Tips tricks and life hacks

Never pay full price for holidays again… the top 25 apps, websites & clubs to slash travel costs and make big savings

PLANNING a holiday, staycation or day out should be exciting but eye-watering prices can turn it into a wallet-draining nightmare.

But you don’t have to pay full whack. From dirt-cheap flights to cut-price hotels and bargain days out, there are loads of easy ways to cut the costs.

There are loads of ways you can save on your holidays, flights, accommodation and days out Credit: Getty
Travel reporter Cyann Fielding has found all the best websites to save you cash on your holiday. Credit: Cyann Fielding

Whether you’re chasing a last-minute break, a cheap stay or discounted tickets, here’s how to do it for less and keep more cash in your pocket.

Websites

Secret Flying

The Secret Flying website hunts out super-cheap deals and “error fares” – bargain flights caused by pricing glitches – and links you straight to booking sites like Skyscanner.

It’s free to use and lists offers by region, but you’ll need to be flexible on dates and destinations to bag the best ones.

The biggest bargains sell out fast, so it’s worth signing up for alerts to stay one step ahead.

Holiday Hypermarket

Holiday Hypermarket is owned by the TUI group and is the discount website for TUI holidays where they guarantee that you won’t find a TUI, Marella or Crystal holiday cheaper anywhere else.

With up to 70 per cent off brochure prices, they sell a lot of last minute breaks – but with the same TUI flights, hotels and transfers.

Luxury Escapes

A website that offers high end holidays at affordable prices is Luxury Escapes.

They negotiate directly with hotels to get good deals on holiday bundles, including flights, accommodation and extras like free cocktails, massages and childcare.

Hostelworld

If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful and don’t mind bunking up with other people then Hostelworld is a useful tool.

It will help you to search for hostels in the destination you’re heading to and compare prices.

It can also find hostels with private rooms too if you don’t want to share.

Cashback sites

While it might not save you money on you’re current holiday – it could save you some cash on the next one.

At Quidco you can get at as much as 3.75 per cent on an EasyJet holiday (which works out at as £11 back on a £300 trip)

Or there is hotels.com, which gives you seven per cent cashback (£14 if you book a hotel for two nights at £200).

Other brands include TUIBritish Airways, Trainline and Skyscanner. so it is worth checking if you can claim anything before you book.

Apps

02 Priority

If your phone contract is with O2, then you really should download Priority.

In addition to entering competitions to win holidays, you can often get discounts on holiday packages, concerts, and events.

For example, you can get four tickets to Vue cinemas for £18 or two for £9.

Or save £220 when you spend £2,000 with lastminute.com.

MiXR.

The MiXR. app shows local pubs, clubs and bars where you can reserve a table and pre-book food or drink packages.

But it can also get you savings.

Each time you spend money on your linked card at a partnered bar or pub, you’ll get points.

Get to 5,000 points and you’ll have a £5 voucher (each £1 you spend you get 50 points).

There are also offers on the app including 25 per cent off Camden Hells beer.

Apps such as MiXR. and Dusk can save you on drinks out Credit: Getty

Dusk

Dusk dubs itself ‘the free drink app’ and it isn’t lying.

The app shows you which bars and pubs in your area have deals on and the exact route to get there.

If you scroll, you’ll find specific venues have a sticker on them offering a free drink.

For example, it could say ‘free espresso martinis on Monday at 3pm’, which means you can get that drink for free if you visit that specific venue at the given time.

Some of the venues are marked with yellow stars which means you can earn points too.

Once you’ve collected a number of points you can exchange for drinks.

For example, 200 points gets you a free bottle of prosecco at Be At One, 500 points can get you 50 per cent off at Karaoke Room and so on.

You can use Dusk in a number of cities across the UK including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Brighton, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Cambridge, Oxford, Cardiff, Sheffield, Bath, Exeter, Norwich, Bournemouth, Hull and York.

Eat Club

Having only launched in the UK last year, Eat Club is now available in London and Manchester.

The app shows you nearby restaurants that have spare tables, great for last-minute plans.

You can also get great discounts, such as up to 50 per cent off of your bill.

There are also some apps that will save you money on food, such as Too Good To Go and Eat Club Credit: Getty

Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is an app that prevents food waste by selling off items leftover at the end of the day.

The app is partnered with a number of brands including Greggs and Pizza Express.

If you jump onto the app and use the map function, you will find stores near you that have bags of food to sell for a few quid before the end of the day.

Having used the app numerous times, I usually pay around £3.50 for a bag that contains over £20 worth of food.

I have even used it in New York, when finding a budget lunch option seemed impossible.

Unidays

If you are a student or recent graduate, you should sign up to an account with Unidays.

It is free to joing, you’ll just need your student email and then you can make savings such as getting two Cineworld tickets for £13 and 30 per cent off Hilton hotel stays.

If you are a student, there are a couple of student apps where you can get discounts Credit: Getty

Student Beans

Similar to the above, Student Beans is a discount app for anyone studying. With a student email you can benefit from discounts such as 25 per cent off of National Express travel and 10 per cent off of Ryanair flights.

Cheapskate London

Cheapskate London is a free newsletter released each Monday that shares the best free and cheap things to do across the capital.

It’s a really useful tool for the school holidays too.

Previous free events include educational talks, family activity sessions at museums, and even building your own wormery.

Accor

If you subscribe to the Accor newsletter, you will typically get 10 per cent off hotel stays.

You’ll also get exclusive offers and personalised deals.

Nectar

If you shop at Sainsbury’s and don’t have a Nectar account then you’re really missing out.

When you do your weekly food shop, you’ll rack up points which you can then use on your holiday.

For example, you can spend your points on Eurostar journeys, British Airways flights and more.

Loyalty programmes such as Nectar allow you to build points to use against things such as flights Credit: Getty

Avios

Avios are loyalty points that you can collect and use mainly with British Airways for flights, hotels and upgrades.

You can earn them by flying with British Airways or its partners, as long as you have an account.

If you build up enough points, you can purchase flights and pay only a small cash fee for admin such as tax and fees.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy’s hotel loyalty programme is free to join and covers around 10,000 destinations across the globe.

Members earn points with each stay and then the points can be redeemed on free nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is free to join, and much like Marriott Bonvoy, is the hotel’s loyalty programme.

Members earn points on stays and everyday activities which can then be redeemed on free stays and experiences as well.

Members tend to get 10 points per £1 spent.

Hotel chains often have their own loyalty programmes that offer 10 per cent discounts Credit: Getty

Paid-for memberships

The Nudge

Costing just £5 per month The Nudge is an insider’s guide to London and often reports on the latest openings in the capital.

The discounts are easy to find on the app and include deals like 40 per cent off at Greek seafood restaurant Kimu in Marylebone or 50 per cent off food at The Culpeper in Spitalfields.

There are also discounts on events such as 50 per cent off of tickets to Burger Fest in Richmond and even pampering treatments like £50 off facials at Skinwork in Soho or 40 per cent off access to Lowlu open-air sauna in Kentish Town.

The Nudge will also run member events such as exclusive supper clubs.

Blue Light

If you work in the NHS or the emergency services, you probably already know about Blue Light.

Blue Light, which costs £4.99 for a two-year membership, gets you discounts at major brands, restaurants and entertainment venues as well as £100 off your TUI holiday or 15 per cent off Away Resorts.

You can even get a discount on airport parking, such as five per cent at London Gatwick.

Railcard

Railcards aren’t just for youngsters, there are all sorts of railcards you can get.

In general, they will get you a third off most rail fares and cost between £30 and £35 each year.

Different railcards include 16-25-year-olds, 26-30-year-olds, Senior (over 60 years old) and Disabled Persons.

There’s also a Family and Friends Railcard which gets adults a third off their rail fare and then 60 per cent off kids’ rail fares if they are aged between five and 15 years old.

And if you are heading off on a number of staycations, make sure you have a railcard Credit: Alamy

Trusted Housesitters

Accommodation costs can bump up the total cost of your holiday, but there is a way around this.

With Trusted Housesitters, you can head to someone’s home and stay there while they are away and all you need to do is look after their pet.

It operates in 180 countries and essentially is a win-win system as the person going away needs a pet sitter and you want somewhere to stay.

Members pay an annual fee to use the platform, which range from £99 to £199.

Dis-loyalty

Dis-loyalty is a travel and food membership that costs £12 a month to join.

In return, you’ll earn points and get discounts on hotel stays, such as 50 per cent off newly opened hotels.

You can also grab a free hot drink each day at one of the membership’s participating locations.

Days Out with the Kids

Days Out with the Kids is the perfect site if you are looking for inspiration during the weekends or school holidays.

The website is partnered with over 8,500 attractions across the UK, and offers members access to exclusive discounts.

The membership costs £4.99 per month, but according to the website, it saves families an average of £12.99 per trip.

Hols from £9.50

If you want to head to a holiday park in the UK or Europe, The Sun’s Hols from £9.50 has over 20 holiday parks to choose from.

To benefit from the £9.50 deal, you have to collect five codewords printed in the paper over a set period of time and enter them on the Sun Holidays website.

Alternatively, to avoid needing a passcode you can join Sun Club for £1.99.

For more offers on holidays travel companies have revealed the cheapest places to book – with week-long holidays from £189.

Plus, here are 200 all-inclusive hotels including the cheap ones that are actually worth it.

And of course, you can go on holiday via Sun Holidays’ Hols from £9.50 offer Credit: parkdean resorts camber sands

Source link

Holiday expert reveals the bad booking habits costing you HUNDREDS and the simple tricks to save money

I WORK in travel and look at holiday pricing data every single day – and there are a few patterns that I see constantly.

Small booking habits that feel completely normal, but quietly push prices up. We’re not talking about a few quid either. Get these wrong, and you can end up paying 20–30 per cent more for the same holiday.

Holiday Expert Rob Brooks sees countless holiday mistakes made – here’s how to avoid them Credit: Rob Brooks

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Here are the three biggest mistakes – and exactly how to fix them.

Bad Habit No.1: Booking in the morning rush

This one surprises people the most.

Booking your holiday first thing – on your commute, before work, or when you sit down at your desk – feels productive.

But it’s actually one of the worst times you can choose.

According to the data, the most expensive time to book a holiday is between 9am and 10am.

In fact, booking in that window came in at around 30 per cent more expensive than the cheapest time of day, which is actually 2:47am.

And it makes sense when you think about it – because that’s a peak demand window when everyone is searching at once.

Flight prices react to this demand first, then package holiday prices follow.

So while you think you’re being organised… you’re actually booking at the busiest, and often most expensive, moment of the day.

In one example, I found a 5-night all-inclusive stay at the Catty Cats Garden Hotel in Turkey was priced at £133pp in the early hours – but just a few hours later, that had jumped to £165pp for the exact same holiday.

That’s a 24% increase (£64 more for two people) simply from booking later in the day.

A break to Antalya in Turkey increased overnight Credit: Getty

Bad Habit No.2: Waiting after finding a good deal

This is the classic “I’ll just check again later” mistake: you find a good price, but instead of booking it, you leave it.

You come back later. Maybe the next day. Maybe after asking a few people.

It feels like you’re being careful or thrifty, but the data shows the opposite.

Every search feeds demand into the system, demand pushes flight prices up, and flight prices push package prices up.

But the reality is: if you’ve found a good deal, it’s very likely other people have found it too.

So while you’re waiting, those seats and rooms are disappearing, filling up and pushing up the package cost pretty quickly.

In one real example, a luxury all-inclusive stay at the Titanic Deluxe Lara in Antalya,Turkey was priced at £558 per person.

But after waiting just 24 hours, that same holiday increased to £606 per person.

That’s an extra £48pp – or £192 more for a family of four – just for not booking when the price was lower.

Prices change, availability drops, and that deal you liked is gone forever.

Rob recommends putting flexible dates into the search bar to find cheaper deals Credit: Alamy

Bad Habit No.3: Being too rigid with dates and nights

This is where people leave the biggest savings on the table.

I see it every day: most searches are locked into the same dates, same duration, no flexibility.

But pricing doesn’t work like that – it fluctuates constantly based on demand.

Flight and hotel combinations are constantly shifting, and the price you see is based on very specific availability – not a fixed “cost” for that trip.

That means sticking rigidly to one duration can actually stop you from seeing better-value options.

One holiday to beautiful Corfu was cheaper by changing the dates Credit: Getty

Sometimes, adding or removing just one night can completely change the price – because it opens up different flight combinations or cheaper room availability.

In one search I did for a Corfu holiday, a 7-night stay was coming in at £874 per person.

But by simply increasing the stay to 8 nights, the price dropped to £720 per person for the same package.

That’s a saving of £154pp – or £308 for two people – just by adding one extra night.

It goes against what most people expect, but it shows how pricing really works.

You’re not just paying for nights – you’re paying for the combination of flights and hotel availability behind them.

Yet most people never check – they search once, see one price, and assume that’s what the holiday costs.

Good Habit No.1: Use price alerts instead of repeatedly searching

One of the easiest ways to save money is to stop manually checking prices over and over again.

Every time you search, you’re adding to demand signals – and you’re far more likely to miss the moment a price drops.

Instead, set up price alerts or track a holiday and let the price come to you.

That way, you’re not feeding the surge – and you’re ready to act when the price is right.

I sometimes see short-term dips of up to £50 per person on the same holiday when demand softens briefly – but these windows can last hours, not days.

The people who catch them aren’t constantly searching – they’re notified. But how do you actually do it?

At On the Beach, if you save a holiday, you’re automatically tracking it, and they’ll email you to let you know when the price changes.

On Google Flights, you can search your route, then just toggle “Track prices” – then you’ll get email alerts whenever fares move up or down.

On Skyscanner, hit the heart or bell icon on a flight, and it’ll notify you when the price changes.

It takes about 10 seconds – and it means you’re not guessing when to book.

The cheapest time to book is 2:47am, although you don’t need to wait up late Credit: Alamy

Good Habit No.2: The 33-day booking rule

There’s no perfect moment to book – but there is a bit of a sweet spot.

According to the data, booking around 33 days before departure can unlock savings of up to 10%.

That’s because it sits between two high-demand groups: early planners who book far in advance and last-minute bookers chasing limited availability.

In this middle window, demand is lower, and prices often reflect that.

Which means on a £700 holiday, that 10% saving means paying around £630 instead – a £140 saving for a couple without changing anything else.

It’s not about waiting as long as possible. It’s about timing it right.

Switching airports to fly to Majorca can make it cheaper Credit: Alamy

Good Habit No.3: Switch airports, not just dates

Most people have a “default airport” – the one they always fly from without really thinking about it.

But sticking to the same airport can quietly cost you more than you realise.

Flights to the same destination can vary massively in price depending on where you depart from – even on the exact same day, for the exact same hotel.

And often, the cheaper option is only a short drive or train journey away.

In one search I did this week for a family holiday to Majorca, the same 5-night stay at the Sea Club Mediterranean Resort was priced at £260pp flying from Manchester.

But switching to Liverpool Airport for the exact same trip brought the price down to £235pp.

That’s a saving of £25 per person – or £100 for a family of four – just by changing the departure airport.

It’s a simple check most people skip, but it can make a real difference to the total cost.

A Holiday Expert’s bottom line:

These aren’t big sacrifices, and you’re not downgrading your hotel or cutting your trip short. You’re just booking smarter.

But these small tweaks of timing, confidence and flexibility can easily save you hundreds over time.

And once you see how the pricing actually works, you won’t book the same way again…

Rob recommends letting the pricing guide your dates, so you can browse for the cheapest deal Credit: Alamy



Source link

New EES rules start TODAY for Brits heading to Europe

GETTING into Europe for your holiday is now different and there are things you must know.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) started a phased rollout on October 12, 2025 in 29 European countries and is fully operational from today – April 10, 2026.

The new Entry/Exit System to Europe is fully operational from todayCredit: Alamy

What is EES?

EES is a new automated IT system that has been introduced across airports, ferry terminals and Eurostar stations across the Schengen area.

The system tracks short stays in Europe – up to a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

Why has it been introduced?

EES has been introduced to replace the need for passport stamps.

Instead, going forward, visitors will automatically be checked-in when they enter and exit an EU country.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals


ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

The aim of the system is to tighten border control, prevent illegal immigration and prevent identity fraud.

Is it also designed to make border crossings more efficient in the long run?

What travel does it impact?

No matter how you are travelling, whether that be by train, plane or sea, Brits (as well as all non-EU nationals) visiting Europe will have to follow the new rules.

If you are going on holiday to any of the following 29 countries, you will be required to follow EES.

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

How will it work?

All non-EU nationals – which includes Brits – are required to register their details on their first visit to a Schengen area country.

This will be done by using specific EES machines which will be at airports, ferry terminals and the Eurostar terminals.

The machines will log your fingerprints, facial images and scan your passport as well.

From today, every traveller has to register with EES.

Once you have registered (such as taking fingerprints and a photo), it is valid for three years.

It impacts all Brits heading to EuropeCredit: Alamy

Each time you travel within those three years, you must complete a shorter and faster check in, which, for example, usually involves scanning your fingerprints already on the system every time you enter or exit the Schengen Area.

If your passport expires before the three year mark, you will need to re-register with your new passport.

You will also have to re-register when the three years expires.

Will it cost me anything?

EES does not cost anything and is free for all travellers.

It is not a paid visa.

Will it make my journey time longer?

There have already been some reports of delays due to travellers registering for EES, including long queues and lengthy wait times.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill spent three hours getting through the arrivals hall at Lanzarote Airport last month.

And delays have been reported at other airports like Brussels, Lisbon and Prague.

Some airports have put preparations in place to avoid travel chaos.

For example, Spanish operator, Aena, has said that is adapting security and border control for Brits at Ibiza, Menorca, Malaga and Palma, Majorca airports.

You must register, which includes scanning your fingerprintsCredit: Reuters

Tips to help with EES

The FCDO has recently updated its advice for countries impacted by EES.

On the website it states: “EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.

“EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

“If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.

“Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.”

While you might not be able to beat the long queues, Sun Travel has a few tips to make the process less stressful.

For example, book a seat at the front of the plane – this will help you get off the plane and to border control before the rest of passengers on your flight.

Where possible, booking the first flight of the day may help as they are generally fewer flights scheduled at this time and could mean less disruption.

If you have a connecting flight, try and go to a bigger airport when connecting as they are likely to be better equipped for the introduction of EES.

If travelling with children, think about the entertainment you can take with you, like an iPad.

This could help to keep them occupied and calm in long queues.

If you are disabled, make sure to let the airline know in advance as after landing, staff should escort you straight through to the front of the border control queues.

And last but not least, if you are going to be waiting in line for a while you want to make sure you are comfortable – so ditch the uncomfortable shoes, head to the toilet on the plane before you land and make sure you have some water with you.

In other travel rules news, here are all the strict new rules to know about this summer in Italy from outdoor dining bans to daily tourist caps.

Plus, new passport rules are set to affect more than one million Brits – who risk being banned from flights.

It applies to all travel including flights, trains and ferriesCredit: Alamy

Source link

Save thousands on your summer holiday with one big swap

UNSURE where to head for your next getaway?

Why not ditch the plane and head off on a European ferry adventure instead?

Wemyss Bay where you can wander the gorgeous Inverkip coastal pathCredit: Getty

Most of these routes tick off multiple destinations and you can save buckets on soaring air fares going by foot, car or train and sea.

Sophie Swietochowski has ideas to inspire you . . . 

GOOD FOR: FOODIES

ROUTE: Sail Poole to Guernsey then on to Saint-Malo, Normandy before returning to Portsmouth or Dover.

Saint Malo beach in FranceCredit: Getty
Le Nautique restaurant is renowned for its seafood, especially the oysters — you can pick up half a dozen for £12.50Credit: Getty

IT takes just three hours to reach Guernsey via ferry — a big win if you’re travelling with youngsters.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands


TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Seafood and dairy are the food heroes here and there are plenty of seafront spots to sample them.

Le Nautique restaurant is renowned for its seafood, especially the oysters — you can pick up half a dozen for £12.50.

Expect even more plates of wonderfully fresh fish in Saint-Malo.

From this port city you can then make your way to some of Normandy’s top foodie hotspots, all within a couple of hours’ drive.

Bayeux, which is most famous for housing the historic Bayeux Tapestry, is crammed full of gorgeous apple orchards, hence why cider is a popular drink in these parts.

Ferme Lecornu is right in the city centre and offers a “Royal tasting” experience.

GOOD FOR: COASTAL VIEWS

ROUTE: Sail Holyhead to Dublin, return from Belfast (Larne) to Liverpool.

The idyllic bay at Cushendun, County Antrim, Northern IrelandCredit: Getty

THE rail routes of Ireland are among the most beautiful in the world, offering simply stuinning views of the blustery ocean as you trundle along the cliffside tracks.

This ferry and train-hopping route requires no car — so make sure to celebrate your sustainability efforts with a Guinness or two.

You won’t be hard pushed to find a decent pour in Dublin, although Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street repor-tedly serves the best — and it’s even attracted a few famous faces in its time, including John F Kennedy and Judy Garland.

Head from one Irish capital to another, catching the train to Belfast.

If you do just one thing here, make sure it’s a Black Taxi Tour that unearths the fascinating history of Belfast’s troubled past.

Then catch the train to Larne, where the scenery gets pretty spectacular — about six miles from the centre you’ll find The Gobbins Cliff Path, overlooking the often ferocious sea.

GOOD FOR: WILDLIFE

ROUTE: Sail Penzance to the Scilly isles – St Mary’s, then Bryher and Tresco, returning back via St Mary’s to Penzance.

Tresco is the second-biggest island of the Isles of ScillyCredit: Getty

KEEP your eyes peeled because your chances of spotting dolphins are always high in both Cornwall’s Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.

Once you’ve caught the ferry over to St Mary’s island, head to Peninnis Head which offers panoramic views of the ocean.

From this high perch you can watch bottlenose dolphins hunting in the choppy waters below.

Hop on the small ferry over to Bryher where even more magnificent coastal creatures await.

We’re talking grey seals, hermit crabs and even puffins.

Your best chance of spotting them is from now until July, so if you’re heading out there, it’s a good idea to pack a decent camera.

From here, make your way over to Tresco and catch some well-deserved downtime on the glorious beaches.

Pentle Bay has previously been named one of the best beaches in the UK thanks to its white sands and peaceful turquoise waters.

GOOD FOR: WHISKY CRAWLS

ROUTE: Sail from Ardrossan to Arran then to Kintyre, on to Cowal then to Wemyss Bay via Bute. If short of time, consider a single-destination option – Oban to the Isle of Mull is just 45 minutes each way.

Head to the Isle of Mull, and sample picturesque Tobermory, home to a very fine single maltCredit: Getty

SCOTLAND blends breathtaking scenery with world-famous whisky — what could be better?

Make your way from the mainland to the Isle of Arran, which has all the unspoilt beauty of the Highlands, but comes with ocean views.

The coastal road wraps all the way around the island in 55 miles and is well worth exploring — with the famous distilleries of Lochranza and Lagg.

Or save those tipples for your next stop in Kintyre peninsula and specifically Campbeltown, otherwise known as the Whisky Capital of the World, because it was once home to over 30 distilleries.

Stay sober enough to take in the views at Cowal and then Bute (sometimes known as the Madeira of Scotland), before finishing your adventure in Wemyss Bay where you can wander the gorgeous Inverkip coastal path.

For a different tasting experience, ferry over from Oban to the Isle of Mull, and sample picturesque Tobermory, home to a very fine single malt.

HOW TO BOOK: Direct Ferries has some excellent tools for planning routes.

The travel site has designed an interactive map that identifies the most convenient port for any journey, with links out to each individual ferry operator to book.

Prices vary per journey, but all ferry journeys mentioned above cost from under £100 per car.

See discoverferries.com.

Source link

You don’t know the chaos that’s coming and it will affect EVERYONE

WITH new travel requirements in action at airports across Europe, EES is set to cause travel chaos this summer.

While you’re likely to be caught up in the chaos and lengthy queues, there are a few ways to make it more manageable.

If you’re heading on holiday – you might get caught up in EES delaysCredit: Alamy
There have been reports of queues up to four-hours long to get through passport controlCredit: Alamy

With many Brits yet to register for EES, it’s predicted that those heading abroad for the summer holidays will be privy to delays.

Some destinations even out of season have reported queues of up to four hours.

These include airports at Brussels, Lisbon, Prague and Lanzarote.

So while you might not beat the queues – here are some tips from Sun Travel to make your next trip easier.

GET IT BOOKED

The ‘cheap luxury’ beach resorts under 4 hours from UK with breaks from £75pp


HOP TO IT

The best UK family days out from £10 to completely FREE in the Easter holidays

Sit at the front

First off is quite simple, book a seat at the front of the plane.

If you want to get to border control before the rest of the passengers on your flight, then by being at the front, you’ll be able to get off first.

You might have to join the queue of passengers on other flights – but not your own.

Early flights

When you’re booking, it might ease wait times if you go head out on one of the first flights of the day.

There are generally fewer scheduled flights and they experience less disruption.

So if you get an early flight, there’s less likely to be a backlog.

Whereas if you’re travelling in the early evening, there could still be passengers being processed who are plenty ahead of you.

Anticipate delays

If you are taking a connecting flight, we’d advise to anticipate delays.

Of course this varies from airport to airport, but some travellers might find it will take longer to get through because of the EES requirements.

Similarly, if someone’s collecting you perhaps give them a bit more time – especially if they’re in one of the pick-up zones that costs money.

Queues at Lanzarote Airport were up to 3-hours long for one Sun Travel reporter

Go for a bigger airport

If you can go to a bigger airport and take a longer road transfer, it could be worth it.

At a larger airport there’s likely to be more EES machines than at one of the smaller ones.

For example, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski found there were plenty more of the machines in Spain‘s Alicante Airport than in Austria‘s Salzburg.

So if you can fly into to a main hub and then continue from there, it could make your journey through the airport quicker.

Bring entertainment

If you have children, or are generally just bored of queues (and who can blame you?) – think about entertainment.

It could be worth setting the kids up with an iPad or something that will keep them occupied.

Also, bring a reserve of snacks because standing in line means no access to the airport’s cafes and shops.

Get into the priority lane

For those who are disabled, make sure to let the airline know in advance as you would usually.

After landing, staff should escort you straight through to the front of border control queues.

Many major airports offer priority family lanes at passport control for families with young children (usually under 12 years old).

Use the plane facilities

Quite simply, if you are going to be waiting in line for yours, then you want to be comfortable.

So before landing, go to the toilet on the plane.

If you’re queueing along corridors before heading into border control, then the chances are there won’t be access to toilets.

Here’s what you should expect to find when you get to an EES machine…

  1. Select your language
  2. Put your passport into the machine
  3. Place your fingers onto the scanner
  4. Look into the camera
  5. Answer series of short questions about the trip
    e.g. where you’ll be staying, if you have a return journey booked and confirmation of travel insurance
  6. Head to the e-gates

For more on what to expect with EES, hear more from our travel experts.

And here’s the other new passport rules that could affect one million Brits.

The new EES systems are likely to cause delays to those heading on a summer holidayCredit: Alamy

Source link

sort your summer break with expert tips from The Sun and Money Mum

©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. “The Sun”, “Sun”, “Sun Online” are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers’ Limited’s Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries, Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)

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/

Source link