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ONE winter sun destination that sees hundreds of thousands of Brits visit each year has entered a period of mourning after the loss of its former Queen.

As a result, there will be some new rules in play for visitors that will affect everything from clothing to events.

Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand‘s King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on October 25, 2025.

Sirikit was the Queen of Thailand from 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016 as the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), well-known for her charity work, and being a style icon.

As a result of Queen Sirikit’s passing, the Royal Thai Government has announced a period of national mourning for 90 days.

Despite the mourning period, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reassuring travellers that Thailand remains open and is welcoming tourists as usual.

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However, it has added that visitors during this period should behave respectfully, especially when going to temples, royal sites, or government offices.

Tourism services like transportation, hotels, attractions, hospitality venues across Thailand continue to be open and operate as normal.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new measures for locals, which will also affect tourists.

For anyone going on holiday in the next two months, you will see members of the public dressed in mourning clothes, as a sign of respect.

Locals are likely to be wearing black, and while holidaymakers don’t have to, they are encouraged to wear clothing that isn’t brightly coloured.

Events might change slightly too as organisers have been asked to “exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning”.

Some places will be closed, like The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) which from October 26 to November 8, 2025 won’t be open.

This is for the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral.

The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 event in Bangkok, which was scheduled from November 1 to December 15, 2025, has been postponed in observance of the mourning period.

It will now begin on December 1, 2025 instead.

The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park.

The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also proceed as planned, with celebrations adjusted in tone.

Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Travel to Thailand UK & Ireland said: “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was deeply revered as a mother figure to the Thai people.

“During this time of remembrance, we thank visiting travellers for their understanding and sensitivity toward the feelings of the Thai nation.

“Thailand remains as welcoming as ever, and we encourage travellers to continue with their current and future plans to visit.

“Hotels, hospitality venues, attractions and experiences across the country continue to operate with the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is known.”

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Here’s more on the best time to visit Thailand…

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April, as temperatures average between 32 and 36C, and there are up to nine hours of sunshine every day.

To make it even more appealing, some of Asia‘s most stunning beaches are in Thailand.

There’s accommodation for every budget in Thailand, from luxury spa resorts to thatched beach huts and hotels.

If you’d like to stay close to the lively capital of Bangkok, Pattaya and Ko Chang are relatively near the city and feature incredible white sands and resorts.

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is full of hotels, miles of sandy beaches, restaurants and nightlife.

In the southern Gulf of Thailand, you’ll find luxurious beach resorts on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao islands.

One writer visited the world’s ‘most popular’ holiday island in Thailand, where beers are just £2 and there are 40 beaches to explore.

Plus, the overlooked Asian country with quiet beaches and cheap attractions gets first TUI hotel.

IT WAS like being back in Blockbusters, with video tapes stacked on shelves and a rogue Pepsi machine in the corner that would take me on a funky 90s adventure.

Formerly Bunga Bunga, located in London, Bunga 90 is a fun experience bar themed all around the 90s.

It follows the massive success of a previous site in Battersea, which often hosted wild parties and was a haunt for major celebs including Cara Delevingne and Margot Robbie.

Prince Harry was such a regular that he earned the title of the ‘Bunga Bunga Prince‘.

Sadly, the venue closed its doors in 2022 but I have a feeling Bunga 90 in Covent Garden more than makes up for it.

Upon entering, I was surrounded by video tapes – cult classics like the 1996 Romeo and Juliet and Fight Club and 90s memorabilia.

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Everything was a feast for the eyes, with an ‘Adult Only XXX’ section and even two PlayStations set up on old TVs – static fuzz and all.

There was no way this was the entrance to a bar, I thought, looking around for a doorway but failing to see one.

At the back of the store stood a classic Pepsi vending machine.

“This is no regular Pepsi vending machine, this is the Pepsi Time Machine”, the host announced gesturing to the front of the appliance.

Before I knew it, he was prying at its edges and for a second I thought he was genuinely mad.

But lo and behold, the front peeled off to reveal a portal into a world of neon lights.

Venturing through the drinks machine, I found myself in a neon-lit room, with a mass of cables running across each wall.

Music was thumping and the lights pulsing – it felt like what I would imagine travelling in Doctor Who‘s Tardis would be like, only a bit more hip.

At the other end of the small room was a door which opened to reveal a landing and a set of stairs adorned with 90s wallpaper and wooden frames, leading to the bar.

And much like Doctor Who‘s Tardis where it looks smaller on the outside but is huge on the inside – a sprawling bar appeared before my eyes.

Old TV screens with grainy music videos playing sit behind the bar, giant sneakers hang from the ceiling and wooden paneling is plastered across the walls.

I sat at my table, looking around with my mouth open – every single inch of the venue was covered in things from the 90s – The Spice Girls, Champagne Supernova… you name it.

And the theming doesn’t stop at what surrounded me.

For drinks, I ordered three of the bar’s signatures that have been doing the rounds on social media – Fresh Prince, Britney B*tch and The Brick – costing £13 each (for London prices, I didn’t think this was too bad).

The cocktails each come in giant mugs of either the celeb or the item – I never thought I’d say I drank out of Britney Spears‘ head.

Both Fresh Prince and Britney B*tch were great, the former being tequila, Aperol, cactus, prickly pear, hibiscus, lime and grapefruit and the latter being gin, bergamot, lychee, raspberry, lime and lemonade.

The Brick on the other hand – coming in a giant ceramic brick phone – was not to my fancy, but I can imagine others would like it.

It featured spiced rum, Malibu, even more rum, pineapple, coconut and lime.

For my fourth choice, I had The $10 Shake, costing £10 and featuring Belvedere Dirty Brew vodka, vanilla ice cream and Pepsi, but couldn’t manage more than a few sips.

The bar also offers some food choices including giant 20 inch pizzas for £25 a pop.

They are great for sharing and the pepperoni one was super tasty, with gooey, stringy melted cheese.

I had a great time in at my table, which meant I wasn’t quite ready to leave when the 90-minute table booking was up.

If you plan on going, I’d suggest that two people book back-to-back slots, so you can spend more time enjoying drinks and food at your own table.

Not that you have to leave afterwards, as there is a bar and dancefloor.

Make sure to drop your stuff in the cloakroom so you don’t have to worry about it when you no longer have a table.

There are lots of activities and photo ops throughout the venue, like classic arcade machines and karaoke.

Not a karaoke fan myself, I sat back and thoroughly enjoyed someone defrosting Mariah Carey‘s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ way too early, and a man perfectly reciting Sir Mix-a-Lot’s ‘Baby Got Back’.

For those who like a sing-along but with a bit more privacy, head to the foyer of the toilets, where you’ll find a screen constantly playing karaoke.

I left through the ‘staff only’ door of the video game store – a nice touch to keep you feeling like you are in the 90s, and not a bar.

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If you love themed bars, then also head to the Benidorm-themed bar in the UK with bingo, karaoke and cabaret.

Plus, ‘Capri-inspired’ beach bar with real sand and Ibiza-style DJ sessions opens in UK city.

A HEART-SHAPED lake in one of the UK’s most loved beauty spots is set to become an underground attraction.

Located in the Lake District, Elterwater Quarry will be getting a new ‘Cavern Explorer’ experience.

As part of the attraction, several steel staircases and platforms will be installed across the quarry’s cavern.

The ziplines will then take visitors from one platform to another.

The experience is said to allow visitors to see parts of the cavern that were previously inaccessible.

Other plans for the attraction include ‘The Quarryman’s Viewpoint’, which will offer visitors a place to look out across the Lake District.

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There will be a natural history trail, venturing through parts of the nearby countryside as well, and a visitor centre with information boards.

Proposals were first submitted two years ago by Burlington Slate, which owns Elterwater slate mine and Zip World.

In the application, the mine said: “The proposed experience at Elterwater will provide a blend of heritage-based adventure through the caverns and offer a unique immersive experience within an underground mine that dates back to the middle of the 19th century.”

However, the first proposals were rejected.

A year later they were resubmitted and approved.

The proposed park isn’t without its controversy though as campaign group Friends of the Lake District has attempted to stop the project.

The group claimed that the planning permission has been wrongly granted and that the new experience would “take us a step closer to a Lake District of noise, chaos and degraded landscapes”.

However, this month, judgement from a judicial review was published and ruled in favour of the Lake District National Authority – meaning that the zipline was still allowed to go ahead.

Michael Hill, CEO of Friends of the Lake District said: “This ruling is a setback for the Cumbrian landscape, but in our 90 years’ history Friends of the Lake District has seen many of those.

“We remain unbowed in our determination to campaign for a Lake District that is tranquil, rich in cultural heritage and environmentally healthy and for protections in law for this and other National Parks to be maintained and strengthened.”

The International Council on Monuments and Sites – which is an advisory board to UNESCO – has also commented that they are opposed to the planned zipline.

The council explained that the zipline “would transform the quarry or part of it into a theme park and would trivialise the experience of an important aspect of the Lake District’s heritage”.

The ultimate worry is that the attraction could lead the Lake District losing its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which is what happened to the Liverpool Docks in 2021.

The lake itself reveals a heart shape when the water levels drop, also exposing the 500million-year-old rock.

The site of the new attraction is a 40-minute drive from Windermere and an opening date is yet to be revealed.

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The destination is making waves amongst UK holidaymakers, according to a study, and is offering sandy beaches and warm climes

If the prospect of another chilly winter in the UK is getting you down, one way to help lift your spirits is by booking a sun-soaked getaway.

And if you’re itching to venture beyond Europe and explore what the wider world has to offer, there’s a breathtaking destination just six hours from the UK among the top spots for Brits to visit.

The West African island nation of Cape Verde is causing quite a stir among UK holidaymakers, according to a study by Dubai Tours and Tickets, clocking up thousands of Google searches each month.

Comprising 10 islands nestled in the Atlantic, it’s the ideal location for Brits seeking some winter sun – with temperatures still hovering around 28C even in October.

With its expansive sandy beaches, dramatic coastlines and vibrant nightlife, there’s a wealth of attractions and activities that will appeal to visitors of all ages, reports the Express.

One of the region’s most sought-after islands is Sal, which is accessible from the UK via TUI flights. It’s been hailed as a ‘beach lover’s paradise’ by the Cape Verde Experience, making it the perfect choice for those in pursuit of a tranquil holiday.

It offers golden sandy beaches encircled by crystal-clear waters, alongside a rich culture and superb food and drink – ensuring there’s something here for everyone.

Espargos, the capital of Sal, is situated in the heart of the island. However, the primary resort area is in Santa Maria in the south, which boasts a variety of shops, eateries and bars as well as numerous hotels lining the sandy coastline.

A must-visit spot is the mirage at Terra Boa, a phenomenon that creates the illusion of an ocean in the middle of the desert.

Boa Vista is another favourite amongst tourists, with its golden sands and laid-back vibe.

The island boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the archipelago, with 55km of sand to explore. Whether you fancy a lazy day by the sea or want to try your hand at watersports, there’s something for everyone.

Accommodation in Boa Vista offers a similar variety, with options for both relaxation and activity-filled days.

Away from the coast, the island’s interior offers desert-like landscapes and even the occasional abandoned village. The main town, Sal Rei, is located in the north-west and is gradually becoming a hub for dining and nightlife, as well as boasting some interesting architectural landmarks.

Cape Verde’s cuisine is a mix of local Creole and Portuguese dishes, with plenty of seafood, meat and vegetarian options.

Don’t miss out on trying Cachupa Rica, the national dish of Cape Verde. This hearty stew made with fish, meat and vegetables is a must-try during your visit.

Fresh seafood is a staple of the local cuisine, with bafas – a dish featuring fish cooked with tomato, onion and peppers in breadcrumbs – being a crowd favourite, often served as a snack or starter.

And no trip would be complete without savouring a Caipirinha or two, a mouth-watering cocktail inspired by Brazil, crafted with local spirits and sugar cane.

JUST 16 miles from the bustling city of Lisbon is a hidden gem town with stunning architecture and a royal past.

Cascais sits on the Portuguese Riviera and is known for its scenic beaches.

The town started out as a fishing village before becoming a popular retreat for the Portuguese royal family.

For example, in the 1870s, King Luis I of Portugal had a summer home in Cascais and as a result, the destination was viewed by others as a glamorous place to go.

Many wealthy families then started to visit, resulting in a number of grand mansions being built.

Later, during the Second World War, the town became a safe haven for exiled European royalty.

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And a number of spies also resided in the region – which ultimately inspired Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, set in Estoril nearby.

Today, the rich and famous still enjoy the town with Cristiano Ronaldo’s new £22million house – which is rumoured to be Portugal’s most expensive residence – located in Quinta da Marinha, in Cascais.

For those heading to the town there is plenty to do.

Rather uniquely, Cascais has a ‘Museum Quarter’ where visitors can explore the Condes de Castro Guimaraes Museum inside the Palace of the Counts of Castro Guimaraes.

The mock-Gothic building features the oldest museum in the town.

Alternatively, travellers can head to the Sea Museum that includes exhibits on underwater archeology and the original fishing community that lived in the town.

Then in the historic centre, there are a number of charming cobbled streets with traditional mosaic pavements, pretty squares and quaint shops.

Of course, the town has sprawling beaches too.

One spot is Praia da Conceicao – a golden sand beach near the centre of the town where you can head to Estoril along a coastal path.

The path stretches over 1.5 miles long and offers beautiful sea views from several beaches.

One recent visitor said: “This is a beautiful beach in the Cascais area near the train station.

“I’d say it’s a small beach with calm, clean, but cool waters.

“The beach also has good facilities: restrooms, showers, a beach bar, a restaurant, and umbrella rentals.

“I loved the caves and rocks, and Rua Frederico Arouca near the beach is lined with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.”

If you enjoy surfing, you should head to Praia do Guincho, which boasts large, crashing waves.

There is also the Santa Marta Lighthouse to explore, which has a blue and white exterior and also has a museum about the country’s lighthouses.

If you fancy a longer hike, with forests and sights of historic palaces, head to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Depending on what time of the year you visit, the town also hosts a number of events such as jazz festivals, sailing championships and a classic car exhibition.

When it comes to the food scene, there is a lot of choice as well.

Linking back to its fishing village past, the destination has lots of top seafood spots with fresh dishes such as lobster stew and grilled fish.

One well-rated spot is Residente, which features a cream and green interior, with a tiled bar and lots of plants hanging from the ceiling.

You could opt for traditional Portuguese octopus rice with garlic and coriander for €22 (£19.13) or traditional cod fish with egg, onion and potato for €18 (£15.65).

For something sweeter, make sure to head to Santini – a historic ice cream shop that has been a part of Cascais for over 50 years.

The town also has a lot of hotels to choose from depending on your budget.

You could stay at the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, which used to be the home of exiled Italian kings.

The hotel faces the ocean and has a swimming pool, spa, gym and is close to a number of golf courses.

It costs from £179.05 a night, for two adults.

Or you could head to Legacy Hotel Cascais, Curio Collection By Hilton from £137 per night.

The hotel is just a five-minute walk to the town centre and a 10-minute walk to the beach.

In addition to modern rooms and a breakfast buffet, the hotel also has a rooftop pool, indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, sauna, sun terrace and sprawling garden.

The best way to get to the town is by flying to Lisbon, which costs from £41 if flying from Manchester, from £42 if flying from London and from £57 if flying from Birmingham.

Once in Lisbon, hop on the train to Cascais, which takes around 40 minutes and costs from as little as €2.30 (£2) per way.

Make sure to grab a seat on the left side of the train, as the entire journey runs along the coastline to Cascais, so you will be able to see lots of pretty towns, beaches and monuments.

Cascais is then also the last stop on the journey so you don’t need to worry about missing your stop.

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If you are looking for other places to travel to in Portugal, here are Portugal’s lesser-visited areas including Algarve-alternative beaches where you can stay from £19 a night.

Plus, Portugal’s sunshine coast has sand, sea and sensible prices for all budgets.

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