tourist

British tourists have been warned by the Foreign Office after deadly fighting erupted between two countries, with rockets fired across the border and travel insurance likely voided in affected areas

British holidaymakers travelling along a well-trodden backpacking trail have been issued a stark warning by the Foreign Office following deadly clashes between two neighbouring nations.

The UK Foreign Office issued an urgent notice to all travellers heading to Thailand and Cambodia this holiday season – as parts of the country grapple with “regular attacks”.

Residents in areas of Thailand and Cambodia sought refuge last week as both countries launched volleys of rockets across their shared frontier. Both nations have blamed each other for violating a Trump-mediated ceasefire that brought an end to intense five-day hostilities earlier this year.

Authorities have urged British holidaymakers to avoid travelling within 50km of Thailand’s entire border with Cambodia. The only exceptions are a few islands, which should only be visited if absolutely necessary. These include Koh Chang, Koh Kood and the other islands in between.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure to read all of the Foreign Office advice.

The escalation comes as Cambodia’s senate president Hun Sen vowed to mount a fierce battle against Thailand. Last week’s unrest included brutal airstrikes and saw at least 20 people killed.

An orange alert has been issued, covering Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat Province, alongside the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi, and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province.

Approximately one million UK citizens travel to Thailand annually. In recent years, it has become commonplace for some visitors to take brief excursions over the land crossing into Cambodia by catching a coach from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.

However, the frontier has remained shut for most of this year due to violent outbreaks, with current UK Foreign Office guidance as of this week advising that British citizens should steer clear of “all but essential travel” to areas within 31 miles of Thailand’s border with Cambodia.

The guidance states: “Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas, such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple, and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple, are closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all but essential travel to the affected border areas.”

Whilst travelling to a region marked as ‘essential travel only’ by the Foreign Office isn’t against the law, doing so will likely invalidate your travel insurance – even if it remains valid in other parts of the same nation considered safe. This leaves you personally responsible for expenses such as medical emergencies, cancellations, or repatriation, and securing help from the British Embassy becomes considerably more challenging should problems arise.

What’s the reason behind the Thailand and Cambodia conflict and what part did Donald Trump play?

The ongoing strife between Thailand and Cambodia is a flare-up of a border disagreement that has been simmering for several decades, which until this year had only led to occasional skirmishes.

In May, the death of a Cambodian soldier in one such skirmish sparked an intensification of hostilities, culminating in five days of full-scale warfare in July. The fallout saw at least 48 fatalities and displaced 300,000 people.

A peace agreement mediated by Donald Trump was inked by the Thai and Cambodian governments in Malaysia in October, with the US President having threatened to withhold trade deals with either nation if they rejected the pact. However, this week saw a resumption of hostilities after the ceasefire was violated – with each party pointing the finger at the other for firing the first shot.

Thailand’s military alleges that Cambodia launched an assault on Thai positions with artillery, rockets and drone strikes earlier in December, following accusations of previous attacks in the days before. Conversely, Cambodia asserts that Thai forces initiated the conflict, in the Preah Vihear province.

AN iconic tourist attraction in Europe is set to introduce its first ever entry fee – but only for tourists.

The historic Trevi Fountain in Rome dates back to 1762, built to provide both water to citizens and to show off the Catholic Church’s wealth.

But new plans could see it charge tourists to visit from next year.

The fountain – while always drawing large crowds – has always been open to the public.

Around 5.3million tourists visited the fountain in the first half of 2025.

Proposed plans will enforce a €2 (£1.76) entry for holidaymakers, with a separate entrance from citizens

BOOK IT

Everything you can do at one of London’s most top attractions before it closes

KID ABOUT

Cornwall’s best family attractions from open-top bus journeys to adventure parks

Locals will not have to pay a fee to visit it.

It is suggested the rules could be going ahead as soon as January 7.

However, Rome‘s city council said they were considering the new fee but that there was no confirmation it would be going ahead next month.

The new rule has divided people with some backing it in the hopes to reduce crowds.

One person said on social media: “Good idea. I tried walking through the area last November and could barely move, so many people.”

However, most said it would “ruin the charm” of the fountain.

Others said: “Nothing like taking away from the beautiful view of the fountain.”

Another agreed: “More companies making money!”

A third said: “How does one completely ruin and destroy the beauty of historical Italian architecture and monuments? Stick an ugly turnstile entrance and barriers in front of it.”

Most people visit it to throw a coin in, with legend saying one coin to return to Rome, two for love and three for marriage.

All of the coins are donated to a local charity, with thousands taken every years.

And it isn’t the only place introducing fees does tourists.

The famous courtyard and balcony of Romeo and Juliet in Verona is introducing strict new fees.

Tourists will have to pay €12 (£10.54) to enter – previously free – and only be allowed to visit the balcony for 60 seconds.

The museum will reduce capacity to just 100 visitors at a time.

And Venice charges day trippers to visit the famous city – here’s how much.

WHEN it comes to tasty food and drink, incredible historical sites to glorious art, and impressive fountains, Rome has it all.

But it can be a place where the hordes of tourists are easy targets, from being lured into inauthentic restaurants to expensive souvenir shops – so Sun Travel has spoken to a local expert to see just how Brits can avoid that, and discover where to go instead.

Gabriele loseffini who is the General Manager at Generator Rome, a hotel minutes away from iconic Colosseum and Roma Termini Station, has got some top tips for us.

First up, is food, which let’s face it, is part of the reason Brits travel to Italy. Gabriele told Sun Travel: “For authentic Roman cuisine, try Trattoria da Enzo, Hosteria Grappolo d’oro or Armando al Pantheon.

“Testaccio Market is another must-visit – a lively spot for street food, local produce and even an opportunity to go on a guided food tour with all the best recommendations.

“I would always recommend the Centrale Montemartini, a culturally rich museum where classical statues are displayed amongst industrial machinery.

STREET SMARTS

I visit New York 6 times a year – my expert budget guide including £1 pizzas

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

“The space is quiet and well-lit allowing, providing a haven from the rush of the city where you can experience the art.  For drinks, Enoteca il Piccolo and Vanda are excellent wine bars offering an intimate atmosphere both with an extensive wine menu.

“Those with a sweet tooth will love the family-run Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti.”

If you go during the summertime and fancy a cool down with some gelato, Gabriele says to check out La Romana or Gelateria Fassi both of which are loved by locals.

Gelateria Fassi is recognised as Italy‘s oldest gelateria and was established in 1880 – it serves classic flavours like the classic Stracciatella, pistachio, lemon, strawberry, chocolate and hazelnut.

In popular cities, especially in peak summertime, you’re likely to be wading through crowds.

If that’s something you’ll want to avoid in Rome then steer clear of the Colosseum and Pantheon and head to these spots on Gabriele’s radar instead.

Gabriele said: “To avoid the crowds, visiting the Aventine Hill and looking through the keyhole at the Knights of Malta is an excellent option.

“Ostia Antica is also amazing, an old city just outside Rome. It’s like a mini-Pompeii but far less crowded. And the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is a beautiful gallery that is significantly quieter than the Vatican Museums.

“Wandering through local areas such as Testaccio and Garbatella is also perfect to get a sense of the Italian community with its authentic streets and restaurants.”

“Don’t feel like you have to stick to the city of Rome either, just a short drive away are beautiful places like Tivoli is an ancient town filled with beautiful gardens and is only about 30 minutes away from Rome. You can explore the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. 

“Another great day trip would be to Bracciano. Less than an hour from Rome you can explore the medieval streets, see the volcanic lake and the well-preserved castle Castello Orsini-Odescalchi.”

If you’d like to swap city for city, then Florence is another option where you can see landmarks like the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Duomo di Firenze.

While you’re there, Gabriele also said to make sure you stop by Trattoria Sergio Gozzi for a taste of traditional Tuscan dishes.

Looking at the menu, Trattoria Sergio Gozzi serves filled tortellacci, Tuscan stews and steak.

When it comes to accommodation, of course Gabriele has one hotel that trumps all the others in the city.

He said: “My favourite place to stay in the city would be of course Generator Rome, as it’s close to the Colosseum and Termini Station, so it makes an excellent base to explore.

“Generator’s Roman house has guest experience at its core, with stylish and comfortable rooms that offer an ideal option for those looking for an authentic Roman stay.

“During the warm season the rooftop terrace also has incredible views of the city and is the perfect place to relax once aperitivo hour hits.”

Borough Market is a tourist trap right here in the UK – but Sun Travel has some authentic recommendations for you…

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor said: “If you really want to try some of Borough Market’s best treats without the huge price tag – check out Too Good To Go. They have everything from Bread Ahead to cheese mongers.

“My favourite place to eat is El Pastor – one of two restaurants (the second at Kings Cross) where the tacos are huge and the horchata is deliciously refreshing.

“While not as cheap as they used to be, the All That Falafel van is a great quick eat that will fill you up all day, with a wrap being around £6.

“If you want a fancier drink, you’ll find me in Swift. Its small, but the bar crew are always happy to make you something off the menu (not that you’ll need it, with a whole book of options).”

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel added: “Well it has to be Boro Bistro for me.

“I’ve been a loyal fan of the cosy Boro Bistro for more than a decade. This cute independent, fiercely French bar and restaurant has rarely changed in all those years.”

Veronica Lorraine, Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features, told us: “Tabard Street Food Market is a proper hidden gem.

“Forget the chaos of actual Borough market – this has five or six stalls every lunchtime, is loved by locals – always a good sign – and serves everything from Filipino and Thai food to Jerk chicken, Falafal wraps, Souvlaki and Philly Steaks.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill revealed her favourite spot: “Being fairly new to the area, when I ventured out for lunch, I was quite happy when I found a quiet spot away from the very busy Borough Market.

“Just a 10 minute walkaway on Crucifix Lane, I discovered Kin + Deum which is home to tasty Thai dishes like classic Pad Thai, pineapple rice, peanut satay and of course a katsu curry.

“They’re all reasonably priced and you get a lot for your money too, and wash it all down with a small cup of refreshing lemongrass tea at the end.”

For more on Rome with and without kids – here are the must-see tourist attractions and cheap pizzerias.

And if you fancy visiting more than one Italian city, one travel expert reveals the very clever way to see five in one day.