Travel advice

FORGET boring beige hotels and predictable pillows.

Whether you’re lounging on a luxe boutique ship, sipping cocktails in a quirky hub, or waking up in a treehouse — these unique escapes are redefining city stays.

These super-cool stays in two of the UK’s capital cities are perfect weekenders, says Sub-Editor Milcah Fajardo.

Fingal, Edinburgh

THE PAD

Roll your suitcase along the Port of Leith, and you’ll soon find yourself at the red carpet to this five-star floating hotel.

From the art deco finishings to the grand ballroom, it exudes glamour.

But even after a £5million glow-up, the former Northern Lighthouse Board ship retains its history, preserved in the Engine Room and nautical details.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Luxury cabins feature super-king beds, tartan textiles and a balcony with dock views.

Plus, the jade-green bathroom with brass taps and rain shower is like something from my Pinterest board.

Meanwhile, The Lighthouse restaurant is award-winning for good reason.

Beneath the hammered gold ceiling, we dine on truffle scrambled eggs on toast, £15, and porridge brûlée, £9.50, for breakfast.

Dinner is superb, too, as we tuck into delicate duck ravioli with wild mushrooms, sage and parmesan foam, £15, beef cheek in a périgourdine sauce, £38, and creamy Basque cheesecake with honey ice cream, £11.

EXPLORE

Visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, a stone’s throw from Fingal.

The self-guided tour will take you from the Royals’ quarters and grand state dining room to life below deck for crew.

Entry is free for Fingal guests (Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk).

And you have to visit Edinburgh Castle, even if you skip gaping at the sparkling crown jewels and just hike up for the views.

Entry costs £21.50 (Edinburghcastle.scot).

For handmade souvenirs and local eats, Stockbridge Market is open every Sunday.

We defy you to resist the hog-roast buns with apple sauce, £10, or the haggis sausage rolls, £4 (Stockbridgemarket.com).

REFUEL

Leith eatery Barry Fish does seafood so well that it landed them a spot in the Michelin Guide.

The addictive fish pastrami, £14, and flaky sea trout in a buttery shrimp sauce, £25, won’t disappoint (Barryfish.co.uk).

Also nearby is Alby’s, where hot focaccia sarnies filled with gooey ‘nduja cauliflower cheese, £12.50, and succulent chicken pakora, spiced onions and lettuce, £13.50, are to die for (Albysleith.co.uk).

Tucked away in the centre is games bar Mortal Kocktail – sink a pint with a few rounds on the vintage pinball machines (@Mortalkocktail).

Or experience Scottish cuisine like no other at Badger & Co – sample exquisite Scotsman scallops topped with haggis, neeps and samphire, £14, juicy Highland wagyu burger, £22, and rich blackberry jam teacake, £9.50 (Badgerandco.com).

DON’T MISS

The Johnnie Walker Signature Experience, from £30, is as fascinating as it is boozy.

Learn about the founder and your own whisky palate, then head to the rooftop for a wee dram while gazing at the gorgeous skyline (Johnniewalker.com).

BOOK IT

Double cabins at Fingal cost from £317 B&B (Fingal.co.uk).

Moxy Belfast City, Belfast

THE PAD

Written across the mirror in pink are the words: “Welcome, Milcah. A good story starts here!”

And they’re not wrong.

Rooms at this central spot are minimalist, but come with huge waterfall showers, Lily O’Brien’s chocs and very handy rain macs.

Refreshing welcome cocktails of gin, elderflower and cranberry set the tone, as does the vibrant lobby, where industrial chic meets playful pop art.

Later, the Wake-Up Call, £11 – a poitín-spiked espresso martini – pairs well with loaded nachos, £10.50, and saucy barbecue wings, £9, in the bar.

Come morning, we find a buzzing breakfast service with a handful of fry-up options and a continental spread.

EXPLORE

Nearby, St George’s Market is home to stalls selling everything from vinyl and vintage wares to Cuban street food – make a beeline for Belfast Bap Co’s humongous bacon rolls, £9.

Next, ride the hop-on-hop-off bus, £19, to stop by the peaceful Botanic Gardens, learn all about the Troubles at Ulster Museum (Ulstermuseum.org), spot incredible street murals and take in the poignant Peace Walls (City-sightseeing.com).

Finally, at Thompson Dock you’ll find Titanic Distillers – the city’s first whisky distillery since Prohibition. Discover the craft and sample it on a one-hour tour, £25 (Titanicdistillers.com).

REFUEL

Hit the bustling Cathedral Quarter for excellent pubs.

Don’t miss Kelly’s Cellars – built in 1720, it is Belfast’s oldest pub, and you can expect lively traditional performances alongside your Guinness, £5.80 (Kellyscellars.co.uk).

Head upstairs at The Morning Star, a short stroll away, for treats including stout-and-treacle-braised beef with hispi cabbage, champ and bordelaise sauce, £24, in the classy dining room (Themorningstarbar.co.uk/the-lounge).

Finish your night in opulent townhouse bar Margot, sipping an indulgent Four Storeys cocktail – a mix of bourbon, amaro, cola syrup and chocolate bitters, £13 – in the snazzy leopard-print snug (Margotbelfast.com).

DON’T MISS

At Titanic Belfast, travel back in time to the ship’s construction and even listen to the last SOS messages from its crew – it’s both immersive and compelling.

Entry costs £24.95 (Titanicbelfast.com).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at Moxy Belfast City cost from £109 B&B (Marriott.com).

Meanwhile, Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley found a tree-mendous family break in the capital of the north.

Treehouse Hotel, Manchester

THE PAD

After a stay with The Magic Faraway Tree vibes? Found!

This place is all stained-glass features, cascading foliage and cute birdhouses in the heart of the city.

Kids are given wooden tiles to illustrate, then add to the decor, while screening room Flix plays family films in the school hols.

At eatery Pip, Old Winchester gougères, £5, and Lancashire hotpot, £26, steal the show, as do the sherry-based cobblers, £11, while children will be suitably chuffed with home-made fish and chips, £9.

Come morning, roll out of bed for Derbyshire oatcakes with ham and eggs, before hitting shopping heaven on Market Street.

EXPLORE

From Squid Game to Paw Patrol, Immersive Gamebox in the Arndale Centre offers challenges to conquer as a team, and it’s quite a workout!

One-hour games cost from £28 per adult and £18 per child (Immersivegamebox.com).

Equally close is the Museum of Illusions, with its mind-bending displays and photo opps aplenty.

Entry costs £25.50 for adults, £21.50 for over-fives (Moimanchester.com).

Elsewhere, dive into a giant ballpit, crack the dazzling light maze and stand inside an actual bubble at Bubble Planet.

Tickets cost £16.90 per adult, £12.90 for over-threes (Bubble-planet.com).

REFUEL

Buzzy foodhall Mackie Mayor will please the whole crew – the barbecue burger at Mumma’s Fried Chicken, £12.50, and Pico’s Tacos’ frozen margaritas, £17 for two, are standouts (Mackie-mayor.co.uk).

Need a post-shop sugar hit?

Head to Haute Dolci Deansgate for pistachio-cream-smothered pancakes with raspberries and gelato, £12.50 (Hautedolci.co.uk).

Or scoff top-notch paccheri Genovese – large pasta tubes tossed in beef ragu – £16.90, and pizzas at Vincenzo Trattoria (Vincenzomanchester.co.uk).

DON’T MISS

Feel a piece of the moon, program an interplanetary rover and discover what the planets smell like at the Science And Industry Museum’s new Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, £10 for over-fours (Scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk).

BOOK IT

Family stays at Treehouse Manchester cost from £190 B&B (Treehousehotels.com/manchester).

2026 is looking like the year of the staycation – and luckily, you’ve got plenty of revamped resorts along the coast to choose from.

Many of the UK’s favourite seaside towns are unveiling major, multi-million-pound makeovers. Luckily, while the upgrades are first-class, the holiday prices remain refreshingly retro.

We’ve scoured the coast to find the biggest transformations alongside the best-value places to stay, with budget-friendly deals starting from just £35 a night.

From record-breaking theme park rides to Victorian promenades polished back to their former glory, here are the hottest UK seaside spots that have been revamped for 2026.

Blackpool

If you thought you knew Blackpool, think again. This family entertainment hotspot is undergoing a glow-up.

The popular theme park Blackpool Pleasure Beach is unveiling a massive new ride to keep thrill-seekers on their toes: Aviktas.

The giant gyro swing ride is set to be the tallest of its kind at 138 feet, changing the skyline of Blackpool pier. The ride is set to open on May 21.

As well as this, the seaside town is unveiling a brand-new £3million indoor attraction.

Set to open this summer, Tenpin Blackpool will host 24 bowling lanes as well as a laser tag arena, soft play, escape rooms and even karaoke rooms.

Plus, there’s a cocktail bar and live sports lounge for the grown-ups, too. The attraction is set to open on June 5.

There’s plenty more to look forward to in time for summer as well.

The Southbeach Streetfood dining venue will serve a selection of food from 19 revamped shipping containers, and is set to open by the end of spring.

There’s also the 100th Anniversary of the Blackpool Dance Festival, with ballroom and Latin dance events held at the Winter Gardens from May 16-29.

To enjoy all the new thrills coming to the seaside resort this summer, we’ve scoured the internet for the cheapest staycation deals.

Brighton

If you fancy a seaside escape with a touch of Victorian glamour, Brighton is currently polishing its crown.

The city’s famous Victorian promenade has been undergoing a massive £750,000 revamp, with the historic terraces set to fully reopen to the public this year.

It’s the perfect excuse to book a staycation, stroll the seafront and soak up the bohemian atmosphere that makes this city famous.

For a totally free afternoon, head to the Rampion Visitor Centre on the seafront to try out their virtual reality experience, or go street art spotting through the North Laine, where the walls are a giant open-air gallery.

The Brighton Fishing Museum is a great free stop-in to see traditional Sussex boats, while the world-famous Brighton Palace Pier costs just £1 entry for adults (kids go free) and is a must-do when visiting.

Folkestone

Folkestone is all the rage as the artsy seaside town continues to benefit from a massive £20 million makeover.

The town has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, with the Creative Quarter’s neon-lit streets leading down to a revamped Harbour Arm.

The Harbour Arm has now become a trendy dining destination, with nearly 70 food and drink outlets available.

Some of the top-rated include the champagne bar The Lighthouse and its sister restaurant Tasting Rooms – visit on Fridays for three courses, complimentary fizz and Jazz music for £29.

Plus, spring 2026 brings the long-awaited return of the historic Leas Lift, a Victorian water-balanced funicular that’s been restored to its former glory.

When visiting, you can spend a totally free afternoon wandering the Folkestone Artworks trail to see sculptures by famous artists, or head to the Lower Leas Coastal Park to make use of the largest free adventure play area in the South East.

For some unique self-care, visit the brand new Sea Scrub Sauna right on the beach for a sweat with a sea view.

Southampton

Southampton is one year into the major makeover of its waterfront and city centre, in a grand revamp described by the council as “The Renaissance Vision”.

Plus, the newly-approved £200million upgrade to Town Quay will soon see the addition of a new hotel complex, bringing a spa and even a helipad to the waterfront.

While the planning for the big builds is underway, one heritage seafront attraction has reopened to the public.

If you visit this summer, you’ll be able to walk the newly reopened Hythe Pier – a 145-year-old seaside pier that is sparkling new again after six months of extensive restoration.

To get there, board the world’s oldest pier train at Hythe Pier Railway. The pier stretches a whopping 700 yards from the centre of Hythe to Southampton Water, and costs £1 to enter.

To explore Southampton’s history, you can spend a totally free afternoon walking the Titanic Trail, which leads you through the city centre to historic memorials.

Or see the exciting new displays at Southampton City Art Gallery, which has just reopened its doors in March 2026 following a year of upgrades.

Margate

Margate is undergoing continued transformations set to further transform the seaside town into one of the UK’s trendiest coastal hubs.

Local neighbourhood Cliftonville was named the coolest street in the UK by Time Out last year, and the area’s only getting more stylish with the addition of a brand new attraction.

Abandoned gardens overlooking the sea will be transformed into a beachfront skatepark in Cliftonville, a trendy area known as “Shoreditch-on-sea”.

The skatepark is predicted to open in the late summer of 2026, and set to cost £1.1million to build.

As well as this, Margate’s Winter Gardens are set to reopen after an £8million upgrade. The historic seaside venue has seen bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones take the stage, first opening in 1910.

Now the charming venue will see the addition of a snazzy rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a nursery and drama school. The Main Hall of the Winter Gardens is set to reopen to the public in late 2026, with other new additions opening in stages throughout 2027.

Plus, the upgrades aren’t slowing down anytime soon, with proposed plans to build a new £95,000 accessible boardwalk on Margate Sands.

To see the best of this trendy resort on your trip, stroll along the beachfront to soak up sea views, before stopping in at the free-to-enter Turner Contemporary gallery to see the latest exhibition.

Elsewhere, take a dip in what’s believed to be the UK’s largest tidal pool, Walpole Bay, or take the family along to the free Crab Museum in the Old Town for a quirky, hands-on experience of science and marine life.

Hull

Named one of National Geographic’s best places in the world to travel to in 2026, Hull has plenty to offer holidaymakers.

A massive £27.5m makeover has seen the area invest in its maritime history, with the money poured into the city’s historic museum and ships.

The Maritime Museum, which received an £11million makeover beginning in 2020, is finally set to reopen in summer 2026.

New additions to the museum include a 40-foot whale skeleton, miniature ship models and maritime artwork.

As well as this, the new and improved Spurn Lightship opened in early March of 2026, having been closed to the public since 2018.

The floating museum is free to visit, with slots reserved online. You can also book a place for a free maritime guided tour, running on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Hull also boasts plenty of totally free attractions, such as the Streetlife Museum, where you can hop aboard a vintage tram and stroll down a 1940s high street.

Alternatively, head to Hull‘s revamped Queen’s Gardens. Set to reopen in April 2026, the gardens’ three ponds have been refreshed, plus there are redesigned Peace Gardens and plenty of new maritime-themed activities.

Littlehampton

Littlehampton is quickly becoming a firm family favourite for 2026, thanks to the massive £7.2million transformation of the West Green seafront.

With the revamp reaching completion late last year, the seaside resort is ready to welcome visitors for the 2026 spring and summer season.

The West Green seafront now has a water play area, with jets, splash pads and shaded areas to make use of in the hotter months.

As well as this, families can make use of the barbecue zones, mini basketball court and beach volleyball court. Plus, there’s also a climbing wall and petanque setup for even more fun and games.

And when you get hungry, there’s your pick of food and drink kiosks, from the Soul Kitchen and Bar to delicious Jim’s Ice Cream.

To extend your free family day out in Littlehampton, stroll the promenade past the colourful and quirky longest bench in Britain, which winds along the coast.

Or for an indoor option, pop into the Littlehampton Museum, which offers free entry and a look at the town’s history, from the Anglo-Saxon era to WWII.

There’s so much to do in the surrounding area, too. Just a few miles west is the town of Bognor Regis, where you could get day passes to Butlin’s.

There’s also the Bognor Pier, Hotham Park Miniature Railway and Blake’s Cottage, the former home of the poet William Blake, which is now a museum.

There’s also the South Downs National Park, the Goodwood Estate and Racecourse, Petworth House and Amberley Museum.

SUNDAY may be a day of rest in Europe, but that’s not the case for Puerto Rico. 

The shops were shut, but the city of Ponce was very much awake.  

As I wandered the streets, locals cruised past in their vintage cars, music blasted from lively bars and groups of youngsters burst into spontaneous dance on the streets. 

In the main square, families strolled past colourful murals and beautiful yet crumbling Art Deco buildings, while old men put the world to rights over a leisurely game of dominoes in the main square. 

Ponce (pronounced Pon-say) was the last stop on my Tropical Isles cruise onboard the recently refurbished Marella Discovery. 

It’s a new port for Marella so, like ­Christopher Columbus — who discovered the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico back in 1493 — I was excited to be one of the first people to explore. 

BEST BAR NONE

Enjoy the full F1 Grand Prix plus cruise experience for under £2,000

TAKE THE MEDS

Spanish GP and cruise to Ibiza on 11-night adventure from just £2,149pp

Week-long sailings start and finish in La Romana, in the Dominican Republic, calling at the nearby nature reserve of Isla Catalina, the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan and the US Virgin Islands of St Thomas and St Croix. 

Now I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Caribbean a few times before, but I was still surprised by how green these islands were.  

And while this itinerary gave me plenty of opportunity to sunbathe on white-sand beaches and sample local rum (I recommend Ron del Barrilito), I was still able to go hiking in the rainforest and kayak through beautiful coves. 

Staying active is something I would definitely recommend on a Marella cruise — not just because you’ll miss out on amazing experiences if you don’t, but because you’ll need to burn off all the extra calories you’re bound to consume on board. 

With nine restaurants and seven bars spread over 11 decks, you certainly won’t go hungry or thirsty — especially as Marella cruises are all-inclusive as standard.  

This means your flights, cabin, transfers to and from the ship, drinks, food and entertainment are all included in the price. 

Even your bags go straight from your home airport to your cabin door so you don’t have to worry about collecting them from a carousel or lugging them around. 

Compared to other cruise ships, Marella Discovery is quite small, accommodating up to 1,800 passengers.  

It’s really set up for British tourists, though, with Yorkshire Tea on tap and dishes such as steak and ale pie readily available in the excellent Islands buffet. 

Entertainment-wise, passengers can find their way out of an escape room, play a round of mini-golf or enjoy a musical afternoon tea. Plus there are West End-style shows, quizzes and gameshows galore. 

For better-quality booze and speciality ­coffees, you can upgrade to a Premium All Inclusive package, while speciality restaurants, including the Surf & Turf Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, come at an extra charge. 

But be sure to leave room for some traditional Caribbean delicacies when you leave the ship. At Café Manolin, in San Juan, I joined locals queuing to tuck into giant plates of mofongo, a much-loved Puerto Rican dish of fried green plantain stuffed with meat or veggies. 

Coffee is also big business here — and almost as popular as rapper Bad Bunny, who hails from the island.  

Many coffee plantations welcome visitors to sample their wares but I got my caffeine fix at Hacienda Jacana, in the mountainous region of Adjuntas, where owner Jonathan and his ex-cop father proudly showed off their farm while explaining details of the coffee-making process. 

I was buzzing after a few cups of their delicious Latitude 18° coffee — but it couldn’t possibly compare to the buzz I got in St Thomas after snorkelling with a group of green turtles in the crystal-clear water of Magens Bay. 

Granted, I had to keep reminding myself that I wouldn’t die if I tried to breathe ­normally underwater, but I forgot all about breathing when a metre-long turtle paddled right past my face. Just wow. 

As an animal lover, and a keen traveller missing my two dogs back home, I was also thrilled to stumble across the Ruff Night — Hair Of The Dog Bar in St Croix (pronounced Croy), just steps from where Marella Discovery docked in Frederiksted.

The lively bar, in the courtyard of the Victoria House Inn, is run by volunteers from the Ruff Start STX animal charity who love nothing more than mixing super-strong cocktails and bringing in puppies for punters to cuddle.  

And if that’s not reason enough to visit, all money raised from the bar goes directly to local dogs in need, so go armed with plenty of cash in your pocket! 

I’d certainly worked up a thirst after a morning kayaking in the nearby Salt River Bay, and I enjoyed getting back to nature there almost as much as I did at El Yunque National Forest — the jewel in the crown of Puerto Rico. 

The 28,000-acre site is the only tropical rainforest in the US and it has more than 100 miles of walking trails just waiting to be explored. With enormous trees providing canopies of greenery and exotic birds and frogs creating a cacophony of noise, it was just how I imagined a rainforest to be. 

While mosquitoes are rife here after dark, I managed to avoid being savaged by the pesky wee beasties during the daytime. 

One thing was for sure, though — I had definitely been bitten by the Caribbean cruise bug.

I KNEW Efteling theme park had a fairytale garden, but I didn’t realise a stay there would give me such a royal welcome, too.

The lobby of the newly opened Efteling Grand Hotel at this Netherlands attraction feels like its straight out of the classic storybooks my nan used to read me when I was a child.

A sweeping staircase circles an intricate, ­cascading chandelier made from tiny gold keys, candles flicker in the alcove and a 1920s bellhop — a mime-artist in full character — performs a slapstick routine pretending to dust off everyone’s suitcases.

It’s a welcome distraction for the kids, who were itching to bust through the back door and on to the rides. And even as a grown adult, I’m mesmerised.

Efteling first opened in 1952 and its mix of traditional fairground attractions, modern thrill rides and whimsical storytelling now attracts more than five million visitors every year.

Perched dominantly on the edge of the theme park, the Grand Hotel is a a castle-esque chateau that began welcoming guests last summer.

RIDE OFF

Abandoned UK theme park left rotting for 14 years with graffiti-covered walls

PAW-SOME

The UK’s first PAW Patrol land to open in just weeks with four new rides

It’s the first time in Efteling’s ­history that visitors have been able to stay the night within the park gates.

Unlike its other accommodation options — Efteling Wonder Hotel and the holiday villages Bosrijk and Loonsche Land — the Grand Hotel is slightly more premium for those who want some proper R&R — that’s rest and rollercoasters.

It doesn’t feel like a twee theme- park hotel, though.

The arty design was inspired by the park’s history and leans in to the visual style of film director Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel.

The 140 plush, modern, yet cosy rooms and suites look more like they belong in a stylish boutique hotel, although there are subtle nods to a princess theme.

Delicate vintage-style decor has been paired with ice-blue walls and brushed gold fittings. Elsewhere, there’s a great swimming pool, spa facilities and two fantastic restaurants.

Guests are also given unlimited, free access to the theme park throughout their stay, including on arrival and departure days and free private parking.

For those who don’t fancy driving, it’s incredibly easy to travel by train.
Eurostar operates direct services from London to Amsterdam, then it’s an easy change on to a local train that will have you at Efteling in less than an hour.

After a very early start, the fluffy linens in my room could have easily tempted me to have a duvet day, but the views of the park from my window were too much to resist.

Within minutes, I was out of the door and approaching my first ride of the day — the quirky and family- friendly Symbolica.

Revered as one of the best attractions at the park, it’s an absolute must-do.

The immersive experience sees visitors sit in floating cars on a modern, magnetic track, journeying through a Gothic palace that features some curious inhabitants.

It’s packed with optical illusions and special effects, perfectly pairing Efteling’s reputation for storytelling with enough excitement to appease the TikTok generation.

There’s plenty for adrenaline junkies too, and for children of all ages.

If you’re travelling with kids, keep your eyes peeled for Hooghmoed.

Set to open on May 1, it features three drop towers and is aimed at younger guests who don’t yet want to take on the white-knuckle rides.

And if you’re not a fan of rides full stop, there’s plenty more to enjoy at Efteling.

The theme park is set around stunning gardens and enchanting woodland, which is used to full effect to play out the fairytale theme.

Granted, parents don’t tend to leave a theme park feeling well rested, but somehow the Efteling Grand Hotel changes that.

The atmosphere feels serene, despite being literally next-door to six roaring rollercoasters and a donkey that poops gold coins (one of the park’s quirkier attractions).

At the end of each tiring day, I was made to feel like a sleeping beauty snuggled in that ridiculously comfy bed.

Although having endured upside-down loops, sudden drops and water rides, I’m not convinced I looked like one.

BRITS will soon be able to bag a bargain as easyJet is launching new flights to a sunny African destination for less than £37.

The budget airline will launch new flights to Morocco from the UK this winter.

The routes will include one from Newcastle to Marrakech starting November 3 and operating two times a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The flights for this route are already on sale and cost from £36.99.

And then there will also be a new route between Birmingham and Agadir, with flights coming on sale this spring.

In the meantime though, the two destinations will reach temperatures of up to 36C this week.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

SI MORE

Ditch Paris and Mykonos… experts reveal most overrated hols and where to go instead

Flights to Marrakech cost as little as £19 per way for the remainder of April, and for Agadir, flights cost as little as £15 per way for the remainder of April.

What to do there

Marrakech is known as the ‘Red City’ thanks to its iron-rich coloured buildings and is home to bustling souks and palaces.

For example, you could head to Bahia Palace, which is a 19th-century building with 160 rooms and beautiful mosaics.

Make sure to see the courtyard which spans across 1,500-square-metres and is paved with Italian Carrara marble.

Jemaa el-Fnaa is then the main square in the city and during the day boasts a market.

From the square, you can also venture to Souk Cherratine known for leather goods and Souk Haddadine, home to a number of blacksmiths.

If you fancy a bit of an adventure, head to Agafay Desert which is about 45 minutes away.

It is a top spot for seeing an orange-glowing sunset and going on quad-biking adventures.

When visiting the city, make sure to stay in a riad, which is a traditional courtyard house that has been converted into a boutique hotel in Morocco.

Lisa Minot, The Sun’s Head of Travel, has visited the city and said: “Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

Marrakech will reach temperatures of up to 35C next week.

On the other hand, if you fancy visiting Agadir, you can explore a six-mile beach.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “At Taghazout Beach, hordes of eager surfers took to the sea before I’d even finished my morning coffee.

“As a novice surfer, I opted to watch those riding the waves, while my companion made friends with the stray dogs and hawkers selling Moroccan breads.”

After a stroll along the beach, make sure to visit Souk El Had, which is one of North Africa’s largest markets with over 6,000 stalls.

And over at the Medina, you will find a number of artisan workshops selling traditional Moroccan items including colourful carpets and pottery.

Last month the destination was named the most affordable break for this summer.

According to loveholidays, a week in Agadir would cost as little as £33 per person per night between June and August.

Agadir will reach temperatures of up to 36C next week.

Easyjet will also offer package holidays to both destinations from both UK airports too.

News of the new routes comes as the airline officially launched a new permanent three-aircraft base in Marrakech this week.

It marks the airline’s first-ever base in Africa and has created 100 new jobs.

Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, commented: “We couldn’t be happier to launch our base in Morocco for our 20th year of operations in the country and to mark the milestone of 20 million passengers flown over that time.

“This is a milestone for our development in the region, providing more travel opportunities than ever before for our airline and holidays customers, while contributing to the local economy through tourism and the jobs we are creating.”

In other destination news, these are the most family-friendly destinations for 2026 – including affordable hotels with rooftop pools and kids’ clubs.

Plus, here are the seven holiday destinations Brits are booking instead of other spots due to ongoing Iran conflict.

MANY families looking to go on holiday this summer are worried that their plans may be spoiled by the ongoing fuel crisis caused by the war in Iran.

Those concerns were powered by the Head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol warning that Europe has just six weeks of jet fuel left.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Will my flight be cancelled due to the fuel shortage?

In response to US and Israeli attacks, Iran has closed off the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, a key route for jet fuel out of the Gulf.

This has caused a massive increase in oil prices and resulted in fears of jet fuel shortages.

For example, the price of jet fuel has rapidly surged from £67 ($90) per barrel to a whopping £150 ($200).

SUMMER FRIGHTS

Europe ‘has 6 weeks of jet fuel’ amid fears of NHS pill shortage & RATIONING

GOING UP

Two major airlines to hike flights by up to £90 due to rising jet fuel prices

With Birol stating there is enough for just six weeks, airports will possibly be dealing with critical fuel shortages by as early as next month.

That would cause travel chaos for Brits heading abroad during the school May half-term holidays and potentially continue into the summer.

An almost certain consequence will be the effect on journeys to long-haul destinations, as airlines may not have enough fuel for the return journey.

Which airlines have cancelled flights already?

British Airways is amongst the airlines that have begun cancelling flights as they have suspended services to the Middle East.

Journeys to the likes of Dubai and Doha have been put on pause for now and are set to resume in July.

However, the airline has announced it will permanently close its service from London Heathrow to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from April 24, 2026.

Virgin Atlantic announced earlier this month that it has permanently scraped its London flight to Riyadh.

Other airways that have cancelled flights include:

How long will the fuel shortage last?

Sally Gethin, an aviation specialist, spoke on the matter and said the consequences could get severe if the Strait remains closed. 

She told the Daily Mail: “The best case scenario would be fares going up and some routes being cancelled. 

“The worst case scenario is if this carries on for six to eight weeks and the shortages start really biting. This could pose an existential crisis to airlines – even if they slap on fuel surcharges they still won’t recoup the cost.”

“You could be looking at tens of thousands, potentially hundreds of thousands, of flights being cancelled globally.”

How will this affect my upcoming holiday?

Holidays should not be too seriously impacted as our main tour operators and airlines have hedged their fuel essentially meaning they have purchased their fuel far in advance at a fixed rate.

What could happen, however, is if the jet fuel crisis continues into June, tour operators could potentially start to add a surcharge to the price of holidays.

A limited number of flights may be cancelled but airlines and tour operators will attempt to minimise disruptions by focusing on routes where they have multiple daily flights.

Holidays would only be cancelled if the fco advises against travel to the destination.

This is highly unlikely to happen with any Med destination because there are no safety concerns right now in popular holiday resorts.

However if fuel supplies fall into short supply in Europe this could possibly impact flights and therefore your holiday.

Am I entitled to a refund?

If some or all parts of your getaway are cancelled by the provider, your rights to a refund depend entirely on whether you booked your trip as a package holiday (purchasing accommodation and flights, or car hire, together) or individually.

Your money tends to be much better protected with a package getaway and in this circumstance you will be offered either an alternative holiday or a refund.

So, is now a bad time to book?

There are some great deals to be had right now, just approach with caution.

It is vital that you take out travel insurance as if your flight is cancelled you may well have protection against the cost of other elements of your holiday such as accommodation or transfers.

If you’re looking at booking now, Europe is a very safe option.

Although the likes of Turkey and Cyprus in the eastern med have seen bookings drop, there is currently no reason for you not to visit them.

They’re on the safe list and currently have some great deals.

Always book travel insurance the minute you book your holiday and check the policy carefully.

FOR those waterpark fans amongst you, there are some exciting plans in the works with five more potentially coming to the UK.

From massive indoor resorts with beaches, to surfing lagoons, here’s everything you need to know.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Chessington is known for its rides, zoo and aquarium, but is hoping to add waterpark fun to its offerings.

Back in 2024, the theme park submitted plans to build an African-themed waterpark with six water slides, two lazy rivers and rapids.

If given the go-ahead, it will have a kids wave pool, splash pad, spa pool, a safari beach, cafe and outdoor restaurants.

GREAT ESCAPES

Ten European city or beach holidays for under £100pp INCLUDING flight & hotel

PARK UP

Holiday park expert reveals her top UK resorts and how to get cheap stays

The plans are for it to be built opposite the Safari Hotel.

First-look images reveal a huge indoor waterpark with outdoor waterfalls and greenery surrounding the pool areas.

Little else is known about it right now, with the last update back in 2024.

Therme Manchester

When Therme Manchester opens, it will be the “largest water-based wellbeing destination in Europe“.

It’s set to cost £500million, and could welcome three million people a year to its indoor resort.

It will be every waterpark’s fan dream with spa and wellness facilities that will be split into three distinct zones – Play, Relax and Restore.

The Play zone will focus on ‘next-generation’ water slides, along with a wave pool, warm water pool, steam rooms, saunas and lounging and family dining experiences.

This zone will have an outdoor beach too.

The Relax zone will be adults-only and there will be a “focus on premium wellbeing experiences”, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall showers, mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas and dining.

The last area is the Restore Zone and is also adults-only.

Here will be “industry leading health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies”, “sauna rituals”, experience showers, wellbeing consultations and dining.

Therme is due to open next to the Trafford Centre in late 2028.

Check out our favourite holidays to Greece – two have waterparks…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes

The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

BOOK HERE

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.

BOOK HERE

Aegean View Aqua Resort, Kos

The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.

BOOK HERE

TUI Blue Lagoon Queen, Halkidiki

This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.

BOOK HERE

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge might not mean much to Brits, but it has 23 resorts across North America and Canada, and wants to to open its very first UK site.

The company has submitted plans to built on the current site of Basingstoke Golf Centre on Worting Road in Hampshire.

The plans are for it to be transformed into a 50,000m² complex.

It will consist of three interconnected buildings – one will be a hotel, another an adventure park and the last, an indoor waterpark.

It will be lots of family-friendly pools, slides, rides and splash pads.

Planned activities inside the adventure park will be a children’s haven with a rope course, mini bowling, mini golf and a games arcade.

Seahive

While not a waterpark per se, Seahive is set to be a huge new water attraction near Deal in Kent.

If it gets the go-ahead, Seahive would be the world’s first surfing wellness resort with a dedicated surf lagoon for every skill level with waves ranging in size from 50cm to 2m.

The site will also have a relaxing wellness area, spa and gym.

There’s room for on-land activities too like a skate park for skateboards, bikes and scooters.

Also proposed for the site are 15 holiday lodges and a clubhouse with restaurants.

The Cove Resort

Similar to Seahive, in Southport there will soon be Cove Resort which is a £75million new attraction with incredible views across the Irish Sea.

Visitors will be able to experience leisure activities like an outdoor lagoon with opportunities for surfing.

Other proposed facilities include a thermal spa – the resort will focus primarily on health and wellbeing.

The plans include the building of large 4-star hotel on site too.

For more on waterparks, here are all the ones in the UK mapped – with lazy rivers and wave pools.

And here’s where you will find the waterpark capital of the UK.

FORGET battling for the armrest or squinting your eyes at the tiny screen – the future of flying has been revealed.

We all love to try and make a flight as comfortable as possible, whether that be upgrading to premium economy or taking a cosy jumper onboard, but a new business class plane seat has been revealed and it is more like a private cinema.

In a collaboration between plane seating provider Safran and in-flight entertainment system provider RAVE Aerospace, a new plane suite with U-shaped TV screen and seat headrest speakers has been revealed.

Known as Origin, the suite’s will bring greater comfort to passengers with a giant screen that travels across the front and sides of the pod, essentially looking like a wraparound cinema screen.

The screen can be used for in-flight entertainment such as films, but can also be used as a wallpaper.

As such, the screen can show all sorts from the inside of a cafe to a cosy library, reports Flight Global.

Read more on travel inspo

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

SUN SWAP

I’ve visited Florida 50 times… my holiday costs less than a European all-inclusive

In addition to the screen, Origin has a number of other cool technologies.

For example, the suite has a temperature management system which allows passengers to create their own microclimate.

The seat also has Euphony, which is Safran’s headset-free audio system, meaning that there are speakers built in the headrest so passengers don’t have to plug in headphones.

The entire suite also has lighting that changes to match the screen’s visuals.

And the seat has cushions that have been made to improve comfort on long-haul flights.

The new concept was revealed at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg and while the concept isn’t in any planes yet, the show often allows airlines to essentially ‘shop’ for future features of their service offering.

Ben Asmar, Vice President, Products and Strategy at RAVE Aerospace said: “Future display technologies are about more than just consuming content.

“They enable curated experiences, whether that’s deep immersion or the ability to escape into environments beyond the physical.”

Asmar added that the suite could be the future of premium travel and that it could be flying within the next five to 10 years.

Jean-Christophe Gaudeau, VP Marketing at Safran Seats said: “Our ambition is to redefine the future of premium travel.

“With Origin, we bring together seating innovation and future display technologies to create an immersive, adaptive environment that puts comfort, well‑being and passenger control at the forefront.”

Safran already has other seat designs on a number of airlines including Emirates, Japan Airlines, Air France, United Airlines and Air New Zealand.

Its designs usually include privacy doors, wireless charging and premium comfort.

In other flight news, there’s a new unusual double decker plane seat that could make economy travel much better.

Plus, a budget airline has axed all London flights to long-haul holiday destination despite only launching three years ago.

A STANDOFF between unions and operators means a town’s brand new train station is still closed – two years after being built.

A transformative railway line aiming to link Oxford and Cambridge is continuing to see setbacks, leading to delayed openings of stations.

The £7 billion project by East-West Rail (EWR) aims to improve transport links for millions of residents in the region and boost economic growth.

Finished in 2024, the line between Bicester Village and Bletchley, a 36-mile journey, was due to open last year.

Currently, passengers trains are running on the tracks – except they have no passengers on board.

A series of disputes between trade unions and the operator, Chiltern Railways, have meant that the stations remain closed and only empty trains are travelling along the tracks.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

First look at new English train station that will link two famous cities

STEAM AHEAD

Three new railway stations open in UK city – with the first trains in 80 years

The ghost-trains currently running through the station are a combination of freight trains and those used for driver training.

Currently, the only EWR trains on the new line in use are those between Oxford and Bicester Village.

Winslow is one of the towns located on the Bicester Village to Bletchley line that has been affected by the closures.

The £5 million station was completed back in 2024, but has remained closed amid the rows.

It’s opening has also been delayed by concerns raised over the platform length at the station which are going to have to be extended to accommodate the number of travelers.

Both setbacks have frustrated local residents.

A local told the The Telegraph, that the exasperating delays have caused “difficult and annoying delays” for her daughter who has to travel to Oxford to work.

They said that the delays indicate that Britain “doesn’t work like it used to”, and believe a situation like this would “never” have occurred when they were a youngster.

The cause of the row boils down to who operates the doors.

Chiltern Railways, the operator, beleive that the train line should run as a driver-only operation (DOO) meaning that only the train driver is in charge of opening and closing the doors and no guards are required.

They are in a standoff with the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, who represent train guards.

The back-and-forth between the two parties means that plans to continue with the lines opening have be brought to a standstill.

An action group has been set up on Facebook by upset locals to discuss ongoing updates.

It has also become a place for residents to vent their frustration with the continued delays, with one local calling the lack of passenger trains running “an absolute farce”.

BRITS wishing to travel to a major American city have been dealt a blow as a budget airline announced it is grounding all flights to the destination.

Norse Atlantic is axing its flights from London Gatwick to Los Angeles.

The decision comes as the Iran War continues to impact fuel prices.

Norse only introduced the route between the UK and American city back in June 2023 and at that time operated seven flights per week from London Gatwick to Los Angeles.

The airline had planned to operate six flights per week for the peak summer months.

However, the flight route – due to start next month – will be cancelled for the entire season until October.

Read more on travel inspo

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

And it isn’t just Brits that will impacted as the airline is also stopping its routes to Los Angeles from Rome in Italy and Paris Charles de Gaulle in France.

The announcement means that Norse will only have four long-haul routes this summer, including London Gatwick to New York and London Gatwick to Orlando.

According to Travel Gossip, a spokesperson said: “Due to the continued increase in fuel constraint risks, fuel prices, and the resulting impact on our operating costs, we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend our LAX operations this summer, May to October.

“All affected customers will be proactively notified by Norse Atlantic Airways today where contact details are available.

“We sincerely apologise, but as a consequence of this fuel crisis, it is our responsibility to ensure we make this decision to maintain a sustainable airline for our passengers and colleagues.”

The news follows a number of other airlines making decisions to axe flights and increase fare prices as a result of the ongoing fuel crisis caused by the Iran war.

Yesterday, KLM announced that they were axing 160 flights across Europe over the next month due to the fuel crisis.

These include services to and from London.

The cancellations will impact flights travelling to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands.

However, the airline has said that they currently do not have a shortage of jet fuel.

A KLM spokesperson said: “Passengers affected by these changes will be rebooked onto the next available flight.

“As these are destinations KLM serves multiple times a day, such as London and Düsseldorf, travellers can usually be accommodated quickly.

“KLM expects a busy May holiday period and is making sure passengers can travel to their holiday destinations as planned.”

This week, Lufthansa also announced that its subsidiary airline CityLine is to cease operations due to both the Iran war and ongoing strike action.

The airline – which operates some flights to and from the UK including Frankfurt and Munich – will be grounding 27 aircraft from April 18.

Lufthansa’s main airline will be grounding four Airbus jets and two Boeing jets for good, by the end of the summer as well.

These planes are usually used for longer haul destinations.

The airline will reduce short and medium-haul flights by five aircraft from this winter too.

British Airways announced that it will be permanently cutting its route between London Heathrow and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from April 24.

And earlier this month, UK airline Skybus scrapped all future flights between London Gatwick and Newquay.

In other flight news, a closed UK airport has revealed the latest details about being able to reopen as part of huge £193million project.

Plus, a UK travel company has gone bust with all holidays cancelled – but Brits won’t get any refunds.

A TRAVEL company in the UK has gone into administration after nearly 20 years.

Regen Central Ltd, a travel company that specialises in package holidays to the likes of Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East has entered liquidation with all holidays cancelled.

The specific number of Brits impacted by the announcement is currently unclear.

However, some Brits might not get refunds if they had a holiday booked.

Records show that the company’s ATOL protection was withdrawn on January 13.

ATOL is the UK government-backed financial protection scheme that comes into place when travellers book a package trip that includes a flight.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

The licensing is required for all tour companies in the UK and guarantees that customers get a refund if the company collapses.

The UK-based travel agency launched back in 2009 and is Hertfordshire based and was known for selling holidays to the likes of Italy, Bali, Thailand and Dubai.

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said: “We understand the company had no outstanding ATOL-protected bookings.

“Bookings sold as accommodation only, non- flight packages, and flight only bookings for which tickets were issued are not protected by the ATOL scheme.

“As there are no outstanding ATOL-protected bookings, no refunds will be issued.”

The CAA also confirmed that any travellers seeking a refund for ATOL-protected bookings must do this through its claims process.

However, many bookings such as accommodation-only, non-flight packages and ticketed flight only deals, might not be covered by the ATOL protection scheme.

In simpler terms, this could mean for holidaymakers that have booked with Regen Central Ltd, they might not get a refund.

The spokesperson for the CAA added: “If you believe you are owed a refund for an ATOL-protected booking, under Regen Central Ltd’s ATOL, please contact us via email at claims@caa.co.uk.”

The company was officially ordered to wind-up – a court ruling that forces a company into compulsory liquidation – in May last year, with the process commencing in August.

In other travel news, a major airline has cut flights to and from UK as fuel crisis bites ahead of busy summer period.

Plus, a closed UK airport reveals more details about being able to reopen as part of a huge £193million project.

RISING fuel costs linked to the war in Iran have forced a major airline to slash more than 100 flights – including services to and from London.

Dutch company KLM is axing 160 flights across Europe over the next month as soaring fuel prices pile pressure on the industry ahead of the busy summer period.

The cuts will hit routes in and out of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, with departures and arrivals split evenly .

Despite the disruption, the airline insists there is no shortage of jet fuel, saying the move is purely down to spiralling costs.

A KLM spokesperson said: “Passengers affected by these changes will be rebooked onto the next available flight.

“As these are destinations KLM serves multiple times a day, such as London and Düsseldorf, travellers can usually be accommodated quickly.

MAJ-ESTIC

Play Majorca’s iconic golf course on budget-friendly 7-night break for under £600

HOLS HORROR

Jet2 holiday flight forced to make emergency landing after ‘smoke filled cabin’

“KLM expects a busy May holiday period and is making sure passengers can travel to their holiday destinations as planned.”

KLM’s flight cancellations comes after the head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol said mass flight cancellations will begin “soon” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

“In the past there was a group called ‘Dire Straits.’ It’s a dire strait now, and it is going to have major implications for the global economy”, Birol told AP.

Adding: “And the longer it goes, the worse it will be for the economic growth and inflation around the world.”

Birol’s deadline means airports could face critical fuel shortages by May, causing travel chaos for Brits heading abroad during the school May half-term holidays.

Oil prices have soared since the start of March after Iran closed off the Strait in response to US-Israeli forces bombing.

The Persian Gulf chokehold sees around 40 per cent of the world’s jet fuel supply pass through.

It comes after ACI Europe, which represents European airports, said the key trade route must open within three weeks or fuel reserves will run drastically low on Friday.

A number of airports in Italy have already warned that they were running out of fuel.

According to local reports earlier this week, Brindisi-Casale Airport confirmed that Jet A1 fuel was not available for a short period of time.

And British Airways has announced it will permanently axe its service from London Heathrow to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from April 24.

The airline had been operating a four flights a week service since November 2024.

But a shift in demand, due to the conflict in the Middle East, has led to the airline terminating the service.

KLM stressed the cancellations make up just one per cent of its European schedule.

But the move will still spark concern for Brits planning trips abroad as airlines battle rising operating costs.

It comes as carriers across Europe scramble to balance the books amid the fuel crisis.

Earlier this month, UK airline Skybus pulled the plug on all future flights between London Gatwick and Newquay.

The route, which launched in November 2025, had been backed by Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport under a public service scheme due to run until the end of May.

However, a slump in passenger numbers combined with higher fuel costs forced the airline to ground the service early, with its final flights taking off on April 2.

The latest cuts raise fresh fears of further disruption for holidaymakers as the peak summer season approaches.

Meanwhile other vital UK services could also face shortages if a deal to end the Middle East war is not struck soon.

Medicines UK, which represents companies making 85 per cent of NHS prescriptions, said NHS patients could face prescription shortages within weeks.

This could place “significant pressure for the NHS as early as June”, the organisation warned.

And Brits could even face shortages of supermarket staples such as beer and meat as officials fear the blockade of the Strait could cut vital carbon dioxide supplies.

CO2 is used in food packaging to improve the shelf life of salad, packaged meats and baked goods – and also slaughtering nearly all pigs and most chickens.

Tim Lang, professor of food policy at the University of London, who has been a member of several government bodies including the UK Council of Food Policy Advisors, told The Sun that the UK has “next to no food storage”.

A POPULAR European city destination is adopting a green voucher scheme that will see tourists rewarded for litter picking this summer.

The city is hoping to attract tourists who don’t mind getting their hands a bit dirty on their holiday.

Germany‘s capital, Berlin, is set to introduce the ‘BerlinPay’ scheme that will see tourists rewarded for engaging in sustainable behaviour, like supporting social projects and collecting rubbish.

Those getting involved are set to receive benefits at museums, restaurants, and Berlin experiences when the scheme gets underway this summer.

This year, the scheme is going to be centred around water tourism and, partnered with the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, the model hopes to make responsible engagement around the waters visible and appreciated.

The tourism agency, Visit Berlin, has described the scheme as “an initiative that raises awareness and encourages responsible behaviour on and around Berlin’s waterways among visitors and Berliners”.

HOL NO

Popular European city brings back ‘tourist tax’ this week – ignoring risks £260 fine

SEA IT

UK seaside town undergoing a £40m revamp is home to the country’s best pier 

The agency has continued: “Those who behave responsibly on and around the water, for example by collecting trash, beautifying the neighbourhood, or supporting social projects – receive recognition from participating partners: small benefits or special Berlin experiences.”

The scheme is hoping to create a virtuous circle, where people get engaged, appreciate the city, and in turn are rewarded with a positive experience that will then drive engagement up further.

Berlin is currently looking for companies and initiatives to get involved with the reward scheme this summer and is keen on partners related to “Berlin’s water world”.

The tourism agency emphasized companies involved in water sports, leisure and tourism, gastronomy, hotel industry, culture and education, mobility, and environmental and urban initiatives should apply.

This new project appears to be following in the footsteps of Denmark, which launched ‘CopenPay’ for the country’s capital back in 2024.

So far, the scheme has proved to be effective and has had positive effects in the city, as tourists are given rewards such as boat trips and free bike rentals for their sustainable behaviour.

The head of communications and behavioural research at Wonderful Copenhagen, Rikke Holm Petersen, has reiterated the benefits to both the tourists and the city.

“When people are on holiday, they are more open to new ideas, and with CopenPay we have shown that tourists are not only happy to take part but are also inspired to…take new habits home with them,” Peterson said.

A POPULAR European city is set to bring back its ‘tourist tax’ for visitors this summer.

The city became the first metropolitan area globally to charge day-trippers an admission fee, which was introduced on April 25, 2024.

Day-trippers who book last-minute trips to Venice this summer will feel the biggest sting, with reservations that are made less than four days in advance costing €10 per person.

Holidaymakers who are a bit more organised, and book their trips more than four days ahead of their planned visit, will only have to pay €5.

Entering the city before 8.30am or after 4pm exempts you from paying, as does being a current resident or a Venetian-born visitor, a student, worker, or someone in the city on an overnight stay.

When you’ve secured your QR code via the booking platform, it will be checked at one of seven entry points across Venice, which includes Santa Lucia railway station.

SUNNY STEALS

10 cheap Spanish holidays to book NOW – with all-inclusive breaks from £199pp

SEA IT

UK seaside town undergoing a £40m revamp is home to the country’s best pier 

However, if you do not pay the fee and are not registered for exemption, or if you fail to produce the QR code, you could be fined anywhere between €50-300.

That’s equivalent to up to £260.

The number of pay-to-enter days is increasing from 54 to 60 this year.

However, last year’s stats show visitor numbers dropped only slightly over the summer, from an average of 16,676 in 2024 to 13,046 in 2025.

The new tax is to help incentivise tourists to visit the small Italian city on weekdays, rather than during the weekend.

But it faces opposition as critics argue that it would not teach visitors ‘respect’.

Giovanni Martini, the city council member, said: “Wanting to raise this to 10 euros is absolutely useless. It makes Venice a museum.”

There are now more tourist beds in Venice than official residents, whose numbers stand at an all-time low of 50,000.

The dates the fee will be in place this year

• April: 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
• May: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
• June: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
• July: 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26

A EUROPEAN airline is axing all flights with immediate effect.

Lufthansa‘s subsidiary airline CityLine is to cease operations due to both the Iran war and ongoing strike action.

The airline – which operates some flights to and from the UK – will be grounding 27 aircraft from April 18.

Flight routes typically connect London to both Frankfurt and Munich.

It isn’t clear how this will affect passengers just yet, as to whether they will offer alternative routes or refunds.

They said in a statement, according to local media: “As a first, immediately effective step, the 27 operational aircraft of Lufthansa CityLine will be permanently removed from the flight programme starting the day after tomorrow, in order to reduce further losses at the loss-making airline.”

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

CityLine was due to cease operations by 2028, but has since decided to close this month instead.

Sun Travel has contacted Lufthansa for comment.

Lufthansa’s main airline has also announced that it will be grounding four Airbus jets and two Boeing jets for good, by the end of the summer, which are mainly used for longer flights.

Lufthansa will reduce short and medium-haul flights by five aircraft from this winter as well, while long-haul capacity will be reduced by six.

Till Streichert, chief financial officer of Lufthansa Group, also said: “The goal is to focus our short- and medium-haul platforms more clearly and make them more competitive.”

The announcement follows hundreds of flight cancellations this week following pilot strike action.

Union Vereinigung Cockpit called the strike action over pension disputes and yesterday announced that the strike action would be extended by two days.

Pilots first walked out on Monday leading to hundreds of flights being cancelled, including many from the UK.

Cabin crew also walked out yesterday and today.

Around 34 flights were cancelled to and from the UK yesterday and with an average flight usually carrying around 150 passengers each, more than 5,000 Brits could have been impacted.

When further strike action was announced, VC president Andreas Pinheiro said: “The situation remains unchanged; there is absolutely no movement on the employers’ side.

“For us, this is not about political power struggles or egos, but about sustainable solutions.”

In a statement, the airline told passengers earlier this week: “Lufthansa and Eurowings are working intensively to keep the impact on passengers as low as possible.

“We are trying to have as many flights as possible operated by other airlines within the Lufthansa Group and by partner airlines.

“However, despite these efforts, flight cancellations are unavoidable.

“Travelers who are affected by an irregularity will be informed accordingly, provided their contact details are stored in the booking.

“We ask passengers to check the status of their flight before setting out on their journey.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the disproportionate and very short-notice strike announcement.”

The airline has told passengers that if their flight is cancelled, they will be able to rebook once free of charge or have their ticket refunded.

In other flight news, here’s the first look at one airline’s new onboard bunk beds which even economy passengers can book.

Plus, a major UK airline is set to hike flights by up to £360 as they warn jet fuel prices have ‘never been this high’.

WE’VE scoured the internet for the very cheapest Spain deals we could find.

These holidays offer everything from sunny fly and flop spots with golden beaches, to family-friendly resorts close to mega water parks and top attractions.

Here’s 10 last-minute Spain hols to pick from, so you can get something in the diary to look forward to – without breaking the bank.

Hotel Casa del Sol, Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz is the cool alternative to Tenerife’s busy southern resorts, offering a mix of volcanic black-sand beaches and an artsy Old Town to wander.

The Hotel Casa del Sol has a lovely large pool, and is within walking distance from the beach and the famous the famous Lago Martiánez saltwater pools.

Lastminute.com offer a 7-night room-only stay, with return flights from London Stansted, for £175pp.

Read more on Spain holidays

HAPPY HOLA-DAYS

Spain to hit record 100million tourists – Sun Travel’s fave holiday spots

ISLE GO

I’ve booked trips to a Spanish island for a decade – here’s the best hidden spots

Playamar Hotel & Apartments, Majorca

S’illot in Majorca is home to a tranquil coastline with crystal clear waters to swim in, plus prehistoric ruins and caves to explore.

The Playamar Hotel & Apartments offer two outdoor swimming pools, kids tropical island-themed splash park with fun coconut tipping buckets, live entertainment, a terrace restaurant and poolside snack bar.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night all-inclusive stay with multiple date options in May, including return flights from London Stansted, for £229pp.

Salou, Costa Dorada

Sunny Salou is the ideal family destination, with plenty of beaches and world-class theme and water park PortAventura World.

Beyond the thrill rides, you can wander the palm-lined promenade for an ice cream, or stroll the Camí de Ronda path for hidden coves to swim in.

The Salou Pacific Apartments are 10 minutes walk from the beach, and make for a great base for families to explore all of the nearby attractions.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night self-catering stay at the Salou Pacific Apartments for multiple dates this May, including return flights from Birmingham, from £139pp.

BLUESEA Copacabana, Lloret de Mar

Sat on Spain’s brilliant Costa Brava, Lloret de Mar offers plenty to do from exciting watersports, to a seafront promenade lined with buzzy bars and nightclubs.

This modern hotel by the beach has extensive all-inclusive food and drink options, plus live music and entertainment in the evenings.

We found an all-inclusive package deal for 5 nights’ self-catering stay for multiple dates in May, including return flights from London Stansted, from £199pp!

BLUESEA Faro Cullera, Valencia

Valencia offers the ultimate city-meets-beach break, where you can visit a world-class science museum and planetarium in the morning, and tuck into authentic paella by the beach in the afternoon.

This recently-renovated, family-friendly hotel has an unbeatable location – just steps from the beach and 15 minutes’ walk from attractions like Cullera Castle and Iglesia Santos Juanes.

This deal from On the Beach offers a 7-night stay for multiple dates in May, including return flights from London Stansted, for £180pp.

Casa Turistica La Torre, Cordoba

Cordoba is a dream city break for history lovers, where you can lose yourself in the candy-cane arches of the Mezquita, or walk the 2,000 year-old Roman Bridge.

The historic Casa Turistica La Torre sits in the beautiful Old City, and has a sun-drenched rooftop to enjoy.

On the Beach offer a 7-night room-only stay from 23 – 30 June, including return flights from Birmingham, for £190pp.

GHT Aparthotel Tossa Park, Costa Brava

Tossa de Mar is a stunning medieval gem where you can wander through ancient castle walls, or simply cool off in the sparkling waters of its beaches.

This aparthotel is close to the clear waters of Tossa de Mar Beach, as well as the sprawling Gran Casino Costa Brava.

We found a bargain deal for a 7-night room-only stay, including return flights from London Luton, for just £206pp with Lastminute.com.

Ibersol Playa Dorada, Coma-ruga

Coma-ruga is a hidden wellness gem where you can soak in natural thermal springs right on the beach, or go out snorkelling in the vibrant Masía Blanca marine reserve.

The Ibersol Playa Dorada is a family-friendly hotel with a spacious outdoor pool with plenty of loungers to laze on.

Lastminute.com offer a 7-night stay, including return flights from London Stansted, for £228pp.

Bungalows Castillo Club Lake, Fuerteventura

Bag a super-affordable, all-inclusive trip to Fuerteventura with a stay at Bungalows Castillo Club Lake.

The hotel sits in the lively town of Caleta de Fuste, and is close to both the golden sands of Playa del Castillo beach and watersports spots offering jet-skiing and windsurfing.

This hotel has all the facilities you’ll need, including a big swimming pool, sun terrace, cafeteria, plus games like billiards and bicycle rental, too.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night, all-inclusive stay, including return flights from Leeds Bradford, for just £249pp.

Sunsea Village, Costa Blanca

Calpe in Costa Blanca is a pretty coastal town overlooked by a dramatic rock cliff, offering loads of scenic hikes or calm sandy spots to set up for the day and soak up some rays.

The Sunsea Village hotel is a relaxing property in Calpe with a pool plus a dedicated kids pool, and plenty of sporty activities like tennis courts and a gym.

On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 3 – 10 June, including return flights from London Luton, for just £210pp.

STAYCATIONS are on the rise once again, as nervous Brits look for a holiday closer to home.

Yet a trip exploring the beauty of the UK doesn’t have to be expensive – if you know where to look.

According to Hotels.com, searches for stays across Britain that are under £100 are up 21 per cent compared to last year.

Expedia Group expert Melanie Fish shared some of her top tips on how to find the cheapest hotel room stays, such as booking business hotels on weekends for lower rates.

She also said: “One of the simplest ways to save is checking in on a Sunday night, which is often the cheapest day of the week, helping travellers stretch their budgets further while racking up rewards.”

Here are ten of the best hotels across the country where all the stays are under £100 (so less than £50 each a night), ranging from city centre stays to rural vineyard retreats.

Malmaison Manchester – £94 a night (£47 each)

One of the fanciest on the list, the four-star Malmaison in Manchester, is still an affordable option.

Right in front of the city’s main train station, the hotel is built in a converted Victorian warehouse.

It makes you want to never leave, from the fancy Brasserie serving a British-French menu, to the stylish Mal Bar.

Of course, it’s right by all of the city’s top attractions too, from the Arndale Centre to Old Trafford.

Maldron Hotel, Liverpool – £83 a night (£41.50 each)

Despite also being a four-star hotel, the Maldron Hotel is the cheapest on the list.

The Liverpool hotel is no frills, but central – rooms have everything you need from hairdryers to coffee machines.

There’s an on-site barista-coffee cafe, as well as an all-day dining restaurant.

It’s in a great location too – you can easily get to attractions such as the M&S Bank Arena or Royal Albert Docks.

Lumley Castle, Durham – £92 a night (£46 each)

The 14th-century Lumley Castle is now a hotel and venue space, and is a bargain to stay at.

The hotel has 72 rooms, many of which will transport you back to Ye Olde times with spiral staircases and grand four-poster beds

Settle in for a spot of brunch at the Library Bar, or experience a full classic menu at the Knight’s Restaurant.

You can even try out themed murder mystery nights or medieval knight dinners.

Aldwick Estate, Bristol – £95 a night (£47.50 each)

Still a working farm and vineyard, Aldwick Estate is set across 300 acres.

Guests can not only stay on-site at a number of apartment options, but they can also book some wine tastings.

The 90-minute tours include the history of the estate, as well, of course, some tastings of the award-winning sparkling wines.

It’s less than 10 minutes from Bristol Airport, too.

Rodway Hill Eco Pod, Gloucester – £96 a night (£48 each)

If you want to get back to basics, you can go glamping at the end of a golf course for under £50 each.

Rodway Hill Eco Pod is ideal for keen golfers as you step out right onto the grass from the front of the room.

They’re no frills – you need to take your own towels, and there are shared ensuite facilities.

But with breakfast also included (expect all the classic hot and cold options) – you can be first to put on the day.

Ty Milford Waterfront, Pembrokeshire – £96 a night (£48 each)

Right by Milford beach is Ty Milford Waterfront, with all the hotel rooms kitted out with everything you need

Try Dulse, the on-site restaurant for some of the freshest seafood (and a unique rhubarb and custard profiterole), or work it off at the hotel gym overlooking the water too.

Kids even stay free this half term, and there is often both live music and pub quizzes on.

Want to splash out? Try the ‘floatels’ – four cabins that float on the water to be rocked to sleep by the tide.

The Grosvenor Arms, Salisbury – £94 a night (£47 each)

The Grosvenor Arms, built in a 17th-century former coaching inn, has all the best parts of a British pub, but a little bit fancier.

There’s just nine cosy rooms for both couples and families, which they say has more of the “charm of an inn than a hotel room”.

Eating at the pub itself is a must, if you love a menu of British food with a flair – or pop in on a Friday for freshly cooked pizzas.

Nearby attractions include the unusual hexagonal Wardour Castle, which was used to film the 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves film.

The Westbridge, London – £97 a night (£48.50)

The chic Westbridge hotel says it is a “home from home,” being in the London district of Stratford.

Dating back to 1740, many of the rooms are named after themed royal family members.

The lounge bar is limited – serving just pizza, some snacks and desserts – so you might want to head out for dinner.

Thankfully is right by all of the popular London attractions too, including the Olympic Park and ABBA Voyage.

The all-inclusive hotel in the middle of London – that’s £55 each a night

The Sun’s Travel Reporter recently tried out London’s ‘all-inclusive’ hotel which comes in at just over £100 a night.

Z Hotels, Gloucester Place, offers a room package that is all-inclusive – soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, lunch, dinner… You name it.

This sounded too good to be true, so, of course, I had to put it to the test.

I arrived to check in at 3pm – this is when they were offering an afternoon tea selection, which included ham and cheese croissants and a cake stand featuring macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.

I picked up a handful of sweet treats, including one of the croissants and helped myself to my second can of Fanta.

There was also a made-to-order selection on a dinner menu, which featured a wide choice of sandwiches and salads.

I ordered the salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta – it was simple but tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.

However, this would usually set me back £18 for a coffee, pastry or cake and sandwich.

Just an hour later, a selection of cheeses and crackers, with grapes, chutney, houmous and olives appeared.

I helped myself to the black bomber cheddar, with a dollop of caramelised onion chutney and some crackers.

For second helping I went for some olives, camembert and crackers.

Over the course of another hour, I went back and forth, helping myself to the selection.

As I enjoyed my plates of food, I also sipped on a glass of sauvignon blanc – one of three white wines on offer.

If I wanted to, I could have also opted for red wine, cider or beer as well.

When morning arrived, a breakfast spread included toast, flatbreads with omelette and bacon, fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, and pastries.

I opted for some cold apple juice and helped myself to a coffee, plus a tomato and cheese flatbread, some fruit compote and yoghurt.

Before leaving, I even grabbed a banana and coffee in a takeaway cup for the road.

My verdict? This hotel is a genuine find.

Totting up all the food I had, using the average prices usually found for each item in London, I spent way more than my £55-a-head price tag.

In comparison to other budget hotels, I would say the room itself is on par with Travelodge and Premier Inn, yet a fraction of the price.

Nunsmere Hall, Northwich – £95 a night (£47.50 each)

Inside the Edwardian country house in Northwich is Nunsmere Hall, surrounded by a 60-acre lake.

Usually used as a wedding venue, there are 36 hotel rooms, which are simple but affordable.

But you want to come here for dinner – voted ‘County Restaurant of the Year’ by The Good Food Guide, the ever-changing menu includes dishes such as steak and pasta.

Otherwise, grab a drink at The Captain’s Bar, some afternoon tea or have a wander around Northwich itself, a beautiful riverside town.

The Met Hotel, Leeds – £97 a night (£48.50 each)

One of Leeds‘ most beautiful buildings, The Met Hotel is built into the Victorian listed landmark dating back to the 1890s yet underwent a huge renovation last year.

There are 120 rooms, which have recently been refurbished, with classy interiors that make it feel much more expensive than it is.

Gott’s Bar & Kitchen feels like stepping back in time, with a mix of small plates, mains and grills.

Pop your head into the Met Ballroom too – it’s a beauty.

BRITS have been warned to book their summer getaways now or face a massive spike in prices as the Middle East conflict sends fuel costs soaring.

The boss of easyJet today sounded the alarm after revealing the war has already cost the budget airline £25million in fuel hikes.

The Luton-based carrier has been hit hard by rising oil prices after Iran tightened its grip on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Holidaymakers are being told that if these high costs persist, the extra bill will be passed directly onto passengers through higher fares across the entire industry.

EasyJet reported that the conflict has created “near-term uncertainty around fuel costs and customer demand” as families hesitate to book.

Official figures show that bookings for the peak summer months of June through to September have already dipped compared to last year.

PLANE BAD

Spanish airport to CLOSE for over a month with all flights cancelled

PINT-SIZED

My favourite up-and-coming EU country has £2.60 pints and summer highs of 30C

The airline is braced for a massive headline loss of between £540million and £560million for the six months leading up to the end of March.

Investors reacted with panic to the news as shares in the company tumbled by as much as 9% in early trading on Thursday.

EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis admitted the firm has struggled.

He said: “Our H1 financial performance worsened year on year, impacted by the conflict in the Middle East and the competitive environment in some markets.”

Despite the gloom, the airline boss insisted that planes are still taking off as normal following the busiest Easter period on record.

He added: “Following our busiest Easter holiday period ever, the operational ramp up into peak summer continues as planned.”

Mr Jarvis claimed the company has the cash reserves to survive the crisis.

He said: “EasyJet’s financial strength from our investment grade balance sheet and £4.7billion of liquidity mean we are well placed to navigate current geopolitical challenges while remaining focused on our medium term targets.”

Experts are worried that the war could eventually lead to fuel shortages and forced cancellations, but the airline insists airports are currently “operating as normal” with supplies secured until mid-May.

Everything now rests on whether the crisis in the Middle East escalates or cools down in the coming weeks.

A quick resolution could see prices drop, but a long-term war could see holiday demand dry up as fuel is rationed around the world.

IF HOGWARTS was a real place, it would be rammed with selfie-stick-wielding tourists – but one quiet spot in a Devonshire city is the ultimate hidden gem for Potterheads.

It’s no secret that J.K. Rowling studied at Exeter University, but for years Harry Potter fans have been convinced that part of the city actually inspired a major feature of the movies (though she did debunk this herself).

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Tucked away at a right angle off the bustling high street, you’ll find Gandy Street – a crooked, cobbled lane that looks remarkably like Diagon Alley.

To find it, you’ll have to venture down an opening between Urban Outfitters and Costa – and many visiting the city actually miss this.

The lane then opens up into a magical world of bunting, twinkling lights and higgidy-piggidy shops.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

While the film‘s Diagon Alley is actually a film set, the resemblance is clear.

According to Warner Brothers Studio Tour, the design of Diagon Alley was inspired by Charles Dickens’ descriptions of London.

However, director Chris Columbus realised that not many places look like 19th century London anymore, so a set for Diagon Alley was built specifically for filming.

Misshapen buildings tower over the lane and there is a flea market vibe similar to that of the bird cages and antique-style signs hanging from Diagon Alley’s shopfronts.

The entire street has dark-stone architecture, just like the gloominess of Diagon Alley.

Though the colourful shopfronts brighten the street in the same way Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes does for Diagon Alley.

While Diagon Alley boasts Flourish and Blotts, Mr Mulpepper’s Apothecary, Gringotts Wizard Bank and OIlivanders wand shop, Gandy Street has its own destinations worth visiting.

You might not be able to gobble a Chocolate Frog, but you can dive into Chococo for a hot chocolate.

At the Makers Market, you will find magical trinkets created by local sellers such as handmade handbags and quirky prints.

For pretty and unique jewellery head to Silver Lion and for gifts drop by Moko.

Even The Vaults nightclub looks a bit like Gringotts Bank, though don’t expect to find a dragon – just good cocktails.

If you are hungry there are a couple of spots on the street to grab a bite to eat including Red Panda, where you can grab a bao bun and salad for under a tenner.

For another interesting spot nearby, venture to Parliament Street which is thought to be the narrowest street in the UK and one of the narrowest in Europe.

It dates back to the 14th century and at its narrowest point measures only 63.5cm.

And your adventure around the city doesn’t have to end there…

Make sure to head to the Cathedral Quarter, where – in my opinion – you’ll find one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in the UK.

The 12th century Gothic cathedral has the “longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting” remaining in the world, according to Visit Exeter, measuring 91metres – about the same as the height of Big Ben.

One of my favourite things to do here is enjoy the cathedral green and look at the 50-plus statues carved into the Salcombe and volcanic stone the cathedral is built out of.

Make sure to explore the lower part of the high street as well, just a short walk from the cathedral.

Here you’ll find most of the independent businesses in the city including cosy cafes and McCoys Arcade, which is home to a number of shops including a book store and record store.

If you do want to head to some of the bigger brand names, walk to the very top of the high street where you will find the likes of Lush, John Lewis, Next and Waterstones.

The best part to visiting the city? Unlike Harry, you won’t need to tap your wand on the wall to get in… You just need a train ticket to Devon.

If you are wanting to explore more of Devon, here’s the hidden town tourists often skip but locals love, with a coastline of secret coves and historic funicular.

Plus, here’s how to have a cheap Devon holiday this summer.

A NUMBER of popular holiday destinations in Spain are losing their Ryanair flights this year.

The budget airline confirmed last year they would be cutting 1.2million seats across the country,

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

The cancellations are due to the increase in airport fees, which would mean airlines paying an extra 21 per cent from 2027 to 2031.

An initial increase of 6.44 per cent has already been introduced back in March.

At the time of the announcement, the CEO of Ryanair, Eddie Wilson said: “Next winter we will make further cuts to regional airport services and I remind you that our total traffic in Spain for this summer will only grow by 0.5 per cent compared to 9 per cent in Italy, 11 per cent in Morocco or 20 per cent in Poland.

Read more on travel inspo

TRIP TIPS

I’ve visited Disney 55 times… mistakes parents make that ruin trips & waste money

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

“Aena’s proposal to increase fares by 21 per cent is regrettable, but not surprising, as this airport monopoly has a history of applying the highest fares at the expense of traffic development, especially at Spain’s regional airports, which are 70 per cent empty.”

He also commented that if the fees were increased it would “make even the most popular airports in Spain uncompetitive” and that Ryanair would turn to “other places in Europe where rates are more competitive”.

Here are some of the destinations being affected.

Asturias

All Ryanair flights to the coastal region of Asturias in north Spain have been stopped.

If you do want to head to Asturias though, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling all fly to the airport from the UK.

Vigo

All flights to the port city of Vigo in northwest Spain were suspended on January 1.

Routes cancelled include from London Stansted Airport.

There are currently no direct flights from the UK with other airlines to Vigo – instead, you would have to book a flight to Madrid then to Vigo.

Alternatively, Porto Airport is less than two hours away.

Tenerife North

All Ryanair flights to Tenerife North were stopped over the winter.

This included a route from London Stansted Airport.

If travellers want to head to Tenerife now, their best bet is to fly to Tenerife South, which Ryanair flies to from a number of UK airports including London Stansted, Bristol and Birmingham.

Valladolid

All flights to Valladolid in northwest Spain have been scrapped with the airline’s base closed at the airport since winter 2024.

If you wish to travel to Valladolid, the best way would be to fly to Madrid which is under two hours away.

Jerez

Ryanair has cancelled all of its direct flights to Jerez in the Andalusia region.

However, if you still want to fly to the destination, you can do so from the UK with Jet2.

Jet2 offers flights to Jerez from Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted and Manchester.

Alternatively, you could fly to Seville and then hop on a train that takes less than an hour to Jerez.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Airport in the Galicia region will no longer have a Ryanair base, which will mean fewer flights to the destination.

While the budget airline does still operate flights to and from the airport, Sun Travel found that these are mainly to destinations within Spain.

There are a number of other airlines that fly to the airport though, including British Airways, Vueling and Iberia.

Santander

Ryanair is set to reduce its capacity from Santander, known for its stunning views of the Bay of Biscay, by 38 per cent.

But the airline is still operating UK flights to the airport, including from Manchester, Birmingham and London Stansted – just a reduced number.

Zaragoza

The airline is also reducing flights from Zaragoza – the capital of Aragon in northeastern Spain – by 45 per cent.

While the airline does still fly to the airport, it is mainly from destinations outside the UK such as Milan in Italy.

Sun Travel found one route from the UK to the airport, which is from London Stansted.

Vitoria

There will be a slight reduction in Ryanair capacity to Vitoria (two per cent), which is the capital of the Basque region.

Despite this, Sun Travel found no routes from the UK to the Spanish airport with that airline.

If you want to head to Vitoria, your best bet is to fly to Bilbao Airport which is about an hour-and-a-half away.

Girona

Routes from Girona in Catalonia are also set to be reduced by 11 per cent over this summer season, according to Euro News.

Sun Travel found that there are currently still flights from UK airports including London Stansted, Bournemouth and Birmingham to the airport.

In other flight news, British travel misery is set to get worse as European flight cancellations stretch to five days.

Plus, two major airlines are set to hike flights by up to £90 due to rising jet fuel prices.

A MAJOR European airline has announced even more strikes this week, set to impact thousands more Brits.

Lufthansa pilots have been on strike since Monday in a dispute over pensions, and now the Union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has announced a further two days of strikes.

Pilots began striking on Monday, with hundreds of flights cancelled including many from the UK.

And now the union has announced that pilots will also be carrying out strikes this Thursday and Friday.

Cabin crew will also walk out today and Thursday.

It means that by the end of this week, there will have been six consecutive days of strike action.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

Over 200 flights departing Frankfurt Airport have been cancelled today, including the following flights to the UK:

• 9:50am to Manchester
• 2pm to London Heathrow
• 3:45pm to Glasgow
• 4pm to London Heathrow
• 4:10pm to Edinburgh
• 4:20pm to Newcastle
• 4:45pm to Manchester
• 5pm to Birmingham
• 6pm to London Heathrow
• 9:10pm to Birmingham
• 9:30pm to London Heathrow
• 9:50pm to Edinburgh
• 10pm to Manchester

As for flights with Lufthansa departing from the UK, the following have been cancelled:

• 9:30am from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 9:50am from Glasgow to Frankfurt
• 10:25am from Birmingham to Frankfurt
• 10:35am from Manchester to Munich
• 11:25am from Manchester to Frankfurt
• 12:50pm from Edinburgh to Frankfurt
• 1:35pm from London Heathrow to Munich
• 3:30pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 4:25pm from London Heathrow to Munich
• 5:10pm from Edinburgh to Munich
• 5:30pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 5:30pm from Glasgow to Frankfurt
• 5:40pm from Newcastle to Frankfurt
• 5:50pm from Edinburgh to Frankfurt
• 5:50pm from London Heathrow to Munich
• 5:55pm from Birmingham to Munich
• 6:15pm from Birmingham to Frankfurt
• 6:20pm from Manchester to Frankfurt
• 7:10pm from London Heathrow to Munich
• 7:30pm from London Heathrow to Frankfurt
• 8:25pm from London Heathrow to Munich

With 34 flights – often operating around 150 passengers each – this works out to more than 5,000 passengers to and from the UK affected.

Disruption to flights tomorrow currently remains unclear.

Regarding the further strike action, VC president Andreas Pinheiro said: “The situation remains unchanged; there is absolutely no movement on the employers’ side.

“For us, this is not about political power struggles or egos, but about sustainable solutions.”

In a statement, the airline told passengers earlier this week: “Lufthansa and Eurowings are working intensively to keep the impact on passengers as low as possible.

“We are trying to have as many flights as possible operated by other airlines within the Lufthansa Group and by partner airlines.

“However, despite these efforts, flight cancellations are unavoidable.

“Travelers who are affected by an irregularity will be informed accordingly, provided their contact details are stored in the booking.

“We ask passengers to check the status of their flight before setting out on their journey.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the disproportionate and very short-notice strike announcement.”

The airline has told passengers that if their flight is cancelled, they will be able to rebook once free of charge or their ticket refunded.

Though, all flights to the Middle East have been excluded from the strike action due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

In other flight news, here’s the first look at one airline’s new onboard bunk beds which even economy passengers can book.

Plus, a major UK airline is set to hike flights by up to £360 as they warn jet fuel prices have ‘never been this high’.

IT’S NO secret that Brits love Benidorm, but there is a hidden spot just minutes from the strip not many know about.

While most Brits might head to the famous Spanish resort, for its vibrant nightlife scene and cheap booze, just 20 minutes from the strip you will find an ancient Roman town.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Dating back more than 2,000 years, Tossal de La Cala used to be a Roman military fortress – and now has some of the best views of the popular Poniente Beach.

One recent visitor said in a TripAdvisor review: “Tossal de la Cala is easily one of the highlights of our trip to Benidorm.

“The whole area feels peaceful and well-maintained, with plenty of spots to sit and just soak it all in.”

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

Below the ancient site, you can visit the beach which stretches for just under two miles as well as Platja de Llevant.

If you aren’t done exploring ancient Roman sites, less than 40 minutes away is another ancient Roman site.

Lucentum – the predecessor to modern day Alicante – is another well-preserved Roman site with streets, baths and defensive walls.

When the ruins were discovered, a lot of pottery was found as well as some columns and former settlements that remain.

Visitors do need to pay to access this site though and it costs €3 (£2.61) each.

Lucentum is also located on one of the longest Roman roads in Spain – Via Augusta.

Between Alicante and Benidorm, you will also find La Illeta dels Banyets, which is thought to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

At the site, visitors can see a Roman villa with thermal baths and fish-farm pools carved into the rock.

When in Benidorm, you won’t need to spend much on food or drink either with pints costing as little as €2.50 (£2.17).

If you are wanting food, the experts at First Choice recommend La Fava, where you can pick up ‘Fava style’ potato salad as well as Oxtail croissant with bull sauce.

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director of First Choice said: “Most people think of Benidorm as a party destination.

“But just minutes from the beach, travellers can explore Roman roads, ancient forts, and villas that few ever see.

“You can experience history during the day and still enjoy the sunshine and coastline; it offers a completely different perspective on the destination.”

It takes about two-and-a-half hours to fly to Benidorm, with flights costing as little as £13 per way in April, May or June.

And a three-night break with First Choice on a half-board basis, costs from £201 per person, travelling from London Luton Airport on May 18.

For more Spanish destinations, here is the secret Spanish seaside resort where you can camp right on the beach – and you’ll see more locals than tourists.

Plus, the beautiful Spanish island that feels like Costa Rica without the long flight – with 31C summers and volcanic beaches.