Travel advice

HUNGRY Brits are being led by their stomachs when it comes to booking a holiday – as the UK establishes itself as a nation of foodies.

Research from tour operator TUI has revealed that 41 per cent of us would consider booking a trip that’s all about the nosh.

It’s little wonder as, even at home, 39 per cent said they prioritise eating out in local restaurants.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the best short-haul breaks in 2026 for those who love their grub . . . 

AYIA NAPA, CYPRUS

TO get a bit of guidance on your foodie adventure, take a look at TUI’s new Dine & Discover packages, which are designed to send travellers to hotels renowned for their food.

As well as excellent grub and booze within the resorts’ restaurants, visitors will be treated to special extras, such as a complimentary cookery lesson or a cocktail mixology class, as part of the deal.

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The 5H Amanti, MadeForTwo hotel in Ayia Napa, on Cyprus’s south-eastern coast, is marketed as a couples-only resort and is the ideal spot for a romantic escape.

Travellers booked on the TUI package will receive money off a mountain villages tour with lunch and honey tasting.

Or they can opt for a discount on a halloumi-making and bread baking experience.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Amanti, MadeForTwo hotel is from £1,192pp including flights from Manchester on June 1, 2026. See tui.co.uk.

MOROCCO

IF it’s authentically traditional tastings you are after, Intrepid is the holiday company for you.

Their 12-night Morocco Real Food Adventure is undoubtedly something for the bucket list, showcasing everything from camel burgers to traditional family dinners whipped up in local homes – as well as tours of traditional markets.

Cuisine is at the heart of this trip, but you’ll tick off some pretty cool sights, too, as you pass through Casablanca, Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Chefchaouen, Fez and Midelt before moving on to Merzouga, the M’Goun Valley and, of course, Marrakech.

You’ll stay in hotels, guesthouses, gites and a desert camp.

GO: The 12-day trip costs from £984pp including accommodation, breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches.

Price also includes several foodie experiences such as a goats-cheese tasting and cous-cous demonstration. Flights extra. See intrepid.com.

DOLOMITES, ITALY

HAVING your hand held is no bad thing – and because of this, you know you’ll get the best of the best wherever you go when you book one of Saga’s food-and-wine holidays.

Every itinerary on a these getaways has been carefully curated, to include the top spots and activities on offer in that region, whether it be a visit to a local market or a cookery workshop combining culture and grub.

How does la dolce vita in the Italian mountains sound?

This week-long Dolomites tour is lip-smackingly good, with a visit to a working dairy farm, a wine-cellar tour with olive-oil samplings, and demonstrations at an apple orchard.

When you’re not tasting goodies, kick back at your hotel, the Alle Dolomiti over-looking Lake Molvano – enjoy the pool or unwind in the sauna.

GO: A seven-night Food And Wine In The Dolomites trip costs from £1,525pp on a half-board basis, including flights from Gatwick on September 21, 2026. See holiday.saga.co.uk.

BODRUM, TURKEY

HOLIDAY firm Jet2 has a specific section entirely dedicated to foodie escapes.

It is called Perfect For Dining – and these places really are.

The collection of hotels offer gourmet food, with extensive a la carte menus, and have an emphasis on local flavours.

Some of the properties even house Michelin-star restaurants.

Unlike many all-inclusive packages, the all-inclusive-plus deals at the 5H Lujo Art And Joy hotel, in sun-drenched Bodrum, cover everything.

That means not being restricted to the buffet each night, as a la carte dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner is available at most of the 11 onsite restaurants and bars.

You will have to fork out extra for the teppanyaki, steakhouse and Asian joints, though.

Kids will be kept happy with a 24-hour ice cream and frozen yoghurt stand.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive-plus costs from £1,828pp based on a family of four sharing and including flights from Leeds Bradford on April 19, 2026. See jet2holidays.com.

PORTOPETRO, MAJORCA

THE Spanish island of Majorca most certainly pips the other Balearics to the post when it comes to a smashing food and drink scene.

If you’re tempted to visit, it’s worth remembering that customers booking a TUI Dine & Discover package also receive 15 per cent off food and gastronomy experiences with TUI Musement.

And on this gem of an island, that includes a Majorca Winery Visit & Local Food Tasting experience.

You’ll be driven into the heart of the island’s wine country to sample tipples from a small family-run vineyard.

Soak up that booze with homegrown snacks, fresh bread, olive oils and local cheeses.

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A stay at the 5H Ikos Porto Petro also includes a free bottle of cava from the hotel’s private cellar, as well as a cocktail event on site.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Ikos Porto Petro is from £2,240pp including flights from London Gatwick on May 5, 2026. See tui.co.uk.

A NEW airline has operated its first flight to London Heathrow.

On October 26, new airline Riyadh Air operated the flight to London Heathrow Airport.

This flight was the first of the airline’s daily launch flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow, which are being used to ensure they are ready to operate for the public.

Once it fully launches, the new airline will be based at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Flights to London Heathrow will depart Riyadh at 3:15am and arrive in London at 7:30am.

The return flight will then depart London at 9:30am and arrive in Riyadh at 7:15pm.

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The new airline is hoping to fly to 100 destinations by 2030, as part of the Saudi Aviation Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy.

The airline stated: “Further exciting new routes are set to be announced in the coming weeks for winter 2025 and summer 2026.”

The airline’s CEO Tony Douglas said earlier this year: “We’re not going public with the full list until we’ve got all the slots.

“But Western Europe is essential.”

The aircraft used for the first flight, named ‘Jamila’, is a Boeing 787-9 technical spare aircraft and only employees and invited guests were on the flight.

The airline is still awaiting its first deliveries from Boeing, having ordered 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in February, with options to add another 33 in the future.

Also earlier this year, the airline revealed the interior of its business class suites.

Inside its ‘Business Elite’ cabins, passengers will find speakers built into the headrest of their chair, which can also be turned into a double bed.

The cabins will be arranged in a 1-2-1 layout on board the plane, with the airline saying that they will compare to those found in Emirates’ first class.

If you are in one of the middle two cabins, and know the person next to you, you can always change it into a double bed.

As for entertainment, passengers can watch films and series on a 31-inch screen – which is set to be the biggest in business class, on any airline.

Of course there will be multiple USB ports, power outlets and wireless charging pads as well for charging devices.

Cabins will also have sliding doors for privacy.

On the other hand, premium economy will be “more like business” class, but it won’t feature lie-flat seats.

In economy, passengers will then have 13.3 inch screens and USB-C charging ports.

The airline is expected to be super high tech as well, with the possibility of biometric scans instead of boarding passes.

However, passengers shouldn’t expect to get any alcohol onboard, as Saudi Arabia has strict laws on booze which mean it’s been banned since 1952.

The airline also recently announced its loyalty programme called ‘Sfeer’.

Sfeer members will be able to share points within the community, which will allow family and friends to increase their membership levels, as well as their benefits.

The loyalty programme will be fully active in 2026, and will also include gamified features such as challenges and leaderboard competitions.

The points will never expire and can be used to get special culinary and entertainment experiences, as well as opportunities to win free flights and other prizes.

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Plus, TUI has axed its own flights to popular destinations from a major UK airport.

A MAJOR UK airport will soon be upgrading its runway as part of its huge expansion plans.

Edinburgh Airport, which is Scotland‘s largest airport, will undergo a massive transformation starting with its runway being resurfaced.

The 1.5 mile runway will be resurfaced which will reduce the number of delays at the airport.

In addition to the resurfacing, all 1,200 runway lights will be replaced as well and new weather sensors will be installed.

The £30million project will be the first on the runway in nearly two decades.

To carry out the work on the runway, it will be closed for five months overnight, beginning November 2.

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During this period, flights will not take off or land on the runway between 11:45pm and 5:45am everyday except Fridays and Saturdays.

The festive period between December 18 and January 4 will also be an exception.

Most passengers won’t be affected, as airlines have been contacted by the airport to alter their schedules.

However, airport officials have expressed that this might result in flights being diverted.

For example, if an aircraft is late in landing, it will be diverted.

Yet some might not even be able to take off if they are scheduled to land later than planned.

Chief communications officer at Edinburgh airport, Gordon Robertson, said: “If they (aircraft) are very late, they’re either not flying or going to Glasgow“.

He added to The Herald that airlines have had “lots of time to prepare”.

He said: “They will just have to manage, and there is a risk that we do have a lower overall demand.

“There is a risk we could lose some destinations or see significant reductions, but all we can do is give people lots of notice.”

Gordon Dewar, the interim COO, said: “This investment will completely resurface the runway, install new technology, and future proof the asset ahead of planned continued growth.

“It’s a significant investment in the airport infrastructure and is part of a record capital plan.”

Resurfacing the runway is part of Edinburgh Airport’s five-year expansion plan.

According to The Scotsman, the airport will add new aircraft stands and flight departure gates, as well as extending the terminal’s south-east pier.

And so far, spending on the project has increased from £52million last year to £80million.

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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.

In other travel news, a UK airport has started a massive £60million expansion ahead of new Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 flights.

Plus, the £25billion Heathrow plans that want to take on ‘world’s best airport’ with sixth new terminal.

BRITAIN has just opened a brand-new train station in a 100-year first – marking a major milestone for rail travel in the UK.

Beaulieu Park Station saw its first passengers roll out at 7:20am on Sunday morning – marking the first new stop on Essex’s main rail line.

The shiny new £175million station, operated by Greater Anglia, welcomed the Colchester 6.56am train to London Liverpool Street, pulling in at 8.12am.

The long-awaited stop promises to slash journey times, with commuters reaching the capital in just 40 minutes.

It was funded by a £175million pot, including £141million from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, £12million from the South-East Local Enterprise Partnership and £22million from developers Countryside (now part of Vistry) and L&Q.

The station is set to ease pressure on Chelmsford’s busy main station and cut car trips into the city centre.

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Part of the new Beaulieu and Channels neighbourhoods, the state-of-the-art hub will boost access to jobs, drive investment and fuel growth in the north of Chelmsford.

The new Beaulieu Parkway relief road links directly to the station from the A12, and a future North-East bypass will connect travellers from Braintree and surrounding villages.

Features and amenities

The new Beaulieu Park Station comes packed with modern features designed to make travel smoother for everyone.

There’s step-free access to all platforms via two lifts, alongside ticket vending machines, a staffed gate line and fully accessible toilets with baby changing facilities.

Passengers can also take advantage of a comfortable waiting area and space for retail or catering outlets.

For drivers, there’s parking for 705 vehicles spread across two car parks – including 38 free Blue Badge bays, 10 electric vehicle charging points, and dedicated areas for staff, emergency services and motorcycles.

Public transport links have also been upgraded, with local bus routes C11, C9, C8 and 73 now stopping directly at the station.

A handy pick-up and drop-off zone includes dedicated taxi bays, while the transport interchange offers bus stands for local services.

Cyclists haven’t been forgotten either – there are 500 spaces for free covered bike storage and paid secure storage options too.

To top it off, local walking and cycling routes have been improved, with several new paths created to make the station more accessible to nearby communities.

Ticket prices

An off-peak day return from Beaulieu Park Station to London Liverpool Street is priced at £28.20, while seven-day season tickets will cost £134.60.

A day return to London Liverpool Street during peak hours will cost travellers £42.60.

For those travelling to and from Stratford, the costs are £22.60 for an off-peak ticket, £19.70 for a standard day single and £35.30 for a standard day return.

The new service will also service Southend Airport, with tickets costing £16.90 for a standard day single, £24.10 for a standard day return, and £21.30 for a child day return. 

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Residents of other cities such as Ipswich and Norwich will also benefit from Beaulieu Park Station.

The full list of fares and services is available from operator Greater Anglia.

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They hope to challenge Eurostar with trips across the Channel…

A brand-new train operator is hoping to launch services between the UK and Europe, offering ‘competitive fares’ for passengers.

Currently, Eurostar is the only rail operator that connects the UK to destinations across Europe, including cities in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

This could all change as a new train operating company, Gemini,has announced its plans to launch services between the UK and Europe.

The new train operator, which is currently being established, hopes to begin its rail journey by launching services from London to Paris and Brussels.

Once services between London and Paris/Brussels have launched, Gemini hopes to further its list of European destinations.

The new rail operator plans to introduce ‘new cutting-edge trains and a fresh approach to sales and ticketing’ on services between the UK and Europe.

“HOCUS POCUS!” my son shouts, swirling me around in bubbling water and casting pretend spells as he goes.

He is cackling with delight in his very own bubbling cauldron — OK, it’s a hot tub, but that’s the joy of a child’s imagination.

We’re at Sandy Balls holiday park in the New Forest, checking out the UK’s first-ever “haunted cauldron” hot-tub experience — as part of Away Resorts’ spooky ­getaways.

The special cabin-in-the-woods-style Knightwood lodge has been transformed into a Halloween haven, decked out with touches such as cobwebs and creepy crawlies.

Our stay comes as research reveals 63 per cent of Brits love Halloween more than ever, with 55 per cent now preferring it to Guy Fawkes Night.

I, for one, am part of those stats. Me and my kids — Jude, five, and Eva, three — along with my partner’s children, Ronnie, eight, and Hugo, three, absolutely adored our ghostly lodge.

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But the scary fun didn’t end there. The haunted hot tub was just the start.

Away Resorts goes all out with its 31 Days of Halloween, offering spooky decorations, arts and crafts, and eerie entertainment for the whole family.

From a Trick or Treat treasure trail to a Franken-SLIME laboratory, the kids were kept busy with all kinds of festive chaos.

Even outside the lodge, the park was decked out with giant pumpkins and a glow-in-the-dark slime machine that the children could operate by pushing a big red “caution” button — naturally, they pressed it a lot.

As night fell, skeletons projected on to huge screens gave us a proper fright while we sipped hot chocolates topped with cream.

Saturday night saw a giant fire pit at the centre of the park, where we bought marshmallows from a food van and toasted them.

A skeleton violinist played spine-chilling tunes as the kids danced under trees twinkling with fairy lights.

It was utterly magical, like stepping straight into a movie scene.

Then DJ Bones took over with a glow-stick rave.

Watching them go wild, I switched my hot chocolate for mulled wine — because let’s face it, parenting is thirsty work.

Food-wise, the on-site farm shop had everything from Halloween treats to the essentials . . . but it wasn’t cheap. I popped in for a few bits and somehow walked out £100 lighter on the very first night.

The kids, of course, were busy shoving Halloween sweets into the basket, while I grabbed necessities like tea bags, milk, bread . . .  and booze.

With four youngsters between us, frankly, it was a survival essential.

But, of course, you can always stock up at home and bring essential supplies, like wine, with you.

Our lodge was kitted out with great cooking facilities and equipment, so we mostly prepared food at our lovely holiday home.

But, if you did want to treat yourself, the site has two restaurants: Aubrey’s Forest Kitchen serving pizzas, steaks and pastas, and the Woodside Inn for classic pub grub. Main meals averaged £18, beer £7, and prosecco £10.

There’s plenty for kids too — a free soft play directly across from the bar meant we could grab a drink while they burned off some energy.

Other highlights included ghoul school, pumpkin carving, and Junior Off-Road Land Rover Discoveries (£15 for 30 mins).

Terrifying and thrilling

The older children drove themselves while we sat in with the little ones — terrifying and thrilling in equal measure.

There’s also a great swimming pool, free to use, though it can get quite busy.

Beyond the park, the New Forest is beautiful. On the drive down, the kids loved spotting wild Shetland ponies and horses.

We also found cosy country pubs with fantastic outdoor play areas for the little ones.

Back to our stay, our lodge slept eight with two bathrooms, a king-size room, a bunk room, a cosy lounge with a smart TV, and outdoor seating with heaters.

After a day of spooky chaos, we all fell asleep watching Ghost­buste­rs with hot chocolates.

Our only gripe? Our stay wasn’t long enough.

As we closed the door on our weekend, the kids begged: “When can we come back?”

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After seeing what Sandy Balls did for Halloween, we can’t wait to discover what it has in store for Christmas.

Something tells me it will be just as magical.

GHOSTLY figures dressed all in white walked quietly past me on a dark street – hundreds of them, each with a single flame illuminating a skull-painted face.

It felt spooky, even sombre, but then came the crackle of a sound system, the pop of a tequila bottle opening — and raucous laughter.

Say hola to Mexican tradition Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), known to Brits through the blistering opening scene of the James Bond movie Spectre, kids’ film Coco or the “sugar skull” make-up craze that became a Halloween trend.

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

Set in the western Yucatan peninsula — a region more known for beach resorts such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, plus the Mayan ruins at Tulum — indigenous heritage is strong in this city, and it shows.

Day of the Dead here is called Hanal Pixan (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 Merida as its fiesta kicked off on October 31 with the Parade of the Souls.

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

The long avenue was decorated with giant skeleton structures and millions of orange marigolds, while the pavements were lined with family shrines, each blasting reggaeton or ranchera music from speakers.

Shamanic rituals

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

Try Yucatan’s specialties, cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), 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.

Keep things cheap by eating tacos al pastor on virtually every street corner for as little as MX$10 each (40p, take pesos to pay), or lunch at the sensational and great value Taqueria de la Union.

And no trip to Mexico is complete without a plate of chilaquiles (fried tortilla chips) for breakfast or brunch. Merida’s best are at Marmalade 47.

November 2 was the day of the main parade, and people began to line the streets early to get a good spot.

I was glad we did, too, or we would have 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 eye-catching part of the evening, with unique outfits and elaborate face paint.

Unlike so many Halloween extravaganzas, this event was free of gore and heart- stopping scares, making it very kid-friendly.

It wasn’t all about the parades. Smaller-scale events took place across the city for almost a week surrounding Day of the Dead, from concerts in plazas to shamans performing Mayan 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 a plaza, where what looked like a fridge door led to a mezcal cocktail heaven.

Colourful Merida is easily walkable and its array of crumbling colonial buildings are painted pink, yellow or blue.

Footsore? Why not wind through its kaleidoscopic streets in a horse and carriage?

The city is also a great base for discovering the Yucatan, where hundreds of cenotes (natural sinkholes) make magical swimming spots and, for a beach fix, the white sands of Puerto Progreso are 40 minutes away.

An hour more takes you to Chichen Itza, site of some of the planet’s most breath-taking Mayan ruins.

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Its New Seven Wonders of the World fame usually eclipses Merida in these parts, and the busloads of visitors are mostly heading back to resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

But if you linger in Merida, you’ll find a soulful city with its own pulse — and this beats strongest around November 2.

AS the Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve racked up the air miles over the years – travelling to over 55 countries and more than 100 cities.

So when it comes to winter sun, I can of course wax lyrical about the beauty of Hawaii or the stunning beaches of St Kitts. But I’ve also found some of the biggest winter sun bargains, where you needn’t go too far.

By that, I mean nothing more than seven hours, which edges the flight into the long-haul category, although some are less than three hours away.

So I’ve done the hard work for you, and found seven places under seven hours away, where you can find everything from cheap hotels and affordable wine to bargain packages and beautiful beaches.

Faro, Portugal

Flight time to Faro – 2hr35

The Algarve is one of the most popular destinations to visit when seeking some European sun in winter.

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And while most Brits fly into Faro and then leave for the coastal resorts, I think the city is worth a cheap winter break on its own.

It’s around 16C in December, so you can get away with a t-shirt.

And there are a group of tiny islands that barely any tourists know about, that are a quick boat trip from the mainland.

You can get to the ‘Caribbean of Portugal’ called Ilha Deserta in just 20 minutes.

Not only are the beaches empty on the island, but it has just one restaurant, Estamine, where you can get a fresh fish tasting menu for €25 (£21.77) for two.

And Portugal is known for its extremely affordable restaurants and bars.

Adega Amável is where you’ll find the locals, and it’s a bit of a squeeze but worth it when beers and glasses of wine are less than €3 (£2.61).

Budget hotels can be found for £30, although I loved 3HB, Faro’s first five-star hotel (starting from £415pp, for four nights with flights with easyJet holidays in November).

Loveholidays has seven-night stays in Faro in November for £199pp with return flights.

Seville, Spain

Flight time to Seville – 2hr45

One of the closest places for some winter sun from the UK is Seville, which is one of the warmest places on the Spanish mainland.

It’s one of my favourite Spanish cities to visit and you can expect temperatures around 17C in December – so definitely t-shirt weather.

If you want to eat where the locals go, try and squeeze into Bar Alfalfa.

You can get an authentic tostada con tomate (toast with tomatoes) and a coffee for just €2.60 (£2.26), or a tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade) for €1.50 (£1.31).

If you don’t want to splash out for an expensive flamenco show, you can catch some live performances in many of Seville’s parks as well.

El Rinconcillo is Seville’s oldest bar, and you can get a large glass of wine for just €3.20 (£2.80).

There are ways to get free tickets for some of the city’s top attractions, too.

The Royal Alcazar Palace has free tickets on Mondays for the last hour, which can be found on the website.

And the Cathedral de Sevilla – the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral – also has free tickets from 2pm to 3pm on Mondays.

EasyJet has package holidays for £166pp, when staying three nights on January 5 at the Illunion Alcora Sevilla.

Or you can do three nights at the Hotel Vertice Alijarafe on January 21 with Loveholidays for £139pp, with return flights.

Agadir, Morocco

Flight time to Agadir – 3hr50

Morocco is one of the nearest places to the UK for reliable winter sun.

While I love Marrakech and Casablanca, one of my favourites is Agadir, which was also named the cheapest package holiday destination by Which? last year.

The coastal town is often twinned with Taghazout, a surfer village with a huge beach.

Not only is it warm, but it is a great place to stock up on Christmas presents for a bargain.

You can head to Souk El Had, the biggest souk in Morocco, which is pretty chaotic, and you can find literally everything.

But I loved the Complexe Artisanal, a more manageable market, with wicker lights, hand-painted vases and authentic wooden sculptures, all for a bargain.

I managed to buy candles for under £5, where I picked my own essential oil to go in them, which looked identical to the ones in Oliver Bonas that cost £20.

A hand-glazed sugar jar set me back just £12, and looked just like ones from the trendy brand HK Living, which retail at £35.

TUI has seven-night holidays to Agadir from £310 each when travelling in November.

El Gouna, Egypt

Flight time to El Gouna – 5hr25

Just outside of Hurghada, El Gouna is a lesser-known area of Egypt that has some amazingly affordable holiday resorts.

The gated manmade island feels extremely safe, and it’s still 24C in December, so you can make the most of the pools and beaches.

It’s a place for luxury on a budget – I stayed at the Cooks Club Hotel, which was a four-star hotel for around £80 a night, but felt like a five-star.

But if you want a real five-star, you can find stays at ones like Movenpick for as little as £130 a night.

You can head to Downtown Abu Tig Marina for some cheap eats and beach clubs, as well as happy hours where you get a second cocktail free.

Most of the time, you will spend your time relaxing at the hotel pool, as it is more of a fly and flop destination.

But there are some great, affordable day trips if you do want a day out, including quad biking in the desert for under £10 with Get Your Guide.

Loveholidays has seven-night holidays in December for £399pp at a number of four-star hotels, which include your breakfast and flights.

Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Flight time to Cape Verde – 6hr15

One of the closest African islands to get to, Cape Verde, is now easier to reach thanks to new easyJet flights from the UK.

Most people head to the busier Sal, but I recommend going to the quieter Boa Vista.

It has 27C highs in winter, there is just one hour’s time difference, and you won’t see many crowds even in the busy season.

The quiet beaches – in particular Santa Monica – felt more like a private island in the Maldives, with soft white sands and barely a soul in sight.

One of my fave shops was Olaria di Rabli, a tiny ceramic store where you can pick up some souvenirs for just a few pounds.

Morabeza Beach Bar had more Bali vibes, with Reggae nights and sunset parties with DJs.

It’s also where you can find a cheap beer, with a local bottle of Strella around €2 (£1.74), or a glass of wine for €3 (£2.61). Even a cocktail of a mojito or an Aperol spritz was just €5 (£4.35).

Otherwise, it is a great, affordable fly and flop destination where you can while away the days making the most of the all-inclusive buffet, without spending a penny extra.

Loveholidays has seven-night holidays in Boa Vista from £459pp in November.

Or, TUI has all-inclusive seven-night holidays from £686pp.

Pointe Sarene, Senegal

Flight time to Senegal – 6hr15

If you want the feel of the Caribbean on a budget, then a Senegal holiday resort is where you will want to head.

Not only is there no jet lag with just one hour’s time difference, but Senegal remains above 26C all year round, with highs of 30C in winter.

It has seen a boom in popularity since 2022, when TUI launched the only direct flights from the UK.

Pointe Serene is where you will find most of the beach resorts, and most are fairly affordable when it comes to all-inclusive packages.

I stayed at the Riu Baobab, which had it all – swimming pool, bars, all your food and drink included and an on-site water slide complex.

You can also book day trips, including Goree Island or half-day safaris for less than £60 each.

TUI has seven-night all-inclusive Senegal holidays from £901pp when travelling in November.

Doha, Qatar

Flight time to Doha – 6hr50

If you want the glamour of Dubai on a bit of a budget, I’d recommend heading to Doha.

I flew there as a stopover when heading to Sri Lanka, but was left stunned by the affordable glitz.

I stayed at five-star The Ned, an incredibly fancy outpost of the Soho House-owned hotel, housed in the Ministry of Interior building.

Giving celebrity member clubs vibes, rooms start from £170 a night – it might sound expensive, but it’s much cheaper than the Ned London, where prices soar past £300.

Stay for three nights and you get 20 per cent off the price as well.

But if you want even more of a budget, there are basic hotels for just £25, such as the Plaza Inn hotel or the Palm Inn Hotel.

Want some beach time? Doha Beach Club is free to visit on Tuesdays for women, or you can pay £6 off-peak peak which gets you a towel and umbrella.

If you don’t want to spend a whole trip in Doha, Qatar Airways has its Qatar Stopover if you are connecting in the city.

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Say you are heading to somewhere like Thailand or Australia via Doha with the airline, you can stay in the city for up to 96 hours, and pay as little as £11 a night at a hotel before hopping on your connecting flight.

British Airways has seven-night holidays from £663pp when travelling in February.

A MAJOR UK airport has been shut down after facing difficulties with one of its runways.

Flights were cancelled and planes grounded overnight with passengers encouraged to check with their airlines to see if their journey has been affected.

Leeds Bradford Airport is expected to remain closed to both departures and arrivals until 5am on Saturday.

Jet setters were warned that the closure could continue on longer.

The first flight out of the closed airport, a Jet2 service to Heraklion in Crete, is expected to leave shortly before 5:25am.

Flights due to land at Leeds Bradford Airport were diverted and sent to other UK airports in the wake of the runway issue.

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The busy airport usually operates for 24 hours a day but has been closed now until the issue can be adressed.

Staff at the airport are reportedly working at speed to fix the problem as soon as they can.

The team at Leeds Bradford Airport said that customer safety is their number on priority.

Disappointed holidaymakers can make contact with staff on the ground at terminals to ask any questions about their flights.

A statement on the airport’s website, posted at 10pm, reads: “Due to an unforeseen issue with the runway, we have had to take the decision to close the airport until the morning.

“Customers are advised to check with their airline for the most up-to-date information regarding their flight.

“We are working to resolve the disruption as soon as possible, the safety and comfort of the passengers travelling through our terminal is our number one priority.

“Our team is on the ground in the terminal to answer any customer queries regarding departures.”

Leeds Bradford Airport was granted planning permission to operate round the clock in 1994.

Dozens of flights take off and land at the busy midlands airport on a day-by-day basis.

According to the airport’s website there is a designated night-time flight period.

This lasts from 11pm to 7am every evening with only the quietest jets permitted to operate between these hours.

Here’s the full list of best to worst UK airports according to Which?

1. Exeter
2. Liverpool (John Lennon)
3. London City
4. Bournemouth
5. Newcastle
6. Norwich
7. Inverness
8. Cardiff
9. Southampton
10. Belfast City
11. East Midlands
12. Glasgow International
13. London Heathrow T5
14. Edinburgh
15. Leeds Bradford
16. Aberdeen
17. Birmingham
18. Bristol
19. London Gatwick North
20. London Heathrow T2
21. Belfast International
22. London Gatwick South
23. London Heathrow T4
24. London Heathrow T3
25. London Stansted
26. Manchester Terminal 2
27. London Luton
28. Manchester T1
29. Manchester T3

PLUGS with USB ports feel like a godsend when travelling abroad, as you don’t have to worry with adapters.

But it turns out that they risk doing more harm than good – and could end up costing you a fortune.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned passengers that using USB ports in airports can potentially make your phone vulnerable to a cyber attack.

In a Facebook post, TSA said: “Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called ‘juice/port jacking’).

“So, when you’re at an airport do not plug your phone directly into a USB port.

“Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there.”

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Juice jacking is essentially a form of cyber attack, where public USB ports are used to steal data from or install malware on a device.

The issue isn’t just limited to airports either, as any sockets with USB ports in a public place could be at risk – on board the plane, at train stations, in hotels and in coffee shops.

Through juice jacking, hackers can gain access to sensitive information such as passwords, emails and financial information.

Malware could also be installed, which allows hackers to track online activities – or even fully take over your device.

Firmware could also be impacted, meaning that the security measures on a device could be rendered useless.

The TSA also warned that travellers should not use public Wi-Fi, especially if planning to make online purchases.

So how do you protect your device?

According to cybersecurity company McAfee, “the most straightforward way to avoid juice jacking is to use your own charging cables, plugs and adapters.

They said: “By plugging into a standard electrical outlet rather than a public USB port, you eliminate the risk of data theft or malware installation through compromised USB ports.”

You could also carry a battery pack with you, but make sure to check your airline’s regulations as some do not allow power banks on board planes.

You can also use a USB data blocker, which is a small adapter that attaches to the end of your wire and blocks any transmission for a USB port.

This then only allows power to go through the cable to your phone.

WHAT IS JUICE JACKING AND WHY IS IT A DANGER?

By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun

So-called “juice jacking” has long been a known risk that applies to any USB port you hook your phone up to.

The humble USB can be used for two things – powering up and transferring data.

And it’s the latter that is a cause for concern.

Cyber fraudsters can pull this off pretty easily, using a modified USB port or cable to infect the port.

Once someone plugs in, they can sneakily pass on a virus to your phone, which is capable of spying and more.

The problem is serious enough that even the FBI has warned people against using public USB ports.

However, there have been no known cases reported of it affecting members of the public.

All examples demonstrated by experts have been in controlled environments.

If you want to err on the side of caution, use a traditional electrical outlet instead.

If you are looking to buy a portable charger, here are eight of the best power banks UK for 2025 that have been tried and tested.

Plus, here’s how to charge your phone if you forget an adaptor on your next holiday.

CLOSE to Snowdonia National Park and the enchanting Isle of Anglesey, The Quay Hotel in Conwy is immersed in natural beauty.

Read on to find out more about the hotel.

Where is The Quay Hotel and Spa?

The Quay Hotel and Spa is on Deganwy Quay in Conwy, Wales.

Conwy is a walled market town with a rich history, and is a popular Welsh summer holiday destination.

The hotel has stunning views of UNESCO World Heritage Conwy Castle, and a terrace bar where you can soak up the serene waterside setting and sunset.

There’s also a luxury check spa, ideal for a laid-back check break away from the it out hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

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What is there to do there?

Head out to explore Conwy Morfa Beach and the local seaside, where you can treat yourself to fresh cockles and fish and chips.

The hotel is also close to Llandudno, Wales’ largest seaside resort. This town is home to a bustling high street, famous promenade and pretty pastel houses.

Guests looking to unwind can also visit the Quay Hotel Spa.

Here you can enjoy a thermal area, a spacious swimming pool, a vitality pool, heated loungers and foot baths.

If you’ve got cash to splash, the treatments here are fantastic, designed with skincare brand Oskia.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

The hotel restaurant and bar offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery, and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Dishes include a 24-hour slow-cooked beef that melts in the mouth, as well as salted caramel cheesecake.

The hotel restaurant is also well-known for its delicious seafood, including mussels and mackerel.

Swing by the Cove Bar afterwards and cosy down on one of the comfy sofas – the house red is excellent.

What are the rooms like?

Each of the rooms are bright, airy and beautifully decorated in calming, coastal hues.

Pick from Cosy Cove rooms, the smallest of the bunch, or Superior and Executive rooms, which have a bit more space.

Is the hotel family friendly?

The Quay Hotel and Spa offers some suites that have room for two adults and two children.

The hotel also offers dog-friendly stays in their ground floor Superior Rooms.

Just make sure to mention you’ll be bringing them when booking.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

The Quay Hotel and Spa is fully wheelchair accessible.

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Guests should contact the hotel for any special requirements. 

One night’s B&B costs from £129. See quayhotel.co.uk.

THE UK’s busiest airport has moved one step closer to opening their third runway under the Government’s mega £29billion expansion plans.

The major new upgrade is set to be operational in the next 10 years.

The Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has launched a process to fast-track the new third runway at Heathrow.

Heidi introduced the promised review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) in parliament today in order to accelerate their plans.

She explained that since 2018, new environmental and climate obligations mean an updated ANPS is necessary to permit a decision to be taken on expansion planning applications.

The new 3,500 metre runway will be in the northwest of the airport, and will eventually welcome up to 276,000 new flights a year.

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This takes the annual flights from 480,000 to 756,000, with as many as 30 new flight routes a day.

The government’s ambition is to see flights take off from a new runway by 2035.

The government will seek formal advice from the Climate Change Committee on any relevant amendments proposed to the ANPS to ensure consistency with their net zero commitments.

The announcement came after Heidi approved the expansion of both Gatwick and Luton airports near London this year. 

Heidi said: “When we say this government is one that backs the builders, not blockers we mean it.

“Today is a critical building block which will advance plans for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow, meaning people can start to experience the full benefits sooner.

“As our only hub airport, Heathrow is critical to the UK’s economy, connecting millions of people every year and exporting British businesses across the globe.

“Enabling Heathrow expansion will drive economic growth and create jobs across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.”

The government explained that expansion at Heathrow must be financed entirely by the private sector and bring no cost to taxpayers.

It must also meet rigorous and effective cost controls to deliver the significant infrastructure project as quickly as possible.

Financing will come from promoters who submit formal expansion schemes and will include covering any related costs to improvements to transport to and from the airport.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “After decades of false starts, we are backing the builders to get Heathrow’s third runway built.

“Creating thousands of jobs, boosting growth across the UK, and making Britain the world’s best connected place to do business.

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“This government is getting Britain building to kickstart growth and deliver an economy that works for, and rewards, working people.”

Given the importance of Heathrow to trade and the economy, the government will also assess whether expansion at the airport should be designated as critical national priority infrastructure, meaning that it must meet enhanced security and resilience requirements.

TWO-THIRDS of young people jetted off without travel insurance – because more than half didn’t think anything would go wrong.

A poll of 2,000 adults found another 58 per cent of these Gen Z and Millennial travellers have skipped getting covered because it costs too much.

But that risk doesn’t always pay off, as 29 per cent of all holidaymakers have had to make a claim after things went awry either before or during their trip.

The average claim came to around £4,500, with top reasons including cancelled holidays due to unforeseen circumstances like illness.

Nearly half (48 per cent) have had to use their policy because of long travel delays, while 45 per cent needed help following a medical emergency overseas.

Emily Barnett, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: “Taking out travel insurance should be as instinctive as booking your flights, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances, for example should you need to cancel before you depart.

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“With the busy winter travel season upon us, whether it’s skiing in the Alps or a visit to the Christmas markets, it’s never been more important to make sure you have suitable cover in place before you set off.”

It also emerged 41 per cent have claimed for delayed or damaged baggage, while 40 per cent needed their policy after being targeted by thieves abroad.

Others have had to rely on insurance after their hotel or travel company cancelled on them, while 38 per cent made a claim to access medication during their trip.

However, 16 per cent didn’t realise their policy needs to match the specific requirements of their holiday – as some trips, such as winter sports, need specialist cover.

And this rises to nearly a third (31 per cent) among those aged 18 to 24.

When it comes to travel worries, the biggest fear among those polled is facing a medical emergency away from home (37 per cent), followed by losing luggage (21 per cent) and missing their flight (19 per cent).

The findings have inspired a striking photo series from Compare the Market, titled ‘What Happened on Holiday’, designed to highlight the importance of booking insurance at the same time as your trip.

Emily Barnett added: “We’re urging Brits to protect their trips early to give themselves peace of mind, so they can focus on making memories instead of mishaps.”

TOURISTS and holidaymakers have been warned to stay away from the world’s most famous Bonfire Night this year amid safety fears.

The advice has been issued by a multi-agency group, including police, ahead of the popular annual celebration.

The group behind the Lewes Bonfire have called for the public not to attend unless they live locally, with trains axed and roads shut.

Dubbed the bonfire capital of the world, the town of Lewes holds the world-famous event each year.

As part of the torch-lit procession, the societies also push a giant effigy of a controversial figure through the town’s streets.

Last year, a depiction of Nigel Farage, holding a pint and a cigarette, was paraded through the streets.

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The procession attracts thousands of visitors with transport, accommodation and even drinks difficult to come by on the big night. 

The event begins with a torch-led procession, before bonfires are held across the town.

Firework displays are also conducted towards the end of the evening.

Ahead of the event on November 5, a multi-agency group has issued a series of advice for the public.

Transport restrictions

Transport restrictions are also being put in place to prevent visitors from attending the event.

In a statement, the group, which includes Sussex Police and the British Transport Police, said: “We ask that you do not attend Lewes Bonfire unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.

“The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety, by limiting the number of people attending.

“It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.

“It is recognised this will impact motorists and train passengers who are not planning to attend the event.”

Locals have been reacting to the news on Facebook.

One said: “Lewes is in lockdown for the bonfire, so you can’t get there.”

Another posted: “The more you tell someone not to do it the more they do.”

For the last several hundred years, Lewes Bonfire has taken place in the small Sussex town.

The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.

There are thought to be more than 3,000 bonfire society members who take part in the procession each year, while up to 80,000 people have been known to watch the town’s parade.

The population of Lewes town is just more than 17,000.

A series of road closures will also be in place from 4.45pm on November 5, with residents advised to get any vehicles to their homes before 4pm to avoid disruption.

From 5pm that day, no trains will stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease. 

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The last trains back from London Victoria to these stations will leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm.

These station closures will remain in place until the start of service on November 6.

PLANS changed before you’ve even packed your case?

If you need to cancel a Jet2 flight, here’s how it works right now, plus what that means for refunds and fees.

How do you cancel a Jet2 flight?

It’s straightforward to cancel online.

Go to Manage My Booking, log in with your details and select Cancel flights.

Follow the on-screen steps to confirm your request.

You should receive confirmation once you’ve completed the process in Manage My Booking.

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Will I get my money back if I cancel?

Jet2 treats flight-only bookings as non-refundable in most cases.

If you choose to cancel, you should not expect a cash refund unless your fare type or specific circumstances state otherwise.

Always check your booking confirmation and fare conditions before you cancel, and consider whether your travel insurance covers you for your reason to cancel.

What are my options if I don’t want to lose the fare?

If you can still travel but need different dates or times, you can amend your booking instead of cancelling.

Jet2 lets you change flights in Manage My Booking, subject to a change fee and any fare difference.

Name changes are also permitted for a fee if someone else can take your place, which can be more cost-effective than cancelling outright.

How much does it cost to change a Jet2 flight?

Jet2 charges a fixed change fee per person per flight plus any difference between your original fare and the new fare available at the time you make the change.

Exact costs vary by route, season and availability, so you’ll see the total before you pay when you go through the change process in Manage My Booking.

Can I cancel a Jet2holidays package instead?

Flight-only bookings and Jet2holidays packages have different rules.

Package holidays follow Jet2holidays terms and conditions, including set cancellation charges on a sliding scale.

Check the Jet2holidays Manage My Booking FAQs and your booking documents for the latest charges before you decide.

If you booked a package through a third party or travel agent, speak to them first, as their terms may also apply.

What if Jet2 cancels my flight?

If Jet2 cancels your flight, you’ll be offered alternative arrangements or a refund according to Jet2’s policies.

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Manage this via Manage My Booking or follow the instructions Jet2 sends you at the time.

Keep an eye on your email and your booking dashboard for updates if disruption is expected.

TEAM Fabulous road-tests three coastal campsites.

From Costa Dorada in Spain to Vendee in France, we have a beautiful beach for everyone.

SPAIN – Playa Montroig, Costa Dorada

Editor in Chief Sinead McIntyre, husband Alistair and their teenage twins found a coast with the most, including a day trip to Barcelona.

THE PAD

Set on the stunning Costa Dorada coastline and a quick 25-minute drive from Reus airport, the star of the show here is the sandy beach, with its lively bar and floating dive pontoon.

One morning, my daughter Riley and I woke early to swim out and had it all to ourselves while watching a yoga class – just one of the activities on offer.

Our premium three-bed lodge was also minutes from the three swimming pools, slides and a pool bar.

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You’ll also find a well-stocked supermarket, bakery, fishmonger’s and pizza takeaway on-site.

Tennis and padel courts are a win, too.

EXPLORE

The coastal village of Miami Platja just 5km away is flanked by picturesque hills and mountains, and boasts golden beaches.

A short drive from here is Llaberia Nature Park, perfect for hikes through stunning flora and fauna.

Meanwhile, Barcelona is under 90 minutes by train from nearby Cambrils.

Book well ahead to visit Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world – and admire its astonishing architecture.

Tickets cost from £23 each (Sagradafamilia.org).

Or stop by Barcelona’s famous Camp Nou football stadium – though currently under renovation, you can still visit its excellent museum.

Entry costs £25 per person (Fcbarcelona.com).

REFUEL

Get your tapas fix and dig into calamari, £12.60, garlic shrimp, £10.90, and Iberian ham croquettes, £1.75 each, on-site at Terrassa restaurant.

Pair with a refreshing carafe of sangria with cava, £14.70.

Or try beachside Tucanamar, with its stunning sunset views and divine spaghetti with clams, £10.90.

A walk along the shoreline is Restaurant Friends, serving up specialty spare ribs, £17.25, and grilled sea bream, £15.20 (Friendsplaya.com).

In Barca, hit Catalanian eatery La Nueva Marquesa for delights such as fried eggs with Iberian ham shavings and monkfish skewers with prawn and crab sauce.

Finish with melt-in-the-mouth tiramisu.

Three-course set menus cost from £13 (Lanuevamarquesa.com).

DON’T MISS

Mas Miró – the family home of Joan Miró, legendary Catalan artist and friend of Picasso – is nearby.

Explore the buildings he brought to life and see his sketches first-hand.

Entry costs £8.70 per person (Masmiro.com).

BOOK IT

Seven-night stays for four people at Playa Montroig during May half-term 2026 cost from £586 (Eurocamp.co.uk).

FRANCE – Le Garangeoire, Vendee

Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney, husband Mark and their two young kids fell for crêpes and climbing on the west coast of France.

THE PAD

This five-star, family-run campsite, just 15 minutes’ drive from the beautiful beaches of France’s Atlantic west coast, has 200 hectares of woodland and a stunning 17th-century château, complete with free pedalo and canoe hire on the boating lake.

There are tennis courts, crazy golf, a horse-riding stable and two kids’ clubs.

Of the four pools, the main one boasts three slides, and is our kids’ favourite.

For some quiet time, head to the natural lagoon surrounded by a sandy beach.

There are tons of activities, including aromatherapy and night walks, and our three-bed lodge was perfectly appointed with a veranda for alfresco feasts.

EXPLORE

Kids will love swinging through the branches at Le Grand Défi, the world’s largest tree-climbing park just down the road, plus there’s a huge aqua park and pony rides.

Treeclimbing costs from £10.70 for kids, £20.90 for adults (Grand-defi.com).

Historical theme park Puy du Fou, an hour’s drive away, puts on eye-popping performances.

Watch gladiators fight in the “Roman” coliseum and experience stormy seas aboard an 18th-century-style explorer’s ship.

Tickets cost £39 for adults, £28 for kids (Puydufou.com).

Or head to the beach town of Brétignolles-sur-Mer – you’ll find pretty Breton T-shirts and wooden toys at its busy market on Thursdays and Sundays.

REFUEL

At nearby lakeside restaurant L’Auberge du Jaunay, we demolished a stack of cheese galettes for a bargain £3.25 with a half-carafe of red wine, £8.90.

A sugar and lemon crêpe, £4.70, completed the kids’ favourite feast of the trip.

On a beach day, we nabbed a table on the white sand at Crêperie La Normandelière.

We didn’t get the warmest of welcomes, but the food made up for it – I loved the smoked salmon salad, £12.70, and Nutella and banana crêpe, £5.20 (La-normandeliere.eatbu.com).

In the nearest town of Saint-Julien-des-Landes, just minutes’ drive away, you’ll find Rest’O Landes, which does the most delicious honey and goat’s cheese takeaway pizza, £9 (Restolandes.com).

DON’T MISS

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BOOK IT

Seven-night stays at La Garangeoire in May half-term 2026 cost from £363 for up to six (Eurocamp.co.uk).

An overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo with Brittany Ferries for four people with a car costs from £351 (Brittany-ferries.co.uk).

ENGLAND – Daleacres, Kent

Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Danielle Woodward, husband David and their two teens sought out safaris and steam trains in the South East.

THE PAD

In the heart of the Kent countryside, near the seaside town of Hythe, you’ll find Daleacres Campsite, complete with a playground for younger kids and a communal firepit for glampers.

Safari tents offer kitchens with a fridge and microwave, and the kids took turns to fill up the water dispenser, a short walk away.

With patchy free Wi-Fi, they also “enjoyed” screen-free time!

We woke to cock-a-doodle-dos from a nearby farm, before freshening up in the spotless shower and loo block.

EXPLORE

Feeling beachy? Pick between Hythe’s shingle or nearby Dymchurch’s three miles of sand and amusement park with classic rides and an arcade (Dymchurch-amusements.co.uk).

Meanwhile, spot apes and tigers at Port Lympne Safari Park.

Day tickets including safari cost £32 for adults, £28 for children (Aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne).

Or hop on the miniature steam train on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway.

Tickets cost from £10 return (Rhdr.org.uk).

The kids were also fascinated by the crypt in St Leonard’s Church, home to the largest, best-preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain (Slhk.org/theossuary.htm).

REFUEL

In Dymchurch, hit Lamby’s Seafood stall next to the Ocean Inn pub for a pot of brown shrimp, £4 (Oceaninn.co.uk/lambys).

At Port Lympne, scoff tasty wood-fired prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and rocket pizza, £15, followed by fig and pistachio frangipane tart, £5, in Babydoll’s restaurant.

While the 400-year-old cosy Botolphs Bridge Inn pub, a short walk from Daleacres, offers fab pies of the week with mash, veg and gravy, £13.50 (Botolphsbridgeinn.co.uk).

DON’T MISS

The Battle of Britain Memorial in Folkestone has an interactive Scramble Experience, which brings WW2 to life.

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Entry is £7 for adults, £4 for kids (Battleofbritainmemorial.org).

BOOK IT

A safari tent at Daleacres sleeping five costs from £59 per night (Experiencefreedom.co.uk).

WHEN it comes to enjoying Halloween, the team at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens don’t cut corners.

Spiders, cobwebs, witches’ hats, scarecrows, hay bales and thousands of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colours surrounded the stalls, rides and attractions.

But I could not help thinking that when it’s all over, someone’s got a mammoth clear-up job.

The Danish capital city’s famous amusement park, which is right in the centre, closes for two weeks while a team of more than 50 gardeners, designers, decorators, stagehands, crane operators, electricians and carpenters transform it into a spooky wonderland.

And as you would expect from the Danes, it’s all done very tastefully — and sustainably.

The 22,000 pumpkins are grown in Denmark, on the island of Samso, where the climate is spot on.

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The larger ones are entries for the annual Danish Giant Pumpkin Championship, hosted by the park.

Afterwards, the prize pumpkins are given to Copenhagen Zoo, where apparently the elephants are particularly fond of them.

This year is the 20th anniversary of Tivoli’s Halloween festivities and around half a million people are expected to walk through the gates before the season ends on November 2.

To avoid the queues, I would suggest going earlier in the day to do the most popular rides, but make sure you stay until dusk to get the full effects of the flickering jack-o’-lanterns.

Little ones will love the treasure hunt and pumpkin-carving workshops, while older kids will enjoy being scared — but not too much — in Villa Vendetta, where actors jump out from the shadows.

The Haunted House wasn’t quite frightening enough for my teenage son, but the gravity-defying loops of The Demon rollercoaster took his breath away.

‘Getting cosy’

A day at Tivoli was part of the compromise when we told him he’d be missing the usual trick-or-treating with mates to join his parents on an October city break.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Copenhagen. It’s when the leaves turn, the nights draw in and the “hygge” levels rise.

If you haven’t heard of hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), it is the Danish concept of “getting cosy” — and we’d come to the capital to get a dose of it.

Flights generally cost less after the summer too, and once you are here, getting around is cheap and easy.

The Metro system only has four lines and there are also hop-on, hop-off buses and water buses (small ferries).

We purchased Copenhagen Cards, which give you free public transport plus entry to 87 attractions.

They even cover the metro or train from the airport, which only takes about 15 minutes to the city centre.

As well as getting free entrance into Tivoli (rides and attractions cost extra) we used our Copenhagen Card to take a sightseeing cruise up the river, past the famous Little Mermaid statue (it really is tiny), the royal palace, funky house boats and more.

Cardamom buns

Cruises start from Nyhavn, the city’s pretty harbour with brightly-coloured houses, where we warmed up afterwards with a cup of Glogg, a sweet mulled wine.

We took the water bus to Contemporary Copenhagen to enjoy the art installations and we joined the locals cycling around the three city lakes at Soerne.

The bikes were hired from our hotel, Charlottehaven, which also happens to be a short walk from one of the city’s best bakeries, Juno. The delicious cardamom buns were well worth queuing for.

Eating out in Copenhagen isn’t cheap but there’s a growing number of communal dining venues, a concept known as faellesspisning, which are really good value.

In just a few days we’d packed a lot in and had fallen in love with Copenhagen, a compact and friendly city where everything is within easy access, even a 20-acre theme park

We went to Kanalhuset (the Canal House) in Christianshavn and joined a table full of locals for a simple but very tasty meal for around £16 each.

There’s only one choice each night (you can check what’s on the menu on the website) but they will always do a vegetarian option on request.

Everyone turns up at 6.30pm for drinks in the bar and then joins one of the large tables in the restaurant for dinner at 7pm.

We made friends with a lovely Danish family celebrating their mum’s birthday. Pretty much all the locals here speak excellent English, so it was easy to chat.

In just a few days we’d packed a lot in and had fallen in love with Copenhagen, a compact and friendly city where everything is within easy access, even a 20-acre theme park.

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Once the Halloween festivities are over, Tivoli closes again for two weeks so that all the pumpkins can be replaced with fairy lights, an ice-skating rink and hundreds of Christmas trees.

Now we need to go back and experience Christmas hygge-style.

THE world is full of amazing places to go for a dip, but one spot really is a ‘hidden’ gem – as you can swim underneath a castle.

The Château d’Urspelt, in the heart of the Éislek region of Luxembourg, is a luxurious hotel within a former castle.

But below it is the ultimate surprise – a pool designed in the shape of a sunken grotto.

Guests can step into the pools, with different rock-style formations across the walls and ceilings, as well as plants draping down.

And the indulgent experience doesn’t stop there as the spa also has six treatment rooms, a relaxation room, two hammams, two saunas, a whirlpool and a fitness room.

After enjoying the different spa areas, guests can put their feet up and relax with a cup of tea in the tea room.

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Access to the wellness area costs €60 (£52.36) per person, or it is free when you book a massage or treatment.

As for the castle-turned hotel, which opened back in 2008, the rooms are equally as decadent as the spa experience.

There are a variety of different room types to choose from, with 57 rooms and suites.

Continuing with the theme of grandeur, in the castle’s historic cellars – which were dug out by hand from the original basement – is the U Lounge Bar.

When workers were digging out the basement, they also discovered a well, which has since been exposed.

The bar serves a range of drinks including spirits, wines and cocktails.

Alternatively, guests can head to The Library for a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

In the morning, guests are invited to head behind the reception desk to reach a sprawling buffet breakfast, with homemade jams, freshly baked cakes and honey produced by bees on site.

The outdoor pool, which overlooks the entire estate, even has its own bar, serving up refreshing drinks and light snacks.

In the warmer weather, guests can enjoy the indoor-outdoor Patio or for a more refined experience, The Dining Room.

Otherwise the château is also home to an orchard, three running and walking routes and even electric scooters for hire.

Rooms at the hotel cost from around £147 per night and the hotel is located around an hour from Luxembourg Airport.

Travellers looking to explore the surrounding area won’t be short of options either, as the château is close to many charming towns.

For example, 30km away from the château is Vianden Castle, which was built between the 11th and 14th centuries.

In fact, it was named as one of the 20 most beautiful castles in the world, by CNN Travel.

And each year the castle hosts a medieval festival in August, with duelling knights and jugglers.

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There’s also a UK castle that costs less than a hotel stay in London with an indoor swimming pool, tropical gardens and a private beach.

Plus, you can stay at a fairytale English castle once home to famous king – with tower suites and the UK’s largest four-poster bed.

IF you ski down through the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise.

Especially when you are in Hundfjallet — one of four ski areas in the Swedish mountain resort Salen.

A magical beginner slope winds through a Troll Forest where dozens of wooden statues protrude from the snow, singing and telling folk tales.

My young kids liken this enchanted realm to the lands of Elsa and Anna in Disney movie Frozen.

And there’s even a ski-thru McDonald’s too — see right.

It is the first time I’ve taken my family skiing and the children are spellbound from the get-go.

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Making their way through the mythical woods of Trollskogen, they look in wonder.

The only things that stop them begging to return immediately to the top of the run are a log cabin serving hot chocolate near an open fire — and an open-air theatre with a dance show featuring the resort’s mascot, Snowman Valle.

Aside from it being wonderfully child-friendly, one of the best things about Salen is how quickly you can get there.

The resort, in west-central Sweden, near the Norwegian border, is just a two-hour flight from the UK then a ten-minute transfer.

Within an hour of landing at the airport, we had dumped our bags, got completely kitted out — including with ski pass, part of our deal from operator Sunweb — and were gliding down the pistes.

All of this was made even easier by our 4H “ski in and ski out” SkiStar Lodge apartment hotel, which has everything you could wish for within a short walk, from ski school, ski rental and sledging hill, to luxury spa, restaurants, playroom, creche and supermarket.

Salen is generally suited more to beginner and intermediate skiiers. But with 101 runs, including some nice off-piste, back-country routes, and a 45-degree black run called The Wall, there is enough to keep even the most advanced occupied.

If you are looking for an alternative to downhill skiing or boarding, the area also offers dog-sled rides, Ski-Doo snowmobile trails, and superb cross-country skiing.

After a tiring day on the mountain you can simply slide back to the hotel — which has a vast storage room for all your gear — and head to the bar for authentic Swedish apres ski.

Yes, that means Abba songs, as well as lots of sing-along tunes for the kids — while they energise on their slush puppies with marshmallows, and the adults relax with a beer and bowls of hot, salty chips.

Another great way to unwind after all that exertion on the mountain is the on-site Frost Spa, where you can look at the ski slopes from a steaming outdoor pool, relax in two tingling-hot Jacuzzis, melt away in the sauna and steam rooms, and get a Swedish massage — before a drink at the bar.

Salen also comprises the busier Lindvallen ski area — 20 minutes away on the free bus — where you can grab a burger and chips in the world’s one and only ski-thru McDonald’s.

Lindvallen also has a ten-pin bowling alley, arcade and the SkiStar Experium fun pool with surf simulator and two exciting waterslides for the kids to go wild in.

At day’s end, back at the hotel, the children can also enjoy free table tennis, pool and shuffleboard until they are ready to drop.

And when they are finally tucked up in bed, adults can settle down in front of the apartments’ giant TVs  and watch Frozen or listen to Abba songs.

Just Gimme, gimme, gimme another Swedish ski holiday.

AS I look down into the valley below, I spot the unmistakable outline of the Golden Arches gleaming in the snow.

Peeling off my gloves, I unlock my phone screen and hit the McDonald’s app, ordering two Happy Meals, a Big Mac and a McChicken sandwich.

I’ve never seen my children ski as quickly as they did to the hatch to collect our order.

The world’s only McSki in Sweden’s Lindvallen, is decked out like an Alpine chalet with stone and wood features and can seat up to 170 people.

It offers all the same menu items that can be found in other McDonald’s around the world and the prices are comparable to back home in England – with main meals costing around £7.

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This means you can get a pretty cheap lunch compared to other mountain restaurant options.

Who can say no to that?

ON Spain’s Costa del Sol, the city of Malaga is rich in heritage with a buzzing social scene.

It also offers a winning combination of a city and beach break rolled into one, meaning you can blend shopping and sight-seeing with downtime and relaxation.

Here we pick Malaga’s highlights.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

THE weather in Malaga is unlikely to disappoint, at any time of the year.

Right now temperatures are ideal — sunshine in the mid-20s — which is perfect for relaxing with a book by the pool or on the beach, as well as pounding the city streets without getting too hot and bothered.

Even if you’re not one for lying in the sun, a few days can easily be spent exploring the city’s excellent shopping scene or its old town with Roman ruins and Renaissance architecture flanking the streets.

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The city centre is also just 15 minutes from the airport by car, which makes it an ideal destination for a short break.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

MALAGA is the sixth largest city in Spain, and fairly sprawling.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t explore it easily on foot.

It does depend on where you’re staying as to whether you’ll want to grab a taxi to the city centre, though.

All of the city’s main landmarks, including the cathedral, Alcazaba fortress-palace and Roman Theatre, are within a few minutes’ stroll of each other.

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

HIKE up to the top of Gibralfaro Castle for fantastic views over the port and city.

This fort was built in the 14th century to house troops and protect the Alcazaba.

Standard entry is seven euros, which allows you to walk the perimeter of the fort via its tall walls as well as visit the small on-site museum.

Be sure to wear comfy shoes as the winding path visitors must climb to reach the castle from the town is pretty steep, and smooth paving means it’s easy to lose your footing.

If you do struggle with hills, you can grab a bus to the top.

For equally impressive views, a walk around the adjacent Alcazaba is not to be missed (standard entry is ten euros).

This stunning building is a marvel of medieval architecture.

Malaga is the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso and it would be remiss not to visit the Picasso Museum, which showcases some of his famous works.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

ALMOST all tastes are catered for on the beachfront, but seafood should be the order of the day here.

Make sure you have at least one serving of pil-pil prawns, which features on most menus here.

I loved Majumi Beach Club, which has a relaxed vibe and dishes up some excellent local grub.

Try the sardines, which are grilled on an outdoor fire. The tomato salad with anchovies is also a hit with visitors.

For a nice evening meal, Los Marangos in the old town serves top paella, tapas and other authentic dishes from the region.

FANCY A DRINK?

PICASSO Bar Tapas has a really buzzy atmosphere.

As the name suggests, you can enjoy tipples such as fruit-loaded sangria alongside tapas-style nibbles.

Or if you’re looking for more of a party vibe, there are plenty of late-night venues in Torremolinos including Irish bars and karaoke venues.

I preferred to take advantage of the Cosmos Sky Bar at my hotel — Hotel Costa Malaga — which poured me freshly shaken cocktails while I soaked up the excellent views from the rooftop.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

HOTEL Costa Malaga is very affordable at around £50 a night.

It is best suited to adults rather than families with young children, due to its lack of kids’ facilities.

And that is a big sellling point as it means the hotel attracts a laidback crowd who come for the balmy weather and good food.

Rooms are modern, with the ocean visible from many of the balconies.

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As well as a reasonable-sized pool, there’s a gym area and on-site buffet and breakfast restaurant.

The best part is that the beach is just a ten-minute walk away, where you can spend the day flopped on a lounger in one of the many beach clubs — or have a go at one of the watersports on offer.

THERE is something to be said for an English seaside trip in autumn, when all the crowds have gone home.

And historic Broadstairs in Kent is certainly one of the UK’s finest coastal spots.

The beach town was loved by Charles Dickens, who called it the “freshest and freest little place in the world”.

However, it has come a long way since the author visited, with trendy new bars and hotels springing up.

I tied my windswept hair back and ventured into the bracing sea air of Viking Bay, Broadstairs’ main sandy beach.

Due to the time of year I was joined by just locals — and their dogs rolling in the sand — as well as sailing teachers and their students.

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You can’t come to the coast without trying the fish and chips, and some of the best is dished up at The Mermaid.

“Phwoah, shall we get some?” I heard a passer-by say as they ogled my overflowing portion.

I should have offered them some of mine as I had to admit defeat halfway through.

The seaside town is pint-sized and walkable, with both the Dickens House Museum and The Charles Dickens pub right beside each other.

The museum is housed in the cottage that inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood, the great-aunt of David Copperfield in Dickens’ novel of the same name.

It is only open from April to the end of October.

But time it right and you could experience a real-life Christmas Carol, with it reopening for a number of festive weekends in December, alongside live music and crafts.

And while you can’t go inside Dickens’ former holiday home Bleak House, you can enjoy it from the outside when it opens to the public for the monthly farmers’ market.

The town’s pretty high street is also a step back in time, with a quaint mix of old-school butchers and gift shops alongside modern coffee places.

My bag quickly became heavy after giving into the temptation to shop, stocking up on early Christmas presents and trinkets.

With the nights drawing in even earlier, dinner came round all too quickly.

And one of the best spots in town for a bite is Bar Ingo.

Opened in 2024, the tiny restaurant is a cosy affair — just five tables crammed against steamed-up windows. But it is worth the squeeze.

Bohemian auntie

It’s run by Swedish chef Tomas Eriksson, who once worked in the kitchens of celebrity-loved Soho House in London.

I gorged on small plates of rich braised beef, juicy octopus and crispy ham croquettes, alongside a glass of Portuguese orange wine.

It’s a place where you end up chatting to your table neighbour after they spot you eyeing up one of their dishes.

I had never been so grateful that my bed was just a few yards away.

Smiths Townhouse is one of the newest spots on the block, originally a coffee shop before reopening as a boutique hotel last month.

The six bedrooms take up most of the space in the pretty converted Georgian building. Each one feels like it’s been decorated by your bohemian auntie.

Think antique rugs and mid-century beds (one of which is rumoured to have been owned by Elton John).

The rooms are intimate and chic, with dark blue walls and floorboards that creak underfoot while padding over to make a cup of tea.

It’s tucked down a side road off the main high street, which means you’ll get a blissfully uninterrupted night of sleep.

I awoke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee coming from the downstairs cafe.

I thought I’d woken up early but I came down to find it already full of locals chatting about their night out over full English breakfasts and toasties.

The hotel has big plans for the future too, including an on-site bar, DJ sessions and a Pilates studio.

If you’re visiting during the summer, Broadstairs always has so much to offer, with big events including the Dickens Festival in June and Folk Week in August.

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But for some bracing sea air, Michelin-worthy restaurants and stylish new hotels without the crowds? Maybe a trip is the best saved for an October weekend.

I get why ol’ Charlie sung its praises . . .