Travel

THE UK’s most isolated island celebrates Christmas on January 6 – despite the rest of Britain packing away the decorations weeks earlier.

Foula, a tiny Scottish island 20 miles off the west coast of Shetland, follows its own festive timetable.

The unusual timing is down to the calendar the island follows.

While the rest of the UK adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, Foula’s residents chose to keep using the older Julian calendar.

That decision means key dates slowly drifted, and after a leap year change in 1900, Christmas and New Year ended up falling 12 days later than elsewhere.

Home to just 35 people, Foula is often described as one of the most remote places in the country.

ISLE GO

Why the UK’s most isolated island celebrates New Year’s today… 12 days late

FESTIVE GREETINGS

UK island where locals celebrate Xmas & New Year on the wrong days

With no pubs, shops, bars, Wi-Fi or National Grid connection, supplies arrive only by boat or small plane, weather permitting, yet despite its isolation the island still offers plenty to see.

Foula covers around five square miles and is dominated by five dramatic peaks, including Da Kame, which is believed to be one of the highest sheer sea cliffs in Britain.

The island is also one of the best places in the UK to spot the Northern Lights.

Known locally as the Mirrie Dancers, they are most often seen between mid-October and mid-March, depending on conditions.

Wildlife is another major draw. Foula is famous for its native sheep, which are unique.

Foula is also popular with scuba divers due to several shipwrecks around its shores, notably the RMS Oceanic, launched in 1899, later used during the First World War, and wrecked just three miles east of the island.

Those who prefer to stay on dry land can join guided walks run by the Foula Ranger Service, or explore independently using maps provided by Foula Heritage.

The island can be reached by ferry or flight from the Shetland Mainland, with ferries running three times a week and taking about two hours, while visitors stay in self-catering accommodation and must bring all supplies.

Two other little-known islands to visit in the UK

HERE are two other little-known islands to visit in the UK.

The Isle of Erraid, Scotland

The tiny Inner Hebridean Isle of Erraid is a tidal island, just off the tip of the Ross of Mull.

For an hour or two either side of low tide, the Isle of Erraid is linked to the mainland by a broad expanse of sand that you can cross.

But Erraid’s major claim to fame is its inspiration for the famous novel Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Erraid is one of the driest and sunniest places in Scotland, with less than 1,000 millimetres of rain and 1,350 hours of sunshine annually, so you’re virtually guaranteed great days out on the beach.

Unst, Scotland

Unst is roughly 178 miles away from the Scottish mainland.

There are thought to be just 600 people living on the tiny island, making it the most northerly inhabited place in the UK.

Unst has just one pub, one hotel, one school, three shops and a lone bus route.

Skaw Beach, the most northerly in the UK, is packed with golden sand, and it’s backed by a meadow that’s home to an array of wild flowers in the spring and summer.

Because of its shape, the beach is fairly sheltered from the winds.

There are limited facilities at the beach, so holidaymakers should aim to pack everything they need before visiting.

Despite its remote location, around 100 people have reviewed the beach on Google, with one person writing: “Wild and wooly, with nobody around. The water was freezing, as you would expect.”

It’s also a haven for birds including corncrake, lapwing, peregrine, hen harriers and sandpipers and you’ll also see plenty of deer, hedgehogs and Black Face sheep.

SCOTLAND’S peaks are known for drama, beauty and inaccessibility.

As a wheelchair user, for years I thought they were off limits to me, unless I fancied freezing, struggling or staying behind.

But then I heard about the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, which reopened in February.

A step-free funicular that climbs right into the clouds? I had to try it.

Access is built in from the moment you arrive – a lift to the platform, a small threshold ramp, and level boarding into the front of the train.

I wheeled straight on with no fuss, no faff, and no feeling like I was the exception.

WAIL OF A TIME

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

TEMPTED?

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

The train climbs from 635 to 1,097 metres in less than ten minutes.

As we rose through pine forests and heather, the view just kept opening.
Mist clung to the glens below. Ridges curved into the distance.

It was smooth, and completely surreal – like floating uphill. Ptarmigan Station is right at the top.

From the lift you roll straight into a warm cafe, an exhibition space, and a huge outdoor viewing terrace with the kind of panoramic views I never thought I’d access without help. (You can’t go beyond the terrace unless you’re part of a guided walk, but honestly, I didn’t need to.)

The restaurant serves hearty food and sweet treats.

I had a Baileys hot chocolate – totally earned – and sat soaking up the sunshine at 1,000 metres up.

Now I don’t get to do that every day.

I stayed about half an hour away at the Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey – a traditional Highland property with helpful staff and a calm, cosy vibe.

My accessible room was easy to navigate, meals were relaxed and the whole place had that lived-in charm.

It’s worth saying the access isn’t perfect – there’s a small service lift with manual doors – but the team were happy to help me, and I never felt like I was causing a problem.

This part of the Cairngorms has a few hidden gems that are surprisingly accessible.

Loch Garten has level paths and a great wildlife viewing area.

Countryside accessibility can be tricky for disabled travellers

Anagach Woods offers some forest trails you can wheel through, best in dry weather.

And a few local spots like the Highland Folk Museum and Wildlife Park advertise step-free access and accessible toilets – always worth checking ahead.

Countryside accessibility can be tricky for disabled travellers.

I’ve had to turn back more times than I can count.

I’ve scrolled past places that were “not suitable for wheelchairs”. So when a mountain made space for me, it meant something.

I made it to 1,097 metres above sea level.

No compromises, no apologies.

Just clear skies, fresh air, and the kind of joy that lasts long after you come back down.

NESTLED in the Scottish highlands is an island like no other.

Think – vibrant trees that change colour as the seasons do, calm water with a gentle breeze skimming over the surface and cosy cabins with log burners in…

What you are picturing is Eilean Shona, an island in the Inner Hebrides that has no cars, no roads and no shops.

In fact, only nine people permanently live on the island.

To add to its beauty, the island even inspired J.M Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan.

Despite being a private island, visitors can still book to stay on the island and to get there, the residents have to come and collect you by boat.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

HAPPY DEAL

Disney free food deal that ‘saves THOUSANDS’ – our experts see if it’s worth it

Once on the island, you can indulge in the ultimate detox from the modern world by heading on hikes, including to the island’s summit and to white sand beaches.

And to add to the magic, a spirits brand was created on Eilean Shona.

Sun Travel spoke to Ed Faulkner, co-founder of Sapling about the brand and the story behind it.

If someone were to planning a restorative road trip in the UK, where should the top stops be?

A Sapling inspired road trip would celebrate quiet luxury, slow living and a deep connection with the natural world.

It could begin at Knepp Wildland in West Sussex, where rewilded meadows and roaming wildlife surround peaceful treehouses.

Then move on to the ancient beech canopy of Blackwood Forest in Hampshire with its inviting woodland trails.

From there, the journey might continue to the historic Blean Woods in Kent and the tranquil off grid cabins at Elmley Nature Reserve.

End among the ancient Caledonian pines that frame the still waters of Loch Tay in Perthshire.

Along the way, the spirit of the trip comes alive in the simple moments, such as enjoying a vodka or gin and tonic after a long walk with the people you care about.

It is a wholesome and grounding pause that brings everyone closer.

It reflects exactly what Sapling stands for, which is connection, presence and celebrating nature together.

For more inspiration about where to travel in the UK, these exciting new hotels, attractions and festivals coming to the UK’s seaside towns and cities next year.

Plus, our expert picks for UK staycation trips to banish post-summer blues – including free hidden gems for kids and £1.50 meals.

If you’re like me, perhaps you’re waiting until the last minute to buy holiday gifts.

This fun, but nerve-racking practice isn’t for the faint of heart, and often I rely on an edge: caffeine.

That’s why I was pleased when my colleague Lisa Boone highlighted 15 L.A. spots that offers coffee and gifts, quite the happy hybrid experience.

Let’s jump into her list and maybe you’ll find your own shop that offers the best of both worlds.

(Lisa Boone/Los Angeles Times )

Flowerboy Project (Venice)

With Flowerboy Project, equal parts coffeehouse, florist and gift shop, partners Sean Knibb and Stella Shirinda have created an intriguing space that offers a feel-good mix for all the senses.

On Lincoln Boulevard in Venice, the concept cafe and flower shop offers apparel, jewelry, Venice Organics chocolate, home decor and apothecary items alongside fresh-cut and dried floral arrangements.

The cafe serves hot and cold coffee drinks, plus a few specialty drinks such as the Dirty Rose Girl (rose latte) and Lavender Boy (lavender latte), served with flowers on top. Custom flower arrangements are offered at prices ranging from $90 to $175.

(Lisa Boone/Los Angeles Times )

Javista at the Atrium (West Hollywood)

Billed as “The Botanist’s Bodega,” the bustling two-story Atrium in West Hollywood is a unique blend of coffee and plants. With Javista Coffee on the ground floor and a delightful array of plants, gifts and additional seating upstairs, the Atrium is a haven for plant enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.

In addition to coffee staples such as macchiato and espresso, the bodega offers some exotic beverages like the CBTea Latte.

But that’s not all. The Atrium also hosts plant-related workshops, such as a recent one on how to mount a staghorn fern and create a terrarium. Plant lovers will appreciate a variety of plant accessories, including ceramic pots, misters, river stones and LED grow lights.

To support other small businesses, owner Andrew Ruiz stocks a wide selection of books and clothing along with candles from Flamingo Estate, Lavune and Marak, adding a local touch to the Atrium’s offerings.

(Lisa Boone/Los Angeles Times)

Little Nelly (Burbank)

Conveniently located in a Burbank neighborhood with plenty of parking, this takeout spot is a great place to shop for gifts while you wait for your espresso or hot combo sandwich (shaved turkey, hot coppa, Gioia burrata, giardiniera, wild arugula and pesto).

The market and sandwich shop, which also offers catering, is filled with cookbooks, handmade ceramics, wood carving boards perfect for charcuterie displays, candles and greeting cards. And for the foodies in your life, the market stocks unique pantry items such as spices, olive oils, vinegar and hot sauce that are perfect for stocking stuffers.

Made by DWC Cafe and Gift Boutique (Downtown L.A.)

Made by DWC, the Skid Row gift shop launched by the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles in 2011, offers handmade gifts — soaps, bath salts, soy candles and greeting cards — crafted by women on L.A.’s Skid Row area as part of a vocational training program.

All profits from the Made store and cafe, which sells organic coffee, smoothies, salads and pastries from Homeboy Industries, help fund the center’s career training and mentorship programs. Note: The gift shop is not open on weekends.

(Lisa Boone/Los Angeles Times)

Sachi.LA (Del Rey)

Influenced by their Japanese heritage, sisters Sachi and Chiyo Hartley opened their Del Rey coffeehouse in 2018 to share “Sachi” — the Japanese kanji character meaning happiness, fortune or good luck — with their community. The coffeehouse, which serves a wide variety of coffee drinks including matcha and the Sachi Special, a signature cold brew with oat milk and vanilla syrup, is just the beginning.

Adjacent to the coffeehouse, which also serves pastries, the sisters have opened a retail space that is a treasure-trove filled with houseplants, gifts, vintage clothes and plant accessories such as bud vases and planters. They also host occasional pop-ups, so keep an eye on their Instagram for updates.

For the entire list, check out the full article here.

The week’s biggest stories

(Tomas Ovalle/For The Times)

Crime, courts and policing

Apps, social media and tech

Statewide news

What else is going on

Must reads

Other meaty reads

For your downtime

(Illustrations by Lindsey Made This; photograph by Kim Newmoney)

Going out

Staying in

L.A. Affairs

Get wrapped up in tantalizing stories about dating, relationships and marriage.

L.A. Timeless

A selection of the very best reads from The Times’ 143-year archive.

Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Jim Rainey, staff reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, fast break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew J. Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.

WE all know that reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh – but did you realise his entire fleet of magical-hooved creatures is female?

“We know this because of their horns,” Diego Osorno tells me, pointing towards Vixen, one of Grouse Mountain’s resident herd.

At that moment, she decides to depart her hay-filled lodge and gently plod off through the snow, tilting her antlers towards the shimmering Christmas lights in a well-timed performance.

Males shed their antlers in the winter months, while females cast theirs in summer, the knowledgeable Diego shares. He is one of a few rangers here at Grouse Mountain, a 4,100ft tall peak that towers over the city of Vancouver, on Canada’s western coast in British Columbia.

This magnificent landmark will be celebrating its 100th birthday next year, and for those already planning their 2026 wintry getaway, few places offer more Christmas cheer, aside from Santa’s home in the North Pole.

A small “skating pond” sits just beyond the reindeer shelter, where kids can twirl on ice in front of snow-topped fir trees listening to festive music echo between the trunks.

ON THE UP

‘Queen of the English Riviera’ set for multi-million pound revamp

TAKE OFF

Heathrow Airport reveals new £1.3billion upgrade plans with fewer delayed flights

Elsewhere on the peak, you can trudge through fresh white powder on a snowshoe experience, weaving through the frosty woodland which, at this time of year, is dripping in twinkling lights.

These lights are almost as magical as the ones glimmering up from the city of Vancouver at night.

Birds-eye views of the city are spectacular from the cliffside restaurant, The Observatory, and you can soak them up while you dive into fondue — a bubbling pot of rich, gooey cheese served alongside thick slices of charcuterie, pickles and hunks of bread for dipping.

Of course, there’s skiing and snowboarding, too. In fact, visitors will have their pick of three mountains for snowsports when staying in Vancouver, which is partly what makes this region one of the best in the world for night skiing.

You can hit the slopes in a mere 25 minutes from the city centre, including the cable car journey. And Vancouver’s breathtaking nature doesn’t end with its mountains. At the foot of the snow-capped cliffs lies a huge harbour, filled with ships, fishing boats and humming seaplanes — and plenty of wildlife, too.

Winter isn’t the season for spotting whales, but you’re still in with a chance of catching something emerging from the waters, especially if you decide to take a stroll around the seawall of Stanley Park.

This is Vancouver’s answer to Central Park in New York, except it’s roughly 20 per cent larger, boasting 1,000 acres of lush green space bang in the centre of a skyscraper city.

A pal had spotted seals here only a few days earlier, but during my morning run, I only spied black squirrels (cool, nonetheless) and a seagull cracking into a crab that it had plucked from the water for breakfast.

Messy but fun

That sight hammered home just how fresh the grub here really is.

With a huge body of water on its doorstep, wild salmon is, unsurprisingly, very popular in Vancouver. It’s also a staple in the diets of the indigenous communities around these parts. Sushi is big, too. In fact, it turns out Vancouver is where the California roll was invented, supposedly by Japanese-Canadian chef Hidekazu Tojo, although there is some debate over this.

One of the best places in the city to sample this is Miku Waterfront, near the cruise port. This restaurant has rightly earned a place in the Michelin guide for its extremely high-quality dishes at prices that won’t break the bank.

I polished off clean plates of oshizushi, a sushi block made from layered rice and slabs of fresh tuna or mackerel, dolloped with a smattering of saffron as well as perfectly-crafted nigiri, which I was instructed not to dip in soy sauce as the seasoning had already been meticulously balanced.

Right they were.

An extremely filling lunchtime Shokai consisting of ten pieces of traditional sushi, rolls and nigiri with appetisers and miso soup, will set you back just under £25, in a swish setting.

Asian influences can be seen throughout a large number of restaurants in Vancouver due to a wave of Cantonese and South Asian communities immigrating to the city over recent years. Anh And Chi at the northern end of Main Street serves immaculately executed Vietnamese classics, including DIY rice paper rolls that you construct at the table. Messy but fun.

During the festive period, however, you can’t go wrong with a slap-up Christmassy meal within a sparkling globe-style dome at H Tasting Lounge.

Order the 24-hour braised beef shank, which is lit on fire tableside, the smoky smell of rosemary and meat engulfing the dome.

Cold plunge pools

If you simply can’t decide what tickles your fancy, book on to a food tour with foodietours.ca around the public markets of Granville Island.

This industrial area has become a hub for arts and food, and more than 50 independent vendors flog their homemade delights to not just tourists and locals, but A-list celebs, too.

Pop star Harry Styles once bought Hobbs Pickles’ entire stock of sweet pickles in one day. I had to resist doing the same after sampling their dill flavour.

Vancouver-born actor Seth Rogen, on the other hand, regularly makes a beeline for Lee’s Donuts, which sells the classic ring-shaped bake in all manner of flavours, from cinnamon to honey-dip.

For more snacking with a festive twist, there are two Christmas markets in the city. The main Vancouver Christmas Market (entry from £3.80), offers a more commercial atmosphere with wooden stalls selling all the classics.

Meanwhile, the Shipyards markets on the North Shore are a little more crafty and free to visit, serving quirkier titbits like pickled spruce tree tips.

They taste like capers, if you’re wondering.

I was also grateful for the city’s emphasis on wellness after gorging one too many poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes).

Spas have become a large part of the culture here and the two-hour thermal circuit at Circle Wellness will ensure every ounce of stress is extracted from your body through specially designed hot pebble floors, Himalayan salt chambers and cold plunge pools.

From my private shipping container, I watched the steam billow from my cedar tub, clashing with the air’s chill.

Some things are just made for winter. And Vancouver is one of them.

ONE of the UK’s prettiest English seaside towns is getting new direct trains to the capital city

Eastbourne was once connected to London Bridge, but these direct routes were scrapped during the Covid.

The new direct route launched earlier this week, running from London Bridge to the Sussex coastal town.

The new route as part of the December timetable will run two trains, with one in each direction.

The Eastbourne train will leave at 6:47am, arriving in London Bridge at 8:25am.

The return London Bridge train will be at 5:03pm, arriving in Eastbourne at 6:35pm.

CHUG ALONG

Victorian seaside town with very unusual beach to get trains to the capital

SEA YOU

Historic seaside town home to the first sunlounger & one of Europe’s ‘best beaches’

The trains will run Monday to Thursday so is mainly a commuter route, and it will sadly not run in the school holidays.

However, a day trip mid week means it can easily be visited with the new route.

Josh Babarinde MP said: “I am delighted that our campaign to restore the direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge has been successful – this is a massive win for our town.”

It will also stop at Lewes, another seaside town previously without a direct London route.

It was also backed by Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Services Director, who said: “I am delighted that we’ve been able to introduce this direct service from the coast to the capital.”

Tickets start from around £25.

Of course, you can still travel to Eastbourne from London Victoria.

Eastbourne was a popular seaside destination during the Victorian times, but became run down over the years.

Yet a resurgence in popularity has even seen it named one of the UK’s best seaside towns.

CN Traveller said it was the “quintessential, old-fashioned seaside resort”.

And back in 2023, Time Out named it one of the best places for a British day out.

It was praised for being a “hub for creatives,” with the Towner Eastbourne art gallery.

One of the most popular spots of Eastbourne is Beachy Head, the beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea.

Otherwise there is Eastbourne Pier, with arcades and live music.

A YouTube star was left gobsmacked at the cost of a fairly basic dinner in what is reputed to be the continent’s most expensive city when he visited a chain of the 7-Eleven convenience store

There are a number of European cities that have a reputation for being the most expensive cities in Europe. And certainly the prices of some basic items backs up that claim where one particular YouTuber visited.

YouTube content creator Ed Chapman set off for Oslo, Norway to find out for himself, and was stunned to find the huge cost of a basic meal at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

Ed’s fact-finding mission started badly when a train from the airport to the city centre left literally seconds after he bought his £9 ticket. That left him with time to kill, so he went for a pit stop at Danish chain Joe and the Juice.

There, he explained on his YouTube channel, a medium milkshake and a small pot of yogurt and granola set him back just over £13. There was better news when Ed arrived at his £140-a-night three-star hotel, which he said was a good deal plusher than several other three-star establishments he’d stayed in previously.

Admiring his businesslike-looking desk he said: “For a three-star hotel, this is looking pretty good.” While the view out of his hotel room window was nothing to write home about, the “view of a wonderful metallic pipe and some stained glass windows” could have been worse, he added.

The following morning saw another impressive performance from his hotel: “Absolutely smashed breakfast by the way,” he enthused. “Lovely little spread for a three-star.”

But venturing outside, Ed was faced with some dizzying expenses. A hot dog at the city’s Christmas market cost him £7.30. The sausage was, he admitted, a cut above the average but it was undeniably pricey.

Just the chance of a simple bar of chocolate ended up costing him £3.57 when he tried his luck at a roulette game that had a Daim bar as a prize, Sadly, his number didn’t come up and he left the stall empty-handed.

After taking in the sights, including some very impressive ice-skating by the locals, Ed decided to get himself a cocktail. His vodka-and-cranberry concoction, called a woo-woo, set him back just under £11. While not cheap, the drink was “gorgeous,” he said. “Not too tangy on the cranberry.”

While Ed splashed out £23 on a classically Scandinavian sauna, and then just under £12 on a museum visit that included fewer viking artefacts that ne’d hoped for – but made up for it some truly grisly human skulls, most of his holiday budget went on food.

While you might think £21 would be enough to get a decent meal, Ed’s supper from 7-Eleven was a pretty basic affair. Surveying his chicken caesar wrap, pesto salad bottles of water and a Norwegian Kit-Kat, he said: “I’m not quite sure how I spent £21 here.”

He added, though, that Norway’s answer to the Kit-Kat was a cut above, with a “solidity” that gave it an air of quality. He theorised that it was probably healthier than the British equivalent too: everything Scandinavian is healthy. There’s not a single fat person here.”

In conclusion, Ed said, Oslo probably isn’t the most expensive city in Europe. He said it probably came second to Zurich. “However,” he added, “it is expensive. Just not as expensive as Zurich.”

WHEN there’s no snow anywhere else, there’s still a bit of powder in Obertauern.

This tiny Alpine town has more snow than anywhere else in Austria, and its season lasts from November until May.

So it’s no wonder when The Beatles were looking for a snow-sure location to film scenes for their 1965 movie Help! they opted for the once-unknown village 56 miles from Salzburg.

Body doubles were hired to perform the band’s action shots on skis — and Paul McCartney’s stand-in still lives here today.

This year marks the 60th year since the filming took place — transforming a previously quiet mountain village into the centre of pop culture for a few unforgettable days.

The global attention sparked by the Fab Four’s visit marked a turning point for Obertauern.

TOP VISIT

Lesser-known Spanish region named one of the ‘best places to go in 2026’

TAKE OFF

Heathrow Airport reveals new £1.3billion upgrade plans with fewer delayed flights

Beatles fans still make pilgrimages to the village, and scattered throughout the village are three monuments to commemorate the band.

And if, like The Beatles, you aren’t much of a skier, you can still catch a gondola to the peaks to enjoy the restaurants, with deckchairs overlooking the mountains.

But, of course, Obertauern is all about the snow, which reaches a maximum depth of 8½ft.

In the evenings, I’d watch snowfall from the cosy window seat in my room at Kesselspitze Chalet & Hotel, on the edge of town.

It fell so heavily I couldn’t see beyond it — not lights in the windows of nearby buildings, nor the mountains behind. It was everything a winter wonderland should be.

I hadn’t skied for a while, so I booked beginners lessons, and it is true what they say about teachers — the good ones make a massive difference. Mine made it look a doddle.

I may have stuck to safety on the nursery slopes while I practised my turns, but my classmates got the hang of it in no time.

Leg massage

It meant they could graduate to tougher challenges on the blue, red and black routes, including the Gamsleiten 2 — a scary 45- degree ski-run.

Back in town, the Eurobeat was booming in the apres-ski bars.

Still in full gear with skis parked against railings, people downed beers, wine and cocktails while they stomped to the beat.

A pint of beer costs an average of €6 while a glass of good Austrian wine is around €4.30.

If you’re not partying or skiing, there are shops to browse, plus restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

A highlight of the trip for me, however, was the hotel and its facilities.

The 4*+ Kesselspitze is one of three in the town owned by Croatia-based Valamar.

It is everything I expected from an Alpine hotel: Lots of wood, stone and rich colours, with a real fire in the bar, while the decor in my room was luxurious yet homely.

The food, a combination of help-yourself buffet and a la carte, was amazing, and there was so much of it that I always felt well-fuelled before and after hitting the slopes.

I loved the hotel’s Balance Spa. Tired and aching, I recuperated in the sauna, steam room and Finnish sauna (much hotter) and booked in for a leg massage to soothe my throbbing calves.

There’s something spectacular about relaxing in an outdoor Jacuzzi while it is snowing — the heat of the bubbles clashing with the cold, and the mountains right in front of you.

It is the perfect way to soak away any aches and pains, ready for another day on the slopes.

Beavertown Brewery’s Cosy Pub Index has named Staffordshire as the top county for cosy pubs, beating traditional favourites with its impressive collection of welcoming venues

Christmas is nearly upon us, and it’s time to wrap up in a jumper and gather by the fire with those closest to us.

For countless people, the perfect winter scene features a softly lit, toasty and inviting space with beverages and the sound of crackling flames, offering shelter from the bitter weather outside.

Little wonder, then, that online searches for “cosy pubs” have jumped by almost 50% over the past month – and with this trend in mind, Beavertown Brewery examined the nation’s finest establishments based on several criteria to identify the top destinations.

Taking into account ceiling heights, lighting, warmth and festive decoration, their Cosy Pub Index named Staffordshire as Britain’s premier choice for the season, boasting an impressive 230 cosy pubs.

Derbyshire comes second with 196 venues, followed by Cheshire with 188, Cornwall with 186 and North Yorkshire with 182, reports the Express.

Staffordshire might not immediately spring to mind as a pub culture destination, but a swift glance at the region’s highest-rated establishments on TripAdvisor reveals they’ve been steadily enhancing their reputation for some time.

The county’s highest-rated pub is Osmar’s Table at The Fox Inn in Dosthill, awarded 4.9 stars and lauded for its “warm atmosphere” and a menu that appears tailor-made for festive occasions.

Close behind is The Feathers Inn in Lichfield, commended by guests for its laid-back ambience, substantial dishes and vibrant evenings. Next on the list is The Lazy Trout in Meerbrook, an incredibly sought-after venue that’s frequently fully booked, reviewers report.

Enthusiasts say it delivers that quintessential pub atmosphere whilst boasting views of the surrounding hills.

The Masons Arms in Stoke-on-Trent is distinguished as “a gem of a pub”, whilst The Blue Mugge in Leek completes the top five as a locally favoured, charming and reasonably priced venue with “fantastic” atmosphere.

“Everyone’s got a favourite pub they love to escape to when the cold hits”, explained Sam Millard, the brand’s Head of Innovation. “Winter is when pubs become rituals. It’s hard to resist the glow coming from a window filled with condensation, and the UK pub scene is arguably one of the best places in the world to throw your coat down onto a bench and keep warm with friends.”

The full county-by-county breakdown of prime cosy pub destinations reveals that the North and Midlands command the leading spots, whilst the South East is notably ranked lower.

Scottish havens for warmth such as Glasgow and Edinburgh offered 169 and 139 wintry watering holes respectively. Down in the South West, Dorset (169) edged ahead of Devon (161), with both trailing Cornwall.

The study also identifies a “cosy pub corridor” that could prove ideal for tourists, stretching from Cheshire across Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire and into the Cotswolds.

Christmas Day

Felixstowe, Suffolk
A proper community affair, with hundreds of participants resplendent in festive finery racing into the North Sea at 10am sharp while much of the town gathers along the promenade to watch. The event raises funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, and every year brings new tales of heroics and even romance (there’s been the odd mid-plunge proposal). The atmosphere is as heartwarming as the water is not. Afterwards warm up with a stroll around town, with its four-mile promenade and seafront gardens.
10am, £16, stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Penarth and Porthcawl

The Dawnstalkers meet daily to greet the sunrise with a swim beside Penarth pier, three miles south of Cardiff city centre – and Christmas morning is no exception. Anyone can join this inclusive sea-swimming collective. A wood-fired barrel sauna will be parked on the prom from 21–29 December, offering a toasty post-dip reward. The Christmas swim at Porthcawl (25 miles west along the coast) began in 1965, when local swimming legend Arlon Owens, dressed as a clown, was pushed off the pier by another dipper dressed as Father Christmas. More than a thousand swimmers – many still in fancy dress – take the plunge, raising thousands for local charities.
Penarth: 8am, free, dawnstalkers.com. Porthcawl: 11.15am (enter water at 11.45am), suggested donation £10, christmasswim.org

Peter Pan Cup, the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London

One of the UK’s oldest festive swims, the Serpentine Swimming Club’s Christmas Day race has been held in Hyde Park every Christmas morning since 1864. The event was later named for JM Barrie, who donated the first trophy in 1904. This short but speedy 100-yard race is open only to members, but spectators are encouraged to gather along the lakeside to cheer on the swimmers.
9am, serpentineswimmingclub.com

Weymouth, Dorset

Started in 1948, when pub landlord Dill Laker and taxi driver Reggie Bugler made a boozy bet to swim the harbour after Christmas Eve drinks, Weymouth has grown into one of the UK’s biggest and best-loved festive plunges. Hundreds of swimmers splash 70 metres across the harbour, cheered on by thousands of spectators, raising funds for a local disability charity. The harbour itself is pretty, but make time to stroll the huge sandy beach too, backed by colourful beach huts.
From 9.30am, £15, love-weymouth.co.uk

Hunstanton, Norfolk
One of Norfolk’s largest festive events, the swim has been running for more than 60 years. Taking place just off the town’s central promenade, it’s organised by the Hunstanton and District Round Table and supports local charities. Lots of prizes and free hot soup to warm up after.
11am (register from 10am), free, hunstantonroundtable.com

Bude, Cornwall

This legendary swim has been organised by the Bude Surf Life Saving Club at Crooklets beach for over half a century. Thousands gather to watch as swimmers – many in Santa suits – dash into the Atlantic for a short but spirited dip. It’s all for a good cause, raising funds for the life-saving club that keeps the local beaches safe year-round.
10.45am, free (donations welcome), visitbude.info

Boxing Day

Folkestone, Kent
This event brings hundreds of swimmers to Sunny Sands, cheered on by a boisterous crowd. Organised by the Folkestone, Hythe & District Lions Club, it raises funds for the Lions and other local charities. There are prizes for fancy dress and the youngest and oldest dippers.
11.30am (register from 9.30am), £10, free with sponsorship, folkestonelions.org.uk

Seaton Carew, County Durham
The North Sea isn’t exactly a welcoming proposition for a swimmer at this time of year, but that doesn’t deter hundreds from joining Hartlepool Round Table’s Boxing Day Dip. A parade sets off from the Marine Hotel on the seafront at Seaton Crew, just outside Hartlepool, before the plunge. Bacon butties and beer are available back at base afterwards.
11.30am, £5, hartlepoolroundtable.co.uk

Paignton, Devon

A Boxing Day classic, with hundreds of swimmers, many in fancy dress, gathering on Paignton Sands for the local Lions Club’s Walk into the Sea. There’s a fancy-dress competition at 11.45am before the mass dip at noon. A great way to shake off Christmas Day indulgence in this lively English Riviera town.
12pm, £10, englishriviera.co.uk

St Ives, Cornwall

Blow away the Christmas Day cobwebs with this relaxed dip on golden Porthminster beach. Wetsuits are allowed, fancy dress is encouraged and even dogs can join in. Porthminster Café keeps post-swim spirits high with hot chocolates and bacon butties. St Ives is particularly pretty in winter and the narrow cobbled streets make for pleasant festive wandering.
12pm, free, £1 donation suggested, no website

Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Once a smugglers’ haunt, Ventnor Bay now welcomes hundreds of swimmers dressed in pyjamas, tutus and rubber rings for this swim on the Esplanade. The event raises funds for local cancer charities and for Ventnor Carnival. Post swim, mulled wine and doorstop sandwiches await brave bathers at the Spyglass Inn.
12pm, free, donation suggested, on Facebook

Fraserburgh Harbour, Aberdeenshire
Few causes are closer to sea swimmers’ hearts than the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Association). The 17th annual 52-metre harbour swim will raise funds for Fraserburgh lifeboat station, with participants diving in from the side of a lifeboat and swimming across the icy water, cheered on by the whole town.
1pm, free, donation suggested, rnli.org

New Year’s Day

Salford Quays, Manchester

No seaside? No problem. Manchester swimmers can head to Dock 9 at MediaCity, a 2002 Commonwealth Games venue that hosts a New Year’s dip in 7C waters. This “big, bold and mighty cold” event, run by Uswim, raises lots of cash for local charities. With the Lowry theatre as a backdrop, three waves of swimmers enter the water at 15-minute intervals. A best-dressed hat competition adds to the fun.
11am, £25, uswimopenwater.com

Keswick, Lake District
Cumbria’s hardiest wild swimmers take to Derwentwater in fancy dress to raise funds for the Calvert Trust, which helps people with disabilities experience the outdoors. Afterwards there will be lakeside hot chocolate and cake.
11am, free, £5 donation suggested, calvertlakes.org.uk

Bangor, County Down
Swimmers plunge into Bangor’s Ballyholme Bay in fancy dress to raise funds for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. There are prizes to be won, hot drinks and proper facilities – but no guarantee of feeling your toes afterwards. Ballyholme Yacht Club also organises a Boxing Day swim in aid of the RNLI (£5 entry) if you fancy a double whammy.
12pm, £15, cancerfocusni.org

Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
This is one of the UK’s larger New Year’s Day swims – there were 2,535 registrations on 1 January 2025. It turns 40 in 2026, with a ruby theme promising a sea of vermilion-clad dippers and plenty of sparkle in the sea.
12.30pm, £5 (£3 under-16s), saundersfootnyds.co.uk

Lyme Regis, Dorset

The Rotary Club’s Lyme Lunge fills sandy Cobb beach with wigs, wings and inflatable flamingos. Fancy dress is encouraged, fundraising optional, desire to run like a loon into the sea obligatory (though just a quick paddle will suffice). Thousands of spectators flock to the beach and gardens above it to watch the mayhem.
1pm, free, donations welcome

Loony Dook, nr Edinburgh
What began as a “hangover cure” for a few friends in 1986 is now a beloved slice of post-Hogmanay madness. The Loony Dook (dook is Scots for dip) sees hundreds of dressed-up swimmers parade through South Queensferry before plunging into the Firth of Forth.
1.30pm, free

Dec. 20 (UPI) — Most tourists visiting Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain will have to pay a modest fee starting Feb. 1, but locals and some tourists will not.

It will cost €2, equivalent to $2.34, to get a close-up view of the fountain that features Baroque artwork and statues, according to the BBC.

Tourists still can toss coins into the fountain, which legend says ensures they go back to the Eternal City, once they have paid the entry fee.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced the new fee on Friday, which he called a “paltry” sum and said it will help local officials to better control traffic while visiting one of the ancient city’s most popular sites.

It also reduces the size of crowds at the 18th century fountain, which is located in a relatively confined space that easily becomes crowded. The space is limited to no more than 400 people at a time.

Local officials said the fountain drew 9 million visitors over the past year and anticipate the new fee will reduce the number of annual visitors, although the fee is expected to draw roughly €6 million — more than $7 million — in annual revenues.

Only tourists will pay and not Rome’s residents. Neither will children under 5 years of age, nor people who have disabilities and those who accompany them.

Tourists won’t have to pay a fee to view the Trevi Fountain from a distance, though.

Local officials remove coins and other items tossed into the fountain and donate them to the Caritas Catholic charity.

Fees also will be charged to visit other sites around Rome, so tourists are advised to plan ahead and ensure they have the pocket change to cover admission costs at various sites.

A charming city with ancient walls and fairytale architecture is known for being the sunniest capital in Europe, and temperatures can reach up to 24C in December

With the UK in the depths of winter, many of us our turning our attention to that well-needed dose of vitamin D, and where better than a European destination that offers more than 3,300 hours of sunshine every year. And with flights from as little as £52 in December, it could be the sun-soaked break you’re after.

The capital of Nicosia in Cyprus is stunning, pedestrian-friendly and, as expected, bathed in sunshine, with all key tourist sites within comfortable walking distance of one another. Ledra Street serves as the primary shopping area, and adjacent to this street stands Shacolas Tower, where visitors can ascend to discover a compact museum dedicated to the city’s history while enjoying panoramic city vistas.

The city also boasts ancient walls and gates that delineate the historic quarters, creating a perfectly circular fortification. Constructed by the Venetians during the 1500s, these walls remain remarkably well-preserved, while the former moat encircling them has been transformed into a running track, gardens, and a sculpture park.

If that’s not enough to entice you to the city, then it’s worth noting that it boasts an impressive 3,388 hours of sunlight every year, making it the sunniest European city, according to travel booking site Omio. Nicosia enjoys a whopping 358 more hours of sunshine each year than its closest competitor, Valletta in Malta.

The top five were also rounded off by Lisbon in Portugal with 2,838 hours, Athens in Greece with 2,773 hours, and Madrid in Spain with 2,712 hours of annual sunshine. The ranking, compiled by Omio using data from Weather and Climate, unsurprisingly does not feature London in the top 20, with the British capital averaging 1,675 hours of sunshine annually.

Interestingly, Nicosia is a tale of two cities. It serves as the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, an internationally recognised EU member, and also of Northern Cyprus, a state acknowledged only by Turkey. This division stems from a Turkish invasion in 1974, triggered by a Greek Cypriot nationalist coup.

Greek Cypriots sought unification with Greece after gaining independence from Britain in 1960, but Turkey established Northern Cyprus as a separate state for Turkish Cypriots in 1983, sparking widespread international criticism. Yet, the capital has become a popular destination for travellers, with many noting its outstanding beauty.

One holidaymaker shared on Expedia: “A busy bustling town with some great designer shops and quaint touristy souvenir shops too.” Another shared: “A unique divided city, with a Green Wall separating the south (Greek) from the north (Turkish). Easy to cross and a striking contrast. Lots of history to explore on both sides. City feels safe and welcoming, and small enough to be walkable.”

Crossing the Green Line that divides the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, where the city is located, is typically straightforward unless you’ve entered Cyprus via Turkey. In such instances, there’s a chance you might be denied passage.

To visit Nicosia, you’ll need to fly into Ercan International Airport, which is just a short drive away from the capital. Flights on Skyscanner start from £52 for travel in December, making it an ideal winter break.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Meredith Shay, a former flight attendant from Florida, sold her flat so she could go on a three-year cruise that was cancelled at the last minute. But she has not been deterred

What would you do if you’d sold your home to buy a holiday that was cancelled at the last minute?

For most of us, the answer probably wouldn’t be to book a near-identical but slightly longer holiday just two years later. Meredith Shay, however, has done just that. “I’ve just signed on for five years,” the Floridian retiree told the Mirror.

Back in 2023, Meredith was preparing to embark on the Life at Sea cruise, widely touted as the longest sailing in commercial cruise history, when she received terrible news. The company told passengers that it had no working ship, so the upcoming sailing was cancelled. That meant no sailing for hundreds of customers who poured their life savings into the venture and had prepared to leave their lives on land behind.

“I did sell my house. I put everything into storage, moved out of my apartment. I was about to sell my car. But I am not a ‘woe is me’ person. There is a song over here, ‘dust yourself off and try again’. That is what I’ve done,” she explained. “I had a 12-hour pity party, then said, ‘okay, you’re free. Do something’. No encumbrances at all.”

READ MORE: World’s coldest city drops to -45C as local warns ‘you can freeze in minutes’READ MORE: ‘My child was left crying after Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Santa refused to see her’

The former flight attendant has been renting in Florida since then. Come next June, her flat will become “the world’s most expensive storage container”, and Meredith will fly to Manila to start sailing the world. For five years straight.

She will do so on the Villa Vie Odyssey, which is run by some of the same people behind Life at Sea and has been sailing since earlier this year. Signing up is a leap of faith for Meredith for multiple reasons.

She counts herself lucky to have received a full refund of close to $500,000 following the first cruise. Others didn’t pay on credit cards and haven’t been able to recover all their money. The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship has also had problems. It was due to depart from Northern Ireland last May, but issues with its rudder stocks meant its guests were marooned in the city for more than four months. It was there for so long that shipmates Angela Harsanyi and Gian Perroni had time to meet, fall in love and then marry on the banks of Belfast’s River Lagan.

This time around, Meredith’s room, a fancy eighth-floor suite for five years, cost her $159,000, with $7,999 a month homeowner fees bringing the total to around $630,000 (£469,000). When she first booked, the total was $520,000 for three years, all in.

Meredith admits that booking again hasn’t been worry-free.

“Sure, I’m worried, but why not? I can’t live my life in fear. Nobody likes to lose money, but they’ve been out now for a good period of time; they’ve overcome earthquakes, typhoons, and the captains really know what they’re doing. I already have friends on Villa Vie.”

When asked if she intends to spend the rest of her life at sea, Meredith explained: “My life is full of regrets, and I don’t want this to be one of them. I will be five years older, and I’m very healthy now. But one never knows.”

The Mirror contacted Villa Vie, whose founder Mikael Petterson explained what happened to the Life at Sea cruise. He said: “Yes, some of the Villa Vie team were initially involved with Life at Sea. Some of us, including myself, helped build the brand and sales team, but realised after just two months of working with Miray (the parent company of Life at Sea) in Turkey, it would be impossible.

“The ship we saw in April was just not what they had portrayed to us. We had to make the difficult decision to leave the project in May of 2023, where we refunded all customers and announced the project was over. Miray, in turn, decided to take over, double down on the promises, but as we predicted, was not able to deliver the ship as promised in November 2024.”

He added: “We do feel terrible for the customers who lost their money in the pursuit of the dream life we are now able to deliver through Villa Vie Residences.”

Miray has been contacted for comment.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Villa Vie Residences has announced plans for a new residential cruise ship where people can buy cabins and live at sea permanently – with prices starting lower than average London property

Ever reached the end of a cruise and wished you could just keep on sailing? Well, your dreams might soon become reality. A US firm has unveiled plans for a residential cruise ship that lets you live permanently at sea. However, prospective passengers will need to dig deep into their pockets to secure a spot.

Villa Vie Residences already operates one residential cruise ship, the Odyssey, which has been embarking on a continuous global cruise since October 2024. Despite being delayed by technical issues and leaving Belfast several months late, it’s currently navigating its way through a 15-year planned itinerary.

The current cruise is set to circumnavigate the globe multiple times, with each journey lasting three and a half years, reports the Express.

The company has now announced plans, dubbed Project Lumina, to acquire a luxury cruise ship for residents to live on either full or part-time. They suggest these all-inclusive cruises could even prove cheaper than living on dry land.

Those seeking a permanent home on the ship can bag an oceanview room from $539,999 (around £404,000) or upgrade to a suite with a balcony for $899,999 (roughly £637,000). Monthly fees will apply for residents.

However, more affordable options such as five-year ownerships and rentals are available for those not planning to make the sea their long-term home.

The average cost of a flat in London, rather dishearteningly, typically ranges between £530,000 and £610,000, making the new cruise ship a potentially more affordable option. Those who purchase these rooms aren’t required to live in them permanently.

There are alternatives available, such as renting them out when not in use. Passengers also have the option to invite guests on board for a stay, at a fee.

While the exact details of the ship remain confidential, the company confirmed in a statement that the cruise will offer ‘ultra-luxury’ and operate alongside their existing Odyssey service.

On Villa Vie’s current residential cruise, the amenities are akin to those found on a standard cruise ship, with some bespoke extras for those embarking on longer-term journeys. There’s gourmet dining, entertainment, a swimming pool, optional excursions, and regular housekeeping.

Residents also benefit from a fortnightly laundry service and include medical visits. A social club and regular events for passengers ensure no one feels isolated during this extended voyage.

Although many current passengers on the Odyssey are retirees, the cruise is also targeting remote workers and digital nomads who can work from anywhere in the world. There’s a business centre on board and high-speed WiFi provided by Starlink, enabling people to make video calls on the go.

READ MORE: UK’s ‘best Christmas walk’ takes you across the beach to traditional pubREAD MORE: Brits’ 30 most cringeworthy holiday disasters from sunburn to missing flights

In a statement released to PR Newswire, the newly-appointed President Chris Cox expressed: “I’m thrilled to join Villa Vie at such a defining moment for the brand and for the category. There is incredible demand for authentic, residential oceangoing lifestyles-from attainable world-travel homes to ultra-luxury villa experiences.

“Project Lumina will be about listening carefully to that demand and translating it into beautifully designed, high-value products that feel both elevated and deeply personal.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

FANTASY lovers can take a step down the hobbit hole this winter, as a new location invites guests inside to escape the icy winter weather.

A Tolkien-inspired holiday spot has opened for business north-west of Cambridge, with pods and lodges available for keen glampers.

Just outside of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, West Stow Pods offers a peaceful stay for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Emulating world-famous Hobbiton, the pods and lodges are equipped to service groups between two and six people.

Pods are fitted out with a kitchenette and appliances, as well as an en-suite, TV and bedroom area, and are slightly smaller than the lodges.

The lodges are bigger, with full kitchens and separate bedrooms, as well as living room space.

SETTING THE MOO-D

The countryside spa hotel with outdoor hot tubs next to Highland cows 

BETTER ‘BAI

I visited a Dubai-alternative four hours from UK with 24-hour champagne bars

West Stow Pods is also pet friendly, allowing families to include their furry family members in holiday plans.

The glamping spot has been recognised as one of the best forest getaway spots in the UK.

Located next to King Forest, the options for hikes, bike rides and time in nature are endless.

Guests can also choose to spend the day in the local town, which is jam-packed with restaurants and shops to explore.

West Stow has priced rooms between £170 and £458 for two nights, depending on whether you choose a pod or a lodge.

Future guests can secure a spot by booking on the company’s website.

For holiday makers who are more keen of the seaside than the forest, the pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot has cosy pubs and award winning hotels.

The town sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.

It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.

And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.

Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.

It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round

Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.

The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.

HAS party season left you craving some one-on-one time?

Book a dreamy couples’ getaway.

The Challoners, East Sussex

Deputy Editor Gayle Schoales, husband Nick and their Jack Russell Dixie cosied up in an idyllic rural retreat.

THE PAD

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than The Challoners: two timber-clad cabins in a lush walled garden festooned with fairy lights, buried deep in the rolling fields of the East Sussex Weald.

Beautifully decorated and stocked with everything you could think of (from torch to telescope), this adults-only, dog-friendly bolt-hole is brimming with rustic-chic charm.

The shepherd’s hut sleeping quarters – with roll-top bath and luxe bedlinen – is more boutique hotel than glamping spot, while the second hut has a fully equipped kitchen, the comfiest of corner sofas and separate shower room.

WAIL OF A TIME

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

TEMPTED?

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

Both huts have underfloor heating to keep you toasty in colder months, plus there’s a firepit in the garden for stargazing.

EXPLORE

You’re in 1066 country – where the Battle of Hastings was fought – so there’s no shortage of history around these parts, and 14th-century Bodiam Castle, three miles away, is well worth a visit.

Climb the battlements and spot medieval graffiti before posing by the moat for the perfect Insta shot.

Adult entry costs £12 (Nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle).

Eleven miles away, the pretty market town of Tenterden has a tree-lined high street full of independent shops and tea rooms – pick up hand-crafted toffee-cream vodka for £26 in the kitsch Mr Taylor’s Drinks Emporium, and quirky art and beauty bits from local creatives in Ethel Loves Me (Ethelloves.me).

Fancy a ramble?

You’re spoiled for choice, but the stunning Bedgebury National Pinetum And Forest, seven miles away, is hard to beat.

Entry is free (Forestryengland.uk/bedgebury).

REFUEL

Country pub of dreams the Salehurst Halt is a leisurely 25-minute stroll across the fields, with a buzzy atmosphere, live music on weekends and top-notch seasonal grub.

We loved the corn and manchego hash browns, £8, and The Double Buck burger with two venison patties, brie, blackberry hoisin and caramelised onion, £19 (Salehursthalt.co.uk).

Sunday lunch at The Abbey Hotel in the nearby town of Battle is a local institution – and for good reason.

Our thyme-roasted beef with all the trimmings was the stuff of legend, £21, while a Dixie-approved doggy roast is £5 (Abbeyhotelbattle.co.uk).

Afterwards, take a 30-minute drive to Rye’s medieval cobbled lanes to browse the boutiques and customise your dream hot chocolate at Knoops.

The 70% cocoa blend with orange, cinnamon and whipped cream will blow your mind, £6.50 (Knoops.com).

DON’T MISS

Chug your way back in time on the Kent And East Sussex Railway’s lovingly restored steam train, which runs between Tenterden and Bodiam.

Adult tickets cost £29.50 (Kesr.org.uk).

BOOK IT

Stays for two at pet-friendly The Challoners, Robertsbridge, cost from £119 per night (Cottages.com).

The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Ventnor

Assistant Editor Claire Frost and her partner Steve found a foodies’ delight on the Isle of Wight.

THE PAD

Husband and wife team Tom and Ashley have created a sea-view haven that might be even better in the off-season, thanks to its cosy lounge where you can curl up with a book and house pooch Ronnie.

The six individually designed bedrooms all feature a wine fridge and a decor of soft greens, dusty pinks and wood panelling, plus super-king Hypnos beds and La-Eva toiletries.

Every evening, sommelier Tom leads a super-interesting tasting where you can learn about some of the 900-plus bottles lining the walls of the wine room.

Later, sip your fave, along with a cheese and meat platter, £12, in front of the fire.

Come morning, breakfast is a four-course (and super-pretty) affair including poached fruit topped with yoghurt and home-made salted coconut granola, and local MasterChef-worthy egg, bacon, tomato and mushroom.

EXPLORE

With the shingle beach just across the road, you can stroll along the coast on a 20-minute amble to the cute village of Bonchurch and pop into tiny Bonchurch Pottery for a unique mug, £14.95.

Or hire an ebike from Route Fifty 7 through The Terrace for £25 a day, and speed your way up and down the isle’s hills, stopping at the awe-inspiring 22-acre Botanic Gardens.

Entry costs £13.50 (Botanic.co.uk).

Later, reward yourself with a Winter Warmer session at Slo-mo, 30 minutes’ drive away at Tapnell Farm.

Sweat it out in the wood-fired Nordic sauna, before a bracing dip in the lake.

Recover (and warm up again!) in the hot tubs and “floating” sauna.

Hour sessions cost £15 (Slomo.me/slomo-tapnell-winter-warmer).

REFUEL

Pop into London House bakery for pillowy chocolate and strawberry muffins, plus to-die-for sausage rolls, both £3.50.

For dinner, make a beeline for Pan-Asian Smoking Lobster and its insanely good glazed yellowfin tuna, £15, char-siu Iberico pork, £14, and moreish peanut noodles, £6 (Smoking-lobster.co.uk).

Or try Stripped for a Med-inspired menu that includes a huge sharing platter, £54, piled high with chicken skewers, lamb kebabs and garlicky home-made Romanian sausages (Stripped-brasserie.co.uk).

The best thing? All are within easy walking distance of your room.

DON’T MISS

Stop by Harvey Browns farm shop en route to the ferry for delicious Briddlesford Farm cheese and Godshill Orchard chutneys (Harveybrowns.co.uk).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at The Terrace cost from £250 B&B, including wine tasting (Theterraceventnor.co.uk).

Ferry crossings with Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne cost from £81 per car (Wightlink.co.uk).

THE Signet Collection is one of my personal favourite hotel brands in the UK, with properties tucked away in countryside locations where you can snuggle down in cosy nooks near a roaring fireplace.

The Barnsdale is its third property, which opened in 2023. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is The Barnsdale?

This elegant retreat sits just a stone’s throw from one of the UKs most famous reservoirs, Rutland water.

It’s immersed in isolated countryside, so you’ll want to drive and take advantage of the parking on site.

Oakham train station is around a ten-minute drive away if you’d rather use public transport.

What is The Barnsdale like?

The Barnsdale has all the charm of a dainty cottage in the Cotswold, but with the hospitality benefits of a 4* hotel.

FULL BOAR-D

Blue Boar Hotel and pub in Witney, Oxfordshire, review

SUITE DEAL

The luxury Chelsea hotel with affordable suites overlooking the London Eye

A former hunting lodge constructed in 1760 that – despite the installation of modern amenities – still has an old world feel to it in the form of grand paintings and varnished wooden furnishings.

It has an air of posh members club to it, only without the price tag.

What are the rooms like?

Each of the 46 rooms is decorated in a typically English style with pastel-toned walls, frilly cushions and patterned armchairs. 

The Classic is the smallest and cheapest of the bunch and worth it for the lower price.

The only difference in rooms, bar the decorative tweaks, tends to be size and the view (the Royal Room has one of the best).

Classic rooms cost from £85 per night with brekkie. Click here to book.

What is there to eat and drink?

The hotel’s 1760 Brasserie serves classic British favourites including seared scallops doused in butter and a mouthwatering 32-day dry-aged rib-eye served with chips.

I opted for the Atlantic cod which was seasoned well and served with an unctuous vermouth sauce.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the sticky toffee pud – this one’s a real crowd pleaser.

What else is there to do at The Barnsdale?

People come for the outdoor Signet Spa where wood-fired hot tubs, a heated pool and a glass-walled sauna overlook fields of grazing Highland cows.

It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, sipping on sparkling wine and admiring the creatures munching away on the grass.

The only downside to the spa being entirely outdoors is the unpredictability of the British weather.

Fret not, though – every spa guest is given a DryRobe and flipflops to plod around in.

They can keep this for the duration of their stay.

When the drizzle hit, we persevered in our tub. Big thanks to the staff member who swiftly came to the rescue with a couple of umbrellas.

Massages can often be overpriced, but not here.

My therapist truly listened to my needs and pressure preferences, ensuring I enjoyed every one of those 60 blissful minutes.

Is The Barnsdale family friendly?

Families are well accommodated at The Barnsdale with specific family rooms that come with a double bed and a separate bedroom with bunk beds which comes complete with a cuddly lion toy to keep.

When little ones aren’t taking advantage of the outdoor play areas they can have a get stuck into some classic board games in the Rod Room.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

FUELLED by a glass of Moet from the 24-hour champagne bar, I sleepily made my way to the resort’s palm-lined beach club, nibbling on a golden chocolate-covered strawberry as I plodded.  

So far, so Dubai . . .  except I am actually in Turkey at the Cullinan Belek hotel. 

Which means, after a short four-hour flight from the UK, I was swept into the kind of luxury you would expect from one of the 5H properties on The Palm Jumeirah — only without the seven-hour journey, or the jet lag.  

Plus, it meant I was feeling fresh enough to go from the plane to the party in minutes. 

Cullinan Belek’s Galapagos beach bar was pumping as masked dancers beckoned in revellers with their flaming torches and a live DJ played Balearic-style beats. 

Its troupe put on two original shows a night – one more family-friendly piece in the main auditorium and a more progressive, late-night number for the adults, like tonight’s, which took its inspiration from Moroccan belly dancers.  

SHOW OFF

The best family-friendly Christmas show? The great British Panto, of course

RIDE ON

I went to the European theme park named the best in the world with 100 attractions

A waiter served me a freshly-shaken, personalised cocktail from his cart, and before long, I was dancing barefoot on the beach.  

Cullinan Belek won the Luxury All-Inclusive Resort gong at the World Travel Awards in 2024, but if I needed further proof of its prestige, I found it back at our Superior Duplex room. 

There’s a pillow menu, top-of-the-range tech to control lights, curtains and air, plus divine Bvlgari toiletries in the two bathrooms.  

But the real treat is the swim-up infinity pool which lapped my second-floor terrace, overlooking the main resort.  

A quick plunge shook off last night’s cocktails and a trip to the hotel’s C’Espace spa beckoned. 

Somehow the hotel’s gym even managed to make sweating feel refined as it is among the best I’ve ever used — yes, it even beats those in Dubai. 

As well as the usual equipment there is a Pilates reformer stand, yoga room, decent set-up for weight-lifters, plus even an indoor and outdoor Hyrox zone for those seeking an on-trend workout.  

And if you’re after something more relaxed, I’m told the Cullinan’s golf course is the best in Belek, which has become known as the heartland for the sport with the hotel offering special packages for enthusiasts.

There are 14 sections to browse for breakfast, ranging from your standard pastries and fry-ups to Indian cuisine, Mexican breakfast burritos and a juice bar.  

Instead, I signed up to play sport-of-the-moment padel — as made popular by the Princess of Wales — and was immediately hooked, as it had all the fun of tennis without as much running.  

That felt like more than enough activity for one day, but it turns out another challenge lay ahead.  

The Mare main restaurant is an epic buffet set-up, larger than any I’ve seen before — yes, even larger than those in Dubai.  

There are 14 sections to browse for breakfast, ranging from your standard pastries and fry-ups to Indian cuisine, Mexican breakfast burritos and a juice bar.  

Variety might be the spice of life, but at that hour of the day, the choice was sometimes overwhelming and the crowds and queues tricky to navigate.  

Away from the throng of the buffet, though, is where the Cullinan Belek really excelled. 

The resort has two Italian restaurants as well Greek, Asian, teppanyaki and a steakhouse plus a number of snack bistros, a patisserie and an in-house chocolatier. So I got to work.  

In the evening, some of these carry an additional charge on top of the all-inclusive package but each time it felt worth it. 

Great value 

I particularly enjoyed the beef in hot sauce from Nori Asian, which, for an extra €25 per person, allows you to dine to the sounds of live music as you sit among the petal design of the Azure pool.  

Meanwhile The Beef Grill puts its succulent steaks at the centre of the action, with the cuts displayed in a huge chiller spanning the length of the restaurant, and an open kitchen grill.  

The real jewel in the hotel’s crown, however, is the huge water park which offers an oasis for families, alongside a football pitch, splash pool and tons of beach games…

The €55-per-person surcharge felt great value when the signature starters of Meat Sushi and Onion Blossom were prepared at our table by an intrepid server with a blow torch.  

The real jewel in the hotel’s crown, however, is the huge water park which offers an oasis for families, alongside a football pitch, splash pool and tons of beach games as well as indoor bowling alley and games consoles. 

The offering for children is impressive — but all the more so because these facilities somehow nestle unobtrusively alongside the chic, laidback aspects, just like at the super hotels in Dubai. 

Which was ideal for me, lazing by the adults-only pool as I awaited my next cocktail from the roller-skating waitress. 

If Cullinan Belek is a Dubai dupe, then honestly, who needs the real thing? 

SNOW-DUSTED fir trees line the streets, shiny red baubles dangle over shopfronts and enormous Nutcrackers stand to attention by the doors of cafes.

The city of Vilnius in Lithuania has been named this year’s Christmas Capital of Europe — and I couldn’t wait to unwrap it.

There’s festive fodder in every direction I turn and, unlike many European cities at Christmas, there are no obnoxiously loud rides or tacky grottos.

Instead, the capital of Lithuania celebrates the festive period with pure charm, transforming into a glittery wonderland as soon as it is acceptable to do so (generally in late-November).

Vilnius’s main attraction, an enormous decked-out Christmas tree, stands tall in Cathedral Square, accompanied by a traditional carousel and market stalls dishing out warm apple punch and pots of doughnuts drizzled in chocolate.

This tree has some competition, though. In early November each year, The Senator’s Passage, just up the road from Cathedral Square, receives its own grand tree.

SUPER-COOL CITY BREAK

Find beautiful architecture on weekend in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius

Baltics all the boxes

A Vilnius vacation is perfect getaway for mixing history and culture

The owner tells me with a grin that it usually takes around 15 workers to drag the tree through the narrow passageway and dress it for the season.

It seemed worth the hassle though, with seven metres of green branches dripping in twinkling lights.

If you plan your travel dates well, you can visit for “Christmas Before Christmas”, where seasonal events take place throughout the city prior to the main event.

This year, the festivities took place on December 13 with performances from carol singers, festive tours and even a holiday-themed train and bus.

Your euros won’t be accepted on this day, though.

Christmas Before Christmas relies on a special currency — a red pine cone which visitors can swap for a warming cherry tea or a sweet treat.

There’s so much to keep you entertained during the day, from ice skating to strolls through wintry gardens, but the magic of Vilnius doesn’t truly comes to life until the sun goes down.

This is especially true for Konstantinas Sirvydas Square, which this year has an impressive 144 Christmas trees.

Delicious grub

Or, for a truly epic festive display, a must-see is the Poniuų Laimė in the Old Town’s Jewish Quarter.

The cafe selling delicate cakes and cookies decorates its front for each season, and this December it became the Orient Express, embellished with huge red velvet bows and suitcases.

If you’re looking for something a little different, however, you may want to swing by the Lukiskiu Kalejimas Christmas market set up in a former prison.

Eagle-eyed Stranger Things fans will recognise this as the filming location of the Russian prison where Hopper was held in the fourth series.

It looks a little different at this time of year, though, with locally-made drinks, teas and gifts being flogged from a once gloomy building that housed prisoners until as recently as 2019.

Of course, a festive getaway isn’t complete with some delicious grub.

I had never considered Lithuania to be a place for foodies — but in fact, Vilnius has four Michelin-star restaurants.

It was one simple snack that took the biscuit for me — kepta duona, which is essentially fried bread in garlic.

The crunchy, delicious treat is a bit like a meat-free pork scratching, but much tastier.

If you’re a fan of bagels, then stop by Baleboste, where I felt more like I was being welcomed into someone’s dining room than a Jewish cafe.

Here, the ring-shaped bread is served warm with just the right amount of sweetness and a sprinkling of poppy seeds.

I had mine with a pulled beef filling which comes with mustard and plenty of pickles.

This isn’t something locals will be enjoying at this time of year as traditionally in Lithuania, it’s common to fast in the run-up to December 24, and most families don’t eat meat in this period — even on Christmas Eve.

Instead, they get together for a 12-course evening dinner called Kucios where they feast on beetroot, dumplings, lots of fish, berries and nuts.

You can enjoy a taster of this feast at Ertlio Namas, a Michelin-Guide restaurant in the Old Town.

After that delicious spread, I practically rolled back to the Hotel Pacai which has spacious rooms with enormous bathtubs for when you need to warm up after wandering around the chilly city.

If you’re lucky, like I was, there might even be a sprinkling of snow outside the window come morning.

NEXT time you’re exploring France, you might spot something that looks like a UFO.

However, it is more likely to be a swimming pool, built back in the 1970s.

Called “Piscines Tournesol” – or “sunflower pools” – it aimed to build 1,000 swimming pools across the country.

This was launched by then Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, Joseph Comiti.

They hoped to encourage more people to swim, after the a series of drowning incidents.

Not only that, but it followed a poor performance from the French swimming team in the 1968 Summer Olympics.

DIVE IN

Historic Victorian swimming pool reveals opening date after £6.5million revamp

SPLASH OUT

Costa del Sol’s biggest waterpark hotel with eight pools is 23C in half term

Around 700 were built, but there was one particular style that was praised.

With a number of designs put forward, the winner was created by architect Bernard Schoellerr – called Piscines Tournesol.

Despite plans for 250 “sunflower” pools across the UK, around 183 were built.

Each one was around 25m long and 10m wide, with a 35m diamater domed roof.

Most of the light came from the round port-hole style windows.

While named after the flower, the pools look more like a spaceship, many have said.

In good weather, the roofs open 120 degrees, so are half indoors and half outdoors.

Sadly only 100 remain across France, although a number are still open to the public, although there are a few also across Luxembourg and Belgium.

One of the easiest for Brits to visit is Piscine Tournesol d’Hellemmes, on the outskirts of Lille.

Or there is Tournesol Raymond-Mulinghausen, 30 minutes from the centre of Paris which even launched €1 swims this summer for kids.

And one of the oldest is Piscine Tournesol de Bonneveine in Marseille, which was granted heritage status in 2000.

I saw one on holiday in Luxembourg, in the early 80’s. It was on top of a hill, hidden behind some trees, just like a real UFO

It’s beautiful, so Space Age looking. Does it open any further, to expose the whole pool?

Here’s how to find the grand Grecian-style pool in the UK.

And we’ve rounded up the best outdoor swimming pools in the UK.

THE all-inclusive holiday is more popular than ever, three quarters of a century since Brits first went on one.

To mark 75 years of the budget-friendly way to holiday, we’ve looked at the very best deals around at the moment. From beautiful beaches to lavish cruises, here are 75 stonking all-inclusives you can book now – you can even bag one to the Maldives, perfect timing as the bad weather sets in at home.

The first ever overseas package holiday was created by Vladimir Raitz, who founded Horizon Holidays.

It was to Corsica from London in 1950, with 300 holidaymakers paying £32 and ten shillings. This works out to around £971 in today’s money.

Rather than a resort, however, guests would be staying in ex-army surplus tents as rationing was still in place.

It was Gerard Blitz, a Belgian sportsman, who then created the concept of the all-inclusive hotel resort in 1950, with the first Club Med in Spain.

And despite it being 75 years later, all-inclusive holiday packages can still be found for a fraction of the price.

So we’ve found 75 of the best all-inclusive deals on the market, which include your flights, hotel and your food and drink.

Deals include TUI, easyJet Holidays, Thomas Cook, Loveholidays and On The Beach, as well as a number of ski holidays, cruise holidays and even some mystery holidays.

From Turkey bargains for £189pp, to long-haul blow-the-budget trips to The Maldives, here are our top picks.

Under £200

When it comes to the cheapest all-inclusive breaks, you’ll want to head to Turkey.

You could spend seven nights in the Prenses Sealine Beach Hotel in February 2026.

For £189 each it includes all food and drink and your return flights from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Or there is seven nights at the Grand Barhan, also in Antalya in Turkey for £199 each when travelling from London Gatwick in March 2026. Find the deal here.

There is also Belpoint Beach Hotel for £199pp if you fly from London Gatwick in April 2026. Find the deal here.

Another affordable holiday destination for all-inclusive holidays is Tunisia.

TUI has a three-night stay in TUI SUNEO Royal Kenz in Tunisia for £179pp, when flying in January 2026 from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Another three night stay is at Paradis Palace Hotel in Hamamet for £191pp, also in January 2026 from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Four nights at Riviera Hotel with Birmingham flights in February 2026 is just £158 each. Find the deal here.

For under £200 you could also head to Morocco.

Three-night stays in Morocco for under £200 – the TUI SUNEO Kenzi Europa is around £193pp, with flights from London Stansted in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or for £197pp, the trip includes a three-night break in Marrakech with return flights from London Stansted in February 2026. Find the deal here.

Four nights at Allegro Agadir in January 2026 is just £199 each when flying from London Gatwick. Find the deal here.

If you don’t mind a budget hotel, there are a few all inclusive deals in Spain for under £200 each.

Fly in July to Hotel Mariant Park in Majorca for seven nights, from £186 each. Find the deal here.

Four nights in BLUESEA Copacabana in Costa Brava is £199 each in April. Find the deal here.

When it comes to Portugal, seven nights at Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa is £186 each from East Midlands in April 2026. Find the deal here.

If you don’t mind a shorter trip, spend fur nights at Mutha Oura Praia Hotel in February from Bristol Airport for £179 each. Find the deal here.

Under £300

Tunisia remains a bargain for cheap all-inclusive deals under £300 too.

Loveholidays has a steal with seven nights at the Vincci Helya Beach in Skanes for £209 each when travelling from London Southend in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or four nights at Cesar Thalasso with easyJet in January 2026 from Manchester is £254pp. Find the deal here.

TUI has some bargains for Tunisia with a three-night stay in January from London Southend for £218 each. Find the deal here.

Stay a bit longer with four night stays from £236pp. Find the deal here.

Greece has some cheap all-inclusive breaks too, especially in Crete.

A seven night stay in Bali Beach & Sofia Village with return Luton flights can be found for £250 each a night in April 2026 Find the deal here.

Or there is the adult-only City Green Hotel for £275pp, with return flights from London Gatwick in April 2026. Find the deal here.

First Choice has seven nights in Crete’s Mediterraneo Hotel in April from London Gatwick for £212 each. Find the deal here.

Or head over to Rhodes for £213 each, with seven nights at Tsampika Hotel along with London Luton flights in April as well. Find the deal here.

Want to try Corfu? Seven nights at Mareblue beach with Gatwick flights in April is just £250 each. Find the deal here.

Otherwise there are some affordable Egypt holidays under £300 each too.

Seven nights in Sharm Cliff Resort is around £212pp when flying from London Luton in January 2026. Find the deal here.

You can even find some Spanish deals if you know where to look.

First Choice has six nights in the TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical from Birmingham in January from £298 each. Find the deal here.

Portugal is another great cheap destination under £300pp, especially with TUI.

There is three nights at Alvor Baia with London Stansted flights in march for £274 each. Find the deal here.

Or fly from Manchester to AP Cabanas Beach and Nature for three nights in January for £281 each. Find the deal here.

Prefer Albufeira? For £295 each, there are three nights at AP ADRIANA BEACH RESORT. Find the deal here.

Or why not try a trip to Montenegro? For £289 each, you can spend four nights at Carine Hotel Park in April 2026, with flights from London Gatwick. Find the deal here.

Under £500

Most of your all-inclusive Spanish holidays will be in the under £500 range.

For example, there is the HSM Canarios Park in Majorca which is £315pp for seven nights and return flights from London Gatwick in May 2026. Find the deal here.

If you prefer Costa Blanca, there is the Magic Cristal Park, with seven nights and London Luton flights in March 2026 for £320 each. Find the deal here.

Or for Costa del Azahar, spend seven nights in Magic Sports for £365 each in March 2026 when flying from London Stansted in March 2026. Find the deal here.

For a Jet2 holiday, there are seven nights at Sandos Griego in the Costa Del Sol in march from £479 each. Find the deal here.

Cyprus is one of the best for sunshine all year round, with some great deals next year too,

Seven nights at Tsokkos Gardens Apartment with London Gatwick flights in May 2026 is just £499pp. Find the deal here.

EasyJet Holidays has some Egypt bargains too for under £500 each.

There is four nights at the Aster Aqua Park in Hurghada for £340 each, with London Gatwick flights in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or travel in March 2026 from Manchester to Caves Beach Resort, with four nights from £472pp. Find the deal here.

Thomas Cook‘s Egypt deals can be found for £305 each, with seven nights at Royal Lagoons Resort when flying from London Luton in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or also in January is seven nights at Pyramisa Beach Resort is £442pp with London Luton flights. Find the deal here.

You can even get some all-inclusive cruises for a bargain.

For example. you can spend three nights on a Marella Explorer 2 ship for £486 each, with drinks, food and stops in Tenerife and Malaga, as long as you fly next month. Find the deal here.

Ambassador’s mini cruises are all inclusive from £399 each, with three days onboard. Find the deal here.

Wowcher’s Mystery All Inclusive seven night holidays are £349 each. Find the deal here.

Under £800

Around the £800pp mark is where you can start to find some longer-haul holidays.

For example, seven nights in Cuba at the Allegro Palma Real with London Gatwick flights can be found for £779 each when flying in October 2026. Find the deal here.

In the same month, seven nights at Club Kawama is just £769pp with Gatwick flights too. Find the deal here.

Or in September 2026, seven nights at Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in Dubai with London Stansted flights is £779 each as well. Find the deal here.

TUI has seven nights in Cape Verde’s Boa Vista, at the Hotel Riu Touareg with London Gatwick flights in January 2026 for £778pp. Find the deal here.

You can even find some bargains for Mexico, with seven nights in January 2026 at All Ritmo Cancun Resort for £759 each with London Gatwick flights. Find the deal here.

Wowcher has some cheap trips on offer as well, with a seven night stay at a five star hotel in the Dominican Republic with return flights from £789 each. Find the deal here.

But if you are looking to stay in a bit closer, you can find some five star luxury for this price.

Seven nights at Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa in April 2026 with London Gatwick flights is £769 each. Find the deal here.

Another week-long trip, staying at Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort in Rhodes with London Gatwick flights in April 2026 is £759pp. Find the deal here.

British Airways has lots of Egypt trips, with seven nights at Parrotel Beach Resort in Sharm el Sheikh for £657 each with London flights in January. Find the deal here.

They also have Morocco with the Pickalbatros Palais des Roses for £634 each in January. Find the deal here.

Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel is one of Egypt‘s fanciest hotels, and Loveholidays has seven night stays in January for £769 each. Find the deal here.

And the luxury Rixos Premium Gocek in Turkey is £769pp too, with flights in March. Find the deal here.

Under £1,000

Finding an all-inclusive under £1,000 to long-haul destinations can be tricky – but it’s doable.

HolidayPirates has a seven night stay at Riu Bambu in the Dominican Republic if you fly from Manchester in February 2026 for £980 each. Find the deal here.

Or fly from London Gatwick in June 2026 to spend seven nights at Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa for £969pp. Find the deal here.

Fly in April 2026 from London Gatwick to Whala! Boca Chica for seven nights for £970 each. Find the deal here.

Or there is a whopping 14-night stay in Royal Palms Beach Hotel in Sri Lanka for £974 each, when flying from London Gatwick in May 2026. Find the deal here.

Fancy Tanzania? Seven nights at AHG Waridi Beach Resort in May 2026 from London Gatwick is just £989pp. Find the deal here.

Or seven nights at Paradise Beach Resort on the same island is £959pp with London Gatwick flights in May 2026. Find the deal here.

Otherwise Thomas Cook has a number of cheap Mexico deals under £1,000.

There’s seven nights at The Reef Coco beach Resort from London Gatwick in January 2026 for £998pp. Find the deal here.

Or fly from London Gatwick to Hotel Maya Caribe Faranda also in January for £955 each. Find the deal here.

If you’re a snow lover there are some great ski holidays too, with seven night all-inclusives under £1,00 each.

One of Crystal Ski’s most affordable deals is seven nights at Belambra Club Panorama in France, when flying from London Gatwick next month, for £846pp. Find the deal here.

Head to Bansko in Bulgaria for £881 each, with flights from Birmingham next month. Find the deal here.

Or Sunweb has eight day ski holidays in Austria for £844 each when travelling in March. Find the deal here.

Over £1,000

If you are happy to have a big blow out holiday, then there are some fantastic deals to splash out on too.

For example, Tropical Sky have seven nights in Zanzibar from £1,499 each, including flights. Find the deal here.

Their Platinum Collection holidays, which are five star hotels, can be found for £2,799 each. Find the deal here.

Talking of African islands, British Airways has some fantastic trips to Mauritius too.

Seven nights with return flights start from London Heathrow to the Veranda Palmar Beach hotel for £1,508, when travelling in September 2026. Find the deal here.

Or there is the five star Club Med La Plantation D’Albion for £2,004 each, when travelling the same month. Find the deal here.

And one of the biggest bucket list destinations is The Maldives.

Virgin Atlantic has seven night trips from £1,841 each, which includes flights from London Heathrow and stays at the OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in September 2026. Find the deal here.

Want to stay longer? Travel in June 2026 at the same resort for an 11-night trip for £2,549pp. Find the deal here.

Fourteen night stays start from £3,091pp when flying from London Stansted in September 2026 to Cinnamon Dhonveli. Find the deal here.

If you have the time, how about a month-long, all-inclusive holiday?

Jet2holidays has some bargain long stay trips with everything included.

You could spend 28 days at Grand Park Lara in Turkey in March, with return flights included from £1,470 each. Find the deal here.

Or there is a month-long stay in Majorca’s Universal Hotel Romantica for £1,017pp in February. Find the deal here.

Tenerife’s Grand Castillo Tagora is £2,247 each for 28-day stays. Find the deal here.

And HD Lobos Natura Fuerteventura is from £2,923. Find the deal here.

Morocco is a bargain too, with 28 nights at Hotel Club Sungo by Pickalbatros in February for £1,890 each. Find the deal here.

I visited Disneyland last weekend expecting huge crowds, busy restaurants and monster ride wait times. But the day was quite enjoyable thanks in part to Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Pass.

I commented to some employees throughout the day, “I thought this would be worse.”

Almost unanimously, each had the same answer: The real rush was yet to come.

Yes, Disneyland’s busiest time is upon us, from Saturday until Jan. 3.

That’s when the cost of a single-day adult park-hopper pass, which allows a patron to visit Disneyland and adjacent California Adventure Park, soars to $314 (buy a week later, prices will drop by $50.)

Many Disney experts and influencers advise you to avoid the resort during this time.

But what if you’ve already bought tickets? What if out-of-town family is desperate to visit? What if this is the only free time to take the kids?

Fortunately, Traver, known as the SoCal Disney Dad to his 74,000 YouTube subscribers, spoke with me Friday morning and offered tips on how to enjoy a magical time at the busiest place on Earth.

Wake up early

Traver explained to me that preparing for the holiday rush is not all too dissimilar from spring break.

One essential tip is to arrive at Disneyland before the park’s opening at 8 a.m.

Security checks begin as early as 7 a.m. and the gate, which opens around 7:20 to 7:30, allowing patrons to line up for the rope drop.

“For people interested in getting on the most popular rides, this is how you cut down on wait times,” Traver said.

He noted rope drop, the insider term for the moment a literal rope around attractions, restaurants and shops drops when the park opens at 8 a.m. is the best time to head to the “Star Wars”-themed “Rise of the Resistance,” which can easily draw two-hour lines later in the day.

Traver added this tidbit: Disney hotel guests receive early entry on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, so the other days are best for early arrivers.

Consider eating at the bigger restaurants

He said patrons looking to maximize time and find a seat should search for larger capacity places.

Those include Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland, the Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland, the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Bayou Country, Galactic Grill and Alien Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland.

“The larger the crowd, the bigger the fight for seats,” Traver said. “Go to places with more seats.”

Next week, there might be one more consideration: Forecasters predict rain on Tuesday and Thursday.

Traver said restaurants like Alien Pizza Planet, which is 90% covered, or the Golden Horseshoe Restaurant in Frontierland, which is completely indoors, will be in high demand.

Take advantage of single rider

Both Disneyland and California Adventure offer a handful of single-rider lines.

If family members don’t mind riding alone, they can cut long waits at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Disneyland, the lone single-rider attractions at the park.

Traver’s favorite single rider attraction is California Adventure’s Radiator Springs Racer, where wait times are notorious.

“It will cut the wait time by a third,” Traver said.

Be realistic, but bring a good attitude

Maybe the biggest secret: Set proper expectations, Traver said.

“If you expect things to go smoothly and they don’t, now you’re disappointed,” he said. “But, if you arrive with lower expectations and an understanding that lines are going to be long and you’re just going to have to wait, you may be pleasantly surprised.”

The week’s biggest stories

(Jim Cooke / Los Angeles Times; Photos via Getty Images)

A chance for justice. A strain on today’s classrooms

• California school districts have paid nearly a half-billion dollars to settle past sexual abuse claims, Times reporters discovered.
• Starting in 2020, Assembly Bill 218 offered survivors of childhood sex abuse in California a three-year window to sue over past molestation and sexual assault.
• The wave of litigation has caused financial strain across the state’s schools and programs.
• Also, several California school districts have used confidentiality agreements to settle sex abuse claims and conceal them from the public.

Tyler Skaggs’ family reaches settlement with Angels

• Friday’s settlement in the wrongful death case brings an end to several days of juror deliberations and a four year legal battle.
• Terms of the agreement, which follows previous unsuccessful settlement efforts from the former Angels pitcher’s family, were not immediately available.

Reiner slayings

After the fires…

What else is going on

Must reads

Other gripping reads

• Nearly a year after the L.A. fires, the television drama “Fire Country” drew inspiration from those who fought it.
• Six directors on “wasting” (and saving) money, the future of movie theaters and more.

For your downtime

Lively video projections behind a 1965 Ford Mustang make guests feel like they’re on a ride through Southern California at “American Icon: A Mustang Immersive Experience.”

(Ronaldo Bolanos/Los Angeles Times)

Going out

Staying in

L.A. Timeless

A selection of the very best reads from The Times’ 143-year archive.

Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Jim Rainey, staff reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, Fast Break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew J. Campa, weekend writer
June Hsu, editorial fellow
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.