tourist

A tourist in Tenerife bought a meal abroad for a family of seven, but people were left floored by the bill. Gemma Loveden was taken aback when she saw the cost

Lots of people visit Tenerife to soak up the sun and enjoy a much needed break abroad, but the cost of food has left some a little floored. Mum Gemma Loveden previously took her family of seven for a meal out in the Canary Islands hotspot, and the cost was quite unexpected.

When visiting Tenerife, the family opted to sample treats from steak to pizza, and they washed their food down with drinks when they soaked up the holiday atmosphere. Despite the prices likely being on the menu, the family were left gobsmacked by how reasonable the bill was when it was presented to them at the restaurant.

Gemma was so taken aback that she decided to share the story on TikTok. Sometimes when you travel abroad, the price of things can take you by surprise.

She shared a clip, stating: “Evening meal this evening cost €54.84 (around £45)”. She wasn’t the only person who was impressed by the value either.

After the clip was shared, several people commented to share their thoughts. People were stunned by how cheap it was.

One user admitted: “That would be £150 easy in Turkey.” Another wrote: “How? That’s amazing!”

A third commenter added: “Good price. We normally pay roughly €50 to €60 for three people.” Meanwhile, a fourth exclaimed: “Amazing value, and your kids seem very well behaved too. That’s amazing.”

Others were also impressed with her children’s table manners. One noted: “Love their table etiquette. Great parenting.”

Someone else also replied: “That’s amazing. I live in Cyprus. It would be much more than that.”

While it’s no secret that the cost of a lot of things has increased lately, food is generally considered reasonably priced in Tenerife. When compared to the rest of Europe, it’s believed to be one of the most affordable places to eat.

Obviously, holidays can be as cheap or expensive as you choose to make them though. Despite this, you can bag some budget meals when you’re out and about.

Dining out is popular with tourists, with budget meals reported to range from €6 to €15 and mid-range meals averaging €20 to €40 per person. This is considered to be excellent value when compared to other major European cities.

If you’ve never been to Tenerife, it’s a popular destination due to its “eternal spring” climate. The island offers year-round sunshine and warmth and it’s just a few hours’ flight from mainland Europe.

Many people love it as it homes a diverse mix of affordable beach resorts, volcanic landscapes (including Mount Teide), vibrant nightlife and family-friendly attractions. It’s popular with those who enjoy a spot of winter sun too.

Major strikes across Italy are set to disrupt airports and other transport routes, potentially affecting large numbers of UK travellers

A series of strikes is planned throughout April in Italy that could cause significant disruption for British holidaymakers. According to official figures from the Ministry of Transport, the month will see 14 strikes spread across six days. The nation gets around five million visits from UK travellers every year, according to official data.

The aviation sector will be affected in April with three major tourist cities facing action, and there will also be a series of strikes over public transport. The first strike date will be on Thursday, April 10, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Air traffic control, ground staff and flight attendants are set to strike on that date.

Il Gazzettino reports that eight strikes will hit the aviation sector simultaneously that day. The walkouts – almost all lasting four hours (1pm to 5pm) and taking place nationwide – are set to involve key locations such as the area control centres in Rome and Milan and major airports including Naples, Malpensa in Milan and Rome Fiumicino.

Travellers are being warned that delays and cancellations could occur. People are being urged to monitor travel information before travelling.

Italian media reports say the action on April 10 could have potential knock-on effects on flights and routes throughout Italy. Other strikes then follow later in the month.

Reports say that between April 13 and 24, there will be a further five strikes in local public transport, all regional or company-specific. The cities affected span a wide geographical area: from Naples (Eav) to Florence (Gest), from Vasto to Milan, where the ATM group will cease operations for eight hours on April 24.

There will also be a strike in the rail sector on April 13, according to local media reports. It is set to affect on-board catering services rather than train operations, and a maritime walkout (April 17) in the Strait of Messina, with an eight-hour stoppage by BluJet staff.

On April 19, Gest tram staff in Florence will strike for four hours from 1pm to 5pm, while on April 20, public transport in Chieti will be disrupted from 9am to 1pm. A public transport strike will also take place in Lombardy on April 24 in Milan when drivers and train operators strike from 8.45am to 3pm.

Elsewhere, from April 14 to 18, freight transport in Sicily is expected to grind to a halt, with protests likely to impact logistics and product distribution across the island. On April 16, press workers will strike in protest at the failure to renew the national contract, while the following day, April 17, doctors and healthcare workers will also walk out. Unions are condemning the failure to renew their contracts.

Airport strikes on April 10 in Italy

Italian broadcaster Espansione TV reports April 10 in particular promises to be a challenging day for those planning to travel by air. The nationwide strike in the sector is expected to affect several of Italy’s most significant airports. Delays, cancellations, and potential operational disruptions cannot be ruled out during the protest period. Passengers are urged to monitor their flight status in real time via the airlines’ official websites.

A 24-hour national strike by railway infrastructure maintenance personnel is also scheduled for Saturday, April 11. The protest could affect the smooth running of services, particularly in the handling of breakdowns and technical interventions, the broadcaster reports.

The broadcaster says that April 24 is also set to be a challenging day for public transport users across Lombardy. The Confial-Trasporti union has announced a fresh strike, which will hit services running in the Milan, Como, and Monza areas particularly hard, with the ATM Group bearing the brunt of the action.

The walkout will run for 8 hours, it is reported. In Milan, tram, metro, and bus services face disruption between 8.45 am and 3pm, while in Monza, passengers may experience interruptions from 2.50 pm through to the end of service.

The Como-Brunate funicular, run by ATM, is also facing potential disruption from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

FROM beautiful islands and incredible beaches, Italy has everything you need for a summer holiday – which is why it welcomes around 70million tourists in peak season.

Now, it’s cracking down on overtourism and is putting in place new rules that could affect your next break, from day trip fees to a lack of outdoor dining.

Tourist taxes

Plenty of Brits will flock to Venice this summer to see its incredible waterways.

For anyone taking a day trip to the city from other Italian hotspots, you will have to pay a tourist charge.

In 2026, day trippers will have to pay a fee if they visit from Friday to Sunday in April, May, June, and July.

The day trip access fee is €5 (£4.36) per person for anyone over age 14, if booked in advance.

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If a trip is booked less than four days in advance this increases to €10 (£8.72) – visitors can ‘reserve’ a day in Venice here.

You don’t have to pay the day trip tax if you’ve booked an overnight stay.

Another spot that has introduced tourist tax is the lower area of the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

The fountain in the heart of the city is known to be a beloved influencer spot, and to combat overcrowding, it’s introduced a Rome a €2 (£1.75) charge.

This charge applies daily from 9AM to 10PM (or 9PM depending on official updates) for access to the steps nearest the water.

But if you head to the upper piazza, viewing the fountain remains free.

Outdoor dining bans

While you can still enjoy eating outside in the sunshine, Florence has seriously cut down on the amount of outdoor dining.

In streets around Ponte Vecchio like Piazzale degli Uffizi and Via Roma, you won’t find any outdoor dining spaces whatsoever.

And around 73 other surrounding streets, there’s a restriction on the number of seats on the pathways in an effort to combat congestion.

While some restaurateurs aren’t happy with the new rules, locals have said the new rules are needed as the narrow streets can’t cope with the outdoor terraces.

Some said it had made roads unliveable, and like an “obstacle course”.

From April 1, 2026, Florence will also ban rental e-scooters in the city center.

For more summer breaks – here are our favourite TUI holidays…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Globales Montemar, Ibiza

This hotel sits on a quieter side of Ibiza, so you can soak up the island’s natural beauty away from the party crowds. This family-friendly option has a large pool that curves around the resort, surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, plus a kids zone. Here you’re just a 10-minute stroll from a horseshoe-shaped bay with clear waters.

BOOK HERE

Hotel Club Jandia Princess, Fuerteventura

This resort is set up like a small village, with low-rise buildings set among palm trees and six different swimming pools. Entertainment spans from DJ nights to bingo and live sports screenings, plus sports on offer include water polo, rifle shooting and shuffleboard.

BOOK HERE

Gavimar Cala Gran Costa Del Sur, Majorca

This hotel sits on Majorca‘s Cala Gran Beach, a beautiful cove just a short drive away from the coastal town centre, with its trinket shops and relaxed bars. The hotel itself has all the activities and entertainment you’d expect, including bingo and live music – as well as some unique extras like mini golf and archery. Week-long breaks start from £478pp.

BOOK HERE 

Riu Baobab, Senegal

The Riu Baobab is the only TUI hotel in the country, situated on the Pointe Sarane coastline. There are the four huge pools overlooking the beach, swim up pool bars and a copious amount of sunloungers to choose from. The sushi at the Asian Dorayaki and the pasta dishes at Veneto are the highlight meals of this standout hotel. Week-long breaks start from £883pp.

BOOK HERE

Tourist caps

The island of Capri is incredibly busy during the summer, seeing as many as 50,000 visitors each day during July and August.

To minimise disruption to locals, it’s introducing some new rules.

In order not to block the narrow streets on the island, etiquette similar to travelling on the tube has been requested for large groups – stay on the right on the way up and left on the way down.

When it comes to tour groups, each must be a maximum of 40 people in an attempt to control overcrowding.

And tour guides that lead more than 20 tourists at a time use wireless earpieces rather than loudspeakers.

It’s not just Capri cracking down on the amount of tourists visiting at one time.

In the Dolomites, a ski resort called Madonna di Campiglio, has been limiting daily passes to 15,000 – rather than the usual 23,000.

In other places, a time slot is must be booked before entry, like the Via dell’Amore hiking path at Cinque Terre in the Liguria region.

Here’s more on Italy from one Sun Writer that visited one of Italy’s busiest towns off season.

And here are the insider tips from one writer who lives in Europe’s biggest tourist-trap cities.

HOLIDAYS are getting more expensive from today with a rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD).

ADP, first introduced in 1994, is the ‘tax’ that passengers have to pay when flying from the majority of UK airports, which is built into the cost of flights.

From today, the rates have increased, and how much you pay depends on the final destination and the class of travel.

Band A is any destination abroad whose capital city is 2,000 miles or less from London, which covers all of Europe and parts of North Africa.

For example, flying in economy to a short-haul destination like Spain, Greece or Portugal has some of the lowest rates from £15.

A family of four could therefore expect to pay £60 under the new rules if travelling in economy.

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However, this can go up to £32 per passenger depending on the class they are flying in.

When flying further afield, or in a premium economy or higher, the tax goes up.

Band B is any destination whose capital city is 2,001-5,500 miles from London, so long-haul destinations such as Egypt or the Maldives.

These range from £102 to £244 – so it would be £408 for a family of four in economy flying to resort towns like Sharm El Sheikh.

Band C is for destinations whose capital city is over 5,500 miles from London.

These include Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and all Australia.

The rates range from £106 to £253 – meaning it could be more than £1,000 for a family of four at the top rate.

There is an even higher rate which in line with Band C can be as high as £1,141 – but this applies to private jets.

UK domestic flights range from £8 to £16 depending on class.

The government will review the rates of APD again on April 1, 2027.

There aren’t many ways to avoid paying APD, but if you still want to go abroad and avoid the extra fee, there are a few ways to do so.

Passengers under 16 who are travelling in basic economy are exempt from paying APD – although if they fly premium economy or above, they will be charged.

One is to fly into the UK on one plane and out within 24 hours on another.

But you need to have them both included in the same ticket.

Or, fly on a route from a UK airport that is not subject to APD.

Scottish Highlands and Islands region are exempt like Inverness, Oban, Sumburgh and Stornoway.

Direct long-haul flights from Northern Ireland are also exempt as long as the first part of the journey is to a destination not in the UK or in Band A.

When the departure tax was first introduced, it was just £5 European flight and £10 on long-haul services.

For how to save money on holiday, TUI expert reveals how to save hundreds on the same break – as well as the little-known money saving tool.

And from someone who has travelled to 41 countries – the simple hotel trick that saved my family of four hundreds.

Delays are expected at check-in, baggage handling and other services affecting UK holidaymakers

Major UK tourist hotspots are set to face disruption within days due to widespread strike action. The Canary Islands in Spain is getting ready as unions prepare to go on strike this and next month.

Airports across the Canary Islands are bracing themselves for industrial action by ground handling staff over the Easter period. Trade unions representing workers at Menzies and Groundforce have announced walkouts.

More than 1,500 employees throughout the islands are expected to take part, according to Spanish website Canarias7. Aviation hubs in the Canary Islands are making preparations for the ground handling strike announced for Easter week, which forms part of a nationwide protest.

Three major spots used by Brits are set to be affected, according to the website. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are all set for disruption.

The industrial action has been organised by staff at Menzies and Groundforce. Reports say the action will almost certainly lead to hold-ups in ground operations – including check-in, baggage processing and collection.

Menzies has a workforce over 600 and handles operations for carriers including Norwegian, British Airways, and EasyJet, among others. It operates at Gran Canaria, Tenerife North, and Tenerife South airports, as well as on the mainland at major airports such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga and Alicante.

The UGT union-coordinated action will kick off this weekend (28th and 29th March), with further stoppages planned for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th April, during the peak travel period for Easter week. Groundforce is a Globalia group firm providing services to Air Europa. We reported earlier this week that the action is taking place over rights and working conditions for staff.

Unions say they are taking strike action over the implementation of pay scales among other things. Close to 900 employees across the Canary Islands – encompassing Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura – face disruption. The Groundforce industrial action is set to begin tomorrow, 27th March, with walkouts planned for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays across staggered time slots: 5:00-7:00am; 11:00am-5:00pm; and 10:00pm-midnight.

On the Menzies action, Spanish media reports say that should no agreement be reached, the strikes will continue every Saturday and Sunday until 31 December, following the same timetable. That could lead to months of disruption.

The tourist reportedly admitted that he walked from a villa in the Ubud area because his stay there had come to an end and he’d been unable to find a driver to take him to a new accommodation

A tourist was detained while out on a walk on holiday.

The American citizen, Karl Adolf Amrhein, was detained at 7.15 am on March 19 while walking with bags along Jalan Raya Sukawati in Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia’s police force said in a press statement.

The Pecalang officers patrolling the area discovered the foreign national traveling on foot.

“After initial communication failed, he was escorted to the Sukawati Police Station for clarification,” said Superintendent Chandra Citra Kesuma, the Chief of Gianyar Sub-regional Police.

According to Antara News, the tourist admitted that he walked from a villa in the Ubud area because his stay there had come to an end and he’d been unable to find a driver to take him to a new accommodation.

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“Upon receiving this acknowledgement, Sukawati Police personnel, assisted by the Pecalang of Sukawati Traditional Village, explained that currently there is a Nyepi celebration on the island of Bali, where there is no activity for one day,” said Superintendent Chandra.

Mr Amrhein was told that all activities in Bali were temporarily suspended for Nyepi Day, it was reported. He was offered the opportunity to rest at the Sukawati Police Headquarters until the next day, but he reportedly asked for accommodation in a holiday villa, which was granted.

A mandatory stay-at-home order is in place across Bali during the Nyepi Day of Silence celebrations, during which all outdoor activities and public transport are banned.

The celebrations mark the start of the new year. However, unlike in other parts of the world, Balinese Hindus don’t mark the new year by having a huge booze-soaked party or letting off fireworks. Instead, they embrace the silence.

From 6am on March 11 until the same time the following day, adherents switch off their electrical devices, fast, meditate, and stay home with their families. Outside a group of specialist security officers patrol the street, ensuring that no one is outside causing a ruckus.

Although 8% of Bali’s population is not Hindu, the entire island is impacted by the holiday, which sees the roads completely cleared of vehicles aside from the occasional ambulance and all tourist attractions closed. Hotels do not check anyone in or out during the period. If you do find yourself on the island over the holiday, then you’ll be treated to an experience like no other.

The day before Nyepi is Ngrupuk, which is essentially a time to get all of the noise out of your system. Children parade effigies of evil spirits made out of papier-mâché around the streets before torching them, while men launch burning coconuts at one another. Carrying torches while yelling and spitting spice into the corner of homes is another common custom on the day.

Many hotels such as the Viceroy Bali do not allow customers to book in over Nyepi. Those who are already checked-in cannot leave the hotel grounds but are able to use the pool, spa and gym there. The Wi-Fi is also kept on.

“We respect our culture, but we also respect our guests. They are not the same religion as us, so that means our hotel is still operating normally,” resort manager Jero Mangku Tindih told CNN. On Ngrupuk guests of the hotel can head on an arranged trip to a nearby village to watch the flaming coconut battle and masked parade.

Chief Chandra urged all international visitors to respect Balinese customary laws to maintain communal harmony during high-level cultural observances.

A UK tourist attraction may start charging visitors an entry fee for the first time.

The historic site has cited increasing financial pressures as the reason behind the potential move.

Worcester Cathedral has launched a consultation period to explore whether its annual 250,000 visitors could help with running costs.

The 1,300-year-old building, which is the resting place of historic figures such as King John and Prince Arthur Tudor, is the most visited attraction in Worcestershire.

According to the Worcester Cathedral website, the site is currently free to visit but there is a suggested donation of £7 for adult entry to the site.

Guided tours are also available, priced at around £8 per person, offering visitors additional information on the site’s history and architecture, as well as access to the tower.

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Despite these revenue streams and the site’s popularity, the cathedral confirmed that its “current financial position is not sustainable over time”.

Total expenditure for the cathedral was recorded as £4.06million for the 2024-2025 financial year, while the site’s gross income came to £3.08million, leaving a funding gap of roughly £1million.

To tackle this, the cathedral is currently considering a mandatory entry charge, which it said would contribute to costs such as energy bills and maintenance, as well as staffing.

Speaking on the potential fee, Dean Stephen Edwards emphasised the cathedral would always remain a place of worship first and foremost, reports the BBC.

He assured local church-goers that access for prayer, services, and pastoral support would not be affected under any potential changes.

“Through this consultation we explore how we can invite appropriately those who visit primarily for heritage and tourism to contribute fairly towards the cost of maintaining the cathedral and its activities,” he said.

He went on to explain that Worcester Cathedral, like “many historic institutions”, is experiencing a rise in running and maintenance costs.

“While careful financial management and support from our endowment have enabled us to balance budgets in recent years, this has reduced our reserves and increased our reliance on investment income.”

The Dean added that diversifying income streams would help the cathedral to “remain resilient and financially sustainable”.

Worcester Cathedral is currently asking for the public’s views on the proposed entry fee via an online survey, which will remain open until Friday, April 10.

The survey stated that “no decisions have been taken” and did not include a potential price for the entry fee.

Other tourist attractions, including Rome’s Trevi Fountain, have recently brought in entry fees for the first time.

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, but stricter rules have been introduced in hotspots including vaping bans, dress codes and driving restrictions – here’s what you need to know

Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, but in recent years, problems associated with excessive drinking and overtourism have prompted numerous hotspots – including the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands – to introduce tougher regulations for tourists.

From new measures to prevent people hogging sunbeds for hours on end, fresh vaping restrictions to even a regulation nicknamed the ‘bikini ban’, British holidaymakers should pay attention before their next trip; in certain instances, breaking the rules could result in a substantial fine.

To help you out, we’ve compiled some of the most significant regulations and recent updates to be aware of before your next Spanish break.

Vaping fines

Spain continues its clampdown on vaping, and the penalties for vaping in prohibited areas are just as severe as those for smoking. In 2025, the country brought in an outdoor smoking ban, which covers all manner of public areas, from restaurant and bar terraces to beaches

The prohibition includes smoking, vaping, shisha, any heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, with fines ranging between €30 to €2,000 (approximately £26 and £1,700), though for a first offence, it’s more likely to be towards the lower end. Watch out for signage before you take a drag of your vape.

Footwear restrictions

Planning to hire a car in Spain?

Think carefully about your footwear choice in the morning. If temperatures soar and you’re contemplating a pleasant coastal drive, you might be inclined to slip on flip-flops or slides, but this decision could land you with a substantial fine.

Spanish driving regulations demand footwear that permits ‘free movement’ to operate the pedals correctly, which excludes items such as flip-flops and sandals, high heels, wedges, or even going barefoot. Police officers can impose fines ranging from €80 to €200 (approximately £69 to £172) if they believe you lack proper control of your vehicle.

Therefore, if you’re organising a Spanish road trip, remember to pack some practical shoes to switch into.

Dress codes and ‘bikini bans’

Whilst in a Spanish seaside resort, it’s fairly typical to spot men wandering about topless or women sporting bikinis travelling to and from the beach. Nevertheless, certain Spanish destinations have grown weary of such displays and have introduced stringent regulations compelling holidaymakers to cover up when away from a beach or poolside.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) travel guidance for Spain notes: “In some parts of Spain, it’s illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.”

Penalties can reach up to €500 in certain areas, approximately £430. Spain isn’t the only country where you’ll encounter rules like these – certain parts of Italy have also brought in similar measures after residents grew tired of holidaymakers wandering around town or attempting to enter restaurants in their swimwear.

Alcohol crackdowns and bans

For countless holidaymakers, a trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without a sangria or two. However, let’s be honest, Brits frequently take things too far when overseas, and in some regions, exhausted by intoxicated tourists, stringent crackdowns and prohibitions have been put in place.

In the Balearic Islands, particularly around Magaluf and Playa de Palma in Majorca, and San Antonio in Ibiza, there are now prohibitions on happy hours, all-you-can drink promotions, pub crawls, and party boat excursions. Some all-inclusive hotels in Majorca also cap daily drinks at six; three at lunchtime and three at dinner to prevent binge drinking and antisocial behaviour.

Particular resorts on both the mainland and the islands are taking action against people drinking on the street, as well as illegal parties being hosted in villas and private properties.

The FCDO also warns: “Hotels and other establishments will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine.”

Reserving sunbeds

Bagging sunbeds with a towel remains a prevalent practice among British holidaymakers, despite its potential to irk other tourists, but some beaches are taking a stand against the habit by imposing fines. In a resort near Valencia, two retirees were slapped with a £250 fine for reserving sunbeds by laying down towels before 8am to secure a prime beachfront spot.

Whilst it’s unlikely to result in a fine, numerous Spanish hotels have taken action against sunbed monopolisers by confiscating their belongings or handing out warning cards if sunbeds are left unoccupied for a specified period.

A TikToker shared his experience staying at a hotel in one of the UK’s most popular cities with tourists, and people were completely flabbergasted by how much it cost

Edinburgh attracts millions of visitors from across the globe annually, so it comes as little shock that even the most modest accommodation in Scotland’s capital can leave a sizeable dent in your wallet. A couple of nights’ stay can easily run into hundreds of pounds, with costs skyrocketing exponentially during major occasions like Hogmanay or the Festival Fringe.

That’s why one TikToker left viewers gobsmacked after discovering a hotel within walking distance of the city’s premier landmarks for a mere £49.50 per night. Spencer Lyon, who has 135,000 followers on TikTok, where he routinely dishes out bargain-hunting tips, booked a room at the Edinburgh House Hotel.

Kicking off the video, Spencer approaches the hotel on Pilrig Street before walking into reception. “Oh my goodness, this is like Fawlty Towers,” he remarks. “Amazing.”

Moving along, Spencer proceeds to check in and is asked for a £100 security deposit. Locating his room, Spencer steps inside to discover not one but two beds – a double alongside a single, reports Edinburgh Live. “I feel like the three little bears for some reason,” he says.

Inspecting the all-important tea and coffee facilities, he comments: “I’m liking how close it is to the pillow so I can boil the kettle with my ear. Loads of options. No shortbread biscuits, that’s a shame.”

Spencer gazes through the window at the view – predominantly overcast skies – before shifting his focus to the telly, remarking: “Teeniest TV in the game, but I’m not paying to sit and watch TV am I?” He then inspects the bathroom, noting the toilet is tucked away round a corner, before bouncing on one of the beds – after removing his shoes, naturally.

He also draws attention to a modest clothes rail mounted on the wall, observing: “There’s no wardrobe in here, it’s just hang it on the top just there.” Wrapping up, he notes: “This was a last little minute endeavour ‘cos I’ve not been booking them on the go. But yeah, this was £49.50.”

Viewers shared mixed opinions in the comments section. One wrote: “That’s better than I expected. The deposit is a little expensive. Could have stayed at easyHotel in centre for probably same price.”

Another commented: “£100 refundable deposit for a £50 hotel is mad to me. Literally just stayed in Edinburgh end of November in a modern hotel that was like £120 a night and was only a £50 refundable deposit. Like, what in that room is costing them £100 to get it fixed or replaced besides the TV and even then they can get it cheap enough in charity shops.”

However, another responded: “I mean.. you get the £100 back and you’d be shocked at the amount of damage that inconsiderate guests can cause. This just gives the owner some peace of mind and you get the money back anyway so I don’t see the issue.”

Others were taken aback by the price. One commented: “Very cheap for Edinburgh. Looks perfectly acceptable.” Another posted: “That’s ridiculously cheap for Edinburgh rates.” Whilst someone else remarked: “Looks absolutely fine, for £50 it’s decent.”

The Edinburgh House Hotel presently holds a rating of 2.5 out of five on Tripadvisor. A quick online search reveals rooms at the establishment begin at a mere £38. The hotel’s description on Tripadvisor states it “offers a budget-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you.” It notes the renowned Royal Mile sits within a 1.3-mile stroll, alongside other prominent attractions in close proximity.

True to its 2.5 rating, guest feedback proves divided. One branded it “run-down and poorly maintained”. “Room was in an awful state of disrepair,” they claimed. “Happy with basic accommodation but this fell well below that standard. Endless list of faults and damages in the room we stayed.”

However, another guest countered: “Clean and tidy place, beds very comfortable had a great night sleep. Bit dated but I would stay again.”

Brits heading to Greece have been urged to check the latest travel advice as tensions linked to the Iran conflict raise wider security concerns across the region

Brits planning a Mediterranean getaway are being urged to check official travel guidance before heading abroad. Experts say no trip can ever be guaranteed completely safe amid growing tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The latest reminder comes from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which publishes travel advice for British holidaymakers. Its guidance for Greece stresses that travellers should read all advice carefully before departure.

On the UK Government travel advice website, officials warn: “No travel can be guaranteed safe.” It urges visitors to research destinations carefully and make sure they have comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.

The guidance also highlights passport rules that travellers must meet before entering the country. Greece follows Schengen Area rules, meaning passports must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after leaving the region.

British tourists can visit Greece without a visa for short trips. According to the government, travellers can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, family visits or business meetings.

However, new border procedures are also on the horizon for travellers heading to Europe. The European Union is introducing its Entry/Exit System, which will require visitors to register biometric details such as fingerprints or a photo when entering the bloc.

The system is expected to become fully operational from April 10. Officials warn the process could add several minutes to border checks for each passenger.

It comes as tensions continue to grow in the Middle East following the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The crisis has raised wider regional security concerns across parts of the eastern Mediterranean.

Neighbouring Cyprus, which lies roughly 800km from mainland Greece and around 300km from parts of the Middle East, has already been monitoring the situation closely. The island has previously served as an evacuation hub for foreign nationals during regional crises.

According to reports cited by international media and the United Nations, the latest escalation has fuelled fears of broader instability across the region. Military exchanges between Iran and its rivals have already heightened security alerts across several neighbouring countries.

The UK has also stepped up its military presence in the region. The HMS Dragon has been deployed to Cyprus as a precautionary measure. The Royal Navy says vessels may be deployed to support British nationals and regional security as required.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, Greece remains one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Data from the Greek National Tourism Organisation shows the country welcomed more than 36 million international visitors in 2024.

Officials say the key message for travellers is to stay informed. Checking the latest government advice and ensuring documents meet entry requirements can help avoid problems when travelling abroad.

THE best hotels in the country have been revealed and one even has rooms for under £70 a night.

It has also been praised for being family-friendly and sits on the estate of a stately home that appeared in the film, Pride and Prejudice.

The Times has revealed its ’50 best places to stay in 2026′ and The Hide was declared the winner for ‘great-value’.

The cosy 19th century hotel was formerly a Premier Inn, before being converted and reopened in October 2025.

The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate in the rolling Peak District hills – so guests can enjoy magnificent views.

The Times praised it highly and said: “It’s laid-back and unpretentious while still offering Chatsworth hospitality including produce from the estate farm, curated art on the walls and bespoke textiles in the bedrooms plus hand-painted room numbers.”

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It was awarded the title of ‘Great-value winner’ with rooms starting from £69.

They added: “The idea is that all are welcome – dogs, children, walkers in muddy boots.”

The hotel has a mix of bright and spacious rooms from doubles to triple, quad, bunk rooms and accessible ones too.

Each come with a double or king size bed, power shower and free Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile the triple or bunk rooms are suited towards families of three or four.

Guests can eat in from the All Day Dining menu available, with options such as fish and chips and beef and ale pie, as well as stone baked pizzas, burgers, steak, salads and BBQ ribs.

During the summer months, The Hide opens up its patio for outdoor dining with a pizza oven and BBQ.

There’s even a fire pit for s’mores – guests can get a sharing board for two for £10.

The breakfast buffet option starts from £15.95, or there are cook to order options including The Full Hide (essentially a full English).

There’s also a veggie option, pancakes and waffles too.

Sunday lunch is from £18 per person with a choice of Chatsworth beef, roast chicken, lamb or butternut squash, spinach and chestnut wellington.

As The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate, it’s easy for staying guests to explore the house.

Chatsworth House was built in the 1600s and famously appeared in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Darcy’s house, Pemberley.

It has also appeared on screen in The Duchess and Peaky Blinders.

Guests can buy a multi-entry ticket to Chatsworth to use throughout their stay, for less than the cost of a single day ticket.

This can be added to your booking or bought while at the hotel.

Chatsworth House is around a 15 minute drive away from The Hide.

On the grounds of Chatsworth House there’s also a farmyard and adventure playground.

At the farm are small animals like pigs, horses, goats and guinea pigs.

The playground has ladders, a climbing wall, rope bridges and racing slides – there’s also a zip wire, swings, and a giant sand play area

Tickets can be bought from £10 for both adults and children.

The Hide is a 23-minute drive from Matlock Bath which is known for being a seaside-themed town that’s nowhere near the coast.

Visitors strolling along the River Derwent will feel like they’re by the seaside as it’s lined with fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and arcades.

You can get beautiful cliff-top views over the water, and there are boat parades too – also known as the Matlock Bath Illuminations.

The nearest city is Sheffield and it’s a 17-minute walk to Chesterfield.

For more hotels near The Hide, this hotel was named the best in the UK has Peak District views and guests say is ‘worth every penny’.

And here are some very affordable hotels that are better than a five-star – by a holiday expert who’s visited more than 200.