This beach is a marvel of engineering that is totally free to cross.
The bridge is a marvel(Image: Getty)
The world’s widest bridge is a Guinness World Record holder that cost billions of pounds to build. The Rod El Farag Axis Bridge, also known as the Tahya Misr Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Nile River through Cairo, Egypt.
The bridge has a whopping width of 67.3 metres, making it the widest bridge in the world. It has six lanes in each direction and is also a big tourist attraction. Pedestrian visitors to the bridge can cross it using the walkway which offers panoramic views out over the Nile.
This walkway is interspersed with glass panels so that it feels as if you are hovering above the rushing river below.
As it is a public road, you can cross it free of charge and enjoy the spectacular views out over Cairo.
The construction of the bridge was implemented by the Armed Forces Engineering Authority (AFEA) in cooperation with a number of national companies.
It took four years, finishing in 2019.
According to Ihab Alphar, the chairman of the AFEA, the basic cost of the project reached an eye-watering £7.43billion.
The bridge is 540 metres long, with 92 metre high suspension towers and has seven different entry and exit ramps.
In order to build the bridge, 4,000 workers, including engineers, technicians and labourers, worked tirelessly to finish the project.
Chief executive officer and chairman of Arab Contractors Company, Mohsen Salah, said: “The engineering crews responsible for the implementation of the bridge faced many difficulties that were overcome with Egyptian engineering innovations.”
He said one of the major issues faced in building the bridge was moving 226.8 tonnes of metal beams to the assembly area.
During the peak of construction, there were 200 cranes deployed at the site to get the bridge up and running.
Builders also had to construct two custom ferry boats that were strong enough to move 544.3 tonnes of equipment to assembly zones
LOOKING for a beach spot in the UK when it is hot and sunny can often just feel like a battle against crowds of people.
But one beach destination is so big, that even with people on the beach it never becomes crowded.
Harlech Beach in Snowdonia National Park in Wales, stretches for four milesCredit: GettyThe beach has views of mountains and a castleCredit: Getty
Harlech Beach in Snowdonia National Park in Wales stretches for four miles, with sand dunes, mountain views and even a castle.
The beach is known for being a scenic spot as well as one of the cleanest beaches in Snowdonia, according to Go North Wales.
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Thanks to the size of the beach, it is the ideal spot for kids to run around and keen watersports enthusiasts can try out surfing at the beach.
If you happen to visit the beach during the warmer months, you might even be lucky enough to see leatherback turtles, as they migrate to the beach to feed on jellyfish, according to Sykes Cottages.
In fact, the largest leatherback turtle ever recorded in the world was found on the beach in 1988, weighing 916kg – it is now in the National Museum Cardiff.
Visitors often note how the beach is also free from crowds, with one recent visitor commenting that there is “plenty of space for all”.
Another person commented: “You can walk for miles and the views are sensational, I felt like we were abroad!”
Overlooking the beach, you can head to the 13th century Harlech Castle, which was used by Edward I and is now a World Heritage Site.
And it isn’t too far from the closest train station – just a 10-minute walkCredit: Getty
You can walk up to the castle too, if you fancy spending longer at the beach.
Tickets to see the castle cost £10.90 per adult, £7.90 per child or £34.90 for a family of up to five.
There is a car park about 400 metres from the beach, along a path, where you will also find a cafe and a shop.
Though, if you don’t drive, it is actually still easy to get to the beach.
Harlech Railway Station, which sits on the Cambrian Coast Line, is only a 10-minute walk away.
FANCY a trip to the beach without having to schlep to the seaside? You’re in luck.
Many cities around the UK are launching their own pop-up beaches this summer – and they’re perfect for those who living inland and have no way of getting to the sea.
Summer’s here… but you don’t have to visit the coast to enjoy sandy shoresCredit: Getty
They promise family-friendly rides, adult-only beach clubs and of course, buckets and buckets of sand.
Here are 10 of the best that you and the family can enjoy this summer.
1. Northampton’s Market Square
Market Square in Northampton will also feature fairground rides and a pop-up cinema as well as a beachCredit: Alamy
The Market Square in Northampton is about to be transformed into a huge beach this summer.
Along with the sand, there will be everything from deckchairs and buckets and spades to palm trees.
Fairground rides, pop up cinema and live events are also part of the summer season pop up.
Market Square beach runs from July 31 to August 31. Free to visit.
2. Middleton Hall, Milton Keynes
The UK’s biggest indoor beach can be found in Milton KeynesCredit: facebook/thecentre:mk
Calling itself the biggest in an indoor shopping centre, the new seaside-esque pop-up The Beach is back at Milton Keynes this year.
There are all the seaside classics such as free Punch & Judy shows, as well as an indoor rollercoaster and rides, although these cost extra from £3 to £6.
Bungees, games, train rides and pop-up stalls are also part of the event.
The Beach run from July 17 to August 31. Free to visit.
3. Costa del Croydon, London
Head to Croydon for some rooftop beach nights this summerCredit: Costa Del Croydon
Can’t quite make it to Spain this year? How about going to… Croydon.
The incoming tide has made a labyrinth of the beach. As silvery rivulets spread across Culbin Sands to meet the mudflats, my walk becomes increasingly circuitous: weaving inland towards the pine forest, backtracking closer to the waves, skirting tidal pools and scaling dunes constantly resculpted by the North Sea breeze.
In this shapeshifting stretch of north-east Scotland’s Moray coast, there’s not another soul in sight, nothing to anchor me to the modern day. It’s easy, then, to imagine a longship bringing weary warriors ashore, or a band of man-eating giants marauding from the woodland. Which is exactly what happens here – on screen – in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey.
At first glance, Scotland is not an obvious backdrop for a nearly 3,000-year-old Greek epic. While the poem describes the Ithacan king Odysseus and his men being cast adrift on mysterious, far-flung shores, its imagined geography is the Mediterranean (unsurprisingly, Sicily, Morocco and the Peloponnese are the movie’s other locations). Few people who live in Moray, including me, anticipated Hollywood actors Matt Damon, Zendaya and Tom Holland descending on our local beaches and sleepy fishing villages last summer. The Moray coast isn’t even well known domestically, overshadowed by the likes of the Isle of Skye and the North Coast 500 driving route in the Highlands.
The more I think about it, though, the more Nolan’s decision makes sense. Unfurling due east of Inverness in a series of vast sand dunes, shingle bars, pine-edged marshes and sandstone skerries, this coastline is both cinematic and unusually varied. The absence of tourist crowds and coastal development must be a boon to film-makers.
Yet the resonances between the world of The Odyssey and these Scottish seafaring communities run deeper than scenery. Legends cling like barnacles to Moray’s shores. Superstitions intermingle with real histories of sieges and tragedies. Take the “Atlantis of the North” at Culbin Sands, the RSPB nature reserve and forest where Matt Damon’s Odysseus clashes with the giant-like Laestrygonians. A thriving agricultural estate and village stood here until 1694, when a freak sandstorm buried the settlement in a single night. Locals blamed either a witch’s curse or their reckless laird’s bargain with the devil.
Culbin Sands, where Matt Damon’s Odysseus clashes with the giant-like Laestrygonians. Photograph: Jan Holm/Alamy
“The lore you hear along this coast is worthy of a Homeric epic,” says Moray-based author and classicist VJ Randle, whose novel The Athenian Murders is inspired by Greek mythology. She leads me along a section of the 50-mile Moray Coast Trail. Through an early morning Stygian sea-mist, we set off from the fishing village of Hopeman, the sandy footpath weaving between tangles of gorse and heather, before we clamber over the rock pools of Clashach Cove to a shadowy opening between the golden sandstone cliffs.
“This cave always reminds me of Calypso’s home,” Randle says. “Although locally, it’s said that a scarier sort of sea-spirit lives here.” She’s talking about the Grin Iron Wife – a witch with pale-green skin, rusted-red teeth and hair of seaweed who drags children and the elderly down to her underwater lair.
Such tales were once shared by seanchaidhean– oral historians who preserved heroic battles, local legends and clan genealogy. They were to Scottish Gaelic culture what the wandering bards were to ancient Greece.
It’s a fading tradition that local storytellers like Michelle van den Hout of Otherworldly Tales are helping to revive. Her walking tours introduce figures with striking parallels to classical mythology: theScottishcreator goddess and giantess Cailleach, a titan if ever there was one, islands and mountains formed from the rocks that fell from her creel basket; or the siren-like Ceasg, luring sailors who listened to her song to a watery grave.
Burghead harbour is where The Odyssey’s film crew docked a longship alongside the usual fishing vessels. Photograph: Helen Hotson/Alamy
Such tales were never simply about frightening people, van den Hout explains: “For isolated coastal communities, storytelling was a way to pass down lessons about survival, respecting nature and how to treat strangers. Rather than warning a child with, ‘Careful, that place has a riptide,’ it was more effective to say that a witch lives there.”
Threats coming from the North Sea could sometimes be made of flesh and blood, of course. In the town of Burghead, I stand on the grassy promontory overlooking granite cottages huddled around a working harbour. This is where The Odyssey’s film crew docked a 35-metre (115ft) longship last year alongside the usual fishing vessels. My attention turns to the raised earthworks beneath my feet: the remains of one of the largest Pictish forts ever built, burnt down in the 10th century, most likely during a Viking raid.
Along the neighbouring beach of Roseisle, dozens of barnacle-covered concrete blocks and pillboxes are wedged in the sand, half buried, like the ruins of a forgotten civilisation – and resembling the Trojan horse in the movie. But these relics are not ancient; they’re part of a vast defensive frontier from the second world war, when Moray became a secret training ground for the D-day landings. This legacy continues beneath the waves, where several sunken tanks from the wartime exercises can be explored on scuba diving excursions.
Heading further east, the cliffs steepen and craggy outcrops have long stirred up stories of metamorphosis. The soaring, 50ft sea-arch of Bow Fiddle Rock, for instance, is a giant that’s fallen beneath the waves, only the edge of his fiddle still visible, and the cries of nesting seabirds are its mournful music.
A few miles further on, the ruins of Findlater Castle cling to a narrow promontory. Befitting its turbulent past, from Viking occupation to being besieged by troops loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, this is where Nolan has the sorceress Circe bewitch Odysseus’ men into swine.
Findlater Castle, where Christopher Nolan has the sorceresss Circe bewitch Odysseus’ men into swine. Photograph: John Bracegirdle/Alamy
There’s magic on my visit, too, only it erupts from the ocean below. The setting sun is a bronze shield, the sea uncharacteristically calm, when a dozen dorsal fins pierce the surface. Bottlenose dolphins. They’re a regular sight along these shores, with the Moray Firth home to Europe’s most northerly resident pod. Minke whales, humpbacks and orcas sometimes pass through, too, making this one of the UK’s best cetacean-spotting locations.
A motor launch scuds across the bay, heading for shore apace as dusk falls. My thoughts turn to homecomings. That, after all, is the essence of The Odyssey, more than monsters or battles. The hero’s yearning to return. His wife Penelope anxiously waiting. Countless women through the centuries have surely done the same from this very clifftop, staring out to sea for a sign of a familiar sail.
But a visit to Buckie and District Fishing Heritage Centre the following day reveals that the Moray coast’s fishwives were no idle, passive Penelopes. While the menfolk were at sea, they baited thousands of hooks by hand, gutted and packed herring, and trudged 13 miles inland to sell their catch.
One faded, sepia photograph in the display is unforgettable: it shows the female fishers, barefoot and skirts hitched, carrying their husbands on their backs through the surf, ensuring the men’s boots stayed dry before they boarded their boats. These are, perhaps, the true heroes of these Scottish shores: not a cunning soldier-king, as Homer would have it, but the stalwart, unsung “fisher lassies”, sharing a sea-swell of stories and ballads as they worked.
Where to stay The Odyssey’scast and crew made their base at The Seafield Arms in Cullen (doubles from £150). “The production team turned our meeting rooms into a working base for editing the film,” says owner Charles Milne, “while our grand ballroom became a private cinema where Christopher Nolan and the crew watched the day’s footage each evening.” Its refurbished self-catering accommodation Bow Cottage, where Matt Damon stayed, has been decked out with ancient Greek-inspired touches and movie memorabilia for visiting fans (sleeps seven from £300 a night, minimum three-night stay.) While you’re in Cullen, browse the shelves at Beinn Books for collections of Scottish folklore or perhaps a translation of Homer’s original.
How to get there National rail services run to Inverness and Aberdeen, with onward train and bus connections to larger coastal towns. Hiring a car is the easiest way to reach its more remote beaches, castles and walking trails.
July 23 (UPI) — Arizona health officials have confirmed the state’s first infection of an mpox strain responsible for a global outbreak, identifying the case as having been infected while traveling outside the United States.
The Arizona Department of Health and Services said in a statement Wednesday that it has confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, involving a person with recent international travel.
“ADHS and local public health officials are working to prevent additional infections through monitoring and follow-ups with people who may have been exposed,” the state health agency said.
“There is currently no evidence of local transmission connected to this case.”
Little information about the patient was made public. The ADHS said it was notified of a confirmed travel-associated case of the mpox strain this month.
It is the state’s 34th case of the disease this year, with all but the most recent patient having contracted Clade II mpox.
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which is spread through physical contact, including direct skin-to-skin contact and sharing of personal items, including bedding, towels and clothing, the ADHS said.
The virus has two main clades: Clade I, which is endemic to Central Africa, and Clade II, which is associated with West Africa.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clade I was historically reported to have a much higher case-fatality rate than Clade II, though recent data suggest case-fatality rates for both clades are low, especially when medical care is provided.
Clade II is the cause of the ongoing mpox outbreak that began in 2022, infecting more than 114,000 people worldwide, including about 37,500 people infected in the United States, CDC statistics show. ADHS statistics show Arizona had 582 mpox infections in 2022, followed by 20 in 2023, 66 in 2024 and 17 last year.
Clade I is also responsible for an ongoing mpox outbreak that began in Central Africa in late 2023, and which has since spread internationally, resulting in more than 55,000 confirmed cases, including more than 150 deaths, since January 2024, the CDC said.
The United States reported between 1,700 and 2,800 mpox cases a year from 2023 through 2025, though nearly all have been Clade II.
The CDC said Clade I cases have increased in frequency in the country since March, with more than 20 cases reported in the United States as of June.
Firefighters battle a fire blazing at the Mackintosh Building, housing the Glasgow School of Art, in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, in 2018. The school announced Wednesday that the cost of rebuilding it to the architecht’s specifications would cost too much. File Photo by Stringer/EPA
July 22 (UPI) — The Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building, damaged twice by fire, would cost too much for the school to fully rebuild on its own, the school’s board of governors said Wednesday.
Rebuilding the school in line with artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s original design would cost about $355 million, the school said in a press release Wednesday.
That amount is “equivalent to five times the GSA’s annual turnover [revenue], an amount that is not affordable and which would compromise the financial sustainability of the institution.”
The Art Nouveau building, completed in 1909, was damaged by fire twice. Much of the building was destroyed in 2014 after a student’s art project was ignited by an overhead projector. In June 2018, when the rebuilding was nearly complete, another fire destroyed it. There was no cause found for the second fire, which ignited a dispute between the school and its insurance company that ended in arbitration that wrapped up this spring.
Neil Baxter, architectural historian and former lecturer in architectural history at the school, said the building is “of the greatest world importance,” and said, “The Scottish government should step up, and if it can’t, the British government should step up,” The New York Times reported.
The school released an 80-page analysis Wednesday that highlights the potential for the Mackintosh Building “to become an anchor project in a creative and cultural production innovation district, attracting investment to the city, driving the growth of its creative economy, and supporting new businesses and employment opportunities.”
Ann Priest, chair of the Glasgow School of Art’s board of governors, said early discussions with Scottish and British government officials ahead of the announcement “have been supportive and incredibly positive.”
Priest said the board believes the building should be a “heritage-led economic regeneration project, building on the existing creative and cultural production assets within this part of the city, to strengthen Glasgow’s creative eco-system and its position as one of the UK’s leading creative economies.
“The Mack will always have a special place at the heart of The Glasgow School of Art’s history, and we have further plans within the next phase of work to create museum standard interpretations of the building that will exist alongside its retained architectural elements and help tell the story of this remarkable place and the people who have worked and studied there for years to come,” Priest said.
Gordon Gibb, a former director of professional studies at the school’s architecture department, said that the school needs another organization to “take over” the restoration.
“This is a building that influenced world architecture and changed Victorian traditionalism into modernism,” Gibb told The Times. “We have detailed records of every part of it,” he added, “so it should be brought back.”
Visitors tour the newly remodeled undercroft beneath the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on July 10, 2026. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Guyana Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips said an independent inquiry will be established “as early as possible” to determine what happened before the MV Barima departed and whether operating procedures were followed. File Photo by Nathalia Aguilar/EPA
July 22 (UPI) — Guyana will establish an independent commission of inquiry into the country’s deadliest maritime disaster after the sinking of the MV Barima left at least 53 people dead.
Meanwhile, authorities continued rescue and recovery operations while investigating discrepancies in the ferry’s passenger manifest and possible safety violations.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old ferry operating between Georgetown and the remote community of Port Kaituma, capsized Saturday night after issuing a distress signal, Authorities described it as the worst maritime disaster in Guyana’s history.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Wednesday the independent inquiry will be established “as early as possible” to determine what happened before the vessel departed and whether operating procedures were followed.
Investigators will also examine how discrepancies in the passenger manifest occurred, how cargo was handled, whether the emergency response was adequate and whether violations of maritime regulations occurred, according to Guyana’s Department of Public Information.
“I can assure you, yes, we will have a commission of inquiry and people will be held responsible based on the outcome, the results and the recommendations of that commission of inquiry,” Phillips said.
Authorities now believe about 179 people were aboard the ferry when it capsized, despite the official manifest listing 116 passengers and 17 crew members, Phillips said.
He cautioned against drawing conclusions about possible overloading or operational failures before investigators complete their work, but did acknowledge discrepancies between the official records and the estimated number of passengers.
Phillips said the commission also will recommend reforms to strengthen maritime safety, improve ferry operations and help prevent similar disasters.
The announcement comes as search and recovery operations entered a new phase. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said Wednesday that authorities planned to begin raising the wreck using specialized flotation equipment to improve access for rescue and recovery teams, according to the Department of Public Information.
Ali said additional divers and technical personnel were joining the operation, which includes the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, police, civilian volunteers and private-sector partners. He ssaid seabed mapping technology provided with support from ExxonMobil had located the ferry resting on its starboard side, allowing engineers to plan a recovery effort.
“We have not ruled out rescue just yet,” Ali told relatives of those still missing during a late-night briefing, according to the Department of Public Information.
Authorities said 76 people have been rescued since the accident, while dozens remain unaccounted for.
Separate criminal and administrative investigations also remain underway.
Earlier this week, officials confirmed that the ferry’s captain and mate tested positive for marijuana after the accident. Maritime personnel responsible for the vessel’s operations were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the Department of Public Information.
Despite this being lower than expected, Ryanair said it is still too high.
When the tax increase was announced at the beginning of the year, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary slammed the plans, calling them “silly” and “damaging”.
He added: “Over the last 20 years, Ryanair has grown to be Belgium’s largest airline.
“This growth can easily be lost to tax abolishing countries like Sweden Hungary,SlovakiaandItaly, and if Charleroi and Belgium don’t reverse these taxes.”
Ryanair currently carries 11.6million passengers to and from Belgium, making it the largest airline operating in the country.
It’s not yet clear whether the routes axed will be from the UK.
Current flights routes to Charleroi include from Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The town has been named among the prettiest in the UK, and there are now plans to turn part of a ‘under-utilised’ car park into a modern Premier Inn that’s just steps from its golden sandy beaches
The new Premier Inn could be perfect for holidaymakers visiting the seaside town(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A brand-new Premier Inn is headed for a seaside location that has been named among the prettiest in the UK.
The UK’s largest hotel chain, which already boasts over 840 locations, confirmed that it’s coming to Hunstanton on the North Norfolk coast with a 108-bedroom property on the town’s Southend Road, subject to planning permission.
In a statement, Whitbread PLC, which owns Premier Inn, confirmed: “The company is in early discussions with planners at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk on the design of the new hotel, with a planning application expected to be submitted in the autumn.”
It also revealed: “The multimillion-pound Premier Inn will feature the brand’s latest guest bedrooms, including its popular enhanced ‘Premier Plus’ rooms, and guest-focused restaurant alongside dedicated on-site guest car parking spaces.”
The planned hotel would be the first from the chain on the North Norfolk coast. Premier Inn’s last opening in the county was the Great Yarmouth Seafront Premier Inn, which opened its doors in 2019. Premier Inn was also recently granted permission to redevelop its current Norwich Nelson hotel, which will include a new, larger 248-bedroom Premier Inn, student accommodation, a new public park, and an upgraded public river walkway.
The new hotel comes amid a proposed ‘masterplan’ for Hunstanton, which is currently undergoing a consultation until July 27. Its objectives include “promoting and diversifying the town’s tourist offer”.
Part of a car park described as ‘a generally underutilised area’, Seagate East Car Park on Southend Road, is the proposed site of the new hotel. Whitbread clarified: “The coach park and the Honeystone Public House car park do not form part of the proposed development site.” This location is just a three-minute walk from the town’s South Promenade and attractions such as SEA LIFE Hunstanton.
Hunstanton is a purpose-built seaside resort, dating back to Victorian times, famous for its unique striped cliffs, fine golden sands, and soft sand dunes. It’s also the only east coast resort in England facing west, meaning you can watch spectacular sunsets over the sea.
The town was recently named the UK’s best place for fish and chips thanks to the number of chippies close to the beach, many of which have won awards. It was also dubbed one of the UK’s prettiest seaside towns by Time Out in 2025.
Councillor Simon Ring, deputy council leader, said: “This is huge news for Hunstanton, the culmination of years of discussions between the council and Premier Inn, and I’m so proud the agreements are finally in place, subject to formal planning consent.”
He added: “The detailed designs, of course, will come out through the usual planning process and consultation. But the sheer fact that the UK’s largest hotel chain wants to invest in Hunstanton is a vote of confidence in the resort’s future, placing us alongside Norfolk’s other big visitor destinations, and this investment and new facility will hopefully act as a catalyst for further money, guided by our Masterplan.”
Paul Smith, regional acquisitions manager for Whitbread, said in a statement: “Hunstanton is one of the UK’s best-known seaside destinations and a place we’ve wanted to bring Premier Inn to for some time. It attracts visitors from across the East of England and beyond, yet it does not currently offer any branded hotel rooms to visitors.
“We believe a Premier Inn in Hunstanton would be a great addition to the town’s tourism offer, providing visitors with the quality, value and reliability they expect from the UK’s leading hotel brand while helping to support local businesses, jobs and year-round economic activity.”
Premier Inn’s statement also said: “In launching the plans, Whitbread has confirmed it does not have any agreements with national government departments to house asylum seekers at any of its trading Premier Inn or hub by Premier Inn hotels in the UK and Ireland.”
The brand also said it was looking for further potential Premier Inn locations across the country.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
The Lidl case holds 10kg of luggage and fits within the size requirements of most UK-based airlines, helping you dodge those hefty oversized baggage fees.
But the Amazon dupe is cheaper and even better.
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Like the Lidl bargain, the AVIO option features a secure hard shell, easy-glide wheels and fits neatly in a plane’s overhead locker.
It also comes with an extra feature that the Lidl option doesn’t have.
It has a built-in, three-digit lock to protect your items.
This means you can lock down your zips and keep your passport, tech, and any valuables secure without needing to buy a separate padlock.
And you can’t beat the peace of mind knowing that your luggage is safe and secure when out of sight.
Amazon reviewers rate the suitcase very highly, too, giving it a 4.3/5 star rating and praising that the roomy suitcase lets you make the most of your cabin baggage allowance.
The Amazon find fits perfectly into overhead cabin storage with airlines like Ryanair and easyJetCredit: Getty
One reviewer said, “These are excellent little cases. We bought them to fly with easyJet and to keep our ticket price as low as possible; these will fit easily under the seat in front.
“We were able to get a surprising amount of stuff in them for a four night stay; toilet bag (basics), 4 t-shirts, hoodie, 4 socks, 4 pants, sweatpants and Birkenstocks and some electronics and an anorak.”.
Another reviewer added, “Amazing quality, very lightweight, tires are nice. For cabin bag, its good as it gets”.
It feels like there’s a world class beach at the end of almost every coastal road on this Mediterranean island.
La Pelosa beach is one of several world-class beaches in Sardinia (Image: Getty)
When you picture the world’s best beaches, it may well be places like the Maldives or Barbados that spring to mind. But there’s one large Mediterranean island, easily accessible from the UK, that can stake as strong a claim to the world’s best beaches as anywhere on the planet — and it’s not in Spain or Greece.
Official UK government figures show that the number of British tourists visiting Spain dwarfs the number visiting Italy, which is where you’ll find this magical island packed with world-class beaches. In the most recent list of Europe’s 50 best beaches, the island of Sardinia has two beaches in the top 10. In 2024, one of its beaches was named the best on Earth.
But Sardinia offers tourists way more than beaches. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean so there is lots to explore, including its inland countryside, coastal villages, luxury resorts and exceptional food and drink. Given Sardinia is less overwhelmed by tourists than the likes of Tenerife, you’ll find that many of its restaurants still cater mainly for locals and the quality of food is high. It also has a large city, Cagliari, which offers all the culture and nightlife you’d expect from a large European city with a vibrant student population.
But despite its size, Sardinia, which lies around halfway between the coasts of Italy and Spain, is easily navigable and you can drive its coastal roads stopping off at the stunning beaches that seem to be dotted every few miles. And all of this is just a short flight from the UK. The weather is perfect too, with temperatures reaching 30C in summer and still hitting up to 23C even in October.
The best beaches in Sardinia
It’s not an easy task to compile a list of the best beaches in Sardinia because there are so many of them. I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times, reaching nearly all four corners and sampling its wonderful beaches, which are almost never crowded despite their natural beauty and easy access.
This year, Cala Dei Gabbiani on the island’s east coast, and La Pelosa, on its northwestern tip, were both named among Europe’s top 10 beaches. In 2024, Cala Goloritzé was named the best on Earth, with those who compiled the list for The World’s 50 Best Beaches saying: “Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach — its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it. Whether you’re looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breath-taking.”
Meanwhile, Poetto is the city of Cagliari’s “in-house” beach. Just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre it has 8km of sand and is packed with bars and places to eat.
Here are a selection of Sardinia beaches you shouldn’t miss:
1. Cala Mariolu: clear water, with shades ranging from turquoise to deep blue, white limestone pebbles, dramatic cliffs and rich marine life.
2. La Pelosa: powdery white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, it is widely considered one of Europe’s most spectacular beaches, with an iconic 16th-century watchtower on a nearby rocky islet.
3. Cala Dei Gabbiani: clear waters and few crowds
4. Spiaggia del Pirata: just 100 metres long and good for snorkelling in shallow waters
5. Spiaggia Rena Bianca: pale, fine sand, shallow, clear water and views towards Corsica
6. Cala Corsara: in the La Maddalena archipelago just off Sardinia’s north-eastern coast, it has crystal-clear water, soft golden sands and dramatic rock formations
7. Spiaggia del Poetto: a huge 8km-long beach on the outskirts of Cagliari
8. Liscia Ruja: a mix of unspoilt nature and exclusive beach clubs
A celebrity hotspot
Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, Sir Elton John, Leonardo DiCpario and Cristiano Ronaldo have all enjoyed holidays in Sardinia over the years. The destination of choice for the stars is the Costa Smeralda region and its main hub, Porto Cervo, where you will see vast superyachts worth hundreds of millions of pounds moored with security keeping wide-eyed tourists at bay.
Just down the road from Porto Cervo is the celebrity’s beach of choice, Spiagga del Principe, which Lonely Planet describes as a “magnificent crescent of white sand… bound by unspoiled macchia and startlingly clear blue waters”.
Food and drink in Sardinia
You have so many options. All the major towns and cities have lots of authentic options which are still mostly aimed at Italians more than tourists and many beaches will have pop-up style places to grab a salad, wine or piadini (a type of sandwich). Sardinia has a famously long-living population thanks to its healthy diet based on fish, fruit, vegetables and olive oil.
One eating experience not to be missed is the agriturismo. This is an Italian concept which has seen traditional farms adapt to cater for visitors who want to eat or stay (or both). The menus can be extensive and fantastic, and you will find yourself very full of the most excellent locally-produced food. There’s nothing like it.
Where to stay in Sardinia
Deciding where to stay largely comes down to the sort of holiday you want. Cagliari, on the south coast, is a bustling city with lots of places to stay, eat and drink. It’s not really a tourist city so you’ll have an authentically Italian experience. It’s easy enough to get out of the city by car to nearby beaches, especially Poetto, which is essentially on its doorstep.
At the opposite end of the island is Alghero, a medieval town also within a short drive of world-beating beaches like La Pelosa. and while Costa Smeralda, in the north-east of the island, is popular among wealthier visitors, you can find affordable places in the region, like Cannigione.
Flying to Sardinia
The main airports in Sardinia are at Cagliari on the south coast, Olbia on the north-eastern coast and Alghero on the north-western coast. They are served by several UK airports with deals starting from around £40.
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Holafly eSIMs start from £2.99, and you can pick from over 200 destinations worldwideCredit: PA
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TWO women have been to every single lido across the UK – so it’s fair to say they know the best outdoor pools to cool down in this summer.
Authors Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson met through their shared loved of lidos, and between them, have visited them all over the years.
Emma has been all over the country and the Channel Islands exploring lidosCredit: AlamyThe Strand Lido in Kent has a huge Mediterranean-looking lazy riverCredit: http://www.visitmedway.org
The pair put together The Lido Guide which was first published in 2019 and is a practical guide to all the 130 outdoor pools in the country.
So whether you’re looking for family-friendly pools, ones with beach views or huge cafés, Emma reveals some of the loveliest lidos where you should swim this summer.
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Family-friendly lidos
Haltwhistle in Northumberland is a very family-friendly pool with twisty slidesCredit: Unknown
“Three spring to mind for family-friendly lidos. Firstly, I would say Haltwhistle.
“It’s in Northumberland and it has amazing twisty slides as well as a larger and smaller pool – so it’s lots of fun for kids.
“There’s a really good splash pad at Greenbank Pool in Somerset.
“I also like Droitwich Spa Lido in Worcester for families – it’s got a splash pad, and at one end it has a sloping entry, so it’s more of a beach-style pool.
“My daughter’s favourite, which she loved as a child, is The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent.
“It’s like the Mediterranean with a huge lazy river around the outside and a little elephant slide in the toddler pool.”
Tidal pools
Three tidal pools in Scotland all look out over the Firth of Forth – including St MonansCredit: Alamy
“Tidal pools are all so pretty and there’s a lovely cluster of them in Scotland; Pittenweem, Cellardyke and St Monans which all look out to the Firth of Forth.
“You can have a lovely weekend visiting all of those.
“It feels like a more conventional pool even though it’s washed over by the sea, it’s free to use too, so it makes for an inexpensive day out.”
Free lidos
Mount Wise in Plymouth has mutiple pools – and it’s freeCredit: Facebook
“Most tidal pools are completely free to use – but a best example of a free lido that isn’t tidal is Mount Wise in Plymouth.
“Everyone usually thinks about Tinside Lido in Plymouth which is very beautiful.
“Mount Wise is only a mile from there with three swimming pools on-site, a toddler walk-through area and it’s absolutely brilliant.
“There’s another little pool in Cumbria called Hunsonby which isn’t free, but is managed on an honesty box where you can pop your money in.”
Hidden gems
Emma says Askham Lido in Cumbria is a true hidden gemCredit: askhamandhelton.co.uk
“I would say the Cumbria cluster, as none of those are very well known.
“There’s Shap, Greystoke and Lazonby but at the top of the list I’d say is Askham.
“They’re all close together too, so you could go for a weekend and see them all, they’re tucked away in villages rather than towns.
“Clyst Hydon in Exeter I’d also include as a hidden gem. It’s completely hidden away up a little leafy track and if Enid Blyton wrote ‘Five Go Swimming‘ I’m sure it would have been set there.”
Lidos with extras
Saltdean Lido has a restaurant and even the community library is on-siteCredit: Saltdean Lido
“Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is great for having lots of things on-site, they’ve got two big saunas, catering, and funky pods to sit in if the weather is a bit bleak.
“Hathersage has an underground café which is really nice – I say underground, it’s underneath the covered terrace opposite the bandstand.
“So you have to go up a little set of stairs to get to the pool.
“Saltdean Lido in Brighton is one of most beautiful streamline modern building that has a lovely restaurant on-site and a library – that’s a great extra.
“The pools are lovely too, there’s a cluster of four of them along a half a mile on the stretch of coast. The café sits on what used to be the ladies and children’s pool.”
Pretty views
Emma describes the pool at Marine Lake at Clevedon as an ‘infinity pool’Credit: Alamy
“There’s a tidal pool at the Marine Lake at Clevedon which is essentially a massive 200metre long infinity pool.
“If you go up to the sea wall you’ll be looking out across the Bristol Channel and the Victorian Pier, it’s a lovely view.
“It’s surrounded by hills which you can see in all direction, it feels very green.
“Similar to that is Hathersage in the Peak District which has a bandstand in the grounds and you’re surrounded by hills there as well – it’s pretty special.
“I suppose as well, Sea Lanes has just opened in Canary Wharf, it’s not a classically pretty view. But you won’t get a view like that anywhere else – it’s a fun swim.”
London lidos
Most people don’t even know that you can swim in Covent GardenCredit: Instagram
“London lidos are all so different – I have a soft spot for Parliament Hill, it’s open all year-round and the staff there are brilliant. Although it’s very busy in the summer months there.
“I quite like Oasis in Covent Garden. The pool itself is nothing to write home about but it’s in Covent Garden – you can walk past it at street level and never know it was there.
“It’s a 25metre heated pool and sauna, so you go up a little flight of stairs. It’s surrounded by trees so it’s leafy which is such a treat in that part of London.”
Adults-only
The lido in Matlock Bath has a hotel pool that is open to the publicCredit: Alamy
HEADING to Turkey for your summer holiday in the next few weeks? Make sure to double check your passport before flying.
Brits are repeatedly being caught out before they travel by things like passport expiry dates and leaving blank pages for stamps.
The Turquoise Coast is popular for Brits thanks to its beautiful beachesCredit: AlamyBut you don’t want to miss out on your holiday because of the passport rulesCredit: Alamy
Thomas Cook has found that travel to Turkey is up 37 per cent year-on-year with Brits heading to places like the sparkling Turquoise Coast.
For those heading on holiday soon, it’s important to have a reminder of the entry rules as they are different to countries in the Schengen Area.
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Brits heading to Turkey need at least 150 days left on their passport from the date of arrival.
This is different to the EU rules which requires three months, compared to Turkey’s nearly five months.
If you don’t have the right amount of time then you may be denied entry by your airline before flying, or at the border on arrival.
Even worse news is that if this happens, travel insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of cancelled accommodation, missed flights or return travel.
Another requirement to enter Turkey is that passports need to have one completely blank page.
This is to allow room for entry and exit stamps or full-page visas.
You may need to use fast-track passport services if you
Airlines may check this before passengers even board the plane, as they could face fines if a passenger is later refused entry.
So if you’re a frequent flyer, check how many blank pages you have remaining in your passport before booking a trip.
The UK Foreign Office currently states: “To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.
“You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document.”
If you need a new passport for your holiday, you may want to look at applying now as typical renewals can take around three weeks.
There is a fast-track service if your passport isn’t valid and you need to travel soon.
For more information on passport rules, visas and items you need to pack in your hand luggage this summer – head here.
Sandcastle Waterpark is the biggest indoor waterpark in the UKCredit: Cyann FieldingInstead, you will find 18 rides and attractionsCredit: Cyann Fielding
On a recent hot weekend I found myself in Blackpool and beelined for Sandcastle Waterpark, which claims the title as the biggest indoor waterpark in the UK.
Kept to a toasty 29C, the waterpark has more than 18 water slides and attractions.
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Upon entering the park, my eyes immediately looked up to the Master Blaster which claims the title as the world’s longest indoor roller coaster waterslide, stretching 250 metres.
I’ll be honest, hearing the terrified-yet-joyful screams did put me off and while I failed to muster the courage for this slide, the waterpark has loads of others to enjoy.
I opted to head on Sidewinder instead, the world’s first indoor vertical drop slide.
My heart lurched as I hovered over the edge of the half-pipe in my rubber ring.
Before I had a chance to back out, I was tipped over the edge, dropping metres down before shooting right up the opposite side of the pipe.
Unlike me, just remember to smile for the camera.
There’s also a wave poolCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd the entire attraction is heated to 29CCredit: Cyann Fielding
Next up was Aztec Falls, which quickly became my favourite.
In a rubber ring, you drop into a pitch-black bowl and swirl around in the dark.
The roar of the rushing water made me feel as if I had been sucked into a waterfall.
Other slides include Montazooma, where you head down a large drop and whizz through bends at high speed.
And ideal for competitive family members, you can head on the Duelling Dragon slides and race side by side in the near dark.
At this point I had exhausted my bravery for the day, and decided to head to one of the busiest areas of the entire waterpark – the Typhoon Lagoon Wavepool.
I spent 20 minutes bobbing up and down, lulling my heart rate back to a somewhat normal level.
Every so often, the waves are turned on, which makes you feel as if you are surfing the waves in the actual ocean.
There’s a splash play area for little ones tooCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd for an extra charge, you can head into the spa as wellCredit: Cyann Fielding
Another section I found relaxing was the Ushi Gushi Action River, where I floated in the gentle current, leaving me feeling as if I was bobbing down a river in Thailand.
Little ones just getting used to the water aren’t left out either with the Caribbean Storm Treehouse packed with water cannons and splash zones.
For an extra £7.50 per person, you can get access to the Sea Breeze Spa.
While there isn’t much there, it is nice to have an adult-only retreat in the middle of the park.
I hopped between the salt inhalation room, steam room and sauna for a good half hour at the end of my waterpark session.
It allowed me to chill out after all the thrills – though you’ll still hear all the screams and water blasts of the park.
If you want to spend more time without kids running around you, then you can book the Tiki Cabana Experience, which gives you access to an exclusive area with your own TV, soft drinks and hot tub.
Sessions tend to last three hours, which is plenty of time to experience all the slides and attractions.
Each session costs £22.31 per person over the age of eight, and £14.44 per child aged between three and seven.
Is it worth it? I think so, as there is more than enough to do and kids will be hard pressed to want to leave.
It began as a whimsical idea that occurred to Daniel Leigh after an idyllic trip to the United States: Sell his family’s five-bedroom home in England and travel the world with his wife, Lauren Vaknine, and their two children.
So he was surprised when, a few months later, Vaknine and their children, Braxton, 10, and Viva, 7, agreed to go along with the plan.
When they got back from their trip to America in March, they noticed that others had successfully raffled their homes on the British website Raffall. The online platform raffles everything from cars to homes, including one man who promoted his house to Americans last year as a “safe haven from Trump.” The couple decided to try it too.
The home is located just 20 minutes outside of London in Elstree.
(Lux Visuals Ltd.)
In June, they put their house in Elstree, about 20 minutes from London, up as a sweepstakes prize online and began selling tickets for five British pounds each, or $6.75.
“While someone new makes memories in our home, we get to go and make some of our own,” said Leigh, who has worked in educational recruitment in London for more than 20 years.
Leigh got the idea after reading a New York Times article about Imelda Collins, who raised about $1.4 million last year by raffling her two-bedroom cottage in Ireland. She sold 206,815 tickets at $6.70 each, and in October, Collins sold her cottage to Kathleen Spangler, a 29-year-old U.S. Marine Corps officer from Dayton, Ohio, who had bought three tickets on a whim and promptly forgot about them.
Leigh and Vaknine, both 42, grew up in the same village and went to high school together.
But after their family trip to New Orleans; Asheville, N.C.; and South Carolina spots Charleston, Folly Beach and Lake Keowee, they began to wonder if they wanted to stay in the same town forever. Kayaking and seeing the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains made them rethink their life.
The couple’s open kitchen was renovated in 2021.
(Lux Visuals Ltd.)
The living room.
(Lux Visuals Ltd.)
“Living on a lake was the most peaceful life I’ve ever had,” Leigh said. “It was perfect. In England, the kids spend most of their time indoors because of the weather, and we have to keep them busy with things like trampolines or indoor parks. Every family outing costs about $300. You can’t just go to the lake, the beach or hike in the mountains.”
Leigh said they have worked hard to build the life they thought they wanted, with two kids, their dog and a home. But after achieving professional success, they realized it was not the future they hoped for.
“We keep chasing goals that always seem just out of reach, simply because we feel we have to keep going,” he said. “There’s so much life to live. We’re seeing many of our parents and our friends’ parents pass away, and it makes you realize that life can feel like a conveyor belt. You either live or you just keep moving along.”
For Vaknine, a holistic wellness coach who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age 2, selling their home and traveling the world carries even deeper meaning.
“I have been on a long journey,” said Vaknine, who has been in remission for the past decade. “From being head-to-toe disabled to being fully able-bodied, you don’t come through that without realizing that there is so much more to life than working, taking the kids to school and making dinner in the same house every day. For me, the extraordinary life isn’t about mansions, yachts or extravagance. It’s about experiencing life fully, finding deep inner joy, and I can’t do that if I stay within the same four walls in the same town I grew up in.”
Her husband added, “She lives a life of gratitude for everything. That’s what this is about: Let’s live life in the moment and do what we can when we are fully able.”
Their five-bedroom home, which is estimated at about $2 million, is on a quiet cul-de-sac with just five other houses in Hertfordshire, England. It has 2,226 square feet of living space, a south-facing garden, an open-plan kitchen, a dining and living room renovated in 2021, plus a home office and gym.
Leigh said they are not trying to make a profit, but they need to sell 550,000 tickets to cover the property’s costs, legal fees, taxes, prize money and raffle expenses.
“The ticket target has been set to cover all of the associated costs, so it’s unlikely there will be much left over,” he said. “If ticket sales exceed the target, then certainly, but that’s not the goal.”
If they don’t reach the ticket target, a winner will still be chosen and will get 50% of the money raised. They hope the winner gets the house.
One of the home’s bathrooms.
(Lux Visuals Ltd.)
One of the five bedrooms in the couple’s home.
(Lux Visuals Ltd.)
One reason homes aren’t auctioned often on the site, he said, is that you have to promote them yourself. Leigh estimates they’ve spent about $17,000 so far and are about to spend another $15,000 on Meta advertising. They also have to pay for their own legal advice.
The raffle has become a family project, and their children have helped with promotion. In one video, Braxton asks what might be the most important question about their move: “Are we bringing the dog?”
“We may have to leave him with family for a while,” Leigh said of their dog Story. “He’s the size of a small pony, so traveling with him could be a challenge. He’d definitely be missed, though.”
Working together to promote their home has been a valuable lesson for their children, Leigh said, showing them “that if you put your mind to something, you can do it. I want them to see hard work. It’s not just fun to do videos. It’s staying up till midnight, getting up early, running two jobs and making sure you don’t miss an interview. And in the end, the kids will see that life can change, and there’s a world out there if you make it happen.”
The family recently spent time in North Carolina, South Carolina and Louisiana. “We’re huge fans of America,” Leigh said. The couple hope to visit all 50 states after their home is raffled on Dec. 7.
(Daniel Leigh)
The kids aren’t worried about losing their home, Leigh said. “They are excited about going on a holiday, which we hope will include Australia, India and every state in America.”
With a record number of Americans applying for British citizenship, the couple’s raffle may be well-timed. The winner, chosen randomly by Raffall on Dec. 7, will get a mortgage-free home with all legal fees and taxes paid, plus $45,000 for household bills. The property transfer may take up to 60 days or longer according to Raffall’s terms and conditions.
Part of every ticket sale will go to Solace Women’s Aid, a British charity supporting women and children affected by domestic violence. Leigh notes that not every state can take part in Raffall competitions because of different state gambling, lottery and consumer protection laws.
At a time when many people are trying to choose between traveling or saving for a house, the couple is offering raffle entrants a chance to do both.
That’s the point, Leigh said: “If not now, when? That question changed everything.”
If you’re looking to bring a squishy toy on a flight this summer, there are some travel rules you may not be aware of.
The viral toys are extremely popular with young children, but may not be allowed through security at certain airports.
Squishy toys can be filled with gel which could be a problem at airport securityCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
With the summer break fully underway, many Brits will soon be heading overseas on holiday.
For families packing children’s toys to bring on the flight, it’s important to check with airport security rules as certain toys may not be allowed past the gates.
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One such product is the viral squishy dumplings, the latest toy craze to take over the internet.
Housed in plastic “basket style” pots, the trending toys come in a variety of bright colours, including rarer glitter and galaxy dumplings.
However, if you or your child are looking to bring the toys with you abroad this summer, there’s a possibility the squishies may be flagged at security.
This is because some of the squeezy dumplings are filled with gel.
UK airports have restrictions on the limit of liquids, gels and pastes you can bring through security, which can range from 100ml up to two litres.
To check rules surrounding squeezy dumplings, the BBC reached out to the Department for Transport and major UK airports to see what guidelines they had in place.
The DfT is one of the regulatory bodies that consults on airport security restrictions.
When it comes to bringing squishy toys on planes, the DfT said: “No matter how adorable your squishy dumpling is, airport security rules still apply.”
This means that depending on the airport you are flying from, the limits that airport sets out surrounding liquids, gels and pastes will apply to your squishy toy.
It’s advised to check directly with the airport you are flying from to understand these limits.
However, the department did add that for any travellers in doubt as to where to pack their squeezy dumplings “the safest place is in your hold luggage”.
Manchester Airport has advised that “all but very small squishy toys should be placed in hold baggage”.
As smaller squishies contain less than 100ml of liquid they should be fine to bring through.
But larger toys may not have the exact measurement listed on the item, meaning it’s better to bring them in hand luggage so security can estimate the size.
Both Birmingham Airport and London Gatwick Airport said that the squeezy toys are required to go through security screening, whichever bag the item is in.
Like anything going through security, the airports confirmed that if the item fails security checks, it would not be allowed on the plane.
As the toys contain gel, Belfast City Airport has confirmed that the items are subject to the airport’s security rules surrounding liquids, gels and pastes.
Belfast City is one of a small number of airports in the UK that has introduced new security checks and limits on the amount of liquid able to bring through security.
Passengers can now bring up to two litres in hand luggage through this airport, so squishy dumplings are likely to be fine.
Both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports have said that its best to follow guidelines set out by the DfT.
THE longest outdoor tubing slide in the UK has finally opened at an adventure park – and it’s just in time for the summer holidays.
Families can now enjoy the new attraction, which offers visitors the chance to slide down 315ft on a doughnut-shaped inflatable.
All attractions are included in the price of entry to the 85-acre parkCredit: ROARR!The £300,000 ride was officially opened on Saturday by Gladiators’ Matty CampbellCredit: ROARR!
Located at Roarr! park in Norfolk, Fossil Falls is even bigger than the 288ft-long Forest Tubing experience, which opened at Heaton Park’s Zip World in May.
The £300,000 ride was officially opened on Saturday by Matty Campbell, better known as Bionic from Gladiators.
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He said: “It was amazing to see so many people turn out for the opening of Fossil Falls and the atmosphere has been incredible.
“I’m delighted to have been here to officially open it and see so many families enjoy it.”
A study of 2,000 holidaymakers found a manicure or pedicure is the treatment they would most like to have while away, followed by a Turkish bath and a facial
Holidaymakers are seeking out beauty treatments abroad(Image: PinPep)
Two thirds of travellers describe themselves as ‘pamper tourists’ and relish beauty treatments abroad – because they’re more affordable and there’s greater opportunity than back in the UK.
Research involving 2,000 holidaymakers revealed a manicure or pedicure tops the list of treatments they’d most like to indulge in while away, with a Turkish bath and facial following close behind. Massages, hair treatments and even fish pedicures also feature among the top 20.
A third of those surveyed said they would be tempted to book a treatment abroad if it worked out cheaper than back home, while 28% would consider it simply because they have more free time than usual while on holiday.
More than one in 10, however, would book a treatment at their destination purely to avoid the last-minute rush before they even set off.
The research was commissioned by Treatwellas part of its ‘No Shame in Being Type B’ campaign, which celebrates holidaymakers who don’t panic if their beauty prep isn’t sorted before take-off.
Its so-called ‘beautician brigade’ took over London Victoria, lining the concourse of the Gatwick Express terminal with signs serving as a love letter to those with an unapologetically last-minute approach to holiday beauty prep.
The brand’s UK CEO, Alessandro Frau, said: “Holiday beauty prep doesn’t have to happen before you leave home anymore.
“As our customers’ habits evolve, we’re evolving with them, making it easier to discover and book trusted beauty services wherever they are in Europe.”
The findings came off the back of data from Treatwell revealing that 5% of all UK bookings made on the beauty and wellness platform were placed overseas rather than at home.
Nails proved the most popular treatment booked by British travellers abroad, topping the charts in six of the brand’s seven biggest European markets — only knocked off the top spot by hair in Lithuania.
Italy is the overseas destination where UK travellers are most likely to book a beauty treatment, with the Mediterranean nation accounting for 21% of all cross-border bookings across those same countries, ahead of France (18%), Germany (17%), Spain (15%) and Lithuania (15%).
Greece is the fastest-growing of the seven destinations, with UK bookings there up 38% year-on-year, while Portugal (+23%) and Lithuania (+5%) also recorded strong growth.
However, a number of hurdles remain when it comes to booking treatments abroad, with 33% expressing concerns over treatment quality, 25% unsure about which venues to trust, and 23% worried about hidden costs.
This follows research revealing that UK travellers are divided between meticulous planners and last-minute bookers, with 54% describing themselves as Type A travellers who prefer to plan well in advance
Yet 11% proudly consider themselves Type B, leaving everything to the eleventh hour, according to the research by OnePoll.
Despite this, the average traveller spends just under six hours preparing for a trip, juggling everything from passports and visas to pet care and beauty treatments.
Alessandro Frau, from the beauty booking brand, added: “Whether you’re planning ahead or booking from your sun lounger, Treatwell gives you the same seamless experience, verified reviews and quality partners you trust at home.
“So everyone is treated like a local.”
TOP 20 BEAUTY TREATMENTS TO HAVE WHILE ON HOLIDAY:
The route runs under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the Avon Gorge, with services due to be run by Great Western Railway.
According to a local councillor, the new station and reopened line will “enable an estimated £43million of economic growth each year”.
Niall Spencer, senior sponsor for Network Rail‘s Great Western route, said: “There’s now visible progress right across the route, from bridge upgrades and site clearance to preparations for the new stations themselves.
“It’s exciting to see this long-awaited railway taking shape and moving another step closer to reconnecting local communities with the rail network for the first time in more than six decades.”
There will be services to Bristol Temple Meads from the stationCredit: National Rail
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “I know so many people have been waiting so long for passenger trains to return to the Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads line, and it is great to see work is well underway.
“Through this new £200 million train line, the West of England and North Somerset, alongside our industry partners, can connect more people to work, nature, and leisure.”
A man was disgruntled when the rest of his flight were obeying an unspoken rule about flights in the early morning, except for the person in the window seat on his row
He couldn’t believe what the person in the window seat was doing (Stock Image)(Image: Getty)
Early morning flights when it’s still dark outside can be nerve-wracking as you’re unable to see a thing. But once you’ve calmed those anxieties, you can make the most of the darkness in the cabin and get some much-needed sleep before you arrive at your travel destination.
However, passengers who haven’t booked a window seat or don’t have a sleep mask for the flight might just be out of luck. That’s because their seatmates might have other ideas and probably don’t fancy sleeping then. Now one traveller who was prepared to snooze on a flight when they booked an aisle seat was annoyed when someone got in the way.
TikTok user @traveltaps asked: “The negative of having an aisle seat is that I don’t control the window shades… and that sun is bright this morning! Ugh. Has this happened to you?”
Over the top of the video, which showed the plane cabin in darkness, they wrote: “When the entire plane created a calm, dark, sleepy atmosphere for this early morning flight…”
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And then they showed their row off where they wrote: “Except my row.” The passenger in the window seat wasn’t doing anything like reading, either, where they needed light. They were just ignoring the vibe of the rest of the plane.
Many people in the comments said they should’ve taken a sleep mask to avoid this if they wanted to get some rest and claimed they should “mind their own business”.
Someone shared: “If it’s the morning, the shade is up. Travel at night if you want a sleepy flight. It’s not every day I’m 30 thousand feet in the air, so I’m looking out the window.”
A second penned: “I don’t get the window seat so I can look at a window shade for five hours.”
However, one person wrote: “People in the comments are annoyed, but you’re right. If you fly regularly, you know there’s an unspoken rule that on an early morning flight, windows should be down when the cabin lights are dimmed before breakfast or beverage service.
“If you don’t fly regularly, maybe look around and ask yourself why you’re the only one with the window open.”
Another agreed: “No this is so rude to me. As someone who flies often and on long hauls. Read the room. If no one else is smoking, then don’t pull a cig out. If everyone is taking their shoes off at the door, then take yours off too! Don’t be rude.”
What would you do in this situation? Let us know in the comments…
Spain is in the grip of a major heatwave in summer 2026, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 47C in some parts of the country as UK tourists on holiday in Spain are warned to take precautions against the ‘brutal’ heat
Spain is currently experiencing an intense heatwave(Image: xavierarnau via Getty Images)
Spain is currently in the grip of an intense, official heatwave. The country’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued strict weather warnings as its third significant heatwave of the summer builds across the Iberian Peninsula. The extreme weather event officially commenced on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, and is predicted to reach its peak on Thursday, 23 July 2026. Some respite is anticipated from Friday (24 July) onwards, with milder weekend conditions expected.
Temperatures are forecast to locally hit or surpass 44C to 45C (and possibly reach 47C) across southern and southeastern mainland Spain. A comprehensive network of weather warnings has been issued nationwide. Red Alerts (extreme danger) remain in force for the worst-affected areas in Andalusia and Extremadura, while Orange Alerts blanket major regions including Madrid, Aragon, Catalonia, and Castile-La Mancha.
The heatwave is being fuelled by an enormous “heat dome” drawing dry, scorching air straight from the Sahara Desert. This has triggered a severe Calima (Saharan dust storm), producing murky skies, locking in elevated temperatures overnight (“tropical nights”), and substantially degrading local air quality.
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TikTok user Leanne, from Belfast, recently documented her experience in the sweltering conditions during her holiday to Majorca.
The DJ, who has amassed more than 19,000 followers, informed them in a video: “So, if you’re coming to Majorca on holiday in the next few days, you might be thinking, ‘What’s the weather like?’.
“We arrived on Monday and the last two days were really overcast, but very, very warm. It’s 8:35pm and it’s 34C.”
Leanne, who was perched on her hotel balcony at the time, explained she was beside the sea, yet even with the coastal breeze, it’s “still boiling”.
Nevertheless, she pointed out that all the hotels have excellent air conditioning, so you can always retreat indoors if you’re concerned about the outdoor temperatures being too intense.
She also revealed that she’s been “drinking loads of iced cocktails” to help stay refreshed.
Leanne continued: “So yeah, if you’re coming out in the next few days, be prepared – it is hot – but you can cool down, and enjoy your holiday.”
Other holidaymakers currently in Spain confessed they were finding the heat challenging in the comments section.
One person posted: “We are here now too and never felt anything like it! The strawberry daiquiris are medicinal at this point.”
While another shared: “I left on Sunday, it was so hot we were in Alcudia and there was no air. Was 34C but feels like 41C. Could only wear factor 50.”
A third remarked: “Got back from Cala Bona yesterday, the humidity has been brutal.”
With parched and scorching conditions taking hold, authorities have issued urgent warnings about an extreme risk of wildfires, with blazes already breaking out in areas including Zaragoza and Guadalajara.
Safety guidance for tourists and locals
Health officials are strongly urging people to take immediate steps to protect themselves:
Avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours (12pm to 5pm).
Drink plenty of water continuously to avoid heat exhaustion.
Shelter in air-conditioned public spaces or indoor cultural venues during peak heat hours.
