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UK couple Mike Lucas and Emily Gillingham have been travelling around New Zealand and Australia for the past four years

A British couple have revealed how they slashed £20,000 from hotel costs while travelling.

Mike Lucas, 33, and his partner Emily Gillingham, 32, have spent the last four years discovering New Zealand and Australia, barely spending anything on accommodation. To achieve this, the resourceful pair house-sat for people – occasionally for months on end – which meant they avoided paying for hotels and Airbnbs.

They utilised the platform Trusted House Sitters, a site where property and pet owners seek individuals to care for their homes and animals while they’re away. The duo, originally from Edinburgh in Scotland and Southwell, Nottinghamshire, resided in 13 properties across both nations during their initial 18-month journey and still rely on the service for weekend getaways.

Mike said: “It was a game-changer for us because when we first arrived in New Zealand, we didn’t know how long we were going to stay. It allowed us to maximise our budget and made our travels more fruitful, fun and sustainable.

“We have looked after all kinds of pets, including dogs, cats and chickens. It also made the country feel more accessible and slowed down the pace of travel. You see and do things you wouldn’t if you were to stay in a hotel.”

The pair have been house-sitting since November 2022, when they first touched down in New Zealand after leaving their well-paid positions as a client accountant and research director. They discovered the website Trusted House Sitters through Emily’s parents, who rely on the service to ensure their dog, Monty, is well cared for whenever they head away.

Mike said: “We had a strict budget and were looking at ways to save money so we could make it last as long as possible and extend our stay.”

Mike explained that they got in touch with a dog owner on the website and, as luck would have it, the couple agreed to let them stay in their two-bed detached house in Waikanae, north of Wellington, for three weeks over the Christmas period – provided they looked after their two-year-old Boxer-cross.

The keen traveller said: “How it works is you have to send a cover letter, almost like a job application saying why you would be a good fit for the house and giving a little bit of detail about yourself. The owner will then read it and reach out to you if they are interested.

“For this particular house, they asked if we could jump on a video call so they could meet us. Then the day before they left for America, we stayed over at the house with them, and they talked us through the dogs’ routine and if there was anything we needed to know about the property. And that was it, they gave us the keys, and we were left with this lovely house.”

From there, the pair ventured across the country, taking in Auckland and Tauranga — spending a remarkable three months in the beach suburb of Sumner, in Christchurch. Throughout the journey, the couple enjoyed free accommodation for 328 days and, according to Mike, this saved them roughly £20,000 compared to what they would have spent on one-bed Airbnbs over the same period.

They continue house-sitting to this day, having since relocated to Melbourne, Australia, where they rent a flat, yet still take on pet-sitting arrangements to explore the country during weekend getaways. The couple also revealed the experience helped them identify what their “ideal” home would look like, drawing small touches of inspiration from every property they stayed in.

They also make use of house-sitting when heading back to the UK to see family. Though Mike stresses that living in somebody else’s home is nothing like a hotel or Airbnb — you must treat it with “respect”.

He said: “It isn’t the same as a hotel, as it is someone’s personal living space. I have heard some horror stories from previous people we have stayed with, as I guess some people forget that boundary.

“They are putting a lot of trust in you to look after their pet and home. Luckily nothing has ever gone wrong in the houses we have stayed in – the worst we have done is break a glass, but we just told them and made sure to replace it. In the days before we leave, we always give the house a deep clean, leaving it spotless for the owner.”

When they couldn’t find a new property to move into once their stay had come to an end, Mike explained they would crash in Airbnbs, camp, or bunk down in hostels until they secured a new sit that fitted their schedule. Mike acknowledged that landing stays can be tough at times, noting that you’re up against at least three other applicants, with even stiffer competition depending on the location or the appeal of the property.

He said: “A key part is balancing timing and detail. The earlier you are to apply, the higher the chance you’ll have of securing the sit.

“However, tailoring the application to the individual is equally as important to stand out from the crowd. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

“At some of the houses we stayed at for over a month we felt we became part of the community and got to know people. We have also stayed friends with a number of the people we house-sat for and they now come to us and ask if we can come back to sit again, which is really nice.”

Looking ahead, the couple say they hope to travel around Europe, America and beyond using the platform.

Harry Poulton, 24, grew tired of life in the UK and decided to move to Benidorm, Spain, after falling in love with the popular hotspot. Now, he has zero plans to ever move back to England

A young British man took the dramatic step of moving to Benidorm for good following a lads’ holiday – and has pledged never to return to the UK again.

While Great Britain offers plenty of positives, it’s not without its shortcomings. Between the famously erratic weather and the ongoing cost of living crisis, it’s increasingly understandable why some people make the leap and move abroad. Such was the experience for 24-year-old Harry Poulton, who travelled to Benidorm for the first time on a lads’ holiday and immediately knew it was going to be his future home. For Harry, one of the factors that made his choice easy was the fun lifestyle available at a far lower cost than compared to “gloomy” Britain.

The travel vlogger, originally from Brighton, had become tired of life in “gloomy” England and, aged just 18, opted to transform his circumstances by abandoning his homeland in favour of Spain.

In a TikTok clip detailing his reasoning, he admitted one of the main motivations for moving was escaping the “horrible” British weather.

The cost of living was another reason behind his choice. Daily life in the Spanish coastal resort proves considerably more affordable for Harry.

He explained: “Everything in the UK is just going up, up, up and up, and no one knows when it’s going to stop. At least here in Spain, your money travels so much further – you’ll get way more for your money here in Spain than you would in the UK, and that’s my opinion.”

Speaking to Luxury Travel Daily, Harry explained: “I don’t know why anybody would want to live in Britain. It’s cold, dreary and gloomy all the time.

“There’s no room to have fun outside of the constant boring routine and work. After I visited Benidorm, I knew that it was the place I wanted to settle down.

“It offers great weather, beautiful beaches and such a laid-back vibe. It’s the complete opposite of the UK.”

Harry is a passionate advocate for Benidorm, convinced many Britons unfairly make a “mockery” of the beloved holiday hotspot. The Spanish municipality is known and loved for its thriving hotel and live entertainment industry, its golden beaches, and impressive skyscrapers.

The town is said to receive just as many tourists from abroad as it does from Spain. He said: “Stop making a mockery of such a wonderful place. If you live here, you’ll know better than any British tourists what this country is really like.”

Harry continued: “Everyone says not to visit Benidorm, as you’ll get scammed or mugged. And that bars will rip tourists off with extortionate prices for drinks – but that’s all absolute rubbish.

“It’s crazy what Brits believe. It’s not just for party-goers or stag dos. Benidorm has so much on offer and it’s not a place you’ll regret going. There are so many haters out there that like to spread misinformation or myths, stopping people from coming here.”

He added: “It’s mad. Look at the state of the UK – all of these things happen there more than they do in Benidorm.”

Harry believes he’s considerably happier living in Spain than he ever was in Britain.

For anyone contemplating a similarly dramatic overseas move, he suggested: “Learn some basic Spanish before coming. Ensure to plan financially, too. Be prepared for some paperwork, especially since Brexit, but it’s so worth it once you’re here.”

Looking back on making such a major decision at such a young age, he added: “It’s completely transformed my life – and being so young, I’m glad I leaped now rather than later. Who wants to wake up to grey skies every day, when you can have blue ones greeting you each morning? Benidorm is paradise – anyone who says otherwise is lying.”

It could cost up to £160 if people do not notice this problem before it is too late

Passengers flying with Ryanair have been warned against making one of the most expensive mistakes, which could leave them facing three-figure bills just before take-off. The mistake can be prevented by carefully checking a small detail when booking a flight with the carrier.

In the rush to snap up a bargain, tiny keypads on mobile phones or a simple typing error mean travellers could easily misspell their name when booking a Ryanair journey. However, this could set them back as much as £160 to correct.

As of April 2026, the charge remains in place and is listed on the Ryanair website. Aside from the £100 missed flight penalty, the name fee is one of the highest charges Ryanair passengers can face.

The budget airline operates a policy for amending passenger information that provides a brief window of opportunity should an error occur. However, this limited timeframe comes with specific terms and conditions, according to the Express.

Ryanair says: “Name changes are allowed on all bookings, with full changes possible online up to 24 hours before departure or at the airport up to two hours before, subject to a fee. Free corrections include swapping first and last names within 48 hours of booking or changing up to three characters per name once, up to 48 hours before departure.”

If travellers only spot the mistake after getting to the airport, it could cost up to £160. The policy was previously flagged by Martin Lewis’ MSE team in an article about the most effective ways to dodge Ryanair’s additional charges.

The budget carrier is known for imposing penalties on travellers who go against their policies when booking, including mistakes that can happen entirely by accident. Correcting a minor misspelling – such as jumbled or missing letters – is free of charge, but only if passengers act within two days of making their booking.

Travellers must also have booked directly through Ryanair, not a third party service. Beyond the 48-hour window, passengers will be hit with a £115 fee for a name change, rising to £160 if done at the airport, according to MSE.

Each airline’s policy varies, so check whether your airline charges to fix these mistakes; some may amend small typos for free if reported as soon as possible. The important thing is making sure that the name on your passport matches for boarding, and errors can lead to being denied a place on your holiday.

The MSE team suggested there is a rather drastic workaround to avoid the charge if it’s too late to make amendments without paying £115 or more. Given the typically low price of Ryanair flights, cutting your losses and starting a new booking could actually be the cheaper option.

MSE said: “If you notice errors after 48 hours, it may be cheaper to make a completely new booking, rather than amend an existing one. It won’t always be cheaper, but it is worth checking the cost of a new flight to see if it’s less than the change fee.”

Ryanair confirmed on its website that certain passengers needn’t worry about being stung by the name change fee. Bookings made under a maiden name can be updated at no extra cost.

It said: “If you booked your flight using your maiden/married name, and you update your name in the passport before the date of travel, we will make the name change on your booking for you free of charge. You’ll need to have proof (a copy of your marriage certificate).”

MSE, founded by Martin Lewis, has shared the handy trick online

Money Saving Expert (MSE) has shared a handy trick that could help you get more items on board your next flight. This means you may not need to pay for extra luggage.

On its website, the financial experts have said that anyone flying with easyJet may be able to boost their luggage allowance in a post-security “loophole”. MSE wrote: “If you don’t want to pay for a second bag, there is a loophole to get one on for free.

“It lies in post-security shopping. In addition to your standard hand luggage allowance,easyJet allows you to take one shopping bag on board.” It directs people to the easyJet website, where it notes under ‘Accessories’ that passengers are “allowed to bring some extra things into the cabin. e.g. umbrella, overcoat, crutches, walking stick, one standard bag of goods bought at the airport.”

MSE, founded by Martin Lewis, continued: “It’s worth noting that easyJet says this must be “one standard bag of goods bought at the airport” – and of course, we’re not suggesting you purchase unnecessarily. But if you do have a carrier bag from duty-free or similar, it’ll give you some room for manoeuvre when you walk through the departure gate.

“Some passengers report they’ve been able to stuff the odd item which won’t fit in their hand luggage into it, or even a handbag – others say they’ve successfully boarded with a carrier bag they brought with them specially.” Currently, each easyJet passenger, including children and infants, may purchase up to three checked (hold) bags. A standard checked bag allows 23kg, and you can add extra weight in 3kg increments up to a maximum of 32kg per bag.

If you’re travelling with family or friends on the same booking and flight, you can combine your total weight allowance. This allowance can be distributed across all booked bags, provided no single bag exceeds 32kg. The maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 275cm.

This means it’s good news for travellers. If you’ve picked up a few extras after passing through security, you may now have space to bring a bit more on board.

A travel creator has shared his experience of visiting what he branded the ‘cheapest country’ in the world, where you can get a beer for under £1 and a meal for just £2.60

Many of us enjoy jetting off on holiday every so often, yet the expenses can quickly mount up – from flights and accommodation to food and excursions. Now, one travel content creator has shared his experience of visiting what he calls the ‘cheapest country in the world‘.

Lourens, known as @l.ourens on Instagram, is a Dutch travel creator with more than 15,000 followers. He regularly posts content about ‘discovering unknown destinations around the world’ and says he’s aiming to visit every country in Europe – having “already gone to 47 of them”. In one of his most recent reels, he gave his followers an insight into his trip to what he described as the “cheapest country in the world” – Uzbekistan.

In the clip, he tells fans: “I went to the cheapest country in the world, where you can have a beer on a terrace for about €1 (87p) and stay in a local apartment for about €15 (£13) per night.

“It’s capital city feels like a mini Dubai with modern glass towers and a spotless metro. Yet this city also has ancient buildings with lots of culture and a rich local cuisine.

“For example, we went to this restaurant and we ordered a local dish for about €3 (£2.60) per person.”

The creator added that those put off by the Dubai-style architecture can hop aboard a luxury high-speed train for around €15, whisking you away to the cultural hub of Samarkand, where he “saw one of the most beautiful buildings of the ancient Silk Road”. He continued: “On top of that, you can also take from this city a guided day trip over the border to Tajikistan to see the Seven Lakes. These lakes contain clear water and pristine mountain views, which we really enjoyed.”

Lourens also noted in the caption that Uzbekistan was the “best budget friendly country” he’d visited after “visiting 60+ countries”.

The post proved a massive hit with followers, amassing more than 70,000 likes.

One delighted user exclaimed: “One of my favourite countries ever!”

While another enthusiastically agreed: “I just left Uzbekistan and it’s amazing.”

A third chimed in: “Looks so interesting, I love the idea of going somewhere that’s not over-touristy.”

Is Uzbekistan actually the cheapest country in the world?

While Uzbekistan ranks amongst the most wallet-friendly destinations on the planet, it isn’t technically the absolute cheapest. Despite offering remarkable value for money, several other nations typically boast lower overall costs for both locals and tourists.

Uzbekistan frequently features in the “Top 10” or “Top 20” most affordable destinations, though countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Libya and India generally rank as having a lower cost of living according to global indices.

Within Central Asia specifically, nations such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are frequently regarded as even more budget-conscious destinations than Uzbekistan.

Is Uzbekistan safe to travel to?

Uzbekistan is widely regarded as a safe destination for tourists, with numerous visitors rating it among the safest countries they have ever travelled to. That said, official guidance differs depending on your country of origin, and certain precautions are advised.

UK government advice suggests the country is generally safe, though travellers are cautioned to remain vigilant of terrorism risks and to steer clear of any protests or demonstrations.

The majority of the country, including popular tourist destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, benefit from strong security and a prominent police presence. Particular areas of concern include the border with Afghanistan, where travel is strongly discouraged, as well as regions bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, notably the Fergana Valley, where parts remain mined or have a history of unrest.

Uzbekistan is increasingly making a name for itself as a premier destination for solo female travellers, having recently claimed the #1 position in the Solo Female Travel Safety Index. Reports of harassment are notably low in comparison to many other major tourist hotspots.

Street crime is uncommon, and walking alone after dark in the main cities is broadly considered safe, with most streets remaining well-lit and regularly patrolled.

A travel creator has shared his experience of visiting what he branded the ‘cheapest country’ in the world, where you can get a beer for under £1 and a meal for just £2.60

Many of us enjoy jetting off on holiday every so often, yet the expenses can quickly mount up – from flights and accommodation to food and excursions. Now, one travel content creator has shared his experience of visiting what he calls the ‘cheapest country in the world‘.

Lourens, known as @l.ourens on Instagram, is a Dutch travel creator with more than 15,000 followers. He regularly posts content about ‘discovering unknown destinations around the world’ and says he’s aiming to visit every country in Europe – having “already gone to 47 of them”. In one of his most recent reels, he gave his followers an insight into his trip to what he described as the “cheapest country in the world” – Uzbekistan.

In the clip, he tells fans: “I went to the cheapest country in the world, where you can have a beer on a terrace for about €1 (87p) and stay in a local apartment for about €15 (£13) per night.

“It’s capital city feels like a mini Dubai with modern glass towers and a spotless metro. Yet this city also has ancient buildings with lots of culture and a rich local cuisine.

“For example, we went to this restaurant and we ordered a local dish for about €3 (£2.60) per person.”

The creator added that those put off by the Dubai-style architecture can hop aboard a luxury high-speed train for around €15, whisking you away to the cultural hub of Samarkand, where he “saw one of the most beautiful buildings of the ancient Silk Road”. He continued: “On top of that, you can also take from this city a guided day trip over the border to Tajikistan to see the Seven Lakes. These lakes contain clear water and pristine mountain views, which we really enjoyed.”

Lourens also noted in the caption that Uzbekistan was the “best budget friendly country” he’d visited after “visiting 60+ countries”.

The post proved a massive hit with followers, amassing more than 70,000 likes.

One delighted user exclaimed: “One of my favourite countries ever!”

While another enthusiastically agreed: “I just left Uzbekistan and it’s amazing.”

A third chimed in: “Looks so interesting, I love the idea of going somewhere that’s not over-touristy.”

Is Uzbekistan actually the cheapest country in the world?

While Uzbekistan ranks amongst the most wallet-friendly destinations on the planet, it isn’t technically the absolute cheapest. Despite offering remarkable value for money, several other nations typically boast lower overall costs for both locals and tourists.

Uzbekistan frequently features in the “Top 10” or “Top 20” most affordable destinations, though countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Libya and India generally rank as having a lower cost of living according to global indices.

Within Central Asia specifically, nations such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are frequently regarded as even more budget-conscious destinations than Uzbekistan.

Is Uzbekistan safe to travel to?

Uzbekistan is widely regarded as a safe destination for tourists, with numerous visitors rating it among the safest countries they have ever travelled to. That said, official guidance differs depending on your country of origin, and certain precautions are advised.

UK government advice suggests the country is generally safe, though travellers are cautioned to remain vigilant of terrorism risks and to steer clear of any protests or demonstrations.

The majority of the country, including popular tourist destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, benefit from strong security and a prominent police presence. Particular areas of concern include the border with Afghanistan, where travel is strongly discouraged, as well as regions bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, notably the Fergana Valley, where parts remain mined or have a history of unrest.

Uzbekistan is increasingly making a name for itself as a premier destination for solo female travellers, having recently claimed the #1 position in the Solo Female Travel Safety Index. Reports of harassment are notably low in comparison to many other major tourist hotspots.

Street crime is uncommon, and walking alone after dark in the main cities is broadly considered safe, with most streets remaining well-lit and regularly patrolled.

A flight attendant has revealed the best way to save money ahead of a holiday abroad, and it could cost just £4.99 and save travellers £100 if they are ‘proactive’

A flight attendant has revealed a savvy £4.99 hack for holidaymakers that could help them cut costs on their next getaway.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to save some extra cash, whether that’s a packing tip to avoid paying for luggage, being flexible with our travel dates to secure the best price, or flying from a different airport. One sure way to save money is how you get to the airport, with parking prices astronomical at some airport hubs, which can reach as much as £132 for a week’s stay or £8 for every five minutes at a drop-off area.

In a bid to avoid these unwanted charges, some travellers opt to be dropped off at the airport, while others book their parking months in advance or a car park farther from the airport to secure a lower price. However, Wizz Air cabin crew member Adam Hodge, 35, has outlined a vital hack for getting to the airport, and it could cost just £4.99.

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Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam, who is based at Luton Airport, revealed: “You can get some really cheap deals on the trains and the bus.

“In Luton, for example, there’s now going to be two coach operators, National Express and FlixBus, so it means there’s going to be even more affordable options to get from the centre of London or the surrounding area, such as Cambridge, Milton Keynes and as far as Gatwick.

“If you book in advance, you can get a ticket, with FlixBus for example, for as little as £4.99.

“For National Express, if you have a coach pass, you can get fares from as little as £10 one-way, to and from the centre of London, Gatwick or one of the connecting airports.”

But that’s not the only affordable option. Adam highlighted: “At Luton Airport, there are also two train operators, Thames Link and East Midlands Railway.

“On East Midlands Railway, you can get a fare to St Pancras from Luton Airport Parkway or Luton for as little as £4.95, if you book and plan in advance. It has to be the specified train at the specified time, but if you’re flexible and want to save some money, you can get some really cheap fares if you book ahead.”

He added: “It’s about being proactive and saving a bit of money, especially with the cost of living crisis. And I think it’s actually very savvy and fashionable to be seen saving money, and being more money-conscious.”

While Adam mentioned Luton Airport, most UK airports also offer similar bus and coach services, so it’s well worth checking in advance to plan your route and secure the best price. And with some prices starting as low as £4.99, it’s a no-brainer.

Having travelled to around 30 countries, with Prague and Tirana being his personal favourites,

Away from airport travel, Adam has a wealth of other knowledge and advice, having visited around 30 countries, with Prague and Tirana being his personal favourites. One piece of advice is about what he packs, and there’s one item he never travels without.

“I had been looking at this item for a while, and I wasn’t sure at first, but now I have them, I’ve got them in all my suitcases, my crew bag and cabin bag,” Adam told the Mirror.

He revealed: “They are suitcase packing cubes, and are like little pouches. The worst thing is when you open a suitcase, and everything falls out, but with the packing cubes, everything is organised.

“For example, you have your electricals, your tops, trousers and shoes, they fit everything in organised cases, and you can actually fit more in, so it’s a really good hack. They don’t take up any space, so when they’re empty, they just lie flat, and they’re not bulky.”

To check out Adam’s public transport recommendations to the airport, visit the National Express or FlixBus websites. Or for more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

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

British travellers planning trips abroad must check their passports at least three weeks before departure

Brits heading abroad should carefully check their passports at least three weeks before they travel. Missing certain critical problems could land you with a £239 bill.

Travellers must make sure their passports are valid and in good condition before they set foot on a plane. Any problems could see you turned away at the gate.

To sort this out, your passport will need to be replaced straight away, and putting this off could prove costly as standard passport renewals can take up to three weeks.

Following a price rise earlier this month, a standard passport will set you back £102. However, if you’ve left a passport problem until just days before your trip, you’ll be forced to shell out £239.50 for the one-day express service.

GOV.UK warns: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it.”

The HM Passport Office will consider a passport damaged if:

You cannot read any of your details

• Any of the pages are torn, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or tears in the cover
• The cover is detaching
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

Regarding your passport’s expiry date, the requirements will differ depending on where you’re headed. Some countries insist on at least six months remaining on your passport upon arrival, while others only require three.

For a full breakdown of passport requirements by country, visit the Government website here.

Applying for a passport online

To apply online, head to the Government website here. Key requirements include a digital photograph, a valid payment method (credit or debit card), and your existing passport if you’re renewing.

Furthermore, applicants must supply proof of their identity and citizenship. The application fee for adults stands at £102, while children’s passports are priced at £66.50.

For anyone requiring assistance with the online application, local Post Office branches provide support services. Their staff are able to:

• Take your digital photo
• Help with completing the online application

Be mindful that this service carries an extra charge.

Postal applications

Paper passport applications are available from your local Post Office. Keep in mind that postal applications generally take longer to process than online ones.

They’re also more expensive than online applications, setting you back £115.50. You’ll be required to submit a completed application form alongside your supporting documents, two photographs, and the relevant fee.

Post Office staff can assist in making sure your form is properly completed – though you’ll need to supply your own photos. Payment can be made using cash, debit or credit cards.

Fast-track applications

If the standard three-week processing period is cutting it too close with your holiday plans, several quicker options are available for securing a passport. According to the Government website: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.”

To take advantage of these fast-track services, you’ll need to secure an appointment at a passport office:

• The same-day premium service carries a charge of £239.50 (or £253.50 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport)
• The one-week express service costs £192 for an adult passport (or £206 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport), and £156.50 for a child’s passport (or £170.50 for the 54-page version)

For further information, visit the Government website here.