Most people take at least one bag with them when travelling(Image: Getty Images/Prasit photo)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to anybody who is planning on taking luggage abroad with them. Tens of millions of overseas trips are made from the UK each year, and the FCDO regularly shares information aimed at keeping Brits safe while travelling.
In a new alert on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday the FCDO issued a warning regarding baggage. The post reads: “Criminal gangs are known to pressure people into carrying drugs.
“Always pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for someone else.” Further information provided on an accompanying graphic warns: “There’s no such thing as a free holiday. You booked a jail sentence. Do not carry cannabis through customs for someone else.”
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The warning comes after British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand. While low-strength cannabis is legal in the south-east Asian country, the FCDO warns, cannabis of any strength is illegal in the UK, and may be illegal in other countries you travel to.
It goes on to remind passengers that airports have “excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items” and explains that anyone caught carrying cannabis in other countries may be given a long prison sentence, and even the death penalty.
FCDO guidance continues: “Legal processes before court hearings can be long and expensive. It can take many months for a case to go to trial. In some countries, you can be arrested if you have traces of cannabis on your clothing, baggage or within you.
“Random blood and urine tests can be taken to see if it is within you. It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permissions issued by the authorities.
“Illegally carrying cannabis, particularly large quantities, can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment in Thailand.”
MEXICO CITY — Amid the constant blare of car horns in southern Mexico City, it’s hard to imagine that Cuicuilco was once the heart of a thriving ancient civilization. Yet atop its circular pyramid, now surrounded by buildings and a shopping center, a pre-Hispanic fire god was revered.
“This is incredible,” said Evangelina Báez, who spent a recent morning at Cuicuilco with her daughters. “In the midst of so much urbanization, there’s still this haven of peace.”
Her visit was part of a monthly tour program crafted by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, known by its Spanish initials as INAH.
Aside from overseeing Mexico’s archaeological sites and museums, the institute safeguards the country’s cultural heritage, including restoring damaged monuments and artworks as well as reviewing construction projects to ensure they don’t harm archaeological remains.
Its historians and archaeologists also lead excursions like the one in Cuicuilco. Each academic expert picks a location, proposes a walking itinerary to the INAH and, once approved, it’s offered to the public for about 260 pesos ($15).
“I joined these tours with the intention of sharing our living heritage,” said archaeologist Denisse Gómez after greeting guests in Cuicuilco. “Our content is always up to date.”
According to Mónica de Alba, who oversees the tours, the INAH excursions date to 1957, when an archaeologist decided to share the institute’s research with colleagues and students.
“People are beginning to realize how much the city has to offer,” said De Alba, explaining that the INAH offers around 130 tours per year in downtown Mexico City alone. “There are even travel agents who pretend to be participants to copy our routes.”
María Luisa Maya, 77, often joins these tours as a solo visitor. Her favorite so far was one to an archaeological site in Guerrero, a southern Mexican state along the Pacific coast.
“I’ve been doing this for about eight years,” she said. “But that’s nothing. I’ve met people who have come for 20 or 25.”
Traces of a lost city
Cuicuilco means “the place where songs and dances are made” in the Nahua language.
Still, the precise name of its people is unknown, given that the city’s splendor dates back to the pre-Classic era from 400 to 200 B.C. and few clues are left to dig deeper into its history.
“The Nahuas gave them that name, which reveals that this area was never forgotten,” said archaeologist Pablo Martínez, who co-led the visit with Gómez. “It was always remembered, and even after its decline, the Teotihuacan people came here to make offerings.”
The archaeological site is a quiet corner nestled between two of Mexico City’s busiest avenues. Yet according to Martínez, the settlements went far beyond the vicinity and Cuicuilco’s population reached 40,000.
“What we see today is just a small part of the city,” he said. “Merely its pyramidal base.”
Now covered in grass and resembling a truncated cone, the pyramid was used for ritual purposes. The details of the ceremonies are unknown, but female figurines preserved at the site’s museum suggest that offerings were related to fertility.
“We think they offered perishable objects such as corn, flowers and seeds,” Gómez said. “They were feeding the gods.”
Echoes of living heritage
According to official records, Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites are Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá. The first is a pre-Aztec city northeast of the capital known for its monumental Sun and Moon pyramids. The latter is a major Mayan site in the Southeast famed for its 12th-century Temple of Kukulkán.
The INAH oversees both. But its tours focus on shedding light on Mexico’s hidden gems.
During an excursion preceding Cuicuilco’s, visitors walked through a neighborhood in Ecatepec, on the outskirts of Mexico City, where open-air markets, street food and religious festivals keep local traditions alive. A few days prior, another tour focused on La Merced market, where flowers, prayers and music filled the aisles during the feast of Our Lady of Mercy.
October’s schedule takes into account Day of the Dead traditions. But tours will feature a variety of places like Xochimilco, where visitors can take a moonlit boat tour through its canals and chinampas, and Templo Mayor, the Aztec empire’s main religious and social center in ancient Tenochtitlán.
“These tours allow the general public to get closer to societies that are distant in time and space,” said historian Jesús López del Río, who will lead an upcoming tour on human sacrifices to deities in Mesoamérica.
“Approaching the pre-Hispanic past is not only about how the Maya used zero in their calculations or how the Mexica built a city on a lake,” he added. “It’s about understanding how those societies worked — their way of seeing and relating to the world.”
Different airlines have different seat dimensions and leg room — and you may wonder what standard tickets actually provide
Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director
10:41, 11 Oct 2025Updated 10:41, 11 Oct 2025
Not all seats offer the same amount of legroom(Image: Getty Images)
With autumn in full swing, many people in the UK are heading off for winter sun or a European city break. But comfort on flights can be hard to come by, especially on the cheaper airlines.
Cramped legroom and tight seating can put a damper on your flight experience. It’s well known that seat sizes and leg space vary from airline to airline. For those unwilling to fork out extra for “extra legroom” options, you might be wondering what standard tickets actually offer.
Luckily, back in 2023, Which? conducted a study looking at legroom and seat width among 12 leading short-haul carriers flying out of the UK, reports the Express.
The study looked at “seat pitch” — the distance between your seat and the one in front — as a measure of legroom. Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and KLM came out on top, offering a generous seat pitch of 31 to 32 inches, 29 to 33 inches, and 30 to 32 inches respectively. On the other hand, Wizz Air and TUI were at the bottom of the pile, both providing a seat pitch of just 28 inches.
When it comes to seat width – the actual space between the two armrests either side of your seat – most airlines offer similar dimensions, around 17 inches. However, easyJet, TAP Portugal, and Lufthansa provide slightly more room, at 18 inches.
Airlines that offer the most to least legroom (in inches)
Logan was sexually assaulted for nearly seven years by his own mother
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Logan Gifford, left, has been confirmed as the father of his younger brother after he was raped by his mum as a teenager
When mum Doreene gave birth, speculation around who the father was quickly swirled.
Doreene – who was convicted of sexual assault, incest and lewdness in 2015 – claimed it was from an affair she had had away from Logan’s dad Ted.
But it wasn’t until Logan was in high school that he started to unravel the disturbing potential reality of his family tree.
Wanting to secure justice for both himself and his younger sibling, Logan became locked in a custody battle over the boy – who was living with his father Ted.
Logan wanted to find out who was the true father and if it was him to support the 15-year-old as much as possible.
After months of uncertainty and DNA tests, Logan has now officially been declared the teen’s dad in a Nevadacourt.
Speaking to The Sun on the verdict, Logan said: “The legal determination was made through the court process, but the biological and emotional realities remain deeply intertwined and unresolved.
“My goal has never been about winning a legal argument — it has always been about protecting my brother and ensuring the truth is fully known.”
The Las Vegas local has been trying to uncover the truth for years after he put Doreene behind bars in 2015 for the abuse.
As he battled to overcome the mental scars of his childhood, Logan started therapy.
It was during one of these sessions that he was asked about the possibility that he could be the father of his brother due to the years of abuse.
Logan said his brother went through a “complex” birth as he was deprived of oxygen and “came out purple”.
His brother went through years of speech and physical therapy and continues to struggle with a range of cognitive difficulties, requiring support at home and school.
Children born as a result of incest face a much higher risk of genetic disorders and disabilities due to the increased likelihood of inheriting recessive genetic mutations.
This case stems from a lifetime of trauma and abuse – circumstances no child or family should ever have to endure
Logan Gifford
Babies who are starved of oxygen can develop Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy, which causes brain injuries and can lead to disabilities such as cerebral palsy, seizures and developmental issues.
Logan has long battled with the idea that he may have been the reason for his brother’s disabilities – due to his incestuous conception.
Logan said: “This case stems from a lifetime of trauma and abuse – circumstances no child or family should ever have to endure.
“My parents did my brother, who is disabled, a disservice in not fully understanding why he was born the way he was.”
The court’s decision allows Logan to claim custody for his brother – but his father, Ted, has not completed a DNA test yet.
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Logan has bravely battled to overcome the horrors of his childhoodCredit: Logan Gifford
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Logan’s father Ted was presumed to be the dad at first
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Doreene Gifford was charged with sexual assault and incest
Logan explained: “The DNA testing that was conducted produced results showing that I was not ruled out as his biological father.
“At the same time, Ted – the man who was presumed to be the biological father – defaulted, meaning he declined to participate in the process and failed to appear.
“As a result, the judge issued a ruling based on the available evidence and that default.
“This outcome highlights how complex and painful this case truly is.”
A few years after the abuse ended, Logan decided to report his mum to the police.
Questions still remain over the Gifford family tree but Logan says he is happy to finally be recognised as his brother’s dad by law.
His focus will now turn to supporting the boy as much as possible.
Logan said: “I remain steadfast in my commitment to my brother’s safety, therapy, education, and emotional well-being.
“While this chapter has been extraordinarily painful, I believe in transparency and accountability.
“I am speaking out because I know other families have lived through similar silence and confusion.
“I know how difficult this story is to read, and even harder to live through but I believe that only through honesty and courage can we build something better — for my brother, for survivors, and for anyone still waiting to be heard.”
While this chapter has been extraordinarily painful, I believe in transparency and accountability
Logan Gifford
A few years after the abuse ended, Logan decided to report his mum to the police.
He said the decision to tear the family apart came when he realised he would be able to look after and support his brothers now he had reached 18.
Doreene was convicted in 2015 of sexual assault, incest and lewdness with a child under 14, according to court documents.
She was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison after taking a plea deal.
Despite being convicted, she has maintained her innocence and has since been released as a registered sex offender after less than a decade behind bars.
At the time, Logan believed he had dealt with the biggest problem in his life by putting his mother behind bars.
Logan is now committed to pursuing additional genetic testing in the hopes of continuing to uncover the truth.
Despite a harrowing childhood and still many unanswered questions, Logan is now looking forward to starting his own family alongside his brother.
He is expecting a baby girl in October with his wife.
Logan is currently the Executive Director of Repair The Vote PAC and has been involved in US politics since 2020.
His top achievement is spearheading a voter ID ballot initiative in 2024, which secured over 180,000 signatures and 70 per cent of voter approval.
How to report a sexual assault
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A family photo of Ted (far left), the son (centre) and Logan and his partner
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Despite facing several cognitive issues as a baby, Logan’s younger brother is continuing to improve each day
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A young Logan with his brother in his arms shortly after his birthCredit: Getty
Any deviation from the beaten track comes with moments of uncertainty. Is this the right dirt track? Is our progress going to be thwarted at any moment by an impenetrable thicket, or worse still an implacable landowner who will force a ham-fisted reverse? As it turns out, we are only temporarily stalled by two male peacocks jousting in the middle of the lane in a kaleidoscopic blur of feathers and fury. We wait for them to retire to the grass verge and continue to bounce up the track until we see a sign for our cottage pointing to the left. This leads us deeper into a woodland of oak, ash, birch and Douglas fir, until we finally see a brick-and-stone house standing in a clearing set back from the trail.
From the outside, Van Cottage looks like a pioneer homestead, with a crooked stone chimney to one side and a metal-roofed veranda to the other. Around the corner there’s a wood-fired hot tub, and beyond the garden fence in a little forest glade is a small brick dunny. The house sits on a ridge, and the garden offers views over the carmine-coloured ploughed fields and billowy woodland of Herefordshire.
This pioneer spirit continues inside, where there’s a kitchen with a wood-fired range, and an oak-beamed living room with a wood burner, a comfy sofa and a range of books. A wall of old oak boards has retained remnants of the wallpaper of previous occupants, adding a patina of history. The original two-up, two-down stone cottage dates back to the 18th century and a brick extension was added in the mid 19th century. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, a shower room and a sink overlooked by a mirror encased in an old leather horse collar, in keeping with the cottage’s farm-labourer origins. But the most recent renovation has converted it into a wood- and solar-powered off-grid escape.
The living room at Van Cottage. Photograph: Matt Davies
My own idea of an off-grid escape has roughly conformed to the same blueprint since I read a line in Albert Bigelow Paine’s The Tent Dwellers many years ago: “Then away to the heart of the deep unknown, where the trout and the wild moose are. Where the fire burns bright, and the tents gleam white, under the northern star.”
In our current deep unknown, a fleeting glimpse of a roe deer as I make my way to the outside dunny will have to make do for the wild moose. But we get the fires burning bright in the stove and the hot tub and then strike out around fields of buttercups and clover to walk down to a lake stocked with trout on the nearby Whitfield Estate. As I cast a line out over the water, a red kite circles in the thermals above and the chirrup of a redstart in an oak provides the melodic soundtrack. After thrashing the water until dusk, I walk away empty-handed but content.
Back at the cottage, we lower ourselves into the outdoor hot tub, which has reached a tolerable temperature, and watch the stars gleam white as a blanket of darkness envelopes the cottage and a tawny owl hoots in the distance.
The next morning, the realisation of being off-grid truly kicks in. While I wait for the kettle to boil – a full 30 minutes as I neglected to keep the stove stoked overnight – I step outside and into a cacophony of nature. My bird app identifies chiffchaffs, wrens, great tits, blackcaps, blackbirds, nuthatches and a woodpecker. A startled hare skitters beyond the garden fence and a group of female pheasants saunter by. The only thing missing from this Disneyesque scene is a flotilla of butterflies.
Photograph: Matt Davies
The thing about waiting for a kettle to boil is that it forces you to slow down. So I occupy my time by reading the cottage’s literature, in which I discover that nearby, on the A465 to Hereford, is Lock’s Garage, described as “one of the great frontier stores in the whole country”. The notion of a frontier store in the UK is new to me, but it plays perfectly into my romanticised notion of backwoods living. The reality, when I arrive at Lock’s Garage later is a little more prosaic. It’s a petrol station with a Londis storefront. But I soon discover that it’s so much more besides. Outside, the fruit and veg shelves display trays of giant papaya, agave leaves, dragon fruit, lychees and nashi pears. And inside the fridges are laden with grass-fed Hereford beef and rare-breed pork, some from the owners’ own farm. There’s cheese from Hereford and Wales, and local beers and wine. We come away with sausages and steaks for the barbecue that evening.
We spend the next few days in leisurely exploration – dog walks in the Big Wood surrounding the cottage, where there are signs of tree-cutting and squirrel traps on high platforms. One day, we walk down into Kilpeck village, where grotesque medieval motifs guard the porch of the Church of St Mary and St David, which architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described as “one of the most perfect Norman churches in England”. We explore the ruins of the Norman motte and bailey castle overlooking the church, and a painterly landscape beyond of barns and grazing Hereford cows. We stop for lunch at the Kilpeck Inn, where we dine on sea bream with cauliflower and brown butter puree, and local cider, before walking it off on a stretch of the Herefordshire Trail.
Skenfrith Castle is just over the border in Monmouthshire. Photograph: Maciej Olszewski/Alamy
On other days we head into Hay‑on‑Wye to browse the bookshops, and walk country lanes around Skenfrith Castle, just over the border in Monmouthshire. But mostly we spend the time sitting outside listening to birdsong, pulling books from the shelves and deciding our daily menu. It’s surprising how fully so little can occupy you without a television to fill in the gaps. And even though the cottage has broadband, our laptops remain unopened throughout the visit. We replace doomscrolling with keeping the home fires burning in the range and the hot tub. Each evening is spent with a saunter down to the lake in pursuit of an elusive trout. And each evening I return to the cottage with an empty net, but with a lightness of being after another day in the “heart of the deep unknown … and under the northern star”.
The trip was provided by The Cottage Company. Van Cottage, which sleeps four plus two dogs, has three-night breaks from £475
If you fancy escaping the wind, rain and gloomy mornings this half term there’s a beautiful, Mediterranean island lined with stunning beaches where the sun is still shining
Whisk the kids away for some half term fun in the sun this October
The long hot days of summer are well and truly behind us and after being spoiled with numerous heatwaves this year, the cold nip of autumn may be biting a little more fiercely than usual.
As half term approaches, the dark and early school starts could be starting to take their toll on the kids too. Tired from the stresses of their new routines with different teachers and classes, a trip away may be just what the whole family needs.
If the thought of some late October sun appeals before the madness of Christmas descends and the UK weather gets even colder, there are places where the temperatures still remain pleasantly warm.
Located south of Turkey and southeast of Greece, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. While many other tourist hotspots have already closed or are winding down for the winter, the main resorts here are still open in at this time of year.
This makes it the ideal place to head off for half term for some much needed rest and relaxation. The weather should also be on your side too because it’s one of the warmest places in this part of the European Union thanks to its subtropical climate.
The summer generally lasts eight months from April through to November, and temperatures during October can reach 28C or higher on occasion. Even in the cooler four months, it’s possible to enjoy 20C. Coastal areas in December are blessed with as many hours of sunshine as London gets in May on average, so sun seekers are certainly well catered for.
Luckily there is more than 400 miles of coastline to enjoy as well where you can partake in some water sports, watch the world go by in the many beachside bars and indulge in the delicious local cuisine at the numerous restaurants.
Resorts make the most of their sun-soaked climate and welcome holidaymakers late into the season. In high summer, the beaches in Protaras and Ayia Napa are heaving in but by this time of year they are much calmer, so great for families to make the most of with the sea temperature averaging around 24C.
Those with younger children or elderly travellers may prefer the sandy, tranquil beach of Fig Tree Bay in Protaras where it’s possible to explore the beautiful turquoise waters with a spot of snorkelling or on a boat trip. Limassol offers a long stretch of gorgeous coastline with some Blue Flag beaches and a stunning marina.
On the East Coast restaurants and kids’ clubs in Paphos and Limassol are still running and lively. For children who are too old for hotel clubs and making sandcastles, there’s plenty to entertain them too. The island has lots of water and amusement parks. Party town Ayia Napa is home to a number, with the Greek mythology-themed WaterWorld being the most famous, while the naturally landscaped Aphrodite Waterpark is situated in Paphos.
If culture is more your thing, or you want to enlighten the kids a little on their break, you can soak up the rich history of Cyprus, birthplace of Aphrodite, by visiting some of the many churches in Larnaca or relics from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras The Tombs of the Kings is definitely worth a look. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a glimpse into the mysterious burial practices in underground tombs dating back to the 4th century.
Recent visitors to Cyprus have shared their experiences on TripAdvisor,with one advising on the weather during autumn. “We have been four times to Paphosin October,” they wrote. “The temperature in mid October in the early afternoon has been around 28 degrees with beautiful blue skies. We have been able to eat outside in the early evening and used a pashmina later.
“Could still swim in the pool but it was a bit chilly. The sea, however, was fine to swim in.” Another added: “We’re always there mid-October and it’s lovely – still short sleeves in the evenings.”
We discovered unforgettable scenery, culture and cuisine on a trip to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s western coast, with glacier-carved fjords and the Earth’s mantle
Amy Jones is a Lifestyle & Features Writer at OK! She covers health, travel, real life, homes and celebrity interviews. Before joining OK! in 2023, Amy previously worked as a Multimedia Reporter at Cambridgeshire Live and before, a Content Writer at The Mirror. If you have a story, get in touch via email or contact them on Twitter.
We explored Western Newfoundland, Canada and its untouched beauty(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Majestic mountains, ancient glaciers and miles of untouched landscapes where moose and caribou thrive are just part of what makes Western Newfoundland so spectacular. With a rich history filled with Indigenous, English, Irish and French influences, this region in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is a place of pure beauty, with a charm echoed by its residents.
You’ll be welcomed with open arms and told, “It’s the people that you’re going to meet that will make your experience.” The uncrowded paradise stretches 750 kilometres and is one of the rare places in the world you can walk on the Earth’s mantle and gaze at glacier-carved fjords. The area is known to experience four seasons in a day, as locals told us, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes!”
Our first stop was family-run Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins in the small fishing village of Cow Head. Our room was cosy and comforting with views out to the serene waters. The inviting wooden porch was the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee in the morning, and the motel also offers guests a dip in its outdoor heated pool or hot tub overlooking the sea.
Our next stay was further down the coast in the town of Norris Point. Sugar Hill Inn is set on a hillside and has generously sized rooms and wrap-around porches. Our room had charming wooden floors and interiors, and an outside entrance led to our decking area with wooden Adirondack chairs for lounging.
Natural wonders
Carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago, the landlocked fjord of Western Brook Pond is one of the most popular places to visit in Newfoundland. Located in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has towering cliffs, misty waterfalls cascading from 2,000-feet high and a pristine freshwater lake. We marvelled at this breathtaking fjord with its picture-postcard views during a two-hour boat trip, complete with insightful commentary from a friendly Bontours crew member. Keep an eye out for the hidden face in the rocks, naturally chiseled by time and weather, known as the Tin Man.
The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter the Earth’s mantle – the layer of silicate rock between the crust and the outer core. In an experience we won’t forget in a hurry, we walked on the exposed ground – which we were told is similar to that on Mars – along a 4km trail through the striking valleys.
Cultural tour
In Norris Point, we threw ourselves into the local culture and journeyed back in time on an Indigenous Tour with Gros Morne Adventures, experiencing life through the eyes of the first inhabitants. Starting in a canoe, we paddled across serene waters as bald eagles flew above to Bonne Bay, where colourful cabins decorate the shoreline. A speed boat then took us to Gadd’s Harbour where we disembarked to hike through woodland, following moose trails while passing wildflowers, raspberry shrubs and squash berries.
We learnt how locals had a“boil up”, making a campfire to serve tea while out in the wilderness – a tradition many still hold today. We also made Lu’skinikin (bannock), a traditional Indigenous bread, before trying our hand at creating a fire using Stone Age tools.
We also took a stroll around Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, which once guided fishermen and sailing vessels into Bonne Bay, and sampled local honey during a tour at the Cormack Bee Company. We couldn’t resist buying their red Thai chilli-infused honey to bring back home.
For a night like no other, we attended the annual Writers at Woody Point Literary Festival, where we enjoyed live music from the likes of Ed Robertson, frontman of the band Barenaked Ladies, and who wrote the theme song for sitcom The Big Bang Theory. It was an evening we’ll remember forever.
Coastal cuisine
We discovered a thriving food scene in Newfoundland, with nods to Indigenous dishes while paying homage to its European influences, and a strong focus on fresh fish and seafood. At the Buoy & Arrow Restaurant in Rocky Harbour, we had our first taste of moose in a soup, before sharing a snow crab Nmjinikej dip with salted flatbread chips. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without ordering their signature lobster roll.
Shallow Bay Family Restaurant in Cow Head saw us dine on fresh salmon from their menu of local favourites and sip refreshing beer, brewed with iceberg water, while admiring the views of the bay through their panoramic windows.
Another highlight was Chanterelles at Sugar Hill Inn, which offers a fine dining experience in an intimate yet relaxed setting. We started with the seafood cakes with shrimp, salmon and cod, before relishing the succulent roasted duck breast with partridgeberry and orange gastrique and roasted garlic mash.
The Black Spruce at Neddies Harbour Inn was nothing short of perfection too – even our freshly baked bread with molasses butter to start left us speechless. Some favourites on the menu include the seafood chowder and the Atlantic beef tenderloin.
How to book
Rooms at Shallow Bay Motel start from £87, and at Sugar Hill Inn from £134 per night, based on two sharing. Air Canada offers return flights from London Heathrow to Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador (via Halifax, Nova Scotia) from £587pp. See newfoundlandlabrador.com and atlanticcanadaholiday.co.uk for more details.
This small countryside town in the Cotswolds might be the perfect spot for an autumnal day trip or weekend away, offering everything from delicious pub grub to stunning walks
The town is often dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds(Image: Getty)
At the edge of the Cotswold Way, this charming market town is an ideal place to plan a day trip or weekend away this autumn.
Rich with history and dotted with picturesque pubs that feature cosy fires to enjoy as the temperatures drop, Chipping Campden is well worth a visit.
Located in Gloucestershire, much of the town is built from the stunning Cotswold stone that’s well known in the area, a picture-perfect country idyll that’s increasingly attracting some A-list residents.
Fans of a good countryside walk will be treated to some spectacular views of the colourful autumn foliage, and when it comes to food, there are some great options on offer.
Dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, Chipping Campden dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. It’s known for its unusually wide high street – parts of which were built in the 14th century – and was once home to a bustling wool trade.
History lovers will enjoy a visit to the Market Hall – now protected by the National Trust – and its proximity to many independent shops and boutiques will provide a welcome distraction for anyone in more of a mood to spend that learn.
St. James’s Church, Grevel House, and Old Campden House all provide more insight into the long history of the small market town.
Even a trip to the pub will give you a taste of the many lives that have gone on in this historic place, with the Eight Bells – a local favourite – including many character features that create a lot of atmosphere. From stone floors and wooden beams, to roaring fires in a cast iron grate – you will never want to head home.
The menu at the Eight Bells offers a decent number of vegetarian, fish, and meat options, so everyone will be catered to.
But the puddings are where the offerings really come alive: so make sure you leave room for a sweet treat to round off your meal.
The Red Lion is another stunning historic location to sit back and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, but if you’re looking for more action, less relaxing, the walks on offer in the area are nothing short of magical.
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile walk that begins at Chipping Campden and runs all the way to the historic city of Bath. But even the portion from the market town itself is a day well spent amongst the autumnal scenery, with the woodlands you will pass through second to none at this time of year.
It’s a well marked walk, so you don’t need to be a pro-hiker to give this one a go, but bear in mind there are more than a few steep hills along it, so if you’re planning to try the whole thing out over the course of some days, make sure you stay hydrated and organise plenty of breaks along the route.
Travel experts have shared one of the prettiest European destinations for those looking for some winter sun – as the caves and water are some of the clearest around
It’s the perfect autumn escape for those wanting some sun(Image: Getty Images)
With the colder weather approaching, you may be looking to escape the chilly temperatures and rain for warmer climates.
This ‘magical’ island is perfect for those looking for an escape with some of Europe’s clearest waters and fewer crowds of tourists. Malta is the perfect autumn destination, and the Blue Grotto is a natural wonder, allowing visitors to swim, explore the caves and relax in the sun.
According to travel experts at Ski Vertigo, October temperatures in Malta are still around 25C, and the Blue Grotto is made up of several sea caves on Malta’s west coast, surrounded by clear turquoise waters.
There is a network of six caves on the southern coast, offering some of the clearest waters and most stunning views in the Maltese Islands, making it one of the island’s most popular natural attractions. The experts say the best way to see the caves is by boat from Wied iż-Żurrieq (£7.20 for adults, £3.60 for children).
Visitors can board the traditional fishing boats run from 9am to 4.30pm in summer, and 9am to 4pm in winter, weather permitting and on the way, you can can stop at the panoramic viewpoint, 500m high, for photos.
“The waters are very clear thanks to their unique minerals, and in sunny weather, colourful reflections of pink, orange, turquoise, and green shimmer on the limestone walls. From above, the caves are framed by a majestic arch with views of the island of Filfla – truly breathtaking,” the travel experts add, and shared a list of some of the top activities for visitors:
Boat tours – Glide through the sea caves and see rock formations.
Swimming & snorkelling – Explore the clear waters.
Photography – Capture cliff views and colourful cave reflections.
Sightseeing from viewpoints – Stop at the roadside or picnic areas for great views.
Picnicking – Enjoy a snack with a view.
There is plenty of parking at Wied iż-Żurrieq, along with public toilets, cafes, snack bars, and gift shops. On rough sea days, boats may not run, but the viewpoints and picnic areas are still worth a visit.
Tips from Ski Vertigo:
Book ahead – Tours fill up quickly, even in autumn.
Wear swim-friendly shoes – Paths and rocks can be tricky.
Bring snorkel gear – Perfect for exploring the clear waters.
Visit the viewpoint – Stop for panoramic photos.
With warm waters, stunning scenery, and plenty to do, the Blue Grotto is the perfect autumn escape for travellers wanting sun, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Josie North, who has a nut allergy, faced a “very scary situation” on a flight from Los Angeles, California, to Heathrow Airport and complained to the Virgin Atlantic team
04:08, 11 Oct 2025Updated 07:27, 11 Oct 2025
Josie North recounted her experience on the flight(Image: Jam Press/@josienorth988)
A tourist with a severe nut allergy was left terrified after a pecan pie was primed to be served as a dessert on her flight.
Josie North alerted Virgin Atlantic attendants of her allergy and was assured no nuts would be served on the plane from Los Angeles to London Heathrow. However, just 15 minutes into the 10-hour journey Josie spotted the nutty dessert offering on the menu, and immediately called over an attendant.
The 28-year-old Brit, who is allergic to all types of nuts, said today: “I felt sick to my stomach. There was a chance I could die if that many people around me were eating nuts all at once.
“I told him [the attendant] there was just no way this pecan pie could be served. This was a very scary situation for me. If I was told they were serving actual nuts, and everyone around me is going to be eating nuts, I wouldn’t have got on the flight.”
But Virgin Atlantic staff had spoken to Josie to assure her flight attendants would accommodate her needs ahead of the flight last month. Josie, who runs a party card games business, was told Virgin is a peanut-free airline only, and so she insisted on speaking to another member of staff on the plane.
“I was very adamant that this was a very, very dangerous situation for me, especially as we were already in the air at this point,” Josie, from London, said. Eventually, the captain was involved and agreed the pie should be removed from the menu and replaced with Oreos and KitKats.
But Josie wants to raise awareness of her experience, and remind large organisations of the dire dangers of allergies. When she boarded the flight, the entrepreneur asked the attendant to make an announcement to let other passengers know someone on board had a nut allergy. She claims the employee only announced someone had a peanut allergy – while Josie is allergic to all nuts.
A “persistent” Josie insisted they do a second announcement, which they did, but shortly afterwards, she was horrified to see the nut dish on the menu.
Josie said: “I understand it might not be easy to eliminate anything that may have been contaminated by or made in the same factory as nuts.
“But to actively include food items that contain nuts on a flight is extremely dangerous and unnecessary. I’m sure most people go hours and if not days without having a single nut on land so why is it so necessary to have nuts mid-air with no access to emergency hospital treatment?
“I’m sure people would be equally as happy with a chocolate brownie or an apple crumble for their dessert! And there may even be children on the flight who don’t even know if they have nut allergies yet ” so what is the point in serving such a common allergen?”
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “We’d like to apologise to Ms North for any incorrect information she may have received prior to her recent flight with us.
“We would like to reassure her that a full investigation is taking place. The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority and for any special requirements including allergies we ask that customers inform our Accessible Travel Services teams in advance of their flight.
“For the safety of any customers travelling with an allergy we would strongly encourage customers to take all necessary precautions including bringing their own subsistence on board and to prepare for the possibility of inadvertent exposure.”
It is generally not allowed to take a child on holiday during term time in the UK and can result in a fine of up to 160 – but there may be exceptions
Parents could be fined signifiacntly during the winter(Image: Getty Images)
If you’re planning a winter getaway to escape the UK’s chilly temperatures, be warned – you could face a £160 fine if you pick the wrong time. In the UK, taking children out of school for a holiday during term time is generally not permitted and can result in a penalty.
This follows last year’s confirmation from the Department for Education that UK schools must consider issuing a fine if a child misses 10 or more sessions without authorisation. Remember, 10 sessions equate to five school days, as each day is split into two sessions – morning and afternoon.
When a fine is handed out, parents are only required to pay £80 if they settle it within 21 days of receipt. However, if payment is made within 28 days, the fine doubles to £160.
If a parent has previously been fined for the same child within a three-year period, the higher rate of £160 is automatically applied. Moreover, parents could find themselves in deeper hot water if they exceed the limit of two fines within any three-year period. This could lead to a parenting order or even prosecution.
If you end up in court due to your child’s absence, you could be hit with a fine of up to £2,500 or even face up to three months behind bars. Government guidance reveals that approximately 89% of unauthorised absence fines are due to children being taken on holiday during term time.
Reasons why your child can miss school and avoid a fine
According to the Department for Education, you can only allow your child not to be in school when it’s open for the following reasons:
Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance.
You are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school.
Your child is too ill to attend that day.
You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances.
Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet.
Further guidance on school attendance and ascences during term time can be found here.
Ros Wynne-Jones visits a French retreat once revered by royalty and now loved by Hollywood legends. In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth
Ros Wynne-Jones writes the Real Britain column every Friday in the Daily Mirror campaigning against government cuts and standing up for ordinary people.
Ros Wynne Jones visited Cotignac
Every place has a story, but Cotignac, a village hidden deep in the Provencal countryside in the South of France, is a place with more stories than most. From kings battling infertility to religious apparitions and Hollywood stars, from French crooners to Pink Floyd, this softly painted village at the foot of a huge limestone cliff, has seen it all.
In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth. As the only place in the world where all three members of the Holy Family have appeared in visions, Cotignac is a major site for Catholic pilgrimage – with around 150,000 pilgrims a year.
But for decades, the village has also been a magnet for Hollywood royalty and musical legends. George and Amal Clooney, live close by – near enough for George to have a preferred baker in the village from which he collects his breakfast bread and croissants, according to one resident.
And another villager, Brad Pitt, is allegedly in dispute with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over their neighbouring vineyard.
Joe Dassin, one of the most famous French singer-songwriters, recorded nearby at Studio Miraval – before building his house in the village a few years later and dying at 41 of a heart attack. Which is where our hotel, Lou Calen, enters the story. When Chateau Miraval opened a studio that rose to fame after recording Pink Floyd’s The Wall, a nearby 16-room hotel-restaurant found itself ideally located to wine, dine and accommodate recording artists from all over the world.
Opening it in 1971, Huguette Caren named the hotel, Lou Calen – meaning the Oil Lamp – and her cooking and hospitality soon attracted names from Dassin to Brigitte Bardot, Pink Floyd, The Cure and even Yvonne De Gaulle, wife of Charles.
In 2001, the hotel closed, abandoned with its ghosts for two decades, until a Canadian entrepreneur decided to resurrect it. Graham Porter had spent summers in Cotignac as a student living with a Danish family who spent their holidays here.
He bought a home in the village in the early 2000s, but time spent there during the Covid pandemic convinced him to buy the hotel – and share his passion for pastis and petanque with guests from all over the world.
Porter saw the opportunity to rebuild not just a hotel but a luxe fairytale – a place of quiet eco-luxury where the routes between rooms are overrun with wildflowers, and no view or bedroom is the same. The sound of petanque boules echoes across the hillside, and guests are greeted with a cloudy glass of pastis on arrival.
This may be a wellness destination for well-heeled travellers, but it is far from pious – the hotel even has its own microbrewery with a wide range of beers from cold IPAs to dark porters named after La Tuf – the high cliffs that surround the village.
At the heart of it all remains food as good as that which once attracted the famous recording artists.
Hidden in the olive and lavender-scented grounds is the Secret Garden, an extraordinary restaurant by forward-looking chef Benoit Witz – one of the first in the world to have earned a coveted Green Michelin Star. The Michelin Guide notes the dishes created by Witz – who once trained with top chef Alain Ducasse – are “100 per cent authentic”.
In Witz’s kitchen, not one single stalk or flower is wasted, and seasonal ingredients are king. This, after all, is Provence Vert – Green Provence. The rosé wine comes from the neat rows of vines on the neighbouring hillsides, from vineyards with names like Carpe Diem, and the grapes of Miraval now harvested in the disputed Pitt-Jolie vineyard. Only seconds away, the House of Mirabeau offers wine and gin tasting.
Cheeses come from a tiny footprint of local farms and vegetables from the hotel’s own market garden where edible flowers and goats somehow co-exist.
All can be explored on foot or via electric bikes available at Lou Calen.
Places with so much history need a historian, and ours comes in the form of an American guide John Peck, who leads us up the hot, winding routes into La Tuf to tell us the stories of the place.
The cliff is inset with a giant wooden olive press once used by the entire village to make oil, and inlaid with paths that lead past former troglodyte dwellings, where villagers once hid from the invading Saracens.
We see where local craftsman Jean de la Baume once saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and where Saint Joseph is said to have appeared to Gaspard Ricard, a thirsty shepherd tending his sheep on Mount Bessillon.
At the village’s ancient, magical spring, pointed out to Gaspard by Saint Joseph, John shakes out his “pocket museum” onto a stone wall. It is an extraordinary collection of findings that tell Cotignac’s history better than any guidebook.
There is a Napolean-era greatcoat button, flattened and heavily worn Roman coins, a gladiator’s strigil – or arm-scraper that once removed oil, and even a coin bearing a swastika – a reminder that during World War II Lou Calen was an orphanage for children who had lost their parents in the Nazi occupation.
As we walk past the well-stocked modern art gallery, Centre d’Art la Falaise, a Frenchman from central casting or perhaps the Napoleonic-era, cycles past in a beret.
The next day we tour the wild-flower filled gardens with a local herbalist, Vera Schutz, who tells us the names of the different plants and their ancient uses.
We get a tour of the Jardin Secret kitchen gardens in the quiet of Sunday morning, and even meet Monsieur Witz, who is teaching his friend’s children how to shell broad beans. In our room, a portrait of singer Joe Dassin looks down on us from between windows that perfectly frame views of the village, terracotta roofs dotted between the green.
A line from one of his songs – “elle m’a dit d’allez siffler la haut sur la colline” or “she told me to go whistle up there on the hill” – is inscribed on the wall. There are no screens or televisions at Lou Calen, so we play Dassin’s love songs, “Les Champs-Elysees” and “Et Si Tu N’Existais Pas”, through the wireless speaker.
France’s Mediterranean beaches are just an hour away, but who needs them? Instead of TVs and iPads, guests are instead encouraged to mingle on long tables, play petanque, enjoy the local jazz “manouche”, swim in the bright blue of either the family or adult swimming pools, or to rest and recuperate at a peaceful spa in the round turret of the old pigeon loft.
The food is just as good at the bistro where smiling staff battle smoking barbeques in the afternoon heat to deliver tasty seared swordfish and grilled lamb.
All that is missing is Hugette Caren herself, the founder and spirit who once drew the recording artists from the surrounding countryside with her cooking, the way the magical spring drew visitors to Cotignac. She still lives in the village and is known to visit the bars and restaurants. When you visit you might see her there, like an apparition – pastis in hand.
In 2025 Lou Calen, the oil lamp that Hugette lit back in 1971, is still shining brightly.
GET THERE
Fly from airports across the UK to Nice or Marseille; rail to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.
BOOK IT
Rooms at the Lou Calen hotel in Cotignac, Provence, South of France, start at around £175 a night.
Senegal is a vibrant West African country that’s just a six-hour plane trip from the UK – and it boasts some pretty incredible beaches as well as 32C heat in November
A six hour flight from the UK to the pristine beaches and waters of Senegal(Image: Leamus via Getty Images)
Just a six-hour flight from the UK, the lively African nation of Senegal boasts pristine golden beaches that stretch along most of its coastline.
This haven for beach lovers offers endless expanses, with each beach offering something unique for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking to unwind and relax, get involved in watersports or dive into the party scene, there’s a beach in Senegal just for you.
The West African country has become a hotspot for the international surf scene. Home to a world-renowned wave, it’s not uncommon to spot pro surfers on Senegal’s shores. But don’t worry if you’re new to the sport – there are plenty of calmer beaches with surf schools catering to all abilities.
In the heart of Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant capital, keen surfers often flock to the bustling Virage beach. After a day riding the waves, visitors can kick back and enjoy the stunning views at one of the many beach bars or restaurants lining the coast, reports the Express.
But it’s not just about the beaches – this diverse country is also home to an array of incredible wildlife. Birdwatchers will be in their element, with the chance to spot some of Africa’s rarest species.
And with a range of habitats to explore – from mangroves and freshwater pools to savannah lands and forests – nature lovers won’t be short of places to explore.
Senegal, known for its stunning beaches, is also a hub for trendsetting art, culture and fashion. It hosts the renowned Dak’Art exhibition every two years, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate African artwork.
While many African countries boast of their cuisine, Senegal’s rich culinary dishes are a standout. The national dish, Thieboudienne (pronounced ceebu jen), is a tantalising rice and fish meal. It features stewed broken jasmine rice and vegetables paired with marinated fish, which can be any type available.
For those with a penchant for trying new foods, this dish can be perfectly complemented with Bissap, Senegal’s national drink. This highly nutritious tea is made from hibiscus flowers, sweetened with sugar and flavoured with mint.
However, first-time travellers to Senegal are warned by the UK Government about potential dangers, such as pickpocketing, particularly in Dakar.
Holidaymakers are advised against walking alone in the evening and after dark, especially women. They’re also cautioned not to wear conspicuous jewellery and to keep handbags or satchels on the side furthest from the street.
The Government further advises travellers to pre-arrange taxis to avoid bogus drivers and ensure they show ID. For those who fancy a self-drive holiday, UK driving licences are valid for up to six months in Senegal. However, due to the stark difference in driving standards, Brits are advised against driving after dark if possible.
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