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The beautiful African island with white sand beaches, no jet lag and cheap package holidays
FANCY a holiday? This island is the perfect place for winter sun with highs of 26C this week.
Found in Cape Verde, the main island of Sal has sandy beaches, bright blue seas – and what’s even better is there’s no jet lag for Brits either.
Despite its fairly long flight time of six hours, Cape Verde off the coast of west Africa doesn’t result in jet lag for Brits as it’s just one hour behind GMT.
Throughout February, there are average daily highs between 23-25C, minimal rainfall and as many as eight hours of daily sunshine.
Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands – its most popular is Sal which is known for its sunny, dry climate and pretty golden sand beaches.
One of the popular activities on the island is due to the strong winds, which make it a great destination for surfing and kitesurfing.
Must-see attractions include the glowing, natural pool of the Blue Eye (called Buracona), the salt flats of Pedra de Lume, and even shark spotting.
Sal’s capital is Espargos, but most holidaymakers head to Santa Maria which is where most of the hotels are located along with lots of shops, restaurants and bars.
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Sal – there’s plenty of choice and some holidays come in at under £400.
A seven-night stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde Resort from February 26, 2026 costs just £399pp with loveholidays.
Most read in Beach holidays
It’s a four-star self-catering hotel with rooms across four floors and all come with a private bathroom that has both a shower and bath.
Each apartment also comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, TV and aircon.
The hotel has an outdoor pool with a dedicated children’s swimming area surrounded by sun loungers and parasols – there’s a kids’ club too.
There’s an on-site restaurant that serves buffet-style breakfast and a poolside bar.
Nearby are watersports facilities and bike hire, the beach is just a 20-minute walk away, or there’s a free shuttle bus
And the price includes direct flights from Manchester Airport with easyJet.
TUI also offers a stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde on the same dates flying from Glasgow from £534pp (based on a room-only stay).
Or opt for an all-inclusive with TUI at the Sol Dunas resort across seven-nights from February 23, 2026 flying from London Gatwick from £781pp.
It’s not just the hotels that are cheap on Sal, your food and drink won’t cost a lot either.
A mid-range three course meal for two people costs around £39.28.
Coffee will set you back just £1.53 and a pint will set you back between £1.65 and £2.59.
It’s easy to island hop too if you want to head to the likes of Boa Vista – the journey between the two takes just 25-minutes and one-way flights in February start at £44.
Boa Vista is known for having beautiful beaches too, and it’s home to loggerhead turtles.
Find out what one Sun Travel Editor got up to during a visit to Cape Verde…
Here are Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey’s highlights from her visit to Cape Verde…
“The islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just 350 miles off the west coast of Africa, celebrate 50 years of independence this year and I’m exploring Boa Vista, the lesser-developed island often overlooked in favour of its busier sister, Sal.
“Tour giant TUI has just added extra flights from the East Midlands to the island, starting next weekend, in addition to its flights from Gatwick.
“My guide Paolo gave me a brief insight into the history of the island, colonised by the Portuguese until 1975.
“We learn of morna music — created by the indigenous population when they were enslaved by both African nations and Portugal — slow, danceable rhythms with tales of love and longing for the homeland.
“And one can understand their longing to return when you discover Boa Vista’s blissfully quiet beaches. Santa Monica, on the southeast of the island, is the finest in Cape Verde and often named as one of the best in the world by Tripadvisor.
“Despite the abandoned apartment complex overlooking the beach (left half-finished for decades), the rest of the beach is almost as idyllic as any in the Maldives.
“I was the only person there, sinking my toes into the soft golden sand, so powdery it almost felt like flour.
“My other favourite beach was Praia Carlota, where you can lose the days in the hippy Morabeza beach hut, chilling out while enjoying fried fish and local Strela beer and admiring the soaring kite-surfers braving the winds that whip across the waters.”
Here’s more about how it will soon become even EASIER to island hop on Cape Verde.
And here are the ten best things to do in Cape Verde, from turtle-watching to desert-biking.
Destroyer, Electronic Surveillance Jet Joins U.S. Forces Massing In Middle East
As U.S. President Donald Trump is again touting a “massive armada” of ships heading to the Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran, more assets continue to pour into the region, including an electronic intelligence collection plane, which would be critical to addressing a range on contingencies, and another destroyer. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate that U.S. forces are needed in case of a potential attack from Iran and that the administration does not know what will happen next if the government of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei falls.
You can catch up with our most recent coverage of events in the Middle East here.
“A massive Armada is heading to Iran,” Trump stated Wednesday morning in a post on his Truth Social platform, referring to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG). “It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”
It remains unclear what Trump meant by a larger fleet. A Navy spokesman confirmed to us Wednesday morning that the Lincoln and three Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer escorts are now in the CENTCOM region. That’s the same number of ships the Gerald R. Ford CSG deployed with to the Caribbean ahead of the Maduro capture.
All told, the Navy now has 10 warships in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR). The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black just joined that force, a Navy official told us.
A destroyer would provide picket defense against missiles and drones, as well as standoff call strike capabilities. This is something especially important in that part of the Middle East right now since the Houthi rebels of Yemen have threatened to attack U.S. and Israeli targets should Iran come under fire.
By comparison, there are 12 warships in the Caribbean, the official explained. That force, along with a number of destroyers and carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, includes the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG)/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) made up of three amphibious assault vessels, and a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser. In addition, the Ocean Trader, a special operations mothership, was also plying those waters. It’s also worth noting that CSGs deploy with at least one fast attack submarine that isn’t usually disclosed.
When we asked for more details about Trump’s claim, the White House referred us to the Truth Social post, and CENTCOM referred us to the White House.
While the Navy’s deployments are getting a lot of attention, a U.S. Air Force RC-135V Rivet Joint electronic surveillance plane has flown to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to online flight trackers. The aircraft, callsign Olive48, arrived at Al Udeid on Wednesday morning Eastern time, according to FlightRadar24.
The Rivet Joint departed from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska and stopped at RAF Mildenhall before arriving at Al Udeid.
The RC-135 is one of America’s most capable intelligence-gathering assets. Each airliner-sized jet contains a large array of signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems that detect and intercept communications and other electronic emissions. The aircraft can also geolocate and categorize the emitters sending out those signals, from radios to radars. The RC-135s are often used to build a electronic order of battle of an adversary nation, locating their air defenses and command and control nodes, as well as intercepting communications as to how they respond to various stimuli or just during mundane operations. This information is critical to building an effective war plan and it needs to be updated just prior to launching an operation. It is also very important for defensive monitoring and understanding an enemy’s intentions and the status of its military at any given time.
Rivet Joint deployments happen around the globe regularly, including to the Middle East. In November, a U.S. official confirmed to us that one of these jets had been deployed to the U.S. Southern Command region “testing Venezuelan sensors and responses, and it is part of the pressure campaign to show U.S. capabilities in the Caribbean.” This matched our prior analysis as to their presence there. The information gathered would have played a key role in the effective capture of Maduro.
We’ve reached out to CENTCOM and the 55th Wing at Offutt, which operates the Rivet Joints, for comment.
There are also indications that other unique airborne capabilities may be headed to the Middle East.
Flight trackers are showing that an E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) jet is heading to Souda Air Base in Crete, a common route for deployments to the Middle East. While we have no confirmation of where this jet might go next, a move to the Middle East ahead of a potential conflict makes sense. E-11As are highly specialized communications gateway nodes designed to create an ‘active net’ over the battlespace and quickly transfer data sent using a variety of distinct waveforms between different aerial platforms and forces on the ground/surface. With these capabilities, the aircraft can also serve as valuable communications relay nodes. You can find out more about BACN and its history in this past War Zone feature. It’s also worth mentioning the BACNs spent many years exclusively deployed to the Middle East during the Global War on Terror.
In addition, it appears six U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growlers electronic warfare jets have departed from their assignment to the Caribbean and are headed east across the Atlantic, potentially for deployment to the Middle East. Again we have no confirmation of why the jets are making this flight.
The EA-18Gs in the Middle East would be critical force multipliers. Such a deployment could be indicative of what one would see in the lead-up to a kinetic operation centered heavily on strikes on targets in inland areas, such as ones the U.S. and possibly Israel might carry out in Iran in the future. Growlers can provide electronic warfare support for standoff munitions and/or aircraft penetrating into enemy air defenses, among other battlefield effects.
There are also signs that HC-130J Combat King II combat search and rescue (CSAR) planes are moving toward the Middle East, another indication that Trump could be considering airstrikes inside Iran. The aircraft would be needed for rapid rescues of any aircrews that are lost during military operations, specifically over contested territory. They can also support special operations aircraft with aerial refueling for non personnel recovery missions.
As we have previously reported, at least a dozen additional F-15E Strike Eagle fighters were recently deployed to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Aerial refueling tankers have also trickled into the Middle East. Other tactical jets remain in the region, including A-10s. But despite the potential presence of the Growlers and the movements of the F-15Es, there has still been no mass influx of USAF tactical airpower into the Middle East. This is something we would likely see if the U.S. intends to execute a sustained campaign, even if limited in scope, against Iran. This points to a more limited operation, unless Israel steps in to provide its tactical fighter force in a joint operation. It’s also very possible that these assets will deploy in the coming days.
In addition, online flight tracking indicates the movement of new air and missile defense systems to the Middle East as well. As we predicted, the U.S. is sending additional Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems to the Middle East for increased protection from any Iranian attack, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Amid the U.S. buildup, Rubio offered some insights about why this is happening.
“On the issue of our presence in the region, here’s the baseline I want to set for everybody,” Rubio said during his testimony to the Senate in a hearing on the situation in Venezuela. “The baseline is this: we have 30,000 to 40,000 American troops stationed across eight or nine facilities in that region. All are within the reach…of an array of thousands of Iranian one-way UAVs and Iranian short-range ballistic missiles that threaten our troop presence.”
“We have to have enough force and power in the region just on a baseline to defend against the possibility that at some point, as a result of something, the Iranian regime decides to strike at our troop presence in the region,” he added. “The president always reserves the preemptive defensive option. In essence, if we have indications that, in fact, they’re going to attack our troops in the region, to defend our personnel in the region.”
In addition, Rubio noted that “we also have security agreements, the defense of Israel plan, and others that require a force posture in the region to defend against that. And so I think it’s wise and prudent to have a force posture within the region that could respond and potentially, not necessarily what’s going to happen, but if necessary, preemptively, prevent the attack against thousands of American servicemen and other facilities in the region and our allies.”
The U.S. Secretary of State also noted that at least thousands of protesters have been killed by government forces during the unrest that began in Iran on Dec. 28. The uprising occurred due to rising prices and devalued currency that saw the rial crater now to basically nothing, as well as a devastating drought, and ongoing harsh treatment from the regime.
While Trump has previously stated that Iran needs new leadership, Rubio testified that what happens should Khamenei fall is unknown.
“That’s an open question,” Rubio responded to a question about who would lead Iran next. “No one knows what would take over. Obviously, their system is divided between the supreme leader and the IRGC that responds directly to him. And then you’ve got these quasi-elected individuals, the ones that wear the suits on television, who are part of their political branches, but ultimately have to run everything they do by the Supreme Leader. So I don’t think anyone can give you a simple answer as to what happens next in Iran if the Supreme Leader and the regime were to fall.”
In his Trump Social post on Wednesday, the president issued one of his most serious threats against Iran to date. The American leader, who began his recent round of warnings to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the wake of the regime’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters, is also pressuring Iran to end its nuclear weapons program.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly “Come to the Table” and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties,” Trump proclaimed. “Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn’t, and there was “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again…”
Trump was referring to the attack last June on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The American president gave no specifics about the deal he was demanding, “but U.S. and European officials say that in talks, they have put three demands in front of the Iranians: a permanent end to all enrichment of uranium, limits on the range and number of their ballistic missiles, and an end to all support for proxy groups in the Middle East, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis operating in Yemen,” The New York Times reported on Wednesday.
“Notably absent from those demands — and from Mr. Trump’s post on Truth Social on Wednesday morning — was any reference to protecting the protesters who took to the streets in Iran in December, convulsing the country and creating the latest crisis for its government. Mr. Trump had promised, in past social media posts, to come to their aid, but has barely mentioned them in recent weeks.”
Iran, for its part, said there are no direct negotiations underway.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he had not been in contact with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days or requested negotiations, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing Iranian media.
“There was no contact between me and Witkoff in recent days and no request for negotiations was made from us,” Araqchi told state media, adding that various intermediaries were “holding consultations” and “were in contact with Tehran.”
“Our stance is clear, ” he added. “Negotiations don’t go along with threats and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands.”
Still, there are backchannel talks taking place, according to the official Iranian IRNA News Agency.
“Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein says Iran has announced its readiness for dialogue with the United States, but it has yet to receive any response from Washington,” according to IRNA. “Speaking with Rudaw, a Kurdish digital news network based in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, the foreign minister said late on Tuesday that messages are exchanged between Iran and the US, but no meeting has been held yet.”
“The main problem is that there is no direct communication,” Hussein said, adding that messages are exchanged without holding a meeting, which complicates the situation. “If a decision is made to hold a meeting, Iraq would be able to play a role, but the U.S. has yet to decide if it would hold discussions.”
Wary Israeli officials, who are preparing for an attack on or from Iran, are closely monitoring these unofficial talks, according to the Jerusalem Post.
“Israel is assessing reports that the United States and Iran are holding discreet contacts and that Washington has presented preconditions for possible negotiations on a new nuclear agreement,” the Post reported. “Israeli officials have expressed concern over the possibility of an agreement they view as unfavorable.”
Likely to participate in any strike against Iran, Israel was once again the target of Tehran’s wrath.
Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, threatened strikes on Israel if the U.S .attacks Iran.
“The limited strike is an illusion,” he said, according to Israel National News. “Any military action by America, from any source and at any level, will be considered the beginning of war, and the response to it will be immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented, targeting the aggressor, the heart of Tel Aviv, and everyone who supports the aggressor.”
Should a conflict between the U.S. and Iran break out, two key regional allies have said they won’t be involved. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday said it would not allow the U.S. to use its facilities or airspace to attack Iran. That follows a similar statement made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
These public statements could be strictly aimed at internal audiences that might not favor involvement in an attack on another Muslim nation, especially involving Israel. They could also be to deter Iran from barraging their territory in retaliation to an attack. However, if Saudi Arabia and the UAE are serious about their reticence, it would affect U.S. basing in those countries, limiting Trump’s options to attack Iran. There are other bases in the region, like Al Udeid in Qatar, Muwaffaq Salti in Jordan, and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, among others. Still, any reduction in facilities to store and launch aircraft makes any strike more challenging and potentially increases the risk to host countries from Iranian missiles and drones. Taking airspace over Saudi Arabia and the UAE out of the picture also reduces the vectors from which the U.S. can launch attacks from the Gulf region, limiting them to a narrower set of funnels. This is also why the carrier strike group is so important.
Meanwhile, NATO ally Turkey urged Trump not to attack Iran.
“It’s wrong to attack on Iran, it’s wrong to start the war again. Iran is ready to negotiate on nuclear file again,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.”My advice to the American friends: close the files one by one with Iranians. Start with nuclear, close it, and not get it as a package. If you put them as a package, it will be very difficult for our Iranian friends to digest and to go through this. It might seem humiliating for them and difficult to explain to the leadership. If we can make things better tolerated, it would help.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on the other hand, said the Iranian regime’s days are numbered.
Despite the Iranian regime’s crackdown, the protests appear to be ongoing. A new video emerged showing a large demonstration in Tehran, calling for the end of the regime.
As the pressure mounts against Khamenei, a video emerged purporting to show an inside view of his compound, something observers say they’ve never seen before.
So far, there are just harsh words being exchanged in the Middle East, not munitions. However, the warning lights are blinking hot that a conflict could soon break out, something we will continue to monitor closely.
Update: 9:46 PM Eastern –
Trump is now considering options that “include U.S. military airstrikes aimed at Iran’s leaders and the security officials believed to be responsible for the killings, as well as strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and government institutions,” CNN reported, citing sources. “Trump has not made a final decision on how to proceed, sources said, but he believes his military options have been expanded from earlier this month now that a US carrier strike group is in the region.”
Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
NASA WB-57F Canberra Jet Makes Fiery Belly-Landing In Houston (Updated)
One of NASA’s high-flying WB-57F research aircraft went skidding down the runway on its belly at Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas, earlier today.
The incident occurred at around 11:30 AM local time, according to KHOU, a local CBS affiliate in Houston. KHOU has shared video footage showing the two-seat WB-57F spraying sparks and smoke after making contact with the runway. Additional footage shows the pilot exiting the plane with the help of first responders on the ground.
Plane appears to land without gears at Ellington Airport in Houston
NASA plane makes belly landing at Ellington Field, video shows
“Today, a mechanical issue with one of NASA’s WB-57s resulted in a gear-up landing at Ellington Field. Response to the incident is ongoing, and all crew are safe at this time,” NASA’s official account on X wrote in response to KHOU‘s report. “As with any incident, a thorough investigation will be conducted by NASA into the cause. NASA will transparently update the public as we gather more information.”
KHOU also reported that Ellington’s runway 17R–35L was closed as efforts were made to move the stricken WB-57F.
All three of NASA’s WB-57Fs are based at the Johnson Space Center, also located in Houston. The aircraft are well known for their high-altitude capabilities, and can fly as high as 63,000 feet depending on how they are configured. They can carry different sensors and other systems in modular payload bays under the fuselage, as well as in their noses and underwing pods. Though roughly similar in some respects, the WB-57F should not be confused with the U.S. Air Force’s higher-flying U-2s. NASA also operates a pair of ER-2 aircraft, which are modified U-2s.
The WB-57Fs, originally developed for the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War as high-flying intelligence-gathering platforms, are now used for various scientific research purposes. The jets have also been used to support various U.S. military operational and test and evaluation-type missions. One of them was notably called upon to help in the response to weeks of still unexplained drone incursions over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in December 2023, which TWZ was first to report. Many aerial videos of space launches that we see are taken by the WB-57Fs, as well.
Overall, NASA’s WB-57Fs are the definition of an extremely low-density, high-demand asset, and what long-term impacts today’s belly landing may have on the future of the fleet remain be seen.
Update: 4:20 PM EST —
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now provided TWZ with the following statement:
“A Martin WB-57 landed with its gear up at Ellington Airport in Houston around 11:25 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Two people were on board. The FAA will investigate.”
Howard Altman contributed to this story.
Contact the author: joe@twz.com
The best affordable winter sun holidays with NO jet lag and scorching temperatures picked by The Sun travel experts
DREAMING of a winter sun getaway? You could be relaxing on white sandy beaches and chilling poolside under swaying palms for less than you’d think.
We’ve rounded up some of the top destinations for cheap winter sun – with highs of 33°C and even zero jet lag.
Cape Verde
If you want stunning sandy beaches and a subtropical climate, consider jetting off to Cape Verde.
Temperatures here average 23°C in the winter months, reaching highs of 27°C. Plus, Cape Verde is only an hour ahead of the UK, so no jet lag that usually comes with a winter sun break.
Cape Verde is made up of ten volcanic islands, which are split into the northern side, Barlavento, and the southern side, Sotavento.
Down in the southern island of Santiago there are vibrant markets, lush landscapes and hiking trails.
But the northern islands tend to draw more tourists, thanks to their gorgeous beaches.
Some of the top islands to visit on the northern side include Boa Vista and the major holiday spot, Sal.
In Boa Vista, head to the renowned Chaves Beach, where soft sand stretches over three miles.
This island is also home to the miniature Viana Desert, where you can go sand-boarding or roam over the rolling dunes in a 4×4 or quad bike.
Over in Sal, the Buracona Lagoon is well worth a visit with its near-neon blue waters known as the “blue eye“.
You’ve got your pick of sandy beaches and sunset catamaran trips, plus the picturesque towns of Espargos and Palmeira bring a lively buzz to the area.
Cape Verde is easy to reach, with new flights available this year with easyJet.
The airline flies to Sal from London Gatwick and Manchester from £92.49 each way. Plus, starting from May 1, the airline is adding a new route from Bristol, which will operate three times a week.
The Sun’s Head Of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire, went on a family holiday to the island of Sal in late February.
She said: “Reliable mid-haul sunshine in February is scarce, but Cape Verde gave us seven full days of blue skies.
“The strong breeze kept us cool in the intense sun, but it was also deceptive – there were plenty of tourists with lobster-pink skin who’d clearly been caught out by the super-strength rays, just 1,100 miles from the equator.
“Skin-scorching sun isn’t the only reason to pay a visit to the Portuguese-speaking country, though.
“For those who like a bit of adrenaline, there’s kite-surfing along the aptly named Kite Beach, plus quad-biking on the inner-island desert landscape.
“But for us, our break was all about relaxing — and we did just that on a four-hour catamaran cruise along the coast of Sal, where, away from the shore, the waters were calm enough for a dip.
“These beautiful beaches, as well as adventure activities and watersports, were all within a short drive of our hotel, the Riu Palace Santa Maria, south of the island of Sal and near the idyllic beach town of Santa Maria.
“With six pools, including a waterpark with several impressive slides, five restaurants, two cocktail bars, a sports bar, a cafe, spa, gym and kids’ club — there was enough to keep any fly-and-flop holidaymaker supremely happy.”
Senegal
Senegal is another top pick for winter sun, with temperatures averaging a scorching 33°C in February.
And with no time difference between Senegal and the UK, you won’t lose out on any sleep on your travels.
Dakar is the country’s capital, where you’ll find markets, monuments and marbled mosques.
There is some beautiful nature to be discovered here, too. The Saloum Delta National Park is a nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful mangroves and flamingos.
The Lagune de la Somone is a great spot for soaking up the sights via paddleboard or kayak through unspoilt nature.
Plus, to tick off that bucket list experience, TUI offer safari excursions from just £41.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey took a trip to Senegal and stayed at TUI’S Riu Baobab hotel.
She said: “Senegal is often overlooked as a winter sun destination by Brits, but it’s slowly becoming one of the ‘hot’ new places to go.
“It was put back on the map for UK holidaymakers after TUI launched direct flights back in 2022.
“It makes the perfect affordable fly and flop, with hot winters and a shorter flight time than Dubai or Thailand.
“I stayed at the RIU Baobab, so most of my time was spent on the sun lounger or pool bar.
“But day trips out are a must – I recommend exploring Goree Island. A former slave trading port, it’s harrowing but informative.
“Otherwise, stop at the African Renaissance Monument, the tallest statue in Africa, for a quick Instagram stop”.
TUI offer package holidays to Senegal, with some great all-inclusive options.
The Riu Baobab hotel in Pointe Sarene boasts four pools, a waterpark, and is only steps away from a sandy beach dotted with coconuts and palm trees.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive stay for two adults at the Riu Baobab hotel, including flights, costs just £958pp.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a classic choice when it comes to a winter sun escape – and it’s clear to see why.
Temperatures average a comfortable 20°C here in winter, letting you enjoy exploring the island with the warmth of the sun on your back.
And with no time difference between Gran Canaria and the UK, you’ll miss out on jet lag completely.
There’s no shortage of things to do on this paradisaical Canary Island.
There are whales and dolphins to spot by boat in the resort town of Puerto Rico, as well as volcanic hiking paths to explore in the Nublo Rural Park.
When it comes to beaches, Playa del Inglés is a top choice with a bustling promenade and various water sports on offer.
And for something different, the dunes of Maspalomas contain their own ecosystems, including pretty lagoons and palm groves.
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski took a trip to Gran Canaria and saw the best of what the island’s landscapes have to offer.
She said: “I visited Gran Canaria for one reason only. It was chucking it down at home, and my beachfront hotel on the volcanic island was speckled with plush cabanas perfectly poised for basking in the sunshine.
“I can’t say I left the resort much on my one and only visit – simply because pina coladas and strolls along the black sand beach were the order of the day every day.
“If you do want to indulge in more than just sunbathing, Gran Canaria is home to some gorgeous hiking trails along craggy orange rocks.
“It’s also got some of the best dark skies in the world, meaning long evenings can be spent soaking up those twinkling stars and the brightest moon I’ve ever seen.
“There’s a rather large banana plantation at the northern side of the island, and visitors can learn all about the fruits’ production and the best time for picking”.
The best part is that Gran Canaria can be super cheap to visit.
A week away at the Servatur Riosol hotel in the resort of Puerto Rico costs as little as £249pp with Loveholidays.
Or go all-in and upgrade to all-inclusive from only £459pp.
Cape Town
The first few months of the year are some of Cape Town‘s hottest, sitting at a sizzling average of 27°C.
Not only is the South African coastal city a stylish spot, but it can be great value too – and comes with some stunning beaches.
And with the city being only two hours behind UK time, there’s no significant time zone change to adjust to.
This is a great city for the adventurous type who likes to explore unique landscapes by day and sip on world-class wines by night.
Take a cable car up to Table Mountain for rotating 360° views over dramatic rock formations and the Atlantic’s sapphire waters.
Or laze on the white sands of Camps Bay and Llandudno Beach to soak up those Southern Hemisphere summer rays.
Boulders Beach is always a favourite, too. Here you can observe herds of Humboldt penguins waddle between rocks and slip into the bright blue sea.
Food and drink are second-to-none in this culinary capital. Head to Kalk Bay for some budget-friendly seafood, or head to the colourful bar Cape to Cuba for an ice-cold Mojito.
It goes without saying that the wine here is worth sampling – you can sample some local tipples on a hop-on hop-off winery tram tour for £36 on GetYourGuide.
The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire, visited Cape Town for a family holiday.
She said: “Cape Town is officially the world’s cheapest long-haul holiday, according to the Post Office Money Report, and it’s perfect for families with just two hours’ time difference, jaw-dropping animals and perfect beaches.
“Everything in Cape Town is so accessible that we landed at 8.30am, got our hire car, checked into the hotel and were on the glorious Camps Bay beach in swimsuits by 11.30am.
“On our two-week trip to the South African capital and the surrounding area, we saw everything from zebras and giraffes to penguins and lions.
“This is a country so packed with wildlife that it is not uncommon to see exotic creatures such as baboons and ostriches feeding at the side of the road, or taking an evening stroll in front of your hotel room.
“Recently, South Africa’s tourism minister touted the region as such great value that ‘British visitors can afford our 5* hotels’, and the price comparisons are stark when looking at the cost of things like food and drink.
“At the 5-star Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town – I drank posh wine at just £4 a glass, while my son played with the other kids in the infinity pool, as dolphins played in the ocean just feet away.
“The trip was a dream from start to finish, with so many memories made that it felt like five holidays wrapped into one. “
Lastminute.com offer a week-long self-catering apartment stay in Cape Town, including flights from £780pp.
Morocco
Morocco is the perfect mix of short-haul flights, warm temperatures and cheap luxury-feel hotels.
And as the country is just one hour ahead of the UK, you won’t feel exhausted after landing.
Hop on a three-hour 40-minute flight from London to Marrakesh, and you’ll be in Morocco’s bustling capital that hovers around 20°C in winter.
This must-visit city has endless souks to browse and unique sights to see in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.
The fishing village of Taghazout, on the other hand, has a beachy boho feel and is popular with surfers and sun-worshippers alike.
There’s plenty of surf shacks to rent boards from, a skate park and a shimmering bay.
Over on the west coast, Agadir is home to some of Morocco’s best beaches.
Plage d’Agadir is the most popular, and its seven miles of golden sands and turquoise water are perfect for both sunbathing and snorkelling.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, enjoys visiting Morocco’s capital.
She said: “I’ve been to Marrakech many times – drawn by the treasures to be found in the colourful, chaotic souks and the raw beauty of the desert landscapes that surround it.
“Tourism is booming in the city, and with it has come a host of exciting new hotels, restaurants and rooftop bars.
“My most recent trip included a three-hour food tour of the Medina – our guide gave us a brilliant insight into the local cuisine and encouraged me to try dishes I might never have sampled had I been on my own.
“For total escapism, though, our trip into the Afagay Desert revealed a different side to this fascinating country – silent, stunning desert landscapes.
“Worth splashing out on was our trip to The White Camel, a luxury tented camp where we spent an afternoon on dune buggies before watching the sun set with a drink by their infinity pool, before indulging in a fabulous four-course feast”.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, on the other hand, chose to check out the beaches of Agadir.
She said: “While Marrakech is all about the souks and the dunes, Agadir is a more laid-back affair.
“This is where you’ll find the surfers, with surf schools littering the beach.
“My favourite way to spend a day was walking along the golden sand coastline, with just a few locals and stray dogs along the way.
“Otherwise, Agadir is also home to one of Africa’s biggest souks – Souk El Had – although there are lots of other ones to explore in the city”.
Perhaps the best part about Morocco is just how affordable it is to visit.
Five nights at a beachfront all-inclusive in Agadir with flights costs just £239pp with Loveholidays.
Mauritius
Mauritius was recently deemed the safest African country to visit, and it’s one of the most beautiful destinations for winter sun, too.
Not only is it popular for its low crime rate, but our winter is actually their summer season.
Temperatures reach a scorching 30°C, and even the sea temperatures can reach 27°C.
Plus, the country is only four hours ahead of UK time, which is easier to adjust to than countries further abroad.
For the best of beaches, check out Flic en Flac for sugar-white sands facing a glittering lagoon.
Le Morne, on the other hand, has more of a jungle feel, as the beach is backed by thick green leaves and impressive mountains.
For snorkelling in clear waters and spotting colourful fish, head to the Blue Bay Marine Park in the southeast.
And for 66p tasty Creole curries and exotic fresh fruits, head to the markets of the country’s capital, Port Louis.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, has explored Mauritius from its beaches to its busy capital.
She said: “This Indian Ocean island paradise was a revelation when I visited. Yes, of course, there are stunning powder white beaches, swaying palms and delightful all-inclusive hotels.
“But the south of the island reveals endlessly changing landscapes, from busy colonial-era towns and centuries-old sugarcane plantations to volcanic mountain ranges and unique geological wonders.
“Go hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park – the views are worth the trek through the indigenous rainforest.
“Or admire the Seven Coloured Earths – waving, solidified sand dunes in a riot of colours that highlight the island’s unique geography.
“In the bustling capital Port Louis, head into the Central Market to browse stalls piled high with fresh fruit and veg, then queue with the locals for a dhal puri at one of the many food stalls – the wafer-thin pastry stuffed with a spicy lentil mix”.
You can fly direct to Mauritius with British Airways from £876 return.
Plus Lastminute.com offer package holiday deals to Mauritius from as little as £755, including flights.
‘Mechanical issue’ causes NASA research jet to perform gear-up landing
Jan. 28 (UPI) — A NASA research jet performed a gear-up landing at Houston’s Joint Reserve Base Ellington after suffering a “mechanical issue,” according to NASA officials.
Uncorroborated video of the Tuesday landing posted online shows the plane, a WB-57 research aircraft, coming in low toward the runway, touching down with the belly of its fuselage.
Sparks, fire and smoke spew from the back of the plane as it comes to a stop, the video shows.
NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens said in a statement that the gear-up landing was the result of an unspecified “mechanical issue.”
“Response to the incident is ongoing, and all crew are safe at this time,” she said.
“As with any incident, a thorough investigation will be conducted by NASA into the cause. NASA will transparently update the public as we gather more information.”
The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. CST Tuesday on Runway 17R-35L, according to Houston Airports, the Texas city’s Department of Aviation.
The WB-57 high-altitude research plane is a mid-wing, long-range aircraft based near the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.
According to NASA, three of the jets operate out of Ellington Field, and can fly in excess of 63,000 feet above sea level. It can also fly for about 6 1/2 hours with a range of about 2,500 miles.
A pilot and a sensor equipment operator generally crew the aircraft during flights.
New EA-37B Compass Call Electronic Warfare Jet Makes Maiden Voyage To Europe
Despite rampant speculation that it would eventually head to the Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran, an EA-37B Compass Call’s arrival in Germany yesterday had nothing to do with current events, according to the U.S. Air Force. The specialized electronic warfare (EW) jet made its first trip to Europe to show off its capabilities as the U.S. Air Force transitions from the EC-130 Compass Call turboprop aircraft.
“The aircraft is also slated to visit Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and RAF Mildenhall, England, marking the platform’s introduction to Airmen, units and NATO Allies in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility,” U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Force Africa (USAFE) stated in a release. “The roadshow’s inclusion of multiple installations and units highlights the aircraft’s flexibility to integrate into various mission sets and teams, serving as a key node for joint and coalition operations.”
The Air Force statement about the EA-37B’s visit to Europe follows suppositions made in many posts on X and shows the limits of online speculation based just on tracking data. The conjecture is understandable given the electronic warfare capabilities such a jet could bring to the fight, jamming radars and interfering with Iranian communications and command and control.
The EA-37B, however, is not yet operational, Kris Pierce, spokesman for the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base told The War Zone Tuesday afternoon.
“We are still in training and testing phase,” he said. “We are still trying to figure out the capabilities.”
The new Compass Call is a heavily modified Gulfstream G550 business jet. It leverages the Israeli-developed Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) configuration, which has large ‘cheek’ fairings on either side of the fuselage, among other distinctive features.
The Air Force is planning to procure 10 of these jets to replace the aging and ever smaller fleet of turboprop EC-130H Compass Call planes, of which only four remain. The 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron flew the first training sortie for the EA-37B on May 2, 2025.
Many of the EA-37B’s mission systems are directly ported over from the EC-130H, which is why the two very different aircraft share the same nickname. Both aircraft are designed to provide critical stand-off jamming support, including against enemy radars and communications systems. They also have a secondary intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) function given their ability to spot, track, and geolocate various types of emitters.
The EA-37B also offers new capabilities that go beyond what is found on the EC-130H. The Air Force has said in the past that the aircraft’s designation reflects its ability to not only attack, but also destroy certain targets, as you can read more about here.
In addition, the G550-based aircraft can reach higher altitudes than the EC-130H, giving it a better field of view to provide effects across the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) over longer distances and larger areas. The jet also offers speed, range, and endurance benefits over its turboprop predecessor.
“One of the most important aspects of success in conflict is information superiority,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Laska, 41st Electronic Combat Squadron EA-37B pilot. “Every moment of hesitation that we can implant into an adversary’s decision-making process increases the survivability of our men and women on the leading edge of every domain.”
The value of Compass Call aircraft was recently highlighted during the recent pressure campaign against Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. An EC-130H likely played a role in jamming radars and communications to make it harder for Venezuelan forces to respond during Maduro’s eventual capture. E/A-18G Growler jets also played a major role in that effort.
You can see a video of the EC-130 arriving in the Caribbean below.
As we noted in an earlier story: “Previous iterations of the EC-130H-based Compass Call system have proven their value in combat zones on multiple occasions in the past two decades. A contingent of these aircraft was continuously forward-deployed in the Middle East, from where they also supported operations in Afghanistan, between 2001 and 2021. EC-130Hs supported the raid that led to the death of Al Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011 and prevented the detonation of an improvised explosive device that might have killed then-Maj. Gen. James Mattis, who later rose to the rank of General and also served as Secretary of Defense under Trump, in Iraq in 2003, among many other exploits, according to a recent story from Air Force Times.”
Had the EA-37B that landed at Ramstein been bound for the Middle East as online trackers posited, that would have been a big deal indeed, marking its first foray into potential combat. Still, this tour, following the two last year to Asia, is a first introduction to a large number of U.S. and allied airmen, of an important new airborne EW platform.
Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com