Travel

Travel experts have shared one of the prettiest European destinations for those looking for some winter sun – as the caves and water are some of the clearest around

With the colder weather approaching, you may be looking to escape the chilly temperatures and rain for warmer climates.

This ‘magical’ island is perfect for those looking for an escape with some of Europe’s clearest waters and fewer crowds of tourists. Malta is the perfect autumn destination, and the Blue Grotto is a natural wonder, allowing visitors to swim, explore the caves and relax in the sun.

According to travel experts at Ski Vertigo, October temperatures in Malta are still around 25C, and the Blue Grotto is made up of several sea caves on Malta’s west coast, surrounded by clear turquoise waters.

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There is a network of six caves on the southern coast, offering some of the clearest waters and most stunning views in the Maltese Islands, making it one of the island’s most popular natural attractions. The experts say the best way to see the caves is by boat from Wied iż-Żurrieq (£7.20 for adults, £3.60 for children).

Visitors can board the traditional fishing boats run from 9am to 4.30pm in summer, and 9am to 4pm in winter, weather permitting and on the way, you can can stop at the panoramic viewpoint, 500m high, for photos.

“The waters are very clear thanks to their unique minerals, and in sunny weather, colourful reflections of pink, orange, turquoise, and green shimmer on the limestone walls. From above, the caves are framed by a majestic arch with views of the island of Filfla – truly breathtaking,” the travel experts add, and shared a list of some of the top activities for visitors:

• Boat tours – Glide through the sea caves and see rock formations.
• Swimming & snorkelling – Explore the clear waters.
• Photography – Capture cliff views and colourful cave reflections.
• Sightseeing from viewpoints – Stop at the roadside or picnic areas for great views.
• Picnicking – Enjoy a snack with a view.

There is plenty of parking at Wied iż-Żurrieq, along with public toilets, cafes, snack bars, and gift shops. On rough sea days, boats may not run, but the viewpoints and picnic areas are still worth a visit.

Tips from Ski Vertigo:

• Book ahead – Tours fill up quickly, even in autumn.
• Wear swim-friendly shoes – Paths and rocks can be tricky.
• Bring snorkel gear – Perfect for exploring the clear waters.
• Visit the viewpoint – Stop for panoramic photos.
• With warm waters, stunning scenery, and plenty to do, the Blue Grotto is the perfect autumn escape for travellers wanting sun, relaxation, and natural beauty.

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Josie North, who has a nut allergy, faced a “very scary situation” on a flight from Los Angeles, California, to Heathrow Airport and complained to the Virgin Atlantic team

A tourist with a severe nut allergy was left terrified after a pecan pie was primed to be served as a dessert on her flight.

Josie North alerted Virgin Atlantic attendants of her allergy and was assured no nuts would be served on the plane from Los Angeles to London Heathrow. However, just 15 minutes into the 10-hour journey Josie spotted the nutty dessert offering on the menu, and immediately called over an attendant.

The 28-year-old Brit, who is allergic to all types of nuts, said today: “I felt sick to my stomach. There was a chance I could die if that many people around me were eating nuts all at once.

“I told him [the attendant] there was just no way this pecan pie could be served. This was a very scary situation for me. If I was told they were serving actual nuts, and everyone around me is going to be eating nuts, I wouldn’t have got on the flight.”

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The issue has been topical in recent years following the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, on a British Airways flight. She had eaten a baguette – albeit bought at Pret a Manger – which contained sesame seeds, to which the teen was allergic.

But Virgin Atlantic staff had spoken to Josie to assure her flight attendants would accommodate her needs ahead of the flight last month. Josie, who runs a party card games business, was told Virgin is a peanut-free airline only, and so she insisted on speaking to another member of staff on the plane.

“I was very adamant that this was a very, very dangerous situation for me, especially as we were already in the air at this point,” Josie, from London, said. Eventually, the captain was involved and agreed the pie should be removed from the menu and replaced with Oreos and KitKats.

But Josie wants to raise awareness of her experience, and remind large organisations of the dire dangers of allergies. When she boarded the flight, the entrepreneur asked the attendant to make an announcement to let other passengers know someone on board had a nut allergy. She claims the employee only announced someone had a peanut allergy – while Josie is allergic to all nuts.

A “persistent” Josie insisted they do a second announcement, which they did, but shortly afterwards, she was horrified to see the nut dish on the menu.

Josie said: “I understand it might not be easy to eliminate anything that may have been contaminated by or made in the same factory as nuts.

“But to actively include food items that contain nuts on a flight is extremely dangerous and unnecessary. I’m sure most people go hours and if not days without having a single nut on land so why is it so necessary to have nuts mid-air with no access to emergency hospital treatment?

“I’m sure people would be equally as happy with a chocolate brownie or an apple crumble for their dessert! And there may even be children on the flight who don’t even know if they have nut allergies yet ” so what is the point in serving such a common allergen?”

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “We’d like to apologise to Ms North for any incorrect information she may have received prior to her recent flight with us.

“We would like to reassure her that a full investigation is taking place. The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority and for any special requirements including allergies we ask that customers inform our Accessible Travel Services teams in advance of their flight.

“For the safety of any customers travelling with an allergy we would strongly encourage customers to take all necessary precautions including bringing their own subsistence on board and to prepare for the possibility of inadvertent exposure.”

It is generally not allowed to take a child on holiday during term time in the UK and can result in a fine of up to 160 – but there may be exceptions

If you’re planning a winter getaway to escape the UK’s chilly temperatures, be warned – you could face a £160 fine if you pick the wrong time. In the UK, taking children out of school for a holiday during term time is generally not permitted and can result in a penalty.

This follows last year’s confirmation from the Department for Education that UK schools must consider issuing a fine if a child misses 10 or more sessions without authorisation. Remember, 10 sessions equate to five school days, as each day is split into two sessions – morning and afternoon.

When a fine is handed out, parents are only required to pay £80 if they settle it within 21 days of receipt. However, if payment is made within 28 days, the fine doubles to £160.

If a parent has previously been fined for the same child within a three-year period, the higher rate of £160 is automatically applied. Moreover, parents could find themselves in deeper hot water if they exceed the limit of two fines within any three-year period. This could lead to a parenting order or even prosecution.

If you end up in court due to your child’s absence, you could be hit with a fine of up to £2,500 or even face up to three months behind bars. Government guidance reveals that approximately 89% of unauthorised absence fines are due to children being taken on holiday during term time.

Reasons why your child can miss school and avoid a fine

According to the Department for Education, you can only allow your child not to be in school when it’s open for the following reasons:

• Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance.
• You are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school.
• Your child is too ill to attend that day.
• You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances.
• Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet.

Further guidance on school attendance and ascences during term time can be found here.

Ros Wynne-Jones visits a French retreat once revered by royalty and now loved by Hollywood legends. In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth

Ros Wynne-Jones writes the Real Britain column every Friday in the Daily Mirror campaigning against government cuts and standing up for ordinary people.

Every place has a story, but Cotignac, a village hidden deep in the Provencal countryside in the South of France, is a place with more stories than most. From kings battling infertility to religious apparitions and Hollywood stars, from French crooners to Pink Floyd, this softly painted village at the foot of a huge limestone cliff, has seen it all.

In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth. As the only place in the world where all three members of the Holy Family have appeared in visions, Cotignac is a major site for Catholic pilgrimage – with around 150,000 pilgrims a year.

But for decades, the village has also been a magnet for Hollywood royalty and musical legends. George and Amal Clooney, live close by – near enough for George to have a preferred baker in the village from which he collects his breakfast bread and croissants, according to one resident.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

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And another villager, Brad Pitt, is allegedly in dispute with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over their neighbouring vineyard.

Joe Dassin, one of the most famous French singer-songwriters, recorded nearby at Studio Miraval – before building his house in the village a few years later and dying at 41 of a heart attack. Which is where our hotel, Lou Calen, enters the story. When Chateau Miraval opened a studio that rose to fame after recording Pink Floyd’s The Wall, a nearby 16-room hotel-restaurant found itself ideally located to wine, dine and accommodate recording artists from all over the world.

Opening it in 1971, Huguette Caren named the hotel, Lou Calen – meaning the Oil Lamp – and her cooking and hospitality soon attracted names from Dassin to Brigitte Bardot, Pink Floyd, The Cure and even Yvonne De Gaulle, wife of Charles.

In 2001, the hotel closed, abandoned with its ghosts for two decades, until a Canadian entrepreneur decided to resurrect it. Graham Porter had spent summers in Cotignac as a student living with a Danish family who spent their holidays here.

He bought a home in the village in the early 2000s, but time spent there during the Covid pandemic convinced him to buy the hotel – and share his passion for pastis and petanque with guests from all over the world.

Porter saw the opportunity to rebuild not just a hotel but a luxe fairytale – a place of quiet eco-luxury where the routes between rooms are overrun with wildflowers, and no view or bedroom is the same. The sound of petanque boules echoes across the hillside, and guests are greeted with a cloudy glass of pastis on arrival.

This may be a wellness destination for well-heeled travellers, but it is far from pious – the hotel even has its own microbrewery with a wide range of beers from cold IPAs to dark porters named after La Tuf – the high cliffs that surround the village.

At the heart of it all remains food as good as that which once attracted the famous recording artists.

Hidden in the olive and lavender-scented grounds is the Secret Garden, an extraordinary restaurant by forward-looking chef Benoit Witz – one of the first in the world to have earned a coveted Green Michelin Star. The Michelin Guide notes the dishes created by Witz – who once trained with top chef Alain Ducasse – are “100 per cent authentic”.

In Witz’s kitchen, not one single stalk or flower is wasted, and seasonal ingredients are king. This, after all, is Provence Vert – Green Provence. The rosé wine comes from the neat rows of vines on the neighbouring hillsides, from vineyards with names like Carpe Diem, and the grapes of Miraval now harvested in the disputed Pitt-Jolie vineyard. Only seconds away, the House of Mirabeau offers wine and gin tasting.

Cheeses come from a tiny footprint of local farms and vegetables from the hotel’s own market garden where edible flowers and goats somehow co-exist.

All can be explored on foot or via electric bikes available at Lou Calen.

Places with so much history need a historian, and ours comes in the form of an American guide John Peck, who leads us up the hot, winding routes into La Tuf to tell us the stories of the place.

The cliff is inset with a giant wooden olive press once used by the entire village to make oil, and inlaid with paths that lead past former troglodyte dwellings, where villagers once hid from the invading Saracens.

We see where local craftsman Jean de la Baume once saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and where Saint Joseph is said to have appeared to Gaspard Ricard, a thirsty shepherd tending his sheep on Mount Bessillon.

At the village’s ancient, magical spring, pointed out to Gaspard by Saint Joseph, John shakes out his “pocket museum” onto a stone wall. It is an extraordinary collection of findings that tell Cotignac’s history better than any guidebook.

There is a Napolean-era greatcoat button, flattened and heavily worn Roman coins, a gladiator’s strigil – or arm-scraper that once removed oil, and even a coin bearing a swastika – a reminder that during World War II Lou Calen was an orphanage for children who had lost their parents in the Nazi occupation.

As we walk past the well-stocked modern art gallery, Centre d’Art la Falaise, a Frenchman from central casting or perhaps the Napoleonic-era, cycles past in a beret.

The next day we tour the wild-flower filled gardens with a local herbalist, Vera Schutz, who tells us the names of the different plants and their ancient uses.

We get a tour of the Jardin Secret kitchen gardens in the quiet of Sunday morning, and even meet Monsieur Witz, who is teaching his friend’s children how to shell broad beans. In our room, a portrait of singer Joe Dassin looks down on us from between windows that perfectly frame views of the village, terracotta roofs dotted between the green.

A line from one of his songs – “elle m’a dit d’allez siffler la haut sur la colline” or “she told me to go whistle up there on the hill” – is inscribed on the wall. There are no screens or televisions at Lou Calen, so we play Dassin’s love songs, “Les Champs-Elysees” and “Et Si Tu N’Existais Pas”, through the wireless speaker.

France’s Mediterranean beaches are just an hour away, but who needs them? Instead of TVs and iPads, guests are instead encouraged to mingle on long tables, play petanque, enjoy the local jazz “manouche”, swim in the bright blue of either the family or adult swimming pools, or to rest and recuperate at a peaceful spa in the round turret of the old pigeon loft.

The food is just as good at the bistro where smiling staff battle smoking barbeques in the afternoon heat to deliver tasty seared swordfish and grilled lamb.

All that is missing is Hugette Caren herself, the founder and spirit who once drew the recording artists from the surrounding countryside with her cooking, the way the magical spring drew visitors to Cotignac. She still lives in the village and is known to visit the bars and restaurants. When you visit you might see her there, like an apparition – pastis in hand.

In 2025 Lou Calen, the oil lamp that Hugette lit back in 1971, is still shining brightly.

GET THERE

Fly from airports across the UK to Nice or Marseille; rail to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.

BOOK IT

Rooms at the Lou Calen hotel in Cotignac, Provence, South of France, start at around £175 a night.

loucalen.com

MORE INFO

france.fr/en/destination/provence

Senegal is a vibrant West African country that’s just a six-hour plane trip from the UK – and it boasts some pretty incredible beaches as well as 32C heat in November

Just a six-hour flight from the UK, the lively African nation of Senegal boasts pristine golden beaches that stretch along most of its coastline.

This haven for beach lovers offers endless expanses, with each beach offering something unique for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking to unwind and relax, get involved in watersports or dive into the party scene, there’s a beach in Senegal just for you.

The West African country has become a hotspot for the international surf scene. Home to a world-renowned wave, it’s not uncommon to spot pro surfers on Senegal’s shores. But don’t worry if you’re new to the sport – there are plenty of calmer beaches with surf schools catering to all abilities.

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In the heart of Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant capital, keen surfers often flock to the bustling Virage beach. After a day riding the waves, visitors can kick back and enjoy the stunning views at one of the many beach bars or restaurants lining the coast, reports the Express.

But it’s not just about the beaches – this diverse country is also home to an array of incredible wildlife. Birdwatchers will be in their element, with the chance to spot some of Africa’s rarest species.

And with a range of habitats to explore – from mangroves and freshwater pools to savannah lands and forests – nature lovers won’t be short of places to explore.

Senegal, known for its stunning beaches, is also a hub for trendsetting art, culture and fashion. It hosts the renowned Dak’Art exhibition every two years, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate African artwork.

While many African countries boast of their cuisine, Senegal’s rich culinary dishes are a standout. The national dish, Thieboudienne (pronounced ceebu jen), is a tantalising rice and fish meal. It features stewed broken jasmine rice and vegetables paired with marinated fish, which can be any type available.

For those with a penchant for trying new foods, this dish can be perfectly complemented with Bissap, Senegal’s national drink. This highly nutritious tea is made from hibiscus flowers, sweetened with sugar and flavoured with mint.

However, first-time travellers to Senegal are warned by the UK Government about potential dangers, such as pickpocketing, particularly in Dakar.

Holidaymakers are advised against walking alone in the evening and after dark, especially women. They’re also cautioned not to wear conspicuous jewellery and to keep handbags or satchels on the side furthest from the street.

The Government further advises travellers to pre-arrange taxis to avoid bogus drivers and ensure they show ID. For those who fancy a self-drive holiday, UK driving licences are valid for up to six months in Senegal. However, due to the stark difference in driving standards, Brits are advised against driving after dark if possible.

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A MANIPULATIVE fraudster who fleeced an elderly woman out of almost £300,000 before fleeing to Tenerife is facing down a six-year prison sentence.

Pamela Gwinnett, 62, continued to steal money from Joan Greene, 89, after the pensioner passed away, treating her as a “cash cow to be milked.”

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Gwinnet claimed she was the grandmother’s carer but isolated frail, vulnerable Joan from her family.

She accused family members of mistreating the widow and did everything she could to keep them away while she fleeced her “golden goose.”

She would steal hundreds of thousands of pounds from the elderly woman, using the money to pay for botox and expensive meals before fleeing to Tenerife after getting caught.

Gwinett denied charges of fraud and theft but was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court.

After discovering ex-accountant Joan was wealthy Gwinett concocted a lie, convincing Joan that her family were stealing from her pension.

Gwinett even moved Joan into a care home to keep the pensioner close when Covid hit in March 2020.

After the pandemic ended she took Joan home but padlocked the gates of her bungalow and changed the landline number in a bid to stop Joan’s family from getting in touch.

A court heard that the last months of Joan’s life had become “pock marked with increasing periods of bewilderment and confusion.”

Joan also became doubly incontinent, but instead of looking after the elderly woman Gwinett “bullied” her.

Gwinett would cover for Joan’s professional live-in carers for two hours a day, billing the pensioner for the time.

Judge Michael Maher said: “On one occasion, [one of the carers] found to her horror that you had left Joan covered in her own faeces in bed at the end of your two-hour shift.

“On another occasion, you barked at her to relieve herself in her incontinent pad.”

Eventually one of Joan’s carers became so concerned that she arranged for Joan’s family to visit.

The meeting sparked a massive argument with video from the incident featuring Joan complaining that she doesn’t know what’s going on.

Footage also picked up Joan mentioning money problems despite her being a well off woman.

By the time Gwinett’s power of attorney over Joan was suspended she had already robbed £161,000 from the pensioner.

She even managed to steal a further £119,000 by opening a joint account and transferring Joan’s cash into that.

Judge Maher said Joan’s family “are devastated by the fact that Joan in the fog of her deteriorating mental health may well have believed the lies you were pedalling and made her isolation all the more solitary and lonely.”

Joan’s step-daughter Katherine Farrimond, 65, said Joan believed in her final years that her family “hated her” and “didn’t want to see her’” because to Gwinett’s “lies.”

In April, Gwinett applied to vary her bail conditions so she could fly to Tenerife, saying she hoped to scatter her late brother’s ashes there.

Her request was denied but she still brazenly boarded a plane just hours later and has remained there since.

The judge added: “I sincerely hope that Ms Gwinett is extradited back to the UK to serve this sentence for these egregious offences.

“It is an affront to justice and the rule of law for this defendant to be allowed to remain in Tenerife.”

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A TOP Tory minister has said she fears her hotel room was bugged on a fact-finding trip to Taiwan.

It comes after a case against an accused Chinese spy, Chris Cash, collapsed last month when the Government refused to class Beijing as a threat to national security.

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Chris Cash, 30, and his friend Christopher Berry, 33, were both accused and denied spying for China.

Cash, a parliamentary researcher, received high level briefings from former MI6 spooks, ambassadors and ministers before he was dramatically arrested.

The former teacher, who had lived and worked in China, was accused of passing secrets to Beijing.

The Crown Prosecution Service case against the two alleged spies collapsed with ministers blamed for failing to provide key evidence that China was a national security threat at the time.

Starmer has since claimed that there was nothing he could do about the issue and blamed the former government for not designating China a threat when the offences took place.

The Daily Mail has now revealed that at the same time the Government was refusing to designate Beijing a threat, then foreign secretary David Lammy was doing just that.

He branded China an enemy of Britain during a debate in the commons in an effort to defend Labour’s surrender of the Chagos Islands.

The Shadow National Security Minister, Alicia Kearns, 37, has now revealed that she was a target during the alleged spy operation.

In what is thought to be a spy dossier, details of her hotel room in Taiwan were found.

When the senior Tory minister was on a fact finding trip to the country as chairman of the foreign affairs committee, she fears she was bugged by Beijing.

She told the Daily Mail: “They could have got in that room at any time.

“You can’t be sure that the room hasn’t got a bug or a camera somewhere.

“There could be photos of you walking around your hotel room naked.”

China had threatened that the mother-of-three’s trip would result in “repercussions.”

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She worked alongside Mr Cash for a year and raised concern that others he met through work may have been exposed.

Chinese dissidents, victims of transnational repression and people intimidated in secret Chinese police stations in the UK may have all been laid bare to Mr Cash.

The Shadow National Security Minister continued, saying Mr Cash worked at the heart of government policy on China.

He gained insight from the Foreign Office, Home Office, Treasury and Department for Business and Trade according to Ms Kearns.

Mr Cash worked on key government policy around China including the TikTok ban on government devices and exposing covert Chinese police stations in the UK.

The alleged spy managed to speak to every top China expert in the UK, finding himself in a position to glean information as “valuable as gold dust” to Beijing Ms Kearns believes.

The revelations could raise more questions about why the case against the accused spooks was dropped.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper admitted: “We know China poses threats to the UK national security.”

“I am deeply frustrated about this case, because I, of course, wanted to see it prosecuted.”

Ex-diplomat Charles Parton previously told The Sun that the Government’s refusal to brand Beijing a threat clearly showed “a desire not to offend China.”

Mr Parton, who was due to testify for the prosecution, slammed the CPS for failing to find new witnesses after the Government pulled its national security official at the last minute.

He told The Sun: “They are both to blame. The Government for withdrawing.

“But the CPS should have got some evidence from experts to say, ‘Is China a threat?’

“Then the jury could have said, ‘Yes, national security threat,’ and now we’re going ahead and trying this case.

“That smacks either of interference by the Government or just sheer incompetence.”

Chris Cash and Christopher Berry both deny all charges brought against them under the official secrets act.

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NEW British passport designs with King Charles’ updated Coat of Arms are to be rolled out this year.

From December, the new Coat of Arms will replace the current Queen Elizabeth II version.

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The design features four UNESCO-protected landscapes of each UK region.

This includes Ben Nevis (Scotland), Lake District (England), Three Cliffs Bay (Wales) and Giant’s Causeway (Ireland).

The new passport will also have new technology built into them with improved anti-forgery designs.

This includes upgraded holographs and translucent features within the pages, making them harder to forge or tamper with.

Each page will also have a unique passport number built in using laser marking.

The UK government claim this makes it the “most secure British passport ever made”.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: “The introduction of His Majesty’s Arms, iconic landscapes, and enhanced security features marks a new era in the history of the British passport.   

“It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.”

Blue passports with the current Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth II are still valid until the expiry date.

The modern-style of British passport was first introduced in 1915, which were also navy.

The then were changed to burgundy in line with the EU, before the current navy passports were rolled back out in 2020.

Parts of the passport have already been updated, including saying they are authorised by “His Majesty’s Passport Office”.

Despite this, millions of Brits still have the previous burgundy passports.

These are still permitted for use until they expire.

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But there are new rules in place that were introduced when the UK left the EU.

Since Brexit, any additional months on top of the 10 year validity of passports are no longer accepted.

This has resulted in thousands of families being banned from their flights due to new rules since they were first issued.

Families are urged to check that their expiry date matches their start date.

If it does not, then you should disregard the expiry and instead add on 10 years to the start date to find the correct date it expires.

Here are the other passport rules you need to be aware of.

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DONALD Trump has declared the Gaza ceasefire “the most important deal ever made” — even as he was snubbed for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

The US President, who brokered the landmark truce to end two years of bloodshed between Israel and Hamas, spoke just hours after the award went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

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He insisted the breakthrough was “signed, sealed and already started” — and hailed it as the crowning achievement of a presidency he says has stopped eight wars.

“It’s certainly, I think, to the mind of most, the most important deal ever made in terms of peace,” Trump said on Friday.

The president said the ceasefire marked “a great deal for Israel, but it’s a great deal for everybody — for Arabs, for Muslims, for the world,” and confirmed that the release of hostages would begin on Monday.

“We’re getting them now. They’re gathering them from some pretty rough places on earth,” he said.

The decision to snub Trump came the day after Israel and Hamas signed a peace deal that he engineered to end the war and return the hostages.

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was instead awarded to María Corina Machado – a Venezuelan politician and activist – for her “tireless work” organising the democratic opposition to dictatorship in Venezuela.

Trump has also announced 100 per cent tariffs on China in response to Beijing’s sweeping rare earth export controls – a major escalation in the fierce trade war between Washington and Beijing.

The US President accused China of taking an “extraordinarily aggressive position” on trade, slamming what he called an “extremely hostile letter to the world” that outlined measures to control “virtually every product they make”.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump vowed to hit back hard, saying he would also impose US export controls on any critical software heading to China.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan politician Machado dedicated the Nobel Prize to the US President.

She wrote on X: “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom.

“We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, the peoples of Latin America, and the democratic nations of the world as our principal allies to achieve Freedom and democracy.

“I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!”

Her post comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries after Trump cut all diplomatic contacts with Venezuela during the US’s crackdown on drug cartels.

The Nobel Committee paid tribute to Machado’s “struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy”.

It said the award was in recognition of her “tireless work” to protect rights and fight for a transition to democracy in Venezuela.

Announcing the winner, Jørgen Watne Frydnes lauded her as “a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amidst a growing darkness”.

He said: “When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist.”

He later explained why the US president was not given the award.

He said: “I think this committee has seen [every] type of campaign [and] media attention. We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people saying what, for them, leads to peace.”

“But this committee sits in a room with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity. So, we base only our decision on the work and will of Alfred Nobel.”

Machado has been living in hiding for the past year, after her fearless work incited “serious threats against her life”.

Troubled Venezuela is currently ruled by Nicolás Maduro, who is widely recognised as a dictator.

His government has routinely targeted its real or perceived opponents.

Machado, who turned 58 this week, was set to run against Maduro in last year’s presidential election, but the government disqualified her.

The election results announced by the Electoral Council sparked protests across the country to which the government responded with force that ended with more than 20 people dead.

Machado went into hiding and has not been seen in public since January.

Trump, who is in his second term as America’s president, has long wished for a Nobel Peace Prize.

He claims to have stopped seven conflicts in the world since his time in the office – and has made no secret of the fact that he believes he is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Last week, he teased the possibility of ending an eighth war if Israel and Hamas agree to his peace plan aimed at concluding the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

And just hours before the Nobel Peace Prize results were set to be announced, Don revealed to the world that the two warring factions had signed a peace deal – one that he engineered.

It is indeed a massive breakthrough that is set to reshape the face of the Middle East – and the world is praising the US leaders’ effort to broker the deal.

However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday, the Nobel Institute said.

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This means that the decision to give the award to Machado was made before the conclusion of an agreement between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday night.

Historian Asle Sveen, a specialist in the Nobel Prize, said he was “one hundred per cent certain” that Trump will not win this year’s Nobel Prize.

He emphasised that the US president had long “given free rein” to Netanyahu to bomb Gaza and had provided significant military aid to Israel – something that the prize committee must have taken into account.

A global ‘peacemaker’

All eyes were on his nomination this year after the self-proclaimed peacemaker launched a campaign in a bid to win the award.

He has repeatedly asserted since his return to the White House in January that he deserves the nod, adding it would be “a big insult” to the United States if he were not given the prize.

In February this year, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, he said: “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.”

Even during his speech at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Trump said that “everyone” says he should get it.

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He said: “Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize for each one of these achievements, but for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who live to grow up with their mothers and fathers, because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless and unglorious wars. 

“What I care about is not winning prizes as much as saving lives.”

Numerous world leaders endorsed him for the honour, including Netanyahu, who posted an AI-generated image of him awarding Trump the Nobel Prize.

Hun Manet, the prime minister of Cambodia, nominated Trump after a deal was struck for a ceasefire following the clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Rwandan foreign minister, credited Trump for how he helped end the 30-year conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Pakistan also endorsed Trump for the prize this year. Though the Islamic Republic slammed him for bombing Iran in less than 24 hours.

Even Vladimir Putin backed Trump to win.

Putin said Russia supported Trump’s nomination as long as Washington did not supply long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.

Experts say the Nobel Prize committee may take Trump’s efforts to bring peace in Gaza – if it lasts – into consideration for next year’s award.

The new rules are coming in gradually

People planning a trip abroad have been warned about major changes coming to travel rules. The European Union is bringing in its Entry/Exit System (EES) as it begins to roll out. You may need to register some details when going on a short trip or holiday to any Schengen area countries, such as France, Italy and Spain.

The Government has published guidance about what this will mean for travellers. This has been shared on the travel advice pages for the 29 countries affected by the changes.

The guidance states: “From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin roll out. This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo.

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“You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.” When you go on a trip to a Schengen country, you may need to register your details at a special booth before moving on the immigration desk.

The advice states: “Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.

“Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but may need their photo taken.” The process will take a few extra minutes for each passenger, so there may be a longer wait than usual to get through the border checks.

The scheme is being rolled out gradually, and the number of passengers being registered at each port of entry will vary. At some destinations, it may take up to six months to fully roll out.

The guidance states: “Until EES is fully rolled out your passport will continue to be stamped, even if you’ve already been registered for EES. Once EES is fully rolled out, it will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays and you will input biometric details every time you enter or exit.”

If you are going to a Schengen area through the Port of Dover, by the Eurotunnel at Folkestone or via the Eurostar at St Pancras International and you are asked to register, the information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.

DAVE ALLEN could become a British boxing cult hero and break into the mainstream by toppling a Russian ‘Bond villain’ who wrestles bears.

In 2017, the Doncaster lad weighed in for a heavyweight clash on a David Haye undercard with a pair of XXL socks stuffed down his pants and a huge grin across his handsome face.

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The clip went viral, especially among the gay community, getting 16 million views and earning him countless ­proposals in his social media inboxes.

In the ring, he earned total respect from hardcore boxing fans who watched through their fingers as he funded a gambling addiction with brave defeats to prime versions of ­Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz, Olympic gold winner Tony Yoka and David Price.

Online followers also loved Allen’s relationship with nan Betty, which he shared in touching videos and photos.

We worried about his life going off the rails again when she passed away in 2022. But in a beautiful stroke of fate, Allen fathered his first child shortly after and named her Betty.

If you are a British boxing fan of a certain age, you will have watched the White Rhino’s career rollercoaster from exploited punchbag, to shock LGBT icon, to early retirement, to doting dad and budding property tycoon.

The honesty and humour he has always shared has made us cheer and fear — in equal measure — for Allen, who speaks openly about his former fighter father being tough on him.

But following a sensational knockout rematch win over Essex fighter Johnny Fisher in May, he is now at the peak of his pulling power.

Saturday night’s homecoming headline slot in Sheffield — against terrifying 6ft 6in Arslanbek Makhmudov of Dagestan — will provide a life-changing purse.

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And a victory could take him closer to his very  modest dream — for a man with his record and profile — of winning the often-overlooked British title.

He has the perfect dance partner in the grizzly-grappling knockout artist, 36, who even has a trademark tic of twisting his neck like a 007 foe.

And Allen insists he has ditched his infamous ice-cream sandwiches  to be in the best shape of his  career.

So much so that he apologised for the first photos from the underwear modelling contract he unveiled, coming complete with paunch as the snaps were taken before he committed totally to this 34th professional training camp.

Despite being a hard and witty Yorkshireman — who has done hundreds of sparring rounds with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury — Allen has never trash-talked or bad-mouthed an opponent.

He has built a loyal and invested fanbase by being brutally open and uncensored with his back story and struggles, while being humble and self-deprecating about his recent successes.

Even after the original 2024 draw with Fisher, he begged his 26-year-old pal and sparring partner not to take the rerun and to prolong his potential and profile with a different route.

And he seemed genuinely gutted to inflict such a thorough pasting upon him when he ignored the advice.

As a man and a fighter, Allen is a throwback. As a modern boxer, though, he has harnessed social media and YouTube to become a star.

The mismatched and utterly predictable defeats were horrible to watch but — combined with Allen’s unshakably authentic personality — they have made his underdog story one we are all ­desperate to see finish with a ­gloriously happy ending.

Allen vs Makhmudov – all the info

DAVE ALLEN returns to the ring for one of the biggest tests of his career this weekend!

Sharina Butler, from the Bahamas, was staying at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas when she was landed with a hefty, unexpected bill, she has claimed in a TikTok video

A visitor to Las Vegas has issued a warning after she claiming was charged $200 (£150) for using a plug socket.

Sharina Butler, from the Bahamas, was staying at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas when she received a surprise bill for $224 (£168), she alleges.

According to the mum, she was landed with the hefty payment request due to her son unplugging a tray used for mini-bar snacks and drinks. Sharina claimed the policy was written on a small card that was placed in front of the tray.

The card warned that there would be a $56 (£42) charge for every day the tray remained unplugged. In a TikTok video recalling the incident, Sharina claimed she said to an employee, “You’ve got to be kidding me. The tray isn’t attached to any electricity, the tray isn’t attached to anything, it’s just a plug.”

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Sharina said that they had unplugged the tray to charge their phones while sitting at the small desk inside the room. She hadn’t read the note on the minibar because she knew she wasn’t going to touch any of the overpriced items.

“Why am I reading a tray when I’m not touching it… The only thing it should be saying is that if you move something off the minibar, you will be charged, right? But that wasn’t the case.”

According to Sharina, the employee then showed her an enlarged version of the note, which indicated the $56-per-night charge if the plug is removed.

Butler told her 1,200 fans that she “blocked that charge” after being slapped with the fee. In the comments beneath the video, some called Marci claimed they had a similar problem at the hotel.

“I wanted them to remove the whole damn tray from the room, and they told me it would cost me $50 to have it removed, so I argued them into having someone come up to move it off of the desk (because I needed to use the desk to work), so it sat on the floor the whole time,” she wrote.

Paris Hotel Las Vegas has been contacted for comment.

The tourist industry in Las Vegas has been going through a difficult time of late, with resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors compared to last year, especially from abroad, and some officials are blaming the Trump administration’s tariffs and immigration policies for the decline.

The city known for lavish shows, endless buffets and around-the-clock gambling welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists in June, an 11% drop compared to the same month in 2024. There were 13% fewer international travelers, and hotel occupancy fell by about 15%, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Mayor Shelley Berkley said tourism from Canada — Nevada’s largest international market — has dried up from a torrent “to a drip.” Same with Mexico.

“We have a number of very high rollers that come in from Mexico that aren’t so keen on coming in right now. And that seems to be the prevailing attitude internationally,” Berkley told reporters this month.

Ted Pappageorge, head of the powerful Culinary Workers Union, called it the “Trump slump.” He said visits from Southern California, home to a large Latino population, were also drying up because people are afraid of the administration’s immigration crackdown. If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come.”

The Vegas dip mirrors a national trend. The travel forecasting company Tourism Economics, which in December 2024 anticipated the US, would have nearly 9% more international arrivals this year, revised its annual outlook to predict a 9.4% drop. Some of the steepest declines could be from Canada, the company said. Canada was the largest source of visitors to the US in 2024, with more than 20.2 million, according to US government data.

THERE’S nothing like a lovely relaxing autumnal dog walk, but there are plenty of hidden dangers pet owners need to look out for, it turns out.

This comes as new research from dog walking insurance providers, Protectivity, reveals that the majority of pet insurance claims are linked to dog walking.

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Since these hazards can end up not only being dangerous for your pet, but costly when the vet bill arrives, it’s good to know what to avoid.

Luckily, Protectivity has partnered with three certified canine experts to share practical tips and advice to safeguard dogs on their autumn walk.

Ingesting slugs or snails 

The damp weather that autumn brings can lead to an increase in slugs and snails that can carry lungworm larvae, a potentially fatal issue if left untreated.

Sadie Geoghegan-Dann, Canine Welfare Expert & Dog Trainer at Nervous Rex warned: “Having personally lost one of my own dogs to lungworm, I can’t emphasise enough how dangerous it is to let your dog play around with slugs and risk eating one.”

The expert added that lungworm can take hold very fast and can be fatal in no time if not spotted.

Terry Cuyler, Certified Dog Trainer and owner of Pawsitive Results Dog Training added: “My default solution to this problem is to train a good “drop it” command.

“Occasionally, despite our best intentions, a dog will grab something while we’re not able to intercept them. An effective ‘drop it’ guarantees that they’ll drop the object at once, and this can be a life-saver.”

Fallen fruits from apples, pears and plum trees

As autumn rolls around, fruit trees start to shed their sweet-smelling fruit and while it may seem enticing to dogs, fallen fruit can cause severe stomach upsets and present a choking hazard. 

Dog owner, Shakira Sacks, from Leeds, explained how her four year old cocker spaniel, Autumn, had to receive medical treatment after ingesting a fallen plum on a walk.

Shakira said: “Being a cocker spaniel, Autumn is forever eating things she shouldn’t. Over the years, we’ve implemented lots of training commands but on a recent walk in our local park, she ate a fallen plum, including the stone. 

“After speaking to our vet, they asked us to bring her in immediately and two hours of induced vomiting and a £350 bill later, Autumn was her happy self again.

“It was, however, a very scary experience and has made me even more hyper-vigilant of hazards that I wasn’t aware of previously. I had no idea that although plums are usually safe for dogs to eat, the stones can be toxic, as can the flesh when it’s mouldy.” 

Acorns on the ground 

The phrase ‘are acorns poisonous to dogs’ has been searched 7,000 times on Google in the UK in the last month alone, revealing the very real concern owners have. 

Terry warned: “In my experience, one of autumn’s most underappreciated perils is the abundance of acorns. I have worked with dogs who have come to significant injury from eating them.”

Acorns contain tannins, the dog pro explained, which can cause stomach issues and even kidney damage in dogs. For smaller breeds they also pose as a chocking risk.

Fallen conkers

Conkers are another highly toxic risk for dogs on autumnal walks, with severe cases costing up to £2,000 in veterinary treatment. 

Terry said: “I see this process repeat itself time and time again during autumnal walks. Dogs have an instinct to be attracted to conkers, acorns, and fallen fruits, as these trigger their hidden foraging instinct and carry scents of wild animals to them.”

He recommended looking out for key warning signs, like over-sniffing at ground level, sudden stops during walks, and that familiar head-down posture showing keen interest in something to eat.

But mostly, pet owners should be aware of the “freeze and stare” posture just before their strike and correct immediately with a high-reward treat and a ‘leave it’ command.”

Beauty fans, do you need to stock up your make-up bag?

The Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday sale is your moment to snap up those cult favourites for less.

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In previous years, the brand has run up to 30% off across selected makeup deals, skincare deals and bundles — with savings on icons like Pillow Talk lipstick, Hollywood Flawless Filter and Charlotte’s Magic Cream — so similar deals are likely on the cards for 2025.

We’ll be updating this guide all month with the most significant price drops, bundle steals and limited-time codes, so you can move fast when the best offers hit.

When is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 lands on Friday, November 28 — pop it in your calendar if you’re planning a pre-Christmas haul.

It’s the day after Thanksgiving in the US, which is why retailers ramp up offers across the long Black Friday weekend.

If you’re eyeing Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday drops, that timeline usually means early-bird bundles and sitewide codes ahead of the big day.

We’ll keep this page updated throughout November with the standout offers as they appear, so you can move fast and nail your wishlist in time for December.

There’s also more meaning behind Black Friday than just sales and savings, and our explainer covers everything you need to know.

Live deals on Charlotte Tilbury

• Charlotte’s Magic Cream & Setting Spray Duo, £94.35 (was £111) – buy here
• Charlotte’s Award-Winning Complexion Trio, £60.90 (was £87) – buy here
• The Airbrush Bronzing Kit, £68.85 (was £81) – buy here
• The Pillow Talk Eye & Blush Duo, £68.85 (was £81) – buy here
• Bronzed, Blushing Beauty Kit, £67.20 (was £84) – buy here
• Flawless, Poreless Skin Secrets, £62.40 (was £78) – buy here
• Beautiful Skin Complexion Kit, £53.60 (was £67) – buy here
• Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath Kit, £41.65 (was £49) – buy here
• Charlotte’s Magic Hydration Revival Duo, £23.20 (was £29) at Cult Beauty – buy here
• Love Effect Lipstick – Love Talk, £23.20 (was £29) at Cult Beauty – buy here
• Fire Rose Luxury Palette, £36.80 (was £46) at Cult Beauty – buy here
• Lip Cheat Bad Romance, £17.60 (was £22) at Cult Beauty – buy here

Is Charlotte Tilbury taking part in Black Friday this year?

Charlotte Tilbury has some of the best Black Friday deals in beauty, and all signs point to the brand taking part again in 2025.

In recent events, Charlotte Tilbury has run up to 30% off across selected edits and bundles, plus tiered “the more you shop, the more you save” offers on its own site.

It’s also worth checking major stockists, as many mirror or add their own discounts alongside the brand’s offers. You can also check out our pick of the best Charlotte Tilbury dupes, if you’re feeling extra-thrifty.

We’ll update this page as soon as the first deals drop so you can compare bundles and bag the best prices.

Here are some of the best sites to buy the brand’s products:

What deals to expect from Charlotte Tilbury’s Black Friday sale 2025?

In 2024, we also saw limited-time kits up to 40% off, as well as the buzzed-about mystery boxes, which tended to sell out quickly.

Deals typically build across Cyber Weekend, with fresh offers landing over the long weekend — 2024’s sale went live on Black Friday and kept momentum with limited-time picks that sold fast.

If you’re chasing hero products, past discounts have included Magic Cream, Beautiful Skin Foundation, Airbrush Bronzer and Exaggereyes Volume Mascara, so keep those on your watchlist.

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Charlotte Tilbury taking part?

Cyber Monday 2025 falls on Monday, December 1, making it the online finale to the Black Friday weekend and a prime time to snag any beauty buys you missed the first time around.

Expect a fresh wave of online-only offers and flash deals to land on the day, often with slightly lower discounts than Black Friday but solid savings on bestsellers and bundles all the same.

As for Charlotte Tilbury, the brand typically maintains momentum going into Cyber Monday, so we’re expecting more edits, bundle drops, and sitewide codes to carry through the Monday rush.

Keep an eye on CharlotteTilbury.com as well as major stockists, as retailers often mirror the brand’s promos or throw in their own perks like freebies or extra cashback.

Our advice? If you see a good price on your wishlist items, pounce—sell-outs are common once the weekend wraps.

How much does Charlotte Tilbury’s shipping cost?

Standard delivery is free when you spend £49 or more, and it’s also free for Silver and Rose Gold Loyalty Members.

If your basket is under £49, Standard costs £2.95 and usually arrives in 2–5 working days.

Express delivery is free on orders over £185 and for Rose Gold Loyalty Members; otherwise it’s £5.95.

Order by 10:30pm Monday–Friday for next‑day delivery; placed after 10:30pm or over the weekend, it’ll arrive in 1–2 working days.

You can add gift wrapping from £1.95 (free on orders over £150).

For the full list of options, including click and collect, head to the Charlotte Tilbury shipping page.

Delivery promos often appear around Black Friday, so it’s worth checking during November.

As ever, prices and timeframes can change—double‑check at checkout before you buy.

Does Charlotte Tilbury offer any other discounts?

Yes! Beyond the big Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday rush, there are a few year-round ways to save.

Keep an eye out for gift-with-purchase promos: recent offers have included a FREE Unreal makeup bag when you buy three products, automatically added at checkout while stocks last.

The brand also runs rotating freebies (think surprise full-size treats when you hit a spend threshold), plus you can choose two complimentary samples with every order to test new formulas before you commit. 

Charlotte Tilbury’s site regularly features promo codes, curated kits and ‘magical savings’ edits with built‑in discounts, so it’s worth checking the offers hub before you check out.

Students and key workers can often access partner discounts via platforms like UNiDAYS and Health Service Discounts—availability can vary—while makeup artists can apply to the Pro Program for exclusive pro-only pricing and perks.

Tip: sign up for emails and app alerts ahead of November—delivery perks, early-bird bundles and limited-time codes tend to land around Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday.

Is Charlotte Tilbury cruelty-free?

Yes, Charlotte Tilbury is officially cruelty‑free.

The brand has the Leaping Bunny seal of approval by Cruelty Free International, a certification it announced in 2021 and continues to hold.

Leaping Bunny is the globally recognised “gold standard” for cruelty‑free beauty, meaning brands must meet strict, supply‑chain‑wide criteria and agree to ongoing independent checks to keep their status.

You’ll also spot the Leaping Bunny logo across Charlotte Tilbury’s communications and packaging as a quick reassurance while you shop.

For the latest wording direct from the brand, Charlotte Tilbury’s help centre confirms its Leaping Bunny approval and cruelty‑free position..

Who is Charlotte Tilbury?

Charlotte Tilbury is the British makeup artist turned beauty entrepreneur behind the eponymous brand.

She’s an MBE and the founder, chair and chief creative officer of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, which she launched in 2013 after years of shaping red‑carpet and runway looks.

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Charlotte Tilbury sits at a premium price point, but the payoff is there on the brand’s biggest hitters.

Our writers highly rate the textures, flattering shades, and long-wear finishes.

Sun Shopping writer, Maisie Bovingdon, put the Pillow Talk Plumpgasm lip gloss to the test and shared: “The formula is not tacky or sticky, but silky smooth like a nourishing lip oil should be, but the best part and a non-negotiable for me is the product doesn’t slip.”

While our writer, Harriet Flook, tried the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Foundation Stick and loved it so much, she now “won’t use anything else.”

It’s the same story with icons like Hollywood Flawless Filter, Airbrush powders and setting spray, and Charlotte’s Magic Cream—once they’re in your kit, they’re hard to swap out.

The brand also has a cult following, including beauty influencers, pros, and celebrities such as Kate Moss, Gigi Hadid, and Jourdan Dunn.

That said, it’s still worth matching formulas to your skin type and testing shades where you can—minis, samples and curated kits help you dial in the right fit.

If you’re value-minded, keep an eye on bundle edits, loyalty perks and, of course, Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday, when you’ll often see sitewide codes or set savings that make the splurge smarter.

What are Charlotte Tilbury’s most popular products?

Charlotte Tilbury’s icons are the ones shoppers talk about for a reason.

Charlotte’s Magic Cream is the glow-boosting moisturiser makeup artists reach for to prep and plump skin before foundation.

Hollywood Flawless Filter is the radiance hero you can wear alone or mix with base for that soft-focus sheen fans love.

Pillow Talk stays the brand’s most famous pink‑nude across lipstick and liner, with Lip Cheat in Iconic Nude, another everyday liner favourite.

For a smooth, airbrushed finish that lasts, the Airbrush Flawless Finish powder and Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray are repeat buys.

If you’re building an easy soft‑glam eye, the Luxury Palette quads are always a safe bet.

Keep these on your radar for Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday—they’re the first to fly.

FROM October 12, 2025, British travellers could be hit with delays thanks to the introduction of the new EU Entry-Exit System.

The use of EES will begin this weekend for the very first time, and holidaymakers believe they’ll be facing longer wait times as a result.

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When you use EES, the first time you travel you’ll need to register at a special machine called a kiosk where you will scan your passport.

The machine will then take your fingerprints and a photo – children under 12 will not need to give fingerprints.

You will also answer four quick questions on the screen about your trip, such as where you are staying and confirming you have enough money for your holiday.

The EES checks will happen when you arrive at your destination airport in the Schengen area – but not all of them.

Madrid will be registering arrivals from a single, early-morning flight on October 12, 2025.

In Germany, Dusseldorf Airport will have EES, but will only a small proportion of travellers will be required to go through the new system.

Meanwhile, Estonia, Luxembourg and now the Czech Republic say they are ready to check every arriving and departing traveller from their airports.

Depending on where British travellers fly into, will depend on whether or not they have an EES check, or continue with a passport stamp.

While EES is ready in certain places now, it’s a gradual process and is being rolled out over the course of 180 days, from October 12, 2025 to April 9, 2026.

But as it’s the first time the EES has been used for travellers, experts have warned there could eb “delays”.

 Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “I reckon there will be delays” while Tom Jenkins, chief executive of European travel association Etoa said it’s “a complete muddle”.

Tom Jenkins added: “If it all goes haywire, they can revert to inspecting passports.

“I don’t think it will be catastrophic because of that, it will just be tiresome.”

However, managers at the Port of Dover have insisted there will not be delays on Sunday, as traffic levels will be “manageable”, as reported by the BBC.

A government spokesperson said: “We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area.”

For the first few weeks, only lorry drivers and coach passengers will have to register with EES at Dover.

Other traffic, including the thousands of car passengers who use the crossings, will be subject to the new system from November 1, 2025.

The same goes for those travelling through the Eurotunnel.

At the Eurostar entrance in St Pancras, EES registration will take place upon departure, overseen by French border officials.

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And from October 12, only passengers travelling in business and premium class will be subject to EES checks – for other passengers, they will begin in January 2026.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.  

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.” 

For more on EES and ETIAS, one travel expert revealed what to expect.

Meanwhile, Brits face £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules.

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Visitors to Japan are leaving behind their suitcases behind at hotels and airports, causing significant cost, hassle and even security concerns, Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror

Japan has a rather unusual tourist problem.

Holidaymakers in the Asian country are leaving behind their suitcases. It’s not an isolated phenomenon. Hundreds of bags are being dumped, cluttering up airports and hotels.

At the root of the problem are souvenirs. The recent weakness of the yen in comparison to the dollar and pound means tourists can load up on cute gifts in Japanese gift shops in a way they have never done before.

Weighed down with a hotel room full of Pikachu dolls, unusual flavours of KitKats and yukata, tourists are buying large bags to take everything home with them. They then dump the bag they brought rather than paying to take two home.

A survey by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau found that more than 80 percent of the hotels surveyed complain about abandoned suitcases. This can prove tricky for hotels, which end up storing the bags while they attempt to make contact with the departed guest.

The Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi reports about three or four suitcases left in rooms on some days. Disposal cost the hotel more than £1,400 last year.

While the issue is one of inconvenience and financial cost in hotels, it is a security matter in airports. Narita International Airport near Tokyo reported more than 1,000 abandoned suitcases last year alone, some of them prompting police responses to ensure that they aren’t a security threat.

Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror: “A few things in Japan have led to this trend there as opposed to other surging places. Japan is a wonderful place for souvenir shopping. People are purchasing a huge amount and are upgrading to a bigger suitcase, as they didn’t plan ahead.

“You combine that with checking a bag on an airline, and it leaves people a bit squeezed and not wanting multiple bags. The dollar is strong there. You merge that with Japan having a lot of high-quality, affordable options and fun knick-knacks. It lends it to be a strong souvenir destination.

“Also, it is not an easy place to throw something away. It is built for residents. I remember walking around with a coffee cup for miles. You’re supposed to bring things home and dispose of them at home. Abandoning it can be easier than throwing it away.

“There is also often a language barrier. Japan is a pretty easy place to get around, but not a lot of people speak English. Just getting support on something that’s not wildly obvious is not the easiest thing to do there.”

Japan has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in the world for a holiday, and it’s having a bumper year. The weak state of the yen is encouraging visitors to book holidays in record numbers.

From the UK alone, just shy of 70,000 Brits travelled there in April, a 43% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Overall, Japan set a new visitor record with 21.5 million tourists in the first half of 2025, a 21% increase from last year.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been named European Christmas Capital 2025 – and it’s easy to see why. The city has a stunning Christmas market and barely any crowds.

If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway complete with Christmas markets and cosy eateries, but can’t bear the thought of battling through crowds, then some destinations are off the table.

For instance, Paris, despite its charm and beauty, welcomed 22 million tourists last year, while Vienna, another popular winter destination, saw an astonishing 19 million visitors.

Over tourism can turn a holiday into a stressful experience, particularly during the festive season when all you want to do is unwind.

However, there’s one stunning European city that remains relatively crowd-free – and it boasts an award-winning Christmas market.

Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, attracted just 1.2 million tourists last year – a mere fraction compared to Europe’s busiest hotspots.

With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the ideal time to consider a trip to this extraordinary city.

Vilnius has been crowned European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, backed by the European Parliament.

It offers a spectacular Christmas tree, a UNESCO-listed Old Town, and of course, markets brimming with mulled wine and handmade crafts, reports the Express.

The holiday season in Vilnius kicks off on 29 November with its most eagerly awaited tradition, the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square.

Each year, the tree showcases a fresh bold design, drawing people to the city to celebrate with their loved ones.

If you fancy being there for the big switch-on, Skyscanner is currently offering return flights from London to Vilnius starting at just £42 – arriving on 29th November and departing on 1st December.

As for digs, prices kick off from a mere £21 per night, making it an ideal budget-friendly getaway – just remember to save some suitcase space for all those pressies.

Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com and HotelPlanner.ai, says his virtual travel agents are already taking 50,000 real calls a day and will hit the 100,000 mark before the year is out

“I’m sorry. That was a generic answer. Let me come up with something a little more meaningful.”

There’s something quite novel about a robot apologising to you. Cassandra, one of HotelPlanner.ai’s American representatives, was as quick on the contrition as it was on suggesting hotels in Tupelo, Mississippi, that I might want to stay in.

I chucked a few requirements at Cassandra and it quickly found me a place that ticked all of the boxes. Cassandra even obliged when I asked for a description of the rooms, and then apologised when I cut it off, demanding that those descriptions be a little less lifeless.

Try as I might, my efforts to wind Cassandra up failed. It kept delivering helpful answers and even extra titbits of information without being prompted, all with an upbeat tone of voice against a backdrop of fake call center sounds.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

READ MORE: Brits using AI to plan trips doubles as Gen Z leads use of robo-travel agents

Robo-travel agents such as Cassandra are currently fielding calls on HotelPlanner.ai, where you can choose the language and gender of your call handler before taking it on a test run. It’s working on a beta trial basis in the UK at the moment, but in the US, the world of AI travel agents is very much here already and booming.

Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com and HotelPlanner.ai, says his virtual travel agents are already taking 50,000 real calls a day and will hit the 100,000 mark before the year is out. He claims that 10% of HotelPlanner.com’s bookings are made by bots.

That’s no small potatoes, given the company’s expected $1.8 billion gross revenues this year and the 1.5 million properties it can book.

Tim is a huge believer in the power of AI to transform customer service in the travel industry and argues that HotelPlanner.com’s agents are trained to be “more helpful and efficient” than humans and already able to “compete head-to-head” when it comes to customer satisfaction and sales.

While Tim says the company has no desire to stop using humans to answer calls, the AI side of the business is growing quickly and could one day field 100% of all calls. Partly because they’ve learned from the best. The large language model bots were trained using eight million human phone calls.

What’s arguably a little unnerving is that customers aren’t told they’re speaking to a robot, and they often don’t realise.

“We only tell customers if they’re speaking to an AI agent if they ask. Sometimes it has come up as customers have asked them out on dates,” Tim told the Mirror.

“We find AI works best with older customers as it’s extremely helpful and patient—sometimes to a fault, as the AI doesn’t understand the money value of time. The question is, if you want a service, who can perform it better? A human or AI with unlimited information?

“The agents have accents. They make an attempt at humour. The robots are programmed always to be helpful, it has nothing but kindness.”

Whether the idea of an AI customer service bot excites or appalls you, their arrival in increasing numbers seems inevitable. Just this week, OpenAI announced it had struck a deal with travel giant Expedia, paving the way for holidaymakers to book trips directly through the platform.

At the Travel and Tourism Summit in Rome at the end of September, Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, predicted that AI would “double the travel market” – because “people will work three days due to AI, and take much longer holidays.”

Jane went on to describe how she thought AI would improve customer service.

“We must make sure our customers are very well looked after with good customer support. 30 seconds, an AI in your native language will be able to speak to you over the phone. Within 30 seconds a call centre employee will be able to answer your call. Within two minutes of a crisis, our team will be able to call them to get them to safety. This will be powered by AI,” she said.

How do you feel about AI travel agents? Let us know in the comments below or by emailing [email protected].

GEN Z are killing off terms like ‘grub,’ ‘sarnie,’ and ‘pop’ – in favour of ‘scran,’ ‘sub,’ and ‘soda.’

A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed how younger adults are driving a generational shift in food language – from breakfast to dinner.

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Using ‘tea’ to refer to the evening meal, ‘nosh’ to talk about food generally, and ‘cuppa’ for a hot drink are also out of favour among under-29s, along with ‘squash.’

While the term ‘sandwich’ is also in decline, with younger adults adopting American-inspired terms such as ‘hoagie’ and ‘hero’ Instead.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s UK&I, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new RSPCA assured pork patty Sausage Sandwich on the Saver Menu, said: “Language is constantly evolving, and food slang is no exception.”

The study also found the biggest influence on Gen Z’s food language is their family, which holds greater sway than the local area they grew up in and social media, which came second and third respectively.

Interestingly, more than any other age group, 49% of Gen Z also believe they use a greater number of regional food words than other generations do.

With nearly half (49%) claiming to use them ‘very often’ or ‘often.’

Across all ages, the main barriers to using regional slang include not hearing it enough in conversation (28%) or believing others won’t understand (17%).

However, 40% are curious to know what unfamiliar regional food terms mean, with 18% looking them up online.

Overall, the research, carried out through OnePoll, found 70% believe regional food terms – whether they relate to breakfast, lunch, dinner, or specific foods or drinks – should be preserved as part of cultural heritage, even if they are declining in popularity.

One of the biggest regional variations was what people call a bread roll.

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While the term was number one for all regions, ‘cob’ is popular among those living in the West and East Midlands (21% and 42%).

And ‘Barm’ is commonplace in the North West (26%), with Fam‘teacake’ frequently used in Yorkshire and Humber (18%).

The spokesperson for McDonald’s added: “Our Sausage Sandwich is already sparking its own naming debates – burger or sandwich.”

Although the research suggests a strong preference – when shown an image of this menu item, 76% of those polled described it as a ‘burger,’ with just 24% opting for ‘sandwich.’

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Passengers on one budget airline might be subjected to even more fees when it comes to their seat selection, but there is one particular way to try and get around it

A budget airline has introduced a new fee for passengers who want to be able to recline their seat on their journey – and some aviation experts are unimpressed with the introduction of the new cost.

When it comes to booking a flight, the original price you see listed is often for the most basic option – and for a lot of airlines, even booking a specific seat to be with your friends or family will mean your wallet takes a hit.

From baggage costs to seat selection, it can seem like almost everything you might need on a flight will end up costing you even more – which can be a serious pain when most people are operating on pretty tight budgets.

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One more budget airline has decided to join the ranks of the businesses determined to eke as much out of their customers as possible, and will now be charging their customers to have a seat that reclines, redesigning their cabins with rows of fixed seats on some of their planes to fit in an extra row.

To avoid the extra cost, you’ll need to book one of the fixed seats in the Economy cabin.

The major Canadian airline, WestJet, will not have the vast majority of its Economy seats fixed upright, with passengers given the opportunity instead to pay more for a seat in the Premium cabin. The 12 seats in Premium will be ergonomically designed, have four options to adjust the headrest, and will recline.

Behind Premium will be 36 ‘Extended Comfort’ seats, part of the Economy option, which don’t recline, but do offer a bit more legroom for passengers.

“The cabin has been thoughtfully designed to offer WestJet’s welcoming service at every budget,” the Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer of WestJet – Samantha Taylor – said in a statement, per news.com.au.

“It reflects our commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience and meeting guest demand for a broader range of product offerings,” the exec continued.

However, the experts are not necessarily impressed with the argument that the change is about creating more choice for consumers, or that by fitting in an extra row, prices will actually come down that much for passengers using the airline.

“The imagination of airline marketers never stops to astound me: the depths they will go through kind of gives people an impression that if I pay more, I get more,” John Gradek, an aviation lecturer at McGill University, fumed.

The airline passenger rights expert added: “Right now, it’s like you pay more to get what you had.”

WestJet is by no means the first airline to remove the option of reclining seats – Ryanair did so all the way back in 2004, and many other budget airlines operate similarly.

Even more premium airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, and Delta have reduced the number of reclining seats on offer, with BA removing them entirely on short-haul aircraft.