holidays

When it comes to asking for travel advice, there is nobody better at giving you hints and tricks than cabin crew who travel multiple times a month for their job

A member of British Airways cabin crew has shared one thing she believes everybody should do before they board a plane to make their trip less stressful. When it comes to taking advice from people ahead of travelling, there is nobody better to ask than cabin crew.

With many members of crew doing multiple long and short trips each month, they know all the tips and tricks to make boarding, packing and planning even easier.

This is true for one member of cabin crew who has shared one thing she believes everybody should do before stepping foot on a plane ahead of any holidays.

The member of staff gave people her advice after being asked what her top-tip was for travel on the official British Airways TikTok account.

One of the cabin crew said: “Just screenshot everything. Screenshot your boarding pass. Have a copy of the hotel that you’re going to.

“A photographic copy, so that you have it on your phone, just in case when you land to your destination, and your phone doesn’t have 4G, you actually have a picture of it.”

It’s common for people to struggle to get a signal in a new country due to phones having been on airplane mode for a number of hours and trying to connect to a new local network. The metal cabin of the airplane can also block out cellular radio waves.

Three more members of crew also gave their advice to holidaymakers, with one coming up with a solution for travellers who treat themselves in duty free.

Another member of BA staff said: “I would say as cabin crew, always pack a portable tote bag. You’re always going to need it, and it’s something to put stuff in, and then you’re not lugging a big suitcase around when you’re travelling.”

A third said: “My top travel tip is to bring electrolytes on board. Having electrolytes in your water makes you rehydrated.”

While a fourth added: “My travel top tip would be to have your phones and devices set to automatic before you depart, so that they’re already synced to the local time before you arrive.”

People took the time to comment on the video and share their own experiences with British Airways.

One person said: “My best customer service was with BA. it was a very long time ago, but I had to travel back from Paris to London and I missed my flight, it was the first flight.

“I was so desperate because I had to go to work straight after arriving. The lady offered me a seat on next flight free of charge. I was so happy because I was on budget and I couldn’t afford another flight ticket, perhaps she sensed it. Thank you for the empathy.”

A second said: “Can you pls start flying from London Southend again.”

A third said: “Always have a great experience on BA.”

A UK airport has been forced to close today as staff walk out with ALL flights suspended.

Norwich Airport is closed today following the strike action.

Flights cancelled today include three arrivals from Amsterdam and an arrival from Alicante.

As for departures, four flights to Amsterdam have been cancelled and one flight to Alicante has as well.

Airlines impacted by the strike action include Ryanair and KLM.

The strike was announced earlier this week, which has resulted in the flight suspension until the end of the day.

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It comes as Prospect union announced the strike as part of an ongoing dispute over pay, terms and conditions.

In a statement on the airport’s website, it says: “Due to the 24-hour strike by Prospect union members in Air Traffic Control, Norwich Airport will be closed to air traffic on Friday 28 August and no flights will operate to or from the airport that day.

“Airlines have been informed. Passengers due to travel on Friday should check with their airline for the latest information about their flight and the options available to them.

“We apologise for the disruption and inconvenience this will cause to passengers.

“We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement.”

The airport operates to a number of destinations abroad, such as Spain and the Netherlands.

Yesterday, local travel agents told holidaymakers that they would need to travel 101 miles to catch their flights.

They would instead be departing from Southend Airport in Essex with passengers told to head to Norwich Airport, where they would then be taken on a coach to Southend.

STRIKING orange sunsets over sage green marshes. Clear, starry skies and healing salty air. A seafront pub bringing all the party vibes and the best of local seafood.

This is The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe, a posh pub with rooms on the North Norfolk coast.

Norfolk locals like me will tell you this pub is famous for three things: Oyster festivals, blazing orange sunsets, and the colossal Seafood Platter that’s doing the rounds on social media. (And maybe that clip of General Manager Rob falling off his chair on Instagram).

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The White Horse.

Where is The White Horse?

The White Horse sits on the North Norfolk coastline in the seaside village of Brancaster Staithe.

This stretch of North Norfolk coast is known for it’s freshly-caught seafood such as lobsters and oysters, vast golden beaches and laid-back, friendly feel.

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The seafront pub sits smack-bang on the Norfolk Coast Path, its garden leading straight out onto the coastal trail with its maze of creeks and pretty marshland.

Follow the trail along to Brancaster Beach to find a sprawling expanse of dog-friendly golden sand, where you can even spot the rusted wreck of a WWII ship.

What is the hotel like?

The White Horse has an impressive exterior, with multi-levelled restaurants directly facing the salt marshes.

This setup offers unbeatable sunset views for arguably the best outdoor dining on the North Norfolk coast.

Inside the beachy theme continues with rattan furniture, shell and sailing artwork lining the walls, as well as a balance of cool blue and warm orange tones to reflect those famous Norfolk sunsets over the sea.

Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee by the creeks, or enjoying a pint of golden Wherry by the roaring fire, the whole place operates at an unhurried coastal pace – what locals dub being on ‘Norfolk time’.

What are the rooms like?

There’s 15 bedrooms in the main building, many of which look out over the sea, offering views over the sandy stretch of Scolt Head Island.

The ‘Room at the Top’ comes with a stargazing terrace and telescope, letting you take full advantage of Norfolk’s clear, starry skies.

The pub’s eight garden rooms are pricier starting at £210 per night, but are super spacious, come with their own outdoor terrace, and are just steps from the sea.

Rooms start from £165 per night, including breakfast. See whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

There’s three main spots to eat here: the cosy bar, the swanky main restaurant, and the vibey Marshside bar.

The main bar is perfect for popping into after a breezy beach walk, where you can grab a pint of local ale or a hot drink and sink into the sofa.

There’s also light lunches and dinner on offer here, like focaccia sandwiches (£12.50), fish and chips (£22.50) and a local beef burger with fries (£19).

The raised main restaurant boasts panoramic views over the marshes, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the sunlight to flood in, with touches of warm light and glowing candles.

Here you can order a locally-caught Market Fish of the Day (£28.50) served with Norfolk potatoes, three huge Brancaster Rock Oysters for £13.50, or the one that people travel far and wide for: the Seafood Platter.

The Seafood Platter comes with smoked salmon, oysters, crab, cockles, clams, tuna, crevettes, prawn cocktail, caviar, mackerel, sauces and focaccia for £89, and can easily be shared between 2-3 people. It’s a must-try!

Then there’s Marshside – the outdoor bar and restaurant where the pub’s festivals are held in summer, and cocktails are enjoyed with salty air and vibey music.

If you’re dining at Marshside, go for the chicken kiev and fries – or a cheeky Bloody Mary served with an oyster on the side for £15.

What else is there to do there?

This pub hosts very popular festivals over the summer and into September, including an annual Oyster Festival, Paella Weekend and a Lobster BBQ. Make sure to check the website for specific dates.

My favourite is the Sea Shanty Festival, where local crew Nelson’s Shantymen and touring shanty groups perform sea-faring favourites like Blow The Man Down and the TikTok-famous ‘Wellerman’ to raise money for the RNLI.

Outside of the festivals, there’s plenty of water sports to tackle nearby, from stand up paddling with Brancaster Boards to sailing with Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club.

If you’re looking to unwind, Wild Yoga Norfolk offers unique seaside wellness sessions like seaside sauna and swims in the saltwater creeks.

Twitchers will love nearby Titchwell Marsh, where you can spot birds like pink-footed geese, marsh harriers and avocets.

Sister pub The Jolly Sailors is just a few minutes down the road, and has a large beer garden with beach huts selling everything from unicorn ice cream to rum cocktails. They also serve generous bowls of local mussels, when in season.

Is it family friendly?

There are dedicated family rooms here with space for extra beds – just make sure to mention if you need this when booking.

There’s also a children’s menu in the restaurant with options for ‘Little Kids’ like haddock and chips (£9.50) and a chargrilled chicken burger (£9.50), or ‘Bigger Kids’ mains like a beef burger (£16) and even half a lobster with fries (£28).

Is the hotel accessible?

There are accessible garden rooms with ramps, as well as step-free access to restaurants.

Make sure to mention any additional needs you may have when booking.

I didn’t want to feel disappointed, so I suggested we leave.

My friend Mejin countered that we should give the moon a little more time to show itself.

We’d hiked up to Five Points, where five trails meet in Griffith Park, with the goal of watching the moon rise over the nearby Los Angeles River and Elysian Valley.

But the smog was thick, and the view was obscured. I already felt beat down by life. Now, the moon was a no-show? But as Mejin and I chatted with passersby about why we were standing around — no one seemed as hyped about the moon as we were — we spotted a flicker of golden light, low in the sky.

In this edition of The Wild, our weekly outdoors newsletter, I will recommend three night hikes around L.A. where you should have great views to watch the moon rise. Each trail offers an opportunity to still get outside despite this oppressive heat wave L.A. is experiencing this week. And this week’s full moon is extra special. On Thursday night, we’ll be able to witness a partial “blood moon” eclipse. Sounds spooky, and it isn’t even Halloween yet!

First, let’s talk through the time of sunset and the moon’s rise so you can plan your hike accordingly:

• Thursday: Sunset at 7:25 p.m., moon rise at 7:16 p.m.
• Friday: Sunset at 7:24 p.m., moon rise at 7:43 p.m.
• Saturday: Sunset at 7:22 p.m., moon rise at 8:09 p.m.
• Sunday: Sunset at 7:21 p.m., moon rise at 8:37 p.m.

A view of the super blue moon as seen from the Hollywood Hills on August 2023.

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

In terms of the partial “blood moon” eclipse, here’s what you need to know, thanks to a story by Times staff writer Fedor Zarkhin:

• “The main stage of the eclipse will begin at 7:34 p.m., when the moon will fall under the core, or umbra, of Earth’s shadow. It will gradually turn a reddish, copper color as sunlight bends and filters through the atmosphere to fall on the otherwise-obscured part of the moon.”
• “The eclipse will peak at 9:13 p.m. — when 96% of the moon’s surface will fall under the Earth’s shadow.”
• “The most visible phase of the eclipse will end at 10:52 p.m.”
• “The eclipse will end entirely just after midnight.”

If you’d like to look for your own full moon hike, rather than using the list below, your hiking spot will ideally include:

• Clear views to the east. The moon generally rises in the northern hemisphere in the eastern sky (at around 102 degrees on Thursday in L.A., coordinates you can find using your cellphone’s compass).
• Open after hours. Several of our local parks are only open from sunrise to sunset (outside of special events). Make sure to check the hours (if there are any) if you’re planning to take a night hike not listed below.
• A wide dirt or paved path. None of the hikes below are terribly technical. That’s intentional, as the best night hikes are those along a wide fire road or paved path.

The moon rising in Thousand Oaks over Simi Peak to the east in October 2021 in the phase known as waxing gibbous.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

• Friends. It’s best to hike in a group at night, in part because your chatter and laughter will alert any animals that you’re nearby.
• Hiking poles. Although none of these trails are terribly technical, there’s still an inherent risk that comes with hiking. Consider bringing poles for the trip down, just to give yourself a bit more purchase on the sandy soil.
• Extra water. We’re all slowly melting in this heat wave. Pack more water than you’d normally bring because we’re probably all a bit more dehydrated than usual this week!

The moon rises above the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles skyline as rain clouds begin to envelope the sky. The view is from Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in January 2021.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

As always, please remember to practice the seven Leave No Trace principles out on the trail, which include picking up after yourself (including orange peels) and not playing loud music. This better ensures we leave it better than we found it so everyone, including our local wildlife, can continue to enjoy our public lands.

OK, toss an extra water bottle in your pack and let’s take a look at these hikes!

Hikers sit on the ledge of the Topanga Lookout, a concrete base of a fire lookout that is believed to have been torn down in the 1970s after smog made the lookout tower irrelevant.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

1. Topanga Lookout

Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation gained: About 350 feet
Difficulty: Easy end of moderate
Dogs allowed: Yes
Nearest to: Topanga
Accessible alternative: An L.A. County beach with accessible offerings

The 2.1-mile trek out and back to the Topanga Lookout takes hikers along the Topanga Ridge Motorway (called Topanga Tower Motorway on some maps) to an iconic spot in the Santa Monica Mountains where, on a clear day, you can see dozens of miles away.

Along the way, you’ll spot massive rock slabs that look like the forgotten frisbees of Zeus and his pals. And you’ll be treated to a lush habitat of native plants, including prickly phlox, chaparral yucca, black sage, hollyleaf cherry and Coulter’s Matilija poppy.

Hikers light the path to the Topanga Lookout in the Santa Monica Mountains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

To begin, you’ll park near the trailhead at Stunt and Saddle Peak roads. Be careful if crossing the road, as that large bumblebee you hear nearby is actually a sports car ripping along the road. From the trailhead, you’ll take Topanga Ridge Motorway for just over a mile northeast. You will pass an entry point for the Backbone Trail and a private road.

The trail starts as a wide paved path before transitioning after about a third of a mile to a dirt path of varying widths. Although it’s not overly technical — I chatted with a hiker walking it in slides — the trail has some uneven surfaces, so a headlamp or good flashlight is necessary when hiking it at night.

You will pass at least one spur trail — unofficial, user-generated — including one that’s steep and unstable. I overheard one youthful hiker tell their friends, “Dude, I almost died three times.” Not a ringing endorsement for that route. Plus, it didn’t sound like it offered any better views than you’ll get at the lookout spot.

As you approach the lookout, you’ll notice a steep path up to the concrete base. If you, instead, take the foot path to the right of the lookout, you’ll find stairs that allow you a much easier time getting to the top. You likely won’t find solitude — I interacted with a dozen hikers on a Wednesday night — but you will find incredible views of the Santa Monica Mountains and L.A. County. I was blown away.

A headlamp lights the path ahead as the stars twinkle above near the Topanga Lookout in the Santa Monica Mountains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

I kept calling this spot the Topanga Overlook in my head, knowing that was wrong. It hadn’t clicked for me that this used to be the site of a fire lookout tower, hence the reason there’s a concrete structure here.

Believed to be built in 1934, the Topanga site was one of three fire lookout towers that the L.A. County Fire Department maintained in the Santa Monica Mountains with the other two located at Castro Peak and Triunfo Peak near the Ventura County line, according to a 1958 Times article. (For more history on fire lookouts in L.A. County, including how to hike to an existing one, you can read this article I wrote about Vetter Mountain.)

An almost full moon rises over the Santa Monica Mountains and nearby cities.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

The Forest Fire Lookout Assn. lists the reason for the Topanga Lookout’s demolition to be “unknown.” However, I think I figured out what happened.

Author Milt McAuley wrote in one of his Santa Monica Mountains hiking guidebooks that the lookout tower was removed in the 1970s but provided no further details. This was around the time that air quality was worsening in L.A. County.

The sunset as seen from the Topanga Lookout trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

“The County Fire Department has seen the day coming when the lookout tower would be outmoded,” Deputy Fire Chief George Brunton said in a 1969 Times article. “Too much smog cuts the effectiveness of the lookout operators and as the area becomes populated we no longer feel the need for these fixed fire spotters.”

Brunton told The Times that the county was launching a pilot program (somewhat literally) to use helicopters as fire lookouts. Officials had already closed the Triunfo tower and another at Parker Mountain near Saugus. “If the pilot program proves successful, other towers will be shuttered, according to Brunton,” the story reads.

Today, the Topanga Lookout and the surrounding area is mostly public land. Please respect any “No Trespassing” signs you see, as there remains some private land nearby, and if able, bring a trash bag with you. Unfortunately, not all visitors practice Leave No Trace!

The view from the Seco View Trail in Debs Park.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

2. Seco View and Oak Grove trails to overlooks

Distance: 1.4 to 1.86 miles
Elevation gained: 600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed: Yes
Nearest to: Northeast L.A.
Accessible alternative: L.A. River trail near the Taylor Yard bridge

This short jaunt through Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in the Montecito Hills offers great views at any time of day, with a bonus of great spots to sit at the top.

To begin, park at Hermon Park, or walk from the Highland Park Metro stop, as it is about a 0.7-mile walk to the trailhead from there.

From Hermon Park, head south, crossing Via Marisol from the crosswalk. From the crosswalk, you’ll walk west to the trailhead.

You will take the Seco View Trail southwest-ish for just over a quarter of a mile before turning left (or south) on Oak Grove Trail. You will follow Oak Grove Trail for about a quarter of a mile and then continue on Oak Grove Trail as it jags to the right (or west). You’ll quickly come to a wider dirt path. Turn left (or west).

A green park bench at Debs Park.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

In just 300 feet, you’ll come to a paved path where you can turn left or right and reach benches either way. From here, the choice is yours to sit, rest and enjoy the moon rise.

On your way back, you have the option of following a wide-but-steep path down rather than returning on Oak Grove Trail.

The moon rises over Elysian Valley in late July.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

3. Five Points via Fern Canyon Trail

Distance: About 2.4 miles
Elevation gained: About 475 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed: Yes
Nearest to: Atwater Village
Accessible alternative: Griffith Park Observatory paved paths

This 2.4-mile journey will take you to Five Points (5-Points on some maps), where five trails meet and offer you the opportunity to extend your adventure (as long as you packed a map).

To begin, park at the Merry-Go-Round Lot 1 or nearby, keeping in mind that sometimes parking lots in the area close for setup and equipment for Shakespeare in the Park.

Exit the parking lot in the southeast corner and head to the Lower Beacon Trail, a wide flat dirt path parallel to the road. You’ll only be on this for about 200 feet.

At Five Points in Griffith Park, where, on a clear day, you can see Santiago Peak, the highest peak in Orange County.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Soon, you will turn left (or southwest) onto the Fern Canyon Nature Trail.

You stay on this lush shady path for just under one-fifth of a mile, continuing southwest until you reach the Fern Canyon Trail, a wide dirt path.

You will follow Fern Canyon Trail as it takes you first west, then southeast before taking you eastward to Five Points.

If anyone in your party is thirsty, the Joe Klass Water Stop is nearby.

From Five Points, you can hang out until you spot the sturgeon moon, the name for this month’s full moon. And if it doesn’t come quickly, consider waiting.

3 things to do

A tribute will honor the life and music of Swamini Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda.

(Adam Corey Thomas / TreePeople)

1. Celebrate Alice Coltrane’s birthday in Beverly Hills
TreePeople and Living Earth will host a tribute to Alice Coltrane from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at TreePeople’s outdoor venue in Beverly Hills. Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the musicians, money needed to restore the ashram Coltrane established that burned in the 2018 Woolsey fire and to TreePeople, a local nonprofit that has planted more than 3 million trees in our region. Tickets range from $33 to $66 plus a $3.21 processing fee. Purchase at livingearth.la.

2. Bird-watch in a cemetery in Altadena
Pasadena Humane will host a wildlife walk from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday through Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena. Guests will learn about local birds, squirrels and coyotes, and also the history of the graveyard. Tickets are $7.18. Register at eventbrite.com.

3. Locate lizards in Culver City
Herpetologist Earyn McGee will host a lizard art walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Stoneview Nature Center (5950 Stoneview Drive) in Culver City. After taking a hike to observe lizards in their natural habitats, McGee will lead the group in an art activity at the nature center. Register at docs.google.com.

The must-read

A male tule elk frolics near the Tomales Point Trail, part of the Point Reyes National Seashore in Inverness.

(Josh Edelson / For The Times)

Point Reyes National Seashore is a stunningly beautiful 110-square-mile expanse about an hour north of San Francisco. It’s at the heart of a debate between environmentalists and ranchers over the best way to manage the landscape. Times staff writer Susanne Rust wrote that after a lawsuit brought by environmentalists over the future of ranching there, in 2025 “a settlement was announced with the National Park Service laying out how the park would function going forward. Natural landscapes and wildlife would take priority over agriculture. Eleven of 13 historic ranching families would leave and be made whole for their losses.” But the remaining two families want to continue the fight. And they’re apparently finding the ear of the high-ranking officials of the Trump administration.

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

I’ve had a handful of moments on the trail when I felt like I was in real danger. The time I accidentally went off trail and ended up on an unstable hillside, dropping my pack in a river below. The time a bear slapped my tent. And because I’m a wimp, the moment when two entangled snakes emerged from the bushes and looked at me — before returning to their tryst. If you hike often enough, you will undoubtedly run into some kind of trouble. I’d love to hear from you. I write Between a Rock, an outdoors survival series that I hope helps educate other outdoors folks about how to respond in the face of emergencies. I’ve interviewed folks who’ve faced down mountain lions and bears, and underprepared strangers. You can submit your story via this form, and I will reach out if I’d like to hear more. I love these interviews because I always learn something too.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.

IF YOU are getting sad that the summer appears to be over in the UK, then it’s good news as TUI is launching holidays to three North African cities.

The new holidays will be to Fez, Rabat and Tangier in Morocco.

Head to Fez if you want to explore Morocco‘s oldest imperial city, with a number of medinas and souks to discover as well as hands-on workshops where you can learn traditional Moroccan crafts.

Make sure to get mint tea as well, which will set you back just £1.

Temperatures in September often exceed 30C as well.

A four-night break to Fez staying at the Hotel Nouzha on a bed and breakfast basis costs from £156 per person (£39 per person per night).

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Alternatively, in Rabat you can head to the old medina where you will find a number of cosy cafes.

From the city, you can also head to the popular Chefchaouen, known as the ‘Blue City’ for its narrow streets full of blue buildings.

The city often reaches 30C in September.

A four-night holiday to Rabat staying at the Belere Rabat on a bed and breakfast basis costs from £213 per person (£53.25 per person per night).

And finally, in Tangier you can explore a slower-paced city, where highs usually sit around 28C in September.

Head to the Grand Socco, which is a lively market square that acts as the entrance to the old medina.

If you like history, head to the Kasbah museum which is inside the former sultan’s palace and has a colourful tiled courtyard.

A five-night holiday to Tangier, Morocco staying at the Fredj Hotel & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis costs from £321 per person (£64.20 per person per night).

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK&I, said: “Morocco is a brilliant choice for customers looking for sunshine, culture and value close to home.

“From beach breaks in Agadir and Taghazout to the buzz of Marrakech, it’s a destination that gives holidaymakers so much choice in one short-haul trip.

“With packages at great prices, regional flying options and flight times of under four hours, Morocco is easy to get to from the UK.

“Some customers want the beach, some want the buzz of a city and others want to discover somewhere that feels a little more off the beaten track.

“With Fez, Rabat and Tangier now in our programme, we’re giving holidaymakers even more ways to experience Morocco and pack culture, value and sunshine into one easy getaway.”

BOOKING a last minute holiday can often work out a heck of a lot cheaper than booking a break in advance.

As hotels want to fill their rooms and entice guests, prices often plummet the closer you get to take-off – meaning savvy holidaymakers can secure some of the best deals.

Loveholidays is currently offering hundreds of last-minute breaks in spots like Zante, Spain and Turkey that will save you hundreds when compared to peak season prices.

Here’s our selection of the best-value last minute breaks on Loveholidays, where hols taking off in the next two months are going for crazy cheap.

Zante

The Perkes Hotel is perched on the coastline of Laganas, a lively beach resort with a sweeping sandy bay and access to some of the island’s best nightlife.

Bag yourself a last-minute break to the Greek island to hop on a turtle boat tour or take a dip in its signature electric-blue waters.

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This hotel is just a stone’s throw from the sea, five minutes from popular main beach Laganas Beach, and a 15 minute drive from the island’s charming old town.

We found a seven night all inclusive stay with flights at the Perkes Hotel for £309pp this September. Or click here to browse all last minute Zante deals.

Book a 7 night all inclusive holiday to Zante from £309pp

The Algarve

Save £214 on this stay at Portugal‘s Ukino Terrace Algarve Concept Hotel – rated one of the ‘most loved’ on the Loveholidays website.

Considering how affordable it is to stay here, this hotel is well and truly glam.

The whitewashed, modern hotel building overlooks the palm tree-lined outdoor pool, where adults can kick back on a sleek white lounger while kids burn off their energy at the kids club.

Here you’re only a five-minute walk from a gorgeous, sandy beach, a short stroll from local bars and restaurants, and 20 minutes’ drive from the Zoomarine theme park.

We found a seven night self catering stay with flights at the Ukino Terrace Algarve Concept Hotel from £239pp in September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Algarve deals.

Book a 7 night self catering stay in the Algarve from £239pp

Antalya

Fancy an all inclusive stay at a Turkish five-star hotel for under 300 quid per person? You’ll want to bag this last-minute deal.

Antalya’s Sun Star Resort sits on the Turkish Riviera in the resort of Mahmutlar, where the stunning Taurus Mountains overlook the glimmering turquouise sea.

This hotel has its own private beach, multiple outdoor pools and even its very own waterpark – so there’s no need to leave site if you just want to fly and flop.

But if you do fancy getting out and about, there’s vibrant bars, cafes and restaurants plus exciting local markets all within walking distance.

We found an all inclusive holiday including flights to Sun Star Resort from £299 in September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Antalya deals.

Book a 7 night all inclusive 5* holiday to Antalya for £299pp

Tunisia – £259 + FREE child stays

Not only does this Tunisia holiday save you £107 when compared to peak prices, but you can also bag a free kids’ place.

The Golf Residence Hotel in Port el Kantaoui is a sprawling four-star resort with multiple pools, bars, restaurants and even its own on-site spa.

Plus if you’re visiting as a family, there’s a kids club, kids pool and an action-packed entertainment program to make use of.

Nearby, take a swing at El Kantaoui Golf Course or zip down waterslides at Acqua Palace Water Park.

We found a half-board stay at the Golf Residence Hotel with flights included for £259pp this September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Tunisia deals.

Book a 7 night half-board holiday to Tunisia from £259pp

Costa del Sol – £159pp

Last minute holidays to this charming Costa del Sol hotel are £210 below peak price, meaning you can soak up that September sun for a fraction of the cost.

The Village Terrazas Costa del Sol is a relaxed retreat in Manilva, where stylish apartments are surrounded by pretty courtyards dotted with fountains and ponds.

There’s two large outdoor pools here, plus a kids pool, kids club and playground.

Spend your days drifting between the pool, the beach and afternoon games of table tennis or billiards.

We found a five night self catering stay with flights from £159pp this September.

Or click here to browse all last minute Costa del Sol deals.

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JUST a few hours away from the UK is one country that’s quickly becoming the go-to destination for theme parks.

There are already over 30 across the country and three new ones have been given the go-ahead.

The country in question is France where it has just been announced that three new theme parks will be built at the cost of €6bn (£5.13bn).

Little has been revealed about them so far, but one will be manga-themed and is inspired by the popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the development would be “extraordinary” and would create a “new global destination,” adding: Nothing like this has been seen since Disneyland Paris.”

Construction of the new parks could take years, so in the meantime, here are some of the best ones across France for you to enjoy.

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Puy Du Fou

Unlike most theme parks, Puy Du Fou doesn’t actually have any rides – but don’t rule it out.

It’s the second most visited theme park in France and takes visitors through history with live shows and re-enactments.

Visitors can also stroll through immersive villages taking them back in time and see romantic evening shows across a lake.

The theme park has six hotels and even a campsite with cosy family lodges. Tickets to the park start from £40.

Parc Asterix

Parc Astérix is a theme park in Plailly based on the famous comic book series Astérix the Gaul, with over 50 attractions across six themed worlds like the Roman Empire, Greece and the Vikings.

The biggest ride is called Toutatis which is a multi-launch coaster at 167 feet tall and a top speed of 66.5mph.

The Egypt Zone reopened in April this year after a revamp with a water raft ride called The Descent of the Nile and The Flight of Ibis, where visitors swoop over the water garden.

In 2028, the park will open a new British-themed land called Londinium. Tickets here start from £36.

Futuroscope

Futuroscope is as the name suggests a futuristic theme park that this year was named 15th on Blooloop’s best theme parks in Europe.

It has over 40 attractions at the park, three shows and three on-site hotels – it also has an immersive indoor waterpark which opened in 2024.

One of the best ones is Tornado Chasers where visitors can ride into a tornado on a rotating platform, with the world’s largest indoor LED screen.

It’s suitable for toddlers too who can sit on little electric cars and enjoy a small floating log ride and Waterworks play area. Tickets start from £31.

Disneyland Paris

Of course, Disneyland Paris needs a mention being one of the most popular theme parks in Europe.

The biggest and most famous rollercoaster is Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland.

Of course this year marked the opening of Disney’s newest land, the World of Frozen with a boat ride through Arendelle, meet-and-greets with Olaf, Elsa and Ana as well as a live show.

This is part of the newly transformed Disney Adventure World home to worlds inspired by Marvel and Pixar.

And no visit is complete without seeing the spectacular fireworks and Cascade of Lights show. Tickets to both parks start from £82.

Festyland

Just outside of Caen is Festyland which has 30 rides from high thrills to ones all the family can enjoy.

A new rollercoaster called Valkyrie opened in April – it takes riders “to the heart of Norse mythology” with top speeds of 40mph.

There’s also a drop tower, swinging ship and spinning disk ride – family-friendly attractions at the theme park include carousels, a play area and little race cars.

Tickets start from £21.43.

Vulcania

Vulcania is a unique theme park where volcanoes are the heart, or core, of it all.

There are rollercoasters like Namazu which stands at 52.5 feet tall, covers 584 metres of track and reaches speeds of 42.8mph.

Other rides, like the Abyss Explore, are where visitors can explore underwater volcanoes – others reveal what they look like from above.

The evening light show is not to be missed, and make sure to pop into the planetarium as it’s the biggest in the country. Tickets start from £24.

Terra Botanica

A theme park all about plants might sound odd, but it makes for a great day out.

Terra Botanica is surrounded by greenery and has around 500,000 plants from around the world.

It doesn’t have any classic rollercoaster rides, but it does have treetop trails suspended high up in the air, boat and miniature train rides.

One ride allows visitors to explore the park from a bird’s eye view pedalling in a carriage shaped like a walnut shell.

Inside there are 4D adventures which make visitors feel like they’re in a jeep as they enter a dinosaur reserve.

Tickets start from £18.

Locals say overcrowding and soaring property prices have made it a “nightmare” to live in the town

One historic seaside town on the Yorkshire coast, loved for its dramatic coastal views, traditional seaside charm and fascinating history has been hit by a mass of tourism. Research by HeyDiscount previously ranked Whitby among the UK’s most overcrowded tourist spots.

In a town with just 13,000 residents, Whitby has an estimated 3,275 commercial holiday lets, according to research carried out for the town’s Neighbourhood Plan. So it is no wonder that this has had an impact on housing and affordability.

Why is Whitby famous?

The town is perhaps best known for Whitby Abbey, the striking Gothic ruins perched high on the East Cliff overlooking the harbour and coastline.

Visitors can reach the abbey by climbing the famous 199 Steps, one of Whitby’s best-known landmarks and a popular spot for taking in views across the town.

The history of the site stretches back to 657 AD, when the first monastery was founded there. The medieval abbey that later stood on the site was eventually destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century.

Meanwhile, Bram Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and drew inspiration from the town for his famous novel Dracula. Its Gothic links have since become a major part of Whitby’s identity and appeal.

Alan Cuthbert, a lifelong Whitby resident and fisherman said: “You can’t walk down the street without bumping into someone with a camera or a bag of fish and chips.

“For us locals, it’s a nightmare. Traffic’s worse, parking’s a joke, and the peace we used to have is long gone.”

Tourists and second-home purchasers have driven property prices to new heights, forcing locals to move out.

Mr Cuthbert added: “Houses that used to be for families like mine are now being snatched up as holiday lets or second homes. Prices have gone through the roof. I’ve got friends who’ve had to move out of Whitby altogether because they can’t afford to live here anymore.”

Former Mayor Linda Wild told MailOnline: “Where I live, 90% of the neighbouring houses are holiday lets or second homes. Every Friday night, I can hear the rattle of suitcase wheels on the pavement.”

According to Rightmove figures, the average house property price in Whitby is £239,777.

The majority of properties sold in Whitby during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £227,143. Terraced properties sold for an average of £234,090, with detached properties fetching £336,614.

Tourism

Despite these challenges, tourism undeniably brings benefits to local businesses.

Between one and two million tourists visit Whitby each year, according to the BBC.

Sarah Bennett, a café owner in the town centre, acknowledges that tourism has been crucial to her livelihood. She said: “My café gets more visitors, which helps keep the business going year-round, not just in the summer.”

Yet she is equally candid about the downsides, particularly the strain placed on local services. She added: “Tourism has definitely put pressure on local amenities. It can be harder to get a doctor’s appointment or find a spot in local schools. The challenge is making sure that the benefits of this investment reach everyone, not just the tourists.”

While some residents cash in on the tourism boom, others are left picking up the pieces.

Neil Swannick, a Labour councillor for Whitby Streonshalh ward, summed up this rift, saying last year: “There are certainly people that have done well out of tourism in Whitby, but that benefit hasn’t been evenly spread across the residents of the town.”

North Yorkshire Council has identified parking, transport and housing as some of the key challenges facing Whitby as visitor numbers continue to grow.

The council now plans to limit new holiday lets and has drafted a Neighbourhood Plan which proposes a Principal Residence Policy. This means new open-market homes could be used as permanent residences rather than second homes or holiday lets.

Meanwhile, traffic and parking is another issue. The council says Whitby’s historic streets were not designed to cope with the volume of traffic brought by the town’s popularity, particularly during busy periods. Improving parking is therefore among the priorities outlined in its emerging Town Investment Plan.

There are also plans to make Whitby more pedestrian-friendly, with proposals to routinely pedestrianise the Whitby Swingbridge and surrounding harbourside.

North Yorkshire Council says the changes could improve safety during busy tourist periods, reduce pollution and make it easier for pedestrians to travel between the two sides of the town.

A MAJOR UK theme park has been forced to close all day “due to adverse weather and flooding”.

Owners of the park have apologised for any disappointment caused by the decision, telling visitors “your safety comes first”.

Drayton Manor Resort will remain shut all day today after heavy downpours and thunderstorms caused significant flooding in the area.

Floods have swamped Birmingham and the West Midlands overnight, with locals reporting cars being “stranded” in flood water and homes being left inundated with water.

More rain is forecast to hit Birmingham and other cities throughout today, with a Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms continuing into the evening.

Customers have been advised not to contact staff at Drayton Manor at this stage, saying they would contact visitors at a later date to rearrange visits.

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A statement on the theme park’s Facebook said: “Due to adverse weather and flooding, Drayton Manor Resort will be closed today.

“We know many of you were looking forward to visiting, and we’re very sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience this causes.

“There’s no need to contact us at this stage. We’ll be in touch with affected guests shortly with information on how to rearrange your visit for another date.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding while we make alternative arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you to Drayton Manor soon.”

Drayton Manor, located in Tamworth in Staffordshire, is considered to be the fourth-largest theme park in the country.

With over 50 rides and attractions, Drayton is home to Europe’s only Thomas the Tank Engine Land and a 15-acre zoo.

Bosses have not yet confirmed whether the park will reopen to visitors tomorrow or throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

THE world’s largest airport is set to open by 2032 – and inside passengers can expect forests, waterfalls and super modern technology.

Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is set to overtake the likes of King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia to become the biggest airport in the world.

Construction of the £25.9billion airport is currently underway and it will eventually have five runways once complete, with 360 flights an hour (200 departures and 160 arrivals).

According to Khaleej Times, the project has been unimpacted by the situation in the Middle East.

In an interview, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, added that construction has not slowed due to the tensions in the Middle East.

Over the past months the Middle East has faced escalating unrest, due to tensions between the US, Israel and Iran.

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The conflict has seen airspace impacted with major airlines such as British Airways and Lufthansa suspending flights across the Middle East.

Dubai International Airport also saw minor damage in an attack earlier this year.

However, the new airport is set to have capacity for 150million passengers each year within the first decade, before eventually rising to 260million passengers.

This is compared to London Heathrow which has a capacity of 84million a year, although this is set to increase to 150million with the third runway.

Al Maktoum International Airport will have more than 400 gates which will be able to host ‘next-generation’, ultra-wide body planes from Airbus and Boeing.

There will be two terminals and a huge underground baggage system capable of moving 30,000 bags per hour.

Inside the terminals passengers can expect giant halls and open air concourses, as well internal waterfalls and gardens.

And because the airport is so big, passengers can hop on the ‘integrated underground Automated People Mover system’, which includes a multi-track train.

Across the airport, there will be 14 stations in total.

Technology at the airport will also be super modern, with automated travel systems, AI security checks and robot staff.

The robots will be used for various tasks, including baggage handling.

The current title of the largest airport in the world belongs to King Salman International Airport, which is currently being constructed in Saudi Arabia.

IT’S your last chance to visit a major tourist attraction in the UK – unless you can wait until 2028.

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens dates back to 1879, now home to four floors of local history, science and art as well as an impressive glass-domed tropical greenhouse.

However on August 29, the free-to-visit attraction will close its doors for two years for a huge renovation project.

The £13.6million project will include new entrances and a ‘shop window’ style exhibit.

This will allow it to show off items like its Nissan car that was the first off the production line at the Sunderland factory in 1986.

New rooms will be created too such as The Growing Space, with a tree-like canopy that will be used as a place for activities, and other exhibition spaces will be added.

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The tropical gardens which sit alongside the museum will get new lighting and seating areas as well as new plant species.

Currently inside the greenhouse are over 2,000 plants as well as man-made streams and ponds with colourful Koi fish.

There’s also a treetop walkway to see through the canopy and spot Mowbray Park through the glass.

Amongst the tropical plants is a permanent collection of life-sized dinosaur models and fossils.

During the works, the dinosaurs will be stored away safely, as will Wallace the Lion – a taxidermy lion from 1868.

During the closure, a new Culture House will open on September 12, where some museum activities will take place.

Other events that would have usually been held in the attraction will go-head at other places across the city.

Councillor Ciera Hudspith, cabinet member for culture, tourism and heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: “This once-in-a-generation transformation is about creating a museum that is fit for the future, while protecting its heritage and collections for generations to come.

“While we know people will be sad to see the museum temporarily close, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of our best-loved attractions.”

Ciera continued: “We’re also really excited to take museum activities out into communities across our city while the redevelopment work is underway.”

If you want to find out more about the museums around England – here’s a full list of 200 that are completely free.

This train track claimed the lives of hundreds of people during its 24 years of construction.

Burrowing beneath a towering mountain range in Massachusetts is a railway tunnel with a long and blood soaked history. The Hoosac Tunnel travels between North Adams in the west to the town of Florida, Massachusetts in the east. It was constructed in 1851 and finally finished in 1975.

However, during its 24 years of construction, this railway tunnel claimed the lives of around 200 men, giving it the terrifying nickname of ‘the Bloody Pit’. Men were killed by explosions, falling rocks and accidents with ladders and scaffolding, leading to a strike in 1865 where workers burned buildings in protest of the horrific working conditions.

Over the year following the strike, a further 14 men were killed or injured at work in the tunnel.

On October 17, 1867, the tunnel saw the deadliest accident of its 24 years in construction.

Workers were digging a 1,028 foot long vertical exhaust shaft when a candle ignited the fumes that had leaked from a lamp.

An explosion ripped through the shaft, setting the hoist alight. It collapsed into the shaft, trapping 13 men working at the base of the shaft inside the darkness.

The pumps were destroyed, and the shaft began to fill with water.

In a desperate attempt to save the men trapped below, a worker was lowered into the shaft the following day but was overcome by fumes and reported no survivors once he reached the surface again.

Horrifyingly, when workers reached the bottom of the shaft months later they found that at least some of the men had survived long enough to build a raft to escape the rising flood waters before they suffocated.

The men died due to a lack of oxygen as fires burned through the air.

Despite the tragedies that befall construction, the tunnel was finally completed and used by both passenger and freight trains.

Today, the tunnel still stands but is only used for freight trains.

PREMIER Inn has confirmed it is opening a new 187-bedroom hotel in a popular seaside resort.

The UK’s largest hotel chain has transformed the site of a former nightclub complex in the city centre. 

Located near to Brighton seafront, building work has now been completed with a “topping out” ceremony taking place this week. 

The budget hotel is set to open its doors to customers in early 2028.

The new hotel, which will trade as Premier Inn Brighton City Centre (Seafront), will feature the chain’s latest bedroom designs.

In addition to enhanced Premier Plus rooms, guests can enjoy a ground-floor restaurant.

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The six-storey development will also include a reception area and landscaped roof areas.

Once opened, the new hotel will be the second Premier Inn in Brighton.

Simon Lancaster, Whitbread’s head of construction for London and the South, told The Argus: “It is always a proud moment topping out a new Premier Inn hotel, and it is especially significant at a location as prominent as West Street in Brighton.

“Completing the frame brings us another step closer to delivering a flagship new Premier Inn for the city, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication, expertise and hard work in reaching this stage.” 

The development forms part of Whitbread’s strategy to expand Premier Inn hotels in high-demand city-centre locations.

Premier Inn currently operates nearly 850 hotels in the UK.

RULES are set to change for any Brits heading to Ireland via ferry from next month.

Passengers will be required to carry a valid passport with no exceptions – or risk being stopped before boarding for the first time in over 100 years.

The change will be enforced from September 28 and is UK Border Force tightening rules on “accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding”.

Currently, passengers are not required to show a passport but can be asked to have another form of photo ID with a photograph like a driving licence or a bus pass.

Ferry operators Stena Line and Irish Ferries which operate regular crossing told customers yesterday of the changes.

Irish Ferries explained: “This is a change to the current ID accepted and means that from 28 September, no other forms of photo ID will be accepted by Irish Ferries for any passengers, including Irish and UK citizens.

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“This is to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.”

Irish Ferries operates two routes between Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

These go between Holyhead and Dublin, and Pembroke and Rosslare.

Another ferry enforcing these rules is Stena Line which has crossings between Holyhead and Dublin as well as Fishguard and Rosslare.

Passengers on these crossings must produce a passport on departure and it added that “no other ID is accepted”.

Customers with pre-existing bookings with both ferries will be contacted by customer service prior to their journey.

Previously, passengers didn’t have to carry their passports with them because of what’s known as The Common Travel Area (CTA).

The CTA is a passport-free zone involving the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands dating back to 1923.

British and Irish citizens don’t legally need a passport to travel between the two destinations.

But carrying passports has since became a requirement by airlines like Ryanair and Aer Lingus for passengers flying between the two destinations.

DROPPING £40 on dinner usually gets you standard pub grub these days – but I’ve found a deal for a posh two-course meal on the Thames for even less.

This City Cruises Thames lunch cruise is currently on sale, with tickets costing £38 instead of the usual £53.

Click below to book a City Cruises lunchtime cruise from £38

City Cruises offers loads of experiences on the Thames, from Afternoon Tea and fancy dinner cruises to jazz, murder mystery and Elvis tribute nights. Click here to browse all the options.

I put their most popular cruise – the Lunch Cruise – to the test to see what you actually get for your money. Spoiler alert: I was pretty blown away.

The tour begins at Tower Milennium Pier, which is right beside the Tower of London.

After scanning my ticket, I stepped onboard to find a fancy dining area with huge floor-to-ceiling windows for soaking up the views.

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Tables are laid with crisp white tablecloths, and once you are seated, friendly waiters are soon swooping in to serve you glasses of wine, cocktails or soft drinks.

After relaxing into my seat, we soon set off to gently drift along the Thames.

I sipped my wine and enjoyed the views, and, within 15 minutes, a delicious main course was placed in front of me.

For the main event, diners choose between a hearty white bean and oyster mushroom cassoulet or a roasted chicken supreme. Do note that drinks, other than tea and coffee with pudding, are an add-on.

I opted for the chicken and was genuinely stunned. It was drenched in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and paired with an indulgent, cheesy fondant potato.

It’s a dish that could easily hold its own in a top-tier London restaurant – which makes it all the more impressive aboard a moving boat.

Click below to bag a lunch cruise for £38 – or browse offers

Then dessert arrived: a baked cheesecake bursting with a molten white chocolate centre, topped with sweet raspberry coulis.

I washed it down with a warming cup of tea, and decided to head up to the upper deck to soak up the views.

We had cruised from Tower Milennium Pier all the way along to Canary Wharf, taking in the contrast between London’s old maritime docks and the ultra-modern skyscrapers of London’s financial district.

After pausing to soak up the glittering lights of the financial hub and the towering skyscrapers reflecting off the water, we turned around to make our way towards the main event: Big Ben.

There were plenty of impressive sights along the way, and the tour guide, who stood out on the open-air deck to share his expertise, revealed plenty of fascinating facts.

We glided under nine magnificent bridges and learned all about their history.

One of my favourite facts I learned was that the famous Tower Bridge was originally painted a drab chocolate brown before being given its vibrant red, white, and blue colours for the Queen‘s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

The expert guide also explained how the modern Millennium Bridge famously had to close just two days after opening because it wobbled so violently under the footsteps of pedestrians.

After cruising past the legendary Globe Theatre (and spotting the pub that Shakespeare used to frequent: The Anchor) we drifted right past the London Eye.

It was amazing to see the landmark up-close and take in its size, watching teeny tiny people in their pods raised high above the impressive London skyline.

Soon we reached Big Ben, where we paused on the water to take in the views and take photos.

The view from the water was breath-taking – plus it was far more peaceful taking in the landmark from the boat than the noisy, bustling streets surrounding it.

I snapped some shots before we headed back down to Tower Milennium Pier, feeling far more knowledgeable – and full – than I had before stepping aboard that day.

Overall, I think the lunch cruise is a fantastic way to tick off London’s major sights in one go.

And when you consider the fancy meal that’s also included, I think this cruise is the ideal experience for a date, birthday or special occasion.

Click below to browse offers at City Cruises

Prices correct at the time of publication.

A UK airport will be forced to fully close tomorrow due to strike action, resulting in all flights being suspended.

Norwich Airport will close all day on August 28 due to an air traffic control strike.

As a result, all flights have been cancelled.

The airport operates to a number of European destinations including Faro, Malta, Alicante and Amsterdam.

And the strike action is forcing holidaymakers to travel 101 miles to catch their flights.

Local travel agents have said that anyone due to travel from the airport tomorrow will now depart from Southend Airport in Essex.

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Passengers have been told to head to Norwich Airport, where they will then be taken on a coach to Southend.

Strike action comes as Prospect union continues an ongoing dispute over pay, terms and conditions.

Strike action started last Monday after the airport failed to make an offer to resolve the dispute, with several cancellations on Friday including Loganair flights to and from Aberdeen.

In a statement on the airport’s website, it says: “Due to the 24-hour strike by Prospect union members in Air Traffic Control, Norwich Airport will be closed to air traffic on Friday 28 August and no flights will operate to or from the airport that day.

“Airlines have been informed.

“Passengers due to travel on Friday should check with their airline for the latest information about their flight and the options available to them.

“We apologise for the disruption and inconvenience this will cause to passengers.

“We remain firmly committed to resolving this dispute through constructive dialogue and will continue to engage with Prospect with the aim of reaching agreement.”

A woman has praised Primark’s clever £25 cabin suitcase which can supposedly save travellers money at the airport – and it’s even perfect if you fly with Ryanair regularly

Anyone travelling with Ryanair will know how hard it can be trying to keep within the hand luggage size limits. Often passengers have to spend extra money on not taking any luggage in the hold – or upgrading to priority travel.

That’s why one woman was thrilled to find a piece of hand luggage that doesn’t break the bank, and also fits in the Ryanair baggage policy. Primark’s £25 suitcase, complete with detachable wheels, means you can get through the priority lane supposedly without having to spend extra money at the gate.

Ryanair Priority allows passengers to bring a 55cm x 40cm x 20cm cabin bag (up to 10kg) for the overhead locker, plus a small personal under-seat bag – and this Primark suitcase ticks all the boxes.

TikTok user Denic joked: “Ryanair has got nothing on me,” as she popped the wheels off her pink suitcase before testing it against the recommended measurements.

And sure enough, it slotted in perfectly – meaning she was able to board her flight without any unnecessary stress or hassle.

The dimensions of the case are 48.5cm x 30cm x 20cm, making it a perfect fit for Ryanair priority boarding passengers.

The under-seat personal bag you’re also permitted must measure 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. Many commenters suggested she wouldn’t be allowed the white bag shown in the clip – but rest assured, an additional personal bag is permitted.

In the comments, one user clarified: “The top hole is a personal bag (small bag 40 x 30 x 20, no maximum weight, but you have to carry it yourself). You can only take 1 per person. But you have 2, the one in the hole on top and the one on the floor next to you. The bottom hole is the carry-on bag (the name speaks for itself, 55 x 40 x 20, 10kg).”

One fuming commenter wrote: “Acting like you tricked Ryanair when you bought a suitcase specifically sized for Ryanair?”

Another hit back: “It’s still better than paying 70€ for 2cm.”

A third chimed in: “If your luggage is going in the top bin, that suggests it’s your handbag allowance, so what are you doing with the second bag?

“If you’ve paid for overhead, then you’ve just demonstrated what a completely useless feature that is, as such a small bag would easily have fit in the bigger bin with the wheels.”

Others said the bag was a smart idea.

What is Ryanair’s baggage policy?

Ryanair travellers can carry a free cabin bag no larger than 40 x 30 x 20cm, provided it fits under the seat in front.

To upgrade baggage to priority, this allows passengers to keep a small under-seat bag plus a larger 10kg trolley bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm) in the cabin.

Alternatively, a 10kg bag can be checked in and dropped at the airport desk before security. While anyone who goes for checked baggage, this includes a 20kg bag or 23kg. No single checked bag can exceed 32kg, and any excess weight can lead to an airport fee.

Beth Hackman came across the idea by accident

A British woman shipped 8kg of clothes from her wardrobe to Australia for £4 – using a Vinted hack.

Beth Hackman, 25, moved the 10,000 miles from Windsor in Berkshire to Sydney with her partner, Nathan Riley, 25, while travelling in the region from March 2026. The physiotherapist moved with just two large rucksacks worth of clothes, but realised she needed more.

Instead of spending a fortune buying new clothes or on shipping, she downloaded Vinted to see if she could see what her mum, Mel Belsdon, 49, was selling, as she was an avid poster on the app. She then realised she could ship the clothes for free as part of Vinted’s launch in Australia.

Beth FaceTimed her mum so she could buy four bundles of her own clothes for £1 each as her mum listed them, so they didn’t get nabbed by anyone else.

All four 2kg parcels, within the confines of Vinted’s weight limit, arrived within nine days.

Beth said: “It was such a good hack to discover! I could literally picture the clothes I wanted to wear in my wardrobe back home and really didn’t want to have to waste money on new ones.

“I had just redownloaded Vinted on my phone with its location now showing as Australia and it came up saying there was no shipping fees for packages from the UK.

“I couldn’t believe it was true and immediately worked with my mum to get it sorted.

“All my stuff ended up arriving just over a week later on my birthday, which was just perfect.”

Vinted has since removed the free shipping in Australia, with the average parcel now costing £1.50 ($3.03 AUS) to deliver.

Jet2 regularly keeps its passengers informed

Jet2 has reissued a “12 hours” update to all passengers who have flights and holidays booked with the carrier.

The travel operator regularly keeps passengers informed, including flagging any events likely to cause disruption or delays, and the latest travel information section of its website continues to update travellers. The alert reads: “Please check this section of the website at least 12 hours before your flight for the latest flight information. Customers are advised to arrive at their departure airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled departure time.

“In the event of any flight delays further information can be found by using the above search panel by entering your flight number or route. As a reminder check in desks will close 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Rest assured, in the event of flight disruption our dedicated Operations teams are always working hard behind the scenes at our UK-based HQ to get you on your way as soon as possible.”

Jet2 check-in desks typically open a minimum of two hours and 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, as the check-in process must be completed at least 40 minutes before take-off.

At certain UK airports, Jet2 provides a Twilight Check-in service, allowing you to drop off your luggage the evening before your flight if it’s scheduled to depart before midday. You can also check in online anytime from 28 days up to six hours before departure via the website or app.

Should you opt to check in online, you’ll need to either print your boarding passes or download them to your device. Jet2 reminds passengers that online check-in is not available for flights departing from Turkey.

“You can still complete the process and get your pre-allocated seats, but you’ll need to visit our airport check-in desks to collect your boarding pass before you go to security.”

An issue everyone has faced at one time or the other led to a nightmare for Karen Cassidy, after tour operator Jet2 cancelled her entire booking due to the ‘no-show’

A mum who overslept and missed her holiday flight to Spain was left “in tears” after discovering that her entire all-inclusive package holiday had been cancelled without her knowledge. Karen Cassidy and her husband George Gale had been due to fly out to Malaga at just after 7am on August 14 but overslept.

Karen explained: “The baby had kept me up so I don’t think I ended up going to sleep until 2:00am then we were supposed to get up at 4:00am but just slept through our alarms.”

As soon as she realised that that they had missed their flight, Karen wasted no time in getting ‘straight on the internet’ and booked an alternative flight to Malaga for that afternoon.

But after finally arriving at the hotel at midnight, the “exhausted” mum-of-three, 36, says she was left “in tears” to discover her entire all-inclusive package holiday had been cancelled.

After calling holiday organisers Jet2 and “crying for 20 minutes” Karen says she was told there was “absolutely nothing they could do” and she had to pay another €350 (£300) to stay the night in the hotel.

Karen says that she and George ended up paying over £1,500 for alternative accommodation and travel – meaning the cost of their £1,114 family holiday ballooned to more than £2,600.

Sharing her experience on TikTok, Karen wants to raise awareness so that other people don’t make the same mistake she did.

She explained: “Our new flight was around 4:00pm then we were delayed for over an hour so by the time we got to the hotel it was midnight. Obviously they were like ‘we can’t find your booking.’ Then they explained ‘actually there is a booking but it’s a past booking.’ Jet2 had cancelled our entire holiday at 3pm.

“After everything I felt we had gone through, I was just shocked.”

A spokesperson for Jet2holidays said: “We’re sorry to hear about Ms Cassidy and Mr Gale’s experience and we understand how disappointing it must have been to arrive in Malaga and find that their holiday arrangements had been cancelled.

“Unfortunately, as the customers did not travel on their booked outbound flight or let us know that they planned to make their own way to Malaga, their remaining holiday arrangements were cancelled in line with the terms and conditions of their booking. When they got in touch with us after arriving in resort, our team offered to try to help and support them.”

Karen said that when they finally arrived at they hotel she was “exhausted and just in tears.”

She explained: ”They [Jet2] came back to me and said there’s absolutely nothing they can do, they have a no-show policy, because it’s been cancelled, they can’t go back on that.”

They had arrived at their hotel so late, Karen added, that they had very few alternatives. ”At this time, midnight, we don’t have that luxury option of going to shop around,” she said.

Karen shared her story on TikTok, saying that even though she had received critical comments from some other users, she wanted to make others aware of what she called Jet2’s “unclear” policy. She continued: “Through loads of rubbish comments from people calling me an idiot or people saying ‘what grown up can miss a flight’, there’s hundreds of people that don’t know.

“If I could save one person, I’m happy.”

My dream holiday is a trip back in time. Not to see the results of seismic Pompeii or 15th-century Machu Picchu – although I love both – but somewhere created specifically between the mid 1950s and 1970s, when cities were getting weird. I love postwar architourism, exploring urban planning at its most frenzied and optimistic. I have relished trips to Niemeyer’s Brasília and Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh in India, where the monumental and visionary modernist architecture and interiors are at odds with the minimal population. So La Grande-Motte, the retro futurist folly of a resort town on the southern coast of France, a 30-minute drive from Montpellier, had long been on my “must visit” list.

The tourist board of this Occitanie seaside town likes to flag up some superficial parallels between it and the aforementioned cities, but this isn’t a high-concept capital city or administrative hub. It was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s purely to persuade the French to stop going south to the Costa Brava in Spain. As part of an initiative by the French government, a stretch of windswept mosquito-infested coast between Montpellier and Perpignan, including Gruissan and Port Leucate, was reimagined as an alternative to the Côte d’Azur with several new-build beach towns. La Grande-Motte would be the weirdest project. It was made for fun. It’s also well positioned to visit the nearby salt marshes and 13th-century walled-in town of Aigues-Mortes, for when you want to feel as if you’ve ticked a few more holiday boxes.

The mastermind behind the town’s architecture, Jean Balladur, took inspiration from temples and Mesoamerican pyramids from the first century, imagining what the 21st century would look like in the 1970s. Why shouldn’t modernist apartments be arranged in the shape of a Maya pyramid, or an intergalactic curve? I rented a tiny studio with my husband in the Incas building for part of my trip, and while there was nothing in the way of high design about the interior, being on that terrace immersed us in a timewarp.

Walking around Point Zéro (named for being the site of the earliest construction), home to La Grande-Motte’s main beach, all looks fairly standard: families playing on the sand, couples drinking cocktails outside cafes. The beach gained a Blue Flag award for environmental management and water quality in 2025. But the place is unique: the ferris wheel is solar powered and the buildings suggest you’re on another planet entirely – there are no rectangular blocks and few right angles to be seen. The urban planning has been driven by pedestrian pathways and cycle routes, punctuated by thousands of trees.

On the beach there are concrete sculptures by artist Joséphine Chevry, which look like the tips of the wartime sound mirrors in Dungeness, Kent. Chevry created them to help shape the dunes (AKA “the big mound”) but also to serve as functional wind breakers and shade when Point Zéro was created. They’re now mostly buried in the sand. Time has moved on but they will for ever be core to the town’s concept.

The place has had cyclical fortunes. As with many seaside towns, it fell from grace in the 1980s. It was gauche. In 2014 the fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus created a nostalgic collection and book in homage to the town and talked to AnOther Magazine of its “trashy reputation”, but he also said he found it “inspiring and exciting” and remembered his holidays there as a child. And it seems a renaissance is under way as the grandchildren of people who first bought apartments here are discovering it.

I’d recommend the fabulously vintage three-star Hotel Le Quetzal (doubles from €114 room-only) as an interesting base. It feels brilliantly 1970s, being part of the original wave of development in the town, but was refurbished a few years ago so the essentials are fresh and modern. Its design is as interesting as anywhere in town: the balconies jut out like theatre boxes and create an optical illusion of the building being slanted. There’s no restaurant but people microwave meals in the lobby or bring back a margherita from nearby L’Atelier de la Pizza to have on their balcony.

A couple of days by the pool here are great, fending off seagulls from your pain au chocolate at breakfast and watching stray cats wander around the loungers; the same families have been coming for years. Nearby, L’innatendu is a better restaurant than anything on the seafront (I particularly recommend the squid with black rice), although the most enjoyable meal I had was a bunch of simple marinated skewers at La Guinguette des Alizés, opposite the seafront carousel on Avenue du Couchant that looks like a piece of pop art.

Strolling around La Grande-Motte’s apartment blocks was as fascinating to me as a visit to the Colosseum. I walked through the open-air theatre that looks like a derelict World’s Fair site but is used for shows regularly, around the elegant white bow shape of Saint-Augustin’s church, down to the water and the Big Pyramid apartment complex facing the yachts on the dock, and to the low and curved buildings of Le Couchant. I spent hours photographing stairwells and walkways, and the hundreds of balconies that make the town the sum of its geometric parts – graphic beauty reminiscent of the Bauhaus, Saul Bass posters and Verner Panton furniture. La Grande-Motte is a sunny, gleaming white vision of a future that we could never live up to. Or perhaps deserve.

When you’re a Hollywood icon, everyone in town has a story about you. But with Dolly Parton, so do visitors of a 160-acre Tennessee theme park.

I waited for what felt like my entire life to see Dollywood. As a theme park journalist, it was the absolute summit of my professional bucket list — always close yet somehow out of reach. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., like many regional gems, thrives from its proximity to nearby towns but is a haul and a half to get to from Los Angeles. (Consider it no coincidence that Delta Airlines canceled our flight there on two separate occasions.)

My friends and I wore Dolly and Mickey Mouse T-shirts for the occasion.

(Carlye Wisel)

After a failed attempt in 2025, my crew of friends rallied to at long last make the successful pilgrimage to the country crooner’s compound earlier this spring. Once we checked into our Lincoln Logs rental cabin and reality hit that we’d actually made it — cowboy boots on the ground! — we realized all four of us were unusually clueless about what came next.

As Disney obsessives, my friends and I know theme parks, but had no barometer for what to expect from … a celebrity-themed one. Would it feel worn-down and somewhat sad? Would they smell the coastal elite media bias on us? Was the cinnamon bread actually that good?!

Of course, it was all perfect. Gloriously lush, vast and yet somehow deeply quaint, it was jarringly unexpected in the best of ways.

The 12,000-pound Dollywood Eagle is the mascot for the park’s winged roller-coaster, the Wild Eagle.

(Amy Harris / Invision / AP)

Mornings at Dollywood were spent wandering the now-relocated bald eagle sanctuary and crafting village, afternoons were spent riding black bears, coasters and log flumes. We watched candle-dipping artisans at work with wide eyes, heard the screaming whistle of the authentic steam locomotive train, and perused each room of the Dolly Parton Experience museum with glee. By the second day, one friend was walking arm-in-arm toward the cinnamon bread grist mill with its cashier. There was a palpable kindness that emanated throughout, as though every employee was working in her honor, whether performing in a show alongside her blood relatives or selling bedazzled tank tops.

The glorious cinnamon bread at Dollywood.

(Carlye Wisel)

Standing in front of the Grist Mill, a.k.a., the home of the cinnamon bread.

(Carlye Wisel)

And then there were the rides. As for enduring monuments, Elvis fanatics have Graceland, Beatles obsessives have Abbey Road, but Dolly? Dolly acolytes have a wooden-steel coaster so intense it can pop your boob right out of your bra. (In retrospect, my friend’s incident was a perfectly unintended homage to the busty star.)

With funnel cakes in the shape of her beloved butterfly and fashion exhibits with eye-popping heels and wigs, Dolly Parton’s theme park has history, entertainment, reverence. She was inviting us into her figurative and literal home — the tour bus she resided in for over a decade, with an overzealous guide to boot. In fact, most employees couldn’t wait to talk about Dolly, and neither could we. To be here is to be close to Dolly Parton, but to work here seems almost spiritual.

The Lightning Rod roller coaster is intense.

(Carlye Wisel)

At some point between the blacksmithery heat, second loaf of cinnamon bread and feeling my soul leave my body aboard a haunted coal mine coaster, it hit me that this simply will never happen again. The splintering of mass media, the confluence of a cultural icon whose priorities are so admirable — the zeitgeist will simply never again support someone so pure of heart. Who else could pull off an eponymous theme park without it feeling brazenly self-serving?

After all, Dollywood isn’t just a pile of rides in the Great Smoky Mountains. Rooted in authenticity, service and philanthropy, they’re honoring Appalachian culture by forging iron and blowing glass in their Craftsman’s Valley, while inviting you in to do the same. The Imagination Playhouse, a live musical staging of children’s books, promotes her literacy initiative and its work gifting hundreds of millions of free books. Even the property’s most expensive hotel room is a low-key fundraiser for the Dollywood Foundation. In the era of budget cuts, corporate consolidations and layoffs, it feels like a respite from the fiscally overwhelming sides of America’s other theme parks these days, but that’s always been its objective. Dolly’s original investment in Silver Dollar City, the park’s predecessor, was purely to give back to the community and support jobs in the area.

Dollywood’s Palace Theater has hosted iconic shows through the decades.

(Amy Harris / Invision / AP)

Until her death Tuesday at age 80, Dolly was the closest thing we had to a modern day Walt Disney mixed with Mr. Rogers’ kindness and Miss Piggy’s flair. A true Renaissance woman who pulled herself out of a state of poverty that for many seems unimaginable (until, of course, you overstay your welcome ogling the exhibit of her two-room Tennessee Mountain childhood home, which I obviously have).

Dolly Parton was a living testament to what’s important in life: treating others the way you want to be treated, while also looking hot as hell. How unbelievable it is to have been alive at the same time as such a remarkable woman, and to have a place we can forever visit to celebrate her.

All I can do after the end to such a historic run is to urge you: Don’t wait as long as I did to experience Dollywood’s magic firsthand. Make the pilgrimage. Go there and see it yourself, in her honor.

And maybe, just maybe, wear a more supportive bra on Lightning Rod.

Fans gathered at Dollywood after she died at the age of 80.

(Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images)