perfect

This town in Derbyshire is one of the Peak District’s most beloved destinations, boasting the famous desserts in which it shares its name and spectacular walking trails with historic attractions

Arguably the most beloved Peak District village – and rightly so – this spot boasts all the appeal of regional specialities, breathtaking rambles and stately homes.

As part of the Peak District National Park, Bakewell is a destination flocked to by visitors eager to explore its local sights and sample the delectable confections for which it’s renowned. That is, naturally, the ultimate pair, the Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart, available throughout numerous bakeries in the vicinity, with many boasting they possess the authentic recipe.

Places you can visit and sample the regional delights include The Bakewell Tart Shop and Coffee House, Fountain View Bakery, Cornish Bakery and even The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. A recent patron, who sampled the celebrated puddings at the original establishment, said: “This establishment was a high-priority visit for us whilst we were staying in the Peak District, as my partner loves Bakewell tarts.

“We were so excited to find it and were impressed by how many items were in the store available to buy.” Scrumptious delicacies aside, the village is a sought-after location, for it sits within easy reach of numerous heritage structures and hiking routes.

Most notably, the magnificent Monsal Trail provides stunning vistas of an old abandoned railway viaduct. Indeed, it ranks as the highest-rated attraction in the region, according to TripAdvisor reviews. One visitor who completed the walk said “The views are just incredible with a lovely mix of scenery. You can start off at the pub and enjoy the views of the viaduct.

“Walk down the trail and capture the scenery of the valley from the top of the viaduct. Then follow down into the valley and wander across the trail down towards the weir.”

Beyond this, holidaymakers are enticed to discover the estate of Chatsworth House and, naturally, take a glimpse inside the magnificent structures, brimming with heritage. The grand residence boasts 25 chambers to discover, from impressive galleries to formal apartments and a stunning decorated hall, as you reveal the past of the renowned family that previously resided there.

As one of Derbyshire’s most splendid manor houses, Chatsworth presents countless occasions and pursuits throughout the year that are worth monitoring, including the Chatsworth Christmas Market. A recent delighted visitor penned: “We visited Chatsworth House to see the Christmas experience and were delighted with how magnificent this place is.”

They went on to add: “The house is spectacular, and the Christmas decorations just added to the magic of this beautiful place. The grounds are also incredible. I wish that I had allowed more time and seen more of the garden during the day.”

Bakewell, a tranquil town nestled along the River Wye and approximately 15 miles from Sheffield, is the largest settlement within the National Park. Believed to have been established during the Anglo-Saxon era, it now houses around 3,695 residents, as recorded in 2019.

IT might be coming to the end of the year, so now is a great time to book a holiday – and here are the best places to visit.

One On the Beach expert named his ‘best kept underrated secret hotels’ with aquaparks, private beaches and panoramic sea views.

Luna Vista Belek, Turkey

In the very popular Turkish resort of Belek in Antalya is this new 5-star hotel that opened earlier this year in May 2025.

The Luna Vista Belek is a 5-star resort on the coast of Belek and even has its very own private beach and reviews at 4.9 out of 5.

Despite this, On the Beach revealed there are still plenty of spaces with a low booking rate.

On the Beach expert Rob Brooks said: “This place barely gets booked compared to the big Belek names – but the people who do absolutely rave about it”.

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The hotel has six pools, an aquapark and entertainment from festivals to karaoke, and even cinema nights.

It also has ultra all-inclusive options with gourmet meals all day and night.

A seven-night stay at the Luna Vista Belek starts from £770pp including flights from London Gatwick.

3HB Faro, Portugal

The five-star luxury 3HB hotel is in downtown Faro but is still quiet enough that it won’t feel like its in the heart of the city.

Rob said: “If you want a city break that feels like a beach resort, this is it”.

Common mentions in the reviews are the modern rooftop pool area and ‘ridiculously good breakfasts’.

The hotel has two restaurants as well as a rooftop bar that looks over the city and is a five-minute walk from the centre of Faro.

A seven-night stay at the 3HB Faro starts from £830pp (room only) with flights from London Gatwick.

Eagles Nest Studios, Kefalonia

The Eagles Nest Studios is in the tiny village of Lourdas in Kefalonia at the foot of Mount Ainos – which means you get amazing mountain and sea views.

Rob calls it the “definition of an underrated Greek gem” and reviews compliment the “unbelievably kind owners”, “panoramic hillside views” and “simple but spotless rooms”.

It’s even been lauded as a ‘four star experience at a two star price’.

The Eagles Nest Studios is a perfect stay for anyone looking for simplicity – it has an onsite pool and local tavernas.

A four-night stay at the Eagles Nest Studios starts from £420pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

Basar Hotel, Turkey

The three-star Basar Hotel is tucked slightly inland from Dalaman in Turkey very near to Marmaris.

Rob reveals that the reviews compliment its “family-run vibe with homecooked meals” .

The hotel has twin, double and triple rooms – each has an ensuite and balcony.

There’s a main restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating – and both breakfast and dinner are buffet service.

Outside is a swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds and inside is even a TV lounge.

A seven-night stay at the Basar Hotel starts from £345pp (for a B&B) with flights from London Gatwick.

La Concha Boutique, Lanzarote

La Concha Boutique is a three-star adult only apartment complex on the beach in Lanzarote.

The white-washed peaceful complex has an outdoor pool, guests can stay in one of the roomy apartments that’s equipped with speedy Wi-Fi.

Reviews have described the place as a “luxury Airbnb” and Rob reveals the reason that it isn’t as booked up because it’s slightly tucked away.

A seven-night stay at La Concha Boutique starts from £565pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

Hotel Iliana Panormos, Crete

The Hotel Iliana Panormos is a two-star hotel on the island of Crete with a central courtyard and swimming pool.

Reviews say it’s a “proper Greek family run gem” in the village of Panormos near pretty tavernas.

The hotel looks classically Greek with white walls with terracotta rooftop tiles and bright blue doors.

It’s only 150m from pretty sandy beaches as well as watersport spots, and it’s within walking distance of local tavernas and shops.

A seven-night stay at Hotel Iliana Panormos starts from £370pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

A Suite Side, Turkey

A Suite Side is a three-star complex in Side, Antalya that has self-contained apartments with a shared pool.

Rob reveals that guest reviews say it feels a “boutique design hotel but with Turkish value for money“.

The hotel is missed because it doesn’t have sea views – but it’s a very short walk away from the beach front.

There are plenty of rooms up for grabs including those with garden and pool views, others come with Jacuzzis – but all come with a furnished balcony or terrace, an open-plan living room and kitchen.

At the hotel are multiple pool areas, one for adults and a smaller one for children.

A seven-night stay at A Suite Side starts from £455pp (on a self-catering basis).

Idyll Suites, Gran Canaria

The adults only Idyll Suites is found in sunny Gran Canaria which has sunny terraces and incredible ocean views.

In fact, the 24 deluxe suites and 23 superior suites, all face the sea and have beautiful panoramic views.

Reviews say it feels like a “luxury suite at a mid-range price” with many guests stating they return year after year.

It’s self-catering, but nearby is the Delicias restaurant and a place to enjoy Mediterranean specialities – and hotel guests get an exclusive discount.

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It’s in the quieter part of Gran Canaria near to Puerto de Mogan’s pretty harbour, and 4km from lively Puerto Rico.

A seven-night stay at the Idyll Suites starts from £435pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

A charming town that’s perfect for a weekend break, with independent shops, great places to eat and drink, and stunning hikes on its doorstep

As the festive season approaches, you might be meticulously planning your shopping trips. However, your local high street may not fit the bill.

If you fancy a change of scenery this December, a staycation in one Welsh town could offer the perfect blend of exploration and independent boutiques. One destination that might not have sprung to mind is tucked away deep within Rhondda, South Wales.

Treorchy and its bustling high street are ideal for a relaxed Saturday morning stroll, perusing the many independent shops, with the rest of the day free for dining, drinking or, weather permitting, a post-lunch ramble around the nearby hills and waterfalls.

Shops

The true allure of Treorchy lies in its quaint independent shops, where you’ll discover gifts and stocking fillers galore. At the top of Bute Street, there’s the florist, Lili Wen, where – alongside beautiful bouquets and wreaths – you’ll find homely yet chic housewares and trinkets, reports the Express.

For those who relish rummaging through trinkets and gifts, Wonder Stuff is a must-visit. This delightful gift shop has been trading for over two decades, selling adorable stationery, mugs, cards, and food and drink gifts.

Just a few doors down, Green Valley may seem like a simple fruit and veg shop – and it is – but it also stocks sustainable gifts, a variety of hot sauces, Christmas items, treats and, intriguingly, cosy Nordic socks.

Beyond The Lion pub, two unique shopping experiences await. Sparkilicious is a haven of chic gifts and homeware, puzzles, games and toys.

Just across the road, Celtic Dragon Retro presents a different kind of treasure chest, brimming with retro game consoles and games, collectable toys and comics. You’ll discover everything from Pokémon and WWE, Star Wars, Marvel and DC to Disney.

They even offer gaming tables for a breather during your shopping spree! Treorchy’s high street also features an array of clothing shops, baby stores, drapers and jewellery shops worth a visit.

Places to eat and drink

Treorchy is teeming with coffee shops and snack spots, such as Hot Gossip, which is currently offering a large festive drinks menu.

The Cwm Farm Shop serves up a hearty breakfast, Sunday roast, homemade pies and pasties, and daily specials. Their cawl is particularly commendable, and many of the dishes use locally-sourced meat from the nearby farm owned by the same family.

For dinner, the Pencelli Hotel offers a full menu of pub classics, tapas items, curries and flatbreads. Alternatively, you can enjoy a pub meal or pizza at the Cardiff Arms Bistro, with dishes like beef short rib, grilled monkfish and prawn curry.

Christmas attractions

Treorchy is one of many towns in Rhondda Cynon Taf that hosts a Christmas celebration. This year, the parade will commence on Saturday, November 29.

Treorchy Library is set to spread some festive cheer with Santa Saturdays every weekend in December, where kids can meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Plus, late-night shopping will kick off on 3rd December and continue every Wednesday throughout the month.

For those who fancy a bit of an adventure, the upper Rhondda offers stunning views and invigorating hikes. Just take a drive up to the Bwlch hilltop for a breathtaking view over Treorchy and Cwmparc, or head to the top of the valley to the Rhigos viewpoint for a glimpse of Bannau Brycheiniog on a clear day.

One hike that’s a must for walkers is the Blwch mountain circular, a 13km stretch from Treorchy up to the viewpoint. And if you’re visiting from out of town, The Pencelli and Cardiff Arms Bistro both offer cosy accommodation options.

It’s not just surviving but thriving.

Tucked away on the UK coast is a seaside town packed full of independent shops and surprises. In its golden heyday, the Victorian age, the Isle of Thanet (the easternmost part of Kent) was packed full of popular holiday resorts. Trend-conscious people like Charles Dickens, swapping the London smog for the revitalising sea air, took the train down to one of them: Broadstairs.

They were enchanted by its sweeping Viking Bay, named in honour of the AD449 Viking invasion of Britain. And with them, they brought riches which helped the small town construct rows of grand houses and an imperial seafront. Unlike many seaside towns hit by the mid-20th-century boom in cheap foreign holidays and the more recent spike in arcade-killing energy prices, Broadstairs is surviving in 2025. In fact, it’s thriving.

I ventured down to the town of 25,000 on a brutal November day to find out if it’s a place that shutters up as the stormy season rolls in and discovered that it has not only found a way to withstand the passage of time but also the winter.

Councillor Kristian Bright, cabinet member for tourism, met me in Salt cafe and explained part of Broadstairs’s success where he told me: “It is one of the only places in Thanet that has an independent high street like this. 15 Square Metres is a great restaurant run by MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd. We have Bar Ingo. I love to spend an evening in there. There’s Kebbells Seafood Bar as well. There’s just so many great places. In the winter, people come down and have a really special time.”

In a way many other coastal spots are not, Broadstairs is protected from brutal seasonal swings by its changing population. The launch of Southeastern’s high-speed rail line in 2009 drew the town a commutable ride from London, while the working from home shift of Covid ensured those down from the capital could stay full-time.

Palace Cinema owners Corinna Downing and her husband Simon Ward are among their number, and now benefit from the new demographic’s love of foreign film. “The notion of local and independent cinema, with its own character, has worked in our own favour,” she explained.

The Palace is the only independent cinema in the area and now draws in punters from across Thanet. Winter, particularly Oscars season, is their time to shine. When they’re not busy showing Imitation of Life and L’Atalante, the cinema is being hired out by members of the thriving local film society – on one recent occasion, for a raucous Austin Powers dress-up night.

Just down the seafront is another business that makes the Palace’s 60-year history look fleeting. Mario Morelli opened an ice cream parlour bearing his family’s name in 1932, and his descendants are still serving up impossibly big sundaes almost 100 years later. Morelli’s is a testament to the idea that if a business does things well and looks after its staff and customers, it will succeed. On the grimmest of midweek mornings, its sensationally big ice creams, waffles, and coffees drew in 30 punters.

Chris Chalklands, the former manager and now semi-retired parlour prince, has been working there for 53 years. He explained what makes Morelli’s so special. “It’s a family-run institution. It’s more of your community hub (in the winter) retreat. We go down about 50% in the winter, but our busiest day is Boxing Day. Everybody comes out for a walk. From 10 to five, it’s standing room only. Broadstairs has changed from a bed and breakfast holiday resort to an Airbnb. I love the atmosphere, community, and general population,” he said.

Hussein, who runs the Fish Inn on the High Street, swapped his home country of Turkey for Broadstairs 15 years ago. More than Morelli’s and The Palace, his business is impacted by the winter months. “It’s a nice place in the summer. I’m not sure about the winter when it’s rainy, but generally it’s good. It’s a nice beach, there’s no trouble. In winter, it’s cold, people don’t want to come out.”

While I was the only chip eater that Wednesday morning, that might’ve been because a gale was flinging rain and fish and chip signs down the road. Usually, a steady trade of students from a local language school and deliveries keeps the 34-year-old Fish Inn ticking over.

There are, of course, tensions in Broadstairs. As they tend to, DFLers have brought money and pushed up house prices. The average home now costs £409,441, according to Rightmove, while the average worker in Thanet takes home £29,312. The pull of its incredible beach and tidal pool during the summer means there is a significant drop-off in tourism in the winter, which can be challenging for businesses.

But these issues seem relatively small and manageable. The council recently introduced a second-home tax, which saw Broadstairs property prices fall by the highest amount of anywhere in the UK last year. Add to that a high street packed with independent shops, and off-season events such as the Blues Bash and Food Festival, and the future prospects of this little coastal gem seem very strong.

Northumberland is home to a charming seaside village that’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike – and it’s not hard to see why with its stunning views and fresh fish and chips

Drawing in visitors from across the Northeast, this charming seaside village boasts stunning natural beauty, positioned just a stone’s throw from the Scottish border.

Families and international tourists alike flock to the picturesque seaside village of Seahouses, using it as a convenient base for their adventures. With Northumberland National Park and the Farne Islands within easy reach, the village serves as an ideal stopping point for sightseers exploring the region.

Seahouses sits within the Northumberland Coast National Landscape, a protected area celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse wildlife. This prime location provides the village with breathtaking vistas, excellent walking trails and outdoor pursuits that let visitors truly connect with nature.

One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “The beaches are so spacious, sandy and peaceful – even in peak season you can find space to enjoy the tranquillity. Head out for an early morning walk and you can have the whole beach to yourself. Stunning sunrises and sunsets.”

The village also attracts food lovers eager to sample its renowned fish and chips whilst taking in the coastal scenery, as Seahouses maintains an active fishing harbour. This working port helps support the tourism industry whilst delivering an authentic taste of British seaside cuisine, complemented by spectacular views.

Famed for serving kippers, the village boasts a rich heritage steeped in fishing and preparing this particular fish using age-old techniques dating back to 1843. This means Seahouses is recognised as the birthplace of the modern kipper, where it’s believed to have been created.

A standout destination for this is the renowned Swallowfish, an essential stop for food enthusiasts in the region. One visitor commented: “This is the real thing with regard to smoked fish; can’t be compared to supermarket kippers with artificial colouring and flavours.”

Meanwhile, nestled directly across from Seahouses lie the Farne Islands, popular with holidaymakers who frequently catch a boat from the village harbour to discover up to 20 of the small islands. During their excursion, many visitors head over to view the Longstone Lighthouse, constructed way back in 1926, as they journey across to the islands.

One review states: “We saw this lighthouse en route to the Farne Islands, and it was given the wow factor. It’s not every day you see a traditional lighthouse in this condition.”

Another commented: “Caught an organised boat trip from Seahouses. Golden Gate that includes landing and a visit inside the Lighthouse. Taking dogs is no problem. Some breathtaking views, seals, birds, and waves. Perhaps not for the faint-hearted in October, but well worth it.”

Whether you’re drawn to the stunning vistas, the scrumptious grub or using it as a pit stop between Northumberland’s islands, Seahouses has more to offer than what first meets the eye. Nestled just about 12 miles north of Alnwick and a tad over an hour from Newcastle’s bustling city centre, it’s ideally situated for you to discover its allure.

THIS former pub has had a serious glow-up, says Senior Writer Donna Smiley.

Spa stays for two cost from £270 B&B (Ffolkes.org.uk).

THE LOWDOWN

Set in the sleepy village of Hillingdon, Ffolkespa, at former coaching inn Ffolkes, is a vibe and a half.

Think bold splashes of colour, neon lights, disco balls and graffiti-decorated crazy golf.

Want Ibiza feels? You’ve got them.

WHAT WE LOVED

Aside from the super-king beds, a smart TV that swivels from bed to bath tub (which is big enough for two, btw), home-made shortbread cookies, a drench shower and Templespa toiletries, our fave thing was our room’s door straight into the spa, which gave us Narnia feels, too.

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Talking of the spa, the giant hot tub complete with a bar made us feel like we were on our hols while sipping Revitalise smoothies of avocado, mango, spinach, broccoli, coconut, lime and ginger, £5.50, quickly followed by Hugo Spritzes, £10.

We were also big fans of the aroma steam room and the pre-steam salt scrubs, which left us with baby-soft skin for days.

Group sauna rituals featuring storytelling and scents hosted by a “sauna master” are quirky, £10 per person, and the “disco” toilets, where a smoke machine, flashing lights and loud tunes turn on at the press of a button are also very fun.

Most importantly, the My Kinda Skin facial, £80 for 45 minutes, left me glowing, and the afternoon street tea, £27.50 per person, is legendary, too, with cheeseburger sausage rolls, choc-chip scones, plus jalapeño and cheese scones with chilli butter.

Street-food traders take over come evening – we tucked into outstanding (and huge) onion, potato and kale bhajis topped with yoghurt, tamarind and pomegranate, £8, and beef keema roti kebabs with masala fries and a dal dip, £16.50.

WHAT WE DIDN’T LOVE

The coffee pod machines at breakfast were disappointing when all we craved was a proper barista hit.

What’s more, the poached eggs were made to order, but still a bit rubbery.

OUT & ABOUT

Blow away any hangovers with a walk on nearby Snettisham Beach, which is a natural haven for an array of wading birds (Rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/snettisham).

Follow it up with a chip butty at Snettisham Beach Fish And Chip Shop, £2.70.

Or hand-feed the beautiful red deer on a safari among the herd of more than 60 at lush Snettisham Park.

There are plenty of farm animals to visit on the 329-acre site, too.

Tickets cost £21 (Snettishampark.co.uk).

Norfolk Lavender in Heacham is equally close, with around 100 acres of peaceful gardens, not forgetting a cracking lavender sponge cake, £4.95 a slice (Norfolk-lavender.co.uk).

As is the historic town of King’s Lynn – follow its Maritime Trail from cobbled lanes to the Great Ouse river.

After working up an appetite, Mem’s Kitchen on Market Place serves delicious spinach and feta filo parcels, £7.95, and a super seafood casserole with calamari, mussels, king prawns, baby prawns and salmon, £20.95.

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Don’t miss the apricot, apple and almond crumble, £7.95 (Memskitchen.co.uk).

THE DAMAGE?

Spa stays for two cost from £270 B&B (Ffolkes.org.uk).

Nov. 21 (UPI) — Bonuses of $10,000 will be awarded to 776 air traffic controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during the 43-day government shutdown.

The extra money was announced Thursday by Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford. The FAA is part of the Transportation Department.

“These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown,” Duffy said. “Democrats may not care about their financial well-being, but President Trump does. This award is an acknowledgement of their dedication and a heartfelt appreciation for going above and beyond in service to the nation.”

During the shutdown, essential workers, including those in air traffic control, worked without paychecks.

It ended on Nov. 12 with legislation to fund the government through January.

“I am profoundly proud and grateful for the air traffic personnel who worked during extraordinary operational challenges to keep the NAS running safely during the longest government shutdown,” Bedford said. “Their dedication represents the highest levels of public service.”

Absences caused delays and cancellations of flights, including mandated flight reductions at the largest 40 airports in the United States, which rose to 6%, though there were plans for 10% if the shutdown continued.

Some personnel were required to work six-day workweeks of 10 hours a day. They are on duty for a variety of shifts, including holidays.

Even before the shutdown, there were staffing shortages of air traffic controllers and other essential staff.

Last week, President Donald Trump mentioned the bonuses idea on Nov. 10 in a Truth Social post.

He also threatened to dock the pay of those who called out during the shutdown, telling them he was “NOT HAPPY” with them and “get back to work.”

Selected recipients will receive electronic notification next week, and their payments will be received no later than Dec. 9.

The two agencies didn’t say whether those taking planned vacations or fatigue calls will receive the bonuses, NBC News reported.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which has been critical of staffing issues, said it was informed of the decision on cash bonuses hours before the announcement.

Of these receiving bosses, 311 are represented by NATCA.

“We look forward to working with the Administration to provide the appropriate recognition to those not covered by the Secretary’s announcement,” the union, which represents more than 20,000 air industry workers, said in a statement to CNBC.

The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, which represents 11,000 FAA and Defense Department workers, including technicians, said it is “reviewing the information that has been provided by the FAA and is evaluating how best to ensure that all employees who worked during the shutdown are recognized.”

That union said 423 will get the bonus. In all, it said 6,000 worked without pay.

“It took many hands to ensure that not one delay during the historic 43-day shutdown was attributed to equipment or system failures,” PASS said in a statement.

There are about 14,000 air traffic controllers in the United States. The median salary for the position, including ones not with the FAA, was $144,580, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries start at $55,000 to $68,000, depending on location.

They work in control towers, approach control facilities or en-route centers.

Also, there are about 3,400 trainees, including 1,000 initially at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

The mandatory retirement age is 56.

Also last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Transportation Security Administration officers who screen passengers at airports would also receive $10,000 bonuses for perfect attendance.

“Despite tremendous personal, operational and financial challenges, these dedicated officers showed up to work every day for more than a month, without pay, ensuring the American people could travel safely,” DHS said in a press release.

Inside a dim New Orleans-style bar in Hollywood, dozens of strangers mingle under the thump of pop music while nursing complimentary cocktails. Each person is sporting a name tag along with a personality sticker, or a few, that best captures their vibe. Neat freak. Plant parent. Night owl. Craft beer aficionado.

The scene reads like a friendly singles mixer, but listen to their conversations and it’s clear the chemistry they are hoping for isn’t romantic. They are here to find the perfect roommate.

Participants mingle around the bar area during SpareRoom’s “speed roommating” event at the Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood.

(Kendra Frankle / For The Times)

Hosted by rental platform SpareRoom, the monthly “speed roommating” event connects people who are renting rooms with those who are looking for one in a low-key, in-person setting — no endless online profiles to fill out, no awkward interviews. Loosely based on speed dating, sans the timed interactions, attendees put on name tags indicating either “I need a room” or “I need a roommate” along with their ideal budget and neighborhoods. Then they wander freely. One woman passed out flyers for a furnished studio in downtown L.A. with air conditioning, a Murphy bed, an in-unit washer and dryer and streaming TV. Another woman showed people her rental on an iPad.

Pris Liora, 40, who was looking for someone to rent the extra room in her Koreatown apartment, didn’t prepare any questions for potential housemates, saying she just wanted to do a vibe check. Her only deal breakers? “No pets, no children, no cigarette smoking and no secret cocaine problem,” she says with a laugh.

With the average rent for a studio starting about $1,688 per month, $2,166 for a one-bedroom apartment and roughly $2,983 for a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, according to Apartments.com, more people are embracing shared living arrangements. Rupert Hunt, founder and CEO of SpareRoom, says they’re doing so not only to cut expenses, but also to foster community. The company’s mixers can help spark those connections, he believes — they’ve been hosting speed roommating events in L.A. since June, following successful events in London, San Francisco and New York.

“There’s something so immediate about the event,” says Rupert Hunt, founder and CEO of SpareRoom.

(Kendra Frankle / For The Times)

“There’s something so immediate about the event,” Hunt says. “You meet 10 people in the time it would take you to meet one the traditional way.”

Hunt has even found a housemate for himself at one of the mixers. “I love sharing,” says Hunt, who notoriously rented out two rooms in his New York City apartment for just $1. “I think I’m a better version of myself. I think I get a bit lazy if I’m living on my own.”

At the event, Aeris DeLeon, who was wearing a sticker with the phrase “foodie,” says her mother was the person who told her about the speed roommating event. The 25-year-old was temporarily living in Bakersfield but recently moved back home to L.A.

“It was just dead over there and I was just home sick, and it wasn’t really working out for me,” she says.

Upon arrival, attendees can pick out personality stickers with phrases like coffee addict, plant lover and early bird. (Kendra Frankle / For The Times)

She decided to attend the event because it’s more “personable than just going on Craigslist or Facebook, and it’s the best [way] to weed out scammers,” she says. Her mission was to find an apartment that cost $1,300 a month max with someone preferably close in age.

James Caton, 68, was just getting started in his search for a room. After learning that his apartment building — where he’s lived for nearly a decade — might be sold, he jumped into action.

“To me, as soon as you find out, it’s better to go ahead and start looking for something,” says Caton, who attended the mixer with his childhood friend who was looking to rent a room.

SpareRoom’s speed roommating events are free with an RSVP, and each person receives two complimentary drinks along with a one month trial of SpareRoom premium.

Speed roommating is free to attend and comes with complimentary drinks.

(Kendra Frankle / For The Times)

Even if attendees didn’t find a roommate at the event, several of them continued their conversations late into the evening. Some even stayed for karaoke at the bar. It seemed that in a world where talking about finances can be seen as taboo, having a space to openly discuss rent prices, how to deal with nightmare landlords and housemates and other grievances was its own win, a moment when they could feel a bit less alone.

The city that is steeped in history and culture, and is often regarded as one of the best in the world – but did you know it is also home to its fair share of ‘spiritual’ powers?

Edinburgh. A city drenched in heritage and tradition, considered by countless visitors as amongst the globe’s finest – but were you aware it harbours its fair share of ‘spirutual’ forces?

Seasoned traveller Jason Cranwell discovered this firsthand, expanding his consciousness, and his palate, to the opulent Scottish destination.

He said: “Whisky drinking is a pastime I have always been happy to leave to other people. In truth, it was to avoid the risk of it leading to a more fulfilling existence than my overdraft can handle.”

During his two-day adventure, Jason explored the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princess Street.

Despite being a self-proclaimed ‘Peroni guy’, this revelatory encounter demanded he expand his boundaries and taste some throat-burning scotch.

Jason revealed: “After answering some questions about my palate, I was soon tentatively sipping my first tailored whisky sample. Decent.

“Then the second. OK, this is not unpleasant, and then the third, a celestial cocktail creation whose recipe is now committed to memory in perpetuity like a school assembly hymn.”

It became immediately obvious precisely why the venue commanded a colossal £150million price tag the moment Eleanor began guiding everyone through what Jason characterised as “immersive rooms”.

Within was a labyrinth of polished, 360-degree wall displays, hand movement detection and striking LED installations. The chief storyteller was Evie who was a “genius” when it came to narrating the whole experience.

“Close your eyes and you could be listening to a Wikipedia biog entry,” Jason remarked, “Open them and you find yourself captivated by this Whisky Wonka.”

Next on the agenda was a trip to The Real Mary King’s Close, a subterranean maze of 17th century homes off the Royal Mile that remains remarkably intact. Makenzi took on the role of tour guide for this excursion, embodying an ancient servant for an hour-long expedition through history, covering plagues and air raid shelters.

Beyond the theatrical pursuits, Edinburgh offers outstanding dining and drinking venues. Jason and his group, seeking a swift change of tempo, chose to pop into Valvona and Crolla, a classic Italian delicatessen on an artisan strip near Leith Walk.

Founded in 1934 by Alfonso Crolla and currently operated by his great-granddaughter Olivia, what first seems like a charming narrow family establishment extends into multiple sections filled with delights around every corner.

From the delectable cheese display to the extensive collection of personally-selected wine bottles with bespoke labels chosen by the staff, and upstairs sat a restaurant hosting the most diverse mix of diners. “With the possibility of delicious antipasti, panatella and pasta paired with a highly recommended wine-tasting session hosted by the in-house sommelier for £38, who says you can’t put a price on authenticity?” Jason asked.

Venturing further down Leith Walk, you’ll find the trendier parts of town. The seafood restaurant Plaice, located at the hip venue ASKR on Constitution Street, is a pop-up eatery adorned with spray-painted decor and a menu focused on healthy options.

Jason shared his culinary experience: “I had a starter plate of scrumptious peri-peri tiger prawns that I scooped out onto my oyster-buttered warm sourdough bread, inadvertently creating the bougiest sandwich ever. My main course of bluefin tuna, caught in British waters but served up Japanese-style and bathed in sesame oil, topped it all off.”

For the trip, he stayed at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Haymarket train station. The hotel’s pièce de résistance is the Lochrin Rooftop Bar on the sixth floor, which was crowned Hotel Bar of the Year at the esteemed 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.

According to TimeOut, Edinburgh ranks among the top 53 cities worldwide for living. One of its key attractions is an innovative food and drink scene, described as featuring an “ever-evolving selection of forward-thinking bars and eateries”.

In 2023, TimeOut also listed Edinburgh among the 53 best cities globally to reside in, praising its dynamic array of bars and restaurants.

Earlier in 2024, Edinburgh was hailed as one of the “best places for an autumn city break” by The Times, the only UK location to earn this accolade. They penned: “Edinburgh’s snug restaurants, historic hotels and warming whiskies only get better in the cooler months. “Hike around this sloping city of quirky alleys, a waterfront port and towering castle walls in jumper-and-jeans weather, allowing time to reach its blustery natural viewpoint, Arthur’s Seat.

“In conclusion, Jason simply ended with the words: “Oh, Edinburgh, I think I’m smitten.”

A writer who has been visiting France for half a century has shared his thoughts on the country, and there’s one thing that would make things “just about perfect” if it were scrapped

A writer who has been visiting France for an incredible five decades has pinpointed one thing that would make the country “just about perfect” if it were scrapped. Anthony Peregrine, a journalist with half a century of French adventures under his belt, recently shared his thoughts on how Britain’s nearest continental neighbour has evolved over the decades.

Looking back on his earliest French excursions, Anthony recalled living in a “haze of cheap wine, easy friendships and simmering dishes”—though he also suggested the country has “moved on” since those early days.

Among the areas he highlighted were drains, trains, hotels, motoring, and cafés. But once he touched on the subject of restaurants, he identified what seems to be a modern pet peeve of his.

Writing in The Telegraph, Anthony observed: “Traditional French restaurants, whether Parisian brasseries, family-run operations or village bistros, are still around. Fast food, chain restaurants, sushi bars and the rest are complementary, not replacements.”

Anthony said the choice on offer is now “greater than ever,” with waiters being “mainly professional” and world-class wine and cheese. He also noted the scallops, which he described as his “chosen meal the night before my execution.”

He added: “If only someone would get rid of QR codes masquerading as menus, things would be just about perfect.”

The recommendation comes on the back of another recent report in which writer Sydney Evans highlighted a beach they discovered on the French Riviera, only a 15-minute train ride from Nice.

Writing for the Express, Sydney praised the resort town of Villefranche-sur-Mer in the Alpes-Maritimes department, describing a beach “even more serene” than one in the Riviera’s capital.

Sydney wrote: “Stretching on for 10km, finding a spot to sunbathe was never a problem. But the beach at Villefranche-sur-Mer was even more serene, and it’s no surprise it’s known as one of the region’s most beautiful towns.

“Protected by plunging cliffs, complete with pastel-coloured houses overlooking the turquoise sea, walking out of the train station and taking in the beach felt like the very definition of a picture-perfect moment.”

The writer went on to highlight the destination’s “laid-back feel” and “incredibly calm” waters, noting that the promenade also features “pretty” cafés and restaurants.

Meanwhile, prior to October’s introduction of the EU entry-exit system, reports surfaced that French authorities would enforce certain requirements on British tourists.

In September, The Independent reported that Eurostar passengers at London St Pancras International would be asked whether they had somewhere to stay, enough money, medical insurance, and a ticket home.

The report added that passengers without these could be refused entry and noted that this would also apply to people travelling non-stop to Belgium via France.

The Global Cities Index has named the “most liveable destination” in the world, with a picturesque European city taking the top spot due to its walkability

A stunning European city has been crowned the world’s “most liveable destination” in the Global Cities Index, thanks largely to how easy it is to get around on foot. Researchers examined six crucial factors when compiling their rankings: life expectancy, income per person, income equality, recreational and cultural amenities, internet speed, and housing costs.

Whilst European destinations dominated the list, one Australian city also secured a place in the top rankings.

10. Nantes

Nantes, a vibrant city in western France, is renowned for its rich history, cultural attractions, and bustling city life. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany, now houses the Nantes History Museum.

This museum offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past through its well-preserved architecture and exhibits, reports the Express.

9. Ghent

Ghent, a delightful city in Belgium, is known for its medieval charm, dynamic cultural scene, and stunning architecture. It’s also the country’s most pedestrian-friendly destination.

The city’s picturesque canal-side streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The historic buildings along the canals cast beautiful reflections in the water, providing iconic views of the city’s architectural heritage.

8. Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, is renowned for its high standard of living, breathtaking surroundings, and vibrant cultural scene. Residents can enjoy walks along the shores of Lake Zurich, embark on a boat tour, or relax in one of the lakeside parks.

7. Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, consistently ranks among the world’s best places to live. The city centre features Tjörnin, a scenic pond surrounded by charming buildings, providing a peaceful spot for leisurely walks and bird-watching.

6. Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, is known for its low crime rates and spotless streets, contributing to a strong sense of safety and well-being among its residents. The city’s public transport network is highly efficient and extensive, with the recent introduction of free public transport further enhancing accessibility and convenience for residents.

5. Basel

Basel, a Swiss city, is praised for its high standard of living, combining a vibrant cultural scene with practical, top-quality living conditions. The city is home to world-class healthcare facilities such as the University Hospital Basel, renowned for its high standards and innovative treatments.

4. Bergen

Bergen, located in Norway, is famed for its stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and coastal vistas. The city offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking in nearby mountains like Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken to sailing and kayaking in the fjords.

3. Bern

Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower and the Bear Park add to its unique charm.

2. Canberra

Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is celebrated for its exceptional liveability, thanks to a unique mix of natural splendour, contemporary facilities, and well-thought-out urban design. With its high living standards, Canberra offers clean and safe surroundings, well-kept public areas, and efficient public services.

The city’s low crime rate and high personal security levels significantly enhance its liveability.

1. Grenoble

Tucked away in the French Alps, Grenoble is a treasure that blends natural beauty, a lively cultural scene, and a high quality of life. It’s also a centre for scientific research and technological innovation, especially in nanotechnology and biotechnology fields.

Grenoble is particularly renowned for its cycle-friendly initiatives, including extensive bike lanes and hire services.

Forget scrambling for a quick look at Stonehenge down in Wiltshire and instead enjoy a relaxing trip to this Anglo-Viking settlement where you can step back into the past

For families that loves the great outdoors sprinkled with a touch of mystery, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the north of England.

The Yorkshire Dales in particular is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year with its big skies, sweeping green valleys and stone-built communities that feel frozen in time. One such village is Bursnall, which sits along a bend on the River Wharfe in Wharfedale. The big draw, of course, for visitors these days is Bursnall’s rare Viking and Anglo-Saxon carved stone circles, perched on a low ridge just beyond the village green. True, they’re not as famous as their larger cousins elsewhere in the country – but then again that’s half the magic.

You can wander right up to them – unlike Stonehenge, for example – without feeling you’ve stepped into a coach-load of loud tourists. Locals even say the stones line up perfectly with the sunrise at certain times of year. Whether that’s folklore or fact, you’ll get a cracking photo for the family album. Children love hopping from stone to stone and grown-ups can enjoy the wide-open views that stretch for miles.

Back in the village centre, Bursnall Beck is the spot for a gentle stroll. The path follows the water as it winds behind cottages with leaning chimneys and flower boxes bursting with colour. There’s a tiny wooden footbridge halfway along, ideal for an old-school game of Pooh sticks, which somehow never stops being competitive, no matter your age.

For a breather, head to The Spindle & Spoon, the village cafe smells of fresh bread, strong coffee and warm jam all at once. They do an excellent hot chocolate that arrives piled high with cream Their packed lunches are also a life-saver if you’re heading out on one of the way-marked family trails up towards Bursnall Edge.

While if you’re visiting at the weekend, the Bursnall Market is a must-see. It’s small but crammed with character, including hand-stitched toys, jars of honey from a local beekeeper and fragrant baked pies. Round off the day at the playing field, where there’s a brilliant new adventure frame and plenty of space for a family kickabout. On warm evenings the sunset spills across the hills in a blaze of orange and pink.

For a village that barely makes a blip on most maps, Bursnall feels like it packs in more fulfilment and things to do than places five times its size. It’s perfect for families or those that just fancy a wander in a quintessentially English village.

The pursuit of perfection can consume some sportspeople. Logically, they know the goal itself is unattainable, but the endeavour to get there can take them to new heights.

Craig Bellamy is one such person. He doubts whether anyone or anything can be perfect but, on Tuesday night, he saw his Wales team come close as they dismantled North Macedonia 7-1.

The result was one thing, the victory Wales needed to finish second in their World Cup qualifying group and secure home advantage for their play-off semi-final in March.

The performance was another matter altogether, a dizzying mix of expressive, ultra-attacking football played at a rapid pace, combined with a raw physical intensity off the ball which overwhelmed their opponents.

North Macedonia had only conceded three goals in seven qualifiers before coming to Cardiff City Stadium. They doubled that total in the space of 19 first-half minutes, before leaving the Welsh capital humiliated.

“I am not a perfect person, I haven’t come across anyone who is,” said Bellamy .

“But maybe I take a little bit of that back because that was as close to the perfect performance as I have seen. That was incredible.

“The way we were able to use the ball, our timing. We didn’t play with a forward, we had three [number] 10s. But they were in the position where you drag someone out and someone runs, then the wide players were connected with it as well.

“We were just so clean with the ball and that allows you to have good chances. It was one of those days where we are able to take them as well.”

The door creaks as I push it back and move forward into the gloom. The ceiling is vaulted and dark, but light falls in shafts of gold from the upper windows, revealing ancient stone carvings and tombs. It’s the right atmosphere for a ghost-hunt. I take a few steps and the door clicks, making me jump. Must be the wind.

Exploring old English churches is always a pleasure. There is no one to disturb you, and in the dim quiet will be a historical jaw-dropper: a centuries-old face carved in oak, a grisly tomb, an inscription to the dead hero of a forgotten battle. Each site is a mini detective puzzle, waiting to be unravelled, often with a helpful booklet available near the door. The spirits of those who have shuffled off this mortal coil hang in the dust motes, but here, in Weobley, Herefordshire, I am looking for someone specific.

The village of Merthyr Mawr, in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, is like stepping into a fairytale, with its thatched cottages, babbling brooks and stunning historical sites

Tucked away in the lush, rolling hills of Vale of Glamorgan, the quaint village of Merthyr Mawr is a real-life fairytale come to life. With its charming thatched cottages and awe-inspiring historical sites, it’s more akin to a Cotswolds hamlet than a location just a quick ten-minute drive from Bridgend.

Despite being home to a mere 300 residents and lacking a high street, this picture-perfect Welsh village has made its mark on the silver screen. Its nearby dunes were used as a filming location for the 1962 classic Lawrence of Arabia, according to Discover Britain. A gently babbling brook meanders through ancient woodland, while Shire horses graze in the verdant fields. And the best part? This hidden treasure is often devoid of crowds. The village’s name, Merthyr Mawr, originates from Merthyr Mymor or Myfor, a Welsh Saint believed to have met his end on these very grounds, reports Wales Online.

Archaeological research over the years has traced the village’s roots back thousands of years, even identifying it as a hub of prehistoric activity. Artefacts ranging from Stone Age flints to Bronze Age burial sites have been discovered here. Beyond the dark ages, visitors can marvel at Roman roads that sit alongside Victorian stonework. At the heart of the village lies the Merthyr Mawr Estate. This 19th-century mansion was constructed by landed gentry Sir John Nicholl.

To this day, it remains a private residence with the majority of the village and surrounding property owned by those who live there. This means that properties in the village are highly sought after as they seldom come up for sale and have often been in the family for generations. The best way to explore Merthyr Mawr is on foot – to fully appreciate the unique views and tranquil atmosphere. You can stroll past the village greens and the tennis club towards St Teilo’s Church.

Its graveyard is awash with vibrant flowers in the spring and summer months. During the day, sunlight streams through the intricate stained-glass windows. Believed to be built on the site of a structure that predates the 19th century, the church also houses a small collection of inscribed medieval stones from the 5th century. A ten-minute walk from the church will lead you to Ogmore Castle.

Nestled next to the Ewenny River, you can access its robust stone walls by stepping across ancient stepping stones used by the castle’s princess, who, according to legend, used them to meet her lover on a neighbouring bank of land. This 12th-century keep once protected the Norman-held lands of Glamorgan. Further along, you’ll find Candleston Castle, a later 14th-century manor house, fortified for the de Cantaloupe family.

If you’ve had your fill of culture and fancy some fun, there’s an outdoor sauna tucked away in the woods where you can unwind. This sauna is a traditional Lithuanian spot, meaning it uses a wood-fire to heat its hot tubs. Venture along the coastal path to the Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve and you’ll discover something truly unique – a ‘Sahara Desert’ that featured in Lawrence of Arabia. After your enchanting adventure, if you’re feeling peckish, make your way to Ogmore village. Here, Cobbles Kitchen serves up a mouth-watering roast. To round off your day, pop into the Pelican Inn for a cosy pint by the fireside.

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his favourite winter destinations for UK pensioners, and one town has been described as a “slice of heaven” by visitors

Travel expert Simon Calder has named Cascais, just outside Lisbon in Portugal, as one of his top winter destinations. The coastal town is not only affordable during the colder months, but also boasts an average temperature of 18C in November and direct flights from UK airports to nearby Lisbon.

Cascais is a dream for those who love to explore on foot, making it an ideal holiday spot for pensioners. Travel blogger Caroline, from Packthesuitcases, described the town as “is a nice walkable size, you don’t need to worry about taxis and buses unless you’re venturing further afield to things like Cabo da Roca – everything in the town itself is easily reached on foot”.

Caroline also highlighted the ease of reaching Cascais by train from Lisbon, noting that “The train takes about 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré, and it’s an enjoyable journey along the coast.”

On his travel podcast, Simon Calder praised the beautiful town as one of his “favourite Portuguese locations”. He said: “Cascais is the port planted elegantly on the shoreline west of the capital, Lisbon, on what’s known as the Portuguese Riviera. It was settled in turn by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, and today the centre of Cascais is an intriguing combination of sun-worn houses, cafés, shops and smart hotels.”

He also pointed out that there are “excellent beaches within easy reach of Cascais”, adding another reason to consider this charming Portuguese town for your next getaway, reports the Express.

One visitor took to Tripadvisor to describe the town as “a little slice of heaven”. The tourist gushed: “Cascais is amazing, beautiful coastline, stunning, immaculate beaches and a really charming town. The people are lovely and the food is out of this world!”

Simon also suggested Cassis, in the south of France, as another pedestrian-friendly destination, ideal for a winter getaway.

The town is a haven for those who enjoy a countryside walk as well as fans of this famous sitcom and it’s easy to see why – with stunning views of Yorkshire

If autumn leaves you yearning for a countryside stroll whilst getting up close with nature, this charming town nestled in the Holme Valley provides the ideal getaway.

Famous for its breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Yorkshire, Holmfirth brims with year-round festivities and endless discoveries waiting to be made. Those unfamiliar with this picturesque spot may have actually glimpsed it from their own living rooms whilst tuning into the beloved sitcom Last of the Summer Wine.

This delightful town served as the setting for the characters’ adventures and continues to attract devoted fans of the series, eager to step into what feels like a make-believe world. Yet it’s wonderfully authentic, enveloped by verdant landscapes and positioned merely six miles south of Huddersfield and 14 miles west of Barnsley.

Holmfirth actually houses a dedicated exhibition celebrating the much-loved programme. One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “The building itself is Compo’s house from the series, which is extra special; there are lots of memories, pictures and extras from episodes from the show.

“The visit brought back many childhood memories of something I used to enjoy watching. Well worth a visit, and you have Nora Batty’s house above to grab a photo on the steps.”

The boundary of the Peak District National Park sits merely two miles distant, making Holmfirth a natural pit stop for enthusiastic ramblers and hiking enthusiasts passing through the area. The renowned Holmfirth Circular trail begins in the town centre, winding through the picturesque Hope Valley before returning visitors to the charming cobbled streets where they started.

The stunning circular route takes approximately two to two and a half hours to finish and boasts an excellent 4.6 rating from experienced walkers. Spanning roughly 7.2km in total, the path is considered suitable for people of all fitness levels and walking abilities.

The town’s very own vineyard proves a major attraction, offering visitors hours of wine tasting and sampling premium local vintages. Holmfirth Vineyard provides guests with comprehensive guided tours explaining the wine-making process, culminating in tastings of varieties produced on-site.

Alternatively, many travellers simply call in for a delightful breakfast whilst taking in views across the Yorkshire countryside. One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Spent the day at Holmfirth Vineyard and Restaurant, and what an experience!

“We were treated to a fascinating insight into the history of the business; it’s amazing to see the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle. The wine tasting was a treat, and it all wrapped up beautifully with a delicious Sunday dinner!”

Another visitor said: “The view on arriving was spectacular, and afternoon tea was delightful and filling. The wine tour and tasting were interesting, knowledgeable and entertaining; we all enjoyed it.”

Holmfirth thrives on festivities, hosting the annual Holmfirth Film Festival each year – a celebration featuring an extensive range of films from neighbourhood creators to global cinema, all within this compact town. The area also stages a yearly Arts Festival alongside a community market that presently operates on both Thursdays and Sundays.

TRYING to figure out what to get someone for Christmas often feels like a part-time job – but if they love to travel, then they will love these finds for less than £15.

From frantic packers to document forgetters, travelling can sometimes be stressful.

On the other hand, it is the perfect time to indulge and get something for someone else that will make their holiday even more special.

Here are Sun Travel’s top gifts for under £15… bargain!

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Important documents case

After leaving my home to catch a flight, I have already unzipped my bag to check I have my passport at least five times.

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But it can get lost in my bag, and often this is when the panic sets in.

Add to it trying to find you debit and credit cards, printed documents such as booking references and insurance and of course, once you’re at the airport, your boarding pass – it becomes a flustered nightmare.

All of this stress goes when you have a documents purse.

This sleek travel wallet from Amazon for just £13.98 is ideal.

It has several pouches and pockets for all your important bits, meaning they don’t get lost.

And the wrist strap means important documents are right in your hand.

Reusable travel cup

If you are anything like me, you will never be able to face the day or journey ahead without a good old cup of coffee.

And often, when I am rushing between airport, train, hotel and attractions, there is nothing I want more than a caffeine hit.

Paper cups just don’t do it for me – I am fed up of the dribbles down the side thanks to a loose fitting lid, having burnt hands when no coffee collars are available and of course, my drink going cold in a matter of seconds.

Husk’s reusable 12oz travel cup is simple and stylish.

It is made from the husks of coffee beans, hence the name and is super lightweight to throw in a bag.

The cup itself is super durable and keeps my coffee hot for much longer.

For £12, it’s a steal.

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Pretty hand luggage bag

After a series of unfortunate events in which my suitcase was misplaced twice during one trip, I’ve learned that one essential every holidaymaker needs is a sizable hand luggage bag.

Any seasoned traveller will know that to take just a handbag on a flight is unwise, especially if you’re taking a connecting flight.

You need at least a day’s worth of clothes and your essentials on the plane with you.

So a stylish bag for taking on the plane that you can slide under the seat in front of you is a great Christmas gift.

This one from Amazon fits airline dimensions of 40x20x25 and even has a separate compartment for shoes.

Or opt for this navy duffel bag which is water-repellent, tear-resistant with various pockets and strap options too.

And both are under £15.

World scratch map

Whether you know someone who is a casual jetsetter, loves a family holiday or a keen solo traveller, a scratch map is a great gift.

It’s incredibly satisfying to mark off everywhere you’ve been across the world, and if you get the right one, it can make for some fun wall art too.

Scratch The World Map Print from Not on the High Street is A2 size and has all the countries covered in gold until you scratch them off leaving colourful destinations underneath.

Plus, whoever you gift it to can even pop it in a frame and put it on the wall if they like – and it’s just £13.59.

Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer

Hot drinks flask

When you’re dragging yourself out of bed at 4am to catch a flight, a hot cup of coffee is essential to kick you into gear – especially if it is cold.

And if you’re choosing between downing a rushed cuppa out the door or forking out on an expensive airport latte, neither sound particularly appealing.

That’s where this simple gift becomes a travel lover’s saviour.

A reusable coffee flask is the underrated travel lover’s best friend.

From the airport journey, to filling up at the hotel for a day of exploring – and it’s especially handy for a caffeine hit mid-hike.

For skiers and snowboarders, a flask is a life saver when battle sub zero temps too.

Also, coffee shops like Pret a Manger and Starbucks discount your coffee if you bring your own cup – so they’ll be chuffed that you’re saving them money in the long run, too.

This bright choice from Smash is only £8.50 from Argos.

Power bank

Let’s be honest. No one is ever going to be mad that you’ve bought them a power bank.

It’s one of those gifts that can only be useful – whether you’re travelling, commuting, or stuck at a festival when your phone hits one per cent.

It’s a perfect choice for jet-setters, concert lovers and anyone who’s glued to Google Maps while exploring a new city.

A decent power bank means no more desperate searches for plug sockets in airports or cafés – and no missed photo ops because your phone’s dead.

It’s a small gadget that makes a big difference – the kind of gift they’ll be super thankful for when their phone survives a 12-hour travel day.

Just make sure that they are aware of the rules as to taking power banks on flights – they must be in your carry-on luggage, and some airlines don’t allow them.

This one from HMV is small and sleek, perfect to slide straight into your bag and it costs less than a tenner (£9.99).

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Lavender pillow spray

I have an overnight bag that I bring with me absolutely everywhere.

In it are several pairs of ear plugs, an eye mask and the most important (and giftable) item of all: lavender pillow spray.

As a self-confessed insomniac, there are few things that soothe me more ahead of a snooze than a cuppa and a spritz of my spray, whether that’s on an overnight flight or in an unfamiliar hotel room.

ThisWorks is my favourite brand, made from a dreamy combination of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert essential oils.

The mini 10ml spray costs just £10.80 in the Black Friday sale and is diddy enough to fit into a pocket.

For a more budget-friendly option, Feather & Down’s Sweet Dreams Pillow spray costs £8.

Packing cubes

Is your giftee a keen organiser?

If so, they’re sure to love a set of packing cubes.

I find them to be incredibly useful on short trips where I’m trying to cram a lot in.

They’re also great for more intrepid adventures where I’m travelling around a lot – that way I can keep track of where everything is without needing to fully unpack when I reach the hotel.

I use one for socks and underwear, one for trousers, one for tops and one for gym gear.

This Amazon bunch is an absolute steal at less than a tenner (£9.98) and it’s got a cube for everything: toiletries, shoe bag, cubes of varying sizes and even a laundry bag.

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Eye mask

If there is one thing I cannot do on a flight, it’s sleep.

And with my job taking me around the world 10+ times a year, I’ve tried everything to try and make that long-haul overnight flight easier.

But one game-changer I’ve found is ditching the travel pillow for an – albeit strange looking – eye mask that you attached to your head rest.

The contraption might look bizarre at first, but once you tie the straps around the seat behind you, it quickly looks like a normal eye mask.

Also padded, this means your head is kept in a much comfier upright position once you tie it around your head while blocking out any cabin light.

So if you care more about sleeping than how you look? Try this editor-approved bit of kit for just £9.99 on Amazon.

Toiletries set

I love to treat myself to a small kit of travel toiletries before I go on holiday, to get me in vacation mode.

And there are loads you can find for under £15 this Christmas that fit in your stocking.

There is the Space NK Caribbean Shores Body Duo, with body wash and lotion for £12, with smells that will take you straight to the beach.

Boots have both Sanctuary and Champneys travel essentials for £10 as well, with shower gels and moisturisers.

I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up keeping them for yourself this Christmas…

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

Travel gifts don’t have to just be for adults… these are all great stocking fillers, and I’ve tried and tested each of them on multiple trips with my child. 

Wikki Stix

These Wikki Stix are excellent for keeping kids occupied on planes.

You can mould them into all sorts of objects and animals and they pack away easily at the end for another use.

Plus, it’s super fun to use as an adult.

Pack of two for £13.99. 

Magnetic ball drawing board 

This magnetic ball drawing board has come on at least 20 holidays with my son, since he was just three years old. 

It’s great from an early age, as they don’t have to be good at drawing to create good designs.

Then as they get older, the creations can get more intricate.

As a family, we also play, guessing the drawing – where you have to guess quickest in order to have the next turn.

This works on planes, in cars, at restaurants – anywhere apart from the beach really. 

Available on Amazon from £6.99.

Magnetic chess board 

Ok, hear me out.

I never pictured myself as a chess player either.

But a friend taught my six year old a year ago and it has transformed mealtimes at restaurants on holiday. 

We’ve sat there for an hour as we battle it out, which gives me extra time to enjoy my wine. 

Definitely get a magnetic version though, as you’ll have a nightmare keeping track other the pieces otherwise. 

Available from £7.99 on Amazon. 

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If you fancy spending a little more money, you could get the item that travel reporter Cyann Fielding swears by – it’s a lifesaver and takes up very little room.

Or perhaps opt for the ‘high quality’ travel gadget that keeps your luggage safe – and means it will never get lost.

I once ate seven bowls of ragù bolognese over the course of a single weekend. I was in Bologna, to be fair, and on a mission – to get to the bottom of spag bol (yes, I know it should be served with tagliatelle). A few years earlier, I did something similar with a Polish stew called bigos (a sort of hunter’s stew). I wanted to learn about its variations, its nuances, and I wondered what you could find out about a place if you dived into one dish in particular. In the case of bigos, I gleaned that the Polish are prepared to wait a long time for things to be done.

My friend Tom suffers from a similar obsession (just last month he dropped a dozen scotch eggs on a bank holiday Monday) and so when he said he was heading to Paris to eat multiple steak frites, I wasn’t exactly surprised. He wasn’t just going for a laugh, mind you: Tom runs a pub in London called the Carlton Tavern, and had come to the opinion that his steak and chips could do with a bit of zhooshing up. Hence the recce in Paris. But a man travelling all that way to examine meat and potatoes cannot do so alone, so I volunteered my services.

A staple of French brasserie cuisine, steak frites came to prominence during the 19th century, when Paris was filling up with a new, urban working class who wanted, well, filling up. It’s now a standard on any prix fixe menu alongside coq au vin, duck confit and beef bourguignon.

Despite its simplicity, the dish hasn’t avoided philosophical attention. In his essay collection Mythologies, the heavyweight thinker Roland Barthes gave steak frites a proper considering. Just as a cup of tea is traditionally regarded as the remedy to all varieties of strife in some parts of the world (“Lost your job? I’ll stick the kettle on …”), it seemed to Barthes that steak frites was imbued with special significance. For the philosopher, the juicy beef was a sign of vitality and brio, and when paired with the humble chip, the result was practically a dialectic on a plate. Simply put, steak frites is more than the sum of its parts.

Taking advantage of the Eurostar Snap service, which allows you to select the day of travel but not the exact time, I bag myself a discounted return for just £90. And so, within three hours of leaving London, we find ourselves tucking into our first steak.

This homely outfit in the Marais has been going since the 1950s and cooks steaks over an open fireplace. The cut is entrecôte (AKA ribeye), which is served with sauteed potatoes and a green salad dressed with a classic vinaigrette. The steak is good, my medium rare (à point) is trumping Tom’s rare (saignant), the extra minute or so giving the fat a chance to render. There’s no sauce as such, but the mingling of dressing, meat juices and mustard makes a topping unnecessary. I ask the barman what he thinks of English wine. He says it’s a nice idea. €25, 8/10

A respectable amount of time later, we take on a rump on the other side of the Seine, on Boulevard Saint-Germain. Founded in 1880, Lipp is a classy joint – all vast mirrors and gleaming banquettes – and this particular lunchtime the place is abuzz. My slab (or pavé) of rump is fair to middling, but the fries aren’t as chipper as they might be. Once again there is no sauce, while the accompanying salad – some undressed lamb’s lettuce – brings little to the party. The best feature is the performance of our waiter, whose service manages to be exceptionally brusque yet unquestionably friendly. François explains that the 12 on his lapel conveys his standing in the pecking order. ‘‘I started at 23 and aspire to single digits,’’ he says. “And what happens when you get to one?” I ask. “You die.”
€25, 6.5/10

On François’ recommendation, we proceed to Le Pick-Clops, a laid-back bistro on the right bank of the river that is popular with students. Having learned that 2m bottles of wine are consumed in Paris each day, we do our bit to uphold this remarkable statistic by seeing off a carafe while waiting on our meal. The steak, when it comes, is onglet, or butcher’s steak, a cut that is typically dark and lean owing to the muscle’s working-class background. Here it’s served with a classically dressed green salad, a small gravy boat of blue cheese sauce and dauphinoise potatoes. There’s some chew on the beef but I don’t mind that, for it gives the dish’s other elements a chance to collaborate. On leaving, I ask the bartender where we should go next. He offers an enormous shrug and says: “Nowhere.” I give him a look designed to encourage elaboration. “Any place can do this dish,” he explains. “Don’t think about it. Just go.”
€15, 8.5/10

As typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi, internationally) left over 200 Filipinos dead while affecting nearly 2 million people, President Marcos Jr declared “a state of national calamity.”

After the super typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) will add to the devastation, mass protests against huge flood control corruption are expected in the country.

In 2022, the Marcos Jr government pledged it would build on the legacy of the Duterte years and make Filipinos more prosperous and more secure. Critics claim both objectives have failed.

Billions of dollars lost to corruption                      

On July 27, Senator Panfilo Lacson warned that half of the 2 trillion pesos ($17 billion) allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for flood control projects may have been lost to corruption in the past 15 years.

And yet, almost in parallel, President Marcos Jr stated his administration had implemented over 5,500 flood control projects and announced new plans amounting to more than $10 billion over the next 13 years.

Ever since then, Manila’s political class has been swept by allegations on corruption, mismanagement, and irregularities in government-funded flood management projects. In August, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee launched a high-profile investigation into the irregularities, focusing on the “ghost” projects, license renting schemes and contractor monopolies.

Corruption has long been pervasive in Philippine politics, economy and society. In the Corruption Perception Index, the country has consistently scored among the worst in the region. Even in peacetime, it is at par with the civil war-torn Sierra Leone and oil-cursed Angola.

In the era of former President Duterte, corruption fight was spotlighted. Now it thrives again. According to surveys, 81% of Filipinos believe corruption has worsened since martial law was declared 53 years ago. It is compounding misguided economic policies.

Rising trade deficits, slowing investment                            

In the Duterte era, exports were led by electronics, with significant growth in tourism and business process outsourcing. Those times are now gone.

In the Duterte era, the effort was to attract multinationals, particularly Chinese firms, to serve as anchor companies that would foster Philippine suppliers. But due to the government’s geopolitics, Chinese – and increasingly Western – multinationals see too much economic and geopolitical risk in the country. And so, the investments that could have come to the Philippines have gone to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in the region.

Recently, even US Investment Climate Statement for the Philippines highlighted persistent corruption, a slow and opaque bureaucracy, and poor infrastructure as major disincentives to investors.

Lagging tourism                             

In Southeast Asia, Chinese tourism has played a vital role in the post-pandemic recovery. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists accounted for 40-60% of the regional total.

Subsequently, regional recovery was fueled by Chinese tourism. The only exception? The Philippines.

In 2019, Chinese tourist arrivals in the country soared to over 1.7 million. As of September 2025, the Philippines has reported less than 204,000 Chinese arrivals for the year, a figure that is far, far below the government target. The country was banking on a 2-million visitors from China.

The sharp decline is attributed to geopolitical tensions, the suspension of the e-visa program, even safety concerns.

Even if the 2025 total would climb closer to 300,000, that would be just 15-20% of the 2019 level. It’s a catastrophic missed opportunity.

Sources: Trade deficits: Author, Philippine Statistics Authority; Tourism: Author, National Statistical Coordination Board Philippines; Exchange rate: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

BPO outsourcing at risk               

Digital economy is a major component of the GDP. But in the absence of domestic ICT anchor firms, the sector is at the mercy of Western offshoring. And that spells huge trouble at a time, when the West prioritizes trade wars, as evidenced by Manila’s costly losses in US tariff wars.

Meanwhile, geopolitics has alienated investments by Chinese ICT giants, which could have catalyzed ICT ecosystems in the country.

And there’s worse ahead. The Philippine outsourcing sector is a $30 billion industry that accounts for 7% of the Philippines’ GDP and commands 15% of the global market. Yet, one-third of its jobs in the Philippines are at risk from artificial intelligence (AI), with those in the BPO sector most vulnerable. Sadly, college-educated, young, urban, female, and well-paid workers in the services sector will be most exposed.

In addition to AI, US protectionist initiatives could perfect the jobs devastation in the Philippine outsourcing industry. Introduced in July, the bipartisan “Keep Call Centers in America Act” proposes to penalize US companies that offshore a significant portion of their call center jobs. The recent Halting International Relocation of Employment Act (HIRE Act) aims to curb outsourcing by imposing a 25% excise tax on payments to foreign workers.

If these realities kick in, US vulture capitalists can be expected to target and short the Philippines, which could compound challenges, as in the past.

Economic growth, missed opportunities                             

In early 2024, US news agency Bloomberg asked President Marcos Jr whether the Philippines could achieve an 8% growth rate. “Why not?” the president replied. “Yes, I think it is, I think it is doable.”

Yet, at the time, GDP year-on-year growth decelerated to barely 5.2%.

Have things got better? No.

In 2025, the government’s target was reduced to 5.5-6.5%. Just weeks ago, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded the Philippine growth projection to 5.4% this year. More recently, economic growth slowed to just 4.0% in the third quarter – the slowest since early 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a contraction.

Unsurprisingly, critics claim the incumbent economic policies have failed. Here’s a thought experiment about the extent of that failure. During the Duterte era, Philippine GDP increased from $329 billion to $404 billion, despite the pandemic plunge. On the back of that performance, IMF expected Philippine GDP to climb close to $640 billion by 2028.

Current IMF estimates suggest that by 2028, Philippine GDP would be less than $560 billion. So, the government is set to underperform by $80 billion.

That’s the cost of missed opportunities – although the final cost could prove higher.

Source: Author, data from IMF