holidays

Rafaela Kuzenc was staying at TUI’s new Holiday Village resort in Tunisia, and from the moment she arrived, everything seemed geared towards making family holidays as easy as possible

Travelling alone with a five-year-old sounds simple on paper. In reality, it’s usually a mix of logistics, snack management, emotional negotiation and carrying more things than you thought physically possible.

So when I booked a sizzling half-term trip to Tunisia with my daughter, I had two possible outcomes in mind: either it would be smooth and surprisingly easy or completely exhausting from start to finish. It didn’t feel like a third option existed.

The holiday began with a 3am alarm and an early morning flight. By the time we’d landed, navigated the airport and reached the resort, I already felt like I needed a holiday from the holiday.

As any parent travelling solo will know, there is nobody to hand responsibility over to. Every suitcase, every snack request falls entirely on you. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I started to relax.

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We were staying at TUI’s new Holiday Village resort in Tunisia, and from the moment we arrived, everything seemed geared towards making family holidays as easy as possible. Constant sunshine and 30C all week also didn’t hurt.

Check-in was smooth, staff were welcoming, and within minutes we were being shown to our suite. It had separate sleeping areas, and my daughter was thrilled to discover she had her own room. She barely stopped talking about it for the rest of the day.

Then came the pool. And honestly, seeing it was the moment I stopped worrying about entertainment schedules. Before arriving, I had imagined we’d spend our days trying lots of different activities and making the most of the organised entertainment. Instead, my daughter became completely obsessed with the pool. If it had been entirely up to her, she would have spent the entire week pretending to be a mermaid.

The water slides quickly became the highlight. On one afternoon, she went down the same slide so many times I lost count. I just sat there watching, occasionally wondering if I was meant to be doing something else, and then deciding I wasn’t.

For once, I wasn’t responsible for inventing fun every 10 minutes. The kids’ club took that even further. I went to check on her after about half an hour, expecting hesitation, clinginess, or at least a “stay with me”. Instead, she barely looked up.

She was too busy drawing, playing games and joining in with activities. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that she stayed for the full three-hour session.

As a parent travelling alone, that kind of independence is priceless. The staff were warm, friendly and engaging, and the children’s programme was well organised. Knowing there were trained staff, lifeguards and structured activities around gave me confidence to actually relax.

I even booked a massage for myself and later one for my daughter. It was her first professional massage and she absolutely loved it. Would I normally book a spa treatment for myself when travelling alone with a child? Probably not.

But that’s exactly what surprised me about this holiday. For brief moments, it didn’t feel like I was travelling solo at all. Meanwhile, my daughter was happily entertained elsewhere, which felt almost surreal.

Meal times were another area where the resort made life easier. There was no planning, no shopping and no cooking. Whenever my daughter announced she was hungry, there was always something available, whether that was pasta, sandwiches, fruit, snacks or desserts. The toasted sandwich station became particularly useful.

Of course, travelling solo with a child is never completely stress-free. Early mornings were still early mornings. Bags were still heavy and there were moments when I felt like a walking luggage depot. Some activities were also better suited to older children, although my daughter didn’t seem particularly bothered because all roads eventually led back to the pool.

One of our favourite moments came during a boat trip when we spotted dolphins swimming nearby. Seeing her face light up reminded me why travelling with children can be so rewarding despite the challenges.

By the end of the week, my daughter didn’t want to leave. Normally, after a few days away, she starts talking about seeing her dad again and returning home. This time she was trying to negotiate staying in Tunisia indefinitely.

That, more than anything, felt like a successful holiday. I arrived expecting to spend the week entertaining my daughter. Instead, I found myself enjoying the holiday too.

Book it

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to Skanes, Tunisia, staying at the 4T+ Holiday Village AQI Skanes Resort on an all-inclusive basis from £830 per person. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a 1 Bedroom Family Room with Balcony or Terrace. Includes TUI Airways flights departing from Newcastle on

5th July 2026 with 25kg hold luggage per person and transfers included. Package includes one free child place.

A flight attendant has shared the piece of advice she would give plus-size passengers who are boarding the plane, especially if they’re feeling anxious about the journey

A flight attendant has urged plus-size passengers to follow her simple advice when boarding a plane, especially if they’re feeling anxious about what’s ahead.

Flying when plus-size can feel daunting. You may be worried about whether people will be kind to you, or if they’ll cause a scene about sitting next to someone in a bigger body, rather than questioning why plane seats are so small in the first place. But there’s something you can do before you even make it to your seat to ensure the flight is comfortable for you, and you’re not stressing or feeling embarrassed.

Jeenie Weenie, who shares videos about her life as a flight attendant, said she was making content for “all the beautiful plus-size passengers”.

Someone said they feel uncomfortable and have “anxiety” about asking for a seatbelt extender in front of their seatmate.

Of course, in an ideal world, seatbelt extenders wouldn’t be necessary, as belts would be longer and more accommodating for all, but alas, this isn’t the case right now.

However, Jeanie said: “When you’re boarding the plane, ask a crew member at this time for a seatbelt extender. Some airlines keep the extenders at the boarding area, so they’ll give them to you right away.

“And if they don’t have it there, you can give them your seat number, and once boarding is complete, they will give you the extender without you having to ask for it.”

This means the only person who will hear you asking for a seatbelt extender is the crew member, because everyone else “will be busy boarding”.

In the comments, someone praised the professionalism of all the cabin crew members they’d ever dealt with, as one wrote: “I no longer need a seat extender, but when I did, I’d ask when boarding. The flight attendants were always so nice about it and never made me feel ashamed.”

Another shared: “I remember struggling with my weight (still do) after my car accident, and I put on a lot of pounds. As soon as I was given the okay to work out, I went to the pool daily, ate better, etc. I did lose weight, but not enough.

“My first flight since the accident, I could alllllmost click the buckle. I remember being so upset and having to stop myself from crying, as I already hate walking with a limp.

“An attendant -I assume was off the clock- sat down next to me, and as she saw me quietly losing my mind and feeling desperate, she passed me an extender like a ninja and told me ‘it’s okay’ with such a reassuring smile. It was so nice to be treated with genuine care and human respect. I hope she is doing well.”

Someone else commented: “I always ask as I’m boarding. I don’t always need it since seat belt lengths aren’t the same, but I always ask just in case I need it.”

Samantha King visited a fancy five-star hotel in one of the cheapest cities in the UK for a luxury break to see whether she’d get a good deal for her money

Illuminated by candles and boasting a valet service, swanky on-site restaurant and enviable Leeds city centre location might sound like it would set you back a hefty sum, but it is actually one of the cheapest luxury stays in the UK.

Leeds has just been named as one of the most affordable places to go if you want to sleep in five-star accommodation, with Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index revealing that the average cost of top lodging in the northern metropolis totals around £145 per night.

Situated just a four-minute walk from the city’s train station is Dakota Leeds, a boutique hotel that offers cost-conscious travellers a quiet cocoon right next door to some of the city’s most talked-about nightlife spots. Its immediate neighbour is the revered Chinese restaurant, Tattu. Better still, rooms can be found for even less than that average nightly rate.

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The glossy black building on Russell Street houses a dimly lit and lightly scented hotel lobby offering a calming atmosphere evocative of a spa, and I was welcomed like an old friend as I spilled through its front doors sweaty, flustered and just a tad sunburnt on a particularly hot Saturday afternoon for my one-night stay.

Thankfully, a quick and efficient check-in service awaited, and I was swiftly directed to my balcony room on the ninth floor, accessible via a lift. As a big light hater, I loved that the subdued lighting wasn’t confined to the lobby. The corridors on each floor were dark too, with the lights only switching on one by one to mark the way to your room.

The room itself, I stayed in 907, had a generously sized corridor that opened up into the cosy double room, which had all the essentials and then some. There was a sofa with a sumptuous wool throw, a chair, a table and a desk which featured a particularly thoughtful detail: a built-in piece of slate to pop your hot curling tongs on.

A mysterious black box that looked like it could house two cufflinks was also waiting on the table. I discovered it contained salted caramel chocolate drops, which I would go so far as to say were the most delicious I have ever tasted. I washed them down with an espresso rustled up from the room’s generous drinks station, which featured two complimentary packets of chocolate cookies and an array of Teapigs teas, all of which I had gratefully consumed by the time I checked out the next day.

The bathroom was frankly gorgeous, with soft grey tiles, a rain shower and a separate bath, plus Molton Brown toiletries and a basket full of towels of all sizes. There were also two hotel robes hung up ready to use.

Staying on a Saturday night meant the party was in full swing around the hotel, truly testing its soundproofing. Despite the thrum of the city below, I heard only the faint sound of buskers drift up to the outdoor balcony, plus the occasional faint growl of a plane coming in to land at the nearby airport. Sliding the balcony door shut effectively blocked out the sound of the outside world entirely, which was reassuring given how much of a light sleeper I am.

I had booked to eat at the on-site restaurant that night, with the menu boasting an array of steaks and other lovely-sounding dishes from the grill, though forget affordability if you are looking to dine in, as it is expensive.

The usual restaurant area had been booked out for a private function the night I was there, so I was offered a spot on the covered outdoor terrace to eat. The space was decorated tastefully, with twinkling lights, faux olive trees and sheepskin throws over each chair, creating an intimate and romantic dining spot. Sadly, no amount of plastic plants could subdue the sound of revellers on the other side of the wall.

Despite the party atmosphere jarring with the upmarket dining experience, the food was still divine and the service top-notch. I enjoyed a starter of Fritto Misto (£12), a perfectly cooked medium-rare 12oz rib-eye steak (£45) for my main, with a side of truffle and Parmesan chunky chips (£8.50) and onion rings (£5), and a chocolate tart (£8) for dessert. The meal alone cost a little over £200 for two diners with drinks and the service charge on top, but it is easily something to swerve if you want to keep costs down, though you will not be disappointed should you choose to indulge.

With a full belly, I had a fantastic night’s sleep on a satisfyingly firm mattress with just the right amount of give, and the following morning I finally got a look at the restaurant area as I headed down for breakfast.

Aside from the room itself, the £24 breakfast was one of the trip’s highlights. I could not believe how much you got for your money. Warm and beautifully presented breakfast dishes such as eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were available to order and have served to your table, as well as a buffet laid out with fresh fruit, yoghurts, juices and cakes to pick at.

Would I stay at Dakota Leeds again? In a heartbeat. But I would be more savvy about when I would go. As the Hotel Price Index advises, the best deals can be had by booking one week ahead and opting for a Sunday night stay.

Staying at off-peak times such as Sundays means you can bag a room at Dakota Leeds for as little as £125 before adding any optional extras such as breakfast. Signing up to the hotel’s free loyalty scheme brings that down even further to £110, meaning it rivals the prices of the UK location deemed most affordable of all in the Hotel Price Index, Brighton, which comes in at an average of £115 per night.

Earlier this year, I paid £60 for a hotel room on the other side of Leeds that had a fire escape for a front door. I can hardly believe that for about £50 more I could have stayed at Dakota Leeds, which feels welcoming and warm and is a perfectly situated sanctuary for anyone looking to soak in all the city has to offer in style.

The cheapest UK cities for a 5* hotel stay

1. Brighton: £115
2. Bristol: £115
3. Chichester: £120
4. Llandudno: £125
5. Worcester: £125
6. Bournemouth: £130
7. Cornwall: £135
8. Leeds: £145
9. Cardiff: £155
10. Liverpool: £170

The Roman road is 2000 years old and takes you on a stunning journey filled with history

One of Wales‘ best-kept secrets is a living slice of history sitting right beneath our feet – yet even those who live along it remain largely unaware of its existence.

This ancient Roman road, running from Neath in the south all the way to Conwy in the north, is a remarkable, semi-hidden treasure.

Sarn Helen, among the most intact Roman roads in Wales, still reveals its cobbled stone foundations in places, laid bare by centuries of wear and tear. A firm favourite with ramblers, Sarn Helen was built nearly 2,000 years ago.

It’s believed to be named after Celtic princess Elen Lwy-ddawg – or Saint Elen, an early founder of churches across Wales – who married Magnus Maximus, the formidable Roman emperor who arrived in Britain around 368AD.

As the daughter of Romano-British ruler Octavius, legend has it she persuaded her husband to build roads throughout the country, allowing his troops to protect it more efficiently from would-be invaders.

Imposing standing stones, some soaring to 13ft in height and dating back long before the Roman conquest of Britain, are dotted along certain sections of the route.

One stone, known as Maen Madoc, still bears an ancient Latin inscription reading: “Dervacus, son of Justus. Here he lies.”

Nestled within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, it’s perfectly positioned in line with the area’s largest standing stone, Maen Llia, which sits at the head of the Llia Valley.

Indeed, were it not for the forestry in between, you could see one stone from the other with ease, despite them being roughly two miles apart.

Maen Llia is thought to date back to the Bronze Age. Considering a quarter of the stone is buried deep underground, the sheer effort needed to haul this enormous monument into place would have been immense.

What these stones were actually for remains hotly debated among experts, with suggestions including basic route markers, Stone Age boundary markers, or gravestones commemorating those who died by the wayside.

Yet while the theories surrounding them are as well-worn as Sarn Helen itself, the real answer probably lies just below the surface, frustratingly out of reach.

In 2020, writer Tom Bullough took on the challenge of walking the full length of Sarn Helen, starting his trek in Neath. At what was once the beginning point stands Roman Way, a modern housing estate, though locals there appeared oblivious to its historical importance when Tom asked around.

Next to the current road sits a small section of stone wall surrounded by railings, all that’s left of the ancient Roman fortification that once stood on the spot.

Bullough describes his journey in his book, fittingly entitled ‘Sarn Helen’, “It is not until you reach Hirfynydd, the hill running north-east away from Neath, that you first encounter Sarn Helen,” he observes.

“A grass-stripped track framed by broken walls, it follows the ridge through puddles and swamps, over occasional passages of stone once laid down by Roman legionaries. Some of them still have a distinct surface, with neat kerbs to either side.”

He goes on to detail the paths that meander gently among the wildlife and sheep, dating back to the early days of Roman occupation in Britain. The battle for dominance over South Wales was brutal, with the indigenous Silures tribe holding out for decades.

Ultimately, following their defeat of the second legion, the Romans founded Neath’s fort around AD74, placing the road’s construction at approximately that period. The route runs straight in sections, now marked by the trails of bikes and off-road vehicles.

The road terminates at the Conwy estuary, as Bullough writes: “Here, 1,900 years ago, the Roman galleys would ride the tides to land or collect their supplies and men. Here it was that Sarn Helen ended and the rest of the world began”.

A woman has hit out at a “rude” holidaymaker who allegedly “attacked” a man with a broken leg over a sunbed dispute. She was so furious she started to “plot revenge”

Most people love going away, but something that can get tourists down is when sunbed wars break out at holiday resorts. Unfortunately, it’s a problem some travellers have to deal with when they jet off on holidays to enjoy some time the sun, but one woman was recently left furious after what she witnessed by the pool.

She told her unfortunate travel story on Reddit as she wanted advice on how to deal with such “rude” people. In the post, she even admitted she was hypothetically “plotting ways to get revenge”, even though she said she would never actually take matters into her own hands.

In the post, she claimed a man “attacked” a fellow tourist over a sunbed dispute. It comes after a different hotel was praised for trying to tackle issues surrounding reserving sunbeds.

She wrote: “How do you deal with rude sunbed reservers? I’m on holiday and yesterday I watched a 60ish-year-old man shouting and getting aggressive at a woman and her husband with a broken leg for moving his towel in a prime sunbed location at the hotel.

“Towel man said broken leg man had ‘no d**k’ for needing to use crutches. Towel man shouted that he’d been up to put his towel out before 7am, and this altercation happened at 1.30pm, and he’d not been down all morning to use the sunbed.

“How do you deal with these sorts of people?”

Warning: Below post contains language some may find offensive

Naturally, the post got a lot of people talking. In fact dozens shared their thoughts on the matter that appeared to spiral a little out of control.

One said: “I don’t. I actively avoid hotels where I think the clientele will act like this.”

Another added: “Get a member of staff involved. Most hotels have a policy on it now.”

A third replied: “It’s blatant arrogance to reserve a lounger that isn’t used for half of the day. Selfishness at its peak.”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I’d move the towel and go, ‘prove it?’ And turn over and ignore them. There’s not reservations on a sunlounger lol. The only reservation you got is if it is in your room.”

One more also stated: “Sadly, the only option is to pay more for resorts/villas that don’t cater for the kind of people who’ve never been taught emotional regulation.”

In an update, the woman noted she “loved” reading people’s replies. She also admitted she started to come up with a plan to “get revenge”, even though she wouldn’t actually go through with anything.

“We spent the afternoon drinking nearby and making up ways of revenge,” she added. “Which I’d never enact, of course. Our favourite was the idea to place small bits of the buffet meats under his towel when he left to attract a continuous supply of aggressive ants.”

Naturally, it’s not advised anyone do anything like this. She simply chuckled at some of the wild suggestions.

Passengers no longer need to make connecting flights as the new service is set to start from July 23, the first of its kind on a route to and from Manchester Airport

A major airline has announced it will be running a new direct service to a major capital city from Manchester Airport.

Riyadh Air will launch the service between the Saudi Arabian capital and Manchester from July 23.

Flights direct to Riyadh will operate three times a week, making one of the first direct links between the Saudi Kingdom and England’s north in decades. Many passengers have been forced to rely on connecting flights through European hubs or other Gulf airports – until now.

As per Riyadh Air, the airline will run the route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with flight RX417 leaving Riyadh King Khalid International Airport at 1.45am local time before arriving into Manchester at 6.40am. The return service, RX418, will depart Manchester at 8.40am and land back in Riyadh at 5.20pm local time – right on time for the dinner service.

Riyadh Air told travel news website Travel and Tour World that the route has been designed to appeal to both business and leisure passengers, offering faster and more convenient travel between the Middle East and England’s north. The new direct service will mean business travellers will be able to attend meetings in Riyadh without overnight layovers, and holidaymakers can travel to Saudi Arabia without the need to make a connecting flight. Additionally, the flights will make use of Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which feature wider seating, advanced lighting systems, and nifty travel technology designed to reduce jet lag on long-haul journeys. Riyadh Air said the new Manchester flight path forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to grow tourism, strengthen global connections, and expand the country’s aviation sector. Riyadh Air, which was founded in 2023, plans to grow its fleet of more than 100 aircraft over the next decade, while also aiming to connect travellers to more than 100 international destinations.

The Manchester route is among the first international services planned as part of the national airline’s wider summer 2026 expansion programme, with new connections also flying out of London.

The additional fares come as travel between the UK and Saudi Arabia continues to increase, with weekly seat capacity surging by up to 150% in recent years to meet rising business and tourism demands. Riyadh Air is now the only aviation firm to expand flight offerings and launch new direct routes between major British and Saudi airports, with British Airways recently boosting its London Heathrow to Riyadh service to up to 14 weekly flights and its Jeddah (JED) route to five flights per week. Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic have also launched direct routes connecting Gatwick and Heathrow airports to cities like Medina, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

Why go now

This once declining industrial city is on the up, but not so much that it has been ruined – yet. See it now, mid-gentrification, before its humble seafood restaurants become overpriced and its beautifully curated museums and galleries overrun.

Five miles north-west of Porto city centre, Matosinhos (pronounced mh-to-ZEE-nyosh) is a municipality built on the fishing. After the construction of the vast Port of Leixões in the 19th century, its fishing industry boomed and supported 54 canneries in its mid-20th-century heyday. Two survive, but most have been demolished, along with the textile factories and sugar refinery that occupied the district south of the harbour, next to the extensive sands of Matosinhos beach, which are fringed by surf schools and rammed with Porto residents in summer.

Luxury apartment blocks have risen from the ashes of once prosperous industries, but these stand cheek by jowl with 19th-century tiled houses, abandoned buildings daubed with graffiti and faded mid-century architectural classics championing raw concrete. The faculty of architecture at the University of Porto exerted its influence on the city’s renaissance, and sights include works by Pritzker prizewinning architect Álvaro Siza, born in Matosinhos, and the coolly contemporary Casa da Arquitetura – a cultural centre and exhibition space incorporating Siza’s remodelled family home, plus warehouses used for bottling and packing port wine in the 19th century. When I visited, it was deserted.

Where to eat and drink

In 2025 Matosinhos was recognised as a Unesco creative city of gastronomy for its long history of harvesting and preparing produce from the sea. Though Leixões port has huge container docks and a futuristic cruise terminal, part of it remains a fishing harbour with its own fish market. Behind it is Rua Heróis de França, a street packed with seafood restaurants – many dating from the 1950s, when fishers set up basic premises in which to cook and serve their catch.

Here, the air is filled with the smoky aroma of grilled sardines. Follow your nose and take your pick as most are good, affordable – from €20 for two courses and a drink – and serve not just sardines but horse mackerel, golden bream, sea bass and percebes (goose barnacles), plucked from the rocks, a nugget of salty flesh extracted from a leathery tube.

The bounty of the sea is on show at the strikingly modern Mercados Municipais, where the first floor serves as an “incubator” for design and architecture start-ups. Downstairs, you can select fish from a stall and have it cooked at an outlet on the fringes, or check out Bistrô by Vila Foz, a spin-off from the Michelin-starred Vila Foz in Porto, presided over by chef Arnaldo Azevedo. I had tuna tartare with avocado and chilli, horse mackerel escabeche, and a cataplana fish stew.

Across the Leça River is the parish of Leça da Palmeira. Next to the 17th-century Leça da Palmeira fort, Rua do Castelo has a handful of decent, reasonably priced restaurants – as well as the O Batô nightclub, a 1970s classic, one of several bars in the area. Back near the port, A Marisqueira de Matosinhos restaurant serves the most generous seafood platter I have tasted. Soup, main course and wine from €45.

Heading north up the coast, 7 miles from Matosinhos is Angeiras with its beachy, sun-drenched Atlantic vibe and small fishing community. A Casa do Gordo serves shared plates of percebes, prawns, octopus, grilled sardines and codfish tempura, and main courses including bream with arroz malandro (a soupy rice dish). Meals from €30 a head, with wine.

Cultural experiences

Here, it is all about architecture – not just signature works by Álvaro Siza and other Portuguese masters, but the pristine and pleasing spaces in which everything from art to tins of sardines is presented. One highlight is the Piscina das Marés, Siza’s stunning 1960s complex of two seawater pools, changing rooms and bar, following the rocky contours of the coast in Leça da Palmeira. Busy in high summer, it is best visited in June or September for a taste of Siza’s playful use of light, shade and ocean views and his love of weather-resistant concrete and wood.

The same materials and mischief are evident at Siza’s landmark Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, opened as a tea room in 1963 and now a two-Michelin-star restaurant with a €140-plus tasting menu. Stand on the rocky promontory outside and take in views of the coast and the Farol da Boa Nova, the second-tallest lighthouse in Portugal.

For a cultural one-stop shop, head to the area around the city hall, where the Galeria Municipal exhibits works by Portuguese contemporary artists. Opposite is the Museu da Memória, located in the Visconde de Trevões mansion, built between 1910 and 1913 as a home for rubber baron and philanthropist Emídio José Ló Ferreira. Beautifully restored, airy and inviting, it is now a museum celebrating the history and culture of Matosinhos, with an Archive of the First Person – recordings made by local people sitting in a soundproof booth.

On Avenida Menéres, immerse yourself in the light, space and designer ambience of Casa da Arquitetura, housed in part of the Quarteirão da Real Vinícola complex of renovated wine warehouses, with exhibition spaces, a cafe, a shop and an archive of architectural projects from Portugal and its former colonies. A couple of blocks away, Conservas Pinhais is one of two surviving canneries in the city and offers interactive tours of its sardine factory and museum – highly professional and fun.

Where to shop

Flashy stores selling designer furniture and covetable surfing gear are springing up, but in Matosinhos (as opposed to Porto) retail therapy isn’t really a thing; food is the focus. Pick up beautifully packaged tins of Pinhais or Nuri branded sardines after your factory tour, or shop for cheeses, olive oils or rice at the Mercados Municipais.

Don’t miss

Of all the city’s architectural landmarks, the futuristic Porto Cruise Terminal is the most conspicuous. Dominating the Port of Leixões, the white circular building recalls (variously) coiled ribbons, a seashell – thanks to the play of light on the million hexagonal tiles cladding its surface – and an octopus with four “tentacles” that are actually ramps. Completed in 2015, and the catalyst for a tourism boom in Matosinhos, it houses the laboratories of CIIMAR, a University of Porto research and training institution dedicated to maritime science. The view from the rooftop is sensational and a guided tour (Sundays only) essential.

Where to stay

Totally in keeping with Matosinhos and its history is the Vintage Beach House (doubles from £111), built in 1851 and once the holiday home of Portuguese aristocrats. Faithfully restored with period details intact, including a majestic wooden staircase, the seven-bedroom guesthouse with its red facade is family-owned and near the beach, but most rooms are small and there is no restaurant. For more space and facilities but less character, consider Eurostars Matosinhos (doubles from £63) or the Sea Porto Hotel (doubles from £82).

The trip was organised by the City of Matosinhos; meals were provided by the restaurants named

VISIT England has announced this year’s Awards For Excellence, highlighting the best accommodation and attractions.

The honours have been handed out annually for 35 years now, celebrating quality, innovation and customer service, so those choosing staycations can ensure they pick a great place for a great time.

Sophie Swietochowski has the lowdown on ten category winners.

ACCOMMODATION

B&B/Guest House Of The Year

Taking home gold in the B&B category, MonkBridge House is slap bang in the centre of York, within walking distance of top attractions including the glorious York Minster cathedral.

The home was built in 1864 and is bursting with character, although all eight of its bedrooms have been given a sophisticated makeover since then.

The award-winning breakfasts are whipped up with locally sourced goods and home-made jams, marmalades and granola are among the morning spread.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Two nights’ B&B costs from £205.

See monkbridgehouseyork.com.

Camping, Glamping And Holiday Park Of The Year

Immersed in 98 acres of glorious, wildlife-rich landscape, Clawford Lakes is glamping done properly.

The campsite is set within a rugged valley close to the Cornish holiday spot of Bude and features stylish floating lodges and lakeside pods, both overlooking the water, as well as luxury apartments, lodges and cocoons with a safari-tent look to them.

The lake is ideal for keen anglers and the site is pet-friendly, too.

Three-night weekend breaks cost from £299 for a family of four.

See clawfordlakes.co.uk.

Large Hotel Of The Year

If countryside charm and rugged hillsides sound like your cup of tea, you may want to swing by this year’s large hotel winner.

The 5* Bovey Castle in Devon is an elegant space filled with plump cushions, grand headboards and dangling chandeliers.

There is a large on-site spa offering massages from £80, as well as an 18-hole golf course, plus activities including archery, tennis, rifle shooting, pottery throwing and deer walks.

Stays cost from £192 per night.

See boveycastle.com.

Self-Catering Accommodation Of The Year

Kids will love the pony rides and the chance to feed the animals at Bosinver, buried deep in rural Cornwall.

With a whole host of cosy cottages on its roster, varying in size from two to six bedrooms and with dog-friendly options, it’s no surprise this spot came out on top for self-catering accommodation.

These are more than just holiday homes — there’s a play barn, sauna, tennis, swimming pool, Gruffalo trail and games room, all on site.

A three-night stay for four people costs from £569.

See bosinver.co.uk.

Small Hotel Of The Year

With 48 stunning and completely unique bedrooms, The Tempus in Northumberland is simply oozing character.

Expect elegant roll-top baths, four-poster beds, terraces and bubbling hot tubs.

There’s also a set of ultra-chic lakeside yurts and cabins.

One night’s B&B costs from £121.50.

See thetempus.co.uk.

OUT AND ABOUT

Experience Of The Year

Ever wanted to venture back to the Iron Age?

This Blacksmith experience at Oldfield Forge in Herefordshire will help you do just that.

Available for anyone aged seven-plus, the attraction teaches punters the tricks of the trade and how to forge practical items and decorative goods such as knives, garden tools and even swords.

The events last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days and cost from £62.

See oldfieldforge.co.uk.

Large Visitor Attraction Of The Year

Forget day trips to the zoo.

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk gives guests the chance to get properly up close and personal with animals.

Little ones will be keen on the Farmyard Friends Experience, where they’ll get to feed sheep, goats, pigs or cattle, while polar bear fans will be desperate to get stuck in to The Lost Lands of the Tundra, the polar bear enclosure.

Day tickets cost from £25 per adult and £20 per child. Under twos go free.

See jimmysfarm.com.

Pub Of The Year

We love a proper British boozer and VisitEngland has just crowned The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest the best of the bunch.

The Northumberland inn has a knockout menu that sources meat from nearby farms, with star dishes of pigeon pie and Softley Farm lamb loin on the menu.

Visitors can curl up in a cosy corner next to a roaring fire with a wine or local ale.

You can spend the night in one of the upstairs rooms, too.

See theksi.co.uk.

Small Visitor Attraction Of The Year

Fans of fancy, old-fashioned motors won’t want to miss the Morgan Experience in Worcestershire.

There are guided factory tours where visitors can get a good look at Morgan Motor Company vehicles, plus driving experiences that let you get behind the wheel of a heritage car.

Those that don’t feel confident steering themselves can opt to be a passenger while being driven by a trusty professional.

See experience.morgan-motor.com.

Taste Of England Award

Crowned top dog for fine dining, Carriages in Herefordshire will knock your socks off.

Save this for a special occasion, as it’s fancy — think classic British grub that relies on seasonal and local ingredients.

The tasting menu costs a reasonable £80pp and features classy dishes such as asparagus salad with white crab, wild garlic emulsion and chervil vinaigrette, as well as honey-glazed duck breast.

See carriageshereford.co.uk.

A traveller stumbled on a stunning beach he thinks is one of the “world’s most beautiful” but he warned others to not make this mistake when visiting the location

A man believes he discovered one of the “most beautiful beaches in the world” – and it’s just 4 hours away. Most holidaymakers tend to flock to popular tourist spots which are packed with crowds, making the whole experience rather overwhelming.

But one traveller has uncovered a stunning beach that you absolutely must visit at a specific time of the day. The content creator urged tourists to stop turning up to Seixal beach in Madeira at the “wrong time”. He began his post: “I get it. You came to Madeira for vacation and maybe want to relax, sleep well, have a nice breakfast, and slowly arrive at Seixal around 11am… Exactly like hundreds of other tourists…”

In the TikTok post with his 144,400 followers, he added: “And then reality hits: Traffic jams at the entrance, no parking, overcrowded beach and lighting that looks nothing like Instagram.”

He explained that instead of deep volcanic sand, you’re left with flat grey colours. Rather than breathtaking scenery, you’re greeted with harsh yellow sunlight. And any hope of tranquillity is quickly dashed by the swarms of crowds.

Alongside his tips, the man said: “Seixal really is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe… but only if you visit it at the right time.

“And the best time is not during sunset. It’s during the morning golden hour, right after sunrise.

“That’s the magical moment when: the black sand turns golden, the green cliffs become soft pastel colours, and the sun no longer blinds your eyes but decorates the landscape with cinematic light.”

The traveller also suggested that Madeira will truly reward those who “wake up for sunrises and wait for sunsets”. So, to soak up the real enchantment of Madeira away from the tourist hordes, make sure you venture out at these different times of day.

What to do in Madeira:

This subtropical Portuguese archipelago is renowned for its breathtaking volcanic scenery, fortified wine, and pleasantly mild climate throughout the year. It is the perfect getaway for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Visitors can trek the celebrated network of thousands of kilometres of historic irrigation channels that wind their way through lush, mountainous landscapes.

Boat trips departing from the marina out into the deep Atlantic waters are also well worth experiencing. You can also take a ride up to the hilltop district of Monte in Funchal to discover its stunning tropical botanical gardens.

When it comes to food and drink, traditional wine and the Espetada Madeirense – succulent chunks of beef marinated in garlic and bay leaves – are absolute must-tries.

The ideal time to visit falls between April and October, with temperatures ranging from 20C to 26C.

A direct flight from the UK to Madeira (FNC) generally takes between 3.5 to 4 hours. This swift journey time applies to departures from the main London airports as well as regional hubs such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

A holidaymaker has shared her experience of visiting what she calls the real ‘paradise’ of Portugal many tourists ignore, where she discovered a hidden waterfall and gorgeous beaches

Despite the UK being forecast for another warm and sunny summer, the allure of jetting off abroad to unwind on a sun-drenched beach in a foreign country can prove hard to resist.

Just a two-hour flight from the UK, Portugal has long been a firm favourite among British holidaymakers, particularly given its reliably sunny and warm climate for much of the year. While cities such as Porto and the capital Lisbon remain among the most popular spots for tourists, one traveller now claims to have uncovered the ‘paradise of Portugal’ that many visitors don’t even know exists.

Taking to TikTok, a user going by the name ‘Solo Traveling Joy’ shared her experience of visiting the destination, revealing she had discovered a ‘hidden waterfall’ complete with a natural swimming pool, nestled among breathtaking scenery.

“Portugal is so underrated. And most people stick to Lisbon or Porto, but completely miss out on the Algarve,” she wrote in the caption of her post.

The Algarve is Portugal’s spectacular southernmost region, stretching for over 200 kilometres along the coast. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply seeking somewhere to kick back and recharge, the Algarve is unlikely to leave you disappointed.

Celebrated for its year-round sunshine, striking ochre cliffs and sweeping golden beaches, it stands as a premier European hotspot for beach breaks, world-class golf and freshly caught seafood, according to Visit Portugal.

If you’re considering a stay in the Algarve, there’s no shortage of choices. The most sought-after destinations, however, are Lagos in the west and Tavira in the east, both widely regarded as the region’s finest spots. Lagos boasts striking golden cliffs and a lively town atmosphere, whereas Tavira delivers historic, untouched Portuguese character.

The secluded waterfall she featured in the clip is Queda do Vigario, situated near the rural village of Alte, which lies just off the A2 motorway linking Lisbon and the Algarve.

“This was one of my favourite natural swimming pools… peaceful, hidden, and 100% worth the detour,” the woman wrote in the caption accompanying her post.

“Go in the morning when no one is there!” she advised.

Viewers were swiftly captivated by the woman’s footage, with many rushing to the comment section to share their reactions.

“This looks like a hidden gem,” one person wrote, while another user said: “Wow, thanks for the tip.”

Another person said: “Adding this to my Portugal list! Amazing shots.” Someone else shared: “Been here today was lush.”

WHEN it comes to heading abroad in summer most of Brits expect to break the bank and spend thousands going on holiday.

If you fancy a city break this year there are plenty of breaks that are so affordable with return flights from £34 and hotels for under £30pppn.

Along with Skyscanner, Sun Travel has found some incredibly affordable city breaks for August – and even if you book last-minute, they can still work out to be a bargain.

Turin, Italy

If you fancy heading to Italy this summer, there are some cracking deals to take advantage of.

Return flights to Turin in the north of the country can be as little as £34 with Ryanair from Stansted Airport.

Hotels won’t be breaking the bank either – you can book 4-star stays from £50.

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Sun Travel found that you can book a stay at the Best Quality Hotel Politecnico for £56 per night or £28pppn – from August 12.

Turin is backed by the beautiful Alps so you get the beauty of the towering mountains next to the city.

The city is considered the ‘chocolate capital of Italy‘ with a long history and tradition of chocolate making – toady there are plenty of chocolate shops, cafes and festivals there too.

Barcelona, Spain

Who doesn’t love a trip to Barcelona in the summertime with its pretty coastline, enormous landmarks and winding streets?

Well, in August return flights with Ryanair are as little as £38 from London Stansted.

Hotels are a little more expensive – Sun Travel found stays in Hotel Porta Fira from £99 per night if booked directly with the hotel – or £49.50pppn.

It’s right near the airport so a transfer won’t take long, the rooms have incredible city views and it has a sauna and gym on-site too.

For more on what to do in the city, Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens visited just last month to see the Sagrada Familia.

But she also visited chocolate shops and Gaudí masterpiece Casa Mila.

Paris, France

For those who aren’t bothered about a beach break, why not head to Paris?

From its major tourist attractions to croissant-filled cafes, Moroccan food markets and cocktail bars.

This summer, return flights to Paris are as little as £35 from Birmingham Airport to Paris with Ryanair.

Even better it takes just over an hour, so you’ll be off the plane before you know it.

Visitors can stay at the Le Katorze Hôtel from £77 per night in August or £38.50pppn.

In the summertime, you can enjoy the sunshine on the hotel terrace or patio.

Lots of guests praise the hotel for being close to the Metro which will take guests into the centre of Paris – and there are plenty of restaurants close by too.

If you’re looking at what more you can do in Paris – check out these suggestions from our travel team.

Milan, Italy

Another Italian destination with cheap flights this summer is the well-known Milan.

A stay at the Novotel Milano Nord Ca’ Granda in August could set you back just £61 per night in August – or £30.50pppn.

The hotel is easily reachable from the city on the underground and has a swimming pool and bar.

Return flights this summer are as little as £39 with Ryanair departing from Stansted Airport.

The city has impressive Gothic-buildings, walkable streets and tasty food, especially when it comes to pizza and the Milanese saffron risotto.

With the saving on travel – you can definitely splash out at the historic shopping centres like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Palma, Majorca

Palma in Majorca has everything Brits want out of a holiday.

A busy city, pretty beaches and plenty of cafes and restaurants – it’s not far from the UK either with a flight time of two hours 30-minutes.

It also has return flights for as little as £37 with Wizz Air from London Luton in August.

As for where to stay a little outside of the city is the three-star Hotel Amic Gala which in August can be booked from £112 per night – or £56pppn.

The hotel is a short-walk from Playa de Palma Beach and there are direct buses from the hotel into Palma and to the airport too.

A BELOVED UK holiday park is set to bring Wetherspoon pubs to almost of all its sites.

The popular bargain boozer will team up with the parks to bring affordable food and drinks to Brits enjoying a staycation.

Haven Holidays has 39 seaside parks spanning across the UK and have been welcoming holidaymakers since 1964.

After a successful trial that saw JD Wetherspoon pubs pop up at nine Haven locations, it’s been confirmed that most of the rest will follow suit.

The pub’s first collaboration with Haven came in 2025 with the arrival of The Five Stones pub at Primrose Valley holiday park in Filey, North Yorkshire.

The Humber Stone in Cleethorpes, The London Stone in Rochester, The Red Rocks in Exmouth and The Sir Thomas Haggerston in Haggerston also arrived last year.

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Four more launched in early 2026, with Cornwall’s Riviere Sands welcoming The Bluff Inn and Cumbria’s Lakeland Leisure Park opening The Alfred Wainwright.

Hopton Holiday Village in Great Yarmouth also introduced The White Clover and Gala Cran in Blackpool opened The Springfield.

Speaking to the Mirror about the growing partnership, Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven Holidays, shared his hopes for all of the Haven parks to have a Spoons.

“I would like to see us growing this concept further across our estate. I definitely think there is an opportunity for the majority of our parks to have a Wetherspoons,” he said.

“I could only have dreamed at that point that it would be this successful with our guests as it has been”

Following the news that one million Wetherspoon pub meals have been sold at Haven over the past two years, Simon added, “We are here celebrating a million, but I expect it to be many millions in a couple of years time.”

The Sun has contacted Haven Holidays for more information.

A new Eurocamp in a location just a couple of hours from the UK offers easy access to a Blue Flag beach and one of the biggest waterparks in the entire country – and the perfect day trip is just a short drive away

Already looking for your summer 2027 holiday? A new Eurocamp opening could be the perfect choice if you like a beach and pool holiday, but also want to be in close proximity to an incredibly popular city break destination.

Set to open in May 2027, hu Eraclea Mare is a brand-new camping village on the Adriatic coast near Venice, covering over 100-hectares and set on a spectacular long stretch of Blue Flag beach. Bookings are already open on the Eurocamp website from May 1 next year, just in time for a half-term trip to Italy.

And according to Eurocamp, at the heart of its newest site will be a nine-hectare water park – the largest ever built in an Italian holiday village. It’ll have six pools, including Olympic and semi-Olympic sized options, lagoons, waterslides, and a 40,000 square metre solarium.

But the pool won’t be the only place to make a splash. The park is being built on the long sandy Spiaggia Pannolenci where you’ll find calm, shallow waters for swimming and basking in the Italian sunshine. Or you can enjoy the shaded wooded trails that lead you to the nearby small town of Eraclea Mare.

Back on dry land, you’ll find activities including a tree experience and zip line, mini golf, paintball, and a huge variety of sports to enjoy with the whole family.

The mega-park will also include “30 food and drink outlets” according to Eurocamp’s website, including authentic Italian and Venetian restaurants, gelato shops, and bars. At night, a 1,500 outdoor theatre will host a range of family-friendly entertainment including music and lively events.

The new Eurocamp will also be well-located for day trips to Venice, so you can combine a sightseeing city break with a family holiday. The ferry port of Punta Sabbioni is just a 40-minute drive away, and you can park your car and take a boat in to avoid the traffic. The ferry is a picturesque 30-minute journey and an amazing way to arrive in the city. It docks close to the iconic Piazza San Marco, where you’ll find many of Venice’s top sightseeing spots just a short walk away.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also be able to visit the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, otherwise known as the Dolomites, a vast range of mountains and dense, unspoilt forest popular for hiking, sailing on serene lakes, and canyoning your way through its incredible landscape.

The Adriatic coast has a huge range of holiday parks along sparkling sea, and if you’re looking to visit this summer you can choose from existing accommodation options such as the 4-star Holiday Center Pra’ Delle Torri. This site has camping, a holiday village with mobile homes, plus an onsite hotel, with all guests enjoying access to a waterpark with slides.

If you prefer a hotel, you’ll also find the Park Hotel Pineta in Eraclea Mare. Set on a private sandy beach and surrounded by dense pine trees, this relaxed accommodation offers spacious family rooms and apartments.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

ALL THREE Butlin’s resorts are launching an offer for the summer that will save you loads of money.

The new offer, called the ‘Lunch Add-On’, costs from just £1 per day per child and from £7 per day per adult.

The offer is available at all three Butlin’s resorts – Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.

The new add-on allows guests to have one main meal for adults and a main meal and two sides for kids, from specific lunch menus.

The offering will be available at specific restaurants across each resort between 12pm and 3pm.

Options include grabbing some noodles from Chopstix or tucking into unlimited pasta, pizza and salad at Papa John’s all-you-can-eat buffet.

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Other options include pub classics in the Beachcomber and American-style burgers in The Diner, as well as wraps from the Firehouse Grill.

To make the most of the summer offer, you must already be booked onto one of the dining plans for your break such as the Food Court, Premium and Hotel Dining Packages.

Alex Meyer, Head of Product and Proposition at Butlin’s, said: “The new Lunch Add-On is an exciting extension of our hugely popular All Inclusive offerings across our family breaks.

“This add-on allows guests to know their food costs upfront before arriving on holiday, giving peace of mind that breakfast, dinner and now lunch are sorted.

“We’re all about offering incredible value for money, a family of four on a four-night break can pre-book their lunchtime meals from just £48.

“This new addition to our All Inclusive range moves us closer to offering our family guests a fully All Inclusive break.”

Other dining options include the all-inclusive food and drink package from £28 per person, which includes breakfast and dinner, as well as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Alternatively, there is the Food Court Dining Package which costs from £25.95 per adult, £15.50 per child aged six to 14 and £7.25 per child aged two to five – including unlimited breakfast and dinner at the food court.

This picturesque coastal village offers spectacular scenery and a peaceful atmosphere – ideal for a summer escape away from busy tourist hotspots

Summer holidays are on the horizon and many people are starting to map out their getaways. With jet fuel costs climbing, jetting off abroad might not be the most affordable option, but fortunately, there are countless beautiful destinations right here in the UK.

Plenty of people travel overseas to the same spots year after year, but the UK is actually home to numerous hidden treasures that provide just as much natural beauty for a fraction of the cost, and with far fewer crowds.

From seaside escapes to woodland getaways there’s so much to choose from.

Hazel Rickett, travel expert at small-group tour operator Rabbie’s, said: “Some of the UK’s most memorable summer escapes can be found in the lesser-known towns, villages and coastal communities that people tend to overlook.

“For travellers hoping to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, long airport queues or the rising cost of overseas travel, these destinations offer the chance to slow down and experience a different side of the UK, whether that’s through coastal scenery, historic charm or access to incredible landscapes.”

Hazel has revealed one of her top picks for a summer break in the UK – a beautiful coastal village nestled in the Scottish Highlands.

She said: “Plockton is a brilliant destination for travellers looking for a summer escape that combines coastal scenery with a peaceful village atmosphere.”

The village sits on the shores of Loch Carron and is renowned for its breathtaking waterfront.

You can go kayaking, take a boat trip on the lake or simply relax and take in the views.

Plockton is also home to Attadale Gardens, a stunning 20-acre expanse of vibrant blooms, water gardens and glasshouses, reports the Express.

Among its highlights are century-old rhododendrons, while youngsters can seek out hidden sculptures dotted throughout the grounds or try their luck catching frogs and newts in the ponds.

Hazel said: “Plockton offers visitors the chance to experience spectacular Highland scenery while enjoying the charm of a traditional coastal village.

“Its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a memorable stop for travellers looking to explore a quieter side of Scotland away from the usual tourist crowds.”

FANCY staying in a hotel that’s so big it feels like a docked cruise ship?

Well, you are in luck, as Hotel Gołębiewski Pobierowo in Poland will open next week with a staggering 1,240 rooms in total, making it one of the largest hotels in Europe.

Spread across 13 floors, the cruise ship-like hotel actually boasts more rooms than the total population of Pobierowo itself (1,000 people).

Inside the hotel – which officially opens on June 17 – guests will find 50-square-metre rooms, most with a balcony.

And the Baltic Sea Beach is just 150 metres from the hotel, so you couldn’t be closer to the sand.

If you don’t like getting sandy toes, then the hotel also has a 104-metre-long pool, a waterpark, indoor pools, whirlpools and saunas.

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For kids wanting to have some fun, there are also waterslides and a children’s area.

One slightly more unusual feature of the hotel is a salt grotto.

Adults wanting to relax a little can enjoy live piano music in the lobby as well.

But the hotel’s offerings don’t stop there.

It also boasts climbing walls, a cinema and a bowling alley – so you’ll never run out of fun things to do.

Forgot something? You needn’t worry as the five-star hotel also has a supermarket for guests.

And if you like keeping fit, there are volleyball courts as well.

Rooms at the hotel cost from €350 (£302.34) a night, with a suite costing up to €900 (£777.45) a night.

It sits right by the beach, which features golden sand and stretches 2.5 miles.

It is also known for being a great spot to watch the sunset.

The closest city to the hotel is Szczecin, which is about an hour away.

Flights from the UK to Szczecin cost from £15 in June and take under two hours.

The German border is also only 37 miles from the hotel, with Berlin under a three-hour drive away.

Other big hotels in Europe include The Royal National Hotel in Bloomsbury, London, which has around 1,630 rooms in total.

There’s also Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort in Spain, which has around 1,200 rooms spread across three buildings, costing from £160 per night.

HANGING up the phone after her landlord told her he’d be selling her home, Melanie Bentley-Moore looked out at the pouring rain and decided to leave the UK.

The mum-of-one, from Manchester, has now packed her bags to move across the world. Her rent will be half of what she pays back home, and she can eat out for just £1 a meal.

“I got a call from my landlord saying he’s selling, and I said, ‘Do you know what? I’m just going to leave the UK,’” Melanie, 33, tells the Sun.

“I’m scared, but obviously I’m doing it anyway.”

She has booked flights to Thailand in early September, and is staying at a friend’s house until then.

Explaining why she’s so desperate to move overseas, Melanie explained how Asia is much more affordable than the UK.

“Petrol, energy, food, you notice the food goes up in price; however, they decreased the packaging sizes,” she says.

There, she explains, she will be paying significantly less rent, with a “really nice apartment” costing around £400 a month, compared to the £750 she pays at home, and an evening meal just £1.

Melanie left the UK in 2017 to travel around Asia, using Vietnam as her main base.

But she returned to the UK two years later because she was missing chip shops and Nando’s.

Then her son Antares was born in 2020, and she decided to stay.

But astrologist Melanie claims she has wanted to “get back out there” ever since.

And she has slammed those who also yearn to leave the UK for sunnier shores, but just “talk” about it, and never move.

She has now sold all her belongings, and she and her son will be jetting off to Asia to live their “best lives”.

“Here it feels like we’re surviving; however, I know in Asia, where I’m heading, I’d be able to thrive instead,” she says.

“I wouldn’t get anxiety paying for a food shop, the contrast is massive.

“Your money goes a long way.

“I could stay on the beach somewhere, and it would cost half my rent.

“When I used to live in Vietnam, I wasn’t really doing food shops there because it’s so cheap to eat out. I was having my tea for £1.

“After looking now, it will be around £400 rent per month, that’s for a really nice apartment.”

But the cost of living isn’t the only reason she’s quitting the UK.

“The energy here just feels heavy, it’s dark,” she says.

“There’s no room to grow. The majority of people are miserable because of all the stuff that’s going on, the cost of living, everything’s rising.

“I just don’t feel alive here, and I think that’s not just a ‘me’ problem either; everyone that I’m speaking to just feels soulless.

“I’m just bored, I can’t live ‘Groundhog Day‘, I can’t just continue this way.

“Just hearing everyone else complain, that weakens my spirit.

“Most people are miserable, and they’re always complaining; it seeps into everything.

“It’s like an infinite cycle of ‘rinse and repeat’ complaining. It’s just a feeling, I just don’t feel alive. It sucks the soul out of me.”

Explaining how she chose her destination, Melanie says “I lived in Asia for two years, so I’m very familiar with that area of the world.

“I was only meant to go for three months, but I ended up staying out there for a couple of years, travelling around Asia.

“My main base was Vietnam, I did some English teaching out there and came back home because it’s something random, I really wanted chippy and Nando’s.”

According to the single mum, she also wants to show her son “real life”, and she prefers the values in Asia.

And she has taken Antares out of school, as she prefers education systems where children start school later.

Discussing how she believes the move will positively impact her son, she says: “I’m going to do some charity work and volunteering with him. There is no better learning than real life.

“He’s only five, I prefer the Scandinavian way.

“In Scandinavia, there’s a reason why their children are the happiest and most successful because they don’t start school till they’re seven.

“With the values and stuff, life’s just better over there. It’s slower, it’s sunny, the scenes are beautiful, and you realise there is so much more to life than what I’m used to. It’s a completely different culture as well.”

Melanie has also said that she wants people to “follow their hearts”.

“It’s no good talking, there’s a lot of talkers out there – I ‘do’.

“I refuse to stay here in a life of struggle and misery. The energy is dark, it’s always raining, it’s grey.”

“I feel so soulless and miserable in this place, and I’m not doing it anymore, and I thought f*** this.”

“Life is for living and feeling joy and love and wonder, I don’t feel any of that here.

“There is something about England energy-wise that is just so off.”

It was built by locals to be able to cross a huge river

There are thousands upon thousands of bridges across the world, yet one has the unwelcome title of being the most dangerous. Not all bridges are created equally when it comes to safety.

Often called the “most dangerous” in the world, the Hussaini Suspension Bridge in Pakistan is known for its high winds. Despite the title, the bridge remains a masterpiece of local engineering and has become a magnet for thrill seekers.

It was built in 1968 by local villagers of Hassaini and Zarabad using only raw materials. The 635-foot-long bridge is made of wooden planks and steel cables, held together by six main ropes that span its length.

The Hussaini Suspension Bridge was designed to provide a lifeline to transport goods and livestock across the Hunza River. Following a devastating landslide in 2010, the bridge was reconstructed.

Between the wooden planks of the bridge are larger spaces designed to resist the wobbly vibrations caused by the wind. Travel Magazine Conde Nast Traveller named the bridge as among the most dangerous in the world in 2013.

While it was built for local access, it has become popular with tourists. To visit and cross the bridge, tourists must wear life jackets.

Tragically, in July 2022, a student from Sindh reportedly died from drowning after falling from the bridge. It was sealed off while an investigation was under way, and later renovations were carried out.

Safety upgrades were implemented, including replacing the old, rotting and uneven wooden boards. The local community and authorities also worked together to tighten the steel cables.

Many tourists are still braving the crossing and have shared their experiences on TripAdvisor. One said: “What a thrilling bridge! People who have mental strength and not afraid of heights should give a try on this bridge! It’s a dare!”

Another added: “The journey to reach the bridge itself is an adventure, with winding roads and breath-taking landscapes that set the stage for the thrill to come.”

Someone else commented: “About 400 steps from one end to the other end of the bridge.

“The bridge is secure and safe. However, precautions should be taken when crossing the bridge as it is still a risk of falling accidentally. Give it a try!”

However, a fourth wrote: “Firstly, I refused to cross that bridge, but now I literally repent my decision. Looks dangerous , definitely not for people with fragile hearts like me , but its damn daring.”

TRAVELLERS heading to Barcelona are missing out on one of Spain’s top hidden gems that is just two hours from the city.

Think clear waters and whitewashed houses and you could easily be forgiven for believing you were on a remote Greek island, when actually you are in the Spanish fishing town of Cadaques.

And what’s even better is that if you head there this week or next, temperatures will reach up to 27C.

Recently named one of the “best hidden coastal towns” in Europe by British Airways, Cadaques sits on the Cap de Creus peninsula on the Costa Brava and boasts a rocky coastline with hidden beaches and fewer crowds.

In the town centre, visitors can explore narrow, cobblestone alleyways that once inspired several artists including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Salvador Dali.

In fact, visitors can even head to the Salvador Dali House-Museum, which was home to the surrealist artist for 40 years.

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Inside, you’ll see the rooms where the Dalí family lived as well as Dalí’s studio, which has been preserved just as the artist left it with artist tools and unfinished canvases.

Outside, visitors can explore the gardens and courtyards, which feature olive groves and spot a number of giant white eggs.

If you do wish to visit, make sure to book in advance, as reservation slots fill up quickly.

Back in the historic quarter of the town, you’ll also find the Church of Santa Maria, which has a baroque altar inside.

Make sure to look out for Casa Serinyana too, which is also known as The Blue House.

The Art Nouveau home was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the wealthy Serinyana family, who were traders in the town.

Heading down towards the sea, you can visit two small rocky beaches – Platja Gran and Platja Port d’Alguer – both have crystal clear waters ideal for a swim.

The Natural Park of Cap de Creus, which is huge, completely surrounds the town.

It is a great area to go hiking, especially to the highest point Sant Salvador Peak, which is 670 metres above sea level.

The park includes both land and sea areas around Cadaques, but make sure to check access restrictions before your visit as during the summer months parts of the park are closed to cars.

If you don’t like hiking, the parts of the park that include the coastline and make for great spots for snorkelling.

According to Instagram user @liafische Cadaques “feels like a place where time stands still”.

Another Instagram user said: “It truly felt like I was transported to an Aegean island”.

When it comes to somewhere to stay, you could opt for Villa Salvador, which is an adult-only hotel between Pere Fet Beach and Ros Beach.

The accommodation has a mix of villas with sea views, rooms and suites, and there’s also an outdoor salt pool.

It costs from £269 per night for two people.

Alternatively, you could stay at Hotel Calina in either a room or studio from £114 per night with access to sprawling gardens, a huge pool and a children’s pool.

To get to Cadaques, you could fly to either Girona, which is about an hour and 20 minutes away, or Barcelona.

You could fly to Girona in June from £15 or to Barcelona in June for £13.

To get to the town, there is only one way into and out of Cadaques along a narrow, winding nine-mile road that heads through the mountains.

Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle bus called the Sarfa Bus from Figueres Bus Station, which sits outside the park and heads directly to the town, taking about an hour and 20 minutes.

There’s a time limit

A bank is tempting new customers with 10,000 Avios Points.

J.P Morgan Personal Investing confirmed the deal was running until July 31, 2026. The bank revealed customers could put their points towards flights at a time when concerns are mounting over potential fare increases.

The offer is open to new customers who invest £500 or more in a single payment before the end of July.

To qualify for the points, new clients must keep at least £500 invested from August 1, 2026, until February 1, 2027, after which the Avios will be awarded within 55 days of this holding period concluding. New clients can open a Stocks and Shares ISA, Junior ISA, Lifetime ISA, Personal Pension or General Investment Account.

New investors will need to complete the sign-up form, accessible via the promotional page. J.P Morgan reminded customers that their capital was at risk and that transfers in were excluded from the offer.

Claire Exley, head of advice and guidance at J.P. Morgan Personal Investing, said: “Many UK savers are curious about investing for the first time but unsure when to get started. Over the long term, it’s often more important to stay invested over several years than to try to time the market and pick the ‘perfect’ moment.

“For those thinking about starting to invest, our Avios offer is designed to help make that first step in investing feel a little more rewarding. With the cost of travel on many people’s minds, those Avios points could help towards a future holiday or bring a dream trip a bit closer.

“Whether you’re using a Stocks and Shares ISA for the first time, investing for your children, or topping up your pension, what often matters most is choosing an approach you’re comfortable with and staying invested for the long term.”

Exploring on foot is one of the best way to discover new landscapes and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. We want to hear about your memorable European summer hikes, whether it was a multi-day mountain trek or a more gentle walk along a river or around a lake.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 15 June at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

The changes will kick in from 2027

Wizz Air has made an announcement that will affect passengers planning to fly with the budget carrier from 2027 onwards. It has confirmed that travellers will soon be able to enjoy high-speed internet access on board.

The airline, which is based in Hungary, revealed it is fitting Elon Musk’s Starlink internet system across all its “new generation” aircraft. Wizz Air claims it will be the first European ultra-low-cost carrier to adopt the technology.

The airline has yet to confirm whether passengers will be charged for using the service. Starlink — owned by billionaire Mr Musk’s SpaceX aerospace firm — operates via thousands of satellites in orbit around Earth. A growing number of airlines have already begun offering the service or have announced plans to introduce it, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Ian Malin, chief commercial officer of Wizz Air, said: “Ultra low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people. In 2027, we’re taking that philosophy into the space era.

“Our customers shouldn’t have to choose between affordable fares and reliable internet onboard to stay connected to the people, work and moments that matter most. We’re proud to lead that change by collaborating with Starlink to bring maximum benefit to Wizz Air.”

In January, a row broke out between Mr Musk and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary over whether Starlink could be used on the airline’s flights. After Mr O’Leary dismissed the idea as unfeasible, Mr Musk branded Mr O’Leary an “idiot” and a “chimp”, and speculated on X about potentially buying the airline.

Mr O’Leary claimed the “PR spat” had driven a 2-3% increase in sales.