Section: Travel:Travel News

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.

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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%)

IF YOU are heading to one popular Spanish spot you better be on your best behaviour as a load of new rules are being introduced.

Tourists behaving badly by littering or spitting in public could now get hefty fines in the city of Valencia.

The rules, which if broken could get you fines of up to €1,500 (£1,251.29), also include not dropping cigarette butts, chewing gum or paper.

More serious offences such as spitting or urinating in public, could get you a fine of up to €3,000 (£2,502.57).

It comes as the city also revealed plans to cap tourist cycling groups to a maximum of 10 people.

Cycling is popular in Valencia with both tourists and locals and has surged over the recent years.

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The previous limit was 15 people and now groups of more than 10 will have to split into smaller groups and be at least 50 metres apart.

The new rule applies to both bikes and e-scooters.

Other new rules crackdown on stag and hen parties as well, where if thy take place on public streets between 10pm and 8am from Sunday to Friday – and Saturday until 9:30am – groups could be faced with a fine between €750 (£625.64) and €1,500 (£1,251.29).

There are also new limits on wearing items representing human genitalia, and carrying inflatable dolls and other sexual props through public spaces.

These offences could be fined up to €750 (£625.64).

Authorities have said that the new rules are not meant to limit tourism, just to “better manage its activities and ensure that we can all share the streets in appropriate conditions”, reports Olive Press.

THE Government has issued new advice for Brits heading to Italy amid mass demonstrations.

Strikes and rallies are currently taking place across Italy due to the rising cost of living.

The strike spans more than 50 cities, including popular holiday spots such as Rome, Milan and Naples.

Current advice from the foreign office states: “Recent demonstrations across northern Italian cities have led to violent riots and looting.

“There is an increased presence of police and military personnel in Milan.

“Further demonstrations may take place in major cities.

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“A national strike is planned from 9pm on 29 October to 9pm on 30 October.

“The strike may disrupt rail and air travel, taxis, highways, local public transportation, schools, and government offices.

“Check with your travel provider for the latest information.”

The warning also covers Vatican City.

In Rome, 20,000 people are expected to gather in the city centre over the coming days.

Two marches are also expected to take place in Turin today and thousands are thought to be gathering in Bologna.

PERCHED on the Sheringham promenade is a beautiful holiday home with views across the Norfolk coast.

Now, it’s a modern little escape, but visitors might be shocked to discover that what it used to be.

It was first built in 1897 and was used as a public toilet for over 100 years until its closure in 2006.

It was then bought by its current owner who transformed it into what is now called the Wee Retreat.

The coastal holiday home has spiral staircases and sleeps up to four people across two double bedrooms – both have with a private shower room.

For those wanting to make the most of the views, make sure to bag the bedroom on the first floor which has French doors which open onto a veranda.

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It has a modern kitchen with all the appliances for a self-catering break.

The open-plan lounge has a cosy seating area and is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows to let in all the natural light.

It also has a wrap around balcony where in the summer you can enjoy the sunshine, or during the winter, cosy up inside and turn on the underfloor heating.

To keep guests occupied, the Wee Retreat has some books and games too.

With Host Unusual, Wee Retreat can be booked from £611 for seven-nights – or £21pppn.

Guests have left reviews calling it a “one-of-a-kind”, others described it as “peaceful and beautiful”.

Of course, with Blue Flag beach on its doorstep, visitors can make the most of taking a dip into the sea or making sandcastles.

Aside from that, it’s minutes away from the centre of Sheringham which has lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, and even a theatre.

It’s home to the Poppy Line, a heritage steam railway, which takes visitors into the Georgian town of Holt.

Holt was recently named one of Britain’s poshest towns.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who is also a Norfolk local, suggests popping over for a visit.

She said: “Growing up in Wells-next-the-Sea in North Norfolk, Holt was always seen as the posh next door neighbour town.

“Byfords sits smack-bang in the centre offering afternoon tea – it even includes a free top-up on sandwiches.

“It’s definitely worth popping into Dottie and Oscar’s Children’s Boutique. Here you can pick out a new childhood teddy together or pretty, handmade outfit to rock on the beach.

“So if you’re visiting on a day trip, make sure to bring your extra pocket money, as this town’s full of independent boutiques and shops you’ll want to grab a souvenir from – but be warned, it’s easy to splurge.”

Also not too far away is Cromer, a seaside town that has been revealed to be one of the cheapest holiday destinations in the country.

It has a long sandy beach, soft serve ice cream parlours, sunny beer gardens and award-winning fish and chip shops.

THE UK could soon get a direct link via ferry to a new destination in Europe.

Plans have been submitted for a ferry route between Aberdeen in Scotland and Iceland, often dubbed ‘Snow Land’.

The passenger and freight ferry would head to Seydisfjordur – a town on Iceland’s east coast.

Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of the Port of Aberdeen, said: “A regular service between Aberdeen and Iceland would certainly be of interest to the port.”

So far, one ferry operator has shown interest in the route.

In the future, there could also be a stop in Orkney.

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Currently, there are no direct international passenger ferry services from Scotland, so if this route were to go ahead it would be the first.

It is unclear how long the ferry journey would take.

The picturesque town of Seydisfjordur sits in the innermost point of a fjord that has the same name.

To get to the town, visitors drive along Route 93 which heads over the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass.

The town is known for its wooden buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th century as well.

Currently, the easiest way to visit Iceland from the UK is by flying, which takes around three hours and costs from £42 return.

A NEW attraction with an enormous lagoon and bright white sands is set to open a few hours from the UK.

Called Alovera Beach, it’s set to open in summer 2028 and the catch is that it’s nowhere near the coast.

Instead, the company called Crystal Lagoons is hoping to open Europe’s largest man-made beach just outside of Spain’s capital, Madrid.

The project itself that’s 104,000 square metres is being built at the cost of €29million (£24.3million).

At its centre will be a 21,000-square-metre artificial lagoon which will be surrounded by 16,000 square metres of white sand which makes for the perfect sunbathing spot.

The lagoon will be suitable for swimming as well as watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding and aqua fitness classes.

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There will also be children’s attractions, relaxation spaces, food outlets and cafes.

On the sand will be an adults-only beach club with separate lounges to relax in as well as restaurants.

During the summer it’s hoping to hold seasonal events too including concerts, guest celebrations and even business events.

Looking at the details on its website, it looks like entry will be through memberships and daily passes.

Plans for Alovera Beach started back in 2017 and it has just taken a huge step forward with developers signing a formal construction-start document on October 21, 2026.

If all goes to plan, work is set to complete in March 2028 with it opening to the public a few months later in the summer months.

When it does open, the inland beach will be easy for Brits to reach as Alovera is a 45-minute drive from Madrid.

One-way flights are as little as £20 and Brits can get there in less than two and a half hours.

The company has made 1,000 projects across 60 countries including the Evermore Orlando Resort.

It has a range of accommodation including guest rooms and suites to Walt Disney World around two enormous beach areas where visitors can try out kayaking and paddleboarding.

The lagoon here is larger than 25 Olympic-size swimming pools and has has two beach areas.

YOU’LL find this majestic manor hotel tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside with beautiful gardens and cosy rooms.

Read on to find out more about Fanhams Hall and everything you can do there from exploring the beautiful Japanese garden to table tennis and even karaoke.

Where is Fanhams Hall?

One mile outside of the pretty town of Ware in East Hertfordshire is the sprawling Fanhams Hall which is set on a 27-acre estate.

The former manor house that dates back to the 14th century has since been built upon and as enormous as it is, if you didn’t know if it was there, you’d never stumble upon it by chance.

After driving through winding country roads you’re welcomed in with the grand driveway that leads towards the beautiful hotel.

It’s a true countryside spot with manicured grounds where you’ll see wildflowers, ducks, ornate Japanese gardens with its own tea house, a wisteria canopy, croquet lawn, and water features – along with the occasional dog walker too.

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What is the hotel like?

Fanhams Hall is a Jacobean mansion which oozes charm, history and luxury. Inside are wooden panelled walls and formal dinners take place in the elegant Drawing Room.

For drinks, there’s the grand conservatory which has its own outdoor terrace and patio.

There are some rooms reserved for events, but you can poke your head in to admire them if nobody’s there and you’ll want a glimpse of the Long Gallery.

It was formerly a picture gallery inside the main house and has oak panelling and a vaulted ceiling with impressive, sparkling chandeliers.

The hotel itself is enormous, as are the grounds, so don’t be surprised if you lose your bearings at first.

What is there to do there?

Of course exploring the gardens is a must. But on a rainy day, head upstairs where you’ll discover the Energy Zone which has a foosball table, table tennis as well as a pick n mix sweet station, soft drinks, and refillable tea and coffee.

If you’re staying in a larger group, you may want to hire out the Karaoke Klub which has disco balls, a private bar, popcorn and even a slushie machine.

Outside is a small fitness room with free weights, running and rowing machines and bikes.

Fanhams Hall is a five-minute drive away from the centre of Ware. Here, take a stroll down the high street and pop into its shops like Noire, Sparkles of Ware and The Sage Garden along with plenty of pubs and coffee shops.

In the springtime check out the local lido, or take a walk along the River Lea to see the barges, boats and swans.

Ware is also a 20-minute drive away from Hertfordshire Zoo where you can see big cats, lemurs, meerkats and reptiles.

What is there to eat and drink there?

For dining, head to the Drawing Room for an intimate setting and tasty food.

The menus change seasonally, and while we were there, we indulged in juicy steak that came with a side of salad and fries, as well as a creamy mushroom pasta with crispy pieces of parmesan cheese.

At the bar, you can choose anything from a refreshing glass of white wine, to sweet rosé, a gin and tonic and a choice of beers on draught.

In the morning, head to the pavilion for breakfast where there are both hot and cold options with all the classics like fried eggs, toast, beans, mushrooms, sausages and bacon along with croissants with jam.

For those who are a fan of tea, you’ll be thrilled that there are Teapigs which come in a choice of flavours and you get your own tea pot – there are various milks on offer too. Feel free to refill your juice, tea and coffee as often as you’d like.

A traditional afternoon tea is popular here where guests can sample a selection of sandwiches from dill and salmon to egg mayonnaise, fresh cakes and gateaux.

Don’t forget the scones which come in flavours like vanilla and lavender and enjoy a cup of tea on the side- this starts from £40 per adult.

What are the rooms like?

There are rooms and suites both in the main building and in the courtyard of the hotel.

Each vary in size and design from the smaller Shoebox room aimed at solo travellers to the large Chestnut Suite which has a four-poster bed. 

I stayed in the luxurious Bonsai Room which has cosy mustard accents, a comfy king-size bed. Its two windows make it light, airy and provide sweeping views across the lawn.

There’s also a mini SMEG kettle and fridge with a few complimentary cans, there was also a coffee machine, snacks and the room has free WiFi and air con too.

The most lavish part was the ensuite where that you can watch TV from the bath, then there’s the huge shower which has side jets and Molton Brown toiletries.

For those who want to bring their furry friends, you can. There is a £40 per stay extra charge, which includes room access and a special welcome pack for dogs.

Room rates start from £126. See https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/ for more.

Is Fanhams Hall family-friendly?

Yes. The Family Rooms come with two double beds and sleep two adults and two children – making them an ideal choice if you’re travelling with the kids.

The rooms are in the main mansion house and have a large bathroom too, some have a shower, some come with both a shower and bath.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Some parts of the courtyard building are accessible, with one fully accessible room which has been adapted with a wet room and handrails.

You can request this room when making your booking and for more information, call the hotel directly.

The lift inside the main building is a lift next to the Conservatory Bar – from there guests can reach the Energy Zone and some third-floor bedrooms.

FANCY travelling through Europe in the comfort of your own private cabin rather than a cramped plane? This new sleeper train might be the answer.

Nox Mobility is launching next year as an alternative to short-haul flights – and they’re pretty cheap too.

The sleeper train will launch in March next year with its first journey between Hamburg and Munich with stops in Bremen and Augsburg.

The inaugural run will leave Hamburg at 9.22pm and arrive at 8.14am – there will go in each direction three times per week.

Tickets are affordable too with one-way fares starting from €65 (£55).

Rather than regular train carriages, inside will be Nox Suites – a private area for each passenger with a seat that opens into a lounge to work or unwind.

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Inside is also a two-metre-long bed, storage, charging ports and a window to gaze out of.

There’s also no restaurant carriage on Nox Mobility, however you can pre-order meals to be served in your cabin and breakfast is available as an optional add-on.

On Nox, children under the age of four are allowed to travel for free with an adult passenger. 

It also teased future rooms which are actually private cabins.

The Single Loft has a seat and desk for the day with a bed for during the night.

The Double Loft is the most spacious room with a 170cm wide bed, two seats and a panoramic window to take in the views.

The Double Vista has ‘two seats by day and two beds by night’ in a private room with a full window.

It also hopes to launch more journeys later on to cities like Stockholm, Vienna, Amsterdam, Toulouse, Barcelona all the way to Reggio di Calabria in Italy.

In fact by 2035 it aims to connect 100 European cities.

Thibault Constant, co-founder of Nox said: “Sleeping while a train gets you across Europe is a great concept. But today people have to share their cabins with strangers, beds are tight, and it’s often more expensive than air travel.

“We want to change that and make night trains an essential part of European travel.”

IT might seem too early to think about the New Year, but if you want to ring in 2027 with style, you’ll need to act fast.

Tickets for the spectacular London firework display go on sale today – and they’re bound to sell out quickly.

Tickets for the show will be released in two batches with the first on sale midday today.

Tickets are priced between £20 to £55 (excluding the booking fee) and one person can buy up to four tickets.

The price of tickets depends on the viewing area which is split into different categories.

The category A viewing area includes places like Waterloo Bridge and Westminster Bridge – these tickets are priced at £55.

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Meanwhile, Category B is priced at £40, with spots like behind the London Eye and the stretch of Victoria Embankment from Golden Jubilee Footbridge to Temple Avenue.

It also includes accessible areas which is on Albert Embankment.

Anyone who has a London postcode is in luck as locals get a £20 discount. 

Last year around 100,000 ticketholders attended the event and around 10million people watched on TV.

If you miss out on the first batch of tickets, a second lot will be released later on.

However a date for this hasn’t been announced yet.

For more information and to buy tickets, head here.

What’s it like to go to London’s NYE fireworks?

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding reveals that the evening has in store…

“Key advice? Be prepared.

“Get your group chat organised now – you can buy up to four tickets each, so if you want more you’ll need a few people online.

“And whatever you do, do not refresh the page – you will lose your place in the queue.

“The NYE fireworks for 2023 were my first and I can’t deny I was impressed.

“There were also no queues and no crowds once in the zone, allowing us to secure a great spot to watch the breathtaking 12-minute display.

“If going, definitely opt for one of the Category A zones – these have the best views of the fireworks, whereas the Category B zones are often interrupted by skyscrapers.

“Make sure you do head there for 8pm as it isn’t the only New Year’s event on, which means the tube is often packed.

“And bear in mind, the station closest to your gate may be closed to manage the flows of people better.

“As for what to wear, you will get warm but do make sure you have layers as the breeze from the river is chilling.

“Don’t worry about taking a chair – you’ll dance as you wait.

“To save some money though, do take some tinnys – small cocktail cans are great as they don’t weigh much or take up too much room in a bag.

“If you get hungry, there are plenty of food stalls around.”

THE best hotels and resorts in Europe have been revealed and two in the UK have made the cut.

The annual World Travel Awards has named everything from beach resorts to city stays.

The good news for us Brits is that there are two in the UK – one in London and the second is a floating hotel in Edinburgh.

The Chancery Rosewood in London which opened its doors in September last year has been named Europe’s Leading New Hotel 2026.

The Grade II listed building is on Grosvenor Square and is considered one of the most expensive hotels in the country.

It has 144 suites, some of which even have steam rooms and two-person bathtubs.

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On the roof are the two penthouses named Elizabeth and Charles which are 350sqm in size, and even come with private butler.

Start saving – they can cost £20,000 a night.

Otherwise the hotel has a whopping eight restaurants and bars, 24-hour in-room dining and a spa with a 25metre long swimming pool and fitness studio.

The other hotel mentioned on the list is Fingal Hotel in Scotland which was named Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel.

It’s unlike most others as the hotel is inside the Northern Lighthouse Board ship that is permanently docked in the Port of Leith.

It has 23 custom- designed cabins onboard with super-king beds, tartan textiles,and Art Deco styling with a sun terrace, restaurant and bar.

A one-night stay for two adults starts from £279.

When it comes to hotels abroad, Ikos Odisia in Greece is one to talk about – it’s won Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the World Travel Awards for three years in a row.

The hotel in Corfu sits on the edge of Dasia Bay – it has Mediterranean-style rooms, 10 swimming pools and a private beach.

With its ‘All Inclusive Plus’ package, guests have unlimited access to all restaurants and bars, as well as beach and pool food and beverage service with drinks, cocktails and snacks.

There’s 24-hour complimentary room service, guests can also use the Local Discovery programme which includes the use of a Tesla for one full day during the stay.

It also includes free museum tickets (one museum ticket per person, per stay) and 30-minute complimentary beachside childcare for children four and up.

Named as Europe’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort is Cullinan Belek in Turkey.

It’s been described as having true ‘glitz and glamour’ with 600 rooms in total some of which are private family villas or rooftop suites with Jacuzzis.

When one Sun Writer checked into the Cullinan Belek, she found her room came with its own pillow menu.

Her Superior Duplex room also had “top-of-the-range tech to control lights, curtains and air, plus divine Bvlgari toiletries in the two bathrooms.”  

She added: “But the real treat is the swim-up infinity pool which lapped my second-floor terrace, overlooking the main resort.”

There’s a gym with a Pilates reformer stand, yoga room, Hyrox zone and the hotel has its own golf course.

Meanwhile, Almar Lido Jesolo in Italy has been named Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel.

Fifty minutes away from Venice, the hotel has 184 rooms as well as a 70metre pool heated to three different temperatures.

Even the gym overlooks the sea, otherwise head to the ocean as there is a path down to the private beach.

Another beach hotel that made it onto the award winners list is Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas which won Europe’s Leading Beach Resort.

It’s considered one of the most luxurious in Crete – the five-star resort has everything from five tennis courts and a scuba diving centre, to a swimming pool and two private beaches.

There are lots of rooms to choose from but one of the most impressive is the Island Bungalow Waterfront which has direct access to the water.

When it comes to Europe’s Leading New Boutique Hotel, the Avali by Mar-Bella Collection in Corfu has been named the best.

The hotel is on the smaller side with 76 rooms and suites, some of which have private rooftop pools.

There’s an option to go all-inclusive (which comes with unlimited ice cream) as well as 30-minutes free use of a canoe and pedalo.

It’s not all about relaxing though, the awards even highlighted the best Theme Park Hotel in Europe which went to The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel in Turkey.

For any fan of the theme park its ideal as guests of the hotel get included and unlimited access to the attraction.

This includes its rollercoasters and Aqua Land waterpark, and a complimentary shuttle bus and access to the private beachfront.

Next door is the newly opened Nickelodeon Hotel which opened just last year – it has character meet-and-greets throughout the day with free gaming stations and a kids’ club.

Here are all the hotels and resorts in the Winners 2026 list…

Europe’s Leading Airport Hotel 2026 – NH Lyon Airport, France

Europe’s Leading All-Suite Hotel 2026 – THE VIEW Lugano, Switzerland

Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026 – Ikos Odisia, Greece

Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel 2026 – Almar Lido Jesolo, Italy

Europe’s Leading Beach Resort 2026 – Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Greece

Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 – Fingal Hotel, Scotland

Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort 2026 – Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, Italy

Europe’s Leading Casino Resort 2026 – City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus 

Europe’s Leading City Hotel 2026 – Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Türkiye

Europe’s Leading Design Hotel 2026 – 1908 Lisboa Hotel, Portugal

Europe’s Leading Entertainment Hotel 2026 – Seven Visions Resort & Places, The Dvin, Armenia

Europe’s Leading Family Resort 2026 – Sani Resort, Greece 

Europe’s Leading Heritage Hotel 2026 – Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest

Europe’s Leading Hotel 2026 – Estoril Vintage Hotel, Portugal

Europe’s Leading Hotel & Spa 2026 – Almar Timi Ama Villasimius, Italy

Europe’s Leading Island Resort 2026 – Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Ireland

Europe’s Leading Landmark Hotel 2026 – The Phoenicia Malta

Europe’s Leading Leisure Resort 2026 – Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Greece

Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2026 – Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve, Portugal

Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Resort 2026 – SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, Spain

Europe’s Leading Luxury All-Suite Resort 2026 – Almar Giardino di Costanza Mazara del Vallo, Italy 

Europe’ s Leading Luxury Beach Resort 2026 – Forte Village Resort Italy

Europe’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2026 – Gran Hotel Inglés, Spain

Europe’s Leading Luxury City Hotel 2026 – The Peninsula Paris, France

Europe’s Leading Luxury City Resort 2026 – 91 Athens Riviera, Greece

Europe’ s Leading Luxury Family Resort 2026 – Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Greece

Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2026 – Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Türkiye

Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel & Spa 2026 – Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, Spain

Europe’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2026 – Grand Resort Lagonissi, Greece

Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort 2026 – Domes Miramere, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu, Greece

Europe’s Leading Luxury Villa Resort 2026 – Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Greece

Europe’s Leading New Boutique Hotel 2026 – Avali, Mar-Bella Collection, Greece

Europe’s Leading New Hotel 2026 – The Chancery Rosewood, England

Europe’s Leading New Resort 2026 – AMOH, a Luxury Collection Resort, Rhodes, Greece

Europe’s Leading Theme Park Hotel 2026 – The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel, Türkiye

Europe’s Leading Wellness Hotel 2026 – Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy

Europe’s Leading Wine Region Hotel 2026 – L’AND Vineyards, Portugal

Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel 2026 – The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, Italy

Europe’s Leading Hotel & Spa 2026 – Almar Timi Ama Villasimius, Italy

Europe’s Leading Resort 2026 – Forte Resort, Italy

Europe’s Leading Resort Villas 2026 – Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Portugal

Europe’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort 2026 – City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus

Europe’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2026 – Cullinan Belek, Türkiye

Europe’s Leading Sports Resort 2026 – Cascade Wellness Resort, Portugal 

Europe’s Leading Villa Resort 2026 – White Shell Beach Villas, Portugal

BRITS could face hefty fines if caught smoking, or playing loud music at one popular holiday spot.

In some cases, the penalty could be as much as £2,500.

The area of La Laguna in Tenerife, has approved new rules banning smoking, camping, overnight stays and disruptive music on its beaches and natural swimming pools.

The announcement was made on October 7 and has been put in place to protect the coastline.

Under the new rules, beaches within the areas and natural pools are now smoke-free.

It also stops visitors from leaving rubbish behind including soap and shampoo in public showers.

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Unless there’s a a special permitted event, beachgoers are banned from playing loud music or general noise that disturbs those around them.

The new rules also state that there is a ban on camping and overnight stays on the beaches.

Within the area of La Laguna, the coastal areas where these rules have been enforced include Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, Jover and La Barranquera.

While there is a maximum fine of €3,000 (£2,500), it does not apply to every beach.

The amount also depends on the offence with those deemed minor having fines of €300 (£254).

In summer 2026, lots of beaches and hotels in Tenerife put rules in place to stop tourists reserving loungers and sand space with a towel.

Tourists could see their belongings confiscated and be fined up to €3,000.

It comes after strict rules were put in place across Spain for summer 2026.

THE biggest tropical waterpark in the UK will close at the end of October – and won’t reopen until 2027.

Waterworld in Staffordshire is a year-round attraction for families, thanks to its 30C temperatures.

But after the end of October half-term, Waterworld will temporarily close for upgrades to its waterpark.

It is expected to reopen early next year, although no date has been confirmed.

Visitors can enjoy the last day of thrills on Waterworld’s 30 rides and attractions on November 1 along with a live DJ.

Wayne Goodall, managing director of Waterworld Leisure Resort, said: “Our closing party is the perfect chance for visitors to make a last splash with us before we close for a short time to make exciting changes across the Aqua Park.

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“At its heart, Waterworld offers families a place to spend time together, escape from everyday life and enjoy that holiday feeling, whatever the weather.

“The upgrades we have planned are set to build on that sense of fun and enhance the way we tell our story, creating a more immersive experience for our guests. We can’t wait to reveal more about the upcoming investment soon.”

He added that the Adventure Mini Golf and Adventure Mini Village will remain open.

The tropical waterpark sits at 30C even in the winter along with slides like the Space Bowl which is shaped like a UFO.

Nucleus is a popular water rollercoaster, there’s also Stormchaser and Cyclone.

The waterpark is also home to Thunderbolt, which is the UK’s first trap door drop slide.

As well as the main wave pool, there are river rapids and the Jungle House is suitable for youngsters with water cannons and the monsoon monster splash.

The bubble pools are a more relaxing spot away from the high-speed watercoasters thrills.

During the summertime, there’s an outdoor pool open to visitors too.

Of course, the waterpark is still available to book now with tickets available for £17.50 – for children under three-years-old tickets start from £7.

Away from the waterpark, there are two mini golf courses inside the resort, each with 18-holes as well as a mini Adventure Village with everything from doctors to libraries.

Both of these attractions will remain open throughout the rest of the year.

There’s also a restaurant, cafe and gift shop on-site which are also expected to remain open.

In recent years, the attraction has undergone a number of renovations.

One of the newest additions to the waterpark as well is the M Club Spa and Fitness.

In 2023, it opened its new £250,000 immersive play village, then in 2024, £13million was spent on behind-the-scenes upgrades to the waterpark.

IF you’re planning your 2027 holiday already, then you can get ahead of the curve with these 10 destinations.

A new report released by Expedia has revealed the trending hotspots for next year, which have seen a boom in searches.

Along with the soon-to-be-popular destinations, it also looked at other trends, such as set-jetting (destinations popular after being featured in films or TV shows) as well as ‘trip snacking’ which are shorter, sometimes only 24-hour, trips.

Called the Unpack ’27, Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin explained: “In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.

“We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”

Here are the 10 destinations set to be big next year.

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South Lake Tahoe, US

The destination that has seen the biggest jump in searches is South Lake Tahoe, up 195%.

This is one for the outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its beautiful mountain ranges and huge lake.

It is a year-round resort, meaning it is great for hiking in the summer skiing in the winter.

Brits will need to fly to the main Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, which requires a layover at another US airport.

Hyogo, Japan

Japan is on everyone’s lips right now, but ditch Tokyo and Kyoto for Hyogo.

The prefecture in the Kansai region has seen searches increase by 95%.

It’s main attraction is Himeji Castle, as well as its hot springs too and world-famous Kobe beef.

To get there, Brits can fly to Tokyo or Osaka, then hop on a domestic flight or high speed train.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Nicknamed the St Tropez or Monaco of South America, searches to Uruguay‘s Punta del Este are up 65%.

This is where the rich and the famous often visit, with luxury beach resorts lining the beach visited by celebs such as Shakira and Naomi Campbell.

While it is mainly known for its resort like, with yacht clubs, casinos and nightclubs, make sure to visit the unusual La Mano, a huge human hand sculpture from the 1980s.

Flights here from the UK will require a stopover, most likely in Madrid or Brazil.

Sedona, US

The desert city of Sedona in Arizona is also booming in popularity.

With searches up 55%, the destination is most known for its huge red rock formations, which have hundreds of walking and hiking trails.

It’s unique landscape means it was also used to film a number of movies (mainly Westerns between 1940 and 1960), leading to it’s nickname of Arizona’s Little Hollywood.

Brits wanting to visit should fly to Phoenix Airport, then rent a car to drive there.

Busan, South Korea

KPop Demon Hunters, KBeauty and new Virgin Atlantic flights from the UK – it’s safe to say Korea is having a moment.

But outside of Seoul, the city of Busan has seen searches up by 50 per cent.

The second-largest city in the country, it is known for its huge sandy beach (best seen from the Busan X the Sky observation deck on floor 100) and the huge Lotte World Adventure theme park.

To get there, fly to Seoul from the UK then take the high speed train to Busan.

Holbox, Mexico

The tiny, car-free island of Holbox has been a popular destination with backpackers wanting to get off the beaten track.

But the Mexican island has since seen a jump in searches, up 45%.

Beautiful soft sand beaches, clean blue waters and colorful streets of graffiti and cheap tacos – what more could you want?

Fly to Cancun Airport, then take a bus and a ferry to get to the island.

Perugia, Italy

The only mainland European destination to make the list, Perugia has seen searches increase by 35%.

Found on the hilltop, the Umbria capital is one for the foodies, being famous for its chocolate (and annual chocolate festival).

There is also Jazz festivals, historic fortresses and beautiful architecture to explore as well.

It is super easy to get to as well – Ryanair have direct flights from London Stansted from £20.

The Tweed, Australia

Most people won’t have heard of The Tweed in Australia,

But searches for the New South Wales region have gone up by 35%, according to Expedia.

It is known for its river trails and national parks, sharing a border with Queensland.

This makes it easier to get to, with Brits needing to fly to Sydney of Melbourne followed by an internal flight.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

The Ontario town, Niagara-on-the-Lake, has seen searches 35% up.

It is often said to be one of the region’s prettiest towns, and is where Niagara River meets Lake Ontario.

Expect Victorian architecture – it was built by Brits as a military defence – and unique ice wines.

Brits need to fly to Toronto Pearson Airport, followed by a drive to get there.

Chichester, UK

Bizarrely, the English city of Chichester made the list as well.

With searches up 30, the city is known for its 1,000 year old cathedral as well as its even older 2,000 year old Roman history.

It is also the only city in West Sussex, although remains one of the UK’s smallest with just 29,000 locals.

Here are 10 other destinations set to be big next year.