too with a treetop challenge and swing drop.

The market town of Bakewell – where the jam and almond-filled pastry Bakewell Pudding was created – is also not too far away.

And for those who love a thrill, Alton Towers theme park is less than a half hour drive away.

The Money Saving Expert founder reminded people of this ‘most important’ thing to do when booking a holiday

As the peak travel season draws near, Martin Lewis has reminded holidaymakers of his ‘golden’ travel rule, which he urges everybody to follow. He set out exactly why it matters during a recent special edition of the Money Show Live on Tuesday, April 28.

Martin said that his “most important” tip is to take out travel insurance “as soon as you book” – a principle he shortens to four letters: ‘ASAB’. Outlining his rule, Martin said: “If you’re booking a single-trip policy, then you get the insurance as soon as you book to cover a specific future date.

“You pay for that and, once you’ve paid for it, you have the travel insurance. If anything happens from that point onwards, you’re covered, no problem.”

Rather than waiting for something to go wrong, travellers should look at securing insurance the moment they book their holiday, safeguarding themselves should any problems arise in the lead-up to their travels. The level of cover on offer will vary depending on the type of policy chosen.

Martin’s reason for getting protected straight away – even if your trip is several weeks or more than a year down the line – is that cover kicks in immediately, reports the Express. He said: “The reason you do that is that half of the coverage you’re paying for is in case something happens that stops you from going before the trip.

“If you don’t have travel insurance, you’ve got no cover. So you might as well have it in place. At this time of year, when many people have already booked, I have a slight adaptation. If you’ve booked and you don’t have it yet, just get it now.”

Fellow ITV presenter Jeanette Kwakye shared that a viewer got in touch to say how they managed to avoid a £5,000 rescheduling fee thanks to having travel insurance in place. The viewer told Martin: “I booked flights to Australia for a family group of seven to travel in March next year.

“I took out insurance immediately. One of our group members is now pregnant and can’t travel on the dates planned. It cost £5,000 to reschedule, which I’m happy to report the insurance has covered.”

During the programme, Martin warned anyone booking a summer holiday that they would not receive a refund if their flight was cancelled and they were unable to reach their hotel. However, this only applied if they had booked in a particular way – and there is a means of safeguarding yourself should the worst come to pass.

The money expert was asked by an audience member: “If my flight’s cancelled due to no jet fuel will you definitely receive all your money back, even for your hotel booking as well.”

Martin confirmed that travellers would lose their hotel booking money if it had been booked separately from their flights, as they would not be protected under consumer rules. He said: “No. And I think this is what people need to be very aware of.

“If you booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, then under the package holiday regulations and rules and protections generally, if your flight went, you would get everything back. At the moment, package holidays give you a certain level of extra security that you wouldn’t get if you did a DIY booking where you bought your hotel and flight separately.”

In other travel news, airline passengers have been told there are two days that are often “cheapest to book a flight”. This will naturally depend on factors such as your destination, your chosen airline, and where you book – full details here.

A TOP travel company has launched a new guarantee for customers that allows them to get a refund the same day their flight is cancelled.

On The Beach has launched a new initiative for travellers this summer, where, if their flight is cancelled, they will get a refund on the same day.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The holiday package provider is the first to offer ‘Cancelled Flight Cover’, and it is included on all On The Beach packages.

The perk will come into play if your flight is either cancelled or rescheduled by 12 hours or more, with On The Beach first trying to find you the “next best flight”.

If this is not possible or you don’t want the alternative flight, a refund will be processed on the very same day for your flight, hotel and any extras you booked.

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It comes as airlines and travellers face uncertainty this summer, with possible cancellations across Europe due to fuel supply concerns.

Some airlines are already cutting flights but other providers usually take up to 14 days to refund customers.

Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, said: “Holidaymakers deserve certainty, especially when disruption strikes.

“We’re proud to be the first package holiday provider to commit to same-day refund processing for cancelled flights, giving customers the confidence to book knowing we’ve got their back when it matters most.

“If the worst happens and a flight is cancelled, we’ll move quickly to either find a new route or return every penny of their holiday money that same day.

“This means they can get a new break booked, make alternative plans fast, and get back to looking forward to their summer instead of worrying about it.”

When Juan Antonio moved to Los Angeles from his hometown of Puebla, the capital city of the Mexican state by the same name, he got straight to work doing what he knew best: baking cemita bread.

Antonio started baking at a panadería in Lincoln Heights in about 1996, churning out dozens of fresh cemitas daily and selling them door to door. At the time, there were few places selling the bread, and the community recognized him as “el cemitero.”

The cemita sandwich is a staple in Puebla, a gastronomically rich region in East-Central Mexico with Indigenous, Spanish and Middle Eastern roots. Alongside cemitas, Puebla is known for traditional dishes such as mole poblano (the sauce complex with chocolate and chiles), chiles en nogada (stuffed Poblano chiles drenched in a walnut cream sauce) and tacos arabe (tacos with spit-roasted pork, wrapped in pita bread).

Cemita bread, speckled with sesame seeds and crisp on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior, is believed to have originated in 16th century Puebla, brought to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors and later developed with French baking techniques.

Due to its long preservation period, the bread was commonly found on ships with long voyages, and some believe it was offered as a tribute to the Spanish crown.

The sandwich started with simple fillings like beans and cheese and gradually became more layered over time. Now, cemita sandwiches typically consist of the titular, toasted sesame seed bread; a heap of stringy, salty Oaxacan cheese; avocado; jalapeño or chipotle peppers; pápalo, an herb with a cilantro-minty taste; and some choice of meat, with milanesa — a breaded chicken or steak cutlet — being the most popular options.

Cemitas, often wrapped in crinkly yellow paper and eaten on the go, have grown a steady presence in L.A. since Antonio first started selling them in East L.A. almost 30 years ago. Today, he continues to bake cemitas at El Cemitero Poblano, his family restaurant in Boyle Heights, and is joined by food trucks, street vendors and other sit-down restaurants offering traditional and creative takes on the iconic Poblano dish that’s usually priced between $10 and $20.

In Puebla, thousands gather for the annual Festival de la Cemita Poblana, a celebration that takes place around Cinco de Mayo and features dozens of cemita vendors.

Though commonly misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday with special significance to Puebla, as it recognizes the Mexican army’s victory over France at the historic Battle of Puebla in 1862. In L.A., the holiday is often celebrated with mariachi bands, free-flowing margaritas and tacos, but if you’re looking for ways to tie in Poblano traditions, consider stopping by one of L.A.’s top spots for cemitas, from classic East L.A. stands to places in La Puente, Mid-City and Van Nuys.

Laura Melling, a mum-of-two, is willing to take the fine and the potential hit to her children’s schooling. She claims she’s saving herself a fortune by going against the rules and taking her kids away as and when she pleases

A mum saves £3,000 on each family holiday by taking her kids away during term-time.

It’s no secret that holiday prices soar during the school holidays. According to Go Compare, the high demand for a break away with the kids during the Easter holidays saw trips rise by 9% compared to non-peak periods.

And with the ongoing war between Iran and the US causing fuel shortage scares, some airlines are raising fares to combat jet fuel price increases. It’s a never-ending battle, particularly for state school families who don’t have the luxury of the long holidays as those in the private sector.

In a bid to tackle absenteeism among kids whose parents want to jet away during term time, many schools now fine £80 per parent, per child for any unauthorized absences up to five days outside of official holidays.

Laura Melling, a mum-of-two, is willing to take the fine and the potential hit to her children’s schooling. She claims she’s saving herself a fortune by going against the rules and taking her kids away as and when she pleases.

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“It’s ridiculous, they’re my children – not the school’s,” the nurse, from Leyland, told creatorzine.com. “It works out cheaper to pay the fine than school holiday prices. I don’t feel guilty in the slightest. My kids are having the best experiences rather than sitting in a boring classroom.

“And we’re saving a fortune. It’s a no-brainer.”

Laura, 36, and her husband, Paul, 37, have shelled out over £500 in fines to date. But by jetting off during term-time, they’re saving themselves an estimated £3,000 per trip. And the mum to Lucy, eight, and Emily, seven, admits that teachers aren’t usually too displeased with their decision.

She said: “The teachers are usually supportive and say they wish they could do it. All the parents agree with me too. A few of them have followed suit after seeing us do it.”

So far, they’ve been to Egypt, Tunisia and France. And they’ve never paid more than £1,000 to get away for a week.

Earlier this year the family flew to Lapland. Instead of forking out £700-per-person for the flights in December, they went at the start of term in January, costing just £40-per-head. Their car hire was £189, rather than £545 during the school holidays and their accommodation came to just £500 instead of £1,900. In total, it saved them £2,946.

Laura added: “My kids are learning life skills. They learn in different ways when away, so we’re not neglecting their education. They have learning apps on their iPads and workbooks to complete.

“I would love to [take them out of school full-time], however, I don’t think our balance would cope; we need to work. My children are realising the world is a big place and they are now seeing different cultures.

“Everyone needs a break from the mundane, so being away gives us all time to relax and enjoy each other’s company without being stuck in a routine.”

Currently, parents whose children miss school without a good reason are initially given a fixed penalty notice of £80, which rises to £160 if not paid within 21 days. If the increased fine is then not paid within 28 days, or a child is off school three or more times within three years, the matter can be taken to magistrates’ court.

The court can fine parents up to £2,500, issue a community order, a parenting order or, in the most extreme cases, hand out a prison sentence of up to three months.

The Department for Education is attempting to tackle the scourge of absenteeism, which can impact a child’s prospects and disrupt the classroom.

Its spokesperson told the BBC: “Through our Plan for Change, we’re determined to give children growing up in our country the best start in life. But that can only happen if a strong foundation for learning is built through children regularly attending school.

“We have already made significant progress with five million more days in school in last academic year and 140,000 fewer pupils persistently absent. Poor attendance damages children’s prospects and term time holidays place the burden on teachers to support missed learning – affecting the entire class. That’s why fines have a vital place in our system, so everyone is held accountable for ensuring our children are in school.”