Travel

A British YouTuber was left stunned by the price of a small beer on his flight to Portugal after he had been delighted to get his ticket for just £17.99

A British YouTuber managed to fly from Manchester Airport to Portugal for a mere £17.99 – but the cost of a small beer on his flight left him stunned.

The content creator, known to his fans as Just Deano, jetted off abroad to spend a week filming in Albufeira, a seaside resort that’s a hit with Brits due to its affordable prices and sunny climate.

Kicking off his vlog, he quipped: “Terminal one I hear you say? Ryanair is in terminal three Deano. You’re a cheap skate! Well, this flight cost me £17.99… £17.99! And it is in terminal one because we are flying with easyJet.”

After breezing through security, Deano, whose flight was scheduled for the evening, decided to indulge in a pre-holiday tipple at Bar MCR.

However, despite planning to enjoy a pint of Guinness, he was appalled to see the iconic dark beverage being served in generic non-branded glasses.

With that in mind, he opted for a pint of Mahou lager instead, and raising his eyebrows, he remarked: “Airport prices of course – £7.40 a pint…”

Deano had loaded episodes of the Netflix series House of Guinness onto his phone for the flight, and was pleasantly surprised when everything ran like clockwork, a welcome change after recent travel nightmares.

Settling into his seat on the easyJet flight, he commented that the smoothness of his journey was “unusual for all the right reasons” and he even had an entire aisle to himself.

However, deciding to spoil himself with another beer, he later mused: “So, with everything going so well, I thought let’s treat myself to a couple of beers…

“The only reason I got two and not one is because it is €7 (approx £6) for one can of Birra Moretti and it is €10.95 (approx £9.50) for two.”

After sampling his pricey drink from a plastic cup, he remarked: “Lukewarm. What a shame. The only thing going wrong today is the lukewarm beer. So far.”

Upon his delayed arrival at Faro Airport, he then shelled out €21 (approx £18) for an Uber to his accommodation, before turning in for the evening.

Following the upload of his video, which you can view in its entirety here, numerous viewers from his 33,300-strong following were swift to weigh in on the costs.

One viewer commented: “Deano spent more on beer than the air travel.”

Another remarked: “Great video mate but I would not be paying 11euros for two small warm cans of lager.”

A third chimed in with: “Ridiculous the prices of beer on the plane I say I’m not going to every time but always do. Belter episode DEANO.”

One individual referenced the earlier Guinness glass controversy, stating: “Guinness in a non-Guinness glass should actually be illegal and I am not joking!”.

Finally, another supporter observed: “Weird your taxi is more than your flight. Yet the plane costs far more in fuel to fly there.”

In response to claims made in this story, a spokesperson for easyJet said: “A flight to Portugal and two beers for under £30 doesn’t sound like something to complain about.”

I once ate seven bowls of ragù bolognese over the course of a single weekend. I was in Bologna, to be fair, and on a mission – to get to the bottom of spag bol (yes, I know it should be served with tagliatelle). A few years earlier, I did something similar with a Polish stew called bigos (a sort of hunter’s stew). I wanted to learn about its variations, its nuances, and I wondered what you could find out about a place if you dived into one dish in particular. In the case of bigos, I gleaned that the Polish are prepared to wait a long time for things to be done.

My friend Tom suffers from a similar obsession (just last month he dropped a dozen scotch eggs on a bank holiday Monday) and so when he said he was heading to Paris to eat multiple steak frites, I wasn’t exactly surprised. He wasn’t just going for a laugh, mind you: Tom runs a pub in London called the Carlton Tavern, and had come to the opinion that his steak and chips could do with a bit of zhooshing up. Hence the recce in Paris. But a man travelling all that way to examine meat and potatoes cannot do so alone, so I volunteered my services.

A staple of French brasserie cuisine, steak frites came to prominence during the 19th century, when Paris was filling up with a new, urban working class who wanted, well, filling up. It’s now a standard on any prix fixe menu alongside coq au vin, duck confit and beef bourguignon.

Despite its simplicity, the dish hasn’t avoided philosophical attention. In his essay collection Mythologies, the heavyweight thinker Roland Barthes gave steak frites a proper considering. Just as a cup of tea is traditionally regarded as the remedy to all varieties of strife in some parts of the world (“Lost your job? I’ll stick the kettle on …”), it seemed to Barthes that steak frites was imbued with special significance. For the philosopher, the juicy beef was a sign of vitality and brio, and when paired with the humble chip, the result was practically a dialectic on a plate. Simply put, steak frites is more than the sum of its parts.

Taking advantage of the Eurostar Snap service, which allows you to select the day of travel but not the exact time, I bag myself a discounted return for just £90. And so, within three hours of leaving London, we find ourselves tucking into our first steak.

This homely outfit in the Marais has been going since the 1950s and cooks steaks over an open fireplace. The cut is entrecôte (AKA ribeye), which is served with sauteed potatoes and a green salad dressed with a classic vinaigrette. The steak is good, my medium rare (à point) is trumping Tom’s rare (saignant), the extra minute or so giving the fat a chance to render. There’s no sauce as such, but the mingling of dressing, meat juices and mustard makes a topping unnecessary. I ask the barman what he thinks of English wine. He says it’s a nice idea. €25, 8/10

A respectable amount of time later, we take on a rump on the other side of the Seine, on Boulevard Saint-Germain. Founded in 1880, Lipp is a classy joint – all vast mirrors and gleaming banquettes – and this particular lunchtime the place is abuzz. My slab (or pavé) of rump is fair to middling, but the fries aren’t as chipper as they might be. Once again there is no sauce, while the accompanying salad – some undressed lamb’s lettuce – brings little to the party. The best feature is the performance of our waiter, whose service manages to be exceptionally brusque yet unquestionably friendly. François explains that the 12 on his lapel conveys his standing in the pecking order. ‘‘I started at 23 and aspire to single digits,’’ he says. “And what happens when you get to one?” I ask. “You die.”
€25, 6.5/10

On François’ recommendation, we proceed to Le Pick-Clops, a laid-back bistro on the right bank of the river that is popular with students. Having learned that 2m bottles of wine are consumed in Paris each day, we do our bit to uphold this remarkable statistic by seeing off a carafe while waiting on our meal. The steak, when it comes, is onglet, or butcher’s steak, a cut that is typically dark and lean owing to the muscle’s working-class background. Here it’s served with a classically dressed green salad, a small gravy boat of blue cheese sauce and dauphinoise potatoes. There’s some chew on the beef but I don’t mind that, for it gives the dish’s other elements a chance to collaborate. On leaving, I ask the bartender where we should go next. He offers an enormous shrug and says: “Nowhere.” I give him a look designed to encourage elaboration. “Any place can do this dish,” he explains. “Don’t think about it. Just go.”
€15, 8.5/10

US senators reach stopgap deal to end government shutdown, raising hopes for end to six-week-long impasse.

Airlines in the United States have cancelled more than 3,300 flights amid a top transport official’s warning that air travel could “slow to a trickle” due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The cancellations on Sunday came as Republicans and Democrats reached a stopgap deal on ending the shutdown after the impasse over the passage of a funding bill dragged into its 40th day.

Travel disruption has been mounting since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  last week ordered reductions in air traffic amid reports of air traffic controllers exhibiting fatigue and refusing to turn up for work.

Some 13,000 air traffic controllers, who are deemed “essential” employees under US government rules, have been forced to work without pay since the start of the shutdown on October 1.

A total of 3,304 US flights were cancelled and more than 10,000 flights were delayed on Sunday, according to data from flight-tracking website FlightAware.

More than 1,500 flights were cancelled on Saturday, following the cancellation of about 1,000 flights on Friday.

Under the FAA’s phased-in reduction in air traffic, airlines were ordered to reduce domestic flights by 4 percent from 6am Eastern Standard Time (11:00 GMT) on Friday.

Flights are set to be reduced by 6 percent from Monday, 8 percent by Thursday, and 10 percent by Friday.

In media interviews on Sunday, US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy warned that air travel could grind to a standstill in the run-up to the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27.

“As we get closer to Thanksgiving travel, I think what’s going to happen is you’re going to have air travel slow to a trickle, as everyone wants to travel to see their families,” Duffy told Fox News.

“It doesn’t get better,” Duffy added. “It gets worse until these air traffic controllers are going to be paid.”

The period around Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for travel in the US calendar.

An estimated 80 million Americans travelled during the Thanksgiving period in 2024, with airports screening a record 3.09 million passengers on the Sunday after the holiday alone.

As fears of travel chaos mounted on Sunday, US senators said they had reached a compromise agreement to restore funding for government operations through the end of January.

In a late night session, the Senate voted 60-to-40 to break the filibuster and advance the funding package after a group of moderate Democrats joined Republicans to support the resumption of government funding.

The funding plan still needs to be approved by the Senate and the US House of Representatives, and then signed into law by US President Donald Trump, before the shutdown ends.

It is also unclear whether travel disruption could persist after the government reopens.

The FAA said last week that decisions on lifting its flight reductions would be “informed by safety data”.

Al Jazeera has contacted the FAA for comment.

Richard Aboulafia, managing director at the consultancy AeroDynamic Advisory, said that if air traffic controllers have been skipping work due to pay, the disruptions should quickly dissipate once the shutdown ends.

But there are also suspicions among aviation analysts that the flight restrictions are an “arbitrary” measure designed to raise political pressure for an end to the government shutdown, Aboulafia said.

“The decision to restrict capacity was understandable if the facts and data support it,” Aboulafia told Al Jazeera.

“Secretary Duffy says the data does indeed support it, but he has not shared any of that data. People are right to be suspicious, particularly in light of other unnecessary cuts by the administration.”

Nov. 9 (UPI) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that Thanksgiving air travel would slow considerably.

Amid the continued federal government shutdown and upcoming travel season, he also said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered military reserves of air traffic controllers to help mitigate the shutdown-linked staffing shortage.

As of early Sunday morning, more than 1,100 flights had been canceled, which follows more than 1,500 that were cancelled and 6,4000 that were delayed, ABC reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to cut flights by 10% by Nov. 14 to mitigate air safety concerns amid the shortage of air traffic controllers.

Duffy said in an interview with “Fox News Sunday” that Hegseth texted him Saturday with the offer, but that he did not know if the air traffic controllers could be deployed.

“But he’ll step in and try to provide some relief in the skies,” Duffy said. “We’re trying to minimize the pain for the American people.”

Duffy said that he anticipated “very few” air traffic controllers showing up for work over the holiday, choosing to be with their families as they continue to work unpaid.

The federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1 has entered its sixth week, becoming the longest in U.S. history, as lawmakers in Washington remain at an impasse over funding for the new fiscal year.

The stalemate is over expiring healthcare tax credits from the Affordable Care Act. Democrats want to extend these subsidies before reopening the government, while Republicans refuse to discuss policy until a funding bill passes.

The funding lapse has led to the furlough of hundreds of thousands of federal employees and is forcing many others, including military personnel and air traffic controllers, to work without pay. But many air traffic controllers have chosen not to appear for work.

Disruptions have deepened nationwide, including slowdowns at airports, closures of national parks and cultural institutions and growing uncertainty over food assistance programs for millions of Americans.

“I think we have to be honest about where this is going,” Duffy said. “It doesn’t get better, it gets worse until these air traffic controllers are going to be paid.”

We got to experience the delights of Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell, having recently opened its doors, boasting a traditional British pub dubbed an ‘icon’ and a gorgeous 1930s themed bar

Finding a hotel in London, be it for business or leisure, can feel like a daunting task. There’s a catalogue of establishments promising a restful night to rest our heads after a busy day in the capital. However, there’s one that stands out.

Nestled in the heart of London’s design district and just a short distance from some of the city’s hotspots is the newly opened Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell by IHG. The four-star boutique hotel sits in a welcoming neighbourhood, dubbed “one of London’s most creative postcodes”, which allowed us to comfortably slot into the lifestyle of locals during a weekend stay.

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It’s perfectly positioned to explore central London, including Barbican Centre, Little Italy and St. Paul’s Cathedral, being just a short walk away. If we needed to venture further into the city, Barbican underground tube station is just a five-minute walk from the hotel – that’s if we could tear ourselves away from our room.

Before we even reached our twin bedroom, we were impressed by the glowing clocks that were fixed outside every bedroom door, displaying the room number in time, and decorating the hotel halls. Once we stepped inside our room, we were welcomed into a chic retreat designed with sleek interiors, smart features, and a refined aesthetic that was as stylish as it was comfortable.

Plush twin beds with crisp white linens and a velvet forest green headboard anchored the room, while smart lighting, including a nifty reading light and an automatic light for the bathroom, along with built-in amenities, made our stay even more effortless. We made use of the espresso machine found in every room and the gorgeous Urban Apothecary London bathroom amenities.

There were subtle notes of baby pink and mustard yellow that complemented the green hues perfectly, while oak wood furnishings with touches of gold added to the room’s sophistication and style. Other delicate touches include the old-fashioned style phone and the ambient circle light above the beds – we felt tucked away from the bustling capital inside our little haven.

When it came to food, we were spoilt for choice and found that there was absolutely no need to dine out anywhere else during our stay, with their restaurant, Wilderness Kitchen, pub, Hat & Feathers and Sabini Bar all under one roof. Because we know, choosing somewhere to dine in London is another minefield to navigate.

We started our evening with a pre-dinner drink in the hotel’s luxurious cocktail bar, Sabini Bar, which is themed around Charles Sabini, a notorious gangster who operated in London’s Clerkenwell during the 1920s and 30s. We opted for a spiced margarita, exquisitely made by cocktail attender Ope, and sat on one of the plush velvet seats in their cosy and elegant nook of the bar.

This area of the bar featured a dramatic red curtain covering half the floor-to-ceiling windows, a large partisan-style rug over wooden floors and a dazzling orange-hued chandelier that hung above. While we can only dream of our own house being this lavish, it offered a sense of relaxed comfort with a boujee edge.

For dinner, we dined in their gorgeous Wilderness Kitchen with table booths decorated in greenery and stylish rattan chairs. Served by the friendly food & beverage supervisor, Amal, we started with the garlic chilli prawns with ginger, before indulging in a 100Z ribeye medium-rare steak served with chunky chips and peppercorn sauce.

After gazing upon the dessert menu, we couldn’t resist the warming and lightly rich chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. It was all washed down with a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio Rosé.

Another highlight of the hotel’s food and beverage options is the Grade II listed Hat & Feathers pub, which is accessible directly from the hotel or via a main entrance outside. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy classic British pub dishes, local and international beers, in a cosy and traditional London pub, which is marked as “a Clerkenwell icon”.

For breakfast, we returned to the Wilderness Kitchen for a selection of continental options and poached eggs and avocado from their main menu. There were plenty of fresh juices on offer, along with coffees to help kickstart the day!

To book your stay at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell, or for more details, visit their website here.

WITH hotel prices soaring and all-inclusives costing a small fortune you probably think luxury holidays are a pipe dream – but some savvy Brits have found a way to jet off several times a year totally for FREE.

These women are bagging stunning holidays to pricey destinations like Las Vegas, Spain and Lapland for their families for absolutely nothing – and we’ve got their easy secrets so you can, too.

So how are they doing it? Run-of-the-mill competitions that give away everything from staycations to long-haul breaks.

These women are self-confessed ‘compers’ who have turned prize draws and social media giveaways into their tickets to dream holidays.

And while there is an element of luck, the trick is knowing where to look.

They maximise their chances through specialist groups on Facebook like Travel Competitions UK.

Free to join, this is a private group for holiday competition hunters throughout the UK to share tips and advice.

The page is also an opportunity for members to share travel competitions they’ve spotted and there are usually between 5-10 posted per day – anything from magazine comps and Instagram and Facebook shares, to comps directly from cruise companies, airlines and hotels.

Lucky Learners is another popular Facebook group for more general competitions, with 24,000 members,

It’s run by professional comper and author, Di Coke, who has also set up another paid-for members group called Lucky Legends, which provides access to a private chat forum and exclusive resources such as the compers shopping list.

A numbers game

Mum-of-two Natasha Douglas,  46, from Kent, is a member of Travel Competitions UK and has scooped several trips including not one but TWO holidays to Las Vegas – the first she won in 2019.

She says it’s primarily a numbers game.

Natasha told The Sun: “There’s no real skill involved. I just enter a lot of competitions all the time. The more you enter, the more chance you have of winning.”

Natasha and her friend used her latest holiday win to travel to Las Vegas last month – a win she secured through a newsletter sign-up with gambling.com – and the prize included a helicopter ride, show tickets and even £2,000 in spending money.

She’s also bagged a Lapland day trip on Christmas Eve, a Cornwall surf break, and a stack of UK hotel stays.

Natasha added: “Comping’s my hobby, any spare time I get, I’m entering something, but I never pay to enter.

“I’ll subscribe, share or answer a question, but it’s all free. The only downside are the spam emails! I get loads of them but it’s worth it.”

You gotta be in it to win it

Meanwhile, Lucy Davis, from Manchester is currently sunning herself in Mojácar, Spain, on her latest win.

The 47-year-old, who has one son, two stepchildren and two grandchildren, started entering competitions during lockdown.

She said: “A friend told me about the Lucky Learners site on Facebook, it’s amazing. There’s a £5 subscription for the full version, but there’s a free page too, with loads of competitions and advice.”

Since then, Lucy’s racked up an impressive list of wins.

She won a glamping break in Wales, a school-bus stay in Cornwall, a ferry trip to Amsterdam, and a city break in Liverpool, not to mention dozens of smaller prizes including shopping vouchers and restaurant meals.

Lucy told us: “I probably enter about 600 competitions a month, I usually do it late at night once the kids are in bed. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, magazines, anywhere that’s running a giveaway. You’ve got to be in it to win it!”

Lucy’s even made it onto ITV’s This Morning three years ago on a segment called ‘It’s behind You,’ where she pocketed £300 on the spot, and another £1,000 from an online prize draw.

She added: “Local Facebook pages are brilliant too. I’ve won panto tickets, Winter Wonderland entry, and even an Alton Towers trip for five.”

Mum-of-two Rachael Jones, 44, from Basingstoke, joined the Travel Competitions UK Facebook page over a year ago and now enters competitions almost every day.

Rachael said: “When I have spare time to relax, it’s something that I like to do. Fortunately my hobby paid off when I won a holiday.

“I found out in July 2024 that I had won a trip with Global and Booking.com and I had a year in to book it, so I arranged to go on my birthday in May this year.

“The prize was return flights to Malta, for four people including transfers, and two nights in a luxury apartment in Valletta.

“I also received £500 cash, which was transferred into my bank account just after I accepted the prize. My family and I had a wonderful time.”

All three women swear by Facebook groups like Lucky Learners, Late Deals Competitions, and Travel Competitions UK – and admit that while it takes time and a lot of entries, the rewards can be huge.

DESIGNS for a train station from the 1850s have been unearthed revealing what could have been the UK’s own Grand Central Station.

A map of the station from 172 years ago shows that it would have been a huge hub just like New York’s station of the same name.

To mark 200 years of modern railway, Perceval Parsons’ plans have been released and put on sale.

And they reveal a very different looking rail hub than what we know today.

The Grand Central Station would have connected up lots of mainline stations in the capital.

It would have been built next to Great Scotland Yard, close to where Embankment tube station is now and backed onto the River Thames.

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Outside would have been lots of decoration with a front that would be 800 feet in length.

For passengers there would be multiple entrances into the main concourse which would be around 300 feet long.

There would have been eight arrival platforms and eight for departure.

In comparison, Grand Central Terminal in New York is 275 feet long, 120 feet wide, and 125 feet high.

Parsons wrote on the plans: “The great desideratum of a connecting link to unite the termini of the various metropolitan railways, and at the same time afford them access to the heart of London, has long been admitted.

“And a line that would effect this, and at the same time give a like accommodation to the principal suburbs, would be of still greater importance”.

The proposal was supported by Robert Stephenson, chief engineer of the London and Birmingham Railway, but the reason why it didn’t go ahead was due to the Crimean War.

The war meant many expensive projects were scrapped across the UK.

Charing Cross Station opened in 1864, eight years after the end of the Crimean War.

One train line that was running in the 1800s was what was dubbed one of the spookiest train lines in history.

The London Necropolis Railway would transport up to 2,000 bodies a year from the city, to be buried in the countryside due to overcrowding.

Starting at Waterloo Station, the Necropolis Railway would transport coffins from London to Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey.

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Here’s how to find the UK’s most beautiful rail journey that takes 10 minutes and costs just £10.

Plus, here’s one of the world’s most beautiful train routes is in the UK – and it’s getting a £15million upgrade.

Here’s more on the London Transport Museum…

From rare road and rail vehicles to vintage posters, visitors can see over 320,000 items relating to the English capital’s transport history at the London Transport Museum Depot in Acton.

There’s lots to explore at the Museum Depot like decommissioned tube carriages – including some from the 1930s.

There are also signs, ceramic tiles, original posters and ticket machines from over the years.

There are limited open days each year where there are expert talks and demonstrations.

Some topics ask the questions; why are buses red? to why design of the Piccadilly Line train is the way it is.

The depot also has a working miniature railway based on real underground trains from the carriages to signals – this only runs on weekends during the open days.

For more information and details on opening days, head to the London Transport Museum Depot website.

A PRETTY town on a island in Greece has opened a new €3.5million (£3million) marina to visitors.

The brand new marina in Nydri, which is located on the Ionian island of Lefkada, is set to attract more tourists, visitors and yacht owners to the area.

Having opened back in April, the marina has 73 berths for yachts up to 15 metres.

The marina was developed to make access to the Ionian islands better.

While there is a small bridge from the mainland which makes the island accessible via car, the new marina should help to improve nautical tourism.

Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas, stated: “This project marks a vital development that will foster prosperity not only in Nydri but across the entire island of Lefkada.”

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He added that the upgrades make the destination competitive with the likes of Croatia, Montenegro and Albania.

He said: “It is crucial for the Ionian Islands to experience such significant growth in maritime tourism.”

The project was also part of a wider development plan to expand marine tourism in the islands.

Other projects include adding a 100-berth marina in Vassiliki.

Nydri itself is a pretty resort town to explore, just under 10 miles from the main town.

The town curves around the bay and has a few quaint taverns and restaurants to explore.

Head to the harbour to see boats bobbing up and down on the water.

Or venture to Dimosari Waterfalls – a popular hiking spot that leads to Dimosari Gorge and its waterfalls, which you can even swim in in the warmer months.

As a whole, this island of Lefkada is known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece‘ thanks to its exotic, Caribbean-like natural landscape.

On the island, visitors will find sprawling beaches, such as Porto Katsiki which is bookended by dramatic cliffs and has soft, golden sands.

One recent visitor said: “Great beautiful beach with beautiful blue water! The road after is already an experience and beautiful views!”

The island’s main town is also worth exploring – it features lots of little alleys, a long promenade and several restaurants and bars.

One of the top restaurants to head to is Antivaro, which won a TridAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2025.

On the menu, you could opt for a meat grill with chicken, pork, beef, pita bread and french fries for €27 (£23.78).

Make sure to look at the buildings as well, many of which have Venetian architecture.

Throughout the town there are a number of landmarks worth exploring too, such as the Church of Pantokrator and the Church of Agioi Anargyroi.

Or head to a museum, such as the Phonograph Museum, the Folklore Museum or the Archaeological Museum.

The island is littered with different accommodation spots, meaning there is something for every type of holidaymaker.

For example, you could stay at Armeno Beach Hotel from £72 per night.

The hotel has a restaurant, with free breakfast included and beach access.

Alternatively, head to Lefkas Hotel, which has a pool and is a two minute walk from the sea – it costs from £43 per night.

The best way to get to Lefkada is by flying into Aktion National Airport, which is about an hour away from Lefkada.

Some airlines fly seasonally to the airport – for example, you could fly with easyJet from London Gatwick to Aktion Airport in April 2026 for £171 return.

Alternatively, you can fly into Athens and drive, which takes around five hours.

Flights from the UK to Athens in December cost as little as £28 return from London, £61 return from Bristol and £71 return from Manchester.

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If you are looking for more inspiration for holidays to Greece, then one expect has shared four better value islands where locals go on holiday.

Plus, the smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.

CROATIA is full of islands, in fact it has over one thousand of them, but there’s one that was the favourite hotspot for royalty many years ago.

It’s not hard to see why either as the island is covered in lush olive groves and ruins of those grand former summer residences.

Šipan Island is the largest of the Elaphiti archipelago and is around 11 miles away from Dubrovnik.

On the island there are just two hotels, so you can opt for an overnight stay at either Hotel Šipan in Šipanska Luka and Hotel Božica in Suđurađ.

Both are expensive, although Hotel Božica offers a more relaxed retreat than what you’ll find on mainland Croatia.

It’s small with around 30 rooms, and guests can make use of the outdoor pool, a private beach, a restaurant and a lounge bar.

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In peak summer it can be as much as £380 per night.

If you want to simply explore, then jump on a ferry and take a daytrip from Dubrovnik.

To get to Šipan, holidaymakers need to take the ferry from Dubrovnik.

There’s one ferry a day, and the trip takes around 45 minutes with a one-way ticket costing £3.63pp.

Once you get to the island, you’ll find a mass of olive groves – as it holds a Guinness World Record for the highest density of olive trees per square meter.

This is also why it’s called ‘golden island’, thanks to its rich land which produces quality olive oil.

It is inhabited by around 480 residents who live between the two main villages, Šipanska Luka on the western side and Suđurađ on the southeastern tip.

You’ll also spot some ruins that used to be Roman villas and summer residences of Dubrovnik nobility.

Thanks to its proximity to the city, Šipan Island used to be the holiday spot for rich and noble Croatian families from Dubrovnik.

One of those is Vice Stjepović-Skočibuha in the village of Suđurađ, the most famous one among them.

Of the 13 Elaphiti Islands, only three are inhabited; Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Koločep is the island nearest to Dubrovnik, and it has two villages, plenty of hiking trails, and the Modra šilja, known as The Blue Cave.

On Lopud, visitors will find the very pretty Šunj beach and a historic monastery.

Much further up the coast, nearer to Zagreb, Krk is Croatia’s largest island, and unlike Šipan, it can be accessed via a bridge, so there’s no need to take the ferry.

As it’s one of the larger Croatian islands, which has a number of resorts, hotels, holiday homes and campsites.

There are over 68 towns and villages on the island, and a popular spot is Beach Kozica, also known as the silent beach, which has been described as “dream bay” by visitors thanks to its clear waters.

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Plus, here’s more on the Croatian town that Brits always skip, which is named one of the cheapest beach resorts in Europe.

And check out the tiny European coastal town that used to be its own island named top 2024 hidden gem.

The wild swimming spot is popular with reviewers, who praised the ‘stunning’ views

A ‘magical’ tidal pool that’s popular with wild swimmers has been praised as the ‘perfect’ spot for a winter swim. Found in Cornwall, the ‘stunning’ pool could be especially attractive to people who like to swim year-round, but who don’t always get the chance due to rough seas.

While it’s always important to follow water safety guidelines, swimming in the winter can be more dangerous due to unpredictable conditions and stronger currents. Bude Sea Pool often goes viral on social media and is highly rated by TripAdvisor reviewers. It’s also free to visit.

Friends of Bude Sea Pool, the charity that maintains the pool, explains: “Bude Sea Pool is a semi-natural tidal pool and is a safe haven for wild swimming on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean. There is no cost, no booking nor any other imposed restriction. Bude Sea Pool is for everyone to enjoy for free.”

The sea pool is open throughout the year, and the temperature typically ranges between 11°C and 18°C. The website advises unseasoned swimmers to consider wearing a wetsuit. It is also recommended to always swim at low tide.

On TripAdvisor, the tidal pool has an average rating of 4.7 out of five, and it earned a 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award. The description for the attraction reads: “Bude Sea Pool is a part-natural, part man-made tidal pool on Summerleaze Beach in the popular seaside town of Bude, North Cornwall.

“Built in the 1930s under the cliffs, it provides a safe swimming area away from the dangerous Atlantic currents. Measuring approximately 91m by 45m, the pool is naturally replenished by the Atlantic Ocean at high tide.”

One previous visitor said: “Bude sea pool is my favourite place in the world. I have visited it many times, in all months and seasons. It is never the same, but always magical and I am so happy that it continues to be free for everyone to enjoy. Wonderful place.”

Another visitor wrote: “A lovely spot. Perfect, safe place for a winter swim. A lovely spot.

“Perfect, safe place for a winter swim when the sea is rough. An amazing facility. Volunteer run and charity so pop in the ‘friends of’ shop for some swim-supplies or gifts to show support. Parking & toilets nearby.”

Someone else praised: “Awesome! What a stunning place for a swim! The Bude sea pool is a wonderful thing. It is backed by cliffs creating stunning views while you can swim in calm but fresh sea water. I recommend a wetsuit in winter unless you’re seriously hardy!

“But it is open and beautiful all year round whatever the weather. If you do swim please do donate to keep this wonderful resource going. Go there and enjoy!”

Nov. 8 (UPI) — Federal officials on Saturday canceled more than 800 flights at airports across the United States as the federal government shutdown entered its record-long 39th day on Saturday.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford jointly announced a temporary 10% reduction in flights at 40 high-traffic airports.

They said the reduction in flights is necessary to ensure safety and ease the strain on air traffic controllers, who are working without pay.

“My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety,” Duffy said.

“It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.”

More than 1,700 flights have been canceled through Sunday — and more than 800 were cancelled on Saturday alone — as commercial airlines reduced their respective flights by 4% at the nation’s busiest airports, according to CNN.

Washington’s Reagan National Airport is affected the most by the flight reductions, with 151 flights canceled among 869 initially scheduled there for a reduction of 17.4%, The New York Times reported.

Louisville, Ky., has an 8% reduction with 12 canceled among 150 flights, followed by Cincinnati, 7.2% and 18 canceled flights among 250 scheduled.

Houston Hobby has 20 of 336 flights canceled for a 6% reduction, followed by Indianapolis, with 17 of 297 flights canceled for a 5.7% reduction, to round out the five most impacted airports.

The flight reductions come after many air traffic controllers and other essential airport staff have called in sick due to increased stress, to work other jobs and to care for their children, among other reasons.

They have missed one paycheck and will again next week if the federal government is not funded and reopened by then, according to CNBC.

The reduced staffing levels are putting more pressure on commercial air operations, especially at the nation’s busiest airports.

“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,” Bedford said.

“The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations, and we will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe.”

Berlin

A city as celebrated for its quirkiness as Berlin is almost duty-bound to deliver on the flea market front – plus, many of its shops close on Sundays, making market browsing the natural retail fix.

Although Mauerpark in the Prenzlauer Berg district is well known for its flea market and sells good stuff, if you have the patience to rummage through the inevitable piles of tat, smaller markets tend to have more interesting one-off finds. A favourite is Arkonaplatz in the Mitte district, which is especially alluring in autumn when the light and surrounding trees take on golden shades. There’s old film and camera equipment to be had here, as well as industrial furniture. My favourite buy is a huge, hand-crocheted blanket in shades of lapis and rust.

The Rathaus Schöneberg flea market in Tempelhof-Schöneberg is one of Berlin’s oldest, and is located where John F Kennedy made his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. It’s mostly the wares of people having a clear-out, as opposed to professional dealers, and is affordable.

Lesser known to non-Berliners, Neukölln’s Kranoldplatz Flohmarkt – in one of the city’s most vibrant alternative neighbourhoods – is a good choice for cool castoffs. Strict regulations limit what vendors can sell, too, so you’re spared much of the new, mass-produced junk you might find elsewhere.

For the most beautiful setting, though, the Bode antique and book market on Museum Island is pure romance. I can’t read any of the books I’ve bought there, nor have I ever served cake with the silver-plated slice I found there, but who cares?

Secondhand stores can be found all over the city – but it’s worth homing in on Friedrichshain. It’s home to Europe’s biggest Humana store (five floors of vintage treasure, including a selection of lederhosen) and there are several smaller outfits here, too. V Vintage (Kopernikusstraße 18 and Grünberger Straße 50) has a great range of pieces, from vintage denim to retro après-ski, while Soul and Style (Krossener Straße 24 and Frankfurter Allee 35-37) serves up fashion with a distinctly 80s flair, complete with band T-shirts, glitter and lurid shell suits.
For more insider tips, check out @ezcape, @jessica.miusha

Athens

Who wouldn’t have old things on their mind when visiting the cradle of western civilisation? Once you’ve taken in the Acropolis and Parthenon, swerve the stalls selling fridge magnets of ancient ruins and head to the port city of Piraeus. About 5 miles south-west of Athens, it’s where the ferries depart for hundreds of Greek islands and a Sunday flea market takes place, alongside the railway tracks, until 2pm-ish. There’s often good retro clothing and vintage homewares – be prepared to rummage, sometimes at ground level, as not all vendors set up on tables. Then head for lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Another Sunday option is Pazari Rakosyllekton, or Scavengers’ Fleamarket (the name alone gets my treasure-hunt heart racing), a few minutes’ walk from Eleonas station, selling everything from furniture and homewares to books and records. Having found Olivia Newton-John’s Xanadu here, I feel I’ve peaked.

Elsewhere, curated vintage stores include Kilo Shop (Ermou 120), where finds are charged by weight and rails restocked every second day. Higher-end options include Anthophile Vintage (Zoodochou Pigis 55), where florals and whimsy reign, and Handpicked Cherries (Frinis 51) for vintage leather and Y2K treats.
For more insider tips, check out @athens_thrifts, @posh.vintage

Stockholm

Sweden and its Scandi neighbours are known for being savagely pricey, so balance the books with a touch of secondhand shopping. Stockholm has two stores from the popular European chain Humana – one in the Norrmalm district and another in Södermalm – good for clothing and accessories. With several locations around the city, Myrorna – owned by the Swedish arm of the Salvation Army – is more for your home than wardrobe. Gustavsberg porcelain and stylish glassware by Kosta Boda pop up frequently, as do pieces by other Nordic brands, such as Marimekko.

Södermalm is also home to a branch of the UK chain Beyond Retro and Judits Second Hand (Hornsgatan 75), which operates partly on a consignment basis, selling unwanted garments of local people for a split.

For a particularly Swedish experience, seek out a loppis. Not quite a garage sale, not quite a flea market, it’s an immensely popular way to socialise on a weekend, while unearthing the treasure that is someone else’s trash. Some are spontaneous, others semi-permanent with on-site refreshment and music. Spring and summer are prime times for loppisrunda (loppis-hopping), especially in the countryside, but they can be found year-round (check loppiskartan.se). A vintage Swedish Christmas tablecloth with matching fabric napkins and a pair of sleek brass reindeer, all from Uppsala, a 40-minute train journey north of Stockholm, remain beloved finds.
For more insider tips, check out @modernretrostockholm, @vintageretrosimon and @myrornaopsten

Madrid

Fast-fashion behemoth Zara was born in Spain, and although its largest retail store worldwide is in Madrid, the capital isn’t enslaved to high-street dressing. As well as its 29 Humana shops, where you might stumble upon anything from 90s streetwear to 50s corsetry, those with a yen for designer labels should check out the city’s many upmarket secondhand boutiques, which are more akin to concept stores than thrift shops.

Try Second Chance in the city centre (Calle de la Virgen de los Peligros 11) for lightly used clothes by names such as Loewe, Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent. While not exactly bargains, they are far more affordable than they would be new.

Denim is the staple at Friperie (Calle Rodriguez San Pedro 2), which has been name-checked by Vogue; and for those who consider Y2K to be vintage (rude) then Neare in the centre (Corre Alta de San Pablo 21) has a varied selection of clothing and accessories.

At Piel de Mariposa (Calle Embajadores 35) there are books, vinyl and homewares, as well as a good range of fashion and accessories, many for under €10 apiece.

The traditional flea market experience is also readily available in Madrid: El Rastro, home to many restaurants and bars, bursts into life on Sundays, when the flea market takes over the neighbourhood. Be prepared to wade through lots of rubbish, but when you do strike gold (for me, the vintage ceramics are particularly beguiling) it glitters for real.
For more insider tips, check out @rastro_madrid, @matiz.life

Amiens

There are plenty of reasons to visit Amiens, the capital of the Picardy region: France’s largest Gothic cathedral, the country’s first purpose-built museum (with displays covering everything from Egyptian artefacts to Francis Bacon), and for Channel-hoppers it’s only a 90-minute drive from Calais. Plus, twice a year it hosts the Réderie, one of the largest flea markets in France.
On the second last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in October, 2,000-plus vendors spread over 50-odd streets in the town centre.

Aim to arrive on the Saturday, as many of the vendors start setting up the night before. So wrap up warmly, wear comfortable shoes and a head torch, and maybe you’ll bag an early bargain. Take a camping trolley for your finds: some of my favourites have included framed floral needlepoints, heavy brass swans and acrylic candleholders.

While the biannual market is the big draw, the town has plenty to keep vintage lovers happy year-round. Fripes et Merveilles (151 Rue Gaulthier de Rumilly) is a time capsule of well-priced finds, from bric-a-brac to jewellery. Prices are far higher at Silk & Roses (18 Rue Saint-Martin aux Waides), but expect to find the likes of Kenzo, Moschino and Yves Saint Laurent. Meanwhile, Icône Friperie (21 Rue du Général Leclerc) charges by the kilo – €30 a haul.
For more insider tips, check out #grandrederieamiens, @se_souvenir_des_belles_choses

While the New Year is a peak time for booking summer holidays, especially for families looking to jet away outside of term time, here’s why I tend to be an early bird booker in November

The promise of a summer holiday is often the thing that gets you through the post-Christmas slump. And holiday companies certainly know this. While you’re finishing your turkey sandwich and fighting festive hangovers, there are two adverts you’ll see a lot of; sofa sales and holidays.

As a travel journalist, I take a lot of last-minute breaks, but as a busy mum when it comes to booking my own holidays, I like to be organised. This means that before I’ve put the tree up I’ve often got my summer holiday booked, and November can be an excellent time to start browsing travel sites.

Here are some of the reasons why I’m already thinking about my summer holidays this month and will likely be booking in the next couple of weeks.

1. Yes, there are some great deals

While travel companies do offer sales in January and February, November is a quiet month for bookings for travel companies, which means there are often flash sales and deals going on that aren’t as heavily promoted, but can still save you a lot of money.

Of course, the big one in November is Black Friday. At the time of writing, many of the major operators were still keeping their deals under wraps, although Jet2 currently have 20% off flights and £100 per person off all holidays.

Black Friday is officially on November 28, but in my experience, most travel companies will launch their offerings before then. If there’s a particular tour operator, airline, or cruise provider you’re interested in, sign up for their newsletter now. Some of them will give early access to deals, and you can always unsubscribe later.

2. Availability is better

Most airlines and accommodation providers will have released their 2026 summer availability by now for early bird bookers. If you’re looking for a very specific destination or holiday type, for example a certain cabin type on a cruise or a sea view apartment in your favourite resort, then you’ve got a better chance of nabbing it now before the New Year rush.

As someone who once endured an overnight ferry to France in a reclining seat because I booked too late and there were no cabins left, I always try to get bookings locked in as soon as I know the dates I want. Car hire is another one that tends to be better booked in advance, especially if you’re visiting a small Spanish or Greek island, as they’ll often have limited vehicles available.

3. It’s easier to budget

As a parent whose family holiday dates are restricted to half terms and those dreaded six weeks of summer, I’m well aware how expensive it can be to even get a few nights in a caravan during peak times. That’s why I like to take advantage of interest-free options for spreading the cost, so I can budget monthly and get the holiday paid off before I go.

TUI, for example, offer zero deposit options, with the cost of the holiday paid in instalments via direct debit. The last payment is made eight weeks before your holiday, so if you book earlier, you can spread it in smaller instalments which I find much less painful than paying in one go.

Some UK holiday providers offer the same such Haven offer low deposits of £30 and a variety of payment options to help you budget.

Always make sure you can afford the monthly payments, as missing one could mean your holiday ends up getting cancelled with any payments lost. Read any terms and conditions carefully. Make sure there’s no interest being added and avoid options like credit cards and pay later providers who can add massive fees.

4. You can lock down popular annual leave dates

If you’ve ever worked in a team with other parents, you’ll know there can be a battle to get weeks off at certain times of year. Even if you aren’t booking your holiday yet, it’s worth getting those annual leave requests in. Of course, never book a holiday before you’ve had your annual leave approved.

5. Enjoy the holiday excitement for longer

Christmas can be a stressful time, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to. I appreciate it’s not the same for everyone, but I really love the countdown to my big holiday. It gives me plenty of time to look for local attractions I want to visit, and even start shopping for holiday clothes.

Admittedly, early booking isn’t for everyone, some people love to be spontaneous. But if you’re already dreaming of jetting off in summer it may be a good time to see what the tour operators have to offer.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

Dan, who documents his travel with wife Natalia on Youtube and Instagram, spent Christmas Day on the Canary Islands hotspot of Tenerife with his two scaffolder friends

A scaffolder who ditched the UK for Christmas Day in Tenerife has explained why he left his wife behind for the festive break.

Traditionally, Christmas is a time when families come together to pull crackers, exchange presents, and watch Doctor Who.

Not so for Dan, a construction worker who spent a week in Tenerife with two of his mates while his wife stayed behind in the UK. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Natalie wasn’t thrilled. However, Dan was not tempted to the Canary Islands by the promise of sun, sand, and sea alone.

“She actually did mind me going. She didn’t want me to go. But my mate’s house had been flooded and he was in temporary accommodation in a hotel room, his family had all gone away for Christmas and he had nobody left, so I said I’d go to Tenerife with him and another guy from work – as they wouldn’t go just those two,” Dan told the Mirror, when asked about his decision to fly out.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email [email protected]

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Dan, who travels the world with Natalie and offers “nothing but honest opinions” as two “working class travellers from England” on YouTube and Instagram, broke down the logistics of the break.

“We travelled to Tenerife as a group of three friends, our return flights, from Christmas Eve, to New Year’s Eve cost us just £261 each. Our accommodation was on the north side of the island, where it’s much quieter and a little less expensive,” he explained.

“We stayed in a house in Los Realejos, which cost us £1,118.40 for three people, for six nights, and as three scaffolders from Essex – this side of the island helped us stick to a nice budget. To reach the tourist hotspots (Playa de Las Américas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje), we had hired out a car for £271.80 (for seven days). As I’m not a big drinker anymore, I was always able to act as designated driver.”

On the big day itself, the three lads enjoyed 23°C, sunshine, and “not a cloud in the sky” as they basked on Playa de Las Américas.

“We had a pint at a restaurant and spent the day relaxing in the sun, surrounded by a sea of fellow Brits, drinking and relaxing on the beach. Later on, we tried to find somewhere to have a traditional Christmas dinner, a roast, or anything resembling one,” Dan continued.

“Our efforts were futile. Everywhere was completely fully booked, we even decided to walk a couple of miles out of the hotspot area to find one, but when we arrived, it was closed. On our way back to Playa de Las Américas, we stumbled upon an Asian restaurant with little to no customers inside, the menu was substantially cheaper than most other places we had tried. As three hungry guys who absolutely love Asian food and Asia, we happily settled for that. A Thai red curry with a spectacular view of the sunset over the ocean. That was to be our Christmas dinner.”

After dinner, Dan spent some time reflecting on his festive Tenerife jaunt. As fun as it was, it lacked a certain cosiness and family feel.

“Christmas Day in the sunshine, surrounded by a sea of strangers was just not the same as being at home in the UK; where it’s cold, dark and miserable outside, but you’re in your warm home, surrounded by your loved ones, who are all in the same situation together, with seemingly endless amounts of good food available – there is something special about that,” Dan explained.

“Spending the day in the sun abroad just wasn’t really giving me that same Christmassy feeling. And that’s all coming from a scaffolder who spends six months of every year travelling vlogging abroad, without so much as a second of it being spent feeling ‘homesick’. Although the two older lads I went with would disagree with my feelings and both much prefer it in the sun, relaxing on the beach with a beer in their hand.”

In total, light-drinking Dan spent £1,200 on the trip, which included flights, accommodation, car hire, fuel, food and some drink. His two friends spent closer to £2,500 each “whilst drinking and smoking”.

“I would recommend Tenerife for Christmas if you don’t have anyone to spend Christmas with at home, or if you don’t want to spend the day with anybody at home. I would also recommend it if your family would go with you,” he continued.

“There were a lot of families there, but that’s likely going to be an expensive trip at Christmas. If however, like me, your family is all at home enjoying the day in the cosiness of a family home, I would recommend you join them and enjoy the day with them, as you might find that in your older years, you can spend the day of Christmas abroad, on the beach, without any family to miss.”

In terms of how Natalie feels about Dan’s decision now, he said: “She’s cool man. She was upset when I left, but we’ve been together for 10 years now. She knows what I’m like.”

The AA has named the UK’s Holiday Park of the Year, and it’s in a beautiful coastal location with a sandy beach, plenty of entertainment, and lots to do in the area

The UK’s Holiday Park of the Year has been announced, and it’s nestled on a stunning stretch of Norfolk coast, sandwiched between two popular seaside resorts.

Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village, located between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and near the Suffolk border, has been awarded a five-star rating by the AA, with the inspector praising its: “Excellent leisure and entertainment facilities for all ages.”

The AA Caravan and Camping Awards 2025-26 judged parks across the UK, covering a variety of award categories, from Small Campsite of the Year to Glamping Site of the Year. Hopton scooped up the coveted AA Holiday Park of the Year award, with inspectors praising its picturesque coastal location, natural countryside setting, and superb range of on-site amenities.

Home to 775 static caravans, the park is situated in the village of Hopton, known for its long sandy beach that becomes a hotspot during the summer months. Visitors can take advantage of direct beach access, allowing them to spend their days lounging on the golden sands or strolling along the low grassy cliffs.

Hopton village itself has classic seaside charm, complete with fish and chip shops, amusements, and a handful of convenient stores. There’s also plenty to do in Great Yarmouth, just a ten-minute drive away, offering family-friendly rides at the Pleasure Beach, the chance to discover marine life at the SEA LIFE Centre, or enjoy traditional seaside fun on the pier.

A mere 40-minute drive north from Hopton, you’ll find Horsey Gap, a beach known for its large grey seal colony. The best time to see them is during the pupping season, which runs from late October to February, reports the Express.

Visitors can use the viewing platforms to spot these adorable creatures without disturbing them.

Another fantastic day out is Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, situated about 15 miles from the park. This popular attraction has something for everyone, from a Kiddie Zone for the little ones to thrilling rollercoasters for the adrenaline junkies.

There are also wildlife areas where you can spot colourful birds and sea lions, and a soft play area is included in the ticket price.

If you’d rather stay close to home, there’s plenty to do on site at Hopton Holiday Village. It boasts an indoor pool with flumes, as well as a covered outdoor pool that opens during the warmer months.

Families can enjoy a round of 6-hole golf or a game of tennis, hire bikes or karts, or have fun in the inflatable arena during the summer months.

As a Haven park, there are also loads of bookable activities such as a climbing wall, archery, and arts and crafts.

The park features a large entertainment complex, complete with a family-friendly restaurant, fish and chip shop, amusements, fast food takeaways, and The Marina Bar and Stage where Haven’s entertainment team put on shows. Evening entertainment kicks off with The Seaside Squad with games that keep the kids entertained, followed by activities such as bingo and all-ages shows.

You can nab a three-night stay at Hopton Holiday Village for as little as £59, based on a family of four sharing a saver caravan. Discover more and make your booking here.

MOVE over, New York! Chicago will win your heart (and stomach), says writer Qin Xie.

“Is this place famous or something?” I overhear someone ask as our camera-wielding tour group files into Mr Beef.

The low-key Chicago sandwich shop is a cult favourite, serving wafer-thin slices of roast beef in gravy-dipped bread since 1979.

But thanks to TV show The Bear, which is inspired by the eatery, its popularity has sky-rocketed and now fans are flocking here on food tours.

At £96 plus tips, the half-day bus tour is a pricey day out – but as I bite into my flavour bomb of a sandwich, there’s nowhere I’d rather be (Chicagofoodtours.com).

Pizza the action

I’ve visited Chicago a few times and I always book a food tour, because the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the US.

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First-timers should try the gut-busting Original Chicago Pizza Tour, £66 for a half-day, where the classic deep dish is the star (Chicagopizzatours.com), though the fabulous half-day tacos and tequila tour in Pilsen, the city’s Mexican neighbourhood, is better for making friends.

I met a local improv comedian on mine and ended up going to his show.

Fantastic food aside, I love checking out the artworks scattered around Millennium Park, free fireworks displays at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday night, plus quirky attractions like the Museum of Ice Cream, where you can try the hot-dog flavour!

It’s certainly an experience, but the strawberry cheesecake flavour is so much better.

Entry costs £18 per person (Museumoficecream.com).

Top of my list of places to revisit on this trip is Skydeck Chicago.

Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, it’s the highest observation deck in the US, with sweeping views of the city.

There’s only one problem – I’m terrified of heights.

On my last visit, I hovered around the edge of the glass-bottomed viewing platform, too scared to step forward for a better view.

This time, as soon as I get close to the edge, my palms start to sweat and I’m ready to leave.

Then, out of the blue, a complete stranger offers me their hand to hold.

Something about it gives me the courage to step on to the glass and, between cold sweats and hot flushes, I manage to get a decent selfie.

Tickets cost £24 per person (Theskydeck.com).

Beach happy

On gloriously sunny days, it’s utter bliss to cycle along the Lakefront Trail next to Lake Michigan, stopping to flop out at the sandy beaches beside the city skyline.

I use bike-share scheme Divvy – there are bikes everywhere and they cost just £13 a day (Divvybikes.com).

The best place to refuel is Whispers at Oak Street Beach, right on the sand, although an iced coffee here will set you back close to £7 (Whispersgroup.com).

I’m staying at L7 Chicago By Lotte, a hotel in the heart of the city with rooms that come with yoga mats and free weights (Lottehotel.com).

It’s steps away from Chicago Riverwalk, the waterside footpath where the locals hang out, and it’s here that I join Urban Kayaks for a paddle past towering skyscrapers as a guide shares stories about the architecture.

A two-hour tour costs £44 per person (Urbankayaks.com).

My fave thing about coming to Chicago?

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Exploring the neighbourhoods, like leafy Lincoln Park with its free zoo, or trendy Wicker Park and Bucktown, which are packed with cool street art and edgy boutiques.

It’s why I can’t get enough of this city – each of its 77 neighbourhoods feels like somewhere new.

I’M standing open-mouthed on the edge of the desert, south-west of Cairo, the magnificent Great Pyramid of Giza directly in front of me.

For 4,000 years it was the tallest structure on the planet, and it is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.

Here in Egypt at its base, with the heat of the afternoon sun radiating around me, I’m struck by its awesome scale and the astonishing human endeavour that constructed it in the desert 4,500 years ago.

Experts believe it took around 100,000 men 20 years to build this tomb for the ruling pharaoh Khufu, and mystery still surrounds the methods of its construction.

“Could they build this without belief? Could they build it without science? Could they build it without art?” says my tour guide, Dr Tarek Sarhan.

“Three things: Belief, science, art. This is the triangle of civilisation.”

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A short distance away on the Giza ­Plateau is the Great Sphinx — a colossal limestone statue of a mythical creature, part lion, part human.

Even with its nose missing, this enormous creature still cuts an imposing figure.

History courses through the foundations of this captivating site.

But my four-day trip to the Egyptian capital is characterised not just by the old, but by the new.

Just over a mile from the pyramids, the $1.2billion new Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened more than two decades after work first started.

The enormous building, covering an area of 470,000 square metres, houses more than 50,000 artefacts — and the centre­piece of its collection will bring all 5,000-plus treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb together for the first time.

Stepping through its pyramid-shaped entrance, the 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II sits in GEM’s soaring central atrium.

Another striking set piece here is the museum’s Grand Staircase, punctuated by fascinating relics of some of ancient Egypt’s most important kings and queens.

I walk up, passing statues, columns, granite doorways and sarcophagi.

At the top, a vast window frames the three main pyramids of the Giza Plateau.

Here is where visitors will also find GEM’s 12 main galleries, but the main draw will always be the entire contents of the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, displayed together since it was first found by British Egyptologist Howard Carter.

The collection, of course, includes Tutankhamun’s spectacular gold mask, throne and chariots.

The collection, of course, includes Tutankhamun’s spectacular gold mask, throne and chariots

Standing in front of statues of kings and queens is only part of the picture.

At the city’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, I get to stand in front of their mummified bodies.

Located in the Old Cairo district of the city, this modern museum has a large and open exhibition space with artefacts spanning prehistoric times to the modern day.

But for its biggest draw, I have to descend to the underground Royal Mummies’ Hall.

This dark-walled, low-lit space is now the resting place of 20 royal mummies — 18 kings, including Ramses II, and two queens — displayed in glass cases.

Some of them are showcased with the coffins they were found in.

Sweet perfume fills the air

Shadows shift as visitors move through this superbly presented exhibition and there’s a sense that one of these mummified bodies might suddenly be reanimated.

There is certainly life to be found in Cairo’s vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

The intricate, linking alleyways of this open-air marketplace are lined with stalls selling everything from lanterns and ­candles to jewellery and figurines.

Colourful textiles and printed designs hang from walls and stands, and a sweet perfume fills the air.

Away from the buzz of the bazaar, the five-star Waldorf Astoria is an oasis of calm.

Located in the upmarket Heliopolis district, its high-ceiling, glass-walled curved atrium is part botanical garden, part chic Art Deco lounge.

There is certainly life to be found in Cairo’s vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar

My room here is spacious and quiet and the breakfast offering a lavish buffet selection with additional a la carte options and a pancake and French toast station.

EasyJet now offers year-round flights direct to Cairo’s Sphinx airport from Luton as well as a huge choice of packages with easyJet holidays.

If your visit here is brief, you won’t want to miss the sweeping and unforgettable views of this fascinating city from the citadel of Salah El Din.

This ancient fortification served as the seat of power in Egypt for 700 years and it remains one of Cairo’s major attractions.

Inside is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its stunning domes, towering minarets, ornate interior and huge central chandelier.

The vistas from this elevated position are wonderfully panoramic.

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As I take my transfer back to Sphinx along one of the city’s upgraded highways, I remember the words of my guide, Dr Tarek, in front of the Great Pyramid: “Egypt is a story with no end.”

Perhaps nowhere is this truer than in Cairo, which is building on its past as it looks to the future.

WITH its harbour, picturesque beaches and rugged countryside, the island of Guernsey could be any ordinary holiday destination at first glance.

But scratch below the surface and you’ll uncover the fascinating story of its five-year occupation by the Nazis — and about an an unlikely survivor of the invasion, Timmy the Tortoise.

I was keen to learn about it during my adventure on the second largest of the Channel Islands.

So I booked several short guided day trips with Tours Of Guernsey.

Guide Amanda Johns and I ticked off all the key sites, from museums to former bunkers and even a German underground hospital.

This medical centre — which incredibly doubled up as an ammunition store — had to be the highlight, and the extensive dark passages are a must-see for any history buff.

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The huge maze of tunnels were excavated by slave labourers, leading to wards, operation theatres, escape shafts, a cinema room and mortuary.

Above ground, I headed to the northern coast to Fort Hommet, a former Martello tower which was turned into a searchlight bunker.

After the war, part of the bunker was transformed into The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, featuring 30 Biblical pictures made from seashells.

Other sites include the German Occupation Museum, a warren of rooms containing one man’s extensive collection of items from 1940.

The Pleinmont Gun Battery has been restored and offers terrific views across the English Channel.

Batterie Mirus, the largest World War Two gun battery in the Channel Islands, was my last stop.

Its underground bunker can only be viewed by private tour.

Restored by Festung Guernsey, with many original features being reproduced using a 3D printer, the walls within are still dotted with German inscriptions, including the Nazi Eagle.

Potato peel pie

It was an honour to pay it a visit the day after Princess Anne was shown around while on the island for the Liberation Day celebrations.

The day marks when Allied troops freed the locals from Nazi rule on May 9, 1945.

On the 80th anniversary this year, I witnessed a cavalcade of military vehicles, fireworks and a drone light show.

One local making headlines during the celebrations was Timmy, 87 — actually a female — who survived Nazi occupation.

She was given to Maggie Cull as a christening present in 1941, not long after she and her parents were turfed out of their home by the Nazis.

After all that history I’d certainly worked up an appetite.

Luckily my base, St Pierre Park Hotel, was just a 25-minute walk into St Peter Port, where there are pubs and restaurants aplenty.

Fifty Seven restaurant is set over two floors and has stunning views of Castle Cornet and the coastline.

The menu features steaks cooked fresh on the grill as well as some excellent fish dishes including oven-baked monkfish on chilli linguine.

As you’re by the sea, grab yourself some fish and chips — the restaurant at Les Douvres Hotel dishes up one of the largest portions I’ve ever seen.

On my last night I dined on a special Liberation Day menu at the Old Government House Hotel, close to the harbour.

This 5H property was turned into the German General Staff Headquarters during the war and it still has an old-world feel about it today.

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The menu featured a delicious potato peel pie, a dish created by locals to cope with food shortages during Nazi occupation.

The perfect meal to end my historical adventure.

MONDAY night is DJ night at Hotel Ibiza and the bar/lounge area is filled with ambient house tunes as pink neon lights flash in time with the beat.

But despite the name of the place, we’re nowhere near the Balearic Island.

We’re in Les Deux Alpes in France, one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Europe, and the terrace outside looks across to the glistening peaks of the Parc National des Ecrins. 

It’s the week before Christmas and a group of us have brought our teenagers for some festive fun on the slopes.

They’re not yet old enough to venture out alone into the resort’s bars and clubs, but they’re still keen to do their own thing so the entertainment here is ticking all the teen boxes.

While we sit a­t the bar, chatting with barman Costas as he expertly mixes our pre-dinner drinks, the kids have gone downstairs again for another game of air hockey.

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The huge basement games room, which also has ping-pong, table football, arcade games and a dozen or so sofas to laze on, is proving to be a big hit.

But it’s dinner time and I know the restaurant buffet will easily tempt away Freddie, our 15-year-old, because it is serving lasagne — his favourite dish — among a host of other options.

Like most teenage boys, Freddie is a big eater and as I watch him tuck into his third portion I feel relieved that we went for the all-inclusive option.

Feeding a growing lad is expensive at the best of times but particularly so in a ski resort.

Luckily, the Hotel Ibiza offers a super deal throughout the winter season, with kids under 18 staying free when sharing a room with their parents at the same board.

You can go for B&B or half- board, but families usually make the most of the kids-go-free offer and splash out on all-inclusive.

It makes sense, especially when you factor in the drinks.

Soft drinks, wine and beer with meals, and a selection of spirits for pre- and post-dinner drinks are part of the deal, and Costas keeps them coming, along with bowls of peanuts and tortilla chips, until 10pm.

After that, you can carry on drinking at your own expense, but you’ll probably want to be tucked up in bed by then, exhausted by a day’s activity in the mountain air. 

It was early in the season but already the snow conditions were good.

The sun was shining (Les Deux Alpes boasts above-average sunshine too) and with heavy snow and white-outs forecast for later in the week, we were making the most of the blue skies. 

We loved the Jandri Express, the resort’s sparkling new state-of-the-art cable car that whizzes you up to 3,200m in just 17 minutes, half the time the old gondola took.

It takes up to 32 people at a time — 24 seated and eight standing — and gives you plenty of time to adjust boots or have a snack.

One morning we joined First Tracks, where you accompany the Ski Patrollers, who prepare the slopes daily, spending two hours learning about what is involved.

It costs €22 (£19.40) per person, including breakfast at La Toura Restaurant, and can be booked through the tourist office.

Best of all, it means you get to go up before the lifts open to the public and can be the first to ski down.

With freshly-groomed slopes to ourselves, it’s when we got our best photos.

We also tried yoonering — a bit like sledging but on a seat 20cm above the ground, with your legs stretched out in front to act as brakes, gliding down and leaning left or right to turn. It was easy to get the hang of it and went surprisingly fast.

We all loved it. 

‘QUIRKY AND FUN’

On a few evenings we stopped off for a beer or a vin chaud at one of the bars near the bottom of the Jandri, but most nights we got straight on the free shuttle bus for the five-minute hop home and did our après ski back at the hotel bar/lounge, enticed by the all- inclusive drinks and the chilled out, family-friendly vibe.

The hotel’s decor somehow manages to make it cosy and cool at the same time.

There’s a retro, musical theme, with prints of rock and pop legends along the corridors and coffee tables in the lounge, which double up as Monopoly boards or glass-topped exhibits of Barbies and Action Men.

It’s quirky and fun.

Our room, one of 60, was a two-bed family one, with balcony and bath.

Each room comes with bath robes and slippers for the walk down to the basement spa, with its sauna, steam room and indoor heated pool all free for guests.

The food was excellent for a three-star hotel, particularly the evening meals, when you could take a bowl and help yourself from the salad or soup bar, followed by an array of hot meat, fish and veggie dishes, plus a surprising amount of veggie sides, which is often lacking in ski hotels.

The desserts were so generous that even Freddie agreed to share.

After dinner we’d sink into the comfy lounge sofas en famille and play cards or games.

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One night after dinner, two of the younger children played Christmas songs on the grand piano and we all joined in — even the teens!

With only a few more years before they’ll probably be off skiing with their mates, it was a moment to be cherished.

CHELTENHAM is famed for its racecourse and its annual “Greatest Show On Turf”.

But there’s so much more to do in this pretty Regency spa town than have a flutter on the horses.

Emma Glanfield takes you on a tour of the best of the rest.

WHY SHOULD I GO? Sitting at the foot of the Cotswolds hills, Cheltenham is vibrant and buzzy, with a backdrop of well-preserved Regency architecture and rolling countryside.

And its abundance of quirky hotels, lively bars and boutique shops make it perfect for a weekend away.

There always seems to be something exciting going on, too, with the town hosting more than 30 festivals and events a year.

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Among these are the 80-year-old music festival and the world’s longest running literature festival.

And, of course, it is the home of National Hunt racing, with the Cheltenham Festival boasting pinnacle event the Gold Cup.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? The spa town is sprawling but walkable, and there’s plenty of gorgeous architecture to enjoy on the way.

Wander the elegant, tree-lined Montpellier district — one of the town’s most historic areas — and take in the surroundings while popping into boutique shops and cosy cafes.

The Grade I-listed Rotunda, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, was once a spa pump room but is now a branch of The Ivy hotel. You can dine there amid the Art Deco-style interior.

It’s also worth a stroll around The Suffolks, a sought-after district with mid-19th century buildings, independent shops and cafes, plus a friendly pub called The Suffolk Arms.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? It really is worth attending a Cheltenham race meet. There’s a reason the town is known for its horseracing, and you don’t have to be massively into the sport to enjoy it.

With food, drink and glam all on offer, it’s a great, fun-packed day out. Alternatively, take a walk up Cleeve Hill — the highest point in the Cotswolds — for breathtaking panoramic views across the town and towards The Malverns.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? With burgers as big as your head, The Beefy Boys is not to be missed. It was buzzing on the Saturday night we visited.

The atmosphere was jolly but not so loud you couldn’t chat.

The award-winning Dirty Boy and Oklahoma Onion Boy are absolute beasts, but delicious. Go hungry!

For those wanting a more formal affair, or for a special occasion, Settebello, in Belgrave House, serves authentic Italian cuisine. We feasted on giant bowls of rigatoni with an ox cheek ragu, £18, and Spigola Puttanesca (sea bass with a punchy tomato sauce), £25. The two-course lunch menu at £19 is well worth the money.

FANCY A DRINK? There are stylish bars all over, but a visit to Mr Cambray’s Curiosity won’t leave you disappointed.

Cafe by day, cocktail room by night, it has five themed rooms to explore.

There’s also the recently opened Parler on Clarence Street, in the heart of town. This Georgian building has been reimagined into a Parisian-style cafe by day, and a Japanese listening bar come sundown, with a cosy retro vibe.

The Retreat Wine Bar in Suffolk Parade is a bit of an institution, having been serving drinks since 1982. For late-night entertainment, the Gin & Juice Bar has more than 400 gins on offer and regular live music.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? For those wanting to be in the town centre, Hotel du Vin is a great choice. The 4H boutique hotel is set in the Montpellier district just a five-minute walk from The Promenade, a local shopping district.

Breakfast is a continental spread with hot plate options, taken next to the impressive underground wine cellars.

At night, guests can enjoy a glass of wine in The Laroche tasting room before diving into soft Egyptian cotton sheets in one of the hotel’s 49 bedrooms. Our room had a huge double bed and walk-in “monsoon” shower.

For those seeking pure relaxation away from the hustle and bustle, you won’t go wrong with The Greenway Hotel & Spa.

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The 16th-century manor house — an eight-minute taxi ride from the town centre — was once a grand family home before being taken over by The Eden Hotel Collection. A £1.2million makeover included 21 beautifully revamped bedrooms.

The in-house Elan Spa is not to be missed.