Travel advice

EVERY holidaymaker knows the pain of the airport gate: battling for a single plug socket, sad soggy sandwiches and expensive pre-flight pints.

Luckily, this travel trick lets you skip that dread entirely, letting you kick back in a glamorous lounge with complimentary food and booze instead.

Bag 30% off a Standard Priority Pass membership in the Black Friday sale

The key to bagging yourself a luxurious lounge pass for cheap is by signing up to Priority Pass.

Now’s the perfect time to bag a bargain, too, with 30 per cent off standard memberships in their early Black Friday sale.

The membership gives you access to over 1,900 airport lounges around the world, which means no more painfully stuffy airport gates.

With so many lounges under one roof, it immediately solves the problem of signing up for one specific lounge brand, then having to hope they have one wherever you go on holiday.

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85% of the world’s top 100 airports are covered by Priority Pass, so chances are you’ll be sorted.

In the lounge you can help yourself to free food, drinks (including alcohol) and relax on comfy sofas that are worlds away from those hard plastic chairs.

Depending on the airport you fly from, you could even be taking advantage of hot showers, quiet zones and private sleep pods to catch up on rest after that gruelling early morning alarm.

The VIP perks also extend beyond the buffet and lounge experience.

Priority Pass members get access to Be Relax spa treatments at participating airports, meaning you can treat yourself to a pre-flight massage or a fresh manicure to show off on your hols.

You also get a takeaway freebie to use at home: complimentary access to the WithU Fitness app.

Bag 30% off a Standard Priority Pass membership in the Black Friday sale

This freebie workout app is worth £79.99 a year, and creates you a personalised exercise programme to use in the gym or even your living room.

This means that for one yearly price you’ve got all your glamorous travel and fitness plans taken care of, so you can live that luxurious lifestyle on a budget.

The Priority Pass Standard membership normally costs £69 per year, but the Black Friday sale shaves 30 per cent off this plan.

That drops your year-long membership fee to just £48, which works out at £4 per month.

When you tot up how many expensive airport meals and pints you can rack up over only a few holidays a year, then £48 becomes totally worth it.

Once you are signed up to the Standard membership, you pay a flat £24 entry fee each time you visit a lounge.

When you factor in the sky-high prices of standard airport bars and restaurants, that £24 easily pays for itself through the complimentary food and free-flowing alcoholic drinks available inside.

All Priority Pass member benefits

Priority Pass members get access to the following:

• Complimentary food and drinks at ALL lounges

• Sleep pods and showers at select lounges

• Be Relax spa treatments at select airports

• Bring along a guest (£24 Guest visit fee)

• Discounts on more airport dining and extra spa treatments

• The option to re-book selected lounges for a supplementary fee

• Free membership to the WithU Fitness app (worth £79.99 per year)

Bag 30% off a Standard Priority Pass membership in the Black Friday sale

Prices correct at the time of publication.

DON’T overpay to escape the cold with the kids this winter – we’ve listed all the cheap and free family days out you’ll need.

Keeping the kids entertained in winter can get expensive. But before you drop £30 each on tickets to indoor attractions, you’ll want to read this list as our ultimate family days out guide for winter is packed with cheap days out.

Our helpful list includes everything to keep the kids entertained, from inflatable obstacle courses, ice skating and trampolining.

There’s also half-price bowling, indoor tropical gardens and more.

Whether your budget is £15 or zero pounds, here are the best cheap and free family days out to book for winter.

Which means you’re saving some much-needed extra cash for Christmas presents…

Under £15pp

Clip ‘n Climb Toddler Sessions – multiple locations

If you’ve got kids aged 2-4, you can take them on a 60 minute mini climbing session at Clip ‘n’ Climbs across the UK from £13.50 per child.

You can also book in for a Mini Mountaineers session for ages 2-4 at certain locations, which includes a free snack pot, for £10.50 per child. The deal also includes free soft play use. Click here to see locations.

Legoland Discovery Centre – Manchester/Birmingham

The Legoland Discovery centres include indoor rides, massive Lego build zones, a 4D cinema, and a dedicated Duplo farm for the little ones.

During term-time weekdays, an adult and a toddler (under five) can get combined entry for £10.50, which is a massive saving on standard ticket prices (£19pp when booked online).

Bovington Tank Museum – Dorset

Explore massive indoor hangars packed with over 300 military vehicles at the brilliant Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset. There’s also a soft play area, a dress up zone and interactive activities, like building your own tank.

While individual tickets can be pricey, if you go for a family ticket for four it works out to a bargain £11.99pp. Plus under-fours go completely free.

Paradise Island Crazy Golf – multiple locations

Shelter from the rain and take on an indoor tropical crazy golf course. You can find these massive indoor courses in locations including Manchester, Sheffield, Cheshire Oaks, Glasgow, and Livingston.

Tickets cost £11.50 per adult, £9.25 per child aged five to 16 and £6 per child under five. Click here for all locations.

Zip World – multiple locations

While Zip World is known for its thrilling zipwires, climbing and cavern experiences, little ones can get in on the fun, too – all for under £15.

Mini thrill seekers can take on the Tiny Trek treetop adventure £12) and the Treetot Nets (£5), while the grown-ups with them can take on the Treetop Drop £15) – a terrifying freefall experience through the trees.

Indoor trampolining at Air Unlimited – multiple locations

This two-hour jump session is the perfect chance for kids to burn off that pent-up energy, with wall-to-wall trampolines, tumble tracks, giant slides plus a jump tower with a giant airbag to land on.

You can book via Groupon for a 32 per cent discount, taking the price down to £14.95pp.

Under £10pp

Ninja Warrior UK – multiple locations

Take on the TV-famous Ninja Warrior obstacle course from £9.95 for ages five plus, or take on the mini ‘Ninja Toddlers’ for £2.

You can visit in the following locations: Bristol, Chatham, Chelmsford, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Teesside, Walsall and Watford.

Skating at Planet Ice

A family trip to the ice rink is perfect in the winter – and Planet Ice sessions start from £8 per adult or child, £3.20 per child under 4.

You can also book in for seasonal events like the Sub Zero Disco, Penguin Club skating classes for under fives and Stick and Puck ice hockey skill sessions. Click here to find your nearest rink.

Tenpin Half-Price Tuesdays

When the weather plays up this winter, head to Tenpin for a few rounds of bowling. The Tenpin Tuesdays offer gives you 50 per cent off bowling and selected drinks (from £4.98 per adult & £4.25 per child).

There’s also a family deal, where you can bag a game for a family of four from £8.75 – plus you can add on a burger meal for £3.80pp.

High Ropes Adventure – Birmingham

Another great indoor option for burning off some energy indoors is the Gravity High Ropes experience in Birmingham.

Tackle rope bridges, climb platforms and weave through webs high up in the air from only £8.76pp with this Groupon deal.

Under £5pp

Soft play at Everyone Active – multiple locations

Ditch the £15pp private indoor play centres and check out your local, council-run leisure centre.

Places like Everyone Active run dedicated toddler soft play sessions starting from just £2. Click here to find a location near you.

Cinema – multiple locations

Cinema trips are still a fantastic option for killing a couple hours indoors, where the kids are kept warm and entertained for only a few pounds.

Upcoming family-friendly movies include a new, animated The Cat in the Hat as well as The Angry Birds Movie. In fact, Sun Club members can even bag free Cineworld tickets on select dates this November. Click here to redeem yours.

Big Pit National Coal Museum – Blaenavon, Wales

Pop on your head torch and visit a real coal mine with its own museum for an adventurous family day out, with galleries where you can get up close to machinery and watch underground movies on mining history.

While the museum is free to visit, you can book an underground tour for only £5pp. The tour takes you 300 feet underground with a real miner, through tunnels stepped through for hundreds of years.

Swim for all – multiple locations

Ditch overpriced waterparks and simply visit your local leisure centre to enjoy a heated pool, inflatables for hire and more for a fraction of the cost.

Swim for All sessions cost around £5 per adult and £2.85 per child. Click here to find a pool near you.

Free

Tropical Winter Gardens

Warm up inside a giant, tropical indoor jungle in Sheffield or Sunderland. Stay sheltered with warm temperatures inside a giant glass dome, with plenty of lovely plants to look at.

Sheffield’s also has its own cafe and gift shop, while the Sunderland site hosts free weekly activities such as a forest school for kids.

Forestry England Character Trails

If your kids are fans of Room on the Broom, Stick Man or The Gruffalo, your next winter walk is about to get a lot more interesting.

Forestry England have themed trails across the UK, stretching from Northumberland to Cornwall. Click here to find a themed trail near you

Go Geocaching

Turn a boring winter walk into an exciting treasure hunt for free just by downloading the Geocaching app to your smartphone.

Work together as a family to track down the secret ‘caches’ hidden in local parks and woodlands. Just wrap up warm, pack a pen to sign the logbook, and let the GPS guide you.

Winter wildlife spotting

Wrap up warm and take the kids outdoors to get to know local wildlife this winter. Download Merlin Bird ID to track bird by their calls, or print out a free activity sheet from Wildlife Watch UK.

To spot adorable seal pups on the beach, head to Donna Nook in Lincolnshire or Blakeney in Norfolk. Watch wild deer roam in spots like Richmond, Holkham and Cheshire, or watch the incredible winter swan feeds at the WWT Wetland Centres across the UK.

National Railway Museum, York

You don’t have to pay a penny to walk into the biggest train museum on the planet.

Get up close to legendary locomotives like the Mallard and Flying Scotsman, before taking ta ride on the miniature railway and checking out the massive model train setups.

Discovery Museum, Newcastle

Dedicated to Tyneside’s maritime and industrial history, this free attraction is complete with a massive 34-metre ship (called The Turbina) right at the entrance.

Inside there’s a brilliant hands-on ‘Science Maze’ play area, with interactive screens, experiments and more.

Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

This free-entry museum is stocked with unique armour including that of Henry VIII, samurai swords and even the world’s only remaining suit of elephant armour from India.

There are even historical live demonstrations, including knights duelling in medieval long sword fighting, as well as time for the kids to handle special objects and dress up.

BUSINESS class is a rare luxury – a chance for those with deep pockets to sip champagne, lie flat and catch the latest movies at 35,000 feet.

But what if the option to recline was taken away…

As well as the large TV screen… Would you even be left with a business class seat? One airline thinks so.

Trinity Airways’ new business class seat features a sofa-like chair and a wraparound privacy screen… And that is it.

There is no recline option nor a TV screen.

The plane does have WiFi onboard so you can watch films on your own laptop or tablet though.

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This ‘no frills’ seat is the new option on the South Korean budget carrier’s rebranded cabins on its new Airbus A330-900neo jets.

The seat is called SoFab and is despite being around since 2023, Trinity recently adopted the seat and is currently the only airline to have it onboard its planes.

Unlike most business class seats that recline, have a large – and usually – LED screen and a cosy lie-flat bed, SoFab instead takes it back to basics.

When you do want to sleep, you will have to pull a tab and a cushioned ottoman will slide out, filling the gap between the seat and the footwell to create the long bed.

This means you can sit upright with your legs stretched out or slouch down into the chair, lying across it and the ottoman.

Reports claim that SoFab’s bed is around 25 per cent larger than other business class seats.

In total it stretches, 198cm long (roomy enough for someone who is 6’5 to lie flat) and 102cm wide.

Across the cabin, these seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout so that each passenger can directly access the aisle.

Instead of each seat featuring a door, a curved shell wraps around the passenger acting as a privacy screen,

And for the two passengers in the middle of the plane, there is also a privacy divider between them.

Of course, like most seats, there is air conditioning as well as a USB socket.

As for when it comes to meal time, the tray table can also be a side table – which means passengers don’t have to fully collapse the table just to get up and pop to the loo.

And because the seats down have a screen, the plane is cheaper to fly, which also means cheaper tickets.

While Trinity Airways doesn’t fly direct from the UK, a one-way trip from Rome to Seoul for example, costs around £1,296.21 for a business class seat in December.

In comparison, a one-way trip from Rome to Seoul with Korean Air in business class costs around £1,816.96.

NOTHING screams Christmas like the smell of roasted chestnuts, sizzling sausages, and hot mulled wine floating through the air.

Europe’s legendary Christmas markets are preparing for the festive season – and now is the best time to lock in a cheap getaway.

Whether you want to eat gooey Raclette cheese under the Eiffel Tower, gorge on cheap chimney cakes in Prague, or visit a quiet, snowy Venice, we’ve found the very best package deals to get you there for less.

Here is our ultimate guide to Europe’s best festive city breaks, with flights and hotels from just £84pp.

Paris – from £124

Paris is magical enough in winter, with the Eiffel Tower twinkling, cosy bakeries with warm bread and pastries, and plenty of chic cafes for a tasty hot chocolate.

But if you visit from November 12, you can go rooftop skating at Galeries Lafayette, or browse the near-350 Swiss-style chalet stalls at La Defense Christmas Market.

This is the largest Christmas market in the region, offering massive food tents packed with oozing Raclette cheese, mulled wine and chocolatey crepes, plus plenty of handmade souvenirs and even regular DJ sets.

This £124pp Wowcher offer puts you up in a stylish Parisian hotel for two nights, just a 15-minute walk from La Defense, and bundles in return flights from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester or Edinburgh.

Budapest – from £84

If you want a fairytale festive break, book in a trip to Budapest from mid-November onwards.

The Hungarian capital doesn’t just do one Christmas market – it practically turns the entire downtown area into a glowing winter wonderland.

The two heavy hitters you have to visit are Vorosmarty Square market, packed with around 100 stalls selling handmade Hungarian gifts, and the Advent Bazilika market, with a skating rink, 3D lights show and more right beneath the basilica.

This £84 Wowcher deal includes a stay at your pick of two four-star hotels (the Carlton Hotel Buda Castle or Gold Hotel Budapest) plus return flights from London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester or Edinburgh.

Brussels – from £140

On the Beach doesn’t only offer fly and flop hols – you can actually get cheap Christmas Market deals on there too, like this Brussels break.

The popular Winter Wonders event takes place in the city centre, with over 200 glowing wooden chalets serving melted chocolate and mulled wine, plus a massive Ferris wheel and ice rink.

Wrap up the chilly nights by thawing out in a cosy local tavern with a Trappist beer, local beers brewed under the supervision of monks.

On the Beach offer a two-night break at the Jam Hotel, a swanky spot that blends industrial decor with warm rugs and cosy fires, from £140pp with return flights.

Riga – from £129

Underrated Riga in Latvia sees a maze of cobbled Old Town streets light up at Christmas, overlooked by towering Gothic churches and pastel-coloured buildings that look magical under a thick blanket of snow.

The main event, Riga Christmas Market, takes place in the Dome Square under Riga Cathedral. To warm up, chow down on hot smoked sausages or sip on a steaming cup of hot cranberry juice.

Unlike the mass-produced, samey bits you find at some popular markets, the stalls here are packed with genuine Latvian crafts, like thick woollen mittens, carved wooden sculptures and beeswax candles.

This £129pp Loveholidays offer includes your return flights plus a two-night stay at the gorgeous Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel, a homely spot with cosy sloping ceilings, exposed brick and wooden beams.

Prague – from £114

With its towering, needle-like spires and busy market squares, the Czech capital is breathtaking in the winter.

Under the Prague Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, you’ll find wooden huts selling pretty glass ornaments, handmade wooden toys and more, all surrounding a gigantic Christmas tree.

With food famously cheaper than spots in Western Europe, you can fill up on spit-roasted meats, sugary chimney cakes and dirt-cheap mugs of hot honey wine.

This £114pp Wowcher offer includes a two-night stay at the four-star Deminka Palace, plus return flights from London, Bristol, Manchester or Edinburgh.

Krakow – from £110

Krakow is a popular winter city break for good reason, with magical horse-drawn carriages, medieval architecture and an epic Christmas market.

Browse stalls with amber jewellery and hand-painted ornaments, and enjoy mulled wine poured straight from giant wooden barrels.

As for food, go for some sizzling-hot dumplings and some crispy oscypek, which is smoked cheese with cranberry formed into a diamond that looks more like a pretty bauble than something you can eat.

This £110 On the Beach deal includes your flights plus a two-night stay at modern hotel and bar Metropolo By Golden Tulip.

Venice – from £84

Christmas may just be one of the best times to visit Venice, with peaceful gondola rides and smaller Christmas markets where you won’t get caught up in crowds.

St Mark’s Square glows with twinkling lights, while the main Christmas market in Campo Santo Stefano sells unique Carnival masks, jewellery, ceramics and more.

Of course, you cant’ leave without gorging on a tall slice of fluffy Panettone – make sure to wash it down with a rich Italian hot chocolate.

This £84pp Wowcher deal includes a two-night stay at Hotel Al Vivit, plus return flights from London, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.

Christmas Market Mystery Holiday – from £94

If you just can’t pick where to go, try a Christmas Market Mystery Holiday. For £94, you could land anywhere from Vienna all the way to New York.

Some stays even come with special experiences, like Santa Village visits in Lapland, glass igloo stays in Finland and a Northern Lights-themed stay in Iceland.

Other destinations you could land include Helsinki, Toronto, Nice, Amsterdam and Chicago.

The Christmas Market Mystery Holiday ticket currently costs £94, saving £5 on full price.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

IMAGINE kicking off your holiday with unlimited Prosecco, a buffet meal, and a pre-flight massage.

And you can have it all without forking out thousands on a First Class flight.

Save 20% on Priority Pass across 1,900+ airport lounges

The secret to bypassing the chaotic departure boards and securing this VIP treatment is being a Priority Pass membership.

And right now, savvy Sun readers can slash 20 per cent off their first year by clicking here.

While the rest of the terminal fights over a single plug socket and pays premium prices for a meal deal, you could be enjoying some bottomless bubbles, or catching up on sleep in a private nap pod.

Priority Pass covers more than 1,900 airport lounges worldwide, including Escape, Aspire and No.1 Skylife lounges.

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Whether you’re flying out of London, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands or another UK airport, you’re more than likely covered, as the membership covers 85 per cent of the world’s top 100 airports.

Inside these stylish lounges, you’ll be able to rest on much comfier seating, and enjoy free food and drinks, including free alcoholic drinks.

The VIP treatment extends beyond the lounge buffet – you can even bag a free spa treatment.

At airports with Be Relax spas, you can grab a free fresh manicure or relaxing massage before boarding if you’re a Standard Plus member or above.

Plus at some airports you can even catch up on rest inside a nap pod, or take a shower to freshen up before your flight.

A year’s Standard membership normally costs £69 a year, but our 20 per cent discount brings that down to £55.

Save 20% on Priority Pass across 1,900+ airport lounges

With a Standard pass, you simply pay a flat £24 fee each time you choose to use a lounge.

When you factor in the meals, Wi-Fi and free-flowing alcoholic drinks, that entry fee easily pays for itself when compared to an expensive airport restaurant.

On top of all that, Priority Pass members even get their workouts sorted for them with a free fitness app.

Members get completely free access to the WithU Fitness app, which normally costs £79.99 a year.

It gives you personalised audio coaching and workout programmes that you can use at the hotel gym, by the pool and when you get home.

Save 20% on Priority Pass across 1,900+ airport lounges

Prices correct at the time of publication.

I STOOD on a dark street as hundreds of ghostly figures dressed all in white walked quietly past me, each with a single flame illuminating their skull-painted face.

For a moment things felt spooky, even sombre — but then came the crackle of a sound system, the pop of a tequila bottle and deafening laughter.

You may be familiar with the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead from that opening James Bond scene in Spectre, from the kid’s film Coco or from the ‘sugar skull’ makeup craze that became a Halloween trend.

Mexico City draws thousands of tourists annually with its impressive skeleton-themed parades around November 2, but the underrated city of Mérida also comes alive for the celebrations as well.

Set in the Yucatán peninsula — a patch of land more known for hotspots like Cancún and Tulum — Maya heritage is strong in Mérida, and it shows.

Day of the Dead is known here as Hanal Pixan (pronounced han-al pish-an), meaning ‘food for the souls’ in Mayan, and sees families and friends gather to celebrate departed loved ones, honouring them with a home-made altar often covered in pictures and their favourite foods.

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I visited Mérida as its days-long fiesta kicked off with the ‘parade of the souls’.

The candlelit procession from the cemetery into town made for an eerie sight, but this soon changed when they scattered and cleared the way for a huge street party along Calle 64.

This long avenue was decorated with giant skeleton structures and millions of orange marigold flowers while the pavements were lined with shrines set up by different families, each blasting reggaeton or ranchera music from speakers.

It’s a great place to tuck into some authentic Mexican street food, because as well as leaving the deceased’s favourite meal as an offering, the families make it in bulk to sell to passersby.

Try Yucatán’s specialty, cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), some pan de muerto (a sweet bread made for the event) or a marquesita (if you’ve ever wondered whether Nutella and cheese taste good together).

Even beyond the festivities this city is a foodie’s dream.

You can keep things cheap by eating tacos al pastor on virtually every street corner for as little as MX$10 (40p) each, or lunching at the sensational Taquería De La Unión.

The Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy offers a fancier atmosphere, serving up traditional dishes in a gorgeous courtyard with a jungle-like tree canopy.

And no trip to Mexico is complete without a plate of chilaquiles for breakfast or brunch; Mérida’s best can be found at Marmalade 47.

It’s worth having pesos to hand everywhere in Mérida. Most bars and restaurants will take card, but you’ll need cash for food stands.

On the day of the main parade, people line the streets early to get a good spot.

I was glad we did the same, or we would have only caught sight of the skeleton stilt walkers and missed the ever-changing flow of mariachi bands, traditional dancers and even pets in costume.

The Catrinas — people dressed as elegant, sombrero-wearing skeletal women — were the most stunning aspect of the evening, each donning their own unique outfits and elaborate face paint.

Unlike so many Halloween extravaganzas happening elsewhere in the world, this display was free of gore and jump-scares, making it extremely kid-friendly.

It wasn’t all about the parades, though.

Smaller-scale events were scattered across the city for almost a week surrounding Day of the Dead, from concerts in squares to shamans performing ancient Maya rituals on street corners.

Plus, the end of the fiesta didn’t mean the end of the fun; we tracked down a speakeasy called Malahat tucked away behind one of the plazas, where what looked like a fridge door led to a haven of mezcal-based cocktails. 

Mérida is a picturesque and walkable city that’s easy to explore.

Its grand colonial architecture is splashed with colour as crumbling palatial buildings at every turn are painted pink, yellow or blue, and if you get tired of walking, you have the option of winding through its kaleidoscopic streets in a horse and carriage.

It’s a great base from which to explore the marvels of the Yucatán peninsula, too. 

The region is covered in hundreds of cenotes (natural sinkholes) that make for magical swimming spots, and if you still need your beach fix, the white sands of Puerto Progreso are just 40 minutes away.

Also close by is Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the site of some of the planet’s most breathtaking Maya ruins.

Its fame too often eclipses Mérida in this part of the world, and the busloads of tourists you’ll meet there are usually heading back to the bustle and beach clubs of Cancún.

But if you linger in Mérida, you’ll find a city with its own pulse — and it beats strongest around during this famous, beautiful event.

EVERY traveller knows the main airport terminal is essentially a giant, chaotic waiting room where a sad sandwich and a pre-flight pint can set you back a small fortune.

But tucked away from the crowds is a world of plush sofas, Prosecco refills, buffet spreads and hot showers – and getting past the velvet rope is cheaper than you might think.

Claim 20% off Priority Pass membership

The trick to bypassing the terminal madness is a Priority Pass membership.

Once you’re signed up, you’ll get access to more than 1,900 premium airport lounges across the globe.

And right now, savvy Sun readers can bag 20 per cent off their first year by clicking here.

This includes major UK airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, East Midlands, Manchester, and Birmingham. In fact, Priority Pass covers 85 per cent of the world’s top 100 airports.

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Instead of battling for a plug socket in a busy terminal, the smart holidaymakers are hiding out in spaces like the Aspire, No. 1, Skylife, and Escape lounges.

Inside these lounges you get access to food as well as alcoholic drinks, comfy seating, fast Wi-Fi and plenty of places to charge your devices.

But it’s far more than just filling your boots at the buffet. Depending on where you’re flying from, these spaces are kitted out with hot showers, exercise zones even nap pods to counter that gruelling early morning start.

And for even more pampering, at airports with Be Relax spas you can squeeze in a pre-flight massage or a fresh manicure, ready to show off on holiday.

And if that’s not enough, Priority Pass members also get free access to the WithU Fitness app.

The app normally costs £79.99 a year, and includes personalised audio coaching and workout programmes that you can take home with you.

Claim 20% off Priority Pass membership

A standard plan usually costs £69 a year, but drops to just £55 with our 20 per cent discount.

That works out to less than a fiver a month, coming in a £4.60.

After that, with a standard pass you pay a flat £24 entry fee each time you visit a lounge – giving you access to those all-you-can-eat buffets and free-flowing drinks.

Priority Pass members get access to:

• Complimentary food and drinks (including alcohol)
• Sleep pods to catch up on rest at selected locations
• Be Relax spa treatments (at participating airports)
• Bring along a guest (£24 Guest visit fee)
• Discounts on further airport dining and spa treatments
• The option to re-book selected lounges for a supplementary fee
• Free membership to the WithU Fitness app (worth £79.99 per year)

Claim 20% off Priority Pass membership

Prices correct at the time of publication.

PROTESTS have spread across Europe with cities like Milan and Rome affected – and with more strikes on the horizon, is it still safe to travel to?

Here’s everything you need to know right now about travelling to Italy right now.

Where are the demonstrations and strikes in Italy?

Following the unrest in France, around 100,000 people in more than 40 cities across Italy took part in a demonstration called “No Meloni Day” last Friday.

Some of the destinations most affected include Rome, Bologna, Milan and Turin.

The strikes have been around the rising costs of living, a new government budget plan and students are protesting over school conditions.

Over the weekend, protests in Milan descended into violence with clashes with police, vandalism and looting.

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Italy has said as a result, it will introduce stricter anti-riot laws. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “Demonstrating is a right, but destroying our cities is not.”

The new law will impact anyone joining a group of at least five people and will endanger public safety during protests with penalties up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of €20,000 (£16,759).

It’s not just demonstrations – there are strikes across the country for the next few months affecting public transport and air travel.

Ground handling staff at Bologna Airport have confirmed a four-hour walkout listed for October 29 between 12pm to 16pm, according to Italy’s transport ministry strike register.

The largest strike however is scheduled for October 30 which is a 24-hour walkout by workers in many public sectors across the country.

This includes ENIT/ENAV air traffic control and local aviation services at airports such as in Tuscany, Pisa and Florence.

Rail staff will also walkout affecting services on the Metro, on the motorways, staff and toll services are set to strike too.

Dockworkers and port staff are also set to strike and on the day there could be closures at attractions like museums.

Is it safe to travel to Italy right now?

The FCDO recently updated its advice: “Recent demonstrations across northern Italian cities have led to violent riots and looting.

“There is an increased presence of police and military personnel in Milan. Further demonstrations may take place in major cities. See Political demonstrations.

“A national strike is planned for 30 October and is expected to affect transport systems. Check with your travel provider for the latest information.”

However, Italy still remains a safe place to travel.

Are flights still going to Italy?

Currently flights are still going to and from Italy. But there could be problems in the coming days.

Wizz Air has warned its customers that flights to or from Italian airports could face delays because protests and road blockades are disrupting fuel supplies for several airports.

The airline added: “Our operational teams are closely coordinating with airports and fuel suppliers and reviewing alternative arrangements to minimize the impact on our customers, while maintaining safety as our highest priority.”

It’s advising customers to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.

On October 30, the planned strikes are scheduled to start at 12am until 11.59pm.

Passengers flying to or from Italy should check their airline’s flight status and monitor updates before travelling.

What if I have a holiday to Italy booked?

The FCDO has advised caution for anyone travelling to Italy, but a ‘do not travel’ warning has not been issued.

Holidaymakers can still visit Italy, and travel insurance should remain valid, but check your policy details.

If you decide not to go on a booked holiday, operators won’t have to give a refund because travel advice says it is still safe for travel.

Flight compensation rules

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.

NOTHING says Christmas quite like streets filled with twinkling lights – especially the spectacular displays put up in London.

This year you can score 20% off the magical Christmas Lights London Bus tour AND even get a free Thames cruise.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

The tour usually costs £36 for adults and £22 for kids, but you’ll get tickets for £28.80 and £17.60, respectively, using our discount code.

The tour starts on Coventry Street, where you’ll climb aboard one of London’s famous double-decker buses and get cosy on your guaranteed upper deck seat.

The Christmas-themed bus will then take you through London‘s best-decorated spots, alongside festive facts and jokes from a live tour guide.

Along the route you’ll tick off famous spots such as Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and more.

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Make sure to snap some pictures of the world-famous, glittering Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, gifted to the UK all the way from Norway.

And in a brand new route for 2026, you’ll now also cruise down Regent Street, known for its giant glimmering angels with golden wings spread high overhead.

Oxford Street sees a canopy of sparkling hanging stars, while posh Bond Street goes all out with fancy displays illuminating the high-end shops and hotels.

Picadilly Circus acts like the grand junction of all these fantastic displays, with its giant screens running festive takeovers and the glowing spillover of surrounding streets in the distance.

Whether you’re visiting London with the kids, ticking off the sights with friends or wanting a romantic date beneath the stars, the tour is suitable for all ages and occasions.

The best way to make the most of the tour? Grab a hot chocolate before boarding, wrap up in your cosiest hat and scarf, and make sure to pose for pictures as you cruise right under the impressive displays.

The tour lasts up to 90 minutes, running from November 14 and January 3,.

You have lots of options too with the first bus departing at 4:30pm and the last at 9pm.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Tots under two travel free, and there’s space on every bus to pop your pram and buggy.

That’s not all, however. If you purchase the Christmas Lights London Bus Tour, you also get a daytime Thames River cruise thrown in completely for free.

That means you can experience a full-on sightseeing day in London, taking in the sights from the water in the daylight on the river cruise, before taking in the city by night on your bus tour.

On the Thames River cruise you’ll tick off top landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and more, so by the end of your big day in London you’ll have taken in the very best the city has to offer.

Cruises start from Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier, or the London Eye Pier, giving you flexibility in how you plan your day.

As well as a free river cruise, you’ll also get SIX free self-guided walking tours thrown in.

So when you’re not aboard the boat or open-top bus, you’ll have plenty of guidance on which sights are best to see by foot.

The audio tours include the Wizard’s Walk (a Harry Potter-themed tour) as well as a spooky Jack the Ripper tour, and you can listen to them on The Original Tour’s partner app.

With three ways to explore the city bundled into one, it’s hard to find a better value way to experience London at Christmas.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Terms and Conditions:
Code FESTIVELONDON expires on January 3, 2027 at 11:59pm BST. The offer is available from 12 October 2026 until 3 January 2027, with tours running daily from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The discount applies to adult and child tickets only, excludes family tickets and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply and are from 21 December 2026 to 30 December 2026. Blackout dates are dates in which promotional offers cannot be used. Full T&Cs can be found on The Original Tour’s website at  theoriginaltour.com

Prices correct at the time of publication.

HAVE you been dreaming of that bucket-list Orlando holiday? Well, it’s about to get a whole lot cheaper.

AttractionTickets.com are launching a massive Black Friday sale, where you can save up to hundreds of pounds on visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and more.

Sign up to the AttractionTickets.com Black Friday sale and receive an EXTRA discount

The sale will include theme park and attraction tickets, as well as combo tickets and holiday packages with hotel or villa stays.

And you’ll want in on these Black Friday deals, as this is the website’s biggest sale of the year.

If you pre-register for the sale ahead of time, you’ll score yourself an EXTRA discount, which will land in your inbox on November 5.

This means that those pre-registered for Black Friday will have access to the absolute cheapest holidays and attraction tickets available on the website all year long.

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Click here to sign up to the Black Friday sale so you’ll be among the first to know as soon as these deals drop.

Last year’s mega Black Friday sale saw 20% off all Orlando tickets, so theme park fans are already expecting big discounts again this year.

The deals will be for 2027 holidays, with major savings to be had during the school summer holidays.

While the exact offers are tightly under wraps until the big day, Attraction Tickets have revealed that the average customer will save hundreds of pounds on their holiday, based on the website’s typical orders.

So where could you go and what could you do with a holiday booked through AttractionTickets.com?

If you’re looking for a Florida holiday, you will be able to bag discounts on Disney, Universal, the Kennedy Space Centre and more, plus hotels and villas if you want to extend the magic by staying on-site.

Sign up to the AttractionTickets.com Black Friday sale and receive an EXTRA discount

The site also offers handy combo ticket deals – which are great if you want to tick off Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in one trip, for example.

2027 is the ideal time to visit Disney World, with new upgrades including a Muppet takeover of the former Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as well as the brand new Magic of Disney Animation zone in the Hollywood Studios park.

At Universal Orlando Resort, new coaster Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is set to launch in 2027, and the previews of this coaster have excited theme park fanatics around the world.

And if you’re wanting to visit California, now’s the time to get planning. You’ll also be able to save on tickets for Disneyland Resort California and Universal Studios Hollywood in this sale.

Disneyland Resort California is home to Cars Land, which you won’t find in Orlando, plus you can tick off the world-famous studio tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.

If you prefer a Spain or Tenerife holiday, you’ll be able to bag discounts at PortAventura World, Siam Park and Loro Parque.

Just make sure to pre-register ahead of the Black Friday deal to bag an extra discount to make your trip even cheaper.

Sign up to the AttractionTickets.com Black Friday sale and receive an EXTRA discount

DEMONSTRATONS across France turned violent over the weekend with shops being looted and cars being set on fire – so is it still safe to travel to?

Here’s everything you need to know right now about travelling to Paris.

Where are the riots?

The riots in France began on Saturday with demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services being held across the last two days.

Some spiralled out of control resulting in fires and looting – it’s been called ‘some of the worst violence the country has ​witnessed for decades’.

Local authorities said that around 550,000 people took part in protests across France on Saturday, however it’s predicted there were as many as 800,000.

Over the weekend, 2,400 people were arrested for violence and looting.

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In Paris, there was widespread damage to shops and businesses – protesters clashed with riot police, who turned tear gas and water cannon on the crowds.

Some groups lit fires in the street and torched vehicles.

On Sunday morning in Paris, the aftermath included smashed glass fronts of designer shops and clearing up rubbish and glass in the streets.

Other cities faced violence too like Marseille, Lille and Lyon, as well as Limoges where a 19th century town hall that survived the two World Wars was set alight and collapsed.

The French Prime Minister, Emmanuel Macron, is holding a crisis meeting today.

He said: “Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable.”

Is it safe to travel to Paris right now?

The travel advice for France remains unchanged.

The FCDO does warn however that “demonstrations, political gatherings, or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. 

“Whilst most demonstrations are peaceful, if you’re near areas where they are taking place, you should remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.”

Brits can continue to travel to and from Paris, but visitors should keep an eye on updates about the demonstrations and avoid large crowds.

Also allow extra time for possible road closures within the city.

Over the weekend, attractions like museums, and the Metro were limited, so check everything is open before planning visits.

Are flights and trains still going to Paris?

Yes, flights and train travel including the Eurostar remain scheduled as usual.

If you are due to travel and have concerns, it may be worth contacting the operator to check if services are running normally.

What if I have a holiday to Paris booked?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to France, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.

Can I cancel my trip?

If you do choose to cancel your trip, it is best to contact your airline, train operator or holiday provider.

There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings unless government advice changes.

FORGET Santa in Lapland or skiing in France – when winter rolls around you’ll find me sunning myself abroad, trying to find some last-minute warmth to break up the UK’s long, grey months.

Having visited 58 countries as the Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve found some fantastic places that tick all the boxes of a winter sun break, without costing a fortune.

By that, I mean warm weather, direct flights (keeping them under seven hours, for any long-haul flight haters) and some very big bargains when it comes to hotels and beers.

So here are my favourite winter sun spots, some of which aren’t that far – and with hotels from £35 a night.

Marrakech

One of my favourite spots for winter sun that doesn’t break the bank is Morocco.

I’ve explored the Hassan II Mosque of Casablanca, and visited the beaches of Agadir.

But I think the best bargain is found in Marrakech.

Not only is it perfect for some pre-Christmas shopping – I found fantastic dupes of expensive branded candles and curtains in the souks – but you can still get temperatures just above 20C in winter.

Food is cheap too, as you’ll pay just a few pounds for a freshly-made tagine meal.

For an affordable hotel stay, skip the big name chains and go for a local riad – small traditional Moroccan hotels – which you can find for as little as £35 on websites such as Booking.com and Airbnb.

These are usually fantastic locations, and usually with some free mint tea or breakfast thrown in.

Flights are cheap too – Ryanair fly there from £14.99.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Aqua Mirage Club from November 26, with return flights from Manchester, for £379pp on Loveholidays.com.

Cape Verde

African island, no jet lag and flights under seven hours – enter Cape Verde.

Where else can you get all-inclusive holidays from £586pp, where you’ll be basking in 27C heat?

While lots of people head to the island of Sal, I much prefer Boa Vista.

Most of the TUI hotels are right on the beach, with swim-up bars and waterparks.

But leaving the resort is worth it too.

I found white sand beaches like Santa Monica with barely anyone on them, making me feel like I was on a Maldives private island instead.

My favourite was Praia Carlota, where you can lose the days in the hippy Morabeza beach hut with fried fish and local Strela beer.

Sand-boarding, kite-surfing, boat trips; visit in February and you can go whale-watching during humpback mating season too.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Hotel Pontao from November 30, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £430pp at On The Beach.

El Gouna

When it comes to Egypt, one of my favourite destinations for winter sun is El Gouna.

Flights there are around 5hr30 which go to Hurghada, with a short transfer.

The gated community means it is extremely safe as only people staying at the hotels can enter, and its still around 25C in December.

Hop on a boat to explore the man-made lagoons, or go on Sunset Desert Safaris, with hiking and stargazing with El Gouna Mountain Goats.

If you don’t mind going further afield, you can even book day trips to Luxor (just expect a very early start).

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, I highly recommend Cook’s Club.

The four-star resort has it all – fantastic restaurant, lagoon-front pool, live DJs, and rooms are super chic.

And seven night stays are as little as £509 each with your flights and breakfast with loveholidays.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Doubletree By Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna Resort from December 9, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £379pp at Loveholidays.

Tenerife

If you’re keen not to go much further than Spain for your winter holiday, your best bet is to head to Tenerife which is often considered the warmest of the island (due to its location off the African coastline).

Temperatures are around 22C – not hot but warmer than the UK highs of 9C.

Holidays are a bargain – loveholidays has December seven-night stays for under £200 – but I highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife.

The dusty pink building looks like something from a fairytale, complete with beautiful suites and a hidden beach you can get to by funicular.

Seven night holidays here can be found for £797pp with flights and breakfast thrown in.

If you can drag yourself away from the hotel, there are some fantastic outdoor adventures on the island such as whale watching and hiking.

Otherwise get ready for a night out on the town of Playa de las Américas, where you will find the best bars and restaurants.

Try Spain’s cheap chain 100 Montaditos, called the Wetherspoons of Spain where sandwiches are €1 (80p) and beers are €1.50 (£1.29).

We found a deal for a six-night stay at BLUESEA Interpalace from November 15, with return flights from London Stansted, from £349pp at Lastminute.com.

Dubai

Forget the idea Dubai has to be expensive – I have the best tips on how to do it affordably (while still having fun and soaking up sun).

The United Arab Emirates is currently on the safe to travel list, with Emirates still offering daily flights from the UK.

First, the hotels – I was blown away by the Premier Inns here, which are just as cheap as the UK at around £30, but some come with rooftop swimming pools. Yes, really.

Beach clubs can also be done on a budget.

Some, like DRIFT, can cost a little as £30 midweek, which can be used against your food and drink (with Ladies Days costing just £20 instead) while others like Lucky Fish are currently free to visit Monday to Thursday.

And lunch deals let you visit some of the famous restaurants without the price, like Ce La Vie offering a three-course meal for £28 rather than their dinner menu which has £30 dishes alone.

But my favourite place to go was the Grand Souk, where you’ll find breads stuffed with cheese or Nutella for £1.22, or Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup — for £1.

Return flights from the UK can currently be found for around £500.

We found a deal for a six-night stay at Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira from November 11, with return flights from London Gatwick, from £867pp with TUI.

Doha

Similar to Dubai yet often overlooked, Doha makes for a great winter sun destination without too long of a flight.

Flights from the UK are with Qatar Airways – often being named one of the world’s best airlines – and take around 6hr40 (and around £530 return).

It is a great ‘luxury on a budget’ for some royalty without the riyal.

My favourite hotel to go for is The Ned; while not ‘cheap’ it is much cheaper than the one in the UK and feels much fancier than it costs.

As little as £102 a night (compared to London’s £330), it’s retro glamour with gorgeous interiors and an outdoor swimming pool.

If you just want a base, there are also Premier Inn hotels for around £28 a night.

Taxies are cheap, it feels very safe as a woman travelling around and one of the best attractions is affordable – go to the National Museum of Qatar (currently around £5 entry).

Otherwise head straight to the beach clubs – for example, Doha Beach Club is around £12 each (or ladies visit on Tuesday for free). What more could you want?

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Steigenberger Hotel Doha from January 17, with return flights from London Stansted, from £705pp with On The Beach.

AS the plane circled in to land in the city of Murcia in south-eastern Spain, we caught our first glimpse of La Manga.

The 13-mile-long strip separates Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, Mar Menor, and the Mediterranean Sea.

It was as impressive to see from the air as it was to explore on foot, but it was what lay beneath the warm waters on either side of the sandbank that really made our trip.

The beach of Cabo de Palos on the southern cape of La Manga is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best snorkelling hotspots, with protected marine beds and crystal-clear visibility in the shallow bays.

With nothing but an old pair of goggles, my partner Owain and I saw starfish, octopus and an array of colourful reef fish in a small cove under the lighthouse.

The seagrass beds are renowned as one of the biggest breeding grounds for seahorses, and with dive shops and excursions taking off every hour from the harbour, snorkel enthusiasts will be in their element.

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The beach was a ten-minute drive from our hotel, the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa. And while we could have easily spent every day snorkelling around the reef beds, there was too much else to explore at the 5H resort.

With 11 restaurants on site, we struggled to decide which we enjoyed more out of the red Thai prawn curry and hand-made gyoza dumplings at Asia Restaurant or the Aberdeen Angus steak with truffle mash on The Terrace Grill Steak House.

The latter did come with sunset views over the golf course, though.

But our favourite meal of all came at the hotel’s private beach restaurant, La Cala, which you get to via an on-demand mini-bus service down to the coast via the Calblanque National Park.

Sharing a huge pan of squid ink paella, home-made bread and a bottle of rosé on the terrace overlooking the bay was a highlight of the trip.

Luckily, there were many activities on offer to burn off all our overindulgences.

While the hotel has the biggest and best hotel gym I’ve ever seen, as well as tennis courts, two swimming pools, a football pitch, a cricket centre, bike hire and a spa, the jewel in La Manga Club’s crown is the three 18-hole golf courses that surround it.

Before teeing off, we had a lesson with resort pro Iain Hanna, who helped us work on our swing using analytic equipment before letting us loose on the pristine fairways.

With 325 days of sunshine a year, the resort — which hosted the Spanish Open for five years from 1973 — is a firm favourite for golfers looking for a sunny winter escape.

But even if golf isn’t your thing, the hotel is a good base to explore the Murcia region.

The historic city of Cartagena — known as the “Port of Cultures” — is 30 minutes away.

Its Roman theatre, which was built between 5 and 1 BC and would have seated 6,000 to 7,000 people, was only discovered by accident in 1988 during construction of a new crafts centre.

Entry is via the museum opposite the town hall and costs seven euros per person, and it is a must for the breathtaking views of the city alone.

At the Molinete Archaeological Park, we wandered around the ruins of an old Roman bathhouse and perused the reconstructed painted murals and some of the 300 artefacts found there.

Then it was time for cañas and tapas. We loved La Uva Jumillana, where beers and tapas cost from around 3.20 euros each.

Bodega La Fuente does good pinchos, Las Termas del Pincho is a lively stop for a drink and El Vinagrillo serves more substantial tapas to finish.

Our last stop was the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is free on Sundays.

It covers the city’s maritime history — the port city of Cartagena was once the Carthaginians’ capital in Spain — and displays treasures recovered from Spanish shipwrecks around the world.

Driving back along the palm-tree-lined promenade as the sun set, I decided that with cheap flights, sunny climes and more Roman ruins and artefacts to see than most cities in Europe, this corner of Murcia should be top of any autumn sun list.

THE Cotswolds is one of the few places in the UK that looks even more beautiful at this time of year than during the summer months.

Gorgeous thatched-roofed cottages offer a snug escape, old pubs light up roaring fireplaces and woodlands are carpeted with fiery leaves.

I was visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, which offered all of this and more. In fact, the picture-perfect village has been dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to its gorgeous scenery.

Weaving its way through the heart of the village, the River Windrush has a series of low stone bridges spanning its clear, shallow waters.

Honey-coloured homes line the grassy banks, creating a stunning backdrop that looks like the set of an English murder-mystery drama.

Its charm is magical and it comes as no surprise to learn that Kourtney Kardashian pipped me to the post, visiting the village and snapping the cottages I was lucky to call home for the weekend in her Instagram story.

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And Instagram-worthy this home certainly is.

Kestrel Cottage is the perfect bolthole for a weekend away. With one beautifully-decorated bedroom and a comfy sofabed, there is more than enough room for a couple, family or group of friends.

It’s one of four cottages set within an old mill and it’s bursting with character. It looked like it was straight out of an interior design magazine with fluffy carpets, a chic olive-coloured kitchen and bare-brick walls.

I loved how well equipped and homely the kitchen was, with enough facilities to whip up dinner for a cosy night in, along with all the decor you’d want to jazz up your own home.

My fairytale visit does come with a cautionary tale, though.

Where the Kardashians go, wannabe influencers will follow.

And Bourton-on-the-Water serves up the perfect picture spots, with a steady stream of visitors — although slightly less so now that summer is over (another good reason to visit in autumn).

Plus, staying in the heart of the village comes with the luxury of slipping out before the crowds for a peaceful wander in the sunshine to grab a morning coffee.

Bakery On The Water is the enemy of your waistline, but well worth it. Two cappuccinos and a side of pastry and sausage roll was the fuel we needed to explore.

We bounced from gift shop to restaurant, perusing all the lovely-looking menus, past the sweet store and ice cream parlour (making a note to return in summer), before turning the corner to find the beautiful Victorian Christmas Shop — a treasure trove for the festive-obsessed among us, myself included.

Coffees long gone, we treated ourselves to a pint or two by the fire at The Old New Inn, and wiled away the afternoon playing cards and debating where to eat that evening.

Bourton-on-the-Water leaves you completely spoilt for choice when it comes to food. With Smiths, the award-winning burger joint, two Italians, a Chinese, chippie and pizza spot, it’s almost impossible to agree.

After much debate, we opted for one of the lovely village pubs, The Willow, which has a huge garden overlooking the river.

This hostelry does pub classics properly, including a top-notch fish served with suitably crunchy chips (£19.95) and a traditional steak and mushroom pie loaded with moreish gravy (£19.50). The roast dinners looked good, too. Although those are best saved for Sundays.

Ahead of filling your belly, a Sunday in the Cotswolds is best spent strolling the scenic landscapes — and this time we decided to venture beyond the confines of the village.

A gentle, winding footpath guided us through the countryside towards the twin villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter.

The peaceful, 1.5-mile route takes you along the banks of the River Eye, past wildflower meadows and yet more honey-coloured cottages.

The tranquillity of Lower Slaughter (despite its name) is what struck us most, especially when compared to its tourist hotspot neighbour. Crowds were minimal and all that could be heard was the chirp of birds and a gentle stream.

If you’d like to fuel here ahead of your walk back, Slaughters Country Inn is known for its excellent roasts.

Cosying up inside by the fire, we enjoyed another well-earned drink before ducking low ceilings to get to the restaurant, where we were met by giant Yorkshires, roast beef and all the trimmings.

Skip dessert, though, and end your meal at the Hawkstone Brewery instead — another gem we can thank Jeremy Clarkson for.

It’s less Aperol spritz and more traditional English pints — mine with an elderflower twist. The perfect way to toast an autumn escape.

It may even top Venice . . . 

EVERY parent knows that taking a toddler on holiday often feels less relaxing getaway and more like a parenting shift in a different location.

Don’t worry – we’ve found the ultimate cheap holiday for parents with under 5’s where everything’s taken care of for you – plus the kids even eat for free.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts are running Tots Breaks packages, four-night stays starting from £99.

If you’re visiting as a family of four, that works out to a tiny £6.19pp per night.

These action-packed breaks are bursting with free activities and entertainment that’s sure to keep the little ones smiling.

However, the best part may just be the food. On a Tots Break, kids eat completely free for the entire duration of your stay.

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That means hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are totally sorted, saving a family up to £70 on their holiday dining.

Fussy eaters are well-catered for with the Starland Krew Menu, with kid-friendly classics like tomato pasta, beef burgers, and chicken strips with chips.

You won’t need to constantly dip into your wallet to keep them entertained, either. These breaks are packed with free activities tailored specifically to young children.

Kids can burn off energy at the Tots Adventure Playground, get stuck into messy play, or enjoy the musical Tots & Tunes sessions.

Plus there’s even adorable ‘Mini Olympics’, mini archery, and mini fencing classes.

And if your kids are completely obsessed with their favourite TV characters, you’re in luck.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts host Milkshake! Mornings packed with stories and singing, plus the chance to meet PAW Patrol legends like Chase and Marshall in the flesh (well, in the fur).

The fun is perfectly timed for early bedtimes, too. Early evening entertainment includes toddler discos, ‘kideoke’ sing-alongs, and even a fun ‘Sparkle Like a Princess’ event.

When it’s finally time to crash, the accommodation is set up for families.

The standard Bronze caravans are spacious, featuring stylish cream-coloured interiors, fully equipped modern kitchens, and TVs for a chilled movie once the kids are asleep.

Tots Breaks are available across dozens of Parkdean Resorts locations nationwide throughout the year.

Participating parks include Sandford in Dorset, a peaceful woodland park close to Poole and Bournemouth, and Trecco Bay in Wales, which is one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.

If you have older children, they may enjoy a Parkdean Resorts’ Nickelodeon Weekender instead.

These breaks start at £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58pp per night for a family of four.

Nickelodeon-themed entertainment includes ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder, learning the Pup Pup Boogie dance, and meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Families can even enjoy a ‘Movie with the Stars’, where you’ll sit down to a movie night alongside the actual characters from the film.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Prices correct at the time of publication.

IF you’re desperate for a getaway but don’t want to spend loads, it might be time to look beyond the usual high street holiday agents.

We’ve found a lesser-known booking site where you can bag entire package holidays from just £118, hotel rooms from £16 a night, and flights for as little as £9.

Browse cheap holidays, flights and hotels on Opodo

Opodo acts as a massive travel search engine, scouring hundreds of airlines and millions of hotels to pull together some of the absolute cheapest deals on the internet.

As a travel writer who scours the internet each week for the cheapest holidays for Sun readers, these are some of the lowest travel fares I’ve ever seen.

So whether you’re after a quick weekend city break, a week-long beach escape, or even a solo travel retreat – here’s our guide to the very best travel bargains on Opodo right now.

Package holidays

Package hols are where you get the most bang for your buck on Opodo, as you can save up to 40% extra by booking your flights and hotel together through the website.

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We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the most affordable package holidays on the site.

Or you can click here to browse all cheap package holidays.

Mallorca – from £121pp

With flight times around two and a half hours, Mallorca is an easy hop away for some autumn sun, with pleasant October temperatures of around 24C.

Spend your days exploring the winding, cobbled streets of Alcudia’s Old Town, hiking the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana mountains, or soaking up the sun on the pristine white sands of Es Trenc.

Browse Mallorca holidays from £121pp

Tenerife – from £147pp

The flight to Tenerife is only four hours from the UK, yet it still reaches highs of 26C in October.

Once you’re there, stroll the volcanic beaches of Costa Adeje, enjoy €3 tapas in traditional tavernas, hit up award-winning waterpark Siam Park or even go whale watching.

Browse Tenerife holidays from £147pp

The Algarve – from £118pp

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Portugal‘s stunning southern coast, offering warm highs of 25C without the overwhelming summer crowds.

Wander around the bustling Olhao fish market, hike along dramatic coastal cliffs to see the spectacular rock formations, or simply relax on the golden sands of Praia dos Pescadores right by Albufeira’s old town.

Browse Algarve holidays from £118pp

Rome – from £119pp

You don’t need a huge budget to experience Rome, especially with Opodo offering package holidays from £119pp.

In the Italian capital the streets themselves are their own attraction. Soak up the atmosphere at the Spanish Steps, or toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain.

Browse Rome holidays from £119pp

Flights

Opodo offers super cheap flights to destinations in Europe and beyond, but they get even cheaper if you join Opodo Prime.

For example, you can bag a one-way flight to Barcelona for £24 each way, but if you’re signed up to Opodo Prime this sinks down to £9.

It costs £8.99 a month and also gets you discounts on hotels, so if you like to go on holiday regularly, it could save you some serious cash.

We’ve rounded up the cheapest flight deals we could find on Opodo.

Or you can click here to browse all flights.

• Barcelona – from £24 each way (Prime price: £9)
• Faro – from £37 each way (Prime price: £12)
• Milan – from £39 each way (Prime price: £22)
• Edinburgh – from £25 each way (Prime price: £9)
• Dublin – from £25 each way (Prime price: £12)
• Amsterdam – from £111 each way (Prime price: £56)

Browse cheap flights from £9 each way

Hotels

If you prefer planning your own holidays by booking flights and hotels separately, there’s some bargains to be had on the hotels page, too.

This is a good option if you like to regularly book flights directly with the same airline in order to collect points.

Here’s our selection of bargain hotels we found on Opodo (prices per night).

Or you can click here to browse all cheap hotels.

• Amsterdam – from £37
• London – from £50
• Barcelona – from £45
• Lisbon – from £43
• Paris – from £48
• Rome – from £30
• Milan – from £24
• Prague – from £22
• Marrakech – from £16

Browse cheap hotels from £16 per night

Prices correct at the time of publication.