tip

Long winter hikes, cottages with roaring fires, lazy lunches in a cosy pub … the days might be shorter but that doesn’t need to dampen the holiday fun. We’d love to hear about your favourite places in the UK for a winter rural break. Perhaps it was a cabin stay in the Lakes, a west country hotel with walks on the doorstep, an off-season seaside weekend or a hiking holiday in Wales that’s great at this time of year.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Wednesday 12 November at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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Beyond tourism hotspots such as Venice, Amalfi and Rome, Italy has no end of enticements – whether its historical sites, delicious food or impressive landscapes that you’re looking for. We want to hear about your discoveries in less well known parts of the country – perhaps it was a small mountain resort, an overlooked coastal town or a wild hiking trail.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 10 November at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

People hoping for a great holiday deal might be tempted to book their flights on a Tuesday, but this once beloved travel tip could be outdated.

Travel expert James Steele at Go2Africa highlighted the misconception that booking flights on a Tuesday could save you money.

Airlines reportedly release discounted fares on Tuesdays – and pricing algorithms were thought to reset every week.

Although this may have been true in the past, James said fares are now “adjusted dynamically with algorithms that look at demand, popularity of the route, and remaining seats”.

Flight deals no longer hinge on what day you are browsing; “flights that look cheap on Tuesday could be even cheaper on Friday,” said James.

Instead, James recommended using price trackers, such as Skyscanner and Google Flights, and pointed out that flexibility on dates could secure you a better deal.

And while the flight hack has been disputed, there are other travel tips that may no longer be valid; here, James unveiled five of the most common travel hacks that you’re better off ignoring – and what to do instead.

He said: “Not every hack works perfectly, and believing them all could make your trip more stressful, make you spend more than you need to, or could even be dangerous.”

1. HACK: ONLY BOOK THE CHEAPEST OR EARLIEST FLIGHTS

James revealed that people will choose the cheapest or earliest flight they can get, in a bid to get what they think is the best option. But he stated that while this might save you some money, it can come with hidden costs that make it less than viable.

He said: “Not only can the cheapest flights come with additional charges, for things like luggage and choosing your seats, that make it more expensive than flights you’ve not considered, they depart at inconvenient times.

“This means waking up in the middle of the night, sacrificing sleep, and spending the first days of your trip exhausted, or wasting your last day by having to get to the airport early.”

What he urges you to do instead: Don’t just think about money when you are booking your flights. There are other options to save money on your trip, so consider prioritising convenience, sleep, and logistics, such as getting to the airport and hotel check-in times, instead. Taking a more holistic approach rather than penny pinching will help you have a more enjoyable holiday.

2. HACK: SAVE MONEY BY NOT BOTHERING WITH TRAVEL INSURANCE

Skipping travel insurance might seem like a simple way to save money, but in reality it can be extremely risky, and end up costing you even more if you get stuck or in trouble.

James added: “From missed flights and lost luggage to unexpected medical emergencies, there are unfortunately many things that can go wrong on your trip that could cost you hundreds, or even thousands, and these costs could be avoided by being insured.”

What he urges you to do instead : Compare insurance providers to get the best prices, and look for coverage that fits your needs and your trip, rather than always choosing the cheapest. This routine ensures you’re covered for what you actually need, and you’re not paying for what you don’t.

3. HACK: STICK TO A STRICT ITINERARY

Travel can be unpredictable. Attractions you’ve been looking forward to seeing can unexpectedly close, weather can change which could mean you can’t go to the beach, and restaurants you saw online can become fully booked.

It’s natural to want to see everything, and not want to feel like you’re wasting any time, but planning every minute of each day of your trip can have its downsides.

James said: “Whether you’re going on a long weekend to Italy or a two week safari in Africa, being too strict with your plans can not only lead to travel burnout, but it can also mean you miss out on spontaneity, hidden gems that aren’t in the guide books, and time to actually relax to enjoy your time away.”

What he urges you to do instead: Make a list of things you must see, but avoid scheduling things back to back so you don’t become tired or rushed. Think about how much time you’ll need to truly appreciate each activity, and leave free time throughout your trip to allow you to relax and explore.

4. HACK: ONLY USE CASH TO CONTROL YOUR BUDGET

Travellers often think that only using cash can help them control their budget. Studies have shown that using a credit card “reduces the pain of payment” and increases the motivation to spend. Saving a fixed amount of money for each day also means you could avoid overspending, but only having cash can be risky, and may not actually save consumers any money.

James offered: “If you run out, you might have to pay additional fees to withdraw more, or could simply miss out on experiences that you can afford, but don’t have the cash to pay for. Having only cash can give you a false sense of frugality, and can lead to you spending money unnecessarily because you don’t want to miss out due to exchange rates when you get home.

“As well as not saving money, only carrying cash means you are more at risk of loss of theft. If you lose your wallet, or it is stolen, you lose your entire travel budget – and a lost card can be easily frozen, unlike lost cash.”

What he urges you to do instead: Make a budget before you travel, but give yourself some room for unexpected purchases and experiences. Bring some local currency for convenience, and things like tips or local markets that don’t accept card. But, don’t rely on it solely as using a combination of cash and card reduces your risk and unnecessary fees. It also provides you with both flexibility and control of your spending.

5. HACK: ROLL ALL OF YOUR CLOTHES TO SAVE SPACE SUITCASE SPACE

The “roll method” has been viral for a long time as the perfect way to pack to maximise space in your suitcase by rolling up everything and placing it in your luggage. However, while it’s perfect for lightweight items like T-shirts, it doesn’t work for bulkier items like jeans and jackets.The process can actually take up more space if it isn’t done correctly, and you can even end up accidentally going over your luggage allowance which will potentially cause problems or cost more money on your travels.

What James urges you to do instead: Roll selectively, folding heavier things and layering them at the bottom. Don’t forget about the space inside shoes that can be filled with small items, so the space isn’t wasted. Don’t pack things “just in case”. Plan full outfits, making sure you can mix and match to avoid taking too much. Dress according to the environment and climate that you are going to be holidaying in while assessing your comfort level on flights regarding the clothing you will wear in transit.

Oct. 16 (UPI) — The Columbia, S.C., field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a digital tip website seeking information about a bar shooting in St. Helena Island on Sunday that killed four people.

“Anyone with cellphone video or any other multimedia recordings of the incident is encouraged to upload media to www.fbi.gov.sthelenamassshooting,” a release from the FBI field office said.

The release said the incident remains under investigation, and that the FBI field office is offering assistance, including video analysis.

The shooting occurred at Willies Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island at about 1 a.m. Sunday during an after-party attended by between 500 and 700 people, many of whom sought shelter in nearby businesses and buildings, a statement from the sheriff’s office said.

Local police said in an update Wednesday that investigators “have lots of information” about the people involved, but will not name suspects until forensic work is completed.

The sheriff’s office is conducting DNA analysis and the State Law Enforcement Division is reviewing firearms and ballistics evidence.

Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner could not confirm whether the incident was gang related, but did say all of the victims knew each other, and that all 20 had been identified.

Are you eating out less? Is it starting to feel like a sit-down dinner, even at a casual restaurant, can set you back what you might have paid for a big celebratory meal not too long ago?

Daytime is one thing, with lunch deals or happy hour discounts coaxing more consumers out for a bite. But at prime dinnertime lately, getting the check can come with sticker shock.

Industry trends show diners are getting more selective about dining out as inflation worries wallop U.S. consumers. In a 2025 survey from global accounting firm KPMG, 85% of respondents said they are eating at home more often to save money due to budget limitations. As a result, U.S. restaurants and bars saw one of the weakest six-month periods of sales growth during the first half of 2025 — even weaker than during the COVID pandemic when lockdown orders were in place, according to a CNN analysis of Commerce Department data.

In Los Angeles, the added factors of the 2025 wildfires, ICE raids, and rising rental and labor costs make the trend feel especially acute.

But with a little strategy, it’s more than possible to have a standout meal at some of L.A.’s most exciting haunts right now without breaking your budget. For this guide, the Food team challenged ourselves to find 50 L.A. restaurants where you can dine for $50 or less per person, including tax and tip.

A nice dinner out translates differently for everyone, so we set a few parameters before beginning our search:

• The pre-tax total should be no more than $38 per person, in order to account for a roughly 10% sales tax and 20% tip. Sometimes it needs to be even less if a restaurant includes a mandatory service fee.
• The restaurant doesn’t have to offer table service, but there must be seating available to enjoy your food on-site.
• It must be open until at least 9 p.m.
• You must be able to order at least two menu items, whether that’s a starter and a main, an entree and a dessert, or a large plate and a cocktail.

The final list ranges from places ranked on The Times’ annual 101 Best Restaurants guide that require specific hacks to stay within budget, to more casual options where $50 lets you sample a wide swath of the menu. And just in case you’re bringing a date or a friend, we share suggestions for how to approach this challenge as a duo.

Note that the prices outlined below are accurate as of our most recent visits but may change based on which location you visit, whether you’re ordering in person, for pickup or delivery and other factors.

Nothing beats the magic of the mountains in winter but not all of us want to hurtle down a black run on a pair of skis or spend our nights partying in apres-ski bars. We’d love to hear about your favourite mountain resorts and villages in Europe that offer a more authentic and low-key experience than the big, purpose-built ski resorts.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 20 October at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

Share your travel tip using the form below.

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Rail travel has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and it is increasingly being seen as not just a means of transport, but an integral part of a holiday – like going on a grand tour. Flexible tickets and the resurgence of night trains mean that travellers can plot an itinerary that takes in any number of cities and countries on one trip. We’d like to hear about your best rail journey in the UK or Europe.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

Keeping teenagers happy on holiday can be a challenge, but choose the right spot and the memories will last a lifetime. We’d love to hear about holidays in Europe that have ticked the right boxes for parents and teens. Perhaps it was a coastal resort with lots of activities to keep the younger ones happy, or a city with fantastic museums, parks and restaurants for all the family. Tell us where you went and what made it particularly suitable for teenagers.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 4 August at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

The RNLI reported a staggering 17,000 people were rescued on UK beaches last year which is why it’s important to know what coloured flags indicate on UK beaches

With more and more Brits opting to holiday in the UK with staycations being one of the biggest summer travel trends, it’s important to be clued up on beach safety. New research from Visit Britain found that over 1 in 3 (35%) UK adults plan to choose a domestic holiday trip, compared to just 28% choosing an overseas trip this summer.

But worryingly, recent RNLI figures show lifeguards responded to over 17,000 people last year on UK beaches, which could have been significantly less if beachgoers understood the flag system used to mark safe and unsafe zones.

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In a effort to change this, caravan holiday provider Parkdean Resorts has detailed the differnce in flag colours and what they may mean to avoid any confusion or risking danger on the beach.

One red flag

The presence of a red flag on the beach signifies that the conditions are not safe for swimming. Do not enter the water as it’s too dangerous to swim, surf or even paddle.

Two red flags

This means that the beach can’t be used for any water use, so stay clear of the sea as there is a threat.

Orange flag

The presence of an orange windsock signifies strong wind conditions, so beachgoers should be cautious when swimming. Avoid using any inflatables as they could be blown out to sea.

Red and yellow flag

A red and yellow flag at the beach signifies that lifeguards are patrolling the area. The area between the flags is the safest area to swim, paddle and use water inflatables.

Black and white flag

A black and white chequered flag signifies that the area is designated for water sports, surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Swimmers should avoid this area and look for red and yellow flags instead.

Blue flag

Blue flags aren’t a safety flag colour but instead they signify excellent beach quality, including water cleanliness, safety provisions and environmental management. Britain has 76 blue flag beaches and wales has 21 – there are plenty of safe options for holidaymakers.

Some of these include:

• Trevone Bay, Cornwall – a picturesque sandy cove near Padstow.
• Whitley Bay, North Tyneside – stretching along the North East coast, it offers stunning views of St Mary’s Lighthouse and features a wide promenade, clean waters, and family-friendly facilities
• Sea Palling Beach, Norfolk – located near Great Yarmouth, it’s perfect for paddling, sunbathing and beachcombing
• Trecco Bay, Wales – this long sandy beach in Porthcawl is ideal for families with safe, clean waters and seasonal lifeguards
• Westward Ho!, Devon – famous for its expansive sands and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is backed by a natural pebble ridge and has superb accessibility

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

The ancient Lindos Acropolis in Rhodes is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island — but one local’s tip will help you avoid the crowds

Cruising along the twisting coast of Rhodes towards Lindos, with the breeze wafting through the car on a scorching June day, I was buzzing with anticipation for the day’s plans. My family and I were soaking up the sun in Greece, eager to explore the ancient Lindos Acropolis — a site brimming with history, including the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, the Castle of the Knights of St John, an amphitheatre, and staggering views across the sea.

Yet, as we turned the bend and caught sight of the mountain crowned by the Acropolis, my excitement waned at a concerning sight. Through the gaps of the distant columns, I spotted tiny black specks weaving around them, packed so densely they seemed to merge into one.

“Is that… people?” I queried, half in disbelief, to which my family responded with reassurances that it simply couldn’t be — there were far too many of them.

But as is often the case, my instincts were spot on. Nearing the mountain, the reality became clear: a snaking queue of visitors stretched down the path to the Acropolis, motionless.

The historic site was swarming with tourists, disgorged en masse from the multitude of coaches parked below. It was an ominous sign indeed, reports the Express.

Undeterred, we sought out a parking spot to give it a go, but the moment we stepped into the old town, it was apparent our efforts would be futile.

The streets were chock-a-block with people, prompting us to retreat to our car. However, on our way out, we paused for a chat with the ticket operator, who revealed his clever trick for avoiding the throngs.

He suggested that if we returned around 5pm, the tourist rush would have subsided, and with the Acropolis open until 7:30pm, there’d be ample time for exploration.

Intrigued, we decided to test his theory the next day and, as it turned out, he was spot on.

We arrived at the Acropolis at 6pm, after a leisurely day of sunbathing on the beach, to find the town considerably quieter.

While there were still tourists meandering through the streets, by the time we ascended the mountain to the Acropolis, the crowds had largely dispersed, leaving only about 20 people strolling around the grounds.

The vastness of the space meant it didn’t feel congested at all, and compared to the previous day’s view from afar, it was a striking contrast. The vistas were breathtaking, and, visiting later in the day, the summer heat, though still hot, was more bearable.

We didn’t feel rushed either; the climb to the Acropolis took about 15 minutes, leaving plenty of time to drink in the sights.

With so few people around, our photos turned out much better; the near-empty Acropolis allowed us to fully appreciate its grandeur.

If you’re planning a trip to Rhodes, visiting the Acropolis is an absolute must. To avoid the throngs of tourists, we recommend going in the evening, just as we did.

An airport worker has shared a simple hack to make sure your luggage is one of the first to come off the plane – and it’s all to do with when you check in your bags

Standing around the baggage carousel can prove quite irritating at the beginning of any getaway, particularly when your case happens to be amongst the final items removed from the aircraft.

Observing fellow travellers swiftly collecting their luggage and departing the terminal only heightens this frustration.

Luckily, there is a technique that significantly increases the chances of your suitcase being amongst the first to emerge.

An airport employee suggests checking in as late as you possibly can. This approach means your baggage will probably be amongst the final items loaded onto the aircraft, making it more probable to be amongst the first removed upon arrival at your destination, reports the Express.

In a post on Quora, Thomas Lo Sciuto, who works as a ramp operative and gate agent at a regional American airport, explained: “Your best option is to be one of the last passengers to check your bags.”

He detailed the loading process, stating: “Bags will always be loaded front to back on the bag carts, so if you check in last, your bags will be in the last bag cart, which will make them the last on the aircraft, and the first off the aircraft at your destination.”

Thomas additionally recommends gate-checking your luggage to guarantee it emerges first from the plane.

He said: “The best way to ensure your bag gets to you the quickest is to ask the counter agent very nicely if they will let you gate-check your bag.”

However, he warns of limitations with this approach: “The downside of that method is that you will not be able to pack liquids or any other items that cannot go in a carry-on bag, as you will need to bring the bag with you through the security checkpoint and to the gate.”

The New York Post has revealed a nifty trick for retrieving your luggage swiftly – simply grab a complimentary “fragile” sticker from airport staff and affix it to your suitcase.

They said: “Often the fragile tagged luggage goes into the plane last and as a result, it comes onto the belt first.”

However, they caution against including one particular detail on your luggage tag, advising: “But if you’re going to tag your luggage, make sure to leave one thing off – your address. Opportunistic thieves will know that you are not at home and could try to burgle the property as a result.”

easyJet is a popular budget airline for Brits looking to book a cheap getaway, but passengers will need to act fast if they want to get the best seats onboard for free

easyJet, renowned for its competitively priced airfares with offerings starting from just £25.99 for summer flights, often sees the cost for passengers climb as they add extras to their journey. Those yearning to secure additional baggage or fancy choosing a specific seat will notice their bargain fare gently escalating.

The popular low-cost airline has a clear stance on seat selection; if patrons wish to handpick their seats, they’ll need to dip into their pockets. Explaining their policy, easyJet said: “You can choose where you’d like to sit for a fee. Seats can be selected at the time of booking, or at any time before you check-in, via Manage bookings on our website or mobile app.”

READ MORE: Shoppers say ‘beautiful’ statement jewellery is a ‘compliment getter’

Travelers are given three pricing tiers depending on the type of seat sought – standard, extra legroom, or up-front positions. However, for those unwilling to splurge on seating, early check-in is the tactical alternative, reports the Express.

A feature that distinguishes easyJet from other carriers is the ability to check in as much as 30 days prior to departure. They noted: “If you don’t select a seat we’ll assign seats randomly for free when you check in and will do all we can to ensure everyone on the booking sits together. However, this is not guaranteed, especially when checking in closer to departure.”

It’s wise, therefore, for passengers looking to nab the best available seats available and who wish to stick close to their travelling companions, to act swiftly and check in at the earliest opportunity.

If you’re the type who prefers a specific seat or section of the plane, it might be worth paying in advance. The price of seats fluctuates based on when you book and your preferred location within the aircraft.

Seats in the first row, offering additional legroom, start from £12.99, while up-front or overwing seats with extra legroom begin at £7.99. Other standard seats can be switched for as little as 99p, depending on your desired location onboard and the timing of your booking.

Seat selection can be made at the time of booking, or anytime prior to check-in by logging into manage your booking online or via the mobile app.

If you voted for Donald Trump last November because you believed he’d increase economic freedom, it’s safe to say you were fooled. Following a reckless tariff barrage, the White House and its allies are preparing a new wave of tax-code gimmickry that has more in common with progressive social engineering than pro-growth reform. And don’t forget a fiscal recklessness that mirrors the mistakes of the left.

Defend these policies if you like, but let’s be clear: The administration shows no coherent commitment to free-market principles and is in fact actively undermining them. Its approach is better described as central planning disguised as economic nationalism.

This week’s example is an executive-order attempt at prescription-drug price control, similar to Democrats’ past proposals. If implemented it would inevitably reduce pharmaceutical R&D and innovation.

Tariffs remain the administration’s most visible economic sin after Trump launched the most extreme escalation of protectionism since the infamous Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930. Unlike the 1930s, however, today’s economy is deeply integrated with global supply chains, making the damage extensive and far more immediate. Tariffs are only nominally imposed on imports. Ultimately, they’re taxes on American consumers, workers and businesses.

The president has made it clear that he’s fine with limiting consumer choice, blithely telling parents they might have to “settle” for two dolls instead of 30 for their children. Smug pronouncements about how much we should shop (not much) or which sectors we should work in (manufacturing) are economic authoritarianism.

They’re also indicative of a deeper government rot. Policymaking is now done by executive orders as comatose congressional Republicans, like some Biden-era Democrats, allow the president to rule as if he’s a monarch.

A full-throated, assertive Congress would remind any president that manufacturing jobs were mostly lost to technologies that also create jobs and opportunity in members’ districts. Prosperity increases only through innovation and competition and isn’t restored by dragging people backward into lower-productivity jobs.

Now, even Trump’s tax agenda — once considered a bright spot by many free-market advocates — is being corrupted. Instead of championing the broad-based, pro-growth reforms we’d hoped for, the administration is doubling down on gimmickry: exempting tips and overtime pay, expanding child tax credits and entertaining the idea of raising top marginal tax rates.

These moves might poll well, but they’re unprincipled and unproductive. They undermine the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which aimed (however imperfectly) to simplify the code and incentivize growth, and not to micromanage worker and household behavior through the Internal Revenue Service.

And then there are the administration’s misleading, populist talking points about raising taxes on the rich to reduce taxes on lower- and middle-income workers. The U.S. income-tax system is already one of the most progressive in the developed world. According to the latest IRS data, the top 1% of earners pay more in federal income taxes than the bottom 90% combined. These high earners provide 40% of federal income-tax revenue; the bottom half of earners make up only 3% of that revenue. Thankfully, the House of Representatives steered away from that mistake in its bill.

Meanwhile, some Republican legislators are pushing to extend the 2017 tax cuts without meaningful offsets, setting the stage for a debt-fueled disaster. As noted by Scott Hodge, formerly the longtime president of the Tax Foundation, the GOP’s proposed cuts could add more than $5.8 trillion to the debt over a decade. That’s nearly three times the cost of the 2021 American Rescue Plan, which many Republicans rightly criticized for fueling inflation and fiscal instability.

To be clear: Pro-growth tax reform is essential. But not every tax cut is pro-growth, and no tax cut justifies further fiscal deterioration. Extending the 2017 cuts, which I generally support, shouldn’t be confused with true tax reform.

Some of the provisions being floated — expanded credits, exclusions for tips and overtime, rolling back the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap — are not growth policies. They are wealth redistribution run through the tax code, indistinguishable in substance from the kind of demand-side, Keynesian stimulus Republicans once decried.

Hodge notes that these measures would do more to mimic the American Rescue Plan than to reverse its pricey mistakes. And with the Federal Reserve still fighting inflation, adding trillions in unfunded liabilities to the national ledger is profoundly irresponsible.

None of this should surprise anyone paying attention. This administration is packed with advisors and surrogates who glorify union power, rail against globalization and scoff at the very idea of limited government. Some sound more like Bernie Sanders than Milton Friedman. Whether it’s directing industrial policy or distorting the tax code to reward their favorite behaviors, they are hostile to the competition and liberty of the free market.

Sadly, that hostility has real consequences: higher prices, greater economic uncertainty, sluggish investment and fewer opportunities for middle- and lower-class families.

Veronique de Rugy is a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. This article was produced in collaboration with Creators Syndicate.

Getting lost on holiday can be a nightmare, but one travel expert has shared his top tip so that is doesn’t happen to you

Ever found yourself hopelessly lost while on holiday? It can be a real dampener, especially if you’ve got plans. While stumbling upon hidden gems in a new city can be exciting, it’s not ideal when you’re racing against time to meet reservations.

This is why travel expert Neil Atkinson, the brains behind Luxury Group Stay, has revealed his number one trick for never losing your way – and it involves a bit of a throwback approach. Neil said: “Downloading an offline map of the area you’re travelling to is one of the most important travel hacks I always recommend. It’s completely free and can save you hours of stress, whether you’re exploring the Lake District or wandering through Barcelona.”

Having an offline map means even without data, you’re sorted. Just don’t forget to download the map while connected to the internet. Neil said: “I always tell people to do it before leaving home, or at least while still on hotel Wi-Fi.”

There are some drawbacks, although they’re small fry. Neil said: “You’ll only get driving directions when offline, not public transport routes, and you won’t see real-time traffic updates.”

The great news is offline maps are light on storage, so even for sprawling cities, you won’t need to fret over space, reports the Express.

Neil’s parting wisdom focuses on preparation: “Make sure to download a wider area than you think you’ll need. Better to have too much map than too little when you’re in the middle of nowhere!”.

To grab a map for offline use, just follow these steps:

Fire up your Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android

Hit your profile snap in the top right nook.

Choose “Offline maps” then “Select your own map”.

Tweak the blue square to blanket your intended spot.

Tap “Download” and you’re done.