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Feb. 18 (UPI) — White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett on Wednesday said that employees at the New York Federal Reserve should face punishment for publishing “the worst paper I’ve ever seen in the history of the Federal Reserve System.

The research published Feb. 12 concluded that most of President Donald Trump‘s tariffs are being paid by U.S. businesses and consumers. The authors said 90% of the costs are being passed on, though it acknowledged that the effect had dropped slightly as the year went on.

In an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, called it an “embarrassment” and said of the four authors, “the people associated with this paper should presumably be disciplined.”

He argued that tariffs are responsible for a higher standard of living.

“Prices have gone down. Inflation is down over time,” Hassett said. “Import prices dropped a lot in the first half of the year and then leveled off, and [inflation-adjusted] wages were up $1,400 on average last year, which means that consumers were made better off by the tariffs. And consumers couldn’t have been made better off by the tariffs if this New York Fed analysis was correct.”

Harvard Business School, Yale’s Budget Lab, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the Congressional Budget Office have published similar findings, Politico reported.

“Our results imply that U.S. import prices for goods subject to the average tariff increased by 11% … more than those for goods not subject to tariffs,” the paper, written by Mary Amiti, Chris Flanagan, Sebastian Heise and David E. Weinstein, said. “U.S. firms and consumers continue to bear the bulk of the economic burden of the high tariffs imposed in 2025.”

Hassett was on Trump’s short list for Fed chair, but Kevin Warsh was chosen.

An exit is seemingly on the cards for Jack Hodgson in Silent Witness but how will this affect the show for good? Super fan Jasmine Allday gives her verdict

Call it a TV journalist’s intuition – but I can feel it coming. An exit is seemingly on the cards for Jack Hodgson – played by David Caves – on Silent Witness and every moment he’s on screen recently has drawn the same conclusion for me.

I’ve been watching Silent Witness for half of my life, when Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Harry Cunningham (Tom Ward) were leading the charge at the Lyell Centre. It was always a ‘will they won’t they’ storyline with Nikki and Harry to the point that I’d be screaming at my TV and praying they finally realised.

So when Jack stepped foot in the Lyell Centre, FINALLY I was getting my wish. It was clear both Jack and Nikki matched each other in every way and it was a long road of flirty glances and close calls until they finally got together.

What makes this show so lovely – and different from similar ones – is the dynamic between the characters. Nikki and Harry initially, and the late Leo Dalton, and now between Nikki and Jack.

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Jack joined in series 15 and was a great addition to the cast, with everyone unsure how Harry could be replaced. Finally – in the 24th series – Jack and Nikki confessed their feelings for each other with a kiss. Not that we had to wait until the next series to find out what happened to them and if they were going to succumb to the relationship they both clearly wanted.

In series 27, we got a proposal between the pair – something fans from the start of the show will have wanted. Nikki finally happy and with someone who loved her, the world could rest.

However, a move to Birmingham following their wedding at the end of series 28 has seemingly caused quite a stir for the pair. It’s clear there’s trouble ahead as Jack finds himself preyed on by the people pulling the strings with AI deep fakes claiming he is racist.

With his job potentially in trouble – and spoilers revealing he faces a very uncertain fate – it looks like we could be seeing the end to the character of Jack Hodgson for good.

We’ve waited years for Nikki to find her happy ever after, let’s not kill him off and ruin their chance so soon after they got together. There’s a happiness and lightness in Nikki we haven’t seen in years and whilst the programme is very much about the job they do, it’s also about the people behind the job and their lives.

If Jack goes, don’t let Nikki’s sparkle go with it.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

HAVING travelled to 41 countries, as well as presented travel shows including A Place in the Sun, its safe to say I’ve learned a few money saving tricks along the way.

And as a mum trying to pinch the pennies on a family holiday, I realised two huge mistakes people make when it came to booking hotels – and it saved me hundreds.

A big way to save money is hotel hopping – and this isn’t just for the luxury travellers and celebrities.

The money hack means you can save if instead of one hotel for a week, you try two.

This works by booking the more expensive place midweek, as this is when rates are lower.

You then move to the cheaper hotel when prices go up, which is usually at the weekend.

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I realised this when travelling as a family of four, in Göcek, Turkey.

The small marina town is full of expensive boutique hotels, so prices can easily spiral when trying to find space for both parents and kids.

Instead, we split our Turkey trip between Dalaman and Göcek, as midweek, we spotted a suite in a five-star area for £105 a night, hundreds cheaper than a weekend stay.

But don’t just stop there as it isn’t the only way to get a bargain.

We saved even more by calling the hotel, rather than just clicking the book button.

When I call a hotel, I don’t haggle — I just ask one simple question: “What’s the best price you can do if we book direct?”

After chatting to them, not only did they drop the price from £105 to £80 a night, but they also threw in free breakfast for all four of us, which would cost £15 each per night.

Over five nights, that alone would have added up fast.

In the end we paid just £400 for five nights midweek, while the exact same suite at the weekend would have cost £200 a night alone.

Had we stayed on for the full week, the total would have jumped sharply — for the same room.

So instead, we packed up and moved on, and got a mini-adventure out of it.

Once you realise hotel prices change by the night, you stop booking holidays by the week and start booking them properly.

We used the same approach in Spain, where we booked a five-star hotel on the Costa del Sol midweek, then a smaller hotel in Cádiz at the weekend for £95 a night.

ONE EXTRA HACK: “five-star location” without five-star prices

We also save money by staying in an apartment or Airbnb in a five-star area, instead of an all-inclusive resort.

For a family of four, we found an apartment to fit us all for £110 a night, compared to a nearby resort suite which was £280 a night.

We travel as a family of four for 12 weeks of the year and It’s the one habit that’s saved our family the most money — and given us our best memories.

GAUDY arcades, faded bucket and spade shops and donkey rides on the beach. You may call Blackpool stuck in the past, but I think it’s timeless.

Recently named as one of the best big towns in the UK, Blackpool may be about to see a resurgence.

As Britain’s original seaside holiday resort, this sometimes sunny stretch on the Lancashire coast embodies everything us Brits want from a holiday.

Blackpool, with its seven-mile sandy beach, three pleasure piers, seafront theme park and iconic tower landmark has everything you need for a family holiday – and unlike other coastal towns in the UK – can be enjoyed at an affordable cost.

As a travel writer and content creator, I travel almost every month for work and I’m lucky enough to have been to many of the world’s best holiday destinations, such as New York City, Thailand, Australia and Florida.

In fact, as a Disney travel expert, I’ve been to Disney World more than 50 times, but but I’ve had just as much fun on a weekend in Blackpool as I have at the Florida theme park.

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I live in London now and I also lived in Los Angeles in my 20s, but Blackpool has always held a special place in my heart. I know I will always go back.

Being from a working-class family, overseas family holidays were not something we did very often when I was growing up.

Instead, we would get the train to destinations like Weymouth, Margate and Blackpool from London.

No passport required, but holidays were still the most exciting thing we did every year.

Blackpool was always my favourite.

The seafront was so exciting. We would always walk from the station, passing B&Bs with neon Vacancy signs glowing in the window, that always smelled like egg and chips.

The Blackpool illuminations were dazzling for a little kid like me. Designed in 1879 as an ‘artificial sunlight’ attraction, this appeal has never faded.

Modern light trails and events are popping up from Land’s End to the Scottish Highlands these days – and often charge guests to enter. Even in 2026, Blackpool’s illuminations are still completely free to enjoy.

Who needs Vegas? The Blackpool arcades would be flashing and whirring, luring you inside to win big on the 2p machines. With the great British weather, this was often a necessary past time.

I became a master at winning naff pastel-coloured teddy bears in the grabber machine.

As a theme park nerd, something I inherited from my dad, Blackpool Pleasure Beach was my Disneyland.

The Big Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster built in 1923 and still going strong, was my first thrill ride. Being tall enough to ride this was like graduating tweenhood. My dad was thrilled as he finally had a rollercoaster buddy.

When The Big One opened in 1994, it was the highlight of the holiday. I was 12. From the top of the 235ft drop, you can see the whole of Blackpool Seafront laid out in front of you. It’s spectacular.

As you tip over the edge and race to the ground at 85mph with the wind in your hair, it’s exhilarating. For 12-year-old me, I was on the top of world.

Family holidays these days feel far more complicated. Even with short breaks in the UK, costs can add up.

I often want to create the wholesome British beach breaks of my childhood, but many destinations feel very different.

Some UK hotspots cost more than flying abroad. But, nabbing a great deal overseas can sometimes be stressful, confusing and time consuming.

Then you have to factor in long travel days, airports and finding somewhere with something for everyone that comes in under budget.

Like most parents, if I can take advantage of a kid’s club or send my two children on the rides together, while I wave from the side-line, I will. Life is busy these days and even 10 mins of peace can feel like a mini break.

But Blackpool hasn’t changed much since my memories of the early 90s.

Everything can be enjoyed together. Paddling on the beach, sharing a bag of chips, screaming in the lift to the top of the Blackpool Tower and enjoying the famous Blackpool Tower Circus.

The foundation for family fun is at the heart of this seaside town and I think it always will be.

Unlike many places which jump between personalities, Blackpool has always known its place – and better still, been proud of it.

I have gone back many times. I’ve also sold my friends on to Blackpool’s charms and we try to get a girls’ weekend in every couple of years too.

It’s an ideal weekend break for all ages.

Bursting onto the scene as a leisure destination for industrial workers and working-class families, in over 150 years, nothing has changed.

While other seaside towns have been infiltrated with artisan coffee shops, art galleries and trendy crowds migrating from the big cities, sending house prices and rents through the roof, Blackpool is still an affordable place to live and visit.

It’s not the spot for a delicate macaron or an eye-wateringly expensive afternoon tea.

But if you’re happy with a £2 doughnut and a hot cocoa in a paper cup, you can enjoy a great snack with sea views for under a fiver.

Budget-conscious visitors can get a decent hotel room for only £17 per night. Haven Morten Mare Holiday Park, just 15-minutes down the road has deals for £112 for a weekend for the whole family.

Attractions like the Blackpool Illuminations, Stanley Park, the promenade and piers are all free to experience. There are sometimes deals to enter Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park for only £10 too.

As a mum, knowing I won’t be racking up a huge debt makes holidays less stressful from the start.

My kids are far more travelled than I was at their age, but I have noticed that spending big doesn’t always make them happiest on holiday.

Kids, like me and like my parents 30 years ago, just want to let off steam, have a bit of fun and have a bit of a break from life.

You don’t have to spend a lot to get that, especially in Blackpool.

I do sometimes splash out though. Mr Whippy with two flakes? Oh go on then.

Disney Cruise Line has confirmed the Disney Wish will sail from Southampton for the first time in summer 2027 with European itineraries – and I’ve been onboard to review the incredible ship

Mickey Mouse fans across Britain, it’s time to dust off those iconic ears – because we’re about to welcome an unprecedented wave of Disney enchantment next summer.

In a historic first, the Disney Wish cruise liner will set sail from British shores. Launching from Southampton, the flagship vessel of Disney Cruise Line’s Wish class fleet is confirmed to embark on a series of sun-drenched European voyages throughout summer 2027.

This maiden European adventure will feature sailings ranging from three to 10 nights, departing from the UK, Spain or Italy, with exciting new ports of call including Zadar in Croatia, Trieste close to Venice in Italy, and Hellesylt in Norway.

Having recently experienced the Disney Wish firsthand with my other half and our two year old, I was absolutely thrilled when this announcement dropped – especially since I’ve already been daydreaming about our next voyage. Here’s my guide to the standout features aboard the Disney Wish, and exactly why I’ll be at the front of that virtual queue when bookings launch later this month.

The entertainment

Adults, prepare to unleash your inner child aboard the Wish (whilst, in our experience, your little one also literally unleashes theirs). This isn’t your typical cruise offering a single show, a handful of activities, and then leaving you lounging aimlessly poolside.

Instead, expect an action-packed schedule brimming with spectacular performances, trivia contests, deck celebrations, live musical acts, and two cinemas screening the freshest Disney releases alongside timeless favourites. For those preferring a more relaxed approach, there’s ample poolside real estate – and the onboard spa continuously tempted us throughout our stay.

The ship’s top deck boasts several pools, a feature I particularly appreciate as it prevents overcrowding in one spot. However, being someone who can’t sit idle for more than a couple of minutes, I made a beeline for the AquaMouse water slide.

With its twists, turns and initial surprises, it’s easy to see why it’s dubbed Disney’s first sea attraction – it wouldn’t feel out of place in a theme park!

Deck parties are another must-add to your schedule. On the day of embarkation, Mickey Mouse and his pals host a ‘Sail Away’ party on the top deck that’s well worth attending. Expect lively music, dancing and a grand countdown before the ship’s horn blares out a Disney melody!

One evening is always dedicated to a pirate theme. Dress up, meet characters like Captain Hook, and join in the fun with Mickey and friends at parties featuring spectacular fireworks at sea (Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise company permitted to offer this).

A visit to the theatre promises a fantastic show, whether it’s the charming ‘Seas the Day’ performance, or West End-calibre productions of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

The Kids’ Club

Families must give a big cheer for the exceptional kids’ club, known as the Oceaneer Club. Included in the cruise package, it boasts zones inspired by Marvel, Star Wars and the Disney Princesses.

We barely saw our friends’ children all week; they were utterly smitten with the place!

The Oceaneer Club caters to children aged 3 and above, so our toddler was a tad too young but there were open house hours where he could scamper about, including ‘Toddler Time’ which provided a fantastic space for him to burn off some energy.

A handy hint for other parents; the Small World Nursery accommodates babies and toddlers under 3. You’ll need to book and it’s an additional $10 per hour, but it does afford you that much-needed breather if you fancy a trip to the spa or an adults-only bar!

Character encounters

An often overlooked benefit of a Disney cruise is the ease of meeting the characters. Besides the shows, there are plenty of chances to meet your favourites throughout the day, with queues typically lasting around 10-15 minutes.

Characters roam the ship, and you can also join dance parties where they’ll have a little jig with the kids – a truly delightful interaction. For princess fans, it’s worth trying to secure a spot for A Royal Gathering; this is free but fills up fast, offering you the opportunity for meet and greets with the likes of Cinderella, Belle, Moana and Rapunzel.

The food

Disney cruises operate on an all-inclusive basis, and even with my most valiant attempts, I’m fairly certain I didn’t manage to sample every single dining venue on offer. Beyond the Marceline Market eatery featuring a conventional buffet spread, passengers can indulge in pizzas, tacos and barbecue fare at the Festival of Foods street food-inspired zone, or help themselves to the self-serve ice cream stations.

For dinner service, Disney has a ‘rotational dining’ system which eliminates the scramble for bookings; you’re guaranteed a table at each of the ship’s three restaurants. There’s a Frozen-themed venue complete with live entertainment and abundant character meet-and-greets, the sophisticated 1923 which exudes elegance whilst paying homage to legendary Disney pictures, and the Worlds of Marvel restaurant where guests become immersed in an interactive superhero escapade.

Whilst these are all covered in your fare, additional premium options are available for an extra charge. Brunch at the Palo Steakhouse proved to be a genuinely memorable experience for our party.

Reservations are required, but this adults-only establishment truly embodied fine dining, with the cuisine being utterly exquisite. Pastries, pizzas, brunch staples such as Eggs Royale and puddings all feature on the bill of fare.

A cautionary note; it’s unlimited dining and those servings are substantial – I genuinely believed I might never manage another morsel. (This proved incorrect the instant I spotted the Inside Out inspired confectionery shop, where I constructed an ice cream creation that I suspect has left me on a sugar rush ever since).

For those partial to an evening drink, there’s a variety of options. The Bayou lounge offers live music, exquisite cocktails and a relaxed vibe, while Nightingale’s is an adults-only bar.

However, it was the themed bars that kept drawing me back – from the Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Lounge, where you feel as though you’re journeying through space, to the pirate-themed Keg and Compass pub, where you can enjoy a proper pint.

My verdict

I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Disney Wish; it truly caters to everyone. It’s a sophisticated ship with ample adults-only areas for those seeking tranquillity, but there’s also plenty of room for families.

The overall atmosphere is fantastic, and it’s definitely one I’ll be keen to book again. Plus, on a personal note, the extra sprinkle of Disney magic worked wonders for us; amidst all the excitement and fun during the day, our two year old actually managed to sleep through the night!

Want to book it for yourself? The Disney Wish will embark on 3, 4 and 5-night European sailings in summer 2027. Bookings open on February 23, 2026. For more details, visit disneycruiseline.com.

THE comedian John Tothill has been appeared in pubs and gig venues up and down the country, performing his stand-up routine to thousands of strangers.

So he’s better qualified than most to judge where is the the most welcoming spot in Blighty.

It turns out, it’s a little seaside town called Wigtown in Ayrshire, Scotland

Fresh from his nomination for ‘Best Show’ at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards last year, John was back in Scotland to discover the country’s best hidden gems for a Channel 4 show called ‘Where To Next‘, with fellow comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri.

They quizzed plenty of Scots on the best lesser-known places to visit and ended up in Wigtown, after it was recommended by several people.

John told us: “Wigtown is probably the friendliest place I’ve ever been to in my life.

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“I didn’t meet a single person that wasn’t nice. It was full of enthusiastic people that loved living there.

“It’s a historic place, but of course it’s still modern because people live there. That’s why I think it’s a particularly lovely place to visit, it’s full of tourist attractions, but it’s not a museum.”

The town sits on the southwest coast of Scotland overlooking Wigtown Bay – Britain’s largest local nature reserve.

Wigtown’s claim to fame is that it’s Scotland’s National Book Town and has around 17 independently run second-hand bookshops.

This includes Reading Lasses which is not only a bookshop, but also a café with a selection of cakes which you can enjoy in front of a log-burning fire in winter, or in the garden area during summer.

There’s also The Book Shop which is the largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland, with over a mile of shelving that holds 100,000 books.

The town holds a yearly book festival, which will be between September 25 and October 4 this year.

For a quirky way to spend a long-weekend, you can check into the flat above The Open Book and ‘play-bookshop’.

Holidaymakers can essentially manage their own bookshop during their stay, volunteer behind the till, make their own displays, and of course, read.

The experience is so in demand it has a two-year waiting list on Airbnb with the next available dates in January 2028.

It doesn’t come cheap either, four-nights at The Open Book for one person is £878.

If you’re happy to stay somewhere without the bookshop experience then head to Booktown Bunkhouse where rooms start from £59 per night.

While Wigtown sits along the coast, it’s actually surrounded by marshes, and the bay is a nature reserve for birds like osprey and waders.

But you can still get beautiful sea views from the town, or if you want to head to the beach some of the nearest are Rigg Bay at Garlieston and pretty Monreith Bay.

40-minutes away from Wigtown is what John calls a ‘must-do experience’ while in Scotland.

Kitchen Coos & Ewes in Dumfries & Galloway offers a ‘hands-on highland cow experience’ visitors are given tours around the farm, and you can even give the younger calves a groom in the play-pen.

John said: “There were so many cows, and they were beautiful, really gorgeous.

“What the farmer told us is that highland cows don’t tire of human contact – and they don’t leave you alone.

“You have to stop grooming them because they will never have enough, so you have to set boundaries.”

Here you can have a guided experience, a selfie with the cows, groom them, tea and a bite to eat for £46 per person.

There are other options like the walking tour around the farm for £28pp, and even an ‘Insta Coo Tour’ where there’s ample time to take some enviable pictures from £24pp.

40-minutes in the other direction from Wigtown is Kirkcudbright, where John claims to have had some of the best food of his life at Swally n’ Scran.

You can pick up two courses for £19.95 – which includes scallops, haddock or crab.

John added: “The seafood is all locally sourced. I tried scallops andthe monkfish was incredible.”

You can see everything John and Fatiha got up to on Channel 4’s YouTube.

If you want to explore John and Fatiha’s itinerary for yourself then head to VisitScotland where you can see everywhere they explored.

For more on staycations, Sun Travel has some suggestions from North Wales to Cornwall and our favourite hotels.

And here’s more on the most popular Scottish city to visit in 2026, with Traitors castles and an epic road trip route.

After spending last summer interrailing around Europe, one journalist and ‘travel addict’ has named his favourite place – and it’s so close to the UK.

If you’re planning a holiday for this year, the choice of destinations can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many amazing places to choose from, many of which are just a few short hours’ flight away in Europe.

But one journalist and ‘travel addict’ who has visited 27 countries in total recently went interrailing around Europe and discovered his new favourite place.

It had ‘endless experiences’ to offer, from a rich history to amazing landscapes and underrated food too. Brian Dillon from The Express said: “Jumping from hostel to hostel between seven cities in these five countries, Germany blew me away. I had been to Germany in the past, and every time I go there, I have a completely different experience.”

He had previously visited Berlin but spent time in Munich and Stuttgart in the summer – and they all offered a unique experience.

But the highlight of his visit had to be Munich, as he explained: “This city simply blew me away. First arriving in the Bavarian city on a train from Vienna, I was impressed by the architecture. It seemed like at every turn, there was another stunning building to gawk at.

“The historic Old Town was superbly charming, and you really feel like you have been transported back in time to a centuries-old Germany. However, one aspect of Munich that I fell in love with was its local parks.

“Every major city has some nice parks to explore. But Munich does it differently. Not only are the green spaces here stunning, but they all have lovely beer gardens where you truly feel like you are living like a local when you sit there, sipping a local beer and taking in the unique surroundings. “

Stuttgart was quieter, but Brian was happy to spend the day exploring before moving on to his next destination.

And Berlin is a ‘thrilling city’ too – partly due to tourist attractions like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall but also thanks to the unique bars, markets and ‘otherworldly’ nightclubs.

But it’s not just the cities that impressed Brian. The natural landscapes are beautiful too, as Brian wrote: “When I travelled on a sleeper train between Brussels and Prague, much of my journey was spent speeding through the stunning German countryside. The sweeping green fields, the old-timy villages and the staggering mountains were a sight to behold. Waking up in a train cabin and seeing all of this first thing in the morning is an experience I will never forget.”

So if you’re in need of some inspiration on where to book your next holiday, Germany is a fantastic option. Brian added: “If you were to tell me that for my next holiday, I had to go back to a country I had been to before, I would book a flight to Germany. Although I have been to three different cities and through stunning countryside, I suspect that this country has a lot more for me to experience.

“The port city of Hamburg, the historic Cologne, the Christmas markets in Dresden, and the classic architecture of Nuremberg are definitely on my bucket list.”

A globetrotter, who has explored every single country in the world and over 400 islands, has labelled one island as the ‘world’s best’ following an ‘unforgettable’ experience

A world traveller who’s explored over 400 islands worldwide has singled out one destination with towering peaks and dramatic glaciers as the ‘best in the world’.

Henrik Jeppesen has accomplished an extraordinary achievement that most of us can only fantasise about – setting foot in every country on Earth. That amounts to 193 nations, as recognised by the United Nations.

The 37-year-old traveller, hailing from Thy in northwest Jutland, Denmark, has also crossed off more than 2,000 locations from his ever-growing bucket list, encompassing over 400 islands spanning every ocean. From the Maldives to New Zealand and Seychelles, Henrik is well-versed in island destinations and holds a wealth of expert knowledge.

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However, one particular island eclipses all others, leaving Henrik with a “deep impression” – South Georgia Island, which forms part of the British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island, frequently characterised as ‘Antarctic-like’, boasts magnificent snow-capped peaks, enormous glaciers and profound fjords.

This stunning island has earned the nickname ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ thanks to its sub-Antarctic fauna, hosting more than seven million penguins, upwards of 65,000 seals, and as many as 30 million nesting birds. Its landscapes resemble something plucked straight from a wildlife programme. Indeed, Sir David Attenborough has famously visited this isolated island on multiple occasions.

Dubbing it the ‘best island in the world’, Henrik told the Express: “This British island lies deep in the South Atlantic Ocean, in the sub-Antarctic, and feels like one of the last truly wild places on Earth. South Georgia is raw, dramatic, and overwhelming in scale – nature entirely on its own terms.

“It’s especially known for its enormous penguin colonies, among the largest in the world, where hundreds of thousands of birds gather on black-sand beaches beneath towering mountains and glaciers. It’s a sensory experience that’s both humbling and unforgettable.”

Yet those yearning to explore the untamed terrain must organise their trip far in advance, as it’s regarded as one of the world’s most isolated spots. Henrik explained: “Getting there isn’t easy. There are no flights. The only real way to visit is by expedition cruise, usually departing from South America.

“I did this on a three-week voyage through some of the most remote seas on Earth. While it was unforgettable, it also reminded me of an important reality of exploration today: Even when paying a lot for an expedition cruise, landings at remote destinations are not guaranteed.”

He added: “On the same trip, we were scheduled to land at Tristan da Cunha, another famously remote island – yet conditions prevented us from making that landing at all. Despite that, South Georgia alone makes the journey more than worthwhile.”

Attenborough made his first trip to South Georgia Island with the BBC back in 1981, later returning for a brief documentary broadcast in 2020. However, despite its striking beauty, Attenborough observed at the time that: “South Georgia is a global rarity – an ecosystem in recovery.”

Attenborough highlighted the danger climate change poses to the Antarctic, as ice blanketing large portions of the island continues to melt. He explained: “Since I was first here, the island’s glaciers have retreated, some by 500 metres. A 2.5 °C rise in air temperatures in the past 70 years means the Antarctic is one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet.”

Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey, commented at the time: “South Georgia is a real gem in the Southern Ocean. The stunning wildlife will fill you with awe and make you wonder at the incredible beauty of the island. South Georgia shows us how much better our planet can be if we learn to live in balance with nature.”

Henrik also remarked that South Georgia Island “reminds you that nature still rules the wild world.” Despite having explored over 400 islands, he’s discovered that the finest ones “aren’t about luxury or popularity, but defined by impact – how profoundly they stay with you long after the journey ends.”

Other islands that have captured Henrik’s attention during his globe-trotting adventures include New Zealand’s South Island, thanks to its “blend of epic scenery with safety and warmth”. He elaborated: “What makes the South Island especially unforgettable to me is not just the scenery, but the people, culture, and quality of life.”

He added: “The locals are welcoming and friendly, the food is excellent, the country feels clean, and it’s consistently ranked among the safest places to travel in the world. This combination of breathtaking nature, warm people, and peace of mind makes the South Island a rare travel gem.”

Additionally, he praised Suðuroy, which embodies tranquillity and authenticity, alongside Greenland for its “culture, scale, and deep personality”. Henrik also noted Easter Island as one of the best because it shows “isolation, history and beauty combine into something unforgettable.”

You can learn more about Henrik’s travels by visiting his website.

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

An underrated horror film from 2013 starring Jessica Chastain is now available to stream on Netflix

Andy Muschietti, the director of It, has a lesser-known horror gem that’s just landed on Netflix.

First hitting screens in 2013, it boasts a standout performance from Jessica Chastain, who later took on the role of Beverly Marsh in the popular Stephen King adaptation.

The film, titled Mama, also stars Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Yellowjackets’ Isabelle Nélisse. It tells the chilling tale of two young girls who lose their parents in a tragic incident and are subsequently raised by a malevolent entity in a dark forest.

After being rescued by their father’s twin brother, they attempt to adjust to normal life, only to find that the ominous ‘Mama’ isn’t quite finished with them yet.

Despite being Muschietti’s directorial debut, Mama didn’t exactly wow critics, earning a modest 63 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it has cultivated a dedicated fanbase who believe it deserves another look, reports the Express.

One glowing Letterboxd review proclaimed: “I could happily sit through twenty turkeys to find one diamond like this. A masterclass in modern horror.”

Another viewer enthused: “I have seen many, many horror films in my lifetime. But I have rarely (if ever) seen one that has touched me so deeply, rewarded me so profoundly, and at the same time managed to scare the everliving s*** out of me so many times in one night.

“Mama has left me shaken to my very core, in so many good ways.”

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They added: “Mama is possibly the scariest film I have ever seen, but also one of the most touching, well filmed and memorable stories in a very long time.

“More ghost story than fairytale, it’s one that is sure to haunt me for all time, and I will think twice before I turn out the lights tonight..”

The accolades kept coming on IMDb, where one fan confessed “I wish there were more movies like Mama.

“This has become one of my favorite horror movies over the years, one I keep turning to as a prime example of what the horror genre should be,” they said.

Get Netflix free with Sky for Bridgerton Season 4

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‘Dearest gentle reader’, as the fourth season of Bridgerton follows second son Benedict love story, there’s a way to watch this fairytale-like season for less.

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Bridgerton.

Meanwhile, another bewildered enthusiast questioned: “Why is this movie so underrated??

“Mama wasn’t terrible like everyone says. It was so good! The ending was super emotional and wtf-ish.”

If you’re already hooked on the recent It films, be sure to discover where it all started for horror genius Muschietti now that Mama is ready to stream.

Mama is available to watch now on Netflix.

Writers from around the world have provided their top tips on how to get the most out of going to one of Disney’s many resorts, and how to save money along the way

A writer who has been on more than 50 Disney vacations has given their advice on what to do when visiting one of the parks. Kari Becker, a travel planner and freelance writer, has a vast amount of experience visiting various Disney locations.

After years of engaging in the experience of these places, Kari has discerned several major tips and tricks for getting the most out of the magical destination.

Her number one tip, she said, was to make sure to arrive as early as possible. This is due to the large crowds that continue to visit these parks.

She told Business Insider: “My No. 1 tip for visiting theme parks of any kind is to arrive early. You’ll get a huge jump on your day if you get to the parks as soon as they open, or just before.

“Crowd levels tend to be much lower at this time, meaning you can experience many attractions early in the day. By midday, the crowds usually significantly increase.”

As well as providing guidance on when to go, Kari also outlined some of the mistakes people usually make when either planning or physically going to one of Disney’s many parks.

These include cutting the trip too short, going during school holidays, as well as arriving too late, and over-planning.

On the latter, she explained: “Make a general outline of your daily agenda — with dining reservations and a list of must-do rides and attractions — but leave room for spontaneous fun.

“If you’re on too tight a schedule, you’ll miss all the good stuff, like unique character interactions.”

Kari isn’t the only writer to have provided some tips on how to experience Disneyland to the maximum with ReachPlc’s Portia Jones also providing some tips on how to do the visit yearly without spending a lot of money.

Her main tips were to skip the crowds, book tickets in advance, and, in the case of Disneyland Paris, take the train, plan as much as possible, consider a Disney meal plan, and bring your own food.

On the last matter, she told WalesOnline: “Disneyland Paris may be the happiest place on earth, but its food prices can bring you down to earth with a bump.

“Pack your snacks and bring a refillable water bottle to save money. You can bring food into the park, so load up on sandwiches, crisps, and fruit before you arrive.

“Plenty of water fountains are scattered around where you can refill your bottle, meaning you’ll avoid paying sky-high prices for drinks.”