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UK holidays could soon get much more expensive after new overnight tourist tax rules were announced in today’s Budget.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to the ‘tourist tax‘ which will impose an extra charge for families on a staycation – and it could cost families an extra £100.

Set out in the Autumn Budget, Andy Burnham once again spoke about what’s officially called the ‘overnight visitor levy‘ which is set to be in place by 2028.

It would allow local authorities in England to charge visitors an additional fee on overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets and even holiday parks.

The fee would be officially uncapped – however, Labour’s regional mayors in England have pledged to cap a it at five per cent.

According to UK Hospitality, it could still add up to £100 to a two-week family stay based on £2 per person per night.  

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The money gained by the tax would be invested back into local communities and infrastructure.

Talking about the levy, Jon Hendry Pickup, CEO of Butlin’s said: “The Government still hasn’t explained how a Holiday Tax will work in practice or whether it will actually achieve that objective.

“If local areas are going to retain significantly more business rates revenue, alongside a share of income tax, the case for adding another tax on British families taking a holiday in their own country becomes even harder to understand.

“We’ve consistently warned that making UK destinations more expensive risks deterring the very visitors whose spending supports local economies.

“Giving regions the power to invest can have a positive impact, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of UK families booking a holiday.”

However, there are ways to get round the visitor tax, as some places might not implement it at all.

England is split into 14 regions with different mayors looking after each – and the tourist tax will be added at their discretion.

It’s likely that all Labour mayors will add the tax, and some of the places where there is support are Greater London, the West Midlands, Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire and the North East.

Cities within those regions like Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle are likely to introduce the extra charge – as are surrounding towns.

However, where there are Reform UK and Conservative mayors, the levy may not be introduced at all.

For example, Dame Andrea Jenkyns who is the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has said that she won’t be introducing a tourism tax as it could “drive out” people from visiting the region.

Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley Ben Houchen also ruled out introducing any tourist tax last year.

Paul Bristow, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, wrote on X that “this is not the time to put extra costs on staying overnight in #Cambridgeshire and #Peterborough.”

Meanwhile, there’s a question mark on the places that do not have an elected regional mayor – for example Cornwall which draws in thousands of visitors every summer.

Cornwall does not have a mayor for the whole county, but is looking for a way to set up a foundation strategic authority (FSA) – this could be set up by 2028.

Where the levy is introduced could also change depending on local elections and if the ruling party switches.

JET2 is launching a fancy new plane with sleek seats and loads of legroom.

The airline’s new VIP plane will be used for charter customers with a total of 76 seats which are all business class.

Each seat has a minimum leg room of 42 inches – compared to the average 30 inches in an economy seat.

Each seat features a black leather-like fabric with wide armrests and collapsible tray tables.

Images also suggest that a foot rest raises from the seat.

Passengers can also expect higher levels of comfort across the cabin as well as upgraded catering, with pictures showing champagne served alongside meals.

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The Boeing 737-800NG is based at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and will be used for sports, music and entertainment event groups.

It marks the first plane the airline has configured an aircraft with a business class layout – usual layouts have 189 seats.

The airline is currently accepting bookings on the plane for the winter season.

Trevor Caplis, Head of Charter & Airline Sales at Jet2, said: “This is the first time that we have featured a dedicated business class specification on our aircraft, so this is an incredibly exciting development for charter customers.

“The feedback from charter customers who have flown on it has been exceptional, with the premium feel, space and comfort onboard really shining through.

“This luxurious cabin environment, alongside the award-winning Jet2 customer service, looks set to be a huge hit with charter clients this winter.”

BRITS could soon head to Europe from an unused train station thanks to Government backing.

The UK Government has today backed plans for cross-channel rail services to Europe via Stratford International Train Station.

Stratford International finished construction back in 2006 with four platforms, however the two platforms for international services have never been used.

In order for the international platforms to open to services, work will need to be done to aid the flow of passengers through the station as well as implementing new security technology.

The station would be able to handle around 250 to 300 passengers at a time.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Today’s Budget is a really positive and significant day for London. At its heart is a new devolution revolution.

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“After lobbying on the issue for many years, I’m delighted that the Government will help us to bring cross-channel rail services to Stratford International – making this station truly international for the first time.

“It will open up huge opportunities for jobs, investment and tourism.”

Last week, it was revealed that the station is set to undergo a £20million project to launch trains to France by 2030.

One in three trains to and from France could stop at the station under the new plans.

It’s predicted that the stop would add five to eight minutes to the overall journey time.

And in the future trains could stop at Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam as well as other destinations in Germany and Switzerland.

The Mayor added that billions is also set to be invested in “transformational infrastructure projects such as the West London Orbital, the Bakerloo Line Extension and the Euston knowledge quarter project, supporting tens of thousands of new homes, jobs and economic growth”.

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia — A U.S. cruise ship on an around-the-world voyage that touted its cabins as floating homes suspended its three-year voyage in Cambodia due to fuel costs, forcing hundreds of passengers to disembark.

The MV Odyssey set sail two years ago on a voyage to the seven continents marketed as combining long-term living at sea with global travel. Its operator had offered to “make the Odyssey your permanent home,” with the purchase price of a suite for the lifetime of the vessel starting around $230,000.

For now, it is docked at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand, with no certain departure date.

The ship has been carrying 203 passengers, mostly Americans, along with 156 crew members, according to Cambodian officials. It has a 650-passenger capacity.

Its Florida-based operator, Villa Vie Residences, said monthly fuel expenses per cabin that historically averaged $1,800 have reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia due to the war in Iran. The company said it sought to reduce fuel consumption by slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port, but was unable to offset the surging costs.

Traffic has been curtailed in the Strait of Hormuz since the war in Iran began, squeezing supplies of all kinds of petroleum-based fuels, especially in Southeast Asia, and sharply increasing prices.

“We have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses,” Villa Vie Residences said in a statement issued Tuesday. “Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution. Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees” while it tries to restructure.

“The company is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements,” it said.

Those on the ship had hoped to sail for years to come

Passengers, however, said they received no support and had to make their own arrangements after being given seven hours notice on Tuesday to disembark. Some were devastated and expressed hope a new company could rescue the venture so life at sea can continue.

Paul and Lynn Montoya, a retired couple from Wyoming, said they bought a window cabin and had expected to sail for years. They boarded the ship 17 months ago in Panama.

Paul praised the concept of residential cruising but said the shipowner lacked the expertise to make the business financially sustainable. While rising fuel costs had been cited publicly as the reason for the suspension, he said the company had already been struggling. Changes to itinerary, unreliable internet access and declining food quality had pushed many residents to leave the ship in recent months, he said.

Lynn said residents were repeatedly asked to contribute additional money for fuel and other expenses, including a fresh call to raise funds for fuel to get out of Cambodia. She said the crew members were also not paid.

“We were tired of every two to four weeks being asked for money for fuel, money for everything,” she said. “We had hopes but they just kept sinking further and further into the hole through mismanagement.”

The company could not immediately be contacted for comment.

For some, the venture was a risk worth taking

Yet for some, even the financial and logistical turmoil couldn’t outweigh the extraordinary experience of traveling the world and living at sea.

Carol Larson, 69, and her sister Crystal Lavering, 72, occupied separate cabins aboard the ship for 18 months. The siblings, from California, described the suspension as heartbreaking, and hoped the cruise would be resuscitated.

“I hope there is a movement for the residents to buy the ship and I am hoping that goes through because it’s a dream to live on the ship and I don’t want it to end,” Larson said.

Lavering said her health improved during her time on the ship, and that she didn’t need to use a cane to walk anymore. “You come to this ship to live … it’s just sad that it’s all over.”

Larson bought her cabin for $120,000, paid in installments, in addition to monthly maintenance fees, under a plan that had promised the possibility of living aboard for up to 15 years. She said she blamed U.S. President Donald Trump for the ship’s woes as fuel costs spiked due to the Iran war, in addition to poor management. But she said she didn’t regret her investment.

“Because it was a startup company, I believe that it was a risk. From the very first day, I said to myself that if it lasts a year, I can walk away and feel like I got my money’s worth … I still feel that way. I feel blessed to have been part of the experiment of residential cruising,” she said.

The cruise began in Northern Ireland in 2024

The ship arrived in Sihanoukville last Friday and was scheduled to depart Wednesday, according to a statement from Long Dimanche, the deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province. He said it was now expected to refuel and depart Cambodia on Saturday, but the ship’s operator has not yet publicly confirmed any date.

Built in 1993 and operated under different names by several cruise lines over the years before being becalmed by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the Odyssey was bought by Villa Vie Residences in 2023.

Its current cruise, originally intended to last 3 1/2 years, began in October 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the ship had been refitted. A second cruise had been tentatively scheduled to end in August 2030.

The Odyssey is not the first cruise ship Sihanoukville has hosted in crisis.

In February 2020, the MS Westerdam was allowed to dock in Cambodia after being turned away at five ports in other nations because of fears of COVID-19, which just a month earlier had started to spread from China. It carried 1,455 passengers, more than 600 of them American citizens.

After being stranded at sea for two weeks, Cambodia’s then-Prime Minister Hun Sen allowed it to dock for what he said were humanitarian reasons. Cambodia won plaudits as passengers were welcomed ashore and arrangements were made for them to fly home.

Cheang writes for the Associated Press. AP writers Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Grant Peck in Bangkok contributed to this report.

FROM big cities to waterfront towns in the Lake District – these destinations are the top places to visit this winter.

The Tripadvisor Travel Index has found places on the up based on searches for travel between November 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027.

At the very top of the list is the city of Cardiff which “transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas.”

Tripadvisor suggests a walking tour of the city, or if you want to explore further afield, take this day trip by steam train.

The capital of Wales has plenty to explore from its historic castles to museums and shopping arcades.

Cardiff Market, which is housed under a Victorian glass ceiling is a market that spans across two floors with lots of food stalls underneath.

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Another popular spot is Caroline Street which is known locally as Chip Alley as it’s where you’ll find the majority of fish and chip shops and fast food takeaways.

For those wanting to visit in time for the Christmas market, the Cardiff Christmas Market runs from November 12 until December 23.

In second place is Pitlochry in Scotland which has deep ties with the royal family.

It dates back to the 1840s when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Pitlochry.

Queen Victoria praised the town for having fresh ‘Highland air’ which transformed the quiet village into a thriving Victorian holiday resort.

One suggested attraction is a trip to Blair Athol Distillery which is a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winner.

In third spot is Keswick which was praised for its “stunning scenery” particularly around Derwentwater.

It’s framed by mountains like Skiddaw which is the fourth-highest mountain in the Lake District.

For those who want to get out on the water visitors can book onto a Keswick lake cruise – this has views of Skiddaw and ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’ which is a dramatic and narrow gorge.

Another spot on the list is the seaside town of Newquay which while it’s popular for its beaches in the summer, is proving to be a top winter choice too.

When it’s a little darker, take a stroll around the town which has cosy cafes, pubs and shops.

One of the trending cities includes Durham, the historic city sits on the River Wear and has thousands of years of history including its castle and cathedral.

Other cities on the list include Bristol, Leeds and Norwich.

Top Trending UK Destinations…

1. Cardiff, Wales
2. Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross
3. Keswick, Cumbria
4. Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne
5. Bristol
6. St Andrews, Fife
7. Norwich, Norfolk
8. Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands
9. Newquay, Cornwall
10. Leeds, Yorkshire

One lucky reader will win an overnight stay for two, including a delicious three-course dinner with wine and a full breakfast in the contemporary, newly transformed Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4, Jct.4.

Why wait until you reach your destination to start your getaway? Whether you’re planning a festive day out, a family adventure or an early flight, a night away can turn the journey into part of the experience.

To help one lucky reader make more of their winter plans, Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4,JCT.4 is offering the chance to win a one-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay for two. The perfect excuse to escape for the night, enjoy a delicious dinner and wake up ready for whatever the next day has in store.

Recently reopened following a major refurbishment, Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4,JCT.4 has unveiled a fresh new look. From the redesigned lobby and arrival area to the revamped restaurant and lobby bar, the refreshed spaces offer guests a more contemporary experience.

Just off the M4 and close to Heathrow Airport, the hotel is also ideally placed for exploring some of the UK’s most popular winter destinations, including Central London, Windsor, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and Thorpe Park.

Make a weekend of a festive day out, add an overnight stay to a family adventure or arrive the evening before an early flight. However you choose to spend your time, guests can return to the hotel for dinner, unwind in the newly refreshed surroundings and settle in for a comfortable night’s sleep.

With its stylish new spaces and convenient location, Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4,JCT.4 makes it easy to turn a day out, an overnight stop or the start of a holiday into a winter getaway worth looking forward to.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill in the form below. If you can’t see the form, click here.

This competition closes on the 6th December.

WANT the dream holiday without the long flight? The Gambia has all the perks of bucket list breaks – and flights restart next week.

In just six hours, Brits could be on a safari spotting wild animals and exotic birdlife in 30C.

A trip to The Gambia can have all the perks of the likes of Kenya or South Africa without the 11 hour journey.

In fact, The Gambia is only a six-hour flight away from the UK and these restart with TUI next week from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

When it comes to activities, why not head on a safari?

Most tours will take visitors just across the border to Senegal which has lions, giraffe, zebras, buffalo, rhino and antelope.

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For those going on holiday with TUI offers excursions to the Fathala Wildlife Reserve.

On the trip, holidaymakers will take a ferry across the River Gambia and then head on the safari tour.

TUI Musement offers the full-day trip from £115 per person.

TUI also offers the South Gambia safari which takes visitors to local villages to get involved in local culture.

Cruises along the River Gambia will involve searching for hippos and crocodiles.

When it comes to birdlife, there are over 450 species to see.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to The Gambia, staying at the 3T Senegambia Beach on a bed and breakfast basis from £798 per person.

The hotel has two swimming pools, four bars and three restaurants.

It’s found on the resort area of Kololi Beach in Serrekunda which has golden sand beaches, vibrant nightlife and wildlife.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to The Gambia, staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Tamala on an all-inclusive basis from £1,337 per person

It has an outdoor swimming pool, three bars and two restaurants.

The rooms are Scandi-style and some of the rooms you can swim up to from the pool.

Throughout the year, The Gambia sits at 30C but the best time to visit is during the dry season which runs roughly from November to mid-June.

TUI Travel Advisor, Linda Sharrocks, who has been in the travel industry for 28 years said: “Lots of customers come in wanting a safari but are put off by the price or the flight time.

“The Gambia is the one I always tell them about. You’re there in six hours, and you can be spotting giraffes one day and lying on a beach in 30C sunshine at an all-inclusive the next.

“And make sure you pack some binoculars too, even if you don’t think you’re a birdwatcher. You’ll be amazed at the colours.”

Rachel felt a little unwell in the Canary Islands hotel they were staying in in October – then suddenly collapsed

A British mum who thought she had come down with a nasty cold collapsed and died while on holiday abroad. Rachel Weston, 42, was away with her husband, Mark, 41, and two friends when she started to feel unwell.

The carer, from Bury, Greater Manchester, went to a pharmacy and at first seemed to be getting better. However, her condition then deteriorated, leading the couple to arrange emergency flights back home for the next day.

But Rachel then suddenly collapsed in their hotel room in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. Hotel lifeguards tried to help before paramedics turned up, but tragically she couldn’t be saved.

Local reports say Rachel suffered a cardiac arrest, though an underlying medical cause hasn’t been publicly confirmed. Mark said: “My world was completely turned upside down with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my gorgeous wife, Rachel, while we were on holiday.

“Rachel and I were together for 11 years and one day – sadly only married for two of those years, but every single day was full of love, laughter and partnership.”

Rachel was a loving stepmum to Mark’s three children, Steven, 22, Charley, 19, and Mikey, 15. Mark described his late wife as “the absolute heart of our home”, adding that she had poured herself into helping him raise the children.

The couple tied the knot on May 11, 2024 after a memorable on-stage proposal at a Bowling for Soup concert. Mark contacted the band’s frontman, Jaret Reddick, before its December 2022 show in Torquay and was invited on stage during Punk Rock 101 to ask Rachel to marry him.

Rachel worked as a carer at Regency Care Home and had devoted her professional life to looking after others. She was also deeply attached to the couple’s two dogs, Maisie and Padmé. Mark said: “Losing her so unexpectedly is a total nightmare.

“Between planning the funeral and keeping life steady for the kids, it’s a massive weight to carry.” Rachel’s funeral is due to take place on November 6. Mark has launched a fundraiser in memory of his “beautiful wife” to help cover the costs.

He has requested that mourners wear something purple, which was Rachel’s favourite colour. To donate to the fundraiser, visit the GoFundMe web page here.

A MUCH-LOVED Italian holiday destination is set to charge visitors £25 just to enter the city.

Venice is looking to raise its tourist entry fee to €30 (£25.13) as well as increasing the time frame for when it applies.

Venice’s budget and taxation councillor Michele Zuin told Reuters that the current €5 (£4.19) to €10 (£8.38) fee is no longer deterring excessive visitor numbers.

As a result, there are now proposals to raise the fee in 2027.

The proposed new fee of €30 (£25.13) would cost more than some flight tickets to Venice from the UK.

For example, one-way flights in November and December cost as little as £13 per person.

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And a return would only cost you a couple of quid more than the proposed fee, with £27 return flights in December from the UK.

Michele Zuin told regional news: “The current €5-10 charge is affordable for virtually everyone; ​the risk is that it no longer has the deterrent ​effect that this measure is supposed to have.”

There are even talks of the fee going up to €50 (£41.89) in the future.

The fee was originally introduced back in 2024 for day trippers entering the city.

Visitors would be able to pay less if they booked in advance and there are a number of exemptions including for children under the age of 14-years-old.

This year, the fee was in place between April 3 and July 26, between 8:30am and 4pm each day.

The new fee would need to be agreed on by the government before being introduced.

The fee was originally introduced to battle overtourism in the city.

The fee and when it applies for 2027 will be announced before the end of the year.

STRIKES are hitting Portugal as soon as next month with disruption across the country – and it includes flights.

It comes after widespread demonstrations have swept across Europe over cost of living concerns.

One of the most major strikes when it comes to flights is by easyJet staff in December.

The airline’s cabin crew in Portugal will strike for the second time from December 19–23, with the last similar strike causing more than 400 flights cancelled.

The industrial action is set to affect flights from busy airports including Lisbon, Porto and Faro.

From the UK, easyJet operates flights to Portugal from the likes of Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Manchester and Newcastle.

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In October, the airline’s cabin crew in Portugal held another strike which disrupted hundreds of flights.

A spokesperson from the airline said: “We are extremely disappointed that SNPVAC is planning strike actions despite our willingness to continue a constructive dialogue.

“We had just started a conciliation process through the mediation of DGERT with the aim to reach an agreement to meet our employees’ requests and protect the sustainability of easyJet business in Portugal.

“The current union demands are unworkable especially given that our crew are already paid significantly above the Portuguese national average.”

Portugal could also face a general strike on 11 November which would coincide with a planned strike in Spain.

If the demonstrations go ahead at the same time it will be called an ‘Iberian general strike’.

It’s still under discussion who would take part but reports say it could be a ‘nationwide stoppage’.

A few weeks later, a nationwide strike in Portugal has been announced by the Frente Comum of Public Administration Unions.

It is in protest against the proposed 2027 State Budget and is set to disrupt the country.

It could particularly affect sectors in public administration which includes schools, healthcare and admin services.

They said they had no work-life balance

A family who moved to Britain’s most remote inhabited island, where just 50 people live, say it takes seven hours to get a takeaway curry delivered.

Katy Phenix, 33, partner Josh Moore, 35, and their kids have relocated to Fair Isle for a quieter life after quitting the rat race of working long 12-hour days. She saw an Instagram ad to live and work on the Scottish island near Sheltand and registered ”on a whim”.

They applied to move to the isle – where there are more birds than people – despite never visiting before. Numbers are strictly controlled and new residents are only allowed in when others leave.

Interview process

They had to go through a rigorous interview process with its inhabitants and the National Trust for Scotland to ensure they were a “good fit”. Four months later, Katy and Josh moved to the UK’s most geographically remote inhabited island.

They were accompanied by their children, Hetty, six, and Teddy, 11, three dogs and four cats. Despite the huge lifestyle change, they said they are now living the “absolute dream” – and all the children miss from the mainland is a trip to McDonald’s.

But they say they’ve learned to be resourceful, getting an Indian takeaway on the Island ferry, which took seven hours from Shetland to their croft, in what they describe as a “military operation”. Katy revealed they can place the order with the Indian at midday, order a taxi to pick it up and take it to the island ferry.

It is then picked up from the ferry and heated up for dinner when it arrives. Apart from missing easy access to their favourite takeaway, Katy, an early years practitioner, and Josh, an electrician, said the move has been a dream.

No work-life balance before

They had almost no work-life balance and “lived to work” when they applied from North Yorkshire in March 2026. They sold their three-bed new build home in Redcar and are now renting a five-bedroom house with 17 acres of land and five outbuildings from the National Trust.

She said: “We had a really large mortgage in England, but now pay peanuts in comparison to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK. It feels like we’ve won the lottery. I don’t think you could get a bigger change of lifestyle – but as a family we are all loving it.

“We were kind of like passing ships in the night before. Neither of us thought there was any chance at all we would hear back from our application, but the more we researched into it the more we were totally hooked.”

Fair Isle sits about 24 miles south of the Shetland Mainland in the North Sea. After their interview in May 2026, they received their offer to move to the island.

Massive gamble

Katy, who now works around four hours a day Monday to Friday, said: “It was a massive gamble and a long journey. It cost us £8,000 for the move in July.

“The only thing we knew is that there was a five-bedroom house, and it had 17 acres of land and five outbuildings. We saw a floor plan, but that was out of date.”

Outgoing tenants Deryk and Hollie and their four children have been a great help to Katy and Josh, passing on all of their crofting knowledge with a yearly planner and selling their sheep to help them start their own croft. There are seven children living on the island, five in school, one in nursery and an infant with two teenagers in high school on the mainland.

Hetty and Teddy were able to have calls with the school to help get them settled before the move. Luckily for them, there was a six-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy already on the island, giving them “an immediate best friend”.

Katy said: “The little boy and Teddy are off all the time mushrooming, fishing, they’re in our outbuildings making weird contraptions out of wood. Hetty is such a little animal lover, she’s been out with the sheep and we’ve got hens she’s with all the time. We’ve not had many challenges at all.”

With no high school, teenagers go to a school on the mainland with free accommodation and frequent trips home. Every half term the Fair Isle children will go to visit to meet their future classmates and ensure a smooth transition when they begin school.

The island has a pub in their bird observatory in the summer season, shop open four days a week, a Post Office and even has Amazon Prime. There is also a nurse on the island and when any situation begins to raise concerns, it takes a helicopter 15 minutes from Shetland and patients are airlifted off the island. Josh has found a lot of work as resident handyman.

Katy said: “He’s been out today fixing someone’s washing machine. He’s re-plumbed our house, he’s done everything.”

Slower pace of life

The significantly slower pace in life and family time has been the ultimate highlight for Katy.

She said: “We’re not stressed and overworked, we’re so much more present for the children. I remember Teddy once said ‘oh mum you’re so much nicer in the school holidays’. It was a throwaway comment, he didn’t mean anything by it.

“It stuck with me. I never wanted to be that mum, but it was kind of the way life pans out and you accidentally get there.

“This has just given us that time to breathe and be as a family. We do everything together and that’s made it totally worth it.”

What would typically look like a five-minute job can take residents three weeks to do, as they need to plan ahead for deliveries. They are also bound by the weather as the small plane or ferry may not be able to get to them as planned.

Learning how to shear and herd 30 sheep and a ram has not been the easiest at times, but it’s “all hands on deck”, and the children love it. Teddy uses his shepherd’s hook and chases the sheep as the family doesn’t have a sheep dog.

Katy said: “I think the massive misconception is that it’s lonely and there’s nothing to do. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Our lives haven’t actually changed that much. We’ve got something on every day.

“Everybody is here to help you out. I have a really good group of mum friends here. I do pilates and yoga. This is the most social I’ve ever been and Josh is quite an introvert, so he’s really come out of his shell now.”

Full calendar

Their calendar is always full with dress-up parties or harvest festivals. Katy is even learning the tradition of Fair Isle knitting from another resident to help keep the culture alive, a craft skill welcomed by the National Trust to maintain tradition.

Crofting and fishing were the other traditional occupations, but today the island’s economy is far more diverse. There are significantly more species of bird on the island than people, with over 350 different kinds.

To move to the island you have to wait for a current family to move away. National Trust for Scotland then reviews all applications to check for appropriate skills and applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed. Other desirable skills include direct experience in crofting and land management, trade skills such as plumbing expertise, joinery, or maritime skills.

LOOKING at thousands of holiday deals all day, every day, you start to spot patterns and see certain bargain resorts always cropping up.

But let’s get one thing straight: cheap does not automatically mean good value when you factor in some of the other forgotten costs.

When I’m digging through deals at On The Beach, I’m ALWAYS looking at the practical realities.

Like what the hotel actually offers, whether you’ll be stranded miles from the beach pushing a pram up an incline, and how much cash you’ll burn through on snacks and dinners once you arrive.

So I’ve crunched our booking data and matched it with years of deal-hunting experience to bring you eight proper bargains that are actually worth it.

And these aren’t just cheap on paper – they’re places I’d genuinely spend my own hard-earned cash on.

1. Els Llorers Apartments, Lloret de Mar from £190pp

Lloret sometimes gets pigeonholed as a party spot, which means people overlook what makes it a useful budget holiday: beaches, plenty of places to eat and enough going on that you don’t need to pay for an excursion every morning.

You can have a great week’s holiday built around a beach bag, some brilliant spots to eat and a wander – that’s a fairly strong itinerary in my book!

I’d look at Els Llorers Apartments, where having your own kitchen gives you control over the spending: breakfast in, lunch out and cold drinks in the fridge.

There are pools, children’s play areas and it’s set in a quieter area around a kilometre from the beach, which gives you some breathing space from the busiest part of the resort.

The booking data backs up the budget credentials: three-quarters of the packages analysed were below £300pp – that’s the sort of consistency that gets a hotel straight onto my radar.

The deal I found is seven nights self catering from £190pp, including flights from London Luton on April 13, 2027. A week away for under £200pp is never something to be sniffed at.

2. Colina da Lapa, Carvoeiro, Portugal from £145pp

Carvoeiro is the side of the Algarve I’d suggest to someone who wants a relaxing week, with a gorgeous beach tucked between cliffs and some of the best food the region has to offer.

And my hotel pick, Colina da Lapa, suits that approach to a tee, which is an apartment and villa complex near Carvoeiro, with gardens, outdoor pools, tennis courts and self-catering accommodation.

I’d choose it for space and a decent little base, while allowing some budget for getting around.

What caught my eye with this one originally was the breadth of affordable departures, with deals from a whopping 23 UK airports.

And a bargain becomes considerably more useful when you don’t have to rely on a major airport for flights.

January and February produced the cheapest prices here, so I’d consider those months for exploring and eating out, with a good chance of some welcome winter sunshine.

The deal I found is seven nights’ Self Catering from £145pp, including return flights from London Stansted on February 2, 2027.

That’s about £21 per person per night for the flights and accommodation combined, and for someone who wants an inexpensive change of scenery, that definitely deserves a look.

3. Tildi Hotel & Spa, Agadir from £245pp

If you want a proper winter escape with a relaxed pace and some winter warmth, Agadir is somewhere I always recommend as Morocco‘s beach capital.

You can explore, because Agadir is also packed with culture, but you can also have a day where your main achievement is getting up in time for lunch.

My hotel pick here is Tildi Hotel & Spa, a four-star option close to the beach.

And the location is why I love this one, because being able to get out on foot makes a holiday easier and helps avoid the drip-feed of transport costs.

I’d look particularly closely at the B&B packages – breakfast included gives you one meal sorted, while leaving you free to try different places later on.

In the booking data, Tildi’s packages were 30 per cent below the average Agadir B&B deal throughout 2026 – that’s a useful saving to know about.

The deal I found includes seven nights on bed & breakfast from £245pp, with flights from London Stansted on November 20, 2026.

Breakfast sorted, beach nearby and a week out of the usual routine before December takes over. Bosh.

4. Phenicia Hotel, Hammamet from £275pp

Hammamet is one I’d consider when the goal is to stay somewhere nice, eat well and come home feeling like you’ve had a proper break.

There’s a beachy coastline and an old town to explore, but don’t feel like you can’t keep the pace pleasantly low with a little wander, a little shopping, a long sit-down (no medals available for doing too much, right?).

Phenicia Hotel makes sense – it sits between gardens and the beach, with direct beach access right out the hotel.

That gives you somewhere lovely to spend your days without constantly paying to go elsewhere.

This is also where the guest feedback deserves a mention: 4.6/5 on Tripadvisor from more than 10,000 reviews – a very reassuring detail when the price looks particularly tempting!

And here, I’d prioritise Half Board.

Having breakfast and dinner included makes the week’s spending easier to judge, especially if you’re going mainly to relax.

The deal I found is seven nights’ Half Board from £275pp, including return flights from Liverpool on March 4, 2027 – that’s flights, a week in a beachfront hotel and two meals a day for under £300pp.

5. Sunlight Garden, Side from £350pp

Side is a good choice for someone who likes a beach holiday but also likes a splash of culture on their jollies with ancient ruins as well as an old town and a massive list of places to eat.

And all of this gives the week a bit of variety without requiring you to organise expensive excursions.

My hotel pick here is Sunlight Garden, particularly if you’d rather get the main holiday spending sorted before you arrive.

There are two main outdoor pools, a separate slide pool and children’s pools, all in a gorgeous setting.

The beach is around 500 metres away, with a shuttle service available too if you don’t fancy the walk.

But the value argument here is definitely picking the all inclusive board option, taking all the stress out of having to find a spot for meals.

The deal I found is seven nights on all inclusive, with flights from London Gatwick on May 5, 2027 from just £350pp.

That works out at £50 per person, per night for a week where your meals and drinks are covered.

6. Gorkem Hotel, Ovacik from £330pp

Ovacik is criminally overlooked in Turkey – you’re inland rather than directly on the beach, so this is a different proposition from booking a seafront resort.

But I’d choose it as a base for exploring the surrounding area, mixing pool days with trips towards Oludeniz and evenings out.

Gorkem Hotel fits that simpler style of holiday.

The pool and mountain setting are a big part of the appeal for me, but I’d be booking it for a relaxed, good value base rather than a long list of luxury extras.

The bed & breakfast basis makes sense here, because you’ve got the first meal of the day covered, then the flexibility to go out for lunch and dinner rather than feeling you should stay at the hotel to get your money’s worth.

Its 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating is also worth talking about – it’s not easy to get a score like that at a budget hotel.

The deal I found is seven nights’ Bed & Breakfast from £330pp, including flights from Birmingham on July 1, 2027.

I’d keep some spending money for exploring and eating out, because that freedom is a large part of why I’d choose it.

7. Pebbles Resort, St Paul’s Bay from £185pp

Malta is somewhere I’d happily consider outside the main beach season if you wanted to keep the cost way down.

There’s more than enough to build a week around exploring, eating and getting out along the waterfront, and you can use St Paul’s Bay as your base to mix slower local days with trips further afield.

My pick here would be Pebbles Resort hotel, particularly for a winter deal.

It has an indoor pool open throughout the year, alongside an outdoor pool, plus a fitness centre and a hot tub – useful facilities when you’re travelling at a time of year that might involve the occasional change of plan.

But the timing is what makes this recommendation really work – January packages were around £178pp in the analysis, considerably below the hotel’s overall median.

That’s why I look at when a hotel becomes good value, rather than deciding it’s permanently cheap or expensive.

The same place can make much more sense on different dates. The deal I found is seven nights with bed & breakfast from £185pp, and includes flights from Liverpool on January 22, 2027.

A week in Malta with breakfast thrown in for under £200pp? I’d happily start planning a few days out around that.

8. Surfing Colors, Corralejo from £265pp

Corralejo is one I’d put forward for someone who wants beaches, places to eat and enough life around them to enjoy going out in the evening.

It also gives you access to Fuerteventura’s famous scenery and the option to try something more energetic than just turning your sunlounger towards the sun.

Surfing Colors hotel definitely fits that sort of holiday.

It offers a heated swimming pool, free yoga classes and access to surf and kite lessons. Yeah, really!

You don’t have to become a surfer, but it’s a useful choice if you fancy a relaxed hotel with a few things to get involved in between pool sessions.

The deal I found comes in at £265pp for seven nights on a room only basis, including return flights from London Stansted on December 5, 2026.

And, personally, I’d much rather spend that week deciding where to have lunch than standing in a Christmas shopping queue wearing a damp coat.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for 13 countries, including Turkey and Egypt, amid ‘regional tensions’ in the Middle East

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for 13 countries, including Turkey and Egypt, due to ‘regional tensions’ across the Middle East. ‘Do not travel’ warnings remain in force for various areas as the situation ‘remains deeply unpredictable’.

In the update issued on Tuesday, 27 October, under ‘regional tensions’, the FCDO warned: “The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable, and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.”

The Foreign Office went on to caution that British nationals planning to travel through the Middle East or who are currently in the region “should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions”. They advised doing the following:

• Read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad – GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• Follow advice from the local authorities
• Monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace, which could close at short notice
• Stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• If advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects.

While the most recent travel guidance for the 13 nations concerned ‘regional tensions’, it’s crucial to consult the FCDO directly for any additional warnings or advice for your chosen destination, as there may be additional or differing advice, and updates can be issued at extremely short notice. There are also critical ‘do not travel’ warnings in effect for various locations, alongside guidance ‘against all but essential travel’ to other areas, reports the Daily Star.

Currently, the Foreign Office has advised ‘against all travel to parts’ of the following nations: Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the FCDO has advised ‘against all travel’ to Iran, Yemen and Syria. It’s worth noting that some of these warnings were in place before the events in the Middle East and are unrelated to the tensions.

For example in Yemen, the FCDO states: “Since July 2026, the Houthis have launched air strikes against Saudi territory and Saudi shipping vessels in the Red Sea. There is an ongoing risk of further military escalation, including in Yemen and the Red Sea, which could occur at short notice.”

Full list of 13 countries with updated travel advice

1. Egypt
2. Turkey
3. Qatar
4. Iran
5. Israel
6. Kuwait
7. Palestine
8. Bahrain
9. Jordan
10. Yemen
11. Syria
12. Pakistan
13. Saudi Arabia

For more information, or to check travel advice for a specific country, visit the Foreign Office website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

• This article was updated to reflect that the Foreign Office’s advice ‘against all travel to parts’ of certain countries are not all linked to the events in the Middle East.

A MAJOR London road and tourist destination will be permanently pedestrianised.

Camden High Street will be fully pedestrianised following a year-and-a-half trial.

The high street is a well-known tourist destination in the capital, being home to the historic Camden Market – which around 250,000 people visit every week.

Camden High Street has been temporarily pedestrianised since last May from outside the tube station up to The Elephant’s Head pub.

Eventually, the pedestrianisation could be extended up to Camden Lock Bridge.

Following a consultation, 57 per cent of respondents said that they wanted the street to be pedestrianised permanently.

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Councillor James Slater said: “Camden Town is an important shopping and transport hub for local residents as well as being an internationally recognised destination that draws people in from across London, the rest of the UK, and the world.

“After 18 months, we asked this summer whether you wanted to see the pedestrianisation become permanent.

“Based on our consultation and the positive outcomes we have seen, we have made the decision to make it permanent.”

He added: “Better bus journeys around Camden Town are very important to us – that’s why we will be introducing a trial bus lane on Kentish Town Road with the aim of speeding up northbound bus journeys.

“We will also be introducing additional new community safety patrols as part of a £1 million investment in Community Safety Officer patrols around Camden’s town centres.

“We also heard that many of you are open to the idea of the pedestrianisation being extended over Camden Lock Bridge towards the junction with Chalk Farm Road.

“We will therefore be developing and testing a design for a potential extension over the next few months, and we will publish further information next spring to seek your views on it.”

It comes after the UK’s busiest street – Oxford Street – was pedestrianised yesterday.

The pedestrianised section stretches over half a mile.

Future plans will see more trees added to the street, as well as seating areas and two public squares.

Blue Badge holders travelling in Europe can now park in a major holiday hotspot, thanks to an agreement between the Department for Transport and Ministry of Disabilities

British holidaymakers with Blue Badges can now use it in a major holiday hotspot. The disabled parking permit assists people with severe mobility issues or hidden disabilities to park nearer to their destinations. It covers both drivers and passengers.

Now the Department of Transport has struck a deal with Italian authorities so the paperwork can be used in the boot-shaped country.

It builds on a similar arrangement agreed with France, where Brits have been using their permits since August last year. Work is ongoing with Spain to explore similar arrangements for Blue badge holders. Italian visitors travelling to the UK will also benefit, with Italy’s disabled parking permits to be recognised here.

Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “Disabled people shouldn’t have to worry about whether their parking permit will be recognised when travelling abroad. These new arrangements with Italy mean Blue Badge holders can relax and enjoy their trip, with easier access to reserved parking and exemptions from charges, whether they’re travelling for a holiday, visiting family or for work.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The definitive status of Blue Badge recognition across European Union nations – together with key neighbouring non-EU countries – falls into several distinct categories.

The Blue Badge is fully or partially recognised in the following countries:

• Austria — Fully
• Belgium —Fully
• Croatia — Fully
• Cyprus — Fully
• Czech Republic — Fully
• Denmark — Fully
• Estonia — Fully
• Finland — Fully
• France — Fully
• Germany —Fully
• Greece — Accepts non-EU parking cards
• Hungary — Fully
• Iceland — Accepts non-EU parking cards
• Ireland — Fully
• Italy —Fully
• Latvia — Fully
• Liechtenstein — Fully
• Lithuania —Fully
• Luxembourg — Accepts non-EU parking cards
• Malta — Fully
• Netherlands — Fully
• Norway — Fully
• Poland — Fully
• Portugal —Fully
• Romania —Fully
• Slovakia — Fully
• Slovenia — May not recognise non-EU-issued parking cards
• Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) — UK Blue Badge recognition decided by local administrations
• Sweden — Fully
• Switzerland — Fully

The DfT cautions that even in nations where the badge is recognised, disabled parking regulations can shift quickly or differ between towns. To steer clear of hefty penalties or vehicle removal, travellers should consult local tourist information centres or local authorities before departing.

Certain countries demand a local parking notice or clock disc be shown alongside the Blue Badge. The DfT also suggests carrying a doctor’s letter or a translated version of your Blue Badge, particularly when entering countries with stricter enforcement policies.

When parking you should always:

• look for any signage indicating disabled parking spaces
• make sure that your Blue Badge is displayed correctly and that you comply with any additional requirements, such as displaying a parking disc in countries such as Denmark

A recent Times review of the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center declares that the Endeavour space shuttle — displayed for the first time ever in launch position — “is, simply put, one of the greatest artifacts ever installed in a museum.”

While it may be true that visitors will flock to L.A.’s newest cultural haven just to see the shuttle, the 200,000-square-foot addition to the California Science Center contains plenty of other mind-melting artifacts to gawk at — especially if you’re an aerospace buff. If you’ve read Tom Wolfe’s riveting 1979 book “The Right Stuff” (or seen the movie) about the early years of NASA’s space program, you’ll likely feel downright starstruck when confronted with iconic pieces of history ripped straight from its pages.

But there’s much more than history at this tech-forward new museum. This list of must-see artifacts reminds us of all we know about air and space, and all we don’t — as well as the many novel and ingenious ways we continue to work toward fresh discoveries.

Hands-on experiences dominate the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, where encountering artifacts that highlight aerospace history is on equal footing with learning about its future.

The many interactive exhibits that dot the new building’s 200,000 square feet of gallery space are geared to entice and educate people of all ages. But kids will be especially intrigued. The center’s leaders, including Science Center President and Chief Executive Jeffrey Rudolph and Ken Phillips, curator of aerospace science, said during a recent tour that in many ways the museum is meant for kids. It’s not a childish place, but it does produce childlike wonder. It’s hard to remain cynical when you’re surrounded by physical evidence of the vast nature of the universe.

The sheer scale of it hits you all at once. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you step into the museum, with its planes hanging from the ceiling and its rockets jutting through the floors. This list of the best interactive exhibits on offer will help you plan a successful visit in advance. Just be sure to brace yourself for your children’s inevitable wails when you try to pull them away.

And expect lines — these experiences are likely to be in high demand.

A commercial airline pilot told the Mirror that falling asleep in the cockpit was common due to the long hours that aviators are required to work, following a damning European Cockpit Association report

Pilots are falling asleep in the cockpit because they’re so overworked, a damning new report claims. A survey of 7,200 pilots commissioned by the European Cockpit Association (ECA) warned of tiredness leading to “micro-sleeps in the cockpit”. One pilot told the Mirror that falling asleep while flying was common, but claimed that aviation insiders ‘do not care’.

The ECA has argued that there was “insufficient rest to prevent cumulative fatigue” and flight duties extended “beyond legal maximums”. The report suggests fatigue is “underreported across the industry”. “Airlines’ reporting systems are often seen as neither effective nor trusted, and a substantial share of pilots fly fatigued because of fear of a punitive reaction from their airline,” it noted, warning that the situation was particularly bad at low-cost airlines.

Ireland and Malta were identified as countries where the problem is particularly bad, but overall, more than three out of four pilots (77%) reported at least one microsleep while operating an aircraft in the four weeks before completing the survey.

One commercial airline pilot, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Mirror that he’d fallen asleep in the cockpit “many times”. “I have the responsibility of 234 souls, and I can legally work up to 14 hours straight, not including the repositioning. But after many years I realised nobody cares because, at the end of the day, no airplanes are falling from the sky,” he said.

“After many nights in-flight, you experience microsleeps from a few seconds up to two to three minutes, but you do not realise and it’s subtle because you might seem to be aware, but you are technically sleeping. It impairs your situational awareness and your judgment ability. But…as I said, nobody cares.”

Only 37% of those surveyed said that they report unfit when fatigued, while 24% confirmed flying when tired. Almost two in five reported a fear of punishment or a “retaliatory response” to reporting fatigue.

ECA president Captain Tanja Harter said: “The numbers in this report – and the lack of any meaningful improvement over the past three years – are a clear wake-up call for airlines, authorities and the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Something must change in the way Europe deals with pilot fatigue.”

BALPA, the British Airline Pilots Association, said the survey’s results were worrying and should lead to action. Joji Waites, BALPA director of flight safety, policy and regulation, said “The ECA’s survey of almost 7,200 pilots is a clear safety signal. That 24% of pilots usually continue flying rather than report themselves unfit due to fatigue is a concern. Aviation is the safest mode of transport through pilots’ expertise and professionalism in tandem with other aviation professionals; however, fatigue remains one of the most significant threats. Safety margins cannot hold if pilots are routinely rostered to the upper limits of their flight and duty time limitations (FTL).

“With almost half of pilots fearing repercussions for reporting fatigue, we fully support ECA’s call for EASA to strengthen fatigue rules and enforce non-punitive reporting and responsible calls on the use of commander’s discretion.

“BALPA thanks the ECA for the considerable work involved in gathering this data. We are still running our Realtime fatigue app to collect actionable intelligence on UK pilot fatigue, so combined with the ECA’s findings, we can create a clear picture of pilot fatigue, which will be fed into the CAA’s ongoing FTL review.”

One minute I’m cycling through an expansive dusty pink stretch of heathland with sloping sand dunes in the distant horizon, the next I’m winding through a fragrant Scots pine forest as sunlight filters through the branches of red-barked trees to make a kaleidoscope of white shapes on the trail floor ahead.

I’m in Hoge Veluwe National Park, a 5,400 hectare (13,000 acre) nature reserve in Gelderland, about an hour and a half from Amsterdam. It’s crisscrossed by 25 miles (40km) of cycling paths, and around 2,000 free-to-use white bikes are available for visitors to explore the ever-changing scenery.

I’ve been flitting back and forth to the Netherlands for years and have lost count of the times friends there have raved about the park and the wider Veluwe region, a forest-rich ridge of hills and diverse landscapes, stretching 37 miles, north to south. Finally I’ve come to see for myself and explore on foot and on two wheels over a few days – adding in a dash of culture at some of its historic towns and museums too.

My trip starts at Natuurcentrum De Ginkel, a charming nature and visitor centre near Ede outside Arnhem. Here I meet nature guide Hanna Pol who takes me into the forest. “Veluwe is very biodiverse,” says Pol quietly as we walk past verdant oak, pine and birch. Trees with autumnal tawny-coloured leaves line one side of the path and wildflowers, with pops of bright yellow sunflowers and vivid red poppies, the other. Pol reels off some of the wildlife here: roe deer, five types of woodpecker, beavers, wild boar and wolves. As we crunch through a carpet of fallen leaves, we spy a small brown frog on a log, a woodpecker dancing around a tree, and the outline of two rust-red deers in the distance.

We make our way to the wildlife observation area, an enclosed building with curved windows and a theatre-style set of wooden chairs. “The deer pass this way every night to eat,” says Pol. “Once we saw a really big fight break out.” She’s seen wolves too – they returned to the country in 2015 after about 150 years and it’s a controversial topic, with farmers worried about their livestock. We don’t see the elusive creatures, just a solitary bright white buzzard perching on a tree. On the shelves behind us, an assortment of skeletal remains includes antlers, skulls, the teeth of a wild boar and the foot of a deer.

That night I stay in a stylish and sleek cabin with floor-to-ceiling views of the forest at Buitenplaats Petersburg on the edge of the park. It’s a peaceful haven of lodges with fairy lights strung around the woods and an enchanting Italian restaurant, Il Lupo, with an outdoor terrace.

Besides its unspoilt natural wonders, Veluwe has plenty of other attractions. I visit Paleis Het Loo, a 17th-century royal palace in Apeldoorn, once the summer residence and hunting lodge of William of Orange III and his wife Princess Mary II Stuart. It’s an impressive building with ornate rooms, a staircase with the second biggest mural in the Netherlands, formal symmetrical gardens and an underground museum which tells the story of the Dutch royal family.

Hotel de Echoput, a family-run modern hotel nearby, surrounded by the forest, is my home for the night. Its Grand Bistro Echo is a treat, with a menu that focuses on local ingredients – I enjoy fried mushrooms with a creamy Dordogne sauce and a vegan cheesecake with basil and white chocolate.

The next morning, after a brisk walk in the woods with barely a soul around, I visit the historic Hanseactic city of Harderwijk, on the shores of Wolderwijd lake. I wander the narrow cobblestone streets, medieval city walls and Old Town Hall with guide Marianne van Limbeek. “Harderwijk means hiding place for shepherds,” she tells me. We bump into Hendrik Kaper, a local street organist wearing a flat cap who treats us to a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody on his portable wooden organ.

But it’s in Hoge Veluwe national park that I find the greatest sense of serenity – though one day a small adder with a dark zigzag stripe stops me in my tracks. Come outside peak times, as I have, and you might have some of the trails to yourself.

Within the park lies Kröller-Müller Museum, a revered national art museum and sculpture garden founded by art collector Helene Kröller-Müller, who along with her husband, shipping magnate Anton Kröller, bought vast amounts of land in Veluwe (their private estate was later donated to the state). My timing is great as all 88 of its Vincent van Gogh paintings are on show together for the first time since 1984 (until 3 January).

The sculpture park is one of the largest in Europe, and I stroll around the surrounding open grass and into the forest and stumble across various artworks (there are about 200 pieces dotted around). A short cycle away is Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, the former country residence of the Kröller-Müller family with a watchtower more than 30m tall (apparently Helene loved afternoon tea at such lofty heights) surrounded by a lake with a very athletic bunch of jumping carp.

I stop at Restaurant De Hoge Veluwe at Park Paviljoen for an early pasta dinner on the terrace before the sky turns a moody grey and rain looks imminent. Fortunately it’s only a 15-minute cycle to Otterlo, a pretty village with clusters of fairy lights and bunting decorating red brick houses and Vakantieoord Het Lorkenbos, a charming holiday park surrounded by trees. My bungalow is cute and, feeling as if I’m in a twinkling winter wonderland, I light a candle and look up the Dutch word for cosy. It’s gezellig – a perfect description of how I feel after my nourishing break in this wild and restorative part of the Netherlands.

The trip was arranged by Visit Veluwe. Entrance to Hoge Veluwe national park €13.85 per adult. Cabins at Buitenplaats Petersburg from €110. Camping at Het Lorkenbos from €23 a night, bungalows from €320 for two nights. Double rooms at De Echoput from €169. Omio provided train travel: Eurostar runs from London to Amsterdam

The new route gives Brits the chance to visit two Christmas markets this historic city which run from November to January and boast free entry, featuring classic winter scenes of chalets, Christmas trees, and an open-air ice rink

Ryanair has announced a brand new route in time for cheap getaways this winter and this Christmas.

The budget airline has revealed its new winter 2026 route from Manchester to Warsaw Modlin in Poland. Ryanair bosses shared yesterday (October 27) how the first of the Manchester-Warsaw Modlin flights took of this week.

Ryanair says it will operate six weekly flights on this “exciting new winter 2026 route, providing UK customers with even more choice at Europe’s lowest fares”. Ryanair’s full winter 2026 schedule is available to book now via the Ryanair app and website in time for cheap winter and Christmas breaks.

The new route gives Brits the chance to enjoy Warsaw’s two Christmas markets, including the huge Jarmark Warszawski at Plac Defilad, by the Palace of Culture and Science, and the traditional, historic market in the Old Town along the city walls.

Both markets run from November to January and boast free entry, featuring classic winter scenes of chalets, Christmas trees, and an open-air ice rink.

The first flight comes after Ryanair unveiled its newly expanded winter schedule last month, with 22 new routes from UK airports with Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London airports benefiting the most. Ryanair also announced that it was adding nineteenth-based aircraft at Manchester Airport this winter, helping it to run one extra route from the North West hub.

Ryanair is increasing its flight frequencies on another 26 routes from Manchester, including holiday hotspots like Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona, Belfast, Venice, Porto, Prague and Krakow.

Eye-catching flights among the list included the new winter sunshine route from Birmingham to Marrakech, which regularly enjoys mild winter temperatures. The bulk of the other routes are to northern and western European destinations where more festive pleasures are on the itinerary.

The new route announcement followed the boss of Ryanair warning that air fares would “no doubt” rise next year for summer holidaymakers amid the surging price of oil and the Iran war.

Earlier this month, oil prices rose above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since July after the latest round of strikes in the conflict.

Ryanair’s Director of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said: “ It was great to see the first flight of our new winter 2026 route from Manchester to Warsaw Modlin take off this week, bringing the first of many happy Ryanair passengers on their winter 2026 getaways.

“Our Manchester to Warsaw Modlin route will operate six times per week, offering our UK customers even more choice at the lowest fares in Europe. Ryanair’s full winter 2026 schedule is available to book now on the Ryanair app/website.”

PERCHED on the Sheringham promenade is a beautiful holiday home with views across the Norfolk coast.

Now, it’s a modern little escape, but visitors might be shocked to discover that what it used to be.

It was first built in 1897 and was used as a public toilet for over 100 years until its closure in 2006.

It was then bought by its current owner who transformed it into what is now called the Wee Retreat.

The coastal holiday home has spiral staircases and sleeps up to four people across two double bedrooms – both have with a private shower room.

For those wanting to make the most of the views, make sure to bag the bedroom on the first floor which has French doors which open onto a veranda.

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It has a modern kitchen with all the appliances for a self-catering break.

The open-plan lounge has a cosy seating area and is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows to let in all the natural light.

It also has a wrap around balcony where in the summer you can enjoy the sunshine, or during the winter, cosy up inside and turn on the underfloor heating.

To keep guests occupied, the Wee Retreat has some books and games too.

With Host Unusual, Wee Retreat can be booked from £611 for seven-nights – or £21pppn.

Guests have left reviews calling it a “one-of-a-kind”, others described it as “peaceful and beautiful”.

Of course, with Blue Flag beach on its doorstep, visitors can make the most of taking a dip into the sea or making sandcastles.

Aside from that, it’s minutes away from the centre of Sheringham which has lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, and even a theatre.

It’s home to the Poppy Line, a heritage steam railway, which takes visitors into the Georgian town of Holt.

Holt was recently named one of Britain’s poshest towns.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who is also a Norfolk local, suggests popping over for a visit.

She said: “Growing up in Wells-next-the-Sea in North Norfolk, Holt was always seen as the posh next door neighbour town.

“Byfords sits smack-bang in the centre offering afternoon tea – it even includes a free top-up on sandwiches.

“It’s definitely worth popping into Dottie and Oscar’s Children’s Boutique. Here you can pick out a new childhood teddy together or pretty, handmade outfit to rock on the beach.

“So if you’re visiting on a day trip, make sure to bring your extra pocket money, as this town’s full of independent boutiques and shops you’ll want to grab a souvenir from – but be warned, it’s easy to splurge.”

Also not too far away is Cromer, a seaside town that has been revealed to be one of the cheapest holiday destinations in the country.

It has a long sandy beach, soft serve ice cream parlours, sunny beer gardens and award-winning fish and chip shops.

Villa Vie Odyssey passengers have been ordered to disembark in Cambodia after the company suspended its continuous round-the-world voyage, blaming soaring fuel costs it says have been driven by conflict in the Middle East

Passengers aboard a cruise ship designed to carry on sailing forever have been told to disembark after the voyage of a lifetime was brought to an abrupt end.

On Monday morning, Villa Vie Odyssey’s journey ground to a halt in Cambodia. Randy Cassingham, one of up to 650 residents living aboard the 195m long, 24,344 gross tonnage vessel, claims that the following message appeared on passengers’ internal messaging board.

“Good morning, everyone. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the fuel necessary to continue operations. As a result, the Odyssey will enter a temporary layup this afternoon, with crew remaining onboard to maintain the vessel and its essential systems. All residents must disembark by 2.00 PM today. For those who are unable to collect all their belongings before disembarking, please coordinate with guest services to arrange an orderly return using the shuttles, which will remain available until 6.00 PM tomorrow. This is all the information we have available at this time. We will share further updates as they become available.”

Have you sailed on the Villa Vie Odyssey? We’re love to hear from you! Email webtravel@reachplc.com

A spokesperson for Villa Vie Residences told the Express that it has “suspended operations in Cambodia as the company works to address extraordinary increases in fuel costs and evaluate restructuring and recapitalisation alternatives”. The firm has pointed the finger at soaring fuel costs, which have rocketed since Israeli and US forces launched their bombing campaign against Iran, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a significant drop in worldwide oil supplies.

“Fuel costs have risen sharply in the regions where the company has been operating. On an equivalent per-cabin basis, monthly fuel expense that historically averaged approximately $1,800 (£1,350) has recently reached an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in parts of Asia. The company cannot simply pass increases of that scale on to residents, and the resulting shortfall has placed its current operating model under unsustainable financial pressure,” the spokesperson added.

“The company is working with residents to coordinate disembarkation and identify temporary living arrangements. Villa Vie Residences recognises that this is a difficult and disruptive period for residents, crew members, and employees, and is working to support those affected as plans develop”, reports the Express.

Villa Vie’s website promises that the vessel will call at 147 countries, docking at more than 425 ports on an endless voyage that would circle the globe every 3.5 years. “From the fiordlands of New Zealand to the temples of Southeast Asia, the spice markets of India to the shores of Sri Lanka – discover every destination on the world’s longest continuous residential voyage,” it entices.

Yet since February, the ship has been spending increasingly less time at sea. “Since the conflict began in late February, we have taken significant steps to reduce fuel consumption, including slowing the itinerary and spending more time in port. Those measures have not been enough to offset the extraordinary increase in fuel costs, and we have been unable to continue carrying the resulting operating losses. Passing the full increase on to residents is not a realistic solution. Our focus now is on supporting residents, crew, and employees while we work toward restructuring and recapitalization over the next 60 days. That work is ongoing, and no outcome is assured,” the spokesperson added.

“Villa Vie Residences continues to evaluate potential paths forward, but no financing or transaction has been finalised. The company will provide further updates as material developments occur.”

The announcement is expected to be devastating for passengers, many of whom have invested enormous sums and upended their lives to be aboard the vessel.

Back in 2023, Meredith Shay was getting ready to set sail on the Life at Sea, then heralded as the longest sailing in commercial cruise history, when she received devastating news. The operator informed passengers that it had no functioning ship, so the forthcoming sailing was scrapped.

That left hundreds of customers who had ploughed their life savings into the project and had been ready to abandon their lives on land high and dry. “I did sell my house. I put everything into storage, moved out of my apartment. I was about to sell my car. But I am not a ‘woe is me’ person. There is a song over here, ‘dust yourself off and try again’. That is what I’ve done,” she explained in 2025.

“I had a 12-hour pity party, then said, ‘okay, you’re free. Do something’. No encumbrances at all.”

Undeterred, Meredith chose to press on with her dream, signing up for the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise, which is operated by several of the same individuals behind Life at Sea.

She took the plunge despite the collapse of the Life at Sea cruise and the early setbacks that plagued the Villa Vie Odyssey. The latter was scheduled to set sail from Northern Ireland in May 2024, but problems with its rudder stocks left passengers stranded in the city for over four months.

The vessel remained docked for so long that fellow passengers Angela Harsanyi and Gian Perroni had the opportunity to meet, fall head over heels, and eventually tie the knot on the banks of Belfast’s River Lagan.

Meredith pressed ahead regardless, securing a lavish eighth-floor suite for five years at a cost of $159,000, with monthly homeowner fees of $7,999, bringing the overall total to approximately $630,000.