holidays

GREGGS is opening its first bakery outside the UK in nearly 20 years – meaning Brits will be able to get the famous sausage roll while on holiday.

It will be the first Greggs opening in Spain, as it is set to welcome passengers at Tenerife South Airport later this month.

Partnering with Lagardere Travel Retail, it will be the first international outlet for the bakery since 2008, when it last had stores in Belgium.

The new opening will be in the departures side of the airport, and will “test to spreading our wings in an overseas setting”.

An official opening date is yet to be confirmed but it will have all of the classics as well as some local dishes.

This includes a Spanish Omelette Roll, which will be alongside hot bakes, sweet snacks and sandwiches.

Read more on new openings

HOLA-DAY

I visited ‘Wetherspoons of Spain’ where jugs of beer cost £1.50 and lunch is £1

DRINK UP

Wetherspoons to open two new pubs in Spain with plans for even more across Europe

The bakery, which originated in Newcastle, said the location made it the “perfect way to round off a trip without breaking the bank”.

Tenerife South Airport is popular with Brits, where around 50 per cent of the annual 13million holidaymakers are from the UK.

Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie said: “Tenerife South Airport is a hub for millions of UK and international passengers each year, making it the ideal location to test spreading our wings in an overseas setting.

“It’s an exciting milestone for Greggs as we bring a slice of home to the Canaries, and we’re confident our great-value offering will resonate just as well under the Spanish sun as it does on the UK high street.”

Javier Cagigal, chief executive of Lagardere Travel Retail Spain and Portugal, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Greggs to bring such a well-loved brand into Tenerife South Airport for the very first time.

“As passengers head home, this new opening gives them a familiar, comforting choice in departures – whether that’s a last treat, a relaxed sit-down moment or something to ease the journey home.”

Earlier this year, Wetherspoons also opened its first ever pub in mainland Europe.

Having launched at Alicante Airport, there are now plans to open at Barcelona El-Prat Airport in September, followed by a second next year.

BRITISH Airways’ multi-million pound superjumbo refit faces certification delays over fears crew cannot safely restrain drunk passengers in its new business class seats.

The airline is in the process of upgrading its Airbus A380 fleet with its latest Club Suite, which comes with a sliding privacy door.

But the makeover could hit delays because of concerns over how staff would deal with an air rage passenger on the upper deck.

BA plans to move a small section economy seats off the top floor and replace them with a larger Club World cabin.

Its passenger restraint kit is understood to be approved for economy and premium economy seats – not the new suite-style business seats.

That could leave crew with a major problem if a passenger became violent or disruptive upstairs.

secret code

Flight attendants spill the tea on what ‘Bob’ passenger nickname actually means

SPAIN PAIN

Ryanair warns Spain to stop new entry rules as ‘queues are longer than flights’

Sources said hauling a violent passenger down the A380’s narrow staircases could put crew and other passengers at risk.

The first aircraft are currently being worked on in Manila, Philippines, as part of the refurbishment programme.

Industry sources have also suggested there may be certification concerns over the weight of the new business seats, which include motors and sliding doors.

Extra weight on the upper deck could affect the plane’s payload limits.

However, any delay may also be linked to wider supply chain issues affecting premium aircraft seats across the industry.

British Airways said the A380 refit programme remains on schedule for 2026.

I’M dancing in the midday sun, frozen margarita in hand, while the DJ plays top tunes to complement the incredibly beautiful Bahamian backdrop.

I’m at the new Royal Beach Club, on Paradise Island, a private party pad in the Bahamas owned by cruise company Royal Caribbean.

This 17-acre stretch includes three differently-themed areas and the world’s largest swim-up bar.

And the beach club is exclusively for passengers travelling on board Royal Caribbean ships.

It’s booked similarly to a cruise excursion, and the £126 fee buys you food, and drink all day, as well as access to three temperature- controlled pools and two huge white-sand beaches.

For those who don’t want alcoholic drinks, it’s £96.

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

Transfer to the club from ships docked at Bahamian capital Nassau are by bright-pink water taxi — ours was dubbed Flirty Flamingo.

After a few daiquiris by lunchtime, we were loving the upbeat atmosphere, with a real Las Vegas pool-party vibe.

As well as the Party Cove — by far the liveliest zone on the island — there is the Family Beach, designed with kids in mind.

The pool is perfect for younger children who want to play in shallow water and there is live music, and games, so parents can have fun, too.

For those who would rather kick back with a book and a beer, the Chill Beach is more relaxed.

But most come here to party and, with ten bars dotted around the island, it’s very easy to do that.

The food didn’t disappoint either.

Each area has an island grill, serving Bahamian favourites like coconut shrimp and jerk chicken.

After a day dancing in the sun, we were grateful to be able to amble on to one of the multi- coloured ferries back to the ship.

We were sailing on the 18-deck Wonder of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise vessels — and there was plenty on board to keep us busy, including 20 restaurants, five live shows, a surf simulator, zipline and ten-storey slide.

The ship is capable of hosting almost 7,000 passengers, in its 2,600 cabins.

Our balcony stateroom was bright and breezy, with the benefit of some outside space.

While there are plenty of venues for you to enjoy the tasty included dining, we splashed out on one of my favourite venues that come at an extra cost.

Seafood restaurant Hooked is around £36 extra per person if booked in advance, but is definitely worth it.

Delicious menu options included Alaskan salmon, Maine lobster and freshly shucked oysters, as well as a fantastic surf-and-turf.

After dinner, we managed to get a seat at the popular inTENse show, whose all-female performers include synchronised swimmers, acrobats and martial-arts specialists.

With a larger ship, the challenge can sometimes be getting your bearings, but on Wonder of the Seas the eight “neighbourhoods” mean you quickly get into the swing of things.

My favourites included Central Park, a serene open-air courtyard, adorned with trees and plants; The Boardwalk, a fun, fairground-themed zone; and the Royal Promenade, a social space with shops, bars and restaurants.

It’s easy to see why a Royal Caribbean cruise appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers.

Whether you are cruising as a family, a couple or with friends, there is a lot of fun to be had.

The karaoke lounge is a must — even if you don’t want to roll out your inner Jane McDonald.

The entertainment value for the audience here is high — with some very interesting performances from guests that have been sipping rum punch all afternoon.

There is more fun to be had off the ship, too.

All Royal Caribbean cruises to the Bahamas also stop at the cruise line’s own private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is included in the cost.

The perks included with your cruise continue on the island, too.

If you want a break from sunning yourself by the turquoise sea, you can also embrace your inner kid at the Thrill Waterpark, which does come at an extra cost.

Here, you can take on the third-highest waterslide on the planet.

This tube-slide is shockingly fast, with riders hurtling down at more than 30mph — taking just seconds to splash-land.

Which is a lot faster than it takes to climb the 255 steps to get to the top.

Back on the Wonder of the Seas, guests can take advantage of their last night at sea with the bars, pools and decks full of life.

With lots of fun things to see and do on board — and now with the Royal Beach Club giving you even more fun on land — a Royal cruise definitely offers the best of all worlds.

Claim your free family day pass to English Heritage sites, valid until Sunday, 14 June 2026. Simply cut out your voucher from today’s paper and present it at the site of your choice.

Spring is in full swing at English Heritage sites around the UK, and you can discover them for FREE with this amazing offer in the paper starting from Tuesday.

Using the voucher in the Daily Mirror, you and your family can gain access to spectacular woodland castles, colourful country houses and Victorian gardens in full bloom.

The pass covers up to two adults and three children, or one adult and four children, or two adults. It is valid until Sunday, 14 June 2026, and is inclusive of the bank holiday.

There are hundreds of historic sites across the country just waiting to be discovered and each one has a fascinating story to tell. There is everything from Viking attacks and medieval mayhem to Georgian glamour and Second World War heroics.

READ MORE: The Victorian hilltop fort built to repel an invasion which never happenedREAD MORE: UK village has one of the ‘most remarkable Roman finds’ and is packed with cosy pubs

So whatever you and your family enjoy – whether it’s a stroll around striking gardens and castles, exploring hidden tunnels or learning about World War II, historic monarchs, and the Viking way of life – you’re bound to find something to keep every member of the family happy and entertained.

And you can make the most of the season with plenty of outdoor space, fun-packed playgrounds and cafes with outdoor seating serving up ice creams, delicious lunches and refreshing drinks.

Whether you explore a Roman fortress, a royal palace or a rambling ruined abbey there’s no better way to seize the season and head out into history with friends and family

How to claim

Cut out the voucher and present it at your chosen English Heritage site by Sunday June 14, 2026, inclusive.

Please check the English Heritage website for opening times.

These are just some of the English Heritage sites you could visit

Dover Castle — An English fortress atop the White Cliffs of Dover, where visitors can explore wartime tunnels and a medieval keep

Osborne — The seaside palace of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the Isle of Wight

Pendennis Castle — The Tudor fortress in Falmouth, Cornwall, built by Henry VIII where visitors now find hidden tunnels, sweeping views, and lawns for picnics

Hadrian’s Wall — The historical landmark in Northumberland which was built by the Romans to guard the north-west frontier of their empire

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden — A medieval fortress turned beautiful garden in Warwickshire

Whitby Abbey — A striking 7th-century gothic monastery sitting in the historic fishing port of Whitby

Walmer House and Gardens — A Tudor fortress turned country house, which has been the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Port for three centuries

Down House — The home of Charles Darwin where he wrote On the Origin of Species, where you’ll find his “outdoor laboratory” and extensive gardens

At these sites, you can make the most of the temperate season with plenty of outdoor space and playgrounds for kids to run around in, as well as in- and outdoor cafés with serving ice creams, lunches and drinks.

Plus, you can get a scone for just £1 when bought with any hot drink in an English Heritage café.

Stonehenge and some other sites are not included in this offer.

For full terms and conditions visit the English Heritage website.

easyJet passengers are being warned they could face serious consequences if they don’t completely switch off certain electronic devices

Holidaymakers travelling with easyJet this summer are being warned that they could unknowingly fall foul of strict cabin rules unless they fully switch off a commonly used electronic device before stepping on board. The trouble is that many passengers only discover the rule once they’ve already reached the airport or are on the verge of boarding, where last-minute slip-ups could spell serious problems.

According to EasyJet, the warning relates to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, which must be carried in hand luggage only and are strictly forbidden from being stowed in hold baggage under any circumstances. The airline’s official policy states: “All electronic cigarettes and vaping devices must be carried in the cabin, re-charging is strictly prohibited and the device must be completely switched off.”

It also advises passengers to keep their devices on their person where they can be kept an eye on throughout the flight, reducing the risk of accidental activation. These rules are in place due to concerns over lithium-ion batteries, which are used to power vaping devices and are well known for posing a fire risk if they become damaged or overheat.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority categorises lithium batteries as a significant safety risk in aviation due to their potential for ‘thermal runaway’, producing intense heat and flames that are notoriously difficult to extinguish in confined spaces. The International Air Transport Association has highlighted a worldwide rise in lithium battery-related incidents, which has gone hand in hand with the increasing prevalence of portable electronic devices, prompting airlines across the globe to tighten their rules considerably.

EasyJet also warns that passengers must take precautions to prevent their vaping devices from being switched on accidentally during flights, including ensuring they are fully powered down before boarding. The airline stipulates that travellers may carry no more than two spare batteries in their hand luggage, and that these must be properly protected to prevent them from coming into contact with metal objects.

Under UK aviation rules, vaping devices must be kept in hand luggage at all times. Official government guidance states that e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited from hold baggage.

Industry experts point out that confusion often arises because rules can vary between airlines and destinations, which can leave passengers unknowingly packing the wrong items before they even reach airport security. Aviation safety specialists also warn that using or charging vaping devices while on board flights is strictly prohibited by all major airlines, with penalties ranging from confiscation to fines or even travel bans in severe cases.

As summer travel demand picks up, holidaymakers are being urged to check airline regulations before they set off to avoid delays, confiscations, or being refused entry at the boarding gate.

BUTlIN’S is about to get loud as has launched new karaoke pods across all three of its three resorts.

Whether guests are on a family holiday or a Big Weekender, everyone can sing their heart out inside the newest attraction.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The new karaoke pods are a fun-filled private sing-along experience found inside state-of-the-art pods.

Groups of up to 12 can sing their hearts out and won’t have to worry about have a song stolen as there are over 45,000 tunes to choose from.

If you want to re-live the 55-minute stardom session, the high-tech pods capture everything with photos, videos and even GIFs.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

GRUBS UP

Best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex – by Sun readers & locals

Each pod also has studio-grade soundproofing and immersive effects too.

You don’t have to leave the pod for any part of the sing-along either as drinks can be ordered and delivered straight to the pod.

Heidi Watson, Head of Innovation at Butlin’s, said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with the Coca-Cola brand to bring this exciting, new karaoke experience to all three of our resorts.”

Heidi continued: “It’s the perfect activity for families or groups of friends, to create unforgettable memories together while singing their hearts out to their favourite tunes.  

“We’re confident the new Karaoke Pods will be popular with our guests, and an amazing addition to the activities already on offer across all of our different breaks.”

Found in Hotshots at all three resorts, pods can be booked in advance or on the day for £36. 

The karaoke pods are already up and running, so can be booked in time for May Half Term breaks which start from £184 between May 22 and June 1.

For families there’s plenty of entertainment when it comes to shows from MPW Maximum Pro Wrestling to The Masked Singer Live as well as Peppa Pig and the Theatre of Rock.

Guests can also enjoy swimming pools and slides at waterworld, fairground rides, and daytime activities like Playxperience and soft play.

The karaoke pods will no doubt be a hit for adults heading on Big Weekenders too whether that be for the 90s Reloaded to the Ultimate 80s.

Currently with Spring Savings you can get an extra 10 per cent off on selected weekender breaks from £79pp.

Headline artists this year include icons Fatboy Slim, Wet Wet Wet, Jason Donovan, Madness, Peter Andre and Scouting for Girls.

SUN, sea, sand and an Irish bar – it sounds like a dream and less of a reality to most of us living in the UK.

But for Sean and Aine Rice, this is actually the case, and the two are set to star in an upcoming episode of Channel 4‘s Escape to Florida.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

When it comes to swapping life in the UK for a sun-soaked destination, it seems that most nowadays are heading to the likes of Portugal or far-flung Australia.

But Sean and Aine Rice who are from Northern Ireland, headed the other way across the Atlantic and settled in the USA.

The couple first called New York their home, but in the year 2000 moved to the ‘Sunshine State’ where they settled in Brandon near Tampa before heading to Apollo Beach.

SAVE IT

Seaside holiday parks that still have VERY cheap summer deals, from £2.29pp a night

LAST MINUTE

All the CHEAPEST holidays you can still book for May half term – from £163pp

Talking to Sun Travel, Sean revealed just why he loves Florida so much and reveals that of course, the weather plays a big part in it.

He said: “Any day in the year is good day in Florida, we get great weather throughout the year.

“Even when the extreme heat arrives, Florida is catered for it, so you suffer from the humidity too much.”

Sean has lived in the States for 40 years, and Aine for 27 – together they share two sons and a two-year-old granddaughter.

Both confess that moving to Florida might be a little different now from when they bought their Floridan family home 26 years ago.

Sean told us: “It was extremely cheap back then, you certainly got a lot more house for your buck back in the day.

“Our first house was around £125,000, and it’s around doubled or tripled in price now.”

The couple now live in Apollo Beach which is south of Tampa and is referred to as a ‘boater’s paradise’.

It has over 55 miles of canals and direct access to Tampa Bay with plenty of wildlife swimming around the bay like dolphins and manatees.

There are some disadvantages to life in Florida though as Sean and Aine found in 2024 when their home was severely flooded by Hurricane Helene.

But the couple took repairing their house in their stride and have completely transformed it.

Sean told us: “Home is what you make it, and we turned ours into a mini resort.

“Originally it was a 1,700 square foot house with over 200 feet of water front and we’ve really modernised it.

“We’ve got our own dock, an outdoor shower, a driving range, putting green, space for our kayaks, we have an outdoor kitchen, and we plan on putting a sauna out there too.

“It’s somewhere you can hang out and relax, and there are palm trees that keep you out of the sun.

“We want to enjoy all the elements and the only time we really have to leave is to go shopping – it’s pretty cool.”

As for work, the pair run the Salty Shamrock, an Irish pub in the heart of Apollo Beach.

It serves up classic American meals as well as Irish classics like chicken pot pie, sausage and mash and seaside favourite, fish and chips.

The pub hosts live events and celebrate St Patrick’s Day when it comes around in March.

There’s plenty to do as well, especially when it comes to daytrip.

He said: “When we can, we like to jump on the boat to Fort Myers, have lunch, a few drinks – I’m an avid golfer and there are hundreds of golf courses in Florida.

“I love old Florida too which are the swamps and the everglades with the alligators out there.

“We’re also two hours from Orlando where the theme parks are, and we’re close to Tampa – there’s lots more to do there now especially when it comes to the food scene.

“But mostly, I love to fish on the water.”

Aine agreed adding: “There’s always something to do here, especially if you’re an outdoorsy person from fishing to boating, exploring the state parks or playing sports – I love pickleball at the moment.”

She continued: “I never feel guilty about being indoors when the sun is out like I did in Ireland – there’s a real urge to be outside and I enjoy it very much.”

The couple return to Northern Ireland multiple times a year, so what do they miss the most about their home country?

Aine said: “I miss family and a sense of community because that’s what I feel is missing in Florida, which is why we’ve created that with our bar.”

Sean added: “The people – Irish people are unique, when tourists ask me about Ireland, I say rent a car, get lost and talk to everyone.

“We travel a lot, but I’ve never experienced any place quite like Ireland. I love the coast of Donegal and how rural it all is and that it hasn’t been commercialised.

“I always look forward to going back.”

For anyone keen to make the move from the UK to the US, Sean has some advice to pass on.

He said: “Florida is a great place to live, as long as you do your homework.

“I’d say to come here, you do need some sort of career in mind, or get transferred with a sister company. For someone to come out and just ‘wing it’, it would be a huge uphill battle

“It can be quite the culture shock too in the likes of Apollo Beach – it’s much less fast-paced than New York or London.

“Remember that you don’t get things like free health care, and schools are very different from the UK too.

“And down in Florida, we have a lot of Spanish and Cuban neighbours, so I’d encourage anyone moving here to try and learn Spanish – although I’ve never have.

“Life in Florida has its ups and downs of course, but I’d recommend it to this day.”

Watch Escape to Florida on Monday-Friday on Channel 4 at 4PM.

Catch Sean and Aine’s episode on May 18.

PROPOSALS for a new £600million UK theme park have been backed by the British Tourist Authority (BTA).

The Government-funded tourist authority is supporting the plans for the historical park, which will offer live shows and reenactments.

French firm Puy du Fou submitted plans to build a site north of Bicester near the M40.

In the supporting letter, BTA director Andrew Stokes, praised the ride-free park’s established track record in France and Spain, saying it offers a “truly distinctive visitor experience through its historic theme park concept”.

He also commended the park’s collaborative approach in working with Experience Oxfordshire to create a fully authentic experience.

BTA said it “can see the potential for this project to generate significant interest and excitement among domestic and international visitors alike”.

PARK UP

Inside the huge new £12million land opening at the UK’s ‘theme park of the year’

RIDE ON

Little-known European theme park’s £43m makeover has ‘island’ lands and new rides

Stokes added that the plans “demonstrate confidence in the UK as a destination, in our leisure sector, and in the long-term strength of the visitor economy”.

The site will include four period villages with 13 live shows and have also been backed by Experience Oxfordshire.

Support chief executive Hayley Beer-Gamage said: “The decision by Puy du Fou to invest in Oxfordshire, and specifically within the Cherwell district, is a strong endorsement of the area as a globally recognised destination.

“This investment will drive job creation, stimulate economic growth, and increase visitor spend across both the district and the wider county.”

According to the park operator, the site will directly employ around 2,000 people, while supporting a further 6,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants, suppliers, and other local businesses.

Puy du Fou also said it will deliver a £500million annual boost to the local and regional economy.

In a report published earlier this year, BTA broke down the long-term economic benefits for Oxfordshire and the Cherwell district.

“Tourism has a significantly positive regional economic impact across the UK”, Stokes said.

“Relevant to Oxfordshire and Cherwell, the South East region is the second largest recipient, accounting for £17 billion of economic activity in 2024.”

Puy du Fou first opened in 1978, and is rated the second best attraction in France behind Disneyland Paris.

A WOMAN was left £900 out of pocket and missed her own 50th birthday abroad because of a passport mistake STILL being made by thousands.

Ali Burridge, from Suffolk, was due to fly to Benidorm with 15 of her friends during the May bank holiday weekend for celebrate her big birthday.

Having spent £900 on flights and accommodation, she ran into problems after arriving at the airport

Staff behind the counter at London Stansted gave her the “heartbreaking” news that she couldn’t board the plane due to a passport rule she had “no idea about”.

The rules, which have been in place since the UK left the EU, no longer allows passports to be older than 10 years – unlike previous rules which let you roll up to nine months over.

Thousands of Brits have been caught out by the confusing rule, which is when your expiry date is actually incorrect.

PASS ON

New confusing passport rules are leaving Brits stuck abroad and banned from flights

PASS ON

Airlines could accept expired passports from 1million passengers ahead of new rules

This also caught Ali out, who bought her passport before the new rules and meant she didn’t realise the extra time on her passport was no longer valid.

She said: “It was awful when I was told the news, to be honest, I’m still in shock.

“I had been looking forward to this since my 40th birthday – we had spent the previous year organising it all. In reality, the rule has cost me money and memories.”

Her sister Tracey said the girls were “in tears” after they landed and heard the news, with them travelling out on an earlier flight.

Ali also said that no issues were raised on the website when she checked in two weeks before, despite it asking for her expiry date.

She continued: “If it had flagged the issues, I would have been able to get a new one, which is annoying.”

Despite driving to Peterborough with an attempt to get a new one at the Passport Office, she was unable to in time for her trip.

Instead, she was forced to stay home whilst some of her friends that had already made it out there enjoyed the sun – who managed to FaceTime her while out there.

She added: “I still know and see a lot of people travelling on the old passport, so I want to raise awareness so this doesn’t happen to others.

“You could be easily caught out like me if you don’t travel often. I’m seeing this situation as a valuable life lesson.”

RYANAIR is axing MORE flights to Europe – hitting four popular airports this year.

The budget airline has confirmed that it would be closing its base at Thessaloniki as well as reducing flights at Athens.

Not only that, but off-season flights to Chania and Heraklion in Crete have been scrapped.

This means 700,000 fewer seats on sale this winter, working out to a 45 per cent reduction, and resulting in 12 routes being scrapped in total.

Ryanair has cited airport charges as the reason behind the reduction in flights, saying the airports are “no longer competitive” in the off peak season.

Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness said they “regretted” the closures and reductions, but said it was because of the “failure to pass through the ADF reduction” unlike other airports in Greece.

SPAIN PAIN

Ryanair warns Spain to stop new entry rules as ‘queues are longer than flights’

JEREMY CLARKSON

Here’s how to deal with Ryanair drunks & it’s not taking away brekkie pint

He added: ” The Fraport Greece monopoly have hiked airport charges +66% since 2019.

“Unfortunately, there will now be less low-cost air fares for Thessaloniki’s citizens and visitors, and year-round tourism will be harmed as a result.

“These aircraft will be reallocated to Albania, regional Italy and Sweden, where airports have passed on their Govt’s aviation tax savings – resulting in more connectivity, tourism and jobs this Winter in those regions.”

It comes as the budget airline axes millions of seats elsewhere in Europe.

Last summer, they airline confirmed two million seats across Spain would be scrapped, with all routes to Tenerife North, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Jerez and Valladolid cancelled.

And back in March, Ryanair cancelled all flights to The Azores, often dubbed the Hawaii of Europe.

DYSON has brought out the latest new hairdryer to revolutionise the market – and it’s perfect for travellers.

But what is it really like to use? I tested it out on a recent holiday abroad to see if it’s really worth the hype.

Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer, £249 (with free £45 travel bag)

The new Dyson hairdryer is 25 per cent lighter, weighing just 0.33 kg (331 grams) compared to as much as 0.82 kg of the larger hairdryers.

As someone with very thick and very long hair, drying my own can be extremely laborious and time consuming.

So where better to try out the new travel version of Dyson’s much-loved hairdryer on a recent trip abroad?

Read more on travel deals

SAVE IN STYLE

The ‘perfect Ryanair underseat bag’ that ACTUALLY looks good is 40% off today

WE’RE OFF

Ten deals that prove it’s CHEAPER to live in a 5* all-inclusive hotel than the UK

First up I was impressed how small it was to fit in my suitcase, being not much bigger than a water bottle.

It is 32 per cent smaller than its standard hairdryer, being just 22cm compared to 28cm in length.

It’s also light, with a shorter 2m cord – meaning it kept my luggage weight low, as well as the added benefit of less arm ache when drying my hair.

Another tick in its favour is that it’s voltage automatically adapts to whichever country you are in, so it works in full no matter where you are.

But I was insanely impressed with how fast it dried my hair.

There are three different heats – low, medium and high – and two speed settings.

I tested it out on my just-out-the-shower hair meaning it was soaking wet.

Usually I have to let this dry for at least 20 minutes before even attempting to dry it.

And the Dyson on its hottest setting dried my hair almost completely in about three minutes.

Another two and it would definitely have been fully dry.

it also comes with a detachable styling concentrator which – very satisfyingly – clips on by magnet.

It made my hair feel much softer than I’d expected (often feeling pretty ratty and dry using the budget hotel hairdryers).

I didn’t believe a hair dryer could actually dry hair that quickly, and while it might be a bit crazy to call it life changing, it’s something I’ve been raving about my friends to for weeks since.

It is also cheaper than the current full size Dyson hairdryer at £399, or the original at £279.

Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer, £249

It currently comes in “ceramic pink” colour, with a complimentary £45 travel bag if you buy directly with Dyson.

Here are some of our other travel deals, including cheap holidays you can still book for May half term.

We’ve also rounded up some seaside holiday parks with deals from £2.29pp.

An important update for family holiday plans

Holidaymakers planning trips to Mediterranean hotspots are being met with an enticing development as airlines grapple with concerns over possible jet fuel shortages this summer.

Ticket prices on major routes to destinations across Spain, Italy and France have tumbled by double digits – and in some instances drastically – as carriers attempt to entice hesitant travellers into making bookings. Costs have declined by 10% or more on 15 sought-after routes, including flights from Heathrow Airport to Nice, Manchester to Palma, and Gatwick Airport to Barcelona.

In the most striking case, fares between Milan and Madrid have nosedived by as much as 44%, according to analysis by the Financial Times.

The unexpected price cuts arrive as airlines wrestle with a decline in bookings, with numerous travellers postponing holiday arrangements amid warnings that jet fuel supplies could face disruption following tensions related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Industry insiders say consumers are holding fire, creating a high-stakes “confidence game” as airlines cut prices aggressively to fill seats before the peak summer holiday period.

One airline boss compared the present climate to the uncertainty experienced during the Covid pandemic, cautioning there remains “a lack of visibility” over how the situation will develop.

Analysis of fares between early April and early May reveals prices dropping on more than half of the busiest routes to southern Europe, particularly to seaside destinations around the Mediterranean. Significantly for families, the steepest reductions are being witnessed on traditional summer routes, with eight of the top 50 routes recording decreases of 20% or more. In contrast, only a small number of routes have experienced similarly sharp rises.

Travel industry insiders told the FT that holidaymakers were “freezing in the headlights”, resulting in them making reservations later than normal or opting for UK getaways instead.

READ MORE: UK officials issue 2026 Summer holiday fuel shortage update for families

Research indicates one in five Britons has already switched an overseas holiday for a domestic break this year, with another fifth contemplating doing likewise.

Airlines are now being compelled to boost demand through reduced fares even as fuel expenses climb and timetables are scaled back. Approximately two million seats have already been removed globally from May timetables, reflecting both elevated costs and weaker demand.

Low-cost carriers including easyJet and Wizz Air have acknowledged that passengers are making bookings later, while also seeking to reassure travellers.

EasyJet has committed not to impose fuel surcharges on existing package reservations, while British Airways has guaranteed prices will not increase after holidays are settled.

Despite the unpredictability, industry insiders emphasise the overwhelming majority of flights are still anticipated to run. Even in a worst-case scenario, only approximately 5% to 15% of flights could be axed and passengers would probably be transferred onto alternative services.

FOUND in a small seaside town in Wales is a railway that was said to be the inspiration for Thomas the Tank Engine.

Talyllyn Railway is celebrating its 75th anniversary this weekend to acknowledge the day when it became a ‘world first’, not to mention that children can enjoy hopping aboard for as little as £5.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The Talyllyn Railway in the Welsh county of Gwynedd was saved from closure in 1951 by volunteer train enthusiasts.

This was the first time in history that a railway had been taken over by volunteers, and now it’s celebrating 75 years of being ‘The World’s First Preserved Railway’.

One of the very first railway volunteers was actually children’s author Rev Wilbert Awdry who was the creator of beloved character Thomas the Tank Engine.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

SIGHT SEA

£9.50 holidaymakers’ favourite Skegness activities… away from the beach

It’s said that Wilbert Awdry based some of his stories on his experiences while working at the railway.

One tale in one of the books is from the time when Wilbert left a colleague, the refreshment lady behind at Abergynolwyn which is at the far end of the line.

Railway historian Tim Dunn said the Talyllyn Railway had made its way into a number of Thomas the Tank Engine books.

He even called the railway the “spiritual home” of Thomas the Tank Engine.

The railway is open seasonally with train journeys throughout spring and summer.

The best part is that children can visit the Talyllyn Railway now and hop onboard for as little as £5 with a ‘Child Explorer’ ticket.

An ‘Adult Explorer’ fare starts from £29 – if you fancy reserving whole compartments this is from £155 (which seats up to six passengers).

The one-hour return journeys start from Tywyn Wharf and head to Nant Gwernol stopping in-between at Pendre, Rhydyronen, Brynglas, Dolgoch and Abergynolwyn.

You can even add an Afternoon Tea or Welsh Cream Tea Package to your experience.

On arrival at the Abergynolwyn stop, the teas are set up with fresh scones, cream and jam with a pot of fresh pot of tea or coffee – these start from an extra £6.50 per person.

On-site, the railway has a Narrow Gauge Railway Museum with a collection of items – some of which are 200 years old.

There’s even a special collection dedicated to the author of Thomas the Tank Engine.

The King’s Café and Quarryman’s Caban at Tywyn Wharf Station are open for breakfast, Sunday lunches, takeaways – there’s even a licenced bar.

The railway is a favourite attraction amongst its visitors with over 1,200 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.

One visitor even said: “I visited for the first time yesterday. No exaggeration, it was the best day of my life.”

Another added: “My wife and I took a trip to this historic railway during their Awdry Extravaganza weekend and loved it. The trip up the valley is beautiful on a sunny day.”

It holds events throughout the year too – and this weekend the railway is holding its 75th Anniversary Gala to celebrate Talyllyn Railway being saved by volunteers.

Across the weekend, special locomotives are taking to the tracks, like an overnight steam train which will return to the railway for the first time in 11 years.

Trains from various eras like the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s all the way to modern day will also be on display.

Other events include Sunset Specials which run on Wednesday and Sunday during spring bank holiday week between 6PM until 9PM for pretty views.

The ‘Railway Adventure’ event is where visitors can travel behind a historic steam locomotives. Guides explain how Talyllyn Railway got to be a world first, and delve into the early days of the Preservation Pioneers.

During ‘The Slate Trail’, passengers can experience a train journey inside a Victorian-era carriage. Tickets for these two experience start from £23.75 for children and £47.50 for adults.

The King Charles III England Coast Path, which launches officially this year, is opening up miles of previously inaccessible coastal terrain to walkers in England. We’d love to hear about your favourite coastal walks all around the UK, from the White Cliffs of Dover to the Western Isles of Scotland.

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 18 May 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.

A KEEN traveller is determined to visit EVERY country that flies from his local airport – and is more than halfway there already.

Savvy jet-setter Neil Loft is attempting to tick off all 120 destinations that fly from Bristol Airport.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

So far, Neil has ticked off 86 locations offered by Bristol Airport, leaving him with 34 left – although he does have an advantage working as cabin crew.

But not all of his travelling is done through work. Neil also spends lots of his free time exploring the world – last year he managed to visit 21 destinations.

Neil has only upped his efforts this year visiting as many as three places in one day, which he managed to do for as little as £3.

SAVE IT

Seaside holiday parks that still have VERY cheap summer deals, from £2.29pp a night

LAST MINUTE

All the CHEAPEST holidays you can still book for May half term – from £163pp

He travelled from Basel in Switzerland, to St Louis in France, and Weil am Rhein in Germany all within 24 hours.

Neil said: “It was quite straightforward, really. Without even realising, I had crossed the bridge and walked into a new country.”

On day two of his trip to Basel, Neil caught the tram to the French border, where he walked over to St Louis to enjoy a local delicacy: croque monsieur.

Neil then returned to Basel before hopping on a tram across the border to Weil am Rhein in Germany.

There, he had a beer at a rooftop bar before heading back to his Swiss hotel.

Despite travelling to three different countries in 24 hours, the entire day trip cost him just £3 thanks to the travel pass he got on arrival in Basel.

Neil explained: “It was shockingly easy. I took a bit of time in each to have a drink and a mooch about but you could have done all three countries in two or three hours if you wanted to.”

Other spots in Europe that Neil has visited include Zurich, Vilnius, Kaunas, Almeria, Bilbao, Turkey, Innsbruck, and Bucharest.

When it comes to being savvy with flights, Neil says his jobs as a holiday rep and then cabin crew for 10 years helped.

Through this, he knows how to get the best flight and pair them up with the hotels and transfers.

Neil added: “I am well on track to achieve [all 120 destinations]. I have only got a handful more to do.

“I have no commitments to hold me back, so I am just an intrepid traveller really.

“I have to go on my airline apps to remind myself where I am going some of the time. I just tend to see a deal and go book it.”

EUROSTAR has taken the next step to launch trains to a new European country – for the first time ever.

A new agreement has been signed between the international train operator as well as Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and French SNCF Voyageurs.

The agreement would allow direct trains between London and Switzerland, with “significant potential” for the route.

The journey would take about five hours from London to the city of Basel, with other cities slightly longer such as Geneva (5.5 hours) and Zurich (six hours).

London is currently the ‘no.1 flight destination’ for Switzerland, with airlines such as Swiss, British Airways and easyJet operating direct flights.

If the new direct trains go ahead, they are likely to launch by the 2030s, although a confirmed date is yet to be revealed.

SPA BREAK

Book your place at the Belgian Grand Prix including Eurostar from just £835pp

BON VOYAGE

Unbeatable deals for Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris from £579pp

The current train route from the UK requires a change in Paris, with the whole journey taking around 7hr30.

It isn’t the only new route Eurostar is planning with other cities such as Frankfurt and Cologne in Germany.

Routes could even go as far as Milan in Italy.

Currently Eurostar operates trains to France (Paris and Lille) along with the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam) and Brussels.

Virgin also confirmed last year that they would be launching rival trains to Europe, the first to do so alongside Eurostar.

Along with routes to the same destinations, they could also launch trains from Manchester and Birmingham, as well as restore routes from Ashford and Ebbsfleet.

A BEACHFRONT lido in a pretty seaside town is set to reopen this month.

Brightlinsea in Essex is one of the last remaining lidos in the county, dating back to the 1930s.

Along with a 50m outdoor pool, there is also a smaller toddler pool as well as sunloungers, changing rooms and a cafe.

Set to open from May 23, sessions will run from 7am until 5pm, with the first three hours for relaxed lane swimming sessions.

Other sessions include aquacise and ‘little dipper’ ones for younger swimmers.

Having first opened in 1932 as a tidal salt pool, it is now a freshwater pool.

MAKING WAVES

7 heated UK lidos open now, including ‘Olympic’ pool – is there one near you?

SPLASH OUT

UK lido that’s ‘like being on holiday’ with pool and slides reopens this month

It nearly closed in 2017, only to remain open thanks to a group of volunteers who still run it now.

One previous visitor wrote: “The atmosphere at the Lido has to be mentioned it felt like you were on holiday, everyone chatting and smiling.”

During the summertime, Brightlingsea is much quieter than its neighbours such as Clacton.

However, it’s shingle beach is recognisable thanks to its line of colourful beach huts on the promenade.

One said: “Very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”

Brightlingsea is on the Sunshine Coast, which one mum said is like “going back in time to seaside holidays of the past.”

Mum Catherine Lofthouse told The Sun: “Because I was on the Sunshine Coast of Essex, which is often compared to Spain thanks to it being one of the sunniest, driest spots in the country.

“What I really loved about exploring the Essex seaside is the sheer variety of experiences on one relatively small stretch of coast, bookended by Brightlingsea in the south and Harwich in the north.”

You won’t even see the fees being added

Most holidaymakers assume using their normal bank card abroad is fine. But Martin Lewis says a simple switch to a specialist card could save you from paying an extra 2.75% to 3% on every single purchase – a hidden fee that quietly adds to your bill without you even noticing.

In a clip shared on This Morning’s official TikTok, the MoneySavingExpert founder explained how most high street banks add a “non-sterling exchange rate fee” when you spend abroad. Ignore it and a £100 purchase effectively costs you £103. Switch to one of the specialist cards he recommends, and you get the same near-perfect exchange rates the banks use – without the markup.

Martin started by explaining what happens when you spend on plastic overseas. “Your bank gets a near perfect exchange rate on the day – the same as what’s called the spot rate, the city market rates. When you spend on your card abroad though, normally the card company adds what’s called a non-Sterling exchange rate fee of between 2.75 or 3%,” he said. “So your hundred pounds worth of euros cost you £103.”

The solution, he explained, is using specialist cards. “With the specialist cards, they don’t have that. So you get the same near perfect exchange rates that the banks or the card firms do.”

As for which cards to choose, Martin noted there are quite a lot available now. He judges them on the cashback they give you. The Barclaycard Rewards credit card is currently giving 0.25% cash back on spending in the UK and abroad. “So you get perfect exchange rate and cashback,” he said.

He added a crucial warning for anyone using a credit card: “Only do this if you’ll pay it off in full at the end of every month, or there is interest. That will credit score you to get it.”

For those who prefer a debit card or don’t want to undergo a hard credit check, Martin offered two alternatives. “The easiest one to get is the Chase card, which you can apply for without switching banks and only does a soft credit check, so it doesn’t mark your credit file, and virtually everybody can get it,” he said. It offers near-perfect exchange rates, no ATM withdrawal fees, and some cashback on UK spending.

Alternatively, for those willing to switch banks: “First Direct, if you’re willing to switch bank to it, will give you a near perfect exchange rate fee debit card and pay you £175 quid if you switch bank to it.”

A spokesperson for travel experts Lapland Famille said: “When spending abroad, choosing the right payment method makes a real difference. Specialist cards often work out far cheaper than standard bank cards. And if you’re ever asked to pay in pounds or the local currency, always choose the local currency – paying in cash locally is another good way to avoid hidden conversion fees.”

With no need to switch your main bank account for the easiest option, Martin’s advice shows that cutting the cost of spending abroad may be simpler than many travellers think – as long as you pick the right card before you go.

For centuries, outsiders have been lured to the radiant hills and valleys of Andalucía, not least the Moors of north Africa who left such an impact on the land and culture. More recently, an influx of northern European aficionados has fostered a string of seductive, small-scale guesthouses to join some idiosyncratic Spanish-owned properties. These are idyllic, tranquil settings in which to de-stress and recharge, hike, ride, cycle, cook, swim or simply stargaze – the rural skies here are blissfully free of light pollution. Nor are cultural highlights ever far away, whether in Granada, Córdoba or Seville.

Starry nights at Casa Mimi

Near Gérgal, in the eastern mountains bordering the Sierra de los Filabres, this Belgian-owned bed and breakfast has three charming rooms with ample outside space, views and a pool. Although isolated, it has unbeatable access to regional highlights including Europe’s only desert, which surrounds the old film studios of Tabernas; Almería’s stupendous fortress; and the wild beaches of Cabo de Gata. A lesser known lure is the Calar Alto astronomical observatory, one of Europe’s largest, perched on a nearby mountaintop, where night visits are available. Mediterranean dinners (€25) at Casa Mimi are on request and use seasonal produce, guaranteed by these former restaurateurs, Priscilla and Ben. The entire property of four bedrooms can be rented.
Doubles from €70 B&B, casamimi.net

Hiking and biking from Hostal Pampaneira

Time-travel to old-school Andalucía in Las Alpujarras, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Almost 50 years old with local furnishings to match, this modest, 15-room family hotel overlooks the steep, whitewashed village of Pampaneira on dizzying bends high above Órgiva – an enclave for alternative lifestyles. Centuries ago, the Berbers developed farming in the area and Pampaneira’s intricate layout. The restaurant cooks hearty mountain produce in the form of stews and roasts (pork, lamb and kid goat) with vegetables from their allotment, their own olive oil and local wine. Cliff climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, guided treks and excursions to the snowy slopes of 3,479-metre Mulhacén (the highest mountain in the Iberian peninsula) are all on offer for the active, while peerless Granada lies to the north.
Doubles from €42, triples €50, breakfast €10, hostalpampaneira.com

Embrace nature at Casa Olea

This converted farmhouse hides in a stunning, secluded valley north of the delightful baroque town of Priego de Córdoba in central Andalucía. Over the years, the owners, Tim and Claire, have fine-tuned comforts and activities while upping the impressive environmental credentials. Six stylish rooms crown a restaurant with panoramic views over the river, olive groves, woods, two Moorish watch towers and a bronze age hillfort. The large pool is where to relax after self-guided hikes, cycling (bike rental and navigation app available) or birding from a hide. The coup de grâce is a gourmet dinner (€36) cooked by Claire, laced with the property’s own olive oil. And there is the opportunity to stargaze as Casa Olea is certified as a Starlight hotel. Midway between Granada and Córdoba, serious sightseeing is also on the agenda.
Doubles €154 B&B (two-night minimum), casaolea.com

On top of the world at Finca Serrato

Hidden down a dirt road in the Montes de Málaga near Colmenar, about 50 minutes from Málaga, the finca offers three apartments and two double rooms in the farmhouse or outbuilding. All have an attractive, understated aesthetic, some with woodburning stoves, air-con, kitchen facilities and private patio. A small pool has far-reaching views. The youthful French-Spanish hosts, Zélie and Nico, prepare delicious breakfasts, snacks and tapas, sourcing local ingredients. An hour away is Antequera and the surreal rock formations of El Torcal – an entrancing setting for hikes.
Doubles from €68, apartments from €77 (two-night minimum), breakfast €9, airport transfer €60, fincaserrato.com

Gourmet dining at Finca Las Encinas

With only three bedrooms, you could call this guesthouse intimate, but that impression changes when you’re under the pergola overlooking the pool and see a rippling sea of olive groves prized for their oil. Foodies should make a beeline here as Welsh chef Clive is passionate about Andalucían cooking, conjuring up fabulous seasonal dinners as well as cooking classes. The cosseting finca lies in a hamlet of La Subbética, a semi-mountainous region between Córdoba and Granada, with the Iznájar reservoir (for watersports) and castle just down the road. Maki, Clive’s Japanese wife and a knowledgable enthusiast of the region, accompanies guests to bodegas, olive oil mills and cultural hotspots. Cosy rooms are thoughtfully decorated, and Clive’s organic vegetable garden boosts the menu.
Doubles from €80 B&B (two-night minimum), dinner €33, finca-las-encinas.com

Serenity at La Dehesa Experience

Rest up in luxury glamping style in the heart of the Sierra Morena north of Córdoba, famed for Iberian pigs snuffling acorns beneath the oak trees. Scattered over the dehesa (fertile pasture for cattle and horses) are six wooden cabins raised on platforms with one or two bedrooms, a kitchen and a plunge pool outside. An alternative is the “tubbo”, a spacious transparent tube, all the better for total immersion. Slickly designed interiors contain fridges full of Andalucían wine and local gourmet produce, binoculars, and a telescope in some suites. Here, you are on your own and totally private, although the efficient staff are always on call to deliver breakfast, lunch or dinner (€35) and even offer massages. This is the ultimate retreat for total serenity, for romance and for immersion in nature.
Doubles from €189 B&B, ladehesaexperiences.com

Eclectic retreat at El Molino del Abuelo

At this transformed water mill, you will be warmly greeted by two brothers and their mother. The family project (the mill was set up by their grandfather – the abuelo) is an eco-friendly bubble in the village of Montecorto, just 20km west of Ronda. Out front unfolds the verdant Sierra de Grazalema, renowned for hiking, biking trails, birding, and sprinkled with classic pueblos blancos. Raúl and Florentino have curated an eclectic oasis of vivid colour and quirky craft and artworks – including murals by their sister. Five rooms, two pools, a shared kitchen for making snacks and a prolific garden of organic vegetables and fruit trees are all there, but number one is the gurgling stream which lulls you to sleep. Breakfasts are bountiful, so luckily yoga and bikes are options, along with tips on local sights.
Doubles from €70, breakfast €7.50, adults only, elmolinodelabuelo.es

Walking wonders from Molinos de Fuenteheridos

In the Sierra de Aracena of western Andalucía, near Aracena, this 17th-century flour and olive mill has been converted in contemporary style to offer 10 huge, well-appointed rooms with luxury en suites. The mill room itself is now an atmospheric common area with plentiful seating lit by Moorish lamps. Outside, extensive grounds include lush gardens, a large saltwater pool, a smaller freshwater one and a river that nourishes fig, walnut, chestnut and apple trees. It is a picture-perfect area for hikes, coupled with Aracena castle, spectacular grottos and Museo del Jamón – a 15-minute drive away, and the bars and restaurants of Fuenteheridos within walking distance. Not least, the cultural riches of Seville beckon, a 90-minute drive away.
Doubles from €99, breakfast €7, molinosdefuenteheridos.com

Fiona Dunlop is the author of Andaluz – a Food Journey through Southern Spain (Interlink Publishing)

Firefighters battled a fire Sunday that erupted in the early morning and remained active well into the afternoon at a downtown L.A. office supplies store.

Roughly 120 firefighters were called about 4 a.m. to the two-story building with a mezzanine at 1225 S. Hope St. near West Pico Boulevard. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames. One firefighter suffered minor injuries in the battle and was hospitalized.

Firefighters transitioned from offensive to defensive mode and used a remote-suppression robot to enter the building, LAFD spokesperson Jennifer Middleton said. Arson and emergency air units also were requested.

1

2

3

1. Firefighters battled a fire Sunday that erupted in the early morning and remained active well into the afternoon at a downtown L.A. office supplies store. (Kayla Bartkowski/Los Angeles Times)

The blaze was initially contained by 5:52 a.m., but the building’s contents rekindled, said LAFD Battalion Chief Peter Hsiao.

About 10 a.m., firefighters were “trying to remove paper from the building to stop it from catching on fire,” Hsiao said.

By 10:30 a.m., the building’s roof had collapsed, according to Times photographer Kayla Bartkowski, who was at the scene. Thirty minutes later, the building was again engulfed in flames.

At 1:30 p.m., firefighters were trying to contain the blaze by using a forklift and heavy machinery to pull boxes of office supplies and pallets of paper out of the building, then spraying it all down with water.

Firefighters on the roof also were spraying the fire to prevent it from spreading, she added.

A blaze was reported at about 4 a.m. in downtown L.A. at 1225 South Hope St.

(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)

The address is associated with Bluebird Office Supplies. A voicemail left for a number listed for the business owner was not immediately returned.

No one was inside the building at the time of the blaze, Middleton said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

British Airways is understood to be looking at raising fares following a hit caused by a spike in jet fuel costs

British Airways (BA) has released a statement to passengers concerning possible price rises. The UK’s flag carrier airline shared the announcement across its social media platforms.

In a post titled ‘The British Airways Holidays Promise’, it emphasised that existing customers would not face an increase in their holiday costs if they had already made a booking, even if the airline’s operating expenses rose.

The price of aviation fuel has roughly doubled since the commencement of US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. It continues to remain elevated, despite a lull in hostilities and speculation about an end to the conflict.

It confirmed that the ‘cost of your holiday won’t change once you’ve booked your trip’. The full statement declared: “Book with confidence, whatever’s happening in the world.

“The price you book is the price you pay. Once you’ve booked your flight or holiday package, the price you’ve paid is locked in and won’t change, even if our costs increase later.

“You can secure your holiday with a low deposit now and spread the agreed cost over time. The cost of your holiday won’t change once you’ve secured your trip.

“When you book a package with British Airways Holidays, we offer you a dedicated helpline, 24/7, in case you need assistance during your trip. All packages booked in the UK with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, giving you peace of mind from the moment you book and while you’re away.

READ MORE: Ryanair plane diversion leads to ‘no fly’ warningREAD MORE: Ex-RAF couple left in caravan after building firm’s collapse ruins their £100k renovation

“If your flight is cancelled, as part of a British Airways Holidays package or flight only booking, we’ll always offer you the option to rebook onto another flight or to accept a full refund under UK and EU Regulations. Your holiday is protected, so you can focus on looking forward to it.”

This follows confirmation that BA’s charges are set to increase as the airline attempts to recoup some of its financial losses. The Guardian reports the carrier has taken a €2bn (£1.7bn) hit to its finances due to soaring jet fuel costs.

The International Airlines Group (IAG) revealed its annual fuel bill is now projected to reach around €9bn, up sharply from the previously forecast €7.1bn. The group anticipates recovering roughly 60 per cent of the €2bn shortfall through ‘revenue and cost management actions’, with BA expected to shoulder the majority of the fare hikes.

It was once owned by William the Conqueror and is one of the few privately owned villages left in the UK.

The honourable John Rous has a proud smile on his face as he tells me: “The village is built on a 400ft cliff overlooking a gorgeous bay with a living community, there’s nothing else like it.”

Mr Rous inherited the privately owned village of Clovelly on the North Devon coast from his mother, Countess Mary Rous, in 1983 and has since continued to develop and preserve what is one of the UK’s most unique destinations. Clovelly was recorded in the Domesday Book in the 11th century as the property of William the Conqueror. The estate was later inherited by his wife, Matilda of Flanders, England’s first crowned queen, before being purchased in 1738 by the Hamlyn family for £9,438.

Today, Clovelly remains one of the few privately owned villages in the UK and is now owned by the Hamlyns’ descendants, the Rous family. It continues to function as a thriving community, with around 250 residents living in 80 cottages throughout the car-free village, while also being a popular tourist destination that welcomes around 150,000 visitors each year.

When you arrive in Clovelly, you must pass through a visitor centre, where admission costs £10.90 for adults and £6.25 for children aged seven to 16. After taking over the estate in 1983, Mr Rous explains how there was a backlog of repair work that needed to be done. In order to pay for the work and maintain the upkeep of the village, he decided to create a visitor centre where all of the money raised would be redistributed into the village.

“We put together a plan to create the visitor centre and the money created there helps the maintenance of the whole village which is great,” Mr Rous, 75, said. “Fortunately, it all worked out financially and we’re still here today.”

After passing through the visitor centre, visitors can stroll down The Hobby Drive before reaching the cobbled High Street which leads down to Clovelly’s harbour 120m below. Cassandra McFarlane moved to the village from South East London in 2021 and now lives at the top of the High Street in a cottage she describes as “the best in the village”.

“I’ve been here around five years now and absolutely love it,” she says. “It’s like time has stood still in Clovelly, it’s like going back to 1950s Britain. Everyone talks to you, everyone’s polite, you don’t get anti-social behaviour. It’s just a blissful place to live. It’s so peaceful.”

She adds: “It’s very, very safe here. There’s no cars or noise and you have these amazing views. It’s beautiful. You go to sleep at night and hear the owls hooting and you wake up to birdsong or the village woodpecker. It’s just an idyllic place to live and visit.”

While Mr Rous has focussed on developing a tight-knit living community, he also understands the importance of tourism to keep Clovelly intact. The village attracts up to 150,000 people every year, with the majority of them visiting for just a day.

Ms Mcfarlane says: “People sometimes ask me if I get fed up with the tourists and I say: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’. We’re very lucky they still want to come and see the village because all of the money they spend to get in here is reinvested in the cottages.

“But also, I meet such lovely people who visit. Most people come here for a day and arrive at 10am and are gone by 4pm. Then it’s back to just the 250 of us.”

Mr Rous adds: “We’re quite fortunate to have a number of day visitors. They arrive after 10am, enjoy the village, and then are mostly gone by 5pm. The village then returns to its sleepy self. We do have people staying in the hotels obviously but they always appreciate and respect the village.”

As well as boosting tourism numbers, the decision to charge an entrance fee to Clovelly, rather than a car park charge, has allowed for a renovation of the historic cottages. Some of the properties date back to the 15th century and require regular maintenance throughout the wetter and windier months.

The regular income has also allowed Clovelly to maintain its policy of having no second homes or absentee landlords. Mr Rous, who lives on the estate which also includes 700 acres of woodland, three large farms and a sawmill, acts as the landlord for every cottage in the village and maintains a close relationship with the tenants.

“I say to people that if you love a traffic-free area or have always wanted to live by the sea, but you can stand visitors, Clovelly will be perfect for you,” Mr Rous explains. “We advertise for the properties but do like to speak with more than one applicant to see who fits the village best.

“We have some families that have been here for generations but also have new ones coming in which is great. The older people give stability to the village while the youngsters give it vitality. It’s the best of both.”

Another feature that makes Clovelly a truly unique village is its use of sledges, which largely replaced donkeys by the 1970s, to transport groceries, laundry and furniture up and down the 400ft cobbled high street. While the sledges might seem like a gimmick to visitors, they perfectly represent how the community has adapted to modern times while preserving its 1,000-year-old past.

“Everyone has their own sledge and they go past every day. I’ve even seen someone take a grand piano down the hill! It’s truly unique,” Ms McFarlane explains.

As there are no chain supermarkets in the village, locals order their groceries to be delivered. When the delivery drivers see “Clovelly” on the address, they give the customers a 15-minute warning so they have time to head to the top of the High Street with their sledge.

Ian Roberts, the manager of The New Inn located half-way down the High Street, is one of 70 staff who are employed to work on the estate throughout the year.

“The New Inn is around 500 years old and remains steeped in history. We [the village] have been here since the days of William the Conqueror and try to keep some of that history,” the 62-year-old says. “There’s so much history in Clovelly, it’s a very unique place. Visiting here is a great opportunity for people to see real history.”

The New Inn has also benefitted from a sympathetic restoration in recent years, preserving its character and enduring charm. The hotel once hosted Charles Dickens who wrote of the cobbled streets and cliffs in “A Message to the Sea”.

Likewise, Charles Kingsley, the 19th-century novelist and poet, lived in the village as a child. After his wife visited Clovelly for the first time in 1854, he wrote: “Now that you have seen the dear old Paradise you know what was the inspiration of my life before I met you.”

“It really is unique here. Places like this are very difficult to find in the UK now,” Mr Roberts, who manages The New Inn with his wife Theresa, adds. “It’s well worth a visit and the views alone are stunning – it’s Instagramable!

“People come here to eat, sleep, rest, relax and enjoy themselves. They come here to get away from the real world and refresh themselves.”

According to the hotel manager, Clovelly can become flooded with visitors over the warmer summer months, including coach loads of day-trippers from across the UK. Two of those tourists are David, who has visited Clovelly once before, and Margaret Herbertson, who is visiting for the first time.

“We didn’t know much about Clovelly before we got here,” Margaret, 75, says. “We obviously Googled it, and did a bit of research, and it looked amazing so we thought we’d come for a visit.”

While standing at the top of the High Street, overlooking the historic 14th-century harbour, David, 78, adds: “Yes, we’ve read about the donkeys going up and down with sledges to transport items. I found that interesting. It’s just a beautiful and peaceful place. I’ve been here once before when I was younger and it doesn’t look like it’s changed much.

“Where we’re stood now overlooking the sea it’s amazing. I don’t think there are many places like it around.” Margaret adds: “It’s unique, isn’t it? What I love is how quiet it is. There’s no cars and no rush.”

While Clovelly is a tranquil fishing village with just 250 inhabitants, there is still plenty to do for visitors. As well as soaking up the sweeping coastal views out the Atlantic, visitors have access to the South West Coast Path, which includes a hike to Mouth Mill Beach.

Ms McFarlane adds: “There’s also loads to do here which people don’t always realise. You can take the ambience in, you can go for walks in the area, we’ve got a museum, we’ve got a few nice little shops, the beautiful harbour, blissful gardens.”

The Clovelly Court Gardens, located at the top of the village, are a perfect spot to relax while visitors can also learn about local history at the Fisherman’s Cottage and the Kingsley Museum and Shop. The village is also the proud host of a number of festivals every year, including the Seaweed Festival in May, the Maritime Festival in July, the Lobster and Crab Feast in August and the Herring Festival in November.

“Around 120 years ago, Clovelly was just a fishing village with a lot of fishing a little bit of tourism. Now, it’s a little bit of fishing, which I’m keen to preserve through a number of festivals like the Lobster and Crab Festival, and a lot of tourism,” Mr Rous adds.

“We’ve maintained a living community while avoiding becoming a seaside village full of holiday lets. It’s such a welcoming place and the people are so proud to be associated with the village.”