The airline says it’s going to start charging passengers for ‘priority carry-on’ so it can stop weighing every piece of luggage at the gate just before departure
One budget airline is making big changes to its cabin bag policy [file image](Image: Jetstar)
A major budget airline is ending its free overhead cabin bag policy and replacing it with a new £13 rule.
From the start of February 2027, passengers flying with Jetstar will only be able to bring a small bag that must fit under the seat in front of them for free. The new rules end Jetstar’s free overhead luggage policy, which was limited to 7kg, and now mirrors the baggage restrictions used by European budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet.
Previously, every piece of luggage set to be taken onboard a Jetstar flight was weighed by airline staff at the gate, with anyone with overweight bags forced to pay fees in order to board with their bags.
The Australian airline, which flies across Australia, New Zealand, south-east Asia, and even as far as Japan and South Korea, says the new rules have been brought in to stop this practice.
“We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew,” said CEO Stephanie Tully.
“To make packing easier we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit, so from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.”
The new rules mean passengers who want to take more luggage than the free under-seat bag must purchase a ‘priority carry-on’ fare to access the overhead lockers. This fee costs at least another A$25 (£13, as of August 5, 2026).
Ms Tully explained why Jetstar decided to charge extra: “By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.”
“Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”
While fees start at just A$25, they climb dramatically for longer and more popular flights. It will cost A$33 (£17.30) for its most popular route, Sydney to Melbourne, A$39 (£20.45) from Perth to popular holiday destination Denpasar in Bali, and A$52 (£27.27) from Cairns to Tokyo Narita.
New size limits have also been confirmed for carry-on luggage. Underseat bags must be smaller than 40 × 30 × 20cm, while overhead bags can be up to 56 × 36 × 23cm large.
THE summer holidays are in full swing and if you want a fun family day out that is completely free, look no further.
From open-air museums to galleries, attractions and incredible buildings with summer activities for kids – these places will keep everyone entertained and won’t cost a penny.
There are plenty of free museums and attractions in the UK – like RAF CosfordCredit: AlamyThe top-rated free museum in Which? is St Fagans National Museum of history in CardiffCredit: Getty
Which? has revealed the top best family days out and in top spot is St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff.
The museum has a reconstructed historic street showing what life was like in Wales many years ago.
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It’s filled with historic buildings that have been relocated to the site including a medieval church, farmhouses and a school.
In the centre of it all is St Fagans Castle, which is a 16th century manor house that has been open to the public since 1948 and is set within pretty Italian gardens.
It’s considered ‘best [museum] of its kind in the world’ according toOn Magazine with one visitor on Tripadvisor calling it “unique and unforgettable”.
Inside are 100 locomotives, thousands of historical artifacts, royal carriages and well-known trains like the Mallard steam engine.
There’s also the art-deco Duchess of Hamilton, and a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train too.
Here’s the full list of the the top free museums and galleries from Which?…
St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
National Railway Museum, York
Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford
National Museum of Scotland
Cardiff National Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Royal Air Force Museum, London
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Scottish National Galleries
Throughout the summer there are events on every day like immersive storytelling and live shows, plus there are indoor and outdoor play areas for children.
It’s completely free to visit, but it’s encouraged to book tickets online to guarantee entry, especially during the summer holidays.
Also highly-rated as a free day out is the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford.
It has a huge collection of military aircraft as well as interactive exhibits and even a plane-themed playground.
Then there’s the National Museum of Scotland which has galleries filled with treasures from the age of the dinosaurs to new technology.
Make sure to pop up to the roof terrace too where you’ll get a view of the Edinburgh skyline.
During the summer holiday there are drop-in activities throughout the day from exploring a dinosaur trail, to space missions and crafts.
Cathedrals like St David’s in Wales is completely freeCredit: AlamyThe Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has everything from art to fighter jetsCredit: Alamy
Another top free day out from Which? is the Cardiff National Museum which is filled with world-class art work and natural history – it also has exhibitions and plenty of events.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is another completely free destinations for a family day out.
It opened in 1901 and has 22 galleries filled with beautiful artwork and don’t miss the organ recital at 1pm from Monday to Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.
Families can pop into Durham Cathedral to see the incredible building for free.
Throughout the summer it holds kids’ workshops like creating your own stained glass,activitys backpacks whichares filled withchallengesr and a pair of binoculars.
The surrounding grounds can be explored for free too.
Other highly-rated historical attractions that are free including St David’s Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral.
On a regular visit to the Houses of Parliament you will need to buy a ticket, but there is a way to get a tour for free.
But Which? advises that if you’re keen to visit, any UK resident can contact their MP or a member of the House of Lords to request a free-5-minute guided tour.
Disneyland Paris may be France’s most famous theme park but there’s an underrated, lesser-known gem that I discovered with my son which I’ve been telling everyone to visit immediately
It’s not as famous as Disneyland Paris(Image: Supplied)
Theme parks are not my thing. Like many first-time parents, when my first son was born, I was wildly optimistic about the prospect of travelling with him.
I imagined my sweet boy hanging off my hip as we wandered around restaurants and museums on city breaks, enjoying all the things I enjoy.
The reality, of course, is that children like children’s things. And if you’re lucky, they’ll tolerate your interests for half an hour at most. Which is why, for years, the idea of a theme park holiday filled me with dread.
So, when I found myself taking my 11-year-old to Futuroscope in France, I approached it with an endurance test mindset. What I didn’t expect was that by the end of the trip, I’d be recommending it to other families.
Getting there
The journey, in both senses, was easier than I expected. Just months away from starting secondary school, my son has reached that fleeting sweet spot between childhood and adolescence where he still wants to spend a weekend away with his mum.
Our route from Manchester involved an Avanti train, a night near St Pancras station, an early morning Eurostar, the Paris Metro and a high-speed train to Futuroscope station near Poitiers. On paper it sounded like a lot.
In reality, it became very much part of the adventure and my son was enjoying all the responsibility – checking maps and practising his French on DuoLingo.
As a mum of three, I realised how rarely we get this kind of uninterrupted time together. Even before we’d reached the park, the journey itself had already brought us closer.
Staying at the Ecolodgee
A short walk from Futuroscope station and we were there. In fact, the journey via Eurostar was so seamless that my son repeatedly asked whether we’d actually left England yet.
We stayed at the Ecolodgee near the park entrance for really easy access. It’s made up of nature-inspired cabins overlooking a beautiful lake with very lively families of frogs to provide endless wonderment for curious kids such as mine. My son along with some neighbouring kids named themselves ‘the frog hunters’ for the duration of our stay, which says it all really. Nature is the best playground.
The cabins themselves are thoughtfully designed with cabin beds for kids cleverly separated from the master bedroom area yet in the same space. According to my son, the hand-delivered breakfast basket that arrived on our cabin doorstep each morning filled with French delights was the best meal of the entire trip.
I couldn’t agree more. Sitting on the terrace together, listening to frogs and looking out across the lake with no screens, was just perfect.
The rides and attractions
As someone who once rode Blackpool’s Pepsi Max Big One six times in a row without hesitation, I’ve reluctantly had to accept that age has made me considerably less fearless.
Two fun-packed days with my son however, meant stepping out of my comfort zone and straight into the arms of a nine-metre-high robot. Dances with Robots is a ride that throws you around to music at a fear factor of your choosing. Speaking on behalf of both of us, that fear factor was apparently “expert level” according to my son.
I emerged feeling slightly shaken and wondering how I was going to survive an entire weekend of being flung upside down. Thankfully, I quickly realised that Futuroscope isn’t really a theme park in the traditional sense.
Yes, there are plenty of thrilling rides; my son called Objectif Mars (Destination Mars) “the best ride ever” before immediately asking to go on it again. But much of what makes Futuroscope special isn’t physical at all. It’s immersive, imaginative and distinctly French in a way that truly sets it apart from most theme parks.
If needed, English language translation is available through the ListenWIFI app for many of the story-led attractions, but I found myself happily dusting off my GCSE French for the most part and embracing the fact that this is a park built with French families in mind.
Chasseurs de Tornades (Tornado Chasers) was a favourite. We were plunged into the heart of a tornado on a revolving platform, combining blockbuster storytelling with a thrill factor that doesn’t make you question your life choices. My kind of ride.
I also loved La Clé des Songes (The Key to Dreams), a spectacle of water screens, projections, lights and pyrotechnics in the most grand and beautiful setting, that really was like stepping into a dream.
What I appreciated most though was the overall balance.
One minute my son was absolutely wired on the water rapids ride Mission Bermudes, the next he was peacefully gliding around the world with me on The Extraordinary Journey.
Each attraction activated different parts of his imagination. And, more importantly, gave me just enough recovery time.
The food
Futuroscope offers a huge variety of food options ranging from French dining and buffets to gelato and street food – without a nugget in sight.
La Table d’Arthur is great for most tastes with its generous self-service buffet, while L’Atelier des Saveurs offers a more traditional French dining experience.
The most enticing option for children, however, is Space Loop Restaurant, a futuristic dining experience where your meal travels from the kitchen to your table via a rollercoaster suspended above your head. The star attraction is the famous blue burger, which is as blue as a bottle of WKD and, unsurprisingly, is a child’s dream, as is much of the food at Futuroscope.
For us, though, enjoying it all required extra planning.
My son has multiple food allergies, including sesame, nuts and fish, so eating anywhere new can be very stressful. Throw in a language barrier, an overwhelming buffet and you have a familiar challenge for many allergy families.
Thankfully, Space Loop had a delicious pasta option and fries, which kept my son very happy and full. Meanwhile, when I felt stressed by the choices at La Table d’Arthur, staff were able to give a detailed allergen information sheet which was reassuring.
Travelling with food allergies will always need extra vigilance, but once I knew how to ask, our meals became easy and enjoyable.
My overall verdict on Futuroscope
What I loved about Futuroscope overall was that rather than stepping into a global brand, I felt like I’d genuinely travelled somewhere both unique and affordable. The food, language, attractions and even the families around us reminded me that we were in France at every turn. And for me, that’s its biggest selling point.
It also gave me something I hadn’t expected from a theme park holiday.
As my son edges closer to his teen years, uninterrupted one-on-one time can be surprisingly hard to find.
Whether eating food delivered on a rollercoaster or exploring virtual worlds, the trip gave us space to try new things and just be together and that’s what I’ll look back most fondly on.
Of course, he’ll treasure the rides the most. And strangely, we’ll probably both remember the frogs.
Book the holiday
Stay three days and two nights at Futuroscope from €896 (£774) for a family of four staying at Hotel Ecolodgee, with Futuroscope tickets as well Aquascope tickets. Find out more and book at futuroscope.com.
A MUCH-LOVED playground is set to reopen TOMORROW after a multi-million refurb.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens in London, will reopen on August 5 with a new 17metre by 12metre Galleon on a sandy beach.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground will reopen tomorrowCredit: Royal ParksIn the park there is a Galleon ship with two crow’s nests to climbCredit: Royal Parks
The Galleon also has two crow’s nests to climb, a large tunnel slide and a play telescope.
Inside the ship, there is a kitchen and lots of nooks and crannies ideal for a game of hide and seek.
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Other parts of the £3million playground upgrade include a “treehouse of dreams”, which has three different climbing towers and a four metre tunnel slide.
The free-to-visit park also now has an accessible walkway, talk tubes, musical instruments and games such as tic-tac-toe.
Ideal for the hot and sunny weather, there’s a new waterplay area as well with a crocodile sculpture.
Little kids aren’t left out either, as there is an area with timber houses, play ships and a large sandpit for toddlers.
Andy Williams, Park Manager for Kensington Gardens said: “We know that children across London, the UK and the world have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this playground, and we can’t wait to see their reactions when they visit. We know they will absolutely love it.
“This playground has been thoughtfully designed so that children of all abilities and interests can find something that appeals to them.
There’s also a water play areaCredit: Royal ParksAnd a ‘treehouse of dreams’ with a slideCredit: Royal Parks
“Children can once again splash, swing, climb and hide in this almost two-acre playground set amongst sub-tropical planting.”
He added: “This incredibly popular playground has a capacity of 450 people and with UK schools now on summer break, we are expecting more people to visit than usual.
“Therefore, there may be lengthy queues across the week, but especially at weekends.”
A FAMILY has been left distraught after they missed their flight – but it wasn’t their fault.
A father along with his family including his severely disabled teenage daughter has claimed that they were abandoned by budget airline Ryanair.
The family was due to fly from Alicante to BournemouthCredit: WERNER WILMES/Wikipedia
Daniel Laws, from Bournemouth commented that Ryanair told them to make their own way home after waiting in the wrong airport for hours, adding that the treatment from the airline’s staff was “abominable”.
When at Alicante Airport, the special assistance bus took the family to the wrong plane and resulted in them missing their flight back to Bournemouth.
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According to the Bournemouth Echo, Daniel said: “I said to them this is the wrong plane, this is a TUI plane.”
However, by the time the family were back at the terminal, their plane had left without them.
The family was then taken to the Ryanair help desk, where they were left “sitting on the floor for two hours”.
After waiting for a few hours, the family was then told they could be rebooked onto a flight that would head to Stansted Airport.
He added: “I responded would they also be able to help us get back to Bournemouth and they seemed to laugh at that and walk away from the window.”
After landing back in London, the family headed to the Ryanair desk at the airport to seek further assistance to travel back to Bournemouth.
After an hour of waiting passed, the staff hadn’t spoke to the family and when they eventually did, they told the family that “Ryanair believe it has nothing to do with them and we must organise our own way home”.
To make matters worse, the family hadn’t eaten since breakfast.
The family flew back to Stansted Airport and then had to get the train to BournemouthCredit: Getty
Daniel added: “We were abandoned in Stanstead and none of us had eaten.”
The family eventually travelled home via train, but have stated that they want a refund for the flights and all expenses incurred.
He added: “It was a life changing event for them [the children]….they were so worried about my eldest.”
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “Special assistance services at Alicante Airport (and all other airports) are provided by the airport but are paid for by Ryanair.
“We regret that Alicante Airport’s special assistance provider, Alyzia, failed to bring these passengers to the aircraft prior to this flight from Alicante to Bournemouth departing on 31 July.
“Following Alyzia’s error, Ryanair reaccommodated these passengers free of charge onto the next available flight from Alicante to Stansted, which departed later that the same day.
“We are working with Alicante Airport to ensure this does not recur.”
A SUMMER of free bus travel for under 16s has started in the UK and one major airport is now offering free trips too.
To encourage passengers to leave their cars behind, bus travel will be completely free to and from the terminal for all holidaymakers throughout August.
Passengers travelling to and from Luton Airport this summer can do so for freeCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoThe buses will take passengers to the terminalCredit: Alamy
London Luton Airport in Bedfordshire will operate buses throughout the day dropping passengers right outside without having to pay a fare.
This falls under the ‘Fly and Ride’ scheme where passengers can travel free on a range of Arriva and Stagecoach services.
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All travellers have to do is show a valid printed or digital boarding pass for a flight departing from London Luton Airport during August.
The offer is valid on Arriva routes 101, X1, X2, X3, X4, A and Z.
It’s also valid on Stagecoach’s MK1, which covers the nearby towns of Stevenage, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Bedford and Dunstable.
The free journey will count from any stop between August 1-31.
Return journeys must be completed by August 31 to qualify.
The offer does not include National Express and Greenline services.
August is the busiest month for most airports and last year 1.8million holidaymakers travelled through Luton Airport.
This was a five per cent increase from the year before, according to the CAA.
London Luton Airport saw over one million passengers last AugustCredit: Alamy
Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, said: “This is a fantastic initiative and a great example of how we continually look to extend our simple and friendly passenger experience far beyond the terminal doors.
“As we prepare for our busiest summer on record, we’re delighted to offer passengers the opportunity to leave the car at home, take advantage of excellent local bus services and travel to the airport for free.”
“I’M going to spend my Saturday digging soil with a JCB for fun,” was a phrase that would never have passed my lips until I became a mum.
Yet, here I am, spending the first sunny weekend in August on an industrial estate in Medway, Kent, having the time of my life at Diggerland theme park.
Caroline’s son takes control of a Komatsu PC14 mini digger to dig for gold at Diggerland in KentThe range of activities is impressive, and not like any other theme park.
You might question whether you can really get a whole day out of construction equipment, and I was as surprised as anyone to find ourselves racing around the park at closing time, trying to choose our last attraction.
The range of activities is impressive, and not like any other theme park.
They have 20 main rides and drives included in the ticket price, plus some extras like dodgems and quad bikes.
Spin Dizzy is the biggest – spinning up to 8 guests high in the sky in the bucket of a huge digger.
But the giant diggers were by far my son’s favourite, as you spend around 10 minutes shifting soil in an impressive Komatsu PC55MR-5 tracked excavator. They’re simple enough to use that at seven years old, he was able to get into the cab and tackle control himself.
Other crowd pleasers included the chance to drive a JCB around a circuit, digging for gold with Komatsu PC14 mini diggers and being lifted 50 feet into the air by the Skyshuttle.
But the standout for me had to be the decommissioned police car.
My son was able to drive the car himself, pedals and all, around a dirt track, despite being a whole ten years away from getting his provisional license.
Which is no bad thing, considering he made for a hair-rising chauffeur and was even given a ‘speeding ticket’ at the end of his go.
It feels like the Diggerland creative team had a whale of a time when coming up with the various attractions, which are diverse enough to entertain all ages.
You’ve got the little Tykes toy area, the indoor soft play and the crazy trikes for the younger kids, plenty of options for primary school age children, and a large choice for the adults who’ve always fancied having a go when passing a construction site.
The parks even offer stag and hen do parties, with the onsite cafe listing a range of cocktails and beers that you’d never see at your typical theme park restaurant.
Driving your own truck around a circuit at DiggerlandBut the standout for me had to be the decommissioned police car, which Caroline’s son was able to drive himself, pedals and all, around a dirt track
If you fancy checking it out for yourself there’s no better time to visit as Sun readers can get 2-4-1 tickets at Diggerland through Sun Club or Sun Savers, with families saving over £39 on tickets, plus free entry for children under 90cm.
To get your tickets, Join thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 per month or £12 per year, then head to Offers Hub and find the Diggerland page to claim your voucher.
Tickets cost £25.95pp in advance and £39.50pp on the door, for adults and kids over 90cm.
Get 2-for-1 tickets to Diggerland
To redeem your voucher, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Join thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 per month or £12 per year.
Step 2: Head to Offers Hub and find the Diggerland page. You do not need to collect Sun Savers codes. Booking opens at 11am on Monday, August 3.
Step 3: Download your voucher (Max 2 people per voucher) and have it ready on your phone or printed before your visit.
Step 4: Choose your Diggerland Park in Kent, Devon, Durham or Yorkshire.
Step 5: Claim this offer by Monday, 19 October 2026. Present your voucher and a valid Sun Club account at the park entrance when purchasing your tickets. Your voucher can be redeemed at your chosen Diggerland attraction on selected dates up until Saturday, October 31, 2026.
T&Cs: Voucher is available on weekends throughout September and October, plus every day during the October half-term break, until October 31, 2026.
Or you can pick up the The Sun newspaper from Saturday, August 1 and collect Sun Savers codes.
Find the Diggerland page in the Offers section and select Start Collecting.
Collect THREE out of eight Sun Savers codes printed in The Sun from Saturday, August 1 to Saturday, August 8. Once you have your THREE Sun Savers codes, enter them on the Sun Savers app or website to unlock booking. Booking opens at 11am on Monday, August 3.
Download your voucher (Max 2 people per voucher) and have it ready on your phone or printed before your visit.
Choose your Diggerland Park in Kent, Devon, Durham or Yorkshire.
Claim this offer by Monday, 19 October 2026. Present your voucher and a valid Sun Savers account at the park entrance when purchasing your tickets. Your voucher can be redeemed at your chosen Diggerland attraction on selected dates up until Saturday, October 31, 2026.
18+ UK only. Sun Savers multiple code collect 01/08/26-08/08/26 or Sun Club subscription required. Online access required. Buy one full price standard admission ticket to get a second standard admission ticket free for the same day. Voucher must be redeemed at attractions alongside valid Sun Club/Sun Savers account. Cannot be used online or in conjunction with any other offer. Max 2 people per voucher. Tickets valid weekends in September-October and October 26-30 only. Subject to availability. Non-transferable & non-refundable. Full T&Cs apply, seesunsavers.co.uk orclub.thesun.co.uk/sun-club
MoneySavingExpert, which was founded by Martin Lewis, shared a tip for plane passengers
Martin Lewis is the founder of Money Saving Expert (stock photo)(Image: ITV)
Some customers could be owed back hundreds after purchasing plane tickets, according to MoneySavingExpert (MSE). The consumer website, founded by journalist and TV personality Martin Lewis, regularly shares advice to help Brits.
In advice for travellers, the money experts pointed out that passengers who book non-refundable plane tickets but don’t end up using them can still request a refund for some of their money. While the refund won’t cover the entire cost of the tickets, they can get the Air Passenger Duty refunded.
In a Facebook post, MSE said: “Air Passenger Duty is a tax only paid by the airline to HMRC if you fly. If you don’t fly, whether you cancelled a non-refundable ticket or you missed your flight, you can request a refund from £8 to £253 per person.” The post also included a real-life success story from MSE Clare.
Clare revealed that her in-laws received a refund of £92 each after realising they needed to change their return flight home after visiting the UK from Australia. The family members had assumed they wouldn’t get any money back from their non-refundable tickets after their plans changed, but a “quick email” to their airline confirmed the good news. Clare said it was “a small consolation, but better than nothing.”
In the comments under the post, MSE added: “There’s no deadline for how far back you can claim – though some airlines impose their own (and a few charge an admin fee).” More information is available on the MSE website.
It said: “When you book a flight departing the UK, your ticket price will include various fees, such as airport tax. However, this isn’t collected by HM Revenue and Customs from the airline until after you actually fly. If you don’t fly – even by choice – you shouldn’t have to pay the tax.”
If you’re looking to make a claim, airlines publish information for passengers explaining exactly how to get it. Skyscanner explains: “The procedures for claiming an airport tax refund vary from airline to airline.
“Some will refund it automatically, whereas others require you to fill out a form. It’s worth noting that some carriers will charge an admin fee for the refund application, and with budget airlines, that fee can often surmount the amount you’ll get back.
“Each airline should publish details of how to claim back APD tax on its own website. If you cannot find this, call the airline and request details.”
Skyscanner added: “Some airlines have commercial agreements with various airports and may not always pay airport taxes. If you didn’t initially pay them, you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund.”
Holidaymakers jetting off abroad to the Spanish island of Majorca this summer are being warned about ‘biting fish’ in some popular beach hotspots following several reports
There have been reports of ‘biting fish’ off the shores of Majorca, Spain(Image: Getty Images)
Tourists heading on holiday to Majorca are being warned about ‘biting fish’ following a string of reported ‘attacks’.
More than 2 million Brits jet off abroad to Majorca, also known as Mallorca, every summer for a sun-soaked Mediterranean getaway on Spain’s largest Balearic island. But an unusual phenomenon is threatening to dampen days spent along some of its pristine sandy shores and clear turquoise waters.
Following the weekend, there have been several reports of people being bitten by small fish while swimming in the crystal-clear waters off Majorca. The incidents were recorded around the beaches of Illetes and Cala Comtessa, which are in the municipality and resort town of Calvià.
The Spanish news publication Majorca Daily Bulletin said that “several people” reported seeing “small fish, which seemed to have about two teeth, biting our legs, but in the end, they actually drew blood and everything” over the weekend. At first, they believed the fish were “removing dead skin” rather than taking a nibble of flesh.
One witness to the fish-biting events recalled to the publicationfollowing the weekend: “The attacking fish are back in Mallorca waters, and I saw it for myself on Saturday in Illetas, groups of people leaping up and down as they were nibbled and even bitten by small fish.
“Last year I was bitten three times, so far I’ve been lucky this year, but it appears others have not. One man even joked that perhaps they are part of the anti-tourism movement!”
But this isn’t the first time there have been reports of small biting fish in the shallow shores of Majorca. Just last summer, a woman suffered a serious fish bite while at Playa de Palma, and a German tourist also claimed to have been bitten by several fish on two different occasions within the same week.
“Today, however, the bite was rather serious, and I got out of the water straight away, as it was even bleeding,” he told the Majorca Daily Bulletin last summer. However, they weren’t the only ones to report fish bites, and there’s thought to have been a string of minor incidents along the shores of Majorca dating back to the summer of 2023.
It’s thought to have become more common over the years, and local news outlets report a spike in fish nibbling on swimmers during the summer months. Further incidents have been recorded in Majorca, including Palma, Sa Ràpita, S’Estanyol, Cala Pi, and Cala d’Or.
Experts say rising sea temperatures could contribute to the bizarre happenings. “There are no studies into this, but the reason behind what’s happening could be that the temperature of the water is higher,” Ron Farage, Assistant Curator at Palma Aquarium, previously told the local publication, Ultima Hora.
“And these fish are less scared, in this case of human beings, when they are more hungry, which is a consequence in summer of this increase in the temperature of their natural habitat.”
Meanwhile, the expert added that beachgoers shouldn’t be scared of the fish, because “they’re not poisonous and they don’t do any real damage”. Instead, they tend to be curious about dry skin or existing wounds on people, which they can mistake for food.
Marine Biologist Silvia García from Oceana also told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that the culprits are likely young fish. “They are usually juvenile fish, only a few days or weeks old, so small and transparent that they are barely visible in the water.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
WITH all this warm and sunny weather, has there ever been a better summer for a camping staycation?
Known locally as Mochras, Shell Island in North Cardigan Bay, Wales, sits in the Snowdonia National Park and is the biggest campsite in the UK – and even one of the biggest in Europe.
Shell Island campsite in North Wales is the biggest campsite in the UKCredit: AlamyIt is also right by the beach, which is home to over 200 species of shellsCredit: Alamy
To get to the campsite, you’ll need to check tide times, as it is accessed via a Tidal Causeway – a raised road that can only be driven on at low tide.
With 800 pitches, there is plenty of space for campers across the 450-acre site, or if you don’t fancy sleeping under canvas, you could opt for one of the chalets on site.
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Guests have access to three large, golden sand beaches that look out across Cardigan Bay where you can even have a campfire on.
And what makes the spot even better is that the sunsets are some of the best in the country, painting oranges and pinks in the sky above the peaks of Llŷn Peninsula and Snowdonia.
At the park there are loads of things to do for guests including heading to the Tavern Bar for a tipple.
And for forgotten items, there is a useful supermarket on site as well as a gift shop, camping shop and off licence.
Kids can let off steam in the playground and football pitch or watch boats bob in the Mini Boat Pool before heading to the strawberry picking site.
There’s a large games room as well, next to the bar, where you can play pool, have a go on multiple arcade games and try and win on the penny machines.
At the campsite, you can head off on walks, head to the mini boat pond or visit the playgroundCredit: AlamyThe beach is just a few minutes away and is ideal for kite-surfingCredit: Alamy
Or head to the sports room, next to the games room, where you will find three TVs showing different sports.
The beach is just a few minutes’ walk away as well, which is a great spot to head kite-surfing, fishing and sailing.
The beach is known for having a large variety of shells, with up to 200 different species.
Along the beaches, there are a number of paths for walks as well as recommended swimming spots.
During the peak season, camping costs from £14 per adult per night and children cost £7 per night.
Dogs are welcome too, costing £2.75 per night.
And one of the most unique things about the park, is that you get to pick your pitch as there is no pitch allocation.
Says cost from £7 per child per night and £14 per adult per nightCredit: Alamy
This means you could opt for an area hidden in the sand dunes that overlooks the sea, to camp at.
One recent visitor said: “Shell Island is a fantastic campsite in an unbeatable location with a great mix of campers, mostly experienced old‑school types who know what North Wales coastal camping is really like.
“It’s great value for money; they keep pitch prices cheap.
“Loved the whole experience, can’t wait to go again, and the pub on site has great options on tap.”
Around Shell Island you’ll also find 13 species of wild orchid, amongst other wildflowers and crabbing spots.
Slightly further afield, there are a number of other to explore too, including Harlech Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage medieval fortress that’s just 10 minutes away.
And keen hikers can also head to Snowdon, Wales’ highest mountain.
The seaside town of Barmouth is nearby too, where you can explore cosy cafes and independent shops, as well as a large shingle beach.
The cruise line is returning to the Amazon for the first time in almost a decade, with their latest cruise also giving holidaymakers the chance to witness the dramatic landscapes of Antarctica
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Fred Olsen is the only cruise line offering trips to the Amazon rainforest from the UK(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
With summer holiday season in full swing, many Brits who are sick of the usual beach resort might already be planning something more unique for their next getaway. And the wow factor doesn’t get much bigger than with Fred Olsen’s newest cruise that stops off at an incredible 28 ports – but holidaymakers will need to have some hefty savings.
The Amazon and Antarctica Adventure has just been announced by the cruise line, and it’s one of the longest trips available to book. Setting sail from Southampton on January 5, 2028, this cruise aboard the Borealis ship is a whopping 87 nights long and visits dream destinations across five continents, from the Canary Islands all the way down to the Antarctic Peninsula via the likes of Jamaica, Costa Rica, Brazil and Chile.
The voyage marks the first time in nine years that Fred Olsen has offered a cruise to the Amazon – and it’s the only cruise line sailing from the UK to do so, offering British holidaymakers a unique opportunity. “Time ashore brings you closer to lush rainforest, with toucans, butterflies, monkeys and pink river dolphins among the wildlife to look out for,” the description of the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure teases.
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A place on this adults-only cruise understandably doesn’t come cheap, with prices starting from £11,499 per person. But with travel, accommodation, food and entertainment all included at under £140 per night, those with the cash to spare might consider it worth the investment to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
For those seeking something more budget-friendly, the longest cruise on offer from fellow cruise line Ambassador is the Caribbean Sunsets and South American Secrets holiday. Sailing from London Tilbury in January 2027, this cruise currently has 30% off all cabins with prices now starting from £3,233 per person, and visits 12 countries over 45 nights, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.
This 87-night cruise sets sail from Southampton in January 2028 and visits 17 countries across five continents.
Meanwhile, TUI’s Marella Cruises is also offering last-minute summer cruise deals with flights included in their price. Among the cheapest options are the Highlights of the Mediterranean cruise, which is on offer for £944pp reduced from £1,623, and the Grecian Discovery holiday, now priced from £949pp down from £1,598.
Back at Fred Olsen, another highlight of the Amazon and Antarctica Adventure is the Antarctic Peninsula, described by the cruise line as a place with ‘vast glaciers and snow-topped mountains’ where there’s also a chance for passengers to spot penguins and whales. Here’s the full itinerary of stops and highlights on this 87-night cruise:
Santa Cruiz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands
St John’s, Antigua
Samana, Dominican Republic
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Willemstad, Curacao
Kingstown, St Vincent and Grenadines
St George’s, Grenada
Roseau, Dominica
Bridgetown, Barbados
Cruise past Barra Norte, Brazil
Santarem, Brazil
Cruising Amazon River, Brazil
Manaus, Brazil
Parintins, Brazil
Alter do Chao, Brazil
Fortaleza, Brazil
Buzios, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Punta Arenas, Chile
Cruise by Cape Horn, Chile
Cruise Drake Passage, Antarctica
Cruise Antarctica Peninsula
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Montevideo, Uruguay
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Salvador, Brazil
Mindelo, Cape Verde
Las Palmas, Canary Islands
La Coruna, Spain
As well as travel and accommodation, the price of a cruise also includes full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea, and selected drinks with lunch and dinner. And there’s no shortage of things to do on the ship, with the fare also including access to the swimming pools, fitness centre and classes, expert talks and lectures and a variety of other activities, as well as evening shows with live music and dancing.
For those looking to get away sooner, this isn’t the only bumper cruise Fred Olsen is offering. The cruise line’s longest holiday currently available to book is the World Cruise with Japan and Hawaii, which stands at a staggering 98 nights and sets sail from Southampton in January 2027 with prices starting from £13,999 per person.
The third-longest is departing from Southampton this September for a last-minute autumn and winter getaway lasting 71 nights. The Exploration of the Mediterranean is priced from £9,999 per person and visits Spain, Italy, France, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Gibraltar, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Portugal.
ENGLAND’s longest zip wire has finally opened to visitors after more than 15 years in development.
The new attraction boasts sweeping views of an iconic national park.
The country’s longest zip wire will finally allow visitors to soar down the Honister CragCredit: Honister Slate MineThe attraction features views of valleys and mountains in the Lake DistrictCredit: Alamy
Honister Slate Mine, in Cumbria, has revealed a brand new zip wire attraction, said to be England’s longest.
Visitors will now be led more than 2,000 feet up to the summit, before soaring 1,200 metres across from Honister Crag to the valley below.
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Set amid sweeping views of the Lake District and reaching speeds of up to 65 mph, the record-breaking ride follows the old Lancaster aerial flight that once carried Honister slate.
For more than a century, the area housed a historic slate mine, built on the foundations of more than 450million year old Westmorland Green slate.
The site briefly closed in 1989 before being reopened in 1997 by Mark Weir, who aimed to develop the area as not only England’s last working slate mine, but also an adventure site.
Weir’s sons, Prentice and Piers Wilkinson Weir, who now run the business, told the Cumbria Crack: “As we celebrate 30 years since our dad bought Honister, we’re proud to continue building on his vision while looking firmly to the future.
“This zip wire represents our commitment to investing in Honister, creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors, supporting the local economy and ensuring this incredible place continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Taking more than 15 years to develop, the zip wire will also continue to transport slate from the mountain as it was originally intended to do.
Tickets start from £110 for the 60-second experience, although only a limited number of riders will be able to go this year.
Other attractions at Honister include The Infinity Bridge, a 190m high-wire bridge strung between two mountains, and Via Ferrata, a 2,000ft semi-vertical ascent.
EMERGENCY crews are battling wildfires across the popular Greek island of Kefalonia, forcing tourists and locals to evacuate homes and holiday accommodation.
A firefighter works to extinguish a wildfire in the Megara Region, west of Athens on August 3, 2026Credit: AFPWildfires initially erupted in the dense pine forests of Kefalonia before spreading towards residential settlementsCredit: Getty
Here is your guide to where the blazes are located, how they started, and what the latest official advice says for holidaymakers heading to Greece.
Where are the fires in Kefalonia?
Wildfires initially erupted in the dense pine forests and scrubland near Pastra, in the south-east of the island of Kefalonia.
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The Greek Fire Service and local municipal authorities issued urgent precautionary evacuation orders via the national emergency alert system after flames threatened nearby homes and tourist lodgings.
Evacuations were triggered for several inland villages as flames moved close to residential zones.
While precautionary evacuations were ordered, local authorities and ground crews largely brought the fire near Pastra under control.
Though firefighters – supported by specialised water-dropping aircraft and helicopters – still remain on high alert for flare-ups.
Evacuations were triggered for several inland villages, including Kapandriti in the south-east of the island
While main coastal resorts remain open, drifting smoke plumes and shifting winds have affected air quality and visibility across nearby districts.
How did the fires start?
The outbreak of wildfires on Kefalonia comes amid an intense summer heatwave gripping Greece and wider southern Europe.
While official investigations into the exact ignition points remain ongoing, authorities point to a combination of extreme environmental factors.
Prolonged periods of temperatures exceeding 40C have left vegetation bone-dry, creating conditions where a single spark can instantly trigger a wall of fire.
In coastal areas, high sea winds briefly prevented water-scooping aircraft from operating safely.
Greece has suffered dozens of wildfire outbreaks in recent days, including severe blazes in Attica, Halkidiki, and Crete, putting emergency services under heavy strain.
While it has not placed a blanket travel ban on visiting Greece, officials advise all travellers to exercise caution, stay informed, and follow local emergency instructions.
Holidaymaker checklist:
Monitor Emergency Alerts: Ensure your mobile phone can receive emergency broadcast messages from @112Greece. If an evacuation alert is issued, follow instructions from local authorities immediately.
Contact Your Travel Provider: Major operators (such as TUI, Jet2 and EasyJet) are monitoring the situation closely. If your accommodation or flight is impacted, contact your provider before travelling.
Check Travel Insurance: Verify that your travel insurance policy covers natural disasters, trip interruptions, or emergency relocations.
Emergency Numbers: If you are in immediate danger in Greece, call 112 for emergency services. British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Foreign Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Travellers heading to unaffected resorts on the island can generally proceed with their plans.
But checking live traffic and local authority updates before set-off is strongly recommended.
A woman has sparked a heated debate after claiming a fellow passenger took over part of her plane footwell with his backpack before making her feel like she was the one being rude
A woman has opened up on her ‘manspreading’ ordeal (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)
While the seat comes with a few downsides, including having no entertainment screen within easy reach and slightly narrower armrests, she said the extra space usually makes it worthwhile. However, her latest journey didn’t quite go to plan. She claimed the man sitting in the row in front placed his large backpack in the empty space where a window seat would normally be.
Because there is no seat directly in front of her in the exit row, she said the bag ended up taking over part of the legroom she specifically paid for.
To make matters worse, she alleged the passenger kept looking back at her as though she was being rude whenever her legs came close to his belongings.
Alongside a photo of the seating arrangement, she pointed out her own backpack was stored correctly underneath the seat in front of her, while his had been left in the open space beside him.
She wrote: “Not a huge deal… just curious. Other than this guy is making me feel like I’m being an a***hole.
“I’m in the exit row 21 window seat where there is no window seat in the exit row in front of you. I choose this seat at times even though, in exchange for the additional leg room, I’m giving up a screen and have limited seat width due to the arm rests.
“This guy plops his large backpack down directly to the left of him, where the ’20A seat’ would be if there were one. And is constantly looking back at me like I’m being rude, for my legs being near his bag.
“Mine is under the seat directly in front of me. As it should be. I’m tired. I’m annoyed. And to be honest, I just feel like complaining, but not enough to actually say something since it’s only an hour flight. But am I wrong to be this bothered by it?”
The post quickly attracted dozens of comments, with many siding with the woman and arguing the bag should have been kept out of the shared space.
One person said: “Former flight attendant here! This is a safety hazard – the reason bags go under seats is so they don’t go flying.
“He’s directly putting you in danger in case of turbulence. If he won’t move it I’d call the flight attendant over.”
Another user added: “Regardless of etiquette, his bag shouldn’t be there at any time. That’s an emergency exit. I doubt his priority will be finding a place to move his bag in a water exit – it’ll just be the reason everyone rear of the lav drowns.”
He explained how he had specifically booked his seat in advance to ensure he was as comfortable as possible during the flight.
But after a flight attendant noticed a child sitting alone in economy while their parent was in business class, they reportedly made it their mission to reunite the pair.
GATWICK Airport is set to get a second runway by the end of the decade.
Plans for the new runway have received a huge boost today, after campaigner against the plans lost their bid to challenge it.
Gatwick Airport will be getting a second runway
The airport expansion was approved back in September and is set to cost £2.2billion.
It will involve moving the airport’s emergency runway 12 metres north and as a result, the airport will be able to host an extra 100,000 flights a year.
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The new runway is set to have planes taking off by the end of the decade.
In a ruling on Tuesday, Lord Justice Holgate and Lord Justice Dove dismissed campaigners’ bids against the new runway.
It’s a few minutes after 10 a.m. on a recent morning and the thermometer is closing in on 95 degrees, but Marc Papas isn’t fazed. “The heat doesn’t bother me much,” he said, unloading his bicycle — a blue and yellow 1989 Trek 400 — from the trunk of his car on a side street in Reseda. “I just keep going.”
Papas adjusted the heart monitor underneath his T-shirt, checked the bike computer attached to his handlebars, then set off on the day’s ride; he’s taken it upon himself to bike every public street in Los Angeles. The Phoenix native has completed over 78% (about 5,840 miles) after two years. He calls it “The Project,” and says there’s about 7,516.07 miles in total, when you include various enclaves and adjacent cities like Beverly Hills or Burbank. Today he’s headed toward the longest continuous bike lane in Southern California — a stretch of Reseda Boulevard. It’s an unexpected amenity in a part of the city that seems otherwise hostile to pedestrians and cyclists, but one Papas wants incorporated around more of Los Angeles.
“Somebody once asked me on a Reddit Ask Me Anything what is one street you think needs a bike lane,” he said. “I wrote him a whole essay in response, because I can’t just say one street.”
Marc Papas estimates he covers about 75 new, unique miles each week, putting him on track to complete the entire city after nearly three years of riding.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Marc Papas sets his blue and yellow 1989 Trek 400 near a graffiti post along the Los Angeles River.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
After a few blocks on Reseda, Papas turned back into the neighborhood centered around Etiwanda and started tracing loops across the blocks. It’s his standard pattern for covering any area he rides for the Project. “I base my routes on a math theory called the Eulerian Path,” said Papas, a mechanical engineer by training. Each new segment of the city he rides is generally a rectangle bound by major streets. “Then, I start with loops around the edges and work my way in,” he continued. “It’s the most efficient way to cover an area without overlapping.”
Today’s ride would yield eight new miles for Papas. “So, I’ll be about 12 miles away from 80%,” he calculated.
Papas started his biking project almost by accident. He moved to Los Angeles in late 2020 after finishing his PhD at Georgia Tech. He had taken up biking around Atlanta as part of triathlon training and worried he wouldn’t be able to continue once arriving in L.A.
“I remember having a sort of fear around it,” said Papas. “I’d heard it’s just so car-filled and dangerous to be on the roads.” But riding along the beach and around much of the Westside quickly changed his mind. With perfect weather year-round and a mostly flat topography, why wasn’t everyone in L.A. riding bikes?
He was soon cycling to work in Monrovia from his apartment in Pasadena, and biking more than he ever had in his life. “Sometimes friends would be surprised to learn I have a car,” he said. “They thought I bike everywhere because I don’t drive.”
Then, on Dec. 31, 2023, Papas decided to get in one last bike ride for the year. He rode a section of San Marino that he and friends refer to as “The Mitochondria” for the shape the streets make when viewed in the tracking app Strava. After riding the Mitochondria, he decided to keep going — making a path up each street and block — until he was satisfied. It gave him the idea to ride every mile of street in San Marino. “It’s only 60 miles total,” said Papas. “That seemed doable.”
“There are beautiful pieces of art on the walls that you wouldn’t imagine,” says Marc Papas, who has spotted murals throughout the city.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Marc Papas cruises along the Los Angeles River bike path.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Finishing the 60 miles of San Marino led to completing the 400 miles of Pasadena. He next found himself taking detours to cover new streets in Northeast Los Angeles as he’d ride to and from Koreatown Run Club meet-ups at Los Angeles Community College. But it wasn’t clear to himself, or anyone else, what he was doing. “Friends were seeing my Strava activities and texting me like, ‘What the heck are you doing, man?,’” Papas recalled. One friend jokingly asked if he was drawing the Nazca lines across the city, but Papas wrote it off as just trying to clock extra mileage. “There’s a level of self-deception, because riding the whole city of Los Angeles seemed impossible to do,” he said. Still, his treks around Northeast L.A., East Hollywood and Los Feliz were starting to build up mileage — he had completed about 18% of the city.
When Papas drove out to North Hollywood in November 2024 specifically to track new mileage, he realized he had crossed the Rubicon. “At that point, I can’t lie to myself anymore about what I’m doing,” he said. “I’m driving out to these places to get miles more efficiently. When that happened, I was like, all right, I’m in it for the long haul.”
“Biking is like a superpower to gain familiarity with your neighborhood,” says Marc Papas.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
As Papas covered more and more of the city, he began growing an appreciation for various architecturally-significant neighborhoods as well as the many murals across large swaths of South and East L.A. “There are beautiful pieces of art on the walls that you wouldn’t imagine,” he said. “I want to take people to these places and do a mural tour.” He was especially moved when he was riding in Pacoima and saw a Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens mural that memorializes the tragic plane crash that killed both Holly and Valens. “So many of these murals are commemorating people and events that are culturally important to those specific areas,” he added.
The bike rides were connecting him to his city in ways he never expected. “I’m not necessarily saying that everybody needs to go out and ride their bikes,” said Papas, though he’d certainly love it if more Angelenos did. Instead, he hopes his biking project is showing people what’s possible — in the most extreme way. Yes, you can bike in Los Angeles, as many Angelenos often do out of necessity. It’s even enjoyable. And yes, you can do it across every single mile of the city, even if the cycling infrastructure isn’t perfect yet. “I think to me, success would be if people just go out and explore their own neighborhood,” he said. He views cycling as a form of civic engagement and a way to see things otherwise invisible when speeding by in a car. For beginners, Papas recommends sticking to bike paths and joining cycling groups. More experienced riders should venture out into new areas, said Papas. “Biking is like a superpower to gain familiarity with your neighborhood, but it just needs to be unleashed.”
“At this point, I can’t lie to myself anymore … I’m in it for the long haul,” says Marc Papas. He’s already clocked thousands of miles on his mission to cover every street in L.A.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Last September, Papas passed the 50% mark of his project and estimates he’s been covering an additional 1% (or about 75 new, unique miles) every week since. That puts him on pace to finish sometime around mid-December — should everything go smoothly — nearly three years after he first began. Does he know what his final mile will be? “Eldred Street in Mount Washington,” he said. He notes it’s one of the steepest streets in the entire country.
“It’’s a fitting end, like a final boss [in a video game], just one last all-out hard effort to completely finish things off,” Papas said. “It gives me goosebumps to think that would be the time and place that this years-long project would be done.” Of course, there’s always the rest of Los Angeles County to conquer.
AS the drought continues across Europe, low water levels in Europe are now threatening river cruise holidays.
The River Rhine and the Danube River have started to dry up with passengers being re-routed at the last minute after two ships ran aground.
River Cruise ships are being affected by the low water levels on the Rhine and DanubeCredit: AlamyBoth waterways have record low water levels due to droughtCredit: AFP
On the morning of June 29, the ship called Viking Einar ran aground on the Rhine River at Cologne in Germany.
Days later, the Viking Ullur ‘experienced a grounding incident on theDanube River‘ in Bulgaria with 186 passengers being evacuated.
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It came ‘into contact with a sandbank during a period of exceptionally low water levels‘, Viking said in a statement.
With no rain on the horizon, river cruise companies are having to take action with some having to change sailings completely.
One woman who booked with Riviera Travel wrote on Facebook: “We have just received an email to tell us that our Rhine and Switzerland cruise is being re-routed and will not be travelling to Switzerland but instead north to Netherlands and Belgium.”
She added that she was given the option to change the itinerary or “cancel with full refund and have been offered compensation”.
Riviera Travel, issued a statement about potential alterations on its website.
It explained that “individual sailings may continue to develop right up until departure and, occasionally, during the cruise itself.”
“Currently, our cruises continue to operate, although itineraries are being adapted where necessary.
“This may include adjustments to sailing schedules, excursions or mooring locations, and in some cases carefully coordinated ship swaps to help you continue your holiday with as little disruption as possible.”
Passengers are being contacted about alterations to their sailingsCredit: handout
Passengers who have booked after August 5 are being contacted up to two weeks before departure with updates and between 48 hours and 24 hours before departure to “explain the latest position, any expected changes and the options available.”
Talking to The Independent, Riviera Travel said that cancelling a cruise is always a last resort.
In another case, one woman heading on a river cruise with TUI shared her new itinerary on a Facebook page.
Instead of sailing from Basel, through Germany to Amsterdam, the new suggested route starts in Zaandam through to Rotterdam, Antwerp, Middelburg, Dorecht and Amsterdam.
In the email, TUI also offered a 15 per cent refund of the holiday cost with £150 holiday vouchers per person on the new sailing.
Other options were to rebook another river cruise with a refund in cost if the new sailing is cheaper, or if it’s more expensive, an incentive of up to 10 per cent of the value of an existing holiday.
Or there was an option to cancel the booking with a full refund.
On TUI’s website, it says “Most sailings go ahead without any disruptions, but water levels on the rivers can go up or down depending on the weather.”
Low water levels means ships are unable to dock in some casesCredit: Anadolu via Getty ImagesThere are alternative itineraries being offered to passengers as well as refundsCredit: Alamy
It continued: “If your cruise is affected, we’ll make every effort to complete your itinerary. To do this there may be changes to berth locations, modifying shore experiences or completing some sections of the itinerary by coach.”
Emerald Cruises confirmed that reduced water levels are affecting sections of the upper Danube between both Vienna and Budapest, and Regensburg and Passau near Pfelling.
On its website it has said that it may make “operational adjustments” with passengers possibly being transferred to a “sister ship” as well as embarkation and disembarkation being amended.
AmaWaterways said: “Due to unusually low water levels on sections of the Rhine and Danube rivers, operational adjustments to select sailings have been deemed necessary.”
It continued to add that “modifications may include changes to ports, embarkation or disembarkation locations, motorcoach transfers, ship scheduling or other itinerary elements”.
People should brush up on this code before heading on their next holiday
The ‘red flag’ system is used around the world to prevent this loss of life on beaches(Image: Getty)
Going to the beach or cooling off in the sea when on holiday is one of the most common activities tourists do – and not think twice about. However, when people enter bodies of water, there is always a risk of injury or even death.
Holiday hotspots – like Spain, Turkey and Greece – all have warnings listed on the official GOV.UK Foreign Office pages that provide advice to travellers swimming abroad. The Foreign Office says every year, “people drown in the sea and in swimming pools”.
People who are holidaying with young children should “always supervise” them around pools and the sea – even if they can swim or a lifeguard is present. Situations can change in an instant, even for experienced swimmers.
On the country’s Foreign Office advice page, it said: “Some beaches, especially around Spanish islands, may have strong undercurrents. Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea.”
It adds that most beaches, including those in tourist spots, will use a simple colour-coded flag system to indicate whether an area is safe. These flags follow a standard set of guidelines that are universally recognised, and one should be a clear warning to anyone setting up for a day at the beach.
The Foreign Office said: “Many beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.”
Beach lifeguards will frequently fly multiple flags at the same time to signal different types of hazards. For example, one flag might be linked to the strength of the water, while another can signal if there is marine life in the area that could sting, like jellyfish.
What do the different coloured flags mean?
Red flag (high danger)
Yellow flag (medium hazard)
Green flag (low hazard)
Purple flag (marine pests)
Black and white checkered flag
Red over yellow (lifeguarded area)
Red flag warns of water conditions that are unsafe, like strong currents, rough surf, or severe undertows. If you see two red flags flying together, the water is completely closed to the public.
Yellow flag warns of moderate surf, light currents, or rougher waters. While swimming is permitted, weak swimmers or children are discouraged from entering, and everyone should take extra care generally.
Green flag signals calm ocean conditions and a low risk of dangerous currents. While it means the water is generally safe, swimmers should still remain aware of their surroundings.
Purple flag warns beachgoers that dangerous stinging marine life is present in the water. This typically means an influx of jellyfish, stingrays, or sea urchins. Crucially, a purple flag is used for smaller marine pests and does not indicate sharks.
Black and white checkered flag designates a specific area reserved exclusively for surfboards, kayaks, and other non-powered watercraft. Swimming or bodyboarding is strictly prohibited inside this zone to prevent dangerous collisions.
Red over yellow flag marks the safest area of the beach. This zone is actively monitored by lifeguards.
ANTALYA has long been the default answer for families wanting guaranteed sunshine, massive all-inclusive resorts, and enough waterslides to make returning home genuinely depressing.
But after several years of Turkey completely dominating our booking charts, I’m noticing a clear case of Antalya fatigue with Brits.
Antalya has long been popular but there are some great swaps that could save you moneyCredit: On the BeachDestinations like Sharm el Sheikh offer the same amazing waterpark hotels and and beautiful beaches but without the costCredit: Alamy
It’s still a brilliant option, but holidaymakers are starting to shop around – and discovering that plenty of other destinations have caught up.
Egypt, Tunisia, Greece, Morocco, and even Spain now boast the same mega four and five-star resorts, waterparks, and hot weather that used to make Antalya so difficult to beat.
And crucially, they can be significantly cheaper.
I’ve crunched my booking data to find where the previously most Turkey-loyal customers have swapped Antalya for in 2026, and how much cheaper they are in comparison to a Turkey holiday.
1. Playa Blanca, Lanzarote – save 19%
Lanzarote might sound like a wildcard swap, mostly because the Canaries aren’t usually associated with budget all-inclusive mega-resorts.
Playa Blanca, however, serves up a proper lineup of big family hotels alongside golden sand, a smart waterfront, and guaranteed sun.
It feels more chilled and far more walkable than many of Antalya’s sprawling hotel blocks, plus the slightly shorter flight from the UK is a godsend if you’re traveling with kids who ask if you’re nearly there before you’ve even cleared the runway.
Our data shows that the customers who made this switch in 2026 pocketed a 19% saving on average.
And the hotel that topped the swap charts here is the four-star HL Paradise Island – where I clocked five nights all-inclusive here from £295pp, flying direct from London Gatwick this September.
And it’s easy to understand why people are making the switch here when you spot their on-site Dino Waterpark, which is packed with proper drop slides, splash zones, and multi-lane racers that keep kids of all ages busy.
Lanzarote – from £295pp
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This Rhodes hotel has nine outdoor pools – including a pirate splash parkCredit: On the Beach
Rhodes is the ultimate Greek swap for anyone who loves the scale of Antalya but wants a slightly fresh landscape.
The southeastern resort of Kiotari is tailor-made for this: it’s quieter and completely hotel-focused, featuring massive beachfront properties, reliable heat, and ancient Lindos sitting just 20 minutes down the road when you want to swap the sunlounger for a spot of culture.
Hundreds of customers shifted their booking from Antalya to Rhodes, saving an average of 20% in the process.
The absolute favourite with these switching customers was the four-star Kiotari Miraluna Beach Resort where you can grab five nights all-inclusive from £338pp, flying direct from Gatwick in late September.
It sits right on the sand and boasts nine outdoor pools – including a pirate splash park – alongside nine different bars and restaurants.
Plus, several room options here offer direct swim-up pool access straight from your terrace. And everyone loves a swim-up room, right?
Rhodes – from £338pp
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Switching Antalya for Calas de Majorca in 2026 saved Brits around 20%Credit: On the Beach
Majorca is the ultimate low-effort swap if you want the convenience of an Antalya all-inclusive without putting your kids through a four-hour flight.
Calas de Mallorca on the east coast is a purpose-built family pocket surrounded by quiet coves and crystal-clear water.
It’s far more relaxed than Magaluf or Alcudia, with the hotels doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to entertainment.
Switching Antalya for Calas de Majorca in 2026 saved Brits around 20%, according to the stats.
And the most popular hotel to switch to here was the four-star HYB Eurocalas – and I spotted five nights all-inclusive here from £318pp, flying direct from Birmingham on 24th September.
This hotel’s a massive family favorite on our board, packing in multiple pool zones, sports courts, splash parks, and a dedicated kids’ club. No brainer.
Majorca – from £318pp
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Marrakech offers both a proper city break AND a flop-and-drop resort holiday rolled into oneCredit: On the Beach
People usually associate Marrakech with bustling souks and rooftop tea, but step outside the city center and you’ll find some seriously massive all-inclusive resorts.
The Palmeraie area sits in a quiet palm grove outside the old city, giving you sprawling hotels, massive pools, and mountain backdrops.
You get something Antalya can rarely deliver: a proper city break AND a flop-and-drop resort holiday rolled into one.
Our figures show that customers who swapped Antalya for Marrakech for their all-inclusive resort holiday bagged an average 21% saving.
And the four-star Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa is the value highlight and the most popular for a switch. I found five nights all-inclusive here from £240pp, flying direct from Gatwick in late September which is absolutely perfect weather-wise.
This hotel has the exact scale, massive pool footprint, and self-contained feel of a Turkish mega-resort, but adds a free daily shuttle into the medina when you want to explore.
Marrakech – from £240pp
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The Hurghada coastline is wall-to-wall with all-inclusives, private beaches, and on-site waterparks,Credit: On the Beach
Hurghada is an absolute slam-dunk if you care purely about the resort footprint rather than the destination town.
The coastline is wall-to-wall with all-inclusives, private beaches, and on-site waterparks, while the guaranteed Egyptian heat makes it a goldmine for late-season breaks.
Hurghada was also the third most-popular destination that people traded Antalya for, bagging an average 21% saving.
And the most popular hotel people made the switch for was the four-star Rewaya Inn Resort.
Probably because this place gives you the full Turkish mega-resort experience without the hefty price tag – it’s a proper fly-and-flop complex anchored around an enormous lagoon-style pool network.
You can lock in five nights all-inclusive from £393pp, flying direct from London right at the start of September
Hurghada – from £393pp
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Don’t discount Benidorm as a great Turkey swapCredit: On the Beach
On paper, Benidorm and Antalya look like completely different beasts, but they serve the exact same holiday brief: tons of hotel choice, guaranteed sun, world-class beaches, and enough family entertainment to fill every evening.
Benidorm just pulls it all closer together – and cuts an chunk off your flight time.
Our booking data shows an average saving of 22% for Brits who switched from Antalya to the Costa Blanca, with their new holidays averaging £92 per person, per night. Not bad.
The four-star Rosamar Hotel topped the charts when it came to switches.
I clocked five nights all-inclusive here from £285pp, flying direct from Gatwick at the end of September.
It sits right near Levante Beach and has a brilliant on-site splash park loaded with slides and water features, essentially acting as a cheat code for tiring out energetic kids before bedtime.
Benidorm – from £285pp
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The Red Sea offers some of the best house-reef snorkeling in the worldCredit: On the Beach
Sharm El Sheikh is the single closest direct alternative to Antalya on the map.
You get scorching temperatures, all-inclusive mega-resorts, massive pool complexes, and hotels designed so you never actually have to leave the gates.
The massive bonus here though is the Red Sea itself, which offers some of the best house-reef snorkeling in the world right off the hotel jetties.
A staggering amount of customers swapped Antalya for Sharm El Sheikh – more than any other spot on this list – all while saving an average of 23%.
One of the most popular hotels in Sharm is the five-star Rehana Sharm Resort in Nabq Bay where I found five nights all-inclusive from £413pp, flying direct from London slap-bang in the middle of September.
This hotel’s a cracker too, and features a sprawling pool network, an aquapark, kids’ clubs, and several dining options – but best of all, it sits just six miles from the airport, so you can go from baggage reclaim to sunbed in record time.
Sharm el Sheikh – from £413pp
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Sousse combines massive beachfront resorts with an authentic historic medinaCredit: On the Beach
If your absolute priority is getting the maximum amount of resort facilities per pound spent, Tunisia should be right at the top of your list.
Sousse combines massive beachfront resorts with an authentic historic medina, fine sand, and the smart marina at Port El Kantaoui just down the road.
And hundreds and hundreds of people swapped Antalya for Tunisia, averaging a rock-bottom £70 per person, per night on their Tunisian holiday.
That makes it the cheapest destination on this list and delivers the biggest average saving at 25%. A popular Tunisian destination is the four-star Royal Jinene Sousse.
This hotel’s built directly on its own private sandy beach and features indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and a dedicated beach bar – meaning the distance between your lounger and a cold drink is virtually zero.
And if you fancy it, you can grab five nights all-inclusive this September from just £243pp. Bargain.
Sousse – from £243pp
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A stunning, European island escape just four hours from the UK will feel like you’re in Hawaii, and certainly warrants a visit with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters
08:54, 04 Aug 2026Updated 08:54, 04 Aug 2026
The beautiful European archipelago has often been labelled the ‘Hawaii of Europe’(Image: Getty Images)
There’s no need to fork out on an expensive trip to Hawaii when there’s a European equivalent just four hours from the UK.
Thanks to its untouched beaches and glistening crater lakes set against the dramatic backdrop of green cliffs and cascading waterfalls, the Azores in Portugal have often been compared to Hawaii. They are both volcanic archipelagos, offering a breathtaking island escape, with turquoise waters and a sun-drenched climate, but one is a fraction of the price.
A week-long trip to Hawaii can cost anything from £1,500 per person, up to a staggering £4,500, once you factor in a long-haul flight, accommodation, transport, food, drink, activities, and excursions. Meanwhile, a trip to the Azores is a lot more affordable, with a budget-friendly getaway typically costing from £700 per person – that’s more than half of what you’d pay for the same time in Hawaii.
The main airport for the Azores, Ponta Delgada Airport, is reachable in just over four hours from the UK, meaning that you can avoid the jet lag altogether. One-way direct flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to PDL start from £118 per person, with flights also available from Liverpool and Edinburgh.
Against the beautiful landscapes of the Azores and sweeping beaches, you can also expect budget-friendly offerings, with a pint typically costing around €1.50 (£1.28), and a meal at a local restaurant costing between €10 to €15 (£8.57 and £12.85) per person, or €30 (£25.70) at a popular hotspot.
As the Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands nestled in the middle of the Atlantic between the United States and Portugal, there’s plenty to explore, with each island boasting its own stunning coastline and diverse landscapes, which are guaranteed to leave you in awe. One of the most popular places to explore is São Miguel Island, also known as the ‘Green Island’.
São Miguel Island is the largest island in the archipelago and is famed for its unique twin-crater lake, Sete Cidades, which boasts contrasting blue and green-hued waters. Classed as one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders, it’s certainly impressive with its fairy-tale setting.
From the popular lookout, Vista do Rei Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the lakes and island, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “One of those places where you feel in communion with nature. The colours, the nature, the air you breathe, all make this place a refuge to regain calm. Just for these moments, it is worth visiting the Azores now that tourism is still at very acceptable levels.”
Elsewhere on São Miguel Island, there’s a plethora of striking volcanic beaches with black sand and crystal-clear waters for soaking up the sun. With Praia de Santa Bárbara, a well-known surfing hub, and Praia dos Mosteiro, with warm rock pools for a dip away from the ocean waves.
But the offshore islet at Vila Franca do Campo is perhaps the most striking shore of them all, with its curved sunken volcanic crater that has created an incredible natural pool. Yet, dotted around the Azores are hidden coves, shores and volcanic hot springs to explore, so you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to spend the day in this little slice of paradise.
One holidaymaker even declared on TripAdvisor: “The Azores are far superior to Hawaii.” While a local shared some recommendations for those eager to visit the Portuguese archipelago.
“Every island is different and very unique. If you are planning to visit, the best time is from July to mid-August. This is when there is an insane amount of things happening in all the islands, and when there is a flow of crowds travelling from island to island,” they shared.
They further suggested: “Start with São Miguel and enjoy their homemade food that is cooked in the caldeiras – steam that comes from the active volcanic action just below the surface. Visit their beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and enjoy the evening in the natural hot springs. Ponta Delgada has a beautiful marina and night scene. This is the biggest city in the Azores.”
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The yearly sunbed wars are in full swing, and one TikToker has captured Brits pioneering a new way to queue for sunbeds without having to miss breakfast
Sunbed wars can put a dampener on your holiday (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
If you’re heading to a holiday hotspot such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, or Turkey, then the odds are you’ll see people reserving their sunbed first thing in the morning.
Whether the hotel is busy or not, you’ll often see a queue of Brits, and let’s face it, many other European nationalities too queueing up for the grand opening of the pool area so they can lay down their towel before they even hit the breakfast buffet.
But one TikTok poster has discovered a new hack that her fellow holidaymakers were using to avoid even needing to queue, and while it meant they could avoid needing to hang around the lobby, comments slammed it as ‘selfish’.
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The poster Sarah, who posts on TikTok as @mrsbainbridge, posted the video taken at the Hotel Best Oasis Park in Salou, Spain, showing a neat line of beach bags, inflatables, and other items holding peoples’ place in the queue while their owners are presumably doing something more fun.
In the caption, Sarah wrote: “Never have I came across somewhere like this for sun bed wars of a morning” as she panned across the variety of abandoned items. In a second video, she captured the massive queue, this time populated with people waiting to nab their favourite spot.
Comments overwhelmingly agreed with Sarah. Some said they simply wouldn’t follow the informal system: “I’m not waiting in a queue behind a bag. Straight to back of the first human I see in the queue.”, while another agreed: “nah if you’re not physically in the queue then I’m walking to the front”.
Others questioned whether there were steps the hotel could take to minimise the impact. One person suggested: “The hotel should be taking all those bags and putting them into an orderly pile in the corner. Same with towels left on sun beds for more than 40 minutes”.
Other posters who claimed they’d visited the same hotel as Sarah shared their story. One claimed: “Was there start of July, worse when the doors open.. absolute chaos! Grown men pushing children out of the way etc,” while another added: “Just left there. Joke each morning. Kids nearly getting trampled on then people putting towels down and disappear for the day.”
Sarah isn’t the only one to post videos of the hotel’s sunbed wars. Another user named Mandy posted a video captioned “10am sunbed dash” showing a huge queue of families with towels and inflatables trying to reserve a spot. Warning: video contains strong language.
In June, @deajak1405 also posted a video showing a ‘rat race’ which showed the view of the daily sunbed grab from his balcony. The user is heard laughing as grown adults are shown pushing through the doors as they open, jogging towards the pool area to find their favoured spot.
Some reviews of the hotel on TripAdvisor also highlight the hotel’s sunbed issues. A review from July claims: “The set up for sunbeds at this hotel is ridiculous. The doors to the pool open at 10am, people queue from 9am, then others just run past for a bed. My daughter 14 years old was pushed to the ground one day then my wife and daughter were verbally abused on other day. We also witnessed to major arguments in the week.”
Hotel Best Oasis Park has been contacted for comment.
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