Solar eclipse

Hubert Bartkowiak, from Gniezno in Poland, was told he had to pay £8,640 for three rooms for three nights at the Luxor View Hotel in Egypt, or his reservation would be cancelled

Holidaymakers are being told to pay 12 times more for hotel rooms after booking – or face a cancelled reservation. Forward-thinking Hubert Bartkowiak had been looking forward to a trip to Luxor, Egypt, with friends.

The Pole had booked three rooms for four people at the Luxor View Hotel over a year before the holiday, through Booking.com, forking out $1,040 (£768) for three nights, working out at £64 per person, per night. Hubert, from Gniezno, was shocked to receive a message from the hotel demanding 12 times as much, otherwise the booking would be cancelled.

“Please note that prices have increased; for your booking during this period, the room will be $1,300 (£960) a night,” the message read. With each of the three rooms costing £960 a night, he faced a bill of £8,640. When he refused to pay, the hotel worker implied the reservation would be cancelled and the hotel closed “for renovations” if Hubert turned up.

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“The hotel will be closed for renovations. You’re free to leave. You won’t have any rooms,” a message seen by the Mirror reads. After The Mirror contacted Booking.com on Hubert’s behalf, the hotel decided to honour his booking at the original rate.

However, there are many more people heading to Spain, Tunisia, Egypt and other countries in the path of next August’s eclipse who have already had their bookings cancelled as prices spike. “Raising prices I can understand as demand is high, but changing the price after making a reservation or cancelling it for a better offer is simply unfair,” Hubert said.

Another spurned holidaymaker is Kara Wiley. She booked a hotel in Luxor, paying $681 (£504) for three nights, only to receive a message from the owner demanding $3,900 (£2,886). “This is not affordable for me, and my flights are already booked,” she wrote in a post on a Facebook group.

Facebook groups and Reddit threads are full of such horror stories, with many eclipse hunters now worried that they’ll arrive ahead of the August 2 to discover they’ve nowhere to stay.

Such a scenario befell David Tunnicliffe, who booked a villa in Escalona del Prado, Spain, two years before the eclipse this August. “It was just cancelled by the host one day before we were due to arrive for a week. Sucks to be me, I guess!” David said. David was blanked by the accommodation provider, and his emails bounced. Luckily, David managed to book back-up accommodation at the last minute. It cost twice as much, but the booking platform he used agreed to pay the extra expense.

On Monday, August 2 next year, the moon will block the sun starting in the Atlantic Ocean, crossing southern Spain and North Africa, and moving through the Middle East and the Horn of Africa before ending in the Indian Ocean. The event has been dubbed “the eclipse of the century” due to the length of totality. Total darkness will descend for 6 minutes and 23 seconds in some areas, including Luxor. That is roughly three times the duration of this year’s eclipse.

Following the eclipse this August and the buzz that’s generated, accommodation prices for next year have rocketed. In El Palmar, a villa for six people located around 600 metres from the beach will cost €33,129 (£28,379) for one night. Split between the six potential guests, that would be around €5,522 (£4,730) per person.

According to Citizens Advice, customers should check the terms and conditions for the holiday or booking they’ve made to see if they allow the company to increase the price. Look for something like ‘price variation’ – this means the price can change. They can’t increase it if the terms and conditions don’t allow it. Even if the terms and conditions allow price increases, the company can only increase the price because of:

• fuel price rises which mean transport costs have gone up
• changes to taxes or fees by third parties – like tourist taxes
• exchange rates which affect the price of the holiday

The company has to let you know in writing about their plans to increase the price. They also have to give you a reasonable time to tell them if you accept it or want to cancel. If they’re offering another package instead, they must tell you how much it costs.

The company must tell you about the price rise at least 20 days before the package starts and explain why they put the price up. You have the right to cancel the holiday without paying a fee if the increase is more than 8% – you’ll get back any money you’ve already paid.

AND just like that, the solar eclipse is over… until next year where you can see another in several European destinations.

The solar eclipse will return on August 2 next year, with some European destinations getting a total eclipse, including Spain again.

Alongside Spain, Gibraltar, Tunisia, Morocco and eight other countries will also experience a total solar eclipse.

Meanwhile, the UK will once again see a partial eclipse.

Unlike yesterday’s celestial event, this solar eclipse will take place in the morning in most destinations.

But the hype caused by yesterday’s event is already creating hype for next year’s.

Gibraltar, for example, you can fly from the UK for between £170 and £190 return, on average.

Looking at flights for next year around the solar eclipse, prices are already rocketing.

If you were to head out on July 29 and return on August 3, direct flights from Manchester will set you back at least £453 return and £739 return from London.

Alter the dates slightly and it is still expensive – flying out on July 30 and returning on August 4 will set you back at least £419 direct from London.

Even if you flew out the day before and then headed home straight after the eclipse, you’ll be set back around £400 for direct flights.

Adele Cooke, Senior Consumer Reporter and Consumer Champion at The Sun, who is from Gibraltar, said: “The next eclipse may still be a year away but Gibraltar is already buzzing with excitement.

“The total eclipse will be visible over Gibraltar and the uninterrupted views over the Strait make it a great place to watch the event.

“The eclipse will be visible for a full four minutes, one of the longest durations of anywhere in the world.

“Friends and family have already booked their flights home to be there on August 2 and prices are already climbing.

“But there’s no need to worry about missing out.

“There are dozens of flights from the UK to Malaga every day, and the Spanish airport is just an hour and a half’s drive from Gibraltar.

“Set up price alerts now so you’ll be notified when prices drop.
Meanwhile, website GibStay.com can help you find affordable accommodation.

“If accommodation in Gibraltar is out of your price range then consider staying in one of the nearby towns and driving down for the event.

“Estepona, Soto Grande and Tarifa are all around an hour’s drive away.

“You could book a villa and make a week of it.

“In August temperatures in southern Spain average between 21 and 28 degrees, while the region gets less than 8mm of rainfall for the entire month.”

For Spain, major cities and locations that will be under the path of totality include Cadiz, Malaga and the coast of Almeria and Granada in southern Spain.

If heading to Cadiz, you’ll need to head to Jerez Airport, which is about a 40-minute drive from the city centre.

Direct return flights for the days around the solar eclipse to Jerez Airport from London are already around £495.

This is still more than the average £170 to £350 return trip to the city usually costs in August.

Malaga seems to be one of the only destinations that hasn’t risen… yet.

Average direct return flights to Malaga from the UK in August usually cost £170 to £270.

There are currently direct flights still available heading out at the end of July and returning on August 3 for £187.

There are currently lots of hotels available for affordable prices too.

You don’t have to go to Spain though, you could fly to Morocco instead for £230 return.

Here’s the full list of countries you could head to where there will be a full solar eclipse on August 2:

• Algeria
• British Indian Ocean
• Egypt
• Gibraltar
• Libya
• Morocco
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• Spain
• Sudan
• Tunisia
• Yemen

Most of these destinations will experience a total eclipse mid morning on August 2.

Solar prominences flare from the sun as the moon crosses in front during a total solar eclipse, as seen in Chardon, Ohio, on April 8, 2024. Millions of people live in the path of Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, viewable mostly from Europe. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo

Aug. 12 (UPI) — Some 15.2 million people across the world — mostly Europe — live in the path of totality of Wednesday’s solar eclipse.

It marked the first total solar eclipse viewable from Europe since 1999, Space.com reported.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth as it blocks the sun’s rays. In some areas, the phenomenon will be what’s known as a total solar eclipse, in which all but the very outer edges of the sun will be blocked by the moon.

About 12% of the world’s population, or 980 million people, live in areas where they were be able to view the solar eclipse. A much smaller portion, about. 0.2% or 15.2 million people, live in the path of totality.

The vast majority of the world was able to view the eclipse, though, so NASA set up a live stream of the view from multiple cameras in the path of the event.

The eclipse, which got underway around 11:30 a.m. EDT, was expected to be viewable across a chunk of the Northern Hemisphere, including most of western Europe, the very northern reaches of Russia, northwestern Africa, all of Greenland, Iceland and Canada, and the northeastern United States. The path of totality is expected to stretch in an arc from northern Russia, across the North Pole, down the east coast of Greenland and through Iceland, before passing across northern Spain and ending in the Mediterranean Sea.

AS the countdown begins for the most complete solar eclipse in almost three decades, millions are expected to be watching the rare phenomenon.

But which beauty spots in the UK will provide the most impressive views?

With more than 90 per cent of the sun set to disappear from view from most parts of the UK, hills, parks and even dams will be some of the best places to catch sight of the celestial event.

The rule of thumb is to head somewhere with elevation to ensure an unobstructed view of the phenomenon – without skyscrapers or trees blocking the sight.

One such place is Exmoor National Park, which has a maximum elevation of 5586 sq ft (519 meters) and spans across Somerset and Devon.

The park’s Valley of Rocks and Countisbury areas in particular have been highlighted as offering the best views of the western horizon – crucial for seeing the phenomenon.

In Wales, Elan Valley’s Craig Goch Dam features wide, sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Fully accessible by car, foot or bike through the scenic regional Elan Valley road network, stargazers will be able to look across the water for sights of the celestial event.

Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland remains Britain’s largest forest park, with more than 300 square miles of hills, trees, and more than 250 lochs.

From here, the tallest hill is The Merrick, standing at 2,766 feet high and with the lowest average cloud cover this month, it promises a crystal-clear view of the eclipse.

But for those in and around cities, there are a number of hills and viewpoints easily accessible to residents.

Greenwich Park, Telegraph Hill and Primrose Hill notably provide some of the most expansive views across London.

Those with tickets will be able to watch the spectacle from the historic Royal Observatory, while eclipse enthusiasts will be able to join any number of eclipse picnics taking place at these beauty spots later today (August 12).

With the partial eclipse set to take place between 6pm and 8pm today, the majority of the country will see at least 90 per cent solar coverage.

Part of the south west will see almost complete totality with 96 per cent coverage.

But no matter what hotspot you head to, it’s important you remember to use solar eclipse glasses or an indirect viewing method such as a pinhole camera to ensure no permanent damage is done to your eyes.

Best elevated beauty spots to watch the eclipse in the UK

• Exmoor National Park – west Somerset and north Devon
• Brean Down – Somerset
• Elan Valley, Craig Goch Dam – Wales
• Galloway Forest Park – Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
• Greenwich Park – Greenwich, London
• Telegraph Hill – Lewisham, London
• Primrose Hill – Camden, London
• Parliament Hill – Hampstead, London
• Crystal Palace – South east London

THE UK will experience a spectacular solar eclipse tonight – the first of its kind since 1999.

If you’re headed to the coast today, you might want to stick around as some of the country’s beaches will have the best views – just don’t forget your glasses.

Tonight, the UK will experience a partial solar eclipse – and the best places to see the eclipse today are in the west and southwest of the country.

In parts of Devon and Cornwall, the eclipse will cover around 95 per cent of the sun.

If you happen to be there on holiday anyway, head to a west-facing beach to get the full effect – you’ll also get a fabulous sunset over the water too.

Some beaches you might want to bag a spot at in Cornwall include Watergate Bay, Perranporth, Gwynver Beach, Fistral Beach or Sennen Cove.

If you head to Land’s End, there are set to be have incredible views there as well.

In Devon, beaches like Saunton, Woolacombe and Westward Ho will have clear views, or try out Slapton Sands and Thurlestone.

Along the Jurassic Coast top spots include Chesil Beach which is the longest beach in the UK.

Durdle Door is also recommended, although the cliffs above it is where you’ll get the best view – and it’s likely to be busy.

If you want an unobstructed view and are prepared to put in a little hard work, hike up to Golden Cap cliffs between Bridport and Charmouth.

Wales is an ideal spot to watch the eclipse too, in Cardiff, the moon will cover 93.2 per cent of the sun.

With some of the best views being in South Wales, bag a spot on the sands on Rhossili Bay, Three Cliffs Bay and Barafundle Bay.

Further north, the unspoilt coast on the Llŷn Peninsula will have clear skies as will spots in Pembrokeshire like Strumble Head and St Davids.

In Scotland, Machrihanish Bay is likely to have great views as it has low dunes with views across the Atlantic.

In fact, those on the Western Isles of Scotland along the west coast will see between 92 per cent to 94 per cent of the sun obscured.

Any of the beaches around places like Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig will have views of the eclipse – as long as there aren’t clouds in the sky.

In the North of England, Crosby Beach in Sefton is expected to be a busy spot.

Further up the coastline, St Bees has around a mile-long sweep of red sand that faces west looking over the Irish Sea and the Isle of Man.

If you don’t happen to be that side of the UK – try to find a beach that has unobscured views to the west.

You cannot look directly at the eclipse without risking eye damage so make sure to look through specially made glasses.

If you didn’t manage to get a pair, here are seven ways to safely watch the solar eclipse without glasses.

Here are the exact times the eclipse will be most visible in your area and how long it’ll last.

And here are some tips on how to take great photos of the eclipse without damaging your phone, camera or eyes.

TOURISTS in Spain are being urged to be cautious tomorrow when the rare solar eclipse takes place.

Anyone travelling to Spain or within Spain where you will be able to see the full solar eclipse, is being warned that there is a high risk of forest fires.

Six million people are expected to be travelling around the country to see the solar eclipse, across 660 official viewing spots.

And around half a million tourists are expected to travel to Spain for the rare event, with campsites across the country being booked out.

The roads are set to be busier too with around 1.5million journeys expected to be taken in the areas where you can see the eclipse fully.

According to The Olive Press, in Aragon for example, the eclipse will be fully visible and around 15,000 people are expected to camp the night in four spots in the area.

In fact, around 70 per cent of Spain’s rental motorhomes, camper vans and caravans have already been booked for the eclipse period.

As a result, several regions are on high alert of wildfires while the solar eclipse takes place, especially as temperatures are expected to reach 40C in parts of Spain tomorrow.

Authorities are warning that the countryside is particularly at risk, warning tourists and locals to not light fires and park on dry grass.

People are also not allowed to park on hard shoulders, have barbeques or have fireworks.

As a precaution, the natural parks and rural footpaths in the Valencia region have all been closed too.

Spots like Madrid, Zaragoza, Bilbao and Valencia will see a 99.9 per cent eclipse.

According to The Guardian, environment minister, Sara Aagesen, said: “The vegetation is extraordinarily dry and the smallest spark or carelessness could lead to devastating forest fires.”

CORNWALL will be one of the best places in mainland Britain to see the solar eclipse on Wednesday.

Ahead of the big day, my husband Paul, our daughter Lexi and I headed down in search of a quiet place to stay.

We found it half an hour along the coast at Silver Sands Holiday Park in Gwendreath — small, beautifully landscaped and far enough off the beaten track to ensure some much-needed peace.

After an easy check-in, we made our way around the park to our new Signature Cove Lodge.

It occupied a corner plot and had a large private garden, with enough room for a hot tub and hammock.

The two-bedroom lodges can comfortably accommodate a family of four.

While the mezzanine room was pretty tight for our particularly tall 12-year-old, it would be ideal for smaller children.

The lodge was full of all the mod cons you’d hope for, including a fully equipped kitchen, TVs in the master bedroom and sitting room, and super-fast wifi.

There was also a wicker hamper with scones and jam on the kitchen counter, and robes and slippers in the bathroom.

As well as the lodges, you can book a static caravan and camp.

There is also a children’s play park that is suitable for under-14s, as well as another play area for younger kids, with outdoor kitchens and a large sandpit.

We spent many hours in our hot tub, where the only sounds were the birds and the occasional laugh from the children playing.

It’s the sort of spot where you could sit out on eclipse night with a drink and not have to share the view with anyone.

And while we could have stayed there all day, it was nice to get out and explore the area.

Kennack Sands is an easy ten-minute walk through woods from the site.

It’s a lovely beach for children as it’s sandy, nicely sheltered and there are endless rock pools to explore.

And you are in safe hands there, as RNLI lifeguards are on duty from mid-May to the end of September.

We had a lovely walk and sea dip and, as the water is so warm right now, it was like being in the Mediterranean.

There are also two cafes on the beach, in case you haven’t brought your own snacks and drinks.

A 20-minute drive took us to the Lizard Peninsula, Britain’s most southerly point.

Being this far south is exactly why the area will be so well placed for the eclipse. The further south-west you are, the more the sun will disappear behind the moon.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the many gift shops and taking in the views across the English Channel.

On the way back to Silver Sands, we stopped off at Cadgwith Cove — a traditional fishing village known for its thatched cottages and crabbing boats.

Paul was happy with a pint at the Cadgwith Cove Inn while Lexi and I explored the harbour.

And after a busy day taking in the sights, we were happy to return to our lodge and enjoy the sound of silence.

Before heading home, we drove into Falmouth, which is the place to be on Wednesday.

The Royal Navy Parachute Display Team, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers and the Flying Comrades will all take to the air above the bay from 6pm, just as the moon covers 95 per cent of the sun.

Visitors can enjoy it all from a choice of vantage points, including Pendennis Castle, Gyllyngvase Beach and the lawns of The Falmouth Hotel.
And best of all, this display event will be free.

It’s all part of Falmouth Week, the town’s ten-day sailing festival, which runs until next Sunday.

So head down to Silver Sands this week and get a beach holiday and a once-in-a-lifetime sky show for the price of one.