hotspot

Blue Badge holders travelling in Europe can now park in a major holiday hotspot, thanks to an agreement between the Department for Transport and Ministry of Disabilities

British holidaymakers with Blue Badges can now use it in a major holiday hotspot. The disabled parking permit assists people with severe mobility issues or hidden disabilities to park nearer to their destinations. It covers both drivers and passengers.

Now the Department of Transport has struck a deal with Italian authorities so the paperwork can be used in the boot-shaped country.

It builds on a similar arrangement agreed with France, where Brits have been using their permits since August last year. Work is ongoing with Spain to explore similar arrangements for Blue badge holders. Italian visitors travelling to the UK will also benefit, with Italy’s disabled parking permits to be recognised here.

Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “Disabled people shouldn’t have to worry about whether their parking permit will be recognised when travelling abroad. These new arrangements with Italy mean Blue Badge holders can relax and enjoy their trip, with easier access to reserved parking and exemptions from charges, whether they’re travelling for a holiday, visiting family or for work.”

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

The definitive status of Blue Badge recognition across European Union nations – together with key neighbouring non-EU countries – falls into several distinct categories.

The Blue Badge is fully or partially recognised in the following countries:

• Austria — Fully
• Belgium —Fully
• Croatia — Fully
• Cyprus — Fully
• Czech Republic — Fully
• Denmark — Fully
• Estonia — Fully
• Finland — Fully
• France — Fully
• Germany —Fully
• Greece — Accepts non-EU parking cards
• Hungary — Fully
• Iceland — Accepts non-EU parking cards
• Ireland — Fully
• Italy —Fully
• Latvia — Fully
• Liechtenstein — Fully
• Lithuania —Fully
• Luxembourg — Accepts non-EU parking cards
• Malta — Fully
• Netherlands — Fully
• Norway — Fully
• Poland — Fully
• Portugal —Fully
• Romania —Fully
• Slovakia — Fully
• Slovenia — May not recognise non-EU-issued parking cards
• Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) — UK Blue Badge recognition decided by local administrations
• Sweden — Fully
• Switzerland — Fully

The DfT cautions that even in nations where the badge is recognised, disabled parking regulations can shift quickly or differ between towns. To steer clear of hefty penalties or vehicle removal, travellers should consult local tourist information centres or local authorities before departing.

Certain countries demand a local parking notice or clock disc be shown alongside the Blue Badge. The DfT also suggests carrying a doctor’s letter or a translated version of your Blue Badge, particularly when entering countries with stricter enforcement policies.

When parking you should always:

• look for any signage indicating disabled parking spaces
• make sure that your Blue Badge is displayed correctly and that you comply with any additional requirements, such as displaying a parking disc in countries such as Denmark

A HUGE new airport is coming to Turkey and it will be built directly on the sea.

The new airport in the Black Sea province of Trabzon in Turkey will be the country’s third airport built on the sea and is set to cost £732million.

The airport will eventually have a 3,000 metre runway that will be 45 metres wide, meaning it will be able to handle larger planes.

There will also be a taxiway next to the runway of the same width and length.

As for the terminal, it is set to span 110,000-square-metres and will be able to handle up to 10million passengers a year.

There will also be a new air traffic control tower.

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Currently, the airport has one runway that is 2,640 metres long and handles around three million passengers a year.

In order to build the new airport, more than 100million tonnes of ‘fill’ will need to be dumped into the Black Sea to create the airport.

A 6,000 metre breakwater will also need to be built.

Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said that the current runway is not suitable for the growing passenger numbers at the airport.

According to Daily Sabah, Uralogu added: “We will give Trabzon a new, higher-capacity, modern airport that meets international standards.”

The airport is set to be completed by the early 2030s.

The city of Trabzon is home to around one million people and is known for its cliffside monasteries as well as rolling green hills.

IN JUST over two months, we will be in 2027 and with that in mind you might want to start planning your next getaway.

The good news is that the best 25 places to visit in 2027 have just been revealed.

The list compiled by National Geographic features far-flung islands as well as European city gems.

So here are some of our favourites from the list:

Vestland, Norway

Vestland can be found in the southwest of Norway and is known for its waterfalls and wilderness.

Head to Folgefonna National Park where you can see one of the country’s largest glaciers and Trolltunga, a massive rock formation that sticks out of a lake.

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There’s also Sognefjord, which is Europe’s longest and deepest fjord.

The best way to get to Vestland is by heading to the capital of the country, Bergen, with flights from the UK taking around two hours and costing from £91 return.

Luxor, Egypt

Luxor in Egypt is often forgotten about compared to the likes of Cairo and El Gouna but the destination is known for an ancient city and tombs.

Travellers can head to The Lost Golden City, which is the ancient city of Aten and is thought to be one of the largest ancient cities ever found in Egypt.

National Geographic also noted how getting to Luxor will be easier soon as there will be an extension of two free visas – the summer entry visa for travellers visiting on Egyptian-owned airlines and a four-day transit visa.

Flights direct to Luxor from the UK take around five-and-a-half hours and cost from £149 return.

Puerto Rico

Dubbed the ‘La Isla del Encanto’ which translates in English to ‘The Island of Enchantment’, Puerto Rico is dominated by a central mountain range covered in tropical rainforest.

In addition to this, the island is littered with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

Visitors can explore the historic forts of Old San Juan, where you’ll find blue cobblestone streets.

Flights from the UK to Puerto Rico usually include a stopover, taking between 11 and 15 hours and costing from £550 return.

Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

The only UK spot to feature on the list is Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, with sandy beaches and rugged coastline.

Often nicknamed the ‘Scottish Riviera’, Dumfries and Galloway can be found in the southwest of Scotland and is home to medieval castles, such as Caerlaverock Castle, which is a triangular pink sandstone castle with its own moat.

There’s also Galloway Forest Park, which is the UK’s first International Dark Sky Park, with clear views of around 7,000 stars as well as the Milky Way.

If heading to the region, it is about an hour-and-a-half from Glasgow Airport, which costs as little as £30 return to fly to from London.

Grenada

The Caribbean island of Grenada is known as the ‘Spice Isle’ for producing nutmeg, mace and cocoa, but also has beautiful mountains, rainforests and beaches.

Each August you could even travel to Spicemas on the island, which is an annual carnival with parades, street parties and Jab Jab (where people paint themselves with molasses and mud) – and the festival is celebrating 150 years in 2027.

While on the island you can also snorkel Molinere Bay, which features life-size submerged art.

Flights from the UK to Grenada usually involve a stop and cost from around £932 return.

Santander, Spain

If you are looking for somewhere different in Spain to head to in 2027, look no further than Santander, the coastal capital of the country’s Cantabria region.

Full of history, the city has a vibrant Old Town where you can visit the Magdalena Palace.

The city also has a fishing quarter, which is the ideal spot to dig into some local cuisine with favourite dishes including calamari with onions and clams in marinara sauce.

Flights between the UK and Santander take around two hours and cost as little as £29 return.

Normandy, France

Known for its Gothic cathedrals, Normandy is a great European destination for history lovers.

And in 2027 the city will celebrate Millennium 2027: European Year of the Normans with more than 1,000 events planned across the year including medieval feasts, street performances and concerts.

One event in June will see 40 Viking-style ships sail along the Normandy coast.

And you don’t even have to hop on a plane to get to the destination – instead, you could catch the ferry from Portsmouth costing as little as £28 per way.

Melbourne, Australia

For a long-haul trip, Melbourne in Australia is one of National Geographic’s highlight destinations for 2027 with sports, a vibrant nightlife and thriving food scene.

And for rugby fans, the waterfront Docklands district will host eight matches during the Rugby World Cup next October.

Make sure to visit St Kilda Pier and beach as well to spot the colony of local penguins.

Flights to Melbourne from the UK usually involve a stopover and cost from around £550 return.

Leipzig, Germany

For somewhere different in Germany, in 2027 you should head to Leipzig, which is the largest city in the state of Saxony.

The city is home to one of Europe’s largest railway stations, Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, which has a grand 300 metre facade as well as a multistorey shopping centre.

In 2027, there will also be several events celebrating all the famous musicians to come from the city including Bach and Beethoven, with a Beethoven Festival in May and Bachfest in June.

The closest airport with direct flights from the UK is Berlin with returning flights costing from £41 – it then takes around an hour-and-a-half to drive to Leipzig.

Tricity, Poland

Sat on Poland‘s Baltic coast, Tricity refers to the three neighbouring cities of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia.

Each city has its own character, heaps of history and vibrant seaside resorts.

For example, in 2027, Gdynia will host the regatta of the World Sailing Championships meanwhile Gdansk will have its St Dominic’s Fair with food, concerts and performances.

The best way to get to the region from the UK is by flying direct to Gdansk, which takes around two hours and costs from £29 return.

Amman, Jordan – Jordanians fear the country’s border with Israel is turning into a major drug-smuggling route amid a surge in high-tech operations by gangs using drones and helium-filled balloons.

Organised networks active in southern Israel’s Negev Desert have links to groups in Jordan and the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, operating along one of the most heavily surveilled borders in the world, with Jordanian authorities increasingly concerned about the implications this could have for the kingdom.

This escalation coincides with changes in the regional drug trade, particularly after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.

Elements in his regime were linked to the manufacturing and distribution of Captagon, an illegal amphetamine stimulant.

Syria became a hub for the distribution of Captagon to the Gulf, with Jordan a transit point and market for the drug. The Royal Jordanian Air Force carried out periodic strikes on drug manufacturing and smuggling points inside Syria, highlighting the huge security concerns Jordan had about the trade.

Since the collapse of the Assad government and the establishment of a new authority that views the Captagon trade as a national security issue, there has been a decrease in the drug trade from Syria into Jordan.

Although Druze militias in the Syrian province of Suwayda allegedly linked to Israel have been accused of continuing the drug trade, Jordanian security forces are increasingly focused on the Jordan-Israel border.

The use of quadcopter drones and balloons is reportedly among the new tactics used by gangs in Israel to smuggle hashish, crystal meth, and amphetamines into Jordan.

Jordanian security forces are said to be increasingly unhappy with the scale of the drug smuggling operations and have accused the Israeli army of not taking the issue seriously.

Initial data from Jordanian forces recorded 17 interception operations linked to drones during the first half of 2026 in Jordan’s southwestern border area with Israel.

They also recorded 231 smuggling and infiltration attempts and downed 56 drones across various borders during the same period.

Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya told Al Jazeera that Jordanian forces were continuing efforts to prevent drugs from being smuggled into the kingdom. But they are evidently facing more complex activities by drug dealers.

“There is an increase in drug smuggling operations from Israel to Jordan using drones,” he said. “The number of seized drug cases during the current year reached 15,342 cases. Trafficking cases constituted about 28 percent of them, compared with 72 percent for usage cases.”

Israeli media reports indicate that gangs active in the Negev Desert are behind some of the smuggling operations into Jordan, where drugs can fetch higher profits.

There are estimates that 1kg of hashish can sell for approximately 7,500 pounds sterling (almost $10,000), according to the British newspaper The Telegraph, which recently uncovered the drug smugglers’ latest operations. Israeli security services believe that the price of hashish in Jordan is about 15 times higher than in Israel.

Due to widespread disenfranchisement and poverty, elements within Palestinian communities in Israel have been linked to the drug trade, according to reports. Multiple sources have accused Israel of allowing Palestinian towns and cities to become hotbeds of crime to create divisions and prevent calls for greater rights.

Ammar al-Qudah, a member of the Jordanian Senate and retired major-general in the Public Security Directorate, claimed that organised gangs in the Negev had obtained more than 1,000 drones that were originally used for agricultural and security purposes.

“The smuggling networks are linked to other gangs in Jordan, Sinai and the Negev, and rely on a route starting from Sinai, passing through the Negev, and reaching Wadi Araba, in addition to other routes including the Lebanese border with Israel and the Galilee region towards Syria,” he told Al Jazeera.

They are also using a range of sophisticated technology to bypass security on both sides of the border. This includes the use of helium-filled balloons equipped with GPS devices, drones capable of carrying about 50kg of narcotics, including black hashish and crystal meth, al-Qudah said.

He warned that a portion of the black hashish and crystal meth being smuggled into the kingdom is being sold domestically, with the rest going to other markets in the region.

With such high-tech operations, there are accusations that members of Israeli forces know about drug gang activities, based on past experiences in Egypt.

One West Point report said current and former trackers in the Israeli military in the Negev are being recruited by traffickers to provide intelligence to facilitate their operations in Egypt. In 2012, a number of Israeli service personnel were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with drug smugglers across the Egyptian border.

While there is no proof that the same situation is being repeated in Jordan, many have questioned how drones and balloons carrying drugs could cross a heavily surveilled and guarded Israeli border into Jordan.

Jordan’s counternarcotics department, in cooperation with the armed forces, has tracked such cases and made arrests.

Retired Brigadier-General Daifallah al-Daboubi, a strategic and military expert, said Jordan is witnessing a “reverse drug migration”, starting from the Sinai Peninsula, passing through the Negev region, and reaching the kingdom.

“Groups active in Beersheba and the Negev possess great financial capabilities and use advanced smuggling methods, most notably drones,” he said.

The Israeli army’s preoccupation with wars in Gaza, Lebanon and the occupied Golan Heights has provided smugglers with room to manoeuvre on the Jordan border, he added. But he ruled out the direct involvement of the Israeli political or military leadership in any drug smuggling.

Steps taken by Israel to boost security on its eastern border include the establishment of the 96th Division, which began operating in the Jordan Valley in 2025, and the construction of a controversial security barrier with Jordan.

But none of these measures appears to be designed to prevent drugs from leaving Israel; instead, they appear to be designed to prevent weapons and other illicit merchandise from entering the country from Jordan.

A STATE of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Rhodes after flash floods swept cars into the sea and claimed the life of a hotel worker.

A Mediterranean autumn storm system has moved across the region, bringing torrential downpours and high winds.

Greek authorities have ordered British holidaymakers to restrict all but essential travel – here’s everything you need to know.

Where is the flooding in Rhodes?

Rhodes’ eastern coastline bore the brunt of the weather, with the area around Stegna beach near Archangelos suffering flash flooding.

A 62-year-old hotel worker was caught in a torrent of water while retrieving his car near the beach.

Coastguard officers later recovered his body after four vehicles were swept into the sea.

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Dozens of cars were submerged or abandoned across the island’s road network as drainage systems struggled to contain the rainwater.

Data from the National Observatory of Athens confirmed that Rhodes recorded 264mm of rain, 202mm of which fell in just six-and-a-half hours.

That’s a month’s worth of typical rainfall in a single morning.

What is the current Rhodes weather forecast?

Conditions across Rhodes have begun to calm as the worst of the storm front moves east.

The UK Met Office and the Hellenic National Meteorological Service both forecast drier conditions for the region on Thursday October 15, with sunny spells for the remainder of the day.

Temperatures are expected to peak at 23C, with moderate northwesterly winds between 12 and 16mph.

Though the forecast points toward calmer conditions, forecasters and officials stress that the danger has not fully cleared.

Because the island’s terrain is saturated, more rain could present a risk of further localised flooding and mudslides.

Tomorrow (October 16) is expected to stay largely dry and sunny, but an unsettled Atlantic front is forecast to push across the Aegean Sea over the weekend.

This is expected to bring a renewed chance of showers by Saturday.

Elsewhere in Greece, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued yellow “Be Aware” alerts for Crete and the South Aegean.

What is the advice for holidaymakers?

Thousands of UK tourists visit the region every year for late-season sunshine.

With 112 emergency alerts remaining active, tourists are advised to limit their movements to absolutely necessary journeys.

Several key bridges and roads across Ialysos, Faliraki, Afandou, and Rhodes Town are submerged or damaged by mud.

Authorities have suspended multiple transport routes, including the key Rhodes–Faliraki tourist corridor and services to and from Akandia port.

Greek emergency services recommend that all travellers monitor local weather warnings through the Hellenic National Meteorological Service and follow instructions via the official @112Greece Twitter/X channel.

Never attempt to drive or walk through standing or flowing water, as road surfaces may have collapsed underneath.

Keep an eye on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice pages for Greece regarding sudden disruptions.

The Foreign Office is urging UK travellers to ‘stay away’

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance in an update today, October 13. In its latest update for those planning a trip to Mauritius, the Foreign Office is warning tourists about “localised demonstrations and community unrest” following a shooting.

The FCDO warns: “Localised demonstrations and community unrest have occurred in parts of Mauritius following a police shooting incident on October 9 2026. Further protests may occur at short notice and could result in road closures, transport disruptions and interruptions to public services.

“Stay away from demonstrations and large public gatherings, monitor local media, follow the instructions of local authorities and exercise caution if travelling in affected areas.” About 150,000 UK tourists travel to the island every year.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need help, you should report any incidents to the Mauritius tourist police by calling 999.

Emergency services in Mauritius

• Ambulance: 999 or 114
• Fire: 999 or 115
• Police: 999 or 112

Tourist police

Contact your travel provider and insurer

The Foreign Office stresses on its website: “Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.”

Mauritius temporarily shut schools after shooting say reports

Mauritius closed schools in some parts of the country on Tuesday, October 13, reports say. It came after ‌a night of unrest that began when a police officer allegedly shot a young woman.

An investigation is under way. It is being reported by local media that a police sergeant has been provisionally charged over the shooting of Élodie Thomas, 27.

She has since had successful surgery to remove the bullet. The incident led to protests. Police were dispatched as people burned tyres and blocked roads in parts of the country on Monday night.

Mauritius entry requirements

The island country in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa, is becoming increasingly popular, with around 1.3 million tourists visiting every year.

In order to enter the country, your passport must:

• be valid for the duration of your stay
• have one blank page

The Foreign Office urges people to check with their travel provider to ensure their passport and any other travel documents meet the entry requirements, and to renew their passport if needed. Tourists could be refused entry if they do not have a valid travel document, or if they try to travel on a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

OUR Spotlight On column suggests what to see and do in the best holiday destinations abroad as well as lesser-known spots in the UK and abroad.

This week, we’re taking a look at the affordable winter sun destination of Hurghada in Egypt.

There’s never been a better time to go – Wizz Air has launched new flights from London Gatwick to Hurghada, while easyJet has put holidays there in 2027 on sale.

It is one of the best spots for affordable winter sun too, with temperatures still over 24C in December, and holiday packages under £600pp.

Throw in beautiful beaches, fantastic diving opportunities and five hour flights, it’s the perfect mid-haul spot.

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MUST SEE/DO

Aside from its year-round heat, Hurghada’s selling point is the ocean that it borders.

It’s positioned right on the Red Sea which is teeming with coral reefs and colourful fish.

You can easily spend a full-day snorkeling between reefs, hopping in and out of the water – most cruises include lunch on board the boat.

Blue Water Dive Resort & Sea Trips has a great selection of day cruises from around £22.

HIDDEN GEM

While most tourists will immerse themselves in the bustling markets or choose to spend an evening at a traditional Bedouin desert camp, very few make it out  to Abu Minqar Island.

It was named after its beak-like shape with “Abu Minqar” translating as “Father of the Beak”, although many colloquially refer to it as ‘The Maldives of Egypt’ thanks to its clear waters and white sands.

This dinky sandbank sits just off of the coast of Hurghada can be reached by boat on day trips. If you fancy a go at kitesurfing, this is a popular place to try it.

BEST VIEW

Head to Hurghada Marina at sunset and you’ll be bowled over by the scene of shiny yachts bobbing on the water, baked in a hazy, orange glow.

From here, you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.

Pop into one of the many bars that line the waterfront for a sundowner or dabble in some traditional shisha.

RATED RESTAURANT

Sheraton Road in the Sakkala district is THE place to go for a lively night out and it’s  littered with buzzing restaurants.

One of the best is Starfish Seafood Restaurant that serves up the freshest of fish, plucked straight from the ocean.

Guests can select their raw food – expect prawns, calamari and whole fish – from behind the counter and chefs will cook it just to your liking.

For a taste of something traditional, try the Old Town where restaurants are a little more understated and more geared up for locals.

El Haga Restaurant is known for its excellent clay pot tagines.

BEST BAR

Little Buddha Hurghada is a favourite spot among tourists – and for good reason.

Once the dinner service ends, the whole place comes alive with thumping DJ sets  that keep hip swinging until the early hours.

The cocktail lounge does an excellent sangria for around a fiver.

If you’re keen to take advantage of the glorious weather, Papas Beach Club on the marina is an all-day venue offered a laidback setting with pizzas and burgers by day before transforming into a nightclub at dusk.

HOTEL PICK

The swish 5* Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort occupies a  prime location right on the beachfront and has its own private island connected to the hotel via jetty.

Rooms are modern and spacious with marble-clad bathrooms, with many overlooking a huge outdoor  pool and the ocean just beyond that.

Guests will have their pick of five on site restaurants, including a surf and turf joint, patio cafe serving coffee  and ice cream, and an international restaurant.

See marriott.com.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled in a union dispute that could affect thousands of passengers

A ‘massive’ EasyJet cabin crew strike has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights in a popular British tourist destination – and could jeopardise Christmas plans for holidaymakers.

The initial 5-day industrial action is expected to ground approximately 500 scheduled flights across Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports. And the festive period is also set to be disrupted.

The strike began this Friday, October 2, in Portugal and is the first of two walkouts planned for this year. The affected flights involve all domestic airports, but mainly Lisbon and Porto.

The EasyJet cabin crew strike goes on until Tuesday, with 443 flights from the Lisbon, Porto, and Faro bases already scrapped as of this morning, according to the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC). “80% of flights involving the Lisbon, Porto, and Faro bases” between October 2 and 6 have already been cancelled, union official Ana Dias told local news agency Lusa. They noted that “the impact has already been massive.”

EasyJet, meanwhile, said 55% of flights were set to operate over the five-day strike period. The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPVAC) reported strong participation on Friday, the first of five scheduled strike days for EasyJet cabin crew, adding that only minimum services are being maintained.

EasyJet has confirmed that two return flights from Manchester Airport to Portugal have been axed in the coming days due to industrial action, the MEN reports. The walkout was announced by the National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel and is set to impact flights from Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports, all served by EasyJet from Manchester Airport.

Sic Noticias reports that the union has said other currently scheduled flights could still be disrupted by the strike, although some may be operated by aircraft and crews from other European bases. An official EasyJet source told Lusa on Thursday that the airline anticipates operating approximately 55% of its schedule during the strike period. The source explained that, in addition to “minimum services” (representing about 22% of its Portugal-based operations), the airline is maintaining flights to and from the country operated by crews from other European bases.

The company says these operations are being conducted “in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations,”. The SNPVAC union deems the use of workers from other bases to replace striking staff “illegal” and is considering taking the matter to court.

EasyJet said it was “extremely disappointed” that the strike was taking place, despite its “ongoing efforts to maintain a constructive dialogue and reach an agreement.” It expressed regret over the disruption caused to passengers.

An EasyJet spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed that the union representing our Portugal-based cabin crew has announced an industrial action from 2 to 6 October, despite our willingness to continue a constructive dialogue and reach an agreement to meet our employees’ requests and protect the sustainability of EasyJet business in Portugal.

“We are sorry for the impact the unnecessary action will have on our customers, and are doing all we can to minimise disruption, including cancelling two return flights from Manchester in advance to allow our customers to rearrange their travel plans. Customers have been informed directly and offered options including a free transfer or a refund.

“We advise customers travelling to or from Portugal between 2 and 6 October to check the status of their flight via our Flight Tracker.”