Travel advice

BRITISH Airways has cancelled all flights to Dubai until June as the ongoing crisis in Iran continues to affect travel.

The flag carrier confirmed yesterday that they have suspended operations until May 31.

This includes to the UAE city of Dubai, as well as Amman in Jordan and to Bahrain.

British Airways usually operates around 20 flights a week to Dubai so thousands of passengers are expected to be affected.

Flights to Doha have been suspended until the end of April.

And the airline has cancelled the rest of their Abu Dhabi flights for the season, meaning they won’t restart until October 25.

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An spokesman said: “Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, and to provide more clarity to our customers, we’ve extended the temporary reduction in our flying schedule in the region.

“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options.

“Since the situation in the Middle East began, we’ve helped thousands of customers return home and operated eight relief flights from Muscat in Oman.”

British Airways confirmed that they are operating more flights via other international hubs in replacement of Dubai, which is one of the world’s busiest airports.

This includes four more flights via Singapore and three more flights via Bangkok.

Passengers affected will be able to rebook with another airline, or move their travel to a different date.

Otherwise full refunds are being given to anyone with bookings up to May 31.

The ongoing Iran crisis is still causing chaos for travellers, not just those in the Middle East.

Virgin Atlantic has already ended its Dubai flights for the season early, which were due to conclude on March 28.

Emirates and Qatar Airways have launched limited flights again from Dubai and Doha, respectively.

However, Dubai Airport as forced to suspend flights again yesterday after a drone strike hit a fuel tank.

A number of flights were cancelled in response, with some airlines forcing to turn back after take off.

The Sun’s Travel Expert has answered all of your holiday questions here.

And here are the European destinations seeing huge demand following the conflict.

AS A RESULT of the Iran crisis, Brits have been looking for different destinations to travel to, with demand rising for some countries.

The conflict in the Middle East has had a ripple effect throughout the travel sector, with Brits being forced to cancel their holidays as the Foreign Office has issued ‘do not travel’ warnings to some destinations.

And now, Brits looking at booking a holiday are choosing destinations closer to home in Europe.

Last week, On The Beach confirmed that they had experienced a drop in demand for popular holiday destinations including Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt, as a result of growing tensions in the Middle East.

This is despite the Government having no warning against travel to any of the popular holiday regions in these countries.

But on the other hand, TUI has seen increased interest in Greece, as well as Portugal and Spain, as customers look to “familiar destinations”.

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Neil Swanson, a director at TUI, said: “While we are seeing some cancellations in the affected areas, these are currently outweighed by customers choosing to amend their plans instead,” reports The Guardian.

Hays Travel on the other hand, has seen interest grow for trips to Italy, Malta and Croatia.

And Surrey-based holiday operator Kuoni has seen interest in longer haul destinations such as the Caribbean grow although this also comes with a jump in price as well.

Mark Duguid from Kuoni said: “What we’ve seen is huge increases in flight prices, because the seats remaining are limited – we are talking about seats going up by £1,000 a person for an economy seat, which then prices the holiday out of the market for many customers.”

Pure One Travel founder, Wesley Baker, said: “Travellers are still eager to explore the world, but geopolitical events inevitably influence where people choose to go.

“We are seeing customers pivot towards destinations they perceive as easier and more straightforward to reach.”

The tour operator added that interest has increased for destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.

Baker added: “Many travellers are simply redirecting their plans rather than cancelling them.

“Europe remains extremely popular, while long-haul destinations in Latin America are also attracting interest from travellers looking for something more adventurous.”

According to Expedia, popular European destinations for this spring based on search data include Paris in France; Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Rome in Italy and Majorca and Tenerife in Spain.

Ljubljana in Slovenia has seen a 90 per cent increase in search as well, and Valencia in Spain has seen a 65 per cent increase.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained: “There’s no doubt the current crisis in the Middle East is going to have a seismic impact on our holiday habits.

“Reports of travellers stranded in the UAE and across the globe will certainly prompt those looking to travel long haul to look at alternative ways to fly – with direct flights to places like Thailand, the Maldives and Japan sure to be very popular.

“Closer to home, the situation will sadly likely impact destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and possibly even Greece.

“And with soaring fuel costs, tour operators will be looking to price alternative destinations competitively.

“But there are other options – our traditional resorts in places like Spain and Portugal are good, safe bets.

“Comparison giant TravelSupermarket has crunched the numbers for this summer and declared Spain’s Costa Calida one of the best-value destinations for this summer.

“Dubbed the ‘warm coast’, this region stretching along the south eastern region of Murcia is one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines with 150miles of beaches, crystal clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lake.

“Also worth exploring are the likes of Montenegro, Albania and even North Macedonia for cheaper hotel and restaurant costs as well as traditional favourite Bulgaria.”

For more inspiration on where to go on holiday, here are 10 European getaways in the Easter holidays for under £200 per person.

Plus, cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe’s best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.

ISLAND destinations are often whimsical, but one spot in particular is a crowd-free gem.

Vis Island in Croatia is just over an hour on the ferry from Split.

And it was recently named among Intrepid’s annual ‘Not Hot’ list for 10 overlooked destinations you should visit this year.

Though if you want to head to a seaside town without the crowds, the Croatian Tourism Board recommends visiting Komiza on the island, which according to the board is where fishing on the eastern coast of the Adriatic was born.

The town dates back to the 12th century and is surrounded by pretty villages to discover as well.

Stiniva Beach is just an 18 minute drive from the town and is the number one thing to do on the island of Vis, according to TripAdvisor.

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The cove has crystal clear waters and pebbles, like many other beaches across the island.

From the road, it is about a 20 minute hike down to the beach, though many visitors note it isn’t easy, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Boat tours go to the beach too, though, which is probably a better option for the more elderly.

One recent visitor said: “Stiniva Beach is hands down the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen in my life.

“Tucked away in a secluded cove with crystal-clear water and beautiful high cliffs surrounding you, it feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.

“The atmosphere is peaceful and almost surreal, especially in the early morning when the light is soft and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.”

If you want to head to a more accessible beach, opt for Gusarica Beach which is right by the town centre.

The beach features small pebbles and it is a great spot to go paddleboarding.

The island and Komiža more specifically, was also used as a filming destination for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

In the second film, Harry and Bill have dinner in a Greek tavern.

In reality, the tavern is a restaurant called Jastožera and does have the amazing view that you see in the film.

The restaurant is located by a 15th century fortress that connects two cliffs and created an open air sea pool used for lobster breeding.

Since 1883, the restaurant has been owned by the Komizan family Marinkovic-Mestrezane and today you can visit to try fresh lobster dishes.

Komiža is a great base for visiting the Blue Cave on Bisevo island as well, which is an even smaller island.

The “island of peace and purity”, according to BlueCave-Bisevo.com, is known for its Blue Cave, which was revealed by Viennese painter Eugen Baron Ransonnet in 1884.

Since, tourists flock to the cave which has since become protected as a geomorphological natural monument.

What makes the cave so special is that it captures an unusual light phenomenon which gives everything in the cave a blue glow.

In 2019, research revealed that the blue glow is created by morning light hitting the yellow sandy bottom and illuminating the interior of the cave.

Visitors can only head to the cave on an organised trip, which are available between April 1 and November 1.

Tickets to the cove can be purchased in the gift shop in Mezuporat Cove, near the cave entrance.

They cost 75 Croatian kuna (£8.67) per adult and 35 kuna (£4.05) for children, but in the peak season rise to 100 kuna (£11.56) per adult and 50 kuna (£5.78) per child.

If you book a Blue Cave tour from Split, your entrance will be included in your ticket.

The best way to get to Komiža is by flying to Split, with flights usually costing from £24 one-way.

Once in Split, hop on the ferry to Vis which usually costs between €6.50 (£5.66) and €26 (£22.63) per person.

For more inspiration on holidays to Croatia, there’s a tiny island which bans cars that tourists say ‘feels like being in a fairytale’.

Plus, the little-known Mediterranean hotspot Brits are moving to for super-low taxes, 97p beer and 31C summers.

I SPEND a lot of my time looking at holiday prices – comparing deals, breaking down packages, and figuring out where the strange little pricing tricks are hiding.

There’s one trend I keep seeing again and again. In some family resorts, it can actually work out cheaper to stay as an adult and a child than as one adult on their own.

That’s not because flights suddenly get cheaper, but because the hotel part of the package drops in price.

It sounds odd, but when you look at how hotels price their rooms, it starts to make sense.

Why does this strange holiday pricing trick happen? The main reason is something called a single supplement.

Most hotel rooms are priced for two people sharing, so when just one person stays, hotels often increase the price to make up for the empty bed.

Solo travellers can end up paying a hidden surcharge, but when you add a child, the pricing works differently.

Family resorts – especially in places like Turkey, Spain and Greece – are built around rooms designed for two adults and a child, and children usually cost hotels less to accommodate.

They often sleep on sofa beds, eat smaller portions and have discounted all-inclusive rates.

Because of that, hotels often price children very cheaply – and sometimes the total hotel cost actually drops compared with a solo booking.

Hotels are usually happy with this because families tend to spend more around the resort, from drinks and snacks to activities and excursions.

So, filling a room with an adult and a child can be more valuable than one guest travelling alone, which occasionally leads to the strange situation where bringing a child makes the hotel portion of the holiday cheaper.

When I looked at the data, I found several resorts where this pricing quirk shows up.

I compared the price of a 7-night stay as a solo traveller versus the cost when bringing one child at a variety of holiday resorts.

Here are some of the best examples, and the biggest savings of up to £698.

Labranda Targa Club Aquapark, Marrakech

Average saving: £30

Just outside Marrakech, Labranda Targa Club Aquapark combines Moroccan sunshine with a proper family-friendly resort setup.

Kids get water slides and splash pools, while adults can explore the markets and gardens of the city nearby.

And the pricing still shows a small advantage, with adult and child bookings averaging £30 cheaper for a 7-night stay than solo travellers.

BLUESEA Puerto Caleta, Fuerteventura

Average saving: £43

Located in Caleta de Fuste, Puerto Caleta is a relaxed apartment complex perfect for an adult and child beach holiday.

You’ve got sandy beaches, boat trips and plenty of restaurants right on your doorstep.

When I priced it up, holidays average a £43 saving for an adult and child per 7-night stay compared with travelling alone.

Sol Barbados, Majorca

Average saving: £45

Sol Barbados in Magaluf is one of the most family-friendly resorts in Majorca.

There’s a huge waterpark-style pool area, kids’ entertainment and easy access to the beach.

For an adult travelling with a child, it’s a simple sun-and-pool holiday – and the pricing shows an average saving of around £45 for a 7-night stay compared to booking solo.

Staycity Aparthotels, near Disneyland Paris

Average saving: £60

City breaks can show the same pattern too.

At Staycity Aparthotels near Disneyland Paris, you’re just minutes from the Disney parks, which makes it ideal for an adult taking a child on their first big theme park trip.

And the pricing structure means the average holiday can come out around £60 cheaper for a 7-night stay when you book as an adult and child instead of travelling alone.

Oludeniz Beach Resort by Z Hotels, Dalaman

Average saving: £81

Oludeniz Beach Resort sits right by one of Turkey’s most famous beaches – the stunning Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.

It’s an easygoing, all-inclusive resort where an adult and child can spend the day swimming, exploring the beach or watching the paragliders drift down from the mountains.

And package bookings for this hotel show an average saving of £81 for a 7-night stay when adding a child versus travelling solo.

Gran Castillo Tagoro, Lanzarote

Average saving: £212

This five-star resort in Lanzarote is practically designed for family holidays.

Gran Castillo Tagoro has dedicated kids zones, family pools and incredible views over the volcanic coastline near Playa Blanca.

For an adult and child travelling together, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and activities.

Bookings here show an average saving of around £212 when bringing a child for a 7-night stay compared with a solo holiday.

Golden Port Salou & Spa, Costa Dorada

Average saving: £251

In Spain, Golden Port Salou & Spa is a brilliant base for an adult and child holiday.

It’s close to the beaches of Salou and just minutes from PortAventura theme park, which makes it perfect for a trip packed with rides, waterparks and ice cream stops.

Thanks to family-friendly pricing, the average holiday price drops by about £251 per 7-night stay when a child is added to the booking.

Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Average saving: £279

If you’re looking for something more luxury, Rixos Radamis in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most impressive resorts in Egypt.

Huge pools, beach access on the Red Sea, kids clubs and endless all-inclusive food options make it a dream for families.

And the pricing structure here means an adult travelling with a child can save around £279 for a 7-night break on average compared with booking the same trip alone.

Auramar Beach Resort, Algarve

Average saving: £349

Over in Portugal, Auramar Beach Resort sits right above the cliffs near Albufeira with incredible sea views.

It’s a laid-back all-inclusive hotel where an adult and child can spend the day between the beach, the pools and the buffet before watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

Because it’s built for families, adding a child actually brings the average holiday price down by around £349 for a 7-night break compared with travelling solo.

Eftalia Blue, Antalya

Average saving: £698

One of the biggest differences I found was at Eftalia Blue on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

This is a classic big Turkish all-inclusive resort with huge pools, slides, and easy access to the famous Eftalia Island beach complex.

For an adult and child travelling together, it’s ideal – kids get waterparks and entertainment all day while parents can relax by the pool or head down to the beach.

And the pricing quirk here is huge, with holidays averaging almost £700 cheaper for an adult and child for a 7-night stay compared to travelling alone.

Here’s my key takeaways for travellers.

I should make it clear: holidays aren’t always cheaper with kids.

Flights are still one of your biggest spends, and plenty of hotels price things normally.

But when you start digging through package holiday deals, you occasionally find this strange pricing quirk.

Because of single supplements and heavily discounted child rates, this is one of those travel industry secrets you only really notice when you spend your days digging through holiday data.

BORED of regular hotels? Why not head off on a staycation… to spend the night in a train carriage instead.

Nestled in the West Sussex countryside, you will find a restored vintage train carriage that is stopped in its own ‘station’.

Named the Lowe Comotion, the carriage is in Batchmere, Chichester and sleeps up to four people, with one main bedroom.

Inside, guests will be greeted by vintage decor and quirky train signage that not only makes you feel as if you are stepping onto a long, luxury train journey but also back in time to the golden age of train travel.

There’s a log burner and comfy sofa that transforms into bunk beds as well, to make it truly feel like a first-class experience.

When it comes to having a bite to eat, there is a dining table and chairs by the window, so you can enjoy your food whilst looking out at the view.

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The kitchen has everything you’d need including a kettle, grill, toaster and microwave.

In the middle of the carriage is where you will find the bathroom, complete with a vintage bathtub.

Outside there is a spacious patio with seating too and a barbeque for the summer.

The carriage has to be booked for a minimum stay of two nights and is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friend won’t be left out.

It also includes towels and linen, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.

One recent guest said: “A lovely railway carriage with loads of great touches and details.

“Definitely first class. We had a grand time staying here and loved the birdsong as well as the rain on the roof when the weather let us down a bit!

“Woodburner ensured a cosy night was had and would definitely recommend to friends. Lovely private area with space for kids and dog!”

Another guest added: “Wow – what a unique and wonderful place – superbly converted 1870’s railway carriage with so many thoughtful and stylish design details we hardly wanted to go out – but also couldn’t resist the huge private lawn that comes with it – a huge hit with our over excited sheep dog! We were overexcited to sleep in it.

“Never been happier to sit on a train carriage that’s not moving!”

A third guest said: “This place is absolutely stunning! It’s so quirky and one-of-a-kind.

“Our stay here was incredibly peaceful and tranquil, exactly what we needed to unwind and recharge.”

Lowe Comotion costs from £150 per night to stay.

As for the area surrounding the carriage, you can head off on lovely countryside walks or bike rides.

Just nine minutes down the road is West Wittering Beach, which is known for its natural beauty.

The beach has a number of facilities including the Beach Cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat such as a Beach Breakfast with poached eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, beans, potato rosti and toasted brown bloomer for £11.95.

And the beaches at Selsey, East Wittering, and Bracklesham Bay are all close by as well.

If you want to see some of the local nature, then you can head to RSPB Medmerry.

The reserve boasts 6.25miles of trails and features a lot of birdlife including avocets.

If you’ve got kids, jump in the car for 12 minutes to Selsey, where you will find West Sands Fun Fair.

It costs just £15 for unlimited rides on the attractions, which include Waltzers, Dodgems, pedal boats and toddler’s rides.

For more glamping getaways, here’s the UK’s original glamping destination with al fresco massages and farmhouse style tents.

Plus, the Finnish-like glamping resort in the UK countryside with safari lodges, sauna and outdoor cinemas.

I SKULK swiftly through the labyrinth of shrubs. The grass is so tall it strokes my shoulders with each stride.

Fresh dung and paw prints in the sandy pastures point to South Africa’s most famous mammals lurking nearby — but they stay hidden.

Suddenly, among the chorus of bird call, a rustle and a huff from the nearby shrubs sends adrenaline surging through me.

My feet spring into action before my brain, as I pelt in the opposite direction, following the urgent calls of my rifle-carrying guide.

We had found ourselves mere metres from two wild buffalo, part of the elusive Big Five and one of Kruger National Park’s deadliest animals.

In the east of South Africa and arguably the most famous park for safari in the world, Kruger is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

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It’s not been much of a start to its birthday, though.

Severe floods ripped through the plains in the early days of this year, wreaking havoc.

But nature is resilient and the wildlife here always bounces back fast.

That’s in part thanks to the committed rangers, who are continually working on the park’s infrastructure and a fierce anti-poaching programme.

And their work meant my chances of spotting wildlife hadn’t been diminished.

In fact, within 24 hours of checking into Rhino Walking Safaris’ Plains camp, I ticked off the Big Five — lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino and elephants — almost twice over.

Full credit goes to the guides accompanying me, James and Orance, who know precisely how to spot clues, including claw marks on trees, with their hawk-like eyes.

Earlier that day, we had pulled to a halt for a lion sleeping in the road.

He was within touching distance.

Not that you’d risk extending an arm beyond the truck.

You have a greater chance of a lion fleeing than attacking, though.

Guide James tells me the Kruger lions are used to seeing trucks of humans.

They’re still very much wild, but they generally feel safe in our presence, which makes for spectacular observing — that’s if you manage to spot one (more tips on that).

Next it was hippos braving dry land after the blistering heat had subsided, an agile leopard creeping through the long grass, then elephants shaking the last of the green fruit from the branches of a Marula tree.

Smiling broadly, I returned to my luxury safari tent, which featured wooden twin beds, a private bathroom with a shower head that dangles from a tree branch and a large decking area from which you can lazily watch wildlife, beyond the small electric fence.

Rhino Walking Safaris owns a 12,000 hectare private concession within Kruger and its Plains camp is near a popular watering hole, so the chances of spotting creatures even during downtime is high.

Buffalos, a wildebeest named Steve, baboons, and even a duo of young rhinos called by.

With only four tents and no wifi, strangers become friends and you’re wholly immersed in the experience.

The real highlight for me, however, was the morning walks.

A 4.45am alarm may sting, but observing the misty pink sunrise from beyond a buffalo’s resting place makes it all worthwhile.

There’s something magical about safaris on foot, treading the same path as the animal you’re tracking, away from all things man-made and with the exhilaration of imminent danger.

Guides carry rifles, although they’re so knowledgeable about the creatures around us, they’ve never had to fire them.

Morning walks come with snacks and coffee, followed by a brunch feast at camp, a few hours of downtime and high tea.

Then it’s the afternoon game drive with sundowners (in my case a healthy pouring of gin), an 8.30pm three-course dinner back at camp and 10pm stargazing — or bedtime for those whose eyes are too weary.

Exhaustion is combatted by sheer adrenaline, but there are also plenty of less rural camps offering more laid-back itineraries where lazy mornings can be enhanced by spa treatments or dips in the pool.

Mdluli Safari Lodge, on the western periphery of Kruger, has a spectacular infinity pool overlooking a watering hole.

The very large safari tents, of which there are 50, are raised on stilts and come with greater levels of creature comforts such as aircon, plugs in rooms, internet access and a swinging egg chair on the decking.

Choice of game drives is plentiful. You can head out at pretty much any time of day, on short sunset safaris or day-long drives.

We even managed to squeeze in a final early sunrise ride before our transfer to the airport, admiring a mob of dwarf mongoose rustling at the edge of the road.

Before heading home or ahead of your safari, a day in Johannesburg is worthwhile.

Holidaymakers travelling from the UK will fly into this city and it’s a poignant area for delving into South Africa’s troubled past.

June 2026 marks 50 years since the brutal killing of Hector Pieterson, a 12-year-old schoolboy, who was shot by police during the Soweto student uprising.

You can learn all about this tale, and the apartheid regime, on a tuktuk tour with Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers (£35pp, sowetobackpackers.com).

We rolled through modern-day communities and old hostels, before passing Nelson Mandela’s former home, now a museum.

It’s a humbling experience.

Top it with a ride through untrodden pastures with the Big Five for an adventure of a lifetime.

Watching a David Attenborough documentary back in the UK, I feel a little smug.

A TV screen can’t quite capture that magic.

TEN TIPS FOR BUSH HOLS 

1. BRING LOTS OF CLOTHES: You’ll sweat a lot and clothes get grubby on both walks and game drives because of the dust. I often changed outfits twice a day. 

2. EARTHY COLOURS: When you’re in the truck, it really doesn’t matter what you wear – although bring a fleece or jacket, even in summer, as it gets chilly. On walks you should wear neutral, earthy tones like beige, green or brown – no whites or brights. And don’t worry about buying chic or stylish garments for walks; comfort is key. 

3. WAKE UP FOR THE EARLY SAFARIS: Even if you’re knackered and desperate to stay in bed, those early-morning  game drives or walks are some of the most spectacular. This is when a lot of animals come out and some of the sunrises were even more impressive than the sunsets. 

4. IGNORE THE WEATHER FORECAST: The Met Office and BBC Weather forecast rain for every day I was in Kruger. Yet it didn’t rain once. It’s best to come prepared for all eventualities – rain jacket, shorts, trousers and  binoculars. 

5. CASH FOR TIPS: Bring more than you think you’ll need. If you run out of money, it’ll be a struggle to get more and gratuities, although not always expected, are very common. We tipped our guides 200-250 rand per day. You’ll likely want to tip other staff too, such as  cooks, cleaners and waiters.  

6. BRING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT: Worldwide adaptors rarely work in South Africa – the sockets aren’t common. So order one online before you go and make sure to pack a battery pack if you  plan to  use your phone to take pictures and videos.  

7. DON’T SELF-DRIVE: Self-drives are popular in Kruger and do give you a greater level of independence, but if you’re going for the first time, you’ll see heaps more with the help of a guide. These guides are experts and are connected with all the other guides in the area so will be first to hear of a sighting. They live on site so know exactly where certain herds rest. 

8. BRING EARPLUGS: Remember, you’re in the wild, so if you’re a light sleeper, ear plugs are a must. I thought it would be sleep-inducing listening to the hum of animals at night. They were much louder than expected and I was woken up several times by a relentless owl. 

9. DON’T JUST CHASE THE BIG FIVE: Everyone likes to say they’ve seen them, but some of my most magical experiences were with creatures I’d never heard of. Even the trees and flora we spotted were fascinating, as were the birds. 

10. CHOOSE YOUR STAY WISELY: Camps have their own guides – and each guide or ranger varies in skill and expertise. Do your research and try to book a camp where two guides accompany you on safari as opposed to one – double the people means double your chances of spotting wildlife. We’d met people who were yet to spot a single one of the Big Five in a week, but we’d seen them all in a day and that’s thanks to our guides. 

DID YOU know that the word ‘spa’ comes from a European town by the same name that actually is responsible for wellness traditions?

Spa in Belgium is a small town sat in a valley of the Ardennes Mountains and is often known as the Pearl of the Ardennes.

It’s one of Belgium‘s most popular tourist destinations and with good reason, because the town is full of natural mineral springs.

Perhaps you also know the name of the town due to the racing Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which hosts the annual Formula One Belgian Grand Prix.

But Spa’s spa history dates back a lot longer than the noise of a motor engine…

Way back in the 16th and 17th centuries, the town became known for its iron-rich mineral springs that people used to think could heal them of injuries and illnesses.

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The original experience in the town was ‘drinking therapy’, where people would drink a large amount of the iron-rich water, rather than bathe in it.

Then in 1717, Peter the Great of Russia visited and drank the water for a month and miraculously, was ‘cured’ of his severe health issues including liver and digestive problems.

This was the start of mass tourism heading to the town, with international visitors flocking to Spa for its healing waters.

This trend continued into the 18th century when Spa became a fashionable resort town known as the ‘Cafe of Europe’.

Many elite members of society would travel to Spa to treat health conditions but also participate a number of other activities including gambling.

Then in the 19th century, there was more of a focus on bathing as the town opened new thermal baths.

It’s because of the town’s long history and fame, that the word ‘spa’ was adopted into the English language and used widely as a term for a resort with therapeutic water.

Finally, in 2021, Spa was recognised as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site’s the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Today, visitors can still relish in the benefits of Spa’s water.

One of the top spots for visitors today is Thermes de Spa – a resort which overlooks the town with peat baths, traditional copper baths, outdoor pools and relaxation experiences.

The spa experience includes a 70C sauna and a 40C to 45C hammam.

For those who want to embrace naturism, there is an area for this with a panoramic sauna, a hammam, a 36C hot tub, a 38C bath, a 20C cold bath and three foot baths.

There are a number of relaxation areas too including a red light therapy area and a blue light room, which if you spend 20 to 30 minutes in, it is equivalent of a day high in the mountains.

And of course, there are a number of baths as well.

The water for all of the spa comes from the Marie-Henriette Spring, which is the oldest of Spa’s waters dating back over 400 years.

If you fancy learning more about the history of the town, head to the Museum of the City of Water.

Inside, visitors can learn about four centuries of history in the town.

You can also venture into one of the first casinos in the world, which opened in 1763.

Many European royals used to visit Casino de Spa and visitors can still head there today.

For those who love being in the outdoors, there’s RAVeL trails, which are converted railway lines and a great way of seeing the Ardennes and its historic villages including Stavelot and Francorchamps.

Or if you prefer a bit of adrenaline, make sure to check out SpaForest, which is an adventure park with tree-climbing courses, ziplines and rope bridges.

When it comes to choosing somewhere to stay in the town, obviously a lot of the options include wellness facilities.

You could stay at the four-star Van der Valk Hotel Spa with direct access to Les Thermes de Spa thermal Baths.

A room costs from £80 per night.

Or you could decide to stay at the Radisson Blu Balmoral Hotel, costing from £97 per night.

It is surrounded by dense forest, features suites with separate living areas and has an indoor pool, sauna and a Turkish bath.

The easiest way to get to Spa from the UK is by flying to Brussels, which costs from £28 return.

From there, you can jump on a train which takes less than two hours to reach Spa, costing from £13.64 a-way.

Alternatively, you could get the Eurostar to Brussels and switch trains to reach Spa.

For more inspiration on destinations to explore in Europe, there’s one city with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and it has been named the best destination to visit in 2026.

Plus, these are the 39 best European city break destinations – and the number one spot is very cheap.

MAY half term is creeping up fast, but there’s good news for families – you can still get a bargain all-inclusive holiday booked in.

And you can enjoy those lazy beach days and create lasting memories for less than you’d think.

We’ve scoured the internet to find these bargain all-inclusive deals, with prices from just £259pp. Plus, some of them include free kids’ places, too.

That’s your whole holiday with flights, hotels, food, drinks and more all wrapped up into one.

Think waterslides and kids’ clubs for the little ones, poolside cocktails and spas for the grown-ups, plus beaches just minutes away.

All of these holiday deals are during the May half term week, plus a few that utilise the school inset days either side of the week-long break.

From luxurious resorts in Turkey and Tunisia to action-packed hotels in Spain and Greece, these budget-friendly breaks will see you swapping grey skies for sunshine. All prices correct at time of publication.

Belpoint Beach Hotel, Antalya, Turkey

The Belpoint Beach Hotel in Beldibi, Antalya is surrounded by the forests of the Toros Mountains, giving your outdoor swim a pretty impressive backdrop.

With a pool decorated with colourful parasols and a waterslide, this pretty resort also has plenty to do indoors, including a sauna and a Turkish bath to unwind in.

This no-frills all-inclusive provides buffet dining, evening discos and sports like volleyball and basketball.

Plus, there’s easy access to the coast and its pine-backed beaches, ideal if you’re after an outdoors-y holiday where time is spent outside, soaking up the sun.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from London Stansted from £319pp. The foreign office advises that Turkey is generally safe for travel amid the ongoing conflict in Iran – and flights are running as usual.

Izola Paradise, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

This four-star stay is set amid the buzz of Bulgaria‘s largest holiday resort, Sunny Beach.

Expect temperatures in the low 20s in May, plus a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids’ club, outdoor playground and games room.

Whether you spend the days playing table tennis, darts and billiards, or simply lazing on a lounger between trips to the poolside bar, this is a cheap and cheerful choice for an all-inclusive holiday.

Plus, nearby Sunny Beach sees stretches of golden sand flanked by a strip of cheap-eating spots and bars that come alive at night, making it one of Europe’s best-value spots for a sunshine break.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 27 May, including return flights from London Luton from £319pp.

El Mouradi Hammamet, Tunisia

Set in the seaside resort of Yasmine Hammamet, this hotel is built for families with its own kids’ pool, waterslides, plus a spa with a sauna and steam bath for the adults.

This resort is buzzing with entertainment, sports and activities all through the day and in to the night – including everything from archery and aqua fit classes to an on-site nightclub.

Rooms are bright and modern, equipped with the essentials for a relaxed stay. Plus varied buffet dining keeps things easy for families and groups while providing for even the fussiest of eaters.

A five minute walk takes you to Carthage Land theme park, while the marina, Medina and seafront promenade are all close enough for evening strolls.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 24 May including return flights from Bristol from £449pp.

El Pueblo Tamlelt, Agadir, Morocco

El Pueblo Tamelt in Morocco‘s Agadir is surrounded by 11 acres of luscious gardens, and is just steps away from the beach.

And with Agadir reaching highs of 26C in May, this is a top pick if you’re looking for somewhere to sunbathe this half term.

The huge resort has 363 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the sea or gardens.

All-inclusive food includes three daily meals in the main buffet restaurant, as well as drinks and snacks such as pizza, hot dogs and burgers at the pizzeria snack bar.

If you fancy getting out and exploring, the town centre is a 10 minute drive away and packed with souks, cafés and restaurants.

On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 25 May including return flights from London Stansted from £335pp.

Terramar Calella, Costa Brava, Spain

Terramar Calella puts you right in the thick of the action of Costa Brava‘s Calella, with the beach on one side and the buzzing promenade on the other.

Here, days start with sea swims and end with sunset drinks. Platja Gran Calella is the area’s largest beach, and here it’s right on your doorstep.

This hotel is ideal if you want the classic Costa Brava experience without the extra fuss.

Expect clean and simple rooms, burgers, meats and salads at the buffet, and bars stocked with local spirits.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 26 May including return flights from £259pp.

Sun Club El Dorado, Majorca

With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable.

Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails.

Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape with plenty of room to relax and soak up the scenery.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 24 May including return flights from Glasgow from £319pp.

El Mouradi Cap Mahdia, Tunisia

El Mouradi Cap Mahdia sits on one of Tunisia’s finest white-sand beaches: Plage Mahdia.

This Moorish-style resort is a hit with families thanks to its giant sapphire pool, and a non-stop kids’ club that keeps the little ones entertained daily.

With buffet meals, snack bars and local drinks on tap, plus 263 air-conditioned rooms including larger options for families, this hotel offers a classic all-inclusive experience.

Plus with the beach on your doorstep, and the historic charms of Mahdia’s old town just a 10-minute drive away, it’s an ideal spot to set up base for both swimming and sightseeing.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 24 May including return flights from Edinburgh from £399pp.

Sun Star Beach, Mahmutlar, Turkey

With its own private stretch of sand in sunny Antalya, the four-star Sun Star Beach is a fantastic value pick.

This traditional all-inclusive features a sprawling outdoor pool with its own water slide, four bars, and a restaurant with both buffet and à la carte dining options.

Plus there’s a relaxing spa and Turkish bath with massage treatments available for when you want a break from soaking up the rays.

With the vibrant shops and bars of Mahmutlar right on your doorstep, it’s a brilliant base to soak up the local buzz before heading back for a sunset cocktail by the pool.

Plus the kids-go-free offer when you book with Loveholidays truly sweetens the deal.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 25 May including return flights from Glasgow from £319pp. This offer includes free-child stays.

Santa Susanna Resort, Costa Brava, Spain

A disco bar, free transport to the beach, a thriving kids’ club and hilarious entertainment – what’s not to like about the Santa Susanna Resort?

Just half-an-hour’s drive from Girona-Costa Brava airport, you’ll find this buzzing family holiday resort.

Highlights of this hotel include a spacious swimming pool, a kid-friendly splash pool with a waterslide, and nights packed with live music, karaoke and kids’ discos.

And if you’re not yet convinced, this deal comes with one-free-child stay.

On the Beach offer a 5-night stay from 23 May including return flights from Glasgow Prestwick from £365pp. This offer includes one free child’s place.

Club Munamar Resort, Dalaman, Turkey

This budget-friendly base in the Dalaman resort area of Turkey offers a classic fly-and-flop vibe if you’re seeking some last-minute sun.

With four outdoor swimming pools, clean and comfy rooms and easy access to the town and beaches of Icmeler, this resort is a solid choice for a sunshine break.

If you do take the five-minute drive into nearby Icmeler, you’ll find beaches with clear, shallow waters, and a quieter atmosphere than the nearby Marmaris.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 23 May including return flights from London Gatwick from £369pp.

Villamarina Club, Salou, Spain

Sunny Salou sits in the low 20s in May, meaning you won’t have to travel far to catch some rays this spring.

Family fun is the name of the game at Hotel Villamarina Club. This hotel has a lively, child-friendly atmosphere with two pools, a kids’ club, and all-inclusive guests benefit from free entry to a disco.

A seven-minute drive takes you to Salou beach, where turquoise water laps at soft golden sands.

Plus, PortAventura World is only a 10-minute drive away, where there are rides and rollercoasters galore.

On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 25 May including return flights from London Stansted from £470pp.

Tuntas Beach Hotel Altinkum, Bodrum, Turkey

Located in luxurious Bodrum, the Tuntas Beach Hotel Altinkum is a popular hotel with a parasol and lounger-dotted beach on its doorstep.

And with horse-riding, water sports and live music all available close to the resort, you won’t get stuck looking for things to do.

Rooms are kitted out with all the necessities like air-con, hair dryers and a telly, plus the buffet meals included as part of the all-inclusive package are switched up each night.

Plus with weather reaching highs of 27C in May, it’s safe to say you’ll be able to make the most of that gorgeous Bodrum beach outside the hotel.

On the Beach offer a 6-night stay from 25 May including return flights from London Gatwick from £410pp.

Corona Roja Aparthotel, Gran Canaria

The Corona Roja Aparthotel sits on Gran Canaria‘s Playa del Ingles, one of the most popular beach resorts among Brits – and for good reason.

The area offers a mix of brilliant beaches, buzzing nightlife and adventure activities all in one place.

Whether you’re the type to set off parasailing or prefer a sunset catamaran trip, there’s plenty on offer in this lively resort town.

And the Corona Roja Aparthotel is a budget-friendly base to do it all from.

Although the comfy apartments come with a handy kitchenette, the all-inclusive package includes access to a buffet restaurant and pool bar to save you doing the cooking.

On the Beach offer a 5-night stay from 23 May including return flights from £315pp.

Gouves Bay Hotel, Crete

Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea.

This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining.

And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.

Heraklion airport is only about 15 minutes drive away, so airport transfers are quick and painless.

Plus, Hersonissos is a 10 minute drive away for nightlife and waterparks, while Heraklion town and the historic Knossos ruins are 20 minutes away.

Thomas Cook offer a 5-night stay from 26 May including return flights from Glasgow from £574pp.

Paloma Family Club, Bodrum, Turkey

As the name suggests, the Paloma Family Club caters to all things fun and families.

Kids can cool off from the Turkish heat in a dedicated splash pool with its own waterslide, or grab an ice lolly at the poolside snack bar.

Nearby Bitez Beach is one of Bodrum‘s finest, with clear, shallow waters for little ones to paddle in, and reserved sunbeds and parasols for hotel guests.

There’s family entertainment to enjoy twice a week, but if you fancy getting out and trying something new, the nearby resort towns of Gumbet and Bodrum are well worth a wander around.

easyJet Holidays offer a 7-night stay from 24 May including return flights from London Gatwick from £633pp. This offer includes one free child’s place.

RAIL commuters will face a number of disruptions as the UK’s busiest train station is hit with a series of closures this month.

Scheduled works will be carried out on select weekend days throughout the remainder of March, beginning tomorrow.

Anyone planning to travel through Liverpool Street Station in London tomorrow may want to double check their plans.

Network Rail has revealed “vital maintenance, renewals, and repairs” for the bustling hub, impacting all routes and services to and from the station. 

Liverpool Street’s mainline station, which sees approximately 98 million commuters annually, is set to shut for five weekend days, during which its concourse will also be closed.

These closures will impact Elizabeth line and London Overground, as well as National Rail services, including Greater Anglia and c2c.

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While the station itself will undergo roof drainage repairs, work will also be carried out relating to track drainage and maintenance, as well as vegetation management and litter clearance along railway lines.

Commuters can expect disruptions on the following dates:

Sunday, March 15

The entire station will be closed on this date, with London Overground services running from London Fields instead.

Elizabeth line services will continue to run, though commuters are advised there will be no access to the main concourse on this date.

Saturday, March 21 – Sunday, March 22

Again, the entire station will be closed for both these dates, with Elizabeth line services continuing to run on Saturday, March 21, with no access to the main concourse.

On Sunday, March 22, there will be no Elizabeth line trains running.

There will also be no Overground Weaver line trains on either of these dates.

Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, March 29

Liverpool Street Station will again be closed for both these dates, while Elizabeth line services continue to run throughout the weekend.

Again, there will be no access to the main concourse on these dates.

There will also be no Overground Weaver line trains running throughout the weekend.

To avoid travel disruptions, rail passengers are advised that rail replacement buses will operate between Stratford and Romford, and between Newbury Park and Shenfield tomorrow.

And before 9.50am, buses will replace trains between Seven Sisters and Enfield Town/Cheshunt and Hackney Downs and Chingford.

Check the Network Rail website for further details on replacement services throughout March.

GREECE is the latest holiday destination seeing a drop in holiday bookings amid the Iran crisis.

In a statement released this week, On The Beach confirmed a number of popular holiday destinations including Greece had seen a drop in demand as a result of growing tensions in the Middle East.

The announcement came as the online package holiday provider made a statement that it was suspending its profit forecast.

The group said: “Whilst the group has limited exposure to destinations in the Middle East, it has experienced a significant slowdown in demand following the onset of conflict in the region, particularly to destinations such as Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt.

“The timing of when the conflict will end and the shape of recovery in demand to these destinations are unknown.”

Despite this, the Government currently has no warning against travel to Greece.

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And there are other companies, such as TUI, that have seen increased interest in Greece (along with Portugal and Spain)as “customers opt for familiar destinations”, reports The Times.

Taking to Reddit, travellers currently in Greece have shared what it is like.

One person commented: “I’m in Athens currently and it’s very crowded, also it feels perfectly safe.”

Another person said: “I live in Peloponnese, southern tip on the coast of Greece.

“We’ve been hearing a ton of military planes flying around us the last few days.

“They are definitely preparing for the worst but we are not scared at all.”

Earlier this month, the RAF Akrotiri base on Cyprus was hit by an Iranian drone.

As a result, there was a temporary closure of Paphos Airport, with flights being cancelled.

Despite this, Cyprus remains on the safe to travel list with the Foreign Office warning: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”

Current guidance includes monitoring local and international media and signing up for local information alerts and resources.

However, similar to Greece, Cyprus has also seen a drop in tourism.

Local businesses have expressed how people are “thinking twice” about visiting, with a number of hoteliers saying that bookings are down across March and April.

Cyprus’ foreign minister Constantinos Kombos told the BBC: “I don’t think that anyone should be in two minds, given the fact that the situation, as I have been describing right now as we speak, has been perfectly normal.

“All activity is normal. Air traffic is going back to 100 per cent what it was before the incident.

“So I don’t think this is something that should be affecting people’s decisions.

“And the security factor in terms of people feeling that everything is being done that is humanly possible to protect both citizens, residents, and visitors to Cyprus.”

A number of European cruises have also been cancelled as a result of the crisis, including two Greek sailings.

Plus, now might be the best time to book your holiday to Spain – here’s why.

THE Easter school holidays are fast approaching and if you are thinking of a getaway for those two weeks, you are not too late to snap up a great offer.

Whether you want to head on a city break or fly and flop to a sunny beach spot, there is something for everyone.

And many of the hotels have great kids’ facilities including outdoor pools and evening activities.

Greece

You may think Greece can be expensive, but there are a number of good deals across the country.

For example, you could head to Mitsis La Vita in Rhodes, with Love Holidays between April 11 and 15 for £199 per person.

It would be on a bed and breakfast board basis flying from London Stansted with Ryanair.

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The four-star hotel is in Rhodes town and is within walking distance of the local beach – Paralia Elli.

The hotel has an outdoor pool which is surrounded by a terrace with loungers and parasols.

Whilst in Rhodes Town, make sure to wander around the UNESCO-listed Medieval City with the Palace of the Grand Master – a 14th century fortress.

There is also the Street of the Knights, which is known as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets.

Spain

Between April 5 and 8 you could head to Aparthotel Vibra Jabeque Soul in Playa D’En Bossa, Ibiza, for just £179 per person.

The hotel is self-catering and you will be flying from Manchester to Ibiza with Ryanair.

The hotel features a large pool, lined with palm trees and overlooks the ocean.

There’s also a dedicated children’s swimming area.

Or you could head to Palmanova Suites by TRH Hotel in Majorca, with Love Holidays between April 10 and 14, costing £189 per person.

The trip is on a bed and breakfast basis and you would fly from East Midlands Airport with Ryanair.

You could also go on holiday to Gran Garbi Hotel in Costa Brava between April 8 and 12 for £145 per person.

Flights will be with Ryanair and the hotel is on a bed and breakfast board basis.

Or head to the Bellevue Club in Alcudia, Majorca between April 4 and 8 for £113 per person.

You would be flying from Teeside Airport with Ryanair.

This huge hotel features 11 swimming pools, a garden theatre, 24-hour lobby bar and an on-site shop.

And just a 17 minute walk away is Alcudia Beach.

Outdoors at the hotel, kids can enjoy waterslides and parks and in the evening, the hotel also hosts entertainment.

Portugal

If you fancy heading to Portugal for Easter, you could head to Soldoiro Hotel in Albufeira, The Algarve, from April 5 to 9 for £133 per person.

The flights travel from Liverpool to Faro and you’d be flying with Ryanair.

Albufeira Old Town and new town are both within easy reach and the self-catering accommodation is only 190metres from the beach.

The hotel also features an outdoor pool, kid’s pool and a sun terrace with a pool bar.

Or opt for ChoroMar Hotel also in Albufeira from April 5 to 9 for £128 per person.

Flights are also from Liverpool to Faro, with Ryanair.

The ChoroMar Hotel is a short walk from Montechoro centre where you will find local restaurants.

Breakfast is included and snacks and drinks are also available from the bar.

For things to do at the hotel, you can enjoy an outdoor pool and sun terrace and for parents wanting a pamper, there is a spa with a hot tub, sauna and Turkish bath.

Germany

With OnTheBeach, you could travel to a&o Frankfurt Galluswarte in Frankfurt between April 8 and 12 for £113 per person.

You’d fly from London Stansted with Ryanair.

The a&o Frankfurt Galluswarte is in the prime place to explore Frankfurt, and when in the hotel you can enjoy a rooftop bar with views of the city, a sun terrace, library, games room and kid’s playground.

The rooms feature a modern style and in the morning you can help yourself to the breakfast buffet.

When in the city make sure to look out for the contrasting timber-framed houses and glass skyscrapers.

You can also head to Frankfurt’s Gothic Cathedral and climb the tower for a small fee.

Italy

If you want to head to Italy, there are a couple of great offers for different spots in the country.

For example, you could head to Hotel Della Volta Brescia in Brescia between April 4 and 9 for £130 per person, flying from Newcastle to Milan.

With 29 comfy rooms, the hotel comes with all the modern amenities you need and a buffet breakfast.

The hotel is in the centre of Brescia, which is known for is history, art and theatre.

For example, you could head to the Roman Forum and Capitolium.

Instead, you could visit Resort The Garda Village in Sirmione, Lake Garda between April 5 and 9 for £140 per person, also flying from Newcastle to Milan.

The hotel has a private beach access, an outdoor pool and bustling restaurant.

About a 10 minute walk away is Spiaggia Brema beach, which is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Rooms all boast their own kitchenette making it super easy to make food for yourself and family throughout your holiday.

For more holiday inspiration in Europe, these are the 39 best European city break destinations – and the number one is very cheap.

Plus, here are five European city breaks that are cheaper than an English train ticket.

SEVERAL cruises have been cancelled amid growing regional tensions in the Middle East, as some ships have been left ‘stuck’ in ports.

A number of cruise lines are cancelling European sailings following a number of ships getting stuck in ports in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi amid conflict in the Middle East.

European cruises cancelled include two Celestyal Cruises sailings on March 20 and March 23 in the Aegean Sea.

This is because the Celestyal Discovery has not yet been able to leave Dubai as it needs to travel through The Strait of Hormuz which is currently closed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Guests who were booked on the Greek sailings have been offered a full refund or can opt for cruise credit.

MSC Cruises has cancelled its three remaining winter cruises from Dubai that were due to set sail between March 14 and 28 as MSC Euribia remains docked in Dubai port.

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Aroya Cruises has also cancelled all cruises for the remainder of the season.

As for TUI, two ships previously stuck in the Strait have resulted in cruises being cancelled up to March 16 for Mein Schiff 4 and March 12 for Mein Schiff 5.

While the final passengers are on their way home via flight, the ships remain in the area.

The main issue for cruise ships at the moment in regards to the conflict, is that since March 2 the Strait of Hormuz has been closed.

This means any ships, so not just cruise ships, are currently not travelling the Strait of Hormuz.

This impacts cruises mainly heading to Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Normally, between 10 and 14 cruises travel through the Strait each week during the winter season (November to March).

A spokesperson for AROYA Cruises commented: “Due to ongoing regional operational considerations and in coordination with the relevant maritime and national authorities, AROYA Cruises will not proceed with the remaining sailings scheduled in the Arabian Gulf for the current season.

“All guests were safely disembarked in Dubai on March 7, with the safety, security, and wellbeing of our guests and crew guiding this process.

“We are supporting our guests as they arrange their onward travel and providing guidance and assistance throughout this process.

“The safety, security, and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority and continue to guide every operational decision we make.”

TUI, MSC, Celestyal Cruises, Viking Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Avalon Waterways have been contacted for comment.

What does it mean for British cruise passengers?

The UK government is working to support Brits in all of the impacted areas including the United Arab Emirates.

Official guidance advises Brits who are due to head off on a cruise with stops at the impacted ports to check in with their cruse line to see if their sailing has been cancelled, postponed or rerouted.

For Brits heading on fly-cruises, you should also check with your airline to see if they are still operating your scheduled flight.

Lisa Minot, The Sun’s Head of Travel said: “Six cruise ships are stuck in ports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, unable to sail to safer waters without entering the Strait of Hormutz.

“Assistance will be provided to all impacted guests, and cruisers on cancelled sailings will receive full refunds or a future cruise credit to reschedule.”

In other travel news, Brits are cancelling their holidays to Cyprus despite it being on the safe travel list.

Plus, a major airline is cancelling 600 flights across Europe this week.

YOUR holiday sangria or paella could be much more expensive on your next trip to the Spanish islands.

Officials have said that destinations like the Canaries and Balearics will experience a price hike when it comes to food and drink because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Spanish islands are incredibly popular with Brits, especially during the summer holidays.

The Canary Islands welcomes up to six million British tourists each year and it’s where you’ll find the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Meanwhile, around three million tourists visit the Balearics – with over two million heading to Majorca alone.

Both locations are popular thanks to their high temperatures and direct flights from multiple locations across the UK.

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Now, industry chiefs have said the increase in cost of food and drink at these destinations will be worse than 2022 when prices shot up after the war in the Ukraine began.

Urgent meetings are already being held in the Balearic Islands and in the Canaries which are very dependent on imports due to their more isolated locations.

In July 2022, inflation climbed to 10.8 per cent in Spain.

President of the Association of Food and Beverage Distributors of the Balearic Islands, Mr Bartolomé Servera is warning of severe increases, which will depend on the duration of the crisis in Iran.

Mr Servera said the new impact will be much greater if the conflict is prolonged as the weight of the Middle East is much greater, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of oil and gas pass.

Mr Servera says carriers have already begun to raise prices because the price of fuel has skyrocketed.

Diesel has risen by 32 cents per litre, around 22 per cent; while Gasoline 95 has become between 18 and 20 cents per litre more expensive, which represents 12 per cent.

In addition, it is not ruled out that the barrel of Brent will continue to rise: this Wednesday (March 11) it is around 90 dollars, but this past Monday (March 9) it was close to 120 dollars.

This is likely to then effect everything on the island from hotels and resorts.

The association president said “Milk, eggs, bread, fruit will rise.

“Everything needs fuel for its production or transport, so they will not escape the escalation of costs and producers will have to pass them on to consumers.”

The Canary Islands also fear soaring prices and will meet with transport leaders shortly.

President of the Cabildo de La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo said official need to be monitoring the impact of the war on the islands and prepare contingency plans.

The Government of the Canary Islands says it is “very attentive” to the consequences of the war in the Middle East and plans to hold a meeting with the transport sector in the coming days in view of the increase in fuel prices.

Faced with this situation, the Government of Spain is working on an aid package, as it did at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, to alleviate the looming rise in prices.

For more on Majorca, here are the hidden gems on the island loved by locals.

And one writer who has visited 100 countries explains why he always goes back to these Spanish islands that Brits love and have the best food and beaches.

BRITAIN’s third busiest airport has shut one of the terminals for good.

The terminal, which first opened in 1962, has closed as part of the airport’s £1.3billion transformation.

Manchester airport is turning into a two-terminal operation under the new layout.

All airlines have moved into the expanded Terminal 2, which now handles more than 75% of passengers, while Ryanair flights will operate solely from Terminal 3.

Chris Woodroofe, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “While this is the end of an era for Terminal 1, it’s really the start of a whole new chapter for Manchester Airport.

“We’re proud to connect the North to the world and our £1.3bn investment in Terminal 2 means that we’re now bigger and better than ever – serving our passengers in a setting that rivals any airport Terminal across Europe.

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“It’s also allowing us to continue our growth and operate more flights to more destinations every single day. And we’ve achieved this at the same as making things more simple and straightforward for our passengers.

The closure also frees up space for new facilities at the airport, including hundreds of extra seats, a new bar called Sporting Chance and an Italian restaurant.

More than 2,000 signs across the airport have been replaced to reflect the changes, alongside a new parking system where all car parks are labelled P1 to P16 to make them easier to find.

The redevelopment forms part of the long-running Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, launched in 2015 to modernise the airport for future growth.

The first phase of the revamped Terminal 2 opened in 2021, with the full expansion completed in 2025, paving the way for Terminal 1 to be decommissioned.

The overhaul comes as Manchester Airport continues to grow, serving a record 32 million passengers in 2025.

This February has become the busiest on record with more than 2.05 million travellers.

HUNDREDS of flights across Europe are being cancelled due to a two-day airline strike and thousands of Brits will be affected.

Lufthansa pilots are walking out today for a 48-hour period, over a dispute in regard to pay and pensions.

The airline has since been forced to cancel a huge part of the flight schedule until the strike ends on Saturday.

Around 50 per cent of all Lufthansa flight will be cancelled, which includes 40 per cent of long-haul flights..

This works out to around 300 flights a day, so 600 flights in total, according to Andreas Pinheiro, the head of the union.

Munich and Frankfurt have been hit with the most cancellations.

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A number of UK flights are included in this today, such as:

• 10:05am from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 11:05am from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 12:05pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 12:10pm from Manchester to Frankfurt
• 1:05pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 3:40pm from Edinburgh to Frankfurt
• 3:45pm from Manchester to Frankfurt
• 4pm from Birmingham to Frankfurt
• 4:05pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 6:05pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 8:05pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt

A similar number are cancelled tomorrow as well, meaning thousands are affected travelling from the UK.

A statement from Lufthansa reads: “Lufthansa is working intensively to keep the impact on our passengers as low as possible and has published a special flight schedule for both strike days.

“According to this schedule, more than 50 percent of the originally planned flight program can be operated on Thursday and Friday.

“For long-haul connections, the share is as high as 60 percent.”

Passengers affected can request a refund or move their flight date for free up until March 23.

The cancellations are far fewer than the previous strike which saw up to 800 flights cancelled.

Back in February, the airline was forced to cancel 90 per cent of it’s planned flights, affecting 200,000 passengers.

Flights to the Middle East have have been excluded from the current strike action, due to the Iran conflict.

But the continued attacks across the Middle East are continuing to cause huge travel disruption.

More than 32,000 flights have been cancelled across the Middle East in the past three weeks due to the ongoing crisis, according to experts.

Our Travel Expert has answered all of your questions about any upcoming holiday.

EACH year around 1.4million Brits head to Portugal’s Algarve – so why not explore a quieter Portuguese gem that is cheaper?

Portugal’s Silver Coast – also known as Costa de Prata – stretches for 155 miles from central to western Portugal.

And it offers several different holiday types.

Think dramatic landscapes to be explored, beaches to sunbathe on and historic towns to investigate.

Spanning from north of Lisbon to near Porto, the Silver Coast tends to be less crowded than the Algarve.

One spot you can head to is Nazare, known for having the world’s biggest surfable waves.

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The old fishing town features a long, crescent shaped beach with white sand and crystal clear water.

And this is one of the spots in the town where you will find surfers tackling huge waves.

In fact, it is the Nazaré Canyon that is the largest underwater canyon in Europe, that produces the town’s colossal waves.

Away from the water, the town also has a lot of narrow streets to explore with cosy restaurants serving fresh seafood.

For example, you could head to Restaurante Maria do Mar, which is the best-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor in the area, serving ‘Maria do Mar’ fish stew for just €9.50 (£8.20).

Surfers should also head to Ericeira, which is another popular surf town.

It is widely known as the ‘surfing capital of Europe‘ and is home to one of only two World Surfing Reserves in Europe.

If you are not a surfer, then simply enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) or Praia do Norte.

There’s also Obidos, which has a charming, medieval walled town.

In the picturesque town you can walk through Moorish gates and see colourful houses covered in bright pink flowers in summer.

The medieval walls encircle the entire village, which you can explore.

There’s even a spot that is dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal’ – Aveiro.

The nickname comes from the colourful boats that sail down canals in the town.

Originally, the boats – called moliceiros – were used to carry seaweed that had been harvested, but now they offer tours to visitors along the canals and past Art Nouveau buildings.

In the Old Town, you’ll find cobblestone streets with small fish and coastal images embedded into the cobbles.

Make sure to visit Ponte dos Laços de Amizade (Bridge of Friendship Ties) where couples tie ribbons on to the bridge.

And definitely grab some Ovos Moles which are sweets from the area.

They are egg yolk and sugar mixed together and then moulded into different shapes, like seashells.

Drop by Confeitaria Peixinho, the oldest Ovos Moles shop in Aveiro, which has been running since 1856 – each Ovos Mole costs about €1.60 (£1.38).

Nearby Aveiro there is another spot worth visiting called Costa Nova.

Here you will find rows upon rows of colourful striped beach cottages.

Elsewhere along the Silver Coast, you can visit the coastal village of Foz do Arelho and two beaches created by a saltwater lagoon.

Both feature white sand and are the ideal places to go paddleboarding.

If you want to grab a bite to eat, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade.

Several of the pubs and bars along the Silver Coast sell beers for €1.25 (£1.08), like at Marcianus 3.0 in Foz do Arelho, where you can pick up a bottle of Imperial beer for this price.

Depending on where you wish to go on the Silver Coast, you can fly into either Lisbon or Porto Airports.

One-way flights from the UK to Lisbon or Porto cost as little as £15 per person in April.

Also, depending on where you want to visit, there are a number of different accommodation options.

The average cost for a night in a four-star hotel in the region costs between £65 and £80.

For more places to explore in Portugal, there’s a secret side to the country that has just been crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit this year.

Plus, the pretty city that was the birthplace of the first king of Portugal that is set to be big this year.

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BRITISH holidaymakers have been caught up in the Iran crisis, with thousands stranded abroad and even more fearing for their upcoming trips.

But if you haven’t booked your holiday yet, should you be doing it now to avoid any price hikes?

Due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, the cost of jet fuel has spiked, with airline fares already spiking in response.

Before the attack, prices were around $90 (£67) per barrel.

However, this has now jumped to as much as $200 (£149) per barrel – the highest prices since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Jet fuel makes up about a quarter of the cost of airline operations, according to the IATA.

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In response, airlines such as Qantas, Scandinavia’s SAS and Air New Zealand have all raised flight prices already.

Some airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, are less affected as they have secured some of their fuel at fixed prices for a set amount of time – called hedging.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the rise in jet fuel “won’t affect our costs and it won’t affect ​our low fares,” something easyJet also echoed.

But flights elsewhere are likely to go up in the next year or so, as the conflict continues.

Most airlines in America do not protect themselves against jet fuel price increases, meaning Brits are likely to see more expensive transatlantic fares.

According to research from Skift this could cost US airlines as much as $24billion in extra fuel costs – working out to 11 per cent increases on flights.

Not only that, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important shipping routes – is also having a knock-on affect and could lead to shortages.

James Noel-Beswick, head of commodities at market intelligence firm Sparta Commodities, told the BBC that it was very likely” that prices will increase this summer.

He added: “I think we’re weeks away from maybe flight cancellations or delays due to lack of jet fuel, rather than months.”

So, what can Brit holidaymakers do?

If you were planning on booking a package holiday, many tour operators allow you to lock in a cheap price, and simply pay a deposit, with the full balance coming later.

Jet2 allows you to book a holiday with a £60pp deposit while TUI has a number of £0 deposit schemes.

Loveholidays has deposits from £19pp, as well as a “Best Price Promise” that refunds the difference if your holiday is cheaper within seven days of booking, plus an extra £5 per person.

Destinations like Spain – already one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits – are likely to see even more demand this year along with Greece due to being seen as ‘safer’ holiday destinations.

This means you might see a jump in price more than usual as well.

Other popular destinations like Cyprus is already seeing some booking cancellations after a drone attack on an RAF base on the island.

Hoteliers have said cancellations are affecting holidays in March and April – this is despite Cyprus remaining on the safe travel list.

Dubai is still on the “only essential travel” list so holidays to the UAE city are currently suspended, along with Jordan also on the travel ban list.

Even destinations like Egypt and Turkey are being affected, with a number of Sun readers concerned about holidays to both.

The Sun’s Head of Travel on which holiday destinations to go to instead this year

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot, explains: “There’s no doubt the current crisis in the Middle East is going to have a seismic impact on our holiday habits.

“Reports of travellers stranded in the UAE and across the globe will certainly prompt those looking to travel long haul to look at alternative ways to fly – with direct flights to places like Thailand, the Maldives and Japan sure to be very popular.

“Closer to home, the situation will sadly likely impact destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and possibly even Greece.

“And with soaring fuel costs, tour operators will be looking to price alternative destinations competitively. 

“But there are other options – our traditional resorts in places like Spain and Portugal are good, safe bets.

“Comparison giant TravelSupermarket has crunched the numbers for this summer and declared Spain’s Costa Calida one of the best-value destinations for this summer. 

“Dubbed the ‘warm coast’, this region stretching along the south eastern region of Murcia is one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines with 150miles of beaches, crystal clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lake.

“Also worth exploring arethe likes of Montenegro, Albania and even North Macedonia for cheaper hotel and restaurant costs as well as traditional favourite Bulgaria.

Both countries have not been affected by the Iran crisis and the tourist resorts remain safe to travel to.

Long haul holiday destinations are likely to see a spike in prices too, as Brits try to avoid booking connecting flights that go via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Some popular countries include Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives and Bali, all of which usually fly via the Middle East.

There are alternative stopover destinations, usually via Turkey, Singapore or Hong Kong – but the soaring demand is likely to see these cost more this year too.

And with longer flight times? More jet fuel, so even more costs being passed on.

Here are five lesser visited coastal resorts to visit this year.

And here is another lesser known European city that is a bargain weekend trip.

IF YOU told me there was a place that had the streets of Paris but in England, I wouldn’t believe you.

But there is, and after years of living in London, New York and Los Angeles, I decided to move back to the storied cosmopolis that is Canterbury.

Canterbury has just been named the best small city in the UK by The Telegraph, and it isn’t hard to see why.

With a wealth of glorious green spaces, museums, ‘traditional meets trendy’ pubs, inviting restaurants and unique shops, the UNESCO World Heritage Site city in The Garden of England leaves me with a grateful heart.

I first fell in love with its cobbled, meandering streets and willowy riverbank walks as a student at the university here in the 1990s, where I met my husband.

When we finally decided it was time to bring our family home to the UK after two decades living in the US, there was only one place on our list.

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And three years after our return, I still get a buzz walking past the hodgepodge of medieval taverns and churches immortalised in the novels of one of the city’s biggest fans, Charles Dickens.

Here’s my insider guide to get the best out of this glorious city, whether you’re coming for the day or a week.

Canterbury technically invented tourism when it started making the most of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket, who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170, encouraging people to travel to the site for miracles and blessings, and stay for the fine ale and feasts.

Today, the UK’s oldest cathedral and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican community, is still a beautiful place to spend a peaceful few hours.

You can admire the breathtaking stained-glass windows, gawp at the tombs of The Black Prince and Henry IV, or explore the wildflower gardens that surround the Gothic cloisters.

And with the first female archbishop in the cathedral’s 1400-year history being enthroned this month, there’s never been a more meaningful time to visit.

Tickets start from £18 per person and include exhibitions, mini talks and activity trails.

Under 18s can go free when accompanied by one paying adult (max two children per adult).

Social media had recently been alive with comparisons between Canterbury and Paris, thanks to both cities’ abundance of pavement cafes and tree-lined streets.

The cities are only being 177 miles apart and my car even picks up French radio stations.

“For me, Canterbury feels like a tiny English version of a Paris arrondissement… a storybook full of historic wonders,” agreed my friend Marie, a Parisian who has called Canterbury home for the last five years.

“I fell in love with its quirky tea rooms, independent boutiques, traditional
pubs and cathedral bells.

“Plus, this place has really friendly locals, who are way more welcoming and laid-back than the people you will find in most French cities!”

For the best of France right here in England, wander The King’s Mile and pop to local gourmands for sweet treats, including Madame Oiseau Chocolatiers for handmade truffles.

Or head into Café Turquoise for delicately fragrant macaroons, and there’s A. T. Patisserie as well, which has inventive eclairs that make your mouth scream hallelujah.

Our shopping definitely compares in originality to the greatest global metropolises.

From the rare gems waiting to be discovered in the infamously wonky and haunted Crooked House Bookshop (where every penny made goes to support a local charity, Catching Lives), to the made-and-glazed-onsite teapots designed by a husband-and-wife team in Canterbury Pottery.

Another spot worth exploring is The Goods Shed – an indoor farmer’s market which boasts farm-fresh soups and stews.

Thanks to Canterbury having the UK’s biggest student-to-resident ratio, the vintage shops are abundant and full of quirky finds.

Check out the Cathedral Quarter’s Superstore, Retro Remix and Karma too.

You’ll leave with a head full of history and a bag full of pre-loved treasures for much less than you’d pay in a bigger city.

Spring is the perfect time to visit, thanks to its plethora of free parks and gardens.

Toddler’s Cove is an action-packed mecca for the under-eight-year-olds, which is just along from Westgate Gardens, with its award-winning flower displays and views of 12th-century towers – the oldest surviving gateway in the country.

Inside the towers is now a museum, escape room and a kid-friendly restaurant called The Pound (don’t miss the spicy chicken
sandwich).

Entrance to the old gaol (jail) museum is free with every meal.

After people-watching on the patio, walk past the controversial new statue of a drowning Ophelia (Shakespeare was inspired to write her character after being transfixed with a similar local scandal).

It is next to The Guildhall – where a young Mozart performed – which houses a great coffee shop.

You can also jump onboard a chauffeured punt for a dreamy historic tour
along the River Stour.

Back on dry land, head to local boy Orlando Bloom’s favourite restaurant, Café des Amies, which serves the best Tex-Mex I’ve ever tasted (and I lived in Austin for seven years).

If you’re up for more action, rent your own paddleboard or kayak from Canoe Wild for a sunset paddle along the river to gaze upon the resident beavers (from £40 per person).

The brand-new Canterbury Tales Experience is a state-of-the-art interactive, immersive journey through the stories of Geoffrey Chaucer – with holograms and actors, sounds and smells of the 13th century.

The experience ends up in a pub too, where you can meet the Father of English Literature himself.

A family ticket for two adults, three kids costs £60.

Other cultural must-dos include the Roman Museum, which gives a family
friendly insight into life in Roman Britain, built around the remains of an original Roman

Another option is Town House, which is complete with stunning mosaics (Adults, £11; children £5.50) and the free Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, which hosts workshops, art shows and exhibitions for all ages throughout the year.

It is also the home of a few of Canterbury’s most beloved fictional characters, including Rupert the Bear and Bagpuss.

For more cities to explore in the UK, here’s the UK’s smallest city with a pretty high street and 26 nearby beaches.

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

IF you’re planning your next holiday but you’re on a strict budget, the experts have stepped in to help you save hundreds.

TUI‘s Commercial Director, Chris Logan – who has worked there for 17 years – as shared some of his top tricks to shave hundreds of pounds off your holidays.

One of those is forgetting that Saturday departure.

He explained: “Mid‑week departures offer a sweet spot of value and convenience for travellers.”

“Flying midweek, especially Monday to Wednesday, could save you hundreds on the exact same holiday. 

” For example, this week there’s a deal for a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the 4T TUI Suneo Kenzi Europa in Agadir, Morocco for just £523pp.

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“Travelling on May 4 (Monday) instead of May 3 (Sunday) currently saves you nearly £300 per person.”

Not only that, but travelling just a month out of the busy season can save you loads.

He continued: “May and September offer gorgeous weather without the peak prices. 

“You’ll get balmy temperatures upwards of 20 degrees in destinations like the Canaries and Greece but pay a fraction of the cost.” 

When it comes to what board you want to book, he also advises not always going for the all-inclusive.

He explained: “If you’re not a big drinker, you don’t need to splash out on all-inclusive. 

“Half board could work out as much better value for money. 

“And if you love exploring local restaurants and heading into town for dinner, self-catering or bed and breakfast are your best bets.”

He added: “The best hack is to always scroll down on our holiday pages – there’s a calendar that breaks down prices by departure date, so you can instantly see which days are cheapest.” 

Otherwise TUI has a secret “under £500” page for all holidays that are less than that, if you don’t mind where you travel to,

Chris finished by saying: “The ‘Holidays under £500‘ page brings together all the best deals in one place – you can filter by your local airport, star rating and board type. 

“It’s how customers can find some incredible deals for five-star hotels for under £500.”

One of the cheapest deals we found was seven nights in Greece in May for just £265 each.

Otherwise there are a number of five star holiday packages in Spain, Bulgaria and Tunisia that just come under £500 each.

Chris says his inside advice could save holidaymakers huge amounts on their next trip – but his hacks come with a warning: “Bargain hunters really need to act fast – my biggest tip is to lock in your next trip asap to secure the best rates, as the deals are constantly updating and changing.” 

SOCIAL media is a great place for discovering hacks, but sometimes they don’t always work.

To save you the time and money, we have tried and tested some of the viral travel hacks that have popped up on our social media.

Whether it is grabbing an item you already have and using it for another purpose to save yourself some money or a specific product that can make travelling better, we know what works and doesn’t.

Tried and tested and would recommend

New toys for the journey

One of the best tips I’ve followed is to buy a couple of new toys and keep them out of sight until the plane journey, if you’re travelling with young kids.

Wiki sticks were recommended to me and went down a treat with my son.

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You can mould them into different pieces of art, then pack them away for the next trip.

A small box of Lego works very well too, and you can even pick these up in duty free at most airports.

If you’re looking to save money, a kids’ magazine with several naff plastic toys on the front works equally well – they have often kept my child entertained for the journey and the whole trip.

CBeebies magazine, Lego magazine and Pokemon magazine have held attention for a particularly long time.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Snoozeband

Any hack that promises to improve sleep will pique my interest and the Snoozeband did not disappoint me.

Essentially, it makes using headphones much more comfortable, particularly when you are trying to catch some kip.

I’ve used my band on many overnight flights – and it’s pretty much the only way I can ensure I’ll get some shut eye.

It looks a little like a sweatband or running headband in that it’s made from elasticated material that wraps around the circumference of your head, over the ears.

Built into the band are two mini speakers that line up with your ears and connect to your device via Bluetooth.

They most definitely save you that horrible discomfort that you get with traditional earbuds or AirPods-style headphones, particularly if you are leaning on a surface trying to catch some Zs or even when on a pillow.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Have an iPad for holidays-only

We have an old iPad that my child is only allowed to use on holiday.

Before the trip, I download audiobooks and Netflix shows and he’s allowed to watch as much TV as he wants on the actual flight.

He also has some apps that he is allowed to use on the holiday.

A big favourite at the moment is Simply Draw, with video tutorials on how to draw different things.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Universal plug adaptors over single country ones

Plug adapters are a travel essential that often prove to be more frustrating than you’d think.

It’s difficult to remember which countries use which type, and even if you think you know, you can sometimes still end up packing the wrong one.

Some countries will catch you out, too.

For example, even though Switzerland is in Europe it doesn’t use the standard EU Type C plug – it uses the Type J instead.

So the easiest way I’ve found to get around all of this is by packing a universal travel adaptor.

One simple block with prongs that fold in and out depending on which plugs and sockets you’ll need to use – nice and easy.

I often leave one in my suitcase: readily prepared for the next trip, no thinking required.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Inflatable booster seats

Hiring a booster seat from a car rental company can be astronomically expensive, costing up to £15 a day.

But you can buy an inflatable booster seat by BubbleBum for under £40 and take it on multiple holidays for years.

You’ll make the money back in just one trip.

Plus it’s also helpful for if you take taxis to the airport or go on coach transfers.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Balloons to cover bottles

If travelling with liquids, my biggest worry is always, what if they leak?

But a while ago whilst carrying out my daily doom-scroll session, a video came up of a woman cutting the stem off of a balloon, just to be left with the bit that would have been the spherical part of the balloon.

She then stretched this over a bottle of fake tan.

I was sold, and sure enough on my next trip I tried it out and it worked.

A bag of 20 plus balloons will set you back a couple of quid, which is well worth it when you could be saving your suitcase from being an entire ooey-gooey mess.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

TikTok underseat bag for budget flights

Ever since I had to fork out £65 in excess baggage fees at the Ryanair departures gate, I’ve made sure never to make that expensive mistake again.

I realised just before boarding that you can’t simply eyeball your travel backpack and hope for the best – especially since the eye-watering fee cost me more than my return flights to Dublin.

So when I saw the perfect underseat bag pop up on my TikTok For You Page – black, collapsible and barrel-shaped – I knew I had to grab it.

Since my purchase I’ve been able to stuff my new bag to the brim – and it still slides perfectly into the baggage sizer at the gate.

And at £11.99, this one-off purchase has saved an over-packer like me from endless extra luggage fees!

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Ditching tours for Google Lens

A friend introduced me to the wondrous Google Lens a while back and it’s saved me hundreds on guided tours over the years.

Strolling around an unknown city and curious to know what a particular landmark is?

Snap it on your camera with Google Lens and it will be identified in a matter of seconds – and if you want to learn more about that monument’s story or historical significance, you can expand the description through use of Google’s integrated AI tools.

The Lens feature is built into the Google app, so it won’t take up an unnecessary storage on your phone.

It doesn’t just work on well known buildings either.

I often use it to identify unusual plants that I don’t recognise in tropical climates or even items of food and old artefacts in museums.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Packing cubes

If there is one thing I never do on holiday, I never check in a suitcase.

And trying all the hacks over the years, my failsafe?

The good old packing cube.

I’ve managed to cram in 10 days worth of clothes into just four packing cubes, which all fit into my hand luggage-size suitcases.

It also makes it so much easier finding my clothes, as everything is separated into tops, bottoms, jumpers and underwear.

You don’t need to spend too much on them either – certainly less than having to check in a suitcase, anyway.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Solid shampoo and conditioner bars

If you’re anything like me, packing your liquids bag often feels like an impossible challenge of fitting a million make-up items into one tiny pouch.

And once you’ve got your mascara, concealer, foundation and perfume in there, suddenly there’s no more room for your actual shower essentials.

So instead of buying a large (and often more expensive than you’d hope) shampoo and conditioner abroad, I recommend packing a solid shampoo and conditioner bar.

These won’t affect your liquids allowance, which is especially great when you’re travelling with hand luggage only.

My personal favourites are from Lush – the Squeaky Green shampoo is packed with fragrant herbs and flowers, and the ‘Big’ conditioner leaves my hair beachy and shiny with a coconut oil and vanilla scent.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Free calculator currency converter

Trying to work out if that Moroccan souk bag is really a bargain? Not sure if that cheap glass of wine is really so cheap?

You don’t need any fancy currency converter apps.

Did you know that the iPhone calculator app can be used instead?

Simply click the button at the top right and change it from Basic to Convert.

And there we go – every currency you can think of at your fingertips, so you don’t end up paying £1,000 for that rug you thought was £100 instead…

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Tried and tested and wouldn’t recommend

Foot hammock

With an old knee injury, long haul flights in economy can be pretty unbearable.

So when everyone was raving about ‘foot hammocks’ which you can tie underneath the plane seat, I was intrigued.

The mini hammock is meant to raise your legs to a higher, more comfortable position to ease pressure on your knees and back.

However, I found it didn’t help at all, instead just making my feet slide together and feel even more crammed in.

My cheaper, easier hack?

Just put a small bag on the floor underneath the seat in front of you, and rest your feet on that instead. Voila.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Mobile phone straps

A strap for your phone that hangs around your neck, allowing you to go hands free, sounds great. In reality, however, it falls short.

I don’t think you’ll ever feel fully secure parading one of your most valuable possessions around on display for the world to see, especially in city or festival environments.

The only thing standing between you and a thief is your neck.

And I’m not sure I’d fancy putting my neck on the line (quite literally).

The one time I did use a mobile strap, I found that I wasn’t able to wear it for long as my neck started to ache – and wearing it across the body, on one shoulder, defeats the purpose of having your phone easily accessible as I’d have to remove it from under my arm to use my device.

The one time I did find it useful was at a theme park, when on a roller coaster – although many places don’t allow this.

In general, though, a cross body bag is much more practical. You can carry a shed load more, too.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Elastic band phone strap

I love taking photos and videos on my phone when away, but in some spots I am stressed about losing it forever.

For example, let’s say you are on a boat tour and want to lean over the edge of the boat to take photos of the vibrant blue water.

The fear is that you’ll drop your phone in the sea, right?

Well, if you have an elastic band or hairband, you can loop this through the bottom of your phone case and pop it around your wrist for a makeshift wristband.

After seeing this on Instagram, I thought it was a great idea.

That was until the hairband snapped and my phone plummeted to the ground. Luckily, I wasn’t there.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Mini toiletries

So-called ‘travel-sized’ toiletries are not suitable for travel at all – unless you’re planning on only showering once on your holiday.

These often overpriced minis can set you back £3 to £5 per tiny bottle, or even more if you opt for the luxury brands.

I often find that I can only get one use out of mini shampoos and conditioners, especially when you have longer hair.

And when it comes to the mini spray deodorants, it soon seems like you’re only spraying air from these aerosols.

Other than the disappointing contents, these mini toiletries are also not the most sustainable option.

Plus it can save you both time and money to simply refill a set of reusable 100ml bottles each time you go away, rather than repeatedly fork out on minis.

It’s also worth checking the toiletries your hotel already provides ahead of time.

Most hotel bathrooms are stocked up with shampoo, conditioner and body wash as standard.

So once you’ve simply topped up your refillables with your holy grail products, you’re all set.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Paper to stop clothes creasing

When packing a suitcase, it is slightly heartbreaking to think the next time you open it you’ll see the clothes you meticulously packed, but now with loads of creases.

So you can imagine when I saw someone on social media saying that acid-free tissue paper helps to prevent clothes from creasing, I was thrilled.

You are meant to place a sheet between each folder layer of clothes and essentially, the paper acts as a buffer to stop creases.

Though, having now tried this a couple of times, it hasn’t worked for me.

In the future, I think I’ll stick to using the hotel iron…

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Boarding the plane first

You know that announcement at the beginning of the flight that says families with young children can board first? Ignore it.

Unless you have masses of cabin suitcases and are worried about there being enough space on the plane, wait until the end of boarding to get onto the plane.

Because the last thing kids need is MORE time stuck in a seat.

I’d also add that if you’re child can possibly walk to the boarding gate, do away with the buggy and let them.

Because it will tire them out before the journey.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

For more travel tips, here are The Sun’s Travel Editor’s top hacks for having the cheapest ever break with Hols From £9.50.

Plus, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has visited more than 100 cities – here are her nine ways to do it on the cheap from ‘alternative’ airports to cheap business hotels.

WARMER weather is on the horizon, so why wait until summer to visit your favourite holiday hot spots?

Spain is still top of Brits’ holiday lists and the coming months are a great time to visit this beautiful country, with mild temperatures just right for exploring when it’s not too crowded.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of springtime destinations in Spain and its islands with tips from experts who know the area.

THIS northern port city may not attract as many fly-and-flop holidaymakers as the southern costas, but its coastlines are no less beautiful.

Temperatures can reach the low 20Cs during spring in Bilbao, so Sara Di Lenardo, Destination Manager at British Airways Holidays, recommends hitting the shores.

She says: “There are several wild beaches in the Basque Country. The rocky shores are dramatic and incredibly photogenic.

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“Walk along stunning coastal paths with the Pyrenees as the backdrop — they might possibly still have snowy peaks in spring.”

The month of May is a great time to visit for music fans, thanks to several big concerts and events.

Sara advises to keep your eyes peeled for the Trikitixa, a traditional basque instrument that’s a bit like an accordion.

STAY: Two nights’ room-only at the 5H Melia Bilbao is from £349pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Price includes 10 per cent discount. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/content/holidays/spain/bilbao.

THE White Isle only starts awakening for its big party season in spring, after a slow winter hibernation — and for travel expert David Mason, this is one of the best times to visit the party isle.

He reveals: “You have all the optimism of a new season commencing, cheap accommodation and flights, plus lots of local food festivals.”

Throughout this month, up until early April, you’ll be able to experience the Pintxa Run food festival in San Antonio, close to the ocean, David says.

Every Thursday throughout the month, dozens of small bars and restaurants dish up tapas and a drink for just three euros with everything from steakhouses to pizzerias participating.

David adds: “The festival includes a free novelty train that takes you from stop to stop — perfect if you’ve had a few too many cervezas on the route.”

STAY: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Invisa Figueral Resort Hotel Cala Blanca is from £562pp including flights from Manchester on April 7.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

IF you’re a foodie, San Sebastian won’t disappoint.

Sara di Lenardo says this is the top place to sample pintxos in the traditional way (small bites served on a mini slice of bread).

Wash it down with a local beverage for a truly authentic experience.

Sara adds: “Spring is cider season. Try the local drink txakoli — it can be found in most bars in town, but if you have time, make sure to visit Getaria where it’s produced.”

For those seeking seaside relaxation, Sara recommends La Concha, a horseshoe-shaped beach right in the city, offering gorgeous views of the blue Med.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Bancal Hotel & Spa is from £599pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/tenerife.

THIS vibrant student city, which sits a little south of Alicante, is fascinating for history lovers, with its 14th-century cathedral taking pride of place in the city centre.

Tom Wilkinson, product manager at Explore Worldwide, says: “This lesser-known southern gem enjoys 320 days of sunshine each year, with mild winters and a semi-arid climate.”

The sights are best explored on two wheels, says Tom — on a cycle tour you’ll pass through white-washed villages and historic Moorish towns, pausing to watch the sun set.

Fruit and veg are at the forefront of cuisine here and you can expect rich stews as well as freshly baked cakes.

Try Keki, not far from the cathedral, which serves up a Murcian cheesecake to die for.

STAY: A seven-day Cycle Southern Spain tour costs from £970pp including six breakfasts, all accommodation, cycle gear and flights from selected airports on May 10.

See explore.co.uk.

HOLIDAYMAKERS jetting off to Menorca in spring can expect rugged landscapes backed by chalky white cliffs and sandy bays overlooking vibrant blue seas.

“The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, offering Caribbean-style scenes without the time difference,” says Kate Bigger, destination manager at British Airways Holidays.

She suggests strolling the impressive Cami de Cavalls, adding: “This is a walk that goes through the length of the island, with spring being the perfect time to do this.”

Vineyards are scattered across the island and many of them invite visitors to meander among the vines, sampling wines as part of a tasting lunch or dinner.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Melia Cala Galdana is from £1,099pp (includes €28pp tourism tax, payable locally) including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/menorca.