IS there anything more traditionally British than a big double-decker bus?
The Original London Bus Tour offer tours around the capital in classic, open-top buses – and there are some major savings to be had this summer.
The Original Tour are offering 25% off kids tickets for the Kids Tour of London this summerCredit: The Original Tour
Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour
Families looking for an exciting day out in London can save 25% on children’s tickets for The Original Tour’s guided Kids Tour of London, with kids under 2 going free.
The tour is the only one of its kind, as the only live guided London bus tour that is catered specifically to kids.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Families can learn all about London from an enthusiastic tour guide on a 45 minute-long trip around the city.
The route will help you tick off all the major London sights, without the faff of hopping on and off the busy underground or walking long routes that are tiresome for little legs.
Simply sit back and relax on the open-top bus, where you are guaranteed a top deck seat.
You’ll cruise past landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, the London Eye and more.
But it’s not only about ticking off all the sights.
With the child-friendly commentary from the live tour guide, you’ll learn all the hidden secrets of London and fascinating facts that will make your day out all the more interesting.
Come September, the kids will have plenty of new knowledge to impress with at school – along with those fond family memories.
As the tour is catered to families, you can expect all the comforts like room to park your pram downstairs, free Wi-Fi, plus you’re allowed to bring snacks onboard.
The Original Tour offer the only open-top bus tour in London designed specifically for kidsCredit: The Original Tour
Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour
The best part? You can also claim seven other freebies as part of the offer.
Plus you’ll get access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour’s partner app.
That’s three ways to see London for the price of one – all of which are kid-friendly, hassle-free and put together by experts.
That way you can put together the perfect family day out in London during the school summer holidays that won’t break the bank.
Tours depart from Charles II Street, beside His Majesty’s Theatre. It’s recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early, as seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For added flexibility during the summer holidays, you can amend up to 24 hours before departure.
You can book your ticket online or browse other bus tours by clicking the button below.
The 25% off children’s tickets deal is a limited-time offer, and runs over the school summer holidays.
The offer also includes a free hop-on, hop-off Thames cruise plus six walking tour routesCredit: Getty
Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour
THERE are plenty of campsites around the UK, but some of them are so beautiful, it feels like they could be hundreds of miles away.
Sun Travel has teamed up with camping experts at Pitchup.com to find ones in the UK that look like they could be abroad from coastal escapes to secluded lakes.
Ardlui Holiday Home Park in Scotland has a busy marina and beautiful mountain viewsCredit: PitchUpThe lodges at Ardlui Holiday Home Park look more like chaletsCredit: Pitchup
In a small mountain town you may stumble across hundreds of half-built., abandoned homes that resemble castles. While this development had big dreams, the plans never came into fruition
Row after row of castles lie abandoned(Image: Adem ALTAN / AFP)ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Imagine living in your very own miniature château, a three-storey villa that had gothic-inspired architecture with turrets and balustrades that made it resemble Cinderella’s castle at Disney World.
One housing developer had this dream, and it was set to build 732 of these unusual homes in a small town not far from Istanbul. But sadly, despite many homebuyers looking to buy into this unique community, it now lies abandoned 12 years after construction began.
While the houses looked straight out of a Disney film, they were actually inspired by Istanbul landmarks including the medieval Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower from Istanbul. The name of the development, Burj Al Babas, translates as ‘tower of Babas’ in Arabic, and came from the nearby Babas thermal springs. Each castle was set to have its own pipeline to the waters to create luxurious indoor swimming pools.
But the plans didn’t stop at rows and rows of castles. If completed, lucky residents would have had access to a huge domed complex with a shopping centre, mosque, cinema, and hammam, creating an entire community in the mountains. The relatively cool weather in the area was also seen as a selling point, allowing people from nearby Middle East countries to escape the worst of the summer heat.
The castles were listed in a glossy brochure, with prices ranging from $370,000 to $530,000, about £278,500 and £400,000, a modest sum to live in your own château. But despite half the castles being sold in advance, mostly to buyers from the Gulf states, not a single moving van made it to the complex.
As soon as construction began in 2014, with the aim of finishing in four years, it started to hit several snags. Firstly, contractors complained that the disposal of rubble had breached environmental laws, and a year later, workers protested that they hadn’t been paid. Contractors soon pulled out and started the long legal process of trying to reclaim their lost wages.
Add a failed military coup and bad luck with weather, and the construction soon fell behind schedule. Sales stalled too, due to the country’s instability at the time, and the lack of cash flow soon put the developer into bankruptcy.
Not a single castle was completed as of 2022, and there are 587 half-built castles on the plot, with the exposure to the elements likely causing water damage in many of them as time goes on.
As recently as 2024, there was renewed interest in the development with the Emir of Kuwait visiting President Erdoğan, and it was reported that Burj Al Babas was discussed. The Guardian were also given a tour of the site in the same year by Adem Tekgöz, a representative of developers the Sarot Group, who claimed: “It gets cold in the winter, so we stopped construction. We’re preparing to restart next summer”.
However, as of 2026 there appears to be no trace of the Sarot Group online and still no word as to whether the project will ever be restarted, leaving a ghost town rather than a fairytale village.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
A British tourist in the Canary Islands has captured the chaos of her hotel’s sunbed wars, but she admits that rather than being annoyed, there’s one reason why she found the whole scene ‘funny’
‘Sunbed wars’ erupt as brits rise at crack of dawn to ‘HOG’ loungers – before even heading for BREAKFAST
A Brit staying in Tenerife was unimpressed by her fellow holidaymakers after she spotted sunbed wars erupting before the hotel had even opened up the breakfast bar.
Chenaiyah Bernard, 21, from Leeds captured the video of holidaymakers rushing early in the morning to snag their favourite sunbeds, even staking their claim on parasols in an attempt to get the best spot.
She was staying in the popular resort town of Playa de las Américas, and captured the scenes from her balcony last Friday (July 24).
The primary school play worker says she was relaxing on her balcony at 7.45am, and saw a group of people hanging around the pool area, looking to nab their loungers for the day before breakfast had even opened.
Chenaiyah’s video, set to the Mario Kart theme tune, shows Brits patiently waiting around for the cleaners to finish, standing next to parasols to stake out the area they want before they can grab sunbeds for the day, reports creatorzine.com.
Chenaiyah said: “I woke up early to stand outside of my hotel room balcony and witnessed a bunch of British people all stood around the cleaners waiting for them to finish so they could then occupy a sunbed and then head off to breakfast. I doubt they will all be wanting to sunbathe at 7.45am since it’s not that warm. People began to occupy parasols with their towels, which I found funny.”
Once the pool area is open, the Brits are shown taking sunbeds out and throwing their towels over them to mark their territory, before casually strolling away.
Chenaiyah was left bemused by the scenes, which ultimately proved pointless; she claims she had no trouble finding a poolside sunbed when she went down to relax later that morning, meaning the early birds’ rush may have been completely unnecessary.
She said: “I don’t care to wake up early for a sunbed but other people can do what they want.” She added that although it didn’t seem overtly “competitive or aggressive” adding that “it was just funny watching people wake up early just to claim a sunbed way earlier than they actually will need it, and I assume some people probably want to hog the sunbeds all day and not allow people who also want to sunbathe to use one.”
Chenaiyah said she doesn’t judge those taking part in the sunbed scramble, saying: “I don’t think it’s that serious in my opinion to go downstairs that early to claim a sunbed, to have your towel sat there when you aren’t always going to be with. Like, get out of the resort and explore, but people can honestly do what they want.”
But she pointed out there was plenty to do even if you don’t sit by the pool: “People who sleep in probably aren’t bothered about claiming a sunbed at the crack of dawn and feel they have better things to do, like exploring the area or going to the beach.”
Chenaiyah’s video has since been viewed over 160,000 times on TikTok with over 5,000 likes, and it’s safe to say most of the comments were on her side. One said: “Why oh why do people do this you are on holiday for god’s sake.”
Others claimed these kinds of videos influenced the kind of breaks they’d book in future. One said: “Why would you go on this type of holiday, that’s hell.”, while another joked: “all inclusive about as much fun as an MRI scan.”
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
The picturesque town is dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Weald’ and boasts award-winning wineries
Not far from the high street is the 1792 Town Hall(Image: Getty)
If you’re after a UK destination to visit that’s away from the usual tourist trail, look no further than this underrated town. Like many British market towns, this spot has seen businesses come and go, but it has generally remained resilient thanks to tourism and its emphasis on independent retailers.
New cafés, salons and professional services have continued to open in recent years, helping maintain a lively town centre despite the wider challenges facing UK high streets. Its high street is often described as one of the most attractive market-town high streets in Kent.
Rather than being dominated by chain stores, it has retained a strong independent character, with a broad, tree-lined layout that makes it feel more like a promenade than a conventional shopping street.
When it comes to independent shopping you’ll find boutiques, gift shops, bookshops, galleries, jewellers, delicatessens, cafés and specialist retailers alongside a handful of familiar national brands. This mix has helped the town remain a shopping destination for both locals and visitors.
Walking along the high street today, you’ll pass several historic landmarks, including St Mildred’s Church, whose origins date back to the 12th century and the 1792 Town Hall, an elegant Georgian building.
Kent town
Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Weald” by locals, the picturesque town of Tenterden in Kent is easily accessible and boasts arts and folk festivals, restaurants and award-winning wineries and historic architecture.
Although the population is only around 8,200, Tenterden serves a much wider rural area. People from dozens of surrounding villages come into town for shopping, healthcare, banking and cafés, so it often feels busier than its size would suggest.
For a relatively small place, Tenterden has a busy calendar. Annual events include:
May Fair
Folk Festival
Christmas Market
Classic car gatherings
Steam railway events
Food and drink festivals
Many of these take place on or around the high street, making it the perfect spot for locals and visitors to get together.
History
One of Tenterden’s most fascinating stories is its unexpected maritime past. Although the town now lies several miles inland, it was once closely connected to the sea.
During the Middle Ages, ships could sail up the River Rother to the nearby port of Small Hythe, which became an important centre for shipbuilding.
Over time, the river silted up and the coastline gradually shifted, leaving Tenterden inland.
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is one of Britain’s best-loved heritage railways and an integral part of Tenterden’s character.
Stretching 17 km between Tenterden Town and Bodiam, the line takes passengers for “a nostalgic journey” through the scenic Rother Valley to view a 14th-century structure, Bodiam Castle, which is regarded as “one of the best loved and best known castles in England”.
Combining rich railway history with some of the finest countryside in Kent and East Sussex, it remains one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions.
The town is home to Chapel Down Winery, which provides tours and tastings of its award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits, according to WorldAtlas. The town also regularly plays host to arts and crafts fairs and folk festivals, amongst them a free-entry community festival taking place this summer.
Tenterden is a popular base for exploring both Kent and East Sussex, and within 20 minutes, you can also reach:
The Hogwarts Express has arrived in Perris, Calif.
The Southern California Railway Museum has temporarily turned into Platform 9 3⁄4 to host “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.” The one-hour theater performance takes place on a moving train and features singalongs, spellcasting and House cheers. Tickets cost between $72.25 and $93.25 per passenger.
The experience is the first of its kind in the United States, said Jarrette Ireland, vice president and general manager of Colorado-based Rail Events Inc., and Kathleen Wallis, vice president of global themed entertainment at New York-based Warner Bros. Discovery.
As of July 23, the experience sold just under 11,000 tickets in pre-sales.
The train event commences as the Harry Potter franchise’s author, J.K. Rowling, continues to draw criticism for her opposition toward transgender women. She has long been criticized for transphobic commentary on X and for funding organizations that fight to exclude trans women from public life.
1.The cast performs with magic wands in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”2.A passenger holds a Platform 9 3/4 ticket.3.The Hogwarts Express conductor performs in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”(David Fouts / For The Times)
“What’s really terrifying is that influence. It’s already being felt in the United States,” Williamson said. “There’s a trans genocide happening. It’s very serious.”
Williamson, who is nonbinary and identifies under the trans umbrella, said it is “already very scary being openly queer in Perris,” where the Harry Potter experience is hosted. She, her children and other queer and trans folks in their circle have experienced hateful slurs, home vandalism and other queerphobic prejudice.
Asking the public not to purchase anything Harry Potter related, they said, is “the most we feel that we can do for our community.”
Responding to general concerns about Rowling, Wallis said, “We feel privileged to create these experiences for the fans who love the stories, and there’s a very deep fandom out there. A lot of these kids, my own included, grew up with these movies and stories, and they love to experience them in new ways.”
Warner Bros. Discovery did not respond to a request for comment about local advocacy at the time of publication.
Ireland said Rail Events “is really proud to welcome all guests to a great experience” and later clarified that it doesn’t have “a personal connection” to Rowling.
But Warner does. For instance, its new Harry Potter television series will air this Christmas.
There was no mention of Rowling during a recent preview of the train experience, which is geared toward children. Passengers travel through “Platform 9¾” and board the train, where four Hogwarts students belonging to each House greet them.
A cast member carries Fred Weasley’s Basic Blaze Box.
Passengers watch the performance in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”
“Are you a Hufflepuff?” one of the Hogwarts students asked a visitor.
For those unfamiliar with the Harry Potter universe, each House embodies a trait: courage for Gryffindor, loyalty for Hufflepuff, wisdom for Ravenclaw and ambition for Slytherin.
When the train takes off, the students make these personality differences known. The Gryffindor and Slytherin maintain a traditional rivalry, the Ravenclaw nerds out about magical history and the Hufflepuff attempts to mediate them all.
To successfully complete their journey, each student must embody a virtue that belongs to a different House. The Gryffindor must hone wisdom, the Hufflepuff courage, the Ravenclaw ambition and the Slytherin loyalty.
Throughout the ride, the students put their new traits to the test: confronting a hippogriff blocking the tracks, capturing runaway chocolate frogs and facing off a soul-sucking dementor. By the end of the journey, they overcome their House stereotypes and learn they aren’t so different from one another after all.
A dementor puppet moves through the train in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”
According to the experience’s website, the train travels along a route through the neighborhoods of Perris and starts and ends at the same place. When visitors disembark the train, they head to an area inspired by Hogsmeade, a village that sits outside Hogwarts. Here, they can purchase themed drinks, food and merchandise.
Navigating the logistics of “putting theater tech into a train” was a “real adventure,” Ireland said. Inside, TV screens replaced the overhead luggage compartments, and a strip of lights lined the carriages’ walls from front to back. Gray shades embellished with a circular “Hogwarts Express” logo covered all the windows, so visitors can’t see outside.
These elements aided the storytelling. The TVs played scenes from the Harry Potter films and helped suspend disbelief where magical creatures were involved, and the lighting system aided in spellcasting.
Streaks of light fly down the carriage in one dueling scene, and in the show’s climax, the lights go dark when a dementor — played by a hooded actor puppeteering the creature strapped to their torso — floats down the aisle.
It was the Hufflepuff who, with the help of passengers, vanquished the dementor.
1
2
1.The cast showcases floating feathers after performing a levitation spell.2.A cast member carries a box of chocolate frogs through the train.
“Everyone, repeat after me!” the Hufflepuff called, wand pointed at the creature. “Expecto Patronum!”
As passengers chanted the incantation together, white light flashed through the carriage, and music swelled from the speakers. Defeated, the dementor drifted down the aisle and out of sight.
The experience will run at the Southern California Railway Museum through Sept. 27.
Ireland said future stops will be announced in the fall, with plans to expand throughout North America and, ultimately, to the United Kingdom.
If you go
‘Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure’
Where: Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S A St., Perris, Calif., 92570 When: Through Sept. 27 Tickets: $72.25-$93.25 per passenger Additional information: harrypottertrainadventure.com
Also under £20 in August are flights to Fez, Carcassone, Pula, Limoges and Milan.
There are 22 routes on sale from London Luton – some of the cheapest include one-way flights to Alicante in August for as little as £19.99.
Other flights for £19.99 include routes to Majorca – the popular Balearic island with beautiful beaches.
From Manchester Airport there are 50 routes available with cheap flights through the summer into autumn.
The Ryanair flash sale is only available untilCredit: BrasilNut1
In October, some of the cheapest flights are to Santander with one-way tickets from £15 – also you can head to Zagreb from £22 and Pisa from £18.
There are deals available from 22 airports including London Gatwick to Aberdeen, Teeside, Norwich and Leeds Bradford.
Ryanair’s Director of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said: “July Pay Day means one thing – it’s time to book your next summer getaway!”
“Whether you’re dreaming of a last-minute beach escape, a sun-soaked city break, or simply need a well-deserved getaway, Ryanair’s 24-hour July pay day flash sale has you covered with fares from as little as £19.99 for travel throughout August.
“Book before 23:59 tonight (Wed, 29 Jul) on the Ryanair App.”
But booking a cheap hotel that previous guests actually rate is where things can get really tricky, because the lowest price very rarely equals the best value.
Holiday expert Rob Brooks has identified seven European resorts where hotels are not only cheap, but rank very highly in guest reviewsCredit: Rob BrooksThe Princesa Guayadeque in Puerto del Carmen feels like a glamorous boutique hotelCredit: onthebeach.co.uk
A bargain hotel becomes considerably less impressive the second you see reviews mentioning cold chips, paper-thin walls, and a swimming pool that was clearly photographed with a deceptive wide-angle lens.
To find the ultimate value holiday location, I’ve crunched the numbers on hotel prices across Europe’s favourite package destinations and cross-referenced them with each hotels’ average TripAdvisor ratings.
One caveat though: while the deals in this article are all brilliantly cheap, this isn’t just a list of rock-bottom prices. That’s of no use to you at all.
I’ve also factored in the volume of positive hotel reviews, the choice of properties, and what you actually get for your cash on arrival too.
I’ve ranked my final seven picks by their average score, counting down to the destination that statistically had the absolute happiest guests for the absolute best value.
7. Costa del Sol, Spain (Average Rating: 3.82/5)
TripAdvisor reviewers have given the Helios Costa Tropical a 4.8/5 ratingCredit: Tripadvisor
The Costa del Sol has been dominating the package market for decades, and that breadth of experience really shows in the data.
Because there’s massive competition between hotels to fill beds every year, prices stay ruthlessly competitive… which is great news for you.
While its hotel’s 3.82 average score sits at the bottom of our final seven, it makes the cut because it’s a destination that is incredibly easy to get right, with massive flight capacity from across the UK keeping travel costs low.
For example, I spotted a five-night, room-only stay at the Helios Costa Tropical in Almunecar, flying from Bournemouth in September, from just £270pp.
This three-star property is completely outperforming the regional average with a staggering 4.8/5 TripAdvisor rating.
And the hotel sits right on the San Cristobal promenade, meaning you can walk straight out of breakfast and onto the sand without paying the inflated room premiums usually charged by the big chain resorts in neighbouring Nerja.
Book a holiday: Costa del Sol, Spain
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a a five-night, room-only stay at the Helios Costa Tropical in Almunecar from September 27, flying from Bournemouth, from £270pp.
Stay in Fuerteventura’s Higos Beach hotel for five nights from £385pp – flights includedCredit: onthebeach.co.uk
Fuerteventura is one of the best holiday spots for making a modest holiday budget feel significantly larger.
Resorts here specialise in huge pool complexes and massive, wide beaches that never feel crowded, even during peak school holidays.
Caleta de Fuste is a top-tier shout for families due to the sheltered bays, while Costa Calma is built for world-class lounging.
You can lock in a five-night self-catering stay at the three-star R2 Higos Beach in Costa Calma, flying from London Gatwick in early September from £385pp.
This hotel even pulls in a brilliant 4.6/5 guest rating because it sidesteps the sterile, high-rise block feel of the island’s mega resorts.
The apartments also come with fully equipped, modern kitchens, with the hotel situated right next to a local market, meaning you can prep cheap breakfasts on your private terrace and keep your daily spending money completely intact. Thrifty.
Book a holiday: Fuerteventura
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night self-catering stay at R2 Higos Beach from September 3, flying from London Gatwick, from £385pp.
The Aura Village Apartments in Albufeira are rated a very respectable 4.7/5 on TripAdvisorCredit: onthebeach.co.uk
The Algarve tracks at a solid 3.88 average hotel score, but it’s the value in Portugal mixed with the unbelievable scenery you get for your money that earns it a spot on the board.
The dramatic golden cliffs and hidden coves make even a basic walk to the local bar look cinematic.
Albufeira provides the largest pool of cheap apartments, while Alvor and Carvoeiro handle the quieter family pace.
I dug out five nights at the Aura Village Apartments in Albufeira from just £260pp, with direct flights from London Stansted in late September.
It’s a self-catering setup at this hotel, which makes its stellar 4.7/5 review score all the more impressive.
This hotel is near-perfect for a Portuguese holiday as it offers guests a quiet, central apartment that can be used as a launchpad for the rest of the resort.
Which means you can camp here all day, then head out in the evenings, walk a couple of streets back from the main strip and find independent tavernas hidden in the back alleys that will serve you authentic Piri-Piri chicken for half the price of the tourist traps on the front.
Book a holiday: The Algarve
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night self-catering stay at the Aura Village Apartments from September 27, with direct flights from London Stansted, for £260pp
Although the Princesa Guayadeque is a 2-star hotel, guests rave about the pristine property and its luxurious feelCredit: onthebeach.co.uk
Lanzarote is the only Canary Island on our radar where hotel reviews hit a flawless 4.0 average.
Because development on the island was historically controlled by strict low-rise building laws, you get whitewashed, low-density resorts instead of towering concrete blocks.
Puerto del Carmen is the great all-rounder for value, while Costa Teguise routinely drops some of our heaviest package discounts.
One of the best-reviewed hotel loopholes I found was the Princesa Guayadeque in Puerto del Carmen, with five nights self-catering and flights from Bristol right at the end of September from £320pp.
It’s a two-star hotel, but don’t let that fool you. This spot pulls an exceptional 4.7/5 score from guests who rave about its pristine cleanliness.
And because of the hotel’s high-up position, it sits just a short, flat walk away from the main strip, giving you completely peaceful nights away from the bar noise without forcing you to budget for local taxis.
Book a holiday: Lanzarote
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, self-catering stay at the Princesa Guayadeque in Puerto del Carmen from September 23, with return flights from Bristol, from £320pp.
Rob recommends visiting Spain’s Costa Blanca for hotels that are both cheap and highly-ratedCredit: Getty
The Costa Blanca might be the most complete package bargain in Europe.
The sheer volume of hotels in hubs like Benidorm keeps prices brilliant year-round, and despite that, Costa Blanca hotels still pull in an immensely impressive 4.07/5 average rating.
If the main neon strip feels a bit too lively, nearby Albir offers a completely relaxed alternative under the shadow of the Sierra Helada cliffs.
A standout value option here is the three-star MC Amalia Apartments in Benidorm, where five nights self-catering costs just £255pp, with flights from London Gatwick in late September into early October.
The hotel has a strong 4.5/5 rating, not least because of its brilliant positioning near Levante beach.
It also sits right on the edge of the historic Old Town, meaning you can skip the commercial tourist restaurants and eat like a local at the traditional, wood-fired tapas bars hidden down the famous “Tapas Alley” for a fraction of the cost.
Book a holiday: Costa Blanca
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, self-catering stay at the MC Amalia Apartments from September 30, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £255pp.
Qawra in Malta is a wallet-friendly destination with three-star hotels that feel more like five-starCredit: Getty
Malta delivers an incredible mix of excellent accommodation, historical city walls, and a massive 4.14 average review rating for hotels.
Despite the numbers, it still gets routinely overlooked by Brits who automatically type Spain or Greece into Google, meaning there is excellent value hiding in plain sight.
And if you do fancy it, I’d look around Qawra and Bugibba for the steepest discounts.
For a central base however, St Julian’s Scirocco, Affiliated by Melia is sitting at £340pp for five nights room-only, flying from London Stansted on September 25.
And the best bit: this three-star hotel cleans up with a 4.6/5 score.
This hotel even boasts a rooftop pool deck, giving you panoramic views over the local Mediterranean bays while you lounge, letting you enjoy a premium, high-end city-beach aesthetic without paying the luxury waterfront resort prices down the road.
Book a holiday: Malta
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night room-only stay at St Julian’s Scirocco, Affiliated by Melia from September 25, with return flights from London Stansted, from £340pp.
Rob recommends a stay at the Grand Uysal Beach & Spa Hotel, which ranks 4.6/5 on TripAdvisorCredit: .onthebeach.co.uk
Antalya takes the number one spot on my board by proving that “cheap” and “basic” do not have to live in the same sentence.
The resort has earned an exceptional 4.3 average guest rating at hotels – the highest in Europe.
And because these massive Turkish resorts are locked in a permanent race to out-spec each other with on-site waterparks, private beaches, and the very-best restaurants, the biggest people who benefit are you and me.
This deal highlights the sheer value here perfectly: five nights all inclusive at the 4-star Grand Uysal Beach & Spa Hotel in Alanya is available from just £415pp, flying from Liverpool this September.
The hotel also carries a brilliant 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor, making this deal even more of a find.
While self-catering elsewhere looks cheaper on paper, going all inclusive in Antalya is the smart holidaymaker’s move because it covers your food, drinks, snacks, and waterpark access in one single bill.
The Grand Uysal even has its own private beach that’s accessible via a private underpass, meaning you can step from the pool bar onto the sand in thirty seconds without ever navigating the main coastal road traffic.
Easily my pick of the bunch.
Book a holiday: Antalya
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at the Grand Uysal Beach & Spa Hotel from September 30, including flights from Liverpool, for £415pp.
And that it will “share our reopening date as soon as we can.”
Talking to Sun Travel, a spokesperson for 22 Bishopsgate explained the issue is a water leak.
The spokesperson said: “Having experienced significant water leakage in certain parts of the building, we have made the decision to close 22 Bishopsgate until we are able to fully operate all our life safety systems.
“We have informed all our occupiers and are working to rectify the issue and to reopen the building as soon as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause our occupiers and visitors and would like to take this opportunity to offer our apologies.”
Horizon 22 first opened in 2023 and has been extremely popular with visitors as it’s completely free.
Yesterday, Horizon 22 announced it would be closed until further noticeCredit: Alamy
Tickets need to be booked in advance and are released every Monday at 10am for the next 14 days.
From the viewing platform, visitors can see London landmarks includingSt Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Gherkin.
In the meantime, other viewing platforms in the city include The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate and the Sky Garden.
Both are completely free but need to be booked in advance to guarantee entry.
AN AFFORDABLE airline has delayed its flights from a major UK airport – before they’ve even taken off.
AirAsia X was due to launch flights from London Gatwick on August 27, however flights have been removed from the schedule.
AirAsia X is delaying its flights from London Gatwick to Kuala Lumpur againCredit: AlamyThe route was supposed to take off on August 27Credit: Getty
The airline has said that due to “prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia” the route is now expected to launch in March 2027.
Benyamin Ismail, General Manager of AirAsia X said: “Following a thorough review of the operating environment, we have made the difficult decision to defer the commencement of our Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick services due to the prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
“This decision was made in view of ongoing safety and operational considerations, with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew remaining our highest priority.
“It is also in line with actions taken by other carriers that have reduced or suspended operations in the region.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and review the route when conditions are conducive to safe and sustainable operations.”
The route will travel between London Gatwick and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stopping at Bahrain and would’ve operated four times a week and then daily from the start of November.
The route would stop over in Bahrain as part of the route to Kuala LumpurCredit: Alamy
Flights were set to be on an Airbus A330-300, which with AirAsia X, holds between 285 and 377 passengers.
Despite being a long-haul flight, the airline has been able to make the route low-cost due to the stopover in Bahrain and choosing Gatwick Airport over London Heathrow.
The Malaysian airline already delayed the launch of the route due to conflict in the Middle East.
However, the airline said at the time that it was still focusing on growth, with specific destinations including Busan, Batam, Bahrain and London.
When flights eventually launch, British travellers will be able to head to 100 destinations across Asia through the airline’s Kuala Lumpur hub, including Japan and Sri Lanka.
The airline used to operate budget long-haul flights from Kuala Lumpur to London but the service stopped in 2012.
AirAsia X added that all impacted travellers will be informed and offered either a full refund or credit to be used within 730 days.
If you’re heading to the beach you may see this fun-looking activity on offer, but tourists are being warned that taking part could invalidate your insurance – and other surprising things can also see your insurer refuse to pay out
Brits are being warned over this common beach activity(Image: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
When you’re on a sunny holiday overseas, it’s likely you get more adventurous and trying some new activities or sports can look more appealing, especially after a few drinks.
But holidaymakers are being warned that taking part in a variety of activities can invalidate your travel insurance, meaning that an accident could leave you up to £80,000 out of pocket.
The travel insurance team at Quotezone.co.uk listed seven holiday activities that could interfere with your travel insurance coverage, and many of them are popular in holiday hotspots. According to its study, 36% would like to try an activity-filled holiday, and 35% said they can’t relax when they are just sunbathing, meaning lots of Brits would be tempted to try out one of these high-octane activities when bored.
Banana boats were among the activities that Quotezone cautioned Brits against. It said: “Whilst most standard travel insurance policies do include banana boats under general water sports, it’s important to do so safely. Not wearing a life jacket, being under the influence of alcohol, or going on a boat that isn’t run by a licensed operator could all result in a rejected claim should you get injured.”
Another thing to look out for on the beach is organised sports events. With the popularity of fitness breaks growing, many Brits now take part in organised sports activities as part of their holiday, but physical strain and injuries might not be covered under your travel insurance in these cases.
Water sports such as scuba diving and jet-skiing can also be risky and may need specialist cover. Some policies cover scuba activities, but only up to a certain depth, and if you don’t dive with a qualified instructor or neglect to follow local laws, you may not be covered in an accident.
Back on dry land, any activities with wheels can be a danger, from hiring a scooter or motorbike to go karting, especially if you don’t wear a helmet or follow local laws. Quad biking is another activity that’s rarely covered by standard insurance policies, but an accident can be extremely costly. A quad biking accident in Greece, for example, that includes surgery and medical repatriation could carry costs of over £80,000 for someone without adequate insurance.
Helen Rolph , travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Many Brits don’t realise that popular holiday activities like jet-skiing or quad biking could leave them thousands of pounds out of pocket if they’re not properly insured.
“Even if coverage is in place, claims can still be rejected if local safety laws are broken, the holidaymakers don’t wear a helmet or are found to be under the influence of alcohol.
“When heading abroad, people often think activities like banana boating and go karting, popular with young travellers, stag and hen parties – are included as standard, but this is rarely the case and could leave thrill-seekers at risk.”
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
The popular airline has shared a booking update for holidaymakers planning their next trip
The airline has shared an update for passengers (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
easyJet has shared a major update for holidaymakers planning their 2027 getaway. While the 2026 summer holidays aren’t over yet, many families are looking ahead to next year. For anyone interested in booking with easyJet, there’s good news.
The airline says its ‘big seat release’ has arrived, and customers can now book seats up until September 2027. Sharing a booking update on social media, easyJet took to Facebook to share the news with passengers. The post said: “Summer 2027 has landed.”
easyJet explained: “Our Big Seat Release is here, meaning you can secure your seat up until 26th September 2027 and start counting down to your next trip.” More information on the easyJet website states: “Summer 2027 flights are now on sale, making it easier than ever to plan your next adventure for the summer holidays and beyond.
“Whether you’re keen to explore somewhere new or revisit a favourite destination, you can book with confidence. Secure your seats for travel between 14 June 2027 and 26 September and start counting down to your well‑earned getaway. Book now and get ready to fly.”
According to the airline’s FAQ page, autumn 2027 flights will also be released soon. Passengers planning ahead can sign up for the airline’s newsletter to find out about upcoming releases. easyJet said its ‘big seat release’ events offer the ‘chance to grab the best fares early for popular destinations.’
If 2026 is anything to go by, travellers in 2027 will be booking destinations inspired by their favourite TV shows, books, and sports. In a blog post dedicated to 2026 travel trends, easyJet said 28% of Brits have been picking destinations based on TV or film.
This could be thanks to inspiration from hit shows like The White Lotus. Sharing a tip for customers, easyJet said: “Instead of the expensive Saint-Tropez, travellers are looking at nearby Toulon or Villefranche-sur-Mer for Riviera glamour at a lower price.”
Book enthusiasts are getting in on the action, too. easyJet said: “Travellers are visiting historic towns rediscovered through classic literature or their modern retellings. Top Spots: Verona (Shakespeare) and Pamplona (Hemingway). Why: People are seeking depth and narrative meaning rather than just ‘chasing novelty’.”
Meanwhile, sports lovers are choosing destinations that offer pickleball and padel when booking active holidays. The airline shared: “Golf holidays are no longer the only game in town.
“One in 10 Brits is now playing pickleball or padel while away. The Hotspot: Spain is the global centre of Padel, with over 20,000 courts and higher participation than tennis.
“Convenience: Padel racquets are small enough to fit in hand luggage, making it an easy addition to a trip.” More information is available on the easyJet website.
Heathrow flights will be more expensive for decadesCredit: GettyCosts of the Heathrow expansion will be passed onto passengersCredit: Alamy
The maximum airport charger per passenger will be about 15p in 2028, rising to an estimated 30p in subsequent years.
The higher airline charges, which will be built into the cost of flights, will last for about 20 to 25 years.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Heathrow West, a rival expansion scheme led by property billionaire Surinder Arora, has been given the go-ahead to recoup £4.1 million it spent on its plan in 2025 up to November 25, despite it not giving the go-ahead.
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) scheme is estimated to cost £33billion, including £1.5billion to move the M25, and is expected to be fully privately financed.
It would see Heathrow’s annual capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150million passengers.
British Airways, the largest airline at Heathrow, warned that early cost recovery by HAL would create a risk that expansion will be “unaffordable for consumers and inconsistent with a credible benefits case”, according to a CAA document.
Airlines have repeatedly complained that Heathrow has the highest charges of any airport in the world.
Tim Johnson, the CAA’s director of consumers and markets, said: “Our decision strikes a balance between supporting the delivery of benefits to consumers through timely progress on Heathrow expansion, whilst also protecting them from undue increases in costs.
“The costs Heathrow can recover are capped, independently scrutinised and subject to efficiency reviews, helping ensure that passengers only pay for efficient costs that are justified.”
A separate process will be conducted to decide arrangements for costs incurred from 2027.
HAL’s scheme is estimated to cost £33billion, including £1.5 billion to move the M25Credit: Alamy
Last month, the Government launched a consultation on its Heathrow expansion national policy statement, setting out the conditions needed if the project is to be given the go-ahead.
Former chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was determined to get “spades in the ground” for the third runway which is set to be built by 2035.
However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously expressed concerns over Heathrow expansion, stating the plans divert infrastructure investment “away from the North and traps it in London”.
A Heathrow spokesperson said the project will give passengers more choice while providing a “real economic boost to every region and nation of the country”.
He went on: “We have been clear from the start that unlocking the private investment that will deliver these benefits requires a supportive regulatory framework.
“We are carefully considering the CAA proposals and will make investment decisions accordingly.”
Spanish authorities continue to keep people updated(Image: Marco Bottigelli via Getty Images)
People in Spain have received another urgent warning following a national emergency declaration earlier this week.
Thousands were forced to flee their homes as wildfires tore through sections of the country, although many have since been permitted to return. A new alert from Spain’s national weather agency, posted on X on Wednesday morning, cautions that additional fires could break out. The message, initially published in Spanish, reads: “With the new heatwave, today the fire danger will be very high or extreme in most of the country.
“Take extreme precautions.” Temperatures are forecast to reach 41C today in the central province of Toledo, where residents from nine of 11 evacuated towns were given the all-clear to return home on Tuesday.
Madrid is bracing for highs of 38C, while Zaragoza is predicted to see the mercury climb to 40C, according to the Met Office. Seville, Malaga, and Palma are expected to experience highs of 37C, 33C, and 33C, respectively.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The UK government hasn’t issued any blanket warnings for Spain, though it is advising holidaymakers to remain alert. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to urge Brits in wildfire-affected areas to “follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times; check updates from the emergency services; and call 112 if you need emergency help”.
On Tuesday, Spain’s Interior Minister urged people: “Don’t let your guard down” adding that “a spark, a moment of carelessness, or an oversight can change anything”. The FCDO guidance states: “Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas.
“Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbecue.”
Brits have been urged to make two essential passport checks before heading abroad this summer as data shows more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements
Brits urged to make passport checks before travelling(Image: Nicolas Economou/Getty Images)
British travellers heading to France, Greece, Italy and Spain have been urged to make a crucial passport check before heading on their summer holidays as new data reveals more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements.
New data reveals that more than 705,000 UK passports currently have fewer than three months’ validity remaining, meaning travellers would be unable to board their plane.
A further 350,000 were issued more than a decade ago, meaning more than one million could fail entry requirements for some overseas destinations.
Holidaymakers have been urged to check their passports before travelling abroad in the coming months following this new analysis of HM Passport Office data from June 2026.
The 10-year rule is particularly relevant for travellers whose passports were issued before September 2018. Before then, when renewing a passport, HM Passport Office could add up to nine months of unused validity from an old passport to a new one.
This means some passports may still be in date but no longer meet the Schengen entry requirements.
In total, HM Passport Office data shows that 2.37 million passports are due to expire during 2026.
Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Many travellers assume if they have a valid passport they can travel overseas without any issues, but that’s not always the case.
“Some countries, including many popular European destinations, require several months’ validity extending beyond the length of a trip, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for each destination before travelling.
“With more than 700,000 UK passports now having less than three months’ validity remaining, it’s worth travellers taking a few minutes to check theirs before heading abroad.
“Renewing a passport early could help avoid unnecessary stress and reduce the risk of holiday plans being disrupted.”
One of Europe’s hotspots, central Rome has increasingly come to resemble a tube station during rush hour: stifling, overpacked and claustrophobia-inducing. Last year, the Eternal City welcomed a record number of tourists, driven in part by the 2025 Vatican Jubilee – 22.9 million arrivals stayed in the city, almost 10 times the number of residents.
There is no sign of the great tourist boom slowing down, either, with local sources indicating that 2026 could steal the crown from 2025.
Yet while holidaymakers stream out of Rome’s main railway station, Termini, making a beeline towards the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia, few realise that a 20-minute walk in the opposite direction leads to one of Rome’s most overlooked quarters: San Lorenzo.
La Sapienza is one of the world’s oldest universities. It was founded in 1303. Photograph: Peter Spiro/Getty Images
Built in the late 19th century for the working-class community, San Lorenzo carries more modern historical weight than many of its city-centre counterparts. During Benito Mussolini’s rise to power, both local residents (sanlorenzini) and the Arditi del Popolo(AdP) – an anti-fascist military group – were involved in acts of resistance.
During the little-documented 1922 battle of San Lorenzo, members of the AdP resisted squadrist incursions into the neighbourhood, forcing them to retreat under gunfire. Five months later, during the March on Rome, barricades were erected to prevent the blackshirts from entering the area. Though 13 people were killed in the unrest, fascist forces never fully controlled the neighbourhood. It became known as the red zone, symbolising its leftwing politics.
Tragedy struck again towards the end of the second world war, when allied bombing destroyed swathes of the area and killed about 1,500 sanlorenzini.
Today, the living situation in this counterculture quarter is a lot less combative. Students from nearby La Sapienza University mingle with artists, creatives and longtime residents who have remained rooted in their working-class, leftwing identity. Although it has had a cash injection, and clubhouse chains Soho House and Social Hub have opened their doors, the neighbourhood has retained much of the character that sets it apart from Rome’s increasingly crowded centre.
Where to eat and drink
San Lorenzo is known for its non-touristy eating and drinking spots. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Sticky menus with photos of food on them are thankfully few and far between, as are plates of carbonara for more than €10. The district’s Pizzeria Formula 1 is a rite of passage for those living in the area. The no-frills spot has served up Roman-style thin-crust pizza since 1978, specialising in classic toppings such as margherita. Its interior matches what is served: a wood-lined room with white ceilings that looks like it hasn’t been touched since its opening. Both old and young come for meals that rarely stretch beyond €10 per head.
A few minutes away is Osteria da Marcello, a family-run fixture since 1961. Before Marcello Santececca and his wife, Alessandrina, opened their doors, the premises catered largely to fagottari, diners who bought food from home and wine from the establishment. Typical Roman dishes, such as stewed tripe, deep-fried Jewish-style artichokes (carciofi alla giudia), cacio e pepe pasta, and braised oxtail are served on plates placed on paper-covered tables in a dining room retaining its indoor picnic atmosphere.
It’s not just inexpensive eateries that prevail. Nena Mercato e Cucina, run by Italian actor Cristiano Caccamo and his business partner Lorenzo Biancolella, represents a newer side of San Lorenzo: trendy without pomp. Tiled tables and plates hung on the walls lend a Spanish feel, while the menu reworks old-school Italian staples with a sprinkle of modernity, from duck fettuccine with parmesan foam to carbonara with truffles.
Pizzeria Formula 1 is a rite of passage for sanlorenzini
Those with a sweet tooth can cleanse their palates with a bona fide gelato from the aptly named Gelato San Lorenzo, which serves flavours ranging from the obscure (avocado, lemon and pepper) to classic (strawberry).
Nearby, 103-year-old chocolate factory SAID dal 1923 serves up desserts centred on chocolate. Display cabinets show off handmade pralines and truffles, and chocolate-making paraphernalia dangles from the walls, offering a reminder of the zone’s industrial past. Come autumn, the chocolatier’s rich hot chocolate is moreish enough for Augustus Gloop to want to wade in.
As dusk falls, Piazza dell’Immacolata becomes the neighbourhood’s unofficial living room, where raucous university students spill out with beers and plastic cups of wine in hand.
Wine bars are few, but it doesn’t mean they are non- existent. Hidden in plain sight is minuscule Ramnes, a wine bar where patrons and newcomers revel in conversation between sips of local wine (such as the crisp Bellone) and beverages from slightly further afield (such as velvety reds from nearby Abruzzo).
Basilica San Lorenzo fuori le mura (Basilica of St Lawrence Outside the Walls). Photograph: Reda/Getty Images
Much like central Rome, faith makes up a part of San Lorenzo’s sightseeing. The Basilica of St Lawrence Outside the Walls was built around the tomb of the quarter’s namesake. The basilica is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and houses the relics of St Stephen. The original church was destroyed by allied bombings in 1943, with the latest facade rebuilt from the rubble.
In keeping with the religious theme, tree-lined Verano Monumental cemetery (known as Il Verano by locals) offers a place of reflection and tranquillity away from the hubbub of the area. The 83-hectare burial ground is divided into Jewish, Catholic and Protestant sections, with a monument to the victims of the first world war. The resting place of Italian acting icons Alberto Sordi,Bud Spencer and Gigi Proietti, it’s Rome’s answer to London’s Highgate cemetery.
Beyond piety, San Lorenzo’s modern spin stands out. Where central Rome is defined by frescoes, San Lorenzo is defined by street art. As in any neighbourhood, there’s a fair amount of graffiti, but then there are standout pieces such as Marina Biagini and Elisa Caracciolo’s Murale contro il Femminicidio (Mural Against Femicide, 2012-13), each of the 107 figures representing a victim of femicide from the year before. Rome-born street artist Alice Pasquini painted a block-long mural called “Welcome to San Lorenzo” along Via dei Sabelli. Street art tours are frequent.
Elisa Caracciolo’s Murale contro il Femminicidio Photograph: Andrea Sabbadini/Alamy
San Lorenzo’s creative identity extends beyond the streets. It is also a key destination for contemporary art in Rome, anchored by the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, a former pasta factory transformed into a cultural centre in the 1970s, with frequent exhibitions. Independent galleries and creative spaces also contribute to the area’s broader artistic ecosystem, including Collettivo noMade and Monti8.
Where to shop
With not a pristine Gucci bag or a sharp suit in sight, alternative, vintage clothing is high on the priority list for sanlorenzini. There are many secondhand clothes shops, such as Latini 34, where everything from boldly coloured preloved trench coats to shoes can be found. You can also find artisanal leather goods at Laboratorio Pellerossa, and handpicked garments from little-known designers across the globe at L’Anatra all’Arancia. Music-aficionados can pick up a range of vinyl from Ultrasuoni Records Roma.
Don’t miss
It’s pretty hard to miss Giardino Verano in the summer, an open-air space near Il Verano; noise and laughter can be heard throughout the quarter. The four-month-long summer festival hosts (every day until October) free concerts, an outdoor cinema and drinks and games until 2am.
Where to stay
The Social Hub. Photograph: leonardoworldwide.com
There’s little in the way of plush hotels in San Lorenzo but Ateneo Garden Palace (doubles from €188) is set with a sizable courtyard, and offers spacious, airy rooms. Down the road, the newly opened Social Hub (doubles from €250) offers all the facilities from onsite restaurants to a rooftop pool with a bar.
Halfway through a ride on Universal Studio Hollywood’s new coaster, I didn’t know whether to laugh or scream.
The track turned, angled so my car was completely vertical to the ground, a cliff below me. And then my ride vehicle ever so slightly started to twist, to drift as if banking around a tight curve in a video game. Straight down from me was rocky terrain, but if I looked up and beyond the tracks, I had perhaps the best view of the Valley I’ve ever seen.
You’re reading Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride newsletter
Todd Martens’ newsletter delivers news and commentary on the past, present and future of theme parks, right from the theme park capital of the world — Southern California.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, which include arbitration and a class action waiver. You agree that we and our third-party vendors may collect and use your information, including through cookies, pixels and similar technologies, for the purposes set forth in our Privacy Policy such as personalizing your experience and ads.
Granted, it was fleeting. But I was alternately in awe and fearful of what Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift was presenting before me. I held onto my lap bar, gripping it tighter as I lifted out of my seat, and I couldn’t help but smile at my predicament. I was in a mini, expertly re-created Toyota Supra, hanging over a bluff. I was soaring, the sensation of a car careening off a canyon, only here, my life, thankfully, wasn’t at risk. And I didn’t want it to end.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is intense, yes, but more important, it’s a delight. It’s a roller coaster not just full of thrills but of surprises, of wondering where and when a coaster vehicle will be spin, careen or accelerate. Every turn, twist, flip will leave you guessing. And it’s the smoothest coaster I’ve ever been on, a feeling that lends it a sense of approachability not typically found in rides of this speed and unpredictability.
Share via
It is also a ride that will forever change the tone and tenor of Universal Studios Hollywood, a destination that just two decades ago was largely a behind-the-scenes showcase dedicated to movie-making magic. No more. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the foremost theme parks in the nation, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and now one of the strongest thrill rides in Southern California, changes that haven’t always been met with approval by the park’s neighboring Toluca Lake residents.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift surprise-opened to guests Monday afternoon. The ride is in technical rehearsals, a soft opening, more or less. That means it’s still in a testing phase and may not always be running. If getting on the coaster is a priority for you, it’s best to wait until Universal gives it a grand opening.
A look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift careening over the park’s escalators.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
The coaster — designed by Universal, manufactured by Intamin — has long been circled as the most important theme park attraction of 2026, a feat of engineering nestled on a steep hill between the park’s upper and lower lots that was 10 years in the making. Boasting 4,100 feet of track, two towering inverted loops as well as a pretzel loop and the ability to reach 72 mph through four individual launches, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is full of unique attributes, including its ability to go above and under the park’s famed escalators.
But those not attuned to coaster speak need not be overwhelmed. Know only that at times you’re upside down, at times you’re on your side, some moments you’re facing the ground, others you’re glancing at the horizon, and then you may suddenly be flipped backward. And before you have time to worry about it, you’ll be rocketing forward.
The four cars, all expertly themed to storied vehicles from the film franchise in which the coaster takes its name, can rotate 360 degrees. The choreography is sudden, but not jolting and never gratuitous. I’ve gotten motion-sick on other coasters that can rotate, ones specifically in which designers have opted to move the vehicles in time to a soundtrack, but here, the movement is cleverly attuned to the track. If we spike upward at an angle, the cars twirl as if taking off in flight. A dive downward, and we may hear braking noises as the cars lock in a side-facing position. In short, the vehicles feel forever aligned with the designed course. I rode Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift twice with no issues.
Unversal Studios’ Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift features expertly created mini cars.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
And those cars! They are not small. I’m 6-foot-2 and more than 200 pounds and I had ample leg room. And I know those bigger than I am have had no issues riding this new coaster, which seats four per vehicle. Modern coasters aren’t always known for their accessibility, but Universal has created a ride that should be accommodating for many. The ampleness of the cars, coupled with the smoothness of the track, allows Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, I believe, to alternately appease those seeking high thrills while not freaking out those who may be more coaster cautious. The goal here is fun, not to terrify.
Universal has crafted some spectacular coasters in recent years: Florida’s Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Stardust Racers and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, among them. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not just a worthy addition to that portfolio, but a ride that many, I bet, will declare their favorite. Universal Creative, the division of the company responsible for theme park experiences, and especially the Universal Studios Hollywood team led by Jon Corfino, have accomplished what, just 10 years ago, would have been unthinkable. A high-speed outdoor coaster, in a landlocked studio tour park? Far-fetched, at best.
But instead, it’s a reminder that theme parks are where we go to imagine the impossible.
Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.
Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.
Ride on,
Todd Martens
P.S.
Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride typically comes out every Tuesday, but we occasionally publish special editions (like this one!) when we have breaking theme park news. Make sure you’ve signed up to be the first to know.
A SMALL but much-loved holiday resort in the UK is set to get a load of new attractions.
Ribby Hall Village near Kirkham, Preston, has announced plans for a new high ropes course, netted play area and outdoor activity zone.
Ribby Hall Village holiday park near Kirkham has announced plans for a new play area with a high ropes courseCredit: Fylde CouncilA go-kart track is also plannedCredit: Visit Lancashire
The new attractions would be at the Wildlife Discovery area in the five-star holiday park and also feature a go-kart track.
A new entertainment centre is already approved for the holiday resort as well.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Ribby Hall Village has a range of accommodation including self-catering cottages and an adults-only spa hotel.
Guests also get unlimited access to a family pool with waterslides and an adult pool.
And much like Center Parcs, you can book onto a number of different activities including heading to the indoor soft play as well as an onsite zoo and wildlife centre.
For more entertainment, there are also a number of daytime and evening shows.
Across the village, guests can head into a number of family restaurants, bars and cafes.
Summer breaks cost as little as £32 per person per night.
Stays at Ribby Hall Village cost as little as £32pppn in the summerCredit: Ribby Hall
One recent visitor said: “Not our first visit to Ribby hall but as usual had a fabulous break with the family – we have chosen Ribby hall over our former choice of Center Parcs as Ribby represents so much better value for money.”
Another visitor added: “Loved it here, obvious comparison is with Center Parcs and I would pick Ribby Hall.”
Fylde Council has not yet announced when they will make a decision on the application.
BOOKING a holiday in advance doesn’t necessarily pay off anymore and more Brits are leaving up until the last-minute to book a break.
loveholidays found that year-on-year bookings for holidays departing the next day are jumping 26 per cent.
There are lots of last-minute breaks in Spain for good prices like Hotel Playas de TorreviejaCredit: loveholidays Of head to Greece for a five-night getaway to CreteCredit: loveholidays
The most popular destinations for these spots include Majorca, Tenerife, Antalya, Costa Blanca and Ibiza.
Sun Travel did some digging of our own, and found some of the best last-minute loveholidays breaks with some flights leaving as soon as tomorrow.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Ona Don Juan, Spain
Ona Don Juan has multiple pools and even a nightclubCredit: loveholidays
The four-star hotel in the coastal town of Lloret de Mar is a short-flight away and there’s plenty to do from paddling in one of its three swimming pools to tennis, and trying out the games room.
There’s even an on-site nightclub for those who want to enjoy their break well into the evening and the local beach at Lloret de Mar is a short walk away.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Ona Don Juan starts from £459pp – including return flights to Bournemouth departing on July 29
Cosmelenia Hotel Apartments, Cyprus
The hotel in Ayia Napa is steps away from WaterWorld WaterparkCredit: loveholidays
Found in Ayia Napa, this hotel is a great find for soaking up the Cypriot sunshine it also has cosy rooms, a swimming pool and food is served throughout the day.
For fans of waterparks, WaterWorld which is one of the biggest in Europe with 30 rides and attractions is a short walk away.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £519pp – including return flights to Manchester Airport from July 31 returning
Hotel Troya, Tenerife
This hotel can be booked from £609pp if you leave on August 1Credit: Unknown
This hotel is in Tenerife’s resort of Playa de las Américas a resort known for having beaches, nightlife and restaurants all in one place.
The Hotel Troya has three outdoor pools and a full spa with a sauna and Jacuzzi – it also has two restaurants and bars including one that’s right next to the pool.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Hotel Troya starts from £609pp – including return flights from Bristol Airport on August 1
Sol Costa Daurada, Spain
The Sol Costa Daurada has a large pool and Mediterranean-style poolsCredit: loveholidays
In the heart of Salou, Costa Dorada is Sol Costa Daurada which has Mediterranean-style rooms and plenty of places to eat from its buffet restaurant to poolside bar.
There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a separate one for children with sunloungers dotted about – guests can try their hand at games like table tennis.
A four-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Sol Costa Daurada starts from £429pp – including return flights from Manchester Airport on July 29
Hotel Playa, Spain
Hotel Playa in Torrevieja has large rooms and organised activities throughout the dayCredit: loveholidays
Yet another Spain pick is to Hotel Playa in Torrevieja which is within walking distance of a local beach and rooms to suit families and couples too.
The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools as well as a gym, restaurant and bar – for activities, there’s the opportunity to go cycling and the hotel has live music during the evenings.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £479pp – including return flights departing Manchester Airport on July 29 and returning on August 3 to Leeds Bradford.
Hotel Matheo Villas & Suites, Crete
This hotel in Crete is for full-on relaxation with cosy sunlounger beds by the poolCredit: loveholidays
If you fancy splashing out on a last-minute holiday, head to Crete – the hotel is found in Malia which is a popular resort on the island.
The hotel has three swimming pools with sunlounger beds, a wellness area, and a poolside restaurant serving up Greek specialities.
A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £689pp – including return flights departing East Midlands Airport on July 30
A NEW ferry linking a quirky English seaside town with France is setting sail in just a few weeks.
The crossing will take around eight hours with each sailing limited to 12 passengers.
Fécamp is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and Benedictine liqueurCredit: guy-ozenneThe sailings will start from Shoreham, West SussexCredit: Nickos
SailLink has teamed up with award-winning sailor Michel Desjoyeaux, who will personally skipper each journey from Shoreham to Fécamp, Normandy.
Mr Desjoyeaux, the only sailor in history to have won the Vendée Globe, a round-the-world sailing race, twice, built the wind-powered catamran from parts of other race boats that had already sailed round the world.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
He hopes to prove that regular, wind–powered crossings can become a practical alternative to traditional cross-Channel ferries.
Billed as a fishing port and religious pilgrimage site, Fécamp is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and Benedictine liqueur.
The sailing itself retraces the historic voyage of Charles II, who reached Fécamp from Shoreham in 1651.
Ticket prices start from £220 for a one-way trip, with return journeys starting from £440.
Tom Willis, chief executive at Shoreham Port, said: “We are delighted to see Shoreham Port working with SailLink and the Port of Fécamp to offer this unique cross-Channel crossing experience.
“As global warming challenges the way we travel, wind propulsion offers a compelling alternative.”
Tickets for the pilot project go on sale on August 1.
A mum-of-three who left the UK three years ago and moved her family across the world has said the biggest reason for moving abroad was how expensive things are at home
The mum left the UK for a gorgeous and much cheaper country (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
A mum-of-three has claimed her “life is better” after taking her family across the world to escape the cost-of-living crisis. Many Brits have been feeling the pinch over the past few years, with the cost of everything from food to energy bills and petrol costs skyrocketing and leaving everyone with less money in their pockets.
But while many of us look at ways we can cut our spending by being more frugal with our food shopping or cutting back on family holidays, one mum has taken matters into her own hands – by moving somewhere more affordable. Lucy Richardson shared a video on social media in which she said rising costs were one of the biggest factors in deciding to move her family abroad for a new life.
In a video shared on TikTok, Lucy explained that she, her husband, and their three young children decided to leave the UK in 2023. They now live in Bali, Indonesia, where prices are so low that she can completely fill her moped for just £4 – and the tropical weather and gorgeous views are just a bonus.
She said in her video: “The cost of living in the UK was completely out of control, and that’s why we left. We left nearly three years ago because two full-time working parents were not enough for us to sustain the life that we had in the UK.”
Lucy revealed that she and her husband were working full-time to try and support their family and pay their rent, but were finding that they were barely getting by and described their situation as “surviving” and not “living”.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
She continued: “We just felt like we were constantly chasing our tail and constantly paying stuff out. Then we had this tiny little pot left over to actually enjoy ourselves and do things that we wanted to do. Then, because there wasn’t enough money, we would put it on a credit card, and then we were in this massive circle of debt.”
The mum-of-three said she could see her family being in this cycle for years, potentially never being able to live their lives until they were retired, by which point they could be “too ill or too old” to enjoy it.
What’s more, Lucy felt like she was missing out on spending time with her three children, as they were growing up without her while she worked full-time to support them. So, the family made the decision to leave the UK and move to Bali.
She said: “It was a crazy, vicious circle that I didn’t want to be a part of. So we left. We now have a much simpler life.
“Today, we just filled up our moped for £4. The same petrol that you have in the UK, and that’s a full tank that’s going to last me for two weeks. Four quid. It’s absolutely crazy.
“Now, we have a much simpler life. We don’t have to go to a nine-to-five [job], and I get to see my kids’ childhoods. So I know what I would rather pick, and that’s why we left the UK. So many people ask, and it’s the cost of living. It was just too high.”
Many commenters on the post praised the mum for having the courage to take her family across the world for a better life, with many saying they wish they could do the same.
One person said: “Well done, you, for taking that step and leaving the UK to better your lives. We are a family of five and totally understand where you are coming from. We class ourselves as the working poor. Working but have nothing to show for it because everything goes on paying taxes and bills.”
Another added: “Agree totally, Britain is a rip off. You did right in getting out.”
A third posted: “Same here. We left six years ago for Spain and it’s so liberating. Our relatives can’t believe how much less we pay month to month here and can now appreciate why we left.”
DEVON has lots of beautiful seaside towns, but when it comes to finding one that is more peaceful than most, it can feel tricky.
Sidmouth in East Devon is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and, surprisingly, has no arcades or rides.
Sidmouth in Devon is set to get a £21million glow-upCredit: AlamyThe project would focus on upgrading the seafrontCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
And soon the spot will be getting a £21million glow-up.
The multi-million pound project will focus on protecting Sidmouth’s seafront.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
There will be new offshore breakwaters, a 120 metre beach groyne, flood gates and a number of repairs to existing sea walls.
Ultimately, the upgrades will help to not only protect the seafront, but homes and businesses in the area too.
When visiting the Victorian seaside town, make sure to head to the Blue Flag-awarded beach, which is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in the UK.
As for the town, instead of amusement arcades, loud sports bars and dodgy street food vendors, you’ll find galleries, antiques shops, independent boutiques and tearooms.
Travel reporter Cyann Fielding has previously visited the town and said: “Growing up, I always associated Sidmouth with ‘that place that had donkeys’.
When visiting Sidmouth, make sure to explore the town as well as the beach, where you’ll find no arcades or loud sports barsCredit: Alamy
“This is due to Sidmouth being home to the free-to-visit Donkey Sanctuary that has over 100 donkeys that they have improved the lives of.
“Away from the sanctuary, I also visited the beach on occasions growing up.
“Sidmouth is pretty, but I often think people also forget how impressive it is with the dramatic cliffs dating back 200million years.
“They are part of the Jurassic Coast – which is made of vibrant reed sandstone cliffs from the Triassic period.
“They are a wonder to see and within the area, there are many places to go and things to do where families can learn more about the Jurassic Coast.”
