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Professional dancer Jowita Przystal has been a part of Strictly since 2022 – and even won that year. But now fans have been left fearing she is set to walk away from the ballroom for good.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has addressed her future on the show after hinting she has quit. The 31-year-old dancer joined the cast of the BBC show in 2022 – winning that year alongside wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin.

She then danced with cyclist Jody Cundy, 47, in 2023 – and caused a frenzy when she danced with notorious Lothario Pete Wicks, 37, during the 2024 competition. But fans are now fearing that the 2025 contest has been the last for Jowita – after she shared a cryptic message online.

For the latest season of the show – which concluded over the weekend – the Polish dance star was partnered with Scottish presenter Ross King, 63. However, the pair were the second couple to be booted off the show after failing to impress viewers and the judges.

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Following Saturday night’s live final – in which footballer Karen Carney and dancer Carlos Gu won – Jowita took to Instagram to share a photograph of herself alongside Ross. Fans were left startled and alarmed when she added a caption stating: “Last dance partner on strictly floor x.”

Her comment provoked a flurry of speculation, with one fan fearfully commenting online: “Jowita just shared this! Is this her last year?” Another, fearing the worst, replied: “I wondered also. I hope not she is my fav female pro.” While a further fan remarked “it would be a weird way to announce something like that.”

Jowita later returned to Instagram Stories to share a photo of herself posing alongside other Strictly professionals. And in an accompanying caption, she clarified her prior comment. She wrote: “So grateful for being a part of the best show on tv. And just to clarify my last post it was about my last dance with ross, not me leaving the show. Hopefully far from my last dance on that dance floor.”

Fans of Strictly have been left devastated, however, by the fact that hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman won’t return to the show. The duo stunned fans in October when they abruptly announced that they would be quitting the show at the end of the year and won’t return to host the 2026 season.

And on Saturday night, the ladies bid farewell to the series. Tess, 56, who has hosted the show since it began back in 2004 shared an emotional message to fans on social media after working through the final.

She wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post: “So that’s a wrap. What an incredible Final – fitting for what, for me, has been an absolutely brilliant series. Strictly is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda. That love is down to every single member of the brilliant team that makes it, because to none of them is it just a job. It is a gift, and it is truly treasured. I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you. I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been. It has been the most wonderful privilege to have shared it with you all for so many years.”

She concluded: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories of a lifetime.” Her post included a montage video from the final night, with the star dazzling in a sequin gown. While co-host Claudia looked sharp in a tailored suit, with the catchphrase “Keep dancing” emblazoned across her back.

In a post of her own, Claudia shared a backstage photo of herself with Tess as they walked hand in hand to the main stage. In a simple message, she wrote: “For the last time… I love you @tessdaly,” and added a red heart emoji.

And in a later post, she shared a photograph of Karen and Carlos accepting their trophy after winning the show. She wrote alongside the image: “Massive congratulations to our amazing winners @kazcarney and @gkx_carlos and also to the brilliant @amb_d @nikita__kuzmin and @georgeclarkeey and @alexis_warr – what a final, what a team.”

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Monique Lindner spent more than seven years as a full-time traveller before settling in one city that she says has a mixture of ‘local charm’ and ‘big city vibes’

A woman who has visited more than 40 countries says there is only one city where she would want to live. Monique Lindner has been to stunning locations in the likes of Australia, Latin America, and Asia.

She says she was the first of her family to leave their home country, Germany, and even spent more than seven years travelling the world. But eventually she found she needed somewhere that she could settle down.

Writing in BusinessInsider , Monique says there was one destination that stood out above the rest. After some careful consideration she found herself setting up home in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

She says the city is the perfect mix of “local charm” and “big city vibes”. Located a few hundred miles north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is home to around a million people and boasts an array of Buddhist temples and ruins.

Monique said: “My first visit was about a decade ago, when the city felt more like a backpacker’s paradise with cheap beer on every corner, $5 hostel beds, and loads of young people driving around with their gear on rented scooters.”

She says she “loves” that the city is home to both shopping malls as well as smaller “mama shops” owned by local families. It has local tea and fresh food markets as well as chains like Starbucks.

Monique admits she would “never get bored” visiting the Buddhist temples and attending musical performances and local art galleries. But says she still “loves to travel”, regularly finding herself on daytrips by car and boat.

A 25 minute drive from the city would find Monique in the middle of an “amazing” national park while an hour gets her into the historic town of Lamphun. When she first settled in Chiang Mai, Monique found herself living in a gated community with a garden, tennis court, and pool, all on a “modest budget”.

She added: “Although my neighborhood felt quiet, it was still convenient, with car-repair joints, fresh food markets, and numerous shops nearby. Building a community and making friends in the area has also been easy for me.”

Monique says she has attended events advertised on Facebook and even connected with other “digital nomads” during her time in Thailand. She says it feels like there are “activities and gatherings for everyone” ranging from yoga classes to drumming workshops.

She however admits there is no “perfect” place to settle down, and struggles during the traditional “burning season” where crop fields and forest debris are burned.

She says she has embarked on road trips during the last couple of burning seasons, but admits she finds herself “missing” Chiang Mai.

Monique concluded: “Falling in love with this city was easy for me, and it was wonderful having a home base there for several years. Though I’ve still got a few logistics to work out, I hope to call this piece of Thailand my permanent place of residence in the future.”

Fighting has resumed hours before the countries’ foreign ministers meet in Malaysia to discuss steps to de-escalate hostilities.

One more Palestinian killed by Israeli army in Gaza while two Palestinians, including a child, are shot dead in occupied West Bank.

Villa Vie Residences has announced plans for a new residential cruise ship where people can buy cabins and live at sea permanently – with prices starting lower than average London property

Ever reached the end of a cruise and wished you could just keep on sailing? Well, your dreams might soon become reality. A US firm has unveiled plans for a residential cruise ship that lets you live permanently at sea. However, prospective passengers will need to dig deep into their pockets to secure a spot.

Villa Vie Residences already operates one residential cruise ship, the Odyssey, which has been embarking on a continuous global cruise since October 2024. Despite being delayed by technical issues and leaving Belfast several months late, it’s currently navigating its way through a 15-year planned itinerary.

The current cruise is set to circumnavigate the globe multiple times, with each journey lasting three and a half years, reports the Express.

The company has now announced plans, dubbed Project Lumina, to acquire a luxury cruise ship for residents to live on either full or part-time. They suggest these all-inclusive cruises could even prove cheaper than living on dry land.

Those seeking a permanent home on the ship can bag an oceanview room from $539,999 (around £404,000) or upgrade to a suite with a balcony for $899,999 (roughly £637,000). Monthly fees will apply for residents.

However, more affordable options such as five-year ownerships and rentals are available for those not planning to make the sea their long-term home.

The average cost of a flat in London, rather dishearteningly, typically ranges between £530,000 and £610,000, making the new cruise ship a potentially more affordable option. Those who purchase these rooms aren’t required to live in them permanently.

There are alternatives available, such as renting them out when not in use. Passengers also have the option to invite guests on board for a stay, at a fee.

While the exact details of the ship remain confidential, the company confirmed in a statement that the cruise will offer ‘ultra-luxury’ and operate alongside their existing Odyssey service.

On Villa Vie’s current residential cruise, the amenities are akin to those found on a standard cruise ship, with some bespoke extras for those embarking on longer-term journeys. There’s gourmet dining, entertainment, a swimming pool, optional excursions, and regular housekeeping.

Residents also benefit from a fortnightly laundry service and include medical visits. A social club and regular events for passengers ensure no one feels isolated during this extended voyage.

Although many current passengers on the Odyssey are retirees, the cruise is also targeting remote workers and digital nomads who can work from anywhere in the world. There’s a business centre on board and high-speed WiFi provided by Starlink, enabling people to make video calls on the go.

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In a statement released to PR Newswire, the newly-appointed President Chris Cox expressed: “I’m thrilled to join Villa Vie at such a defining moment for the brand and for the category. There is incredible demand for authentic, residential oceangoing lifestyles-from attainable world-travel homes to ultra-luxury villa experiences.

“Project Lumina will be about listening carefully to that demand and translating it into beautifully designed, high-value products that feel both elevated and deeply personal.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

FANTASY lovers can take a step down the hobbit hole this winter, as a new location invites guests inside to escape the icy winter weather.

A Tolkien-inspired holiday spot has opened for business north-west of Cambridge, with pods and lodges available for keen glampers.

Just outside of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, West Stow Pods offers a peaceful stay for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Emulating world-famous Hobbiton, the pods and lodges are equipped to service groups between two and six people.

Pods are fitted out with a kitchenette and appliances, as well as an en-suite, TV and bedroom area, and are slightly smaller than the lodges.

The lodges are bigger, with full kitchens and separate bedrooms, as well as living room space.

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West Stow Pods is also pet friendly, allowing families to include their furry family members in holiday plans.

The glamping spot has been recognised as one of the best forest getaway spots in the UK.

Located next to King Forest, the options for hikes, bike rides and time in nature are endless.

Guests can also choose to spend the day in the local town, which is jam-packed with restaurants and shops to explore.

West Stow has priced rooms between £170 and £458 for two nights, depending on whether you choose a pod or a lodge.

Future guests can secure a spot by booking on the company’s website.

For holiday makers who are more keen of the seaside than the forest, the pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot has cosy pubs and award winning hotels.

The town sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.

It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.

And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.

Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.

It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round

Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.

The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.

Bowen Yang, a fan-favorite cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” is leaving the series after this week’s episode.

Representatives for Yang and “Saturday Night Live” did not comment on the move Friday. However, on Saturday, he confirmed his upcoming departure via a post on his Instagram account. “i loved working at SNL, and most of all i loved the people. i was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwile,” he wrote. “i’m grateful for every minute of my time there.”

Yang also thanked Ariana Grande, this week’s host and his “Wicked” co-star,” for “sending me off in the dreamiest way I could imagine.” The pair, alongside musical guest Cher, were seen in promos for Saturday’s episode.

There has been recent speculation about whether Yang would finish the current season of the show. He has appeared on “SNL” since Season 45 after a year of working on the writing staff.

Yang took on a variety of roles in the NBC sketch comedy series, including impersonating Vice President J.D. Vance, Fran Lebowitz and pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng. Yang received his fifth Emmy nomination for his work on “SNL’s” historic 50th season.

Outside of “SNL,” Yang has appeared in several other projects recently. He co-hosts the popular podcast “Las Culturistas,” with fellow comedian Matt Rogers, and their seminal Las Culturistas Culture Awards was televised for the first time this year, airing on Bravo and streaming on Peacock. Yang also appeared in the “Wicked” film and its recent sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” and has starred in several other feature films, including “The Wedding Banquet,” “Fire Island” and “Dicks the Musical.”

In early December, Yang confirmed he and Rogers would be co-writing and starring in an untitled comedy for Searchlight Pictures. The movie will reportedly follow two Americans who fly across the world to try to get into the exclusive Berghain nightclub in Berlin.

Yang is not the first “Saturday Night Live” cast member to leave midseason — he joins the company of past “SNL” greats like Cecily Strong, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler and a handful of others who exited the show outside of the traditional period for departures while the show is on summer hiatus.

Prior to the start of Season 51, NBC and executive producer Lorne Michaels made some major cast changes, adding five featured players after a series of departures. Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim exited the series before the season premiere in October.

Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska joined the cast for the current season. Marshall was previously on the “SNL” writing staff and is known for his on-camera appearances as a part of the Please Don’t Destroy comedy trio.

The 51st season of “Saturday Night Live” will continue in early 2026 and run through the end of the television season in May.

Follow our live build-up, with full team news coverage, before our text commentary stream of the EPL clash in London.

SEASIDE towns are good fun in the summer from swimming to building sandcastles, but some can be just as good in the colder months too.

From cosy pubs to stays in award-winning hotels, chilly beach walks and seal-spotting along the shoreline, this one has plenty to rave about during the autumn and winter.

The pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.

It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.

And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.

Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.

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It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round.

Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.

The Boat House at Saundersfoot is a 2025/26 Good Food Award winner – Gold Seal.

The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.

Meanwhile, St Brides Spa Hotel in was crowned Hotel of the Year for Wales at the AA Hospitality Awards in 2025.

The ‘Best Hotel in Wales‘ offers stays in coastal suites, cosy double rooms to superior king – some of which have impressive sea view balconies.

When it comes to food, the hotel has The Cliff Restaurant, a Gallery Bar & Lounge, Marine Fish & Chips and Lobster Club Outdoor Terrace.

Whether you’re a guest or not, you can book to have a tasty meal in their hotel restaurant, from Afternoon Tea to Sunday Lunch and special events like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Last year, research from holidaycottages.co.uk recently revealed the best spots in the UK for a festive staycation.

Destinations across the UK were ranked based on their proximity to a cold plunge or a seaside sauna – and Saundersfoot came out on top.

A team of travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk wrote: “Topping the list of locations is Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire, followed by Saunton in North Devon, Sheringham in Norfolk, St Andrews in Fife, and Whitstable in Kent.

“Each selected offers spectacular sea views, a great availability of eateries and pubs, and a communal swim event to make a cold-water dip all the more appealing”.

Speaking of, there’s a popular sauna on Saundersfoot Beach Hwyl Outdoor Sauna which has incredible Pembrokeshire coastal views as well as hot and cold therapy sessions.

In recent years, Saundersfoot Harbour and other parts of the town have undergone a huge revamp.

It has new shops, event spaces, and Marine Centre of Excellence for watersports.

Other attractions for visitors include Saundersfoot Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 to mark the entrance to the harbour.

Nearby are family attractions like Folly Farm and Blue Lagoon Waterpark.

Plus, the sleepy Welsh village which was once a busy port has beautiful coastal paths and cosy pubs.

And the little-known pink beaches and turquoise lagoons that you won’t believe are in Wales.

US envoy Steve Witkoff to meet senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye in Miami to discuss next phase of deal.

Pickpockets can be very skilled at blending into crowds – but if you know what to look for, it’s easy to spot them.

Pickpocketing is widespread globally. Across Europe, particularly during peak tourist periods, it can be rampant.

Well-known destinations such as Barcelona, Paris and London frequently appear at the top of pickpocketing crime statistics, but according to James Smith, a fluent Spanish speaker and founder of Learn Spanish, there’s no need for concern.

He explained: “After living in Spain for years, you start to notice the same patterns locals watch for. You shouldn’t be suspicious of everyone. It’s more about knowing what behaviour stands out in a crowd.”

Blending into crowds

He noted that pickpockets can be exceptionally adept at melting into crowds – however, if you’re aware of what to spot, they’re easily identifiable, reports the Express.

He remarked: “They’ll dress like tourists, carry maps, even take photos. But if you know what to look for, their behaviour can easily give them away.”

Loitering

The initial warning sign to watch for is anyone lingering in a heavily populated location. Whilst most individuals are passing through the vicinity, pickpockets will remain stationary in one position – close to tube station entrances or famous landmarks.

“Watch for people who seem to be killing time in high-traffic areas,” said James.

“Genuine tourists stop to look at something specific. Pickpockets scan the crowd itself.”

Whilst they’re surveying the masses, you’ll observe their gaze concentrating on people’s bags and pockets. Authentic tourists will be admiring the attractions – but pickpockets will be studying you.

Walking close behind

Another red flag is individuals trailing too closely behind you. In packed areas it’s understandable that people might be squeezed closer together, but if you’re in a less busy location and you spot someone walking closely behind you, it’s wise to remain alert.

Extra clothing

In hotter destinations like Barcelona and Madrid, James cautions that people donning extra clothing could be dodgy. He explained that thieves often sport jackets, scarves, or carry bags they can utilise to hide pinched items or mask their hands whilst they operate.

In Barcelona’s warm-to-mild climate, someone wearing multiple layers is conspicuous.

To protect yourself and your possessions, James offers some advice.

He explained: “The habits locals use are simple but effective. Always hold your bag in front of you in crowded spaces, not hanging off your shoulder where you can’t see it. Keep zips facing inward against your body. Avoid using your phone while walking through busy streets, especially near popular tourist spots.

“Front pockets are much harder to pick than back pockets, so keep your wallet there. If you’re carrying a backpack, swing it round to your front on the metro or in queues.

“Stay aware, but don’t let it make you anxious. Locals don’t walk around in fear, they just notice their surroundings and keep their belongings secure. Once these habits become automatic, you can relax and enjoy your trip.”

Trump is also set to preview his 2026 priorities during Oval Office ‘address to the nation’.

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Join Los Angeles Times Dodgers beat reporter Jack Harris and columnists Dylan Hernández and Bill Plaschke for our very special 2025 Dodgers Debate Christmas Special.

The trio will discuss the signing of Miguel Rojas and Edwin Díaz, who else might be on the 2026 roster, the World Baseball Classic, whether the Dodgers can three-peat and more.

Video replay will be available at latimes.com/dodgers and our YouTube channel to bring joy all holiday season.

Rescuers save six Palestinians, including two children, in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp after family home collapses.

The pretty market town was crowned Best Place to Live in the country in 2012 and won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition three times, yet few tourists make it there

The UK is home to some truly stunning villages and towns. From cobbled streets winding through rolling countryside to clifftop whitewashed hamlets and fairy-tale cottages scattered across the landscape, Britain has it all.

But travel just a bit further afield, and you’ll discover places that could easily rival – or even outshine – the best of what Britain has to offer. Westport in County Mayo, Ireland, is one such gem. Getting there couldn’t be easier, with Ryanair, British Airways, and Aer Lingus all flying into Knock, the closest airport to Westport. From there, it’s just an hour’s drive west to this coastal Heritage Town.

The journey itself is a treat, with the scenery becoming increasingly dramatic as you near the Atlantic and the mountains loom larger. Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland’s “Holy Mountain,” sits just five miles from town, its distinctive cone-shaped peak dominating the skyline above Clew Bay.

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The mountain draws both pilgrims and tourists alike. Every year on the last Sunday in July, worshippers make the gruelling climb to the summit, where they visit a chapel, attend Mass, and often perform acts of devotion – some even tackling the ascent barefoot or on their knees.

If that sounds a bit too intense for a relaxing break, don’t worry – there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the town itself. Westport boasts a beautiful Georgian town centre, while stone bridges span the tree-lined paths that run alongside the River Carrowbeg.

The town is remarkably pristine, offering an exceptional quality of life. Westport has triumphed in the Irish Tidy Towns Competition three times – in 2001, 2006, and 2008 – and was named Best Place to Live in Ireland by The Irish Times in 2012.

It comes as no surprise that Westport is home to a wealth of outstanding pubs. Venues like Matt Molloy’s, MacBride’s, Porter House, and JJ O’Malley’s are all reliable choices and regularly feature traditional Irish bands in the evenings.

When the weather’s nice, tourists can wander along the Quay before making their way to The Point. “This is a fabulous place to meet locals on a nice day as they swim in the shallow waters of Clew Bay. I sat at a table and laughed as they chatted with each other, calling to friends who were not in the water. It was a kick to be a fly on the wall and witness friends and neighbours giving each other a hard time and laughing and gossiping,” notes travel blogger Wander Your Way.

Many tourists staying in Westport opt to explore destinations beyond the town centre, immersing themselves in the dramatic beauty of the countryside. A popular local saying in Clew Bay claims there’s “an island for every day of the year.”

In reality, there are roughly 120 designated islands, alongside countless smaller submerged limestone drumlins that appear when the tide goes out.

Clare Island is the largest of the true islands, its majestic silhouette looming on the horizon like a giant humpback whale. The short ferry crossing from Roonagh Pier is essential for visitors, providing spectacular walks and vistas. Clare attracts birdwatchers in their droves, who come to spot kittiwakes, fulmars, peregrines, guillemots, and the most charming of all – puffins.

For those prepared to travel further offshore, Inishturk beckons, billed as a “little piece of paradise,” according to the local tourism authority. Must-sees include the golden sands of Tra na nUan and Curraun, Ireland’s sole offshore-island natural lagoon, dramatic sea cliffs, and uncommon wild flora.

Westport is a treasure that’s difficult to fault, commonly considered a combination of Ireland’s best natural attractions with welcoming culture and streets that remain pleasantly uncrowded.

“I am a huge fan of Westport and County Mayo, perhaps because my wife’s cousin owns the Clew Bay Hotel and Madden’s Restaurant. I highly recommend both. Renting bikes in Westport and riding the Great Western Greenway is fantastic, love it. It’s a charming little town with excellent restaurants and pubs,” one devotee recently posted on Reddit. Another person enthused: “I second Westport! My wife and I had our honeymoon there (years ago, and in Clew Bay Hotel too! ) and frequently return. The people in the restaurants, bars, and shops are all so welcoming. If you’re not a fan of the pubs (and the music), there are plenty of interesting and easily accessible walks and cycle paths nearby. Can’t wait to go back!”.

A third observer noted: “It really does seem magical out there, lots of outdoor activities and seems less busy with tourists.”

Israeli forces continue raids across occupied West Bank as Gaza reels from Israeli attacks and aftermath of a storm.

WHEN it comes to tasty food and drink, incredible historical sites to glorious art, and impressive fountains, Rome has it all.

But it can be a place where the hordes of tourists are easy targets, from being lured into inauthentic restaurants to expensive souvenir shops – so Sun Travel has spoken to a local expert to see just how Brits can avoid that, and discover where to go instead.

Gabriele loseffini who is the General Manager at Generator Rome, a hotel minutes away from iconic Colosseum and Roma Termini Station, has got some top tips for us.

First up, is food, which let’s face it, is part of the reason Brits travel to Italy. Gabriele told Sun Travel: “For authentic Roman cuisine, try Trattoria da Enzo, Hosteria Grappolo d’oro or Armando al Pantheon.

“Testaccio Market is another must-visit – a lively spot for street food, local produce and even an opportunity to go on a guided food tour with all the best recommendations.

“I would always recommend the Centrale Montemartini, a culturally rich museum where classical statues are displayed amongst industrial machinery.

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“The space is quiet and well-lit allowing, providing a haven from the rush of the city where you can experience the art.  For drinks, Enoteca il Piccolo and Vanda are excellent wine bars offering an intimate atmosphere both with an extensive wine menu.

“Those with a sweet tooth will love the family-run Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti.”

If you go during the summertime and fancy a cool down with some gelato, Gabriele says to check out La Romana or Gelateria Fassi both of which are loved by locals.

Gelateria Fassi is recognised as Italy‘s oldest gelateria and was established in 1880 – it serves classic flavours like the classic Stracciatella, pistachio, lemon, strawberry, chocolate and hazelnut.

In popular cities, especially in peak summertime, you’re likely to be wading through crowds.

If that’s something you’ll want to avoid in Rome then steer clear of the Colosseum and Pantheon and head to these spots on Gabriele’s radar instead.

Gabriele said: “To avoid the crowds, visiting the Aventine Hill and looking through the keyhole at the Knights of Malta is an excellent option.

“Ostia Antica is also amazing, an old city just outside Rome. It’s like a mini-Pompeii but far less crowded. And the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is a beautiful gallery that is significantly quieter than the Vatican Museums.

“Wandering through local areas such as Testaccio and Garbatella is also perfect to get a sense of the Italian community with its authentic streets and restaurants.”

“Don’t feel like you have to stick to the city of Rome either, just a short drive away are beautiful places like Tivoli is an ancient town filled with beautiful gardens and is only about 30 minutes away from Rome. You can explore the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. 

“Another great day trip would be to Bracciano. Less than an hour from Rome you can explore the medieval streets, see the volcanic lake and the well-preserved castle Castello Orsini-Odescalchi.”

If you’d like to swap city for city, then Florence is another option where you can see landmarks like the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Duomo di Firenze.

While you’re there, Gabriele also said to make sure you stop by Trattoria Sergio Gozzi for a taste of traditional Tuscan dishes.

Looking at the menu, Trattoria Sergio Gozzi serves filled tortellacci, Tuscan stews and steak.

When it comes to accommodation, of course Gabriele has one hotel that trumps all the others in the city.

He said: “My favourite place to stay in the city would be of course Generator Rome, as it’s close to the Colosseum and Termini Station, so it makes an excellent base to explore.

“Generator’s Roman house has guest experience at its core, with stylish and comfortable rooms that offer an ideal option for those looking for an authentic Roman stay.

“During the warm season the rooftop terrace also has incredible views of the city and is the perfect place to relax once aperitivo hour hits.”

Borough Market is a tourist trap right here in the UK – but Sun Travel has some authentic recommendations for you…

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor said: “If you really want to try some of Borough Market’s best treats without the huge price tag – check out Too Good To Go. They have everything from Bread Ahead to cheese mongers.

“My favourite place to eat is El Pastor – one of two restaurants (the second at Kings Cross) where the tacos are huge and the horchata is deliciously refreshing.

“While not as cheap as they used to be, the All That Falafel van is a great quick eat that will fill you up all day, with a wrap being around £6.

“If you want a fancier drink, you’ll find me in Swift. Its small, but the bar crew are always happy to make you something off the menu (not that you’ll need it, with a whole book of options).”

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel added: “Well it has to be Boro Bistro for me.

“I’ve been a loyal fan of the cosy Boro Bistro for more than a decade. This cute independent, fiercely French bar and restaurant has rarely changed in all those years.”

Veronica Lorraine, Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features, told us: “Tabard Street Food Market is a proper hidden gem.

“Forget the chaos of actual Borough market – this has five or six stalls every lunchtime, is loved by locals – always a good sign – and serves everything from Filipino and Thai food to Jerk chicken, Falafal wraps, Souvlaki and Philly Steaks.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill revealed her favourite spot: “Being fairly new to the area, when I ventured out for lunch, I was quite happy when I found a quiet spot away from the very busy Borough Market.

“Just a 10 minute walkaway on Crucifix Lane, I discovered Kin + Deum which is home to tasty Thai dishes like classic Pad Thai, pineapple rice, peanut satay and of course a katsu curry.

“They’re all reasonably priced and you get a lot for your money too, and wash it all down with a small cup of refreshing lemongrass tea at the end.”

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