Travel Tips

A former British Airways cabin crew member has lifted the lid on the most germ-ridden parts of a plane – and passengers may be alarmed to realise it’s hard to avoid

A former British Airways flight attendant has revealed the dirtiest parts of a plane – and four of them are seat components in the cabin.

Jane Hawkes, a former flight attendant for British Airways, shared the best tips and tricks on how to make your journey as comfortable as possible – and has urged passengers to carry either a bottle of hand sanitiser or a packet of anti-bacterial wipes before sitting comfortably.

She added: “When travelling on a plane, where possible, avoid touching any areas unless you’ve sanitised them.” A small pocket-size bottle of hand sanitiser retails from around £1.22 – and can be bought in advance of from the departures lounge at an airport.

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It’s common to see airline staff racing around the cabin between passengers disembarking and boarding. During this quick turnaround, rubbish is picked up and a clean up is undertaken. This is along with all the routine checks they have to do.

It is a common belief that not every seat is scrutinised for its cleanliness, therefore, Jane has recommended anyone planning to fly this summer to carry hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes in the hand luggage. This is so you can make sure your immediate area is germ-free.

The ‘worst offending areas’

And, according to Jane, she said: “Aircraft are only ever deep-cleaned if they’re taken in for maintenance.” Listing what she claims are the “worst offending areas”, she added: “The worst offending areas are tray tables, armrests, seas and headrests, so always give them a wipe down before using,” she added.

British Airways’ website states the airline ensures that all key surfaces are clean after every flight and all aircrafts are deeply cleaned every day. They explained: “The air on all British Airways flights is fully recycled once every two to three minutes through HEPA filters, which remove microscopic bacteria and virus clusters with over 99% efficiency, equivalent to hospital operating theatre standards.”

Another benefit of carrying anti-bacterial gel and wipes is that it could help prevent the spread of any illnesses – something that is relatively common on a flight due to the close proximity of people.

In Jane’s description of unhygienic practices on-board a flight, she also touched upon travellers who opt to take off their socks and shoes. She said: “Another ‘complete no-no’? Travellers who ‘take off their shoes and socks’ are breaking every etiquette rule in the book. ‘I’ve seen passengers walk barefoot around the cabin, yuck.”

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Brits heading on holidays to the likes of France, Spain, Portugal and Greece need to check their passports including blank pages before heading to the airport

Before heading on holidays abroad, most people will check their passports are still in date and damage-free, but travel insiders are warning UK travellers to also cast their eyes over blank pages in their documents.

That’s because one simple mistake could mean your holiday is over before it even starts, as you could be denied boarding at the airport, or turned away at border control.

The travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have warned: “With Brits now getting stamped every time they travel through the EU, travel enthusiasts and those who travel for work may potentially run out of blank pages in their passports. All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid. Those travelling more frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages.”

READ MORE: Livid Brits take ‘sunbed wars to a whole new level’ with sneaky 2am tactics

It’s not just how many blank pages you have left; you’ll also want to check for any damage. The experts added: “If any of your passport pages are torn or missing, your passport is considered damaged and will likely not be accepted at the border, especially if it affects the personal details page or any visa stamps.”

Meanwhile, you’ll also want to check two key dates on your document; the date of issue and the expiry date. That’s because following Brexit, passport requirements have changed for Brits heading to the EU. Your passport now needs to have been issued less than 10 years ago, and must be valid at least three months beyond the date of departure.

These easy errors could also be costly, as if you’re turned away because you don’t have a valid passport, then it’s unlikely that your travel insurance would cover the costs, leaving you out of pocket.

Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director, added: “With passport fees increasing and queues likely getting longer this summer due to the introduction of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, we urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport.

“Post-Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it’s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements before jetting off to Europe.

“Travellers also need to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as things like damage from water or ink, rips in pages and laminate peeling from the personal details page can mean that your passport may not be accepted as a valid travel document.

“If you’re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you. That’s why it’s so important to double-check these things well in advance of your departure date.”

You can find out more on tiger.co.uk.

Have you been caught out by the recent changes to passport rules? Email us at [email protected]

A British tourist who reserved sunbeds on holiday before heading off for breakfast has hit out at critics who call her ‘selfish’, as she claims there’s nothing wrong with it

The debate over whether it’s socially acceptable to put your towel down on a sunbed before you’re ready to use it has been ongoing for years. Every summer, videos are shared on social media of tourists racing down to their hotel swimming pool to dump towels and bags on sunbeds at the crack of dawn.

Many of these holidaymakers then leave the pool to go back to bed, have breakfast, or even do some sightseeing, but staking their claim on a sunbed means no one else can use it. However, one British tourist has defended this practice, insisting it’s not “selfish” to reserve a spot by the pool.

Rachel McGuigan and her husband, David, were on holiday in Turkey when they decided to put towels down on a couple of poolside beds to reserve them while they went off and had breakfast in their hotel.

The woman, from York, posted a video of her holiday on TikTok and was baffled by the backlash she got for showing herself reserving the sunbeds.

One person had commented on her video: “Just throw the towels in the pool. It’s not allowed to do this in most hotels and resorts.” And another had written: “I just remove them if they’re full. I don’t care, and the hotel doesn’t care.”

Rachel, who was holidaying at a resort in Fethiye, west of Antalya, said: “I just thought it was crazy that people were so upset about leaving a towel for half an hour to go for breakfast. They accused me of being selfish and all sorts.”

To try to make light of the situation, Rachel then uploaded a second video that appeared to show her leaving towels on a sunbed at 5.30am before going on a series of excursions that lasted until bedtime.

The video was a joke, and Rachel didn’t really reserve a sunbed all day without using it. However, it highlighted exactly how divisive this topic is, as her comments were flooded with people who believed she really had kept others from using the beds.

One person wrote: “So you reserved the beds and didn’t use them, but wouldn’t let anyone else use them? Have you ever thought that you may be the problem?”

Another added: “You go on holiday for a rest, but end up getting up early like you do at home, just to put towels out. Hotels are not for me, that’s why I Airbnb. Not having a go, just saying.”

However, Rachel has insisted that people are taking her videos too literally. She said the resort wasn’t full when they visited, so they were never taking sunbeds from other people who wanted them.

She said: “After the first time, I thought it would be funny to play up to it. It was a joke and I didn’t expect anyone to take it seriously, but I ended up opening a can of worms about sunbed reservations!

“We went to The Residence in Fethiye for two weeks in May for the second year running. There wasn’t a lack of sunbeds, so putting our towels down before going for breakfast wasn’t an issue for anyone. I was surprised with everyone commenting about it.”

The woman also admitted that it can be “annoying” when some tourists leave their towels on sunbeds for “hours on end”. However, she noted she doesn’t think it’s a problem when it’s “only for half an hour”.

The London-based airport shared some crucial advice on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today

Heathrow Airport has shared some key guidance for anyone planning to fly with them soon. Travellers are encouraged to follow four key steps before going through security to save time and hassle.

“Flying soon?” the London-based airport asked in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Here are some useful tips to help prepare you when going through security at Heathrow:

“Liquids under 100ml and in a clear bag, Place electronic devices in a separate tray, Limit your hand luggage, Keep security trays to a minimum.”

If you’re wondering what ‘counts’ as a liquid, electronic device and how luggage can be kept to a minimum, fear not. The Mirror has further delved into these tips, highlighting some crucial dos and don’ts.

1. The 100ml rule

Grasping the criteria for liquids in aeroplane carry-on luggage might appear straightforward, but specific rules could surprise you. When bringing liquids in hand luggage, most UK airports – including Heathrow – require that each container hold a maximum of 100ml.

All containers must also fit into a single transparent plastic bag, approximately 20cm x 20cm in size. The Government’s website clarifies that all items should fit ‘comfortably inside the bag’ so that it can be sealed.

To avoid complications, do not attempt to seal it by tying a knot at the top, as it will not be accepted.

The UK Government’s complete list of what’s considered hand luggage liquid is below:

• Pastes, including toothpaste
• Gels, including hair and shower gel
• All drinks, including water
• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
• Contact lens solution

Products such as solid deodorant sticks, bars of soap, wet wipes, and lip balms are typically classified as non-liquids. As a result, they generally do not need to be stored in the bag.

Advice from Heathrow Airport adds: “Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through airport security into the departure lounge. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries and all frozen liquids.

“…Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – please pack them in your hold baggage instead.”

2. Heathrow’s two-bag policy

Heathrow Airport enforces a ‘two-bag policy’ at its security point to avoid delays. Only two hand baggage items must be taken through the control area.

Any items larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) must be checked in as hold luggage, according to the airport’s guidance. It also stresses: “Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.”

By adhering to the two-bag rule, passengers are better positioned to keep the security trays they use to a minimum, too.

3. Electronic devices

Guidance from the UK Government highlights that only specific electronic devices are allowed on flights and within hand luggage when travelling from the UK.

While some airlines might have different restrictions, these are nine key items you can take in both your hand luggage and hold luggage:

• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Tablet devices
• MP3 players
• Hairdryers
• Straighteners
• Travel iron
• Electric shaver
• Most cameras

Crucially, any passengers who use e-cigarettes should transport these in their hand luggage, not hold luggage. Placing electronic devices in a specific tray during security checks ensures that staff can easily see and confirm that no prohibited items are concealed.

Heathrow Airport’s advice also adds: “Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don’t switch on, you may not be allowed to take them on to the aircraft. Charging points are available throughout the airport.”

Packing for cruise holidays can be overwhelming with so many destinations and events on offer, but one insider has revealed the six items to keep on your list

Cruise holidays can be a lot of fun but trying to navigate what to pack for a holiday stopping off at multiple destinations can be tricky – luckily, one insider has just made the process a little easier.

Bob McGowan, Chief Experience Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, has revealed six items that he’d recommend packing, and the good news is that they won’t take up too much of that precious suitcase space.

He explained: “Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of heading on holiday. It can be tough knowing how many pairs of shoes you’ll really need or whether to bring a rain mac – and don’t even get me started on socks!”

He added that if you can, a no-fly cruise can take away even more of the stress. He said: “Rather than cramming your belongings into a backpack and holding your breath as you head through airport security, on a no-fly cruise holiday there are no baggage limits – the rule is if you can carry it, you can bring it.”

Still, whether your cruise is no-fly or not, there are six items that you’ll want to ensure are packed in your bag – check them out below.

1. Backpack – and an evening bag

According to Bob, “there is a common misconception that cruises are only about lounging around”. He explained that while you’ll want a backpack for your onshore excursions, it’s worth thinking about an evening bag too when you’re on the ship. He added: “Having a compact bag whilst at dinner, enjoying a show or popping to the bar can be handy – helping to avoid that moment of panic when you realise you’ve left your phone in the restaurant – whilst a rucksack is great for a big day of exploring once in port.”

2. Seasickness tablets or sea bands

You may not need either of these while you’re onboard – but it doesn’t hurt to have them in your bag, especially if it’s your first time on a cruise ship.

“These sorts of tablets are available from every pharmacy and tend to be reasonably priced, making them easy to get your hands on,” said Bob. “Having a few stowed away in your suitcase can provide peace of mind, even if you don’t end up using them. Alternatively, many cruise brands including Ambassador have seasickness tablets freely available to offer to travellers when on board.”

If you don’t want the tablets you can look into seabands, which use acupressure points on your wrists to help prevent seasickness.

3. Card holder

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If you’ve booked a package that includes your drinks, gratuities and service charges, then you won’t need to think too much about additional costs. However, if you have a cruise card, a card holder could be useful; think of the cruise card like a hotel key, but that’s also essential for getting on or off the ship. Bob suggested: “Bringing along a card holder will ensure you know exactly where it is and prevent it from floating around in your handbag or worse still, being left in one of the many ports of call.”

4. Evening wear

“Whilst the flamboyant and grandiose clothing once associated with cruising is less common now, it is definitely a good idea to bring along a smart outfit with gala dinners and speciality dining options often available on board,” said Bob. “On most cruises there will be at least one black tie evening and it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underprepared. Plus, you’re on holiday – the perfect excuse to get suited and booted for the occasion!”

5. A single book

You may be tempted to pack heaps of books for the cruise to enjoy poolside or in your cabin, but Bob points out that there are plenty of cruise ships with their own libraries or book swap shelves, where you could find plenty of reading materials for your sailing – so if you’re tight on space, leave the extra books at home!

6. Comfortable walking shoes

A classic, but important, especially for onshore excursions. “Whether winding through the cobbled streets of Lisbon or strolling alongside the famous canals of Amsterdam, being able to lose yourself in a destination for the day requires a great pair of walking shoes,” said Bob. “What’s more, on the top deck of most ships there will be space for you to get your steps in. For example, on every one of Ambassador’s ships, you’ll find a dedicated walking and jogging track on the upper deck, allowing you to get your steps in while enjoying the stunning sea views.”

You can find out more on ambassadorcruiseline.com.

Brits getting ready to brave the infamous sunbed wars on Spain holidays may want to double check their destination’s rules – or face potentially hefty fines

Brits who lay out their towels to reserve a sunbed for hours at a time have been warned they could face hefty fines of up to €250 (approximately £210).

The team at travel insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk have warned Brits heading on Spain holidays to think twice before laying out a towel on the beach, as it could actually land you facing some hefty extra charges.

They explained: “In popular areas of Spain like Barcelona and Costa Blanca, tourists can now be fined €250 for reserving sunbeds, meaning waking up early to bag a spot for you and the family is no longer allowed. This rule was introduced following numerous complaints about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight.”

The rules were brought into force last year, in a bid to stop tourists from reserving spots on public beaches with towels and sunbeds, despite then not returning for hours a time – meaning other visitors had to make do with leftover space, causing issues such as fights breaking out, or crowding.

READ MORE: Tourist sets alarm for 6.30am to get best sunbed – but is stunned by what she finds

Council leaders in Calpe, in Costa Blanca, said that police would be given the power to remove unattended sunbeds or towels that were on the beach before 9.30am. Those caught breaching the rules will need to head to a municipal depot to get their belongings back – and get hit with the £210 fine in the process. The rules don’t just apply to those laying out a towel; tourists who try to keep a spot unattended for over three hours could also face similar fines.

It’s not just on the beaches where fights for sunbeds break out. The 5am ‘sunbed wars’ have become a classic part of summer holidays, as holidaymakers get up at the crack of dawn and brave a mad dash just to lay out their towels to ‘reserve’ the poolside sunbeds.

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Every year, the chaos causes everything from fights breaking out to huge queues by the pool before the sun has even risen. Just recently, holidaymakers were spotted using a sneaky tactic in Tenerife to try and reserve their spot before the pool staff had even laid out the loungers, in a move that some have dubbed as “pathetic”.

It causes plenty of tension especially when people leave their towels on sunbeds but don’t return for hours at a time, leaving other tourists having to find alternatives even though there are empty loungers in front of them.

As a result, most hotels are trying to combat the madness by introducing rules around reserving sunbeds, such as having staff remove belongings that have been left unattended for hours.

Have you seen any ridiculous sunbed wars? Let us know at [email protected].

Jetting of to a country you’ve never visited before is an exciting adventure but it can bring risk. Here’s what to do case one of your loved ones go missing, according to the experts at the charity Missing People

Ahead of the summer holidays, here are three key things you should do as soon as someone you know goes missing. The charity Missing People have shared a plan of action to follow.

With over 13.5 million Brits jetting off last year according to a Kwik Fit study, and 82% of Brits saying their “number one holiday priority in 2025” is to explore somewhere new, according to the Great British Holiday Audit report – it’s wise for holiday makers to have a plan of action in case a member of their party goes missing.

The UK police define a missing person as anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established. They will be considered missing until located and their wellbeing confirmed. By this, the definition means that if a person is expected at home and aren’t there, or did not arrive at an expected location, they can be reported missing. Once they are reported missing to the authorities, a public appeal is released via social media.

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Following a number of recent tragedies involving Brits on holiday abroad in recent years, it is safe to say there is a now a certain nervousness about travelling, especially as a young person. The Missing People’s charity have developed guidance, along with the Lucie Blackman Trust, to help prepare jet setters in case of such emergency.

Providing sympathy and support, the advice can be summarised as such:

Think of simple steps to try and find your loved one

If you know the location of where they were staying, try to call the establishment to ask whether the missing person has been spotted on the premises or if someone there knows where they are. If this is unsuccessful, you should contact the local police or any nearby hospitals to ask whether they may be held there or whether they are aware of the person’s location.

Contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or UK police

If they appear to be missing after these steps, the charity advise you to contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 1500 and ask for the Consular Directorate. The Foreign Office will then assign a caseworker if appropriate and contact the British Embassy in the country of said visit on your behalf.

Despite not being in the UK if travelling, you are advised to contact UK police for either the area where the missing person lives, or your own local police station. Request that they inform the UK National Central Bureau of Interpol.

If needed, Interpol can contact the relevant foreign police, however this is normally only the case if the missing person is considered to be at risk of harm.

Be prepared with information about your missing person

To help aid any potential searches, Missing People also advise travellers to collect as much information as you can about the missing person and their recent activity and travel plans. This could be essential to an effective search and result in the local authorities finding them. See below for a list of questions to consider as seen on the Missing People Guidance Sheet:

• The missing person’s full name, date of birth and place of birth
• His/her mobile phone number and email address
• The last time you or anyone else that you know had contact with him/her and where this was
• His/her travel plans
• His/her passport details
• His/her travel insurance details
• Any travel blog/personal website/social network details
• Bank or building society account details (the police may ask the bank or building society for details of when and where the account was last accessed)
• A recent photo
• When you were expecting the missing person to contact you and why
• Whether there was anything in his/her last email/phone call/text/blog/social network message which could give a clue as to whereabouts and/or who he/she could have been with
• Whether the families of fellow travellers could provide any useful information
• Whether there is anyone else the missing person could have been in touch with
• Any other relevant information which could be of use in the search such as, and including any physical or mental health issues

The Lucie Blackman Trust can provide help and support tailored to your situation. It is open 24 hours a day and you can contact them for support and advice by calling 020 7047 5060, emailing [email protected] or visiting their website: http://www.lbtrust.org

If you suspect a child may have been abducted abroad then see here (p. 3) for Missing People’s advice to further ensure their safety, how to proceed.

For advice, support and options, if you or someone you love goes missing, text or call Missing People’s Helpline on 116 000 or email [email protected]. It’s free, confidential and non-judgmental, and sightings information can also be taken. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk

ITV presenter and financial expert Martin Lewis illuminated three important checks that Brits should make ahead of the holiday season

Martin Lewis has urged Brits to make three crucial checks if they plan to holiday abroad this summer. The financial specialist, 53, said it all comes down to the dates on your passport and ensuring you have the right documents before heading off.

Speaking on an episode of ITV’s Martin Lewis Money Show, he said: “Now, I need to say something very important to everybody. Border control and flight checks are getting more stringent.

“There is an immigration issue going on around the world, and that means countries are getting stricter on who they let in. So, you need to be more diligent with your checks.”

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First and foremost, Martin advised travellers to check the expiry dates on passports. If you have less than six months left, this could pose a big problem.

For various countries, including Australia, China, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date. Tourists in European and Schengen countries must also have a passport valid for at least three months after their planned return date.

However, even if your passport is valid for seven months or longer, you may still be denied entry if you do not meet another essential rule. For many nations, including European countries, a passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the holiday departure date.

Martin continued: “If your passport is over 10 years old, many countries won’t let you in. Now, how can it be over 10 years old? Because it used to be that when you renewed, if you had any spare time on your old passport, they could add that on top.

“So, you might have… 10 years, 10 months, and that can bar you too. So, you need to do both of those checks. Now, if you have done those checks, if there is a ‘yes’ to either of those, then the safest thing is to renew before you go.”

The most affordable way to obtain a passport is online through the Government’s website, costing £12.50 less than postal applications. Typically, the passport arrives in three weeks, although it may take longer if additional information or an interview is required.

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In emergencies, travellers also have the option to apply for an urgent passport using the Government’s one-day premium service or one-week fast track scheme. Both schemes are subject to different criteria and cost more than the standard service.

In light of these rules, Martin continued: “If I was seven, eight or nine months away and the rule was six months, I’d probably play safe and get a new passport first anyway, so that I’ve got more on it, because it’s been so tricky.

“And it’s very similar if you are travelling to the USA or passing through the USA, you need to sort your ESTA now. There is heightened border security in the States. If you don’t have, this is your sort of online visa if you like, without one people are being denied entry. You need to be careful.”

How can I get a passport urgently?

Option 1: One-day premium

The one-day premium option is for adults renewing an existing passport. Online applicants pay £222 or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. Following each application, an appointment will be scheduled, with the earliest booking available two days later.

The Government explains: “You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment.”

Option 2: One-week fast track

This alternative option is also available for anyone looking to renew their passport, as well as in these specific circumstances:

• You need to get a child’s passport
• You need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
• You need to change the personal details on a passport (your name, place of birth or gender)

The fast track option is more economical, priced at £178 for an adult passport (£191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) and £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). You can schedule an appointment as soon as the day after you submit your application. Typically, the passport arrives about a week later.

Importantly, you are ineligible to apply for either service if you are outside the UK or applying for your first adult passport. The Government also adds: “If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport.

“You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application.”

Brits are being warned to check before travelling to the likes of France, Italy, Spain and more to avoid being surprised by a common extra cost when they check-in at their hotel

Brits planning their summer holidays are being warned to check for additional costs before they head off to their destination.

That’s because there are plenty of hotspots in the likes of France, Spain and Italy charge a tourist tax, often for every day of your stay. While this isn’t usually more than a few euros each day, it’s worth noting that it’s rarely included in the original cost of your holiday, but rather is paid when you check-in to your hotel.

However, a survey from Quotezone revealed that 45% of Brits don’t plan for additional expenses on holiday – and so can be caught off-guard when they’re asked to pay at reception.

Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “If you’re planning a trip to any city in Europe this year, you must be aware of the potential additional costs to your holiday such as tourist tax – often these extras are not obvious beforehand and normally due for payment when you check out of your accommodation. Tourism taxes range anywhere between less than €1 to almost €15 per night and can be charged per person.”

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Although tourist taxes aren’t new, they’ve been an increasing source of tension in recent years as holiday destinations look to combat overtourism. Just recently, Jet2’s CEO Steve Heapy raised concerns that tourist taxes might increase as a result of the over tourism demonstrations in Spain.

It comes following protests in hotspots such as Barcelona and the Canary Islands, with locals calling for more restrictions. The Mayor of Salou Pere Granados had previously championed a charge of 84p per day for tourists, explaining at a round table: “The tourists pay tax in the same way as the residents pay taxes. If I come to London, I generate waste.”

However, Benidorm’s mayor Antonio Perez said he was against the tourist tax “because it’s stigmatising the visitors as the ones who are preventing me from having a better city or better services”.

Meanwhile in Italy, in recent years Venice has introduced a tourism tax for ‘day trippers’, in a bid to combat the crowds that descend upon the city, including during peak cruise holiday seasons. Just last year city officials confirmed they would be increasing the tax for 2025, and even doubling the fee for last-minute holidaymakers.

The experts at Quotezone warned: “When budgeting for your trip, it is important to take additional fees and tax into consideration. Recently many countries have actually raised their fees for tourists. Visitors in Paris may find themselves paying up to €14.95 a night – while Venice has introduced a trial for visitors to pay a €5 entry fee to the city during daytime hours, including additional costs for anyone staying in the city overnight. While planning your trip, make sure to research tourist tax in that area so you can be prepared for the additional costs.”

Do you think a tourism tax is a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.

A viral TikTok has reignited the long-standing debate of airplane decorum while flying with kids. Now, cabin crew have shared their top secret tips for keeping little ones calm on flights.

Airplane decorum, especially while travelling with kids, has long been a point of contention.

Recently, the subject came to the forefront on social media after a TikTok video prominently featuring an exasperated traveller and the antics of a young child behind her who couldn’t stop kicking her seat garnered over 240k views.

The divisive clip reignited the long-standing debate among viewers as audiences were split over who should address the issue. While one user suggested confrontation was key: “You gotta be confrontational and tell them to stop, unfortunately”, another proposed seeking cabin crew assistance: “Just call the flight attendant”.

Yet another user offered advice suggesting the direct involvement of the parent: “Just tell the mother to get them to stop”.

Luckily, a cabin crew manager has now weighed in. Travel experts at Netflights conferred with Cabin Crew Manager, Francesca, and received insights into the preferred course of action by crew members, parents, and fellow passengers in such circumstances.

Delving deeper into aviation secrets that can be employed for maintaining mid-flight serenity, Francesca shared some insider tips with the travel company.

Cabin crew secrets for child management

Engaging activities as distractions: Francesca shares: “If the children are aged between three to four and are walking around, then we will get them to help with rubbish to distract them.”

Incentivising positive behaviour: The cabin crew manager reveals another trick of the trade when it comes to flying with kids: “If kids are playing up, we will say that if they behave well, we can give them treats from the bar; however, this is at the cabin manager’s discretion, so it shouldn’t be expected.”

Keeping one’s cool: Francesca stresses the importance of remaining calm and shares: “We have to remain calm, considerate and approachable. We always put ourselves in the shoes of our customers.”

Tips for parents

Supply numerous distractions: Sharing the gold-standard of in-flight tactics that can be deployed on kids, Francesca advises: “Parents should bring colouring books onto the flight, as bringing things that stimulate their minds will help the situation, and minimise children from getting agitated when flying”.

Stash nutritious nibbles: It’s important for parents travelling with kids to ensure their children are well-fed and snacking on healthy options. Francesca says: “Make sure your kids have eaten beforehand or have healthy snacks when flying. Snacks help to keep little ones settled and can be a nice treat to lift their mood.”

Strategise slumber: The flight attendant shares another top tip: “Making sure to plan naps for your children is a useful tip, so children don’t become tired and irritable. Planning your child’s sleep in advance can ensure you are organised and feel prepared for long travel days.”

Seat switcharoo

As a cabin crew manager, Francesca is all too aware of some passengers’ demand for a seat switch, but asserts that shouldn’t be the default expectation. She explained: “Some passengers complain that they don’t want to be seated near children, however, we remind them that families are also paying customers. If there are available seats, then we can move them there, however, passengers shouldn’t presume they will be able to move, as the aircraft can often be full, with no spare seats available.”

While most of us know what the inside of a McDonald’s eatery looks like, there are some beautiful and unique ones around the world – and one impressive chain has left people gobsmacked

People have been wowed by this incredible and unique McDonald’s that looks more like a museum than a fast food chain. When we travel abroad, many of us typically try out the local cuisines and avoid food spots that we can easily get at home. But often some of our favourite big name brands offer different menus in different countries. McDonald’s menus vary by location to reflect local tastes and traditions.

The biggest McDonald’s restaurant is in Orlando, Florida, and there is the “poshest” chain in Long Island. In New Zealand, there is a McDonald’s where food is served from an abandoned aeroplane, plus there is a floating McDonald’s service in Germany.

We know how much the Italians pride themselves on good food, so of course they had to join the list with one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. While visit Rome, you will find a unique chain with hand-carved statues in the entranceway.

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Located near the famous Spanish steps, this McDonald’s has a sculpture in the entranceway that looks like it could be a rendering of the Roman goddess Venus. Further into the restaurant beyond the classic McDonald’s stills, stands a separate section devoted to decadent-looking cakes, tarts, and donuts.

Fans love taking videos and pictures of the spot – and it has gone viral online, with people tourists making sure they add it to their must-do list while visiting the ancient Italian city.

TikTok account @moromatour – a page which shares Roman insights and offers tours around the city – shared a look inside the amazing eatery. The video has raked in 1.8million views and has the caption: “This McDonald’s looks like a museum. Rome, Italy.”

“Proud to say I have been there,” commented one. One other wrote: “No matter where you are, got to try Maccies at least once, totally different menus and vibe! We were at this Maccies on Tuesday and it’s actually massive, proper McCafe with pastries and coffee!”

One other who was shocked after seeing the spot, said: “I remember when I was in Rome and stumbled upon this McDonald’s completely on accident”

“I was there, it’s incredible,” insisted one other. Some observed that due to its uniqueness this eatery can get busy fast.

In other McDonald’s news, a menu shake up has been announced for later this month. Plus, a Brit has been left stunned by the menu items on offer at McDonald’s in Japan following a recent visit – and he cannot believe how different it is to the UK.

Would you rush to visit this McDonald’s? Comment below.

If you have a food related story, get in touch at [email protected].

Getting lost on holiday can be a nightmare, but one travel expert has shared his top tip so that is doesn’t happen to you

Ever found yourself hopelessly lost while on holiday? It can be a real dampener, especially if you’ve got plans. While stumbling upon hidden gems in a new city can be exciting, it’s not ideal when you’re racing against time to meet reservations.

This is why travel expert Neil Atkinson, the brains behind Luxury Group Stay, has revealed his number one trick for never losing your way – and it involves a bit of a throwback approach. Neil said: “Downloading an offline map of the area you’re travelling to is one of the most important travel hacks I always recommend. It’s completely free and can save you hours of stress, whether you’re exploring the Lake District or wandering through Barcelona.”

Having an offline map means even without data, you’re sorted. Just don’t forget to download the map while connected to the internet. Neil said: “I always tell people to do it before leaving home, or at least while still on hotel Wi-Fi.”

There are some drawbacks, although they’re small fry. Neil said: “You’ll only get driving directions when offline, not public transport routes, and you won’t see real-time traffic updates.”

The great news is offline maps are light on storage, so even for sprawling cities, you won’t need to fret over space, reports the Express.

Neil’s parting wisdom focuses on preparation: “Make sure to download a wider area than you think you’ll need. Better to have too much map than too little when you’re in the middle of nowhere!”.

To grab a map for offline use, just follow these steps:

Fire up your Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android

Hit your profile snap in the top right nook.

Choose “Offline maps” then “Select your own map”.

Tweak the blue square to blanket your intended spot.

Tap “Download” and you’re done.