A MAJOR US airline has announced it will no longer conduct flight operations out of one of the country’s busiest airports.
Budget-friendly Spirit Airlines announced in late September that it will cease service in a midwestern city as part of the company’s restructuring effort to prioritize stronger markets.
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Planes at Minneapolis-St. Paul International AirportCredit: GettySpirit Airlines will end its service at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on December 1Credit: Getty
Beginning on December 1, Spirit Airlines will no longer serve passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The budget-friendly airline has been struggling financially following its second bankruptcy filing during the summer.
“We apologize to our guests for any inconvenience and will reach out to those with affected reservations to issue a refund,” the company said in a statement at the time.
Minneapolis is among several cities where Spirit Airlines will exit.
Impacted cities include Macon, Georgia, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Birmingham, Alabama, Boise, Idaho, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Columbia, South Carolina, Portland, Oregon, Salt Lake City, Utah, and four cities in California, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Jose.
Around the same time, Spirit Airlines confirmed that it would be laying off around one-third of its flight attendants, according to CBS News.
Then, on October 31, Hartford, Connecticut became the latest city Spirit Airlines ceased to conduct service in.
Spirit cut its services out of Bradley International Airport, calling the continued halts to its services “very difficult.”
Grim future for Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has suffered through some major financial blows in the past year.
The budget carrier admitted it hasn’t turned a profit since 2019.
In November 2024, the airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, making it the first major US carrier to do so since American Airlines 13 years ago.
The brand pulled itself out of bankruptcy in March with a plan to “operate as efficiently as possible,” the company said in a statement.
The brand has also slashed its routes by 24% in the last year.
In August, managers revealed they were worried for Spirit’s immediate future in a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission.
The filing read that executives had “substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern within 12 months from the date these financial statements are issued”.
‘INEXPLICABLE DECISION’
However, Spirit is not the only airline facing financial woes, Avelo Airlines also announced it would stop services at Bradley International Airport.
The airline cited financial struggles as the main reason for leaving the Hartford airport.
However, officials disagreed with the decision as leaving the airport also removes the only direct flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica, from Connecticut.
“The CAA is especially disappointed on behalf of the community, which has fought so hard to secure nonstop service to Jamaica over recent years,” the Connecticut Airport Authority stated.
“The decision to cancel the MBJ route is inexplicable, given the strong ridership, subsidies received, significant airport incentives, and community support.”
BRITS will soon feel the squeeze after the announcement of the Budget.
Yesterday Rachel Reeves announced plans for multiple price hikes in the UK from a rise in tax on alcohol and cigarettes to the rising cost of Air Passenger Duty.
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Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is a popular choice for sun, sea and cheap drinksCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoYou can still get cheap cigarettes abroad with the cheapest pack of 20 being under £4Credit: Andrea Lardani
The cost of cigarettes has risen from the average price (for a 20 pack) around £16.78 up to £17.74.
And in 2027, the government will increase all rates of Air Passenger Duty (APD) in line with the rate of inflation – which will make going abroad more expensive.
So if you quite rightly are looking for an affordable break where alcohol and a box of cigarettes is dirt cheap – not to mention getting out of the country, then here are some options for you.
Bulgaria
Under four hours from the UK is Bulgaria known for its sunny beach resorts with cheap booze and all-inclusive hotels
One unbeatable place for that is Sunny Beach on the Black Sea coast which is well-known for being cheap and cheerful.
On the Beach has offers for a 7-night stay from June 2, 2026, at Sunny Day Club for just £265pp including flights from Manchester on a bed and breakfast basis.
Eating out won’t break the bank if you head away from the main streets – a mid-range meal for two can cost as little as £10 each.
And if you’re a smoker, then Bulgaria is a great place to buy cigarettes – and again, the cheapest.
Bansko is where you’ll find the cheapest pint in Europe – it’s just 90pCredit: Alamy
The retail price for a pack of 20 cigarettes in Bulgaria according to Statista is €3.69 (£3.23).
If you’d prefer a break right now, then check out Bansko which is two hours from the capital of Sofia and is one of the cheapest places in Europe for a pint.
Experts at hopparecently analysed dozens of European locations to find the most budget-friendly depending on factors like cost of a hotel and the cost of beer.
Here you can pick up a pint for as little as 90p – and a stay in a 3-star hotel which averages out at £57.
If you’re looking for a last-minute winter ski holiday, it’s also one of the most affordable options.
Sun Travel found a five-night stay for two people from £209pp, which includes flights from London Stansted with LoveHolidays.
Starting on December 7, 2025, you can stay in the three-star Apart Hotel Dream at the foot of the Pirin Mountain, and it’s just 5 minutes from the cable lift.
There’s an indoor pool as well as a restaurant, coffee shop and a cosy lobby bar set by a log fire.
Poznan has cheap options for cigarettes and pints will be as little as £2.87
Poland
Second on the list for the cheapest place to buy cigarettes is Poland where a pack of 20 costs on average €4.88 (£4.28).
If you’re looking to get away just for the weekend, then head to Poznan in Poland.
The fifth largest city inPoland, is great for autumn and winter weekend breaks especially if you are on a budget
Beer is cheap, costing around £2.87 a pint for a local brew while coffee is less than £2.80.
Of course you can always make a week out of it – LoveHolidays has an offer for a seven-night stay at Campanile from December 5, 2025, from £199pp including flights from Bristol.
Over the week, that works out at just £28.43 per person per day.
Some holidays in Riga can be as cheap as £22.71pppn – including flightsCredit: Getty
Latvia
While it might not be a place that comes to your mind when scrolling through holidays, Latvia has some crackingly cheap deals.
If you fancy a break in the New Year, then you can go with LoveHolidays to Riga from London Stansted from £22.71pppn – including flights.
Stay in The Dodo in Riga for seven nights from December 6; it’s a budget-friendly hotel but still has free Wi-Fi, comfy beds, private bathrooms, TV, bars, and breakfast options.
The hotel has a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and is just a few streets away from the beach.
Mains at a restaurant in Marmaris cost around 400 Turkish Lira (TL) in £7.12 – and a cup of Turkish coffee in Marmaris can cost anywhere from Turkish Lira (12p).
If you want a break in January, it’s a great choice for sightseeing, and enjoying the cheap meals and drinks Spain has to offer.
You can fly there from London Luton on January 7, 2026 and stay for seven nights.
Or if you fancy somewhere coastal and some sun, you can stay at the cosy Marissal by Dorobe Hotels with LoveHolidays – a two-star boutique hotel with just 23 rooms – and it’s two minutes from the beach.
A seven-night stay from June 12, 2026 will set you back just £259pp including direct flights to Malaga from London Gatwick.
Here’s the destination where you don’t have to pay tax at duty free…
Gibraltar, the Mediterranean destination south of Spain, is the perfect place for Brits to stock up on alcohol, bag a cheap perfume and a designer handbag.
Sun writer Adele Cooke is half Gibraltarian and reveals she often sees hordes of tourists descend on the airport to get their goods.
She told us: “Often you’ll see people on cruise ships all get off to stock up on the goods. My dad likes to stock up his alcohol trolley while we’re there too.”
When it comes to alcohol, Gibraltar has some great offers at duty-free – for example, you can pick up a litre of The Famous Grouse whisky for as little as £8.15.
A litre of Bacardi starts at £10.75 (£20 in the UK) and Captain Morgan rum at £11 (also £20 in the UK).
One litre of Jägermeister costs just £12.50 (£25 in the UK), the duty-free shop even sells one litre bottles of Glen’s Vodka for £3.40 (£17 in the UK).
With the price of alcohol set to rise – jet off to the likes of Spain for cheap pintsCredit: Sebastian Ramirez Morales
IF you’re searching for quick, easy and affordable flights for your holiday next year – then check out easyJet’s new routes.
The budget airline has added a whopping 16 new flights to its roster including beautiful islands as well as places within the British Isles – including one that’s been compared to the Caribbean.
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easyJet is offering new flights from the UK with lots taking off in March next yearCredit: AlamyCape Verde is known for its beautiful beaches and they’re just 5 hours from the UKCredit: Alamy
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands and the best news for Brits is that these sunny spots are just five hours from the UK.
The islands are known for having great winter high temperatures with beautiful beaches and plenty to do – plus there’s only a one hour time difference.
Flights will take off from 1 May 2026 and operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Bari, Italy
Another new route from easyJet will offer new routes from Bristol to Bari.
The port city on the Adriatic Sea coast of southern Italy – the Pugliese capital has even been nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic‘.
You can delve into the city’s history in Bari Vecchia which is the historical centre where you’ll find a maze of narrow alleyways, open piazzas, and cobbled side streets.
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For sightseeing, you’ll find 40churchesin Bari – but one of the most popular is Basilica di San Nicola. It was originally constructed to hold the remains of Father Christmas, which were stolen from Turkey in the 11th century.
Flights start from April 18, 2026 twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
In Bari you’ll find pretty piazzas and 40 churches within the cityCredit: Alamy
Anyone living in and around Bristol can rejoice as the new route will launch from the airport nextspring.
Top sites include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España which is a cobbled square with four bridges over its small river.
easyJet is launching a new route from Bristol to Seville from May 2, 2026 – it will operate twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Inverness
It might be less exotic but easyJet is also starting a new route between Birmingham and the Highlands’ capital city ofInverness.
It’s surrounded by water as it’s the city where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth – and there are plenty of great sites like the cathedral and Old High Church.
There’s also the indoor Victorian Market where you can pick up food, clothes and crafts.
The new service starts on March 30, 2026, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.
New flights will go between Birmingham and Nice from May 2026Credit: Alamy
Nice
If the delightful Mediterranean coast calls to you then head to the French city of Nice.
Here you can stroll along vibrant the city’s cobbled streets, check out the art-deco architecture and ornate 19th-century properties that rival Paris.
Nice is also a great spot if you want to explore the likes of Monaco, Antibes and Cannes.
The main boulevard of Promenade des Anglais holds a classic French market on a Saturday where you can buy flowers, goats’ cheese, cured meats, cakes and grab a souvenir like lavender soap.
Flights from Birmingham start from May 1, 2026, which operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.
Montpellier
Very near the Mediterranean coast of southern France is the city of Montpellier.
It’s filled with grand buildings that are a mix of medieval and modern architecture – in the summer it can reach highs of 28C.
While Montpellier isn’t directly on the coast, you don’t have to travel far to find pretty beaches like Carnon, La Grande Motte, GrandsTravers, and Palavas-les-Flots.
It has plenty to entertain the kids like the Aquatic area which heated swimmingpool and one that’s for adults-only with whirlpools and water jets.
For little ones, there’s a spray park, waterslides and a paddling pool as well as two on-site kids’ clubs.
The airline is launching new flights to Montpellier from Manchester on 30 March 2026.
Preveza is the capital of the Epirus region in GreeceCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Preveza
On the west side of Greece is the city of Preveza which is the capital of the Epirus region.
The region itself is known for its incredible mountain landscape, as well as pretty beaches.
It’s home to Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest, and clean rivers where locals and tourists like to go kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.
In Preveza you can explore sites like the Nicopolis Museum and Pantocrator Castle or relax on the long, sandy Monolithi Beach.
If you fancy checking out some other places too then you can head to other destinations like Parga, Lefkada and Sivota easily from Preveza.
Flights to Preveza from Manchester start on June 24, 2026.
Lisbon
The capital of Portugal has always been a solid choice of holiday for Brits.
With a flight time under three hours and plenty to do from riding the iconic trams up the hilly roads, to hiking up to Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon is a solid choice.
And there are plenty of viewing points to see the incredible views across the city like Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
There are two new routes to Lisbon, the first is from Manchester with flights departing from March 31, 2026.
The other route is from Glasgow which will provide direct links to Lisbon from March 29, 2026
Paphos in Cyprus is a great summer spot with blue watersCredit: Mlenny
Paphos
Last year, Paphos in Cyprus was been voted the most liveable small city in the world.
When one writer visited the seaside spot, she made sure to check out the delicious seafood, and headed out to sea on a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.
She also said that “the Unesco World Heritage site of Kato Pafos really is a must-see. The park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages”.
Paphos is a great option for summer if what you like is the heat as it has highs of 30C in July and August.
Or even during the cooler months like November where you can still have average highs of 22C.
You’ll be able to fly from Manchester to Paphos from August 2, 2026.
The beaches in Jersey have been compared to those in the CaribbeanCredit: Alamy
Jersey
Another short journey that’s easy to make is to Jersey – the British Isle that gets summer weather before the mainland.
The Channel Island has even compared to the Caribbean and its one of the warmest places in spring.
It even has some of the country’s best beaches – and you can get there in under an hour.
easyJet will start its route from Southend Airport to Jersey from March 30, 2026.
Paris
Another new route is from Stansted to Paris – the capital of France is known for its great food and plenty of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
It’s also home to the theme park, Disneyland Paris, which is set to open its new Frozen land on March 29, 2026.
There will be new rides, frosty mountain peaks and you can see it all from inside a miniature Arendelle.
Flights from Newcastle to Tenerife will start on August 1, 2026.
Pisa
The city of Pisa in the Tuscan region of Italy is of course best known for its Leaning Tower which is a must-see when visiting.
But there are lots of other positives too like exploring the beautiful cobbled streets and tasting fantastic food from pizza to cecina (a savory chickpea flour pancake) and Torta co’ Bischeri (a chocolate-filled pastry).
easyJet flights from Glasgow to Pisa start from August 1, 2026.
Holidays are back on the rise to Egypt and easyJet is offering new flights from GlasgowCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Sharm El Sheikh
Trips to Egypt are back on the rise with the likes of TUI starting trips and holidays there – and now easyJet is offering flights too.
The holiday destination that was huge with Brits in the noughties has plenty of pretty beach resorts, high temperatures and year-round sunshine.
During the summer months, temperatures in Sharm el Sheikh sit between 35C – 38C.
Sharm el Sheikh is also a popular winter sun destination because its average temperature is 24C which is around 17C warmer than the UK for that time of year.
Routes between Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh will start from August 1, 2026.
Malta
Malta, which is smaller than the Isle of Wight, can slip under the radar when it comes to holidays.
But with new flights from easyJet, it’s bound to get more popular.
When one Sun writer visited the country, she discovered plenty of things that Brits will love from its red telephone boxes to restaurants offering English breakfasts.
Locals drive on the left and speak English (along with Maltese).
New flights from Glasgow to Malta will start from August 4, 2026.
The Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests in its original state, with the 30-hectare Spanish forest belonging to the Natura 2000 Network and opening for just 10 days a year
A forest in the Catalonian hills receives only a handful of tourists each year(Image: Trendencias)
Millions of people worldwide enjoy hiking, with many taking to slopes, hills, mountains and other challenging terrains each year.
However, some trails are more popular than others, such as the Seven Sisters walk in southern England, which becomes particularly crowded when the UK transitions from winter to spring and summer.
Spain also has a thriving hiking scene, but there’s one route that sees not thousands, but merely tens of tourists annually.
In a world of overtourism, the Pinar de Can Camins is a haven of tranquillity, reportedly accessible only about 10 times a year.
According to Trendencias, the Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests that remains in its original state, with the 30-hectare forest currently part of the Natura 2000 Network, reports the Express.
The limited visitor numbers are due to the forest only opening on the first Sunday of each month, excluding July and August. Moreover, only the first 25 tourists are allowed entry.
These lucky 25 visitors are given a free guided tour of the area, starting from the Puerta del Delta at 11am. Reservations can be made via phone, in person or email.
While Spain’s Pinar de Can Camis successfully limits tourist numbers, another Spanish territory has urged tourists to reconsider visiting in 2026.
In recent years, the Canary Islands have been a hotbed of tension between tourists and locals, with residents voicing concerns about the impact of mass tourism on their communities.
Last year alone, the Canary Islands played host to approximately 7.8 million visitors, while the islands’ airports processed around 27 million passengers during the same period.
Fodor’s Travel, a renowned travel publication, has included the Canary Islands in its 2026 ‘No list’, which highlights destinations experiencing a surge in tourism that travellers might want to reconsider visiting.
The Canary Islands made the list due to the overwhelming number of people flocking to popular spots like Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote.
Echoing this sentiment, an environmental group in Tenerife known as Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN) has raised the alarm that natural spaces are being “degraded”.
In a statement, they said: “Natural spaces are constantly degraded, with alarming losses in biodiversity. Overcrowding has erased peaceful places where we could once enjoy life there are no truly local spaces left.
“We are losing our identity, culture, and, ultimately, our right to exist as a community. Tourism has become unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn’t come to truly discover the islands, but to consume a fake backdrop.”
JET2 is restarting flights to a Brit-loved holiday destination for the first time in more than a decade.
The airline will start flights to two destinations in Egypt, after scrapping routes back in 2011.
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Jet2 is reportedly restarting flights to Egypt after 16 yearsCredit: AlamySharm El Sheikh is a Red Sea resort with beautiful hotels and access to bright blue seaCredit: Alamy
The Egyptian Cabinet Presidency has reported that there will be seven weekly flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada with Jet2 from 2027.
There will also be a weekly flight to Sharm El Sheikh from Edinburgh and a weekly flight to Hurghada from Glasgow.
Reports say Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy and Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy met at World Travel Market London earlier this month to discuss the flights.
The Minister reportedly described the new flights as a significant step towards boosting British tourism to Egypt.
Details have also been published on Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Facebook page.
A spokesperson for Jet2 told Sun Travel: “As the UK’s favourite airline and tour operator, we continually review our flight and holiday programmes to ensure that they meet the needs of our customers.
“We are in the process of finalising a very exciting programme to Egypt and we will communicate the details, including a fantastic launch offer, with customers next week.
“With guaranteed sunshine and a great launch offer coming, our advice is to watch this space!”
While it’s not the first time that Jet2 has operated flights to Egypt, but has been 14 years since the last ones took off.
There’s plenty to see in Hurghada tooCredit: Alamy
Jet2 previously offered flights to both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, but these were pulled in 2011.
Egypt remains a very popular tourist destination for Brits, especially the Red Sea resort towns which are known for their stretching sandy beaches and plush holiday resorts.
In just five hours Brits can enjoy sun, sea and sand as well as affordable food and drink.
Of course the resort cities are perfect for winter sun as during the colder season there are average highs of 22C – even in December and January.
During the summer it’s very hot with temperatures reaching 38C.
This was following the UK Foreign Office issuing new guidance which said certain destinations were considered safe with upgrades to things like airport security.
Now, many fly to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, like EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Thousands of people suffer from motion sickness while travelling in a car, on a ferry, by train or on a plane, and it can cause some unpleasant symptoms but one 30p item could help
There’s a simple and cheap item you should pack for your next getaway(Image: Getty Images)
Your bags are packed, and you’re on route to your anticipated getaway, but the excitement is overshadowed by the nuisance of feeling travel sick. Thousands of Brits go through the ordeal, whether that’s travelling by car, plane, train or boat, yet there’s one cheap item a travel expert swears by.
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from parts of the body that sense movement. Symptoms vary from case to case but typically include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, a headache, feeling cold and going pale or sweating.
It can be an uncomfortable feeling, particularly during a lengthy journey, with symptoms lasting up to a few hours in some cases. In a bid to avoid that dreaded feeling, there’s a clever but simple remedy you can take before travelling, and it costs just 30p.
Forget the tablets, patches, and travel bands – all you need is a cup of peppermint tea. “People are always surprised by how effective it is,” travel expert Yasmin Pekel from Blue Cruise explained. “You don’t need expensive tablets or special wristbands. A peppermint tea bag from your local supermarket can cost 25 or 30p, and it genuinely helps settle the stomach before you travel.”
Due to its natural compounds, peppermint tea can help relax the stomach and relieve nausea. Not only this, but it’s a great alternative to other expensive medications that can often come with some unsettling side effects.
The travel expert explained further: “When your eyes and ears send mixed messages to the brain, that’s when travel sickness starts. Peppermint helps smooth out that response and stops the feeling of motion building up.
“Peppermint has stood the test of time. It’s safe, it’s easy to find and it works for adults and children. A lozenge or mint sweet can help too, but tea is the best option because it keeps you hydrated and the smell alone helps people feel less queasy.”
While travelling is the cause of that nauseous feeling, stuffy and warm environments, like being packed on a crowded coach, can often make us feel even worse. Yasmin added: “Thick coats, stuffy cabins and early starts can all make nausea more likely. A small change like sipping peppermint tea or sucking on a lozenge before you board can make a big difference.”
The expert advises having a peppermint tea before your journey. Alternatively, you can try a mint sweet during your journey, which could help ease your symptoms as well.
Additionally, if you’re in a car, keep some air flowing so you avoid that stuffy feeling, and keep your eyes on the horizon. It is also best to avoid reading or strolling on your phone while in motion, and where possible, choose a seat with the least noticeable movement, such as the wing on a plane or the middle section on a ferry.
“For less than the price of a mince pie, it’s worth a go. If you’re heading abroad for mulled wine and Christmas lights, pack a few peppermint tea bags or a bag of mint sweets. They might be the best thing in your suitcase,” Yasmin expanded.
European country prepares for two waves of nationwide strikes in November and December which could cause “major disruption” – and UK tourists are being warned to be prepared
Tourists travelling to Europe this November or December could be set to experience ‘major disruption’(Image: Marco Secchi/Getty Images)
Brits planning trips to Italy this November or December are being warned to brace for “major disruption” across the country on three key dates. Families visiting loved ones, holidaymakers enjoying winter breaks, and those heading to festive Christmas markets should prepare for significant transport chaos as Italy faces two waves of national strikes.
Industrial action will kick off today, Thursday, November 27, continuing through Friday, November 28, with another strike scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025. While disruption levels differ between regions and operators, travel specialists are urging anyone flying, catching trains or using local transport to expect delays, cancellations and drastically reduced services.
Italy’s biggest unions have announced a 24-hour rail strike running from 9pm on Thursday, November 27 until 9pm on Friday, November 28, affecting the entire Italian Republic. With workers downing tools across everything from railways to public services, travel chaos is anticipated along the nation’s busiest routes, including cities beloved by British tourists such as Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence.
The nationwide general strike on November 28 is set to impact multiple sectors, including transport. A second general strike on Friday, December 12, has been called by major union CGIL in opposition to the Italian government’s 2026 budget.
She said: “Strike days in Italy rarely affect just one type of transport. Even when guaranteed services operate, they often run at reduced capacity, and the ripple effect can disrupt travel for the entire day.
“Flights may still go ahead, but passengers can face long queues, slower ground handling and delays getting to or from the airport.”
Yasmin also highlighted that while some rail and local transport services are “protected” by law during peak commuter hours, most travellers should anticipate reduced timetables throughout the strike periods, with last-minute changes likely.
She advised: “The most important thing is to stay flexible, even minor delays early in the day can snowball into wider disruption.
“If you’re visiting Italy’s Christmas markets, give yourself breathing room so the strikes don’t impact your plans.”
What travellers should expect: Because strike participation varies between regions and operators, not all disruption is uniform. However, travellers should be prepared for possible reduced rail services, especially outside guaranteed windows.
Other issues travellers may encounter are:
Possible last-minute train cancellations, even for pre-booked high-speed services
Slower airport processes due to staff shortages, even if flights operate
Limited bus, metro and tram services in major cities
Longer journey times, particularly when travelling between airports and city centres
Some flights during guaranteed protection windows, typically morning and early evening, may operate closer to schedule, but delays are still possible.
Yasmin’s advice for anyone travelling to Italy on or around the strike periods:
Allow extra time for every stage of your journey, especially airport transfers
Check your airline, airport and rail operator apps regularly for real-time updates
Book flexible or refundable tickets wherever possible
Plan alternative routes in advance, including taxis, airport shuttles or walking routes in cities
Expect crowds, both before and after strike windows
Avoid tight connections, including onward trains or excursions
Travel earlier in the day if your schedule allows, as later services are more vulnerable to cancellations
Key dates travellers should avoid if possible:
November 27 and 28, as there’s a nationwide rail strike and a general strike in Italy.
December 12, as there’s a country-wide general strike across Italy.
Travellers with bookings on these dates are urged to check for updates frequently, as service levels may change at short notice.
An amber weather warning has been issued on an island loved by Brits as locals and tourists have been told to stay ‘vigilant’ amid harsh conditions
Majorca covered in snow following a powerful storm
A major Spanish island loved by British tourists has been hit by a winter storm that has covered the hotspot in snow and seen it battered by massive waves.
Locals and visitors sought cover from a freak hailstorm that brough extreme weather to Majorca, with a weather warning being issued for today. Tourist resorts on the island were turned white when a blanket of snow fell amid chilly temperatures on the Balearic island. The Spanish weather agency AEMET issued an orange weather warning on Thursday and told people on the island to be careful as even more harsh conditions could batter the holiday hotspot.
AEMET said: “Be vigilant and check the current weather forecast regularly.”
The agency also warned people to be especially careful while visiting beaches and the coast, as 40ft waves are expected to batter the east of Majorca. The AEMET added: “Damage to people and property is possible, especially to vulnerable individuals or those in exposed locations.”
This storm led to terrifying 90kmph winds, which are expected to continue into the day. The shock winter storm also brought a blanket of snow to the island on Wednesday, amid the hailstorm.
Shocking images showed the size of these pieces of hail that smashed onto the island, with some locals saying they were the size of walnuts.
Yellow weather warnings was issued across the island yesterday but forecasters said the worst of the weather could be seen today.
A winter storm across southern Europe has seen temperatures dramatically drop across the typically mild area – and be a possible reason behind the shock conditions on Majorca.
Weather warnings were also issued on the Spanish mainland, with the heaviest snowfall expected around Santander, Bilbao and the Cantabrian Mountains, where 25cm of snow could drop within 24 hours.
Mountain zones inland from Santander were some of the areas on alert for around 20cm of snow, while several well-known places near Navarre and northern La Rioja could see up to 10cm. Even the normally milder inland region near San Sebastián is forecast to receive around 5cm as the cold air digs deeper across the north coast.
Weather maps have predicted the chilly weather could sweep across the UK in the early hours of December 4. Rain is set to fall over England, Wales, Northern Ireland and southern parts of Scotland, while central and northern Scotland could see some serious snow.
Maps for December 5 show snowfall in England – initially be centred around the Yorkshire Dales and Pennines before spreading throughout the day. They suggest towns and cities like Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield could also see snow at around 3pm on that Friday.
Being told at check-in your room has been upgraded is always a highlight during any trip, but as a former hotel receptionist, there’s one way that can help you secure that benefit
12:49, 27 Nov 2025Updated 12:58, 27 Nov 2025
I worked at a hotel for years and picked up some useful tips (Image: Amy Jones)
Having worked as a hotel receptionist for several years after leaving university, I picked up a few skills, whether that was answering an onslaught of calls or knowing every single room layout by memory. I also collected some rather handy tips, including how to bag that desirable free room upgrade.
One of the most sought-after requests from guests was whether they could have their room upgraded. I get it. You’re away for a romantic weekend and want to make it extra special, without forking out extra. But asking us two hours after check-in on a Friday night isn’t going to cut it.
I worked at a luxury hotel & spa comprising 35 rooms, and upgrades were typically prioritised for those celebrating a special occasion, be it a birthday or anniversary. If a higher category of room were available, we would do our very best to offer it to the lucky guest.
Another factor to note is that upgrades can be arranged the night before, so if you’re hoping to request one at check-in at 3 pm, there’s a very slim chance an upgrade will be available. While this can vary from hotel to hotel, we would know our upgraded guests well in advance of check-in time.
Despite this, there’s still a nifty way to help secure that free upgrade – by arriving early. Understandably, not everyone will want to arrive before official check-in time and potentially face a wait until their room is ready, but it could be well worth it. I’ll explain why.
While the upgrades are often in place for the next batch of arrivals, with key cards already assigned to guests, things can change. If you arrive early and inform us that it’s a special occasion, despite not mentioning it when you made the booking, we’ve got time to jiggle some rooms around – it’s surprising how many guests forget to mention the reason for their stay.
And it doesn’t need to be a special occasion. Upgrades are offered when and where they are available.
If we’re feeling extra nice, and it’s busy around the hotel, we might offer you an upgrade there and then, even if that means bumping someone’s once-upgraded room down. Our guests weren’t told if they had been upgraded until their arrival, so if anything changes, they are none the wiser, and we’d rather get you settled in your room.
Additionally, last-minute cancellations can and do happen, so if we suddenly had an empty room available that morning, you could be the one who joyfully gets to experience a two-storey suite with a roll top bath, because after all, first-come, first-served. Time is everything in the hospitality industry; it’s fast-paced and hectic, so arriving early allows us to gracefully offer that benefit before a mad rush of check-ins.
And that’s not all. Often, rooms can be ready long before 3pm, not all of them, but a vast number are waiting for their next visitors. At our hotel, if your room was ready, even if it was well before 3 pm, we would take you over. It not only helps you start your stay, but it also helps us deal with one less check-in during peak time on a Friday night.
Another perk of this is that if you arrive early and your room is ready, you have the luxury of time to check that you’re happy with your room. All of our rooms were unique with various styles, spaces, layouts and hotel views, so guests would often have a preference for what they desired after seeing photos on the website. (Side note: Photos on a hotel website do not always represent the room you will get, so be prepared).
But, if you check in early and aren’t completely satisfied with your room, we’d have the flexibility to easily move you to another one before another guest shows. After 3pm on a Friday, this is incredibly rare for a hotel of our size, but arriving just an hour or two earlier can make all the difference.
A Which? survey of thousands of customers judged Coaching Inn Group to be the best in the UK. Fresh from a trip to the Wetherspoons hotel, Milo Boyd went to see what all of the fuss is about
12:26, 27 Nov 2025Updated 12:29, 27 Nov 2025
A lesser-known hotel chain has just been named the best in the country.
Earlier this month, a panel of 4,631 customers judged Coaching Inn Group to be the best in the UK. The chain has 36 individual hotels across the country, so I decided to hop on a train to Sheringham and then cycle across the beautiful North Norfolk countryside to the Manor Coastal Hotel and Inn in Blakeney to see what all the fuss is about.
During my first evening at the hotel, the lights cut out, prompting a quick fix from the staff. Minutes later – darkness. Off and on they went until defeat was conceded, prompting the arrival of candles. If anything, the effect was cosier, especially with a howling wind hammering against the windows throughout the night. Such unexpected acts are liable to happen, particularly at a rural hotel deep in the Norfolk countryside.
In 2013, the Manor suffered a far more serious misfortune. On 5 December, thousands across Norfolk and Suffolk were ordered to leave their homes as a great storm surge caused riverbanks to burst, sending houses toppling into the water. The cost of the damage was estimated at £1bn.
“It happened so quickly,” Sophie, one of half a dozen of the Hill family who work in the Manor, told me, before showing how high the water rose as it rushed through the bar. “We weren’t fully open again until the following summer.”
The hotel bounced back from the flood then, and has seemingly gone from strength to strength ever since. Today, it sprawls across a large section of land replete with a trickling fountain and stone arches that tempt you to walk through the maze of walled gardens and ancient mulberry trees.
In total, the Manor has 36 rooms, the cheapest of which can be booked for £99 next week. It is classic budget hotel fare, albeit of the quality end of the spectrum. A comfortable double bed, a medium-sized TV, and a well-decorated bathroom. Everything is solid and clean.
The most expensive room – The Mulberry Suite – is the size of a small flat and features not just a living room, kitchenette, and two bathrooms, but a twin room as well as a master bedroom.
As pleasant as the rooms are, they’re not the main reasons why a visit to the Manor is a good idea, nor why it won the Which? award. Those reasons are the location and the charming staff.
The location
Blakeney is a lovely place. Just metres from the hotel’s front is the River Glaven, which winds its way through the National Nature Reserve. If you do decide to follow it along to the North Sea, make sure you pick up a pair of wellie boots from the front desk, or else suffer the same waterlogged shoe and muddy-trousered fate as I did.
Blakeney Point is renowned for its seal colonies, with Beans Boat offering guided tours throughout the year. Now is a particularly good time to go, as the pupping season is in full swing. A slightly more unusual day out can be had at Langham Dome over by the RAF base. During WWII, moving images projected onto the inside of the Dome taught trainees how to shoot down enemy aircraft. Today, a group of veterans is on hand to explain how it worked.
Dozens of times throughout my stay, the tranquility of village life was disrupted, for a moment, by the sound of training jet fighters flying over the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For me, that’s a big bonus.
In the 19th century, the coastal village was much closer to the sea than it is today. The estuary has silted up over the past 100 years, coinciding with the decline of the fishing industry in the area, which has prevented all but the smallest boats from reaching the quay. What was once a fishing village is now a tourism village. In the summer, Blakeney’s two pubs and three hotels are packed full.
The staff
For me, this is the real reason why the Manor scored so well, and why people keep coming back. Many of the staff have been there for well over ten years. About half of them seem to be members of the Hill clan, including Tore, Karen, Sophie and Wayne. They were all on hand at various points during my stay to ensure everything was in its right place and to offer insights into the local area. For me, and the chatty returning customers who knew staff by name, such warmth is a major plus. It transforms the hotel from a place to stay and eat for the night, to somewhere homely that you want to be.
The verdict
The average cost of a room at the Manor is £128. While that isn’t very cheap, in the Which? survey, the hotel was one of only two to score four out of five stars for value for money. The other was Wetherspoons. I visited the Spoons Hotel in Canterbury last week, where a room for the night can be yours for just £55 and the average price is £70.
What Spoons offers that the Manor doesn’t is energy and vibes. The downstairs area was packed with thirsty customers from across the age spectrum. Everything in the room was solid enough, especially given the price.
However, what the Manor serves up – and where it stands apart from the competition – is its ability to deliver a stay that feels premium for a (sort of) budget price. From the tastefully decorated interiors to the warm, spacious rooms; and the natural surroundings to the lovely staff; everything about the hotel feels extremely well done. It very much lives up to the hype.
One of the closest airports is Turin, and both Ryanair and easyJet fly there.
For another £86pp stay, you can stay in the resort of Superdévoluy in Le Massif du Dévoluy.
This is one of the biggest slopes in southern France so both beginners and pro skiers will be able to find something that suits.
This deal is much sooner, with the two-room apartment deal being for seven nights on December 13.
But it also means you can get in a great holiday just before Christmas.
The best airport to fly to is Grenoble, with both Ryanair and Wizz Air having cheap flights.
You will have to pay for your flights and ski gear yourself, although you can rent lots of the gear when you get there.
Another cheap deal is seven nights at Résidence Vacancéole La Turra also at Superdévoluy for around £136pp.
One skiing pro revealed how booking an April holiday can help you find the biggest bargain.
Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell told Sun Online Travel: “Around 1.5 million Brits go skiing every year.
“Often overlooked, but April is the go-to time for many ski experts and enthusiasts, with a more relaxed feel in the resorts, crisp virgin snow for an early morning start, and long lazy afternoons in uncrowded mountain restaurants.”
She told Sun Online Travel: “Decide if the holiday is predominantly for parents, with the kids looked after in Kindergarten or Ski School or if the idea is to spend family days skiing and playing together.
“Make sure that childcare, nursery slopes and non-ski activities are close to where you stay.”
The seven night stays are cheaper than a night in LondonCredit: sunweb
A major airline is offering free flights for UK passengers to encourage travellers to explore lesser-known regions away from overcrowded hotspots and help reduce overtourism
An airline has released a new scheme for British and European travellers (Image: Getty Images/Stock Photo)
Travelling isn’t always cheap, especially when jetting off abroad when the expense of flights are thrown into the mix.
Yet, in a new initiative from a major airline, British and European travellers can bag free flights, but there’s a catch if you’re looking to book.
In a bid to help reduce overtourism in popular destinations, Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has partnered with the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) to offer free domestic flights this winter. This will allow passengers to take advantage of two complimentary internal flights with any inbound international booking.
The hope is that this will encourage travellers to explore some of the country’s lesser-known regions, from its diverse landscapes to its stunning coastlines, rather than the touristy hotspots, such as Tokyo and Kyoto. This is the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and experience another side of Japan, while avoiding the crowds altogether.
ANA flies to more than 40 locations across Japan, all of which are included in the deal, so there are plenty of breathtaking places to choose from, including Fukuoka, Hokkaido and Nagasaki. You could also venture to the Okinawa Islands, which have often been described as the ‘Maldives of Japan’ due to their pristine sugar-white sand and crystal clear, turquoise waters.
However, there are a few conditions that must be met to take advantage of the free domestic flights. Firstly, it only applies to travellers arriving from the UK or Europe, and you will have to pay for your own international flight into Japan with ANA.
The cheapest time to book a flight from London to Tokyo is in January, with prices starting from £821. This coincides perfectly with the initiative, as it will run from November 24 to January 31, 2026, with flights still able to take place outside of this time frame.
Passengers will be given standard class flights only with the scheme, and may have to pay tax and visa fees depending on their chosen location. However, domestic flights do not have to start and finish at the same airport, allowing for more flexibility to explore the country.
The airline notes that it hopes this limited-time offer will “make regional exploration… easier and genuinely affordable”, along with encouraging “deeper, more sustainable engagement with Japan’s culturally diverse regions”.
You can visit the ANA website for more details and to book your flights. ANA has also shared itinerary examples with a stay in Tokyo before venturing to the hidden gems to help make booking the trip even easier.
ICONIC spots like Yellowstone and The Grand Canyon are about to get much more expensive for Brits.
National Parks in the US are making entry fees more expensive for tourists in an effort to “put American families first”.
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National Parks like Yellowstone will become more expensive for Brits to visitCredit: AlamyVisitors to The Grand Canyon will pay an additional $100 on top of the standard entry feeCredit: Alamy
The US government has announced that beginning January 1, 2026, non-residents will have to pay an additional fee to enter its National Parks.
Non-residents will have to choose between buying a $250 (£189.23) annual pass or paying $100 (£75.69) per person “to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee”.
The current entry cost for Yellowstone is $20 (£15.14) for anyone on foot – so in this case, the new fee would cost $120 (£90.82) under the new bill.
Passes can be bought online and downloaded onto mobile phone – or linked to physical cards for convenience.
President Trump signed an order back in July to raise entrance fees at national parks for overseas tourists.
The additional fees will go into funding for conservation and maintenance at each site.
The Annual Pass cost for residents of the US will be $80 (£60.55) and throughout the year there will be ‘resident-only patriotic fee-free days’.
These include Memorial Day (May 25, 2026), Independence Day weekend (July 3-5, 2026), and Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026).
In 2024, National Parks around America saw a record number of tourists with more than 330 million visiting its sites.
The country’s most visited parks are the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California and Colorado‘s Rocky Mountains.
Yosemite Valley in California is one of the most popular sitesCredit: Alamy
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first.
“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
Along with the price hike for National Parks, visitors heading to America now face a ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ under new rules.
The new fee falls under President Donald Trump‘s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and has seen Brits paying substantially more to visit America.
The fee applies to anyone who needs a ‘non-immigrant visa’ – which includes people travelling for business, study and temporary work for more than three months.
It will cost around $250 (£189.22) and was introduced on October 1, 2025
The cost is on top of all existing visa application fees.
Individuals will pay the fee once a visa is issued and if an application is denied, then you aren’t charged the fee.
One Reddit user recently posted six travel hacks they said “made my trips way cheaper and smoother”. The tips covered topics ranging from booking flights, to finding your way around and eating
10:58, 27 Nov 2025Updated 10:58, 27 Nov 2025
These handy travel hacks can make any trip easier (stock image)(Image: Belga/AFP via Getty Images)
Travel, whether it’s a relaxed few days on the beach with a cocktail, a fast-paced city break, or an exciting adventure exploring a foreign land, can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience – but it can also be very stressful. Whether it’s making sure you’ve packed everything you need, sorting out travel to and from your destination, and of course, remembering your passport, there are a lot of things to think about before setting off.
Thankfully there’s a wealth of handy tips online to help make any trip easier. One Reddit user recently posted six travel hacks they said “made my trips way cheaper and smoother”.
The first of these is to book flights online using your internet browser’s incognito mode. This allows you to browse the internet without storing history or data, meaning sites you visit won’t have any information about you and adjust prices accordingly.
The Reddit user said: “Check the same route on your phone’s browser, prices sometimes differ.” To access incognito mode on Google Chrome, click the three dots in the top right and click New Incognito Window. Others browsers operate in a similar way.
The second tip was: “Save the offline version of your Google Maps area before you even leave home.” This will allow you to navigate using your phone without relying on having internet access, and without using data abroad, which can be costly.
The next was: “Carry a cheap carabiner, hangs bags, locks zips together, secures stuff in hostels.” And the fourth tip concerned one of the most important parts of travelling. The user said: “Eat your big meal at lunch – same food, half the price in most cities.”
Something leaking in your bag can be a nightmare, and this can be doubly frustrating while travelling as you might not have a way of containing it or cleaning it up. The Reddit user has a solution for this. They said: “Always pack a ziplock bag: wet clothes, snacks, leaking toiletries, you name it.”
The final tip read: “Last one: When you arrive somewhere new, take the first hour slow, no rushing, just orienting. Saves mistakes and money.”
Reddit users added their own tips in the comments. One said: “Always bring safety pins! They can fix so many different problems and/or help other travellers.”
Another wrote: “My essentials case is small sewing kit (I collect the ones from hotel rooms), 5cm wide cotton adhesive tape (find it more versatile than duct tape), and superglue. Can fix almost anything with that.”
Someone else said: “Keep all important information in a small notebook. Key addresses, directions, passwords, etc, in case your phone battery goes dead, or your phone is lost or stolen. Have heard so many stories of people having major travel problems due to a dead or missing phone.
“Saves a lot of time, money, and stress. If traveling with a partner, never keep all wallets and phones in one bag in case one is lost or stolen. I’m a huge fan of traveling with Ziploc bags, packing blocks, bandannas, small fabric shopping bags.”
And a different user added: “Book hotels that offer breakfast if you are in an expensive city such as Reykjavik, Iceland. I stuff myself with good, delicious food that last me for the day.
“In between, I have tasting samples of baked goods or something very light to snack on. It’s well worth it since breakfast can easily cost about £22 ($30) per person anyway.”
In the summer, the village is a hive of activity. Attracted to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its pretty stone homes, a hotel named best in the country and a large seal population, the visitors come in great numbers when the sun is shining
One of the prettiest villages in England has been emptied of locals, aside from those who have found a way to beat the effects of mass tourism.
In the summer, Blakeney in North Norfolk is a hive of activity. Attracted to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its pretty stone homes, a hotel named best in the country and a large seal population, the visitors come in great numbers when the sun is shining.
In the winter, it’s a different matter. Visitor numbers plummet and many of the former fishing cottages stand empty. It’s a dilemma for those who work in the hospitality industry in the area. “It is a double-edged sword for me,” Tore Hill, who works in the Manor Hotel, told the Mirror during a visit to the town at the end of November.
It’s obvious why people come. Blakeney is a lovely place. Just metres from the front of the award-winning Manor Coastal Hotel and Inn is the River Glaven, which winds its way through the National Nature Reserve. Blakeney Point is renowned for its seal colonies, with Beans Boat offering guided tours throughout the year.
In the 19th century, the coastal village was much closer to the sea than it is today. The estuary has silted up over the past 100 years, coinciding with the decline of the fishing industry in the area, which has prevented all but the smallest boats from reaching the quay. What was once a fishing village is now a tourism village. In the summer, Blakeney’s two pubs and three hotels are packed full.
“I love living here, but unfortunately, during the summer, it is just a full, full village. There’s far too much traffic going through such a small place, but that does mean I’m busy with my work, which is fantastic. The cottages and second homes are so quiet during the winter. It’s sad to know that there are so many people who’d love to live in those houses, but unfortunately, they can’t live in them permanently. They’re sitting there empty during the winter, and then it’s so, so busy during the summer. It’s a tricky one for me, as working in the tourist industry, I need it to be busy. But to see the small village that’s very quaint and dainty overrun with people, yeah, it’s a lot,” Tore continued.
Tore is one of the few people born and raised in Blakeney who hasn’t inherited a home but continues to live there today. She moved back to the area a decade ago, after returning from a whirlwind romance in Libya. Because she was born in the village of 400 houses, she could sign up to the Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society.
The Society’s website explains its mission. “The price of housing has risen steeply as many properties have become second homes or places to retire to, and many local people can no longer afford to buy or rent them. The purpose of the Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society, founded 1946, is to provide affordable housing for local people. It owns 39 houses and cottages in Blakeney or neighbouring villages and they are all let at affordable rents to tenants with a local birth tie.”
Fifty years ago, tens of millions of people across the UK were in Tore’s position, with 30% of the entire population living in social housing of some kind. After decades of Right to Buy and slow building rates, that figure has been slashed in half.
“I started working at the hotel at 14, and lived in the area my whole life. Working in a hotel and in the trade that it is all around here, the chances of buying a house would just be impossible. I was lucky enough to be signed up to Blakeney Housing Society in 2017, and then moved in in 2019,” Tore continued.
“It has changed my whole life. It means I can be around my whole family. A lot of my friends who were born and bred here couldn’t live here due to housing problems, so they moved away to somewhere cheaper. But it is the perfect place to live. There’s community spirit, it’s a very olde-worlde place. I’d never want to be anywhere else but here.”
The figures underline the stark reality of the place. House prices in the Blakeney area sell for an average price of £714,000 as of November 2025, according to OnTheMarket – three times the national average of £273,000. According to the Office for National Statistics, the median average salary in North Norfolk is £571 a week.
Thanks to her controlled rent, Tore pays just £478 a month for her family home.
Clearly concerned with the huge gap between average incomes and house prices, earlier this year the district council decided to act. It imposed an additional 100% premium on top of the Council Tax bills of owners, leaseholders, or tenants of second homes in North Norfolk, meaning they will pay double the amount for their second home.
Blakeney Parish Council chairman Rosemary Thew has said that the measure is not designed to keep tourists away, making clear that tourism is a “big part of the village economy”. However, she admitted that the number of second and holiday homes in the area was a major issue.
“The volume of second homes is very high, around half. It’s pushing prices up quite considerably. It means that, as far as locals are concerned, they can’t afford to live here. It’s a lovely place to live but you’ve got people [taking up dwellings] who are not key workers. A lot are retired people or second home owners. In winter time, it’s [the impact] particularly marked. The streets are jet black because there are no lights on in houses,” she told Mail Online.
Do you live in a village that’s been impacted by tourism? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected]
At the end, there will also be t shirts on sale, and people will able to take pictures with a Vulcan Bomber aircraft currently on the tarmac.
Proceeds from the race are going towards the upkeep of it, as it also offers rare cockpit and wing tours still.
Libra Races said: “We are very excited to announce that Run the Runway is now open for entries, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to run a race on the DoncasterSheffield Airport Runway ahead of flights returning hopefully in 2027.”
The one-day event is set to take place next year on March 21.
Tickets are on sale with the shorter race costing £14 and the longer route costing £20.
More than 300 tickets have already been sold since they went on sale yesterday.
Runners will also be able to take pictures in front of the Vulcan BomberCredit: PA
With Christmas cinemas popping up all over the country, The Mirror ventured out to try one that promised some of the most epic views in London – and it didn’t disappoint
JOAI Rooftop Christmas films take place on the 15th floor, overlooking the London skyline(Image: Supplied)
I’ve watched Love Actually at least 1,000 times now, but this was a viewing with a difference. Never before have I watched it on the rooftop of a stunning hotel overlooking the imposing beauty of Battersea Power Station.
The iconic buildings lovingly brought back to life in October 2022 and is now a vibrant shopping and entertainment area with the existing architecture adapted to accommodate restaurants, stores and luxury flats.
At night, it is beautifully lit up with its historic chimneys serving as a focal point along the river. And it was that view that I was treated to when I arrived for the JOIA Rooftop Movie Pop-Up.
Situated in floor 14 of the art’otel Battersea Power Station, JOIA restaurant is the first London restaurant by award-winning two Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, and takes its inspiration from his travels on the Portuguese Iberian Peninsula.
On the floor above sits the rooftop with its famed swimming pool and breathtaking views of London’s Grade II listed Battersea Power Station. We enjoyed a three-course set menu in the restaurant first, with a delicious sharing starter of sourdough bread, beef pica pau and grilled leeks.
Main course was a choice between fillet of beef, wild Scottish turbot and roasted cauliflower. My friend and I shared the steak and fish, both were melt-in-the-mouth delicious.
Sides included patatas bravas and greens while dessert was a sharing portion of torrija – a moist, caramelised brioche with almonds, raspberries, all eaten while looking out across the London skyline.
Fortified by a couple of rose wines, it was up to the roof where we were prepared to freeze in the 0 degree temperatures. But we were in for a more than pleasant surprise. Each seat came with its own cosy blanket and faux fur hot water bottle. Hand warmers were provided alongside free popcorn. That, combined with the mulled wine, made for a toasty evening watching Love, Actually under the stars.
The rooftop cinema runs until December 21 with packages starting from £80pp for chairs or £90pp for a sofa to seat two. Different films will be shown including The Holiday, The Santa Clause, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
For more information, visit https://www.joiabattersea.co.uk/whats-on/joia-rooftop-christmas-movies/
The new tourist tax announced in the budget could double the cost of a holiday park stayCredit: Alamy
And industry sources have said the shocking tourist tax rise – set to be £2 extra a night – would be ‘scary’ and put prices up for thousands of families.
A senior holiday park executive said: “This tax will destroy holiday dreams, putting a short break at the seaside out of reach for many.
“Have they put Basil Fawlty in charge of boosting tourism?”
North Yorkshire’s local authorities said they are in favour of introducing the tax – hitting the thousands who holiday in the popular resorts of Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.
West Yorkshire councils have also said they would impose the charge – putting holiday parks in the Dales in the firing line.
And families taking the cheapest holiday park breaks face the biggest increases.
Right now, a family of four can enjoy a four-night break at a holiday park for around £49 in low season, made up of a £40.80 charge for the break and VAT at 20 per cent.
But the new tax is imposed on four people at the suggested rate of £2 per night that will add £32 to the cost of the holiday – bringing the total up to £81.
That’s a tax rate of 98.5 per cent – an increase of 65 per cent on what holidaymakers currently pay.
If a family of six have to pay the £2 tax on the same four-night break it would bring the cost of the tax to £48 – and increase the price of the holiday to £97.
That works out as a tax rate of 138 per cent, an increase of 98 per cent over the current costs.
For a family of five paying £100 – £83.33 cost plus 20 per cent VAT – for a four night break, the tax would add £40 to the bill, an increase of 40 per cent on the price of a holiday and a total tax rate of 69 per cent.
For a seven night stay for a family of four, prices for next year start at popular holiday parks at just £79 – £65.83 cost plus 20 per cent VAT.
With the tourist tax, a family of four would have to pay £56, bringing the total cost of the holiday to £135, an increase of 71 per cent on current costs.
Dermot King, COO of Unity Holidays which owns Skirlington Coast in East Yorkshire, said: “Any tax such as this is clearly regressive as it a tax on hard-working people who choose to spend their money taking holidays in this country.
And the far-reaching impact of the tax will also hit those enjoying cottage breaks.
Sykes Holiday Cottages – one of the UK’s biggest self-catering companies – fear the tax increase could devastate staycations.
Ben Spier, Head of Policy and Regulation at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “This levy won’t just be felt by families already managing rising household costs.
“It threatens to deter people from choosing holidays in the UK which would be a serious blow for the many communities that depend heavily on spending from the overnight visitors who will face this levy.
“The UK’s tourism and hospitality businesses are already among the most heavily taxed in Europe, facing everything from steep business rates and corporation tax to some of the highest VAT levels in the sector.
“Adding a new tourism levy risks putting more pressure, and more admin, on the many small businesses – from holiday let owners to local pubs, shops and attractions – who rely on a thriving visitor economy.
“And all this, for a relatively small extra return from visitors who still choose to come.
“Rather than adding another cost for visitors, disincentivizing them when the aim is to attract more of them, the focus should be on ensuring that the substantial tax income already generated is properly directed to the local communities where it’s generated.”
Now in its fifth year, Windsor Illuminate snakes its way through the Great Park with a spell-binding array of displays and activities, including the world’s first LED snowman
The Windsor Express train at Windsor Illuminate (Image: Supplied)
Nothing says Christmas like a light trial, and Windsor Illuminated is up there with the best.
Now in its fifth year, the stunning display in Windsor’s Great Park’s Savile Gardens sees visitors walk a 2.2km loop through ancient forests enjoying the Windsor Express Train, Snowball Elves, Woodfest, a dazzling Water Show and ‘Frosty Fred’ – the world’s first outdoor LED screen snowman. It takes between one and a half and two hours to complete.
Dog friendly, the trail has ample stops for little legs – and thirsty adults alike – with cosy alpine bars serving mulled wine and open fires to toast marshmallows lining the route. Organisers warn that some areas as unsuitable for pushchairs but there were many families giving it a crack when I visited with seemingly relative ease.
At one point, owls fly out of the trees as deer scatter, escaping a hungry wolf that stalks through the forest – all projected on huge screens.
Another section sees guests walk through a magical tunnel of snow but the most incredible part came at Woodfest – a stage buried in the woodland featuring cute performances from animals.
Setting the scene was a bubble machine, but these aren’t regular bubbles. Reaching out to pop one, it disappeared in a puff of smoke. My confusion soon turned to amazement. Magic! The only problem was that I couldn’t get my four year old to leave.
There’s a traditional funfair featuring a carousel, heater skelter and big wheel that my son convinced me to go on. He loved every second. I’m scared of heights and did not.
We finished off with a stop at the cosy outdoor bar where we tucked into hot chocolate around the fire pit. A lovely festive treat for all the family.
The trail runs until January 3 with a family ticket for two adults and two children starting at £56.10. For more information, visit https://www.windsorilluminated.com/.
Nestled in North York Moors National Park, this charming village features red-roofed cottages, a babbling brook and a fascinating museum that ‘takes you back in time’
08:00, 27 Nov 2025Updated 08:16, 27 Nov 2025
The village has one cosy pub and a quaint tearoom (Image: stevegeer via Getty Images)
Tucked away in NorthYorkshire, approximately seven miles from Pickering, this delightful village attracts visitors and locals seeking a peaceful existence.
Within North Yorkshire’s Ryedale district lies Hutton-le-Hole, a petite yet enchanting village that sits within the breathtaking North York Moors National Park. It offers the perfect quintessentially English village retreat, complete with grazing sheep, crimson-topped cottages and a gentle stream meandering through its lanes.
A key draw for the area, enabling guests to explore the village’s past, is the Ryedale Folk Museum, which displays regional traditions. The facility comprises various structures designed to educate about life across different periods – from a blacksmith’s workshop to a Victorian classroom.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This was my third visit, and each time I see something new because there is just so much to see. It’s not the sort of museum with loads of information boards to read; it’s buildings and artefacts. You see what a great hall or roundhouse was actually like.”
Another added: “Our first visit here, and we were not disappointed. We loved exploring all the different areas, and it was really interesting to learn about the history, essentially travelling back in time.”
The village boasts a pub, a tearoom and a collection of charming shops flogging souvenirs, crafts and gifts, perfect for a gentle stroll around the locality before tackling a more ambitious trek. Hutton-le-Hole’s enchanting appeal has caught the attention of television and film producers, featuring in productions such as Death Comes to Pemberley, a BBC adaptation of the novel, and the outdoor adventure programme, Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.
The peculiar name derives from the ancient English expression ‘Hoh Tun’, signifying ‘a settlement on a spur of land’ or possibly ‘high farm’. From its very name, it’s obvious just how much wilderness and pristine countryside encompasses Hutton-le-Hole, establishing it as a perfect destination for keen hikers and walkers.
Picturesque trails include a moderately demanding 15 km circular route across the moorland, requiring just over four hours to finish. Alternatively, there’s a more relaxed choice that leads you on a 6.4 km journey to Lastingham, linking the two villages for an enjoyable day of discovery.
Following a day of trekking, the classic country boozer, The Crown, provides the ideal stopping point for a comfortable evening. One recent guest said: “Excellent food served up in a very cosy country pub.”
They added: “Prices aren’t bad considering the food is top-notch. A good range of drinks are on offer, including non-alcoholic for those who drive. Well worth a visit for a Sunday lunch.”
Another visitor praised: “Hutton le Hole is a beautiful peaceful town and well worth a visit. Sheep roam freely, which adds to its charm. The Crown is the only pub, but it’s a good one. Sit outside and enjoy the village scene.”
