tourist

WASHINGTON — Foreign tourists are trickling back to China after the country loosened its visa policy to unprecedented levels. Citizens from 74 countries can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, a big jump from previous regulations.

The government has been steadily expanding visa-free entry in a bid to boost tourism, the economy and its soft power. More than 20 million foreign visitors entered without a visa in 2024 — almost one-third of the total and more than double from the previous year, according to the National Immigration Administration.

“This really helps people to travel because it is such a hassle to apply for a visa and go through the process,” Georgi Shavadze, a Georgian living in Austria, said on a recent visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

While most tourist sites are still packed with far more domestic tourists than foreigners, travel companies and tour guides are now bracing for a bigger influx in anticipation of summer holiday goers coming to China.

“I’m practically overwhelmed with tours and struggling to keep up,” says Gao Jun, a veteran English-speaking tour guide with over 20 years of experience. To meet growing demand, he launched a new business to train anyone interested in becoming an English-speaking tour guide. “I just can’t handle them all on my own,” he said.

After lifting tough COVID-19 restrictions, China reopened its borders to tourists in early 2023, but only 13.8 million people visited in that year, less than half the 31.9 million in 2019, the last year before the pandemic.

30 days for many in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Mideast

In December 2023, China announced visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Almost all of Europe has been added since then. Travelers from five Latin American countries and Uzbekistan became eligible last month, followed by four in the Middle East. The total will grow to 75 on July 16 with the addition of Azerbaijan.

About two-thirds of the countries have been granted visa-free entry on a one-year trial basis.

For Norwegian traveler Øystein Sporsheim, this means his family would no longer need to make two round-trip visits to the Chinese embassy in Oslo to apply for a tourist visa, a time-consuming and costly process with two children in tow. “They don’t very often open, so it was much harder,” he said.

“The new visa policies are 100% beneficial to us,” said Jenny Zhao, a managing director of WildChina, which specializes in boutique and luxury routes for international travelers. She said business is up 50% compared with before the pandemic.

While the U.S. remains their largest source market, accounting for around 30% of their current business, European travelers now make up 15% to 20% of their clients, a sharp increase from less than 5% before 2019, according to Zhao. “We’re quite optimistic,” Zhao said, “we hope these benefits will continue.”

Trip.com Group, a Shanghai-based online travel agency, said the visa-free policy has significantly boosted tourism. Air, hotel and other bookings on their website for travel to China doubled in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year, with 75% of the visitors from visa-free regions.

No major African country is eligible for visa-free entry, despite the continent’s relatively close ties with China.

North Americans and some others in transit can enter for 10 days

Those from 10 countries not in the visa-free scheme have another option: entering China for up to 10 days if they depart for a different country than the one they came from. The policy is limited to 60 ports of entry, according to the country’s National Immigration Administration.

The transit policy applies to 55 countries, but most are also on the 30-day visa-free entry list. It does offer a more restrictive option for citizens of the 10 countries that aren’t: the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Indonesia, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Aside from the U.K., Sweden is the only other high-income European country that didn’t make the 30-day list. Ties with China have frayed since the ruling Chinese Communist Party sentenced a Swedish book seller, Gui Minhai, to prison for 10 years in 2020. Gui disappeared in 2015 from his seaside home in Thailand but turned up months later in police custody in mainland China.

Ting writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Ken Moritsugu and video producer Liu Zheng in Beijing contributed to this report.

A Canadian woman who is travelling around the UK and trying to keep costs down has shared her thoughts on one city in England – and says it’s ‘not worth the trip’

Kamilla Szpakowski, a Canadian digital creator, has been exploring the UK on a shoestring budget and documenting her journey on Instagram under @kamilla.travelling. The 23-year-old has spent five months last year dedicated to “low budget travel” and sharing her insights with her followers.

During her travels across the UK, Kamilla encountered one city that she found charming but ultimately wouldn’t recommend to fellow budget travellers. Despite its picturesque architecture, ghostly tales, and amiable residents, York didn’t make the cut for her. In an Instagram video, Kamilla questioned her audience: “Would you believe me if I told you this cute little city was not worth the trip?” She expressed disappointment in the city’s affordability.

READ MORE: Kickers’ ‘durable’ Back to School shoe range that ‘last all year’

Kamilla pointed out that while York may be delightful and photogenic, it doesn’t cater well to those watching their wallets. “Although York is super cute and picture-perfect it is not for the budget traveller,” she remarked, reports the Express.

She shared her frustration about the unexpected costs, saying, “When I was doing my research on things to see [and] do in York I already knew there weren’t going to be many places we could go in and enjoy but I was not expecting for places like the York Art Gallery to be advertised as free to actually cost £7 when I got there.”

Though Kamilla initially believed York Art Gallery was free of charge, a quick check on their official website reveals that entry fees apply: £7 for adults, £4.20 for kids aged five to 16, and a discounted rate of £6.40 for those aged 17 to 24 or with a student card.

However, there are some who can enjoy the gallery at no cost, including local children under 16, Art Fund members, Friends of York Art Gallery, and various other concessions detailed on the gallery’s website.

Kamilla remarked: “The York Minster is beautiful from the outside but unfortunately costs £18 to enter which I think is just way too much. The food was also very expensive. The burger I got was £11 with no fries!”

Despite encountering some pricey attractions, the travel blogger found joy in several complimentary experiences. Among these were visits to the iconic Shambles, said to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and the local market. She also admired the stunning architecture of York Minster and Clifford’s Tower from the exterior.

Kamilla enjoyed a leisurely walk along the historic York City Walls, spanning 3.4km of ancient masonry, and meandered through the scenic Museum Gardens.

An insatiably popular city on the French Riviera has revealed it is clamping down on over-tourism with a bold cap on cruise passengers – in a huge blow to UK holidaymakers

A popular EU hotspot is clamping down on over-tourism after unveiling a brutal visitor cap.

Every year, around three million tourists flock to the ultra-chic city of Cannes, lured in by its golden sandy beaches, designer shops, and A-list-studded film festival. The influx is largely attributed to cruise passengers travelling through the French Riviera, who get dropped off in huge crowds for day-trips.

In fact, in 2024, a staggering 460,000 cruise passengers flocked to Cannes – resulting in concerns of pollution and overcrowding, as well as straining local amenities for permanent residents. However, in a major crackdown confirmed by the council – this could all soon change.

Starting next year, a maximum of 6,000 cruise passengers will be allowed to disembark in Cannes per day. The number of mega ships carrying more than 5,000 passengers will also be cut by 48 per cent, with a long-term aim of banning all vessels carrying more than 1,300 people by 2030.

The harsh limit follows in the footsteps of the nearby city of Nice, which vowed to ban ships more than 190m long and with a capacity of more than 900 passengers from docking in its port, as well as the neighbouring Villefranche-sur-Mer from next summer. However, authorities have since backtracked on the ruling, now permitting ships carrying up to 2,500 people to dock in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but only one at a time, with a cap of 65 per year.

According to EuroNews, cruise operators have criticised the move in Cannes – arguing such restrictions are ‘damaging’ to tourist destinations and holidaymakers. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) says such a strict cap ‘imposes unjustified restrictions on a sector that enables millions of people to discover the world’.

Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter

The company argued that cruises ‘actively contribute to the vitality of port cities’ by bringing in income to the area. However, Mayor David Lisnard was quick to defend the decision and double down on the cap.

“Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits,” the politician said in a statement. “It’s not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organising, setting guidelines for their navigation.”

As reported by the Express, Mayor Lisnard has already imposed an environmental charter on cruise companies back in 2019. Back then, he threatened to block passenger excursions if they failed to comply.

Other popular cities including Venice, Barcelona and Amsterdam have also capped cruise ships in recent years – following a string of anti-tourist protests that have erupted across the continent. While it puts the future of Brits’ cruise holiday into jeopardy – it’s likely the move will be well received by fed-up locals, who have long demonstrated against overcrowding and spikes in holiday rentals.

What do you think of the tourist cap? Let us know in the comments section below

A ‘rundown’ UK town that locals say has ‘gone downhill’ has been granted planning permission for two major upgrades in what has been described as a ‘huge milestone’

A tiny ‘rundown’ town that has grappled with its reputation for years is slated for a major transformation to the tune of £22.5 million.

Conveniently located between Leeds and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, Dewsbury boasts a rich historical heritage – visible with its impressive Victorian-era architecture and parish church. While some may consider the region charming and under-appreciated – locals say Dewsbury has rapidly gone downhill.

Branded a ‘ghost town‘ due to its failing high-street and struggling market, residents have even gone as far as warning Brits not to visit. “We have lost all of our independent shops – there are no small independents anymore,” Richard Burns, who has been trading on the town’s market for more than 60 years, told Yorkshire Live.

“If you look at this side of town (by the market), it is basically all takeaways. There’s nothing to draw people into Dewsbury. If you come on a day when the market isn’t open, there’s no one walking around the town.

READ MORE: UK’s ‘most underrated’ seaside town now booming after huge £2m makeover

Talks of regenerating the town have been in the air since 2018, casting doubt on whether they’ll ever come to fruition. However, last week (Tuesday, June 17) Kirklees Council announced planning permission had been granted for two key projects within the Dewsbury Blueprint – a 10-year plan that aims to bolster the attractiveness and accessibility of the town.

This consists of creating a new town park, which will be the largest green space within the centre – and is set to feature a dedicated outdoor area for children to ‘safely play and socialise’. “The approved plans include lots of open green spaces, seating and a substantial, partially enclosed play area, which will benefit from lots of interesting features for children of all ages to engage with and enjoy,” Kirklees Council said.

“The plans also allow for potential water features, which could provide both a relaxing element for those enjoying the park and an interactive feature for the play area. There will also be an opportunity to include more art, with involvement from the local community.”

Dewsbury Market will also get a huge upgrade, with new demountable stalls that will allow for both an outdoor market area and a ‘flexible space to support events’. The indoor market will also be kitted out for a ‘variety’ of different markets and events, while maintaining the building’s ‘beautiful historic structure and character’.

“Now accepted, the plans for Dewsbury Market will create a more varied, day-to-night offering in Dewsbury town centre,” Kirklees Council added. “We aim to continue and improve the traditional market offering, whilst at the same time creating more areas for eating, drinking, socialising and events, giving people as many reasons as possible to visit Dewsbury.”

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, hailed the announcement – stating it is an ‘incredibly exciting time’ for the town. “Once we unveiled our updated plans for Dewsbury Market, the adjoining park was very much the missing piece,” he added.

“These are both aspects of the town we know local people greatly care about, and they have a huge part to play in Dewsbury’s future. This approved planning application marries these two key elements within our Dewsbury Blueprint, and shows how different this part of town is going to look within the next few years – not even taking into account the amount of work we’re doing elsewhere in the town centre.”

Keith Ramsay, Chair of the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board, also welcomed the planning permission approval, describing it as a ‘huge milestone’ for both Debwsbury Market and the new town park. “These are plans that will truly see Dewsbury town centre brought back to life, supporting the soon-to-reopen arcade and other town centre businesses, and cementing all we’re doing to future-proof Dewsbury’s heritage as a traditional market town – whilst creating a town centre that can thrive for future generations,” he said.

Speaking to the Mirror, Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration confirmed the estimated costs for both the revamped market and town park is around £22.5 million. “That figure is made up of money from the government’s Towns Fund, which is aimed at regenerating town centres up and down the country, and our own capital funding,” he added.

When asked when the works will commence, Cllr Turner stated: “We’re currently working closely with traders to discuss next steps. We’ll soon be moving forward with procuring a contractor to complete the work, after which we’ll be able to provide a further, more detailed update which includes both costs and timelines.”

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured

Greece is famous for its stunning islands and one in particular has been a favourite with holidaymakers since the ’70s – but despite people flocking there, businesses are struggling

Despite being one of the most photographed islands in Greece, thanks to its awe-inspiring beauty and mesmerising sunsets, local businesses are grappling with challenges, according to a local tour operator.

Greece is renowned for its myriad of scenic islands. With a total of 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of which are inhabited, it’s a paradise for travellers.

The stunning beaches, secluded coves and caves, significant archaeological sites and breathtaking landscapes draw millions of tourists annually. One particular destination has been a favourite among holidaymakers since the ’70s, regularly attracting families, friends and couples to its dazzling white-washed houses and spectacular hilltop views of the surrounding azure waters.

Last year was no exception.

READ MORE: Best summer wedding guest dresses 2025 chosen by the Mirror fashion team

However, a local from the volcanic island of Santorini has raised concerns that despite the influx of visitors, businesses are struggling due to under capacity. Gianluca Chimenti, a local tour operator who has resided on the island for 18 years, claims that while the streets are teeming with people during the day, come nightfall, the place turns into a ghost town.

Greece, amid a holiday hotspot renaissance, is wrestling with the dilemma of welcoming a surge in tourists while preserving the quality of life for locals. During peak season, crowds of up to 17,000 cruise ship passengers descend daily on the island, flocking to Fira and Oia, renowned for its stunning sunsets.

Santorini, which has earned the nickname ‘Instagram Island’ thanks to its breathtaking views and photogenic avenues, is proving irresistible for globetrotters.

By nightfall, the narrow lanes and scenic balconies are swamped to an almost stifling degree by snap-happy travellers. However, tranquility is restored post-sunset as they retreat to their vessels. Despite social media being awash with footages suggesting otherwise, Chimenti told CNN that these portrayals are inaccurate.

“The problem is that the social media are showing something completely different from what is the reality,” he insisted. “The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it’s the worst season ever.”

He reveals distressing figures indicating “the hotels right now are more or less under 30% of a normal season,” also highlighting that other trades, like eateries, across the island are feeling the pinch.

In Chimenti’s view, potential visitors eager to explore off-peak or genuinely unwind there are being deterred by the mythical image of excess congestion. He said: “Over-tourism doesn’t exist. What I see is a lack of structures.”

Chimenti said that more strategic measures were needed regarding tourist destinations. “Santorini has one of the most important archaeological sites right now in Europe,” he claimed.

“Why are cruise ships not organising tours to the archaeological sites? If you split the people in three parts of the island, so at different times they are doing multiple things, they have time to enjoy and you will never have crowds in any part of the island.”

A British mum decided to check out a supermarket in Switzerland, after she and her family packed up their life in the UK to travel the world, and showed how different the prices of groceries are

We’re all familiar with how much the prices have gone up in British supermarkets with weekly food shops getting more and more expensive but we’ve learnt to accept this and carry on buying the groceries we need. When going on holiday or travelling to a new country, it’s common to look at the prices of everyday items and compare them to the UK.

A family-of-five left the UK to travel the world and have been documenting their journey on TikTok where they are known as Fitch Family Adventures. The mum, who is not named, shared a video giving a tour of a supermarket in Switzerland and showed that the prices are even more expensive than in Britain. Switzerland is generally considered an expensive country, especially for tourists, with the cost of living, including accommodation, food and transport, being significantly higher than in many other European countries.

The Brit mum said: “We are in Switzerland and we’re about to go into the supermarket so I thought I’d show you how much some of the shopping costs here as it is known for being really, really expensive.”

She found a pack of Bio Tomaten Marzanino tomatoes for 4.95 Swiss Francs, equal to £4.52.

Then she had a look at the ready-made salads and found a caesar salad with caesar dressing for 6.80 Swiss Francs, which is £6.20, and another mixed salad with cucumber and red cabbage for 7.20 Swiss Francs, equal to £6.57.

Next, the British tourist spotted a variety of pizzas with toppings like black olives and deli meat for 12 Swiss Francs, which is £10.94.

After this she explored the sweet treats offerings and found a pack of four Munz ladybug chocolates for 4.75 Swiss Francs, equal to £4.33.

There was also a 186g box of Celebrations for 3.95 Swiss Francs (£3.60), a pack of Kinder Bueno chocolate bars for 2.80 Swiss Francs (£2.55), six packs of Smarties priced at 4.75 Swiss Francs (£4.33) and a Toblerone five pack with each bar weighing 100 grams, on sale for 13.20 Swiss Francs (£12.04).

Moving onto the bakery section, the mum saw a pack of crusty bread rolls for 3.10 Swiss Francs (£2.83) which she thought was “not too bad.”

Finally, she checked out the price of a pack of A4 paper, explaining that her children wanted to do some drawing, and found 500 sheets for 11.95 Swiss Francs, equal to £10.90.

One TikTok user asked: “How do people afford to live there?”, to which The Fitch family replied: “We definitely found it difficult to afford things as tourists.”

Switzerland is home to the supermarket chains Migros, Co-op, Denner, Aldi and Lidl but there are also higher end supermarkets, such as Manor Food and Globus.

International moving and relocation company Packimpex explains on its website that salaries in Switzerland in sectors like finance, healthcare and IT are often higher than the European average, leading to increased costs for essentials, as well as luxuries,

It adds: “The Swiss Franc, one of the world’s strongest currencies, further contributes to the high cost of living. This robust currency makes imported goods, which account for a significant portion of the market, more expensive.

“Everyday items such as groceries, clothing, and electronics often cost more than in neighbouring countries due to currency valuation and steep import duties.”

In a huge blow to Brits, a tourist-riddled hotspot on the Canary Islands has unveiled plans to charge holidaymakers almost £4 per day for the privilege of using a sunbed or a parasol

Brit tourists heading over to a Canary Island hotspot are slated to be hit by soaring costs if they want to spend their days at the beach.

Last year, a whopping four million international visitors flocked to Gran Canaria, making it the second most popular island on the Spanish-owned archipelago. Famed for its 400-hectare dune system, endless golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear water – the destination is perfect for those wanting to top up their tan while kicking back with a good book.

Combine this with low rainfall and scorching temperatures that are predicted to hit a scorching 38C this month, and it’s clear why Gran Canaria has become a sunbather’s paradise. However, that might soon be about to change.

READ MORE: Chaos for Spanish islands as 45,000 new homes needed to avoid ‘total collapse’

For the first time in over two decades, officials have reportedly proposed to increase the cost to rent a sun lounger. The charge, which hasn’t changed since 2002 when Spain moved from Pesetas to Euros, will affect all of the beaches in the San Bartolomé de Tirajana region – including in the tourist-riddled hotspots of Maspalomas and Playa Del Ingles.

According to Canarian Weekly, renting a sunbed or parasol currently costs €2.50 (£2.13) per day, but this will rise to €4.50 (£3.84) for both items under the new rules. For a family of four renting out a sunbed each for seven days – this will work out at a staggering €126 (£107.41).

Along with the price hike – which an economic study suggested should actually rise to €6 (£5.12) – tourists will also be able to rent out Balinese beds for €15 (£12.79) per day and personal safes €3 (£2.56) to lock away their valuables.

Local media states the council, led by Yilenia Vega, argues that even with the price hike – the rates remain ‘highly competitive’ compared to both local and national averages. However, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has criticised the move, accusing the council of ‘prioritising private company profits over public benefit’.

Over in Majorca, authorities are actually seeking to remove a staggering 1,700 of its sun loungers from beaches to make more room for protesting locals. As previously reported, Palma’s council has green-lighted plans to slash sunbeds on the city’s beaches by 20 per cent by next year.

“There has been a loss of sand on the beaches, and we couldn’t maintain the same number of sunbeds and umbrellas – and this has coincided with complaints from residents who feel they have less space,” a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs of the Balearic Islands reportedly said. “The mayor [Jaime Martínez] is aware that the majority of residents don’t use the sun bed service, so we decided to implement this redistribution.”

The move isn’t just to snub pasty Brits desperate for a tan, but has also been attributed to rising sea levels which are slowly taking away space on the beach. You can find out which beaches will be affected by the shakeup here.

What do you think of the proposed up-charge? Let us know in the comments section below

A holidaymaker who wanted to visit pals in New York claims a political meme put him in hot water but The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a robust denial

Political memes are hugely popular on the internet but one holidaymaker with a funny picture on his phone claimed he was “made to feel like a terrorist” when he tried to enter the United States.

Tourist Mads Mikkelsen, 21, had arrived at New Jersey’s Newark Airport on June 11 with plans to visit friends in New York City before making his way to Austin, Texas.

Mads said that when immigration officers found a meme of US Vice President JD Vance on the Norwegian’s phone, he wasn’t allowed into the country.

“I was subjected to abuse of power and harassment,” he told Norwegian newspaper Nordlys. “They took me to a room with several armed guards, where I had to hand over my shoes, mobile phone and backpack.”

The tourist claimed he was quizzed about “drug trafficking, terrorist plots, and right-wing extremism… totally without reason” before being thrown in a cell. But The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, operating under the Department of Homeland Security, hit back with a firm denial, saying: “Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons”.

READ MORE: Foreign Office warns 800,000 Brits risk ‘harsh’ detention under new travel rules

Mads said officials threatened him with jail or a $5,000 (£3,600) fine if he didn’t give them access to his phone. He claimed agents then found the Vance meme, which distorted the politician’s face to make it cartoonish, chubby and bald and it was game over.

“The picture had been automatically saved to my camera roll from a chat app but I really didn’t think that these innocent pictures would put a stop to my entry into the country,” said Mads, who claimed he was next forced to give blood samples and supply fingerprints.

“It felt like I was a terrorist suspect where I was sitting,” he added. “I tried to pull myself together several times but in the end, I just wanted to get home.”

But The U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that the story wasn’t quite as Mads had painted it. “Fact Check: FALSE,” they wrote on X. “Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons, it was for his admitted drug use.”

Mads told Nordlys that he was questioned at the airport about illegal drug use. He admitted to having used cannabis on two occasions – in Germany and in New Mexico. “It’s legal in both places, so in my mind it was irrelevant,” he said.

The tourist also said he never got the impression that the drug-related questions were an issue at the time of questioning.

The Norwegian was flown back to Norway the same day and when his claims reached social media, supporters branded his US ban “authoritarian”. “Remember when JD Vance went to Germany to lecture them about free speech?” said one user on X.

“So much for free speech. Note to visitors: Best not come for a few years,” added another supporter.

Mads’ ban comes after reports last month that an Australian woman was detained and jailed overnight before being deported. Nikki Saroukus, a former police officer from Sydney who was visiting her US military husband, had arrived for a three week holiday with her mum when she was taken in for questioning.

“They were asking me about ice and meth and whether I knew how much was being imported from New Zealand,” said Nikki, who was allegedly forced to sign a document stating she was not a part of a cartel and had no affiliation with gang members.

The Australian claimed she was handcuffed and subjected to an in-depth cavity search before being detained overnight and flown back home.

Turkey’s beautiful coast, ancient sites and diverse landscapes attract millions of visitors each year. But beyond the much-loved tourist haunts like Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque and picture perfect Ölüdeniz beach, there’s so much more to explore. We want to hear about your favourite under-the-radar discoveries, from coastal villages or special restaurants to mountain hideaways or hiking trails.

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

Keep your tip to about 100 words

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

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

When William Rath mapped out his post-law school trip to Los Angeles in May, his itinerary included the city’s quintessential landmarks: gazing up at the Hollywood sign from Beachwood Canyon, taking a celebrity homes tour, scanning the Pacific Ocean for whales off the coast of Long Beach. But amid these classic stops, one destination rose above the rest. Erewhon, the luxury grocer, was a nonnegotiable — not for its groceries, but for the clout, the curiosity and the spectacle.

Rath, a freshly minted graduate from the University of Oregon and influencer, made his pilgrimage to the Beverly Hills location, the gleaming wellness emporium nestled just steps from Rodeo Drive, where Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie routinely draws queues 20-people deep. Unable to find a seat outside, he retreated to his rental car in the shade of a nearby parking garage, and filmed a TikTok review.

“TikTok was the main reason I went. It’s always been on my ‘For You’ page,” says 25-year-old Rath. “I always see a lot of influencers going there and trying different things. It’s a big trend, and it hasn’t stopped.”

Once the domain of wellness devotees and Hollywood insiders, Erewhon has transformed into something more universal: for some, it’s their local grocery store, but it’s also now a bucket list tourist destination. Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame or the Getty Museum, the upscale grocer draws out-of-town visitors in search of not just sustenance, but status — a smoothie, a snapshot and social media proof they were there.

Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie ($20) attracts tourists to Erewhon.

(Dania Maxwell/Los Angeles Times)

Aspiration defines much of Erewhon’s appeal. In an era when tourists seek experiences as much as landmarks, the store offers something singular: a way to sample a certain kind of shiny L.A. life. It’s wellness as entertainment, grocery shopping as status symbol. Some tourists are just people on vacation there to gawk, while others are influencers there for content.

“It’s a cultural moment,” says Christina Basias, 36, who has checked out Erewhon’s Santa Monica, Venice and Silver Lake locations when traveling from New Jersey with wife Alexis Androulakis, 38. When they go, the beauty product educators and entrepreneurs scope out new product trends and wellness ingredients that haven’t yet hit mass retailers. “At least 40% of what I see at Erewhon, I can’t find anywhere else,” Androulakis adds.

Founded in 1966 by macrobiotic pioneers Michio and Aveline Kushi, Erewhon began as a natural foods stall in a Boston market before opening a location in L.A. in 1969. The pair borrowed the store’s name, an anagram of “nowhere,” from Samuel Butler’s 1872 satirical novel of the same name, which centered on a utopia where illness is considered a crime. After Tony Antoci and his wife Josephine acquired the brand in 2011, the stores became sleeker and more light-filled; valet parking became the norm. Perhaps most significantly, Erewhon began partnering with celebrities on exclusive smoothie collaborations with none more iconic than Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie.

The exterior of Erewhon is seen in Culver City in 2024.

(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

By mastering the intersection of curated wellness and celebrity cachet, the brand has turned everyday shopping into a kind of luxury theater.

For many first-time visitors, going to the store is driven by seeing the phenomenon for themselves. That was the appeal for Chloe Forero, an influencer from Chicago, who visited L.A. in May. “It was very much a Whole Foods on steroids,” she says. “It just seemed more like a social experiment than a place people shop day to day.”

Forero, 22, walked away with a sushi roll, two juices and a cookie totaling $65. “The cookie was great,” she admits. “But I ate that sushi thinking maybe this will change my life. Perhaps this sushi will be so good it’ll be worth the price tag that comes with it. It was not.”

Some longtime Erewhon shoppers — yes, some of whom are influencers themselves — grumble on social media about the Erewhon tourists. Meredith Lynch, a Los Angeles native, writer and influencer who frequently dissects influencer culture online, says the Beverly Hills location, in particular, has become a stage. “So much about L.A., for better or worse, is about being seen,” she says. “Erewhon is a place where people go, and they get seen.”

Inside the Culver City Erewhon in 2024.

(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

The performative aspect resonates with young out-of-towners. Kiara Dewrance, a chef from Cape Town, South Africa, had hoped to try the Bieber smoothie when she visited L.A. last September. But after seeing the price ($20), she opted for two less expensive drinks and still walked away thrilled.

“It kind of feels like when you’re watching a movie. It kind of felt like a movie moment seeing it in real life,” says Dewrance, 27.

Gibson Ardoline, a 19-year-old influencer and business administration major at the University of Florida, spent $91 on lunch when he first toured L.A. last November, which included sushi, juice and one of the store’s hot bar meals. He offset the costs by filming two TikTok reels chronicling his experience, which received more than 1 million views combined and earned him more than what he spent at Erewhon thanks to payments from TikTok as part of the platform’s Creator Rewards Program.

“It was worth going one time, just to have the laugh and say I spent $90 on lunch,” he says, although he wouldn’t disclose how much he made. “It might not be a laugh for everybody, but to me, it was profitable.”

Not everyone leaves ambivalent. Patrick Oatman, a model and economics major at the University of Connecticut, was genuinely impressed when he dropped by Erewhon last June.

“It seemed to be miles away from a regular grocery store, so it was entertaining in that perspective. It felt like this out-of-reach L.A. thing,” says Oatman, 21.

Erewhon carries several branded wellness products, like this Neptune Blue Sea Moss gel.

(Juno Carmel / Los Angeles Times)

For Rath, who hopes to move to L.A. and practice entertainment law one day, his $100 tab was less a trip expense than a rite of passage.

“This couldn’t be my weekly place for groceries, but If I had a job in L.A., maybe I would go, although it would have to be like once every two weeks,” he explains.

When asked to rank Erewhon among the other iconic spots he visited, he didn’t skip a beat.

“Honestly?” he says. “In-N-Out was fine, but I preferred Erewhon.”

Seville is a popular tourist destination in Europe and is famous for its hot weather – but it could be set to become a desert in the next few decades

One of Europe’s “hottest cities” is a major tourist hotspot, but recent scorching temperatures have left some scientists worried.

Sunny Seville is celebrated for its stunning architecture, pulsating nightlife, and, not least, its glorious weather.

With an enviable average of 12 hours of sunshine a day and pleasant temperatures around 21C in March, the Spanish city offers the perfect city break escape while England endures often drearier climes.

Come summer, however, the story changes dramatically. The city faces blistering heatwaves with mercury levels that can soar to a staggering 45C, often proving too much for many tourists.

In recent times, soaring temperatures have raised alarm bells among climate scientists who fear Seville could be on the brink of becoming a desert, dubbing it the “Iberian oven”.

Nestled at the base of nearby mountains, Seville’s landlocked position means it receives hot winds from Africa, which sweep across its plains. Weather experts are issuing stark warnings, suggesting we are “walking into unknown territory… the city is turning into a desert.”

The peak of the scorching heat typically arrives towards the end of July and into August, although this can vary depending on wind patterns. Adventurous souls keen to explore this vibrant metropolis must heed the risks, particularly during the torrid summers when threats of heatstroke and dehydration are ever-present.

August 2023 witnessed the mercury hitting an astounding 40C, with temperatures consistently sizzling in the high 30s throughout the season.

Travel enthusiast Huw Owen recommends spring and autumn getaways for their gentler weather, but reminds summer tourists to find shade from midday until 7 pm and enjoy the cooler evenings.

Seville’s breath-taking Cathedral and Alcazar Royal Palace serve as idyllic sanctuaries from the intense Spanish sun, allowing guests to explore without overexposure.

The British Red Cross has come forward with essential guidance for Britons embarking on sunny escapades this year.

Dr Ellie Murtagh from the charity has offered invaluable advice: “If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe. This includes wearing sunscreen, staying out of the sun during the warmest hours of the day, drinking plenty of water and drinking less alcohol. You can also help keep wherever you’re staying cool by keeping blinds and windows closed.”

It’s crucial to acknowledge that extreme heat brings significant health risks, particularly for the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions, so stay cautious and care for one another.

The outrageous actions of a content creator seeking the perfect social media image in Thailand have led a Brit tourist to brand her a ‘b****’

A British holidaymaker has hit out at influencer culture for going too far as she urged content creators to let children play.

The comments from @carlyleighgyally on TikTok came as she sunned herself by a beautiful pool in a resort in Thailand.

Carly turned to her social media to express her outrage after a young child who was playing with her dad in the water was asked to move so an influencer could get a perfect picture. She explained: “This family’s here and there’s an adults only pool literally 50 metres round the corner where there are no children.

“This little girl who’s playing with her dad in the pool, she’s on his shoulders, she’s the best swimmer I’ve ever had in my life and she’s like five. I think it’s really wholesome and sweet.”

READ MORE: Influencer, 27, found dead after chilling Facebook post calling for ‘help’

Warning: Explicit language in video.

But when a woman arrived and set herself up with a tripod, she wasn’t happy that the stunning backdrop to the beautiful pool – a lush green landscape – was being “spoiled” by the family playing in it. “This f***** influencer pointed to the edge of the pool and was like: ‘Can you go over there?’,” raged the TikTokker.

“‘F*** off’. If you want a private pool to film content… go rent a villa.”

Much to the dismay of the holidaymaker, the “wholesome” family had moved when told and were now not fully enjoying themselves. “Now they’re really uncomfortable at the side of the pool, they’re not doing what they were doing anymore,” she said. “I’m so annoyed at this b****.”

This unnamed influencer isn’t the only one to annoy the public – earlier this year another content creator was slammed for asking a 12-year-old boy enjoying the sea view from Bondi’s famous Icebergs Pool in Australia to move so she could pose. TikTok users were quick to agree with Carly this time around, with one telling her: “My partner makes it his mission to cannonball all influencer shots”.

Another jaw dropping influencer story was shared in response to her video from a TikTokker called Jen, who said: “My fiance proposed to me on holiday and had paid for the hotel to set up an area with flowers, candles and MARRY ME lights. The area was blocked off with a sign saying ‘private event’.

“After he proposed, we sat drinking champagne and these two influencers came over and started taking photos next to us! One of them even moved the private event sign out of the way! So I told them where to go.”

“Influencers in the wild are the worst people ever,” added Carly of her original video. “You can’t tell children to move, it is the worst humanly thing I’ve ever seen anyone do.”

Barcelona is now creating a new ‘zone’ strategy after crowds of eager tourists put themselves in danger to compete with an emerging TikTok trend

Authorities in Barcelona are planning to construct a special zone for people to “take selfies” after a dangerous trend took hold outside its most famous landmark.

A recent TikTok video which went viral in Barcelona saw the tourist-clad destination overrun with social media users clogging metro exits. It’s reported they had been eager to try their hand at replicating the same act in city’s famous square – that is, until the city council stepped in.

Plaça Gaudí, the square in front of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, was fraught with TikTok-enthusiastic tourists balancing their phones on metro escalators to film themselves while the iconic monument appeared in the background.

The sheer amount of visitors looking to capture their individual shots led to severely clogged station exits and was eventually banned. Subsequently, Barcelona City Council has now decided to construct a special zone beside the Sagrada Familia where visitors can take selfies before entering.

The 6,200-sqm ‘anteroom’ will be located between the Nativity façade of the basilica and Plaça Gaudí on Carrer de la Marina. “The new project helps to resolve a space where it is difficult to reconcile uses between visitors to the temple and the neighbourhood,” the city council said.

READ MORE: Popular Spanish city charging British tourists extra £13.17 to stay for a week

Construction on the gathering zone is scheduled to begin after the 2025 summer and be finished by April 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. The €2.7 million (£2.3 million) project is part of a wider €15.5 million (£13.2 million) plan to improve infrastructure and visitor management around the sacred site.

In 2024, the city launched a €44 million plan to regulate crowds in 16 tourist hotspots by deploying more cleaners and police officers to maintain order and safety.

The Sagrada Familia is the most visited tourist attraction in Barcelona and welcomes millions of visitors every year. That said, entrance queues can be quite long so you should be prepared with water and sunscreen.

The Sagrada Família is Antoni Gaudí’s best-known work and has been under construction since 1882. Although the architect Francesc de Paula Villar was originally commissioned to carry out the Sagrada Família’s project, just a year later he was replaced by the young Gaudí.

The Nativity façade and crypt have been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. To learn more about the history of the building, you can book a walking tour of the church, which also include skip-the-line tickets.

Despite the introduction of a new zone to battle tourist and selfie-stick wielders, Barcelona – like many other popular European cities – is still having a standoff with foreign tourists.

Spain hosted a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, compared with 83 million in 2019. Locals have even taken to shooting water at tourists as a way to protest their presence in cities like Barcelona.

“The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,” Andreu Martínez said in Barcelona with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor café. “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.”

Travel company Great Little Escapes has been removed from the ATOL scheme and ceased trading, leaving Brits with holidays booked through the firm in chaos

UK-based travel agency Great Little Escapes, also operating as Our Holidays and Tunisia First, has abruptly ceased trading, casting uncertainty for many travellers.

British holidaymakers are faced with turmoil as bookings fall through following Great Little Escapes being stripped of its ATOL scheme membership and halting its operations.

The Berkshire-based firm touted itself as a provider of the ‘best cheap breaks in the UK’, focusing on city breaks, while Your Holidays boasted a varied offering, including deals for hen and stag dos, LGBT getaways and bespoke packages.

Falling into financial difficulty, the company’s latest figures reveal a near £77,000 loss last year and a hefty £186,000 deficit reported for 2023, says TTG, the travel industry’s news outlet.

READ MORE: Brits face £1,700 fine if caught in popular European holiday spots with prohibited item

In the UK, it’s mandatory for any business selling holidays and flights to possess an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing), providing a safety net for consumers’ finances. The ATOL protection ensures that customers can either continue their planned trip or claim a full refund if a travel operator collapses, reports Wales Online.

Following the company’s sudden downfall, ATOL stated they are “currently collating information from the company” and will issue guidance promptly.

Those potentially impacted have been instructed not to submit claims yet, with warnings that premature attempts will be turned down.

But now hundreds of summer breaks are in jeopardy and holidaymakers are desperate for clarity.

The authority also issued explicit guidance for associated travel agents, noting: “If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust.”

The collapse of this latest travel agency is sure to unsettle those thrifty holiday-seekers keen on saving on their bookings to have more spending money for beachside cocktails and souvenirs during their getaway.

What to do if your holiday company goes bankrupt

So, what’s the next step if your travel firm goes under? What rights do you have, and how can you reclaim your hard-earned cash?

Discovering that your holiday provider has folded is every traveller’s worst fear, especially when you’re yearning for that essential escape. Thankfully, various laws and regulations exist to aid you in getting a refund should things take a turn for the worse.

Your first port of call should be to touch base with your travel agent if you arranged your trip through them, to confirm your booking is still valid.

All providers offering services within the EU are bound by consumer protection legislation. According to the European Consumer Centres Network: “If you book a holiday, rental car, accommodation or a flight in the EU, Norway or Iceland and run into problems, rest assured that consumer rights are in place to support you.

“If your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, your cruise doesn’t go smoothly, or you miss your train connection, EU legislation will ensure you obtain redress.”

In the UK, travel companies that provide packages, including a flight, and sell them to customers must protect your money through the ATOL scheme.

As the Post Office notes, this means that if you booked your overseas holiday with an ATOL member and it goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you’re already on holiday when the company goes bankrupt, the CAA will arrange for you to return home.

ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, also provides financial protection for UK consumers who book holidays through ABTA members. This protection ensures that consumers receive refunds or assistance if their travel company goes out of business.

Package holidays and agency booking can also offer travellers extra reassurance and customer service. “Booking through a professional agent gives you the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of any changes to your travel,” said Sarah Davies, a travel advisor from Life Begins with Travel. “Even if just to have someone on the end of the phone to guide you through the process.”

Davies explained that many online travel companies weren’t members of ABTA, though, so it was important to ensure you choose a company with both ABTA and ATOL protection “so you don’t end up out of pocket and that you’re well looked after.”

Look for the ATOL logo when booking, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately after booking. You can also check a company’s ATOL status on the CAA website.

If you can’t reach the travel company, contact your airline and accommodation provider directly to confirm your booking and check that they’ve received your payment. If everything checks out, you should be all set to go on your hols.

However, if the booking doesn’t exist or you can’t get through to those companies, possibly because they’ve gone out of business, check your paperwork to determine whether you’ve ABTA or ATOL protection.

Making a claim

The Civil Aviation Authority notes that the refund process is quite straightforward. ATOL-protected consumers complete an ATOL Claim Form, and it then requests the documentation from the ATOL holder issued to the customer.

They will request evidence of payment to the ATOL holder or overseas supplier, depending on your claim type.

In some cases where you’ve paid by credit card, they may direct you to contact your card issuer for a refund. For more details, visit their website.

How to make a claim

1. Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected and lists the ATOL holder.
2. Visit the CAA ATOL Claims Portal to submit your case as the Lead Passenger
3. You’ll need to provide an ATOL certificate/reference, booking and payment details, receipts for any extra costs
4. The CAA then processes the claim and may seek reimbursement through a credit card provider (Section 75), in some cases.

Will Travel insurance cover me?

Travel insurance doesn’t usually cover you if your holiday company goes bust — but some policies do include cover for things like “end supplier failure” or “scheduled airline failure.” It’s definitely worth having a quick look at the fine print to see if you’re protected.

Do I have Credit card protection?

If you haven’t got travel insurance in place at the point when your holiday company goes bust, you may be able to claim back your money through your credit card company.

To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your holiday or flights and booked directly with the holiday company or airline.

Next steps

• Do not apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder
• If you’re overseas, the CAA will inform you of the repatriation plan.
• Upon failure, the CAA list is updated; find it on the ATOL portal .
• Gather all documents: receipts, bookings, and communications; this will support your claim

At a glance:

If a travel company with an ATOL goes bust:

• You’ll get a refund if you haven’t travelled yet.
• If you’re already abroad, ATOL ensures you’re not stranded and helps bring you home.
• It applies to package holidays and some flight-only deals sold by UK companies.

If something goes wrong:

• First, go to the travel company.
• If unresolved, and it’s financial or related to collapse, go to ATOL via the CAA.
• For complaints not involving insolvency (e.g. poor service), escalate to an ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body.

An unfairly dismissed seaside town has witnessed a huge tourist boom after unveiling ambitious plans to regenerate the area thanks to more than £18 million worth of approved investment

A ‘jewel’ in the crown of Britain’s east coast is polishing its reputation thanks to a huge £18.4 million investment.

Situated on the estuary of the Humber in North East Lincolnshire, Cleethorpes has been welcoming holidays since the 19th century, but suffered a bout of under-investment following the Benidorm boom – when Brits ditched the UK coast for cheap package holidays to Spain. Famed for its four miles of golden sandy beach, its 335ft-long pier, and 160-acre nature reserve – this tiny town really does offer something for everyone.

Of course, you’ll also find rows of flashing arcades, award-winning fish and chip shops, and souvenir shops flogging everything from flavoured rock to fridge magnets. But, in recent years – Cleethorpes has been targeted by seaside snobs who have branded the town as ‘run down’.

It’s not the place to be if you’re after iced matcha and tougher-than-wood piece of sourdough, but ambitious plans to transform the town are underway. In 2023, Cleethorpes secured more than £18.4 million of Levelling Up grant monies – spearheading a ‘masterplan’ to improve several key areas.

Pier Gardens, a stretch of public green land that runs along the seafront, is one of the first areas being rejuvenated. Construction, which started this year, will see the area turned into several overlapping zones to create a ‘focal point for recreational activities.

It will feature a huge playground with slides, a water play area, terraced seating, and a performance zone to host small concerts or theatre performances. There will also be a reflection and memorial zone set within ‘naturalistic planting schemes’.

Cleethorpe’s Market Place will also get a makeover, establishing a ‘flexible space for market and pop events to energise the area’. Improvements will be made to lighting in the area to improve safety, while a new green corridor will link St Peters Avenue and the seafront. Restaurants and cafes will be able to let diners eat alfresco, while green infrastructure will mitigate the town’s wind.

Lastly, a new three-storey landmark building is set to be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the promenade, featuring state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities – as well as commercially lettable space across all floors. Impressive mock-up images show the building’s sleek appearance, which sits opposite the iconic pier.

Even before the levelling-up funds were awarded to the town, Cleethorpes had been revamping itself thanks to other investments. This includes the popular shopping area of Sea View Street, the beach, and the Memorial Gate dedicated to our Armed Forces. This is a big part of Cleethorpe’s image, as the Armed Forces Weekend attracted a whopping 355,000 last year, making it one of the most popular events of its kind in the UK.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Councillor Hayden Dawkins, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said he was delighted with the town’s plans and can’t wait to see its transformation progress. “Cleethorpes is a jewel in the crown of Britain’s East coast,” he added.

“Successful funding bids have supported a variety of great schemes across the length of the resort and that will continue in the coming 18 months as major projects start. This, in turn, has encouraged a growing number of local people and visitors to see Cleethorpes as a destination for day trips and holidays. Major events such as Armed Forces Weekend, really do showcase the resort on a national and even international stage, which is fantastic.”

Cllr Dawkins also hailed Cleethorpe’s ‘cultural activity’ that he says demonstrates how the community is ‘involving itself and enjoying’ its growing success. “We look forward to a very bright future here in Cleethorpes – a place to work, visit, live and enjoy,” he added.

How to get to Cleethorpes

Getting to Cleethorpes will soon get a whole lot easier, after it was announced plans are afoot to bring back direct trains between the seaside town and London King’s Cross for the first time since 1992. As previously reported, rail operator Grand Central is hoping to be given permission from Network Rail to start running the services again.

In a move that is expected to bring in a whopping £30 million in economic growth, the route would connect the English capital with Cleethorpes – stopping off at Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Thorne South, Crowle and Althorpe. Trains running four times a day could start running from as early as December 2026, if the plans are approved. This would slash the three-hour journey ‘significantly’, and remove the need for passengers to change trains.

Until then, those wanting to visit Cleethorpes from the Big Smoke will have to transfer at Doncaster. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £32.50. Alternatively, Brits can drive up the M11 and get to Cleethorpes in four hours and 15-minutes in the car.

Staying in Cleethorpes

Cleethorpes has long been a friendly destination for those on a budget, with a vast range of accommodation types. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 27-29) at the Haven Cleethorpes Beach holiday park will only set you back £195. This is based on a family of four staying in a Saver Caravan.

If you’re wanting something a little more luxurious, check out these charming apartments located right by the sea. Chicly decorated and just a four-minute walk to the beach – a one-bedroom apartment costs £550 on the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Trainline, Haven, and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What’s your favourite UK seaside town? Let us know in the comments section below

The British Overseas Territories are not part of the UK, but are under British dominion and the UK is responsible for their defence, international relations and good governance.

From the financial allure of the Cayman Islands to the untamed splendour of South Georgia, you’ve likely heard of British Overseas Territories (BOTs), but do you really know what they are? Are these “British” spots just cushy tax havens for the rich or remote refuges for unique wildlife on windswept isles?

The truth is, as reported by the Express, each territory maintains a unique character while being connected to the UK.

What are the British Overseas Territories?

These remnants of the once-mighty British Empire now amount to 14 specks scattered across the globe, from sun-soaked Caribbean islands to barren outposts in Antarctica. They’re not officially part of the United Kingdom but remain under British sovereignty, with the UK responsible for their defence, foreign affairs, and proper governance, reports Devon Live.

READ MORE: Two more countries added to list Brits shouldn’t travel to in new warningsREAD MORE: King’s Birthday Honours list in full including David Beckham, Luke Littler and Tess Daly

Each BOT has its own constitution, local government, and legal system, yet the UK wields the ultimate authority, often through a Governor appointed by the King. These territories are legacies of Britain’s age of discovery and colonial might.

While numerous former colonies chose independence throughout the 20th century, some preferred to keep their ties with Britain for reasons like political stability, economic support, or historical loyalty.

Bermuda (population 64,000).

British passport holders can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but those wishing to extend their stay or work must obtain a residence permit, which hinges on being sponsored by a local employer. Despite its small size, Bermuda offers a high standard of living shaped by its dual heritage of British governance and North American influence.

British Virgin Islands (population 31,000).

A haven for sailors and a popular choice for setting up offshore companies. These Caribbean islands offer tax-free personal and corporate income.

You’ll need local sponsorship to live or work here, but visiting is visa-free for Brits.

Cayman Islands (population 81,500).

Often referred to as the global capital of finance with zero income tax, the Caymans are also a luxury travel hotspot. British visitors don’t need a visa for short stays, but work or residency involves employer sponsorship and approval.

Gibraltar (population 33,700)

The Rock juts from Spain’s southern tip, blending Mediterranean sunshine with British quirks. It’s a financial and gaming hub, with no VAT and tax-friendly schemes for high earners and retirees.

Visiting requires no visa, but working or living there needs permits.

Turks and Caicos, with a population of 59,400.

Turquoise waters, white sands and a booming luxury tourism industry. The lack of income tax makes this Caribbean archipelago appealing to both businesses and tourists.

Brits can visit as tourists, but settling down requires securing employment and a local permit.

Travel and Residency.

In most instances, Brits can visit the inhabited Overseas Territories without needing a visa. However, if you’re planning to live or work there, you’ll typically need to secure employment first and then apply for a work permit via a local employer.

Some territories, like Gibraltar, offer specific residency options for investors, pensioners, or skilled professionals.

From a tax perspective, many BOTs don’t levy income tax, making them appealing to global businesses and individuals. But this doesn’t necessarily equate to an easy or inexpensive lifestyle – these locations often come with high living costs, limited infrastructure, or strict immigration controls.

The British Overseas Territories serve as a testament to Britain’s global history – but they also play a significant role in the present. Whether you’re fantasising about tropical beaches or a rugged wildlife adventure, these remote places provide a glimpse into Britain’s unique global footprint.

Just remember not to pack your bags without double-checking the paperwork.

The Mediterranean as a whole is warming up faster than the global average, while many cities and islands in Greece record numerous days each summer where the mercury tips over the 40C mark

The hottest capital in Europe is on high alert as 10 million holidaymakers look to descend on a city that has become stifling in recent years.

Visitors to Athens may want to gird their loins and pack a portable fan ahead of their holidays this summer. Athens has always been scorching in the summer, but never as much as it is now. Europe’s hottest mainland capital roasted in record highs last summer, with a Greece-wide heatwave from July 8 to 23 the longest in the country’s history.

While last year saw records topple, it wasn’t a total outlier. The Mediterranean as a whole is warming up faster than the global average, while many cities and islands in Greece record numerous days each summer where the mercury tips over the 40C mark.

The heat is a particular problem in Athens, where a lack of green space and shelter from the unrelenting midday sun can leave visitors from less sunny climes feeling roasted and fatigued.

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

READ MORE: Brits warned of travel chaos as European airport hit by 10th walkout in 45 days

In fact, the Acropolis of Athens was shut several times last summer because of the relentless heat, which was deemed to be a danger to visitors. Each day close to 17,000 people visit the site, which is home to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea entrance and white marble columns that radiate heat at tourists.

In the high season as many as 23,000 people a day trample over these hallowed rocks, eroding the foundations of what many consider to be the birthplace of democracy. It’s become so crowded that a new visitor cap was put in place last year. This has helped to control the crowds a little, bringing a touch of calm to a bustling spot.

To add to the heat issues, overtourism is rearing its head in Athens. Foders, an American outlet, has argued that the Greek city is one of the many great historical settlements which is being eroded and damaged thanks to out of control tourism.

Having bounced back in terms of visitor numbers post-financial melt-down and coronavirus lockdowns, “there’s fear that if the surge of visitors continues unchecked, the most Athenian boroughs will culturally erode and physically disappear,” Fodors writes. The publication placed Athens on its ‘No travel’ list.

READ MORE: Jet2 issues ’12 hours’ warning for anyone with flights bookedREAD MORE: All the hotspots where Brits face anti-tourism protests on holiday this summer

In a bid to dampen the impact of Greece’s raging hot summers, an early-warning systems for heatwaves and real-time monitoring of temperature data, along with fountains, air-conditioned cooling centers and shady pocket parks have been put in place, CNN reports.

Emergency services have been put at the ready ahead of this summer, including around the foothills of the Acropolis. In 2021, the city became Europe’s first to appoint a dedicated “chief heat officer”, who has been working on nature based solutions such as tree planting to lessen the perceived heat in Athens.

Iris Plaitakis, a tour guide who regularly visits the Acropolis, told CNN: “Tourists often underestimate the heat, especially those from colder climates. They don’t think to wear hats or bring enough water. You’re much more exposed to the sun and heat up there because of the higher elevation and lack of trees and other shade.”

A ‘mercifully untouristy’ seaside town in Spain is filled with stunning beaches, secluded coves, and an 11th-century castle – and feels worlds away from the overcrowded streets of Barcelona

Avoid the over-crowded, bustling hotspots this summer by visiting this underrated seaside village renowned for its beautiful beaches.

Despite soaring anti-tourist sentiment, it appears nothing will prise Brits away from their beloved holidays in Spain. Amid national protests, brutal clampdowns on holiday rentals, and threats to unleash misery on tourists this summer – the country is still slated to hit record-breaking numbers of visitors this year.

In fact, in the first quarter of 2025, it is believed a staggering 17.1 million international tourists flocked to the country – lured in by its pristine coast, party-mad resorts, and balmy temperatures. This marks a 5.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, in what could easily be described as a huge blow for fed-up locals.

If you’re determined to get your sangria and paella fix in this summer, but don’t fancy being sardined next to strangers on the beach, you have to check out Begur. The medieval town, which remains ‘mercifully untouristy’, was described by the Telegraph as one of the prettiest in the Costa Brava region back in 2024.

“Although the town isn’t in front of the sea, it sits close to it, around 2km from the coastline,” hails travel experts over at Unexpected Catalonia. “On the emerald coves, you can spend the day exploring the seabed, sunbathing, hiking the coastal paths in the area, or kayaking to hidden caves. Back on dry land, you’ll find exquisite food and lovely boutiques.”

The village, which is noted to get busier in summer, doesn’t really compare with other Costa Brava resorts in terms of tourist overcrowding. According to TripAdvisor, Begur can start to quieten down in August, which is still deemed a part of the peak summer season for many other larger destinations.

It’s claimed the nearest beach, Sa Riera, never really suffers from wall-to-wall tourists even during its more bustling periods.

Even still, the village offers a lot to tourists with different interests. History buffs will have to visit Begur Castle, which is built on a hill that ‘strategically dominates’ the entire municipality and offers breathtaking views of the coast. It’s a steep trek up to the ruins, which are believed to date back to the 11th century, but it’s well worth the effort.

Begur is also a convenient base to explore nearby neighbourhoods in Costa Brava and is only 80 miles from the insatiably popular city of Barcelona. However, if you want true peace and quiet, head over to Platja de l’Illa Roja – a secluded beach set amongst lush pine trees and rugged cliffs.

You can fly to Girona- Costa Brava Airport from most major UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, and London Stansted. From here, you’ll need to take a 47-minute taxi ride over to Begur. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return flights for as little as £34 in July.

Accommodation in Begur is limited due to its small size, meaning you may have to stay just outside of the town to drive down the price. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 21-28) in a no-thrills apartment will set you back £1,124. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Triple Room with Sea View.

However, a one-bedroom apartment located in Pals, some 2.7 miles from Begur, costs £880 on the exact same dates. If you’re happy to rent a car or venture onto public transport – this can be a great option to keep the holiday on budget.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

BARCELONA, Spain — Protesters used water pistols against unsuspecting tourists in Barcelona and on the Spanish island of Mallorca on Sunday as demonstrators marched to demand a rethink of an economic model they believe is fueling a housing crunch and erasing the character of their hometowns.

The marches were part of the first coordinated effort by activists concerned with the ills of overtourism across southern Europe’s top destinations. While several thousand rallied on Mallorca in the biggest gathering of the day, hundreds more gathered in other Spanish cities, as well as in Venice and Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.

“The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit,” Andreu Martínez said in Barcelona with a chuckle after spritzing a couple seated at an outdoor cafe. “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.”

Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant, is one of a growing number of residents who are convinced that tourism has gone too far in the city of 1.7 million people. Barcelona hosted 15.5 million visitors last year with such attractions as Antoni Gaudí’s La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade.

Martínez says his rent has risen more than 30% as more apartments in his neighborhood are rented to tourists for short-term stays. He said there is a related effect of traditional stores being replaced by businesses catering to tourists, such as souvenir shops, burger joints and bubble tea spots.

“Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming to an end,” he said. “We are being pushed out systematically.”

Around 5,000 people gathered in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, with some toting water guns as well and chanting, “Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.” The tourists who were targeted by water blasts laughed it off. The Balearic island is a favorite for British and German sun-seekers. It has seen housing costs skyrocket as homes are diverted to the short-term rental market.

Hundreds more marched in Granada, in southern Spain, and in the northern city of San Sebastián, as well as the island of Ibiza.

In Venice, a couple of dozen protesters unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotel beds in the lagoon city in front of two recently completed structures, one in the popular tourist destination’s historic center where activists say the last resident, an elderly woman, was kicked out last year.

‘That’s lovely’

Protesters in Barcelona blew whistles and held up homemade signs saying, “One more tourist, one less resident.” They stuck stickers with a drawing of water pistols on the doors of hotels and hostels that said “Citizen Self-Defense,” in Catalan, and “Tourist Go Home,” in English.

There was tension when the march stopped in front of a large hostel, where a group emptied their water guns at two workers positioned in the entrance. They also set off firecrackers next to the hostel and opened a can of pink smoke. One worker spat at the protesters as he slammed the hostel’s doors.

American tourists Wanda and Bill Dorozenski were walking along Barcelona’s main luxury shopping boulevard where the protest started. They received a squirt or two, but she said it was actually refreshing given the 83-degree weather.

“That’s lovely, thank you, sweetheart,” Wanda said to the squirter. “I am not going to complain. These people are feeling something to them that is very personal, and is perhaps destroying some areas” of the city, she said.

There were also many marchers with water pistols who didn’t fire at bystanders, using them instead to cool themselves.

Crackdown on Airbnb

Cities across the world are struggling with how to cope with mass tourism and a boom in short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb, but perhaps nowhere has surging discontent been so evident as in Spain, where protesters in Barcelona first took to firing squirt guns at tourists during a protest last summer.

There has also been a confluence of the pro-housing and anti-tourism struggles in Spain, whose 48 million residents welcomed a record 94 million international visitors last year. When thousands marched through the streets of the capital city of Madrid in April, some held homemade signs saying “Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods.”

Spanish authorities are striving to show they hear the public outcry while not hurting an industry that contributes 12% of the gross domestic product.

Last month, Spain’s government ordered Airbnb to remove almost 66,000 holiday rentals from the platform that it said had violated local rules.

Spain’s Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy told the Associated Press shortly after the crackdown on Airbnb that the tourism sector “cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people,” which enshrines their right to housing and well-being. Carlos Cuerpo, the economy minister, said in a separate interview that the government is aware it must tackle the unwanted side effects of mass tourism.

The boldest move was made by Barcelona’s town hall, which stunned Airbnb and other services that help rent properties to tourists by announcing last year the elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses in the city by 2028.

That sentiment was back in force on Sunday, as people held up signs saying “Your Airbnb was my home.”

‘Taking away housing’

The short-term rental industry contends that it is being treated unfairly.

“I think a lot of our politicians have found an easy scapegoat to blame for the inefficiencies of their policies in terms of housing and tourism over the last 10, 15, 20 years,” Airbnb’s general director for Spain and Portugal, Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, recently told the AP.

That argument either hasn’t trickled down to the residents of Barcelona or isn’t resonating.

Txema Escorsa, a teacher in Barcelona, doesn’t just oppose Airbnb in his home city; he has ceased to use it even when traveling elsewhere, out of principle.

“In the end, you realize that this is taking away housing from people,” he said.

Wilson writes for the Associated Press. AP videojournalist Hernán Múñoz in Barcelona and AP writer Colleen Barry in Venice contributed to this report.