holidays

A picturesque Northumberland seaside village has secured a coveted spot in Time Out’s top 10 best UK seaside towns for 2026, outranking popular destinations including Bamburgh and Berwick

The Northumberland coastline is grabbing attention this summer as holidaymakers hunt for wallet-friendly getaways, and with the newly opened King Charles III Coastal Path, the entire UK shoreline can now be explored on foot.

Thanks to the coastal path encircling the whole country, enthusiastic walkers and adventurers are scouting their next staycation, and this peaceful village offers an ideal starting point.

Time Out unveiled their ranking of the finest UK seaside towns to visit in 2026, and an overlooked treasure in Northumberland secured a spot in the top 10. Alnmouth is celebrated for its wild natural beauty and soft sands, discreetly positioned along the coastline, sitting between Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Outranking some of the nation’s most beloved seaside resorts, including St Ives and Brighton, and climbing above its nearby neighbours Bamburgh and Berwick, it’s evident that Alnmouth is one to keep an eye on this year.

The beach

Alnmouth lies within one of Northumberland’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and consequently, it brims with unspoilt corners and abundant wildlife. Alnmouth Beach is precisely one of these treasured locations, cherished by both tourists and locals for its expansive stretch of sand, providing a delightful day by the sea.

One recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Nice wide sandy beach with convenient shops and cafes nearby. Parking right behind the beach. Not over-commercialised.”

Another visitor added: “Really lovely beach! Was nice and quiet when we went so was so peaceful. Great place to chill on a day out. Good fun wading in the water! Would definitely return!”

The beach warmly welcomes four-legged friends, making it a brilliant destination for the whole family. It’s divided into three sections, offering ample room to spread out and have fun.

Many visitors choose to arrive via the Northumberland Coast Path, making their way from neighbouring towns and villages while taking in the stunning coastline in its entirety.

Restaurants

According to TripAdvisor reviews, the top spot for a hearty meal in the village is Bistro 23, which serves up brunch and coffee during the day alongside evening dining in the bistro.

One delighted diner left a glowing review: “Wonderful food and super service at this amazing restaurant. We have visited a number of times and have never been anything other than delighted.”

For a touch of elegance, the delightful Whittling House is a country restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced produce packed with flavour. It also boasts 10 guest rooms, making it the perfect base for a full weekend away, with their exceptional food and drink keeping you going throughout your stay.

For something a little more traditional, The Red Lion — which also operates as a bed and breakfast — offers an extensive pub grub menu. Well-behaved dogs are made to feel at home in the bar and beer garden, where you can enjoy a pint while soaking up views of the boats.

Art Gallery

Celebrating the work of local talent, The Old School Gallery makes for a wonderful pit stop during a day spent exploring the coastline, nestled inside a charming period school building. It boasts an accessible collection of inspiring artwork from artists across Northumberland and beyond, all of which can be enjoyed alongside a delicious coffee from their very own in-house café.

One reviewer wrote: “Very friendly staff with a warm welcome. The gallery is varied to suit all tastes and budget. We only went for a coffee and ended up buying a print by a local artist.”

Another visitor added: “A lovely old English school turned into a gallery and café, what couldn’t you love about this? The food is great and they have an amazing gift shop.”

Whether you’re wrapping up for a bracing winter stroll along the shore or seeking out a tranquil spot to soak up the summer sun, the quaint village of Alnmouth is the perfect place to take a breather and drink it all in.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation

Budget airline Ryanair is facing an investigation.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced it is looking at fees that parents are required to pay to sit alongside their children on flights. The CMA revealed that the airline insists at least one parent sits with their children aged between two and 11.

This is enforced through what Ryanair refers to as a mandatory family seat, while seat reservations remain optional for all other passengers. The charge typically comes in at around £8 each way, according to the CMA.

The regulator confirmed it was looking into “whether Ryanair’s approach to seat reservations may mean parents are being charged for the airline to meet its child safety and disability‐related obligations as set out under aviation rules”.

It further stated that it would “determine whether or not this practice is in line with consumer law”. Ryanair is “the only major airline flying out of the UK to impose this charge”, according to the watchdog.

Other carriers offer to seat children flying with a parent without the need for a paid reservation, or automatically allocate seats together during booking, the CMA said. The investigation will also examine whether Ryanair’s mandatory family seat fee is dripped during the booking process, which is when a business does not initially present customers with all unavoidable charges.

The CMA added that it was at the beginning of its investigation and has “reached no conclusions about whether Ryanair has broken the law”.

Hayley Fletcher, senior director of consumer protection at the CMA, said: “Lots of families save up to afford a summer holiday and we know that extra charges can quickly bump up the price. Our investigation will consider Ryanair’s approach to family seat reservations and how the cost is presented to consumers, to determine whether they comply with consumer law. For the past year, we’ve told businesses to ensure their customers are shown the total price upfront – those who don’t face the very real possibility of action from the CMA.”

Ryanair statement on CMA investigation

The airline responded with a statement: “Ryanair’s family seating policy fully complies with all relevant laws and regulations, and saves families money when travelling on the UK’s lowest fare airline. Ryanair does not charge any fee for children to sit beside their parent or accompanying adult.

“Like all adults who select a reserved seat, adults travelling with children pay one reserved seat fee, but can select reserved seats beside them for up to four children on the same booking free of charge.

“This means that parents travelling with children pay for only one (adult) reserved seat but pay nothing for the four other reserved seats for their children travelling with them.

“This bogus CMA investigation is a failed effort by the Starmer Government to pretend it cares about consumers when it has failed to abolish APD (air passenger duty) which would immediately deliver lower fares for all consumers and growth for the UK aviation, tourism and wider economy. Ryanair looks forward to disproving these false CMA claims during this bogus investigation.”

The CMA is an independent non-ministerial Government department, funded by the Treasury.

It’s just past midday and I appear to be inside a rain cloud. Soaked to the skin, my walking boots squelching through tufts of grass and black bog mud, I can hear hundreds of streams rolling off this wide mid-Wales peak, each vying to be the fastest. I’ve hiked around more than 8 miles (13km) of Hafren Forest trails to the top of Mount Pumlumon Fawr (Plynlimon), to reach a wooden post carved with the words Source of the Severn. And I’m here, alone, because I’m hoping to meet a river goddess.

It’s perhaps not as strange as it first sounds. Starting about 150 years ago, the folklorist John Rhys travelled across Wales to archive as many local myths as possible, and among them was the very tale that brought me to this peak: the story of the birth of the River Severn, in which three sisters – Hafren (Severn), Rheidolyn (Rheidol) and Gwy (Wye) – each choose their own route to the sea. My trip to the river’s source was itself a moment of mythically inspired travel, something that has been common practice in the British Isles for as long as we’ve told stories, not least as a means of passing them on.

Folklore is experiencing a revival in Britain, whether it’s in wild tales told around festival campfires or in the rise of Mabinogion-inspired romantasy fiction. I was here on my own adventure, travelling around the islands to rediscover our lost goddess myths and what they mean for modern womanhood, for my new book, No Fair Maidens. My journey took me from Somerset to Skye, from Gower to Eryri, and was less about archaeological sightseeing and more a journey into the landscape and waterways themselves: the river sources, lakesides, spring wells and seashores that feature so vividly in old lore.

Water, it seems, is often the site of powerful women and magical happenings. In Roman and perhaps pre-Roman times, Britannia was a network of waterways represented by goddesses, from Sulis’ hot spring in Bath to Coventina’s well near Carrawburgh on Hadrian’s Wall. For centuries, wells and river sources have been places of pilgrimage for people to bring their wishes, throwing in stones and coins and asking for help from forces unseen. They are also places where magic can sometimes cross over. In local Welsh myth, the Ffynone waterfall is regarded as a portal to the mystical Otherworld, where the goddess Rhiannon lived before riding her white horse into the real world to choose a husband. Up the road at Llyn y Fan Fach in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), the mountain lake is known as the home of a beautiful nymph who agrees to marry a mere mortal, only to return to the waters, taking her large dowry with her, when he breaks their covenant.

The shores are also home to some of our most renowned female fighters. On the Isle of Skye, in the dark ruins of Dunscaith Castle on the edge of Loch Eishort, we meet Scáthach: a fearsome Scottish warrioress from eighth-century Irish mythology, who was tasked with training Celtic princes to become warriors. She was said to be invincible, wielding supreme combat skills and a giant spiked spear, leading many a man to seek out her tutelage. Today, it is easy to picture her on the battlements, battered by wind and rain, wearily awaiting the next wannabe hero.

Indeed, as I travel across the island, powerful women weave through our folklore so readily that they feel like a source code, even though their stories are mostly unmarked in the landscapes from which they come. In England on the River Stour, I hear the 12th-century legend of Gwendoline, who was said to have raised an army in Cornwall and seized the crown from her cheating husband’s dead hands, making her the mythic first queen of a peaceful, united England. Further down the road as I climb Glastonbury Tor, it’s the matriarchal myth of Avalon that’s calling me, the tale of a magical island of sisters bound by the powers of shapeshifting, healing and prophecy. It’s wild to imagine that Britain might once have been home to that benevolent circle of women.

It seems as if, across Britain, the landscape is brought to life through story. As I discuss in my book, exploring the island through the lens of myth and folklore invites us to see Britain in a different light; as a place full of wonder, where wild and strange things are possible. And with more of us investigating how to build a stronger, healthier connection with the natural world, folklore and myth can create a kind of bridge, inviting us to see waterways less as “resources” and more as living beings with their own stories and a curious will of their own. This is Britain, but not as you know it; and perhaps by travelling through the landscape with myths as our guides, we might find new inspiration too.

Back on Mount Plynlimon, I was never quite sure how to go about meeting a river goddess, lacking the rituals and training our ancestors might once have known. But perhaps it was enough simply to know her story, so I could appreciate the land a little better. Whenever I see a river now, I can’t help saying hello, still in awe of how vast she has become, and how quickly she grew from nothing.

Kim Willis is the author of No Fair Maidens: A Wild Journey with the Lost Goddesses of Britain (Doubleday, £20). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.

Whether you’re looking for the best restaurants L.A. has to offer, a fun and affordable way to spend your day or a new adventure in one of our city’s iconic neighborhoods, the Los Angeles Times has you covered.

You can now make our guides your own by saving individual recommendations for later — mixing and matching from food to fun and everything in between — with the confidence that your choices are backed by L.A. Times experts.

Saving is simple. Visit any of our local guides, find something that interests you and look for the “Save” button. From there, you can choose a category in which to save your item, such as Food & Drink or Things to Do.

Not an L.A. Times subscriber? Don’t worry. You can register for a free account to get saving on many of our guides. Once you’ve saved a few items, check out your personalized save dashboard at latimes.com/saved/guides. You can also find it in the site account dropdown menu.

Call it a wish list, bucket list or checklist — the dashboard is all yours. Revisit your saves, remove ones you don’t want and even see your items on a personal map.

We hope this makes it easier to explore L.A. and beyond.

A woman who was unable to board her flight because of a little known EU rule has said she was left in tears by the incident that happened last month at Gatwick Airport

A 29-year-old mother of one was left in tears after she was prevented from going on a Jet2 flight she’d paid £2,500 because of an EU rule.

Jansen Porter, a property maintenance apprentice from Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, was attempting to fly out to Kefalonia, Greece, with her partner and daughter Lulu Smith on May 11 when the incident happened.

She claims that as their bags were being checked in at Gatwick Airport, that she was unable to get through because Jet2 staff told her passport wasn’t within the European Union’s 10 years limit. She has since claimed that the little known post Brexit rule “ruined” her family holiday.

Although her passport expires in December 2026, because it was issued in March 2016, it meant that under the rule it actually expired in March 2026 instead.

Jansen said that Jet2 staff explained to her that as passports no longer had a nine month carry over that she was unable to get on-board the plane.

The situation was made doubly tragic as the trip was to celebrate her daughter’s fourth birthday and it had been one she and her partner had been saving up to since Christmas.

Speaking about the holiday and why she had chosen Kefalonia in the first place Jansen said: “I was absolutely devastated and heartbroken. This was our first holiday. I booked Kefalonia because it’s actually where my mum took me for our first holiday when I was young.

“My daughter was really looking forward to it, we had this planned for a good couple of months and we saved for it. It ruined it for us. How is that legal? You pay for a passport, it gives you an expiry date, why does nothing tell you.

“Clearly the expiry date doesn’t count for anything, it’s all about the issue date. That’s insane, why is there nothing to tell you about this?”

Jansen went onto add that she was even more surprised at not being able to board the flight because she had no issues checking into the flight, and that it wasn’t flagged until she was actually at the airport.

She said: “They looked at mine, because mine was a burgundy one, and they were like ‘yeah yours is not within the EU 10 years’. I said ‘it’s not expired’ and they were like ‘but the EU doesn’t care’.

“We [had] Brexit. Why has this not been sorted? It should’ve been an automatic thing sent to everyone saying if you have a passport you need to go and get it renewed.”

The impact of the sudden blow had an immediate impact on Jansen who admitted to bursting into tears at losing a holiday she had saved so hard for. She said: “I was in tears in the airport, I just had a complete breakdown.

“You’re having to go against the tide of people walking in, you kind of hit hysterical a bit. I’d seen nothing about this on travel [news], there were no warning signs when you go through check in.”

Although, her original holiday timings were scuppered, Jansen was able to reorganise the holiday, albeit by spending another £800. She has since encouraged people to check their passports so they don’t get caught out like she did.

She added: “Make sure that your issue date is 10 years. think it needs to be more well known, I think companies need to make it mandatory to make sure they’re saying this.

“Expiry means expiry. Nobody else on this planet looks at an expiry date and goes ‘oh the expiry date is January, I should change it now in March’, it doesn’t work. Just check your passport. It’s not well known enough.”

Jet2 have been approached for comment.

THERE are few seaside towns in the UK that have managed to maintain their classic charm.

But if you look hard enough, there are a few old-school gems dotted around the country – and these are five of our favourites.

Broadstairs, Kent

Kent boasts so many impressive seaside towns, but Broadstairs is the one that really feels like old school England.

It has rustic fisherman’s cottages, the pretty Victoria Gardens and historic Bleak House where Charles Dickens famously wrote David Copperfield.

Unlike some of its neighbours, Broadstairs has managed to avoid big developments and has got lots of independent shops on its high street.

Morelli’s, the ice cream parlour, on The Parade, dates back to 1932.

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A spot called The Old Curiosity Shop on Harbour Street has history going back to 1588.

The building was connected to smuggling, but now is a cosy café and tea room.

When it comes to its beaches, Broadstairs has seven sandy bays in total – which generally makes it quieter as visitors are unable to descend on a single beach.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey who is a Kent local said: “The town’s pretty high street is also a step back in time, with a quaint mix of old-school butchers and gift shops alongside modern coffee places.

Llandudno, North Wales

Llandudno, also dubbed the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts‘ is a destination that definitely takes visitors back in time.

One holidaymaker wrote on Tripadvisor: “I’ve been coming here almost 60 years now to this unspoilt town. The promenade is a step back in time as it never changes.”

The town in the north of Wales has managed to keep its Victorian and Edwardian buildings, especially on the promenade.

The hotels along the front are painted in traditional pastel shades to keep its old-school look.

One thing that might throw off visitors is that it’s lined with palm trees.

It’s not just the style of Llandudno that makes it timeless, it’s the case for attractions too.

There’s vintage Punch and Judy shows and of course the 2,000ft long pier that first opened in 1877.

Llandudno also has a historic tramway that takes visitors up to Great Orme, a steep coastal cliff.

There are also the Llandudno Cable Car which takes passengers on a one-mile journey between Happy Valley and the Great Orme Summit.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire has a traditional seaside feature dating back in the 1880s that makes it feel like a time capsule.

Its water-balance cliff funicular railway is 142 years old – and the oldest in the country.

It’s right on the beach and offers rides with views of the sea up to the town.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea has an impressive Victorian iron pier extending out into the North Sea for 200 metres and opened in May 1869.

It has absolutely no arcades, it’s simply a place for quiet and great views.

Airbnb described Saltburn-by-the-Sea as a ‘coastal gem’ for anyone “craving a quiet and scenic escape.”

It said: “Saltburn-by-the-sea offers the perfect blend of serenity and intrigue with Saltburn Pier, a friendly surf school, and a unique working cliff tramway connecting the promenade to the beach.”

Another popular attraction in Saltburn-by-the-Sea is Valley Gardens which were set up in 1860.

The colourful Italian Gardens have colourful flower displays and walks through the woodlands.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire

As Scarborough is Britain’s first and oldest seaside resort – it’s a relief that it still maintained its traditional feel.

The beach promenade on the North Bay are lined with brightly-coloured and historic beach chalets, with sweeping views across South Bay.

Of the 35 chalets, two of the rows date from Edwardian times which makes them Britain’s oldest surviving beach huts.

The town is also home to Britain’s very first funicular railway which opened in 1875.

South Cliff Lift connects the Cleveland Way beside the beach to the Esplanade at the top of the cliffs.

One Sun Writer discovered that while it doesn’t quite have Old Britain prices, you can still get some bargains in Scarborough.

She said: “If you head to The Fishpan chippie that has been open since 1960, you can get takeaway kids’ portion for £2.25 and massive chip butties for £3.45 each.

Brightlingsea, Essex

It might not be the first place you think of when looking for seaside towns with a classic feel, but Brightlingsea in Essex has some classic charm to it.

Visitors have described it having an “old-fashioned seaside promenade with plenty to enjoy” and a “lovely old fashioned beach“.

Another said that it’s a “very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”

The high street on Brightlingsea is considered one of the ‘best kept traditional high streets’ in the East of England.

Rather than chains, it’s got lots of independent shops selling records and plants like Roots & Grooves; others like Toggs is where you can pick up women’s clothes and handbags.

There’s also the Olde Swan, which is a pub as well as a bed and breakfast, and is one of the oldest buildings in the town.

Brightlingsea also has one of the last remaining lidos in the area which dates back to the 1930s,

It has an Olympic-size outdoor pool, a heated toddler pool, sun loungers, changing rooms, and a cafe.

The UK’s only direct flight to a destination known as the ‘pink city’ has been launched by Wizz Air, and flights start from £45.99 with no visa required for Brits

Wizz Air has launched the UK’s only direct flight to a walkable destination dubbed the ‘pink city’, which has ditched visa requirements for Brits.

In an exciting addition for the budget airline, holidaymakers can now jet off from London Luton Airport to Yerevan, with flights starting from just £45.99. The Wizz Air route launched on Tuesday, 9 June and is the only direct flight available from the UK to Armenia.

Flights will operate from London Luton to Yerevan, Armenia, twice a week on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year. The direct route takes just over five hours, and after that time, travellers will be rewarded with the dramatic landscapes of mountains and historic architecture in a destination known as the ‘Pink City’.

OPINION

The city earned its moniker due to the rose-hued stone that characterises its buildings, in addition to its tree-lined boulevards and lively public squares. There are historic monasteries, museums, galleries and markets, along with a thriving café culture.

On the UK’s first direct route to Armenia, Wizz Air pilot, Tom Copestake, exclusively told the Mirror: “I’m really excited about landing in Yerevan, Armenia. It’s a new destination for us, but it’s surrounded by big mountains, and it’ll be an interesting experience to fly around there.”

Adding to the appeal of a trip to Armenia in Asia, British holidaymakers can visit without a visa for up to 180 days a year. Whereas a list of Asian countries still requires Brits to obtain a visa at an additional cost.

Following the new flights, Yvonne Moynihan, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, said: “Today [9 June] marks an exciting moment for Wizz Air as we launch the UK’s only direct route to Armenia, opening up a destination that remains largely undiscovered by British travellers. At Wizz Air, we’re committed to making travel more accessible and helping our customers explore beyond the obvious. Yerevan is a city rich in history, culture and character, offering an incredible experience for travellers looking for something different, all at an affordable price.

“The response to our Let’s Get Lost campaign showed there is real appetite among travellers to step outside their comfort zones and discover destinations they may never have previously considered. We’re proud to be making Armenia more accessible than ever before and can’t wait to welcome more passengers on board as they experience everything this remarkable country has to offer.”

Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wizz Air’s new service to Yerevan, marking the UK’s first direct link to Armenia and further strengthening London Luton Airport’s increasingly diverse route network. This exciting new destination in the South Caucasus is a unique city that offers a fascinating cultural scene of contrasts to suit all tastes.

“As well as reinforcing our long-standing partnership with Wizz Air, the addition of Yerevan to our departure boards signals our commitment to offer even greater choice as part of our simple and friendly passenger experience.”

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

EVER looked at an airport runway and thought how cool it would be to walk it?

Well, now you can as later this summer an abandoned airport in the UK will be hosting a huge music festival, that you can even camp at.

Love on the Runway music festival will take place across two days between August 29 and 31 at Manston Airport in Ramsgate, Kent.

There will be house, techno and DnB music across two stages for guests to enjoy.

The festival will also have food and drink stalls, for when you need a bite to eat or drink between dancing.

To add some fun, there will also be a fairground ideal for families.

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Other features of the festival include chill out zones and a number of VIP areas.

Little other details have been revealed about the festival yet.

Visitors can book camping passes for £103, which allow for a pitch with up to 10 people (so £10.30 per person) or a camper van.

And with each camping pass, one weekend festival pass is included (so other guests camping at the pitch will need to purchase their own festival ticket).

A regular weekend pass costs from £37 per person or you can get four for £112.50.

If you fancy heading to the festival for just one day, you can do so for £22 and kids go free.

And the festival will have a cheap shuttle bus from Thanet Parkway Station if travelling to the festival via train.

Manston Airport closed back in 2014 and was used as a former RAF base and a regional hub, flying Brits abroad from the 1960s.

Airlines that used the airport included Monarch Airlines, KLM and Flybe.

However, there are current talks to see if the airport could reopen, with the return of flights scheduled for 2029 – however this will be for cargo aircraft only.

Initially, the airport planned to reopen in 2025, but this has been pushed back.

AN iconic UK pier could be forced to close after its owner collapsed into liquidation.

The future of historic landmark, which dates back to 1866, remains uncertain.

Lions Pier Limited, which operates Eastbourne Pier, was issued a compulsory winding-up order last month.

Local hotelier Abid Gulzar, who is listed as the firm’s sole director on Companies House, was handed the order on May 12, 2026 following a petition filed on March 25, 2026.

As a result, Lions Pier Limited and the future of the pier is now in the hands of the Official Receiver.

Compulsory liquidation is typically triggered by an unpaid creditor, with the court appointing the Official Receiver to take complete control of the process.

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The Official Receiver is responsible for investigating the reasons behind the company’s failure and assessing the director’s conduct, which could lead to a director disqualification order and further sanctions.

Gulzar purchased Eastbourne Pier in October 2015, before going on to acquire nearby Hastings Pier, which he entered into voluntary liquidation in 2023.

Two of the businessman’s hotel firms, Chatsworth Hotels Ltd and Lion Hotels Ltd, were also put into voluntary liquidation in 2017.

The hotelier carried out extensive renovation works at Eastbourne Pier, including the construction of four new replacement buildings.

Now, the collapse of Lions Pier Limited has resurfaced questions over the ownershop of the pier’s physical structure.

If Lions Pier Limited is deemed the owner, the Official Receiver could move to sell the pier as part of the liquidation process.

However, if Gulzar holds the freehold separately, as was the case with Hastings, he may retain control of the asset despite the company’s collapse.

A spokesperson for Eastbourne Borough Council told The Argus: “We are monitoring the situation at Eastbourne Pier very closely.

“It is an iconic and much-loved seafront attraction, and we hope the Official Receiver can secure an outcome that ensures it remains open and restored for residents, visitors and businesses based on the pier.

“While the pier has always been in private ownership, council officers routinely check its general condition and these checks will continue.”

Eastbourne Pier was transformed into a defensive stronghold during World War II in the event of invasion, with part of the decking removed to deter enemy landings and machine guns installed in the theatre.

Nowadays, the pier proves a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the UK’s sunniest town, offering cafes, gift shops, arcades, and a live music venue.

The Sun has reached out to Abid Gulzar via the Official Receiver for comment.

People with hidden disabilities tend to use this as a way of making others aware

Travel can be made easier for some people living with an invisible disability or health condition by wearing a ‘Sunflower Lanyard’. Hundreds of airports around the world recognise it and what it may mean for some passengers – but not every airport is the same.

The Sunflower Lanyard isn’t recognised everywhere. Although many airlines and airports around the world support it, some international airports and locations ask you to use their own specific hidden disability programs or badges to get access to special fast-track lanes, priority boarding, or customised assistance.

Employees at participating venues are trained to recognise the lanyard and offer specific help, such as using simpler language, giving you extra time to process information, or guiding you to a quieter space. But, not every part of the world will instantly recognise or understand the lanyard.

On the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website, it says: “It’s a misconception that people living with a disability don’t want to, or can’t travel. They do and they can. Globally, one billion people live with some sort of disability, and while some experience a disability that is visible, for many it is not visible.”

The system is designed for any condition that isn’t immediately obvious to others, including conditions like neurodivergence, mental health, sensory impairments, and chronic conditions, to name a few. The lanyard does not reveal your specific medical condition or disability.

What parts of the world accept and follow the Sunflower system?

According to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website, hundreds of airports and airlines do recognise the lanyards. As of April 2026, the number was around 325 – but checking the specific airport’s accessibility page can give more details such as finding out if staff can provide free Sunflower lanyards and where to collect them.

Because the lanyard operates on an “opt-in” basis for businesses, an airport will not recognise it unless its staff have been explicitly trained to do so. Holiday hotspot Spain made headlines because its airport authority (Aena) rolled out its own alternative system.

Most other non-participating airports simply do not recognise the lanyard at all, instead of replacing it with a local version. Outside of a few specific exceptions (such as Singapore Changi, Tokyo Haneda, and select major airports in India), the scheme is not widely adopted or understood by security staff across Asia and Africa.

What isthesystem

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard system is an initiative that allows people to discreetly let others know that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional support, time, or help. Wearing the bright green lanyard that features yellow sunflowers indicates to trained staff that you have a hidden condition.

Anyone who feels they have a non-visible disability can use the lanyard. You do not need to show medical records or a doctor’s letter to get or wear one.

The system is designed for any condition that isn’t immediately obvious to others, including conditions like neurodivergence, mental health, sensory impairments, and chronic conditions, to name a few. For more information, click here.

SUN, sea and bargains are three things that all of these destinations have in common.

easyJet has revealed its best cheap ‘sun-guaranteed’ holidays this summer with no rain – and you can bag package holidays for under £200.

Topping the list of cheap wet-weather escapes is Djerba in Tunisia.

It has zero rain over the summer months so if you want guaranteed sun, it’s the best place to visit.

The island off the coast of Tunisia has beautiful Mediterranean beaches and whitewashed desert towns to explore.

When Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot visited the island last year, she headed to Erriadh.

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Lisa said: “The small town sits at the centre of the island of Djerba —which was used as a filming location for Star Wars — just off the south coast of Tunisia. 

“And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world’s best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed.

“Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood.”

Temperatures in July and August sit at an average of 28.5C.

Not to mention that you can get here for cheap too with easyJet flights starting from £45.13.

Package holidays which depart from both London and Manchester from £471.

Seville in Spain is another cheap spot with barely any rain.

It has an average temperature of 28.3C in the summer and an average of just 0.4 days of rainfall.

The capital of the Andalusia region is easily walkable with flamenco dancing in the streets and up to 75 per cent of sunshine.

One of the biggest and most well-known landmarks in Seville is Plaza de España.

It’s a huge semi-circular plaza stretching over 50,000 square metres with four bridges sitting over a canal decorated with brightly coloured mosaics.

In the middle of the city is the enormous Seville Cathedral – which is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world.

You can get easyJet flights from £44.99 and package holidays from £174.

The Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh comes third on the list and has no rainfall during the summer months with average temperatures of 31.2C.

Just five hours away from the UK, the Egyptian destination is known for having beautiful beaches and water activities like snorkelling.

easyJet offers flights from £125.99 and holidays from £639.

Kos in Greece and Marrakesh in Morocco also rate highly as sun-guaranteed destinations with up to an 89 per cent average chance of sunshine during the peak summer.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK’s Country Manager, said: “The British weather is famously unpredictable, but now is a great time to escape the grey and chase the rays as our fantastic value fares to hundreds of fair weather destinations are still available this summer with flights from just £38.49, and packages from just £174.

“And customers can continue booking with confidence as we operate our flights and holidays as normal this summer.

“Our Book with Confidence Promise guarantees that the cost of flights and holidays will stay fixed after booking, meaning customers can trade the brolly for the beach knowing their hard-earned break and sunshine are protected.”

The complete list of ‘sun-guaranteed’ destinations wih easyJet flights and package holidays…

1. Djerba, Tunisia
   Flights from £45.13
   Holidays from £471
2. Seville, Spain
   Flights from £44.99
   Holidays from £174
3. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
   Flights from £125.99
   Holidays from £639
4. Kos, Greece
   Flights from £47.99
   Holidays from £668
5. Dalaman, Turkey
   Flights from £59.49
   Holidays from £275
6. Larnaca, Cyprus
   Flights from £67.49
   Holidays from £539
7. Marrakech, Morocco
   Flights from £38.49
   Holidays from £476
8. Hurghada, Egypt
   Flights from £152.99
   Holidays from £753
9. Paphos, Cyprus
   Flights from £64.99
   Holidays from £748
10. Izmir, Turkey
    Flights from £50.99
    Holidays from £761

A TOWN in Hertfordshire that has been compared to southern France has just had an upgrade to its lido.

The outdoor pool in Hitchin has reopened for the summer season with some new upgrades.

The 50 metre heated lido on the outskirts of the town first opened in 1938 and reopened on 23 May this year for the swim season.

It has an art deco design and is surrounded by sunbathing terraces; there’s also a lawned area for picnicking.

Prior to it reopening for this year’s summer season, Hitchin Lido had upgrades to its changing rooms including new cubicles, lockers, sinks, tile flooring and mirrors.

The funding was given to the lido from a former swimmer, Hazel Jacobs, who left money in her will after passing away two years ago.

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Paul Francis, general manager at Hitchin Lido, said: “We are truly grateful to Hazel for this wonderful gift to the Lido.

“The refurbishment has transformed the facilities for our visitors, with new lockers, improved changing rooms and a much fresher environment for everyone to enjoy.”

It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to the lido as it can get very busy during the summer.

Tickets for adults start from £5.80 and children from £2.90.

The Hertfordshire town has been compared to the south of France in recent years thanks to its European-style attraction that’s been called “Little Provence” by visitors.

Hitchin Lavender is just outside of the town and is a pretty lavender field that one visitor said “feels like France rather then Hitchin!”

This year, Hitchin Lavender opens on June 20 and closes on August 7.

Tickets can be booked online from £7.53.

If you visit the main town, you’ll find Hitchin has cobbled streets and is filled with coffee shops.

And while it doesn’t feel like Provence, Travel Reporter Alice Penwill did compare it to another destination.

She said: “When it comes to looking like France, I’d say the market square is one of the only parts that does, however it reminds me more of a town in somewhere northern like Normandy, rather than the south.

“There were food and drink vans pitched up on the sides with a few seats dotted around, a large clock and a corn exchange building with a cupola and weather vane – which I have seen in France.”

She added: “Another hint of France was the tall houses and bars with the classic-looking wooden timber beams and window frames (although this trait is arguably both French and English).

“There are at least five bakeries though, which I’ll grant the TikTokers is a key factor in all French towns.”

Hitchin is known for its bustling food and drink scene from Hermitage, which is a restaurant, cocktail bar, bagel shop, and oyster bar all under one roof.

When it comes to pubs, the Kite at The Red Hart is a popular stop, as is The George and the Wetherspoons called The Angel Vaults Inn.

A MUM was forced to cancel her flight after discovering her son doodled a dinosaur in her passport just hours before a work trip abroad.

The distraught parent shared the stressful experience online, along with photos of the ballpoint scribbles, captioned: “I hate dinosaurs!”

“I feel like crying. My flight is tonight,” she said.

“I was packing, and my little one was busy scribbling on my passport. I didn’t notice when he got hold of it.

“This morning I was running around queuing at immigration.

“I’m hoping I don’t have to declare the passport as damaged.”

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The woman then went to the Immigration Department in Kajang, Malaysia before being sent to Putrajaya.

Unfortunately, her worst fears were realised.

Officials told her her passport was damaged and not valid for travel.

To make matters worse, as it was a weekend, she could not get a replacement until Monday.

She said: “I’m now on the way to Kuala Lumpur International Airport to ask Qatar Airways if I can change my ticket to Monday night.

“Please pray that everything is made easier.”

Fortunately, she was able to change her flight to Monday – though at a not insignificant price of £114.

Accepting the outcome, she wrote: “To those asking about the little one who scribbled on the passport, he’s still smiling without any sense of guilt and still saying, ‘Let’s go to the airport!’

“Please pray that our affairs are made easier as we continue our 11,977km journey soon… amen.

“Also, thank you to the immigration officer in Putrajaya who was on duty this morning and helped us accept fate with more calmness.

“God willing, there is a blessing in it.”

This is not the first time passport issues have caused last-minute travel chaos.

In August last year, a couple left their 10-year-old son behind at Barcelona Airport after discovering his passport had expired.

Determined not to miss their flight, they arranged for a relative to collect him and boarded the plane without him.

The plan quickly unravelled when airport staff spotted the boy alone and alerted police.

It is not known if the family were charged or given any sort of caution by the police.

A NEW airline has revealed plans to launch flights to some dream holiday hotspots.

Global Airlines – which is the UK’s newest airline – is planning on adding flights from the UK to the Maldives before Christmas.

Speaking with Metro, the airline’s founder, James Asquith, said: “Ask anyone in the UK, do you want to go to the Maldives? I think everyone would say: ‘I’d love to, it’s my dream holiday, or I want to go there on honeymoon.’

“And it’s so underserved from the UK.”

The Maldives is known for being a popular destination for British tourists, with flights taking around 11 hours to reach the islands which feature pretty white sand beaches and famous bungalows hanging over crystal clear waters.

There are currently direct flights already from the UK to the Maldives, including from London Heathrow with British Airways.

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Asquith also shared that the Maldives is just one of a number of long-haul destinations being considered and that the airline is looking to launch flights from a number of UK regional airports such as Manchester and Birmingham.

In addition to the latest flight route news, the airline is currently buying another plane.

The airline’s only plane at the moment, is an A380 – the world’s largest passenger plane.

The airline’s founder revealed that Global isn’t focusing on short-haul routes but instead, on flights to America and transatlantic destinations.

Though he also joked that they might give “a crack or two” at flying to Honolulu in Hawaii, which usually takes between 15 and 16 hours.

The airline already previously launched a route last year; however, only two flights took off and since then, there have been no other flights.

After initially launching in 2022, Global Airlines wanted to start flying from London Gatwick by 2023 and have around 100 planes flying across Europe by 2025.

However, due to several delays, only two commercial flights have flown to date, which were between Glasgow and New York in May 2025.

Since then, Global Airlines’ only plane has remained at Tarbes Airport in France, in a storage hangar.

Asquith mainly blames the delays on maintenance check wait times, but he remains confident that the Maldives route will be up and running before 2027.

THE world’s BIGGEST bouncy castle is coming to the UK – and it won’t just be for kids.

‘Mega Bounce’ is set to open at Braintree Village in Essex next month, and will run until the end of the summer holidays.

The massive attraction spans 2,500 square metres – the size of two football pitches – and is more than eight metres tall.

Inside will be giant slides, obstacle courses, sports challenges and, of course, dedicated bouncing arenas.

And outside of it will be other entertainment zones with food vendors, games such as giant Jenga and Connect 4, and music.

Visitors will also find giant Jenga, Connect 4, ping-pong, food stalls and drink vendors throughout the event arena.

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There will be day-time quieter sessions designed for guests who prefer a more relaxed environment, before moving into all-ages sessions featuring music, lighting effects and entertainment throughout the day.

And it’s not just aimed at children – during the six-week run, a number of adult-only sessions will launch.

Once family sessions finish each evening, there will be adults-only events featuring DJs, karaoke, a fully stocked bar and even foam parties..

Josef O’Sullivan, centre director at Braintree Village, said: “After the success of The Monster at Braintree Village last summer, we wanted to come back with something even bigger and better this year.

“Mega Bounce making its UK debut here at Braintree Village is incredibly exciting, and we expect to see visitors from far and wide.”

The bouncy castle was previously in Dubai.

Mr O’Sullivan added: “We’re certain that this is going to be one of the best attractions available in the country over the summer holidays.”

Visitors booking a bounce session will get unlimited access to the attraction during a 60-minute slot.

General admission tickets are priced at £18, with discounts available for larger groups and members of Braintree Village’s PLUS+ rewards scheme.

The attraction opens daily from 10am until 9pm.

A cross section of a 250-year-old Pasadena oak tree that was uprooted in a 1993 windstorm is among the first things visitors will see upon entering the Huntington’s new exhibit, “This Land Is…” Jagged cracks in the trunk, which was once rooted in the Huntington’s lawn, are feebly held together by wooden joints.

It’s a fitting emblem of what’s to come in a long-planned show curated to coincide with the country’s upcoming semiquincentennial, and crafted to pose land itself as central to the country’s complex past. After taking in the exhibit, attendees can draw their own conclusions about the land’s role as a “geographical and metaphorical space of promise, struggle, and belonging.”

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On a recent late afternoon, the Pasadena sun drilled down on the facade of the Huntington’s MaryLou and George Boone Gallery, where the show’s organizers waited beside four chiseled columns with their hands tucked behind their backs, swaying in anticipation.

“It’s the first time anyone is seeing it,” said Linde B. Lehtinen, the museum’s senior curator of photography.

Joining her are Josh Garrett-Davis, curator of Western American history, and Armando Pulido, assistant curator for special projects. All three smile with excitement.

For the better part of the last two and a half years, Lehtinen and Garrett-Davis have spearheaded the curation of “This Land Is…,” which opens Sunday and runs through early next year.

For them the fallen oak tree represents hope amid disturbance: Another once-towering elder on the museum’s North Vista was uprooted during a windstorm in 2025 — one of its acorns has since sprouted and now stands more than 6-feet tall.

Still, it only brushes the surface of an exhibition that seamlessly draws upon a plethora of works crafted across U.S. history. Want to plan a visit? Here are five things you shouldn’t miss seeing.

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“This machine kills fascists,” etched on the back of Woody Guthrie’s guitar on display at The Huntington.  (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

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A closer view of the “This Machine Kills Facists” etching.  (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Woody Guthrie’s guitar, inscribed with ‘This Machine Kills Fascists’

In 1940, Woody Guthrie sat in a Midtown Manhattan hotel, toiling over lyrics for what would become “This Land Is Your Land.” Today, it’s been adopted as a quasi-anthem for the U.S. and the epitome of American progressivism.

For this exhibition, the museum acquired Guthrie’s C.F. Martin and Co. guitar, a seamless blend of spruce, mahogany, celluloid, ebony and mother-of-pearl. On its back, a carved inscription reads, “This Machine Kills Fascists.”

“The idea for ‘This Land Is…’ emerged … because the scope and breadth of his voice in terms of his activism and how prolific he was … and thinking about how he reflected on and experienced American land,” Lehtinen said.

Alongside the guitar is a copy of the Declaration of Independence, annotated by John McKesson, secretary of New York’s Fourth Provincial Congress, in the days following July 4, 1776. According to Lehtinen, the two objects were paired as instruments of protest and change.

“We talked to [Guthrie’s] granddaughter Anna Canoni, and she said to us at one point that he used guitars like pens or tools, and that was so appropriate to how we were thinking about its relationship to this document,” she added.

A map of the Butte Community, Gila River Relocation Center drawn by an internee.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Japanese flower farmers photographed before, during and after internment

Not far from the Guthrie guitar is a panoramic portrait of the Kuromi family, posing amid a flower farm that stood where Los Feliz Boulevard is now. To its right is a watercolor painting of the Gila River War Relocation Center in Arizona, where many members of the family were forcibly transported to and imprisoned during World War II.

“I was looking at a historic preservation report, and the name was the same as my mechanic in Los Feliz,” Garrett-Davis said. “The next time I went to get my oil changed, I took a printout of that panorama and was going to show it to them and ask, ‘Do you know anything about this? Is this related?’

“I walked into their office, and a copy of that photo had been on their wall for years. In 10 years, I had never noticed it,” he said with a laugh.

After their internment, the Kuromi family returned to their farm in 1945 to find their equipment stolen. The process of regaining access to their land was slow, but they eventually settled back in, and operated the farm until losing their lease in 1961.

‘A Harvest of Death’ and mail from home on the Civil War front

One of the most grotesque displays on view is an albumen print of an 1863 photo titled “A Harvest of Death,” taken by Timothy H. O’Sullivan after the Battle of Gettysburg. Within its frame lies the bodies of fallen soldiers, sprawled out and lifeless on the grass.

“That evocative title signals some of the other things that we have been thinking about, whether it’s looking at gardens or loss … in this case, these are bodies that have been left, and they’re decomposing,” Lehtinen said.

Paired with the print is a letter from a young woman named Harriet Bailey to her uncle on the front lines of the Civil War, containing seeds delicately etched with drawings of a ship, facesand a dog. The two pieces represent a stark contrast in experiences during the same conflict, once again touching upon the theme of hope amid disturbance.

“This is a remnant of home that he’s actually being sent while on the battlefield,” she continued. “So, the joy and lightness to what is an incredibly somber moment in American history.”

“Archiving the Watershed” is a collection of artifacts from the Colorado River assembled by Otis R. “Dock” Marston on display.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

The Colorado River, mapped out through an adventurer’s eyes

This display is described as a “tiny slice” of the Huntington’s archive on Otis Reed “Dock” Marston, a historian and river runner who made it his life’s goal to collect information on the Colorado River. According to Garrett-Davis, Marston had around 185 binders full of photographs, often placed on a cut-out map of where they were taken and organized mile-by-mile, from below the U.S.-Mexico border all the way into Utah.

This taps into a focal point of the exhibition: adapting it to a West Coast perspective. In this way, the idea of independence is viewed expansively as it unfolds across time and place.

“The Huntington has a wonderful collection of presidential papers and documents relating to the Colonial era, but we also have materials on California … from the lens of the West,” said Huntington President Karen R. Lawrence.

“We can show the West’s visual culture at the same time that we can show the original copies of the Declaration of Independence … we have a breadth that’s quite rare.”

Artist Noni Olabiisi’s, “Troubled Island” mural on canvas, depicting the struggling of the Haitian revolution.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

‘Troubled Island’ and a mirrored struggle

The Haitian Revolution may seem out of place in an exhibition celebrating the U.S., but Haiti was the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. Its independence from the French was proclaimed in 1804, just two decades after the American colonies signed the Treaty of Paris.

In the mural “Troubled Island,” Noni Olabisi chronicles the Haitian struggle for independence, including how suffering under French colonists led to the 1791 slave rebellion. The piece was first painted for the William Grant Still Arts Center in West Adams in 2003, referencing an opera of the same name.

The opera was composed by Still with a libretto from the Missouri-born poet, playwright, novelist and social activist Langston Hughes, who connected Haiti’s struggle for freedom to his home country’s.

“We wanted to focus on parts that might seem peripheral but are actually quite central to American history,” Garrett-Davis said.

Three years later, Olabasi would render the same powerful mural on canvas.

A 48-HOUR strike in Europe has already seen Eurostar trains cancelled – and more could follow.

Strikes across Italy and France today and tomorrow are impacting rail services including Eurostar trains to and from the UK.

Cancelled Eurostar trains include the 7:12am service from Paris to London and then the 3:31pm service from London to Paris, both today.

Tomorrow, the 7:12am service from Paris to London will also be cancelled.

A number of other Eurostar trains are facing delays as well including between Paris and Brussels, which will impact Brits changing trains at Paris.

According to the Eurostar website, the cancellations are due to “strike action on the French network” and that “local and national traffic in France will be heavily disrupted”.

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Passengers are being advised to keep an eye on Eurostar’s website and app for updates.

The Eurostar delays and cancellations aren’t the only trains impacted.

Across France and Italy there are nationwide strikes over the next 48 hours on rail services.

In France, strike action today is causing disruption across the entire country’s network including trains heading to Normandy, Brittany and Provence.

The action started at 7pm yesterday and will continue until 6am tomorrow.

According to Rail Europe, delays of between one-and-a-half hours and three hours can be expected on trains being run by TGV INOUI, OUIGO, and Eurostar.

On the other hand, in Italy, workers at state-owned rail companies such as Trenitalia, Trenord, and Trenitalia Tper will strike tomorrow from 3am until 2am on Friday.

Delays and cancellations are expected across the country including services to destinations such as Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice and Naples.

Though due to Italian laws, there will be services at peak times which include between 6am and 9am and between 6pm and 9pm.

According to RTL Today, train connections to Luxembourg are also being impacted.

For Brits on holiday in either Italy or France, if you are due to get on a train within the country or even on a Eurostar service, expect delays and cancellations, as well as busier train stations.

Sun Travel has contacted Eurostar for comment.

MoneySavingExpert has shared important safety advice for holidaymakers

MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued a travel warning to millions of people. Founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, MSE regularly posts consumer advice for Brits. In the latest Money Tips Email, the experts offered advice for anyone booking holidays.

In the email, the team told readers: “Summer is coming, and if you’re booked to go away and haven’t got your insurance yet, you need to do it NOW, today, straight away!” As the experts pointed out, booking travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday offers the maximum protection, including cover if something happens that prevents you from travelling.

Before setting off, it’s also advised to get a Global Health Insurance Card if you’re travelling to Europe. In the alert, MSE revealed that over two million cards are expected to expire this year. As a result, millions could miss out on the benefits if they don’t renew ahead of upcoming holidays.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card enables holidaymakers to access healthcare without paying more than a local resident would while travelling in the European Economic Area.

The NHS explains: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

“The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.”

While people are advised they should also take out travel insurance, it could help you avoid paying the excess if you need medical treatment during your trip. MSE said: “Going to the EU? Ensure you’ve a valid (free) GHIC/EHIC – over 2m expire this year.

“The ‘Global Health Insurance Card’ (GHIC) and its predecessor, the EHIC, give access to state-run hospitals or GPs, mainly in European countries, for the same price as a local. So if they don’t pay, you don’t either. Over two million expire this year, check yours.”

A UK GHIC is free, and you can apply through the NHS website. The NHS advises avoiding unofficial websites, which may charge an application fee. People can apply for a new card up to nine months before their current card expires.

The NHS says: “You can apply for a UK GHIC if you’re a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.”

There’s a sense of quiet mystery in tarot. That’s why during my reading last week, it was more peculiar than disruptive when a dancer hopped on a table to lay at a 90-degree angle and jet her feet in the air.

Despite said activity, the tone was contemplative, and moments later, as I was being asked to describe the colors and mood of a Ten of Swords card, I was tapped on the shoulder. After a gesture to follow, I was handed a lantern.

The way I swayed the light would now dictate the performer’s movements. We may not have been dancing, but it was close. Melancholic and intimate, the performer (Haylee Nichele) silently guided me to become comfortable in my discomfort, to sit with the evening’s themes of longing, loss, confusion and impending grief.

Sam Alper’s Bill, foreground, and Haylee Nichele’s Constance in Koryn Wicks’ “You Must Be Here for the Reading,” an immersive tarot show.

(Daniel Kleen)

“You Must Be Here for the Reading,” running through June 20 at North Hollywood’s After Hours Theatre, is part theatrical and dance performance, part tarot reading and part cocktail hour. It’s also personal, led by two actors who encourage the attendees to open up, to complete poems and to generally tune into their vulnerability.

The 60-minute show, partly scripted and partly improvised, comes from the mind of Koryn Wicks. Trained in dance and choreography, Wicks’ day job is in themed entertainment while her personal projects explore the immersive space. They’re theatrical works that experiment with audience interaction. “You Must Be Here for the Reading” is no different.

The setup: Collectively, our group of eight has arrived at a tarot reading, only the famed reader we are there to work with, Constance, performed by Nichele on the night I saw, never arrives for her assigned role. We know her fate, but her partner, Sam Alper’s Bill, who nervously attempts to carry on with the performance in her absence, does not.

From there, “You Must be Here for the Reading” becomes a show heavy on audience participation. There are scripted, story-specific beats, but the cards pulled — and the tales they tell — is, of course, randomized.

Sam Alper as Bill, an unsuspecting tarot card reader in Koryn Wicks’ “You Must Be Here for the Reading.”

(Daniel Kleen)

“I knew that I wanted the audience to be the primary drivers of the tarot reading,” Wicks says. “I knew that I wanted the host to not be a tarot reader and there to be some sort of event that made it so the audience would have to take the reins and read the tarot.”

In turn, “You Must Be Here for the Reading” works for both those who are novices to the space as well as those who are more experienced. During the pre-show, guests can explore tarot books and uncover slips of paper hidden in them that prompt us to answer questions or complete poems — the latter will figure into the performance. A worksheet given to us asks us to interpret some core tenets, as well as to enter the reading with a question we would like to explore.

The show then focuses on how each attendee’s desires, concerns or lived experiences shape the perception of the reading.

“What’s drawn me to tarot is the way it’s built on symbolism and the way that symbolism is embedded in the collective unconscious,” Wicks says. “I think it’s really fascinating that we have this artifact that has this ability to give us insight into a lot of shared experiences. When I’ve read different books about tarot, or had my cards read by different people, there is an openness to interpenetration.

“The assignment I gave myself for this piece,” Wicks continues, “was to create an experience in which you had a group of people coming together and going through the process of defining the symbolism and meaning of the cards in real time.”

And yet the show also pulls from Wicks’ background in dance. While Constance never shows for the reading, her presence is still felt, often hovering or circling around the table with movements designed to interpret the tone of the reading. She’s a ghostly presence, the gracefulness heightening the somber emotions of the night. Though she and Bill never interact directly, much of the dance seeks to explore their unseen bond. At times, Constance may call on various audience members to act as a dance partner.

Koryn Wicks, creator of “You Must Be Here for the Reading,” an immersive tarot performance in which audiences are tasked with deciphering their own cards while a melancholic story unfolds around them.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

“I really believe that one of the most beautiful things art does for us is remind us that we are not alone,” Wicks says.

Immersive art allows for a sense of participation, which Wicks hopes will increase one’s appreciation of dance.

“Dance is an embodied art form,” Wicks says. “There is science that shows that some of the enjoyment from watching dance comes from imagining yourself moving. In North America, a lot of people haven’t had an experience or education with dance, especially not concert dance. Then we ask them to sit in a dark auditorium in a small chair and not move to enjoy it. I found through my research, both practical and academic, there is something to inviting audiences to participate in dance that allows them to derive meaning from it.”

While there isn’t enough time in the show for everyone to have a one-on-one experience with the dancer, watching an audience and cast member attempt to get in sync with each other underlines the night’s themes of connecting. Ultimately, that’s the space where the show resides. “You Must Be Here for the Reading” uses tarot as a means to bring some structure to our often disconnected lives.

“It stands in contradiction to our current historical moment,” Wicks says of the show. “It’s very anti-AI. It’s asking people to sit with books and to find little seeds and not necessarily pursue solutions or puzzles. It’s asking us to connect, sometimes with strangers.”

I kept my question that I brought to the reading secret, but I found the show provided a hopeful answer. Not because the cards offered a solution. Instead, they provided a community.

A Ryanair passenger claims she was recently told it was “unlikely’ she’d be able to board a plane for an unexpected purpose. Aisling Finlay was left taken aback and has since issued an alert

A Ryanair passenger was left concerned after she was reportedly told she’d be “unlikely to board a plane”, and it’s not the first time someone has claimed they were denied a seat with the airline. Aisling Finlay recently opened up about her alleged travel issue, as she wanted to alert others to the fact that it could happen.

Aisling recently shared her story on TikTok, where she claimed she didn’t know something like this was possible when travelling with Ryanair. The clip has since gone viral as people couldn’t believe how events unfolded in the unlikely air travel tale that left many taken by surprise.

It’s not the first story of its kind to be shared either. Previously, a four-year-old boy was said to have been told he couldn’t board a plane either.

In the clip, she said: “There’s a high chance we’re not getting on this flight. So, a reminder to everyone to check-in way in advance, as they’re overbooking the planes.

“So, we’re flying to Spain at 11am. So, I checked in last night at about like 10pm, and weren’t able to like reserve a seat or allocate a seat, so I was like ‘strange’.

“And then our boarding card came up saying ‘seat allocated at the gate’, and then we arrived there, and they’re basically like ‘we’ve overbooked the flight by nine seats’.

“We’re number five and six to get on the plane. So she was like ‘it is unlikely you’ll get on the flight’. Brilliant.”

The video has been viewed over 27,000 times since it was shared, and people were quick to comment too. Hundreds have since offered their thoughts on the matter.

One said: “In all my years travelling bumping has never happened to me, and I’ve never seen it happen. It must be a very new thing with Ryanair.”

Another added: “I had that once. Due to fly from Dublin to Bristol. They couldn’t get me on so they flew me to Birmingham and then paid for a taxi to Bristol, and a few weeks later I got £250 compensation. More than I paid for my whole trip.”

A third replied: “This is becoming so common. Happened two weeks ago. One member of our party didn’t get on, and was lucky to get a seat the next day. Check in as early as possible and book seats to make it safer.”

Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Most airlines do this!” One more also noted: “Every airline does this.”

What you need to know

When Ryanair was approached for comment, it stated as a policy the airline does not overbook flights. The airline also claimed the passenger travelled on the flight from Dublin to Palma de Mallorca on June 3.

However, some more information is available on its website. It states: “Ryanair, as a policy, does not overbook its flights. However, in the unlikely event that a seat is not available for a passenger with a confirmed reservation, we will seek volunteers to surrender their seats in exchange for benefits that we and the volunteer may agree upon before involuntarily denying boarding to other passengers.

“If there are insufficient volunteers, and we deny you boarding involuntarily, you are entitled to the rights set out below.” These rights are outlined on the website.

WHEN it comes to picking a holiday, the temptation to go abroad can be huge – but the UK has many spots that look and feel like you are in a different country.

If you want to avoid the chaos of long airport queues and delayed flights, we’ve named some of our favourite places across Britain that will transport you to being hundreds of miles away instead.

Swap Champagne in France for Balfour

Balfour Winery has mushroomed in size since it opened as a tiny winery
in 2002, in the Kent village of Staplehurst.

You can now enjoy an excellent bottle of wine on their gorgeous
verandah, accompanied by exceptional sharing platters or flatbreads
and more recently, hot meals, instead of heading all the way to the Champagne region in France.

It even rivals some of Kent’s better-known vineyards, such as Chapel Down.

But it has also kept a nice local touch – they have no problem with
guests taking a walk around the vineyard or the neighbouring woods on
the estate, in fact it’s encouraged.

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They mingle with the fabulously-dressed, down-from-Londoners, there
for a full day out in their floor-length dresses.

And if you squint on a sunny summer’s day after a rose or two, the
view from the restaurant could quite feasibly be somewhere more exotic
on the continent. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Swap New Zealand for North Wales

New Zealand should be on everyone’s bucket list. But it’s a long and pricey journey from the UK, so how about just pocketing that cash and visiting North Wales instead?

The wild scenery is very similar – trust me, I’ve spent a decent amount of time in both destinations.

Both are known for their rugged, snow-capped mountains; untouched, rural landscape; and vast lakes that are so still they paint a perfect reflection of the skyline.

They are also both big on adventure – craggy hiking trails are in abundance in North Wales and adrenaline junkies will love whizzing along the fastest zip line in the world at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.

I had buckets of fun white water rafting in Rotorua during my New Zealand trip – and you can do that in North Wales, too.

National White Water Centre has a whole host of options starting from £45. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Swap the French Riviera for the English Riviera

The English Riviera can be found in Devon and earned its name from feeling like the French Riviera with palm trees, big beaches and its very own microclimate.

The region is made up of three towns – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – each of which has its own unique character.

In Brixham, you can spot fishing boats bobbing on the water with seals often swimming around them.

In Paignton, you can venture along the pier, testing out the different penny slot machines before heading to one of the many beaches with an ice cream in hand.

And last but not least is the queen of the English Riviera, Torquay.

It has a bustling town centre, picturesque harbour and a large beach ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Swap Thailand for Eilean Shona, Scotland

Scotland is home to hundreds of islands and most are vastly different from each other – but there is one tiny tidal island that’s so special because it feels like you’ve stepped foot in Thailand.

Eilean Shona is a tidal island in the Inner Hebrides with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters that can only be reached by boat.

In fact, the island is even more exclusive as you have to stay at the accommodation on the island to visit it.

While the temperature is chillier, the magic of the island makes up for it – having even inspired J.M. Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Swap the Caribbean for Jersey

If I told you there’s an island an hour’s flight from the UK, with a
Caribbean-like coastline, that gets summer quicker than England and
you don’t need a passport – you’d think I was pulling your leg.

But such a unicorn does exist in the English Channel: Jersey.

When my family and I visited, every beach was outstanding, the weather
glorious, the food a fantastic hybrid of French and English tastes.

Jersey calls itself “curiously Brit . . . (ish)” and it sums up this
island, 14 miles from the coast of France, perfectly.

One of our best (of many best days) on our week away, was on a
wildlife RIB trip with Jersey Seafaris.

The company takes you to the stunning Les Minquiers sandbanks and
reef, which is often likened to the Maldives.

There was plenty of time for pure relaxation too, St Brelade’s Bay is
often billed as a rival to the Caribbean on a sunny day, thanks to its
palm tree-lined beach and clear turquoise waters.

From England to France, the Caribbean to the Maldives on one tiny
island that takes two hours to drive from top to bottom? That’s one
hell of a day out. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Swap Spain for Hove

It’s not often I go to the English coast and feel like I’m in Europe.

But when I hopped down to Hove for a weekend trip last summer, I did feel like I was on holiday in the Mediterranean.

Given, it was during the July heatwave, so I did have the glorious weather on my side.

But still, on a beautiful summer’s day, I was at Rockwater sipping on an Aperol Spritz by a huge open window staring out at the promenade and glittering water feeling like I was in Italy or Spain.

The food is another thing that has a Mediterranean seaside vibe, especially if you dine on fish dishes like mussels, crab linguine or catch of the day.

But to really make the most of the sun, the crown of Rockwater is the rooftop bar which has sun umbrellas, and it’s enclosed with a glass balcony to lessen the sea breeze. – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Swap Provence for Heacham, Norfolk

You don’t have to fly all the way to Provence, France, to stroll through rolling fields of bright purple lavender.

Norfolk Lavender in Heacham, north-west Norfolk has 100 acres of fragrant lavender fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.

There’s even an on-site restaurant where you can sip a lavender-infused tea, or sip something a little stronger and watch the sun set over the fields – no passport needed.

A visit to the site also makes for a fantastic family day out – there’s a farm where kids can meet alpacas, chickens and goats, as well as popular soft play barn Farmer Fred‘s.

To make the most of your trip, try a slice of lavender cake in the cafe, or treat yourself to some handmade lavender balms and creams in the gift shop.

As well as the fields, there’s manicured gardens with a bridge over a gentle stream, a peaceful gazebo and the historic Heacham Watermill building – which look like something out of a French countryside estate. – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Swap Spanish Islands for Margate

An Aperol Spritz, lo-fi music and uninterrupted views of the ocean – you’d think I was on some beautiful Spanish island.

But no, it’s a rooftop bar in Margate that transported me abroad, found on top of No42 by GuestHouse hotel.

When the sun is shining and the music is playing, you’ll forget you’re on the Kent coastline.

The chic interiors rival even some of London’s top bars – just with a golden sand beach just steps away. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Swap the Norwegian fjords for Boscastle Harbour

Boscastle, a small and quaint village located on the north coast of Cornwall, can feel a bit more like the Norwegian fjords thanks to its dramatic, rocky landscape.

The town’s harbour sits between a large valley and a number of local shops and even The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – home to the world’s largest collection of witchcraft items.

The beauty of Boscastle is often forgotten beneath its history, with blue waters and dark, that really do make you feel as if you are in the rugged landscapes of the Norwegian fjords.

I love Boscastle harbour because it is embellished by nothing but the nature that surrounds it, as well as being a quiet and picturesque escape without the hustle and bustle of larger beaches. – Katy Bright, Travel Writer

Swap Bondi Icebergs Pool in Sydney for Tinside Lido, Plymouth

I’ve always been jealous of people who have made it to Australia, chilling on the beach and the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool in Sydney.

But there is one in the UK that I think rivals it – enter Tinside Lido.

The Plymouth pool is one of the most beautiful Art Deco lidos in the UK, jutting out over the ocean where visiting on a hot day and relaxing on the side of the water will make you feel like you are thousands of miles away.

You can even grab a glass of Australian Chardonnay or Shiraz to enjoy after your tanning sesh from the sun terrace. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Swap the French Riviera for Salcombe

I instantly felt attached to Salcombe on my first visit. It stirred up a feeling of nostalgia, reminding me of childhood holidays to France and the French Riviera.

Back then, days were spent building sand castles on peaceful shores and wandering through flower-filled villages to gather up a dinnertime feast from the local fishmonger.

And that’s pretty much how my Devon visit went, too.

I’m probably a little too old for sandcastles, now aged 33, but Salcombe’s North Sands beach would be the perfect place to build one.

It has that laissez-faire, village vibe to it, too – positioned a 30-minute walk away from the central hub and with a cute cafe that’s popular with locals.

The setting feels similar to that in southern France, too – old stone houses facing a shimmering sea and a busy town with a delicatessen whose foodie window displays draw you in.

Local catches are dished up in the seafront restaurants, just like they are in the French Riviera.

Swing by The Crab Shed which serves a limited menu of fishy delights – the star dish is its whole cracked crab. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

BRITS heading to Spain need to be aware of a new rule update that could get them banned from entering the country.

Currently, Brits visiting Spain need to show they have a certain amount of money in their bank at the border.

However, an upgrade to this rule means all travellers from non-EU countries must be able to prove they now have at least €1,098.90 (£948.12).

For longer trips, the figure will rise in line with how many days you are in the country for, working out to around an extra €121.10 (£104.48) per day.

For example, if you intend to stay in Spain for 10 days, you will need to prove you have €1,220 (£1,052.79) in funds.

Brits can prove they have the money in several ways including having the cash, presenting debit or credit cards accompanied by bank statements, showing cheques or providing a letter of credit.

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However, it is worth noting that screenshots of online bank statements are not accepted.

The money must be shown in euros or the equivalent amount in your own currency, so for Brits, this would be in pounds.

Despite the requirement not being new, the amount tourists need to prove has been updated to be in line with 10 per cent of Spain’s minimum wage, which recently increased.

The rule was first introduced in 2021, at the end of the Brexit transition period.

Brexit meant that Brits became “third-country nationals” and therefore have to follow the rules for entering the EU when travelling to European countries.

Similar proof-of-funds requirements are in place across all Schengen countries.

The amounts do vary though – for example, in France, travellers must be able to prove they have €65 (£56.08) per day, yet in Latvia, the figure drops to €14 (£12.08) per day.

Even though proof-of-funds can be enforced by border officers in Spain, checks are not usually carried out on every traveller entering the country.

But if a border force officer asks you to prove your funds and you do not have the amount needed, then they can refuse you entry into Spain.

Advice from the UK Foreign Office states: “Make sure that you have access to enough money to cover all of your costs when travelling abroad, including unforeseen costs, e.g. medical care.

“To avoid getting into financial difficulties abroad, you should take prepaid travel cards, traveller’s cheques, local currency, credit and bank cards with you.

“Check what you can use in the country you are visiting and ensure you have enough money.

“Make a note of how to stop any credit cards or traveller’s cheques being used if lost or stolen, and of traveller’s cheque numbers.

“[And] get comprehensive travel insurance, ensure it provides you with adequate financial cover for your personal needs, and check for any exclusions.

“If you don’t have adequate travel insurance, you will need to pay any costs you are charged.”