quiet

WANT to know where’s hot (not literally) this winter? Expedia has just revealed its top trending destinations.

From far-flung islands in The Bahamas to famous UK university cities, all of these spots have seen a surge in interest, and for good reason.

Expedia has used data from lodging searches made on its website between July and October 2026 for travel this winter, compared to the same period in 2025, to find the rising spots.

The top trending international destination this winter is Exuma in The Bahamas, which is up 115 per cent from last year.

Exuma is made up of over 365 islands and cays – the largest being Great Exuma, which is only 37 miles long.

The islands which sit at around 25C in winter, are surrounded by bright blue waters and are well-known for having spots where you can swim with pigs.

OFF THE MENU

Lesser-known Christmas items banned from UK – are your favourites on the list?

SUNSATIONAL

Jet2 reveals short-haul holiday destinations ALREADY getting booked up for 2027

In second spot is Quebec City in Canada, where interest is up 75 per cent.

The French-speaking destination is much cooler in the winter months with average highs during the day of around -5C.

But there’s plenty to do including wrapping up warm to explore its enormous castle called Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Or take a walk through historic Old Quebec which makes for a pretty picture spot thanks to its cobbled streets and historic buildings.

In third spot is the city of Malmo in Sweden which is up 45 per cent.

It’s considered a quieter alternative to Stockholm and has an enormous Turning Torso skyscraper as well as pretty castles.

Thanks to its Lebanese and Palestinian immigration history, Malmo has a thriving falafel street food scene too giving it the nickname ‘Falafel City’.

It’s not just far-flung destinations either, there’s plenty of close cities for Brits to visit that have seen a surge in interest.

At the very top of the list of trending places in the UK is Cardiff, which is up 45 per cent.

The capital of Wales is regularly voted the UK’s best city and has a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene.

There are lots of independent eateries, or head to Cardiff Market filled with stalls selling fresh Welsh cakes and cheeses.

The second on the list is Oxford which is up 35 per cent.

The city is steeped in history and one popular activity is to take a tour of Oxford University – after all, it’s one of the most prestigious in the world.

Riverboat cruises are popular, and for any Harry Potter fans, check out the tours which go behind the scenes of some of the locations you’ll recognise from the films.

Also on the list are Harrogate, the Cotswolds and Torquay.

Here’s the full list of Expedia’s trending destinations this winter…

International

1. Exuma, The Bahamas (+115%)
2. 2. Quebec City, Canada (+75%)
3. Malmo, Sweden (+45%)
4. Hakone, Japan (40%)
5. Curaçao (+40%)
6. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+30%)
7. Martinique (+30%)
8. Zakopane, Poland (+20%)
9. Ocho Rios, Jamaica (+20%)
10. Turin, Italy (+20%)

Domestic

1. Cardiff (45%)
2. Oxford (35%)
3. Harrogate (30%)
4. Cotswolds (30%)
5. Torquay (20%)

High-profile trades before the season showed their fans and the rest of the NFL that with Super Bowl LXI to be played at SoFi Stadium, the Rams were unquestionably all in.

But as the league’s trade deadline came and went Tuesday, the injury-ravaged Rams made only one minor move, essentially saying they’ll handle this all internally.

While the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers added veteran receiver Keenan Allen, the Rams — with Davante Adams on injured reserve and Puka Nacua expected to be sidelined for an extended period — brought back receiver Xavier Smith, whom they released in October.

That is a far cry from moves the Rams made in previous Super Bowl seasons. In 2018, they traded for edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. In 2021, they signed free-agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and traded for edge rusher Von Miller.

Coach Sean McVay indicated the last few weeks that the Rams were unlikely to be active at the deadline.

But that was before last Sunday, when Nacua suffered knee and toe injuries that are expected to sideline the All-Pro receiver for several weeks. The Rams were already thin at receiver after Adams suffered a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Week 7.

“You have to look at all avenues to try to be able to solve some of the issues or situations or scenarios that have come up,” McVay said Monday when asked if the Rams might pursue a receiver. “A lot of new things occur on a daily basis, so I would never rule it out.”

Allen and Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts and Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars were thought to be potential targets for the Rams.

Rams general manager Les Snead.

(Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)

But the Jaguars ultimately took Thomas off the market. The 49ers, with receiver depth problems of their own, added Allen, and the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Downs.

The 49ers’ move came after they had traded for defensive lineman DeForest Buckner ahead of the deadline. And the defending Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks had bolstered their roster by trading for All-Pro offensive lineman Quenton Nelson.

Barring the Rams signing a free agent — the Minnesota Vikings released Beckham after the deadline and signed him to their practice squad — they will go into Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals with a receiver corps that includes Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell, rookie CJ Daniels and Smith. The Rams re-signed Smith from the 49ers’ practice squad after placing Jordan Whittington on injured reserve.

The Rams are 5-4 and have won three games in a row. But according to ESPN, they have the league’s toughest remaining schedule.

After playing at the Cardinals, the Rams will have what is essentially a mini-bye before playing the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium on the night before Thanksgiving.

Then they play the Chiefs, at the 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys and games against the Seahawks sandwiched around a game at Tampa Bay.

Defensive lineman Kobie Turner is expected to return against the Packers, and Adams, Nacua, tight end Terrance Ferguson and offensive lineman Steve Avila will be available at some point. But whether the Rams can remain in contention for a playoff spot is the all-encompassing question.

THERE are thousands of pubs around the UK – but if you want to enjoy a pint and bite to eat in the very best, head to Eccles.

The Queens Arms, which is also the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway pub, has just been declared the top boozer in the country.

The accolade comes from the Good Food Guide which created the ranking from 20,000 reader nominations.

While The Queens Arms might look like a traditional British pub from the outside, don’t expect any pie and mash here.

Instead, it has a Japanese izakaya-style menu serving up katsu, noodle bowls, eel and wagyu burgers.

It was praised by Good Food Guide for its ‘unexpected’ blend of culture and that proves to be popular with visitors too.

HO HO HOLIDAY

Butlin’s reveals TWO new Christmas events this year with stays from £10pp

CAMP OUT

The 10 BEST UK campsites for autumn and winter with saunas and lodges from £8pp

On Tripadvisor, one punter called it an ‘old fashioned relaxed traditional pub with a Japanese twist’.

Others called it a ‘gem of a place’ – lots praised the food too, especially ‘light and crispy’ tempura battered prawns and crab.

Despite its Japanese menu, the Grade-II listed pub still retains lots of its original features like fireplaces, bar fittings and booth seats.

For anyone who still wants a more traditional experience, there’s also a drinking den which has a dartboard and draught beers.

Historically, the pub was named The Patricroft Tavern – it opened in 1828 aligning with the launch of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway.

According to history, Eccles cakes and beer were even sold to passengers, but this had to stop eventually because it was delaying the trains.

It was a busy hub for passengers for years and it’s rumoured that Queen Victoria even stepped inside a few times.

This was reportedly the reason as to why the pub was renamed The Queens Arms later on.

As for where you’ll find, it the boozer is in Eccles, Greater Manchester

The town shares its name with the well-known Eccles cake, a flaky pastry filled with currants and mixed spices.

These were first sold in Eccles back in 1796 and consequently, the cakes were named after the town.

So one must-do for any visitor is to pop into one of its cafes to try one of the baked goodies.

Lots of the independent cafes are found on Monton Road including Playfoots Cafe and Bar, Oats & Honey, and Monton Village Bakery.

Another popular activity in Eccles is a stroll or cycle along the waterfront.

The Bridgewater Canal which connects Runcorn, Manchester and Leigh runs through the town of Eccles and there are lots of trails beside it.

The nearest train stop to The Queens Arms is Patricroft, which is also just 17-minutes away from Manchester Piccadilly.

If you’re planning heading to the city, check out the best hidden gems according to locals from even more shops to family-friendly attractions.

IF YOU are thinking about where to head off to this winter, then you won’t be short for choice as several airlines are launching new flights from the UK to warm and sunny destinations.

Whether you fancy a city break in the sun or a beach trip to soak up rays, across October, November and December airlines are launching new flights.

And there are both short haul and long haul destinations.

Here’s a roundup of the newest flight routes coming this season from the UK, ideal for a winter sun holiday:

British Airways

British Airways has a number of new winter sun routes, with a couple already launched.

On October 23, the airline launched flights between London Gatwick and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

BOOK IT

20 ultra cheap girly hols – UK trips, city breaks & all inclusive stays from £59

The city of Colombo is known for its vibrant temples, such as the Buddhist Gangarama Temple.

Visitors can also visit bustling markets, such as Pettah Market, with local spices and handmade textiles.

Then on October 25, flights were launched between London Gatwick and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Bridgetown is the largest city of Barbados and has heaps of history to explore including the central area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During December, temperatures reach around 29C.

The same day, flights launched between London Heathrow and San Jose, Costa Rica after being moved from Gatwick Airport.

San Jose is home to a mix of neoclassical architecture as well as sprawling markets and even active volcanoes.

Make sure to have a walk through Mercado Central (Central Market), which is an indoor market dating back to 1880 selling local produce and gifts.

Virgin Atlantic

Earlier this month, Virgin Atlantic launched flights between London Heathrow and Phuket, Thailand.

Phuket is a great destination for beach hopping, with white sand spots and beaches ideal for surfing.

Make sure to visit Phuket Old Town as well where you can spot colourful 19th century houses, as well as shops, cafes and local galleries.

It is also nice and warm in December, with temperatures reaching up to 32C.

EasyJet

Despite being an airline that mainly serves Europe, easyJet is launching three new winter sun routes over the coming weeks.

The first will be between Newcastle and Hurghada, Egypt, with flights taking off on October 27.

Hurghada is surrounded by the Red Sea that is full of coral reefs and colourful fish where you can head snorkelling.

Make sure to visit the Marina too at sunset where you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.

This route will be followed by flights between London Luton and Rabat, Morocco, launching on November 5.

The capital of Morocco is known for its historic architecture and has up to just eight days of rain in December.

Then on November 9, Manchester will get a route to Giza Sphinx/Cairo, Egypt.

In Cairo, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world with daytime highs of 21C.

Ryanair

Budget airline Ryanair will be launching flights from Birmingham to Marrakech, Morocco in late October.

The city is home to an abundance of souks selling spices and locally crafted items as well as a medieval Medina with hidden courtyards.

Around the same time, the airline will also start flights between Liverpool and Porto, Portugal.

The coastal city of Porto is known for its wine but also has a UNESCO-listed medieval riverfront, where you can stop by an outdoor cafe.

TUI

On October 25, TUI launched flights between the East Midlands and Antalya, Turkey.

The Turkish city is full of narrow cobblestone streets in its Old Town to get lost exploring, with Ottoman-era houses and artisan shops.

You’ll also be able to pick up a cheap pint, with beers costing as little as £3 a pint.

The airline will follow this by also launching flights to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from the airport in early November.

Sharm El Sheikh is great for an adventure holiday with snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea as well as desert activities such as quad biking, dune buggies and camel rides.

Later, in mid-December, TUI is then also set to start flights between Belfast International and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana is known for its world-famous, all-inclusive resorts but also jungle adventures and vibrant nightlife.

Temperatures can reach up to 32C in December, which is the ideal weather for sinking a cool pint that will set you back as little as £1.80.

The brilliant Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong is a suffering protagonist’s best friend, exploring the buried pain in people like no other filmmaker. But he’s never been so delicately novelistic, and so accessibly human, as with his latest movie, “Possible Love,” even when Lee is spinning the enigmatic vibes he’s known for.

A marriage story weighty enough to bear two fascinatingly complex couples, it explores a web of isolation and desire knotted with the divisions and woes of society today: class, labor, media. The film fairly vibrates with ominous tension even in scenes in which seemingly nothing happens. (Which, admittedly, is a Lee staple if you remember his last film, 2018’s eerie psychological thriller “Burning.”) Astonishingly acted, intricately written, with nary a shot out of place and never insulting to its audience, “Possible Love” is a masterpiece of everyday struggle — essentially, who bears it and who doesn’t — and easily among the year’s best films.

At the funeral for a colleague who committed suicide in the wake of a disastrous labor strike, out-of-work Ho-seok (Sul Kyung-gu, of Lee’s “Peppermint Candy”) would rather brood in the car alone and let his patient, grasping-for-connection wife Mi-ok (Jeon Do-yeon, a Cannes prize-winner for her turn in Lee’s “Secret Sunshine”) be around others. With these blue collar parents’ grade-school-age son a tangibly quiet presence, a seemingly impassable unhappiness oozes from the opening scenes. The appearance inside the funeral home, however, of a documentary crew interviewing laid-off workers spurs Mi-ok to engage with the outgoing director, Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), whose reserved, well-to-do husband Sang-woo (Zo In-sung) is in tow. When Mi-ok agrees to participate in Ye-ji’s film, a friendship forms.

Is it friendship, though, or a mutually useful rapport? The women couldn’t be more unalike in terms of background and status. Mi-ok has to tell Ye-ji that her expensive clothes don’t jibe with someone championing labor issues. But they have a breezy, even jokey openness, fed by the stories Mi-ok tells on camera as well as soju-fueled double dates with their spouses. They also have in common husbands who are remote, albeit for vastly different reasons. Hedge-fund-rich Sang-woo has an air of cool privilege, while the gloomy, taciturn Ho-seok harbors unprocessed trauma about what happened during the strike, the details of which are judiciously doled out to us in flashbacks. (Lee drew the background for his scenario from a real-life labor protest met by a government crackdown that shocked the country.)

But underneath what seems promising, the beginnings of empathy and maybe healing, there’s something performative and calculated in this fast bond. There are Ye-ji’s filmic needs — “I’m trying to love these people,” she says privately to Sang-woo after he calls her behavior with them “Method acting” — and Mi-ok’s swirl of intentions, hoping to save her husband with not ignoring the allure of her new pal’s quietly confident and wealthy man. Right at the moment when more cracks materialize, Ye-ji invites this broken family for a shared weekend at Sang-woo’s vacation mansion.

You may be forgiven for anticipating a potboiler climax when a lush hideaway with a private beach is concerned, and what occurs there is indeed juicy. But that’s only because Lee, in his finest screenplay to date, has laid out precisely where his vectors of hardship, exploitation, pent-up anguish and hidden desire are going to converge. Just add more alcohol and more reminders of these couples’ experiential chasm, and Lee’s command of irony in a simmering atmosphere is in a league all its own.

The documentary angle, of course, is this great director probing the ethics in his own vocation as an intrusive force, one that shapes lives, emotions and, in this case, the weight of a genuine tragedy. In much the way he finessed a truth about art facing evil in “Poetry,” the camera here is both predatory and a tool for catharsis. In one scene, the confluence is literally breathtaking.

Best-of lists were made for performances like Jeon’s. With tear-swollen eyes and an anxious intelligence that imbues Mi-ok’s mission of repair with heartbreaking energy, she is this movie’s restless soul of want: a wife, lover, worker and mother trapped between the balm of recollecting better times and worry for the future. Alongside Sul’s deftly handled, physical characterization of a proud man swallowed by hurt he could never imagine, “Possible Love” stands as one of the more sensitively wrought depictions of a wounded marriage you’ll ever see.

And when it’s over, it somehow doesn’t feel over. Maybe no scene better embodies Lee’s exquisite communion with his characters than his last one, which supplies them with a hint of grace. “Possible Love” hovers over the moment’s sublimity like the moonlight and I haven’t stopped thinking about its elemental beauty since.