Tourism

The area has been called ‘Wales at its absolute best’

They had to wait until 1960 for electricity and when it came they didn’t really care for it. When TV crews headed to the tiny Welsh village that was the last in Wales to be connected to the grid they got a lukewarm response. Some said they “already had a wonderful iron and kettle and a beautiful gas oven” while others said televisions were “not for people like us”.

Sixty-five years on and it’s not the promise of functioning electricity that lures people to the small village of Ystradfellte in southern Powys today. The settlement, home to just a handful of locals, sees its population briefly swell during the holiday season as tourists flock to this magical beauty spot tucked amongst waterfalls and trails with delightful pubs and restaurants close by.

The renowned Four Waterfalls Walk attracts people from across Britain and further afield. This spectacular Waterfall Country lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park and one recent guest called it a “great day out”, boasting a waterfall you can “walk directly behind”.

Throughout the area, traditional inns, centuries-old churched and cosy places to eat and drink are all positioned against this setting of stunning landscape and appeal. These days, TripAdvisor users praise The Four Waterfalls Walk, which spans roughly 8 miles in total but can be adapted to suit your schedule and fitness level, as a “day to remember” with “fabulous scenery”, though some have observed that the beloved location can get “too crowded” during busy periods, reports Wales Online.

One Cardiff man, reviewing his journey to the first waterfall on TripAdvisor, wrote: “One of the best walking experiences, it was a beautiful sunny day and [we] started from CWM Porth car park. There was enough parking space. It was an easy walk but beautiful. We just followed the signs to the first waterfall (took 20 to 25 mins with breaks). Not crowded, peaceful, had a picnic and left only the footprints.”

A TripAdvisor user raved about the “spectacular waterfalls with wild swim spots”, whilst another hailed it as “Wales at its absolute best”. Yet not all visitors feel the same way. One frustrated tourist branded their trip “probably the most overcrowded and disappointing walking experience”.

They went on: “As beautiful as the waterfalls are, I really wouldn’t recommend this walk. We took our 16-month-old in a back carrier and our dog on a lead. Our toddler was great, but with a dog on a lead and lots of other dogs off lead, it became quite stressful. Likewise, the crowds of people doing this walk made it overwhelming and not peaceful in the slightest. There were so many people slipping and sliding, having made poor choices of footwear.”

Even with its tourist appeal, Ystradfellte has kept hold of its village character. Locals remain proud of their Welsh community and the picturesque countryside that surrounds it. On December 1, 1960, Ystradfellte became the final village in Wales to receive mains electricity. Back then, locals weren’t particularly thrilled about the modern technology – with the parish vicar describing residents’ response as “lukewarm, it was not 100%”.

Ystradfellte also marks the location where rebellious Welsh nobleman Llywelyn Bren surrendered following his 1316 uprising. The legendary figure handed himself over on the understanding that his followers would be spared. Two years later, at Cardiff Castle, he was reportedly hung, drawn and quartered.

Today, the quartet of waterfalls encircling the village – Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd yr Eira – have emerged as a beloved destination for ramblers. The region’s traditional pubs serve both residents and visitors year-round.

Amongst the historic watering holes in the vicinity is The Red Lion Inn, tucked away in the nearby village of Penderyn, boasts excellent online ratings. One satisfied patron wrote in a Google review of The Red Lion Inn: “Recommended by locals because it is somewhat secluded on a hill in a picturesque location next to an old church with a cemetery. The Red Lion, which its name and exterior would suggest is a pub, turns out to be a fancy restaurant with creative cuisine that could easily earn a Michelin star and even offers vegetarian options. The cosy atmosphere and extremely attentive staff justify the slightly higher prices, highly recommended.”

Also not far lies the village of Pontneddfechan, which has remained a picturesque haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature admirers, home to the Old White Horse Inn and the Angel Inn. It serves as an alternative launch point for the waterfall rambles. The New Inn, situated at Ystradfellte village’s centre, shut down more than a year ago and remains on the market.

The Stay in Wales website characterised Ystradfellte in this way: “This small village, just in the county of Powys, is at the southern foot of the Fforest Fawr area of the Brecon Beacons. The name (Ystradfellte), translated from Welsh, means ‘floor of the valley of the Mellte’, the Mellte being one of the rivers which have their sources in the hills above the village. It’s a small village, but as this is an area of sparse population it would in the recent past have been quite an important local centre.”

The Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests in its original state, with the 30-hectare Spanish forest belonging to the Natura 2000 Network and opening for just 10 days a year

Millions of people worldwide enjoy hiking, with many taking to slopes, hills, mountains and other challenging terrains each year.

However, some trails are more popular than others, such as the Seven Sisters walk in southern England, which becomes particularly crowded when the UK transitions from winter to spring and summer.

Spain also has a thriving hiking scene, but there’s one route that sees not thousands, but merely tens of tourists annually.

In a world of overtourism, the Pinar de Can Camins is a haven of tranquillity, reportedly accessible only about 10 times a year.

According to Trendencias, the Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests that remains in its original state, with the 30-hectare forest currently part of the Natura 2000 Network, reports the Express.

The limited visitor numbers are due to the forest only opening on the first Sunday of each month, excluding July and August. Moreover, only the first 25 tourists are allowed entry.

These lucky 25 visitors are given a free guided tour of the area, starting from the Puerta del Delta at 11am. Reservations can be made via phone, in person or email.

While Spain’s Pinar de Can Camis successfully limits tourist numbers, another Spanish territory has urged tourists to reconsider visiting in 2026.

In recent years, the Canary Islands have been a hotbed of tension between tourists and locals, with residents voicing concerns about the impact of mass tourism on their communities.

Last year alone, the Canary Islands played host to approximately 7.8 million visitors, while the islands’ airports processed around 27 million passengers during the same period.

Fodor’s Travel, a renowned travel publication, has included the Canary Islands in its 2026 ‘No list’, which highlights destinations experiencing a surge in tourism that travellers might want to reconsider visiting.

The Canary Islands made the list due to the overwhelming number of people flocking to popular spots like Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote.

Echoing this sentiment, an environmental group in Tenerife known as Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN) has raised the alarm that natural spaces are being “degraded”.

In a statement, they said: “Natural spaces are constantly degraded, with alarming losses in biodiversity. Overcrowding has erased peaceful places where we could once enjoy life there are no truly local spaces left.

“We are losing our identity, culture, and, ultimately, our right to exist as a community. Tourism has become unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn’t come to truly discover the islands, but to consume a fake backdrop.”

The Canary Islands have been put on a ‘no go’ list for 2026, and even as a big fan of the beautiful archipelago, I can see why the surge in visitor numbers might be putting people off

It’s not often you see a warning against a holiday destination you’ve repeatedly visited, but this week, American travel guide producer Fodor released their annual ‘No List’, a guide to all the destinations they recommend against visiting in 2026.

Among the crowded cultural sites and areas of natural beauty being ruined by overtourism, there was a Spanish addition: the Canary Islands. Beloved by Brits thanks to a microclimate that has made them a major winter sun destination, with almost 18 million visitors last year, tourism is at the heart of the Canaries. This is one area that I never thought I’d see on a do-not-visit list.

Yes, the islands have had a fair share of problems and negative attention this year, from overtourism protests in the summer to reports of delays at airports due to new EU passport checks. But with warm weather, relatively inexpensive living costs, and natural beauty in abundance, will Brits really want to abandon the Canary Islands?

READ MORE: Warning to Brits as Canary Islands placed on ‘no travel’ listREAD MORE: I found a beautiful UK seaside town packed with independent shops — it’s perfect for winter

My most recent trip to the Canaries was in March of this year, when I visited Lanzarote. The weather in the UK was grim at the time, and Ryanair flights were cheap, so my travel companion and I decided it would be the perfect last-minute break to escape the gloom.

And it seems like many others had the same idea. Our flight was full, which surprised me at first, given that it was midweek in March. But of course, the Canaries are a year-round destination, so others were like us trying to escape the wintery weather. Arriving late in the evening, thankfully, the queues through the airport were quick.

My first indication that the island’s popularity had skyrocketed was the difficulty in booking a hotel and the corresponding rise in prices. Having visited at off-peak times in the past, there are usually plenty of hotels and apartments to choose from, even at the last minute. However, this time, most of the cheaper spots had booked up, leaving us with out-of-budget luxury accommodation or places with terrible reviews.

Luckily, we did get a good deal at a hotel called Caybeach Sun in Playa Blanca. It had mixed reviews, so I was nervous, but it actually turned out to be lovely. With a heated pool, decently sized apartments, and close proximity to the beach, it was a surprising hit at just over £60 a night.

The Canaries have recently seen a crackdown in holiday lettings, and while this was before I arrived, the changing regulations over the past year could have impacted the amount of choice on offer and the prices.

After dropping off our bags, we headed to Playa Blanca’s beachfront, which has lots of bars and restaurants. In the past, the number of places to eat meant that finding a table was easy, but even late at night, we found many restaurants full to capacity. The only places with seats were a couple of dodgy bars that had men outside practically trying to pull you in, which is never a good sign.

This was a common theme during our stay, whether we visited the town or the marina, everywhere seemed full. While it wasn’t quite the crowds you’d find in Venice or Santorini, it felt like the sort of crowds you’d usually only see in Spanish resorts in the summer. It was good to see people supporting the local restaurants and shops, but I could see how year-round crowds would be having an impact on islanders.

John Dale Beckley, founder of the sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org, told Fodors: “Residents have started protesting because they’re genuinely fed up. Traffic is one of the biggest issues. What used to be a 40-minute drive from the north can now take well over an hour each way. The government previously changed regulations that allowed residents to rent out their properties on Airbnb and Booking.com. This has driven up both rental prices and property values. Many young people now find it almost impossible to rent or buy a home.”

There have been reports of an increase in violent crime on the Canaries, and warnings that thefts get worse in the winter season, as organised gangs visit hotspots such as Tenerife, knowing it will be packed with visitors. The increases in rent caused by the tourist surge have also led to locals moving away from popular areas, reportedly leaving businesses struggling to recruit workers.

Of course, lots of people will point out that I’d chosen to go to a popular destination, so what could I expect? However, March is usually a quiet time on Lanzarote as the winter sun crowds are heavier in December and January, while the summer rush is still a long way off. If the island is this busy in March, I can imagine it becoming extremely crowded during the peak months.

READ MORE: Holiday chief slams huge ‘blow’ for Brits as UK tourism taxes set to be introducedREAD MORE: Flight attendant shares ‘genius’ method to sneak extra bag on board

So, should Brits avoid the Canaries? Personally, I’d think twice if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t like crowds and prefers a quieter break. There are many winter sun alternatives emerging as contenders to the Canaries, such as the Azores and Cape Verde. However, I did still have a great time in Lanzarote. I love its unique volcanic landscape, the beaches are wonderful, and I’ve never received a less than friendly welcome, so I’m very much in two minds about whether I’d go back in 2026.

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A travel writer who visited Italy with her mother earlier this year said she visited two cities that gave a more authentic experience of Italy than the likes of Rome or Venice

A woman who visited Italy with her mother elected not to visit popular cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, instead opting to try less famous and more unusual destinations.

Travel writer Jenna DeLaurentis took her mother on a “retirement trip” to the iconic European country frequented by millions of tourists each year and her verdict was that the likes of Padua and Ravenna would result in a “more authentic” experience of Italy.

For geographical context, Ravenna is located in the north east, 50 miles from Bologna whilst Padua is just 20 miles from Venice.

Jenna said that whilst Ravenna receives a lot of tourists, these mainly appeared to be day trips from Bologna which meant many of them left during the afternoon, leaving the area calm.

Meanwhile, in Padua, Jenna wrote in Business Insider that they encountered a “similar scenario”. She explained: “Sites like the Basilica of St. Anthony and Scrovegni Chapel were busy in the morning, but most tourists seemed to be gone before it got dark.

“As crowds dwindled in both Ravenna and Padua, my mum and I spent our evenings trying local cuisine and sipping cocktails at outdoor bars.”

Jenna’s conclusion was that visiting smaller cities like Padua and Ravenna gave them a much better experience than visiting major tourist hubs such as Rome and Venice.

She explained: “Though the attractions are noteworthy, they’re often overshadowed by overwhelming crowds.

“Visiting Ravenna and Padua, on the other hand, gave us the best of both worlds. We made wonderful memories together while exploring each city’s historical attractions, and loved spending quiet evenings wandering around picturesque city centres.”

Jenna’s comments about her trip in late May come as Europe recovers from another heavy tourism season and the annual questions about overtourism, a phenomenon that has raised questions about how many tourists as city can take.

However, at the start of next year, the tourism season may start earlier in Italy as the country prepares to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games due to take place between February 6 and February 22 and March 6 to March 15 respectively.

In response, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Italy, encouraging Britons to get travel insurance. In an update they said: “If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.”

Addressing the Olympic Games directly, they added: “Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations. You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel.”

It’s not just surviving but thriving.

Tucked away on the UK coast is a seaside town packed full of independent shops and surprises. In its golden heyday, the Victorian age, the Isle of Thanet (the easternmost part of Kent) was packed full of popular holiday resorts. Trend-conscious people like Charles Dickens, swapping the London smog for the revitalising sea air, took the train down to one of them: Broadstairs.

They were enchanted by its sweeping Viking Bay, named in honour of the AD449 Viking invasion of Britain. And with them, they brought riches which helped the small town construct rows of grand houses and an imperial seafront. Unlike many seaside towns hit by the mid-20th-century boom in cheap foreign holidays and the more recent spike in arcade-killing energy prices, Broadstairs is surviving in 2025. In fact, it’s thriving.

I ventured down to the town of 25,000 on a brutal November day to find out if it’s a place that shutters up as the stormy season rolls in and discovered that it has not only found a way to withstand the passage of time but also the winter.

Councillor Kristian Bright, cabinet member for tourism, met me in Salt cafe and explained part of Broadstairs’s success where he told me: “It is one of the only places in Thanet that has an independent high street like this. 15 Square Metres is a great restaurant run by MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd. We have Bar Ingo. I love to spend an evening in there. There’s Kebbells Seafood Bar as well. There’s just so many great places. In the winter, people come down and have a really special time.”

In a way many other coastal spots are not, Broadstairs is protected from brutal seasonal swings by its changing population. The launch of Southeastern’s high-speed rail line in 2009 drew the town a commutable ride from London, while the working from home shift of Covid ensured those down from the capital could stay full-time.

Palace Cinema owners Corinna Downing and her husband Simon Ward are among their number, and now benefit from the new demographic’s love of foreign film. “The notion of local and independent cinema, with its own character, has worked in our own favour,” she explained.

The Palace is the only independent cinema in the area and now draws in punters from across Thanet. Winter, particularly Oscars season, is their time to shine. When they’re not busy showing Imitation of Life and L’Atalante, the cinema is being hired out by members of the thriving local film society – on one recent occasion, for a raucous Austin Powers dress-up night.

Just down the seafront is another business that makes the Palace’s 60-year history look fleeting. Mario Morelli opened an ice cream parlour bearing his family’s name in 1932, and his descendants are still serving up impossibly big sundaes almost 100 years later. Morelli’s is a testament to the idea that if a business does things well and looks after its staff and customers, it will succeed. On the grimmest of midweek mornings, its sensationally big ice creams, waffles, and coffees drew in 30 punters.

Chris Chalklands, the former manager and now semi-retired parlour prince, has been working there for 53 years. He explained what makes Morelli’s so special. “It’s a family-run institution. It’s more of your community hub (in the winter) retreat. We go down about 50% in the winter, but our busiest day is Boxing Day. Everybody comes out for a walk. From 10 to five, it’s standing room only. Broadstairs has changed from a bed and breakfast holiday resort to an Airbnb. I love the atmosphere, community, and general population,” he said.

Hussein, who runs the Fish Inn on the High Street, swapped his home country of Turkey for Broadstairs 15 years ago. More than Morelli’s and The Palace, his business is impacted by the winter months. “It’s a nice place in the summer. I’m not sure about the winter when it’s rainy, but generally it’s good. It’s a nice beach, there’s no trouble. In winter, it’s cold, people don’t want to come out.”

While I was the only chip eater that Wednesday morning, that might’ve been because a gale was flinging rain and fish and chip signs down the road. Usually, a steady trade of students from a local language school and deliveries keeps the 34-year-old Fish Inn ticking over.

There are, of course, tensions in Broadstairs. As they tend to, DFLers have brought money and pushed up house prices. The average home now costs £409,441, according to Rightmove, while the average worker in Thanet takes home £29,312. The pull of its incredible beach and tidal pool during the summer means there is a significant drop-off in tourism in the winter, which can be challenging for businesses.

But these issues seem relatively small and manageable. The council recently introduced a second-home tax, which saw Broadstairs property prices fall by the highest amount of anywhere in the UK last year. Add to that a high street packed with independent shops, and off-season events such as the Blues Bash and Food Festival, and the future prospects of this little coastal gem seem very strong.

Despite reports of tourists being driven away from Spain by protestors, one Spanish airport has reportedly seen a rise in the number of passengers passing through, with a third coming from the UK

Warnings of Spanish ghost towns and holidaymakers ditching the country do not apply for one popular region where visitor numbers are spiking.

A Spanish airport in the popular Costa Blanca region has reported its tenth consecutive record-breaking month for passenger numbers, almost surpassing last year’s passenger total with a fair few weeks remaining in 2025.

Alicante-Elche Airport welcomed 1.9 million passengers in October, an increase of 5.9% compared to last year, and 631,771 of those passengers were Brits, representing over a third of passenger traffic. This was followed by Germany, which represented 129,127 passengers and the Netherlands with 118,996.

So far in 2025, the airport has had 17.2 million people pass through its doors, and it’s estimated it could reach the 20 million mark by the end of the year, according to Spanish expat news outlet Olive Press. They also reported that the airport had its busiest October for flights yet with 11.931, an increase of 6.1% year on year.

Some of the additional traffic could be down to new routes opening up to Alicante. Ryanair recently announced new connections to and from Cardiff, Aberdeen, Bratislava, Linz, Salzburg, Bydgoszcz, Rzeszow, Stockholm Västerås, Småland, and Lanzarote.

Ryanair also added additional flights on 29 of their existing Alicante routes for its winter 2025 schedule, noting the destination’s popularity during the colder months. The airport is serviced by several budget airlines popular with Brits including easyJet, Jet2, Vueling, and Wizz Air, making it easily accessible from across the UK.

Alicante-Elche is the fifth busiest airport in Spain, and the largest in the Valencian Community. One of the reasons it’s a popular destination for Brits is its close proximity to Benidorm, with a direct bus from the airport to the holiday hotspot taking just 45 minutes.

It’s also just 20 minutes away from the centre of Alicante, which has cultural attractions and beautiful beaches. The Telegraph dubbed Alicante ‘Spain’s most underrated city break’ in a 2024 article.

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The news comes amid speculation that the anti-tourism protests of 2023 and 2024 would deter tourists from taking Spanish holidays. While the majority of protests took place in cities such as Barcelona and on island locations like Majorca, it was speculated that anti-tourist sentiment could lead visitors to choose alternative destinations, such as Greece or Turkey.

Benidorm has also implemented some strict restrictions to keep rowdy Brits under control. Swimming in the sea is banned between the hours of midnight and 7am, with fines between €300 and €1,500 ( approx. £255 – £1,278). Reserving your spot can also land you in trouble, with sunbeds, towels, or umbrellas left on the sand before 9.30am removed, and potential fines of up to €250 (about £220.33) for leaving your belongings behind.

Smoking and vaping have also been banned from the beach, with reports of fines reaching the thousands.

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This gorgeous city is better in November, but in summertime huge anti-tourism demos took place – and I understand why residents in this stunning place are so angry.

I’ve just touched down in the UK from a Spanish city that was basking in a balmy 26C in November, with hardly any tourists in sight. The destination has recently been dubbed an anti- tourism holiday spot, but all the locals I encountered were incredibly welcoming – and I got a glimpse into why some holidaymakers might not be as welcome.

Having visited Palma in Mallorca several times over the years, this was my first off-peak trip to the largest Balearic island, but I’d certainly consider a November visit again. The weather was still delightfully warm and sunny, the Mallorcan people I met were extremely friendly, and it was a real treat to explore the city and the island without the usual throngs of tourists.

During the summer of 2025, the height of the tourist season, large-scale anti-tourism protests erupted on the streets of Palma, with locals brandishing signs telling holidaymakers to go home – and frankly, I can’t blame them.

I can empathise with their tourism grievances, having grown up in Devon where similar issues arise – and I’ve even had the experience of living next door to an Airbnb a few years back which brought its own set of problems with non-locals.

Mallorca grapples with over-tourism during the summer months when the island is swamped with visitors. However, travelling off-peak is a more sustainable way to appreciate the island while respecting the locals – and it offers a genuine taste of Mallorcan life, reports the Express.

Despite being a Brit myself, I can’t help but acknowledge that some of our fellow countrymen can be quite the nuisance in popular holiday destinations, with their excessive drinking and disruptive behaviour tarnishing the reputation of many a Spanish resort.

Adding to this, the surge in short-term holiday rentals has spiralled out of control in numerous sought-after locations, including the Mallorcan city of Palma and other Spanish hotspots like Barcelona.

This issue of residential properties being converted into holiday cottages or Airbnb lettings is a global phenomenon, affecting places from Cornwall to London, Spain to America, and everywhere in between.

A local family residing in Mallorca shared with me that the island’s peak season is a living nightmare for them, with parking woes and a significant increase in traffic causing chaos.

The family expressed their struggle to enjoy the summer months as the beaches become “too crowded”, parking becomes a mission impossible, and many eateries, particularly in Palma, are “too busy”.

One native Mallorcan woman voiced her frustration, stating that many locals are irate due to skyrocketing rents – a consequence of mass holiday rentals like Airbnb in a neighbourhood which inflate the ‘average’ rent due to an overall comparison (which includes high holiday home rents).

She also highlighted a “worrying shortage of affordable housing”, particularly in the capital, Palma. Given that Mallorca is a relatively small island, about 62 miles wide, constructing more “affordable” homes isn’t a straightforward solution.

One can’t help but ponder: if all these holiday homes were converted back into residences for locals, would there still be a housing crisis in the UK – or indeed in Mallorca?

Prioritising tourism creates environments that become nearly uninhabitable for local residents, which seems nonsensical. It’s clear that something is amiss when governments aren’t prioritising housing for locals – and the need to protest is entirely understandable.

Over-tourism also results in excessive traffic, unmanageable crowds and significant parking issues, creating an unpleasant environment for both residents and visitors. During my time in Mallorca, I navigated the island by bus, which was simple and efficient.

Strolling through Palma’s tree-lined streets in November, when tourists are few and far between, is my idea of a city break. Although the Christmas lights haven’t been switched on yet, they will be soon (on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 8pm).

I can envision how stunning the festive lights will look once the official Christmas lights switch-on takes place in Palma, as star-shaped decorations were already adorning the streets in preparation for this event.

The streets of Palma were so pristine and clean, I didn’t spot a single person littering, whereas in the UK, it’s not uncommon to see adults – and children – discarding rubbish on the roads or in scenic areas.

During my stay in Mallorca, I lodged at the HM Palma Blanc hotel, a truly friendly and luxurious place that offered comfort and an incredible breakfast. I tend to steer clear of Airbnb-style holiday lets as much as possible, recognising the havoc they can wreak in tourist-heavy areas.

With a plethora of markets in the capital city, independent shops, and fantastic eateries, I’d certainly consider another winter visit to Mallorca – it was genuinely delightful.

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have plummeted over Japanese leader’s recent remarks on Taiwan.

Japanese shares linked to the tourism industry have nosedived following China’s warning to its citizens against travelling to Japan.

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have plummeted since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested earlier this month that Japan’s military could intervene to stop China from taking control of Taiwan.

In a sharp escalation of the dispute on Friday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised citizens to avoid travel to the East Asian country, claiming that Takaichi’s comments had increased risks to their “personal safety and lives”.

The issue continued to reverberate as Japan’s stock market reopened on Monday after the weekend break, with shares of airlines and retail outlets taking sharp falls.

Department store group Isetan Mitsukoshi fell more than 11 percent in afternoon trading, while its rival Takashimaya tumbled about 5 percent.

Japan Airlines fell about 4 percent, while Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing dipped about 5 percent. Cosmetics company Shiseido plunged about 9.5 percent.

China is Japan’s biggest source of foreign tourists, accounting for almost one-quarter of the 31.65 million arrivals in the first nine months of this year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Ryota Abe, an economist at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, said Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) could shrink by about 0.5 percent in the event of a total collapse in Chinese arrivals and by about 0.1-0.2 percent if arrivals decreased by about one-third.

“Even if the number of visitors decreases 30 percent because of the heightened tensions, the negative impact will be around 0.1-0.2 percent,” Abe told Al Jazeera.

Japan’s economy shrank by 0.4 percent in the three months to September, official data released on Monday showed, the first contraction in six quarters.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news briefing on Monday that Beijing’s travel warning was inconsistent with mutually beneficial ties and that Tokyo had requested “appropriate steps” from the Chinese side.

Japan’s top official for Asia Pacific affairs, Masaaki Kanai, departed for China on Monday for talks aimed at lowering tensions between the sides, Japanese media reported.

Masaaki Kanai will meet his Chinese counterpart, Liu Jinsong, in Beijing, where he is expected to clarify that Tokyo has made no change to its security policy despite Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan, the reports said.

Japan has long viewed China’s threats to take control of Taiwan with concern due to the self-ruled island’s close proximity to Japanese territory and its location in waters that carry large volumes of trade.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has pledged to “reunify” the island with the Chinese mainland, by force if necessary.

Taiwan is not officially recognised by most countries but has many characteristics of a de facto independent state, including its own military and passport, and a democratically elected president and legislature.

Narberth in Pembrokeshire is home to some of Wales’ best independent stores – and they can all be found on one high street.

This special little town and its charms are both well-known enough for it to thrive but still well enough off the beaten path to feel like a hidden gem that’s not overwhelmed with tourism.

Not on a main road and often overlooked in favour of nearby seaside resorts, this Pembrokeshire town is packed with independent shops and boutiques, cosy pubs and outstanding restaurants. And there are no chain shops or empty lots to be seen.

While heading west for a short break, I called in to eat at a place called Hwb for the first time and found so much more, including some of Wales’ finest restaurants to pubs, local butchers, antique shops, clothing boutiques, bridal stores and hair salons.

In addition to these, there’s the “Quirky Garage,” which sells an array of knick-knacks, with a particular focus on oversized animal models; there’s an arts centre; a community-run library situated in a quaint old school; a social club where pints are a steal at £3.10; another arts centre; and “The Shop at No47”, self-described as “quite possibly Pembrokeshire’s most perfectly pleasant place to peruse”.

On the high street, I saw a sign on a lamppost announcing an upcoming “hymns and Pimms” night at the local church. The former town hall of Narberth, crowned with a clock tower and a petite steeple, stands solitary on a traffic island at one end of the high street, with stone steps leading up to its entrance.

Today, it houses The Golden Sheaf, a shop selling chic clothes, books, home furnishings and jewellery, but the building itself harks back to the 1830s. It was built on the site of an old tap where townsfolk would gather for their water supply.

Its original clock, until very recently, was wound weekly by a town council member, following the same meticulous instructions from over a century ago.

The area, however, is not all quaint and quirky boutiques. Just beyond the town centre lies the opulent Grove, a breathtakingly exclusive hotel and restaurant offering food, rooms and surroundings that rival anything Wales has to offer.

It’s a bit pricey, with rooms starting at around £250 a night, suites exceeding £500, and a seven-course tasting menu in its flagship restaurant setting you back £145 per person. Even amongst all of Wales’ most picturesque and intriguing towns, Narberth holds its own.

Locals describe it as “an effervescent little place with a robust sense of community” and say those who reside here “live for the lifestyle”. This becomes immediately apparent upon reaching the bustling high street at its core, which teems with people perusing shop windows and popping in and out of stores even during a Tuesday lunchtime.

The sheer amount of activity in the town centre contradicts its modest 3,000 population. Calling it a hidden gem might be stretching things within Wales, where it frequently earns recognition as the finest place to reside, yet it remains relatively unknown throughout the UK.

I cannot state precisely how many independent retailers and enterprises it boasts, but approximately 50 appears a reasonable estimate from wandering about. However, the high street isn’t all that Narberth offers.

The moment you venture beyond the town’s boundaries, you discover yourself within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, amongst the UK’s most spectacular locations and home to breathtaking coastlines, the Preseli hills and other magnificent towns such as Tenby and Saundersfoot, both within easy reach of Narberth (and both considerably more renowned, possibly due to their seaside attractions).

‘It’s not like this by accident’

“When I was growing up here in the 90s, there were a few basic shops on the high street and around 20 grizzled old pubs,” says Beth Alexander, who grew up in the town. Writing on the Visit Wales website, she adds: “But the town had an arts scene bursting forth that brought all sorts of live music and performance to this small Welsh town.

“They say that the arts are a great regenerator, and you can see this played out in Narberth. Today it is an effervescent little place with a robust sense of community, a thriving high street packed with independent shops and cafes, and a full calendar of events.”

Chris Lees-Price, who founded Hwb, has previously told WalesOnline: “The community here likes to protect local businesses by using them, and there’s a real pride in the town because you see how hard people have had to work to make things happen and to make Narberth this way. It’s not by accident.”

It’s a sentiment echoed time and again by residents and business owners throughout the area. Tragically, there aren’t many towns like Narberth remaining, with countless others across Britain having fallen victim to mounting pressures, including the collapse of high street retail and the dominance of chain stores (the sole chain visible in Narberth was a Spar).

The national vacancy rate for high street premises throughout Britain stands at approximately 13.8%. I didn’t spot a single vacant shop in Narberth. The closure of the nearby Oakwood theme park this year, after decades of thrilling schoolchildren with its rides, might have cast a shadow over the town, but it doesn’t seem to have had much of an impact.

It would be a different story if the nearby Bluestone Wales holiday park were to close, but thankfully, there’s no sign of that. Many visitors to Bluestone visit Narberth for a day of shopping and eating.

Where to eat in Narberth

Let’s start with Hwb, which was a delightful surprise. I loved it so much that within days of my first visit, I took two one-hour-long detours to eat there on subsequent family days out.

The independent food and drinks hall is housed in an old Victorian school at one end of the high street. There are four food vendors – selling burgers, Thai food, tacos and Indian street food respectively – and three of the four I’ve tried so far are fantastic.

I sampled an onion bhaji naan wrap that was bigger than my head but still managed to feel light and vibrant instead of heavy and greasy, and a halloumi and pineapple taco that was packed full of flavour. The fries from Top Beef burgers are among the best I’ve had, and my kids raved about them.

There’s also a bar featuring 18 draft beers and cider taps, in scenes more akin to Shoreditch than rural west Wales. Equally impressive is Plum Vanilla Cafe, another cafe-deli hybrid dishing up flavour-packed vegetarian grub like falafel flatbreads, Korean rice bowls featuring battered cauliflower, plus heaps of cakes.

There’s also Top Joe’s delivering “absolutely incredible” pizzas, calzones and antipasti alongside cocktails, plus Stopio, a cycling cafe.

For fine dining, there’s Annwn, which secured a spot among the Good Food Guide’s 20 finest restaurants in the UK in 2022 after just 12 months of trading.

It’s also earned recognition from the Michelin guide, with a 10-course tasting menu priced at £150. Then there’s Fernery at The Grove hotel, offering a seven-course tasting menu for £145.

As you can see, it’s a remarkably impressive array of dining spots for a small town housing just a few thousand residents. You’ll discover far fewer choices in much larger towns.

Activities around Narberth

It’s not just within Narberth itself that you’ll discover plenty to occupy your time. The town sits amid the stunning Pembrokeshire countryside and coastline. World-class beaches lie nearby at Pendine, Tenby and Saundersfoot. The brilliant family destination Folly Farm offers enough entertainment for an entire day, combining multiple play zones with wildlife including lions, giraffes and rhinos. The dramatic and striking castles of Carew and Manorbier are also just a brief drive away.

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his favourite winter destinations for UK pensioners, and one town has been described as a “slice of heaven” by visitors

Travel expert Simon Calder has named Cascais, just outside Lisbon in Portugal, as one of his top winter destinations. The coastal town is not only affordable during the colder months, but also boasts an average temperature of 18C in November and direct flights from UK airports to nearby Lisbon.

Cascais is a dream for those who love to explore on foot, making it an ideal holiday spot for pensioners. Travel blogger Caroline, from Packthesuitcases, described the town as “is a nice walkable size, you don’t need to worry about taxis and buses unless you’re venturing further afield to things like Cabo da Roca – everything in the town itself is easily reached on foot”.

Caroline also highlighted the ease of reaching Cascais by train from Lisbon, noting that “The train takes about 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré, and it’s an enjoyable journey along the coast.”

On his travel podcast, Simon Calder praised the beautiful town as one of his “favourite Portuguese locations”. He said: “Cascais is the port planted elegantly on the shoreline west of the capital, Lisbon, on what’s known as the Portuguese Riviera. It was settled in turn by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, and today the centre of Cascais is an intriguing combination of sun-worn houses, cafés, shops and smart hotels.”

He also pointed out that there are “excellent beaches within easy reach of Cascais”, adding another reason to consider this charming Portuguese town for your next getaway, reports the Express.

One visitor took to Tripadvisor to describe the town as “a little slice of heaven”. The tourist gushed: “Cascais is amazing, beautiful coastline, stunning, immaculate beaches and a really charming town. The people are lovely and the food is out of this world!”

Simon also suggested Cassis, in the south of France, as another pedestrian-friendly destination, ideal for a winter getaway.

A village named the world’s prettiest by Forbes in 2025 is introducing new bans and restrictions to stop visitors from frustrating locals and overwhelming the place

A UK village named the most beautiful in the world is considering new ways to keep visitors away after strict rules were introduced this summer.

Bibury, in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, is an undeniably picturesque location. It features honey-coloured stone cottages, a gently meandering river, and a historic, fairytale ambience. Its appeal prompted Forbes to crown it the world’s prettiest village for 2025, roughly 150 years after poet William Morris dubbed Bibury “the most beautiful village in England.”

The cottages of Arlington Row are frequently described as the most photographed and stunning cottages in Britain. Constructed in 1380 as a monastic wool store, it was subsequently transformed into a row of weavers’ cottages in the 17th century.

It’s not difficult to understand why Bibury receives such high praise, with lodging choices including the Swan Hotel and The Catherine Wheel pub both inviting inside and adorned with climbing plants outside. The village’s appeal has placed Bibury firmly on the tourist map. And now, some residents say, things are becoming unmanageable.

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Milo Boyd

Chairman of the local parking action group, Mark Honeyball, who has lived in Bibury for 10 years, has endured very unpleasant encounters with visitors. He told the Express that he asked a coach driver to move on from some double yellow lines before the unthinkable happened.

He said: “I’ve been physically attacked four times now, but once really quite badly two weeks ago, I was kicked in the chest and stomach and kneed and punched in the face full force by a driver that I’d just asked simply to move on from double yellows at the top of the village.

“The coach drivers themselves are being pushed here by their coach companies, they don’t really want to be here, they find it really difficult to park. The tour operators are the key behind this, the coach operators are doing what the tour operators ask them to do, primarily with people from China, India, and South Korea at the moment.”

As many as 20,000 visitors descended on Bibury in a weekend, with up to 50 coaches parking there daily. That’s an enormous figure for a village with just 600 inhabitants. Now, following a trial during the summer months, Gloucestershire County Council is planning to introduce permanent restrictions on coaches entering the village.

Councillor Lisa Spivey, leader of the council, told the BBC: “Bibury is one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic destinations, but its popularity has created real challenges. These proposals aim to safeguard the village, curb congestion, and preserve its unique charm.

Additional proposals have been put forward to control the chaos. These include:

• Banning coaches from driving through the centre, except at specified drop-off/pick-up points.
• Extending yellow lines to prevent illegal parking and congestion.Introducing pay-and-display parking for visitors, with exemptions for residents.
• Improving short-term parking access, particularly near the village school and church.
• Adding raised kerbs and seating to further pedestrianise parts of the centre and enhance safety.

Restrictions on coaches entering the village were introduced in May. At that time, parking bays in the centre of the village were closed and new public bus stop clearways were installed. The aim was to halt “unsafe coach manoeuvres.

Plans to make these changes permanent are backed by a group called Bibury One, which includes representatives from the local community, parish councillors, coach and tour operators, the county council, as well as Gloucestershire Constabulary.

If approved, the measures could be implemented by early summer 2026.

The picturesque village is home to a 16th-century bridge now buckling under the strain of a staggering 40,000 vehicles rumbling through each month during busy periods.

The tourist’s bathroom dilemma amused social media users when she admitted her problem

People have been left stunned after an American tourist admitted she didn’t know how to use the sink in her hotel room. The blogger, Angelica, has been posting about her UK travel on TikTok under the username @angelicajenniferr.

In one video from her recent trip to London, the tourist encountered an unusual problem. She told viewers: “Okay, I’m currently in London and guys, I don’t know how to make my sink water go away. I have tried clicking it.

“Am I dumb, or is it like, right in front of my face? Or is it broken? I’m like, it doesn’t click. Is there a button I’m missing?” Asking for help, Angelica said: “Yall, how do I make the water go away?

“Um, can anyone who lives in London or European help me? Because my sink is broken or, I don’t know if it’s broken or if I’m being dumb. The water isn’t going away.” In her caption, she added: “I feel so dumb but also I’m totally about to call the front desk.”

Fortunately, Angelica soon realised her mistake. In a follow-up video, she told viewers: “Let me go down the list of things that you told me to try, and it still didn’t work, and then I’ll tell you what did work.

“Okay, for starters, I have been pushing on this thing. My knuckles will be bleeding soon. People said to pull this down, to pull this. Nothing works. There’s nothing around the sink, okay.

“I had to call someone and be like, I think my sink’s broken. And I was like, the water isn’t going down, I’ve tried everything. And do you know what they told me? Let me tell you. They were like, flip it like a coin, which I know you guys said that. I was like, you’re kidding. You are kidding.

“So look at me. That’s so much easier. I have nails, and I was afraid to break them.” She joked: “Anyways, blonde moment. It flips like a coin. So I learned something new.”

The videos went viral, with the second clip racking up over 200k views. Reacting to the video, some commenters were shocked by the post.

One viewer replied: “Not trying everything then lol.” A second commented: “Standard hotel sink…” Another commenter said: “So if you didn’t think to try this, you obviously hadn’t tried everything.” Someone else wrote: “My sink is like that. I can’t believe you didn’t know how to do that….”

However, others rushed to defend the tourist, saying they would have struggled as well. A viewer said: “Italian here. Never seen anything like that. In fact, I would have been in trouble too… It should also be said that it seems like a very unhygienic solution.”

A second added: “As a Brit, I would have been lost too, don’t worry. I know these sinks exist, but they’re not everywhere.” Someone agreed: “I’m a Brit and have never seen a plug like this. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!”

Travel giant Expedia has shared its top 10 destinations of the year, which are powered by real-time data from daily visitors to its site and app

If you fancy exploring hidden gems, these top 10 spots revealed by the travel giant might be perfect for your upcoming getaway. Expedia’s 2026 destinations of the year list draws on real-time data from daily visitors to its site and app.

The announcement coincides with the travel giant launching its Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report. It showcases where worldwide interest is surging rapidly.

This year’s selection features France, Italy, alongside more distant locations in Canada and Mexico.

Six of these emerging hotspots also satisfy the requirements for Expedia’s fresh Smart Travel Health Check, which acknowledges destinations that actively manage tourism sustainably, reports the Express.

Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, said: “Some of my most unforgettable travel moments come from immersing myself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-travelled destinations.

“With one billion average monthly travel searches, Expedia Group isn’t just a travel marketplace, we’re a catalyst for positive change.

“We have a responsibility to shape the future of travel: one that’s smarter, more sustainable, and deeply respectful of the places we go.”

Big Sky, Montana, U.S.

Nestled within the Rocky Mountains’ core, Big Sky in Montana provides year-round activities.

During winter months, the area becomes a snow enthusiast’s haven, whilst summer brings spectacular walking routes.

Okinawa, Japan Okinawa

Japan’s southernmost island chain, offers a blend of turquoise waters, coral reefs and a unique Ryukyuan heritage. Once a kingdom in its own right, the region now provides a mix of hospitality, history, and a relaxed island lifestyle.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a hidden jewel in the Mediterranean, offering crystal-clear waters, ancient history and untouched landscapes. From glamorous beaches to a bustling city, Sardinia provides an Italian getaway without the crowds.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Located off the southwest coast of Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island boasts white sandy beaches and emerald waters. Once a tranquil fishing hub, it’s now a fusion of beach resorts and night markets.

Savoie, France

Tucked away in the French Alps, Savoie is home to world-class ski resorts, making it perfect for a winter holiday. In summer, anticipate hiking, cycling and sailing, as well as indulging in cheese fondue and alpine wines.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.

North Florida’s Gulf Coast is a region of exceptional natural beauty, with picturesque beaches and nature walks where you can explore the state’s native parks. It’s the ideal spot for those who love the outdoors, with activities such as snorkelling, hiking and dolphin watching.

Ucluelet, Canada

Visitors to Ucluelet can enjoy surfing, kayaking, and spotting whales and sea lions just offshore. There are also plenty of land-based activities like rock climbing, ziplining, biking and wildlife watching.

Or, if you prefer to relax, there are numerous top hotels and holiday rentals available.

Cotswolds, UK

The Cotswolds, one of England’s most scenic regions, is home to quaint towns like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. Here, you can wander through historic gardens, savour a pint in traditional English pubs and tearooms, and admire the iconic Cotswold stone.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Tucked away in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a compact city boasting stunning architecture, ancient religious structures and cobbled streets. It’s renowned for its community of artisans and artists, with some of their finest works on display at the Fabrica La Aurora galleries and studios.

Hobart, Australia

Once notorious as a penal colony, this harbour city has transformed into Tasmania’s cultural heart, drawing food enthusiasts and nature buffs from around the globe. Hobart serves up some of the country’s most inventive cuisine, and its beer, wine and produce are celebrated across Australia.

Video shows part of Rome’s medieval Torre dei Conti collapse for a second time during a restoration near the Colosseum. One seriously injured worker remained trapped Monday evening with firefighters continuing a high-risk rescue as the tower’s stability is assessed.