AUSTIN, Texas — “The Sun Never Sets” is filmmaker Joe Swanberg’s 10th indie to premiere at SXSW but his first to play the event since 2017. The astonishing pace with which he made his early work — loose, idiosyncratic stories that were progenitors of the emergent style known as mumblecore — has slowed significantly, but also given way to a newfound maturity as both a person and an artist.
Introducing “The Sun Never Sets” at its world premiere on Friday night to a sold-out crowd at the Zach Theater, Swanberg called his latest “my favorite film I’ve ever made.” Shot on 35mm in Anchorage, the movie follows a 30-ish woman, Wendy (Dakota Fanning in a vibrant turn), torn between pursuing a fresh romance with a reckless old flame (Cory Michael Smith) or continuing on with the settled-in-his-ways divorced father of two (Jake Johnson) she’s been seeing for a few years.
Dakota Fanning in Joe Swanberg’s “The Sun Never Sets,” filmed in Alaska.
(SXSW)
“I guess this is what they tell you about getting older and doing this job longer,” said a thoughtful Swanberg in a video interview from his home in Chicago shortly before the South by Southwest festival. “You get better at it and you sort of mature and all of this.”
The film marks Swanberg’s fourth collaboration with Johnson, a partnership that goes back to 2013’s “Drinking Buddies.” (The actor partly financed the new project along with his brother.) Following completion of the third season of the Netflix anthology series “Easy” in 2019, for which he wrote and directed all the episodes, Swanberg was planning to take a break. A divorce and the pandemic caused that pause to grow even longer.
In the intervening years Swanberg produced a number of projects for other filmmakers, did some acting and opened a small video store in Chicago. Swanberg knew Anchorage-based producer Ashleigh Snead, who encouraged him to consider shooting something there. The scenic location would give Swanberg the opportunity to expand his visual style from his usual couches, bars and apartments of much of his work. (There still are a surprising number of scenes on couches and in bars.)
“Joe’s a real filmmaker,” says Johnson in a separate interview. “And I think sometimes he doesn’t get that credit because he can make movies with nothing. This is a real adult movie. This is a film about how complicated breakups are and how messy they get. And it’s in beautiful Alaska.”
Swanberg, center, on the set of “The Sun Never Sets.”
(SXSW)
Swanberg has now gone from someone making talky, provocative and at times controversial films about the lives of post-collegiate 20-somethings to exploring the nuances and specifics of being a 44-year-old divorced father of two still trying to figure out his place in the world. His original cohort of SXSW-affiliated filmmakers, many of whom also fell under the rubric of mumblecore — nobody much liked the name, but no one ever came up with anything better, so it stuck — included Greta Gerwig, Lena Dunham, Barry Jenkins, Ti West and others who have gone on to more conventional mainstream success.
But Swanberg doesn’t seem to feel left behind. Rather, he only sees doors opening.
“It’s gone so much better than I thought it was going to go for me,” he says. “I mean, when I was making these really tiny, sexually explicit 71-minute movies, I was like, I’m just grateful to be here. I can’t even believe these festivals are showing this work and it’s so cool that there’s a space for me in this ecosystem.
“And so to watch my friends go off to do these giant movies, to see Greta doing ‘Barbie’ and stuff like that, to me it just opens up the possibilities,” he adds. “Each time a friend of mine sets some new record or moves into some new space, I’m kind of like: Oh, that just opened up for all of us now.”
His earlier work often featured raw sex scenes, sometimes featuring Swanberg himself. From practically the start of his career, well predating the #MeToo-era reckoning that began in 2017, Swanberg weathered accusations that he was exploitative and manipulative of his female performers. His stepback from productivity coincided with a moment when his explorations of sexual power dynamics fell out of favor. It would be easy to interpret that Swanberg preemptively soft-canceled himself to avoid a broader scandal. He doesn’t see it that way.
“Certainly in Chicago, where I’ve spent the last five years, I’m not unwelcome places,” he says, drawing a distinction between himself and “people who lose jobs or are capital-C canceled. But also my work has always pushed those boundaries and always attracted some amount of positive and negative attention.”
Though “The Sun Never Sets” has numerous kissing scenes, it doesn’t go too much further than that.
“I won’t do it,” Johnson says of more graphic scenes. “When I worked with Joe early on, I was like, ‘I love you, man — I’m not doing this.’”
For her part, Fanning had no reservations about working with Swanberg. He offered both Fanning and Smith the opportunity to work with an intimacy coordinator, but neither felt it was necessary.
“There was no planet where you’d ever be asked to do anything you were uncomfortable with,” Fanning says. “If there was ever a moment like, ‘I don’t want to do that,’ he’d be like, ‘Oh, then let’s not.’ There was a day where there was a scene and it was pouring rain outside. And we both looked at each other and he was like, ‘We’re not going to do it. The scene’s cut.’ He’s just open. And I just trusted him implicitly.”
Jake Johnson and Dakota Fanning in the movie “The Sun Never Sets.”
(SXSW)
Swanberg has long worked in an unusual style in which the script is essentially a detailed outline and the actors work to come up with their own dialogue during rehearsals. For “The Sun Never Sets,” Swanberg and Johnson developed the longest, most complete outline Swanberg has ever used, including some dialogue exchanges. Then the actors were allowed to make it their own.
Fanning recalled an early Zoom call with Swanberg and Johnson on which they explained the process.
“It’s still made like a real film,” Fanning says. “And Jake and Joe promised it’s not like we’re just flying by the seat of our pants: ‘You will know what to say, I promise.’ And then friends that know me asked, ‘Are you so nervous?’ And I was, but for some reason, I don’t know why, I just knew that it was going to be fine. And that just proved to be true.”
Even though it takes places in Anchorage, Swanberg calls “The Sun Never Sets” “extremely personal.”
“I was definitely writing a movie about a divorced mid-40s guy dating a younger person,” he says. “The questions of marriage and having children were sort of an amalgam of two real relationships that I merged into one onscreen.” He describes the material as “questions that I had and have about what my own relationships are going to look like post-divorce.”
That comes through in Fanning’s rich, layered performance, which might rank among the best of her already lengthy career. Swanberg’s style draws both an ease and an intensity from Fanning, who captures a woman at a pivotal moment of figuring out what she wants amid the emotional whirlwind she is going through. (At the film’s premiere, Fanning said, “I’ve never put so much of myself into a role before.”)
“I think the goal of Joe’s films, and I think at least my goal with this film, is trying to make everything feel real,” she says. “Things are just a mess some of the time.”
Dakota Fanning and Cory Michael Smith in “The Sun Never Sets.”
(SXSW)
Swanberg himself appears in a small role as the new husband of the ex-wife of Johnson’s character. And the characters of the two kids in the movie are named after the director’s own children. With a newfound maturity and emotional depth, Swanberg is continuing to make movies that are part diary, part generational markers.
“It’d be really cool in my 40s to make movies about characters in their 40s,” he says, “and in my 50s, 60s and 70s. It’d be neat to be making sexually explicit movies about 70-year-olds in their dating lives and sex lives and stuff. It’s really exciting to have movies about characters at this phase of their life, whether they’re finally settling down in their 40s or whether they’re getting out of relationships and reexamining their life. It’s where my head is at.” .
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect spring getaway, this beach needs to be on your radar.
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This spot has some of the best views in the country(Image: Getty)
As the UK welcomes warmer weather and springtime approaches, the allure of the beach becomes irresistible. With an abundance of stunning coastlines to choose from in the UK, deciding on the perfect spot can be a challenge.
Thankfully, the experts at Go Outdoors have done the hard work for you, compiling a list of the crème de la crème by analysing data from across the country. The research considered spring temperatures, rainfall records, sunshine hours and Google reviews of UK beaches, culminating in a definitive list of the nation’s top springtime beaches.
Taking the top spot is a breathtaking beach boasting 7.8 hours of daily sunshine during spring and minimal rainfall.
This idyllic location is none other than Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex, which achieved an impressive score of 9.60 out of ten in the Go Outdoors study. Visitors can enjoy picturesque river walks, a vast coastline and views of some of the country’s most renowned cliffs.
The beach itself is a sight to behold, but there’s also plenty to discover in the surrounding area. It offers one of the best vantage points of the Seven Sisters – England’s iconic white cliffs – and you can meander along the Cuckmere River towards the sea, reports the Express.
Praise for the beach abounds on TripAdvisor, with one gentleman enthusing: “Absolutely stunning scenery. Long walks and perfect for the family I loved every second of walking these beautiful cliffs. You can also see the Seven Sisters the whole time for those are into history.”
Another commented: “Wow – this iconic sight takes your breath away! The cliffs are blindingly white and the beach and surrounding countryside is so pretty. Everyone should see this once in their lifetime.”
Numerous visitors caution that some of the pathways around the beach can become muddy and slippery, so proper footwear is essential – though there are ample spots to pause and rest along your journey.
Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, advised: “When planning your spring beach trip, keep in mind that British weather can still be unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry in case of sudden showers, choose supportive, waterproof footwear for any slippery sand or rocks, and layer your clothing so you can easily adjust to changing temperatures.
“Sun protection is also important, even in spring. Apply a generous layer of suncream before you head out, and don’t forget a cap and sunglasses to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.”
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/
Eight players were ejected and a referee was knocked to the floor, requiring medical attention, after a brawl broke out during South Alabama’s 80-70 victory against Coastal Carolina in a Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball tournament game Wednesday in Pensacola, Fla.
Coastal Carolina forward Tracey Hueston has been suspended by the conference for the rest of the postseason. South Alabama’s Cordasia Harris, Amyah Sutton and Daniela Gonzalez each received a one-game suspension.
The incident started during a stop in action with 5:39 remaining in the fourth quarter when Harris appeared to bump into Hueston from behind underneath the basket. Hueston turned and took a swing at Harris, and others rushed in to separate the players.
Hueston took another swing and appeared to inadvertently hit referee Marla Gearhar with a forearm to the head or neck area. Gearhar was knocked to the floor and remained on her back until multiple staff members and a medical professional were able to attend to her.
The conference later announced that Gearhar “was evaluated by medical personnel at the Pensacola Bay Center and was released.”
A double technical foul was called on Hueston and Harris. They were ejected from the game, along with South Alabama’s Sutton, Gonzalez, Terren Coffil, Saneea Bevley, Princess Okafor Nweze and Jeriyah Baines.
“It’s unfortunate we had the incident with South Al today. I know Tracey Hueston regrets that,” Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Pederson said after the game. “She’s an incredible model citizen off the floor and she knows she can’t act that way. That was extremely frustrating for everybody, certainly something we don’t approve of in this program. It’s nothing you want to see.”
South Alabama athletic director Joel Erdmann said in a statement that while “the incident that took place during Wednesday’s game is extremely unfortunate and unacceptable,” he does not believe Harris, Sutton and Gonzalez were deserving of suspensions.
“After an extensive internal review, I do not believe the actions of all three of our student-athletes rose to the level of being classified as fighting as defined by the NCAA rule book,” Erdmann said. “This judgment has negatively impacted the tournament experience of our suspended student-athletes and stripped them of limited opportunities to compete in the postseason.
“Though I strongly disagree with the judgment of the officials, we will accept the decision from the Sun Belt Conference and turn our focus to supporting coach [Yolisha] Jackson and her team in [Thursday’s] tournament game against Texas State.”
WHEN it comes to March, the weather is on the turn and spring is in the air – so where is Sun Travel planning on going to make the most of it?
We’ve got plans to head to beautiful European cities, American theme parks and of course plenty of staycation spots too…
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Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has plans to visit Spain’s BilbaoCredit: AlamyMarch is a great time to explore Orlando with the weather being much milder than in summerCredit: Alamy
Bilbao, Spain
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has her eye on one popular spot in Europe. She said: “My love for Spain only grew last year, after visiting both Madrid and Seville.
“So this year my plan is to explore even more of the Brit-loved country – this time heading to Bilbao. It is the closest Spanish city you can fly to directly from the UK, taking as little as 1hr50.
“Its main attraction is the modern art Guggenheim Museum, which opened nearly 30 years ago. Otherwise it also has a fantastic food scene too, loved for its ‘pinxtos’ (tapas).
“And with TUI launching new city break packages – which include return flights from six major airports – there’s never been a better time to go.”
Or, you can fly there with easyJet from £22.99, or Vueling from £26.
Northumberland, UK
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill is planning a trip to the north of the UK. She said: “When you don’t want to faff about with getting to the airport two hours early or face the length queues at passport control, a break within the UK is ideal.
“Just pack up the car and get going. So in March, I plan on heading further north to explore the Northumberland coastline.
“The county has some of the best beaches in the country, of course there’s the famous Bamburgh – other beautiful spots include Embleton Bay, Beadnell Bay, and Druridge Bay.
“I don’t mind if there’s a little chill or breeze in the air on the beach. I’m very happy to wrap up and take a hot chocolate onto the sands if need be.
“But in March there’s likely to be fewer crowds and a hint of spring sunshine, just the way I like it.”
A one-night stay for two at The Bamburgh Castle Inn starts from £89 in March on Booking.com.
Bamburgh Beach is known for its beautiful castle on the headlandCredit: Getty
Orlando, USA
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens said: “I’m heading off to Orlando, Florida this March – and this destination is an all-round entertainer for families and friend groups alike.
“Weather in March is warm and comfortable, sitting in the mid 20s, just before the sweltering heat of the summer kicks in.
“I’m actually not visiting Walt Disney World this time around – but there’s no need to when there’s so much to do in the city itself.
“Foodies and fans of craft beers will enjoy afternoons spent strolling Orlando’s Winter Garden, whilst the Plant Street Market is packed full with handmade products and souvenirs.
“Not to mention basking in the Americana atmosphere at dive bars and sports matches, with the NBA season being well underway at this time of year.
“But if you do choose to visit the world-famous Walt Disney resort in March, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will be in full swing from 4 March – 1 June.
“Here there’s jaw-dropping flower sculptures, plus the Garden Rocks Concert series to sing and dance along to.
“Plus if you head to Universal Orlando Resort at this time of year, you can take part in their colourful Mardi Gras Carnaval festivities between February 7 – April 4.”
With loveholidays, family breaks to Florida start from £569pp.
Barcelona, Spain
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot is heading to beautiful Barcelona. She said: “March is a perfect time to visit the Spanish city by the sea. Temperatures are warming up with highs of 17C in the day, perfect for sightseeing.
“And with far fewer visitors at this time of year, the top tourist spots will feel much less crowded.
“I’m visiting the city after a cruise on a new NCL mega ship but there will hopefully still be time to take in the Sagrada Familia – which just last week saw the final piece laid in place, an astonishing 144 years after work first began.
“Sadly, I will have just missed the Sant Medir Festival, which kicks off on March 3 in the old town Gracia and sees parades, horses and to the delight of children, sees sweets, treats and toffees thrown to onlookers from the procession.”
Three nights’ room-only at the 3-star Catalonia Sagrada Familia is from £379pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on March 9 and 22kg luggage – see jet2holidays.com.
The beautiful Sagrada Familia is nearly complete 144 years after work beganCredit: AlamyReporter Jenna Stevens plans on getting back to nature and exploring the Lake DistrictCredit: Getty
Lake District, UK
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens is also planning on exploring more of the UK, she said: “As the clouds start to part from the skies in springtime and the sun makes more of an appearance, you might start to feel the itch to get out and about and explore the UK. I know I do.
“And when it comes to scenic UK destinations, I think the Lake District is pretty unbeatable.
“Head to Keswick in the north of England’s largest national park to see the ‘Queen of the Lakes’ Derwentwater, or stay in Coniston in the south for a breath-takingly rugged landscape.
“Visiting in March means less wintery sludge to trudge through, and more bright green grass and the warmth of the sun on your back as you take your pick of gorgeous hiking trails.
“And to spice up the days with something a bit different, you can take a trip to The Lakes Distillery for some cheeky tastings, or visit The World of Beatrix Potter family attraction.
“So whether you’re pitching up a tent to unzip to an unreal view like so many of the hiking TikToks I’ve seen, or going full-on digital detox and leaving the devices at home, you can’t go wrong with a spring spent in the Lakes.”
The World of Frozen will open at Disneyland Paris at the end of MarchCredit: Disney
Disneyland Paris, France
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding wants a first look at the World of Frozen, she said: “As spring slowly approaches, March is the ideal time to get away to make it feel like you’re escaping the cold weather quicker.
“And what better way to feel warm, then being full of adrenaline venturing around Disneyland Paris?
“This is exactly what I will be doing in March for a couple of days and it is perfectly timed for the opening of the new Frozen Land attraction on March 29.
“I can’t wait to feel like a princess in the Kingdom of Arendelle and venture into Elsa’s Ice Palace.”
You can head off to Disneyland Paris on March 26 for two nights from £1,433.32, based on a family of four including London flights, hotel and park tickets.
English Riviera, UK
Lisa is also hoping to take advantage of the warmer weather in the UK, explaining: “It may not be peak season but there’s still plenty to see and do on the English Riviera in early spring.
“The first flowers are blooming on walks along the South West Coast Path but there’s still plenty to do indoors if the weather does close in.
“One of my favourite treasures is Kents Cavern in Torquay where guides will lead you through the complex of caves that were formed 2.5million years ago – over time the huge stalagmites and stalactites sealed in the evidence of the Ice Age occupations.
“Explorations over the last 200 years have uncovered the remains of woolly mammoths, woolly rhinos, cave bears and hyenas and the oldest evidence of modern humans in Europe.
“Warm up after a bracing harbourside walk in Brixham at Rockfish where the freshest seafood from the neighbouring fish market is served up alongside unlimited chips.
“Just opened on the seafront at Torquay, the Hotel Indigo looks like a sleek cruise liner docked on the English Riviera and features 135 luxury rooms with Art Deco styling.”
The plush Hotel Indigo has just opened on the seafront in TorquayCredit: Hotel Indigo Torquay
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Alice is also heading to a very popular Canary Island. She said: “I’m trying a little further afield and heading to Lanzarote.
“I’ve heard so many times that the Canary Island is one of the best for sunshine year-round with daytime highs of up to 24C in March.
“Putting that into perspective, the UK has highs of 11C and a lot more forecast rain.
“Heading to the south of the island I’m planning on enjoying Lanzarote’s beautiful beaches, and of course head into bars along the palm-tree lined promenade.
“The volcanic island also has plenty of nature to be explored to depending how much of the holiday-mode I’m in, I could be tempted to go on a sunrise hike.”
One-way flights to Lanzarote are as little as £13 in March.
With On the Beach, a 7-night stay at the THB Royal in Playa Blanca on March 10 (room-only) starts from £215pp.
DREAMING of swapping British grey skies for year-round sunshine?
Good news: moving abroad to a place by the beach may be easier than you’d think, plus you can even save hundreds of pounds on rent every month and cut the cost of food, beer, and tax.
Polly made the move to Barbados after the pandemic wiped out her travel business back in the UKCredit: Supplied
From European coastal cities to Caribbean islands, these expat hotspots provide year-round sun, and your money can stretch much further.
Here’s our pick of sunshine spots with affordable rent, cheap drinks and laid-back lifestyles – plus how to actually go about moving there in 2026.
Portugal
With 300 days of sun a year, world-class cuisine and a laid-back vibe – why would you not want to move to Portugal?
It turns out many Brits have been asking themselves this question. In fact, the country is becoming an increasingly popular choice for British expats.
And it’s no surprise this European hotspot is becoming so popular to relocate to, with plenty of postcard-perfect towns to explore and an extensive, stunning coastline.
From the cobbled streets and grand cathedral of Faro Old Town, to kayaking through Benagil Cave, there’s plenty to explore here that feels worlds away from the UK grind.
The Algarve has long been a popular choice for Brits to settle down in, with its golden coves, affordable bars and a sizeable expat community.
And with around 3000 hours of sun a year, and beaches like Praia da Marinha on your doorstep, the southernmost tip of Portugal is pretty hard to beat.
Plus, one of the best parts about this region is its affordability.
A bottle of local beer will only cost you €0.95 (83p), and a meal at a restaurant averages just €13.68 (£11.97) according to data from Wise.
Those looking for a younger crowd and a trendy feel can opt for the country’s capital, Lisbon.
Hop on the vintage yellow tram and spend your days stopping off at magnificent castles, strolling the city’s lively, narrow streets and finding treasures at flea markets.
In the evenings, the capital glows orange with dramatic sunsets. These views are best enjoyed outdoors at a tapas bar, with a glass of local wine and some affordable petiscos (small plates) to snack on.
Expat Lauren Clark relocated from busy London to laid-back Lisbon, and reflected on just how much cheaper her day-to-day has been.
And rent in this region is inexpensive, too. We found charming, traditional apartments from just €400 (£350) per month on the “Rightmove of Portugal” site, Idealista.
Expat Lauren relocated from busy London to laid-back LisbonCredit: SuppliedPraia da Marinha in the Algarve could become your local beachCredit: GettyLisbon’s pretty pastel streets are best explored by its eléctricos, or tramsCredit: Alamy
“I have been amazed how my money has been able to go further compared to back home.
“At many bars, restaurants and quiosques, you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.
“A ride on a regional train service – such as from the 40 minutes from Lisbon to Caiscais – will set you back only a couple of euros.
“Meanwhile, the monthly ‘Navegante’ travel pass gives you unlimited use of publictransport– including the famous trams – in the capital area for less than £30 per month”.
Barbados
Ever wished you could ditch the work desk to sip from coconuts on the white sandy beach of a tropical island?
It’s safe to say that the views working from Barbados beat those of back home.
Plus, relocating to Barbados may be easier than you think – especially if you already work remotely.
With the Welcome Stamp visa, you can spend a year on the island as a non-national working remotely for businesses based elsewhere in the world.
Mullins Beach in Western Barbados is known for green sea and leatherback turtle-spottingCredit: Getty
You must receive an income of at least £36,000 per year to receive this renewable visa, plus individuals must make an initial payment of £1,500.
But once you’ve bagged your Welcome Stamp, you can enjoy your lunch breaks on the beach and spend weekends exploring the island.
Some of the very best beaches include the lively Mullins Beach, as well as Paynes Bay, popular among sun-seekers and green sea turtles alike.
Top-quality rum cocktails can be found at beach bars dotted around the island, whilst local Bajan food can be enjoyed at affordable spots like Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown.
And with a beer averaging BDS $5 (£1.83) and the average meal costing you BDS $40 (£14.67), you can laze on the sands without stressing about spending too much money.
“Once you know where to go, you can get a fish cutter sandwich for around 18 Barbadian dollars” (£7) says expat Polly Gould.
Post-work drinks could look like rum cocktails on the beach in BarbadosCredit: AlamyPolly Gould says she feels ‘extremely blessed’ every day to live on the island of BarbadosCredit: Supplied
“In the evening, you can pop to Oistins (Barbados’ smallest town known for its Friday night Fish Fry) for fish, salad and sides for $35 BDS (£12.87).”
“The island is small and easy to get around, and people are really friendly and welcoming,” agrees fellow expat Nicola.
“The weather is a constant 30°C or thereabouts all year round, the white sand beaches and crystal clear aquamarine seas are stunning, and it’s still possible to get off the beaten track, which we love.”
We found apartments overlooking the sea of Silver Sands beach from £684 a month on rental site Terra Caribbean.
Cyprus
Cyprus sees hot summers with highs of 30°C and mild winters reaching 14°C, making it a year-round winner for sun seekers.
Top beaches include the turquoise crescent of Coral Bay frequented by families, as well as Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, which is popular among party-goers.
Pair this with beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of historical sites to explore, and you won’t be short of things to do in this slice of Mediterranean paradise.
“In the summer it’s a hive of activity – boat trips along the coastline, buggy and jeep safaris in the Akamas, amazing fresh food in the family-owned restaurants” says expat Anna Warburton.
“In the winter it’s a select group of locals and expats – it’s like living in a real life soap, like Emmerdale but much warmer and with less murder.”
Areas such as Paphos are popular for brilliant beaches and great value for money when it comes to property, whilst Limassol has lots of job opportunities and a luxury-feel marina.
The Blue Lagoon of the Akamas Peninsula is reachable by boat from Latchi Harbor in PaphosCredit: GettyBrit expat Anna Warburton swapped life in the UK for the holiday hotspot – where she enjoys year-round sunshine with her cat RichardCredit: Supplied
Plus, apart from the change in surroundings and warmer temperatures, a move here won’t feel like too much of a change.
Cyprus uses the same plug socket style as the UK, and cars drive on the left hand side of the road.
In fact the country has lots of familiar favourites from the UK, including M&S supermarkets and even a Wagamamas restaurant. So you won’t be missing your home comforts!
In fact, Brits enjoy Cyprus so much that they make up the second-largest population of non-national residents after Greek expats.
According to Wise, the average restaurant meal costs just €15.00 (£13.12) whilst a bottle of local beer will set you back just €3.00 (£2.60).
Plus you can find apartments to rent from as little as €390 (£341) per month on popular Cyprus marketplace site Bazaraki.
Australia
You may have seen old friends and colleagues cropping up all over Australia on your Instagram feed recently, and there’s a reason everyone seems to be flocking out there.
The ‘Aussie effect’ is certainly real – and may leave you more relaxed, upbeat and with more sun-kissed skin than ever before.
It’s no surprise that days spent surfing, sunbathing and exercising can leave you looking and feeling more youthful.
And with influencers and celebs like Love Island star Patsy Field ditching the UK for a life down under, it seems a lot of Brits have followed suit.
Sunny Perth has the highest population of English residents in Australia, with almost one in ten Perth residents being born in England.
Nearly one in ten Perth residents were born in EnglandCredit: GettyA post-work surf session isn’t a rare occurence in sunny SydneyCredit: Getty
Perth blends sugar-white beaches such as Cottesloe with street art and sculptures, giving the city a relaxed and artsy feel. Plus, trips to Rottnest Island to spot quokkas are an adorable perk of being based here.
Sydney is another popular choice. Here you can enjoy an equally exciting and healthy lifestyle in a major city where the beach is your backyard.
5am run clubs rule the mornings, whilst post-work routines can look like a dip in the Bondi Icebergs before debriefing the day with your mates on the beach. Is there any better way to fast-track that sun-kissed glow?
The trendy bars of Melbourne, the South Bank of Brisbane, the burnt orange sunsets of the Gold Coast – the options are endless in this vast and varied country.
Expat Lewy (lewyp23 on TikTok) and his partner moved to Adelaide in South Australia, and has since raved about his relocation.
Lewy described leaving the UK to escape “miserableweatherand negative people”, and now enjoys sunny weather, a cheaper cost of living and a salary increase since relocating.
“It’s highly likely that we will never live in the UK again because it cannot offer us the life we’ve got now”, he said in one TikTok video.
There are multiple visa options when it comes to relocating to Australia, including a Work-stream permanent visa if you manage to land sponsored employment.
And with the Skills in Demand visa having launched in December of 2025, it has now become even easier for skilled workers to make the move.
If your profession makes the list of skilled occupation shortages, you may be able to land this four-year visa. Occupation shortages include midwives, electricians and headteachers.
We’ve found studio apartments to rent in Perth from as little as £460 per month on Australian rental site realestate.com.au.
Spain
Spain remains a solid choice for Brits relocating abroad for a spot of sun and an inexpensive lifestyle.
As the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world, there’s no shortage of stunning shores to pick from if you want to live by the beach.
Benidorm‘s Playa de Levante has an unbeatable upbeat atmosphere, whilst the scenic Playa de la Caleta in Cádiz sits between two castles.
La Caleta in Cadiz is sandwiched between two impressive castlesCredit: GettyRelax in Spain at tapas bars, where great beers and wines can cost less than €3 (£2.60)Credit: Getty
But Spain’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches. The country offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent food, and a strong expat community – all whilst being just a short flight from the UK.
Whether you’re after a relaxed retirement or a vibrant city scene, there’s a corner of Spain to suit every type of expat.
The Costa del Sol remains one of the most popular areas, with destinations like Marbella, Estepona and Nerja offering sunshine for more than 300 days a year.
Think palm-lined promenades, bustling tapas bars and a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new friends and fellow expats.
Costa Blanca is another solid choice thanks to its affordable lifestyle and charming seaside towns.
Places like Alicante and Torrevieja blend a beachy lifestyle with modern amenities, with many drawn to the relaxed pace and easy access to shops and transport links.
For those looking for city life, Barcelona and Madrid offer a completely different side of Spain.
Barcelona is buzzing with bold architecture, busy markets and a thriving cafe culture, whilst Madrid boasts elegant boulevards and classy late-night dining.
Food and drink across Spain is often far more affordable than in the UK.
Bright and colourful houses line up along the beach in the old town of Vila Joiosa, AlicanteCredit: GettyRelocating somewhere sunny doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult with these picksCredit: Getty
A glass of local wine at the neighbourhood bar is part of the daily rhythm rather than a special occasion, and costs between €2 – €5 (£1.75 – £4.40) on average.
And with a local beer averaging at €3 (£2.60) and a cappuccino costing just €1.90 (£1.66), there’s no need to worry about spending too much whilst you’re out socialising.
“On average, most retirees can live comfortably on around €30,490 (£26,500) per year, covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and leisure” says Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International.
“Those opting for coastal or rural areas typically find their money goes further than in major cities.
“Almería, Granada, Murcia, Lugo, and Torrevieja are some of the cheapest places to retire in Spain”.
Idealista is a popular site for properties to rent in Spain, and we’ve found apartments listed for as little as £447 per month in Costa Brava.
The first occasion, I spotted my mistake on the train to the airport just one stop from home and was able to make a quick return.
The second time, I was AT the airport before I realised my mistake.
Cue getting my husband out of bed and handing over the correct passport to a taxi driver who sped to the airport and passed it through the car window as I shoved £60 cash into his hands!
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Wrong season clothes in New Zealand
My three months backpacking was one of my first big trips by myself, ready to explore Southeast Asia.
Packing just shorts and bikinis, I forgot to check the weather at my first stop – New Zealand.
Rocking up to Auckland in weather colder than the UK, I quickly realised I was going to struggle by the time we hit the ski town of Franz Josef.
My strict budget was eaten into when I had to invest in warm trousers and thick jumpers, costing a lot more than they would have in the UK and spending about NZ$120 (£53) in the end.
Safe to say I learned to check Met Office before going abroad.
– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Scam Egypt tours
On my recent visit to Hurghada, I was expecting great things from the activities I had planned, having trawled through a generally positive mass of reviews on TripAdvisor and Google.
Sadly, these experiences turned out to be far from what was promised – dangerous transfers, private tours turned into large group ones and back alley services that pushed me way out of my comfort zone.
By tour three, I’d come to expect the unexpected and was so fed up, I asked to leave early – meaning I lost out on all the money I’d splashed for a dinner in the desert.
Of course, not all Hurghada excursions are like this. This area is known for its impressive coral reefs and windsurfing – and there are some cracking experiences you can book.
The best way to know you’re getting what you paid for is by going off recommendation.
Keep an eye on the price, too. If it seems too good to be true, with maddeningly cheap prices, it probably is.
And if that fails, scrutinise the reviews with a harsh eye. If they are listed as 5* but the review is very short and vague, it’s likely a false one.
That way you can ensure you’re not spending over the odds on something that’s no where near up to scratch. Pay cheap, pay twice.
– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Scams are common in Egypt unless you are carefulCredit: Alamy
Holding credit card fees in America
Sometimes you come across a bargain hotel deal that looks too good to be true – and sadly, sometimes it is.
When travelling across California in a group of three broke students, I was of course scouring the internet for the absolute cheapest hotels I could find.
I stumbled across a Sheraton hotel for our stop at LAX – a spacious room for 3 for just $60 (£44.50) each for the night was a bargain deal, plus I’d heard of the hotel chain before. All seemed well.
But in gunning for a bargain I’d missed the T&Cs of the stay, so when I was charged a $100 (£74) deposit for the night I was shocked to say the least.
$100 is an awful lot to a group of backpackers coming towards the end of their trip, and although you get your money back, I didn’t receive it back in my bank account until I was home in the UK.
Now I always make sure to scan the small print before booking a stay.
– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
Remember the credit card rules when in the USCredit: Getty
Roaming fee mistake in Switzerland
We all know about roaming charges since we left the EU – or so I thought.
My current contract allows me to use my phone for free across Europe.
Yet I completely forgot that Switzerland is not included in this, being part of the EEA instead of the EU.
My trip ended with a very expensive £50 phone bill after I arrived and forgot to turn it off.
Makes sure to always include a cap in your contract for out of service charges.
Without this, I wouldn’t have been alerted to hitting my £50 limit, and it could have run into hundreds.
– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Check your roaming rules before you goCredit: Getty
Poor haggling in Morocco
It can be nerve-wracking to say the least heading into the markets to haggle for goods on holiday. Even if you’ve done your research and know how to bargain, it doesn’t make the reality of the moment any easier.
I knew I wanted to come home with a piece of jewellery to remember my holiday in Morocco’s Fes, so I headed into a shop glimmering with silver and gold handmade pieces.
A beautiful gold bracelet with a giant sage-coloured stone soon caught my eye, and the shopkeeper quickly noticed my interest. Before I knew it, I was having the bracelet fitted onto my wrist.
Facing the shopkeeper’s eager grin, I knew I’d gotten myself into the exact situation I’d been wanting to avoid. “1,100 MAD” I was quoted, which is about £90.
“I only have 400 MAD” I replied, and soon found myself paying 40 Great British pounds for a bracelet I was scared to search for on Temu in case I saw it pop up.
My moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to come in with an initial offer that feels almost unreasonably low – and don’t be afraid to simply leave the shop, either.
– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
You can get a bargain in Morocco – as long as you haggle rightCredit: Alamy
Sneaky Wizz Air boarding fees
When you fly, checking in doesn’t seem like the most urgent thing when you know you can do it at the airport.
But with Wizz Air you have a window where you must check-in online, and if you miss it – well, you have to check in at the airport for fee.
This set me back around £40 and all they did was print off my boarding pass…
To avoid, make sure to set up a reminder on your phone for when the check in window opens.
– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Wizz Air has some sneaky rules to know regarding your boarding passCredit: Getty
