London Luton Airport Ltd.

Ellie Cresswell had no idea where she was going and landed 2,250 miles away

A woman who won a mystery Instagram holiday was shocked when she ended up on a surprise trip 2,250 miles away in Armenia. Ellie Cresswell had no clue what to expect when she boarded the plane from London Luton Airport.

All she knew was that the flight would leave at 8:15am and that she should pack a bag of clothes for temperatures around 20–25°C. The 29-year-old accountant was told to expect a flight time of up to six hours.

She has shared a video of the experience on Instagram, where it has been viewed over 1.6m times, with 34,500 likes. “There was an incredible atmosphere onboard the flight, with everyone excitedly trying to guess where we were heading,” Ellie said.

“The cabin crew did an amazing job of keeping the secret, with all announcements referring only to our ‘unknown destination’ and they even avoided revealing the flight duration. I was absolutely thrilled when we finally landed in Armenia, as it’s somewhere I had always wanted to visit.

“I love exploring destinations that feel less discovered and more authentic.”

Ellie had entered the Wizz Air ‘Let’s Get Lost London’ competition on social media and was stunned when she won the three-night holiday – travelling on the UK’s only direct flight to the country. On arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, passengers were greeted by the Armenian tourism board and even treated to a surprise traditional dance lesson as a welcome into the country.

Armenia is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited countries, with a history stretching back more than 3,000 years. It is also home to the world’s first Christian state, having adopted Christianity as its official religion in AD 301.

The landlocked nation is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries and growing reputation for wine production, with some experts pointing to the region as one of the earliest places in the world where wine was made. Ellie added: “The entire experience was unforgettable. We learned so much about Armenian history, culture, religion, food, and of course, wine.

“I would definitely recommend doing a mystery trip if the opportunity comes up, as the unknown element added so much excitement and spontaneity to the whole experience.”

There are big savings on flights to Spain, Portugal, and more

A major airline has said it is reducing some of its flight prices by more than a fifth as it celebrates a huge 22 year in the skies.

Wizz Air said today, Tuesday: “We’re turning 22. Celebrate with us: up to 22% off ALL flights”. The Budapest-based airline flies to tens of destinations across Europe, from an array of UK airports including London Luton, London Gatwick, Liverpool John Lennon, and more. There is a catch on the savings, though, as flights must be booked before 11.59pm tomorrow, May 20.

Terms and conditions further stipulate that the discount applies only to the fare, excluding any administration fees. Flights within the deal depart between today, May 19, and October 30, 2027. Wizz Air added: “Promotion does not apply to group bookings.”

At the time of publication, we found return flights to Palma de Mallorca in June, from London Luton, from £31.80 per person. You can also get return flights to Bratislava from £30.24, or to and from Alicante from £31.80.

Looking ahead to the summer holidays, there are return flights to Palma de Mallorca from £40.81 in August, to Barcelona El Prat from £43.38 per person, and flights to and from Valencia from £45.04 per person.

If you’d prefer to travel from London Gatwick, there are return flights next month to Malaga from £31.80, to Valencia from £35.70, and to Faro from £47.72 per person. And in August, Gatwick passengers can fly to and from Faro from £56.94, Valencia from £58.64, and Malaga from £66.46.

In some cases, people could be hit with hefty fines

A UK airport has issued a warning as travellers may be unaware they could be risking a £5,000 fine after taking sandwiches on board a flight. Many passengers purchase food at airports, or pack their own, and carry it onto planes without any trouble.

However, London Luton Airport has highlighted what the law actually states. And if you’re heading abroad anytime soon, it’s well worth taking note.

A post on X from the airport’s official account reads: “It is illegal to bring meats such as lamb, pork or beef or dairy products from the EU into GB in your luggage. This means items such as cheese, cured or raw meats, sandwiches and milk, including duty free purchases.”

The guidance applies to all airports across England, Scotland and Wales. Should you be caught carrying any prohibited items – including sandwiches containing meat or dairy – and fail to declare these to Border Force officers at customs, you could face prosecution, or a £5,000 fine (in England only).

Rules around bringing in meat, dairy, fish and other animal products differ depending on the country of origin. If you are travelling back from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, you are banned from bringing in any of the following:

• cheese, milk and dairy products like butter and yoghurt
• pork
• beef
• lamb
• mutton
• goat
• venison
• other products made from these meats, for example sausages

You can bring in the following for personal use:

• fish
• poultry, for example chicken, duck, goose and any other products made from these meats
• other animal products, for example eggs and honey

You may also bring in up to 2kg per person of powdered infant milk, infant food, or special food required for medical purposes. This is only allowed if it does not require refrigeration before use, and is in branded, unopened packaging (unless currently in use).

If you are travelling from a country outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, you are prohibited from bringing any meat or meat products, or milk or milk-based products, with the exception of powdered infant milk, infant food or special food needed for medical reasons.

You are, however, permitted to bring in up to 2kg per person of:

• honey
• powdered infant milk, infant food, or special food (including pet food) needed for medical reasons – you can only bring it in if it does not need to be refrigerated before use, and is in branded, unopened packaging (unless in current use)
• live mussels or oysters
• snails – these must be preserved or shelled, cooked and prepared
• frogs’ legs – these must be the back (hind) part of the frog with the skin and internal organs removed
• insect protein

You may bring in up to 20kg per person in total of fish, including:

• fresh fish – must be gutted
• fish products
• processed fish – must be dried, cooked, cured or smoked
• lobsters
• prawns

This lesser-known city break destination is less than two-and-a-half hours from the UK, and it’s a great place for people who love walking as its city centre has a huge car-free zone

A new easyJet route will connect London-Luton Airport with an often overlooked European city break destination that’s ideal for long weekends away.

With a flight time of under two-and-a-half hours, this Central European destination may not be on your radar for a short break, yet it offers fairytale castles, a medieval old town, and the opportunity to explore on the river.

The new route to Ljubljana begins on October 26 and prices start at £40.99 one-way. Autumn is a great time to visit this leafy city, or you could book later in the year and visit the Festive Fair Christmas market to enjoy traditional sausages and mulled wine from stalls along the river.

Ljubljana Castle dominates the skyline thanks to its position on a green hill overlooking the city. This medieval fortress looks like something from a child’s storybook, and it’s either accessed by road through a forest trail or on a funicular railway that gives great views across the city.

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Inside, it’s just as spectacular. You’ll find an ornate chapel, vast formal gardens, and even the quirky Museum of Puppetry. There are also restaurants with outdoor terraces where you can sit and watch the sun go down.

If you love simply walking around and exploring new cities, then Ljubljana is perfect as it’s compact and easy to get around. As a bonus, it has the largest car-free zone in the European Union, taking up a large part of the city centre. This means you aren’t navigating your way through traffic and roads when you explore.

Some places to explore on foot include Prešernov Trg Square, famous for the distinctive pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. In this cobbled square, you’ll also find Področje lastnega vremena, a unique and interactive artwork that translates as The Area With Ljubljana’s Own Weather. Step onto it and you’ll feel the rain on your face no matter what the weather.

Cross the Tromostovje, or triple bridge, and you’ll find the medieval old town, full of colourful baroque architecture and winding lanes to explore. Another option is to see the city by boat. Old-fashioned wooden boats glide along the river, and can be an excellent way to see the bourgeois townhouses and sights such as the Dragon Bridge with its dramatic sculptures.

Compared to major European city break destinations, Ljubljana can be a more affordable option. According to Numeo, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can be found for around £13, while local beers cost around £2.60.

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There are lots of accommodation options to choose from right in the car-free centre. Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel is a 5-star property that overlooks the river and has individually designed rooms with warm, rustic accents. Rooms start from around £250 a night. Or for a simpler, budget option, try Cacao Rooms, which offers clean, comfortable rooms steps from the historic squares at around £107 a night.

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

In the mood for more sun? Wizz Air are launching six new routes from London to Spanish hotspots this summer, and prices start from just £18 one way to some of the country’s best destinations

Nothing beats some Spanish sunshine, and if the British weather still isn’t warm enough for you, then some new Wizz Air routes can take you somewhere with better weather in less than three hours.

Wizz Air is launching new flights from London Luton Airport to six Spanish destinations, adding to its existing route from the Bedfordshire airport to Palma in Majorca. The new destinations include a mix of city breaks and coastal favourites, so whether you’re looking for a family holiday or a cultural weekend away, there is bound to be something to suit you.

Here are the new destinations now available to book from London Luton and what you need to know about each one.

Bilbao

Bilbao is set in Spain’s lesser-visited north, which has been growing in popularity recently as people look to explore different parts of the country.

This classic Basque city has a mix of old-world and industrial influences, and it’s a cultural hub for the area. There’s the Guggenheim Museum with a Frank Gehry-designed exterior, the medieval Casco Viejo old town, and Mercado de la Ribera, the world’s largest indoor market.

Barcelona

Can’t decide between a city break and the beach? Choose Barcelona, which not only has the long sandy Barceloneta Beach, but also has the gorgeous city center, including Gaudí’s iconic architecture, La Ramblas, a thriving food scene, and endless museums and things to do.

Best of all, the London to Barcelona flight time is just shy of two hours, so it’s perfect for a short break, such as a weekend away, and the compact size means you can fit plenty into a short trip.

Madrid

The vibrant and energetic capital of Madrid is an ideal city break thanks to its short flight times and streets packed with history and culture. It’s home to some of Spain’s most important museums such as the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. The latter hosts a number of iconic paintings from renaissance to pop art pieces.

Visitors should also visit the grand Royal Palace, and walk along the historic Plaza Mayor, which is full of chic cafés and places serving authentic Spanish cuisine.

Valencia

An underrated city break destination, Valencia sits on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea. While it’s the third-largest city in Spain, it’s not often visited by Brits, despite having an impressive amount of things to do.

From historic markets to green spaces, the modern City of Arts and Sciences to the La Lonja de la Seda, an ornate palace, Valencia packs in the old and new. Its location also means it has an abundance of beautiful beaches, so you can get some time in the sun after sightseeing.

Alicante

Alicante needs no introduction. It’s that city you land in on the way to Benidorm. However, before you board the transfer bus, you may want to spend some time in Alicante itself. Walk the peaceful Explanada de España, lined with palm trees, or the Castell de Santa Bàrbera fort from the 16th century.

Alicante’s hillside Barrio Santa Cruz is full of traditional Mediterranean homes and colourful buildings, and feels a world away from Benidorm. There’s also the sandy Playa del Postiguet beach just steps from the town.

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Seville

Say olé to Seville and you could be enjoying vibrant flamenco shows, authentic tapas, and the beautiful narrow winding streets of this historic city.

Visit the stunning Alcázar palace, or walk the world-famous Plaza de España, enjoying the intricate mosaic designs. Seville also has the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and as impressive as it is, it’s just one of the many breathtaking buildings you’ll see around the city.

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