WHAT’S better than a hotel stay? One that comes with a free meal of course.
During the summerholidays, Premier Inn is offering free kids meals throughout the day in over 370 locations across the country.
Premier Inn has launched its new Kids Eat Free deal on breakfast, lunch and dinnerCredit: Mike Egerton/PA WireUp to two children under 15 can eat for free with every paying adultCredit: Premier Inn
Premier Inn’s new Kids Eat Free deal is in place from now until September 1 at hundreds of its hotels – and you can check which ones here.
With the offer, up to two children aged 15 or under can eat for free with every paying adult.
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So in the morning when an adult orders a Full Breakfast with all the trimmings from £10.99, kids can fuel up too.
Premier Inn offers unlimited cooked breakfast and continental with unlimited soft and hot drinks.
In the afternoon or evening, up to two kids can choose from the children’s menu and have one free main meal per each paying adult.
On the children’s menu are dishes like 10-veg tomato pasta, spaghetti bolognese, pizzas, burgers, fish bites and poppin’ chicken.
Adults can opt for one main dish or a Meal Deal from £27.99 – it’s a two‑course dinner with a selected drink in the evening.
Adults can choose from dishes like fish and chips, curry, steak, salmon, pizza and a variety of burgers – which Sun Travel gave their verdict on.
There are lighter options too like the house Caesar salad, sweet and sour kings prawns and nourish bowls.
Premier Inn has also reduced the VAT on children’s meals saving 20 per cent on any additional kids’ meals not included in the free deal.
Premier Inn’s new Kids Eat Free deal ends on September 1Credit: Premier Inn
Here are the Ts&Cs for the Kids Eat Free Deal…
Kids Eat Free Breakfast: Up to 2 children (aged 15 and under) can enjoy a free breakfast for every adult purchasing a Full Premier Inn Breakfast.
Kids Eat Free Lunch/Dinner: Up to 2 children (aged 15 and under) can have one free main from the kids’ menu (small or large, if available) per adult.
The adult must order a main course from the core evening menu and a drink priced at £1.99 or more. For guests who have purchased a meal deal, this will count as a ‘main’.
Drinks will be charged at full price. This offer is only valid until September 1, 2026 inclusive across selected Premier Inn Thyme restaurants.
For more details of which locations are included please visit the website.
Flames fanned by gale-force winds have spread across a 15-kilometre frontCredit: GettyAt least three emergency responders have lost their lives during the crisis across GreeceCredit: Getty
Flames fanned by gale-force winds have spread across a 15-kilometre front on the island at the peak of the summer holiday season.
Around 8,000 people were ordered to move to safety as flames closed in on southern resort villages, destroying homes, farms, and livestock in their path.
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The crisis comes as severe heatwaves spark wildfires across Southern Europe and parts of the UK, with firefighters battling blazes from Spain and Turkey to Suffolk.
Where are the wildfires in Crete?
The primary fire zone in Crete is located along the island’s southern coast in the Rethymno region, specifically within the Agios Vasileios municipality.
The island’s main transport hubs – including Heraklion Airport and Chania Airport – remain open and operating normally, outside the fire zone.
Popular northern holiday destinations, including Rethymno’s historic Old Town, Chania, Heraklion, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos, currently remain unaffected and open for business.
If you are due to travel, tour operators advise checking the exact location of your accommodation.
Anyone staying near the active southern fire zone should contact their hotel or package provider before travelling, follow official 112 emergency text alerts, and ensure travel insurance covers natural disaster disruptions.
Holidaymakers on the island are urged to download emergency alert apps, keep mobile devices charged, and strictly observe local fire bans.
How did the fires start?
Specialist arson investigation teams from the Greek Fire Service have launched formal inquiries into the exact ignition points of the Rethymno fires.
While investigations are ongoing, extreme heat and weather conditions created the perfect storm for rapid ignition.
A prolonged summer heatwave pushed temperatures above 40C, thoroughly drying out low vegetation, pine forests, and olive groves across the island.
Strong gusting winds reaching up to 102 km/h (7 on the Beaufort scale) whipped minor ignitions into runaway blazes within minutes.
Authorities across southern Europe have repeatedly warned that even minor human carelessness – like discarded glass, outdoor barbecues, or unextinguished cigarettes – can instantly trigger a major blaze in these dry conditions.
What is the forecast for Crete?
The weather outlook for Crete remains challenging, with forecasters predicting high temperatures to persist near or above 40C across the Aegean region.
But the primary hurdle for emergency crews has been unpredictable wind.
Violent, changing gusts have forced water-dropping planes and heavy helicopters to temporarily ground operations due to turbulence.
Fire crews are reliant on wind speeds dropping in the coming days.
Lower winds wills allow aerial firefighting squadrons to safely scoop seawater and drop targeted payloads on hot spots in Crete’s steep mountain terrain.
While ground teams continue to build containment lines, civil protection authorities maintain a high wildfire alert across Crete and wider Greece.
A RECORD-BREAKING ride is set to open at a theme park next year – but some people say it looks too scary to go on.
Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, America, will open Bakunawa in 2027 and it is set to break six world records.
The world’s tallest and fastest spinning rollercoaster will open next yearCredit: Six FlagsBakunawa at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, America will break six world recordsCredit: Six Flags
The ride will be the world’s fastest spinning coaster, reaching speeds of 100mph.
It will also have the world’s fastest inversion, reaching speeds of 80mph.
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It will be the first ride in the world to have an upside down launch and also be the first floorless spinning coaster.
In addition it will have the world’s longest stall inversion and will become the world’s tallest spinning coaster at 116.43metres.
There will be two passenger carriages, each able to carry 20 people.
The carriages will travel at high speed along the track with multiple inverted sections as well as twists and turns, before climbing a vertical section of the track and spiralling up.
Once the rollercoaster reaches the top of the spiral, it will move backwards through the entire track.
The ride will last two minutes and 17 seconds in total.
The ride will reach speeds of up to 100mphCredit: Six FlagsAnd many parts of the track are upside downCredit: Six Flags
To go on the rollercoaster, riders must be at least 121.92cm tall.
Many rollercoaster fans have taken to social media regarding the new ride, dubbing it “insane”.
One said: “I’m a coaster fanatic but honestly this one might be a bit much.”
Another added: “This thing looks scary. Those floorless spinning trains hanging off the track that high up.”
THE world’s best beaches have been revealed and the top pick has been described as being so beautiful it doesn’t look real.
The coastal spots were ranked from criteria like water-quality, popularity, public opinion, expert input as well as accessibility and climate.
Trunk Bay on the Virgin Islands was declared the best in the worldCredit: AlamyGolden Horn Beach in Croatia has clear waters and is backed by a pine tree forestCredit: Tuul & Bruno Morandi
Beach.com has announced the best beach in the world is Trunk Bay in the US Virgin Islands.
The beach is known for its white sand with clear turquoise water that has been described as looking ‘unreal’ by visitors.
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It’s named after the Leatherback turtle (known locally as ‘trunks’), where smaller turtles are known to nest in the summer months.
The publication said that Trunk Bay is “truly the best beach in the world” with “top marks for beauty, water quality and an all-around perfect experience.”
Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, but the beach also has a 650ft long underwater snorkelling trail where its easy to spot tropical fish and colourful coral.
The second best beach, Elafonissi Beach in Greece, is no stranger to appearing on these lists.
It’s constantly recognised as being beautiful thanks to its rare pink sand.
The pink shimmer to the sand is essentially down to crushed shells from oyster-like micro-organisms called Benthic foraminifera.
The Sun’s Lizzie Parry who visited the beach a few years ago said: “I won’t lie, wandering down to the water it did just look like any other sandy beach. But the closer we got to the water’s edge it was clear to see what all the fuss was about.
“Dipping my slightly sunburnt toes into the sea, my pink foot blended in perfectly with a stunning stretch of bright pink sand.”
Trunk Bay has ‘unreal’ blue waters according to visitorsCredit: Getty
There are little coves to explore away from the mainland and it’s not far to get to from the UK as it’s just a few hours to Crete.
The third best beach is Grace Bay Beach which is found on Providenciales which is the main island on the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
Thanks to its beautiful clear waters, it’s a renowned snorkelling spot- and came in number one spot when it came to public opinion.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey who visited said: “Grace Bay Beach is everything you’d imagine from an exotic beach. Soft white sands stretch for miles, with very few tourists if you get up early enough.
“Lined with hotel resorts, wait until the evening and you’ll get pink sunsets too.
Other top beaches include Golden Horn Beach in the Dalmatia region of Croatia – it got its name from its horn shape.
Grace Bay Beach is found on the largest island in Turks and CaicosCredit: Getty Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico came in fourth place
The beach has clear waters and is backed by a pine tree forest.
Praia da Falésia has been named one of the best beaches in Portugal, one of the best beaches in Europe and comes in the world’s best at number nine.
Found in the Algarve, it has striking orange-coloured cliffs behind it.
Two beaches on the Canary Islands made the list, the first being Playa de Cofete in Fuerteventura.
Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria came in at number 25 – it’s famous for its sprawling Sahara-like golden sand dunes which lead down to the water.
Sadly, no UK beaches made the cut.
Here is the full list of the world’s best beaches…
WILDFIRES are continuing to sweep across Europe and Turkey is one of the latest countries to battle the blazes.
Here’s everything you need to know right now about travelling to Turkey.
Wildfires have broken out in parts of Turkey including the Antalya ProvinceCredit: AFPAnother wildfire is in Seydikemer in the district of MuğlaCredit: AFP
Where are the wildfires in Turkey?
Fires have broken out in various parts of Turkey.
One location which is popular for holidays is Antalya, and within the province there are multiple wildfires.
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Currently, these are further inland than the coastal resorts popular with tourists.
The Fethiye–Antalya highway was temporarily closed due to smoke but later reopened under controlled conditions.
Another serious and active fire is in Seydikemer, 20-minutes away from the city of Fethiye, where 600 people have been evacuated from their homes.
It’s in the hills between Fethiye and Marmaris – the fire started on Wednesday morning and spread into woodland.
On the northwestern Aegean coast, three neighborhoods in the Ayvalık district – Hacıveliler, Tıfıllar, and Bağyüzü – have been evacuated.
This is as a precaution due to a wildfire spreading across Turkey’s western Balıkesir province.
Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on X: “We are continuing to fight the wildfires day and night.
He said emergency responders had tackled 169 fires across the country since Wednesday, and 163 of those have “been completely brought under control.”
Antalya is one of the most popular regions for BritsCredit: Alamy
Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?
Most of Turkey is still considered safe to travel to, excluding the areas of the Syrian-Turkey border.
But officials do heed warning about the natural disaster as there is a “high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October”.
It reads: “Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer.
“You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited.
“If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.
“If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112.”
GOV.UK adds that “extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months.”
Are flights still going to Turkey?
Flights to Turkey remain unaffected.
If you are due to fly in and have concerns, it may be worth contacting your airline to check if they are operating normally.
What if I have a holiday to Turkey booked?
As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Greece, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.
Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.
If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, like wildfires.
So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.
Can I cancel my trip?
If you do choose to cancel your trip, it is best to contact your airline or holiday provider.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings unless government advice changes.
CHRISTMAS is months away for most of us – in the town of Bridlington, they’re already brushing off their Santa hats.
The seaside town in East Yorkshire will celebrate the festive season four months early with Santa’s Grotto and carol singing on the beach.
Christmas will arrive early in Yorkshire with festive train rides and eventsCredit: East Riding Culture and LeisureThere will be festive carols on the beach and Santa will make an appearanceCredit: East Riding Council
Between 10am and 4pm on August 5, Bridlington will transform into a winter wonderland – kind of.
Called Bridmas, the day is filled with events, lots of which are completely free.
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On the beach is where it’s at with the local choir performing Christmas carols throughout the day.
There will be a festive face painter, an elf and bubble show and Christmas craft sessions.
If you are over the age of, say, 14, you might not be familiar with daughter-father duo Salish and Jordan Matter. But if you are a parent of a Gen Alpha kid, it can feel like you hear about nothing but Salish and Jordan Matter. Their YouTube videos — a high-octane mix of zany challenges, games and hijinks — are admittedly hard to resist, which may be why they rake in millions of views as soon as they blast into the social media universe.
In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.
Sixteen-year-old Salish was in elementary school when she started appearing in her father’s YouTube videos and the channel is like a time capsule of her childhood — or, well, the most public, heavily produced version of it. There’s the day Salish turned her house into a waterpark (73 million views) or the night she had a secret sleepover in a mall (31 million views) or the time she survived 100 babysitters in 24 hours (61 million views). “A blessing and a curse for me is that we’ve documented it all,” says Jordan, whose background is in photography. “I have these beautiful videos of her when she was 10. I was just watching them 30 minutes ago and was like, oh wow, it feels like yesterday.”
Now their creator journey is taking a new turn. Salish and Jordan recently signed a deal with Netflix to develop, produce and star in original projects — it’s the largest such creator partnership for the streaming giant. Their show, “Salish & Jordan Matter,” reached Netflix’s Top 10 this month. Beyond the screen, the duo co-founded the popular teen skincare brand Sincerely Yours. (The launch of one glossy lip balm brought 2,000 fans to the Santa Monica Pier earlier this summer.)
It’s been a wild ride for the pair, but despite their snowballing fame, they swear they’re like any other dad and daughter who bicker, joke around and simply enjoy each other’s company.
“I think we’re pretty chill, right?” Jordan says.
“Yeah, we’re pretty chill,” Salish agrees.
Here they share what they’d do together on a Sunday Funday around their South Bay home, noting that a perfect day would involve the whole family, including mom Lauren Matter and Salish’s 20-year-old brother, Hudson Matter.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
10 a.m.: Wake up and debate the day’s options
Jordan: Salish, what time would you actually wake up?
Salish: Probably like 10.
Jordan: OK, so we’re sleeping in until 10. Then why don’t we go get breakfast? We’ll go to Ocean Diner in Hermosa Beach. We’ll both get huevos rancheros and fresh orange juice. And then I would love to go get coffee at Boy and the Bear in Redondo Beach.
Jordan: Well, if we go to Two Guns, Salish would get the avocado toast.
Salish: No, the chai! It’s so good!
Jordan: OK, well, if Salish has an opinion, that’s what we’re doing. But later today, one thing I would love is a bike ride on the beach. Are you still down?
Salish: [High-pitched voice] Yeah.
Jordan: Did you hear that voice?! That tone is like, “Yeah, but not for much longer.”
Salish: [Laughs] No, I like doing bike rides with you! It’s just that I don’t know how much of a “biker” I am.
Jordan: You’re not one.
Salish: I’m not.
Jordan: But you have an electric bike! You just have to go like [makes e-bike revving motion] vvrrrrrruurr.
11:15 a.m.: Shopping and soup dumplings
Jordan: The next thing we’re going to do is …
Salish: Go to the mall! I like picking out new outfits for him because every day he just wears a black T-shirt.
Jordan: OK, and if we’re going to go to Del Amo mall, we’ll have lunch at …
Jordan: Which means we’ll have to put our name on the waiting list.
Salish: It’s like a two-hour wait.
Jordan: So we’ll put our name down right after breakfast. And then we’ll shop for clothes before our reservation.
Salish: I’ll go to Aritzia and probably Garage. And then you’ll go to Express and Levi’s. I go to PacSun a lot too but normally I don’t find anything there. I always wear sweats and hoodies — literally just sweats and hoodies.
Jordan: Also tank tops. Salish doesn’t like to repeat outfits on videos, so she does need at least one new outfit a week.
And I’ll just follow her around. I’ll be like, ‘Oh, that looks good.’ And she’ll be like, ‘No, it doesn’t.’ And I’ll be like, ‘No, it looks really good.’ And she’ll be like, ‘You’re just saying that.’ And then she’ll ask, ‘Which color?’ I’ll say the blue, and then she’ll get the pink. And I’m like, ‘I’m glad I could be helpful.’ So that’s how shopping with Salish goes. Then finally, there’s Din Tai Fung.
3 p.m.: An afternoon by the ocean
Jordan: Then we would leave the mall because I’m not gonna be there all day. We’re gonna go paddleboarding in Long Beach, in the Naples Canals area. We love anything with water, right? We love vacationing in Lake Tahoe, swimming and boating.
Then we would probably go for a bike ride along the Strand. I would vote for pulling over and having dinner. There’s a really good taco place right near the Hermosa Beach Pier called Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila.
Salish: [Winces slightly] I’m not gonna lie. I don’t really like tacos.
Jordan: Salish is an absolutely impossible eater. All she eats is Chipotle. She’s a vegetarian but she’s a picky vegetarian, so that combo makes it almost impossible for her to find food anywhere. But she’d get the black beans and rice and tortillas and cheese and mix it all together.
Salish: Yeah.
Jordan: See, I basically know everything about you.
Salish: And you would get the chicken!
Jordan: Yes.
Salish: I knew it. But you have to make sure it’s white meat.
Jordan: White meat chicken, mole, enchiladas — yum!
8 p.m.: Family hang time
Jordan: Now if there’s a good horror or suspense movie out, I might convince Salish to go. But that would be a tough sell. So maybe we’ll go back home. We just got a pool, so that’s exciting. And late nights in the pool has become a thing. We might play ping pong or a board game.
Salish: Then my brother and I would probably just chill and talk in one of our rooms. He doesn’t live here so we try to talk as much as we can while he’s home.
Jordan: Our family isn’t looking for big things to have fun — just time together. We just talk and hang out. With Salish, we talk about work but I’m also super interested in what her everyday life is like. You know, from the time she was young, I feel like I treated her like an adult in a way and we’ve always had real conversations. That’s made it easier as she’s grown up. It feels comfortable having these types of conversations.
Salish: Also, I’m a great kid, so like …
Jordan: Of course, of course. You are such a great kid. But you were a spitfire when you were little, I’ll say!
Salish: [Laughs]
Jordan: It’s a joy. It’s a joy to be with her every day.
There’s both staff or self-check in, as well as a main communal area with tables and chairs, but with a quick beep of a button, I had my key card.
It is a bit disconcerting at first, being surrounded by industrial metal beams and white concrete pillars that appeared to be holding the place up.
Yet my ‘Cocoon’ – one of 206 rooms at this hotel – was exactly what I was looking for.
A huge double bed, cosy yellow lighting, and my own, albeit compact, ensuite bathroom complete with towels and toiletries.
Oh yes, and no window at all.
I was worried at first of my claustrophobia making this a difficult night, but I was surprised by how it didn’t affect me.
The bathrooms are small but fully equipped with everything you needIt was one of the best nights sleep in my life
While there are no TVs (leaning into the great sleep) there was WiFi so after a much-needed shower, I settled into bed to watch a quick bit of Netflix before almost instantly passing out.
The only noise? The occasional comforting rumble of a London Underground train passing by above.
The only downside is that I like to be woken up by natural light, something that obviously wasn’t doable here.
But this might be the most peaceful stay I’ve ever had at a London hotel, especially one so central.
So if you simply want an affordable base in the capital that is near all the sights, and the best nights sleep ever.
I’ll happily head back into my cosy cocoon.
Due to being a no frills hotel, there is no restaurant but there is a vending machine, or you can pay £18.90 extra for breakfast at the nearby 24-hour VQ restaurant.
And of course, every restaurant and fast food chain you can think of is on your doorstep too.
Other additional fees include luggage storage, ranging from £15-£80, or early and late check ins from £40 to £60.
The country is a hidden gem in Europe and travellers say it’s less crowded than Spain, Greece and Portugal
Tourists have praised the country as being better than Spain, Portugal and Greece(Image: Givaga via Getty Images)
Greece, Spain and Portugal remain firm favourites for countless holidaymakers, celebrated for their spectacular scenery and abundant attractions. Yet these hotspots can transform into tourist traps during the height of summer, leaving peace-seekers somewhat disappointed.
Fortunately, there’s a lesser-known destination that some experienced travellers believe could actually surpass them all. Nestled along the Adriatic Sea and sharing borders with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania, Montenegro remains a treasure trove that’s yet to be swamped by mass tourism.
Its spectacular coastline, pristine waters and perfectly preserved towns have earned praise from visitors who believe it matches its more famous neighbours, without the overwhelming crowds.
The Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site resembling a fjord, stands as one of Montenegro’s finest attractions. Cradled by mountains, this bay features historic treasures such as Kotor and Perast, captivating visitors with their enchanting character.
TripAdvisor reviews overflow with glowing accounts of Montenegro’s appeal, with numerous visitors finding it a refreshing alternative to the heaving Greek islands or packed Spanish coastlines.
One visitor remarked: “Montenegro stole my heart, even more than Greece!” while praising the exceptional seafood and stunning panoramas.
“Greece was great, but Kotor Bay’s cliffs and medieval walls blew me away. Wandering through Kotor Old Town, I loved how peaceful Montenegro felt, far less tourist chaos than Athens or Santorini.”
Another traveller who had recently explored Portugal’s Algarve wrote: “Last summer, I toured Portugal’s Algarve coast. Lovely beaches, bustling towns, but Montenegro left a far bigger mark.
“Its Adriatic coastline is stunning, yet totally uncrowded compared to Portugal in summertime. Jaz and Mogren beaches felt like private retreats.”
A third globetrotter declared that Montenegro surpassed even Spain in their eyes, saying: “I’ve been to Spain’s Costa del Sol several times (think sun, sea, sangria), but Montenegro feels more authentic and affordable. Beach days in Budva and Tivat cost a fraction of Spanish resorts, yet the scenery is just as spectacular.”
The coastal town of Budva attracts hordes of visitors to Montenegro each year, celebrated for its sandy shores, buzzing nightlife, and its charming historic Old Town.
Venture deeper inland, and destinations such as Durmitor National Park offer breath-taking mountain scenery, hiking trails, and exhilarating white-water rafting along the spectacular Tara River Canyon.
One adventurer revealed: “In just a few hours, I went from pebbled beaches on the Budva Riviera to the snow-capped peaks of Durmitor National Park.”
Numerous visitors are keen to flag Montenegro’s budget-friendly credentials when stacked up against other well-loved European getaways.
One tourist noted: “Beach days in Budva and Tivat cost a fraction of Spanish resorts, yet the scenery is just as spectacular.”
Montenegro’s small size makes it especially appealing for holidaymakers, as the country is remarkably easy to get around. Travellers have said that you can fit in a morning trek, an afternoon on the sand, and dinner by the waterfront.
It’s also frequently mentioned as one of the few places in Europe where you can experience both mountain scenery and seaside panoramas within a single day.
Dervla Murphy’s A Place Apart persuaded me to see Northern Ireland differently. Cycling through the country during the Troubles, she looked beyond headlines to find generosity and ordinary lives. Following in her footsteps, you can walk the walls of Derry and stand beside the Giant’s Causeway, where the landscapes are every bit as striking as she described. Yet it is the people you remember most. Conversations begin easily in pubs and cafes, with local people quick to recommend a favourite beach or walk. I went looking for the places Murphy described. I left with the conversations she promised I’d find. James
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Guardian Travel readers’ tips
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage
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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Inspired by Priscilla Morris’s Black Butterflies
Photograph: Aleksandr Medvedkov/Shutterstock
I read Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris during a long, hot Covid afternoon and was immediately intrigued by the city of Sarajevo. The book is set during the siege, but I was captivated by the description of the buildings mixing east and west. Last year, I finally went and experienced the beautiful city for myself. The surrounding mountains and the old town, mixed with haunting memories unapologetically left in view by way of bullet holes in buildings and “roses” in the pavement [to mark where mortars fell], gave off a unique atmosphere. There are hints of old Eastern European glamour, Middle Eastern rituals and precious hope for the richness of a hard peace to remain in place. It’s a place that took my heart and showed me that it’s OK, things change but we carry the memories for a reason. Louise
Porquerolles, France
Inspired by Georges Simenon’s My Friend Maigret
Photograph: Telly/Shutterstock
As a Georges Simenon fan, I had always enjoyed the novel My Friend Maigret, set on the island of Porquerolles off the French Mediterranean coast. Nearing 80 years old, I decided it was now or never to visit and resolved to travel by train. So, it was Eurostar to Gare du Nord, RER across Paris to Gare de Lyon, then on to Toulon (despite missing my booked train), a slow train to Hyères, a bus to the port and a boat to Porquerolles. Visiting the sites described in the novel was such a pleasure. I became “Porquerolled” and an addict of the unique atmosphere (and the island wine). Leigh
San Francisco
Inspired by Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City
Photograph: Chris LaBasco/Shutterstock
It has to be Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series. Originally a daily serial in the San Francisco Chronicle, these wonderful novels paint the city as a place of kindness, beauty and pleasure. It made me and my wife Nic commit to two years of saving so we could live like the Barbary Lane gang for a fortnight. San Francisco didn’t disappoint. Weird, gorgeous and fascinating, it’s a city that rewards ambling and curiosity, just as Maupin suggests. Fraser
Orkney, Scotland
Inspired by Amy Liptrot’s The Outrun
Photograph: Harald Schmidt/Shutterstock
I read The Outrun by Amy Liptrot and went on to have a wonderful three-week holiday in Orkney and Shetland. I travelled solo and met the best of people. I stayed in Amy’s mum Jane’s B&B and she took me birdwatching. It was a time to recover from a challenging year and enjoy the peace and beauty of the islands while never feeling lonely. I spent a week in the Papay hostel and walked all around the island. My sister lives in Shetland now and I plan to return soon. Amanda
Bognor Regis, England
Inspired by RC Sherriff’s The Fortnight in September
Photograph: Eye Ubiquitous/Alamy
The Fortnight in September by RC Sherriff, written in the heyday of British seaside holidays, harks back to a time when resorts like Bognor Regis were magical summer destinations that an ordinary family would look forward to all year. The descriptions of the bandstand, beach and lovely walks inspired a trip to Bognor to retrace the family’s steps. Bognor may have seen better days, but it was a perfect base for days out in the Sussex countryside, and there’s still little to beat a stroll along the promenade of this fading seaside town, sun shining and ice-cream in hand. Patricia
Provence, France
Inspired by Émile Zola’s Contes Choisis
Photograph: Serts/Getty Images
While studying French A-level back in the 80s, I read Émile Zola’s Contes Choisis short stories, which made me long to explore Provence. I loved the book, and its visual descriptions made me hanker to see the area for myself. More than 10 years later, I finally got to visit the area, by which time I’d also discovered the works of Cézanne and Matisse. Provence was a glorious feast for all the senses. I have visited a few times now and am always impressed by the beauty. I still have my book, and it is a wonderful reminder of the inspiration of A-levels. Sandra
The Apennines, Italy
Inspired by Eric Newby’s Love and War in the Apennines
Eric Newby’s Love and War in the Apennines inspired my wife and I to spend a month hiking in the mountainous area running the length of central Italy. Newby’s praise for the brave honest people who sheltered him, as a fleeing prisoner of war, in stone cottages and freezing farmyard barns was uplifting. They helped him learn Italian, and the book also delights in showing how he met his wife Wanda, an Italian-Slovenian woman, while hiding from the Nazis. Newby depicts loving, tight communities in towns like Fiumalbo, which we enjoyed visiting and where we were given a warm welcome. When we mentioned Signor Newby and showed his book, we were met with smiles by local people. It felt like we were part of an appreciative, heartfelt legacy created by the writer and those he met. Peter
Naples
Inspired by Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend
Photograph: Alessandro Tortora/Getty Images
In 2018, after devouring the novel My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, my lifelong friend and I decided to visit Naples. The book explores two childhood friends who bonded and grew up in various edgy neighbourhoods around Naples in the 50s, exploring social class and poverty. Naples has always had a bad press, focusing on crime and shabbiness. We had wonderful times visiting the places mentioned in the book. We felt safe, were welcomed and fed. Chiaia is mentioned in the book as a waterfront renowned for its promenade along Via Francesco Caracciolo. Carol
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Inspired by LM Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables
Photograph: James Schwabel/Alamy
My favourite childhood books, read countless times, were the Anne of Green Gables series by LM Montgomery, set in a rural community on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The snowy winters, enchanting woods, winding country lanes, and red sandstone cliffs along the coast captured my imagination, leaving a lasting impression. At the age of 44, I made the journey there myself. My first day was a bitter disappointment, with torrential rain and thick mist obscuring the island’s beauty from dawn until dusk. However, the second day more than made up for it. Under clear skies, I enjoyed a perfect coastal boardwalk, a truly magical visit to Green Gables itself, and finished the day with a wonderful lobster meal. Katharine
I am not someone who regularly goes out on a weekday.
But when I heard just how ideal the viewing conditions will be for the upcoming Perseid meteor shower, I texted multiple friends, inviting them on a late-night adventure into the woods. That’s exactly my kind of party.
The Perseid meteor shower, which can produce up to 100 meteors an hour in its most active period, is expected to peak from the evening of Aug. 12 into the early morning of Aug. 13. Last year during the shower’s peak, the moon was 84% full.
That’s part of what makes this year special. The night sky will be at its darkest during the Perseids peak because we’ll have the new moon, the lunar phase when our moon’s illuminated side faces the sun.
In this 30-second camera exposure, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in West Virginia in 2021.
(Bill Ingalls / Associated Press)
In this edition of The Wild, our weekly outdoors newsletter, I will explain not only where near L.A. you can drive, hike or camp for the best viewing of this meteor shower, but also, thanks to a conversation with an astrophotography expert, how you can get better photos regardless of whether you’re using your cellphone or dedicated camera.
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First, though, let’s talk about what exactly a meteor shower is and why they occur.
🌑 Tips for viewing the Perseid meteor shower 🌃
I spoke to Bruce Betts, chief scientist at the Pasadena-based Planetary Society, a member-financed group focused on advancing space science.
Betts explained that Earth gets hit every night by an estimated 100 tons of material, equivalent to about 13 Randy’s Donuts signs blasting into the planet (which is a fun visual). This means there are meteors every night, around 10 an hour in a place with no light pollution.
A meteor shower occurs when Earth is moving through a debris field left by a comet. But nothing hitting Earth is thankfully as large as a 25-foot-high fiberglass doughnut.
“It’s mostly small-sized stuff — sand-sized, pebble-sized, dust-sized,” Betts said. “It’s going to burn up hundreds of thousands of feet up in the atmosphere. When you see it fizzle out, it’s way up there typically.”
I cannot be the only person who, learning this information, felt surprised that tiny specks of space dust can produce such dazzling experiences for us earthlings. But these particles are moving incredibly fast — tens of thousands of miles per hour — and as they move through our atmosphere, they’re heating up and vaporizing.
In the case of the Perseid meteor shower, you’re watching debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle as it neared perihelion, its closest approach to the sun.
Earth orbits through that debris field every August. The Perseid meteor shower is named as such because as you’re watching, it appears as if the meteors are emanating from a point in the constellation of Perseus called the radiant point.
Meteors streak across the sky, seen above the Temple of Zeus during the Perseid meteor shower near Cavdarhisar, Turkey, in 2025.
(Emrah Gurel / Associated Press)
🌃 Getting the best Perseid-viewing experience 💫
To see the most meteors during the Perseids, you have to get to a point where you’re looking through less atmosphere, which around L.A. includes smog, smoke, clouds and, of course, light.
“The real problem is light pollution,” Betts said. “And that is, lights on the surface that are then reflecting off particles and stuff, a technical term, in the atmosphere. If you can get above that stuff, you start seeing better.”
Betts compared it to being in a bright room where there’s a dim light on. You won’t notice the dim light until you turn the rest of the lights off, and suddenly, that dim light is the brightest thing in the room.
During the Perseids peak, you don’t have to escape the light pollution of L.A. to see meteors. From outside your home, you will probably still see the largest blasts of light between 9 and 11 p.m. This is best for anyone who must be at their workplace at 8 a.m. for a meeting that could have been an email.
For the rest of us, let’s dive into where the best spots near L.A. are.
The 2023 Perseid meteor shower, as seen from Sequoia National Forest.
(Preston Dyches / NASA)
🏔️ Where to view the Perseids near L.A. 🌠
Below you’ll find my recommendations for spots that should provide good opportunities for viewing the Perseids. Please take good care when driving mountain or unfamiliar roads, and make sure someone outside your party knows where you’re headed and when you’ll be back. A meteor shower is still viewable when stranded with a flat tire, but far less fun!
Mt. Wilson Observatory: Located about an hour northeast of downtown L.A. in the San Gabriel Mountains, the observatory has a large paved parking lot at about 5,650 feet elevation that features nice views of the surrounding area. The only caveat is that the main gate usually closes at 5 p.m. in the summer, so you’ll need to park inside before then.
The Vetter Mountain Lookout: The lookout, at about 5,900 feet elevation, is reachable via a 5-mile round-trip hike and offers stunning panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The trailhead is about an hour drive northeast of downtown.
Chilao Campground: Also about an hour drive from downtown, this large first-come, first-served campground sits at 5,300 feet and offers great views of the night sky. Nearby Mt. Hillyer, which can be reached via a 6.4-mile round-trip hike from near the Chilao Visitor Center, could also be a nice spot to observe the meteor shower.
Crystal Lake Recreation Area and Campground: Crystal Lake is a 120-site first-come, first-served campground north of Azusa (about 1½- to two-hour drive northeast from downtown). At 5,539-feet elevation, it’s a great spot to camp and take in the shooting stars.
Mt. Pacifico Campground: This is a rustic 10-site campground that sits at 7,100-feet elevation and is deep in the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s about a 1½-hour drive from downtown L.A. and involves taking narrow mountain roads. High-clearance vehicles are required to make the final mile into the campground.
Musch Trail Camp: Musch Trail Camp is a small but charming campground in the Santa Monica Mountains. Located in Topanga State Park, it has picnic tables and a small restroom with flush toilets and sinks. It’s around a 45-minute drive mostly west from downtown.
Leo Carrillo State Park: Along with its hiking trails and campground, the park in Malibu features 1.5 miles of beach, where you can watch the sunset before the sky darkens enough to see the meteor shower.
Red Rock Canyon State Park: A two-hour drive from downtown L.A., this park has colorful desert cliffs and a 50-site campground with great views of the night sky.
McGill Campground/Chula Vista Walk-In Campground: A two-hour drive from L.A., either of these campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest will provide you with a memorable experience, as the area is known for its stargazing. McGill is mostly by reservation while Chula Vista is a walk-in spot with first-come, first-served sites. If not prepared to camp, you can also watch nearby from the Mt. Pinos parking lot, but it’ll likely be quite crowded during the Perseids, as it is the closest darkest spot to L.A.
Or, you could try a spot where you can safely and legally drive and/or hike into that you recall being fairly dark at night. There are online tools that can help you find your own spot, including light pollution maps.
Regardless of where you go, please remember to practice the Leave No Trace principles, including packing out any trash you bring, not taking anything from the forest that you didn’t bring and not playing loud music, as it not only bothers hikers but also the animals who live in our natural areas.
A Perseid meteor appears at the top left of the frame in this 25-second exposure, as seen from White Tank Campground in Joshua Tree National Park in 2024.
(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)
📸 How to photograph the Perseid meteor shower 🤩
Many of us have tried and failed to take photos of the night sky. I spoke to accomplished astrophotographer Jeremy Evans, a delegate for Dark Sky International who affirmed that it’s no easy task to capture the beauty of celestial bodies.
“Carl Sagan said astronomy can be a humbling and character-building experience because it is a little overwhelming to look up at that vastness of the sky and either explore it, photograph it [or] study it, [regardless of] whether through a telescope, camera or naked eye,” Evans said.
Here’s what Evans, who has photographed the Perseids for the past 20 years, recommends (after you’ve found the darkest area possible to view the shower).
1. Point your camera to the southwest
Perseus, the constellation that the upcoming meteor shower is named after, will rise in the northeast between 9 and 10 p.m., depending on your latitude.
Photographing a meteor shower can feel like a game of Whac-A-Mole, Evans said. Instead of trying to chase meteors across the sky all night, set your camera to face the southwest for the Perseids.
“Most of the [Perseids] meteors, based on my experience, fly from northeast to southwest, so I like to have my camera pointing toward the southwest, and catch those meteors flying overhead and into my frame,” Evans said. “The good thing about that is, when they start burning up and giving you that trail of ionized gases, they’re usually flying over the southwest at that point. You can point your camera to the northeast, but you might not get the fire balls and the tails.”
2. Adjust your camera’s settings
If using a dedicated camera (as opposed to a phone camera), turn off image stabilization. Otherwise, you might be plagued with blurry images all night.
Choose a wide lens. Evans generally recommends using a wide lens with a focal length between 14 and 24 mm. “You can use a fish eye,” Evans said. “However, a fish eye will show most of the night sky, but then the meteors are going to appear a lot smaller.”
Determine your shutter speed. Some astrophotographers use the “500 rule,” an equation that helps them figure out the ideal shutter speed. It’s essentially dividing your camera lens’ focal length into 500 to get your shutter speed. For Evans, that’s often 500 divided by 24, which he rounds down to equal a 20-second exposure. (If your shutter speed is too slow, the stars can come out blurry)
Turn off the flash.
Turn off your camera’s auto focus. You will need to manually adjust your lens, as your camera most likely won’t be able to automatically focus on the starry sky. (More on that below.)
Turn on shutter delay. If you don’t have an external remote, turn on the setting that allows for a multi-second delay after you press the button. This allows your camera to stabilize after you press the shutter. Wiggling camera = bad pics.
3. Set up your tripod.
Evans said a tripod is arguably your most important piece of equipment, and it’s worth investing in if you’re wanting to regularly practice astrophotography. Cheap tripods are often flimsy and can fall over and wiggle from a light breeze.
That said, I’ve taken good images of the stars by propping my DSLR up using soup cans on a metal bear box while out camping. I’ve also used boulders, including during a recent trip to capture the aurora. Really, whatever you’re using just needs to be as solid and unmoving as your least favorite relative’s political beliefs.
4. Use this trick to focus your camera.
Evans recommends pointing your camera at a bright object at least a quarter mile away, like a street light or other fixed object. You could also use a bright star or, if setting up early enough, Venus. Regardless, use this distant object to manually focus your lens.
If your DSLR has a “Live View” option, you can magnify the bright object using that feature, making it even easier to focus on the object. When you zoom back out, the object should be a fine point of light.
“And then be careful not to bump your lens,” Evans said.
5. Pack enough battery power.
Evans recommends bringing at least two batteries for your DSLR if you don’t own an external power source for your camera.
If your battery is more than 2 years old, it’s likely lost a significant amount of its capacity, Evans said. In that case, you’ll want to ideally pack a third battery, depending on how long you plan to stay out.
“When you’re taking a series of photographs in the day, you’re using a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second on average, and then when you go from 1/500 of a second to keeping that shutter open for 20 seconds, you’re using a lot more power,” Evans said, meaning a battery that usually lasts for several days might only provide enough battery to shoot night photography for, at most, a few hours.
🌠🌑🌃
Betts and Evans told me that they hope that people going out to view the Perseids results in more people not only enjoying the night sky but also wanting to protect it, namely from light pollution. I hope so too.
And I hope wherever you go, you witness the beauty of shooting stars burning in the night sky. It’ll be arguably the most fun you can have on a Wednesday night in August.
3 things to do
A great blue heron.
(Lois A. Sheppard)
1. Wander the wetlands in Seal Beach The Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust will host a guided nature walk from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday in Seal Beach. Guests will learn about the Los Cerritos Wetlands, looking for herons and other birds who frequent the area. Close-toed shoes are required. Register at eventbrite.com.
2. Care for oaks near Calabasas The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains needs volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in Topanga State Park to tend to fire-damaged oak trees. Participants will water, weed and mulch oak trees, and plant acorns to replace trees that have died. Attendees should wear durable shoes and bring drinking water. Register at eventbrite.com.
3. Cycle along Slauson in South L.A. T.R.U.S.T. South LA, People for Mobility Justice and Metro will host a community bike ride along the Slauson rail-to-rail bike path from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The group will meet in front of Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park. At registration, guests can request a voucher for a Metro bike if unable to bring their own. Register at docs.google.com.
The must-read
Jackie, an internet-famous bald eagle, sits on an egg in her nest shared with partner Shadow in Big Bear.
(Friends of Big Bear Valley)
As of Monday, Jackie, the beloved Big Bear eagle, appears to be improving. In mid-July, Jackie was rescued by L.A. County’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team and transported to Ojai Raptor Center for emergency care. Fans of Jackie, one half of the avian power couple whom thousands of people regularly view via live webcams near their nest, have since anxiously waited for news. “She is eating on her own, her energy and alertness have noticeably improved, and she has become much more feisty during feedings,” the Ojai Raptor Center posted on social media.
Happy adventuring,
P.S.
Cool new feature alert! Times digital subscribers can now save trails highlighted in our hiking guides directly to their profiles on latimes.com. This allows subscribers to create their own curated lists of not only hiking trails but also restaurants, music venues and more. For example, you could save whale-watching sites, trails and beaches you wanted to check out, and then use the map function to see which spots are close to each other. And if you’re feeling especially spunky, you could throw some restaurants into the mix. I am personally excited to play around with this new feature because the No. 1 thing I like to do after a hike is eat, and our food writers are always finding great spots. Have fun out there!
For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.
WHEN it comes to coastal destinations, you might not have heard of Cooden Beach.
But with interest rising, it might be a spot that could soon take your fancy – not to mention it has a beachside terrace, hotel and nearby adventure play park.
The Relais Cooden Beach & Spa is right next to Cooden BeachCredit: TripadvisorIts suntrap terrace looks out across the beachCredit: Ace Media
Google search data shows searches for Cooden Beach have jumped by 120 per cent in the past month.
Not to mention that other searches like “Cooden Beach hotel menu” and “Cooden Beach hotel restaurant” have risen by more than 5,000 per cent.
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Cooden Beach in East Sussex is a simple spot in that it has no loud amusement parks to speak of, or arcades.
It’s ideal for anyone looking for a simple beach break rather than a resort.
The pebble beach is half-an-hour drive away from Eastbourne – but is much quieter, especially in the summer months.
One gem of the seaside town is the boutique coastal hotel that opened almost 100 years ago.
Saying that, it’s very modern with one of the most popular spots being its Seaview Terrace which on the beach with views across the shingle shore.
One visitor said “on a sunny day it looks and feels like the Med!”
Another called it “East Sussex’s best kept secret”.
Along with its beachfront terrace, it has bedrooms with sea views and a modern wellbeing thermal spa with heated loungers, rooms for treatments and a gym.
Tables and sun umbrellas from the Cooden Beach Hotel sit on the shore beachCredit: Alamy
There’s even a hot tub that looks out over the sea and beach-facing sauna.
Cosy Double rooms start from £110 per night and Family Rooms start from £190 per night.
The beach is on the outskirts of Bexhill-on-Sea which is known as the birthplace of British motor racing as it hosted the first automobile races in the country.
It also has a long seafront promenade and a huge De La Warr Pavilion where there are often art exhibitions and events.
For anyone heading to the seaside for a summer break, there’s also a nearby adventure park – and you get 10 per cent off if you stay with the hotel.
Called Knockhatch Adventure Park – it’s a play paradise for kids with jumping pillows, a pirate ship ride, huge water slides, a splash park and boating lake.
Knockhatch has a huge adventure playground with a castleCredit: KNOCKHATCHThere are water slides and an indoor soft play centre tooCredit: Facebook/Knockhatch Adventure Park
There are animal encounters in the owl sanctuary and a huge Dragon Castle playground to explore.
Inside there’s the Froggies soft play centre which is a multi-level play area with slides, ball-pools, a spider tower and tunnels.
The play park has lots of top reviews – one visitor wrote on Google: “Fantastic day out. So much to do we couldn’t fit it all in.”
Another said: “One of the best parks I have visited in a long while.”
Day tickets to Knockhatch Adventure Park start from £20.46.
You don’t have to book in advance but it’s advised to get a ticket before arrival to guarantee entry.
A POPULAR European city break destination is set to get a new airport within the next decade.
Plans are currently underway in Portugal to build a new airport near Lisbon, around 31 miles from the centre of the city.
Lisbon is set to get a new airportCredit: ANA Aeroportos de PortugalIt is set to cost £7.63billion and will host up to 56million passengers a yearCredit: ANA Aeroportos de Portugal
Estimated to cost €8.9billion (£7.63billion), Luís de Camões Airport would feature two runways, with the possibility of adding two more in the future.
There will be 120 aircraft parking spots, 64 gates and 76 bridges at the airport, allowing it to handle up to 56million passengers a year, rising to 85million by 2082.
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Included in the plans is also a new high speed rail network, that would connect the airport to Lisbon in 26 minutes.
The new airport would replace Humberto Delgado Airport and is planned to open in 2037, but could be as early as 2034.
In a YouTube video showing what the new airport could look like, a spokesperson states: “From the moment you arrive at the terminal, every stage of the journey is designed to be simple, intuitive, and comfortable.
“Featuring smart, innovative solutions and technology that ensures a seamless experience with information always at hand.
“An airport that is more efficient, better connected, more intuitive, and distinctly Portuguese.”
Alongside the new airport, Portugal is investing €400million (£343million) in its existing airports including Porto, Faro and Funchal airports.
There will be two runways which could be increased to four in the futureCredit: ANA Aeroportos de PortugalOther airports across Portugal are also set for upgradesCredit: ANA Aeroportos de Portugal
At Funchal Airport, the terminal is due to be extended.
Then at Porto there will be 14 new aircraft positions and at Faro, there will be new boarding gates as well as an expanded check-in area.
Back in March, TravelSupermarket found that the Portuguese capital was home to the cheapest five-star European city holidays, costing under £310 per person.
SOMETIMES all you need is to get away from the stresses of life and book in a spa break.
And good news – if you’re overdue some relaxation, a spa session or overnight break doesn’t have to destroy your budget.
You could book a spa day at one of 35 Bannatyne spas across the UKCredit: Wowcher
Whether you want a countryside spa weekend with afternoon tea, a Bristol break with breakfast and bubbly, or even to try your luck on a mystery spa voucher – we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our pick of the best spa day and overnight stays across the UK, which are all on sale or up for a very cheap price on Wowcher.
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Bannatyne Spa Day – pick from 35 locations – £32.99
Book yourself in for some me-time at Bannatyne Spa, where this Wowcher offer gets you spa time, a treatment plus some goodies to take home.
Choose a 30-minute treatment from the following: a Swedish back, neck & shoulder massage, manicure, seasonal body scrub, or a tailored facial.
Then switch off from the world and enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool.
Plus there’s 35 locations to choose from in spots like London, Norwich, Cardiff, York, Durham and more.
Save up to 66% on a spa day at Bannatyne Spa – from £32.99
Somerset spa break with breakfast and bubbly – £84
Stay at the DoubleTree Cadbury House in Somerset with breakfast and bubbly from £84ppCredit: Wowcher
Set in the Somerset countryside, the four-star DoubleTree Cadbury House hotel makes for a stunning staycation.
The hotel has its own spa with an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, gym, thermal suite plus plenty of spots to lay back and relax.
Pick between a one or two-night stay and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival, as well as a freshly-cooked breakfast each morning.
You can also choose to upgrate for an extra £20 each to enjoy dinner in the on-site Marco Pierrre White Steakhouse.
Book a spa break at the 4* DoubleTree Cadbury House from £84
Mystery spa break – £9.99
You could even win a spa holiday to a luxurious hotel in Paris with a mystery voucherCredit: Wowcher
This is the ultimate lucky dip – go for a £9.99 mystery deal and you could land a spa break at over 500 luxurious locations.
You could enjoy packages such as lunch, a treatment and a smoothie at Elan Spa, plus overnight breaks for two or a fancy spa day at Shangri-La The Shard in London.
You could even land a glamorous mini spa holiday abroad, winning a city break in Paris at a five-star spa hotel for two.
Once you’ve bought the mystery voucher, you’ll be sent a link to redeem it where will you see which prize you have won.
Bag a mystery spa voucher for £9.99
Four-star Essex Spa Day with Lunch included – £69
Save up to 51% off of full-price with this spa day in EssexCredit: Wowcher
Bag a spa day with lunch at the four-star Greenwoods Spa in Essex for £69, saving up to 51% off full price.
The deal includes a spa day experience with full access to all the facilities, as well as a two-course lunch.
Meal options include a pan-roasted chicken supreme, pork loin or fish of the day for main, as well as a mango cheesecake or warm chocolate brownie for dessert.
After lunch, settle down for the afternoon in the Greenwoods Spa, where you can have a gentle swim in the pool or a detox in the sauna.
Save up to 51% on a spa day with lunch at Greenwoods Spa – from £69
Overnight spa break in Northamptonshire countryside – £154
Sink into your relaxing countryside surroundings with a stay at York Cottage SpaCredit: Wowcher
This countryside spa retreat in Northamptonshire is the ideal place to go to clear your mind.
Stay in the rustic York Cottage Spa in a spacious king-sized suite, and make use of the spa with its swimming pool, sauna, and relaxation zones.
This deal is for two people, and also includes a traditional afternoon tea and cosy, fluffy robes to borrow.
Outside of your vibrant green countryside surroundings, you could head into the market town of Wellingborough to soak up its history.
Book an overnight spa break for two at York Cottage Spa for £154 (£77pp)
TRAVELLERS heading abroad this summer can beat Ryanair’s hand luggage rule with this clever “Sudoku” packing hack.
The trick has gone viral online and whittles your wardrobe down to just the essentials.
The Sudoku Packing hack has gone viral on social mediaCredit: @ thenatalieway1/TikTokTravellers need to pick just nine items to create 27 outfit combinationsCredit: @thenatalieway.travel/Instagram
Anyone trying to scrimp on flights knows the frustration of added baggage fees.
While your Ryanair ticket may only cost £30, adding hold luggage can top up the bill with a £59.99 per flight.
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Even a cabin bag can land you with a charge of up to £36.
So many of us try to save some cash by choosing to carry all our belongings in just one small bag, but sizing down your suitcase to this meagre amount can be tricky.
A Ryanair flight offers a tiny 40 x 30 x 20cm bag for free, while easyJet offers a slightly larger 45 x 36 x 20cm size for hand luggage.
However, a handy travel hack might be the solution, and it’s known as “Sudoku Packing”.
The hack has blown up on TikTok and Instagram, promising to whittle your wardrobe down to just nine essential items needed for a short trip.
The trending technique first went viral earlier this year, when influencer Natalie Shaquer shared how the hack was transformative for her travels.
In her video, Natalie recommends “visualising your trip” before beginning the packing phase and taking a few moments to think through the types of outfits you’re going to need.
Then, all travellers need to do is pick three tops, three bottoms and three layering items that all harmoniously coordinate.
Layers can be anything from scarves to jackets to cardigans or jumpers, and should be picked according to the climate of the upcoming destination.
When laid out in a 3×3 grid, the Sudoku selection creates up to 27 different clothing combinations made up of a top, bottom and layer.
Natalie also recommends bringing three pairs of shoes to go with your coordinated clothing selection.
Packers are reminded that each pair of bottoms, whether trousers, a skirt or shorts, will need to work with at least two pairs of the shoes, otherwise they must go “back in the closet”.
With your clothing streamlined, you should still have plenty of space for toiletries and accessories in your bag, but this hack is likely only useful for those planning on being away for a few days.
However, travellers heading out on longer trips will likely need more than nine items of clothing, so then it may be worth forking out for hold luggage.
British Airways flight BA919 was due to land at Heathrow Airport but before it could safely land it encountered an issue mid-air which has been reported as “the most serious ‘near miss’ in the UK in years”
15:56, 30 Jul 2026Updated 15:58, 30 Jul 2026
The pilot reportedly faced a terrifying moment while the plane was above Canary Wharf.(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A British Airways plane was “seconds from disaster” after a “serious incident” above London, it has been reported.
On Monday July 6, Flight BA919 from Dusseldorf was due to land at Heathrow Airport but before it could safely land it encountered an issue mid-air. Just before it was due to land the pilot reportedly faced a terrifying moment while the plane was above Canary Wharf.
Sources said the first officer’s error required a physical intervention by the captain as the Airbus A320 was on on route to land at Heathrow Airport.
It is said the jet suffered a stall and the captain had to step in to overide the first officer’s initial input to try and fix the problem.
Experts told The Sun the situation could have resulted in ‘hull loss’, where an aircraft is destroyed or seriously damaged. They added it was “The most serious ‘near miss’ in the UK in years”.
Following the incident the captain is now understood to be on “stress leave”.
The Air Accidents Investigation (AAIB) Branch are investigating the ‘serious incident’. AAIB is an independent agency and is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents in the UK and its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
A spokesperson for British Airways said: “We’re assisting the AAIB with its investigation and are legally unable to comment further at this stage.”
This road has a long history studded with soldiers, cyclists and tourists
The road attracts daredevils(Image: Getty)
Tucked in the hills of the Lake District is a twisting road that is so steep and challenging it’s often brought up as one of the most dangerous in the UK. Hardknott Pass, between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, links the Lake District with West Cumbria.
Often impassable in the winter due to snow and ice, it is also one of the steepest in the UK. It has a maximum gradient of 33%, and winds through the mountains with a series of hairpin turns that would put fear in any casual driver.
This steep gradient draws endurance cyclists from across the world. It’s steeper than any other mountain stage in any other European races, including the Tour de France.
Every year, cyclists flock to the pass to complete the Fred Whitton Challenge – an 112 mile ride around the Lake District.
From Romans to tank training
A version of what is now Hardknott Pass was built by the Romans around AD110 to link the coastal fort at Ravenglass to their garrisons in Ambleside. They called it the tenth highway, but it fell into disrepair in the early 5th century when the Romans left Britain. For years it was used as an unpaved packhorse route to transport lead and farming goods.
In the 1880s, the road was improved by the English Lake District Association – a group of hoteliers. They hoped that making the road better would encourage more people to travel there but by 1891 it had failed to attract the number of people they had wanted.
Instead, the route was popular with cyclists and motorists. Even then, it was described as a challenging road to pass, with the Guide to North-West England describing the old coach road as “difficult going West, cruel coming East”.
Fast forward to World War 2 and the remote mountain pass was in regular use by British forces who used it to train tank drivers, completely destroying what was left of the road surface.
After the war it was finally tarmacked and opened to vehicles.
The road today
Now, the road is a thrilling drive where anyone coming downhill must be prepared to reverse into tight passing bays to allow those coming up the right of way.
However, despite the challenge of driving the road, the views at its 393 metre summit are well worth the effort.
The peak of the mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching toward the Scafell range.
As you drive along the route, you pass the haunting ruins of Hardknott Roman fort, where the same soldiers who used to travel the pass stood watch over the mountain wilderness.
UK motorists would rather take a scenic UK drive than the fastest option for a staycation road trip – with 52% saying beautiful scenery was important when planning a long drive.
Three quarters of drivers would rather take the scenic route(Image: PinPep)
Three quarters of motorists would prefer to take the scenic route rather than the quickest option for a staycation. A poll of 2,000 drivers revealed that beautiful scenery (52%) was a key consideration when planning a long drive – with the average motorist willing to add 41 minutes to their journey for a more impressive view.
Four in ten find a road trip ‘boring’ as it typically involves motorways and staring at the back of a lorry – with the M25 voted the most tedious road to drive on. However, 21% admitted they wouldn’t know how to find a more scenic route, while 57% rarely or only sometimes have enough time to plan one before heading off.
A further 49% confess they rely too heavily on their sat nav, meaning they seldom discover new or picturesque routes by chance.
The study, commissioned by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover, revealed that when taking a scenic route, 37% found it took a similar amount of time to a motorway journey, while 25% said it actually took less – thanks to avoiding traffic and congestion.
Adam Craddock, temporary car insurance expert for the brand, said: “With the UK staycation market seeing strong demand this summer, we wanted to give motorists the best of both worlds.
“Motorways are essential for efficient travel, but we also want to give holidaymakers an easier way to discover stunning scenic detours alongside their usual routes.
“The UK possesses world-class landscapes that genuinely rival top global destinations – from the spectacular vistas of the Scottish Highlands to the serene beauty of the Lake District – and our new interactive tool is designed to unlock them all.”
Discover an alternative scenic route by entering your start and end UK postcodes with this new online tool.
The research revealed scenic views are the source of many arguments in the car, with 13% accusing passengers of ‘hogging the best views’ – leaving 70% of drivers feeling that passengers are the only ones who get to enjoy it.
Despite 41% citing stop-offs as essential during a long car journey, 31% rarely or never do this – with the Angel of the North (33%) and Yorkshire Dales (22%) among places travellers have never stopped to visit.
However, the country’s beauty doesn’t go unnoticed as 34% believed the Scottish Highlands rivals the Norwegian Fjords, while 24% compared Cornwall to the Amalfi Coast.
Kaiser Chiefs frontman and musician, Ricky Wilson who regularly travels across the country for festivals and gigs, contributed his own top spots to the tool.
He said: “As a band we’ve driven thousands of miles this year alone, and after recently hitting the milestone of 1,500 live shows, you realise how much of the country you miss by sticking rigidly to the sat nav.
“Some of our best moments on tour – like all of us jumping out of the bus to check out Stonehenge – only happened because we took a scenic detour.
“Now with four-year-old twins, pit stops are non-negotiable, and swapping grey motorway service stations for incredible scenic spots is a game-changer.
“We’ve had some legendary detours over the years, and taking the scenic route turns a boring drive into pa rt of the holiday. “
The countryside (68%) and beach and coastal routes (63%) were amongst the most enjoyable scenery to take in while driving, according to those surveyed via OnePoll.com.
The typical driver is comfortable going 113 minutes before requiring a break – however, 41% would never split driving responsibilities as 47% prefer being behind the wheel. But 27% would refuse to hand over the keys because of insurance reasons, while 15% claimed adding an extra driver to their annual policy is too much hassle.
Adam Craddock at Tempcover added: “A great trip should start the moment you get into the car, not just when you reach the destination.
“It’s all about making the most of the journey together and sharing the adventure every mile of the way. The right cover gives drivers the flexibility to share the wheel and we are all about removing the hassle with temporary comprehensive cover in minutes – making it easy to share the drive and swap over so one person doesn’t hog all the views.”
At the time of opening, Currie said: “Tenerife South Airport is a hub for millions of UK and international passengers each year, making it the ideal location to test spreading our wings in an overseas setting.
“It’s an exciting milestone for Greggs as we bring a slice of home to the Canaries, and we’re confident our great-value offering will resonate just as well under the Spanish sun as it does on the UK high street.”
The popular airport handles 13million passengers a year, with around 50 per cent of them being from the UK.
Taking to Reddit, Greggs fans shared their thoughts on the new store.
And now Greggs is thinking about opening more stores abroad in the futureCredit: Tenerife South Airport
One person said: “I won’t be satisfied until we have a Greggs in Paris.”
Another person added: “Come to Canada already. Tim Hortons exists in the UK, return the favour.”
Greggs did use to have stores in Belgium, but they were closed in 2008.
The UK flights to Europe with the worst cancellations have been revealedCredit: AlamyThe London Luton and Ibiza route came out on top as the worstCredit: Alamy
According to new analysis of flight data by AirAdvisor, flights between London’s key hubs and Majorca and Ibiza are most likely to be cancelled this summer.
The study looked at routes between the UK and European airports that had more than 100 flights scheduled per month.
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Coming out on top is the route between London Luton and Ibiza with a cancellation rate of 5.56 per cent between June 1 and August 31.
London Heathrow to Majorca came up second worst for cancellations, at a rate of 1.6 per cent.
Overall, four of the top 10 routes from the UK with the highest cancellation rates are to Majorca.
More than two million Brits travel to Majorca during the peak summer season, with the airport also being one of the busiest airports in Europe.
According to AirAdvisor, so far this summer 36 of 1050 flights departing from Gatwick and Heathrow airports heading to Majorca have been cancelled – which is around 3.44 per cent.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor said: “Cancellation risk on UK routes to Europe is not spread evenly, and this summer the Balearics are carrying a bigger share of the risk than anywhere else.
“That’s worth understanding before you travel, because a cancellation is not just a long wait at the gate. You lose your slot. Same-day options dry up quickly.
“And from that point on, the airline decides what happens next, not you.
“Under UK261, if you’re told your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before departure, you may be entitled to between £220 and £520 in compensation, depending on how far you were flying.”
Top 10 worst routes for cancellations
THESE are the worst airport routes from the UK for flight cancellations over the summer period:
London Luton – Ibiza = 5.56 per cent
London Heathrow – Palma de Mallorca = 1.60 per cent
London Gatwick – Lisbon = 1.43 per cent
London Heathrow – Ibiza = 1.38 per cent
London Gatwick – Palma de Mallorca = 1.31 per cent
