Travel Tips

A European hotel has been described as a ‘ghost town’ because there are no sunbed wars in the morning – all because of a genius solution they’ve come up with

Sunbed wars have become an almost unavoidable part of a holiday at a sunny resort, but guests at one hotel in Europe never have to worry about bagging a prime spot by the pool.

If you’ve ever stayed at a resort with a pool and rows of sun loungers, you’ll know all too well about the early morning scramble to secure a sunbed before heading off for breakfast. This frantic rush typically sees guests charging across the courtyard to toss their towel over a lounger, effectively claiming it for the entire day.

The trouble with sunbed wars, however, is that they not only encourage deeply selfish behaviour that denies fellow guests a fair chance at using the facilities, but they also pose a genuine safety risk, with people running poolside and potentially coming to blows over the best spots.

At one hotel in Cyprus, though, that early morning battle simply doesn’t exist – the resort appears positively “deserted” compared to other venues where daily poolside races are commonplace.

It’s not that the hotel is short of guests, however. The real explanation behind the refreshingly towel-free poolside scene each morning is that the resort has introduced a clever system designed to guarantee every guest a spot by the pool without any of the usual squabbling.

Mark Brown, also known as Right Guys Reviews, recently posted a TikTok video filmed at a hotel during his stay in Paphos, Cyprus. He panned his camera across the sunbeds surrounding a large pool, revealing that not a single one had a towel draped over it – despite it being morning and the majority of guests already seated at breakfast.

He was keen to point out that the pool wasn’t empty simply because the hotel was quiet, claiming it was actually fully booked. Rather, guests at this particular hotel simply have no need to scrap over a sunbed spot.

Mark said: “Honestly, you’d think this was a ghost hotel, and it was actually empty. But if you take a trip over to pool services, you’ll find out now why there’s no towels on the sun loungers.”

He went on to explain that upon checking in, guests are handed plastic “pool towel” exchange cards. Each morning, these are taken down to the pool services kiosk and swapped for towels to use on the sunbeds.

But there’s no mad dash once you’ve got your towel. At the pool services kiosk, guests are also assigned their sunbeds for the day, guaranteed to be theirs regardless, meaning there’s absolutely no need to squabble over the best spot.

Viewers who commented on Mark’s video were thoroughly impressed by the sunbed management system at the unnamed hotel. Many recalled their own battles over sunbeds in the early hours, with the vast majority saying they’d gladly swap the stress for a more relaxed, hotel-managed approach.

One holidaymaker said: “Just been to a five-star resort in Kos with no sunbed management. I had to get up at 6am every day just to secure two sunbeds for me and the wife.”

Another chimed in: “That’s the best way to do it. Booking policy is a brilliant idea.”

A third shared their own experience: “We went to Tenerife a couple of years ago and they allocated beds. It’s brilliant. So much better. You could book for am/pm or all day. Hate it when people put towels on at 7.30 and don’t turn up until 1pm.”

An airline pilot has shared advice for anyone who deals with anxiety on flights

Anxious travellers could enjoy calmer travel days by following three pilot-approved tips. An airline pilot has revealed several steps nervous passengers can take to calm their nerves before boarding.

The advice was shared by Simon Belmont, who describes himself as an airline pilot, Airbus A350 Captain and a fear-of-flying coach. With over 130,000 followers on TikTok, Simon regularly shares tips and tricks for passengers on social media as @Flyman_simon. In a recent video, the pilot shared his top recommendations for holidaymakers feeling anxious about upcoming trips.

He wrote: “Holiday travel can feel extra intense when you are already a nervous flyer. Crowded airports, delays, noise and rushing around can make anxiety feel even bigger.” Fortunately, the pilot identified three steps passengers can take to help alleviate their stress.

In the post, Simon urged passengers to give themselves plenty of time on travel days, be polite to staff, and ensure they’ve packed properly. As he explained, making sure you “keep fed, watered, and entertained” is key to a good flight. “A calmer flight often starts before you even board. Small changes really do help,” the expert pointed out.

In his video, Simon told viewers: “I’ll give you three top tips to try and make it de-stressed. If you’re a fearful flyer, de-stressing that journey really does lower your levels, and it stops you peaking, maybe overthinking, and doing all that doom thinking that gets you worried about flying.”

Simon said: “Number one, give yourself plenty of time. That is one of the biggest things. If you’re up against the clock, wondering whether that gate’s going to close and you’re going to make the flight, it’s stress from the second you leave your home or the hotel, sat in traffic. So give yourself that extra bit of time.”

He continued: “When you get to the airport, be really courteous, really nice and friendly. Remember all of those staff, all the security staff, and everyone else, they’re not trying to hold you up. They’re trying to do their job. They’re not going to cut corners on safety, and they are going to try to get you through as soon as possible.”

The pilot also advised people to pack entertainment. He explained: “Keep entertained and keep fed and watered. So keep things to keep you busy when you are sat around waiting.”

“Make sure that you have got some snacks, you’ve got some things to eat to keep that blood sugar level up, and that will again de-stress you, put you in a much happier mood, and give you a much better chance,” Simon explained.

He continued: “Keep hydrated because at the other end you want to be able to enjoy the holiday, the business trip, seeing family and friends. Dehydrated, you’re going to feel groggy and crappy.

“So yeah, give yourself plenty of time. Be courteous, remember the people are working hard, and keep yourself fed, watered, and entertained. So download those videos, take little games, card games, whatever you can.”

A passenger revealed that the tip ‘really helped’ when they encountered a common travel problem

Passengers have been advised to pack an extra item in their hold luggage before travelling. The ‘helpful’ travel tip was shared by an airline passenger who swears by the method. The recommendation was shared on Reddit’s r/airport forum. Sharing a question for social media users, a travel fan asked: “What are the best airport tips?”

The post read: “My trick is to always carry an empty bottle. After passing through security at every airport, I look for a drinking fountain. Most airports have a couple of them. I discovered a nice website called Water at Airport. If I can’t find one, I just do a quick search on the website.

“This is just a recommendation. Let me know if you have any other trips to the airport. I’m planning some new trips and will definitely need them!” In response, passengers shared several recommendations, including a tip that could be useful for anyone flying with hold luggage.

A traveller wrote: “I might be old school, but I not only tag my bag on the outside but I also put my name and address identification on the inside.” They explained: “This really became helpful when my bag was delayed and then the exterior luggage tag somehow got ripped off.

“I was able to describe the bag, its contents, as well as the additional tag information in the bag – it really helped! This can be as simple as writing your name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and then putting it inside a Ziploc bag and then putting it somewhere inside your checked luggage.”

Most airlines recommend that passengers include a label inside and outside their luggage. While the inner label is not often needed, it could be helpful if the exterior label falls off.

For instance, easyJet advises customers to add a luggage label to their bags and leave contact information inside the luggage. Recommending the idea to passengers, easyJet’s website says: “Make sure your bags stand out from the crowd on the carousel!

“We advise attaching something noticeable and unique to your luggage like a colourful ribbon, eye-catching sticker or personalised tag. This will make it easier for you to spot your luggage on the carousel at arrivals and avoid any confusion with similar bags.

“We also recommend adding a label to your luggage with your name and contact details such as address, email and phone number and put a copy of these details inside your bag too! This would really help us reunite you with your bag in the unlikely event of the exterior tags falling off.”

British Airways offers similar advice. The airline’s website says: “Label your bags inside and out with your name, destination address, email address and mobile number.”

I’ve been on a number of cruises with various companies, but always get surprised with one dress code gets ignored

Having discovered my passion for cruising last year, I’ve now embarked on quite a few voyages with a range of different companies. There’s something truly special about drifting off to sleep and waking up in an entirely new destination, all without the stress of airports and flying. The onboard entertainment and activities are second to none, and formal nights are without doubt my personal highlight.

Formal night is a prestigious occasion, typically held on the second-to-last evening of shorter sailings, where passengers are invited to don their finest, elegant or formal attire. Gentlemen generally opt for suits, while ladies tend to choose cocktail dresses, evening gowns or other sophisticated ensembles.

The evening usually features an enhanced dining experience, the chance to have professional photographs taken, and specially curated entertainment.

While dress codes vary among cruise lines, the occasion is designed to deliver a truly unforgettable, glamorous atmosphere, giving guests the opportunity to revel in the timeless seafaring tradition of dressing up.

On a week-long cruise, you may even be treated to two formal evenings.

Naturally, those who’d rather not participate are perfectly welcome to dine at other restaurants or visit the buffet in their everyday casual attire.

However, during my most recent cruise, I was taken aback to spot guests turning up to the main formal restaurant dressed entirely casually.

While the vast majority of passengers respected the dress code and arrived smartly dressed, a handful turned up in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops.

Some even in short dresses that were not appropriate for this evening.

I found this rather surprising, given that the dress code had been clearly communicated in advance and was designed to create a special atmosphere for everybody on board.

I personally relish formal evenings as dressing up isn’t something that features heavily in my day-to-day life, so it was disappointing that not all guests adhered to the rules.

While other cruise lines may enforce their policies more rigorously, I feel the one I sailed with could have done considerably more to uphold the dress code.

It was a similar story on my cruise the previous year, when a number of guests turned up at the main dining room on formal night without the appropriate attire.

The budget airline is offering a range of discounted flights from UK airports

Brits planning a holiday abroad have the next few days to book discounted flights. Budget airline easyJet is currently offering up to 15 per cent off certain trips.

The reduction applies to selected flights between June 1 and September 30. However, the deal only runs until June 3. On the easyJet website, it said: “For the next five days easyJet is offering customers up to 15 per cent off selected flights to and from the UK, giving Brits the opportunity to secure great value fares for their summer holidays. The promo applies to flights between 1 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, covering the peak summer season and school holidays.

“With flights available to a wide range of popular beach and city destinations across easyJet’s unrivalled European network ensuring there are options for all the family.” Going into more detail, it said: “Customers can book discounted fares between 8am on Friday 29 May until 8am on Wednesday 3 June 2026 via easyJet.com or the easyJet mobile app.”

The offer includes flights from airports across the UK, with thousands of seats available at reduced prices with fares starting from £19.99. Examples of some of the routes on offer include:

• London Gatwick to Paris and Reus from £31.99
• London Luton to Lyon from £22.99
• London Southend to Geneva and Pisa from £19.99
• Bristol to Malaga and Palma from £25.99
• Manchester to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bordeaux, Paris, Copenhagen, Geneva, Hamburg, La Rochelle, Nice, Oslo, Prague, Rennes, and Zurich from £31.99
• Liverpool to Amsterdam from £25.99, Barcelona, Split, Malaga, Palma, Naples and Nice from £25.99, Faro from £26.49

On top of this, easyJet holidays is also offering thousands of packages to popular city and beach destinations in Europe and North Africa this summer. “Customers can save £50 per person on beach holidays departing before 31 July 2027 when using code BEACH50, and £20 per person on city breaks departing before 31 August 2026 when using code CITIES20,” easyJet said.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, commented: “We know customers are always looking for great value when booking their summer holiday and with thousands of discounted seats available across our network, now is a great time to book a trip and enjoy Europe’s most popular destinations for less.

“To ensure people feel confident to book, we’ve launched our Book with Confidence Promise which guarantees that the cost of flights and package holidays will stay fixed after booking and we will not add fuel surcharges, protecting customers from increased fuel cost.

“We are operating as normal, not making cancellations and are looking forward to taking millions of people on their well-deserved holidays this summer.” For more information, visit teh easyJet website here.

Thousands of people are finding their holiday flights disrupted as a result of the conflict in the Middle East but the CAA say there is one time you should never choose a refund

Scores of holidaymakers are facing an anxious wait ahead of their summer getaway as worries persist over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Thousands have already had their flights cancelled or disrupted, leaving them with the stressful task of replanning their trips or abandoning them entirely.

However, the Civil Aviation Authority, which oversees and regulates civil aviation in the UK, has issued summer guidance for passengers, outlining their rights should a flight be cancelled either before they depart or while they are already away. It has also reassured travellers that they are “well protected” when things go wrong.

It said: “You may have seen reports about possible disruption to flights this summer. As the summer travel season approaches, airlines, government and industry partners are working closely to support smooth journeys.”

It continued: “While there is a risk of some disruption as a result of the situation in the Middle East, travellers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest passenger rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.” Publishing the statement on its website, it went on to outline several key rules all passengers should be aware of if their flight is disrupted – including one scenario where you should not request a refund, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Cancellation of a flight departing from or travelling to the UK

If your cancelled flight was booked directly with the airline or via a third party your airline is required by law to offer you the following 3 options to choose from:

• a refund
• an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at the earliest opportunity
• an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at a later date at your convenience, subject to availability.

It said: “You will be required by the airline to select one of these options. Once you have committed to one of these options with your airline you are unlikely to be able to change your mind. Ensure that you consider all options carefully before selecting the best choice for you.

A Refund

The CAA advised: “Do not choose a refund of your flight if you still wish to travel. If you choose a refund, you will not be entitled to re-routing or care.

“If you no longer wish to travel you can ask for a refund. If you chose this option, you will need to confirm this with your airline. The airline should provide you with a refund within 7 days. If you booked through a third party, your refund may take longer.

“Your right to a refund applies to all the parts of the ticket you have not used. For example, if you booked a return flight and did not depart, you are entitled to the full cost of the return ticket. If you are part way through your journey and your connecting flight is cancelled you are also entitled to a flight back to your original UK departure airport if you decide not to, or cannot, continue your journey.”

An alternative flight (re-routing) at the earliest opportunity

This requires the airline to find you a different flight to your destination as close as possible to the time of your original flight, explained the CAA. It said: “If there are lots of flights being cancelled, it may be challenging for your airline to find you alternative flight seats as other flights may already be full.

“Although we expect your airline to do all it can to offer you an alternative flight (which may mean flying on an alternative airline) and keep you updated while you wait, limited available seats may mean that your airline may not be able to get you to your destination as quickly as you or it would wish.

“If you are already at the airport when your flight is cancelled and you choose this option, your airline should also provide you with care in the form of meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the wait for your alternative flight. You are also entitled a means of communication e.g. two phone calls or emails.”

If your cancelled flight was a component of a package holiday

If your cancelled flight was a part of a package holiday, you benefit from the same rights as if you had booked directly with the airline. Refer to “If you booked a flight directly with the airline or via a third party” for details of these rights.

In addition, you may also benefit from additional rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations. Your package provider must offer a suitable alternative holiday if it can, or a refund for the full price of your package holiday.

Cancellation of a flight to the UK

These are similar to the rules for flights from the UK with some small expections, The CAA said if you booked a flight directly with the airline or via a third party and your return flight has been cancelled, you may be covered by UK passenger rights legislation, however this is dependent on which airline is operating your flight.

If it is a UK or EU air carrier you will be covered however if you are travelling with a non-UK or non-EU air carrier you will not be covered. It adds: “If UK passenger rights legislation does not apply, we encourage airlines to do all they can to minimise the overall impact to their passengers. You may also have some protection if you booked your flight with a credit card or via your travel insurance.”

However if your flight is covered by UK passenger rights legislation your airline is required by law to offer you the following 3 options to choose from:

• a refund
• an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at the earliest opportunity
• an alternative flight (referred to as “re-routing”) at a later date at your convenience, subject to availability.

It added: “You will be required by the airline to select one of these options. Once you have committed to one of these options with your airline you are unlikely to be able to change your mind. Please ensure that you consider all options carefully before selecting the best choice for you. For most passengers, your choice will be a flight home.

A Refund

It said: “Do not choose a refund of your flight if you still wish to travel. If you choose a refund, you will not be entitled to re-routing or care. If you no longer wish to travel you can ask for a refund.

“If you chose this option, you will need to confirm this with your airline. The airline should provide you with a refund within 7 days. If you booked through a third party, your refund may take longer.

“Your right to a refund applies to all the parts of the ticket you have not used. For example, if you booked a return flight and did not depart, you are entitled to the full cost of the return ticket. If you are part way through your journey and your connecting flight is cancelled you are also entitled to a flight back to your original UK departure airport if you decide not to, or cannot, continue your journey.”

An alternative flight (re-routing) at the earliest opportunity

This option requires the airline to find you an alternative flight to the UK as close as possible to the time of your original flight. The CAA advised: “If there are lots of flights being cancelled, it may be challenging for your airline to find you alternative flight seats as other flights may already be full. Although we expect your airline to do all it can to offer you an alternative flight (which may mean flying on an alternative airline) and keep you updated while you wait, limited available seats may mean that your airline may not be able to get you to your destination as quickly as you or it would wish.

“If you are already at the airport when your flight is cancelled and you choose this option, your airline should also provide you with care in the form of meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the wait for your alternative flight. You are also entitled a means of communication e.g. two phone calls or emails.”

If your cancelled flight was a component of a package holiday

If your cancelled flight was a component of a package holiday, you benefit from the same rights as if you had booked directly with the airline, said the CAA. Refer to “If you booked a flight directly with the airline or via a third party” for details of these rights.

It added: “In addition, you may also benefit from additional rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations. Normally your tour operator will contact you in advance to re-arrange your flights back to you UK. However, if you are at the airport, you should contact your package travel organiser to talk through your options.”

The airline may now have to walk back its recently revised policy after significant backlash from some customers – it has been a point of contention for passengers online

An airline that faced significant backlash for its controversial “customers of size” policy may now be forced to walk back on recent changes regarding plus-sized passengers.American commercial carrier Southwest Airlines changed its Customer of Size policy in January, when the airline moved to assigned seating. The updated guidelines require travellers who were unable to fit between lowered armrests to buy a second seat ahead of their journey. Passengers arriving without a prior reservation for an extra seat faced being rebooked if the flight reached capacity, or they were compelled to pay high same-day prices for the additional space.

But on Tuesday (May 26), one TikTok user reported to have been told “the best news ever” by a Southwest gate agent.

In the short social media clip, the traveller claimed Southwest is “rescinding at least part of their new customer of size policy” that went into effect at the start of year. January. “They will be changing back to the original policy, at least in some form, where you can come into the airport and get an additional seat booked for you at no cost,” the woman in the video claimed. “You will no longer have to pre-purchase the seat.”But, as per a statement shared with Newsweek, the airline recently said: “On flights where seats are available, our agents at the airport are empowered to provide an additional seat at no extra cost to customers who require one.”

The statement added: “If another seat is not available., we will work to accommodate the customer on a later flight. We continue to encourage customers who need an additional seat to book it in advance to help alleviate any last-minute inconvenience at the airport.” The statement to Newsweek left several questions unanswered, specifically regarding the timeline for these implementations and whether passengers who choose to pre-purchase an additional seat would remain eligible for refunds.

With families growing faster than bedroom numbers, an intriguing trends in staycations sees friends meet in the middle with their families instead of having each other to stay

“I’d love to get together, but we just have no room for you all.” Sound familiar? It’s certainly true for me. And I’m by no means alone. As longtime friends grow their families, leading to limited space for guests in their own homes, a rising staycation trend is emerging that sees both parties meet in the middle at a holiday rental. Dubbed “nesting holidays”, the idea is simple. No space? No problem. Families avoid the squeeze by booking somewhere big enough for everyone at an equidistance from both homes.

I’m a mum to two girls, and I came across the idea of a nesting holiday by chance when trying to book in my best friend Emily to stay with us. She’d recently had twins, adding to her brood to take her tally up to three children. Along with her husband Mike, they were a family of five – too many for our small spare room. And with them in the middle of a house renovation, there was no room at the inn for our family of four there either.

Just what were a pair of Millennial mums to do? “Why don’t we meet in the middle?” I offered. “Somewhere wipe clean…” And, reader, I found the perfect place. Browsing Sykes Cottages, I came across Bears Court in Little Rissington in the Cotswolds. On first glance, I’ll admit looks a bit soulless. A plant wouldn’t go amiss…

It’s a newly built complex of holiday houses, each one identical to the next. There’s nothing traditionally “Cotswolds” about them. But – and it’s a BIG but – boy oh boy is there method in their madness. Where Bears Court lacked in country charm it made up for it in spades with space and amenities. And for parents looking for a wipe-clean “nesting holiday” they are nigh on perfect.

Set overlooking the stunning Cotswold countryside, albeit with fences too high to see any of it from the garden, they are slap bang in the middle of the action. It’s close enough to all the bustle of local villages, like Stow-on-the-Wold, for easy exploration, but remote enough for complete and utter peace. Five minutes in the car will take you into Bouton-on-the-Water to paddle in the low river, and feast on local ice cream.

15 minutes in the car will take you to The Plough Inn at Ford, a brilliant pub with an even more brilliant pub garden with kids menu and adventure playground. And right out of the front door are public footpaths to take you through the fields and meadows that surround the complex. Within seconds you are in nature. The Cotswolds Way is yours for the taking if you fancy a scenic hike.

The house itself (we had number five Bears Court) is minimal to say the least, but has everything you need for a relaxing weekend away as a group: big table, large lounge area, four bedrooms, multiple toilets, a ping pong table, dart board and – everyone’s highlight – a hot tub in the yard. The cavernous downstairs area was big enough for all five children to run around in, and the yard area was nice and secure with a bolted gate. There was nothing for the children to break or destroy, yet everything we needed from plentiful towels and a washing machine, to a fully equipped kitchen and picnic-style bench outside.

“Dare I say it, I feel relaxed,” said Emily as we sat in the sun with a cold beer and had our first face-to-face conversation in months. I couldn’t help but agree. Wipe clean and wonderful. As two tired parents in need of a natter, we couldn’t have asked for more.

*Seven nights at Bears Court starts from £1,722.

MSC Cruises has announced its commitment this summer and offers for UK passengers

MSC Cruises has issued an update today, Thursday, May 28, with bosses announcing a commitment to UK passengers this summer. The cruise line offers various voyages spanning the globe and currently operates a fleet of 23 cruise ships, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.

On Thursday, MSC Cruises said it is inviting guests to experience the ‘best holiday ever’ over the coming months, with the “peace of mind” of no added fuel surcharge for summer 2026 and low deposits until the end of June. Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said: “MSC Cruises ‘Best Holiday Ever’ commitment reinforces our position as the leading choice for UK and Irish holidaymakers seeking an effortless, all-in-one travel experience.

“Backed by dedicated support every step of the way, guests can book with confidence and peace of mind in today’s changing travel environment and relax knowing that their holiday is taken care of. With our low deposit of just £50, no-fly cruises from Southampton, Fly and Cruise packages with the reassurance of no added fuel surcharge for 2026, and the option to change your cruise date or destination if required, we are making it easier than ever for guests to secure their next holiday.”

Guests can book a trip with MSC Cruises with a low deposit of £50 per person, extended until the end of June. This applies to all cruises (excluding World Cruise and MSC Yacht Club cabins).

Passengers have a wide variety of amenities on board. There is full-board dining across the main restaurants and buffets, evening shows, multiple swimming pools with aquaparks, fitness facilities and family entertainment programmes.

There are many cabin types to choose from, including comfortable and economic inside cabins and connecting cabins for larger groups, which combine inside and balcony cabins together. Ocean View cabins offer sunset views, or for that sea breeze, opt for a balcony cabin.

A spokesperson added: “An MSC Cruise offers so much in one transparent price and, despite recent increases in global fuel prices, the cruise line will not be introducing a fuel surcharge this summer, giving guests extra confidence there are no unexpected added costs. The price guests see at the time of booking is the price they will pay, part of the best holiday ever commitment, just peace of mind and a seamless holiday experience this summer.”

MSC Cruises offers a range of Fly and Cruise packages that combine flights, transfers, and a cruise into one holiday. Designed to ‘simplify the journey from start to finish’, the cruise line says these packages are built in partnership with some of the world’s most renowned airlines.

Flights align with cruise schedules, with transfers between the airport and the ship included. Guests can select their preferred cruise itinerary, choose the Fly and Cruise fare, and confirm flights during the booking process. Fly and Cruise holidays in 2026 depart from:

• Belfast to Palma and Tenerife
• Dublin to Barcelona, Rome, Venice and Tenerife
• Edinburgh to Rome, Naples and Tenerife
• Glasgow to Tenerife
• Newcastle to Tenerife
• Manchester to Rome and Tenerife
• Birmingham to Tenerife
• London Heathrow to Seattle and Barbados

MSC Cruises also offers a selection of no‑fly cruises from Southampton year-round. Some standout destinations include the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. And on selected dates, well-known TV stars and sports legends are on board, giving guests complimentary classes and talks:

• June 6, 2026 – Southampton to Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords (14 nights), with TV personality Anthea Turner onboard.
• August 8, 2026 – Southampton to the Canary Islands (12 nights), with Rugby Legends Ben Cohen, Neil Back and Ben Kayplus dance star Kristina Rhianoff onboard.
• October 19, 2026 – Southampton to the Netherlands, Belgium and France (5 nights), with Football Legend Gianfranco Zola on board.

Brits should take note of strict dress code rules in a number of holiday hotspots across Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia with hefty fines for rule-breakers

Brits planning to hit the beach or pool in the likes of Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia this summer may want to take note of some strict rules, or risk potentially hefty fines.

In recent years, a number of holiday hotspots have clamped down on dress codes for both locals and tourists, particularly when it comes to the likes of bikinis, pool cover-ups and swim shorts.

The issue isn’t that people are wearing these on the beaches, but rather when they wander into local towns. In fact, since 2022 Italian hotspot Sorrento has banned wearing swimwear away from beaches and pools. Anyone caught flouting the restrictions could face fines of up to €500 (approximately £433).

You’re not going to get a fine if you’re walking around your hotel or a beach club in your swimwear, or if you’re at a pool or beach. However, if you stay in your swimwear to walk into the town and try to enter shops or restaurants, that’s where you could potentially face some trouble.

We take a look at some of the holiday hotspots with these strict rules below…

Spain dress code rules

A number of Spanish hotspots have been introducing beachwear dresscodes in recent years. In Barcelona you could face fines of up to £260 for wandering around the town, while in Majorca you could face fines of up to £500 if you’re wearing beachwear away from the main beaches and pools. The rule also applies to anyone wandering around shirtless. Plenty of restaurants also have firm signs and rules banning visitors from wearing beachwear in their establishments.

Meanwhile in Malaga, wandering into the city centre in your beachwear could land you a fine of up to €300 (approximately £259).

Italy dress code rules

In Sorrento, locals have argued that they’re trying to protect the area’s decency with the rules, and swerve people rocking up to lunch spots in just swim shorts or bikinis. The ban doesn’t just apply to swimwear; it also applies to visitors who walk around the town topless.

Portofino, Positano and Capri all enforce similar rules with with fines of up to €500 (approximately £433) if you’re spotted walking around the main town in beachwear.

Other Italian hotspots with similar restrictions include Venice where walking around the historic city centre in swimwear or bare-chested is strictly prohibited, and could land you an on-the-spot fine of up to €250 (approximately £216).

Portugal dress code rules

In Albufeira, new dress codes were brought into force last year. That includes fines from €300 to €1,500 (approximately £259-£1298) for those who are found wearing swimwear outside of beach or pool zones, for example when wandering down the town streets. The dress codes came as part of a wider crackdown on unruly tourist behaviour.

Croatia dress code rules

In Dubrovnik, tourists are banned from entering the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town in swimwear or shirtless, with fines of up to €700 for rule-breakers (approximately £606). It’s not the only Croatian city to enforce rules of this nature; in Split, you could face fees from €150 (approximately £129).

Meanwhile over on the party island of Hvar, new rules include fines for wandering around in swimwear or being shirtless out and about in town.

Have you been caught out by a holiday hotspot’s dress code? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.

British holidaymakers are increasingly seeking out budget-friendly European breaks

British holidaymakers grappling with spiralling travel costs are increasingly turning their backs on pricey resorts in favour of wallet-friendly destinations where a pint can still be enjoyed for under £2.50.

The most affordable European spots for travellers keen to keep their spending in check have been revealed, with southern Italy, Portugal and Spain leading the way. Puglia in Italy and Vilamoura in Portugal came out on top for inexpensive beer, with visitors able to snap up a draught pint for just £1.74, according to research by Zable.

Seville ranked third at £2.06 per pint, while destinations such as Gran Canaria, Faro, Madeira and Tenerife all clocked in at an average of £2.18. The findings emerge as countless families hunt for methods to slash holiday expenses amid ongoing strain on household finances.

Researchers examined flight costs, accommodation prices, tourist levies, supermarket shopping, dining out expenses and attraction fees across 49 destinations to identify where travellers receive the strongest overall value.

Cheapest European hotspots for a pint

Destination – Pint price – Av 5-night accommodation

Puglia, Italy – £1.74 – £516

Vilamoura, Portugal – £1.74 £1,592

Seville, Spain – £2.06 – £667

Plovdiv, Bulgaria – £2.07 – £386

Lanzarote, Spain – £2.18 – £830

Gran Canaria, – Spain £2.18 – £536

Faro, Portugal – £2.18 – £965

Madeira, Portugal – £2.18 – £1,031

Tenerife, Spain – £2.18 – £777

Tirana, Albania – £2.26 – £315

Puglia was highlighted as among Europe’s most budget-conscious destinations owing to its blend of bargain beer prices, complimentary attractions and comparatively affordable lodging. The region boasts nearly 15 hours of daylight throughout the height of summer, alongside its renowned beaches, olive groves and ancient towns.

Vilamoura equalled Puglia on beverage costs, though accommodation expenses were notably steeper due to demand for the Algarve resort’s marina, golf courses and vibrant nightlife scene. Meanwhile, Albania’s capital Tirana came out as the most affordable overall destination for a five-night getaway once flights, accommodation and daily expenses were factored in.

A typical five-night stay there totals £492.31, the study revealed. The report also identified Kotor in Montenegro as the top-value underrated destination overall, benefiting from reasonably priced flights, minimal tourist taxes and a wealth of attractions.

Cheapest destinations overall for a five-night trip

Destination – Country – Total cost

Tirana – Albania – £492.31

Plovdiv – Bulgaria – £558.10

Zagreb – Croatia – £651.06

Puglia – Italy – £690.37

Gran Canaria – Spain – £761.06

Seville – Spain – £802.47

Fuerteventura – Spain – £844.13

Bari – Italy – £914.81

Tallinn – Estonia – £953.11

Kotor – Montenegro – £974.03

Travellers opting for self-catering accommodation could slash their grocery bills by choosing destinations such as Sopot in Poland, where a standard supermarket shop costs just £30.74.

Cheapest destinations for grocery shopping

Destination – Country – Grocery basket

Sopot – Poland – £30.74

Vilamoura – Portugal – £31.19

Kotor – Montenegro – £31.63

Benidorm – Spain – £31.93

Dubrovnik – Croatia – £32.44

The research also spotlighted the growing trend of so-called “destination dupes”, where holidaymakers ditch pricey long-haul destinations for more affordable European alternatives boasting similar climates. Amongst the recommended alternatives were Capri instead of the Maldives, Mallorca instead of Hawaii and Sardinia instead of Costa Rica.

Arielle Rogers-Jenkins, senior product manager at the credit card company, Zable, said: “Planning a holiday often means balancing the experiences you want with the budget you have available. “Our research shows that travel costs can vary significantly between destinations, so choosing locations that align with your budget can make a real difference to the overall cost of a trip.”

A plane recently had to be diverted after a passenger forget their electronics in their hold luggage

Air travel comes with a long list of things people can and can’t take with them depending on how it’s packed. However, one travel expert is urging people to pay more attention to an often overlooked electronic that can’t be packed into your big suitcases going in the hold of the plane.

Travel journalist Ash Bhardwaj warned people to take any electronics with lithium batteries into the cabin in their hand luggage and not to stow it away in the hold. He explained that this is due to a serious fire risk and while fires in the cabin can be handled, fires in the luggage hold could prove to be a far greater issue.

Ash joined Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones on the rooftop of BBC’s Morning Live studio to soak in some sunshine as the hot temperatures continuing rolling out across the country.

He highlighted one recent easyJet flight bound for the UK actually had to be diverted to Rome because a passenger realised they had left one of their lithium batteries in the hold.

Ash revealed he’d had to make this lithium battery check himself at the airport once: “We were in Vietnam, flying back home, and I saw these signs about not being allowed lithium batteries in your hold luggage. I was checking everything; ‘Is this one a lithium battery, like the fan for the baby carrier’.”

To be sure, Ash opted to put everything he suspected of maybe having a lithium battery into his hand luggage.

He continued: “Basically, it’s a fear of the batteries catching fire. If you’ve got it on you, in the cabin, in your hand luggage, that’s fine because if anything does happen the crew can deal with it.

“The key thing don’t put power banks in your checked luggage they need to come with you.”

Each airline may have different rules around what batteries and electronics must be kept in the cabin with you so it’s best to check with your airline before flying.

In general, spare batteries and power banks should only go into carry-on baggage. You may need to carefully pack these to prevent the circuit from shorting out, for example by putting it back in the retail packaging or placing each battery into a separate protective pouch according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

This protection must also prevent the item from being accidentally turned on or damaged during the flight. Some power banks may also require approval from the airline operator to be taken onboard.

Other items that may contain lithium batteries:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Smart watches
• Cameras
• Music players
• Smart baggage tags
• Electronic cigarettes

Shoppers looking for travel accessories could be in luck at the high street retailer

Home Bargains customers can upgrade their travel days for £2 with a ‘refreshing’ accessory. There’s nothing better than a sunny forecast for family day trips or a weekend getaway. But getting to your destination is sometimes easier said than done when you have to battle the heat while carrying luggage.

Thankfully, Home Bargains is selling a portable accessory to help travellers ‘stay cool on the go’. The discount chain has launched a £1.99 Travel Water Mist Spray Fan, and it could be ideal for summer.

The retailer explains: “Stay cool on the go with the Travel Water Mist Spray Fan from the Simple family – just fill with cold water, add ice for extra chill, and enjoy a refreshing mist whenever you need it.” The description continues: “Simply fill the bottle with cold water, turn on the fan and pull the trigger whenever you require a light covering of cool mist.

“Add ice to the tank for an even cooler mist! Empty water after every use and dry, always use fresh distilled water (to prevent mineral build-up and mould).”

For shoppers who don’t want the water mist, Home Bargains also sells a 99p Travel Mini Hand Held Fan. The description states: “Mini Hand Held Fan fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to carry wherever you go. It’s small enough to slip into your bag or pocket, yet powerful enough to provide a refreshing breeze, keeping you cool for warmer days.”

Ahead of summer, Home Bargains is stocking a range of travel products. Other items include travel cubes, organisers, and luggage solutions. One option that could impress fans of the spray fan is the 99p Lakescape Foldable Water Bottle 500ml.

The foldable water bottle is designed for adventure, according to the retailer. Home Bargains says: “Stay hydrated wherever your adventures take you with the Lakescape Foldable Water Bottle! This 500ml reusable gem rolls, folds, and stands tall when full, plus it comes with a handy carabiner clip for easy travel.”

Customers who prefer stainless steel bottles might like the £4.99 Kitchen Stainless Steel Bottle. Home Bargains says the bottle is “durable and easy to use” with a “spill-proof lock.”

For dogs, there’s also a £2.99 My Pets Pet Water Bottle. The description reads: “Making travelling with your pet easier with this amazing reusable water bottle fills when pressed and can be locked to avoid leaks. Comes with handy lanyard style strap for easy carrying. Three colours, pink, blue and grey.”

For customers looking for more items, Home Bargains offers a wide range of products on its website. Shoppers could also visit their local store.

The ferry operator has urged passengers with trips booked to ‘plan ahead’ when travelling

P&O Ferries says passengers need to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling over the bank holiday weekend. The popular ferry operator issued the alert for customers, as families across the country head off on their half-term holidays.

The travel company operates routes between Dover and Calais, Hull and Rotterdam, and Larne and Cairnryan. P&O Ferries shared the message for passengers in a post on X. Taking to @POferriesupdate, the travel update included essential advice for anyone travelling today (May 24).

P&O Ferries said: “Ahoy half-term heroes and Bank Holiday adventurers! The port will be busier than usual, so pack your bags with a travel pillow and those extra snacks you’ve got in the cupboard.”

The post explained: “We expect the ports to be busy today so please plan ahead and use our top tips.” In the travel advice, P&O Ferries said passengers should:

• Check traffic and their route before setting off
• Bring refreshments and snacks
• Exercise pets before entering the port
• Bring entertainment for children
• Keep documents to hand and remove passports from cases

Families driving to the port should be aware that the bank holiday is set to be the busiest on the roads in two years, according to the RAC. Research suggests almost 19 million Brits are travelling over the long weekend, with 3.4 million journeys expected on Sunday and 3.1 million trips planned for Monday.

The RAC said: “Drivers looking to spend less time in the car should consider making their getaway outside of peak hours. According to transport analytics experts INRIX, the worst jams this weekend will be on the M1, M25, M5, M6.

“On Friday, the M25 anticlockwise will likely see the heaviest traffic from junction 10 to junction 6 around 4.45pm, as people clock off for the day. The same stretch of road could see a second spike on Saturday around lunchtime, with journey times more than twice as long than on a typical day.

“On the same day, queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on the M5 southbound between the RAC tower near Bristol and junction 23 for Bridgwater.” As a result, there will be an extra one million Brits on the road compared to the same weekend last year.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “With the weather looking like it may improve, millions are planning to make a getaway trip over the bank holiday weekend.

“And the fact our research shows it’s set to be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 shows that even though fuel prices remain uncomfortably high, it takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a long weekend.”

All tourists have been urged to follow a simple travel rule to avoid bringing bed bugs home from their holidays. It’s vital travel advice for people to take note of

As many of us begin planning trips abroad, there’s a crucial piece of advice you need to hear if you want to avoid bringing bed bugs back with you. It’s travel guidance worth heeding, as nobody wants to be landed with such an unpleasant problem after returning from their holidays.

The pests tend to dominate the headlines each summer, and now luggage is being hauled out of storage once more, the anxiety resurfaces for many travellers. Yet if you assume a swift inspection of your hotel bedding will suffice, James Rhoades, expert, founder and CEO of ThermoPest, cautions that we’re all searching in entirely the wrong place.

This isn’t the first expert guidance of its kind to emerge either. Previously, another tip was also shared to help prevent people carrying bed bugs home.

Peeling back the sheets to hunt for bed bugs might seem like common sense, but in practice, it’s largely futile. “The biggest mistake travellers make is checking the sheets,” said James.

“Bed bugs don’t hang around in open spaces; they hide in seams, frames and behind headboards. By the time you see one on the sheet, they’ve been there for a while.”

Put simply, you need to investigate more thoroughly if you’re serious about staying pest-free. Bed bugs are masters of concealment.

They don’t lurk in the centre of the mattress where they’re easily spotted. Instead, they gather in narrow, sheltered areas close to where people rest.

The key areas to inspect include mattress seams and piping, the edges and underside of the mattress, behind the headboard (a notorious hiding spot), cracks and joints in the bed frame, and gaps in nearby furniture.

What should you be looking for?

Not merely live bugs — which are small, flat and roughly the size of an apple seed — but also rust-coloured stains (their droppings), pale shed skins and tiny clusters of eggs.

Miss those, and you could miss the problem altogether. Until it quite literally bites you on the bum!

The real danger isn’t simply a disturbed night’s sleep; it’s what unfolds after you check out. Bed bugs are seasoned hitchhikers. They burrow into suitcase seams, clothing folds and even inside shoes — and it doesn’t take long, either.

James explained: “Even a single night’s stay in an infested room is enough for bugs to transfer into your luggage. Then, once you’re home, they spread quickly, into carpets, furniture and other rooms.”

Should you spot any signs of bed bugs, don’t simply request the room next door. He added: “Bed bugs can easily spread between rooms.

“Instead, it’s a much better idea to request a room in a completely different part of the building, ideally on another floor. And keep your luggage sealed until you’re sure the new room is clear.”

That’s the golden rule — don’t unpack immediately. Keep your suitcase on a luggage rack, positioned away from the wall, or even in the bathroom while you thoroughly inspect the room. Otherwise, you could end up bringing back more than you anticipated. It’s a straightforward travel rule to stick to.

Current events are causing all sorts of problems, according to a currency exchange expert

Brits heading abroad this summer are being given a new warning.

Towards the close of last week, Sterling dropped to a three-week low against the Euro and a five-week low against the US Dollar, spelling trouble for Britons travelling overseas. The decline, according to a foreign exchange expert, stems from two key factors.

Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, explained: “Firstly, markets are worried that Britain is heading towards a period of political instability. Secondly, they are worried about how the UK economy will cope with an expected rise in inflation.

“Though inflation fell to 2.8% today, it is expected to rise, potentially sharply, in the months ahead as the impact of rising oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East hits the UK economy in full. If markets believe higher inflation makes UK gilts a not–so-safe bet, that will apply further downward pressure on Sterling.”

Tony noted the weakened Pound was hammering holidaymakers venturing abroad, as their money was now “plummeting” in value against currencies like the Euro and Dollar – a situation that “could get worse in the weeks and months ahead”.

However, he highlighted that a struggling domestic economy and Sterling’s persistent fragility was prompting an increasing number of businesses to fundamentally reconsider how and where they sell their services.

Tony added: “If they’re anything, the UK’s businesses are resilient and proving they can adapt. During 2026 to date, we’ve seen a sharp rise in UK businesses moving away from difficult domestic conditions and looking for customers overseas.

“Rather than having all their eggs in one UK economic basket, a growing percentage of UK firms are now marketing and selling their products and services online to customers in Europe, America, Canada, Australia and even Singapore and Hong Kong.

“If there’s one silver lining to the weak UK economy, it’s that many traditionally domestic UK small businesses have become international ones, as they cast their nets ever wider in search of customers and profit.

“The ability to ply your trade internationally has never been easier and it can massively boost a company’s bottom line.”

A woman concerned about a name discrepancy between her easyJet holiday booking and passport was urged by the airline to get in touch directly to resolve the issue

Budget airline easyJet has urged a customer to get in touch after she queried whether she needed to make an amendment to her booking. The prospective passenger had secured a holiday with the carrier but had concerns about a potential issue with her trip.

Taking to the easyJet holidays Facebook page, Jessica asked: “Booked holiday with my “first” and “last name” My “given name” on my passport includes my middle name.

“Do I need to amend my booking? I fly in 2 weeks and haven’t yet checked in if that makes a difference.”

She received a response from easyJet stating: “According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there’s no middle name rule as such, but their guidance is the recorded name on a reservation and ticket should match the name in your official travel document.” A follow-up reply from Anga then added: “Hi Jessica, thank you for reaching out.

“Please note that the name on your booking needs to match what is on your passport. To assist you with adding your middle name, kindly DM us with your booking reference, booker’s name and email address used on the booking.”

The UK government website advises travellers to ensure two key things are consistent when booking a trip, reports the Liverpool Echo. It states: “The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel.”

However, it does not clarify whether a middle name featured in your passport must also be included when making a booking. Different airlines have their own policies, so it’s always advisable to check with them directly if you have any worries about anything on your travel documents.

Ryanair, for instance, addresses the question on its website, stating: “For security reasons, the first name and surname on your booking must match the names on your travel document(s). We do not require middle name or second/double-barrelled surnames for flights.”

Jet2 similarly states that middle names aren’t required, except in one particular scenario. On its website, it explains: “We don’t we don’t need your middle name(s) on your booking unless two people on the booking have identical first and last names. Please make sure all names are spelt exactly as they are on your passport.”

Tui has also confirmed it’s not essential. Responding to a query about the website not accepting a full name, it clarified: “Our website only allows for a maximum 15 characters in the name box.

“Just enter what you can and contact us so we can make a note of your full name on the system. Just so you know, we only need your title, first name and surname. You don’t have to include middle names.”

P&O Cruises urges all passengers with trips booked to bring proof or risk being ‘denied boarding’ at their own expense

P&O Cruises says all passengers must bring a particular item with them or risk being ‘denied boarding’. The popular cruise operator states that packing the item is compulsory for all guests who wish to sail on the ship, or their holiday could be ruined if they fail to do so.

P&O Cruises is among the largest and most popular cruise operators in the UK, and as the peak travel season approaches, many people will have trips booked. The vessels are designed specifically for the British market and depart year-round directly from Southampton.

P&O Cruises operates a fleet of seven ships, divided into family-friendly vessels such as Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura and Ventura, and adult-only ships such as Arcadia and Aurora, reports the Liverpool Echo. Irrespective of which vessel people embark upon, all guests must bring a crucial item with them. Should customers fail to present the item, P&O Cruises warns: “Unfortunately, you will be denied boarding”.

On the P&O Cruises website, the cruise operator clarifies what passengers need to pack and explains the rationale. A statement reads: “We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to set sail with us, and we cannot wait to welcome you on board. Before we get there, it is mandatory for all guests to have suitable cruise travel insurance cover in order to sail with us.”

It adds: “It is your responsibility to ensure you have appropriate cover in place for the duration of your holiday. Unfortunately, you will be denied boarding, at your own expense, if you’re unable to confirm you have arranged insurance.

“You may be asked for proof of your cruise travel insurance. So, please be sure to bring either a printed or digital copy of your insurance documentation that confirms cover for the named travellers over the dates of travel.”

Outlining the main reason why travel insurance is crucial to arrange before setting sail, P&O Cruises stated: “For many significant purchases in your life, insurance is essential. And holidays are no different.

“Travel insurance ensures you can relax and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind that you’re covered in the event something should go wrong. This includes unforeseen incidents before your holiday, while travelling or while you’re away.”

P&O Cruises provides a checklist for selecting the appropriate level of cruise insurance protection. It includes:

• Ensure your insurance covers a cruise holiday
• Covers the full length of the trip
• Includes all destinations – choose worldwide cover if unsure
• Includes medical and repatriation cover of £2 million minimum
• You’ll need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions
• We would also recommend that you have adequate cancellation cover to cover the cost of your trip

I’ve got travel insurance already. Do I need cruise insurance?

P&O Cruises states: “You will need to look into the level of cover your travel insurance provides. Some bank accounts include travel insurance but the policies often offer limited amounts of cover.

“Standard travel insurance is generally meant for a land-based holiday and as such, won’t cover many of the elements of a cruise holiday. A cruise holiday requires more specialist cover, for example if there was a need to be medically evacuated at sea. The most important thing is to make sure you’ve told your insurer you are going on a cruise holiday.”

What happens if I don’t declare pre-existing medical conditions?

P&O Cruises warns: “You run the risk of not being fully covered and having to pay for medical treatment which can be extremely costly. Emergency medical treatment can even be refused if you do not have the correct insurance, this includes failing to declare pre-existing conditions.”

If I cancel my holiday, will I get my money back?

P&O Cruises states: “If you cancel your holiday, the cancellation policy in our Booking Conditions applies. If you are cancelling due to a medical reason and you have declared the medical condition, your insurer should refund any monies paid less the relevant policy excess.”

The ferry operator issued an important reminder for any passengers with bookings

DFDS has issued an important reminder to passengers travelling on its ferry services. Ahead of summer, many families are looking forward to their holidays and getting everything ready for their trips. For those making ferry crossings, the operator has issued a message about ‘travel documents’ to help ensure journeys are as smooth as possible.

Posting on social media, DFDS outlined advice for customers in a post on X. In the message, @DFDSLiveUpdates shared port information for passengers. It read: “Please have all travel documents and passports to hand and open at the photo page before arriving at booths.”

In the post, DFDS explained: “Keep your passports, booking confirmations, and any necessary ID easily accessible for check-in and border control.” As such, the guidance could be helpful to any customers with upcoming bookings.

As customers will know, they need to keep a record of their confirmation. They will also want to pack their luggage accordingly, ensuring they can easily access any documents they will need when travelling.

Passengers can find more information about the check-in and boarding process on the ferry operator’s website. The boarding advice states: “All passengers must present relevant documents upon arrival to the terminal for check-in.

“These may include a valid passport, booking confirmation, documents for vehicle or pet travel, and/or other required documents, depending on the rules and regulations of country you are travelling to. Routine security checks of passengers, luggage and vehicles are carried out in all ports before you board the ship.”

DFDS also shares border control updates, including guidance on the UK eVisa and ETA. The website explains: “Travel requirements to the UK are changing.

“The UK is transitioning from physical immigration documents, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), passports containing visa vignette stickers and ink stamps, or biometric residence cards (BRCs), to eVisas.

“If you hold a UK visa and use a physical immigration document to prove your rights, take action now by creating a UK Visas and Immigration account to access your eVisa: www.gov.uk/eVisa.

“If you already have an eVisa, ensure your travel information is up to date by notifying the UK Government about the passport you intend to use if it is not already linked to your eVisa account: www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.

“Those who are visa-exempt for short visits to the UK, i.e. visits of up to six months, will still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is digital permission to travel.”

New research shows where and when will be most dangerous for motorists this Bank Holiday weekend

Most motorists reckon the roads are at their most treacherous during rush hour, when traffic is bumper-to-bumper and congestion is at its peak. But with millions of Britons set to hit the road this Bank Holiday weekend, fresh research suggests the greatest danger may lurk when the roads seem at their emptiest.

Fresh analysis by Confused.com appears to reveal the single most hazardous hour to drive in the UK, with motorists being urged to steer clear of this time slot where possible over the bank holiday weekend. Drawing on Department for Transport (DfT) traffic flow and collision data, Confused.com has developed an interactive Safety Index to work out the probability of being caught up in an accident relative to the volume of vehicles on the road.

Rhydian Jones, Confused.com car insurance expert, explains why the emptiest roads can often prove the most perilous, identifies the riskiest and safest times to drive in the UK, and offers guidance on how motorists can use Confused.com’s new Safety Index tool to plan safer journeys during the bank holiday exodus.

Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend away, popping to see relatives or making your way home after a day out, understanding when collision risk peaks could help you sidestep the most dangerous times to be behind the wheel.

Why Quiet Roads Can Be More Dangerous

It appears to defy logic. Fewer vehicles should surely mean fewer crashes. But experts suggest that emptier roads often encourage more reckless driving behaviour. Almost 1 in 3 motorists (29%) acknowledge they break speed limits at least from time to time, while more than 1 in 4 (27%) admit they’re more inclined to speed when traffic is lighter. Factor in poor visibility, driver fatigue and the heightened chance of encountering drink-drivers, and the hazard increases dramatically.

“Road safety relies on more than just how many cars are on the road. It depends on how conditions evolve through the day, and our analysis makes that pattern unmistakably clear. The late afternoon sees the highest number of collisions because the roads are busy. But when we look at the risk per vehicle, it’s the late-night and early-morning hours that are proportionately the most dangerous. That’s when visibility drops, fatigue sets in and roads are quiet enough that drivers may take more risks.

We know journeys become longer, traffic becomes heavier, and weather conditions get tougher. Our research shows many drivers already feel nervous, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas, and nearly a third admit to speeding when the roads look quiet. Our interactive ‘Safety Index’ tool can help drivers make informed decisions about when they travel, reducing risk and helping them stay safer behind the wheel.” Rhydian Jones, Confused.com car insurance expert.

READ MORE: Portugal 2.5-hour ‘wait times’ warning issued by RyanairREAD MORE: Motability CEO issues ‘Drive Smart’ update after use of black boxes ‘paused’

The Most Dangerous Hours to Drive

The analysis found that the hours with the highest collision risk relative to traffic volume are: