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POPULAR food influencer Eating With Tod has revealed he has asked his stunning girlfriend to marry him.

The social media star, who boasts over 2million followers, revealed he had popped the question to his rarely-seen partner Mea.

The influencer, whose real name Toby Inskip, took to Instagram to share their happy news.

The restaurant reviewer shared a slew of snaps from his romantic proposal, in Brazil, which included one of him down on one knee on a yacht.

Another photo saw Mea flashing her HUGE diamond ring for the camera, while another sweet snap saw the newly engaged couple posing for a romantic selfie.

Toby captioned the engagement announcement post with: “Cheers to the next chapter @mea_c.k – can’t wait for the next adventure with you ❤️

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“Luckily the ring didn’t fall into the water… #engagement #wedding #brazil.”

Fans rushed to share their joy for the couple, with one posting: “Congrats you two!”

Another commented: “This is such wonderful news!”

A third said: “So awesome! Congratulations!!”

A fourth added: “Massive congratulations to you both!”

Mea also shared the sweet snaps and wrote: “03. 03. 26. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sailing between Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain Toby proposed.”

Toby’s new fiancee doesn’t appear a lot on Toby’s Instagram, and it is not clear on how long they have been in a relationship for.

Meanwhile, the social media star’s Eating With Tod channel is so popular that he is one of the biggest food influencers in the UK.

Toby’s content sees him review restaurants from around Britain by trying out their different dishes and giving his opinion.

However, despite his popularity, he came under fire last December for his highly-anticipated Christmas food market, held on London’s Tottenham Court Road.

Fans posting about the event criticised it for overcrowding and overpricing.

It was noted that one stall was commanding £6 for a cinnamon roll, while another vendor was charging an eyewatering £13 for a burger.

Meanwhile, since rising to fame Toby has boosted his bank balance by working with huge brands like McDonald’s, Tabasco hot sauce and Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza.

Fans can also buy Eating With Tod merch which sees T-shirts being flogged for £25.

The Influencer Insider – Get all the gossip on all your favourite online stars

Want to know more about the influencer who faked cancer? Read all about Brittany Miller and her sham career here.

We have all the inside gossip about Ladbaby mum’s incredible weight loss here.

And talking of weight loss, we know all about what is going on with B&M queen Becki Jones, which you can read up on here.

If health influencers are your thing, then read this on the man behind Tonic Health and his dubious claims here.

A MEDITERRANEAN destination nicknamed ‘the land of jasmine’ will soon have an even bigger airport with space for millions more passengers.

Plans have been revealed to expand and modernise Tunis-Carthage International Airport in Tunisia, Africa as it aims to quadruple its passenger numbers in just five years.

The airport – which is the 10th busiest in Africa – will undergo a major £743million makeover over the next five years.

The country’s Transport Ministry shared that the plans will include building a new passenger terminal as well as the existing terminal being renovated.

Between the two terminals, the Transport Ministry aims to increase passenger numbers from five million people per year to 18.5million passengers by 2031.

There will also be a new technical building and the air traffic control tower will be upgraded.

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Some reports suggest that the broader project will involve adding VIP lounges as well.

In addition, the Transport Ministry hopes that it will improve connectivity placing Tunisia as a gateway to the Mediterranean with links to Africa, Europe and emerging destinations.

The upgrade could also pave the way for new airline partnerships and flight routes.

News of the makeover follows original plans for building a new airport being put on hold.

Known as ‘the land of jasmine’ for its use of jasmine flowers in festivals, cultural traditions and perfumes, Tunisia takes about three hours to fly to from the UK.

And flights in April are as cheap as £30 one-way.

The capital and main city to visit is Tunis.

The Sun’s Deputy Digital TV Editor Jill Robinson recently visited the city and said: “Winding my way through narrow streets, the smell of jasmine and mint tea fills the air as I pass craftsmen, locals doing their shopping and an abundance of cats.

“It would have been easy to think I was in the souks of Marrakech, but I’m in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.

“While its Medina is not as chaotic as its Moroccan counterpart, the historic streets bustle with locals selling their wares as tourists like me squeeze through.

“From traditional clothing to jewellery, perfume to sweet treats, there’s any amount of treasures to be found just as long as you’re prepared to haggle.

“The Medina was built around the big mosque — nicknamed the Olive Tree Mosque due to the trees there in the 8th century — but it is also home to 100 smaller mosques.

“While Tunisia is an Islamic country, its history and influences are vast — including Arab, Andalucian, Turkish and Berber — and are visible to see as you take in the colourful arched doorways, former palaces and humble homes.

“On a day trip from my hotel, I learned about the rich culture of Tunis and the ancient ruins of Carthage, whose most famous son Hannibal (of elephants fame) became one of history’s most celebrated generals and took on the might of the Roman Empire in the Second Punic War.”

If you fancy a beach day, head to La Marsa where you will find a number of calm beaches, with cosy cafes and crystal clear waters.

Nearby, you can also head to the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, which sits on a clifftop and is often compared to Santorini in Greece.

There’s Djerba Island as well, which is loved for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.

The temperature can reach up to 20C in March and 22C in April, making it the ideal destination to grab a bit of warmth while the UK remains around 10C.

Nouvelair Tunisie offers direct flights from London Gatwick to Tunis-Carthage Airport and Tunisair offers direct flights from both London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

In other airport news, a closed UK airport reveals latest plans to finally reopen after 12 years.

Plus, a major UK airport is getting a new £30million upgrade with more shops, seating and even a ‘hidden speakeasy bar’.

SOCIAL media is a great place for discovering hacks, but sometimes they don’t always work.

To save you the time and money, we have tried and tested some of the viral travel hacks that have popped up on our social media.

Whether it is grabbing an item you already have and using it for another purpose to save yourself some money or a specific product that can make travelling better, we know what works and doesn’t.

Tried and tested and would recommend

New toys for the journey

One of the best tips I’ve followed is to buy a couple of new toys and keep them out of sight until the plane journey, if you’re travelling with young kids.

Wiki sticks were recommended to me and went down a treat with my son.

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You can mould them into different pieces of art, then pack them away for the next trip.

A small box of Lego works very well too, and you can even pick these up in duty free at most airports.

If you’re looking to save money, a kids’ magazine with several naff plastic toys on the front works equally well – they have often kept my child entertained for the journey and the whole trip.

CBeebies magazine, Lego magazine and Pokemon magazine have held attention for a particularly long time.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Snoozeband

Any hack that promises to improve sleep will pique my interest and the Snoozeband did not disappoint me.

Essentially, it makes using headphones much more comfortable, particularly when you are trying to catch some kip.

I’ve used my band on many overnight flights – and it’s pretty much the only way I can ensure I’ll get some shut eye.

It looks a little like a sweatband or running headband in that it’s made from elasticated material that wraps around the circumference of your head, over the ears.

Built into the band are two mini speakers that line up with your ears and connect to your device via Bluetooth.

They most definitely save you that horrible discomfort that you get with traditional earbuds or AirPods-style headphones, particularly if you are leaning on a surface trying to catch some Zs or even when on a pillow.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Have an iPad for holidays-only

We have an old iPad that my child is only allowed to use on holiday.

Before the trip, I download audiobooks and Netflix shows and he’s allowed to watch as much TV as he wants on the actual flight.

He also has some apps that he is allowed to use on the holiday.

A big favourite at the moment is Simply Draw, with video tutorials on how to draw different things.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Universal plug adaptors over single country ones

Plug adapters are a travel essential that often prove to be more frustrating than you’d think.

It’s difficult to remember which countries use which type, and even if you think you know, you can sometimes still end up packing the wrong one.

Some countries will catch you out, too.

For example, even though Switzerland is in Europe it doesn’t use the standard EU Type C plug – it uses the Type J instead.

So the easiest way I’ve found to get around all of this is by packing a universal travel adaptor.

One simple block with prongs that fold in and out depending on which plugs and sockets you’ll need to use – nice and easy.

I often leave one in my suitcase: readily prepared for the next trip, no thinking required.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Inflatable booster seats

Hiring a booster seat from a car rental company can be astronomically expensive, costing up to £15 a day.

But you can buy an inflatable booster seat by BubbleBum for under £40 and take it on multiple holidays for years.

You’ll make the money back in just one trip.

Plus it’s also helpful for if you take taxis to the airport or go on coach transfers.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Balloons to cover bottles

If travelling with liquids, my biggest worry is always, what if they leak?

But a while ago whilst carrying out my daily doom-scroll session, a video came up of a woman cutting the stem off of a balloon, just to be left with the bit that would have been the spherical part of the balloon.

She then stretched this over a bottle of fake tan.

I was sold, and sure enough on my next trip I tried it out and it worked.

A bag of 20 plus balloons will set you back a couple of quid, which is well worth it when you could be saving your suitcase from being an entire ooey-gooey mess.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

TikTok underseat bag for budget flights

Ever since I had to fork out £65 in excess baggage fees at the Ryanair departures gate, I’ve made sure never to make that expensive mistake again.

I realised just before boarding that you can’t simply eyeball your travel backpack and hope for the best – especially since the eye-watering fee cost me more than my return flights to Dublin.

So when I saw the perfect underseat bag pop up on my TikTok For You Page – black, collapsible and barrel-shaped – I knew I had to grab it.

Since my purchase I’ve been able to stuff my new bag to the brim – and it still slides perfectly into the baggage sizer at the gate.

And at £11.99, this one-off purchase has saved an over-packer like me from endless extra luggage fees!

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Ditching tours for Google Lens

A friend introduced me to the wondrous Google Lens a while back and it’s saved me hundreds on guided tours over the years.

Strolling around an unknown city and curious to know what a particular landmark is?

Snap it on your camera with Google Lens and it will be identified in a matter of seconds – and if you want to learn more about that monument’s story or historical significance, you can expand the description through use of Google’s integrated AI tools.

The Lens feature is built into the Google app, so it won’t take up an unnecessary storage on your phone.

It doesn’t just work on well known buildings either.

I often use it to identify unusual plants that I don’t recognise in tropical climates or even items of food and old artefacts in museums.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Packing cubes

If there is one thing I never do on holiday, I never check in a suitcase.

And trying all the hacks over the years, my failsafe?

The good old packing cube.

I’ve managed to cram in 10 days worth of clothes into just four packing cubes, which all fit into my hand luggage-size suitcases.

It also makes it so much easier finding my clothes, as everything is separated into tops, bottoms, jumpers and underwear.

You don’t need to spend too much on them either – certainly less than having to check in a suitcase, anyway.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Solid shampoo and conditioner bars

If you’re anything like me, packing your liquids bag often feels like an impossible challenge of fitting a million make-up items into one tiny pouch.

And once you’ve got your mascara, concealer, foundation and perfume in there, suddenly there’s no more room for your actual shower essentials.

So instead of buying a large (and often more expensive than you’d hope) shampoo and conditioner abroad, I recommend packing a solid shampoo and conditioner bar.

These won’t affect your liquids allowance, which is especially great when you’re travelling with hand luggage only.

My personal favourites are from Lush – the Squeaky Green shampoo is packed with fragrant herbs and flowers, and the ‘Big’ conditioner leaves my hair beachy and shiny with a coconut oil and vanilla scent.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Free calculator currency converter

Trying to work out if that Moroccan souk bag is really a bargain? Not sure if that cheap glass of wine is really so cheap?

You don’t need any fancy currency converter apps.

Did you know that the iPhone calculator app can be used instead?

Simply click the button at the top right and change it from Basic to Convert.

And there we go – every currency you can think of at your fingertips, so you don’t end up paying £1,000 for that rug you thought was £100 instead…

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Tried and tested and wouldn’t recommend

Foot hammock

With an old knee injury, long haul flights in economy can be pretty unbearable.

So when everyone was raving about ‘foot hammocks’ which you can tie underneath the plane seat, I was intrigued.

The mini hammock is meant to raise your legs to a higher, more comfortable position to ease pressure on your knees and back.

However, I found it didn’t help at all, instead just making my feet slide together and feel even more crammed in.

My cheaper, easier hack?

Just put a small bag on the floor underneath the seat in front of you, and rest your feet on that instead. Voila.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Mobile phone straps

A strap for your phone that hangs around your neck, allowing you to go hands free, sounds great. In reality, however, it falls short.

I don’t think you’ll ever feel fully secure parading one of your most valuable possessions around on display for the world to see, especially in city or festival environments.

The only thing standing between you and a thief is your neck.

And I’m not sure I’d fancy putting my neck on the line (quite literally).

The one time I did use a mobile strap, I found that I wasn’t able to wear it for long as my neck started to ache – and wearing it across the body, on one shoulder, defeats the purpose of having your phone easily accessible as I’d have to remove it from under my arm to use my device.

The one time I did find it useful was at a theme park, when on a roller coaster – although many places don’t allow this.

In general, though, a cross body bag is much more practical. You can carry a shed load more, too.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Elastic band phone strap

I love taking photos and videos on my phone when away, but in some spots I am stressed about losing it forever.

For example, let’s say you are on a boat tour and want to lean over the edge of the boat to take photos of the vibrant blue water.

The fear is that you’ll drop your phone in the sea, right?

Well, if you have an elastic band or hairband, you can loop this through the bottom of your phone case and pop it around your wrist for a makeshift wristband.

After seeing this on Instagram, I thought it was a great idea.

That was until the hairband snapped and my phone plummeted to the ground. Luckily, I wasn’t there.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Mini toiletries

So-called ‘travel-sized’ toiletries are not suitable for travel at all – unless you’re planning on only showering once on your holiday.

These often overpriced minis can set you back £3 to £5 per tiny bottle, or even more if you opt for the luxury brands.

I often find that I can only get one use out of mini shampoos and conditioners, especially when you have longer hair.

And when it comes to the mini spray deodorants, it soon seems like you’re only spraying air from these aerosols.

Other than the disappointing contents, these mini toiletries are also not the most sustainable option.

Plus it can save you both time and money to simply refill a set of reusable 100ml bottles each time you go away, rather than repeatedly fork out on minis.

It’s also worth checking the toiletries your hotel already provides ahead of time.

Most hotel bathrooms are stocked up with shampoo, conditioner and body wash as standard.

So once you’ve simply topped up your refillables with your holy grail products, you’re all set.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Paper to stop clothes creasing

When packing a suitcase, it is slightly heartbreaking to think the next time you open it you’ll see the clothes you meticulously packed, but now with loads of creases.

So you can imagine when I saw someone on social media saying that acid-free tissue paper helps to prevent clothes from creasing, I was thrilled.

You are meant to place a sheet between each folder layer of clothes and essentially, the paper acts as a buffer to stop creases.

Though, having now tried this a couple of times, it hasn’t worked for me.

In the future, I think I’ll stick to using the hotel iron…

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Boarding the plane first

You know that announcement at the beginning of the flight that says families with young children can board first? Ignore it.

Unless you have masses of cabin suitcases and are worried about there being enough space on the plane, wait until the end of boarding to get onto the plane.

Because the last thing kids need is MORE time stuck in a seat.

I’d also add that if you’re child can possibly walk to the boarding gate, do away with the buggy and let them.

Because it will tire them out before the journey.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

For more travel tips, here are The Sun’s Travel Editor’s top hacks for having the cheapest ever break with Hols From £9.50.

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RYANAIR is scrapping more flights to Spain and it will affect one of the country’s popular airports.

The budget airline has already axed millions of seats in recent months, citing expensive airport fees and charges.

And Ryanair has since confirmed that Girona Airport will be the latest victim, with 11 per cent fewer seats next summer.

The airline cited the “failed fee system” for the removals of seats, according to local media.

Alejandra Ruiz, the airline’s spokesperson in Spain, said: “Ryanair had ambitious growth plans for Catalonia’s regional airports, where it could have allocated a fifth aircraft to Girona, a new base in Reus, and unprecedented growth at both airports under competitive and beneficial conditions for all airlines.

“However, we are still waiting for a response from the Spanish government, which has no plans to fix these regional airports.”

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Girona Airport is often used as an alternative to travel to Barcelona, as well as to Costa Brava.

Last year it reported more than 2.1million passengers in 2025 travelling through – its highest numbers since 2013.

Flights to Barcelona will grow, however, with two per cent more capacity, with another six per cent growth in seats for Reus.

And flights to El Prat – one of Spain’s busiest airports – will increase capacity despite being reduced by five per cent over the winter.

Ruiz added: “Our commitment to Barcelona remains strong and we will continue to grow, albeit at a more moderate pace until the airport expands.

Earlier this year, Ryanair confirmed that all flights to and from the Azores will be cancelled from March 29.

Affecting around 400,000 passengers who visit a year, this also includes routes from London.

More than two million seats have been axed across Spain which includes Santiago, Tenerife North and Vigo.

The only direct flights to Vigo from the UK were with Ryanair so Brits will now have to connect to fly to the Spanish city.

Ryanair boss Michel O’Leary warned at the time that “if the costs in regional Spain are too high, I will fly elsewhere”.

Last summer, Ryanair suspended all flights from the UK to flights to Brive and Bergerac, although flights to the latter have been restored.

And Riga in Latvia has also been hit with all routes from Edinburgh scrapped.

Otherwise here is a pretty European island that will be getting new Ryanair flights this year.

IT’S been a month since Alan Carr lied his way to victory on The Traitors – and now, he’s bought his own Scottish castle.

He’s set to renovate it in his own TV show and right next door is a charming seaside town with its own holiday park.

On the Scottish border is Alan Carr‘s new £3.25million home – Ayton Castle.

He has signed a deal with Disney+ where he plans to transform his castle into a luxury hotel and spa.

The castle itself dates back to the 19th century and it is set across two floors – but also has a huge five-story tower.

Just four-minutes away from the castle is the seaside town of Eyemouth.

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The small town sits on the coast, it has a harbour filled with boats and visitors have mentioned seeing seals bobbing up and down too.

It also has a sandy beach that’s a popular spot for swimmers year-round.

With its proximity to the sea, expect some top-tier fish and chips.

Some of the top-rated chippies include The Heathers Restaurant, The Contented Sole and The Ship restaurant.

In Eyemouth, there’s also a Parkdean holiday park which has sweeping views across the coastline.

The site has an amusements and games room, outdoor play area, sports courts, kids’ club and live entertainment at Killies Lounge.

There’s also a newly furnished Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.

There are plenty of caravans and lodges to choose from which vary from two to three bedrooms – the largest can sleep up to eight guests.

All accommodation has a TV, kitchen and lots have incredible beach views.

At Parkdean Eyemouth, lodge holidays start from £254, caravan holidays start from £103, and touring starts from £12.

Just up the road from Eyemouth is a pretty fishing village called St Abbs.

It has a beautiful harbour and visitors should pop into the tiny cafe that sits just above the water.

The family-run Ebbcarrs Cafe serves up fresh local seafood, homemade bakes and local ales – which can all be enjoyed whilst watching the boats bob up and down.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “The café itself is a delight. Think crusty baguettes overflowing with fresh seafood, a glass case brimming with homemade cakes, and prices that make you grin instead of wince.”

Another simply added: “Lovely cafe, in an equally lovely village.”

For those who want to head into the city, Edinburgh is an hour’s drive north of Eyemouth.

15-minutes south of Eyemouth and across the border is the small town of Berwick-upon-Tweed which is the happiest place to live in the UK.

The Guardian, who conducted the study, called Berwick an “overlooked jewel” and added “yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles.“

Berwick is at the top end of the Northumberland coastal path so it’s easy to explore the pretty coastline and see castles at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth.

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And one comedian found the UK’s friendliest town – ‘I didn’t meet a single person that wasn’t nice’.

A NEW sleeper train will soon connect four European cities.

European Sleeper is launching a train route between Brussels in Belgium and Milan in Italy.

The train will stop at Brussels in Belgium; Cologne in Germany; Zurich in Switzerland and Milan in Italy.

Onboard, the train will feature budget seats and sleeper options. 

Travellers will be able to reserve a seat or bed in a shared cabin.

The most affordable option will be seats, of which there are six per cabin.

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There will also be the option for Comfort Standard and Comfort Plus sleepers which will have fewer beds per cabin as well as more bedding and in the most luxurious category, amenities such as welcome drinks and a breakfast service.

In Comfort cabins, there can be up to five people with the carriage featuring seats during the day and beds at night.

There will also be a table available during the day.

These cabins tend to be mixed gender, but there are women-only cabins available to book.

Each passenger will get a blanket, a sheet and a pillow and the bathrooms can be found in the corridor.

Bottled water can also be found in each cabin, but breakfast has to be added to your booking for an additional fee.

In comparison, a Comfort Standard cabin has three beds, each with a duvet.

There is also a small window table and a big fold up table.

And finally, in Comfort Plus cabins passengers will find a maximum of three beds and seats in addition.

Towels, toiletries, breakfast, mineral water and a welcome drink are all included as well.

A small lounge is also planned for the train, where passengers will be able to buy snacks and drinks.

The train will feature plug sockets and basic Wi-Fi as well.

However, the anticipated launch date of the train has been pushed back from June 18 to September 9, with tickets available to book from March 17.

The train will operate from Brussels on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and from Milan on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

From Brussels, the train will leave at 5:56pm each time, stopping in Cologne at 10:07pm, Zurich the following day at 6:42am and finally arriving in Milan at 11:30am.

From Milan, the train will leave at 5:30pm each time, stopping in Zurich at 10:35pm, Cologne the following day at 7:59am and finally Brussels at 11:10am.

Other stops on the route include Liège in Belgium; Aachen in Germany; Arth-Goldau, Göschenen, Bellinzona, Lugano and Chiasso in Switzerland and Lake Como in Italy.

Tickets for a shared classic compartment start from €49.99 (£43.31) one-way.

Alternatively, you can book a private space from €179.99 (£155.96) either in a classic compartment for up to five people or a comfort compartment for up to three people.

European Sleeper is also launching a route between Paris and Berlin on March 26, with a stop in Hamburg being added to the route from July 13.

In other train news, a major rule change to train tickets is dropping in just weeks – and could see you denied a refund.

Plus, the little-known UK train trick that lets you visit up to three destinations for the price of one – and the best routes to do it.

The nostalgia factor is strong

They might appear to be a relic of bygone days, but there’s still a demand for the modest cassette. CDs and digital streaming appeared to spell the end for the mixtape, yet in a corner of Manchester’s Northern Quarter they’re flying off the shelves.

That’s down to Mars Tapes, widely regarded as the last cassette shop in the UK. Operated by Alex Tadros and situated inside Manchester’s independent shopping haven, Afflecks Palace, it’s been hugely successful and is now gearing up for its next phase.

“After seven years of growth, we are entering into our third expansion. This time moving down to a much larger unit on the 1st floor of Afflecks Palace — one of the biggest units in the building,” Alex says.

Mars tapes stocks a selection of classics, a ‘Rewind’ series — official tapes missing their paper inserts — mixtapes and consignments of new music from major labels.

The new premises will showcase an enlarged library of cassette tapes, a broader selection of refurbished vintage audio equipment, and the launch of the Mars Tapes Listening Cafe — a designated area where patrons can savour a coffee whilst listening to tapes from the shop’s collection, reports the Manchester Evening News.

To mark the expansion, they’re throwing a weekend party on March 7 and 8.

The venue will feature a Dave Haslam DJ set on the Sunday and a live gig from emerging Glasgow outfit Cowboy Hunters on the Saturday — the latter will be dropping a new EP on cassette through Sour Grapes Records.

The weekend will also welcome Horace Panter (The Specials), who will be showcasing his cassette artwork throughout both days. There will be a range of in-store discounts for various cassette products, with food and drinks specials available as well.

“Our cassette shop launched back in 2019 in perhaps the smallest unit in Afflecks Palace, and we never expected to grow in the way we have,” adds Alex.

“Now in the midst of our third expansion, into one of the biggest spaces in the building we wanted to celebrate with all of the cassette aficionados that made it possible! We’re offering food, drinks and in-store deals, alongside some fantastic live music from Cowboy Hunters, and DJ sets from Dave Haslam and Glue Tape Jockeys (a cassette DJ set).

“We’re also excited to be bringing down Horace Panter of The Specials who will be exhibiting some of his fantastic cassette based artwork. It’s gonna be a tape heads dream weekend and we can’t wait to welcome everyone down to the new store.”

The launch celebration will run on March 7 and 8 at Afflecks Palace, 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW. Complimentary tickets can be secured via Skiddle.

Mérida, March 2, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan popular movements condemned the recent US and Israeli attacks against Iran and expressed support and solidarity with the West Asian nation. 

On Saturday, February 28, the International Platform for Solidarity with the Palestinian Cause and the Alexis Vive Patriotic Force were among the organizations issuing statements rejecting Washington and Tel Aviv’s military actions.

The organizations decried the bombings of Iranian territory, including against civilian targets, and described the operations as serious violations of international law. The International Platform for Solidarity with the Palestinian Cause expressed “deep outrage” over the bombing of a girls’ school in Minab that killed over 175 people.

“This infamous act will not crush the heroic resistance of the Iranian people, in their example of dignity in the face of imperialist and zionist aggression,” the platform’s communiqué read.

For its part, the Alexis Vive Patriotic Force emphasized that the latest attacks are not an isolated incident, but rather “another attempt to impose regime change and undermine Iran’s self-determination.” 

“These actions seek to reconfigure the political map of Western Asia in favor of the strategic interests of Washington and Tel Aviv,” the organization, a driving force in El Panal Commune in Caracas, added in its statement.

The Venezuelan chapter of Alba Movimientos, a continental alliance of social movements, likewise issued a statement declaring “unrestricted solidarity” with Iran and calling on multilateral organizations to deter the US and Israel’s “warmongering.”

Venezuelan grassroots organizations scheduled a rally on Tuesday in front of the Iranian embassy in Caracas to reiterate their support and condemnation of the foreign aggression against the country.

West Asia has been thrown into open conflict after the US and Israel launched operations “Epic Fury” and “Lion’s Roar,” respectively, on Saturday, with widespread bombings against Iran and targeted assassinations against the country’s leadership. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was killed along with several relatives by an Israeli strike. 

Washington and Tel Aviv justified the systematic bombing of Tehran and other cities as a “preemptive strike,” with officials from both countries claiming without evidence that Iran was working toward nuclear weapons.

In response, Iranian forces launched defensive maneuvers and retaliatory attacks against US military assets in the region, striking bases and other targets in countries including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan. Iran has also launched multiple waves of missiles against Israel and vowed to implement a strategic blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Caracas withdraws statement, expresses solidarity with Qatar

The Venezuelan government issued a statement on Saturday expressing its “condemnation and deep regret” that the “military option was chosen” with attacks against Iran while diplomatic talks were ongoing. However, Caracas did not name the US and Israel as the perpetrators. 

The communiqué went on to condemn Iran’s retaliatory actions as “inappropriate and reprehensible military reprisals against targets in various countries in the region.” The document ended with a call for a return to negotiations between all parties.

The government’s position drew widespread criticism on social media and was removed from the Foreign Ministry’s official accounts, as well as from Foreign Minister Yván Gil’s Telegram and X platforms, on Saturday evening.

Venezuelan leaders, including Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, have offered no explanation for the statement’s publication and deletion. On Monday, Rodríguez reported a phone conversation with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in which she expressed “solidarity” amidst the “violence and instability” in the region.

“I expressed my condolences and deep concern over the loss of civilian lives due to the ongoing conflict, reiterating our call to respect international law and preserve peace,” the acting president wrote.

Caracas’ latest stance contrasts with its previous fierce condemnations of US and Israeli actions in West Asia, including the genocide in Gaza, attacks against Lebanon, and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Venezuela had likewise firmly backed Iran, one of its strongest allies in the past quarter century, against foreign attacks, including during the June 2026 war against Israel.

During Hugo Chávez’s presidency (1999-2013), Caracas and Tehran consolidated a multidimensional strategic alliance based on opposition to US expansion and a commitment to building a multipolar world. During this period, more than 270 bilateral agreements were signed in sectors such as energy, housing, agriculture, and technology.

The close ties, described by both governments as a “revolutionary brotherhood,” also provided key lifelines as both countries faced US-led economic sanctions. Venezuela benefited from Iranian technology transfers in areas such as drone manufacturing, cement, and vehicle assembly.

Iran provided key fuel shipments in 2020, defying US threats, as the Venezuelan economy reeled under US coercive measures.

Edited by Ricardo Vaz in Caracas.

This location offers breathtaking views which are out of this world (quite literally) and it’s not a long trip either as it’s located in the UK. So have you been here before?

Searching for your next adventure? While some days out demand preparation so are fully prepped, this travel destination requires little fuss and is perfect for a Sunday hiking trip.

Not only does this location boast stunning views, it’s also otherworldly (quite literally) as one hiker claimed it resembles “just like Mars”. Conor, an avid adventurer, recently ventured to Parys Mountain, situated in Anglesey, which depending on where you are in the UK, is a few hours away, especially if you’re craving a change of scenery. The Welsh island is renowned for its coastline and historic landmarks.

The content creator, known as Conor_Hikes, recently shared the spot with his 20,500 TikTok followers.

He stated: “A must do hike in the UK! This is Parys Mountain, located in Anglesey. It was once known as the Copper Kingdom, and it was once the world’s largest copper mines! This place really does look like Mars.”

How to get there:

If you’re travelling from London, it’s around 5 hours by car. Those from Bristol are looking at 4 hours in the car, while cities up north like Liverpool are just 2 hours away from the location.

Of course if you’re in Wales, it’s a lot more local for you. According to Conor, there’s complimentary parking if you enter the postcode LL68 9RE into your satnav.

What to do there:

Once you arrive at Parys Mountain, there’s a 4km circular trail available for hiking. The otherworldly terrain is ideal for rambling, photography and discovery.

Visitors can wander around the copper mine, soak up the views of Snowdonia and discover the nearby Copper Kingdom exhibition.

People could also venture through the “moon-like” landscape which Conor praised in his TikTok video. Routes vary from a 45-minute shortcut to a 90-minute main circuit.

The paths showcase spectacular, colourful rock formations in hues of orange, yellow, and purple.

For nature enthusiasts, the site is home to wildlife including skylarks, meadow pipits, and choughs.

Just bear in mind it’s advisable to wear pack walking boots due to the loose, rocky and uneven ground.

There’s no facilities or cafés on the mountain, but the nearby Copper Kingdom Centre in Amlwch offers historical background and amenities.

And if you want to maximise your visit, late summer is perfect for witnessing purple heather in blossom. However, the trails remain accessible throughout the year.

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Ruben Chorlton-Owen, 24, from North Wales, visited the popular destination with his partner, Amber. He admitted he wishes he knew what it was really like before visiting the hotspot

Holidays are meant to be one of life’s greatest pleasures, but sometimes the reality can be vastly different from expectations, with certain mishaps leaving travellers utterly floored. Ruben Chorlton-Owen, 24, recently jetted off to a sought-after travel destination hoping to bask in the sunshine and escape the daily grind.

Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out quite as smoothly as he’d anticipated, with several surprises along the way, and one particular episode left him genuinely shocked. Despite the country’s growing reputation as a trending holiday hotspot, he insists there are important warnings potential visitors should heed before booking their trip, describing the travel advice as absolutely essential.

Ruben, hailing from North Wales, recently recounted his experiences in detail. He’s far from the first traveller whose holiday has taken an unexpected turn either.

He explained: “I paid £170 each for a sunrise hot air balloon ride while in Morocco, and there’s one thing they don’t really tell you beforehand. The flight itself was smooth and the views were incredible, but the landing was something else entirely.

“The basket slammed into the ground three times before tipping over. A woman next to me hit her head, my partner did too, and I hurt my back slightly, although thankfully we were all ok.

“Afterwards, I found out that this type of hard landing can sometimes be considered ‘normal’, depending on wind conditions, but that’s not something clearly spelled out to tourists before they go up. In the air, it feels calm and controlled, so the impact comes as a real shock.”

However, this wasn’t the sole disappointment during his trip, as he revealed he encountered several other “issues” whilst there. The travel enthusiast warns that visitors really need to exercise caution when travelling to the destination.

“Seemingly friendly people approach tourists offering to ‘guide’ them near the markets ‘souk’ before demanding a lot of money,” he explained. “I fell for this myself.

“[There were] suggestions to use illegal taxi apps involving drivers who are not licensed nor vetted, and strict Moroccan currency rules which mean you can’t get dirhams in the UK before you travel, and to exchange back you must keep bank receipts etc. A lot have been caught out on this.”

For those unfamiliar with the country, Morocco is an incredibly popular African holiday destination. It attracted more than 17.4 million international tourists in 2024 alone, according to reports.

The North African nation is renowned for its easy accessibility from Europe, rich culture, varied landscapes and budget-friendly, genuine experiences. Popular destinations include locations such as Marrakech and Chefchaouen.

This may explain why Ruben was eager to visit. He travelled with his partner, Amber, earlier this month, and it was actually her suggestion to go.

Their expectations of the trip were vastly different. Nevertheless, he maintained they had an enjoyable time, though he believes travellers need to remain vigilant when visiting.

When questioned about why he chose Morocco, Ruben revealed: “It was my partner’s idea, but something I’ve always wanted to do on my bucket list too. A lot of people do it (the balloon ride) unless they’re afraid of heights.

“I wouldn’t say Morocco itself is a holiday from hell, but there are a few things people should be cautious about. It’s quite up and coming, and I think more people are starting to go there.

“Morocco is somewhere I would go back to. It’s not that Morocco is necessarily a bad place. We stayed at a hotel near the beach and all the staff were really friendly, really helpful and couldn’t do enough.

“People just need to stay safe on holiday. There are a few things you should be cautious about.”

Regarding the balloon rides, however, it’s reported they frequently involve bumpy landings. Hard landings (referred to as a “British landing” or a controlled drag) are considered normal and commonplace for hot air balloons in Morocco, particularly when wind speeds are elevated or when touching down on uneven, desert terrain.

Although they are often characterised as “crash” or bumpy landings, they can be fairly routine. It’s regarded as a safe and anticipated procedure to bring the balloon to a halt.

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SUN Holidays from £9.50 is back with a restock of brand new breaks to book.

Thousands of new breaks have been added across over 300 holiday parks over at Sun Hols from £9.50 – but which resort is the most popular?

Some of the most popular resorts to book include Unity Beach in Somerset and Hendra in Cornwall, but one park consistently comes out on top.

Seal Bay in Chichester, West Sussex is an award-winning holiday park that tops the list of both our most popular parks for families and most popular holiday parks in general.

And with its range of activities for all ages and setting smack-bang on the sands of Selsey, it’s easy to see why this resort is such a big hit among holidaymakers.

When picking a place to stay, you can choose from simple seaside caravans to beachfront pods or glamping options.

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All stays come with kitted-out kitchens, bed linen, as well as access to swimming pools and entertainment – so there’s no need to fork out on costly entertainment or linen passes.

The most simple option is camping, where you can pick between grass, electric or serviced pitches – each with room to park your car and access to hot shower facilities.

Plus the best part is you can pitch up just steps from the beach, whether you’re bringing a pop-up tent, your own caravan or giving a luxurious pre-pitched Safari Tent a go.

Caravans, on the other hand, range from comfy Bronze bases where six to eight guests can sleep comfortably, to Platinum caravans that feel more like a homely countryside cottage than a static.

Lodges are larger, starting at a 20ft-width minimum with private decks to enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail. Some luxury lodges even come with a private hot tub.

Beachfront pods, on the other hand, are cosy hideaways facing the sea with mezzanine and fold-out double beds to retreat to, as well as private decking to enjoy that sea breeze.

Or if you’re visiting as a large party, you can even book an entire self-catering house to turn your holiday park stay into more of a coastal cottage retreat.

There’s accessible and dog-friendly options too – just make sure to seek out these options specifically when booking.

When it comes to entertainment, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice at Seal Bay.

There’s all the usual options such as pool activities and a soft play, but this adventure-driven resort also offers axe throwing and a surfing simulator.

Families with young children can enjoy a create-your-own teddy bear factory, as well as sand art sessions and mini archery for ages 2 – 5.

Plus the beloved Cove Crew, made up of characters Sandy the seal, Fisher the penguin, Luna the wolf and Laurel the otter, are never too far away to meet and greet.

And if you’ve got older kids that need to burn off some energy, they can run around zorbing or have a go at climbing or laser tag.

There’s plenty for adults and couples too, like live music and comedy nights, as well as the park’s twist on classic holiday activity: Big Red Button Bingo.

If you can manage to drag yourself away from this award-winning holiday park, the local area of Selsey has plenty to see and do, too.

This park has its own private beach, so if you visit in the warmer months make sure to pack your buckets and spades.

Plus there’s a reason this resort is named Seal Bay – stroll down to the shores and you may spot adorable seals and even dolphins popping up out of the water.

But the best way to explore the local area is by picking one of its walking trails to explore.

Take the aptly-named Seal Art Trail and stop by artsy seal sculptures where signposts with QR codes will teach you all about the local wildlife and history.

Or head to the nearby high street, where there’s quirky cafes and fish and chip shops to check out, as well as colourful independent shops.

But there’s no need to spend money on dining out – the food and drink at Seal Bay offers something for everyone.

Executive Chef Jason is Michelin Star-trained, and put together a high-quality menu that really makes this holiday park’s food and drinks stand out.

Grab a proper burger or a sizzling steak from Smokey’s BBQ Kitchen, or sit down to hand-crafted cocktails in the Secret Garden.

The Viking pub is designed with sports fans in mind, with plenty of screens for you to catch the big game, and if you fancy a takeaway treat there’s a Greek Street Food Box and a Papa John’s on site.

There’s even Millie’s Cookies and the Box Treats sweets and desserts shop to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

If all this sounds up your street, you’ll be glad to know that new breaks have been added to Sun Hols from £9.50 website – including stays at Seal Bay.

Plenty of other popular parks are being updated with extra availability too, such as Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay in Wales and Golden Coast in Devon.

There’s even holiday parks abroad in countries like Spain and Italy being topped up with extra breaks, so if you fancy heading overseas make sure to check out the European resorts.

New breaks will be added from midnight on Sunday 1 March, so make sure to hop on to the Hols from £9.50 website fast with Sun Club access to secure your stay.

Recent comments by United States and Israeli officials supporting the concept of a “Greater Israel” have raised alarm bells across the region and shed light on a vision once only rarely publicly spoken about.

An interview aired last week by the American right-wing podcaster Tucker Carlson with US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee started the current furore. Carlson, an influential figure who has been vocally critical of Israel over the past year, repeatedly asked Huckabee whether he supported Israel controlling all the land between the Nile River in Egypt and the Euphrates River in Iraq.

Huckabee, a Christian Zionist, would not disavow the belief that the Bible promised that land to Israel – even though it now encompasses all or part of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

“It would be fine if they took it all,” Huckabee said, leading to anger from those countries and others in the region, many of which are close US allies.

Then, speaking on Monday, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said that he would support “anything that will allow the Jews a large, broad, strong land and a safe haven for us”.

“Zionism is based on the Bible. Our mandate over the land of Israel is biblical, [and] the biblical borders of the land of Israel are clear … Therefore, the borders are the borders of the Bible,” the apparently secular Israeli politician said.

So what is Greater Israel exactly? And is it really an ultimate goal for some Israeli politicians?

Defining Greater Israel

The most expansionist claim for a Greater Israel is based on a biblical verse (Genesis 15:18-21), which narrates God making a covenant with Abraham that promises his descendants the land between the Nile and the Euphrates.

That would include the Jewish people, with the tribes of Israel believed to be descended through Abraham’s son, Isaac. But it would also include the children of another of Abraham’s sons, Ishmael (Ismail), regarded as the forefather of the Arabs.

Other definitions based on different biblical verses are narrower in their territorial scope and specify that the land of Israel would be promised to the tribes of Israel descended from Isaac.

How has Israel worked to achieve expansion?

The current state of Israel emerged from the British Mandate for Palestine in 1948. The mandate, created by the League of Nations in the wake of World War I and the occupation of Palestine by the British, geographically limited Israel upon its creation.

The 1948 war that followed the end of the mandate led to Israel taking control of all of Mandatory Palestine, with the exception of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

But Israel soon expanded by force – in 1967 it defeated Arab forces and took control of the West Bank and Gaza, as well as Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and Syria’s occupied Golan Heights. Israel continues to occupy all of those regions, with the exception of the Sinai, which it returned to Egypt in 1982.

Since then, Israel has ignored international law and continued occupying Palestinian and Syrian land, and has shown little respect for its neighbours’ sovereignty, occupying more land in Syria, as well as in Lebanon.

How popular is the idea of Greater Israel?

This needs to be broken down into two separate concepts – the expansion of Israel into the territory that immediately borders it, and the most extreme definition of Greater Israel: between the Nile and the Euphrates.

In terms of expansion into its immediate surroundings, Israeli Jews by and large support the annexation of East Jerusalem, which is occupied Palestinian territory, and the Golan Heights.

The Israeli government continues to move towards the de facto annexation of the occupied West Bank. Israeli politicians vary in how open they are in their support for the formal annexation of the West Bank, but most mainstream Israeli politicians are supportive of the illegal Israeli settlements in the territory.

An expansion of Israeli settlements into Gaza is not as popular, but is supported by far-right Israeli parties.

A Greater Israel, including parts of Jordan, or the most irredentist definition between the Euphrates and the Nile, is more controversial. Pre-1948, many Zionists sought not just Palestine but also Jordan for their future state – one of the most important Zionist armed groups at the time, the Irgun, even included the map of both Palestine and Jordan in its emblem.

But after the foundation of Israel this took a back seat, and open calls for a vastly expanded Israel were largely restricted to the fringes. But those fringes – far-right figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir – are now in government, reflecting a wider radicalisation within Israeli society itself.

That means the Israeli ‘mainstream’, politicians such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and centrists like Lapid, are either more open in their support for some form of Greater Israel beyond the West Bank, or less willing to publicly oppose it.

How threatened do regional countries feel?

Regional states have said that the annexation of the West Bank would be a red line, but have been unable to reverse Israel’s occupation.

Hints at a wider expansion have led to an angry reaction from Arab countries. This goes further back than Huckabee’s recent comments. For example, Jordan condemned Smotrich – Israel’s finance minister – when he gave a speech in 2023 at a podium that displayed a map that showed Jordan as part of Israel.

And Huckabee’s support for Greater Israel was roundly condemned by more than a dozen states, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye.

For Arab and Muslim states, the anger at the comments partially emanates from the sense of a lack of respect towards the sovereignty of regional states by a US official. But it also highlights fears that the balance of power in the region is weighted towards an Israel that is increasingly willing to attack across the Middle East, and has little interest in peace.

Even if the takeover of the land between the Nile and the Euphrates is not feasible, a region where Israel is the primary hegemon will likely lead to more attacks, more wars, and, if Israel determines it necessary, more occupation of land.

Two Spanish islands have closed beaches due to the presence of ‘faecal contamination’ and both are in hotspots that are expecting large numbers of Brits for the Easter break

Two popular beaches on Spanish islands have been closed off due to an unpleasant, stomach-churning water issue.

Due to the presence of ‘faecal contamination’ just weeks ahead of the peak Easter season, two sandy stretches that’ll see huge numbers of visiting Brits in the coming weeks have been shut down.

The first beach to close to the public is in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, a popular spot in the spring thanks to its warm weather. An area known locally as the ‘small beach’ closed yesterday (March 24), with reports from local news outlet Canarian Weekly showing barriers in place preventing people from entering the sea.

Officials have said in a statement that the closure will last for 48 hours while laboratory results are analysed. Tests showed an elevated level of intestinal enterococci, a type of bacteria found in human and animal gastrointestinal tracts.

However, public health officials have said that nearby beaches, including Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo, are still open. Local government organisation Ayuntamiento de Yaiza is expected to give updates soon.

On another popular tourist island, Majorca, a beach in Cala Millor, has been closed after a broken pump led to a sewage spill. According to Majorca Daily News, locals reported seeing large amounts of wastewater running from the promenade and into the waters of Platja Petita.

The incident was reported yesterday, with the spillage continuing into the night. While the situation is now described as ‘under control’, the beach will remain closed for two to three days.

Cala Millor is found on the east coast of Majorca, and this tourist resort is particularly popular with Brits thanks to its long sandy Blue Flag beaches and large number of bars and nightclubs.

It’s not the first time the Balearic Islands’ beaches have faced closure due to contamination. Earlier this year it was revealed that incidents of ‘faecal contamination’ had doubled in 2025, with 92 cases recorded in 2025 alone.

Of the 92 incidents, 20 resulted in bans on swimming and bathing, while the other 72 led to advisories that warned visitors not to enter the water.

While a recent report by the Marilles Foundation showed that, overall, 70% of the Balearics’ beaches received an excellent rating for water quality, the figures varied between islands. In the little-visited island of Formentera, 100% of its beaches were rated as excellent, and in Menorca, the figure was 80%. In Ibiza, 63% were excellent, while 32% had a good rating and 5% were sufficient. According to the report, all the areas of insufficient water quality were in Majorca, highlighting Albercuix in Pollensa and Cala Egos in Santanyí as two particular areas of concern.

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The foundation, who raise awareness of marine conservation, has recommended tighter monitoring of the number of beachgoers and boats. At the moment, only Menorca keeps track of numbers, although plans over the next three years are to implement a new project using sensors to monitor numbers at 150 beaches, which is set to cost the islands €4 million (about £3.5 million).

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THE capital could soon get its biggest ‘floating park’, along with a new lido, spa and sauna.

It’s all part of a £5billion regeneration plan at London’s Royal Docks.

The major new attraction would be built across 12-hectares of water.

Designs for the floating park reveal lots of greenery, some seating areas, and it would also be home to art installations and hold cultural events.

Right next to it, and also floating, are plans for a new wellness centre.

Sitting on top of the water, the centre would have a sauna, spa, and a lido for public swimming.

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Alongside the two attractions could be a floating residential community with moorings and homes on the water.

The new area is part of the Mayor of London‘s Royal Docks regeneration plan.

Over 20 years it has had a £5billion investment to create an accessible waterfront for locals and visitors.

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: “The development of Royal Victoria Dock West is reshaping the space as a leisure and wellness destination, making the most of the waterway and giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a new community right on the water.”

These proposals will go out for public engagement later this month.

Early phases of construction are expected to begin in 2030 – if funding is put in place and plans are approved.

There’s already lots to do at London’s Royal Docks, like hopping on the IFS cable car.

The attraction is suspended 90 metres above the Thames where it connects the Royal Docks to Greenwich.

Every summer, Dock Beach opens to the public – tonnes of sand is placed on the bank to transform it into London’s biggest beach.

The dock also has a wakeboarding centre and it’s a great spot for rowing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

And while this proposed floating park will be London’s biggest, it’s not the only one.

Over in Merchant Square, Paddington is ‘The Floating Pocket Park’ which has benches, deckchairs and beanbags on top of the water.

It also has free Wi-Fi and during the summer is shaded by a canopy.

In better weather there are also free film screenings, music performances and exercise classes.

For more on new lidos, one could be built on the site of a car park 50 years after it was destroyed.

And here are all the new lidos set to open across the UK from seafront pools to city swimming spots.

A MAJOR UK airport has launched new flight routes to 12 different destinations.

The planned expansion will see eight different airlines join the fleet.

London Gatwick airport is set to broaden its network ahead of summer this year.

The plans to include flights to 12 new locations will see the airport serve more than 230 destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Jet2, among seven other new airlines, will be serving Gatwick airport, bringing the total up to 62.

The popular holiday company will operate 29 routes throughout the summer holiday season, including destinations in Spain, Turkiye, Portugal, and Malta.

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This will create more than 300 jobs in the airport’s region with employees needed for the flight deck, cabin crew, engineering and ground operations.

Plus, hundreds more will be required through the wider supply chain.

The airport’s expansion will also see many existing airlines expanding their services too.

Royal Air Maroc will begin flights to Tetouan, Morocco, twice weekly from March 29, with Norwegian launching a new route to Aalborg, Denmark, starting April 2.

From May 15, Air Transat will introduce a service to Ottawa, Canada, and SWISS will increase its Zurich route to twice daily from March 29.

Speaking to The Brighton Argus, Pierre-Hugues Schmit, chief executive of London Gatwick, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jet2 to London Gatwick, marking an exciting new chapter for the airport and our passengers. 

“Jet2’s arrival brings even more choice and flexibility to passengers across the South East and beyond, strengthening London Gatwick’s vision to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.

“It is an exciting time for Jet2 to join London Gatwick following the recent government approval for routine use of our Northern Runway, which will further expand connectivity and economic growth.”

The popular beauty spot with Victorian-era bathing area was left damaged after huge waves battered the area.

Swimmers in Plymouth have been warned to stay out of the water at one of Britain’s most beloved beauty spots in the self-proclaimed Ocean City — a caution that follows the battering the south west endured from Storm Ingrid in January 2026. The Victorian-era steps at Plymouth Hoe’s Tinside Beach were left severely damaged by towering waves in January, though the outdoor Tinside Lido, which underwent renovation last year, has escaped unscathed.

Local year-round swimmers, however, are now speaking out, arguing that the destruction has laid bare “what an eyesore” the small beach and its surroundings have become — and they’re calling on authorities to invest in restoring Tinside Beach as a “fabulous asset” for Plymouth once more.

A visit to the much-loved spot on Saturday, February 14, uncovered “no swimming ” signs installed by Plymouth City Council, alerting visitors to “sharp spikes and debris” as well as “dangerous and uneven surfaces”.

The beach has long been a cherished gathering place for locals who brave the elements throughout the year, with many citing its significant contribution to their mental wellbeing alongside the wider benefits of wild swimming.

Yet in the wake of the storms that obliterated the concrete steps and several railings, swimmers have reported that getting into the water “safely” has become incredibly difficult. Numerous locals have also expressed worries that, even before the storm wreaked havoc, the vicinity had already become “rundown”, despite still attracting holidaymakers throughout the summer season, , reports the Express.

Melanie Green shared with me: “There’s a lot of all-year-round swimmers that know what should be used to do a ‘quality’ job with regards to repairs now needed.

“Plymouth City Council, please have a meeting with us all and make the Hoe steps and seafront look great again. This is where tourists come to visit. Invest in it.”

The dawn swimmers at Tinside Beach form a friendly community. Chuckles, cheerful banter and even homemade cakes are exchanged amongst the group whenever birthdays or milestone moments occur.

However, the Victorian-era steps at Tinside are in “desperate need of repair”, making it difficult to congregate – and one habitual swimmer observed that regular maintenance “would save money in the long run”.

The council has confirmed it “cares about the Hoe and foreshore” and is “sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused.”

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson further explained that “our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible”.

Last summer witnessed the reopening of the restored outdoor Tinside Lido beside Tinside Beach. The redevelopment was funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Youth Investment Fund, Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council.

With this in mind, local swimmer Rena Truscott remarked: “I wish the council would have a complete rehaul and properly fix the waterfront, starting with Tinside (beach and steps).

“I feel investment is desperately needed now, not just to make the best of a fabulous asset for Plymouth but to ensure it remains safe and an ongoing legacy for the benefit of all.

“The Tinside Lido (renovation completed in 2025) now looks amazing and I’m sure it draws attention and hopefully tourists and revenue back to the Hoe. However, this now highlights what an eyesore the surrounding area is. Despite this, it remains popular all year round.”

Debra Romagnuolo voiced similar worries, stating: “Tinside steps are in desperate need of repair. Not just a quick fix. It needs good quality workmanship, not something that literally lasts a few weeks like the railings. It is in a sorry state.”

During my visit, chunks of concrete from the storm damage were visible strewn across the shoreline and seabed near the steps.

Warning notices have been put up advising people not to enter the water in this location, as large concrete blocks remain underwater and, depending on the tide, may not always be easily spotted.

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson commented: “We care about the Hoe and foreshore and are sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused, not just here in Plymouth but in so many other coastal villages, towns and cities.

“We are very much at the mercy of the elements but work hard to direct as much resource as possible towards protecting and reinforcing our historic waterfront so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Recent and ongoing works include repairs to West Hoe Pier and the Admirals Hard slipway, as well as the steps into the water at Commercial Wharf.”

Plymouth City Council added in their statement: “Our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible, once the weather is more in our favour.

“We are also working with marine and foreshore technical advisors and contractors on condition surveys of the wider foreshore. The findings from these surveys will be used to produce an action plan of monitoring, further investigations and prioritised repair works, for which we can then seek funding.

“Refurbishment works at Tinside Lido last year transformed underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building, safeguarding it for future generations whilst creating new opportunities for people to connect with Plymouth Sound.

“Its careful preservation and transformation will ensure Tinside continues to be a much-loved feature of Plymouth’s waterfront whilst supporting the health, wellbeing and aspirations of young people in Britain’s Ocean City.”

BRITS will have to carry a little more cash with them on holiday if they want to lounge about on this resort’s beautiful beaches.

The popular Spanish resort of Palma in Majorca has hiked the price of its sunbeds and parasols this summer.

Majorca has always been a popular destination with Brits – it sees between 2.3 to 3.6million tourists each year.

Holidaymakers flock to the island for sunshine in the peak months with daytime highs ranging from 25C up to highs of 40C.

The capital of the Spanish resort, Palma, is known for its huge cathedral, pretty streets filled with ice cream shops and boutiques as well as its beautiful beaches.

Now, local media has revealed that the price of sunloungers on some of Palma’s most popular beach spots has been upped to as much as £60 per day.

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Sunbed and umbrella prices will rise substantially from 2026 – the daily rate for both items will increase to €10 (£8.66), up from €6 (£5.20) in 2019.

Meanwhile, premium loungers will climb from €30 to €45 (almost £40) per day.

However, a picture on the sands of Cala Major reveals prices of premium loungers are as high as €70 (£60.87).

One of the few items to avoid a rise is the foldable canvas parasol, which remains at €30 (£26.12).

Along with the rise in cost of sunloungers, the number of them has actually been reduced.

In mid-2025, the Palma de Mallorca council announced it was planning to remove nearly 1,700 sun loungers from its beaches by 2026.

This is to increase free space for locals and address complaints about overtourism.

The reduction of sunbeds will be on Palma’s four main beaches; Playa de Palma, Cala Major, Ciutat Jardi and Cala Stancia.

The one with the largest reduction will be on Playa de Palma – the number of sunbeds will decrease from 6,000 to 4,436.

Another of its beaches, Can Pere Antoni, which isn’t managed by Palma council, will also have its sunbeds reduced from 200 to 94.

According to Mallorca Zeitung, the council also plans to let beachgoers reserve loungers and umbrellas via an online app by 2027.

Plus, one writer said they found the best kept secret in Majorca which was right by my hotel.

And this Balearic resort town is billing itself as a great winter sun destination – with £15 flights & 25C highs.

ONE ride at Legoland is set to be knocked down to make way for something new.

The Viking River Splash ride in Land of the Vikings closed back in 2023 and was once a favourite amongst visitors.

The clearance of the site is to make way for a new attraction within the park.

The Viking River Splash, a water rapids ride, first opened in 2007.

After 16 years, Legoland announced news of the ride’s closure on Facebook. They wrote: “Calling all Vikings! It is time to lay down your oars and say a fond farewell to Viking River Splash.

“Join the LEGO® Viking fleet one last time and make your last voyage before Monday 25th September, after which the ride becomes part of Viking history.”

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When the ride was first announced to close, lots of visitors were disappointed – but excited to see what came next.

One said: “Sad to see this ride go! However it needs it! Can’t wait to see what the park does with the space.”

Another added: “Surprising move. However I’m curious as to whether it will be re-themed or replaced.”

This isn’t the first application from Legoland this year.

It has also submitted another to build a new 390-capacity 4D cinema at its Imagination Theatre.

The Imagination Theatre is one of the oldest attractions at the theme park, which celebrates its 30th anniversary next month.

Both applications are waiting for approval from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM).

Last summer, Legoland Windsor revealed its brand new entryway.

Over the years, the main entrance had remained relatively unchanged until August 2025.

It now has two new huge 32 feet tall structures on either side of the Legoland sign.

These look like giant Lego bricks and on top of them are characters like knights and ninjas on the towers.

Other upgrades around the park will be a new Brick Street Cafe, upgraded bag search and ticket areas, and improved crossing.

The plans were given the go-ahead in November 2024.

The park’s Miniland revealed its £1.2million makeover in early 2025 too – the revamp of Miniland includes new buildings such as The Cheese Grater, The Gherkin and Canary Wharf buildings.

While there are 10 other Legoland theme parks around the world, Legoland Windsor is the biggest – it has 55 attractions to explore.

One Legoland resort has announced it will open the world-first Harry Potter land with rides and wizard themed hotel rooms.

And one Disney fan reveals what they thought of the Legoland Windsor resort after visiting for the first time.

The Foreign Office has announced a major travel warning to a popular Caribbean island for Brits, as flights are disrupted and cancelled amid an ongoing fuel crisis

All UK travellers have been banned from visiting a popular Caribbean island, as the Foreign Office issues a crucial advisory.

The Foreign Office has advised against “all but essential travel to Cuba” due to widespread power cuts and fuel shortages affecting the island. As a result, flights have been severely disrupted, with multiple cancellations, while Cuba struggles to provide reliable transport.

With its tropical heat and sand beaches, Cuba has often been a desirable destination for Brits looking for a sun-soaked getaway, particularly during the winter months. Yet, due to its ongoing fuel crisis, travellers cannot access the island, essentially banning all travel from the UK.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 February, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent nationwide power outages and fuel shortages. These conditions significantly affect the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services.

“Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made temporary changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations in order to conserve severely limited energy supplies.

“Flight schedules are also being disrupted due to aviation fuel shortages, with some airlines reviewing routes or temporarily cancelling services, which risk visitors being unable to leave the country.”

For anyone currently in Cuba, the FCDO said to “carefully consider if your presence is essential”. They advised taking precautions, “by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption”, while also contacting your airline and tour operator.

On Monday, Air Canada confirmed that all flights to Cuba were suspended as it sought to evacuate around 3,000 holidaymakers from the island. Meanwhile, further Canadian airlines, Air Transat and Westjet, also confirmed their flights to Cuba were being suspended.

Although no direct flights operate between the UK and Cuba, the ruling will impact a number of specialist tour operators that offer the destination through airlines that route via third countries, including the UK travel company Trailfinders. Other operators impacted include Simply Cuba, Love Cuba, Cox & Kings, Exodus and Intrepid Travel.

The enormous impact on travel follows the confiscation of Venezuelan oil tankers by the President Donald Trump administration team. Cuba relies heavily on Venezuela for much of its fuel and has been in short supply since December, when it was blocked by the US.

According to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM), aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the airports in Cuba until at least March 11, 2026. The Caribbean island has also faced power cuts as it struggles with a lack of fuel and electricity.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

ONE of the most popular beaches in the UK will close during half-term.

Undergoing important works to ensure it’s ready for summer, part of Weymouth Beach will close to visitors next week.

In a Facebook post, Weymouth Town Council gave advance notice of the beach closure for ‘annual levelling works’.

It detailed that from Monday 16 until Friday 20, 2026, Weymouth Beach will be closed between the Pavilion Theatre and the Jubilee Clock.

It added that “the reason the work needs to be done now is because we need to coincide with the spring tide”.

“During the spring tide, more of the beach is exposed, which allowed the team to get the diggers further on to the beach”.

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Diggers will take to the sand to level it out from where it’s been moved from bad weather and tides – all in preparation for peak summer season.

Some comments on the post aren’t overly positive due to the closure coinciding with the half-term break.

One person wrote: “But why do it at school half term its crazy.”

Another added: “Half term week of all weeks! Next you’ll be telling us that you are going to close off the best part of the beach for a week in the summer holidays.”

A third wrote: “That’s half term week! Going to have very disappointed children.”

Others were more understanding with one encouraging families to watch the diggers in operation.

The part of the beach past the clock tower will remain open to visitors.

Weymouth is one of the most popular beaches in the country and was named one of the best beaches in Europe by Tripadvisor last year.

Previously, Weymouth was also named the UK’s best beach by The Times – it beat 49 other beaches that also made the list.

If you want some more space on the beach, just a 17-minute drive away from Weymouth is the longest and largest in the county.

Chesil Beach has 18 miles of stretching coastline, and on the part of the promenade that’s on the Isle of Portland, is one of the best pubs in the UK.

The Cove House Inn made an appearance on the list of the 25 best spots for a pint by Big 7 Travel last year.

One visitor commented: “And the VIEWS! Amazing – right on Chesil beach with views out to sea. What a gem of a place.”

For more beaches, here are Sun Travel’s 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

Plus, one Travel Writer reveals their favourite spots on the pretty UK coastline with the most Blue Flag beaches.

PLANS have been revealed to rescue a historic English seaside venue and return it to its former glory.

The Margate Winter Gardens in Kent – where stars such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have performed – is set to be restored and reopened.

Dating back to 1910, the venue has previously had a number of different areas including the Main Hall, Queen’s Hall, two side wings and an open-air amphitheatre.

As part of the Thanet District Council’s plans, the seafront venue will reopen with a new rooftop bar and restaurant, a drama school and a 100-place nursery.

As part of the plans, the Main Hall and Queen’s Hall will be made fully accessible and reopened.

And the decor and balconies inside will be kept.

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There are also plans to create two mezzanine pods, similar to those found in Peckham Library.

The restaurant will then be located above the Main Hall, with both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.

As for the nursery, that will be in the upper part of the site and will feature separate areas for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The new drama school will be held in the smaller Queen’s Hall and have classrooms and dance studio spaces.

In all, the project is expected to cost around £8million to complete.

According to the plans, the vision for Margate Winter Gardens “marries both history and opulence, creating a visually stunning seafront icon with nods to its luxurious past as well as futureproofing the building for years to come”.

The aim is to reopen the Main Hall by late 2026, then other parts of the venue will open in phases from 2027.

Margate Winter Gardens, which closed two years ago, sits on a site known as Fort Crescent and looks over Margate Main Sands and the English Channel.

When the venue opened, it featured a Concert Hall, four entrance halls, two side wings and one open-air amphitheatre.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the Winter Gardens was a much-loved entertainment venue with performances including cabaret and tea dances.

Then, during World War II, the venue was used initially as the Dunkirk evacuee reception before later being turned into an ARP shelter and food depot.

In 1946 the building was partially rebuilt after bomb damage.

After the war, Winter Gardens was once again used as an entertainment venue with performances by Laurel and Hardy, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Dame Vera Lynn.

However, over the decades visitor numbers declined and in 2022, the Winter Gardens closed for a while to assess concerns over the building’s condition.

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