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STILL stuck on where to go on holiday this autumn? One TUI travel expert has the insider track on places that are still hot, and great value.

Kim Boucher, who has worked in TUI’s Mansfield store for more than 25 years, has revealed her top five destinations that are still warm in autumn – and has beer as cheap as £1.50.

Marmaris, Turkey

For cheap breaks, average temperatures of 24C, a pint for less than £2, a glass of wine from £2.70 AND meals out from £10, Turkey is a great option for an autumn break.

There are still TUI breaks on offer too.

Kim recommends Marmaris in particular for break during October and November thanks to its sunshine and temperatures which sit at around 24C.

She said: “You can spend your days unwinding on the beach or taking a boat trip along the stunning coastline, then enjoy the town’s vibrant atmosphere once the sun goes down.

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“One of the things I love most about Marmaris is the buzz in the evenings. The waterfront and marina come alive with bars, restaurants and cafés, creating a fantastic atmosphere.”

Kim suggests Lalila Blue Suites for a “stylish and relaxing getaway”.

The hotel is a short walk away from the beach, it also has a swimming pool and is a five-minute drive from the centre of Marmaris which has lots of bars and restaurants.

TUI offers seven-night holidays to the 4T Lalila Blue Suites on an all-inclusive basis from £496per person or – £70.85pppn.

Tunisia

This North African country is pretty much a fail-safe when it comes to autumn holidays with average highs of 25C.

For Brits, it’s not as far as you’d think either – it takes just three hours to get from the UK to Tunisia.

Kim recommends it not just for the temperatures, but says it has “exceptional value” compared to some Mediterranean destinations .

She added: “Hammamet in particular offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway.”

In Hammamet, visitors can explore traditional Medinas, check out the local markets and try some traditional Tunisian food.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort which is perfect for a “relaxing escape in Tunisia.”

It has five swimming pools, four restaurants and three bars – plus there’s a white sandy bay right on the doorstep.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to the 5T Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort on a bed and breakfast basis from £610per person – or £87.14pppn.

Majorca, Balearic Islands

When it comes to the Mediterranean, Kim says Majorca is one of the first destinations she suggests when customers ask about an autumn getaway.

She explained: “It offers something for everyone. Even later in the season, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine, while the slightly cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the island’s picturesque villages, coastline and vibrant resort towns.”

“You can spend your days relaxing on golden sandy beaches, discovering hidden coves and enjoying waterfront restaurants, before wandering through the island’s beautiful old towns in the evening.”

Pints of beer on the island are around £3, glasses of wine can be picked up for £4.50 and meals out for £20pp.

Kim recommends the Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa which has two lagoon pools, a children’s splash park and it’s a short walk away from the beach.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to 4T Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis from £326per person – or £46.58pppn.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is another trusted holiday option for autumn thanks to its warm temperatures and short flight time.

When it comes to the region, Kim suggests heading to Albufeira.

She calls it a “fantastic option for anyone looking to extend their summer.”

Albufeira in particular is ideal “for beach days, waterfront dining and exploring the picturesque Algarve coastline.”

She added: “What makes Albufeira so popular is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back couples’ retreat, lively nightlife or scenic coastal walks, there’s something for everyone.

“Combined with great-value accommodation and plenty of sunshine, it’s easy to see why it remains a favourite year after year.”

The average temperature of the Algarve in autumn is 20C with the average price of a local beer being as low as £1.50.

TUI offers a seven-night break at the 4T Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa on a bed and breakfast basis from £363 per person – or £51.85pppn.

Orlando, Florida

Whether you’re after the theme parks, shopping malls or just want some great restaurants and entertainment, Florida is a great autumn getaway spot, especially Orlando.

It’s still hot at 24C during autumn, but it’s much cooler than during the summer months, and more pleasant for wandering around.

Kim said: “While Orlando is best known for its incredible theme parks, there’s so much more to discover beyond the attractions.

“From lively entertainment districts and world-class dining to nearby natural springs and golf courses, it offers something for all types of travellers.

“It’s a destination where you can fill every day with adventure while still finding plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.”

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista which she called a “peaceful retreat” away from the theme parks – but still close enough to get to.

It has a palm-tree lined swimming pool, video games arcade and movies in the lobby as well as an Applebee’s restaurant, a breakfast buffet and a tiki bar.

TUI offers a seven-night holidays at the 3T+ Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista on a room only basis from £832 per person – or £118.85pppn.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

While temperatures in the UK drop during October, the Canary Islands is one spot where they sit at around 24C.

Kim added: “Tenerife is one of the destinations I regularly recommend for an autumn getaway.

“I love the variety it offers. You can have a completely relaxing beach holiday, explore the island’s dramatic scenery or head into the livelier resort areas for restaurants, bars and entertainment.

“It’s a fantastic all-round choice for couples looking for sunshine, great value and a change of scenery this autumn.”

On the island, popular activities include sunbathing on the beaches, snorkelling, hiking in Teide National Park.

Or for those who love watercoasters, heading over to Siam Park – a Thai-themed waterpark.

The average local pint here starts from £2.50 with the average meal out being as little as £15pp.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical which she called a “great-value escape”.

The hotel is a top pick thanks to its child-friendly entertainment with plenty of activities as well as having two swimming pools and waterside bars.

TUI offer a seven-night holidays at the 3T TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical on an all-inclusive basis from £423 per person – or £60.43pppn.

FORGET about home away from home, welcome to Rome away from Rome.

Millions of tourists visit Italy’s capital each year to marvel at the Colosseum, queue at other attractions and squeeze into the city’s packed squares.

But you can experience a slice of Roman history without the crowds and steep prices ­— in ancient Croatian city Pula.

On the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula — comprised largely of Croatia but also Italy and Slovenia in the north — it is also a more peaceful alternative to the country’s party city, Split, and postcard-pretty Dubrovnik.

This gem on the Adriatic coast features heaps of history and fabulous food but moves at a gentle pace — and is under three hours from the UK.

The most obvious comparison between Rome and Pula is one remarkable building.

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Standing proudly in the latter’s city centre is the Pula Arena, one of the world’s largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres.

Built at the same time as the Colosseum — the daddy of all amphitheatres — it has a dramatically storied past.

Until the 5th Century, it was a place where Christians, criminals and slaves were executed and gladiators fought lions and bears.

In more recent years, it has hosted concerts by the likes of Robbie Williams and Dua Lipa — and was decked out in pink for a screening of the Barbie movie when that was released in 2023.

A day tour of Pula, just one of the many trips offered by Jet2 Experiences, will allow you to discover the city’s highlights.

As well as the amphitheatre, you will visit the Roman Forum, Temple of Augustus and Old Town, and sample ale and local charcuterie at the Kampanjola Brewery, home of Istria’s only organic beer.

The Istrian Peninsula is often compared to Tuscany in Italy because of its rolling hills, vineyards and medieval hilltop villages that feel a world away from Split’s busy beaches in summer.

But it is also home to a prized traditional delicacy — truffles.

Arriving in the remote hilltop town of Buzet, we were welcomed by a guide who owned, for my money, some of the world’s smartest dogs.

From a few months old, they have been trained to associate truffles with reward, and so learn an extraordinary ability to sniff out the forest fungi.

On our truffle hunt, we followed pooch Sky through the woods.

She stopped in her tracks and within moments was clawing at a patch of ground, nose covered in mud, before unearthing a large black truffle.

These finds do not look glamorous but are worth a fortune.

Black truffles can fetch more than £400 a kilo, and their rarer white counterparts up to five times that.

Our day ended in the best possible way with a generous, three-course truffle feast, also featuring cheese, salami, sweet treats and wine.

I tucked into a plate of fresh truffles shaved over scrambled eggs, as well as truffle-honey vanilla ice cream — all of it absolutely delicious.

Nature lovers are equally well catered for while visiting Pula.

A short boat ride from the coast awaits the Brijuni National Park, an archipelago once the summer retreat of former Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.

Down the years, the islands have also welcomed many a world leader and celebrity, as well as royalty including, in 1972, our own Queen Elizabeth II.

Today, visitors can explore Roman villas, churches and archaeological sites.

You will also meet some more surprising residents — a herd of zebras as well as Lanka, the only elephant in Croatia.

The islands are also home to one of the most ancient olive trees in the Mediterranean — estimated to be more than 1,600 years old, and still producing oil today.

Our base was the fabulous 5H Valamar Marea Suites hotel in the coastal town of Porec, 45 minutes north of Pula.

The family-friendly resort is an aquatic paradise with four outdoor pools including a stunning infinity one overlooking the sparkling Adriatic.

It also sits on the sandy Val Marea beach with water ideal for adults and children to enjoy.

The hotel’s ultra-modern, spacious suites come with their own balconies, and direct access on to the beach means you can quickly unwind after spending a day chasing dogs through the forest and snaffling truffles.

The hotel’s Maro Club is a kids’ facility offering fun tailored to different ages and featuring soft play and multimedia game rooms, as well as evening entertainment and free soft drinks and ice cream.

The hotel buffet promises a 5H experience for lunch and dinner, with a massive variety of options and unlimited ice cream to cool down after time in the sun.

One of the standout features of the hotel, though, is its location.

A scenic waterfront promenade links the hotel to Porec’s beautiful old town.

Cobbled streets are alive with ice-cream parlours and gift shops — and in one of these I picked up a bobblehead of Croatia footballing legend Luka Modric.

If you really want to push the boat out, you can even walk from the hotel to the Porec seafront — and from there take a catamaran to Venice.

But Croatia’s treasures might well mean you are happy to miss the boat — and just chill out right where you are.

PROPER pubs have propped up British life for centuries – safe, soothing sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Some call them ‘spit and sawdust’ boozers, others call them ‘Old Man’ pubs.

But you get the idea – no fuss. No frills.

They don’t complicate or change things. Just a quiet well-kept pint, a vacant stare into the middle distance, a nice chat and that comforting feeling that everything will probably be alright.

In a proper pub there’s no piped ‘muzak’, no Sky Sports swooshing at you, no cutlery or cloths on the tables, and absolutely no QR codes.

There might be a dog. There should be a piano. If there’s a dog playing a piano, that’s even better.

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And once you’re in, there should be no real reason to ever leave.

I make up half of Thinking Drinkers, and we have searched high and low for the best boozers around, so here are my top 10 Proper Pubs that every passionate pub-goer should visit:

The Oxford Bar, Edinburgh

Edinburgh is packed with decent locals. But few do proper, no-nonsense pub quite like The Oxford, a favourite of crime writer Ian Rankin and his hard-boiled detective Inspector Rebus.

There’s none of the tartan tat or tourist rubbish here. Just a solid mix of locals, writers and drinkers, all rubbing along nicely.

Grab a stool, order a beer or a whisky, and settle in. It’s exactly what a pub should be.

A pint here is likely to set you back between £4.50 and £6, and there’s plenty of things to do nearby including the National Galleries of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle.

Southampton Arms, North London

A sign outside proudly declares “Ale. Cider. Meat” – and that’s exactly what you get at this cracking Kentish Town boozer.

The 16 taps pour only beer and cider from genuinely independent producers – but don’t panic, this is not a Gen Z hipster hangout or a pub for beer bores who won’t stop talking to you about hops.

Inside you’ll find tables, chairs, a piano and plates of meat (and cheese). There’s no Wi-Fi and no bookings.

A pint here costs from £4.97, which is definitely a welcome price in London – and nearby, make sure to visitHampsteadd Heath for a nice autumnal walk.

The Dyffryn Arms, Wales

Perched on the edge of the Preseli Hills, this place is absurdly old-fashioned and basic.

Known simply as ‘Bessie’s’, after its legendary landlady, it’s less a pub and more a tiny front room.

Ring the bell, the hatch opens, and you’re served one beer and one beer only — Bass.

Inside there are a few chairs, a couple of tables and a portrait of a youthful Queen Elizabeth.

Outside, just a bench. The locals chat in Welsh. There’s no toilet. Yet somehow, it’s perfect.

A pint here will set you back between £4 and £5.50, and in the surrounding are, a head off on a riverside walk or take a short drive to the coastal town of Fishguard.

Birch Hall Inn, North Yorkshire

Tiny but brilliant, this white-washed North York Moors pub is officially the smallest in Yorkshire — and yet huge in character.

The boozer is split into two very basic rooms with a proper old-school sweet shop between them.

Hikers and holidaymakers rub elbows here over a range of well-kept ales, pork pies, pickles, stotties and the pub’s famous “beer cake”.

A pint here will cost you between £4 and £5.50, and in the surrounding area, take a walk to Beck Hole – a pretty village with woodland walks to small ponds and waterfalls.

Wenlock Arms, East London

While all the streets around it were getting levelled by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, The Wenlock Arms wasn’t having any of it – the bombs didn’t dare touch it.

And, from the looks of things, neither has anyone else.

Built in 1836, this unwaveringly traditional East End institution has a reassuringly retro feel with some of the best beer the British isles has to offer.

A pint at this watering hole usually costs between £4.50 and £5.80, and if you are looking for something else to do in the area, head for a wander along the Regent’s Canal Towpath.

The Evening Star, Brighton

Just a one-minute walk from Brighton train station, this cosy city centre local is a theme pub…

The theme is sitting down and drinking really nice beer.

Dating back to 1854, there’s not much here beyond some chairs, some tables and a small bar serving a range of really good independent ales, ciders and lagers.

The cheapest pint here will cost you £4.80 (Burning Sky – Plateau), and nearby there’s the Brighton Toy and Model Museum or you can walk to the beach.

Peveril Of the Peak, Manchester

Peveril of the Peak was once used as a brothel by American soldiers during the Second World War.

It sits defiantly wedged amid modern office blocks and new-fangled flats, with a classic green-tiled exterior.

As for the inside, the historic triangular tavern is perhaps the most beautiful looking boozer in Manchester complete with darts, pool and a jukebox.

A pint at this watering hole will set you back between £5.50 and £6.80, and Manchester Art Gallery is nearby if you are looking for something else to do in the area.

The Bell Inn, Aldworth

Low- beamed with a massive oak fireplace and a flagstone floor worn by generations of thirsty walkers, this cracking 16t-centuryy country pub is a terrific time-warp of a place.

The beer garden bursts into a perfectly English oasis of calm in the summer, but in the winter, the boozer oozes with cosy charm.

The beers are served spot-on and the food is simple yet superb – warm crusty rolls stuffed with ham, ox tongue, cheddar, stilton or crab, with little pots of mustard and chutney on the side.

You can get a pint and a roll for less than £15.

Fat Cat, Sheffield

Once you’ve sat down here, you’ll struggle to leave this delightful, unpretentious ‘drinker’.

It is just one of several superb pubs to be discovered in the Steel City.

Cosy and carpeted, it’s like stepping into someone’s living room – albeit a living room that serves a great range of real ales from a handsome looking wooden bar.

A pint at the Fat Cat costs from around £4.20, and for somewhere to head after, just across the road is the Kelham Island Museu, m which showcases the steelmaking history of the city.

Free Trade Inn, Newcastle

Boasting beautiful views over Newcastle and across the River Tyne, perched halfway up a hill, this quirky yet canny, frills-free boozer oozes charisma.

It has friendly folk behind the bar, a free jukebox and quality ‘craft’ ales.

You can grab pizza at the boozer too for around a tenner.

A pint here will cost you from £4.50, and nearby, make sure to head on the Victoria Tunnels Tour – this underground 19th-century wagonway has had several lives as a route for coal wagons and then laterana air-raid shelter during World War II.