In a prior warning to passengers, they have advised that no trains from the south and east of the city will run into Manchester Piccadilly.
This will last for nine days over February half term (Saturday 14 – Sunday 22).
Some trains from across the north will also be impacted as well as direct connections to Manchester Airport station.
Services normally running to and from Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at other stations, including Stockport.
Platforms 1-12 will be closed but the concourse will remain open to the public.
There will be a limited service westbound from platforms 13 and 14.
More detailed information about alternate travel plans are to follow in due course.
Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail’s North West & Central deputy regional managing director, said: “We’re investing £7.9m in renewing the Piccadilly corridor, a stretch of track critical to the journeys of around 400,000 trains into Manchester every year.
“This work is going to significantly reduce disruption for the many passengers who regularly use this route.
“Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway.
“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we are working closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council on alternative travel plans to keep people on the move.
“The full details on which will be published in mid-November.”
Network Rail has warned passengers that Manchester Piccadilly is set to close for nine daysCredit: Network Rail
US airlines are experiencing severe delays and cancellations after the Trump administration ordered flight reductions at major airports across the country.
The order was made due to a shortage of air traffic controllers during the longest government shutdown in history.
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America is facing thousands of flight delays and cancellations due to a government shutdownCredit: Alamy
As a result, there are expected to be thousands of flight delays and cancellations at short notice.
Airlines have estimated that around 3.2million travellers will be impacted due to the government shutdown.
What has happened?
On Wednesday, the US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered 10 per cent of flights to be cut, starting today, at 40 major US airports including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.
Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised this plan and said that airlines must cut four per cent of domestic flights starting at 6am today through to Monday.
This will then rise to a 10 per cent cut by November 14.
It comes after the US government shut down on October 1 after the Republicans and Democrats could not agree to pass a bill on funding government services.
Air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA, which is part of the US government and as a result is one of the services impacted, with controllers expected to work without pay.
For American Airlines, this means 220 flights cancelled each day from today through to Monday.
Delta Air Lines announced that it would be cancelling 170 US flights due to fly today.
United Airlines then confirmed that it would have less than 200 daily flight cancellations.
During the government shutdown, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners have been forced to work without pay.
Before the shutdown, the FAA was already approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers short.
So what does this mean for British travellers?
The delays and cancellations aren’t impacting international flights, meaning for Brits travelling from the UK to America or vice-versa, they will not be impacted.
However there will be issues for Brits catching flights within America, including connecting flights.
For example, you could be on holiday in New York and decide to go to Boston – well, in this case your flight might be delayed or cancelled.
In addition, due to internal flights being delayed or cancelled, there may be reduced or congested service when flights land in America.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned: “There could be travel disruptions, including flight delays and longer queue times at some airports, due to the current US federal government shutdown.
Though international flights are not impacted, Brits could still face delays or cancalletionsCredit: AFP
“Check for messaging from your travel provider or airline and follow their guidance.
“There may also be restrictions on access to some federally-managed tourist attractions.
“Please check the relevant websites in advance.”
What should you do if you are in America and due to get an internal flight?
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot said: “Scenes of travel chaos as the US government shutdown enters its 38th day are always going to be a concern to travellers.
“While most flights to the United States with our traditional carriers are running ok at the moment, British passengers who have connecting flights in the States are right to worry they could be impacted.
“If the longest shutdown in US history continues, Brits should brace themselves for delays and longer queue times at airports across the country.
“But your passenger rights are very different depending on where you are flying to or from – and on which airline.
Internal flights are impacted, meaning Brits travelling within America could have their flight delayed or cancelledCredit: Alamy
“If a flight from the UK to the US is delayed or cancelled, passengers should be flown to their destination as quickly as possible.
“If the delays are significant, your airline has a duty of care and should be providing you with food and drink and if necessary, overnight accommodation.
“If you are flying back to the UK on a British or European airline, the same rights apply.
“But, take a note of exactly WHO you are flying with.
“Some tickets bought from the likes of British Airways may be code-sharing flights with their partner American Airlines, the same applies for those who have bought Virgin Atlantic flights if the plane they are travelling on is owned by Delta, their code-share partner.
“If you are flying on an American or Delta plane and there are significant delays or cancellations, the same passenger rights do NOT apply.
“The best advice is to check exactly who you are flying with and make sure you check with your airline regularly in the run up to your flight.”
THE UK regional airline Eastern Airways has officially gone into administration.
Last week, the regional airline made 330 staff redundant after the airline filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator on October 27.
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Eastern Airways has entered administration after 28 yearsCredit: Getty
Having launched in 1997, Eastern Airways was one of the UK’s remaining regional airlines, with services across England and Scotland and in the past, even offered flights to Europe.
Jamie Miller, partner at RSM UK and joint administrator, said: “It is extremely sad that such a long established and historically successful independent airline, one of the few remaining in the UK, has had to enter administration.
“The unexpected and sudden termination of Eastern’s KLM contract, along with other economic factors, unfortunately left the directors with no choice but to appoint administrators.”
RSM explained that Eastern Airways was operating four aircraft for KLM Cityhopper in Europe.
However, when the contract was terminated it meant that Eastern experienced “high fixed overheads and a staff base that has ultimately proved too high to be sustainable”.
Miller added: “At its peak, Eastern was an award-winning airline providing 200 flights per day.
“Its passengers included Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family, as well as Prime Ministers, Premier League Football Clubs and Formula 1 Teams and management.
“They also provided valuable services on public service obligation (PSO) routes and supported energy critical services to the oil and gas sector.”
Regional routes across the UK included Wick and Aberdeen in Scotland, and then Humberside, Teesside International, London Gatwick and Newquay.
But the airline also used to fly to Gibraltar and Paris Orly in France.
Miller said: “We would welcome any interest from potential alternative operators, or those who may have an interest in the underlying assets.”
For the 12 months to March 2024, Eastern Airways reported a net loss of £19.7million, which was £4.8million higher than 2023.
This meant that the company’s total debt rose to £25.97million.
At the time of the announcement, Selina Chadha, consumer & markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled.
“Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”
What to do if youwere due to fly with Eastern Airways
LISA Minot, Head of Travel at The Sun, shares her advice…
Passengers stranded by the collapse of Eastern Airways have several options depending on their circumstances.
If you still need to fly, you’ll need to find – and pay – for an alternative flight with another airline.
Many airlines offer rescue fares when competitors go bust, offering lower prices for those who can prove they were due to fly with the airline that has failed.
Or if you can get the train, London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), ScotRail, TransPennine Express (TPE), and Northern Railway are offering free Standard Class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October, on suitable routes operated by each train company.
For those without scheduled airline failure insurance, you will sadly be left out of pocket.
If you are due to fly with Eastern Airways in the coming days, weeks or months, you should put a claim in straight away with your debit or credit card provider.
They should refund you without fuss.
For those who are due to fly with Eastern Airways as part of a package holiday they have bought from a travel agent or tour operator, your package holiday provider is obliged to find an alternative way for you to reach your destination or offer you a full refund.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has the latest information on its website, caa.co.uk
In other air travel news, a major airline with bunk beds onboard reveals plans to relaunch UK flights for the first time in five years.
ONE of the best places to visit in Europe next year is right here in the UK and it has a ‘singing sands’ beach.
There is no doubt that Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful destinations, and now another has been recognised as a top spot to visit next year.
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The island of Islay located in Scotland has been named one of the best places to visit in 2026Credit: Getty
According to Conde Nast Traveller, Islay is “a Hebridean escape for whisky connoisseurs, in 2026 Islay will be home to even more distilleries than ever before”.
The small island is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, lying off of the west coast of Scotland.
And the destination is well-known for its whisky, thanks to numerous distilleries.
These will also be added to when two new distilleries open soon on the island.
Laggan Bay Distillery will be the 12th to open on the island and it will be located near the island’s longest beach, Big Strand.
Visitors will be able to try whiskies that feature a peaty and smoky flavour.
Another distillery will then open in 2026 called Portintruan.
At Portintruan, visitors will be able to see old-style production techniques to produce whisky.
Islay is also home to a new luxury hotel, by the French luxury brand LVMH.
At Ardbeg House, guests can choose from 12 bedrooms, “each inspired by the histories and legends of Ardbeg” according to the hotel’s website.
The rooms feature dark woods and colours, with rich fabrics such as velvet.
Even the wallpaper features clues to folklore and myths from the island including the story of Airigh Nam Beist (Shelter of the Beast) – for generations, locals have believed that a fearsome creature lives in the hills.
And for an added treat, hidden somewhere in the room is a miniature dram for guests to find.
The hotel also has a restaurant serving homemade bread and farmers’ and fishermen’s dishes, as well as a bar.
A stay is likely to set you back around £230 per night.
Just along the road from the hotel, you can also visit Ardbeg Distillery, which has been running since 1815.
When on the island, make sure to head to some of the beaches as well.
And it has a newly opened hotel called Ardbeg HouseCredit: Facebook/@ArdbeghouseofficialAll of the hotel’s interiors are themed around folklore and myths from the islandCredit: Facebook/@ArdbeghouseofficialIt has 12 bedrooms in totalCredit: Facebook/@Ardbeghouseofficial
One top spot is Singing Sands Beach – supposedly, if you rub the soles of your shoes over the sand, you will hear singing.
Nearby is also the lighthouse at Carraig Fhada which was built in 1832, which visitors can walk to over a metal bridge.
Unusually, the lighthouse is square and doesn’t have a lantern; instead, it has a small beacon mounted at its top.
The lighthouse sits opposite Port Ellen, the second largest town on the island.
The town features a handful of pretty, golden beaches and lots of places to grab a bite to eat.
For example, you could head to SeaSalt Bistro & Takeaway, where you could sit in and have some classic fish and chips for £18.50.
Or grab a hot drink from Copper Still Coffee.
Islay also has a number of pretty beaches, including one with ‘singing sand’Credit: Alamy
The quickest way to get to Islay is by flying with Loganair from Glasgow.
There are usually two flights a day, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the island.
Though this will set you back around £80 each way.
Alternatively, head over to Islay on a ferry from Kennacraig.
There are two ferries, with one travelling to Port Ellen, taking around two-and-a-half hours.
And the second is to Port Askaig, which takes just under two hours.
A return ferry fare costs £17.40 per adult and £8.70 per child, or a return car fare costs £87.80.
He added that this is more likely to work in smaller boutique hotels rather than larger chains.
But he also says even just asking can make a difference.
Mr Callery continued: “Being polite but direct about what you want often yields results.
“Start off by asking about paid upgrade options.
“Once the receptionist has explained them, nicely mention your budget constraints.
“They will often give you a free upgrade to compromise.”
“Ask the receptionist if any complimentary upgrades are available today rather than demanding one.”
Even if you didn’t succeed on the first day, you might be able to get an upgrade later in your trip if you are staying longer than one night.
He explained: “Night audits show which high-end rooms won’t be filled, and thus can sometimes unlock a mid-stay upgrade.”
Other methods that he recommends is telling them if its a special occasion such as birthdays and anniversaries, as that can also lead to upgrades.
Just don’t try and lie, as you could be caught out.
Another lie not to tell is being a influencer or content creator if you’re not, as he warned “they hear this every day and it is easily checked”.
Mr Callery ended by saying: “Reception staff really want you to have a great stay.
“A friendly approach and understanding of how the hotel works often results in courtesy perks, which add value to your visit without affecting your budget.”
TWISTING the handles of his personal periscope around, my son Billy lets out an excited gasp.
Through the lens he’s able to catch a glimpse of the rollercoasters and colourful rides that await him at Chessington World of Adventures, right on the doorstep of our hotel.
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The Paw Patrol gang cut looseCredit: AlamyOne of the five Paw Patrol roomsCredit: Chris Read-Jones/Chessington World Of AdventuresThe Sun’s Lydia Major and son BillyCredit: Supplied
I’m staying in one of the theme park’s new Paw Patrol-themed rooms, offered up just in time for half term.
Part of Chessington’s Safari Resort hotel, the five new pup-tastic bedrooms offer a glimpse of what’s to come when a new Paw Patrol-themed land opens next spring.
Nothing has been spared on making these spaces as immersive as possible.
Funky bunk beds have been disguised as the famous Paw Patroller truck featured in the show, with a driver’s seat at the front and a steering wheel that little ones can play with.
A yellow periscope in the main room, that fans will recognise as a replica of that from the Paw Patrol Lookout Tower, is surrounded by coloured bean bags which kids can plonk themselves on when spying on the theme park.
And if the view from the periscope isn’t enough to impress them, the bedroom window one will be.
Rooms overlook the park’s Wanyama Reserve, and one afternoon we were treated to the sight of two giraffes munching away on their leafy dinner.
I was grateful for some tranquillity to balance out the “wow” of the all-singing, all-dancing bedroom.
The decor here is bold and bright, with huge murals of the pups showing their wacky adventures.
Rooms sleep up to two adults, in a plump double bed, and three children.
They also come with a special Paw Patrol parking outside.
Even when you’re dining at one of the two restaurants, you’re likely to bump into your little ones’ favourite character.
As Billy tucked into his junior Wanyama burger (£7) at dinner, he clocked Skye giving some of her fans a high-five and a cuddle across the room.
If you don’t get to meet your hero at the hotel, Paw Patrol guests can nab fast-track entry to daily meet-and-greets with Chase, Skye and Rubble in the park.
A night’s stay comes with a huge buffet breakfast – which has everything from a full English to pancakes and pastries and is available from 7am to 10am.
Access to the hotel’s Savannah Splash Pool means children can burn off any extra energy.
After an action-packed day here, adults will be just as grateful for the ultra-comfy beds as the kids are.
Paw Patrol stays start from £155 for a family of four, including bed and breakfast. Stays include early ride access, a Pup Pass (meet-and-greet fast track pass) and a Reserve & Ride one-shot pass.
Guests staying before the Paw Patrol-themed land opens will have a chance to be one of the first to ride the new rollercoaster in 2026.
FANCY a bit of the royal treatment? I know just the, er, palace.
The Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort on Morocco’s north-west coast is regal in both size and design.
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The Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, MoroccoCredit: SuppliedRick’s Cafe replica bar inspired from the iconic flick CasablancaCredit: AlamyA giant bed and sea view at MazaganCredit: Supplied
With its dreamy arches and soaring ceilings, traditional Zellij tiling, tree-lined atrium and central courtyards, this five-star wonder is truly fit for royalty.
Inside, everything smells of rich orange blossom. You could get lost here. In fact, you want to.
Pop princess Paloma Faith stayed here with her family this year and Moroccan golf star Ayoub Lguirati — winner of the first Arab World Professional Championship in 2023 — often plays the resort’s beachfront course designed by one of the sport’s greats, Gary Player.
Oh, and now I was there.
The 500-room Mazagan is so grand that it is home to one of North Africa’s largest casinos — and one evening, my friends and I joined the guests trying their luck on its 37 gaming tables, 80 roulettes wheels and 370 slot machines.
Most read in Beach holidays
Good news for risk-takers is that the casino stays open 23 hours a day, so this hotel almost never sleeps.
But as amateurs, we didn’t fancy losing a king’s ransom on Blackjack, so moved on to the 1940s-themed Studio 42 lounge bar next door which is swathed in royal-green velvet drapes.
It has live music at weekends and serves glam cocktails including a homemade rosé liquor and gin concoction for £10, or local beer from £5.50, so is a sure bet for a nightcap or two.
When it came time to hit the hay, my ocean-view room was similar in its grandeur to the rest of the hotel, with traditional metal hanging lanterns, dark-wood furniture, and a bed that could fit a family of four.
Thankfully, 80 per cent of the rooms are connecting, so parents do not have to share with little ’uns.
Even with the balconette doors to my room closed, I could hear the inviting roar of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is safe to swim here — there’s a lifeguard during the day — but you can also rent paddle and bodyboards, or make the most of the swell with surf lessons.
Even in late September, temperatures in El Jadida can reach 30C.
Animal-lovers will enjoy a trip to the Mazagan’s farm, which has goats, cows and chickens. Its beachfront stables are immaculately maintained and the horses and ponies have shiny, glowing coats.
Riding on the beach has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, so on an unusually grey afternoon I climbed on to a palomino-coloured mare called Rosa and headed for the shore.
She trotted along Haouzia Beach, steadily swerving the incoming tide, as I sat back — nay, upright — to enjoy the view. The next day, for something more fast-paced, our group zoomed along the sand — thankfully flat — on quad bikes.
The Mazagan also has laser games, go-karting, paintballing, a 22ft climbing wall, archery, a gym, and pickleball and tennis courts. There are daytime clubs for both kids and teens, too.
But a holiday in Morocco calls for a spot of haggling in the medina — and just the place for that is Casablanca which is the country’s largest, most cosmopolitan city, just an hour’s drive from the hotel.
Built in the early 19th century by the French, the New Medina is smaller and less chaotic than its walled older counterpart but just as authentic.
We find everything from artisan teapots and pottery, leather bags and hand-woven Berber rugs, to stalls piled high with native olives for a fraction of what we would pay at home.
Casablanca also has a striking mix of religious buildings, owing to its colonial history.
Many of these, such as the monumental Hassan II Mosque on the city’s promenade, offer guided tours.
Arabesque carvings
The Hassan II Mosque is a gem — with the world’s second-tallest minaret at 689ft and an elaborately decorated prayer room which can fit 20,000 worshippers.
As is customary if entering a mosque, we removed our shoes.
Our guide then recounted tales of its craftmanship as we quietly admired the stonework, arabesque carvings, Murano glass chandeliers, and titanium doors weighing several tonnes.
It’s always cocktail time at MazaganCredit: SuppliedThe stunning Hassan II Mosque in CasblancaCredit: Getty
For many Brits, though, Casablanca will conjure memories of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s 1942 film — although the wartime classic was actually filmed in Hollywood.
Disappointed to discover Rick’s Cafe from the film did not exist, an American woman opened a replica bar, with grand piano and Moroccan hanging lanterns, in the Old Medina in 2004.
“Of all the gins joints in all the towns”, to quote from the film, this one was well worth walking into for a boozy pit-stop on the way back to the Mazagan.
But, of course, there’s nothing wrong with spending a week simply lazing beside the resort’s lagoon-style pool, having treatments in its award-winning spa and eating and drinking like royalty in its 13 restaurants and bars.
Horse riders on Haouzia BeachCredit: SuppliedFor many Brits Casablanca will conjure memories of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s 1942 filmCredit: Alamy
The Market Place evening buffet offers an abundance of local and international dishes, from salads to saffron slow-cooked lamb, shawarma and a wok station.
Or the hotel’s jewel in the crown, the dimly lit Bushra restaurant, serves up Middle Eastern dishes and a live band to its impressively receptive diners.
Sat under gigantic brass chandeliers and dramatic drapes, even the grannies sang and clapped cheerily between mouthfuls of hummus with beef fillet, grilled jumbo shrimps and the most tender slow-cooked lamb.
Just like the flavours, the service is five-star — waiter Wafae deserves mention.
But I had my favourite-ever starter in Sel de Mer.
The nautically-themed seafood restaurant has an extraordinary signature dish of blue lobster salad with fennel remoulade and mustard jus. At £26, it is not cheap, but lobster never is.
I could get used to living like a queen.
Hayley Doyle at the stablesCredit: Supplied
GO: MOROCCO
GETTING THERE: Royal Air Maroc offers daily direct flights from Heathrow to Casablanca with fares from £250, including 23kg luggage.
YOU’RE in the Alps for a ski holiday – you’ve got your gear, your lift pass and the optimism that you won’t wipe out on a blue run as kids whizz past you.
But what if skiing on a skiing holiday is optional?
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Alpine Glasto gets in the swingCredit: GettyDJs get the crowd goingCredit: Gwilym Thomas
What if there’s an Alpine world that doesn’t require you to throw yourself downhill at speed?
The wild and wonderful phenomenon of après-ski only gears up after the lifts stop — and the party gets going.
Après-ski is no small affair — this is not just drinks before dinner.
In the Three Valleys area of the French Alps, après is a daily festival and feels like a way of life.
Picture this: a live band steps on stage ahead of a DJ surrounded by strobe lights, crowds are dancing on the tables (in ski boots) and bobble hats are thrown in the air.
This melee of strangers is swaying together, drinks in hand, as revellers sing at the top of their lungs.
This is a kind of Alpine Glastonbury, where people swap flower crowns and flags for puffer jackets and goggles.
And the best part? You don’t have to ski or snowboard to enjoy it.
The Three Valleys is known for some of the best slopes in the world, with almost 600km of pistes, as high as 3,000 metres, to pick from.
But interconnected Valleys resorts Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens also showcase thousands of music gigs.
The magic is thanks to London and Méribel-based agency Après Ski Bands, which books more than 3,500 such events per season across 130 venues.
These aren’t bog-standard cover bands — they’re high-energy pros, picked in X Factor-style auditions in the UK, who turn ski resorts into concert venues during winter.
In five days in the Alps, I saw nine superb acts without even trying — starting with party band Magnolia, ending with DJ and MC duo Rio & Rhymes and acts in between including emerging alt-rock talent Pattern Pusher and diverse après heroes The Wingmen.
For folk fans, there’s guitarist Chris Quinn, who opened for the Jools Holland Orchestra, and singer-songwriter Albert Jones, who appeared on BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
Performing in the Alps is hard graft, as musicians play up to 140 dates in a single season.
At Lodge Du Village in Méribel alone, there are 900 live gigs each winter — with Mondays to Wednesdays often wilder than Saturday nights (free shots for those who arrive early).
Le Rond Point — or Ronnie — in Méribel is one of those places where you show up for one drink and suddenly it’s four hours later, and you’re leading a conga line and wearing someone else’s unicorn onesie.
And let’s not forget ultra-Insta La Folie Douce, a venue likened to Ibiza in the snow. If it sounds like an attack on the senses, that’s because it is.
But if partying isn’t really your thing, there are other things on offer in the Valleys.
For a touch of luxury, hit a hotel spa or soak in your chalet’s outdoor hot tub with a glass of fizz, watching skiers from a distance.
If you want to be on the white stuff minus the face-planting, then snowshoeing or sled-dog walking are great for exploring at a gentle pace.
Then, of course, there is the ultimate Alpine sport — eating.
Revellers get ready for the apres-ski bashCredit: Supplied
Food here is an attraction in itself, with Méribel’s Le Cro Magnon and La Terrasse du Village delivering everything from hearty Savoyard to refined French-British fusion.
If you come to the Alps and don’t eat fondue, tartiflette or raclette, did you even visit the Alps?
And now it’s not just a winter thing, with resorts shifting towards year-round tourism, meaning the party doesn’t stop when the snow starts to melt in April.
Whether you’re dancing on tables, belting out rock anthems with a crowd of strangers, exploring snowy forests, or eating your bodyweight in cheese, you’ve made it down a black run to holiday heaven.
GO: THREE VALLEYS
GETTING THERE: Private transfers from Geneva Airport to Meribel cost from £59.50pp for a group of four people.
STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ self-catering at the Chalet Rosa Apartment in Meribel Village, just a couple of minutes from the piste and La Terrace du Village, costs from £258.34pp, based on six sharing in low season.
From gorgeous Getxo to the City of Love, you won’t want to come home from these mint mini-breaks
Find foodie heaven near BilbaoCredit: Supplied by PR
SPAIN – Palacio Arriluce Hotel, Getxo
Commissioning Editor Martha Cliff and fiancée Lauren found foodie heaven near Bilbao.
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THE PAD
Check in and zone out at the Palacio Arriluce
Perched on a striking cliffside overlooking the Bay of Abra in Getxo and with a beauty of an outdoor pool, this 18th-century boutique gem sits in a palatial setting and offers the perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance.
Craving vistas of the rolling Basque mountains? You’ve got it. Want to gaze at boats bobbing in the harbour? No problem. A city view more your vibe? It’s got that, too.
Be sure to eat breakfast – think other-worldly Spanish tortilla and Iberico ham – on the terrace to take full advantage.
Meanwhile, come dinner at Delaunay, try local specialities such as grilled kokotxas (hake chin) on stewed spider crab, £35, and Iberian pork shoulder with passionfruit, £31.
Make sure you’re there on a Thursday to join locals in Getxo for “pintxo pote”, a foodie’s dream bar crawl and Basque country tradition.
Restaurante Ixta Bide offers four pintxos (small savoury snacks) – our fave was pintxo de txaka, akin to a mini crab sandwich – and two vinos for a mere £9.
Just don’t expect to bag a seat! Wind your way up the steps of Algorta to reach Arrantzale and finish on its perfectly salted pork belly (Arrantzale.com).
While day-tripping, step into one of Bilbao’s oldest bars, Café Iruña, just a hop from Arbando metro station.
Dating back to 1903, the beautiful tiling is reason enough to visit, but coffee for just £1.75, is a big pull, too.
Or opt for a glass of the local txakoli white wine, £2.70, instead (Cafeirunabilbao.com).
DON’T MISS
The works inside Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum are, of course, breathtaking, but the building itself and its surrounding sculptures – including Puppy, a massive dog made of flowers by American artist Jeff Koons – are worth the trip alone.
Fly to Bilbao from London Gatwick and Heathrow with Vueling from £56 return (Vueling.com).
FRANCE – Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris
Creative Director Mark Hayman and wife Margaret fell for cocktails and culture in the French capital.
Fall for cocktails and culture in the French capitalCredit: Getty Images
THE PAD
Rest easy at Hôtel Dame des ArtsCredit: LUDOVIC BALAY
This sleek bolt-hole in the city’s Latin Quarter has shaken off its Holiday Inn past to channel full Hollywood glamour.
Think rich woods, bamboo accents and pretty palms, with rooms that feel like film sets, thanks to glass dividers, velvet finishes and luxe bathrooms made for long soaks.
Downstairs, Pimpan serves up bold Franco-Mexican fusions on a leafy terrace – highlights include beef tartare with piquillos, £12.50, lamb shoulder with harissa, £25, and hibiscus-poached pear, £11.
But the real scene-stealer is the rooftop bar, where 360-degree skyline views stretch from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Cœur – even locals come here for the vistas.
Order a Spritz del Arte (Aperol, mango liqueur, rum and prosecco), £17, or the punchy Uno Mas margarita, £14, pop on your biggest sunglasses and watch the city turn blush at sunset.
There’s also a sauna and a gym kitted out with sculptural wooden equipment for those partial to a designer workout.
EXPLORE
Explore the history of Notre-DameCredit: Getty Images
First time in Paris? Glide down the Seine aboard the Batobus – this hop-on-hop-off riverboat is a relaxing (and photogenic) way to tick off major sights like the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.
For more treasure-hunting, swing by the flea market off Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine – a weekend haven of vintage mirrors, mid-century ceramics and nostalgic postcards.
There’s no entry fee, just bring cash and your best haggling game.
Then head to the Panthéon, a neoclassical gem where Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie lie in dramatic crypts beneath a rooftop dome offering jaw-dropping views.
Lively, retro-chic Brasserie Dubillot’s espresso martinis, £10.50, are a must, but equally good is the sausage and mash with truffle sauce, £16, steak-frites, £21, and the perfect crème brûlée, £8 (Lanouvellegarde.com/brasserie-dubillot).
Craving something casual? PNY serves next-level burgers with aged beef, brioche buns and toppings like smoked cheddar and pickled jalapeños, from £11.50 (Pnyburger.com).
Or just nab a pavement perch at Café Saint-André for a croque monsieur, £10.50, a glass of sancerre, £7, and some world-class people-watching.
Double rooms at Hôtel Dame des Arts cost from £226 per night (Damedesarts.com).
Psst…
Fancy something a little more party? Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoods, with captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheel.
Suave rooms come with huge tubs, rain showers and espresso machines, from £304 per night (Rixos.com).
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoodsCredit: SuppliedThe suave rooms have captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheelCredit: SuppliedHead to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for great foodCredit: Byron Bathers Club/Instagram
Downstairs is Azure Beach Club with its large pool, pumping soundtrack, outdoor gym and private beach (Azure-beach.com/dubai).
The breakfast buffet is, in true Dubai style, eye-poppingly big – you can even blend your own fresh peanut butter.
Plus, you’re half an hour’s cab ride from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, for that classic Dubai selfie – viewing platform visits cost from £37 per person (Burjkhalifa.ae).
When you’re craving a chilled day, head to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for lobster linguine, £37, and burrata pizza, £17, with excellent Whitsunday spritzes – an exquisite blend of grapefruit bitters, strawberry shrub, pink grapefruit, citrus vodka, Aperol and prosecco, £14 (Byronbathers.com).
WE all love a city break, but heading to the main European capitals can give your bank balance a battering.
The Serbian capital of Belgrade offers all the history and grandeur for a fraction of the price.
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Belgrade offers all the history and grandeur for a European city break at a fraction of the priceCredit: GettyThe Serbian capital is one of Europe’s oldest cities, pictured Republic SquareCredit: Getty
With beers or coffees in local cafes from £1.50, meals with wine in a decent restaurant for £15 and hotels from £40 a night, it’s perfect for those tourists looking to expand their city-break horizons without spending a fortune.
WHY SHOULD I GO? One of Europe’s oldest cities, its architecture tells its history from Roman and Ottoman to Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav.
Catch up on its recent history at the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to the tomb of Josip Broz Tito, founder of socialist Yugoslavia. The Belgrade Fortress is free to enter and offers panoramic views of the Danube and Sava rivers.
Elsewhere, the Sava Lake offers water sports, tennis and cycling, with restaurants and bars perched on the shore.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Public transport in Belgrade is free, making it easy to hop on and off the buses and trams. However, walking around the city means you can stop and rest at the traditional kafanas (coffee houses).
The main cobbled street in the city — Skadarlija — is regarded as the city’s “bohemian quarter” and is a great spot to enjoy a drink.
A walking tour of the Red Star Belgrade football stadium is not to be missed, even for those not familiar with the club. Take a walk through the famous tunnel which at 787ft is the longest pre-match walk in Europe.
Fans can get a taste of what the players go through as they are transformed into gladiators with the thumping chants from the stands.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? Tara National Park is a four-hour drive from the city for those wanting to escape the hustle.
Lake Perucac offers floating houses that allow guests to wake up on the water and look over to the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The national park has the largest population of brown bears in Serbia.
Also worth a hike is the path up to the viewpoint known as Banjska Stena, soaring above the Drina River.
Kayaking down the river also gives the best views of the worldfamous Drina River House.
The hut, first built by swimmers wanting to rest, is perched on a rock in the middle of the water and has been rebuilt multiple times. It’s definitely an Insta-worthy picture.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Belgrade is without doubt a city for meat eaters. For an authentic lunch, head to Drama Cevapi in the heart of Belgrade’s Dorcol district for grilled meat and fresh flatbreads.
Tramways help visitors speed between the sightsCredit: GettySplash some cash in the city centreCredit: Getty
The cevapi — minced sausages with a mix of beef, lamb or pork — come in generous portions of five from £3, and flatbreads just 45p. If you fancy a smarter dinner, Iva New Balkan Cuisine shows off traditional Balkan recipes with a stylish twist.
Beef ribs with a celery and apple cream, honey and mustard seed glaze or pork belly with kohlrabi salad, pickled beetroot and crackling will set you back just over £10.
The main cobbled street in the city — Skadarlija — is regarded as the city’s ‘bohemian quarter’ and is a great spot to enjoy a drink
Meanwhile, Restoran Uzelac is a short taxi ride from the city centre where spit-roasted lamb is served by the kilo.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? There’s a bed for every budget.
The Stari Grad district is best for a central location and the five-star Square Nine is great for those with deep pockets.
The gold-fronted building gives a cool oasis from the busy streets and features a wellness spa with a 59ft swimming pool.
Expect luxury linen and cashmere throws, with rooms from £300 a night. But there are also some fantastic budget options.
Boatel Charlie is set on the Danube. It is a chic barge with contemporary interiors that has rooms from £43 a night.
The neighbourhood of Dorcol is the place to stay to meet the locals, with multiple coffee shops and markets.
Tuck into some street snacksCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Emily kayaking down the Drina RiverCredit: Supplied
GO: Belgrade
GETTING THERE: Fly to Belgrade from Luton with Wizz Air, with fares from £27 one way, and from Heathrow with Air Serbia, with fares from £80 one way. See wizzair.co.uk and airserbia.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at Square Nine (squarenine.rs) from £300 a night. Rooms at Boatel Charlie (boatelcharlie.com) from £43 a night. Rooms at Smokvica B&B (smokvica.rs) from £80 a night.
MY early summer holiday a distant memory, the Costa del Sol seemed just the ticket for some autumn sunshine.
Leaving behind rainy Blighty, I was soon lying by the pool in Spain lapping up the rays — and throughout our stay in the first week of October temperatures ranged from 26C to 28C.
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Fuengirola is a marvellous city on the Costa del SolCredit: GettyLa Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena (Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock), a tiny but beautiful church carved into the natural stone of the mountain by friars in 1548Credit: Supplied
We were in the Ramada Hotel and Suites resort near Fuengirola, next to the beach and just half an hour from both Malaga airport and party town Marbella.
It comprises beautiful self-catering apartments spread over five areas — and TEN pools.
The main pool is adjacent to the resort’s most popular cafe and bar, Zac’s, and has a lively vibe.
But I found the one closest to our apartment, in the Sierra Marina area of the resort, was an oasis of calm, with a lovely sea view and a quiet, respectful group of holidaymakers.
Another bigger pool, served by a bar and restaurant, is on sister site the Wyndham Grand which shares its facilities, including a gym and spa, with the Ramada.
I indulged in an hour-long facial which was a wonderful way to kick off a relaxing holiday. My daughter enjoyed a circulation-boosting massage, and there were numerous other tempting treatments to try.
The massage with bamboo sticks, which sounded more painful than it was, came recommended by a fellow guest.
While there are plenty of places to eat out, I prefer a little independence on holiday and our apartment offered everything we needed to get the best of both worlds. As well as its two comfy bedrooms and bathrooms, there was a roomy lounge and kitchen, with dining table, cooker and large fridge.
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But its finest feature, given the glorious weather, was the large balcony overlooking the Mediterranean — big enough for a table with six chairs, two comfy armchairs and a parasol, so we could enjoy casual lunches of fresh bread, meats and cheeses bought from the on-site store.
There were also plenty of options for eating out, from budget-friendly Zac’s to Restaurant El Tajo — not owned by the resort despite being on site, and serving authentic Spanish food including a lip-smacking paella which has to be ordered 24 hours in advance.
We particularly enjoyed the Wyndham site’s Safari restaurant which offers a huge array of gorgeous tapas — I thoroughly recommend the baked provolone cheese — as well as dishes to suit all tastes, from pasta to fish and steak.
There is also a lounge bar for late-night drinks, hosting singers most nights, as well as other live entertainment including the popular Flamenco night at the poolside bar.
The sprawling, hilly nature of the resort means a lot of walking — I easily hit my 10,000-step target every day.
Half an hour away is also Puerta Banus, a stunning marina lined with designer storesCredit: GettyA classic junior suite at the Ramada Hotel is from £65 per night
But for those less able or willing to get about there is a handy road train you can hop on and off at various points across the complex.
Away from the resort, the town of Fuengirola is a 30-minute walk or €9 taxi ride and its pretty squares are teeming with bars and restaurants.
Perfect off-peak getaway
Half an hour away is also Puerto Banus, a stunning marina lined with designer stores and restaurants and packed with yachts worth millions.
It is a hangout for the glam Marbella crowd and well worth a visit — although prices here are sky high.
But I recommend leaving the main marina by taking the stairs to the coastal path, where restaurants line the clifftop and you can watch the spectacular sunset over the sea while enjoying a meal of locally caught fish and seafood.
The stunning old town of Marbella is a far cry from its infamously full-on beach clubs and nightlife
The stunning old town of Marbella is a far cry from its infamously full-on beach clubs and nightlife.
Its narrow, picturesque cobblestone streets are lined with unique boutiques and jewellery stores and lead to the stunning Plaza de los Naranjos (Square of Oranges) which, good to its name, is lined with fruit trees as well as beautiful flowerbeds.
But closer to our resort, nestled in the mountains above Fuengirola, was the biggest treat of the holiday — the village of Mijas Pueblo.
One of the “white villages” typical of this southern Spanish region of Andalucia, it welcomes visitors into a main square overlooked by the beautiful town hall.
Behind the square are quaint narrow streets of white buildings, with picturesque blue flowerpots adding a splash of colour.
Brightly painted crockery and leather bags are sold in tiny stores and upstairs terraces in many of the eateries offer a view over the main square, mountains and sea.
Another highlight for me was the La Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena (Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock), a tiny but beautiful church carved into the natural stone of the mountain by friars in 1548.
Along with its warm weather, the Costa del Sol has an average of just 35 days of rain a year, most of which falls between November and January.
It’s also a golfer’s paradise, with 70 courses, and with year-round sun is the perfect off-peak getaway.
Alison wandering the picturesque streets of FuengirolaCredit: Supplied
GO: Fuengirola
GETTING THERE: Fly to Malaga with easyJet from Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham with fares in November from £17.99 one way. See easyJet.com.
STAYING THERE: A classic junior suite at the Ramada Hotel is from £65 per night. A two-bed apartment in the Sierra Marina is from £108 per night. See ramadacostadelsol.com.
The airline has advised that even if you lost your phone or the battery dies at the airport, you will still be able to travel as long as you have checked in.
The gate agent will instead be able to assist and print one.
Airports will still have desks for checking in.
Some destinations such as Morocco still require a printed boarding pass, so passengers will have to show their digital boarding pass and will then be able to get a printed version at the airport.
Anyone who doesn’t check in before their flight will have to pay a check in fee at the airport.
The scrapping of boarding passes was initially planned for May, but this was then delayed to November 3, then to November 12.
Ryanair CMO Dara Brady said at the time: “This move to 100 per cent paperless boarding passes from November 2025 will allow us to deliver an enhanced travel experience for customers, streamlined through the myRyanair app during our less busy Winter schedule.”
It’s not the only big change that the budget airline recently rolled out.
THE last major airport in the UK to allow free drop offs is set to scrap them completely.
London City Airport has said that it will bring in a fee for passenger drop offs “by the end of the year”.
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London City Airport has confirmed to The Independent that it will introduce a drop off fee by the end of the yearCredit: Alamy
According to bosses of the airport, the charge will help support sustainable transport goals.
The airport told The Independent: “The charge will help London City meet its wider sustainability goals by reducing the number of vehicles travelling to and from the airport, supporting efforts to lower congestion, reduce emissions and improve air quality in the surrounding area.”
Currently, 70 per cent of passengers at London City Airport use public transport to reach the airport – which includes the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Only 10 per cent of passengers then arrive by car – and around 14 per cent use taxis, minicabs or Ubers.
Blue badge holders will be exempt from the charge.
Rod Dennis, the RAC‘s senior policy advisor, added that for drivers this will be an “unwelcome watershed moment”.
He added: “Compared to many, London City has excellent public transport connections so arguably most people dropping off are only those that really need to.”
He also explained that this isn’t the usual practice elsewhere in Europe, with eight of the top 10 European airports still allowing drivers to drop off travellers for free.
Airports that have introduced a fee usually have a designated area to drop off passengers.
And they also normally have other ways of getting into the airport where you aren’t charged.
For example, via taking a shuttle bus or using walkways to get to the terminal.
However, this might not be introduced at London City Airport as there is limited space.
In terms of other London airports, Heathrow introduced a drop off fee of £6 back in 2021.
London Gatwick Airport also introduced its fee in 2021, but in comparison, it costs £7 for 10 minutes and then an additional £1 for each minute thereafter, up to 20 minutes.
The maximum daily charge is £27.
The exact date and cost of the fee is yet to be announced, but other London airports are around the £7 markCredit: Alamy
In 2009, London Luton Airport introduced a similar process with the first 10 minutes costing £7 and then each minute thereafter being an additional £1.
There is a maximum stay of 30 minutes.
London Stansted Airport introduced its fee in 2012 and drivers pay £7 for 15 minutes, or £25 for drop offs over 15 minutes.
Southend Airport was the latest airport to introduce a fee which took place over the summer and costs £7.
ONE of the world’s most luxurious trains is set to return in 2027.
The Orient Express – often known for being the site of the Poirot’s most famous fictional case – went out of operation 16 years ago.
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The Orient Express is returning 16 years after it stopped runningCredit: Orient Express/ Alixe LayThe train features 17 original carriages that have been refurbishedCredit: Orient Express/ Alixe LayEach carriage still features an art deco design, just like the train from the 1920sCredit: Orient Express/ Alixe Lay
But now, it is set for a comeback.
The train will relaunch in 2027, using 17 original carriages from the 1920s which were previously lost before a team of historians tracked them down and refurbished them.
Inside each carriage, there will be the same Art Deco elements experienced in the 1920s.
As for the bedrooms, each will have a double bed and feature a Cartier clock.
In the Bar Car, passengers will have a vaulted ceiling with original pieces recovered from the Nostalgie-Istanbul Orient Express.
There are also large windows for passengers to watch the landscape whizz by.
In the Dining Car, there is a mirrored ceiling that features several arches.
Armchairs offer comfier spots to eat and watch chefs at work behind a large glass wall.
As for The Suites, guests can enjoy rail motifs and opulent features, such as dark wood and a leather wall.
In the daytime, there will be a sofa for guests to relax on, then there will be ‘the Great Transformation’ in the evening, which is when the cabin will be changed into the ‘night’ room configuration.
Each suite also has a bathroom with sliding doors and a dressing room.
For the ultimate luxury, passengers can book the Presidential Suite, which occupies an entire car with its own living room, bedroom and bathroom.
Ticket fares are yet to be announced, but it is more than likely it will be a small fortune.
On its website, The Orient Express states: “The Orient Express will invite travelers to relive the legend aboard 17 original Orient Express carsdating back to the 1920s and 1930s, adorned with exceptional décor – a set of cars formerly known as the ‘Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express’.”
The new service launching next year follows the relaunch of the Orient Express brand which saw its La Dolce Vita Orient Express train head off on its first journey this year.
In each cabin, there is a double bed and a Cartier clockCredit: Orient Express/ Alixe LayThe train has a dining car and a bar as wellCredit: Orient Express/ Alixe Lay
The brand is owned by Accor, Europe‘s largest hospitality company, and has also launched its first hotel called La Minerva, which can be found in Rome, Italy.
There are also plans to open a second site in Venice, in April 2026.
The Orient Express used to be loved and used by the upper classes and operated between Istanbul and Paris from 1883 to 2009.
WE all like to travel cheap – but two mums have managed to visit Albania in a day, and it cost them less than heading to the theatre.
Stacey Baugh, 34, and Claire Dukes, 41, headed off to Tirana in Albania, securing return flights with Ryanair for £70.08 each.
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Two mums travelled to Albania and back in a day for less the price of a London theatre tripCredit: SWNS
Having left their home in Chesterfield at 1am, the pair caught a 5:55am flight from Stansted and landed in Tirana at 9:50am.
After arriving, the pair managed to go on a private tour for £60 each, which explored Lake Bovilla, Gamti mountain, Mount Dajti and an evening city tour.
Stacey said: “It’s an amazing drive – the lake is a gorgeous teal colour.
“You drive most of the way and then hike the rest of the way.”
ALL flights bound for a quaint UK seaside town have been axed after a domestic airline filed for administration.
Eastern Airways, that serves different destinations in England and Scotland, has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator as it stares down crippling debts of over £25million.
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Flights to the picturesque coastal town of Wick have been axedCredit: GettyPassengers eyeing a trip to the Scottish town will be disappointedCredit: GettyEastern Airways has filed for an administrator
The news means that the carrier will no longer be flying to Wick, a popular Scottish coastal town.
Eastern Airways launched flights to the town’s airport with flights to Aberdeen in April 2022, after pausing during Covid.
But Wick John O’Groats Airport will receive its final flight on Sunday.
That means that from next week, the airport will no longer have any commercial flights.
The local Highland Council is calling for a subsidized flight routes to continue to Wick from Aberdeen.
A spokesperson called the cancellation of Eastern Airways “deeply disappointing,” adding: “This makes the case not only for the continuation of the PSO air services to Wick but for the expansion of provision.”
Local businesses are set to be hit by the airline’s financial woes.
It comes after Wick High Street was given a £2millon boost to upgrade the main high street.
Eastern Airways launched back in 1997 and carries around 1.3million passengers each year.
The airline plays a key role in providing regional air travel across the UK, with current destinations including Wick and Aberdeen in Scotland, and then Humberside, Teeside International, London Gatwick and Newquay.
However, the airline has previously operated many other routes including to Gibraltar from Southampton and Birmingham.
Services to Gibraltar were launched back in 2021 but then axed just a year later.
And in March last year, the operator also cancelled its route between Cardiff to Paris Orly, France.
Only this year, did the airline also announce that it would be launching flights from Newquay in Cornwall, to London Southend Airport in Essex.
Currently, this route cannot be seen on the airline’s website.
Eastern Airways is also the number one provider of charter flights for sports teams in Europe – this includes Premier League and Championship football teams, Rugby Union teams and Super League teams.
For the 12 months to March 2024, Eastern Airways reported a net loss of £19.7million — £4.8million higher than the previous year.
The company’s total debt rose by £4.8million to £25.97million, while profit fell sharply to £454,000 from £1.55million the year before.
It isn’t the only airline that recently went bust this year.
Last month, Play Airlines announced that it would be ceasing operations with all flights being cancelled.
Play Airlines flew to a number of different European destinations likes London Stansted, Amsterdam, Paris and Faro.
And last year, Spirit Airlines – a US low-cost carrier – also filed for bankruptcy.
Monarch Airlines ceased operations in 2017, which at the time was the UK’s largest ever to collapse.
Thomas Cook then shut down in 2019 – although the airline has since relaunched.
What to do if you have an upcoming flight with Eastern Airways
LISA Minot, Head of Travel at The Sun, shares her advice…
Passengers stranded by the collapse of Eastern Airways have several options depending on their circumstances.
If you need to still fly, you’ll need to find – and pay – for an alternative flight with another airline.
Many airlines offer rescue fares when competitors go bust, offering lower prices for those who can prove they were due to fly with the airline that has failed.
Or if you can get the train, London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), ScotRail, TransPennine Express (TPE), and Northern Railway are offering free Standard Class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October, on suitable routes operated by each train company.
For those without scheduled airline failure insurance, you will sadly be left out of pocket.
If you are due to fly with Eastern Airways in the coming days, weeks or months, you should put a claim in straight away with your debit or credit card provider.
They should refund you without fuss.
For those who are due to fly with Eastern Airways as part of a package holiday they have bought from a travel agent or tour operator, your package holiday provider is obliged to find an alternative way for you to reach your destination or offer you a full refund.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has the latest information on its website, caa.co.uk
TUI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have all cancelled or delayed flights and holidays across Jamaica following the devastating hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall yesterday on the island with speeds up to 160mph.
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TUI, BA and Virgin have all cancelled flights and holidays to JamaicaCredit: ReutersHurricane Melissa landed in Jamaica yesterdayCredit: APAirports in Jamaica remain closed due to damageCredit: Instgaram/romeichentertainment
New images coming from Jamaica show widespread destruction, with most of the island left without power.
As many as 8,000 Brits are thought to be on holiday in the country, with many taking shelter in hotels.
And tour operators and airlines have since been cancelling holidays in response.
TUI has cancelled all flights to Jamaica until October 31, although this may be extended.
And all package holidays to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least the end of the week (November 2).
They said in a statement: “We’re working hard to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the extent of damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports.
“We want to reassure our customers that their safety and wellbeing remains our absolute top priority.
“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. ”
Virgin Atlantic has only cancelled flights up until tomorrow although this is very likely to be extended.
Flights VS165 and VS165 have been cancelled tomorrow (October 30).
And British Airways has also cancelled a number of upcoming flights, with passengers told to contact the airline.
Both Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport remain closed.
Just remember that you must not cancel your holiday ahead of the your tour operator or you will be left out of pocket.
This is because the Foreign Office has not warned again travel to Jamaica – it is only when it is advised against, that you can cancel a holiday for a full refund.
Instead it is better to contact the tour operator and see if you can push back your flight if you are wary of travelling.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7.
“We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office, including with support from the (Ministry of Defence), and we are also positioning specialist rapid deployment teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region.
“Any British nationals who are there should follow our travel advice and the advice of the Jamaican authorities.”
Virgin’s flights to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least tomorrowCredit: Alamy
Most powerful Atlantic huhrricans recorded
THESE are the ten most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever, ranked by pressure.
Lower pressure means a stronger storm.
A minimum of 901 mbar has been recorded in Hurricane Melissa.
AMBITIOUS plans to turn a region into “Europe’s Silicon Valley” are on track with architects releasing the first images of an “essential” new railway station.
The station is a huge £120m boost to a world-famous city – and central to an American billionaire‘s massive £10 billion investment in the area.
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Conceptual view of the approach to the future Littlemore StationCredit: Unknown
This week, architects Foster + Partners released the first images of Littlemore Station, one of two new stations in Oxford set to be delivered with the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line.
The line has been out of service to passengers since 1963.
It is currently used by cargo trains going to and from the BMW mini plant but as previously reported is set to reopen.
The Government has pledged £120m in funding for the project to reopen the line.
It is part of a £500m investment in infrastructureto link up Oxford and Cambridgeand turn the region into the “European Silicon Valley”.
Anneliese Dodds, MP for East Oxford, said the Cowley Branch Line was “finally going to become a reality”.
She said it would make a “massive difference to local residents, slashing travel times and reducing congestion”.
The update has also been welcomed by the Ellison Institute, funded by American billionaire Larry Ellison, which is investing £10 billion in the region.
“It’s a great example of what can happen if Government and the private sector join forces and both contribute to a common goal.
“It will help us attract world-class talent to EIT by linking up key innovation hubs with Central London via direct train services.
“It will also facilitate a closer alliance between EIT and Oxford University with faster journey times.”
A second station will be built at Oxford Cowley, and the reopened line will connect Littlemore, Cowley, Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys to central Oxford in under 10 minutes.
An artist’s impression of the platform at Littlemore StationCredit: Foster and Partners
Services will then go directly twice-hourly to London Marylebone.
The Government has said that reopening the line will create up to 10,000 new jobs.
Cowley is an industrial area home to Plant Oxford, which is owned by BMW and is the largest industrial employer in Oxford, employing more than 4,300 people.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that the Government has huge plans for the “Oxford-Cambridge corridor”.
On Facebook, one user shared how they had only been using the pass for six months and had already saved €200 (£175.75).
One TikTok user called ‘adventurewithells’, who subscribes to the pass, shared a video on TikTok sharing how over the course of a year, she travelled on 28 flights to 14 countries.
This included some of her dream destinations that are usually more expensive to travel to, such as the Maldives (which has since been scrapped by Wizz Air), Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Tromso, Chisinau and Athens.
She did mention that there was some cons to the pass though, including that it is hard to coordinate with family or friends if they don’t have the pass themselves.
There is also no guarantee that certain routes will be available and travellers need to be very flexible and happy to visit anywhere.
She said: “If you live near a big Wizz hub such as London and are happy to have a bit of fun and see where you end up, then go for it.
“If you want to be able to plan in advance and only visit specific locations then skip.”
She also added that she will be renewing, as it is “more than worth it”.
In another video, the creator revealed that travellers can only book between 72 hours and three hours before the departure of the flight.
Sometimes this can be risky, as if you are returning to the UK more than 72 hours from the time of booking your flight out to a destination, you won’t be able to book it.
She advised: “Say you want to go on a weekend flight, you can book the outbound for Friday, on Tuesday, but the Sunday return flight you wouldn’t be able to book until the Thursday.
“So you either have to hedge your bets on the return becoming available or what I would do is wait until the Thursday, so I can book both legs at the same time and that way I know I am guaranteed a return.”
If there are multiple routes, then it is a little easier as there is more choice for booking flights.
Those who subscribe to the pass can fly to a number of different destinationsCredit: AFP
Senior chief commercial and operations officer, Michael Delehant said: “Despite a challenging economic environment where most prices are rising, we’ve continued to provide affordable travel options, offering customers the opportunity to travel for the cost of a pair of sneakers.
“This reflects our ambition to redefine the meaning of low-cost travel.
“We believe affordable prices should be matched with high quality operations and customer service – and we’re delivering.
The airline also confirmed that this summer was its best on record, with improvements across on-time performance, flight completion and turnaround times – with 1,000 flights a day.
He added: “We’re not only making improvements; we’re going further and expanding our offering for customers.
“In the past six months we’ve introduced 250 new routes and launched a range of exciting new products which are already revolutionising the customer experience.”
THE world’s most powerful storm this year is due to hit Jamaica today, with winds up to 175mph.
Hurricane Melissa, which has been upgraded to category five (the highest strength level), is heading to a Caribbean destination, with three people confirmed dead so far.
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Hurricane Melissa is heading for Jamaica, with winds up to 175mphCredit: Reuters
As a result of the hurricane, Jamaica is experiencing flash flooding, with landslides and a rapid four metre increase in the sea level also expected.
All airports on the island have been closed and thousands of residents have been left without power.
So here is everything you need to know if you have plans to travel to the island.
Is it safe to travel to Jamaica?
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently has a warning about Hurricane Melissa on its website, stating that it is expecting to make landfall today.
However, it has not warned against non-essential travel.
It adds that the Jamaican government has already closed its international airports until further notice and that travellers should monitor updates from local authorities.
The FCDO states: “Please continue to monitor local and international weather updates, including from the Meteorological Service for Jamaica and the US National Hurricane Centre, and follow the guidance of local authorities, especially in the event of any evacuation orders.
“The Jamaican Government has published a list of available hurricane shelters in advance of anticipated landfall.”
The FCDO also has two helplines that British nationals stuck in Jamaica can use to get consular assistance – +1 (876) 936 0700 (option two) and +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
According to Travel Gossip, a spokesperson for Sandals, which has multiple Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica, said: “With more than four decades of experience operating in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, the resorts are well prepared for weather-related events.
“Each property follows detailed, time-tested protocols led by trained teams who are equipped to respond calmly and effectively as conditions evolve.
“Guests can be assured that every measure is being taken to ensure their safety and comfort, and that the resort’s dedicated team members – many of whom call Jamaica home – remain committed to providing care, communication and the warm hospitality for which Sandals and Beaches Resorts are known.”
Have flights to Jamaica been affected?
As all international airports have been closed on the island, all flights have currently been cancelled.
Kingston Airport said: “Passengers, contact your airline for rebooking.
“DO NOT go to the airport.”
Sangster International Airport has then said: “When we reopen, confirm flight status with your airline BEFORE travelling.”
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled today’s flight between London Heathrow and Montego Bay flight and the return journey too.
A spokesperson from the airline said: “Due to adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Melissa, some of our Jamaican flights are subject to cancellations and delays.
“The safety and welfare of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we are contacting any Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holiday customers who may be impacted by the hurricane to discuss their options.”
Currently all international airports in Jamaica are closedCredit: EPA
A TUI spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the situation in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa moves across the Caribbean.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.
“Our teams are working around the clock to support everyone impacted and we are in direct contact with all customers whose travel plans may be affected.
“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams.”
Flights have been cancelled, with the FCDO advising Brits to contact their airline or holiday providersCredit: Reuters
Can I cancel my holiday?
Currently, the FCDO has not issued advice against non-essential travel to Jamaica.
This means if your holiday has been cancelled by your holiday provider or your airline, then you are legally entitled to a full refund.
Your provider should contact you directly if they are cancelling your trip, but you can also call them to confirm.
However, if you cancel your holiday or flight, companies have no obligation to refund you and you also will not be able to make a claim on your travel insurance, unless the government advice changes.
If you do have travel insurance, check your policy as it may include natural disaster cover.
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
