Travel Deals

IF you haven’t booked yourself a summer holiday yet, or you’re desperate to upgrade your battered old suitcases…you’re in luck.

Top travel brands like Expedia, Eastpak, and On the Beach have launched massive summer sales – and we’ve rounded up the top deals.

These companies have slashed prices on everything from plane essentials to entire package holidays.

We’ve scoured their websites to find the biggest discounts so you don’t have to.

Here are the top online travel deals you can snap up right now.

Eastpak Luggage Summer Sale – up to 50% off

Need a big, durable suitcase with heaps of packing room inside? Eastpak if your best bet.

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Eastpak Luggage are running a summer sale where there’s up to 50% off on luggage, meaning you can make some huge savings on high-quality suitcases.

One of the biggest price drop items is the Travelpack backpack, where the price has been slashed in half from £95 to £47.50

If you’re looking for large luggage with plenty of room for your holidays, the TRANZVERZ L is currently 40% off – down from £185 to £111.

Another suitcase with big savings is the TRANVERZ M, a medium-sized suitcase on wheels which is down from its full price of £165 to £99 instead.

Expedia Big Summer Sale – up to 35% off

Expedia’s Big Summer Sale has lots of hotels and package holidays still available for the summer where you can bag some major savings.

There’s also deals on flights and car hire, so you can sort out everything you’ll need for your holiday in one place.

Included in the sale are last-minute beach holidays, such as three nights at the adults-only Hotel THB María Isabel in Majorca for £217pp (saving £98).

Plus this package holiday in Greece comes with an extra night for free, staying three nights at the Oktober Downtown Boutique Hotel in Rhodes for £310pp (saving £101).

Here’s a selection of some of the top deals we could find

Packing cubes – 38% off

If you haven’t started using packing cubes yet, now’s the time.

This eight piece set on Amazon is down 38% to £9.95, so you can grab yourself a full kit for under a tenner.

Rolling clothes into these cubes can save on luggage space, plus the kit comes with a dedicated toiletries bag and wet bag for swimwear – all are waterproof.

Not only can they save room in your suitcase, but they’ll save you time, too.

We all know that feeling of rummaging through a huge disorganised pile on the hotel room floor to find what you need.

Save yourself the hassle and keep things organised.

Amazon Travel Packing Cubes – £15.99 NOW £9.95

On the Beach holiday deals – £££ off + kids go free

On the Beach have a huge number of package holidays on sale, with destinations ranging from Spain and Greece to Florida.

These holidays include flights and accommodation, and are currently up to hundreds of pounds off full price.

Some of the best deals include a week-long stay in Albufeira for £250pp at the Muthu Balaia Sol hotel, which even has a kids stay free offer.

There’s also a week-long stay at the Villamarina Club hotel in Salou for £385pp, which also offers free kids’ places. This holiday is currently £107 off.

Other holiday deals in the sale include:

Browse their top deals page for more holiday deals.

Noise reduction earplugs – 80% off

If you’re tired of jamming cheap foam plugs into your ears – wondering if you’re doing actual damage to your ear canals – it’s time for an upgrade.

These Amazon earplugs are currently on sale for a massive 80% off, down from £49.99 to £9.99.

These soft and flexible earplugs are designed to mould perfectly into the ear – much comfier than the free pairs, which also don’t really block any noise.

In fact, these earplugs also provide 40% stronger sound isolation than regular foam alternatives, helping you enjoy the silence and sleep soundly.

Plus these plugs are specifically designed ‘to Block Snoring & Partner’s Noise,’ a saviour if you travel with a loud sleeper.

Amazon FIKSFA Ear Plugs – £49.99 NOW £9.99

Memory foam travel pillow – 20% off

Gone are the days of trying to get comfortable leaning against the plane window. Or worse, craning your head down onto your shoulder, leading to interrupted sleep and neck pain.

Travel pillows are a must for long haul flights – but not all of them are built the same.

This memory foam neck pillow from Amazon is ergonomically designed to cradle your neck perfectly.

Plus it even comes with ear plugs and an eye mask for optimum sleep, as well as a travel bag to keep it safe and clean.

It’s currently on sale, down 20% to £11.89. Skip the inflated airport prices and grab yourself a deal – and a better night’s sleep, too.

Amazon Cirorld Travel Pillow + ear plugs + eye mask – £14.99 NOW £11.89

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

EUROPE’S largest funfair is returning to the UK this weekend, as the huge stretch of rides comes back for its 144th year.

Over 400 spectacular attractions will be on offer for all the family, including a new record-breaking ride for the ultimate thrillseekers.

The Hoppings is back for its 144th year this weekend, as Newcastle’s Town Moor anticipates the return of Europe’s biggest funfair.

Located at the heart of the city centre, the funfair offers over 400 attractions and rides for thrillseekers and families alike – from the giant ferris wheel, to the classic helter skelter.

Despite occupying a smaller space than previous years, due to drainage works on the Moor, the fair still keeps all its excitement, and visitors can expect to see a jam-packed line-up.

After centuries of history, and a deep-rooted sense of North East nostalgia the fair evokes, generations of Geordie families love returning to The Hoppings year after year.

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This year, the fair has unveiled a whole host of adrenaline-pumping rides, including the return of fan-favourites Atmosfear and Extreme.

The stage has been set for the arrival of a record-breaking high-flying experience with the launch of the brand-new Elevate85 attraction.

Climbing up to 80metres, this drop tower with flying chairs has been hailed as “the world’s highest travelling ride” – only 10metres shorter than London’s Big Ben.

Foodies have another reason to celebrate with a brand-new Spud Bros stall joining the line-up, only weeks after the launch of its popular North Tyneside store.

The daily line-up also includes a Live Lounge stage with country, rock, and pop music, alongside delicious treats on offer from the Feast Street food village.

The arrival of the Hoppings in the last week of June is a fixture of the Geordie calendar, and has been since 1882.

Opening on the Town Moor over a century-and-a-half ago, the fair was initially marketed as a tee-total event to counteract the boozy activities of Newcastle Race Week.

Its initial form included traditional amusements and roundabouts, as well as kite-flying contests and military shows – a step away from its current form.

The Hoppings has evolved to represent the warmth and welcoming nature of Geordies themselves, and shows a city beyond bustling nightlife and football passion.

Now, the fair attracts over half a million annual visitors to indulge in the vibrant lights, exhilirating rides, and all the fun of the fair.

For those wanting to visit Newcastle, The Hoppings is the perfect starting point for organising a tour, with the city centre situated a 30-minute walk away from the Town Moor.

From there, a walk along the Quayside to see the famous Tyne Bridge, The Glasshouse and River Tyne is a must, with foodstalls often lining the streets on weekends.

Newcastle, and surrounding North East towns, are incredibly well-connected with the Tyne and Wear Metro, with 60 stations and two separate lines.

Many may not know that the city has some of the best coastlines in the UK – travel 30 minutes east on the Metro and visit Tynemouth Longsands and enjoy the scenic views from the coastal villages.

Entry to The Hoppings is completely free this year, with standard ride prices ranging from just £3 to £5 and high-thrill attractions costing slightly more.

The Hoppings is returning for its 10-day bonanza between June 19 and June 28, running from 2pm to 11pm on weekdays, and 1pm to 11pm on weekends.

BRITS are jetting away in record numbers, but landing abroad to a shock mobile phone bill can instantly ruin your holiday vibe.

Thankfully, savvy travelers are dumping traditional setups for a clever digital alternative powered by Swiss tech pioneer Yesim.

Yesim eSIM – claim exclusive 15% discount with code: GETYESIM15

Why is traditional roaming outdated?

Ever since Brexit, major UK mobile providers have reintroduced painful daily fees just to use your standard phone data in Europe.

Big networks like EE and Vodafone hit travellers with charges up to £2.75 a day, which easily scales up to nearly £100 for a family holiday in Spain.

Worse still, traditional roaming ties your phone to a single local network provider, meaning your data speeds will completely tank if that specific partner has weak signal.

You also face the terrifying risk of automatic out-of-bundle charges if you accidentally slip past your hidden data allowance while streaming or video calling.

What are travel eSIMs and how do they work?

An eSIM is a clever digital microchip already baked directly into modern iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, and Google Pixel devices.

While the physical chip is built into your phone, a travel eSIM is a dedicated service that lets you download a cheap, temporary data profile over the air.

You simply install the profile at home while having a cuppa, and the internet connection automatically kicks in the very second your flight lands abroad.

Best of all, your primary UK SIM card stays completely active in parallel, meaning you can still receive emergency calls and crucial banking verification texts on your usual number.

What is Yesim, and how does it work?

Swiss tech brand Yesim is an industry pioneer making mobile connectivity a seamless, budget-friendly digital service.

Operating for seven years with over 800 partner operators, Yesim provide unstoppable coverage across 200 world destinations.

However, two terms are often confused in the market, and understanding the difference matters.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is simply the hardware: a microchip built into modern smartphones that allows profiles to be downloaded remotely, but it doesn’t guarantee lower prices or reliable connections abroad.

What is a travel eSIM?

A Travel eSIM, however, is the complete service ecosystem built around that chip.

It provides an app for choosing plans, 24/7 customer support, automatic connection to the strongest network, and transparent, fixed pricing.

That service layer is what you are actually paying for.

Why choose Yesim?

Yesim delivers that exact ecosystem, offering tailored data options for every holiday style, backed by multi-lingual support with a rapid six-minute average response time.

First-time users can even test the network with a 500MB trial plan for just £0.45.

To get started, check your phone’s compatibility on their website and install the profile via the app.

• Sun readers can score an exclusive 15% discount right now by using the promo code GETYESIM15 – claim here

Why you should consider a travel eSim for your next trip?

Unlike network providers that lock you into one signal, travel eSIMs like Yesim seamlessly switch in the background to whatever local network is strongest.

They offer total cash predictability by forcing you to look at the exact data limit, pricing, and expiry period before you spend a single penny.

Whether you need a quick 5GB chunk for a week in Turkey, or a Global Package (80+ countries) or Global Plus Package (140+ countries) for backpacking across South America, you choose a plan tailored perfectly to your trip.

For trips with unpredictable routes, the Pay & Fly plan offers a flexible pay-as-you-go model available in more than 170 countries.

You can even safely use your smartphone as a personal hotspot to share the internet with your tablet, laptop, or the rest of the family.

The Yesim app utilises switchless connection technology to automatically connect to the strongest network from over 800 partner operators globally.

The brand’s Multiple eSIMs feature allows you to manage connectivity for several devices from a single account.

The main app owner can share eSIM profiles with family members or colleagues without needing to install the app on every device.

FANCY a UK staycation with the family this summer holidays?

We’ve found UK family holiday deals for July and August that won’t break the bank – and will be sure to keep the kids (and grown-ups) smiling.

With schools across the country breaking up as early as July 17, the countdown to summer is officially on – just make sure to check the term time dates for your area.

You can book a family summer holiday at big-name parks from Haven and Parkdean Resorts from as little as £16.19pp per night.

Here’s our pick of affordable family getaways in the UK you can take during the school summer holidays.

Sunnydale Holiday Park, Saltfleet, Lincolnshire

This beachfront holiday park has charming coastal villages and a seal sanctuary on your doorstep – and you can stay for around £16pp a night.

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This gem of a park in Saltfleet, Lincolnshire, is an ideal choice if you want a peaceful park with direct access to the beach – without the crowds and noisiness of larger resorts.

Despite being a smaller park, it still has plenty to see and do such as a heated indoor pool, an on-site fishing lake, an outdoor adventure playground and evening entertainment shows.

Take a trip to nearby Mablethorpe (15 minutes’ drive) to visit adorable seals at the Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre.

Here you can also meet rescued reptiles, birds, meerkats and even monkeys. Entry costs £15 for adults and £11 for children.

Plus you can chill out on the sands of Mablethorpe Beach, or take a ride on the Mablethorpe Sand Train for £2.

Parkdean Resorts offer a four night stay at Sunnydale Holiday Park from July 20 for £259 total, which works out to £16.19pp per night.

The deal is for a stay in a Bronze caravan, where double-glazed caravans come with a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom and everything you’d need in a budget-friendly base – plus there’s dog-friendly options, too.

Book a 4 night stay at Sunnydale Holiday Park for a family of 4 in July for £259

Haven Littlesea Holiday Park, Weymouth, Dorset

This AA 5 Gold Star-rated holiday park in Weymouth gives you direct access to the vast Jurassic Coast, with famous spots like Chesil Beach on your doorstep.

The holiday park itself is a large seafront site packed with activities for all ages.

There’s a large outdoor pool to cool off from the summer heat, plus a heated indoor option for any rainy days.

Younger kids can hop in a mini 4×4 for an off-road adventure, bounce around on the bungee trampolines or play with slime and make crafts during the Creative Sessions.

Older kids and thrill-seekers of the family can take on the outdoor climbing wall, the NERF gun training camp or scramble their way through the inflatable arena.

We found a Haven Hideaway deal for four guests to stay three nights in a Saver Caravan from July 17 for £259 total, or £21.60pp per night.

Book a 3 night stay at Littlesea Holiday Park for a family of 4 in July for £259

Withernsea Sands Holiday Park, Yorkshire

This holiday park in Humberside was awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award last summer, and it’s surprisingly affordable even though it’s one of the most highly-rated parks.

Reviewers have praised its ‘extremely good’ evening entertainment, kind staff and cleanliness of the site and caravans.

There’s also a heated indoor pool, a kids club, sports courts and mini golf – plus a bar, restaurant and Costa Coffee when you need to fuel up on food and drink.

As for evening entertainment, families can meet the Starland Krazy Krew of animal characters, as well as play bingo and watch performances from live singers.

Not only does the site give you direct access to a Blue Flag beach, but it also makes for a great base to explore nearby coastal towns of Hornsea and Bridlington.

We found a deal for a three night stay in a Bronze Caravan from July 17 for £257 total, or £21.50pp per night.

Book a 3 night stay at Withernsea Sands Holiday Park for a family of 4 in July for £257

Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

It’d be hard to get bored at this action-packed park in Clacton-on-Sea, with a busy activity schedule and Clacton Pavilion on your doorstep.

This expansive park offers unique activities like mini segways for kids, Footgolf and, this summer, a Football Fun Factory where aspiring footballers can put their skills to the test.

There’s plenty more for families to dive into like the FunWorks amusement arcade, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a nine-hole golf course.

Plus for something more relaxing you can take in the scenic surroundings by hiring a bike or spending an afternoon set up by the fishing lake.

For food and drink, pick from familiar favourites like Burger King and Papa Johns, or settle down for pub favourites in the Mash and Barrel.

Here you’re only 17 minutes’ drive from Clacton Pavilion Fun Park, where there’s over 20 rides along the seafront, adventure golf and live entertainment shows. An unlimited rides wristband costs £12.99.

We found a Haven Hideaway deal for a three night stay in a Bronze Caravan for four people from 31 July for £295 total, or £24.58pp per night.

Book a 3 night stay at Orchards Holiday Village for a family of 4 in late July for £295

Combe Haven, Sussex

This holiday park in St Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex is a lively resort with lots of high-energy activities.

This park is perfect for kids who like to make a splash, with an outdoor pool, lazy river, and a giant Space Bowl flume.

There’s lots of sports on offer, too, such as archery coaching, football and Batfast (a sport like Squash with an interactive screen).

For a bite to eat, grab a meal from Cook’s Fish and Chips and sit on the seafront, and relax with a drink at The Saxon Bar and enjoy the sea views.

Here you’re also around 15 minutes’ drive from historic Hastings, where you can visit Hastings Castle or go undertake the Smuggler’s Adventure in the town’s caves and tunnels.

Haven are offering a three night stay from July 17 in a Saver Caravan for four people for £275 total, or £22.92pp per night.

Book a 3 night stay at Combe Haven for a family of 4 in July for £275

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

AS a travel expert at one of the UK’s biggest travel companies, I spend a ridiculous amount of time staring at holiday prices.

Not because I have a weird fetish for spreadsheets (trust me, I don’t), because if you dig deep enough into the data, you can spot exactly when everyone is about to pile into a destination. And, more importantly, where the cheap holidays are hiding before the rest of Britain catches on.

For summer 2026, a few spots keep flashing up on my radar for one massive reason: they’re offering proper, old-school all-inclusive value.

Some are old favourites, others are probably completely off your map.

But they’re all delivering serious bang for your buck right now.

Here are the seven at the top of my list.

Cabo Blanco, Majorca, Spain

Majorca isn’t exactly a secret, but Cabo Blanco is about as close as you’ll get to an undiscovered value goldmine.

While the masses fight for sunbeds in the bigger resorts, this quieter stretch of coast serves up rugged cliffs, proper crystal-clear water, and the kind of sea views that justify doing absolutely nothing from your balcony for a week straight.

You get all the perks of Majorca in the short flight and guaranteed sun, but skip the eye-watering price tag of the flashier spots.

I found a five-night all-inclusive stay at Sun Club El Dorado for £325pp in August.

It’s perched right on the edge of the coast, has more pools than you’ll know what to do with, and is basically built for elite-level lounging.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech probably isn’t the first place you think of when someone says “all-inclusive,” which is exactly why it’s a brilliant shout: it breaks the monotony of the standard fly-and-flop.

You can be haggling in a centuries-old souk in the afternoon, and back at the resort by dark, nursing a drink by the pool with the Atlas Mountains in the background. It beats swapping one European beach for another.

Case in point: a five-night all-inclusive stint at Marrakech Ryads Parc & Spa is coming in at £373pp this summer.

It’s one of my top picks because it nails the balance – you can dive headfirst into the chaos of the city by day, then retreat to a massive, quiet resort to completely switch off.

Sidari, Corfu, Greece

Corfu has quietly morphed into one of the best-value Greek islands, and Sidari is where the real bargains are hiding.

It’s a bit of an all-rounder – it handles families, couples, and groups without feeling like a chaotic free-for-all.

Plus, you’ve got the Canal d’Amour right there to give it a bit of natural character.

Looking at the peak summer hols, I found a deal for a five-night all-inclusive stay at Panorama Sidari Village from £398pp this August.

The selling point here is definitely the location: it’s perched on a hillside overlooking the coast, so you get the top-tier views without being stranded miles away from the resort centre.

Gumusluk, Bodrum, Turkey

Turkey’s reputation for budget-friendly all-inclusives is well established, but for me, Gumusluk is still criminally underrated.

Unlike the mega-resorts down the road, this place has a proper slow pace.

The waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants, the sunsets are top-tier, and the vibe here is completely relaxed.

I found five nights all-inclusive at Golden Age Crystal Bodrum for £395pp right in the school holidays.

The hotel is a cracking little base because it puts you near the side of Bodrum most tourists miss – laid-back beach clubs and evening strolls – without forcing you to pay the premium rates of the flashier hotels nearby.

Mahdia, Tunisia

If you want the absolute maximum amount of sunshine per pound spent, Tunisia should always be on your radar.

Mahdia is easily one of the country’s best-kept secrets, pairing massive white beaches with a calm, old fishing port vibe. It feels authentic, rather than a purpose-built tourist bubble.

I did some digging and found five nights all-inclusive at the Nour Palace Resort for £388pp this August.

It sits right on the sand and boasts one of the biggest pool setups on this entire list. If you just want to park yourself by the water and forget reality, this is the one.

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir has been quietly banking reliable, budget sun holidays for years.

The weather is a safe bet, the beach goes on forever, and the whole place is set up to make your life easy.

It’s one of those rare spots where you can do absolutely nothing for a week and actually feel like you’ve escaped.

The price on this one is borderline ridiculous too: a five-night all-inclusive stay at El Pueblo Tamlelt for £228pp.

It’s exactly what a budget all-inclusive should be – huge pools, loads going on, and a price tag that makes you double-check you didn’t accidentally miss a zero off the end.

Ovacik, Turkey

If you want the full package – beaches, nightlife, mountain backdrops, and change left over from a grand – Ovacik is tough to beat.

It sits just above the famous Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz, giving you easy access to Turkey’s best coastline while being a cheap taxi ride away from the bars in Hisaronu.

Because it’s up in the hills, it stays a touch cooler and greener than the coastal strip, which is a massive win in August.

I spotted a five-night stay at Sunshine Holiday Resort Hotel from £388pp this August.

It perfectly highlights why this area works so well for families: you get a waterpark, proper mountain views, and more than enough entertainment to keep kids quiet without ever needing to leave the complex. Job done.

TICK off a plethora of UNESCO stunners, feast on incredible street food and slurp the best coffee – all on this unforgettable tour, says writer Donna Smiley.

Hopping on to the back of the scooter, I slip my arms around the driver’s waist as we weave through the narrow streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter – a dizzying rush of colour, noise and scent.

I’ve only just arrived in Vietnam’s chaotic capital, so a Grab taxi, £1.40 for 40 minutes, turns out to be a great way to loop this kilometre-square maze of 36 streets and get my bearings.

Every corner is packed with vendors selling everything from fresh fruit and steaming bowls of pho, to clothes, silver and stacks of cooking utensils.

The air is thick with the scent of broth and grilled pork drifting out from hidden alleys.

Down each passageway lies another surprise — an ancient temple, a bustling market, a tiny coffee house or a tucked-away shop.

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Initially, crossing the road feels like a death-defying act as hundreds of scooters stream past without stopping.

But soon enough, I’ve stopped flinching and I’m ready to begin my G Adventures X National Geographic 13-day tour, which will whisk me from the country’s north to its south.

First off, my nine fellow explorers and I delve into Vietnam’s past at Hoa Lo Prison – known to American prisoners of war as the Hanoi Hilton – a place that’s as fascinating as it is harrowing (Hoalo.vn).

Later, we visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, one of the nation’s most influential political figures, and learn more about his life at the Presidential Palace, a grand French-colonial building.

That afternoon, it’s time to leave city life behind for Mai Châu, a valley just over two hours’ coach drive away, and one that is framed by verdant hills and dotted with traditional houses raised on stilts belonging to the White Thai ethnic communities.

Our home for the next couple of nights is the lush, peaceful Mai Châu Hideaway Lake Resort (Maichauhideaway.com).

On one guided walk, we spot workers planting rice seedlings, water buffaloes grazing lazily, and children playing along the paths. It’s nothing short of idyllic.

It may be another long bus ride to get to UNESCO site Ha Long Bay – four hours to be precise – but an overnight cruise here on a traditional wooden junk boat is simply unmissable.

We stare in awe at the hundreds of towering limestone karsts, their rainforest-topped peaks rising dramatically from the emerald water, before bedding down in a cosy cabin.

The next morning, we take a small boat to explore Sung Sot Cave – it’s the bay’s largest, best-known cavern with vast, illuminated chambers, which we explore by foot.

We then set sail again to Thien Cung Cave, famous for its intricate, mythical-looking rock formations.

Once back in Hanoi, we fly to Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue, just over an hour away.

This UNESCO-listed city is where one of the Vietnam War’s most dramatic battles took place.

We tour Hue’s walled citadel, exploring its lavish palaces, serene gardens and courtyards, its shrines and colourful gates – some scarred by bullet holes from the fierce fighting – before entering the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the imperial family.

Later, we stroll along the Perfume River to the magnificent tombs of Vietnam’s emperors close to the water.

That evening, craving one of the country’s most iconic street foods, bánh mì – a light, crispy baguette stuffed with meat, pickled veg, herbs and creamy spreads – I head to local favourite Bánh Mì Truong Tien O Tho on Tran Cao Vân for a pork roll. It’s utterly mouth-watering and costs just 25p!

Vietnam also has the best (and cheapest) coffee I’ve ever tasted.

As salt coffee is a Hue specialty, I seek out Cà Phê Muoi on Dang Thái Thân Street, to give the robust Vietnamese coffee made with condensed milk, £1, a try, and the lightly salted whipped cream delivers a delicious sweet-and-salty hit. I’m instantly addicted.

After an early-morning, four-hour drive, we arrive in Hoi An, another UNESCO spot.

The Old Town’s narrow streets decked in colourful silk lanterns that sway gently above the crowds are instantly enchanting, but as night falls, its riverfront is truly magical.

Bridges glow in vivid colours and hundreds of candle-lit lanterns drift along the Hoai River.

We hop on a boat to release a paper lotus lantern, a tradition symbolising peace and good fortune – as I light my lantern, I think of a loved one and watch the tiny flame float away.

Even surrounded by so many tourists doing the same, it is incredibly moving.

Our last stop is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon and home to 14 million people.

Alongside iconic sites, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the ornate Central Post Office sit communist-era landmarks and futuristic skyscrapers, which light up at night and dominate District 1’s skyline.

The War Remnants Museum serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Vietnam War (Baotangchungtichchientranh.vn), as does Independence Palace – the site marking the end of the war (Dinhdoclap.gov.vn).

Come dusk, rooftop bars glow and I find myself back on a scooter for the Ho Chi Minh: Food Tasting & Sightseeing Tour, from £24 for four hours.

Zipping through the city, we venture into neighbourhoods I’d have struggled to find alone – stopping first for the delicate beef stew at Quán An Cô Liêng on Võ Van Tan Street, a humble spot in the Michelin Guide that’s packed with locals (Getyourguide.com).

From here, we cruise through the vibrant Ho Thi Ky flower market, filled with the scent of jasmine and marigolds, before stopping at a nearby food market to sample an array of delights, including Vietnamese pizza and chè chuoi – a warm, creamy dessert with bananas and rich coconut cream.

It’s safe to say this whole trip has certainly been one incredible ride.

FAMILIES have just six weeks until the school summer holidays begin – and it’s not too late to book a bargain all-inclusive family holiday.

While the summer holidays usually signal a massive jump in holiday prices, we’ve found all inclusive holiday deals that will actually SAVE you money.

Plus, by packing flights, hotel, meals, drinks and snacks into a single all-inclusive deal, you won’t need to worry about extra costs once you’re abroad.

To make holiday budgets stretch even further, brands like Loveholidays and On the Beach are offering free child places across a range of hotels.

We’ve rounded up a selection of week-long, all inclusive holidays in July and August with FREE child places.

This means you can secure a week in the sunshine with unlimited ice lollies, drinks, kids’ clubs, and pool access while one of the little ones travels for nothing.

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Here’s our pick of bargain all-inclusive family holidays from £368pp.

Costa Brava, Spain

With an on-site disco bar, kids splash pool and a free shuttle to the nearest sandy beach, you can’t really go wrong with a break at this Costa Brava resort.

The Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus has plenty of activities for kids to burn off their energy – plus relaxing spots for parents to unwind, too.

There’s a pool with a splash zone and water features, an action-packed kids club and evening discos that children will love – plus unlimited ice lollies.

And for the grown-ups, there’s two bars where you can grab an ice-cold beer or cocktail – one of which is by the pool.

Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 18 including flights for £368pp with one child staying for free – and is currently £198 off.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus for £368pp.

Antalya, Turkey

The all inclusive Sun Star Beach has a massive outdoor pool with a waterslide, four lively bars, and its very own private beach.

When parents need a breather from baking in the Mediterranean sun, you can slip away to the on-site spa.

Here you’ll find a sauna, a traditional Turkish bath and soothing massage treatments – plus a gym if you want to squeeze in a workout.

There’s also a kids club and activities program, as well as sports on the beach like beach volleyball. water skiing and jet skiing.

Out and about, the vibrant bars, restaurants, and shops of Mahmutlar are right on your doorstep.

Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 31 including flights for £469pp with one child staying for free. This break is currently £40 off, too.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Sun Star Beach for £469pp

Agadir, Morocco

El Pueblo Tamlelt is a tropical-feel Moroccan resort with 11 acres of lush gardens, just steps away from the beach.

Plus it’s only 15 minutes from the airport, so you’ll be landed and on a lounger in no time.

Every modern room comes with a private balcony or terrace, and the all-inclusive deal keeps kids happy with an all-you-can-eat buffet and poolside snacks like pizza and burgers.

When you’re ready to explore, Agadir’s bustling centre is just a 10-minute taxi or bus ride away.

Wander the palm-lined promenade or head to the Agadir Oufella Ruins for spectacular mountaintop views over the city.

On the Beach offer a 7 night stay from August 19 including flights for £433pp with children 2 and under staying for free. This holiday is currently £166 off full price.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at El Pueblo Tamelt for £433pp

Crete, Greece

The Club Lyda Hotel in Gouves is a great value option for families looking for an affordable Greek island holiday.

This large, village-style resort sits within walking distance of local soft sand beaches and offers a budget-friendly all-inclusive package.

The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool plus a kids pool, as well as plenty of loungers out on the terrace for sunbathing.

This resort caters to families with little ones, with a kids club, children’s swimming pool and activity program that runs all day long.

Meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant, which cooks up a rotating mix of traditional Greek dishes and familiar favourites.

If you want to explore beyond the resort, The Dinosauria Park is just a 10-minutes away by car or taxi, plus there are three waterpark options within 20 minutes’ drive.

Loveholidays offer a 7 night stay from August 18 including flights for £489pp with one child staying free. This deal saves £97 off full-price, too.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Club Lyda Hotel for £489pp

Bodrum, Turkey

The Tiana Beach Resort is a budget-friendly base in the glamorous resort of Bodrum, offering a luxurious-feeling family holiday for less.

Here there’s pretty garden paths that will lead you straight down to the sea, with a stretch of private beach with a range of water sports.

Back at the hotel, there’s a pool surrounded by plenty of sun loungers and parasols, plus sports like tennis and volleyball.

Plus the spa and sauna with treatments like massages is the cherry on top.

It’s about half an hour’s drive to the centre of Bodrum, where you can visit its massive castle or stroll along the glitzy marina and dip into bars and seafood restaurants.

On the Beach offer a 7 night stay from August 17 including flights for £518pp. This saves you £172 off full-price.

Book a 7 night all inclusive stay at Tiana Beach Resort for £518pp

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

IF you’re looking to travel on the cheap this summer, we’ve got some of the best lesser-known destinations that offer the same (or better) holidays, with fewer crowds and much less money.

I’m a travel expert, mum of two and influencer with 335,000 followers on Instagram, where I share tips on my page @thetravelmum on how to travel the world without spending a fortune.

It’s totally possible to discover a more authentic experience, friendlier prices, and a slower pace that actually suits families far better in destination dupes.

And you don’t have to forgo the convenience and reassurance of things like budget-friendly flights, easy airport transfers, family-friendly dining options, and good quality healthcare. 

I am on a mission to help families travel more and not spend too much doing it.

So I’ve rounded up some great options from across Europe, some of which are not many miles away from the very well-known resorts…

Instead of Santorini… try Naxos

Santorini is known for its picture postcard views, but it comes with high prices and crowds.

Hop on one of the regular ferries from Santorini (one hour 15 minutes) or Mykonos (35 minutes), and find yourself in Naxos.

Naxos still has all the charm and style of the better-known Cycladic islands – think white-washed hilltop villages, clear blue waters and traditional tavernas, but with lower cost accommodation, food and activities.

The other huge plus for families is that Naxos has stretches of sandy beaches gently sloping into the sea, which you won’t find in Santorini. 

Staying here, I’d recommend checking into the Golden Sun Hotel.

I’ve stayed at this hotel myself, and it’s in a great setting right on the beach.

The rooms have large balconies, which are perfect for sitting out in the evening once the kids are in bed.

Instead of the Algarve…try the Silver Coast

The Algarve region in Southern Portugal, with its popular resorts such as Albufeira and Vilamoura, attracts 5 million tourists annually.

Of course, most of which is concentrated in the peak summer months – sending prices skyrocketing during school holidays.

Instead, take a flight into the capital city of Lisbon or Porto, and within as little as an hour’s drive, base yourself on the Silver Coast – or Costa de Prata in Portuguese.

The region stretches along the country’s Western coastline, offering a varied mix of beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, picturesque fishing villages and medieval towns.

Places like Nazare, Obidos and Peniche offer a more local feel than some of the Algarve’s heavily developed resort areas, and it is a great choice for families wanting a more traditional Portuguese experience, without giving up beach days or reliable sunshine. 

Perhaps check into the Ohai Nazare Outdoor Resort, which has a free waterpark and activities like basketball and volleyball for the kids.

There’s even a food shop service, as well as an on-site supermarket for essentials.

Instead of Split… try Trogir

Croatia has firmly cemented itself as a great destination for families – it’s one of our favourite European countries to visit.

With its rise in popularity, flights are now widely available from many UK airports, but the downside is that tourist hotspots quickly become crowded.

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, draws crowds wanting to experience its mix of beautiful beaches, historic streets and easy connections to other parts of the country.

But, just a 30-minute drive from Split, you can find Trogir – a UNESCO World Heritage town.

Trogir offers many of the same benefits as Split – beautiful Adriatic scenery, historic streets, waterfront restaurants and easy access to island boat trips, but in a much more manageable setting for families.

While Split can feel crowded, busy and expensive during the summer months, Trogir has a calmer atmosphere that makes travelling with children far less stressful.

Its compact old town is easy to explore on foot, the promenade feels more relaxed, and there’s less traffic and noise.

I’d recommend a stay at Amadria Park Camping Trogir, which has sea views, a huge swimming pool and three on-site restaurants.

This is another one I’ve stayed in, and I’d say don’t discount a lodge holiday, this site has fab facilities and is in a really pretty setting.

It has great transport links too.

Instead of Tenerife… try La Palma

The Canary Islands are a family go-to for year-round sun without the long-haul flight. When other European options can’t guarantee the weather, the Canaries are usually a safe bet.

This means there isn’t really a low season, and while demand is high, so are the prices.

So, admittedly, this one might take a little more effort to get to, but we think it could be worth it.

La Palma – nicknamed ‘La Isla Bonita’, is reachable directly from a few UK airports, and actually, as of 2026, you can now book a package holiday there through Jet2Holidays, or the alternative is a short 30-minute flight or a 2-and-a-half-hour ferry from Tenerife.

While Tenerife has huge resorts known for lively nightlife and giant waterparks, La Palma is quieter, greener and better suited to families looking for a more peaceful escape.

Check into La Palma Princess, which has all-inclusive packages with TUI.

The hotel itself has spacious rooms as well as six swimming pools for kids to splash about in, and there’s a kids’ club for little ones too.

Instead of the Amalfi Coast… try Puglia 

The Amalfi Coast is a bucket list destination for many, synonymous with luxury and romance, not necessarily things that go hand in hand with family travel.

That said, there are plenty of places along the Amalfi Coast that are great for families – but they’ll come at a premium price.

If you’re dreaming of la dolce vita but have children in tow and a more conservative budget, take a look at Puglia – along the southeastern coast. Puglia tends to be better value across the board, from accommodation to restaurants.

The region is easy to reach too, with flights from the UK into Bari or Brindisi, both offering straightforward transfers to coastal towns such as Otranto, Vieste, and Monopoli.

Instead of tight cliffside roads, families get open countryside, historic sites, and some of Italy’s best sandy beaches.

It’s not the same as the Amalfi Coast, but it still delivers on Italian beauty and culture, and you’ll have more space to enjoy it. 

If you’re looking at where to stay, can you really go wrong with Eurocamp?

Centro Turistico San Nicola Eurocamp sits right on the seafront and even has a private beach for guests.

Steps away from the sand is a restaurant, bar and pizzeria – there’s also lots of activities, a big kids’ playground too and evening entertainment.

Instead of the Swiss Alps… try the Julian Alps

For families looking for an Alpine experience – be it for winter sports or an alternative summer break, instead of the high-cost, premier resorts across the Swiss Alps, we’d recommend considering Slovenia’s answer – the Julian Alps.

Still delivering on dramatic mountain scenery, crystal clear lakes and fresh Alpine air, you can take your pick of adventures – hikes, cycle trails, watersports and snow sports – depending on when you visit.

Take a flight from the UK to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital; from there, the towns of Bohinj or Bled both make great bases to explore.

Bled is known for Lake Bled, with its striking church and castle sitting on a tiny island. It’s also doable on public transport if you don’t fancy hiring a car. 

Along with mountain views, Apartments Vitranc has family rooms with a separate sleeping and dining area as well as a kitchenette.

One major plus here is that children stay free – and don’t forget to check out the hotel pool.

We’ve got a Slovenia trip on our agenda for this year, and this place looks like it’s well placed to be a great base to explore this beautiful area, and it has a pool for the kids to enjoy too.

Instead of Rome… try Verona

Italy’s capital, Rome, home to some of the world’s most famous sites and ancient ruins, is a tourist hotspot all year round.

The crowded attractions, their sprawling size and long queues, can make it tricky to navigate with younger travellers in tow.

Whereas in Verona you can still experience Roman history, meander across beautiful piazzas, take in the riverside views and enjoy the incredible Italian cuisine, without the intensity of the capital city. 

Another great selling point of Verona is its accessibility, served by its own airport, or easily reachable from Milan or Venice, it opens up more options to snap up cheap flights, and even incorporate a couple of cities into one trip.

If staying in Verona, check Dimora Giardino di Giulietta, a family-run hotel with a pretty patio area and spacious family rooms.

Instead of Paris … try Lille

Fancy some French city culture without the crowds of Paris – then why not give Lille a go?

Not only is it reachable in just one hour and 20 minutes on the Eurostar from London, but its compact layout and fab public transport system make navigating, especially with a pushchair, much more manageable.

Known for its art and food scenes, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly attractions to fill a few days of slower-paced exploring, too.

Such as Cita-Parc, an amusement park with rides, or Lille Zoo, within walking distance from the city centre, which is home to over 400 animals, and entry is a very budget-friendly €6 (£5.19) for adults, €3 (£2.60) for children aged 5-17.

Wear kids out running around the huge Grand-Place square, before enjoying a stroll through the Vieux-Lille (old town) and stopping for a chocolat chaud and pastries.

Another added bonus is that dining and accommodation are much more affordable than in the capital, too. 

This place is basic, yet a practical choice for visiting the city as it’s next to the station – and within walking distance of all the main sights.

Make sure to book a Prestige Room for a family of four.

Jen Carr, the family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, shares the best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week – here.

Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available now on AMAZON.

*Price correct at time of publication.

IF you’re into amazing food, glam hotels and total peace and quiet in the countryside, you’re in luck.

Wowcher have a deal offering a luxurious overnight stay for two at Marco Pierre White’s Country House Hotel, The Rudloe Arms, for only £139.

The offer saves you a massive 42% off a full-price stay and includes an overnight break for two, as well as a three-course dinner and a cooked breakfast in the morning.

Whether you’ve got an occasion coming up, want to treat someone special or just want to switch off in the countryside – this bargain break is the ultimate excuse to pack your bags.

The four-star Wiltshire hotel sits in the pretty village of Corsham near the Cotswolds, surrounded by rolling hills and forest with plenty of scenic woodland walks.

The Rudloe Arms is an adults-only property built for relaxation, with its own orchards, gardens and a pond for scenic strolls.

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Inside you can sit down for a cocktail in the snazzy Mousehole Bar, plus the Garden Room Restaurant in which dinner is served is full of warm lighting and vibrant greenery.

When it comes to rooms, each is individually designed with a charming countryside feel.

Large beds are topped with plush bedding, plus an ensuite bathroom stocked with luxurious toiletries.

Plus you can dine like royalty with a three-course dinner menu curated by celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White.

The dinner menu is seasonal and uses many local, high-quality ingredients with tasty meat, fish and vegetarian options.

If you fancy extending your trip to a two-night stay, the deal gets even better because dinner is included on both evenings.

After a restful night’s sleep guests can head back down to the Garden Room for a hearty cooked breakfast to fuel your next day.

Breakfast comes as your pick of a hot dish served with toast, marmalade and tea or French-pressed coffee.

While it might be tempting to hide away in your luxury room all day, there is plenty to see right on your doorstep.

The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring top sights in the West Country. You can easily wander into the market town of Corsham for its pretty stone buildings and traditional pubs.

If you want to venture a little further, you’re on the edge of the Cotswolds here, plus the famous architecture of Bath is within easy driving distance.

Deals this good rarely stick around for long. This offer is available until June 30, so make sure to get in early to bag your early summer break.

To redeem the deal simply select the dates you’d like to visit on Wowcher’s website. Once you’ve booked and paid you’ll receive a code by email.

Then simply redeem the code, pack your bags and enjoy your break!

Having originally opened in 1903 as the Victoria Station Hotel, attached to the former train station, the Hilton Nottingham is bursting with character. 

Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is the Hilton Nottingham?

Slap bang in the centre of Nottingham, the Hilton hotel is just a 17-minute walk from the train station.

There is a small on-site car park, or guests can park in the multi-storey across the road, for which they will receive a discount through the hotel.

What’s the Hilton Nottingham like?

The hotel is a home away from home thanks to friendly staff and a warm lobby with cosy nooks where guests can sink into plush armchairs and natter about their weekend ahead.

Things have changed a fair bit since its early days as a station hotel, but a rather grand staircase in the lobby gives a nod to its heritage.

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The calm atmosphere is not what you’d expect of a hotel slap bang in the centre of a busy city and every guest checking in at the weekend is treated to a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival

What are the rooms like?

Rooms are much more modern than the exterior of the building lets on – which is no surprise considering the property underwent a £6.5million renovation a few years back, with particular focus on the bedrooms. 

Plump bedding (including one of the deepest, softest pillows I’ve ever slept on) and a stylish design of wooden cabinets and soft lighting are the highlights.

There’s all the usual expected amenities such as tea and coffee making facilities, TVs and bathrooms kitted out with fancy-smelling toiletries.

What is there to eat and drink?

The hotel’s Bric Bar & Kitchen opens every morning for slap-up buffet breakfasts of eggs any way you like, hash browns and beans, as well as cereals, pastries and yoghurts with fresh fruit.

All of which is continually topped up, so you won’t have to miss out even if you do arrive just before closing time.

That’s a real perk when you’re visiting at the weekend and have perhaps had a heavy one the night before – there’s nothing like a well-cooked fry up to cure your hangover.

There’s also a small dinner menu of pub-style favourites – margherita pizza, smash burger and fish and chips –  served Monday to Saturday from 5:30pm until 9:30pm.

If you don’t fancy staying in, you aren’t short of excellent dinner options nearby.

Less than a ten-minute walk away is Taquero which serves up plates of dressed ceviche and cheese-loaded tacos alongside margaritas that pack a punch.

What else is there to do?

There’s a small gym and indoor pool as well as pet-friendly rooms for a £25 per pet nightly surcharge.

But you’ll really want to take advantage of the city centre location that makes it great for stag and hen dos, with everything – clubs, restaurants, attractions – on your doorstep.

How much is the Hilton Nottingham?

Double rooms cost from £118 with breakfast.

Is the Hilton Nottingham family-friendly?

Very. Family rooms are spacious and come with a king sized bed alongside a sofa bed that’s easily large enough for two youngsters. 

Anyone staying before December 31 can take advantage of the Perfect Family Package that really does put little ones at the forefront, meaning the grown ups can properly kick back and relax.

Not only will kids be treated to their own in-room teepee, they’ll also receive an activity pack.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible rooms within the hotel and the restaurant is also accessible with downstairs accessible toilets.

WHEN it comes to heading abroad in summer most of Brits expect to break the bank and spend thousands going on holiday.

If you fancy a city break this year there are plenty of breaks that are so affordable with return flights from £34 and hotels for under £30pppn.

Along with Skyscanner, Sun Travel has found some incredibly affordable city breaks for August – and even if you book last-minute, they can still work out to be a bargain.

Turin, Italy

If you fancy heading to Italy this summer, there are some cracking deals to take advantage of.

Return flights to Turin in the north of the country can be as little as £34 with Ryanair from Stansted Airport.

Hotels won’t be breaking the bank either – you can book 4-star stays from £50.

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Sun Travel found that you can book a stay at the Best Quality Hotel Politecnico for £56 per night or £28pppn – from August 12.

Turin is backed by the beautiful Alps so you get the beauty of the towering mountains next to the city.

The city is considered the ‘chocolate capital of Italy‘ with a long history and tradition of chocolate making – toady there are plenty of chocolate shops, cafes and festivals there too.

Barcelona, Spain

Who doesn’t love a trip to Barcelona in the summertime with its pretty coastline, enormous landmarks and winding streets?

Well, in August return flights with Ryanair are as little as £38 from London Stansted.

Hotels are a little more expensive – Sun Travel found stays in Hotel Porta Fira from £99 per night if booked directly with the hotel – or £49.50pppn.

It’s right near the airport so a transfer won’t take long, the rooms have incredible city views and it has a sauna and gym on-site too.

For more on what to do in the city, Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens visited just last month to see the Sagrada Familia.

But she also visited chocolate shops and Gaudí masterpiece Casa Mila.

Paris, France

For those who aren’t bothered about a beach break, why not head to Paris?

From its major tourist attractions to croissant-filled cafes, Moroccan food markets and cocktail bars.

This summer, return flights to Paris are as little as £35 from Birmingham Airport to Paris with Ryanair.

Even better it takes just over an hour, so you’ll be off the plane before you know it.

Visitors can stay at the Le Katorze Hôtel from £77 per night in August or £38.50pppn.

In the summertime, you can enjoy the sunshine on the hotel terrace or patio.

Lots of guests praise the hotel for being close to the Metro which will take guests into the centre of Paris – and there are plenty of restaurants close by too.

If you’re looking at what more you can do in Paris – check out these suggestions from our travel team.

Milan, Italy

Another Italian destination with cheap flights this summer is the well-known Milan.

A stay at the Novotel Milano Nord Ca’ Granda in August could set you back just £61 per night in August – or £30.50pppn.

The hotel is easily reachable from the city on the underground and has a swimming pool and bar.

Return flights this summer are as little as £39 with Ryanair departing from Stansted Airport.

The city has impressive Gothic-buildings, walkable streets and tasty food, especially when it comes to pizza and the Milanese saffron risotto.

With the saving on travel – you can definitely splash out at the historic shopping centres like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Palma, Majorca

Palma in Majorca has everything Brits want out of a holiday.

A busy city, pretty beaches and plenty of cafes and restaurants – it’s not far from the UK either with a flight time of two hours 30-minutes.

It also has return flights for as little as £37 with Wizz Air from London Luton in August.

As for where to stay a little outside of the city is the three-star Hotel Amic Gala which in August can be booked from £112 per night – or £56pppn.

The hotel is a short-walk from Playa de Palma Beach and there are direct buses from the hotel into Palma and to the airport too.

ALL THREE Butlin’s resorts are launching an offer for the summer that will save you loads of money.

The new offer, called the ‘Lunch Add-On’, costs from just £1 per day per child and from £7 per day per adult.

The offer is available at all three Butlin’s resorts – Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.

The new add-on allows guests to have one main meal for adults and a main meal and two sides for kids, from specific lunch menus.

The offering will be available at specific restaurants across each resort between 12pm and 3pm.

Options include grabbing some noodles from Chopstix or tucking into unlimited pasta, pizza and salad at Papa John’s all-you-can-eat buffet.

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Other options include pub classics in the Beachcomber and American-style burgers in The Diner, as well as wraps from the Firehouse Grill.

To make the most of the summer offer, you must already be booked onto one of the dining plans for your break such as the Food Court, Premium and Hotel Dining Packages.

Alex Meyer, Head of Product and Proposition at Butlin’s, said: “The new Lunch Add-On is an exciting extension of our hugely popular All Inclusive offerings across our family breaks.

“This add-on allows guests to know their food costs upfront before arriving on holiday, giving peace of mind that breakfast, dinner and now lunch are sorted.

“We’re all about offering incredible value for money, a family of four on a four-night break can pre-book their lunchtime meals from just £48.

“This new addition to our All Inclusive range moves us closer to offering our family guests a fully All Inclusive break.”

Other dining options include the all-inclusive food and drink package from £28 per person, which includes breakfast and dinner, as well as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Alternatively, there is the Food Court Dining Package which costs from £25.95 per adult, £15.50 per child aged six to 14 and £7.25 per child aged two to five – including unlimited breakfast and dinner at the food court.

FANCY staying in a hotel that’s so big it feels like a docked cruise ship?

Well, you are in luck, as Hotel Gołębiewski Pobierowo in Poland will open next week with a staggering 1,240 rooms in total, making it one of the largest hotels in Europe.

Spread across 13 floors, the cruise ship-like hotel actually boasts more rooms than the total population of Pobierowo itself (1,000 people).

Inside the hotel – which officially opens on June 17 – guests will find 50-square-metre rooms, most with a balcony.

And the Baltic Sea Beach is just 150 metres from the hotel, so you couldn’t be closer to the sand.

If you don’t like getting sandy toes, then the hotel also has a 104-metre-long pool, a waterpark, indoor pools, whirlpools and saunas.

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For kids wanting to have some fun, there are also waterslides and a children’s area.

One slightly more unusual feature of the hotel is a salt grotto.

Adults wanting to relax a little can enjoy live piano music in the lobby as well.

But the hotel’s offerings don’t stop there.

It also boasts climbing walls, a cinema and a bowling alley – so you’ll never run out of fun things to do.

Forgot something? You needn’t worry as the five-star hotel also has a supermarket for guests.

And if you like keeping fit, there are volleyball courts as well.

Rooms at the hotel cost from €350 (£302.34) a night, with a suite costing up to €900 (£777.45) a night.

It sits right by the beach, which features golden sand and stretches 2.5 miles.

It is also known for being a great spot to watch the sunset.

The closest city to the hotel is Szczecin, which is about an hour away.

Flights from the UK to Szczecin cost from £15 in June and take under two hours.

The German border is also only 37 miles from the hotel, with Berlin under a three-hour drive away.

Other big hotels in Europe include The Royal National Hotel in Bloomsbury, London, which has around 1,630 rooms in total.

There’s also Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort in Spain, which has around 1,200 rooms spread across three buildings, costing from £160 per night.

TRAVELLERS heading to Barcelona are missing out on one of Spain’s top hidden gems that is just two hours from the city.

Think clear waters and whitewashed houses and you could easily be forgiven for believing you were on a remote Greek island, when actually you are in the Spanish fishing town of Cadaques.

And what’s even better is that if you head there this week or next, temperatures will reach up to 27C.

Recently named one of the “best hidden coastal towns” in Europe by British Airways, Cadaques sits on the Cap de Creus peninsula on the Costa Brava and boasts a rocky coastline with hidden beaches and fewer crowds.

In the town centre, visitors can explore narrow, cobblestone alleyways that once inspired several artists including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Salvador Dali.

In fact, visitors can even head to the Salvador Dali House-Museum, which was home to the surrealist artist for 40 years.

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Inside, you’ll see the rooms where the Dalí family lived as well as Dalí’s studio, which has been preserved just as the artist left it with artist tools and unfinished canvases.

Outside, visitors can explore the gardens and courtyards, which feature olive groves and spot a number of giant white eggs.

If you do wish to visit, make sure to book in advance, as reservation slots fill up quickly.

Back in the historic quarter of the town, you’ll also find the Church of Santa Maria, which has a baroque altar inside.

Make sure to look out for Casa Serinyana too, which is also known as The Blue House.

The Art Nouveau home was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the wealthy Serinyana family, who were traders in the town.

Heading down towards the sea, you can visit two small rocky beaches – Platja Gran and Platja Port d’Alguer – both have crystal clear waters ideal for a swim.

The Natural Park of Cap de Creus, which is huge, completely surrounds the town.

It is a great area to go hiking, especially to the highest point Sant Salvador Peak, which is 670 metres above sea level.

The park includes both land and sea areas around Cadaques, but make sure to check access restrictions before your visit as during the summer months parts of the park are closed to cars.

If you don’t like hiking, the parts of the park that include the coastline and make for great spots for snorkelling.

According to Instagram user @liafische Cadaques “feels like a place where time stands still”.

Another Instagram user said: “It truly felt like I was transported to an Aegean island”.

When it comes to somewhere to stay, you could opt for Villa Salvador, which is an adult-only hotel between Pere Fet Beach and Ros Beach.

The accommodation has a mix of villas with sea views, rooms and suites, and there’s also an outdoor salt pool.

It costs from £269 per night for two people.

Alternatively, you could stay at Hotel Calina in either a room or studio from £114 per night with access to sprawling gardens, a huge pool and a children’s pool.

To get to Cadaques, you could fly to either Girona, which is about an hour and 20 minutes away, or Barcelona.

You could fly to Girona in June from £15 or to Barcelona in June for £13.

To get to the town, there is only one way into and out of Cadaques along a narrow, winding nine-mile road that heads through the mountains.

Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle bus called the Sarfa Bus from Figueres Bus Station, which sits outside the park and heads directly to the town, taking about an hour and 20 minutes.

A POPULAR English seaside theme park has revealed plans to open its own hotel.

Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea, Essex – named the best seaside attraction in the south by the UK Theme Park Awards last year – wants to build the accommodation right by its entrance.

The hotel would have seven rooms and be above the Sands By The Sea fish and chips restaurant.

Currently, the space above the fish and chips restaurant is an empty office that was previously used by Radio Essex.

Few other details have been revealed about the hotel, but SKArchitects – who are behind the project – shared that the accommodation is a “unique” waterfront spot, with a restaurant below and 24-hour staffing at the theme park.

Guests would also have access to the nearby Three Shells Beach and views of the Thames Estuary.

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According to the Southend Echo, Matt Dent, Southend Labour councillor for business, culture, tourism and music, said: “I can certainly see the advantages of providing more tourism accommodation on the seafront, particularly having it basically inside the park.

“That is going to be a huge draw and major selling point to families looking to make the most of the abundant offerings at the seafront.”

Recent data from credit card company Aqua revealed the UK’s top 10 affordable theme parks and named Adventure Island in eighth place.

The park is free to enter, but to go on the rides you’ll need to buy a wristband, which is either £25 online or £28 on the gate.

In total, there are 40 rides to explore, including seven rollercoasters such as Rage, which boasts several twists and turns.

If you were to break down the cost of a £25 wristband, each ride would be as little as 63p to go on.

The park also has a couple of waterslides, as well as rides for smaller kids such as a carousel, small land train and a soft play area.

Today, if you wanted to visit Adventure Island and stay close to the theme park, you’d have to book into one of the hotels or B&Bs along the seafront.

Nearby options include The Palace Hotel from £102 a night and just steps away from the entrance of the pier or The Hope Hotel, which sits at the end of Southend Beach and costs from £85 a night.

A number of other hotels around the UK have hotels near the entrance, including Alton Towers, which has the Alton Towers Hotel, Splash Landings Hotel and the CBeebies Land Hotel, all within the entrance plaza.

THE premise was sound, I still insist. Whisking sociable teens Reggie and Stanley away from distractions in the run-up to their A-levels and GCSEs for a week of intense relaxation and revision.

And so we headed to Tui’s Magic Life Jacaranda beach-front complex in Antalya, the jewel of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

I realised my “no distractions” argument was a mistake as soon as the boys’ jaws dropped when we rolled up outside the stunning, marble-floored hotel and glimpsed our new home for the week.

We might as well have checked into Alton Towers, or Chessington World of Adventures.

Only those popular family theme parks don’t boast 5H opulence, eight swimming pools, a thrilling aqua park, sandy beach, huge buffet diner and six à la carte restaurants.

And for sports-mad youngsters, the complex — the size of 18 football pitches — boasts a gobsmacking array of facilities which makes it feel like you’re living in an Olympic Village.

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From tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, badminton and table tennis, to football, archery, darts and cycling, there’s something for everyone.

The hotel puts on daily group sessions and courses, with expert coaches on hand if guests want to pay for extra tuition.

There’s also canoeing or windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing or wakeboarding off the “Turquoise Coast”, aptly named for its stunning blue waters.

A well-equipped gym is open for more than 12 hours a day — a dream for an 18-year-old and 15-year-old needing to let off steam between hitting the books.

There’s a big indoor pool and spa offering treatments, while classes can also be booked for zumba, Pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics, spin cycling, shuffleboard and trampolining.

And dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs leave parents free to soak up the sun.

With the boys finding a window between the fun activities to do some revision, I tried out the “abs-blast workout”.

Despite the language barrier between the different nationalities, we were united in grunting and groaning as we were put through our paces in an outdoor fitness hut overlooking the sea.

Meanwhile, the Nordic walking class had a dozen intrepid guests gripping poles and striding off down the beach for a 45-minute cardio-busting thrashing.

Teenagers love their food — and with so many activities going on it’s easy to work up an appetite.

The main buffet was a dream for Reggie and Stan, with chefs rotating special cuisine nights including Turkish, Italian or Tex-Mex.

The fresh salads were incredible and cooks prepared pasta, grilled meats and flatbreads while we waited, mouths salivating.

With breakfast from 7am till 11am, lunch from 12.30 till 4pm, and dinner stretching from 6.30pm till 9pm, it’s hard to imagine ever feeling hungry.

But a coffee house, beach and pool bars offer snacks all day, and the dedicated Wunderbar opens 24 hours, providing drinks and food to insomniac guests.

It’s tempting not to leave the complex. But for guests choosing a break from the idyllic swimming pools, there are day trips offering a chance to learn some of Turkey’s incredible history.

I chose a half-day trip to the nearby ancient port city of Side and its 1,400-year-old ruins.

There’s a huge Roman amphitheatre which used to seat 20,000 locals cheering on gladiators, while the 2nd-century seafront shrines, the Temples of Apollo and Athena, were simply awesome.

Strolling through the modern-day Side, stopping to browse the bazaars selling sizzling kebabs and chunks of delicious Turkish Delight, we stepped on glass walkways, revealing the ancient Roman streets below.

Back at the hotel, the rooms are airy, bright and comfortable.

The vast, five-floor main building offers beds close to the buffet and gym, and glorious views across the sprawling complex.

Smaller, quieter rooms are available, spread throughout the gardens and closer to the gorgeous beach.

Some lucky guests can even opt for “swim-up” apartments, with a balcony stepping into one of the many shared pools.

The staff are friendly and happy to help.

A huge amphitheatre hosts professional shows at night, as well as movie nights and live music.

There are also themed parties and discos on site, and an indoor nightclub for guests wanting to boogie into the early hours.

Magic Life Jacaranda offers a classic “something for everyone” heavenly holiday — even for youngsters preparing for exams.

What the boys missed out on study hours, they more than made up for in memories that will last a lifetime.

Like most guests who have been lucky enough to experience this perfect holiday destination in southern Turkey — boasting blazing sun for more than 300 days a year — we’ll be returning as soon as possible.

SIR Ranulph Fiennes and Bear Grylls most likely pop into your head when you think of adventurers. But now, you can add Wizz Air customers to that list.

And me. Last month, I was invited to join some competition winners on a flight to . . . who knows where?

As part of the Hungarian airline’s Let’s Get Lost promotion, 22 lucky travellers and their plus-ones were going on an all-expenses-paid trip, to a secret destination.

We were given five possible locations for our three-night adventure — Moldova, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lithuania, Armenia and Albania.

Even after boarding the plane we were still none the wiser, all we had was a pre-provided packing list and a rough idea of the climate.

It was only once the flight had exceeded three and a half hours that we could guess it was Armenia. A tannoy announcement confirmed it, prompting a round of applause.

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I’ll be honest, Armenia was never on my radar as a holiday destination, but that’s exactly what made this trip so special.

Arriving in Republic Square, the heart of the capital city Yerevan, the Saturday evening atmosphere was electric with hordes of people enjoying live music alfresco.

We stayed in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, perfectly located in the city centre of Yerevan.

A walking tour was the best way to get our bearings. We wandered the main streets past buildings made from pink volcanic stone, before reaching the Cascade Yerevan.

Made up of 572 steps (we took the interior escalator), this mighty landmark is a must-visit. From its peak, we had stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Ararat, now in modern-day Turkey.

A 30-minute drive away is Charents’ Arch, a monument dedicated to a much-loved poet in this region. The curved brick structure provides the perfect natural frame for the landscape and is a great photo spot.

The architectural highlight for me was the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin — the Mother Cathedral of the Armenian Church.

Remnants of it date back to the 4th century (Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity in 301AD), and it is the most ornate church I’ve ever seen.

The ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral are also worth a visit.

The whole place has an otherwordly feel, and with the hot sun beating down on us, it felt spiritual.

In just two days, we ticked off key landmarks, including Garni Temple and the Geghard Monastery, with lunches and dinners in between, accompanied by Armenian wine, which I would highly recommend.

With such a short time on the ground, this trip didn’t allow for loafing, but that’s the brilliance of a Wizz Air mystery getaway — cramming in all the best bits.

Our final evening was spent at Tavern Yerevan Riverside. The setting, grub and entertainment were truly amazing. Armenian wine was flowing while we tucked into khorovats, traditional Armenian barbecued meats scorched over an open flame.

While we had a curated itinerary, Yerevan can be navigated independently and you can tailor-make a cultural and/or foodie break.

After attempting, and failing, to say ‘shnorhakalutyun’ — Armenian for ‘thank you’ — throughout, I was advised that the French equivalent would also be appreciated.

So, merci Armenia — a destination I’d never planned to visit, but am so glad I did.

FIND super spas, a cracking castle and Kendall-Jenner-approved cocktails in the gorgeous Hungarian capital, says writer Margaret Hussey.

From thermal water to drinking unlimited beer, the city is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Soak in hops

Budapest is known as the City of Spas, thanks to its 123 natural hot springs and 50 thermal bathhouses.

The most famous, and busiest, is Széchenyi, where tickets cost from £32 (Szechenyibath.hu).

The Veli Bej baths date back to 1574, a remnant of the Ottoman Empire, with an octagonal thermal pool and several steam rooms.

A three-hour session costs £13.50 (Irgalmasrend.hu).

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Or try the locals’ fave, Lukács Thermal Bath, which has two outdoor pools, thermal pools and a sauna.

Entry costs £16.60, but upgrade to its beer spa, £62, and you can even sink into thermal water with therapeutic hops, while drinking unlimited beer from the taps beside (Lukacsfurdo.hu).

Feast on Ischler

Step back in time at Bambi Cafe – opened in 1961, it still has red vinyl chairs and doily-like tablecloths from its Communist days.

Prices seem frozen too, with traditional Ischler cake of shortbread, jam and chocolate just £1.90, and a cappuccino £2.15 (Facebook.com/bambieszpresszo).

Find delicious sharing mezze, £13, at Türkiz (Turkizrestaurant.com), while in the Jewish quarter, a cocktail at Balagan is a must.

“Balagan” means chaos in Hebrew – this place is anything but – and the Runway Mango, mixed with Kendall Jenner’s tequila, £13, is like sipping an alcoholic Solero (Balagan.hu).

Spy crown jewels

The city’s Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Buda Castle grounds are free to explore.

For the best views, climb the turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion or the 172 steps of Maria Magdalena Tower, £4.10 (Budacastlebudapest.com).

Admire the country’s crown jewels and more than 100 stained-glass windows at the Hungarian Parliament Building, where 50-minute guided tours cost £34 (Parlament.hu).

Later, check out the work of Budapest-born Robert Capa at the Contemporary Photography Centre, with 130 iconic images, from the D-Day landings to portraits of Picasso and Ingrid Bergman. Entry costs £11.80 (Capacenter.hu).

Meanwhile, the garden of sculptures at Koller Gallery is an unexpected and crowd-free delight, and entry is free (Kollergaleria.hu).

Hit the market

Fall for handmade stationery at Bomo Art – pretty designs include old city maps, fruit and foliage (Bomoart.hu).

You’ll find jewellery and ceramics by Hungarian designers tucked away in a courtyard at Paloma Artspace (Palomaartspace.hu), where Coque’ette has the softest leather purses, from £23 (Cqbrand.hu).

Fény Utca market on Sunday mornings has it all, from knitted animals to Harlequin’s mouth-watering rose-pistachio chocolates – and owner Krisztina happily offers samples (Fenyutcaipiac.hu).

Kip in a mansion

Formerly a 19th-century mansion, the Kimpton Bem hotel has 127 boldly designed rooms inspired by Hungarian culture and folklore.

Expect Nespresso machines, power showers with Balmain toiletries and yoga mats.

Hit the cute spa complete with steam room, hot tub and sauna, then grab a stool to perch on at Bar Huso from 5-6pm for free fizz.

Feast on divine green-pea gnocchi, £15, at Agos restaurant, before heading up to Fennen Skybar for moreish Thirsty Madonnas – vodka, ginger and prosecco, £14 – as you watch the lights twinkle on the Danube.

Double rooms cost from £173 per night (Kimptonbembudapest.com).

“DON’T go cheating!” the bartender tells me after I sloshed a bit too much vodka in the cocktail mixer.

He was right — my pisco sour ends up being more punchy than I’d planned.

I’m not sure I’ll be working as a bartender in Lima any time soon.

Thankfully the city has more than enough of them, with the Peruvian capital often named a top food and drink destination.

The place may be nicknamed Lima La Gris (from the large grey clouds that frequent the sky) but the city is certainly colourful when it comes to both gastronomy and architecture.

One of its brightest districts is the vibrant and noisy Barranco.

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Often referred to as among the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, the bohemian area is popular with surfers heading to the beach and art lovers adding to the hundreds of muralled walls.

Walking down the street is a feast for the eyes with men playing guitars outside multi-coloured houses, while cyclists zoom past with wetsuits on.

With more than 200 pieces of artwork across the neighbourhood, it feels more like an open-air art gallery.

And the city is fast making a name for itself when it comes to food, with many award-winning restaurants also found here.

One of those is Mayta, a World’s 50 Best Restaurants winner in Miraflores, made up of structured wood and concrete blocks.

While the seven-course tasting menu was tempting, I didn’t have four hours to kill, so opted for the à la carte.

I started with the fresh and zingy limey ceviche before I filled up on their take on paella with a crispy rice parcel surrounding shrimp.

For something a little more ­wallet-friendly, in the ­Miraflores neighbourhood, I found Parque Kennedy, known for its huge number of street vendors selling cheap snacks.

For around a fiver, my hands were quickly filled with herbal “emoliente” drinks that stave off hangovers, picarones (sweet doughnuts made of squash) with honey and chicharron pork sandwiches.

Peruvians love massive portions, I soon found out. And I was told that the best way to work off all the food would be to hit the waves, of course.

But with my surf skills lacking, I instead opted for a bike tour of the city, taking in the spectacular coastline, as well as the famous Love Park.

Inspired by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, sculptor ­Víctor Delfín built a wall of tiles, surrounding the famous El Beso sculpture of couples embracing.

Peru’s huge exports of coffee and chocolate mean you can barely walk five minutes without spotting a chocolataria.

As a self-professed choc expert, I was extremely smug after one cocoa class, naming all of the regions I tasted correctly.

A few hours away, Peru’s tiny second city of Arequipa, in the shade of the Misti volcano, is even more overlooked than Lima, yet the food is just as incredible.

My favourite way to spend the morning was jogging in the main central square, watching the sunrise over the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa.

That running was preparing my body for yet more fantastic restaurants.

There was the vibey 13 Monjas (13monjas.com), with huge portions of Peruvian inspired pasta and Chica (chicha.com.pe) with yet more huge portions of fish tacos.

Yet there was one thing missing from my trip to Peru so far — and that was a cuddle with a llama.

Leaving the cosmopolitan cities, I went in search of the fluffy animals through the Colca Canyon region.

We sped through arid deserts, barely seeing a soul, bar a few locals by an abandoned train track.

Ears popped as we climbed the mountains across Lord Of The Rings-esque epic landscapes.

I was warned to expect some altitude sickness and I was certainly unsteady on my feet as we hit 4,900 metres.

It’s a few hours into my journey that I gasp as I finally see them — a traffic jam of wild llamas and alpacas.

Lazily grazing on the side of the road like oversized sheep, they seemed non-plussed as they sauntered over the road in front of us.

But just seeing them wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to get up close and personal.

Our abode for the night was in the village of Sibayo with a local family who had lived in the area for generations.

It was here that we were joined by a farmer, who excitingly told us we would be going on a llama walk.

It was only as we got up close that I realised quite how tall they were, some towering over my mere 5ft 5in height.

But my excitement never dwindled.

We walked across the beautiful river as they followed me like I was their leader.

I couldn’t resist a ruffle of their heads, with their ears cutely flipping up whenever we stopped.

Returning to our lodges, the evening was spent learning how to knit and dance.

The warm hospitality was evident throughout the stay, with free bracelets and shots of alcohol while listening to music and even a hot breakfast bag before leaving.

By the end of our stay, there were hugs all around, with our guide telling us how he always feels sad saying goodbye to tourists.

A feeling that is mutual it seems from the full guestbook of goodbyes.

I wasn’t ready to return to cold England that’s for sure – but a bag full of local coffee and alpaca socks certainly helped.

I WORK in travel, which basically means I spend most of my life looking at holiday prices, booking trends, destinations and deals.

Now and then, a destination suddenly appears on my radar where I think: “this place is about to have a BIG moment”.

Montenegro is that place for me right now.

A few years ago, hardly anyone in Britain was talking about it.

Now, searches for Montenegro holidays are up more than 120 per cent year-on-year, while bookings have surged by more than a whopping 500 per cent.

And after looking at the prices people are paying compared to what they’re actually getting, I completely understand why.

Because Montenegro feels like somebody merged Scandinavia and the Mediterranean, then forgot to charge Monaco prices for it – and the value genuinely shocked me.

Holiday prices in general have crept up massively over the last few years, with the average beach holiday now sitting close to £2,000 in 2026.

Montenegro, though, is still coming in around 10 per cent cheaper than that, despite looking far more premium than many destinations which charge significantly more.

I found a five-night all-inclusive stay at the 4* Carine Hotel Kumbor Superior in Herceg Novi for £288pp in October 2026.

Beachfront hotel, direct flights from Gatwick, strong reviews,
mountains dropping into the sea behind the hotel – the sort of place most people would assume costs a fortune.

Then I compared it to similar all-inclusive beachfront hotels elsewhere in Europe.

A comparable 4* all-inclusive stay at Hotel Osmine on Croatia’s Dubrovnik Riviera was coming in at £530pp for similar dates.

In Turkey, the 4* Justiniano Club Alanya was £440pp.

Portugal’s AP Adriana Beach Resort came in around £395pp, while Greece’s Tsilivi Beach Hotel sat at roughly £360pp.

And that’s the bit people haven’t really clocked yet.

Montenegro is still priced closer to budget beach destinations, despite visually feeling far closer to luxury resorts in Croatia, northern Italy or the French Riviera.

This is the easiest way I can describe Montenegro to people who’ve never been: imagine Norway, but warm.

You’ve got dramatic fjord-like bays where mountains crash straight into bright blue sea, but then layered into that are old Venetian towns, beach clubs, marinas and proper Mediterranean weather.

The Bay of Kotor, in particular, looks almost fake in places. One minute you’re driving around scenery that feels Scandinavian, the next you’re sitting eating seafood by a marina in 25-degree sunshine.

It doesn’t feel like your standard “fly and flop” beach holiday. It feels more cinematic than that.

The question I always get asked when I mention Montenegro is whether it’s easy for British tourists.

Honestly, that’s probably one of its biggest strengths.

Whenever I read reviews or speak to people who’ve been recently, the same phrases keep coming up: relaxed, calm, safe, welcoming.

And I think that matters more than ever now.

Montenegro consistently ranks as a very safe destination for tourists, and the resorts themselves feel noticeably more laid-back than some of the bigger mainstream Mediterranean hotspots.

Places like Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi feel more like relaxed marina towns than loud tourist machines.

You can walk around at night, eat outside by the waterfront, wander through old towns, and it all just feels very smooth and stress-free.

This is another reason I think bookings are suddenly climbing.

Montenegro stays properly warm far longer than many people realise.

If you travel in May, June or October, you can still comfortably get low-to-mid 20s temperatures while paying a fraction of peak summer prices.

That’s where the value becomes almost ridiculous.

The October deal I found at the Carine Hotel Kumbor Superior for £335pp is a perfect example of that.

In peak August, you’d expect to pay far more for that sort of scenery and hotel quality elsewhere in Europe.

But interestingly, the value isn’t just limited to shoulder season either.

I also compared two similar July deals in peak summer.

In Montenegro, I found a five-night stay at the 4* Hotel Rivijera in Petrovac for £395pp with flights and breakfast included.

Meanwhile, a comparable 4* stay at the AluaSun Costa Park in Torremolinos, Spain’s Costa del Sol, came in slightly higher at £410pp. And that’s quite telling.

Because Spain is traditionally seen as the “cheap and easy” summer holiday option for Brits.

Montenegro still somehow manages to compete with it on price, despite feeling far more undiscovered and dramatically different visually.

That long season is a huge advantage.

Whether you travel in peak July or as late as October, Montenegro seems to consistently sit in this sweet spot where the weather still feels premium, but the prices haven’t completely lost their minds yet.

It’s basically cheaper sunshine.

A lot of destinations only really work for one type of traveller. Montenegro somehow does several things at once.

You can do long weekends wandering around Kotor’s old town. You can stay in Budva if you want beaches, bars and more going on.

You can head to Becici for quieter beachfront hotels and a slower pace.

Or you can go full luxury around Porto Montenegro in Tivat, where the
Marina genuinely feels like a mini Monaco at times.

That flexibility is a huge reason I think it’s growing so quickly. It works whether you’re a couple looking for scenery, a family wanting an easy beach holiday, or someone who normally does city breaks but fancies adding sunshine into the mix.

This is the big opportunity with Montenegro right now.

It’s not overrun. It’s not absurdly expensive. It hasn’t quite hit that point where every single person you know has already been there three times.

But the growth numbers suggest that it probably won’t last forever. You can already see it happening in the data.

Searches are climbing rapidly. Bookings are exploding.

More Brits are starting to realise they can get this sort of scenery, weather and hotel quality without paying Croatia or Italy prices.

And yet somehow, deals still keep appearing that make absolutely no sense for how premium Montenegro feels.

I found a five-night stay at the highly rated D&D Apartments Tivat in Tivat for £270pp in late September 2026 with direct flights from Luton included.

Tivat is home to Porto Montenegro – the luxury marina development that genuinely feels closer to Monaco than somewhere people still think of as an “undiscovered” Balkan destination.

That’s why Montenegro feels so unusual right now. You keep finding prices that belong to mainstream beach destinations, attached to places that look considerably more expensive.

Honestly, Montenegro feels exactly like Croatia did about five years ago – before everyone caught on and the prices started creeping up.

If I were booking Montenegro tomorrow, there are probably three places I’d look at first — and interestingly, they all offer completely different types of holiday.

Budva is probably the easiest all-rounder. It’s got the broadest appeal overall – beaches, bars, restaurants, beach clubs and enough going on that you could happily spend a full week there without getting bored.

It’s probably the closest Montenegro gets to a classic Mediterranean
beach holiday destination, just with far more dramatic scenery around it.

I found a five-night stay at the 4* Hotel Moskva in Budva for £255pp in October 2026 with flights and breakfast included, which feels absurdly cheap for somewhere that looks this polished.

Then there’s Kotor, which is probably the most visually impressive place in the country.

This is the “wow” one. Think medieval old towns, mountains dropping into the bay and scenery that makes you stop every five minutes to take another photo.

For Kotor, I found a five-night stay at the 4* Splendido for £325pp with flights and breakfast included – again, in a setting that most people would probably assume costs significantly more.

And finally, there’s Becici, which I actually think might be the sweet spot for a lot of British travellers.

It’s calmer than Budva, has a really good beach, feels a little more premium overall and still gives you easy access to everything nearby.

I found a stay at the 4* Katamare Hotel for £280pp in October with flights and breakfast included, which feels like exactly the kind of deal people will look back on in a few years and wish they’d booked sooner.

Honestly, you can’t really go wrong. It just depends on whether you want beach holiday in Montenegro, a luxury Montenegro or a wow-factor Montenegro.

But whatever your choice, I completely get why more Brits are suddenly choosing it for 2026.

MOST people go on a cruise to relax, lie on a sun lounger and enjoy some pina coladas as they sail from one destination to the next.

But my cruise has a legend on board who is intent on putting guests through their paces.

Enter Shirley Ballas, head judge of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, who has been invited to run a masterclass on the jive.

At a diminutive 5ft 2in, Shirley’s stature might be small, but she takes no prisoners as she issues loud, stern instructions: “STEP, TWIST, SWIVEL, KICK, AGAIN!”.

This is day two of a seven-night Norwegian fjords voyage round-trip from Southampton on MSC Cruises’ 19-deck, 6,300- passenger ship, the MSC Virtuosa.

Shirley is scheduled to host several activities during the sailing, but for now the focus is on the jive, which is taking place somewhere in the North Sea.

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More than a hundred of us have turned up and it’s proving tricky. As if the shimmies, chasses and spins weren’t enough, the music then speeds up. I’m as coordinated as a two-legged spider.

Think right foot instead of left; arms up instead of down. I’m confident with the kick, but then a fellow passenger whispers in my ear: “If you point your toes it will look more elegant!”

Far more certain is that the jive will leave you out of breath and sweaty. “Forget the gym,” says Shirley. “This is a much ­better workout.” Agreed!

And it’s also a lot of fun. Who cares if you’re any good — it’s about having a go.

And Shirley never lets on — despite being asked endlessly — that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will be the hit BBC dance ­contest’s new presenters.

Before we finish, Shirley sets a challenge: To practice and film ourselves dancing the jive and she’ll post the best performances on social media.

MSC is an Italian line with an Italian vibe and if you’re looking for La Dolce Vita, you’ll find it on Virtuosa.

Deck 15’s Via Dei Cappellari points guests towards the swimming pools.

Deck 5’s Galleria Virtuosa is a replica Italian shopping arcade. Were it not topped by an LED Dome — which has mesmerising light shows projected onto it nightly — you’d think you were in Italy.

As for the buffet, it offers superb pizzas and pastas, though if you’d prefer a roast, that’s available too. And elsewhere there’s lots of glitter and glitz, from the champagne bar to the three-storey Swarovski crystal staircase in the atrium.

There’s no Deck 17, a number considered unlucky by Italians. There is, however, a Deck 13 and my balcony cabin is on it.

It’s stylish, roomy and, because the ship is sailing from Southampton for the summer, it has welcome British touches, like a kettle and Yorkshire tea bags.

My fellow passengers are an international bunch, most of whom are European. They’re also younger than normal (the average age is 42) and like to dance.

Wherever you go, whatever the time of day, you’ll find dance classes and much hip-swivelling. The sessions are all free and feature pop, bachata, samba and rock.

I try salsa, hoping it will improve my jive. It doesn’t!

And much of the action happens in the Galleria. You can be walking along, window-shopping, when suddenly you’ll be swept up in a silent disco or flash mob.

That’s how I find myself performing Village People’s YMCA alongside hundreds of others.

It’s all rather joyous, a word used by Shirley multiple times during a Q&A session held later in the week in the ship’s theatre. She uses it to describe the experiences she seeks in life.

Of course, there’s plenty of en­ter­tainment that can be watched rather than participated in.

Such as the ship’s ABBA show, in which hits such as Mamma Mia and Waterloo are performed by a cast in flared trousers and tasselled costumes.

Then there’s Ajedrez, a Cirque du Soleil-style show whose acrobatics are so staggering it’s a struggle not to gasp in amazement or cover your eyes.

Even Shirley (who’s sat in the row behind me) thinks its fab!

I get off the ship in Edinburgh and Norway — where the cobbled backstreets of Stavanger are lined by white clapboard houses so cutesy it’s as if they’ve been built for Instagram.

Yet for many guests, the ship itself is the destination and they can’t wait to get back on board.

MSC Virtuosa will be offering another Strictly-themed sailing in August when former pro-dancer Kristina Rihanoff will be on board to host masterclasses and dish up show gossip.

Meanwhile, I try to perfect the jive —  and at one point a fellow passenger even praises my leg extension. But I’m not happy enough with it to dare send a clip to Shirley.

I am inspired though, and will keep dancing. As for the cruise, it’s a 10 from me!

I’M not religious but, if heaven looks this good, I want a ticket there.

The blue domed roofs of Santorini’s churches have been painted to match the sky and are symbolic of spiritual paradise, my guide tells me.

They’ve got the colour spot on, I point out.

Not a single wisp of white cloud taints the blue canvas sitting behind the white-washed buildings.

I was in the village of Oia, where hotels, restaurants and holiday homes tumble down the cliffside towards a glistening sea.

I’ve seen this picture before, although not in real life.

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

The exact scene in front of me is so famous it even stars on the packet of feta cheese that I bought from the supermarket before sitting down to write this piece.

Oia sits on the largest of the islands that make up Greece’s ­Santorini.

Yes, Santorini is actually five islands (I didn’t know either).

It was once one larger patch of land, but thousands of years ago a volcano erupted so aggressively that it collapsed in on itself, sinking into the ocean and splitting the area into five fragments.

Known as a caldera, the volcano’s crater sits 400m below the water’s surface — deep enough for giant cruise ships to sail over.

The high perches of Oia, on the main island of Thera, offer a great vantage point for admiring the ­vastness of this watery pit and the village is also on the right side of the island for catching the most spectacular sunsets.

It gets busy, though, and sadly you can’t just wander to any old bar or viewpoint without booking first or arriving extremely early.

That was the huge perk of my Tui Musement excursion — which also included a visit to local wineries earlier that day.

At the end of my village tour I had a seat waiting for me at one of the most sought-after sunset bars, Sun Spirit, where I drank in clear views of fiery pinks and oranges melting into the horizon.

This same group of seats always remains reserved for customers on this specific Tui tour — as good a reason as any to book.

But before we settled down, tour guide Kim took the experience to new heights, guiding our group to not only the key sights but also the best spots for those all-important pictures, away from the overly busy areas where you’ll have to queue (yes, really) to get your shot.

Crowds are the only downside to Santorini. Its beauty is so widely known that it can attract hordes of tourists, especially on days the cruise ships sail into town.

That’s why visiting early or late in the season is best — it’s cheaper then, and the heat is more manageable.

Luckily, I had ample opportunity to cool off at my hotel when temperatures soared.

The 5* Tui Blue Meltemi, is set mere yards from the beach in the laidback region of Perissa and is a great spot for lazing.

Even the most basic rooms here come with a whirlpool bath, some inside and others outside.

Plus, there are three outdoor pools, framed by sunloungers and palm trees.

All stays are half-board, meaning you only need to shell out for lunch — but with such plentiful breakfast and dinner buffets, you may not even fancy a midday meal.

Also included in every stay is one dinner at The Culinarium, the hotel’s fancy a la carte restaurant where I opted for a Greek tasting menu that knocked my socks off.

Over several hours, while the sun set, I gorged on creamy orzo, fava bean hummus and a simple salad of cherry tomatoes, an ingredient Santorini produces in abundance.

They are also a staple in Santorini’s must-try tomato fritters.

You can learn to master this traditional recipe, along with other local classics, at a cooking class (£87pp).

Or if you’re more of a sunbathing sort, you won’t regret booking a catamaran cruise that sails through the belly of the caldera to beaches that can’t be reached on foot.

Our talented skippers delivered me cocktails and beer while I soaked up the rays from the wide nets at the front of the boat, admiring the rocky landscape of the islands from a distance.

Forget what I said earlier. It turns out I’ve already found heaven.