NHS

Laura and Callum Anderson say the better weather and cheaper cost of living made it a no-brainer

A family swapped “miserable” Scotland for the Mediterranean – where their energy bill costs just £85 and they have no pressure to “keep up with the Joneses”.

Laura and Callum Anderson, both 42, moved out to Malta with their youngest daughter when their heating bill shot up to £1,100 a month. They swapped their £1,600 a month four-bed farmhouse in Fife for a three-bed penthouse for £2,500 per month and moved out in October 2026. And despite the jump on rent, they are saving £1,251 a month – as bills and petrol is cheaper and there is no council tax.

Laura, a business owner, living in Naxxar, Malta, said: “If we weren’t living in Malta we would have had to move out of our house.

“It was £690 per month just for oil, with electricity on top of that, wood on top of that, it was £1,100 just to heat the house and put the lights on. Electricity is £85 per month here. We basically wanted to move to Malta to enjoy life.”

Laura and Callum had previously lived in Malta between 2010 and 2013 after they were able to get a full relocation package through Callum’s work as a recruitment consultant – but moved back to Fife to set up their own business.

And after returning to renew their vows in 2024, they decided to move back out permanently. Laura said: “We came here in 2024, and we renewed our wedding vows.

“At that point we were like, ‘Why are we staying in Scotland, what is the point?’ I love Scotland and I’m very much an outdoorsy person and like walks with the dogs and being at the beach even in Scotland, but it was just miserable.

“Last winter in Scotland was especially bad. It didn’t stop raining for six months. It sounds like an exaggeration, but it must have rained for 26 days every single month.”

Laura’s health was also a motivation to move. She was diagnosed with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes intense emotional and physical symptoms – such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue – in November 2023 and had to pay for private care as she struggled to get help on the NHS.

She struggled with her mental health and said the “doom and gloom” of Scotland was not helping, and so they made the “positive step” and made the move.

“I was paying a fortune in tax and in private medical insurance,” she says. “It makes me feel resentful at my own country and I don’t want to feel like that because I love Scotland.

“Because of my PMDD, I struggle a bit with my mental health and being in Scotland in the doom and gloom was not great for my mental health so we decided to make a positive step by moving.

“We were spending too much time indoors with the fire on. We ended up getting dragged into watching the news with the doom and gloom about how taxes have gone up and people can’t afford to feed themselves. It’s very negative.”

They flew out in October 2026 on digital nomad visas with youngest Mia, 17 – with Lucy, 20, flying out to visit whilst she remains in the UK to attend university. Laura and Callum still run their business selling saunas remotely, and have a team based in Scotland covering the day-to-day operations.

Their daughter, Mia, plans to become a strength and conditioning coach, and Laura says Malta is a “hub” where people travel to train up. They flew out without a permanent home sorted, choosing to stay in an Airbnb so they could view properties in person.

Now settled in a three-bed penthouse, Laura says the “pressure to keep up with the Joneses” is not as big a thing out in Malta. She said: “Our car in Scotland was included on our insurance and it was £650 per month.

“We lived on a farm and I had to drive 20 minutes just to get to the shop. Fuel was £130 per week. Here, fuel is £33 every two weeks. It was £180 per month for Sky broadband and Wi-Fi. Here, Wi-Fi is £25.”

Paying £750 for their visas, they are “really happy” they made the move. “Apart from missing our eldest daughter, we’re not missing anything,” she said.

“We’ve deliberately chosen to live in an area with access to good walks for the dogs. Walking is one of the things that really helps my head so it’s important I go out on those long walks.

“I love Scotland and I’m more than happy to go back and visit but it was stifling and there’s a lot of positivity here.”

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Price breakdown per month

Fife

Rent: £1,600

Electricity: £1,100

Council tax: £150

Car: £650

Fuel: £520

Broadband and Wi-Fi: £180

Private healthcare: £240

Total: £4,440

Malta

Rent: £2,500

Electricity: £85

Car and insurance: £375

Private medical insurance: £138

Fuel: £66

Wi-Fi: £25

Total: £3,189

A major change for train travel has emerged, and it impacts three million people in the UK who have ADHD, as a discount railcard is now available, saving more than £100 annually

People with ADHD can now apply to get a third off train tickets for themselves and one adult companion. It follows an expansion to the requirements for a disabled railcard.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can impact someone’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, or experience high energy levels. There are three million people in the UK living with the condition, according to ADHD UK, with 881,922 of those estimated to be children aged between five and 24 years.

People who are neurodivergent, with ADHD falling into this category, are now eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard (DPRC) that offers discounted train tickets. It follows new eligibility criteria for the disabled railcards, which were expanded earlier this year to include a wider range of conditions, including “neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person’s ability to travel by train”.

Anyone with a disability listed on the Railcard’s eligibility checklist can save a third on the usual price of a train ticket for themselves and one adult companion. The disabled railcard costs £20 for one year, or £54 for three years, with the Rail Delivery Group, which manages and distributes railcards, estimating that it can save travellers around £126 every year.

This year, the number of people with a disabled railcard reached a record high of more than 450,000, compared to fewer than 200,000 in 2016, according to Office of Rail and Road data. The number is expected to significantly increase as more people are eligible to apply.

The development was hailed as a “railcard revolution” by the rail minister, Lord Hendy, earlier this month. He said it would “help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence”.

Lord Hendy added: “The Government is determined to help ordinary people live better lives and this change is just one measure that will make it that bit easier for disabled people to get to education, employment, and stay in touch with friends and family.”

Those with ADHD who wish to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard will need to provide the following, as outlined by Railcard:

• A report or letter from a health professional that helps explain your access needs. Confirmation of diagnosis alone for conditions with variable impact may not be enough to process your application. Remember, to be eligible, you must experience significant disability-related barriers to rail travel
• Or a completed impact declaration form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional

The Rail Delivery Group encouraged anyone who thinks they might fit the criteria for a disabled railcard to apply. A spokesperson said: “There is no list of neurodivergent or degenerative conditions that automatically qualify. Instead, applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, recognising that experience and support needs can vary considerably between individuals.”

For more information, visit the Railcard website. There’s also additional advice and services on the ADHD UK website.

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An ‘overpowering sewage smell’ was reported on board, along with flies seen around uncovered food. Passengers have been complaining about various stomach issues

A group of 12 passengers who fell seriously ill onboard a P&O ship are taking legal action after their dream Mediterranean cruise turned into a “nightmare” holiday from hell. The British passengers were struck down with gastric illness and flu-like symptoms while travelling around the Greek islands on the P&O Azura.

The holidaymakers, who paid up to £3,000 each, claim they encountered an “overpowering sewage smell” on board and raised concerns about hygiene in buffet restaurants where flies could reportedly be seen around uncovered food. Many were confined to their cabins during the eight-night voyage between May 28 and June 4 this year, while others were left hospitalised upon returning to the UK and some say they are still feeling the effects now.

The group, who had been celebrating a 60th birthday, have now instructed international injury lawyers to investigate their illnesses. Julie Stones, 53, from Bolton, was among those who says the cruise left her battling a catalogue of health problems.

She first became ill on June 2 with a sore throat and diarrhoea before her condition spiralled. She suffered vomiting, severe stomach pain, fever, headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, a persistent cough, and pain in her back and legs.

After returning home, she attended A&E, was diagnosed with a chest infection and later required further GP and hospital treatment. Julie, who has several underlying health conditions and uses a powered wheelchair, said she spent weeks largely confined to bed and relied on help from her husband and daughter.

Julie said: “This holiday was supposed to be a special celebration with friends and something I’d been looking forward to for months. Instead, it turned into a complete nightmare. It felt as though one thing after another kept going wrong and, as the holiday went on, I just got worse and worse.

“One thing that really stood out was the overpowering sewage smell near the Manhattan Bar. It was so noticeable that other passengers were commenting on it. I also had concerns about hygiene in the buffet areas. I remember seeing food left uncovered with flies around it and people entering the restaurant without sanitising their hands.

“Even after returning home, the symptoms didn’t go away. I’ve needed hospital treatment, GP appointments, and medication, but I’m still not back to normal. More than two months later, I’m still dealing with fatigue and headaches. I just want to understand what happened.”

Linda Chapman, from Bury, who was celebrating her 60th, also became seriously ill after developing symptoms on the final evening of the cruise. The mum and grandmother suffered chills, vomiting, breathlessness, wheezing, a sore throat, and a persistent cough.

Her condition worsened so badly after landing back in Manchester that she contacted NHS 111 and was taken to A&E, where she was prescribed antibiotics. Linda, who works as a housekeeper on an NHS stroke ward, was forced to take two weeks off work.

Linda said: “I remember being on the plane. The flight was only a few hours, but it felt like forever. People kept asking if I was okay and I must have looked as awful as I felt. I just kept telling myself that I’d be home soon and could finally go to bed.

“What I didn’t realise was that I’d end up spending weeks like that. In my view, hygiene onboard wasn’t up to scratch and the food often didn’t seem fresh at all, despite the cruise being very expensive. What did surprise me was just how ill I became. I was struggling to breathe and, combined with the stomach problems, I just couldn’t work out what was wrong with me. It was a very frightening and disorientating experience.”

Sharon Robinson, 51, from Wigan, was the first member of the group to fall ill. She initially believed she had a chest infection but later suffered stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, fever-like symptoms, and extreme fatigue.

Despite feeling unwell, Sharon tried to continue with the group’s planned celebrations but says she spent the rest of the cruise exhausted. Sharon said: “I’m unbelievably disappointed.

“Even though I felt awful, I kept trying to take part in as much as I could because I’d been looking forward to this cruise for a year. I was the first in our group to become ill, but after the first few days it felt as though everyone was dropping like flies.

“One thing that’s burned into my memory is the strong sewage smell onboard. It still makes me feel sick when I think about it. So many people in our group became unwell that it’s difficult not to have concerns about what caused it. I still feel very sad about the whole experience and I’m still suffering because of it.”

Jatinder Paul, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the passengers, said: “Cruise holidays should provide passengers with an opportunity to relax and enjoy their time away. However, they also involve large numbers of passengers sharing restaurants, bars and other facilities in confined space so robust hygiene measures are vital in helping to prevent illnesses from spreading.

“What’s particularly concerning for our clients is that so many from the same party became unwell, with several still having their lives affected by symptoms. Our clients understandably have questions about their illnesses and whether more should have been done to protect them.

“Nothing will make up for what they’ve been through, but we’re determined to provide them with the answers they deserve.”

P&O has been approached for comment.

Ryanair and Jet2 have similar policies

Passengers flying with certain airlines including Ryanair and Jet2 will need to produce an additional document in order to be allowed to board, according to the terms and conditions outlined on both carriers’ websites.

NHS guidelines state that most women can fly safely well into their pregnancy, providing they take the necessary precautions, such as securing adequate travel insurance. It is advised that travellers ensure their policy covers all potential eventualities, including pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth, and the cost of amending the return journey date should labour occur.

While each airline has its own specific guidance, their policies concerning pregnant women flying at various stages are broadly similar. For example, beyond a certain point in their pregnancy, women travelling with Ryanair and Jet2 will be required to produce a medical document or face being refused boarding.

Ryanair

Ryanair’s guidance states that “you may fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy” and once a pregnancy reaches week 28 “you will need to carry a completed ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor/midwife”. Further details on its website add: “If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.

“If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”

Jet2

Jet2’s policy echoes this, and reads: “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies (for example twins).

“After the end of the 27th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers must provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly, failing which we reserve the right to refuse carriage. This certificate needs to be dated within 7 days of the outbound date of travel and 16 days of the inbound date of travel.”

easyJet

easyJet’s guidance is comparable, noting “you are able to travel until quite late into your pregnancy” while adding: “If you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you should consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.

“You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week”.

Expectant mothers wishing to travel with an infant on their lap are permitted to do so.

More than a third of British holidaymakers have experienced ‘travel tummy’ in the past 12 months

More than a third of British holidaymakers (36%) have suffered from ‘travel tummy’ over the past year, new research has revealed. The term describes stomach upset or illness experienced while on holiday.

Safa noted the findings indicated that digestive problems were a widespread concern amongst travellers, often having a detrimental effect on overseas trips. The Saga Travel Insurance study, which surveyed 500 UK holidaymakers, discovered that half (49%) had endured diarrhoea while away, with nearly one in 10 (8%) battling gut troubles on every single trip.

Those with pre-existing conditions, such as IBS, may face a heightened risk of digestive complications when abroad, as travel can worsen symptoms. Local chemists are the first stop for most holidaymakers grappling with travel tummy overseas (35%), while almost a third (30%) resort to Google and one in 12 (8%) consult AI to assess their symptoms before seeking professional advice.

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Saga Travel Insurance consulted Dr Nick Burr, a gastroenterologist at healthcare provider LivingCare, to explore why travel tummy happens and what holidaymakers can do to prevent problems on future getaways.

Bacteria often the cause of travel tummy

Travellers’ diarrhoea is a frequent problem among holidaymakers, especially when heading to destinations where food hygiene standards differ.

Dr Burr said: “Traveller’s diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly E. coli, picked up from contaminated food or water, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central or South America. Symptoms can include loose stools, cramping, bloating and nausea, often within the first week of travel.”

Tap water standards differ significantly from one country to another. Numerous countries have updated plumbing infrastructure, which typically means tap water is safe for consumption.

In other nations, it may be wiser to opt for bottled water, as unsafe drinking water can harbour dangerous bacteria, parasites and chemicals.

According to the NHS, boiling water is the most dependable method to purify it and eliminate any bacteria or viruses. Chemical disinfectants, such as iodine or chlorine, can also be employed, but may prove less effective than thoroughly boiling water and allowing it to cool in a sterile container.

Water filters ranging from 0.2 to 1 micron can also be utilised to remove dirt or parasites from water before applying chemical disinfection.

Two-fifths of Brits reckon their symptoms were triggered by local food

Local cuisine emerged as one of the most frequently mentioned causes of travel tummy amongst holidaymakers in Saga Travel Insurance’s survey, with 44% of respondents blaming their holiday stomach troubles on this. Dr Burr explained: “Common sources [of infection] include untreated water, ice cubes, buffets, shellfish, undercooked meat and food left sitting in the heat. Exploring local food is one of the joys of travel and most people can do so safely as long as they apply common sense. For example, freshly cooked, piping hot food in a busy restaurant is usually OK.”

Dehydration poses one of the greatest threats to your wellbeing while travelling

Diarrhoea was the most frequently reported symptom of holiday tummy among UK travellers, with more than a quarter (28%) of individuals suffering from it while abroad over the past 12 months, according to Saga Travel Insurance’s survey. Loose and watery stools can lead to dehydration as your body is losing more fluids and electrolytes than you’re capable of replenishing.

Dr Burr said: “Dehydration [can be serious], especially in hot climates. Alcohol and caffeine can both worsen dehydration and have a laxative effect, so it’s best to limit these while symptoms are severe. Intense exercise while dehydrated or unwell may also slow recovery, so it’s usually best to rest, drink fluids, and stick to simple foods until symptoms improve.”

Rehydration solutions are an effective method to prevent dehydration and support recovery. If you’re unable to obtain rehydration sachets, Dr Burr points out that you can prepare your own from scratch.

He said: “If oral rehydration sachets are unavailable, a homemade solution can be made using six level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of clean water.”

Routine disruption

While bacteria and infection remain the most frequent culprits behind traveller’s diarrhoea and stomach complaints, there may be more environmental factors at play when holidaymakers feel under the weather.

Dr Burr explained: “[In other cases], symptoms are not due to infection, but are related to changes in routine. Prolonged disruption to normal routines, including sleep patterns, hydration, alcohol intake, stress and diet, can make the digestive system more sensitive, particularly in people prone to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional gut symptoms.”

The survey by Saga Travel Insurance revealed that a third of holidaymakers (34%) said travel-related stress played a part in their travel tummy, while over a quarter (27%) pointed to long journeys as a contributing factor.

Dr Burr said: “For those who experience an upset tummy when flying, this is often linked to cabin pressure changes, dehydration, reduced movement, disrupted sleep, stress and unfamiliar foods. Staying hydrated, moving around during flights and eating lighter meals can help reduce discomfort.”

Michelle Cooper, director of Saga Travel Insurance, added: “If you’re on a longer flight, try to walk up and down the aisle every two hours to help with your circulation and digestion.”

Travellers with pre-existing conditions could be at greater risk

‘Travel tummy’ can present heightened dangers for those with underlying health conditions.

Dr Burr said: “People with diabetes, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or weakened immune systems may become unwell more quickly.”

For individuals with pre-existing conditions, advance preparation is particularly crucial – not only regarding health matters, but also in making certain adequate travel insurance protection is arranged.

Michelle explained: “Many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, however, it’s essential to declare them when taking out your policy. If you have an underlying health condition, becoming unwell abroad can be more serious and may require quicker access to medical care or more specialised treatment. Making sure you have the right cover in place means you can get the support you need without facing unexpected costs while you’re away.”

Most travel tummy is mild, but severe cases need treatment

While a dodgy stomach abroad might amount to little more than mild discomfort, it can occasionally prove more serious and necessitate a trip to a local doctor – or a call to your insurer’s 24-hour travel GP, if it provides one.

Michelle said: “Getting sick abroad is never ideal and you may be tempted to wait until you’ve returned to the UK to get checked by your doctor. However, it’s important that you seek out medical attention as soon as possible if you think you might be ill.

“Treatment costs abroad can add up quickly, particularly in countries where healthcare is private. Call your insurance provider’s 24-hour emergency number to check if they cover everything you need, including medical translation services. Travel insurance can help provide both financial protection and peace of mind if the unexpected happens.

“Having the right cover in place means you can get the care you need without worrying about the cost, so you can focus on recovering and enjoying the rest of your trip with confidence. Taking simple precautions before and during your trip could be the difference between a disrupted holiday and a smooth, stress-free getaway.”

Should you fall ill while overseas, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office holds a comprehensive list of English-speaking doctors, medical facilities and practitioners across the globe. In an emergency situation, don’t hesitate to contact the local emergency services in the country you’re visiting.