travel

A NATIONWIDE strike in Spain is expected to disrupt travel across the entire country tomorrow – and it includes UK flights.

The industrial action will ‘bring the country to a complete standstill‘ as staff are set to walkout from airports, public transport, shops, restaurants and museums.

The shutdown will begin tomorrow morning as major trade unions in Spain stage a 24-hour walkout.

The strike is protesting the escalating housing crisis – and it will be the country’s first joint general strike in almost 15 years.

Flights across both mainland Spain and the Canary Islands are expected to see cancellations or delays.

Iberia has warned that journeys might be affected on November 11 and has put alternatives in place for those who experience disruption.

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It adds that anyone travelling from a Spanish airport tomorrow should arrive earlier than usual with the strike causing delays at check-in, security and passport control.

However, the good news is that there’s a minimum flight service requirement in place.

Business Travel News Europe reported that there must be at least 57 per cent of international flights at Madrid and 56 per cent at Barcelona.

Passengers should still check for updates from their airline before travelling tomorrow.

Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert and CEO of AirAdvisor, said :”If my flight were cancelled, my first question would be how the airline could get me there, rather than how quickly it could refund me. The original ticket price may not cover a replacement bought at short notice.

“If another airline can get you there significantly sooner, ask about that option rather than assume you must wait for your original carrier’s next flight.”

For anyone who is already in Spain and needs to stay overnight while waiting for replacement travel, Anton says travellers should ask the airline to arrange accommodation and meals.

If the airline can’t provide that, then passengers are advised to keep receipts for expenses.

Anton adds: “Those costs are separate from fixed compensation, and passengers should not abandon a legitimate expenses claim simply because they have been told the strike was outside the airline’s control.”

The strike won’t just affect flights – on the ground, public transport will be impacted including high-speed lines, the city metro, and buses.

However, the government has guaranteed that at least 72 per cent of the AVE and long-distance trains will operate on November 10-12, with 65 per cent of Renfe’s regional services set to run as scheduled.

For anyone already on holiday there at the time, the walkout could see some restaurants, museum and shops close.

If they’re not shut, the opening hours could be reduced to holiday hours.

There could be demonstrations in large cities, so monitor local media for updates and disruption.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

REALITY TV, fake tan, and high heels is what probably first comes to mind for those who first think of Essex.

But actually the county in the East of England is full of rolling hills, acres of forest, beautiful seaside towns and it’s own colony of seals.

Kayleigh and Allan swapped East London for Chelmsford six years ago and since then have been exploring the county, from historic seaside towns to restaurants, hotels and even garden centres.

The pair have been getting to know their own neighbourhood and showing off their finds on TravelFromEssex – now, they’ve revealed some of their favourite spots with Sun Travel.

Seaside towns

Yes, Essex is by the seaside. But did you know that it has around 350 miles of coastline?

It’s one of the longest shorelines of any English county second only to Cornwall, and there’s one town that Kayleigh and Allan very almost moved to that they still visit now.

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Kayleigh told us: “It was a choice between the coast or the countryside, and the countryside won. But we love Leigh-on-Sea.

“It has a mix of Old Leigh with the cockle sheds on the front, then there’s new Leigh on the high street which has so many independent restaurants and bars.

“There aren’t many chains at all. It’s great for shopping as well with lots of clothes shops, bookshops and bakeries.”

Leigh-on-Sea is well-known for its cockle fishing with the old sheds still sitting on the promenade, and while they are closed for business, you can still get a taste of its history.

Kayleigh recommends heading to The Peterboat where they serve up the famous cockle chowder.

It comes with smoked haddock, cockles, parsley cream, smoked bacon and cob bread.

Hidden gems

Everyone’s heard of Southend and Colchester – but through their weekend trips and Sunday drives, Kayleigh and Allan have unearthed lesser-known places as well.

For a taste of quintessential England, the pair recommend a trip to Finchingfield, a tiny place with a village green.

Kayleigh added: “They’ve got a really lovely pub called The Fox on the Green which does lovely homecooked food in front a log fire.

“There’s also a sweet tearoom called Picture Pot Tea Room.

“We recently visited Dedham too which has a boatyard where you can rent out boats on the water. They’ve also got a pub, The Sun Inn which is great for a Sunday roast.”

Another pretty waterfront town is Burnham-on-Crouch which has lots of restaurants and pubs along the canals.

Allan said: “Another beach place we’ve found is West Mersea which is really nice.

“We’ve known about it for years but have only really discovered it in the last few months – it’s more of a hidden gem than the likes of Leigh-on-Sea and Southend because it doesn’t get as overcrowded.”

Kayleigh added:” It’s got a beautiful beach with the famous pastel coloured beach huts. They’ve got some really good food spots there too like Seafood at Dawn and Waterfront Pizza.

“Just be careful that you can get on and off the island because of the tide times.”

Must-do activities

Another surprising fact is that around 3,500 seals live along the Essex and Suffolk coastline.

So for anyone who loves wildlife spotting, one easy way to see them is taking a boat over to The Hamford Water Nature Reserve which is home to 250 seals.

Kayleigh told us: “You just book on the boat tour and it takes you out to the Nature Reserve – we sat and watched the seals in their natural habitat.”

Tours take place year-round with adult tickets costing £29, children (6-16) at £24 and children 1-5 at £19.

Another activity that the pair enjoyed was stepping onboard the Epping Ongar railway where they recently filmed Practical Magic 2.

Kayleigh said: “They do lots of themed dinner nights on the train – we did the sausage shuttle where they serve sausage and mash.

“It doesn’t go far, just between Epping and Ongar, they do themed nights for Halloween and Christmas too.”

Coming up later this year is the Epping Ongar Lights Party Express 2026 where the train is dressed up in thousands of lights – there’s also music, and festive activities.

Standard tickets for adults start from £25 and tickets for children start from £22.

Beachfront hotels

When it comes to overnight stays – or even a day out, there’s one hotel that came up trumps, the Roslin Beach Hotel in Southend.

Kayleigh said: “It’s perfect for a special occasion and they always decorate it for the seasons, like autumn and then Christmas.”

“We go there quite a lot, it’s got a lovely garden in the summer and along the front it can feel like you’re in the Mediterranean.”

Allan agreed: ” If you get there on a hot Sunday, you could be almost anywhere in the world.

“It’s a place that I actually go to just to have a couple of drinks – it’s a little bit pricier, I’d say the pints are an extra 50p. But sitting along the seafront, I think it’s worth it.”

It’s a popular with celebrity clientele too, the Roslin Beach Hotel has opened its doors to Gary Barlow, Tyson Fury, Denise van Outen, and TOWIE stars including Frankie Essex.

Actress Michelle Keegan was seen there in March last year for Mother’s Day.

Pubs, bars and restaurants

One affordable restaurants and a favourite of Allan and Kayleigh’s is Buddha Belly in Leigh-on-Sea.

Allan added: “It’s like you’re back in Thailand and I can vouch that the food is as good here as it is there – it’s a Thai-owned restaurant.”

Pad Thai dishes cost just over £10 with a choice of port, beef, seafood and tofu. Tasty Tom Yum soup costs just £8.95.

For a more intimate setting, Kayleigh suggested checking out Signor Luigi by Il Bacio – a new wine bar in Buckhurst Hill which she described as “candlelit and cosy.”

Another cosy spot is the Wine Cellar in Chelmsford where you actually have to go downstairs into the basement.

When it comes to indulging in a roast dinner on a Sunday afternoon

For Sunday roasts, Kayleigh and Allan recommend Olio on the Ridge in Little Baddow which do a trio of roasts and you can eat in the Essex countryside.

When it comes to seafood, Salts by the Sea in Clacton has oysters, salt and pepper squid, crayfish cocktail, paella and seafood platters – and tables have incredible ocean views too.

Local celebrities

If you’re visiting Essex, it would almost seem a shame if you didn’t see any of the TOWIE cast, so where are you most likely to spot them?

Allan said: “Buckhurst Hill is the central place for the TOWIE lot.

“You often see them driving around, in coffee shops, coming out of yoga classes. We’ve seen a few of them over the years.”

It’s not only TOWIE stars that live in Essex, one very famous musician calls the county home.

For anyone who is a fan of Rod Stewart, he lives on the Essex, Hertfordshire border and according to Kayleigh, he’s a fan of the The Dog and Pickle in Ongar.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver live on a 70-acre estate in the village of Finchingfield.

Denise Van Outen lives in Chelmsford, Bradley Walsh calls Chigwell home as to Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright.

And while you might not spot her there, Dame Helen Mirren grew up in Leigh-on-Sea and has declared that she’s “proud” of her Essex roots.

Garden centres

Allan told us his favourite in the county is Claremont Garden Centre in Maldon, which as a tree surgeon he says is best for plants and price.

Another perk is that there’s a great cafe right next door called the Tin Roof Cafe and Bakery.

He recommends the traditional English breakfast, while Kayleigh’s personal favourite is the smokey shakshuka.

For some seasonal displays is Meadow Croft in Wickford which has a German Market which is open until December 23.

It has over 30 stalls selling food from waffles to frankfurters, apple strudel and Schokokusse (which are chocolate kisses).

Others sell German beers, an apple spiced drink and gluhwein.

Autumn walks

Essex is a very green county with 72 per cent of its land being rural – so it’s far less built up than people realise.

So when it comes to walks, there’s plenty of choice including Epping Forest.

Kayleigh explained that at one point, it opens up and you can see the skyline of Canary Wharf, and she adds that it’s a “really lovely sunset spot”.

Essex might feel worlds away from London, but actually you can go between Chelmsford and London Liverpool Street in half an hour.

Another autumnal walking spot is the Paper Mill Lock which has a “lovely tearoom on the canal”.

In the summer, there are lots of paddleboarders on the water too.

I decided to spend a bit extra on a recent UK break by booking a Premier Inn Plus room to see if it was worth it compared to a standard room at the budget hotel chain

If you’re after a cheap stay in the UK, there’s no shortage of budget hotel options. The likes of Travelodge, ibis Budget and easyHotels all offer plenty of no-frills rooms that are cheap and have the basics you need for an overnight stay. However I’ve personally always leant towards a Premier Inn as I’ve never had a bad experience, the rooms are decent and clean, and I think it does offer good value for money.

In recent years, budget hotel chains have been upping their game with slightly fancier rooms – such as Travelodge’s Super Rooms – which include a few extra perks, from larger rooms to upgraded Wi-Fi. These come at an extra cost, but when I planned a trip to Stirling, I spotted that Premier Inn’s version, Premier Inn Plus, was only an extra £20 compared to standard rooms (£117 compared to £97), so I figured that it was worth giving it a go, as the cost didn’t feel too awful if I ended up being nonplussed.

Ultimately, it’s a decision I didn’t regret; I was very quickly won over by the upgrade.

The main perks

For me there were four main perks that came with the fancier room. The first was the size of the room; it instantly feels more spacious than other Premier Inn rooms where I’ve stayed. The room had plenty of space for the bed, armchair and footrest, vanity area and a desk, and I didn’t struggle to find somewhere to put down our suitcases (not always an easy feat with a toddler in tow).

The second perk for me was the offering of amenities. The room came with a Nespresso machine and kettle and a decent choice of tea and coffee, while the mini fridge had complimentary water bottles and small chocolates which felt like a nice touch.

Another perk was the larger wardrobe and vanity area. When staying in budget hotels, I always find that the wardrobes can be a bit poky, and vanity areas sometimes feel like a shelf has just been stuck on a wall next to a mirror. However in this room, I had plenty of space to lay out all of my stuff, and hang up a few outfits, without feeling like I was cramming it all in.

For me though, the fourth and one of the better perks was the upgraded bathroom. It had a bit more space for toiletries, and the bathtub also had a rainfall shower option which felt a bit more luxurious than other hotel rooms I’ve stayed in, while the Baylis and Harding toiletries smelt incredible and I actually considered buying some for home too.

One downside

As someone who spends a little bit too much time on her phone, one of the perks that had caught my attention was that with the upgraded room, you get the Ultimate Wi-Fi package included, which you’d normally have to pay extra for with a standard room (although the standard Wi-Fi is free). The promise of faster connections and better streaming quality was appealing, but I personally didn’t notice much of a difference, and once or twice even reverted back to the standard Wi-Fi when it felt like the Ultimate one was being a bit slow. This could have been down to a number of factors, but it was a perk I felt I couldn’t use.

Is Premier Inn Plus worth it?

Ultimately, I think so. I booked a second Premier Inn Plus room at its London Canary Wharf hotel recently as the price difference was £40 which felt a bit steeper, but it still came in a lot cheaper than most London hotel rooms. I think the extra perks of the nicer room, tea and coffee and the decent bathroom all make it feel worth it overall. That being said, a £40 difference is probably the maximum I’d be willing to pay – I’m not sure that any more would start to justify the cost, and I think sometimes it can just work out better value to then look at other hotel or accommodation options.

It also depends on the trip and what you need out of your room. Would I book it for a weekend break? Absolutely. Would I book it for a full week’s staycation? I think it would depend on the extra cost and whether the location was truly worth it.

Ryanair has changed its airport check-in rules from today (Tuesday, 10 November), and any passengers who don’t abide could face being ‘denied boarding without refund’

Keeping up with the constantly shifting travel rules for airlines and airports ahead of any holiday can be a real challenge. Some regulations remain in place for years before being amended, leaving holidaymakers scratching their heads, while others are introduced to make the whole travel experience simpler and more efficient.

Regardless, there’s a hefty list of rules to bear in mind and abide by, from crucial expiry dates on your passport to liquid allowances in your hand luggage, right through to the key timings for checking in, clearing security and boarding your flight. Therefore, it’s absolutely essential to stay clued up on any updates and stick to the guidelines to guarantee a safe and hassle-free trip.

One major change has now been introduced by Ryanair, coming into effect today (Tuesday, 10 November). The revised rule from the budget carrier will affect its check-in procedures, and any passenger caught unawares could be ‘denied boarding without refund’, potentially throwing their entire holiday into jeopardy.

In a notice to passengers, Ryanair confirmed: “For all passengers flying from 10 November 2026 onwards, the check-in desks close strictly 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time unless you are notified otherwise before flight departure. If you do not complete check-in by then, you may be denied boarding without refund.”

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Previously, Ryanair check-in desks shut strictly 40 minutes before a flight’s scheduled departure time, unless passengers were notified otherwise. However, under the new rule, holidaymakers will have 20 minutes less time to check in at the airport before their flight if they haven’t already done so online, reports the Liverpool Echo.

In addition to the reduced timeframe, those who fail to check in online outside the airline’s designated window may incur an extra charge. “If you do not complete check-in online more than two hours before the scheduled departure time, you will be charged the airport check-in fee set out in our table of fees. If you booked a Plus or Flexi Plus ticket before the 14 of August 2025, you can check in at the airport free of charge,” the budget airline warned under their ‘General terms & conditions of carriage’.

The good news is that customers still have plenty of opportunities to check in for their Ryanair flight online. “Online check-in opens 60 days before the scheduled departure time if you have purchased an allocated seat. Customers can be allocated a seat free of charge if they check in online between 72 and two hours before each booked flight. You cannot check in online during the two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time,” Ryanair confirmed on its website.

In addition to Ryanair’s update, several UK airports have upgraded their security scanning equipment, meaning passengers can now carry up to two litres of liquids through security, rather than the former 100ml limit, and no longer need to remove them from their hand luggage. This includes the following airports so far:

• Belfast International
• Belfast City
• Birmingham
• Bournemouth
• Bristol
• Edinburgh
• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow

Elsewhere, this year also saw the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) fully launched across airports on Friday, 10 April 2026. The new system requires all British travellers heading to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and submit their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph.

A further update took effect at 13 UK airports on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, permitting children aged 8 and above to use the eGates. Previously, eGates were only available to passengers aged 10 and over, but lowering the age threshold is expected to enable around 1.5 million additional children, who must also be at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall, to pass through the electronic gates and other re-entry points considerably more quickly.

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Foreign Office has issued a major alert to everyone planning to travel abroad

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to all Britons planning international trips.

As the Government’s foreign affairs department, the FCDO routinely issues guidance designed to keep UK travellers safe while abroad. Information is provided for over 220 countries and territories, and is refreshed regularly. In a recent post on X, previously known as Twitter, the FCDO said: “Travel advice can change quickly. Check the latest advice before you travel and while you’re away”.

In a video attached to the warning, an FCDO spokesperson said: “Travel advice isn’t something to check once and then forget about. Situations overseas can change quickly.

“FCDO travel advice covers safety and security, entry requirements, and other risks to consider ahead of travel. You can sign up for email alerts to find out when the advice changes and follow our social media channels.

“For example, we recently updated our travel advice for Saudi Arabia as the security situation changed following increased Houthi aggression. And in Ecuador, severe weather from El Niño led to new advice for Santa Cruz Island after a state of emergency was declared by local government.

“Knowing the risks before you travel can help you make informed decisions about your trip. So before you go, check the latest advice for your destination and any countries you will transit through. And keep checking while you are away.”

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Brits heading to Europe are reminded that, for travel to the Schengen Zone, your passport must be under 10 years old. It must also be valid for at least three months after your planned return date, and those travelling on a UK passport can now only stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any six-month period.

Countries within the Schengen Zone are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

I’m walking beside the River Seine in the French city of Rouen when I realise that I’ve been speaking French – without pausing to find a word or struggle with grammar – for five whole minutes. Anna, my French “prof” for the week, nods encouragingly and so I continue. It’s a breakthrough moment, if only for my confidence.

This is the last day of a DIY language course that I devised when Rouen’s language schools told me they were full for the only week I could get away. When I then enquired about their private tutors, I was told no one was available. This turned out to save me a pretty penny: language school tutors cost €60 an hour while Anna – who I discovered on the website Apprentus – is a cost-effective €19 an hour.

For the last couple of winters I’ve tried to spend a week or so brushing up my “intermediate” French language skills, in situ. A spate of new research on the remarkable cognitive benefits of learning a second language have made me a keen user of apps and podcasts – and yet no amount of AI-generated tutoring can compete with talking to (and being corrected and helped by) a real person.

Learning in situ also comes with a chance to travel, to communicate with dozens of people, to experience the culture that accompanies the language one is trying so hard to learn. Last winter, I went to a language school in Montpellier. Three hours a day didn’t come cheap. The class was large: 12 pupils from across the world. I spent my mornings pinned to a plastic chair in a cramped, tatty classroom, listening to my peers struggle through various exercises.

This isn’t the best way to learn. A recent study published in Nature suggests that moving helps us concentrate, remember and generally learn more effectively. Little wonder that I left Montpellier feeling I hadn’t learned much.

So I was delighted when Anna suggested that we do our two-hour classes on foot round Rouen. “If it rains,” she said, “we can talk over goûter.” Le Goûter is the French tradition of taking a small snack between lunch and dinner – a bit like English teatime.

Having booked Anna (a political sciences student at the University of Rouen Normandy) for 10 hours of French conversation over five days, I reserved a studio apartment (bang in the historic heart of Rouen for less than £60 a night) and bought a ferry ticket from Newhaven to Dieppe. Rouen is a one-hour train journey from the port, and the combined ferry-train ticket (return) cost a thrifty £65.

Anna and I met outside the ornate Saint-Maclou church, clearly both a little nervous. After all, we were about to spend 10 hours alone together, with no prior knowledge of each other. It also turned out that I was Anna’s first pupil since she’d registered on Apprentus. Moreover, she had signed up expecting to help kids with their homework. Instead she got me – a woman old enough to be her mother.

We needn’t have worried. Anna had come straight from a (peaceful) protest march, and within minutes we were chatting away about the concerns of French students, as we strolled. Anna doubled as a tour guide, showing me all her favourite corners of Rouen – while simultaneously correcting my French. When it rained, she introduced me to Rouen’s best tea houses (the Dame Cakes salon de thé was a particular favourite), in effect doubling as my dining companion.

While Anna’s first language is French, she also speaks excellent English, meaning she could explain complex grammar to me. Her Senegal heritage meant that I also learned about the turbulent history of west Africa, as well as being brought up to speed on the ongoing student protests. We spent one fascinating lesson – which also involved riding Rouen’s buses – discussing Senegal’s matrilineal history of priestesses and queens, in French. Who knew? Not me!

Anna’s suggestions for lessons included an outing to Rouen’s Musée des Beaux-Arts (free, as are most of Rouen’s museums) which bills itself as France’s biggest impressionist collection outside Paris. We walked Rouen’s riverside pathways, which run for miles up and down the Seine, and ambled through the city’s beautiful, medieval quarters, stopping to explore areas such as the Place de Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned alive. As these areas are largely car-free, we didn’t have to worry about dodging mopeds or shouting over the roar of traffic.

I could have hired Anna for longer, but two hours of one-to-one tuition each day felt optimal for my brain as it struggled to recall a very distant French A-level. I used the rest of my time to read a French novel, listen to French radio and TV, and wander Rouen with the self-challenge of talking to as many people as I could. Imagine my delight when, on my last day, a shop assistant asked me if I was local!

Anna and I finished our week with hugs and promises to keep in touch. My “prof” (the French abbreviation of professeur/e, commonly used to mean teacher) had proved to be informative, knowledgable, cost effective and great fun. And my six days, including food, transport, tutor and accommodation, had cost little more than £600.

On the ferry home, I couldn’t help wondering if human connections like this – an on-foot tutor, guide and new best friend rolled into one – might be the (fun) future of language learning.

Annabel Abbs (writing as Annabel Streets) is the author of The Walking Cure, published by Bloomsbury (£10.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

SETTING sail on a cruise doesn’t have to mean hitting pause on your hobbies.

Tour operator Cruise Nation has seen interest in themed voyages rocket by up to 50 per cent this year.

Lisa Minot looks at a host of options to please sports fans, green-fingered gardeners, cyclists and even armchair detectives.

BEST FOR CRICKET LOVERS

PAIR your passion for the Gentleman’s Game with a chance to explore some Christmas markets on Ambassador Cruise Line’s Cricket Legends Festive Getaway.

Sailing from London Tilbury, Ambassador Ambience will welcome players and broadcasters including Garry Richardson, Graham Gooch, Henry Blofeld, Jonathan Agnew, David Lloyd and Angus Fraser.

The five-night cruise will include Audience With sessions, with the VIPs sharing stories, insights and behind-the-scenes moments as well as a lively sports quiz.

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There’s also the chance to shop the Christmas Markets with calls at Bremerhaven, Germany; Ijmuiden, the Netherlands, and Zeebrugge, Belgium, as well as lots of entertainment onboard.

Five nights’ full-board is from £789pp, departing London Tilbury on December 13.

See ambassadorcruiseline.com.

BEST FOR TRUE CRIME FANS

THERE are high stakes on the high seas with Virgin Voyages’ True Crime sailing onboard Scarlet Lady.

The adults-only cruise is perfect for armchair detectives and podcast lovers.

The five-night voyage includes meet-and-greets with podcast favourites including Disgraceland, Buried Bones and Wisecrack as well as crime-based trivia and events, themed dining and calls at Virgin Voyages’ private beach club in Bimini, Bahamas, and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos.

Cruise Nation has combined the trip with a three-night free hotel stay in Miami and return flights from the UK, departing March 17, 2027.

Prices from £1,569pp including full board on the cruise, wifi and up to $150 in free drinks.

See cruisenation.com.

BEST FOR CYCLISTS

COMBINE a love of cycling with the chance to cruise among spectacular Croatian scenery.

Sail Croatia has regular cruises that feature experienced cycling guides to help you explore from mainland national parks and shimmering lakes to smaller islands off the coast.

This is small-ship sailing where you will be joined by a small group of fellow cyclists and can opt to bring your own bike or hire a traditional or electric one.

Unpack once and then cycle at your ports of call with plenty of daily swim stops.

Seven nights’ full-board on a Premier ship, round-trip from Split, is from £949pp, based on April 2027 departures.

Flights extra. For details, see sail-croatia.com.

BEST FOR ASTRONOMY BUFFS

IF the 2026 partial solar eclipse in the UK unlocked your inner astronomer, don’t miss next year’s total solar eclipse passing over Spain in August.

With a cruise offering one of the best opportunities to capture it thanks to unobstructed 360-views, absence of light pollution, and lack of crowds, how about Celebrity Cruises’ 11-night sailing through Italy and Spain.

Celebrity Ascent departs from Rome on July 24, 2027 and calls at Italy’s Livorno and Portofino, plus Spain’s Barcelona, Cartagena and Malaga before a day at sea for the Solar Eclipse itself then stops in Cagliari and Palermo.

The full-board cruise is from £2,779 including a free two-night stay in Rome and return flights from the UK.

See cruisenation.com.

BEST FOR FLOWER FANS

A TRIP to the incredible Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden covering nearly 80 acres, is a must-do for all horticultural buffs.

Open for eight weeks between late March and mid-May, the historic Dutch estate erupts into vibrant colour as seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and irises bloom.

Explore the festival and the estate’s pavilions, waterways and windmill on a five-day Riviera Travel excursion.

Boarding the 5H MS Emily Bronte in Zaandam, the round-trip river voyage takes in the picturesque countryside and villages of Zaanse Schans and Huizen.

There’s a full day at the Keukenhof before a relaxing morning sailing into Amsterdam for a guided tour.

The full-board cruise starts from £1,339pp including an all-inclusive drinks package, free wifi, six included excursions and return flights or Eurostar from the UK on April 2 with transfers.

Other dates are also available. See rivieratravel.co.uk.

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots.

This week we shine a light on the Cretan town of Agios Nikolaos.

MUST SEE/DO

Take a stroll around Lake Voulismeni, the heart of Agios Nikolaos.

Surrounded by cafes and tavernas, it’s a charming spot to wander, especially in the evening when the lights reflect off the still water.

Legend says the Greek goddess Athena bathed here in what was originally a small, freshwater lake – and while that’s probably myth, the atmosphere is genuinely magical.

Boats bob in the marina, locals fish, and the setting sun turns everything golden.

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Hop in a car or taxi and head to Kritsa, a traditional Cretan village just 15 minutes from town.

Nestled in the hills, it’s full of local artisans, handwoven goods, and timeless tavernas.

Stop by the Panagia Kera church for Byzantine frescoes that have survived centuries.

It’s a serene taste of old Crete with a warm welcome from locals.

BEST VIEW

Climb to the small viewpoint at Karnagio, near the edge of the lake where it meets the sea.

From here, you’ll get the best views of both Lake Voulismeni and the port, framed by pastel buildings and distant hills.

At golden hour, it’s pure magic – the perfect backdrop for holiday snaps or a quiet moment with gelato in hand.

RATED RESTAURANT

Piato is one of Agios Nikolaos’s culinary gems, combining traditional Cretan recipes with modern flair.

Family-run and right by the water, it offers warm service and dishes like lamb with stamnagathi greens, or fresh seafood with lemon and herbs.

The presentation is beautiful, and they finish with complimentary raki and sweets – a true Cretan touch.

BEST BAR

For cocktails with a view, head to The Island Cafe near the marina.

With a stylish terrace overlooking the sea and relaxed beats playing, it’s the perfect sundowner spot.

Try a signature Cretan mojito infused with local herbs or raki – it’s the ideal way to ease into a warm Mediterranean evening.

HOTEL PICK

The Miramare Hotel sits in a peaceful location just above the seafront with a great view of the town and Mirabello Bay.

Built in traditional island style, it is ideally situated between two beaches, which offer a full range of facilities, including water sports.

The lively resort centre is just a short walk away.

WE blindly trust pilots to get us from A to B – but how hard do they have to work to earn their seat at the front of the plane?

British Airways trains its pilots in a huge 1950s aircraft hangar at Heathrow Airport, which felt more like you’re on the set of Star Wars.

There’s no Luke Skywalker here, but it is impressively large, as one of the biggest dedicated airline training centres in Europe.

The huge building houses numerous giant pods on stilts, some moving around like an alien out of a sci-fi film.

These are the simulators – sims for short – where pilots spend hours taking off, flying and landing across different routes to gain experience.

Narrow bridges led to each white pod and inside, it looks just like a cockpit of the plane – replicated down to every single button.

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The only difference is there’s a third seat for an instructor, who controls the scenarios played out on a 200-degree screen that displays different airports, routes and weather conditions.

Every active BA pilot returns to the simulator hall twice a year to refresher training – and they invited me down to test how difficult it could possibly be.

Although faced with a million buttons, levers and switches, for takeoff I didn’t use nearly as many as I thought – I had to line up a circle with the centre line and adjust the control column with fractional movements.

Lifting off the pedal beneath my toes and nudging the throttles, I felt the seat rumble beneath me as eyes remained glued to the runway markings whizzing past, waiting for the magic words from the instructor, beside me.

“Rotate,” the instructor Chris Holden, Head of Flight Crew at British Airways and a Training Captain on the airline’s Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 fleets, yelled. That was my cue.

I gently pulled back on the control column and held it, and suddenly the plane was pulling up into the air, with the tarmac runway below quickly disappearing.

And we were in the air – complete with the grumble of tucking in the landing gear and the regular tremble of turbulence.

Once we levelled off above the clouds, I used the time cruising through the sky to grill the instructor and pilot about what really happens at 36,000 feet…

The truth about turbulence

First on my list was a thing all passengers hate – turbulence.

James Bushe, First Officer said: “A few bumps is completely normal – it’s no different to being in a boat on a slightly choppy sea – the boat rocks, but it’s safe.”

But what about dramatic mid-air storms? Especially ones we have seen in the news this year causing passengers to become injured during turbulence.

James added: “There isn’t any weather that scares us because we’re trained to avoid it, not react to it.”

Pilots will use real-time radar and live weather charts to see storms ahead of reaching them.

They will then adjust the course appropriately, sometimes even steering hundreds of miles around a storm.

What if an engine fails?

And when it comes to other nightmare scenarios, such as losing an engine over the ocean, there is an answer.

James explained: “Every commercial aircraft is certified to safely fly on one engine at all times.”

“They are designed to withstand huge forces, huge pressures that are beyond which anything, any beyond any level of turbulence that you would ever ordinarily encounter.”

There are also strict safety corridors across the Atlantic, which means planes are within safe gliding or diversion distance of an emergency runway.

He added: “From a passenger perspective, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.

“We discuss our diversion plan on every single flight during cruise.”

Flying secrets

Perhaps naively, I thought pilots kick back once at altitude with a cuppa and the newspaper.

Wrong – instead they monitor everything from fuel burn to how hot or cold the cabin is.

James said: “Most of the physical flying is takeoff and landing.

“The work in between is constantly planning for what we would do if something went wrong.

“Even on a crystal-clear, sunny day, we are constantly working to ensure we have a safe plan of where to go.”

Now comfortably at 36,000 feet and set to cruise all the way to Melbourne, Australia – British Airways’ new route launching in January – I was starting to think, how do I remain comfortable during hours of flying?

James said: “I think for a passenger, you’ve got to do whatever makes you feel best and stick to your routine.

“So for passengers who are travelling through the night, have dinner and go to bed as normal.”

And there is even something you can do to avoid jet lag.

“I just drink a load of water. That’s the secret to feeling good when you get off the plane,” he shared.

Making the most of flying

Having travelled all over the globe, James knows a thing or two about making the most of your experience.

James revealed: “Always do a little search for whatever you want to buy to see if you can get a better deal in the local area.

“Because nine times out of ten you can’t in duty free.

“But if you do end up in duty free, always find something that is really specific to the local area and you can either sort of eat, drink or share with your friends.”

Just because your holiday is finished doesn’t mean you can’t have anymore fun.

James said: “Contrary to belief, you can still visit the flight deck.

“Make sure to come at the end of a flight after landing, as we usually have more time and ask the cabin crew first.

“Pilots love aeroplanes and love talking about aeroplanes – so ask us anything because there’s nothing that makes me feel more excited about the job than somebody else asking me about the job.

“Look at all the controls and all the displays and ask away – there is no such thing as a silly question.

“Oh and don’t leave without getting a picture in the pilot’s seat.”

Make sure to look at a pilot’s uniform as well – the captain will have four stripes and everything else varies by airline.

Don’t discredit UK airports either, instead explore them, James recommends.

He shared: “Having experienced airports all over the world now, I would say that the standard of Heathrow is one of the best in the world.

“From the air traffic control in the air, from the moment you reach the channel and get back into UK airspace to the second you reach the gates, it is like a well-oiled machine.

“And once you’re in the air always look out the window – you never know what you might see, such as the Northern Lights or the snowcapped Rockies.”

A THEME park which has welcomed millions of thrill-seekers has announced it will be closing its doors for good next year.

Six Flags confirmed the closure of its Great America park in California, due to issues with its lease and that this season will be its last.

The theme park which celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year first opened in Santa Clara in 1976, but will close next September.

The reason for its closure is due to the expiration of its lease in June 2028.

It’s currently closed for winter, but will reopen for what it has called its ‘Farewell Season’ in March 2027.

Six Flags has said it’s the last chance for fans to ride its rollercoasters and attractions before it permanently closes on September 6, 2027.

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Some of the most popular rides include Gold Striker – a wooden rollercoaster which has top speeds of 54mph.

Another is called Flight Deck which travels at 50mph with loops and twists, and the Drop Tower which plunges at 220 feet.

The Grizzly is considered one of the most nostalgic rides, the wooden rollercoaster opened in 1986.

The waterpark opened in 2004 as Crocodile Dundee’s Boomerang Bay but is now known as South Bay Shores.

It has a large wave pool, lazy river, raft ride, splash park for smaller children and Pacific Surge is where visitors will find the extreme water slides.

After the closure announcement, previous visitors took to social media, one wrote: “I remember the first day it opened. Great memories.”

Another added: “I went there on my honeymoon back in 1979. We had so much fun. This really makes me sad.”

It’s not just members of the public that has visited the park, the occasional celebrity has been spotted there too.

Jin (Kim Seok-jin) from K-pop band BTS visited California’s Great America in Santa Clara earlier this year.

According to reports he was spotted munching on churros and waiting in-line to ride the Gold Striker.

Park Manager Dave Vosejpka said: “For more than five decades, this Santa Clara theme park has brought people together, created family traditions and served as the backdrop for unforgettable memories.

“The Farewell Season is an opportunity for generations of Bay Area guests to return, spend time with family and friends, and revisit the attractions and traditions that have made the park in Santa Clara, California such a meaningful part of the community.”

After its closure, the closest Six Flags will be Discovery Kingdom in the San Francisco Bay Area.

IF you want a winter sun holiday that’s worth the money, where should you ACTUALLY go?

I look at cheap holiday deals every day, and certain destinations become automatic recommendations based on my experience alone.

But I also love checking whether the numbers agree with me.

So I’ve dug deep into the booking data at On The Beach to rank the official top ten winter sun destinations – down to the exact resort – by what holidaymakers paid per person, per night to stay.

The result takes us through the Canaries, Egypt and Morocco, with holiday deals for as little as £170 each.

Here’s the countdown, starting at number ten.

10. Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

Costa Teguise earns its place by giving you plenty of ways to spend the week – Las Cucharas is the beach to stick on your list if you fancy trying a water sport, while Pueblo Marinero brings restaurants, markets and live music into the mix.

And that’s what I like about it – there’s enough going on to give each day a bit of variety, with plenty of opportunity to settle into a favourite spot and stay there.

Holidaymakers paid £93 per person per night on average, putting Costa Teguise in tenth place on this shortlist.

Personally, I’d look for a hotel or apartment that makes it easy to enjoy the resort, because when you’ve got beaches, places to eat and activities nearby, the location factors into the value.

The best deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Tabaiba Center from £205pp, including direct return flights from East Midlands on January 9, 2027.

There’s a pool for those afternoons lazing near your accommodation, while self-catering gives you the freedom to decide which meals to sort yourself and when to head out.

9. Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Los Cristianos is one I’d recommend when someone wants a holiday with plenty on the doorstep.

You’ve got beaches, obviously, but also a working harbour and the option of taking a ferry to La Gomera for a completely different day out.

It gives you the choice between staying happily put and adding a little island-hopping to the itinerary.

For me, the appeal is being able to have a full holiday without having to organise a big excursion every morning.

The booking data puts Los Cristianos at £87 per person per night on average.

I’d consider it for couples, friends or anyone who likes having a choice of places to eat and somewhere to go after dinner.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Coral Los Alisios from £280pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on January 8, 2027.

The four-star complex has a pool and sun terrace, giving you somewhere to relax between outings. And with self-catering, you can keep breakfast simple before heading out to enjoy Tenerife.

8. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Maspalomas gives you holiday views that make getting on a plane feel immediately worthwhile.

The dunes are stunning here: a protected landscape of sand, palms and a lagoon beside the Atlantic.

I’d make time for the viewpoints, the beach and an evening around the lighthouse.

But the beauty of the resort is you don’t need to fill every day with paid attractions when the surroundings provide so much of the entertainment.

At £85 per person per night on average, Maspalomas takes eighth place.

And here, I’d choose a base that suits how you want to spend the days, so I went looking for a decent apartment set up in a great location.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Apartamentos Koala Garden LIVVO Home Collection from £255pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on January 18, 2027.

The hotel gives you a pool and space to enjoy the sunshine, with the flexibility of sorting some meals yourself.

7. Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada is one I regularly check when someone wants the hotel to be a big part of the holiday.

My instinct here is to go all inclusive and book a hotel you’re excited to spend time in, your main meals sorted with drinks included.

Then you’ve got the Red Sea to explore, plus the marina and traditional markets when you fancy getting out. 

Hurghada offers plenty of scope for combining resort time with something more adventurous.

And British holidaymakers paid £84 per person per night on average in the booking data.

For a deal in the wider Hurghada area, I found five nights’ all inclusive at Lemon & Soul Makadi Garden in Makadi Bay from £295pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on January 20, 2027.

This hotel is in Makadi Bay and it’s a great option with a generous pool area, and the hotel even boasts a whopping 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score from more than 2,500 reviews.

Flights, five nights’ accommodation, main meals and selected drinks for £590 for two people? That’s a lot of the holiday sorted before you even arrive.

6. Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

Naama Bay is where I’d look for a Sharm holiday with a lively centre.

Beach time comes with the option of bars, restaurants and shopping, giving you somewhere to head when you fancy an evening beyond the hotel.

It’s a good fit for anyone who enjoys having a resort to get involved in.

The average amount paid was £83 per person per night, putting it just ahead of Hurghada.

I’d choose it for a perfect winter sun combination: time to relax during the day, then the freedom to go out and see what takes your fancy.

The deal I found is five nights’ all inclusive at Sharm Holiday Resort from £270pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on January 26, 2027.

The four-star hotel has a massive pool area, giving you somewhere to spend those slower days.

And with your meals and drinks included, you can budget separately for any evenings out if you fancy a drink outside of the resort.

5. Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen makes the top five, and I can see why it deserves a place on the shortlist.

Its old harbour gives you a flavour of the fishing village the resort grew from, alongside the beaches and holiday facilities that make it such an established Lanzarote choice.

I like somewhere that gives you options without requiring much planning – a beach afternoon, an evening around the harbour, somewhere different for dinner, and enough variety to keep things interesting while still feeling like a proper break.

Holidaymakers paid £80 per person per night on average according to the booking data.

For this one, I’d compare self-catering and B&B packages, because having a place to prepare your own breakfast can work well when you’re keen to try different restaurants during the trip.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at San Francisco Park – Adults Only from £240pp, including direct return flights from Dublin on January 17, 2027.

The adults-only complex has a pool surrounded by apartments, giving you a relaxed base for a trip built around enjoying Puerto del Carmen.

For £480 for two people, including flights, you can keep things flexible: breakfast in, dinner out and the rest decided as you go.

4. Om El Sid, Sharm El Sheikh

Om El Sid is a lesser known area of Sharm El Sheikh.

But this is the name I’d look for if getting swimming in the sea is high on your holiday wish list.

The Ras Um Sid area is known for its reef and diving, giving you the opportunity to make the underwater scenery a memorable part of the trip.

That’s where I’d focus my hotel search: what beach access it offers, how you reach the water and whether it suits the kind of swimming or snorkelling you want to do.

The booking data puts Om El Sid at £77 per person per night on average, making it the highest-placed Egyptian destination on this shortlist.

The deal I found is five nights’ Bed & Breakfast at Falcon Hills from £250pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on January 18, 2027.

Breakfast included takes the pressure our of finding somewhere to eat when you’ve just woken up, while leaving the rest of the itinerary open.

I’d use it as a base for a mix of hotel time, exploring and taking a dip in the sea as often as possible.

3. Nuevo Horizonte, Fuerteventura

Nuevo Horizonte is a useful name to have up your sleeve when you’re searching for an affordable Canary Islands holiday.

It sits around two kilometres north of Caleta de Fuste, and I’d consider it for a relaxed base.

Yet you still havethe option of heading into the neighbouring resort when you fancy a change.

At £74 per person per night on average, it takes third place in this ranking.

And for me, I’d be looking for an apartment hotel here – having your own space, a fridge and somewhere to sort breakfast can help you shape the spending around what matters to you.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel from £210pp, including direct return flights from Bristol on 11 January 2027.

There’s a large pool area, so you’ve got somewhere to settle on those afternoons when the diary is deliberately empty.

And the self-catering basis also leaves you in charge of how often you eat in or head out.

2. Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura takes silver as well as bronze, with Caleta de Fuste coming in at an average of just £73 per person per night on average.

It’s a particularly useful option for families because the resort has sheltered beaches, a marina and activities including diving excursions and golf, giving different members of the group something to get excited about.

It’s also only around seven kilometres from the airport and this is a practical advantage worth having.

I’m very much in favour of spending more of the holiday enjoying the destination.

I’d look for accommodation that makes the most of the resort’s convenience – somewhere with the facilities you’ll use, easy access to the places you want to visit and a board basis that fits your budget.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Fuertesol from £185pp, including direct return flights from Bristol on January 11, 2027.

The accommodation is arranged around a pool, giving you a holiday base with somewhere to enjoy the sunshine between outings.

For £370 for two people, including flights, this is the sort of starting price that gets my attention. 

1. Agadir, Morocco

And the lowest average on this shortlist belongs to Agadir – at £71 per person per night, Morocco’s Atlantic beach city takes the top spot.

What I like about Agadir is that you can combine a beach holiday with experiences that give the trip a completely different flavour.

Spend time browsing Souk El Had, try Moroccan dishes and visit the Agadir Oufella kasbah for history and views over the city.

The winning combination here is the price and the variety – you can relax, explore, shop and eat well, with a beach to return to whenever the mood takes you.

The deal I found is five nights’ Bed & Breakfast at Tildi Hotel & Spa from £170pp, including direct return flights from Edinburgh on January 11, 2027.

It’s a four-star hotel with a pool and gardens, giving you somewhere to unwind between exploring Agadir.

Breakfast included means you can start each day fed and ready to go, with the rest of the meals left open for trying different places.

That’s £340 for two people, including flights and breakfast, so for someone asking where I’d start the search for an affordable winter escape, I’d happily recommend Agadir.

People are urged to exercise a high level of caution

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new warning to winter holidaymakers regarding the severe dangers of contaminated alcohol abroad. In a social media alert published today (November 9) on X, the FCDO urged travellers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing or consuming alcoholic drinks while travelling.

The warning comes amid heightened international concern over toxic bootleg alcohol outbreaks in popular tourist destinations. It reads: “Have a holiday booked this winter? In some parts of the world, alcohol can be contaminated with methanol, which can cause serious illness or even death. Avoid homemade, ‘bootleg’ or streetside alcohol.”

According to the FCDO, alcohol in several parts of the world can be contaminated with methanol, which is a highly toxic form of alcohol normally used in industrial products. Even a small amount of methanol can cause permanent blindness, organ failure, or death.

The government body explicitly warned holidaymakers to strictly avoid homemade, “bootleg,” or streetside alcohol to protect themselves. The safety alert applies broadly across global holiday hotspots, but the FCDO currently flags dozens of countries under its “Know the Signs” safety awareness guidelines.

Travellers should be particularly vigilant in parts of South East Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The risks are also highlighted in major holiday destinations across the Americas, such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil, as well as Turkey, India, and various nations across Africa.

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List of destinations where travellers are urged to be highly vigilant:

• South East Asia: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines
• The Americas: Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Papua New Guinea
• Europe and Central Asia: Turkey, Russia
• East Asia: Japan
• Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Morocco, Libya, Rwanda
• South and Western Asia: India, Bangladesh, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Nepal
• Oceania: Fiji

The risk of encountering poisoned drinks is highest in areas with weak regulatory oversight or where illegal manufacturing thrives. Illicit producers often deliberately use cheap industrial chemicals such as methanol to stretch their alcohol supplies and maximise profit margins.

Backpacker hubs, informal street markets, and remote beach towns are frequent locations for these incidents. Health experts note that counterfeit alcohol is frequently used in cheap local spirits, complimentary “free shots” at bars, and mass-produced versions of traditional national drinks.

To stay safe while travelling, the FCDO and travel clinics advise tourists to completely avoid open drink buckets, pre-made punches, and unbranded spirits. Travellers should never buy alcohol from street-side stalls or unlicensed vendors.

Instead, holidaymakers are advised to stick to branded beers, ciders, and wines. Where possible, always choose drinks served in sealed bottles or cans, opened directly in front of you, and only purchase alcohol from reputable, fully licensed establishments such as major hotels and established restaurants.

Real-life cases

Recent years have seen high-profile and tragic real-life cases of methanol-contaminated alcohol poisoning, particularly affecting international tourists in popular backpacking and holiday hubs. For example, in Vang Vieng, Laos, during November 2024, in a mass poisoning event that made global headlines, six young foreign tourists died after consuming what were believed to be free vodka shots at the Nana Backpacker Hostel.

The victims included 28-year-old British lawyer Simone White, two 19-year-old Australian teenagers (Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles), two Danish citizens, and an American tourist. Over a dozen others were severely sickened or hospitalised. Investigation teams later traced the source to an illegal factory outside the capital that was supplying local venues with bootleg spirits heavily laced with industrial methanol.

In Fiji, during December 2024, seven foreign tourists, including Australian and American nationals, had to be rushed to the hospital with acute neurological symptoms, nausea, and vomiting after drinking contaminated cocktails at a luxury five-star resort along Fiji’s Coral Coast.

What are the signs to look out for?

Methanol poisoning is a life-threatening medical emergency that typically manifests 12 to 24 hours after consuming contaminated alcohol. Because the toxic chemical is indistinguishable by sight, taste, or smell from normal alcohol, it is impossible to detect in a glass.

While initial symptoms can mimic a standard, severe hangover with intense nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness, the condition quickly progresses to cause unique, critical warning signs. Most distinctively, victims experience profound visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, seeing flashes of light, or feeling like they are “in a snowstorm”, alongside severe abdominal pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, and potentially fatal seizures or organ failure.

If you or a travel companion experience any changes to your eyesight or breathing after drinking, you must seek emergency medical care immediately and explicitly inform hospital staff that you suspect methanol poisoning.

TIRED of the cold weather already? Check out these 10 destinations that are the hottest resorts for summer holidays next year with cheap pints and waterparks.

Jet2 has revealed the most popular resorts for holidays in 2027 with plenty of bookings already – and leading the charge is a firm favourite for Brits.

In number one spot is Benidorm, the resort city in Alicante well-known for cheap food and drink, party strips and golden beaches.

With the price of a pint as high as £5.50 in the UK, it’s no wonder Brits flock to the boozy destination where it can be as little as €1.80 (£1.50) – and there’s plenty of deals to be had at happy hour.

One man even moved from the UK to Benidorm after one visit, claiming it’s like “paradise” with its “laid-back vibe”.

One-way flights in the summer to Alicante can be as little as £28 and take less than two and a half hours.

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Holiday resorts most-loved by Brits – from Greek 2* hotel to Turkish all inclusive

With loveholidays, breaks to Benidorm cost from £289pp – this is for a seven-night holiday in the Camposol Hotel which comes with its own pool and includes flights from London Luton.

Other Spanish resorts that made the list of being the most-booked include Salou and Benalmadena.

Salou which sits on the Costa Daurada coastline came in eighth position.

The destination is popular particularly with families as it’s near one of Europe’s largest theme parks, PortAventura World.

The theme park has record-breaking rollercoasters in Ferrari Land as well as lots of attractions and live shows.

Meanwhile, Benalmadena is a coastal town in Southern Spain and is another spot near a theme park, this time it’s Tivoli World.

It’s also known for its popular Puerto Marina which is lined with seaside restaurants, bars and clubs.

Two destinations in Tenerife are also amongst some of the most popular which isn’t too surprising considering its short flight time and high summer temperatures.

From the UK, the island can be reached in four and a half hours and temperatures sit at 30C during between July and September.

The coastal resort areas of Costa Adeje on the southwestern coast came in second place on the most-booked list.

Any waterpark fans will love it as Costa Adeje is home to Siam Park – a Thai-themed waterpark with huge racing slides, waterfalls and a wave pool.

If you head 12-minutes up the coast by car to Playa del Duque, you’ll be in a spot loved by celebrities thanks to its beautiful beach and upmarket shops.

It’s been reported that singers Shakira, Mariah Carey and Queen’s Brian May have all stayed in a nearby hotel.

One-way flights in the summer start from £44 and with loveholidays, breaks start from £329pp.

This is for a seven-night stay at the Duque Nest Hotel which has a private swimming pool and includes flights from London Stansted.

Also in Tenerife is Playa de las Americas which came in sixth spot.

The purpose- built holiday resort has bars, nightclubs, restaurants and beaches with either golden or black volcanic sand.

The third most-booked resort for summer next year is Alanya in Turkey.

The historic beach city on the coast can be as high as 34C in the summer and when its time to cool off, visitors can head to the biggest waterpark in the region.

Called Water Planet Aqua Park, it has 24 water slides, a wave pool, splash parks for younger children and even a man-made rafting course.

When it comes to beaches, Kleopatra Beach is considered one of the best in Turkey.

The 1.2 mile stretch of sand has clear blue waters – and it is named after the Queen of Egypt.

Other spots to make it onto the list include Marmaris along the Turkish Riviera and Cyprus which has around 320 days of sunshine per year.

Another is Palma Nova in Majorca which has three pretty beaches all connected by one long promenade lined with souvenir shops and hotels.

The 10 most-booked resorts for Summer 2027…

1. Benidorm, Spain
2. Costa Adeje, Tenerife
3. Alanya, Türkiye
4. Paphos, Cyprus
5. Marmaris, Türkiye
6. Playa de las Americas, Tenerife
7. Protaras, Cyprus
8. Salou, Spain
9. Palma Nova, Majorca
10. Benalmadena, Spain

There are almost 500 national parks in Europe, offering some of the continent’s most pristine scenery and best wildlife viewing opportunities. We’d love to hear about your favourite experiences in Europe’s national parks (excluding the UK) – it could be snowshoeing across the frozen lakes and wild taiga forests of Finland’s Hossa, kayaking the wild wetlands of Estonia’s Soomaa or wolf tracking in the Mercantour in southern France.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

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Laura and Callum Anderson say the better weather and cheaper cost of living made it a no-brainer

A family swapped “miserable” Scotland for the Mediterranean – where their energy bill costs just £85 and they have no pressure to “keep up with the Joneses”.

Laura and Callum Anderson, both 42, moved out to Malta with their youngest daughter when their heating bill shot up to £1,100 a month. They swapped their £1,600 a month four-bed farmhouse in Fife for a three-bed penthouse for £2,500 per month and moved out in October 2026. And despite the jump on rent, they are saving £1,251 a month – as bills and petrol is cheaper and there is no council tax.

Laura, a business owner, living in Naxxar, Malta, said: “If we weren’t living in Malta we would have had to move out of our house.

“It was £690 per month just for oil, with electricity on top of that, wood on top of that, it was £1,100 just to heat the house and put the lights on. Electricity is £85 per month here. We basically wanted to move to Malta to enjoy life.”

Laura and Callum had previously lived in Malta between 2010 and 2013 after they were able to get a full relocation package through Callum’s work as a recruitment consultant – but moved back to Fife to set up their own business.

And after returning to renew their vows in 2024, they decided to move back out permanently. Laura said: “We came here in 2024, and we renewed our wedding vows.

“At that point we were like, ‘Why are we staying in Scotland, what is the point?’ I love Scotland and I’m very much an outdoorsy person and like walks with the dogs and being at the beach even in Scotland, but it was just miserable.

“Last winter in Scotland was especially bad. It didn’t stop raining for six months. It sounds like an exaggeration, but it must have rained for 26 days every single month.”

Laura’s health was also a motivation to move. She was diagnosed with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes intense emotional and physical symptoms – such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue – in November 2023 and had to pay for private care as she struggled to get help on the NHS.

She struggled with her mental health and said the “doom and gloom” of Scotland was not helping, and so they made the “positive step” and made the move.

“I was paying a fortune in tax and in private medical insurance,” she says. “It makes me feel resentful at my own country and I don’t want to feel like that because I love Scotland.

“Because of my PMDD, I struggle a bit with my mental health and being in Scotland in the doom and gloom was not great for my mental health so we decided to make a positive step by moving.

“We were spending too much time indoors with the fire on. We ended up getting dragged into watching the news with the doom and gloom about how taxes have gone up and people can’t afford to feed themselves. It’s very negative.”

They flew out in October 2026 on digital nomad visas with youngest Mia, 17 – with Lucy, 20, flying out to visit whilst she remains in the UK to attend university. Laura and Callum still run their business selling saunas remotely, and have a team based in Scotland covering the day-to-day operations.

Their daughter, Mia, plans to become a strength and conditioning coach, and Laura says Malta is a “hub” where people travel to train up. They flew out without a permanent home sorted, choosing to stay in an Airbnb so they could view properties in person.

Now settled in a three-bed penthouse, Laura says the “pressure to keep up with the Joneses” is not as big a thing out in Malta. She said: “Our car in Scotland was included on our insurance and it was £650 per month.

“We lived on a farm and I had to drive 20 minutes just to get to the shop. Fuel was £130 per week. Here, fuel is £33 every two weeks. It was £180 per month for Sky broadband and Wi-Fi. Here, Wi-Fi is £25.”

Paying £750 for their visas, they are “really happy” they made the move. “Apart from missing our eldest daughter, we’re not missing anything,” she said.

“We’ve deliberately chosen to live in an area with access to good walks for the dogs. Walking is one of the things that really helps my head so it’s important I go out on those long walks.

“I love Scotland and I’m more than happy to go back and visit but it was stifling and there’s a lot of positivity here.”

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Price breakdown per month

Fife

Rent: £1,600

Electricity: £1,100

Council tax: £150

Car: £650

Fuel: £520

Broadband and Wi-Fi: £180

Private healthcare: £240

Total: £4,440

Malta

Rent: £2,500

Electricity: £85

Car and insurance: £375

Private medical insurance: £138

Fuel: £66

Wi-Fi: £25

Total: £3,189

DREAMING of Greggs? You can now sleep in a 5-star Greggs hotel suite – and order sausage rolls straight to your room via a golden telephone.

I was the first to stay in the bizarre new suite in Hotel Gotham, Newcastle, and tested out everything from the Greggs robe to the branded bathtub.

Last year, Newcastle saw the opening of the Golden Flake Tavern, a pub serving sausage rolls with mash and gravy, steak bake boards and pink jammy beers.

Today, the bakery’s hometown sees the arrival of the Greggs suite in Hotel Gotham, right in the heart of the city centre.

I really wasn’t sure what to expect in a Greggs-themed hotel suite. Kitchen tiled floors? Some sort of booth fold-out bed?

Arriving at the five-star Hotel Gotham, I soon realised I was in store for something much fancier than that.

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A concierge led me through a courtyard of posh parked cars into the five-star hotel into a sleek black and red reception, with the Greggs suite just around the corner.

You won’t miss it, with a golden plaque hanging beside the unmistakably Greggs-blue door.

I opened the handle to reveal a huge suite decked out in breath-taking sapphire blue and bright gold details, representing that golden flaky pastry.

Honestly, I was blown away before I even took my first step inside. Plus the classical music playing upon entry really added to the regal vibe.

The next thing I noticed was the Greggs-themed artwork. A painting of two Greggs coffees cheers-ing greets you to the left, but my favourite was the painting I spied on the other side of the room.

A blue statue-like figure stands tall above an empire of skyscrapers, presenting a golden steak bake to the heavens. Truly beautiful.

Also in this corner you’ll find a free-standing bathtub (marked with the four-square emblem of Greggs) complete with bath salts, shampoo and body wash goodies.

Then you’ve got the massive, king-sized bed, topped with Greggs-themed, sausage-shaped throw pillows and a luxurious fur throw, draped across in signature Hotel Gotham style.

A plush blue sofa with golden pillows sits tucked at the end of the bed, facing a mounted telly and a mysterious gold-studded trunk.

Atop the trunk you’ll find a neatly-folded towel robe, slippers and a silky eye mask.

If you’re one of the first 96 bookings here, you’ll get to take this limited edition midnight-blue robe and accessories home with you. After that, it’s Hotel Gotham x Greggs branded white robes.

Why 96? Because there’s 96 layers of pastry in a sausage roll, of course.

The bathroom is a break from this blue and gold wonderland, with jet-black tiling, sink, shower and even a black toilet. It’s about as Gotham as a bathroom can be.

The best part of the suite, however, is the golden telephone you’ll find on the bedside table.

Dial for room service and you can order yourself a sausage roll straight to your room. Now that’s five star service.

Pick between the classic, vegan, or special flavour of the season (which is currently salt & chilli chicken).

I opted for the popular vegan one, which I think is even tastier than the original.

I grabbed the handle of the retro telephone and pressed 0, putting on my poshest voice: “Hello there. One vegan sausage roll, please”.

It feels silly, but this gimmick is really quite exciting.

I opened the door to a well-dressed staff member holding a silver platter, who came in and placed it upon the desk. We both couldn’t contain our giggles.

I lifted the lid to reveal a fresh, golden sausage roll delicately placed upon a plate decorated with a Greggs takeaway bag and special printed tissue paper.

The sausage roll was just as good as usual: warm, crispy yet fluffy pastry, and that familiar tasty filling.

Guests can order two sausage rolls each, between the hours of 7am – 7:30pm during the week, and from 8am – 4:30pm on Sundays.

Not to spoil the magic, but that does happen to line up quite well with the opening hours of the Greggs directly opposite the hotel.

Crashing into the comfy bed for the night I slept like a baby, knowing I still had one extra sausage roll to order in the morning.

Waking up after a fab night’s sleep, I kept noticing little emblems of the Greggs logo I hadn’t seen before.

It popped up on the trunk, the bathtub and even the mirror. This clearly wasn’t a half-baked job, the attention to detail really makes this room special.

If you wind up a bit sick of sausage rolls, you can have breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Siren (£25pp).

Here I tucked into a Full English with a side of fruit salad and a lemon drizzle muffin, but you can also order pear and blackberry french toast or some hearty porridge.

The restaurant name harks back to the hotel’s history as a fire station (as does the bar, simply named Fire).

You’ll even find the original fireman’s pole, helmets and other memorabilia on its grounds, as well as plaques remembering local firemen.

Hotel Gotham itself is only a year old, and feels incredibly friendly for a five star spot, with great staff, sparkling decor and an unsnobby feel.

But if you’re planning to stay anytime soon, you’ve got to try this new suite and give the golden telephone a whirl.

After all, it’s not every day you can order sausage roll room service.

You can book a stay in the Greggs suite for stays from November 12 onwards on Hotel Gotham’s website.

Stays in the Greggs Suite start from £373 per night on a room-only basis.

If that feels like a bit too much dough, Greggs are also giving away some free stays in competitions on their app.

A portion of the proceeds from each night booked will be donated annually to the Greggs Foundation, which supports local communities and schools in the Northeast.

Standard double rooms can be booked from £139 per night.

IF you’re an avid camper looking for the next big thing, you’re in luck as the AA has found the best campsites in the country.

Castlerigg Hall in the Lake District has bagged the top spot – and it has everything from basic tent pitches to luxurious glamping pods, a log fire lounge and beautiful lake views.

The results come from The AA which has released the winners of its 2026–27 Caravan & Camping Awards.

Castlerigg Hall near Keswick in the Lake District won the best in England and was declared the overall winner.

Castlerigg Hall was praised by the AA inspector mostly for its “breathtaking” view, great facilities, walking and cycling routes as well as its glamping pods.

The site has 118 pitches in total for tents, caravans, motorhomes and roof tents which start from £12.40 per night.

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For those who want to hunker down with a more comfort, there are some lovely glamping pods on-site too.

The Hex Pod is the most luxurious option and looks more like a studio apartment.

It sleeps up to four people and comes with its own living area, kitchenette and balcony along with a private toilet and shower.

Prices for a Hex Pod start from £125.50 per night.

There’s also an Inspire Pod, Castle Pod, Family Pod and Standard Pod which start from £61 per night.

Campers can take advantage of the beautiful surroundings on its walking and hiking trails, there’s also a play field for running about or playing sports.

Around Castlerigg Hall there are lots of animals and although visitors can’t get up close and personal, they will be able to see them around the park.

Castlerigg Hall has its own Campers’ Kitchen available for its guests where guests can prepare meals – it has twin hobs, a microwave, a kettle and toasters.

Meanwhile, the Campers’ Lounge is a cosy barn and social area which has underfloor heating, a log fire, sofas as well as books and board games – Wi-Fi is available at no charge too.

Also on-site is the Gallery Café which has a outdoor terrace overlooking the Western Fells which are a group of mountains.

One of these are the Ouessant sheep, which is one of the smallest sheep breeds in the world.

It’s also home to two Mediterranean donkeys called Rusty and Dusty as well as pigs, Shetland ponies, Indian Runner ducks and a cat which is likely to be lazing about in reception.

Castlerigg Hall has closed for the season, but will reopen on March 10, 2027 – bookings are available to make now.

THE dark, cold nights getting you down? Book a trip to this lesser-known winter sun spot with golden beaches and cheap food.

Sticking around 34C in the winter months, Goa sits on India’s west coast around nine hours from the UK.

And the good news is that TUI is adding more flights to the destination as part of its winter 2027/2028 schedule.

When it comes to things to do in Goa, TUI Travel Agent, Gary Collett from TUI’s Romford store, has visited holiday spot 11 times since his first trip in 2000.

Gary said: “I’m still finding reasons to go back.

“The beaches and weather might draw you in, but it’s the people, food and culture that really stay with you.

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“A lot of first-time visitors don’t realise how much history there is either, particularly Goa’s Portuguese influence, which you see in everything from its architecture and churches to its food.

“My advice is to get out and explore beyond your hotel.”

He added that when it comes to finding somewhere to stay, North and South Goa are very different.

North Goa is great for families, couples and solo travellers with beaches lined with restaurants, vibrant markets and a thriving nightlife.

Gary said: “Candolim is the area I keep coming back to because you can relax on the beach but still be close to livelier spots such as Baga.”

On the other hand, if you want to completely switch off, then South Goa might be a better option.

“It is much quieter and more scenic, so I particularly recommend it for couples, honeymooners and special-occasion trips,” Gary added.

Once in Goa, there is plenty to do, such as heading to Arambol Sweet Water Lake – a freshwater lagoon tucked behind the coast, surrounded by coconut groves and green hills in North Goa.

Gary shared: “You can swim in the freshwater, explore the surrounding trails and then head straight back to the beach, so it’s a brilliant change of scene from a typical day on the coast.”

Another option is to head to Dudhsagar Falls, which you could do as a TUI Musement experience, where you’d go on a 4×4 trip to the falls with a Goan spice garden and lunch for £62 per person.

There’s also the Historical Old Goa Tour which visits the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Panjim city from £69 per person.

You’ll also find golden sandy beaches across Goa, with some spots known for dolphins such as Cavelossim.

As for food and drink, it isn’t expensive.

Gary revealed: “One of the best things about Goa is that you can eat like a king without spending a fortune.

“You absolutely have to try a Goan fish curry, while crab xec xec is one of my favourites.

“If you want something quick, try choriz pao, a Goan street-food
staple.”

He also recommends the beach shacks where you can often pick up a two-course meal and a drink for around £7-£10 per person or a pint of local beer for 90p.

There will be three direct TUI Airways flights a week from London Gatwick, including a new Sunday service, alongside increased capacity from Manchester for the 2027/2028 winter season.

If you can wait until then though, you could fly from London Gatwick to Goa this winter from £553 return, per person.

If you were to look ahead though, you could book seven nights in Candolim, North Goa, staying at the The Astor Goa Hotel on a bed & breakfast basis from £1,344 per person, departing from London Gatwick on November 17, 2027.

Or book seven nights to Betalbatim Beach in South Goa and stay at the Beleza By The Beach Goa on bed & breakfast basis from £1,532 per person, departing from Manchester on November 16, 2027.

Your weekly shop, your commute, your Friday night takeaway: with the right card, the small stuff can help pay for the big getaway. And the new H ilton Honors Debit Card is that card

What if your everyday spending could help unlock your next hotel getaway? From your weekly supermarket shop to your morning coffee, the purchases you’re already making could bring you closer to your next Hilton stay.

That’s the idea behind the Hilton Honors Debit Card, which lets UK customers earn Hilton Honors Points on everyday spending, while enjoying hotel benefits along the way. And for a limited time, new customers applying for the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card could earn up to 50,000 bonus points – enough for a free night at selected Hilton hotels.

Hilton Honors is Hilton’s free-to-join loyalty programme. You collect points, then use them towards stays at Hilton hotels. With the Hilton Honors Debit Card, you earn points just by spending your own money as normal, with no special purchases or hotel booking needed first.

There are two cards to choose from:

This card has an annual fee of £60, which gets you instant Hilton Honors Silver status. You get two points per £1 on all eligible foreign spending and at Hilton hotels in the UK, and three points per £1 on spending at Hilton hotels abroad.

• Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card

This card has an annual fee of £150, which gets you instant Hilton Honors Gold status. You get 1.5 points per £1 on UK spending, three points per £1 on all eligible foreign spending and at Hilton hotels in the UK, and a whopping 4.5 points per £1 on spending at Hilton hotels abroad.

What that looks like in real life

Say you spend £1,000 a month on everyday things such as groceries, fuel, bills and meals out.

• On the Hilton Honors Debit Card, that earns 1,000 points a month, or 12,000 over a year.
• On the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card, it earns 1,500 points a month, or 18,000 over a year.

Spend £500 on a stay at a Hilton hotel abroad, and you’d earn 1,500 points on the standard card or 2,250 points on the Plus card, on top of any points you’d collect from the programme itself. Points are worth having because they can go towards future Hilton stays. The more routine spending you put on the card, the closer your next trip gets.

The best part? You don’t have to change the way you spend. From your weekly food shop to everyday essentials, those purchases could gradually bring you closer to your next Hilton getaway.

Limited-time offer: up to 50,000 bonus points on the Plus card

Planning your next getaway? New customers who apply for the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card by 14 December could earn up to 50,000 Hilton Honors bonus points.You’ll earn 10,000 bonus points after your first eligible transaction, plus an additional 40,000 bonus points and 10 Elite Qualifying Nights when you spend £2,500 in foreign currency within six months of opening your account.

And what could 50,000 points get you? That’s enough for a free night at selected Hilton hotels, turning your everyday spending and holiday purchases into a future getaway.

Status without the waiting

Normally, hotel status takes many nights to earn. With these cards, it arrives instantly. The standard card gives you Hilton Honors Silver status. The Plus card upgrades you to Gold, which unlocks:

• Complimentary daily continental breakfast, worth up to £50 per night for two people
• Space-available room upgrades

Breakfast for two can add up quickly on a city break or a family weekend away, so for regular travellers, Gold status can make the annual fee easier to justify.

Who is it for?

This card suits you if you:

• Travel a few times a year, for leisure or work, and often stay in hotels
• Already use a debit card for most of your spending and would like something back
• Are new to loyalty programmes and want a simple way to start

Whether you’re a frequent traveller or simply looking to get more from everyday purchases, the Hilton Honors Debit Card could help turn your spending into future travel rewards. With the limited-time offer ending on 14 December, now could be the perfect time to explore the benefits and find the right card for you.

Discover the Hilton Honors Debit Card and apply today.

T&Cs apply. Welcome offer subject to eligibility and qualifying spend requirements. Reward nights are subject to availability, and points required vary by hotel and date.