Sunshine holidays

Ryanair passengers checking in luggage will have less time to reach the airport desk under a new deadline

Anyone travelling with Ryanair who leave their airport journey until the last minute could risk missing their flight when a new rule takes effect. From Tuesday, November 10, airport check-in and bag-drop desks will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.

The change means travellers checking in a suitcase will need to get their bags accepted earlier than they may be used to, even if they have already checked in online. For a flight scheduled to leave at 10am, the deadline will move from 9.20am to 9am. Ryanair carried 206.5 million passengers in the 2025 calendar year.

Travel expert Arber Abdullahu, from TripSIM, has urged holidaymakers to check their airport arrangements before setting off, particularly if they have booked a transfer. He warned that having a boarding pass on a phone does not mean a checked bag has been accepted or that passengers can arrive at the desk whenever they like.

“Checking in online can make you feel that everything is sorted. But if you’re taking a suitcase that needs to go in the hold, you still have a separate deadline to meet at the airport,” he said.

Getting to the airport and reaching the correct desk are not necessarily the same thing, as travellers may need to park, take a shuttle, find their terminal and queue. Anyone relying on a transfer that arrives shortly before the cut-off should review the timings rather than treating the deadline as their target arrival time.

The change could also catch people out on their return journey if they are away when the new rule begins. Someone flying out before November 10 but returning on or after that date should check the deadline for both legs and make sure their hotel pick-up leaves enough time to reach the airport.

“Don’t assume the routine that worked on your outbound flight will work for your return. Check your hotel pick-up time and tell the transfer provider which flight you are taking,” Mr Abdullahu said.

Ryanair says the earlier cut-off is intended to give passengers more time to get through airport security and passport-control queues before reaching their departure gate. The airline says around 20 per cent of its passengers check in a bag, while those who check in online and travel without checked luggage will be unaffected by the bag-drop change.

Passengers should remember that online check-in has a separate deadline and remains open until two hours before departure. Anyone using airport check-in or bag drop should check the latest instructions for their flight and allow enough time to complete each stage of the journey.

Travel experts at Adventure360 which runs gap years for 18-30 year olds have revealed the three destinations that are well worth having on your radar next year

Gone are the days when a gap year often meant travelling around on a tight budget, partying as much as possible and ticking off a couple of landmarks. Nowadays, younger travellers are looking for activity holidays full of memorable experiences, decent accommodation, and activities that aren’t centred around alcohol, according to travel insiders at Adventure360.

Jane McLellan-Green, one of the firm’s co-founders, and Amy Calthorpe, a Travel Advisor at the brand, spend their days looking for hidden gems, unique experiences and other adventures for intrepid explorers aged 18-30.

“Adventure tours is our big thing,” Jane told the Mirror exclusively. “Whereas back in the day it was working, volunteering – which we still offer – but the group tours is the biggie.” She explained that the firm increasingly receives requests from young professionals as well as students and graduates. She added that they do “have some customers that just want to party”, but noted “there has been a shift as well where a lot of young people are not drinking anymore, and they kind of want to do more sort of hiking, or yoga lessons, or surfing”.

So, where are the emerging destinations for an adventure in 2027? The travel pros shared some of their top picks with the Mirror…

The ‘Stans’

BBC’s Race Across the World has sparked a surge of interest in Central Asia’s “-stans” (aka Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), after they featured on one of the legs of the recent series. “[The contestants] went through it, and suddenly everyone was like, ‘I want to go there!’,” explained Jane. “So we are going to be adding new trips. We’re still educating ourselves but the landscapes are insane, and I think you don’t go to the Stans to party. It is for the customers who want to sort of get off the beaten track, go to the places that aren’t kind of visited as much.”

Social media has also played a key part to the emerging popularity, according to Amy. “The Stans are all over Tiktok, so many people are going there now,” the travel pro added. “I definitely think that’s on the rise. I think that will be really popular next year once there’s a little bit more knowledge about it and everything.”

She added: “We’ve got activities included like horseback riding, which you wouldn’t necessarily get on a normal tour. You stay in different accommodations like in the tents. I think it’s just really cool, and I think it’s probably a destination as well that people probably wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable doing solo, like completely independently, so that’s why the tours are a little bit more popular.”

China

China recently eased up its visa requirements for Brits, meaning that until December 31, 2026, UK passport holders can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days. “China’s become really, really popular,” Amy explained, adding that “everyone wants to do it”, with the firm’s China tours quickly selling out.

Amy explained: “China is so popular. Honestly before, like maybe a couple of months ago, China wouldn’t ever have been somewhere that was on my list to even consider.” Both Amy and Jane reckon that the country’s appearance on TV shows – including Race Across the World – have opened up audiences to the various destinations on offer in the country, other than classic hotspots such as the Great Wall. For example, Avatar fans have been flocking to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the Hunan Province, which are believed to have inspired filmmakers behind the world of Pandora.

Morocco

Morocco isn’t a hidden gem, but according to the travel pros, it’s been enjoying a surge of interest from adventure travellers, who want to make the most of the bustling souks, but also explore some of the country’s breathtaking deserts. When asked what might be causing its popularity, Jane said there were two big factors. The first, was price. “It’s cheap!” she said, pointing to the flight and accommodation options you can find on a budget. The second factor? The Middle East conflict which saw travel plans disrupted earlier this year, with the Foreign Office still issuing travel advice to countries close to the ‘unpredictable’ tensions.

With Morocco being a short flight but boasting year-round sunshine and hot weather, as well as a plethora of unique experiences including camping in the desert, it offers an exciting alternative to some classic European city breaks that might not entice Brits. (Not to mention it’s got a flight time of around four hours, so it’s easy to do for a week’s break). “It’s a little bit further than doing a European trip but you’re also not having to venture too far from home,” said Amy.

Jane added: “For someone who wants to have a cheeky week away or have an adventure, it’s a really great holiday and you don’t have to spend much money.”

Six in 10 Brits will experience ‘sun withdrawal’ after the clocks go back, with Spain, Greece and Portugal among the top autumn sun holiday destinations according to new research

Six in 10 Brits will experience ‘sun withdrawal’ now the clocks have gone back, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 45% long for warm temperatures as soon as they disappear, particularly following an unprecedented summer of sunshine.

The abrupt change has left almost three in 10 (29%) booking or planning a sunny autumn or winter escape amid fears of “sun withdrawal”. While 75% believe a week of guaranteed sun would positively affect their mood.

The all-inclusive holiday provider Club Med, which commissioned the research, marked the return to GMT by bringing a temporary dose of summer to London’s Southbank, installing a giant SAD lamp to brighten up the capital as the darker months set in.

The installation invited Londoners to take a moment out of their day, whether relaxing on a deck chair, soaking up the sunshine-inspired light or simply doing nothing for a few minutes.

The activation brought the all-inclusive’s ‘The Art of Free Time’ philosophy to life, highlighting the importance of taking time to switch off, both at home and on holiday.

Jérémie Hoss, managing director for Northern Europe & South Africa at the brand, said: “As the days get darker and daylight hours shrink, people are looking for ways to lift their spirits and make more time for themselves.

“Whether that’s finding little moments of calm closer to home or booking a winter escape to look forward to, making time for wellbeing becomes all the more important.

“We wanted to bring a much-needed dose of sunshine to Londoners when they need it most, and give people the freedom to switch off, recharge and spend their time exactly how they choose.”

The study also found the importance of daylight for Brits, with 83% considering access to natural daylight and sunshine important to their overall wellbeing, including 40% who described it as “very important”.

Long daylight hours were the one thing 26% would choose to enjoy all year round, ahead of warm temperatures (24%) and blue skies (16%). January was named the toughest month for mood and wellbeing by 35%, ahead of November (12%) and February (10%).

To lift spirits closer to home, 42% take walks outdoors during daylight hours, while 38% watch TV or films and 37% spend time with friends and family.

More than one in five (21%) research or plan holidays for a seasonal boost, while 19% go one step further and book a getaway, according to OnePoll figures.

Of those who knew where they would go for autumn sunshine, half would choose a destination for its warmth, while 33% prioritised relaxation and 32% wanted value for money.

More than three quarters (77%) agreed that having a holiday booked gives them something positive to look forward to during the winter months.

Guaranteed sunshine and warmth were cited as the biggest benefits of an autumn or winter getaway by 38%, while 36% wanted to escape darker days and evenings and 33% valued having something positive on the horizon.

When asked where they’d most like to escape to for an autumn sunshine boost, Spain took the top spot (41%), followed by Greece (28%), Portugal (27%), Sicily (24%) and the South of France (16%).

Cost and certainty also encourages booking a seasonal break, with more affordable prices (36%) the biggest incentive, followed by guaranteed warm weather (35%) and having plans to look forward to (31%).

To give Brits something extra to look forward to this winter, Club Med is offering the chance to win an all-inclusive holiday to the Seychelles, including flights, dining, drinks and activities.

The competition is open until 31 October, with entries submitted online.

Hoss added: “We’re seeing how much people value having something positive to look forward to during the darker months, and a winter escape can offer more than just a change of scenery.

“But planning a holiday shouldn’t add to the pressures of everyday life. We believe the real luxury is having the freedom to spend your time exactly as you choose.

“From exceptional dining to a wide choice of activities for all ages, every detail is designed to help guests leave the everyday behind, recharge in the sunshine and warmth and enjoy their holiday on their own terms.”

TOP 10 DESTINATIONS FOR AUTUMN SUNSHINE

1. Spain
2. Greece and the Greek Islands
3. Portugal
4. Sicily
5. South of France
6. Turkey
7. The Maldives
8. The Bahamas
9. Morocco
10. Thailand

The breathtaking island is about a four-hour flight from the UK and boasts heaps of history, culture, TV links and a new hotel that is going to be a hit with rock fans

There are few better places where you can move effortlessly between sunshine, sea and centuries of history than the stunning island of Malta. Friends and family had recommended it to me as the perfect holiday for a mix of sightseeing and relaxation, and it certainly delivered.

As a small island, Malta packs a punch, offering tourists everything they want right on their doorstep. There are few bigger mood killers than a day tour entailing hours and hours cooped up in the car, but Malta’s size means you can hop from place to place in no time at all.

You can easily get a boat to Gozo or the Blue Lagoon in half a day, drink in the incredible sights of Malta’s shoreline, and be back in time to hit the pool before dinner. Meanwhile, Valletta, the EU’s smallest capital, is easily accessible by car or bus, and you need only a few hours to soak up the famous yellow architecture, pretty alleyways and sea views.

The city blows you away with its vivid colours as you arrive. Valletta may be modest in size, but it is extraordinary to look at, boasting a rich history closely connected to the UK. It played a major role in World War Two and became a favourite destination of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Even today, a British influence is visible on the streets, with our famous red postboxes and iconic Victorian architecture everywhere you go.

Despite being only 0.3 square miles, Valletta offers plenty for a day trip; it boasts 320 historic sites, from the famous St John’s Co-Cathedral to Fort St Elmo. Not only that, it has been the backdrop for several hit Hollywood films, including Assassin’s Creed and Napoleon, making the city a treat for film buffs. At every turn, you are greeted by grand churches and colourful balconies, and all with a jaw-dropping coastline backdrop. A mere few hours was the perfect amount of time to explore before settling down with an Aperol Spritz.

Just a few miles along one of Malta’s most vibrant stretches of coastline lies St Julian’s, a perfect spot for those who like to swim and sunbathe during the day and head out at night. If Valletta is Malta’s historic beating heart, St Julian’s is its party spirit. As it gets dark, restaurants spill onto terraces and the waterfront fills up for sunset drinks.

Nestled nearby in the beautiful St George’s Bay is the Hard Rock Hotel Malta, which opened its doors this summer and could quickly become Malta’s go-to destination. Boasting stunning panoramic sea views, a state-of-the-art gym, a luxury spa area, and eleven (that’s right) swimming pools, it has truly thought of everything. Forgotten your sunscreen? That’s okay, because the hotel even has its own huge shopping centre and supermarket, with everything you could possibly need just a few steps from your room.

The swim-up bar at Hard Rock Hotel was also a particular highlight; I loved basking in the water with a chilled glass of wine while people-watching down onto the beach below. It made the lazy afternoons flow perfectly into the evenings, with sunbathing by the water giving way to sunset drinks on the terrace as guests soaked up the views at all points of the day.

Inside, music memorabilia gave a personal touch, while the hotel’s luxury amenities almost tempt you to forgo exploring. The hotel also boasts a wide range of stylish restaurants and bars serving impeccable food and cocktails from around the world. The experience could be a little overwhelming, but as someone who typically prefers a smaller, boutique stay, I loved the convenience that the Hard Rock Hotel offers when you have only a few days to enjoy. The spacious rooms were also gorgeous with sea-themed decor and a large balcony, and the best part is you’re guaranteed a sea view, with both sides of the hotel offering a stunning glimpse at the Maltese coastline.

If you do want to venture a little further afield for dinner, Cristiano Ronaldo’s restaurant TATEL is a must. Expect beautiful views of the bay’s sparkling waters and a menu that served up some seriously delicious fare (don’t miss out on the iconic Basque Cheesecake).

That’s why Hard Rock Hotel’s location is ideal. The comfort, convenience and style summed up my stay in Malta – everything you need is right in front of you. Exploring doesn’t have to be an ordeal when a morning in ancient streets can be quickly followed by a slow afternoon by a gorgeous pool. You have the beach, the sights, delicious food and drinks all at your fingertips. After a day of sightseeing, returning to the hotel and settling down for a terrace drink felt like part of the holiday rather than a break from it.

Travellers looking for a cost-effective and peaceful Mediterranean escape that offers more than beaches would do a lot worse than enjoy Malta’s ideal combination of history, culture, food and contemporary island life right on your hotel doorstep.

Book it

• Rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel Malta start from £210 a night, based on two adults sharing a Superior Room. Book at hotel.hardrock.com/malta.