The idyllic Low Wood Bay complex on WindermereCredit: SuppliedTake a dip in the infinity pool overlooking WindermereCredit: Supplied
The rejuvenating adventure promises to refresh my senses and entire being. It does.
I hop between the two-tiered heated outdoor infinity pools and explore three sauna set-ups – eucalyptus, salt and natural mineral – then move between a number of pools at different temperatures.
Finally, I meander over to the bar, where I find an enticing range of cocktails, mocktails, beers, soft drinks and upmarket snacks.
Luckily, my luxurious suite at the hotel’s Winander Club is only a short plod away, behind and above the main hotel with views of mighty Lake Windermere.
Those staying in The Winander Club area of the hotel not only benefit from fancy rooms with luxury additions such as freestanding bath tubs, they also enjoy exclusive dining spaces.
You won’t be short of decent food options in the hotel, though, even if you are staying in the main area.
There’s fine-dining cuisine at the W Restaurant and chunky ciabatta sandwiches and bar snacks in the very cosy public bar.
My favourite, however, was the popular Blue Smoke, with its centrepiece wood-fired grill.
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Think steaks, fish served whole and maple-glazed salmon fillet all dished up with The Blue Smoke’s special chunky chips and slaw.
I’m still dreaming about my starter of butterfly king prawns, which were the size of fingers of Bownessie Monster – the myththical creature said to inhabit Lake Windermere.
Visitors could easily spend a weekend holed up in this cosy spot but the real highlight of the hotel is its location in the rolling Cumbrian countryside.
But be prepared to queue if you want to take a boat trip across Lake Windermere.
Most depart from Bowness, serenely gliding over the water alongside the paddle boarders and private boats.
If that doesn’t take your fancy, this time of year is great for a stroll. Autumnal hues
As I strapped on my walking boots and struck out up the fells, I soaked up the glowing autumnal hues on the hills.
Ambleside is also well worth exploring.
This busy but quaint town has many upmarket shops and boutiques alongside local businesses ranging from homemade-chocolate stores and lambswool outfitters to traditional watering holes.
There’s even a Michelin-rated restaurant in the cellars at The Old Stamp House where Lake District bard William Wordsworth once worked as Distributor of Stamps.
As the sun began to set over Windermere, trimming the hills with a fiery orange, it was back to the Winander Club for a sundowner.
The perfect way to end a day.
GO: Standard Willow rooms at The Low Wood Bay & Spa cost from £216 per night.
And it’s not just laptops, but mobile phones can also cause this problem.
Back in 2018, crew were forced to extinguish a fire onboard a Qantas flight from Melbourne to LA after a plane stuck between seats set on fire.
And in 2020, a British Airways passenger’s phone caught o fire after it slipped down while she slept, and she then reclined without realising.
When it come to laptop issues, just last year a United flight from Zurich to Chicago had to emergency land in Ireland after a laptop got stuck in the seats.
Patrick Smith, a pilot, and author of Ask the Pilot previously warned about the dangers of this.
He said: “If you’re in an electrically controlled lie-flat seat, of the type common in first or business class, there are a number of nooks and crannies into which your phone can slip – beyond your reach and down into the mechanisms that control the seat’s various positions.”
Passengers are urged to alert flight crew if any of their devices fall down the side of the seat.
If they can’t be retrieved, then the seat shouldn’t be reclined until the plane has landed.
In British Airways‘ latest onboard safety announcement, they warn: “If you do lose your device within your seat, please don’t move your seat yourself.
“Ask a member of crew for some help.”
A rise in onboard fires has also been caused by portable charges, leading ot many airlines banning the use of them.
Most recently, power banks are no longer allowed to be used on a number of Australian airlines, and must not be put in the overhead lockers.
Other airlines like Emirates are also not allowing passengers to use them during a flight, and encourages the use of the in-seat charging instead.
Only Korean Air fully bans power banks being taken onboard, after one of their aircraft was decommissioned due to fire damage caused by one.
I WATCH the sun slowly drop away behind the sandy horizon, as the sky transforms into a dozen magical shades of yellow and orange.
My tour group had decided to make a quick photo stop ahead of our dune-bashing tour in the Qatari desert, with aptly named driver Basham.
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The amazing curved Katara Towers dominate the landscape around Lusail in QatarCredit: GettyExplore the Souq Waqif marketCredit: GettyThe towers illuminate the waterfrontCredit: Getty
And we were so glad we did.
This is my first time visiting the Middle East and a 4×4 excursion across the vast sands is the perfect start to my stay in Doha, Qatar’s capital.
After soaking up the sunset, I’m led back to my huge vehicle by Basham who spends the next 30 minutes putting both car and passengers through their paces.
It’s an exhilarating experience, soaring over the ridges of the tall dunes and veering towards the edges of sandbanks at ferociously high speed.
Doha certainly isn’t short of action-packed day trips for adrenaline junkies.
If the dune-bashing isn’t your thing, visitors can also get their kicks at Doha Quest, an indoor theme park that is home to more than 30 rides and attractions including the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster Epiq Coaster.
If you’re more of a sun worshipper, the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park at the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort will be the place for you.
There are 30 thrilling slides and rides here, although the lazy river is the most addictive in my opinion — I could spend hours bobbing around on the water, floating serenely around the park.
But if you prefer an adrenaline hit, there are spine-tingling rides here, too.
I swear that I saw some airtime on the Whizzard Mat Racer, a sheer-drop slide that sends riders plummeting towards a blue foam mat.
Qatar isn’t just about thrills and spills, though.
The Middle Eastern country is also a hub for major sporting events, including Formula 1.
Experiencing the Qatar Grand Prix up close is a must for any petrolhead — and I was able to do just that through a package booking with Qatar Airways, a global partner of Formula 1.
Affordable luxury
The airline rolls flights, hotel and F1 tickets into one, making it much easier for Brits who have maybe never visited Qatar before.
You can be sure that I jumped at the chance to go on a pit-lane walk, too, which took me past the teams’ garages where I could take hundreds of pictures and videos.
And you would be a fool to miss out on a tour of the track in a huge open-top truck before the race gets under way — I was able to feel all the twists and turns that the racers would be experiencing during the race, although at an admittedly much slower speed.
After all that excitement, I was grateful that my hotel, the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, has just over two miles of private beaches, where I could flop on a sun lounger with fantastic views over the glittering Arabian Gulf.
Even the most basic room here feels luxurious, thanks to the huge wooden headboard towering behind the plush bed, a spacious sofa area where holidaymakers can relax to the max after a day of snoozing by the pool, and glass double doors opening on to a large balcony.
That’s the real highlight of Doha — luxury has a much more affordable price tag. Rooms here cost from around £188 with breakfast, which considering the quality and detail is impressive value.
The food is high-end, too. For classic Qatari and Middle Eastern flavours, head to the on-site Levantine restaurant, where you can pick up some excellent kofte for under £20.
If you’re looking to really push the boat out, though, the Raffles Doha hotel will blow your socks off.
Have fun at Meryal amusement parkCredit: AlamyMax Verstappen celebrates winning the 2024 Qatar Grand PrixCredit: AFPExperiencing the Qatar Grand Prix up close is a must for any petrolheadCredit: Getty
Rooms cost from £335 per night here, but this is still a a lot less than most other hotels in the Raffles chain, including The OWO in London where rooms can cost just shy of £1,000 per night.
Raffles Doha occupies half of the prestigious Katara Towers. These U-shaped buildings are a symbol of Qatar’s national seal, representing traditional scimitar swords.
It’s the height of luxury, from its grand lobby all the way through to its suites and restaurants — and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
Decked out with hardwood floors, mirrors and golden motifs, my spacious suite was a luxurious haven — and even came with a personalised butler service.
The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered fantastic views over the Arabian Gulf and, if you can brave the morning heat, a warm brew on the terrace is the perfect way to start your day.
I was too focused on heading to downstairs to eat at L’Artisan, a restaurant that whips up the very best breakfast omelettes I’ve ever eaten.
You might want to keep food to a minimum if you’re heading out dune-bashing, though.
GO: DOHA
GETTING THERE: Qatar Airways flies from Gatwick or Heathrow to Doha from £357 each way.
Our ports of call were all places I had on my wish list. Fowey in Cornwall, the Isles Of Scilly, Guernsey in the Channel Islands and Honfleur in France, aboveCredit: GettyOur first stop was Fowey in Cornwall, and The Lost Gardens of HeliganCredit: GettyArriving in Guernsey, we docked in the capital, St Peter Port, where I did a spot of VAT-free shopping along the town’s pretty cobbled streetsCredit: Supplied
My seven-day cruise around the English Channel was getting off to a sparkling start — and I felt pampered from day one.
The cruise was for the over-50s and I soon discovered that you don’t have to be young to have fun.
Many of my fellow Boomers told me they return to Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience to take in “the warmest welcome at sea” again and again.
Ambassador, launched four years ago, specialises in no-fly sailings from home ports including Tilbury, Essex, just an hour’s drive from home for me.
Its Ambience ship has capacity for 1,400 passengers, so it’s smaller and less crowded than many of the mega-liners of today.
Our ports of call were all places I had on my wish list. Fowey in Cornwall, the Isles Of Scilly, Guernsey in the Channel Islands and Honfleur in France.
The food on board was exceptional. On the first night I enjoyed a special of steak and lobster for a small extra cost, served by waiter Adie.
He and Noor felt like friends by the end of the trip. After dinners, drinks in one of the many lounges or bars beckoned, or even a quiz, ending the evenings with a theatre show.
My Expedition Drinks Package took away any worries about a drinks bill at the end of the trip.
On the first day at sea I swam in the seawater pool — nippy but refreshing. But there are lots of other ways to relax too, including spa treatments. I was treated to an excellent Indian head massage.
On the first of two formal dress-up nights I was lucky enough to dine with Captain Hugh Maynard, who was great company.
For more laid-back, buffet-style meals, Borough Market serves fish and chips, roasts, curries, stir fries, salads and more.
I also loved the luxury of dining in the upmarket Sea And Grass restaurant. The seven-course tasting menu was fabulous.
Saffron is another speciality restaurant for curry fans. Worth paying a little extra for.
Our first stop was Fowey in Cornwall and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. We also passed author Daphne du Maurier’s former home in this very pretty town — no wonder Dawn French bought a house there too.
Cute puffins
The subtropical Lost Gardens are about 40 minutes from Fowey. Giant ferns, palm trees and exotic plants dominate on the 200-acre site created in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Our next stop, and my favourite of the trip, was the Isles of Scilly.
As the ship sailed past the outer, uninhabited islands, they were swathed in mist, making them look more mysterious.
Our last stop was in Honfleur in Normandy. Popular excursions included Monet’s house and gardens, the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry.
We dropped anchor outside the harbour of the biggest island, St Mary’s. There are five inhabited islands and over 140 smaller uninhabited ones and rocks here.
We were picked up directly from the ship for a wildlife tour onboard an open-decked vessel of the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association. Over an hour and a half we spotted Atlantic grey seals and an array of birds, including cute puffins.
Other guests had chosen a boat trip to the island of Tresco to see the spectacular subtropical gardens there. This small taste of these stunning islands — with their white, sandy beaches and clear, turquoise seas, more like the Caribbean than Cornwall — will definitely lure me back.
Next stop was Guernsey. Docking in the capital St Peter Port, I did a spot of VAT-free shopping along the town’s pretty cobbled streets.
Other passengers chose to discover the island’s wartime history or its beautiful landscape by vintage bus.
Our last stop was in Honfleur in Normandy. Popular excursions included Monet’s house and gardens, the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry, but a simple stroll around this beautiful place is a delight.
One of the cruiseliner’s cabinsCredit: Supplied
With its timber-framed houses and pretty Old Harbour and cafes and restaurants lining the quays, it is perfect for a lunch or just a beer. Also worth a peek is the 15th-century Saint Catherine’s Church — the largest wooden church in France.
Leaving France on the last night of my cruise, I had plenty of special memories — and plans to make for my next sail-away adventure.
GO: CHANNEL CRUISE
SAILING THERE: An 11-night sailing onboard Ambassador’s Ambience for the Summertime Gardens Of The Channel Islands and Northern France cruise calls at Belle Ile en Mer in Brittany, La Pallice and the Isles of Scilly.
ONE of the world’s most famous museums is set to nearly double its entry fee for tourists.
The Louvre museum in Paris will increase its ticket prices by 45 per cent for most non-European Union visitors, which includes Brits.
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The Louvre will nearly double its entry feeCredit: AFPThe price hike applies to non-EU residents, which includes BritsCredit: AFP
The price hike is set to be introduced early next year, with tourists from countries including the UK, US and China having to pay €32 (£28) to enter the museum.
It is set to raise millions of euros each year to fund a huge overhaul of the Louvre’s most famous gallery.
The price increase follows a heist that took place in October that hit the news globally.
Security and management have been criticised since the incident, which saw four people steal jewellery worth over £76million from the museum.
After the heist, an audit on the museum was carried out which highlighted how the museum has inadequate security systems and aging infrastructure.
As a result, from January 14, visitors from countries outside the European Economic Area (EU member states, as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) will need to pay an extra €10 (£8.76) to enter the museum.
The new price jump is estimated to raise between €15million (£13.1million) to €20million (£17.5million) each year for the museum, which will go towards supporting the Louvre’s modernisation plans.
Over the past year, the museum has faced a number of issues to do with its structure.
Back in January, French President Emmanuel Macron and the Louvre announced that the museum would be getting improvements and as a part of that suggested higher fees for non-EU residents in 2026.
As part of the report, Macron also said that the Mona Lisa would be moved to a new room to deal with the overcrowding.
It followed the leak of a letter from the museum’s director Laurence des Cars, which highlighted how the museum had several structural issues, water leaks and even that the museum could no longer cope with the current numbers of visitors heading to the attraction each day.
The Louvre will also have a number of other areas renovated, with new facilities added too, such as toilets and restaurants.
And earlier this month, the museum announced that the gallery which houses Greek ceramics was closed due to structural issues.
Each year the Louvre welcomes around nine million people, and more than a 10th of visitors are from the US.
Complaints about overcrowding and long queues at the museum have been going on for a while now, especially through the Salle des Etats gallery, which is where the famous Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is displayed.
It comes after a heist was carried out last month and the report after the incident identified several issuesCredit: AFP
Many visitors note how you actually only get a few seconds to see the painting and snap a picture.
The report carried out after the heist last month also revealed that the museum was spending more money on buying new artworks than actually maintaining the attraction itself.
In other museum news, the UK’s newest national museum is more like an IKEA store – and Kate Middleton is already a fan.
With the holiday fast approaching, the calendar is stacked with fun shows guaranteed to spread festive cheer.
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Elf has been crowned the “ultimate Christmas show”Credit: Matt CrockettGet lost in the Land of SweetsCredit: Johan Persson
The Sun has handpicked an exciting range of productions across the country that are aimed specially at a younger audience.
And with everything from enchanting puppet shows to cheeky pantos on offer across England‘s major cities, families planning their next trip to the theatre are spoilt for choice.
CBeebies star Maddie Moate has earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Show with this science-y performance.
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Maddie – along with elves Tinker and Goggles – makes a bit of a mess of Santa’s workshop with her fun experiments, so can the audience help her fix it up?
Garrick Theatre: December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 4+)
It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than getting lost in the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
English National Ballet returns with a truly magical production of over 100 dancers that will amaze child audiences and leave them dreaming of tutus and the Land of Sweets.
London Coliseum: December 11, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (ages 5+)
Over 100 dancers star in English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Watching the Muppet version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a holiday staple for many families.
You can turn the magic up a notch at this concert and film viewing, where a live orchestra accompanies Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo and Scrooge on the big screen.
The Bridgewater Hall: November 22, 2025
Jason Manford stars as Robin HoodCredit: Phil Tragen
You don’t need to go to London to see world-class ballerinas, and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s “wow-factor” Christmas production boasts everything from snowfall to swordfights.
Audio described, signed and relaxed performances are available, meaning children with additional needs can also be enchanted in a way that’s comfortable for them.
Birmingham Hippodrome: November 21 – December 13, 2025
The Storyteller once held so much magic, but now, they seem to have lost their sparkle – can two little elves complete a mission from Father Christmas to help them get it back?
This show has a ‘Pay What You Can’ pricing system, so it can even be enjoyed on a tight budget.
Leeds Central Library: December 6 – 31, 2025 (ages 4+)
Nestled within Newcastle’s Christmas Village but with sheltered seating, the Rockin’ Reindeer stage is where you’ll find a range of mini shows bringing iconic Christmas characters to life.
Pick between The Grinch, Santa’s Superstars, The Ice Kingdom and Tinsel Tots.
In the space of “a magical 50 minutes”, Antarctica transports the audience to the snowy South Pole to join penguins and explorers.
For an extra cosy evening, book a pyjama night performance and watch the story unfold while wearing your comfies and sipping on a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
The Weston Studio: December 5, 2025 – January 10, 2026 (all ages)
A MAJOR US airline has announced it will no longer conduct flight operations out of one of the country’s busiest airports.
Budget-friendly Spirit Airlines announced in late September that it will cease service in a midwestern city as part of the company’s restructuring effort to prioritize stronger markets.
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Planes at Minneapolis-St. Paul International AirportCredit: GettySpirit Airlines will end its service at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on December 1Credit: Getty
Beginning on December 1, Spirit Airlines will no longer serve passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The budget-friendly airline has been struggling financially following its second bankruptcy filing during the summer.
“We apologize to our guests for any inconvenience and will reach out to those with affected reservations to issue a refund,” the company said in a statement at the time.
Minneapolis is among several cities where Spirit Airlines will exit.
Impacted cities include Macon, Georgia, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Birmingham, Alabama, Boise, Idaho, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Columbia, South Carolina, Portland, Oregon, Salt Lake City, Utah, and four cities in California, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Jose.
Around the same time, Spirit Airlines confirmed that it would be laying off around one-third of its flight attendants, according to CBS News.
Then, on October 31, Hartford, Connecticut became the latest city Spirit Airlines ceased to conduct service in.
Spirit cut its services out of Bradley International Airport, calling the continued halts to its services “very difficult.”
Grim future for Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has suffered through some major financial blows in the past year.
The budget carrier admitted it hasn’t turned a profit since 2019.
In November 2024, the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, making it the first major US carrier to do so since American Airlines 13 years ago.
The brand pulled itself out of bankruptcy in March with a plan to “operate as efficiently as possible,” the company said in a statement.
The brand has also slashed its routes by 24% in the last year.
In August, managers revealed they were worried for Spirit’s immediate future in a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission.
The filing read that executives had “substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months from the date these financial statements are issued”.
‘INEXPLICABLE DECISION’
However, Spirit is not the only airline facing financial woes, Avelo Airlines also announced it would stop services at Bradley International Airport.
The airline cited financial struggles as the main reason for leaving the Hartford airport.
However, officials disagreed with the decision as leaving the airport also removes the only direct flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica, from Connecticut.
“The CAA is especially disappointed on behalf of the community, which has fought so hard to secure nonstop service to Jamaica over recent years,” the Connecticut Airport Authority stated.
“The decision to cancel the MBJ route is inexplicable, given the strong ridership, subsidies received, significant airport incentives, and community support.”
HOLIDAYS are set to get more expensive both in the UK and abroad with new tourist tax rules and a rise in Air Passenger Duty.
Regional mayors will be given powers to introduce the levy on overnight stays at hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs, it was announced in today’s budget.
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In today’s budget, it was announced that regional mayors will be given powers to introduce a tourist tax levy on overnight stays at hotels, holiday lets and B&BsCredit: PABrits face paying an additional fee for each night they stay in hotels or Airbnb-style accommodationCredit: Getty
Measures announced in today’s Budget include…
London mayor Sadiq Khan, Liverpool‘s Steve Rotherham and Manchester‘s Andy Burnham have all backed the tourism levy.
But the Tory mayor of Teesside Ben Houchen vowed to shield visitors to his North East region and blasted the idea.
He told The Sun: “If Labour hands me these powers, I won’t use them.
“People in Teesside and our local businesses are already feeling the squeeze from Labour’s last budget.
“Piling another tax on working people isn’t the answer and won’t drive growth.
“This is yet another cash grab that will hammer the fantastic hospitality businesses we have across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
It comes just two months after Tourism Minister Chris Bryant told MPs the government “had no plans to introduce a tourism tax”.
Luke Petherbridge, the Association of British Travel Agent’s (ABTA) Director of Public Affairs said: “ABTA has consistently raised concerns about the cumulative impact of increasing taxes and charges on tourists and tourism businesses, with the UK already applying much higher rates of VAT than many countries and levying the highest air departure tax in the world.
“Against that backdrop, it’s hard to see how a further tax will not simply worsen the UK’s situation when it comes to competitiveness.
“We will be engaging with industry partners to respond to the consultation in the coming weeks.”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, slammed the move as “another shocking U-turn”.
She added: “I know the Government is worried about the cost of living, but a holiday tax is little more than a higher VAT rate for holidaymakers.”
Yesterday, EasyJet boss Kenton Jarvis warned the Chancellor against imposing a tourist tax across cities in the UK.
The airline chief said it might encourage tourists to go to rival European cities instead, such as Paris or Berlin.
‘Tourist tax’ is yet another blow to hard-up families
By LISA MINOT, Head of Travel
NEWS of impending taxes on holiday stays delivers yet another blow to hard-up families and under-pressure tourism businesses.
Figures from Westminster’s All Party Parliamentary Group for tourism and hospitality show that while day visitors spend an average of £36 per trip, it rockets to £193 for overnight tourists.
Anything that adds extra cost to staycations will surely lead to cash-strapped Brits simply choosing to stay for shorter periods – or not at all.
Both Manchester and Liverpool already have taxes of £1 and £2 a night respectively on hotels, the move to allow all areas of the country to charge for any type of accommodation could have a serious impact on the industry as a whole.
Adding £56 to the the cost of a week-long holiday for a family of four will be devastating for those on low incomes who choose to staycation as they simply cannot afford to head abroad.
If destinations choose to impose the charges, holidaymakers will want to see the taxes they pay visibly being spent on improving the infrastructure in the destinations they choose to visit.
Mr Jarvis said: “Any increase in tax that impacts the competitiveness of the UK visitor economy would not be a good thing.
“Last year, easyJet flew 15 million tourists into the UK and they spent just under £10 billion across the UK economy… so it’s very important to the visitor economy.”
And the cost of holidays abroad is set to go up as well.
The government will increase all rates of Air Passenger Duty (ADP) in line with the rate of inflation from April 1, 2027.
APD is a ‘tax’ on passengers flying from UKairports, built into the price of a flight ticket.
AS winter sets in, many Brits are already looking ahead to their next holiday.
But travel experts have revealed the destinations that shouldn’t be on your 2026 bucket list, including a sunny favourite for UK residents.
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Fodor’s Travel has revealed its No 2026 List of destinations to avoid
From overtourism to negative environmental impacts, there are a variety of reasons to avoid this stunning locations.
Fodor’s Travel has revealed its No 2026 List, explaining: “Its purpose is to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities.”
While the round-up of locations is “not a call for boycott”, it aims to highlight the issues facing each area, urging tourists to “ease up on a spot for now–not forever”.
“Give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather,” the travel pros encouraged readers.
The list includes a popular tourist destination for Brits as well as a city set to host next year’s World Cup.
Antarctica
Environmental experts have discouraged the overtourism of Antarctica until visitor caps can be put in place
Unlike most destinations, Antarctica doesn’t need marketing campaigns to lure visitors to fuel its existent economy.
In fact, it doesn’t have an economy at all, and therefore doesn’t need tourists.
Despite this, the remote region welcomed 120,000 visitors from 2023 to 2024, a number which is projected to double by 2033.
Mike Gunter, professor of political science and chair at Rollins College in Florida, who studies ecotourism and environmental policy, spoke about the recent shift in tourism for Antarctica.
“Unfortunately, in the last quarter century, Antarctica has been moving more toward mass tourism instead of the traditional ecotourism world,” he explained.
Expedition ships offer visitors a chance to set foot on the driest land on the planet and witness calving glaciers.
Elizabeth Leane, professor of Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, pointed out that a major draw of Antarctica is that it “still has that mystique of being the last place, the last wilderness”.
However, Jessica O’Reilly, associate professor of anthropology at Indiana University and an advisor to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, explained: “The environment is fragile, and it’s a rare environment”.
“That’s why people want to go there, but it’s also why it can’t really sustain high numbers of tourism,” she said.
With no caps on visitation in Antarctica, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has only been able to set out voluntarily regulations for visitors.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have been named on Fodor’s No List for 2026, with overtourism as the main reason
With warm temperatures for most of the year, the Canary Islands have established themselves as a long-time favourite destination for Brits.
From cheap prices and direct flights to world-class waterparks and stunning scenery, there are many draws to the destination.
However, a whopping 7.8 million visitors in 2025 alone has left locals concerned over how much their islands can take.
Thousands even marched through the streets of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote in May under the banner, “Canarias tiene un límite” (“The Canaries have a limit”).
The booming tourism is causing soaring housing costs and mounting environmental strain, threatening the foundations of island life.
While tourism contributes more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and employs roughly 40% of its population, it has come at a price.
“Residents have started protesting because they’re genuinely fed up,” says John Dale Beckley, founder of the sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org.
“The government previously changed regulations that allowed residents to rent out their properties on Airbnb and Booking.com.
“This has driven up both rental prices and property values. Many young people now find it almost impossible to rent or buy a home.”
Meanwhile, there have also been “alarming losses in biodiversity” due to overcrowding.
And water scarcity and infrastructure strain are predicted to be the next looming crises.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Travel experts advised visitors to avoid Glacier National Park, Montana, USA for the time-being, allowing it time to recover from the environmental impacts of tourism
First opened in 1910 with the displacement of the Blackfeet tribe, Glacier National Park (GNP) in Montana struggles to live up to its name.
“For a lot of these species, climate change is what they call a ‘threat multiplier,’” Jamison explains. “
It magnifies existing threats and intensifies them … We’re seeing changes to migration routes, to seasonal habitats and winter range, and to entire populations.”
For some travelers, the last-chance draw of the rapidly melting glaciers has motivated visits to the park.
Already one of the most visited national parks in the US, Glacier saw around 300,000 more visitors in 2024 than 2023.
These large and growing numbers have various impacts on the park, from traffic congestion on Glacier’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road to the faster accumulation of garbage, and a greater risk of wildlife disturbance.
Glacier National Park has implemented policies to mitigate some of the effects, with visitors required to have timed reservations to enter during peak summer months and hours since 2020.
However, the damage may already have been done.
“The challenges absolutely are unprecedented,” says Jamison. “At no point in the history of Glacier Park have so many existential threats intersected all at once.”
Isola Sacra, Italy
Locals from Isola Sacra, Fiumicino have shared their concerns of the environmental impact of a cruise port in the small coastal townCredit: Alamy
This small community near Rome has been given the green light for a new port, where some of the world’s largest cruise ships will dock.
These plans have caused backlash from residents and environmental campaigners.
Despite the devastating impact of the cruise industry on other Italian areas such as Venice and Santorini, the quiet coastal district of Isola Sacra in Fiumicino is set to become the next cruise destination.
Located just 20 miles from Rome, the stunning area will become home to a pier for mega cruise ships, each over 230 feet high, over 1,150 feet long, and capable of carrying up to 6,000 passengers.
Authorities say the project will bring an employment boom, however various local and national associations have been fighting against these development plans since 2010.
Long-time residents of Isola Sacra have formed Tavoli del Porto, a committee working to safeguard the area.
“Only together can we stop these projects that threaten to destroy a delicate ecosystem of dunes, wetlands, agricultural land, unique vegetation, and terrestrial and marine animal species,” the activists told local press ahead of a protest planned in November.
The project includes measures for the protection of marine biodiversity, with Fiumicino’s seabed so shallow it will require 105 million cubic feet of sand would to be extracted to create a deep channel allowing access for ships.
The Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
The Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland also featured on the No 2026 ListCredit: Alamy
Located in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region stretches from the valleys of Interlaken to the imposing summits of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
The area is most famous for its Alpine villages of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren.
However despite its stunning scenery, the Jungfrau Region faces the challenge of balancing a booming tourism with the preservation of its environment and local quality of life.
The popularity of the area strains natural resources and the daily lives of residents, making now a critical moment to address sustainability.
According to Jungfrau Railways’ corporateannouncements, both visitor numbers and profits have never been higher.
More thana million people visited the Jungfraujoch, the ridge that joins two of the Bernese Alps’ towering 13,000-foot peaks dubbed “the Top of Europe”, in 2024, up 5.1% from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the Eiger Express gondola transported more than 2.1 million passengers, while the Harderbahn, Firstbahn, and Lauterbrunnen-Mürren cableways also broke attendance records.
In the first half of 2025, transport income has generated record profits, offering tourists the chance to reach the high Alps.
But this booming industry has had a visible impact on the surrounding countryside.
“Where there was ice, there are now trees,” explained climate and science reporter Mark Poynting of the Great Aletsch.
Mexico City
Mexico City has been struggling with overtourism in recent yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Set to host the opener of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, this city
On July 4, large protests erupted in Mexico City against gentrification, short-term rentals, and rising rents.
Signs reading “Mexico for Mexicans” and “gringos out” were spotted across the city.
Similar to the Canary Islands, the proliferation of Airbnb and other short-stay listings are contributing to housing displacement and rental inflation in the city.
“Simply put, Airbnb should be banned from Mexico City,” says Natalia de la Rosa, the Mexico City-born and bred operations leader of Club Tengo Hambre.
“It’s a platform that incentivizes evictions and tears at the social fabric of communities in neighbourhoods.”
“Deep-pocketed elites and large corporate and international portfolios purchasing entire apartment buildings to convert them into short-term rentals are negatively impacting our city,” she added.
Inside Airbnb, an advocacy group that analyzes the company’s footprint on residential areas through data-driven research, estimates that there are over 25,000 short-term rentals in the city.
Airbnb listings in the city have shot up by 35% since 2020.
Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa in Kenya has seen a recent boom in tourism, which has put a strain on local resourcesCredit: Alamy
With a record 2.4 million international arrivals last year, Kenya’s tourism industry has been booming, making travel the third-largest industry in the country for amassing foreign currency.
Cruise travel is one of the sector’s new tourism products, bringing a 164% rise in port traffic in coastal cities Mombasa and Lamu in 2024.
However, despite the country’s vigorous campaign to attract more travelers, Kenyan officials do not have a clear understanding of how many tourists it can accommodate without harming ecological health.
Mombasa, the country’s oldest coastal city, renowned as “the white and blue city,” now hosts 70% of tourists visiting the coast.
And now overtourism has left the city grappling with depleting resources, overcrowding, poor and congested roads, poor waste management–littered beaches and polluted oceans.
Officials have continuously prioritized tourism over local needs, going so far as to establish a Tourists’ Inspectorate Unit, a special security team safeguarding tourist centres, despite worries about crime outside these areas.
Montmartre, Paris
Montmarte in Paris has also been named on the No 2026 List
Paris’ hilltop village of Montmartre has long drawn tourists to its picturesque cobbled streets, from Van Gogh lovers to John Wick fans alike.
Montmartre, once a village on the outskirts of the city, has remained untouched, maintaining the narrow cobbled streets of yore.
Today, these picturesque ruelles are considered an undeniable tourist draw in the city.
However in recent years, it’s become more than the 30,000 residents can bear.
Rémy Knafou, professor at Paris 1–Panthéon Sorbonne and author of several books on overtourism has noticed that even previously quieter spots, notably the northern flank of the hill, now teem with tourist shops.
“At night, the Place du Tertre is completely invaded by café and restaurant terraces,” Knafou told Fodor’s.
“Some of the population living in the area is protesting–discretely, politely, but firmly–its discontent. It is therefore possible to speak of overtourism.”
Local government officials claim that they are working to reduce the impact of tourism on residents.
However, if trends continue in this way, experts warn Montmartre may be “progressively emptied of its population.”
IT’S the most wonderful time of the year, as Brits flock to Christmas markets to browse festive gifts and sip piping hot mulled wine.
Now, the country’s best eight spots for top-notch Christmas markets have been revealed, but notably missing one major city.
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The UK’s best cities for Christmas markets in 2025 have been revealedChester Christmas market made the list, but some major cities missed outCredit: Getty
A survey of 4,000 people by consumer champion Which has revealed Brits’ favourite Christmas market destinations all over the country.
The top eight cities were: Bath, Chester, Durham, Winchester, Wells, Liverpool, Edinburgh, York and Belfast.
This means that Manchester was a glaring exception to the list, despite its markets offering 200 stalls across nine locations this year in the popular northern city.
The selection offers something for everyone, from quaint cobbled lanes to grand squares and gothic cathedrals.
Bath is already a tourist hotspot, a Regency gem which was voted the UK’s best medium-sized city this year.
It’s market offers 200 chalets where punters can peruse a massive selection of goods, with many of the stallholders based in the South West.
Expect everything from foraged jam to pet gifts.
In Northern Ireland, Belfast plays host to a market ideal for foodies, from crocodile burgers to local produce every weekend.
It also includes a funfair, and takes place at the steps of the grand Victorian City Hall building.
If you are looking to spot some WAGs doing a spot of Christmas browsing, Chester would be the city to head to.
With its 80 stalls spiralling out from it’s gothic town hall, customers will be delighted with the range of indie options like artisan liqueurs available in this footballer-favourite city.
It is also one of the better cities for accessibility like parking and lack of crowds.
Another historic northern city, Durham’s festive market is a handmade affair, with optional tickets to gain admission to the crafts and gift marquee of 120 stalls costing £4.50.
The free section of the market only has 30 stalls, so more minimalist than some of the others.
It lasts two days, between 5 and 7 December, so worth bearing in mind it could be extremely popular.
Scotland’s offering is found on the iconic East Princes Street in Edinburgh, where revellers can enjoy typical festive options like stocking fillers and gluhwein in the shadow of the city’s imposing castle.
The fair also has a Ferris wheel, and the market lasts into early January, offering the perfect place to celebrate Hogmanay.
Liverpool was crowned the best big city, and it’s Christmas market looks set to live up to the city’s top-rated culture and shopping.
St George’s Hall, with its statuesque columns and strings of twinkling lights, offers a beautiful backdrop to the festivities.
Down in Somerset, Wells has long been a hidden gem, with it’s 850 year old cathedral and moat filled with swans which was immortalised in the 2007 film Hot Fuzz.
In beautiful Wells, the Christmas market is a fleeting affairCredit: GettyIn the past, Wells Christmas market has included reindeer, to the delight of childrenCredit: Alamy
This is very much a market by and for locals, offering gifts crafted in the community, and some regional fare.
Another city most well-known for its stunning cathedral, Winchester is a classy pick for a refined market-goer.
The stalls are set out in front of the ancient landmark, and punters will peruse hand-painted buttons and horsehair brushes.
At the York Christmas Festival, traders operate out of alpine chalets decked with tinsel and wreaths.
Known for its winding lanes and generous Yorkshire hospitality, the city’s market is a staple, as it has been going for over 30 years.
It is a fantastic place to browse for gifts- anything from food and drink to art prints.
The list was created from Which’s best UK cities survey, which means every spot also boasts good-quality food and cultural activities as well as their markets.
Other cities which nearly made the cut included Newcastle, for its top-scoring food and drink offering, Glasgow for its cultural sites, and London, which boasts a plethora of markets.
Which also recommended the UK’s prettiest villages which might be worth a trip or stay this Christmas for their chocolate-box scenery.
These included Avebury in Wiltshire, with its thatched cottages and prehistoric circles.
Another good option would be Llangollen, a picturesque Welsh town with stunning views over the River Dee.
In Edinburgh, the market takes place in a spectacular settingCredit: Alamy Live NewsThe city’s historic streets are always a good option for Christmas shoppingCredit: Alamy
ALL flights are being cancelled at two major European airports tomorrow and it affects Brits.
A national strike is currently taking place across Belgium, affecting public transport.
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A three-day strike is currently taking place across BelgiumCredit: AFPAirports across Brussels are cancelling flightsCredit: Alamy
The walk out follows new laws that would change labour laws including benefits and pensions, put forward by Prime Minister Bart De Wever to tackle the country’s growing debt.
Despite starting yesterday, tomorrow will see the most chaos when it comes to flights.
Belgium’s biggest airport in Brussels confirmed all departures would be cancelled tomorrow (November 26).
Brussels Airport said in a statement: “Due to the national industrial action on Wednesday 26 November in which the staff of the security and handling service provider is participating, we unfortunately expect major disruptions to our airport operations on that day.”
“To ensure the safety of passengers and staff, we have decided, in consultation with the airlines, not to operate any departing flights on 26 November. In the upcoming days, the airlines will contact passengers directly to inform them of their options.”
Some arrival flights may also be affected as well as any public transport to and from the airport.
This affects around 30 flights to the UK, according to SkyRefund, as airlines including BA, easyJet and Brussels Airlines all operate fights there.
This means hundreds of passengers will find themselves having to make alternative arrangements.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport – primarily used by Ryanair – is also being affected by the cancellations.
They said in a statement that there would be no departures or arrivals tomorrow.
They explained: “Due to the national day of action planned for Wednesday 26 November by a united front of trade unions and the lack of staff available to ensure safe operations, Charleroi Airport will not be able to operate scheduled departures and arrivals.
“Passengers scheduled to fly via Charleroi on November 26 will be contacted in the coming days by their airline for a rebooking or refund.”
SkyRefund CEO Ivalyo Danailov says passengers should contact their airline to look at rebooking and refund options.
However, compensation won’t be available as it is seen as an “extraordinary event”.
Eurostar has also warned of disruption affecting trains between Paris and Brussels.
This will have a knock on effect for Brits travelling from London St Pancras.
A number of trains were cancelled or delayed yesterday, which could also hit more today and tomorrow.
They said in a statement: “Please keep an eye on our live train info page which we’ll update as soon as we know the strike impacts our timetable.
“Public transport and domestic train traffic could be disrupted. If you have a connecting journey, please check for travel updates with the relevant carrier ahead of your trip.
“You may need to allow extra time for your journey.”
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is mainly used by RyanairCredit: ReutersAll departures at Brussels Airport have been cancelled tomorrowCredit: AFP
THE first flight linking two of the UK’s top holiday spots has officially taken off, restoring a vital travel link just weeks after the collapse of its former operator.
The route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick had been left in limbo earlier this month when Eastern Airways revealed it was on the brink of administration.
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Sky Bus has launched a flight connecting London and CornwallCredit: Aerial Essex
The regional carrier, which had operated the connection seven times a week, suspended services as the company folded.
But on Sunday afternoon, November 23, Skybus officially stepped in – with its inaugural flight marking the return of the essential link used by holidaymakers, commuters and the region’s tourism industry.
The daily service is being supported by both the Government and Cornwall Council.
Only twelve passengers were on board the Boeing 737 for the first take-off, leaving plenty of space on the 180-seater aircraft as the replacement route got underway.
Cornwall Airport Newquay’s managing director Amy Smith said the launch marked “an important milestone” for the region.
She added that the reinstated London link would strengthen Cornwall’s “resilience” and support the economy year-round, welcoming Skybus as a partner for “a dependable service for residents, businesses and visitors alike”.
Cornwall Council also hailed the restart as a major boost.
Cllr Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said the return of the connection would play a key role in supporting local business and tourism confidence.
How much does it cost?
Fares on the new Skybus service begin at £79.99 one-way, including a 15kg checked bag.
Travellers can pay extra for additional luggage or a FlyFlexi add-on, which offers increased baggage allowance, ticket flexibility and security fast-track from £22.50 each way.
Skybus confirmed it expects to switch to a smaller 78-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft next month, with services increasing to twice daily from mid-February.
Managing director Jonathan Hinkles said the launch was “a proud moment” for the airline and a major step forward for Cornwall’s connectivity, describing the route as crucial for keeping communities and businesses linked to the capital all year.
Airline collapse
The reinstated service comes after weeks of uncertainty for travellers. Eastern Airways, one of the UK’s remaining regional carriers, collapsed earlier in November after years of financial struggle.
The airline reported a £19.7million net loss for the year to March 2024 – almost £5million worse than the previous year.
Cornwall Council moved quickly to secure a temporary agreement with Skybus, ensuring the connection wasn’t lost for long.
Leader of the council Leigh Frost said the route was essential, particularly with the county’s unreliable rail links, adding that Cornwall “needs that secure route so it can access the rest of the world”.
Skybus will continue to operate the service until at least mid-2026, while the council works to find a long-term airline to take on a four-year contract.
Previously, the route has been operated by FlyBe and after that, British Airways.
While stepping in on the Newquay–Gatwick route is new territory for Skybus, the airline is no stranger to Cornwall.
It has flown between Newquay and the Isles of Scilly for more than 30 years, with flights also running from Land’s End and Exeter.
Its parent company, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, also operates boats to the islands.
With the reinstated air link now back in action, Cornwall’s gateway to the capital is once again open, offering welcome stability after a turbulent month for regional travel.
One writer visited Newquay during the summer and revealed their highlights…
“The open-air tropical room is a big highlight of Newquay Zoo. Birds fly completely freely among visitors and the lack of cages makes for a different experience than that of a traditional zoo.
“Here we watched a penguin feed on krill, saw a roaming peacock take up residence atop a bin and were charmed by the little squirrel monkeys swinging from ropes.
“We were staying at the Newquay Beach Hotel, which perfectly blends solid hotel basics with convenient extras like the Abangamba play room — a kids’ club with toys and games — and decorative flair.
“If you’re after food with a view, then the Stables pizza restaurant on Fistral beach might be the most beautifully placed UK restaurant I have ever enjoyed.
“And Newquay is surrounded by pretty beaches, no matter which direction you potter in. Towan Beach, slightly to the west of Newquay’s main hub, is a great spot for lounging, cave exploring and taking a paddle.
“And overlooking this lively stretch is the Blue Reef Aquarium, a must for anyone with little ones.
The new route links the UK’s top holiday spotsCredit: Fliss Read
A UK THEME park has revealed plans to build a new holiday village, marking the first accommodation at the much-loved attraction.
Paultons Park near Romsey is looking to build over 120 holiday homes for just under 600 guests.
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Paultons Park is planning on adding over 120 holiday homes to its attraction siteCredit: AlamyIn addition to holiday lets, there will be a shop, restaurant and entertainment roomCredit: Gillespies/Paultons park
Each holiday home will be either two, three or four bedrooms and they will all be self-catering.
Inside, the holiday homes will feature a Scandinavian design, with a more rustic and traditional style.
And there will be accessible units as well.
The plans for the site also include a welcome building and reception known as “a gateway building”, which will provide space for resort guests to be dropped off.
There will be a 400sqm restaurant too and a 65sqm shop selling food and essentials.
The existing car park will be changed, with better access for guests to the welcome building and reception.
An entertainment room is planned as well and so is a games room for indoor games and activities.
Originally, the theme park wanted to create accommodation for 700 guests – however, after feedback they revised the proposal.
According to the Hampshire Chronicle, James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: “We are still in the very early stages of our accommodation project.
“The report outlines the results of specialist surveys, such as ecology and heritage, as well as revised unit numbers for the scheme following detailed financial and viability modelling.
“Our vision is to deliver 122 units, designed to comfortably accommodate just under 600 guests at full capacity, 100 guests fewer than previously outlined.”
He added that it will be several years before the onsite accommodation will be built, but that Paultons is committed to making it happen.
Paultons Park recently scooped up the award for the Theme Park of the Year at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025.
And ahead of possible accommodation, the attraction will open a new Viking-themed ‘Valgard’ area next year, on May 16.
The new land will feature a number of rides including a rollercoaster called Drakon which will invert, a themed restaurant and a playground.
There will also be a ride called ‘Vild Swing’, which will measure 12 metres high and by the first of its kind in the UK.
And back in May, the park opened Ghostly Manor – an interactive, family-friendly ride where guests have to capture ghosts that have “escaped the house of renowned ghost hunter Dr Kinley”.
A NUMBER of airlines are set to join the masses in banning a popular item on flights.
A handful of Australian airline companies are set to ban power banks on their flights within the next few weeks.
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Qantas and Virgin Australia are setting limits on power banks being brought onboard flightsCredit: GettyVirgin Australia will introduce limits from December 1 and Qantas will from December 15Credit: Getty
Qantas and Virgin Australia will ban the useful charging item after one caught fire in an overhead locker onboard a Virgin Australia flight in July.
The new rules mean that passengers will be limited to what size the portable charger is and they must be easily accessible within a passenger’s luggage.
Passengers will also be limited in how many portable chargers they take onboard to just two.
Virgin Australia’s chief operations officer Chris Snook said: “Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices.”
Changes in policy for Virgin Australia will come into force on December 1.
Passengers will be limited to a power bank capacity of 100 watt-hour – anything more than this and special approval will be needed.
As for other Australian airlines, the ban will take effect from December 15 for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar and the maximum capacity of a power bank allowed will be 160 watt-hour.
In an announcement last week, the airlines confirmed that power banks will still be allowed on flights, they just need to be somewhere accessible – so ideally in you underseat bag in front of you or the pocket in the back of the seat.
Virgin Australia flights will also not allow power banks to be stored in the overhead compartment.
If a passenger needs to charge their device during a flight, they can use the in-seat USB ports.
The Australian airlines are not the first to introduce limits on power banks, as a number of other airlines have already introduced rules such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
If you want to know whether your power bank is allowed on a flight you are due to catch, first have a look at your airline’s website to find out its capacity limits on power banks.
Then, to calculate the watt-hour of your power bank, multiply the battery capacity (mAh) by the voltage (V) of the internal lithium battery and divide by 1,000.
Australian airlines introducing new rules on power banks follows a statement made by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the US, back in September, after 50 incidents had been reported concerning power banks onboard flights.
The FAA said: “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers.
“Because of this, detection of thermal runaway and firefighting measures may be delayed in flight, increasing the risk to safety.”
AS staying connected becomes ever-more important, a ban on the handy gadget that can keep our devices topped up could be seen as a pain.
But the catastrophic consequences of a fire on a plane are an obvious reason to make rules stricter.
After countless incidents – and with so many counterfeit and faulty goods out there – it makes sense they are cracking down.
But airlines do need to understand the need for us to be able to top up our devices in the air. With plans afoot to get rid of physical boarding passes in the coming years, making sure we’re able to use our devices will become even more essential.
Adapting plane interiors to include USB ports will alleviate the need to top up on the go.
And more needs to be done to highlight the new rules – and the dangers these devices can pose.
MORE Americans are looking to vacation in the States — and search data reveals the surprising destination that’s leading the way.
According to Google Trends, it seems as though we have started to ditch the beach for icy thrills, with record-high numbers of us looking up “Alaska cruise”.
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Interest in domestic travel has surged in the past few years since the pandemic.
Alaska’s rugged coastline is proving a pull for travelers
After months stuck indoors, we clearly rediscovered our love for fresh air, wildlife spotting and larger-than-life landscapes.
Alaska fits perfectly with this new outlook, as we increasingly seek nature-packed getaways.
The state’s appeal is plain to see — already one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, the Last Frontier wows even the most seasoned travelers.
Interest in Alaskan cruises has peaked since the pandemic
Think lush, secluded mountain ranges and abundant wildlife — from grizzly bears to towering moose.
Out on the ocean, passengers can see stunning spectacles like whales breaching alongside the vessel or seals chilling on ice caps.
But one of the things that appeals most about sailing these waters is the ability to set your own pace.
Want to spend days trekking across colossal glaciers? They’re there for exploring.
Prefer soaking in a hot spring with unbeatable views? Go and lap it up.
Many voyages let you do both: adventuring through rugged coastline and fully indulging in the relaxing facilities onboard afterward.
It’s the perfect blend of excitement and laid-back comfort, with a huge variety of trip types on offer.
Most long-haul cruises head out from Seattle or Vancouver and last about a week, although more travelers are opting for 10 to 14-day itineraries crammed with exploration.
The lush landscapes and icy waters of the Last Frontier
Flying straight to Alaska is also an option, allowing for shorter, more intimate, and adventure-focused itineraries.
Smaller ships can venture where big liners can’t, offering hikes, kayaking, fishing, and other memorable experiences.
But with Google Trends showing far more searches for Alaska cruises than flights, Americans seem to want to take their time.
Most Alaskan voyages run between May and September, when the days are long, warm, and perfect for sighting humpbacks, orcas, and even bald eagles.
So it makes sense that online interest for voyages peaks around July and August.
Searches for cruises overall have soared in the past three years, with summer 2025 seeing the highest peak for half a decade.
Smaller ships can get closer to the action – with unforgettable views
Caribbean cruises still attract more online interest than Alaska though.
Curiosity for hot-weather retreats spikes in December and January, but Alaska’s popularity shows Americans also crave epic experiences as well as beach breaks.
The data trends suggest Americans are hungry for slow travel that mixes comfort with real adventure and wild encounters — all without leaving the country.
With pure escapism high on the wish list, it’s no wonder more people are setting their sights on Alaska.
LET the festive fun begin, with this year’s Christmas attractions bigger and brighter than ever.
Dazzling light and music trails, marvellous markets, winter wonderlands, super Santa steam trains, pantos and ice rinks have popped up all over the UK.
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Wallace & Gromit are getting in on the fun at Longleat’s Festival of LightCredit: lloydwintersphoto.com
Trisha Harbord picks out a selection of events to make Christmas go with a ho, ho, ho.
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
ASHRIDGE HOUSE
SEE a stunning light trail from the air.
A 115ft observation wheel is at the heart of 20 spectacular displays at Ashridge House Illuminated this winter.
The sparkling one-mile trail winds through the estate’s beautiful gardens in Berkhamsted, Herts, with a super-festive food village.
The theme parks, in Warrington, Cheshire, Milton Keynes and Rotherham, Yorks, have been transformed into 12 dream worlds, including a Jurassic zone, filled with glowing lanterns and installations.
Santa’s enchanted elevator will take you on a virtual flight to the North Pole.
GO: Until January 31. Adult from £39, and from £9 for child.
The beloved book character is included in spectacular displays, featuring ten wild habitats from eight continents at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire.
Have some Gruffalo fun at Twycross ZooCredit: Supplied
Lanterns Of The Wild has more than 2,000 lanterns in rainforests and oceans depicting thousands of animals and plants including elephants, monkeys and penguins.
GO: Until February 22. Adult from £19, child £13.95.
F1 fans will be racing to get to Silverstone for the return of its Lap Of Lights experience.
After a four-year hiatus, the festive display is back, with 7,000 LED panels and 35 lasers, transforming the British racetrack into a glittering wonderland.
Visitors can drive their own car around the track, before heading to the ice rink or chomping on some mince pies at the food and drink garage.
GO: From December 12 until January 3, £50 per car.
STEAM along on a new Santa Express interactive adventure.
The ride on North Yorkshire Moors Railway, from Pickering, will be packed with games, songs and, of course, elves and the man himself handing out treats.
ENJOY a showstopping performance of a Christmas Carol at Keighley & Worth Valley Railway stations.
Families will find themselves in Scrooge’s candlelit office, in the grip of Marley’s ghost and watching the drama unfold on a five-mile steam train ride from Oxenhope or Haworth, West Yorks.
GO: Various dates and times until December 18. Adult £35, child £30.
The main market in Above Bar Street has more than 20 wooden chalets packed with gifts, festive food, hot chocolate and mulled wine.
There’s a Ferris wheel and a new 200ft Star Flyer ride, fairground, light show, shops’ snow window trail, ice rink, Santa visits and shows including a panto.
Sing and dance with Mr and Mrs Beaver, meet the reindeer, birds of prey and snowy owl, enjoy a theatre show, help elves in their workshop or take a break in the bar and kitchen.
Local producers, craftsfolk and artisans are among 80 stallholders in the Town Hall square selling gin, jewellery, candles, pottery, clothing and cosmetics.
Stall you need at Chester marketCredit: Supplied
The city also has a grotto and panto and the cathedral is aglow with nearly a hundred decorated trees.
GO: Market until December 22, free. See visitcheshire.com.
EDINBURGH MARKET & FUNFAIR
IT’S the most wonderful time of the year in Edinburgh.
The market, with Scottish and European crafts, fills East Princes Street Gardens.
There’s a funfair, undercover ice rink and light displays on the castle walls.
And a torchlight procession through the old town on December 29 kicks off Hogmanay.
CHEAP cocktails, mango sticky rice for £1.65 and trained monkeys picking coconuts – Koh Samui is nothing like the White Lotus fantasy I expected.
And that’s what makes it so brilliant.
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The Big Buddha statue dominates the skylineCredit: GettyThe island’s secret beaches are a delightCredit: GettySnorkeling through school of Indo-pacific sergeant fish in the ocean in Ko Samui, ThailandCredit: Getty
Sure, there are luxury resorts and picture-perfect beaches, but the real Thailand is in the busy beach bars flogging happy-hour deals, tiny restaurants with garish tablecloths, and the constant thump of Thai boxing promotions from crackling loudspeakers.
I stayed at the Anantara Lawana — where The White Lotus cast filmed bar scenes in its Singing Bird Lounge.
The hotel has a grand entrance with a gong that you hit upon entering, a private beach scattered with sunbeds, an infinity pool and a peaceful spa.
Some rooms have swim-up pools and I admit I’ve become partial to an outdoor shower — as long as it isn’t raining. In a hotel this perfect, with everything at your fingertips, it could be tempting not to leave.
My guide, Nong, called it “coconut island” — the island produces 200 million a year, many plucked by trained monkeys.
Over the next few days, he made sure I saw as much of the island as possible, though the furry labourers remained elusive.
Nong told me there are around 25 temples on the island — some are big tourist draws, others are tucked away in smaller communities where locals worship.
Most read in Beach holidays
Cheerful Buddha
We travelled all over Koh Samui hunting down these brightly coloured shrines.
At Wat Phra Yai sits the Big Buddha — a 40ft statue built in 1972 that dominates the skyline and can be seen from miles away.
Close by is the beautiful Wat Plai Laem complex, which has the 18-armed Guanyin and a cheerful Buddha statue.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, and you can drive around the ring road in about an hour — though you’d be rushing past some of the best bits.
We made lots of stops along the tour to take in the views.
The beaches lived up to expectations — Chaweng is one of the most popular — but there are many pockets of coast where you’ll find secret sandy spots and likely be the only people around.
We also visited the Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary, where 16 rescued elephants live out their days in comfort.
From a skywalk, I watched them splash in pools and demolish piles of bananas.
The Sun’s Alice Penwill loved the mango riceCredit: SuppliedTucked away along the streets are places serving up pad Thai and spicy tom yum soup, with cocktails for £2Credit: Supplied
Koh Samui also works as a jumping-off point for the surrounding islands.
We took a speedboat to Koh Nangyuan, a tiny protected marine park about 45 minutes away, where white sand connects three little peaks.
While most claimed their patch of beach, I went straight into the water.
The shallows are packed with coral, rainbow parrotfish and bright yellow butterflyfish — it’s the kind of place that justifies getting up early for a boat ride.
I also paid a visit to the northern side of the island , for a cooking class in Bo Phut.
I’m a disaster in the kitchen, so I was wary to get stuck in.
Pay a visit to the rescued elephantsCredit: GettyWalton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood in The White LotusCredit: Alamy
But Chef Lat was enthusiastic and welcoming, and soon had me chopping lemongrass and frying prawns.
He demonstrated how to create a chicken and ginger curry, stir-fried prawns with yellow curry and a sweet, spicy papaya salad.
My new favourite, though is a massaman chicken curry. You eat everything you make, too.
Our days exploring the island were brilliant, but it was the street food that kept pulling me away from the White Lotus life back at the resort.
Tucked away along the streets are places serving up pad Thai and spicy tom yum soup, with cocktails for £2.
As for sweet treats, mango sticky rice is a revelation and, at £1.65 from street vendors, you’d be mad to miss it.
When the humidity becomes unbearable, coconut ice cream is a girl’s best friend.
When everything tastes this good and costs this little, the infinity pool can wait.
GO: KOH SAMUI
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort in a Deluxe Lawana room starts from £1,236pp, including return flights from Gatwick on November 3 via Singapore with Singapore Airlines. See expedia.co.uk. OUT & ABOUT: All activities can be booked through the Expedia app. A six-hour private island tour is £68.94pp, the Samui Elephant Kingdom Ethical Sanctuary and Skywalk Tour is £65.20pp, a day trip to Koh Nangyuan and Koh Tao by speedboat starts at £48.13pp and the Thai cooking class is from £56.01pp.
UNDISTURBED views of hazy mountains are all around.
My focus, however, is on the plate in front of me, piled high with cheeses including sulguni, a sour and briney variety famous in this part of the world.
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Now is an ideal time to visit the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, with temperatures are in the low twentiesCredit: GettyGeorgians take great pride in their cuisine, and visitors should try delicacy Khachapuri, pastry with cheese and eggCredit: Getty
I take a glug of red wine and notice everyone at my table, like me, has been rendered speechless by the sumptuous spread.
You may think I’m in the South of France or Italy — but no, I’m in Georgian capital Tbilisi, and the place is stunning.
In April this year easyJet launched a direct route to this former Soviet republic from Luton — and with the city’s magnificent wine scene and travel prices that won’t break the bank, it’s not hard to see why it is soaring in popularity.
Now is an ideal time to visit, when temperatures are in the low twenties — perfect for exploring and, more importantly, eating until you’re fit to burst.
Georgians take great pride in their culinary excellence and there are several dishes which simply have to be tried while you’re here.
Khachapuri, a national delicacy, is top of my list and can be picked up from most cafes and restaurants in the city.
Made of gooey cheese melted into a thick, hollowed-out, loaf-like bread, and often served with runny-yolked egg, this traditional staple is as heavy as it is tasty.
Luckily, virtually every meal in Tbilisi comes with a Georgian salad, consisting of tomatoes and cucumbers, so don’t worry about getting towards your five-a-day.
It’s amazing how much flavour the city’s chefs can add to the simplest of ingredients — and beans are no exception.
I tried them in a dish loved by locals, lobiani. Mashed kidney beans are cooked in onions and spices and stuffed into a flatbread.
Sofiko restaurant does an excellent version and what’s better is that its dishes are served alongside mesmerising city views.
When you are able to eat no more, Tbilisi’s cobbled streets are ideal for walking off all the food.
The city’s architecture reflects a fascinating blend of Persian, Arabic and Soviet styles, due to its occupations by all of these empires over the years.
Just make sure you pack comfy shoes. I’d booked a tour with a local guide, Nik, who told me: “Georgia would be the biggest country in the world . . . if it was flat”.
Gergeti Trinity Church sits on one of the country’s many spectacular green hillsCredit: GettyThe imperious Mother of Georgia statue was built in 1958 to mark the city’s 1,500th anniversaryCredit:
Bearing this in mind, I opted for the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress —an ancient stronghold built by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali in the fourth century, which looks over Tbilisi.
Up there you can see the imperious Mother of Georgia statue, a 20-metre figure built in 1958 to mark the city’s 1,500th anniversary.
In one hand she carries a sword — and in the other wine, to reflect the area’s fine vineyards.
Some of the world’s most celebrated grapes are grown in Georgia’s Kakheti region and no restaurant or bar is short of a good local white or red.
Kiketi Farm, a natural wine cellar around 45 minutes from Tbilisi, is the place to head if you want to sample some of the best tipples.
For such quality, I expect a steep bill for my tasting session. But the 30 lari I am charged works out at a very affordable £8.50.
Don’t guzzle too much, though, as you’ll also want to take advantage of everything else on offer at the farm — which includes horse riding. Staff are so friendly that they even attempted to give me a culinary masterclass.
It’s safe to say that despite their efforts to teach me how to make khinkali — a type of dumpling crammed with meat or veg — I reckon this job is best left to the local chefs.
If you’re after even more rural delights, an hour or so from Tbilisi is the Kass Land attraction park and its spectacular Diamond Bridge.
Bestriding the Dashbashi canyon 300 metres below, this transparent glass walkway is no more than two metres wide but 240 metres long — and features a colossal diamond- shaped structure at its centre, housing an all-glass sky bar with panoramic views.
Some find the experience rather daunting but I found it truly spectacular — especially when you can sip wine while drinking in the knockout views.
GO: Tbilisi
GETTING THERE: EasyJet flies from Luton to Tbilisi twice weekly from £137 return. See easyjet.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metekhi Palace cost from £150 per night including breakfast.
OUR Spotlight On column rounds up the best things to see and do in top holiday destinations – and shines a light on some lesser-known spots too.
This week we’re spotlighting Belfast – the Northern Irish capital bursting with charm, heritage and plenty of good craic!
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The Grand Central hotel has the best views over the city, including the grand City HallCredit: The Grand Central Hotel BelfastThe Cathedral Quarter is home to the colourful Commercial Court, or “Umbrella Street”Credit: Jenna Stevens
Travel Writer Jenna Stevens recently spent a weekend in the city centre, and is wondering why she didn’t visit sooner.
She said: “Belfast wasn’t on my bucket list, but after going I can’t believe I overlooked it. I’m convinced it’ll be the next go-to city for weekend breaks.
“Flights only cost £15 with Ryanair, and they’re so quick you barely have time to have a drink and stretch your legs before you’re landing again.
“The city’s got some amazing architecture, like the grand city hall and cathedral that watches over the city with its signature spire poking out.
“The food scene in Belfast is criminally underrated too – local pubs served up some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.
“The Afternoon Tea at the Grand Central Hotel was miles better than The Shard.
“It had loads of unique tea flavours such as lemon smoothie, and plenty of well-stuffed sandwiches to go round.
“Plus, the Causeway Coast is breath-taking and under an hour’s drive from Belfast.
“It’s worth extending your trip, hiring a car and driving up the entire coast to see dramatic cliffs and Game of Thronesfilming locations – not just a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway.
Must see and do
Head to McConnell’s Whiskey Distillery for a tour that blends history, culture and some fantastic local flavours.
The Cathedral is huge and even has its own spireCredit: Jenna StevensMcConnell’s has a new home in the former A-Wing of Crumlin Road GaolCredit: Jenna StevensThe McConnell’s distillery teaches you all about the making of Irish whiskeyCredit: Jenna Stevens
Housed in the former Crumlin Road Gaol, the £25 experience begins with a welcome drink and a guided tasting of three spirits.
You’ll get to walk over the eerie markings of old prison cells, whilst seeing how whiskey is crafted from grain to glass.
The most memorable part of my visit, however, was the black cab tour.
Our cab driver, Billy, gave us a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, and drove us through a series of murals and past the Peace Walls.
It’s an excellent way to learn more about the city through the eyes of a local.
The Black Cab Tour was a great way to both see the city and learn about its historyCredit: Jenna Stevens
Else, take a stroll through the Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled streets buzz with street art and live music.
Hidden gem
Belfast lies partly in County Antrim, home to the stunning Causeway Coast.
In an hour’s drive you can discover the breath-taking coastline: from the dramatic rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede to the sweeping sands of White Park Bay.
Head to Glenariff Forest Park for panoramic landscapes and an enchanting waterfall walk.
The views of Glenariff Forest Park were worth the drive – and the wind!Credit: Jenna StevensThe waterfall walk is a great way to see the park in all its gloryCredit: Jenna Stevens
You can even book a tour with a forest guide, who will tell you all about the area and its wildlife.
And if hiking’s not your thing, you can simply sit in the park’s cafe with a cup of tea to soak up the emerald green landscape.
Best view
For a striking view that makes you think, visit Titanic Belfast.
From here, you can look out over the historic slipways and docks where the liner was built and launched – a backdrop that transports you back in time.
Titanic Belfast is an impressive and moving attractionCredit: Jenna StevensThe views over the slipways bring a sense of scale to the Titanic as you learn all about its launchCredit: Titanic Belfast
After taking in the sheer scale of the ship from the slipway markings, the attraction itself becomes even more meaningful.
Here you can even step aboard the SS Nomadic – the White Star Line ship that ferried passengers to the Titanic itself.
The walk through takes a couple of hours, and is fascinating, immersive and deeply moving.
Rated restaurant
Mourne Seafood Bar is renowned for its ultra-fresh, locally sourced fish.
From seafood casserole to creamy mussels with crusty bread, the menu champions seasonal flavours.
The seafood at Mourne is fresh and full of flavourCredit: Jenna StevensThe Afternoon Tea at The Grand Central is delicious and beats what I’ve had in EnglandCredit: Jenna StevensThe Observatory offers panoramic views over Belfast cityCredit: Jenna Stevens
Casual, welcoming and full of maritime charm, it’s the go-to spot for seafood lovers in Belfast.
If seafood’s not your thing, I recommend heading to Amelia Hall for delicious and generous portions of creamy pasta and freshly made pizza.
Best bar
Ask anyone in Belfast and they’ll say it’s hard to find a bad pint – and they’re right.
But the name that continually crops up the most amongst locals is Kelly’s Cellars.
After lots of Guinness, it was time for a refreshing ciderCredit: Jenna StevensKelly’s Cellars is a truly traditional pubCredit: Jenna Stevens
One of the oldest pubs in Belfast, the low-beamed interior is warm and welcoming, alive with chatter and perfectly-poured pints.
Once hosting icons from Churchill to the Beatles, today it continues to impress the modern guest with sleek rooms and city views.
The Grand Central Hotel oozes luxury – yet its an affordable stay when booked in advanceCredit: The Grand Central Hotel BelfastThe interior of the Grand Central is sleek, stylish and modernCredit: The Grand Central Hotel BelfastThe views from the rooms are second-to-noneCredit: The Grand Central Hotel Belfast
Head to The Observatory, Ireland’s tallest bar, for cocktails or afternoon tea with the skyline shimmering below.
TRAIN passengers hoping to travel across Britain as Christmas closes in are facing uncertainty after a trade union announced strike action on four consecutive Saturdays.
Workers at rail operator CrossCountry will stage a slew of strikes in December in a dispute over pay.
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Workers for rail operator CrossCountry will walk out on four consecutive Saturdays in DecemberCredit: PA:Press Association
Rail, Maritime and Transport union [RMT] members will walk out on December 6, 13, 20 and 27 – sparking chaos for Brits.
The move is likely affect thousands of Brits who are heading home to family and relatives for Christmas and New Year.
Engineering works on the West Coast Main Line on December 27 mean some passengers would have been hoping to use CrossCountry trains as an alternative.
CrossCountry operates a nationwide network centred on Birmingham New Street, running long-distance services that link Scotland, the North East and North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands, Wales, the South West, the South Coast and the East of England – including through-services such as the Cardiff–Edinburgh “Three Nations” route.
“We are disappointed for our customers that the RMT has announced further industrial action,” Shiona Rolfe, Managing Director at CrossCountry told The Sun.
“We’ve worked hard to make a fair and reasonable offer that addresses the key points raised in this dispute, and we’ve made meaningful progress in negotiations.
“Our priority remains reaching an agreement that avoids disruption for passengers in the busy Christmas period, and we are ready to continue talks at any time.”
CrossCountry has not yet confirmed how the strike will impact services, but it is likely that most will be cancelled and they will only operate a limited timetable at best.
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT – Britain’s biggest rail workers’ union – said today: “CrossCountry has not dealt with the core issues in this dispute and has come back with a proposal that is worse than what was already on the table.
“Our members are still facing unresolved staffing shortages, unfair pay outcomes and broken commitments. RMT members have been left with no choice but to take strike action.
“The company must return with a serious offer that meets the commitments it has already made and treats our members with the fairness and respect they deserve.”
The Sun Online has reached out to CrossCountry for comment.
The disruption is set to last for a total of a month over Christmas, while crucial work is carried out.
Announcing a raft of festive network upgrades, Network Rail boss Helen Hamlin said: “The period between Christmas and New Year is the quietest on the railway and it’s the best time for us to do the major projects that will take longer than a night or a weekend to complete.
“That’s especially the case this year as we have some very big plans for improving the railway that will mean people may have to travel home on different routes after Christmas than the way they travelled out.
“Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding and for planning ahead.”
