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LET’S be honest: booking a cheap hotel is easy.

But booking a cheap hotel that previous guests actually rate is where things can get really tricky, because the lowest price very rarely equals the best value.

A bargain hotel becomes considerably less impressive the second you see reviews mentioning cold chips, paper-thin walls, and a swimming pool that was clearly photographed with a deceptive wide-angle lens.

To find the ultimate value holiday location, I’ve crunched the numbers on hotel prices across Europe’s favourite package destinations and cross-referenced them with each hotels’ average TripAdvisor ratings.

One caveat though: while the deals in this article are all brilliantly cheap, this isn’t just a list of rock-bottom prices. That’s of no use to you at all.

I’ve also factored in the volume of positive hotel reviews, the choice of properties, and what you actually get for your cash on arrival too.

I’ve ranked my final seven picks by their average score, counting down to the destination that statistically had the absolute happiest guests for the absolute best value.

7. Costa del Sol, Spain (Average Rating: 3.82/5)

The Costa del Sol has been dominating the package market for decades, and that breadth of experience really shows in the data.

Because there’s massive competition between hotels to fill beds every year, prices stay ruthlessly competitive… which is great news for you.

While its hotel’s 3.82 average score sits at the bottom of our final seven, it makes the cut because it’s a destination that is incredibly easy to get right, with massive flight capacity from across the UK keeping travel costs low.

For example, I spotted a five-night, room-only stay at the Helios Costa Tropical in Almunecar, flying from Bournemouth in September, from just £270pp.

This three-star property is completely outperforming the regional average with a staggering 4.8/5 TripAdvisor rating.

And the hotel sits right on the San Cristobal promenade, meaning you can walk straight out of breakfast and onto the sand without paying the inflated room premiums usually charged by the big chain resorts in neighbouring Nerja.

6. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (Average Rating: 3.85/5)

Fuerteventura is one of the best holiday spots for making a modest holiday budget feel significantly larger.

Resorts here specialise in huge pool complexes and massive, wide beaches that never feel crowded, even during peak school holidays.

Caleta de Fuste is a top-tier shout for families due to the sheltered bays, while Costa Calma is built for world-class lounging.

You can lock in a five-night self-catering stay at the three-star R2 Higos Beach in Costa Calma, flying from London Gatwick in early September from £385pp.

This hotel even pulls in a brilliant 4.6/5 guest rating because it sidesteps the sterile, high-rise block feel of the island’s mega resorts.

The apartments also come with fully equipped, modern kitchens, with the hotel situated right next to a local market, meaning you can prep cheap breakfasts on your private terrace and keep your daily spending money completely intact. Thrifty.

5. The Algarve, Portugal (Average Rating: 3.88/5)

The Algarve tracks at a solid 3.88 average hotel score, but it’s the value in Portugal mixed with the unbelievable scenery you get for your money that earns it a spot on the board.

The dramatic golden cliffs and hidden coves make even a basic walk to the local bar look cinematic.

Albufeira provides the largest pool of cheap apartments, while Alvor and Carvoeiro handle the quieter family pace.

I dug out five nights at the Aura Village Apartments in Albufeira from just £260pp, with direct flights from London Stansted in late September.

It’s a self-catering setup at this hotel, which makes its stellar 4.7/5 review score all the more impressive.

This hotel is near-perfect for a Portuguese holiday as it offers guests a quiet, central apartment that can be used as a launchpad for the rest of the resort. 

Which means you can camp here all day, then head out in the evenings, walk a couple of streets back from the main strip and find independent tavernas hidden in the back alleys that will serve you authentic Piri-Piri chicken for half the price of the tourist traps on the front.

4. Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Average Rating: 4.00/5)

Lanzarote is the only Canary Island on our radar where hotel reviews hit a flawless 4.0 average.

Because development on the island was historically controlled by strict low-rise building laws, you get whitewashed, low-density resorts instead of towering concrete blocks.

Puerto del Carmen is the great all-rounder for value, while Costa Teguise routinely drops some of our heaviest package discounts.

One of the best-reviewed hotel loopholes I found was the Princesa Guayadeque in Puerto del Carmen, with five nights self-catering and flights from Bristol right at the end of September from £320pp.

It’s a two-star hotel, but don’t let that fool you. This spot pulls an exceptional 4.7/5 score from guests who rave about its pristine cleanliness.

And because of the hotel’s high-up position, it sits just a short, flat walk away from the main strip, giving you completely peaceful nights away from the bar noise without forcing you to budget for local taxis.

3. Costa Blanca, Spain (Average Rating: 4.07/5)

The Costa Blanca might be the most complete package bargain in Europe.

The sheer volume of hotels in hubs like Benidorm keeps prices brilliant year-round, and despite that, Costa Blanca hotels still pull in an immensely impressive 4.07/5 average rating.

If the main neon strip feels a bit too lively, nearby Albir offers a completely relaxed alternative under the shadow of the Sierra Helada cliffs.

A standout value option here is the three-star MC Amalia Apartments in Benidorm, where five nights self-catering costs just £255pp, with flights from London Gatwick in late September into early October.

The hotel has a strong 4.5/5 rating, not least because of its brilliant positioning near Levante beach.

It also sits right on the edge of the historic Old Town, meaning you can skip the commercial tourist restaurants and eat like a local at the traditional, wood-fired tapas bars hidden down the famous “Tapas Alley” for a fraction of the cost.

2. Malta (Average Rating: 4.14/5)

Malta delivers an incredible mix of excellent accommodation, historical city walls, and a massive 4.14 average review rating for hotels.

Despite the numbers, it still gets routinely overlooked by Brits who automatically type Spain or Greece into Google, meaning there is excellent value hiding in plain sight.

And if you do fancy it, I’d look around Qawra and Bugibba for the steepest discounts.

For a central base however, St Julian’s Scirocco, Affiliated by Melia is sitting at £340pp for five nights room-only, flying from London Stansted on September 25.

And the best bit: this three-star hotel cleans up with a 4.6/5 score.

This hotel even boasts a rooftop pool deck, giving you panoramic views over the local Mediterranean bays while you lounge, letting you enjoy a premium, high-end city-beach aesthetic without paying the luxury waterfront resort prices down the road.

1. Antalya, Turkey (Average Rating: 4.30/5)

Antalya takes the number one spot on my board by proving that “cheap” and “basic” do not have to live in the same sentence.

The resort has earned an exceptional 4.3 average guest rating at hotels – the highest in Europe.

And because these massive Turkish resorts are locked in a permanent race to out-spec each other with on-site waterparks, private beaches, and the very-best restaurants, the biggest people who benefit are you and me.

This deal highlights the sheer value here perfectly: five nights all inclusive at the 4-star Grand Uysal Beach & Spa Hotel in Alanya is available from just £415pp, flying from Liverpool this September.

The hotel also carries a brilliant 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor, making this deal even more of a find.

While self-catering elsewhere looks cheaper on paper, going all inclusive in Antalya is the smart holidaymaker’s move because it covers your food, drinks, snacks, and waterpark access in one single bill.

The Grand Uysal even has its own private beach that’s accessible via a private underpass, meaning you can step from the pool bar onto the sand in thirty seconds without ever navigating the main coastal road traffic. 

Easily my pick of the bunch.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

EUROPE’S highest free public viewing gallery has announced it is closed until further notice.

Horizon 22 is inside one of London‘s tallest buildings, 833 feet above ground level with sweeping views across the city.

However, anyone with tickets will have to look elsewhere as yesterday Horizon 22 announced its closure on social media.

It said: “Unfortunately, Horizon 22 will be closed until further notice. All ticket holders have been contacted.”

It continued: “Please check your email for more details. We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you to Horizon 22 soon.”

It updated customers today with the news that it remains “closed until further notice”.

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And that it will “share our reopening date as soon as we can.”

Talking to Sun Travel, a spokesperson for 22 Bishopsgate explained the issue is a water leak.

The spokesperson said: “Having experienced significant water leakage in certain parts of the building, we have made the decision to close 22 Bishopsgate until we are able to fully operate all our life safety systems.

“We have informed all our occupiers and are working to rectify the issue and to reopen the building as soon as possible. 

“We understand the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause our occupiers and visitors and would like to take this opportunity to offer our apologies.”

Horizon 22 first opened in 2023 and has been extremely popular with visitors as it’s completely free.

Tickets need to be booked in advance and are released every Monday at 10am for the next 14 days.

From the viewing platform, visitors can see London landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Gherkin.

In the meantime, other viewing platforms in the city include The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate and the Sky Garden.

Both are completely free but need to be booked in advance to guarantee entry.

AN AFFORDABLE airline has delayed its flights from a major UK airport – before they’ve even taken off.

AirAsia X was due to launch flights from London Gatwick on August 27, however flights have been removed from the schedule.

The airline has said that due to “prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia” the route is now expected to launch in March 2027.

Benyamin Ismail, General Manager of AirAsia X said: “Following a thorough review of the operating environment, we have made the difficult decision to defer the commencement of our Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick services due to the prolonged geopolitical instability in West Asia.

“This decision was made in view of ongoing safety and operational considerations, with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew remaining our highest priority.

“It is also in line with actions taken by other carriers that have reduced or suspended operations in the region.

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“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and review the route when conditions are conducive to safe and sustainable operations.”

The route will travel between London Gatwick and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, stopping at Bahrain and would’ve operated four times a week and then daily from the start of November.

Flights were set to be on an Airbus A330-300, which with AirAsia X, holds between 285 and 377 passengers.

Despite being a long-haul flight, the airline has been able to make the route low-cost due to the stopover in Bahrain and choosing Gatwick Airport over London Heathrow.

The Malaysian airline already delayed the launch of the route due to conflict in the Middle East.

However, the airline said at the time that it was still focusing on growth, with specific destinations including Busan, Batam, Bahrain and London.

When flights eventually launch, British travellers will be able to head to 100 destinations across Asia through the airline’s Kuala Lumpur hub, including Japan and Sri Lanka.

The airline used to operate budget long-haul flights from Kuala Lumpur to London but the service stopped in 2012.

AirAsia X added that all impacted travellers will be informed and offered either a full refund or credit to be used within 730 days.

If you’re heading to the beach you may see this fun-looking activity on offer, but tourists are being warned that taking part could invalidate your insurance – and other surprising things can also see your insurer refuse to pay out

When you’re on a sunny holiday overseas, it’s likely you get more adventurous and trying some new activities or sports can look more appealing, especially after a few drinks.

But holidaymakers are being warned that taking part in a variety of activities can invalidate your travel insurance, meaning that an accident could leave you up to £80,000 out of pocket.

The travel insurance team at Quotezone.co.uk listed seven holiday activities that could interfere with your travel insurance coverage, and many of them are popular in holiday hotspots. According to its study, 36% would like to try an activity-filled holiday, and 35% said they can’t relax when they are just sunbathing, meaning lots of Brits would be tempted to try out one of these high-octane activities when bored.

Banana boats were among the activities that Quotezone cautioned Brits against. It said: “Whilst most standard travel insurance policies do include banana boats under general water sports, it’s important to do so safely. Not wearing a life jacket, being under the influence of alcohol, or going on a boat that isn’t run by a licensed operator could all result in a rejected claim should you get injured.”

Another thing to look out for on the beach is organised sports events. With the popularity of fitness breaks growing, many Brits now take part in organised sports activities as part of their holiday, but physical strain and injuries might not be covered under your travel insurance in these cases.

Water sports such as scuba diving and jet-skiing can also be risky and may need specialist cover. Some policies cover scuba activities, but only up to a certain depth, and if you don’t dive with a qualified instructor or neglect to follow local laws, you may not be covered in an accident.

Back on dry land, any activities with wheels can be a danger, from hiring a scooter or motorbike to go karting, especially if you don’t wear a helmet or follow local laws. Quad biking is another activity that’s rarely covered by standard insurance policies, but an accident can be extremely costly. A quad biking accident in Greece, for example, that includes surgery and medical repatriation could carry costs of over £80,000 for someone without adequate insurance.

Helen Rolph , travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Many Brits don’t realise that popular holiday activities like jet-skiing or quad biking could leave them thousands of pounds out of pocket if they’re not properly insured.

“Even if coverage is in place, claims can still be rejected if local safety laws are broken, the holidaymakers don’t wear a helmet or are found to be under the influence of alcohol.

“When heading abroad, people often think activities like banana boating and go karting, popular with young travellers, stag and hen parties – are included as standard, but this is rarely the case and could leave thrill-seekers at risk.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The popular airline has shared a booking update for holidaymakers planning their next trip

easyJet has shared a major update for holidaymakers planning their 2027 getaway. While the 2026 summer holidays aren’t over yet, many families are looking ahead to next year. For anyone interested in booking with easyJet, there’s good news.

The airline says its ‘big seat release’ has arrived, and customers can now book seats up until September 2027. Sharing a booking update on social media, easyJet took to Facebook to share the news with passengers. The post said: “Summer 2027 has landed.”

easyJet explained: “Our Big Seat Release is here, meaning you can secure your seat up until 26th September 2027 and start counting down to your next trip.” More information on the easyJet website states: “Summer 2027 flights are now on sale, making it easier than ever to plan your next adventure for the summer holidays and beyond.

“Whether you’re keen to explore somewhere new or revisit a favourite destination, you can book with confidence. Secure your seats for travel between 14 June 2027 and 26 September and start counting down to your well‑earned getaway. Book now and get ready to fly.”

According to the airline’s FAQ page, autumn 2027 flights will also be released soon. Passengers planning ahead can sign up for the airline’s newsletter to find out about upcoming releases. easyJet said its ‘big seat release’ events offer the ‘chance to grab the best fares early for popular destinations.’

If 2026 is anything to go by, travellers in 2027 will be booking destinations inspired by their favourite TV shows, books, and sports. In a blog post dedicated to 2026 travel trends, easyJet said 28% of Brits have been picking destinations based on TV or film.

This could be thanks to inspiration from hit shows like The White Lotus. Sharing a tip for customers, easyJet said: “Instead of the expensive Saint-Tropez, travellers are looking at nearby Toulon or Villefranche-sur-Mer for Riviera glamour at a lower price.”

Book enthusiasts are getting in on the action, too. easyJet said: “Travellers are visiting historic towns rediscovered through classic literature or their modern retellings. Top Spots: Verona (Shakespeare) and Pamplona (Hemingway). Why: People are seeking depth and narrative meaning rather than just ‘chasing novelty’.”

Meanwhile, sports lovers are choosing destinations that offer pickleball and padel when booking active holidays. The airline shared: “Golf holidays are no longer the only game in town.

“One in 10 Brits is now playing pickleball or padel while away. The Hotspot: Spain is the global centre of Padel, with over 20,000 courts and higher participation than tennis.

“Convenience: Padel racquets are small enough to fit in hand luggage, making it an easy addition to a trip.” More information is available on the easyJet website.

HEATHROW passengers to face DECADES of higher fares as the airport is set to recoup costs of its multi-billion expansion plans.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed the UK’s biggest airport will be able to recover up to £320million that it’s spent on its third runway proposal.

The maximum airport charger per passenger will be about 15p in 2028, rising to an estimated 30p in subsequent years.

The higher airline charges, which will be built into the cost of flights, will last for about 20 to 25 years.

Heathrow West, a rival expansion scheme led by property billionaire Surinder Arora, has been given the go-ahead to recoup £4.1 million it spent on its plan in 2025 up to November 25, despite it not giving the go-ahead.

Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) scheme is estimated to cost £33billion, including £1.5billion to move the M25, and is expected to be fully privately financed.

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It would see Heathrow’s annual capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150million passengers.

British Airways, the largest airline at Heathrow, warned that early cost recovery by HAL would create a risk that expansion will be “unaffordable for consumers and inconsistent with a credible benefits case”, according to a CAA document.

Airlines have repeatedly complained that Heathrow has the highest charges of any airport in the world.

Tim Johnson, the CAA’s director of consumers and markets, said: “Our decision strikes a balance between supporting the delivery of benefits to consumers through timely progress on Heathrow expansion, whilst also protecting them from undue increases in costs.

“The costs Heathrow can recover are capped, independently scrutinised and subject to efficiency reviews, helping ensure that passengers only pay for efficient costs that are justified.”

A separate process will be conducted to decide arrangements for costs incurred from 2027.

Last month, the Government launched a consultation on its Heathrow expansion national policy statement, setting out the conditions needed if the project is to be given the go-ahead.

Former chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was determined to get “spades in the ground” for the third runway which is set to be built by 2035.

However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously expressed concerns over Heathrow expansion, stating the plans divert infrastructure investment “away from the North and traps it in London”.

A Heathrow spokesperson said the project will give passengers more choice while providing a “real economic boost to every region and nation of the country”.

He went on: “We have been clear from the start that unlocking the private investment that will deliver these benefits requires a supportive regulatory framework.

“We are carefully considering the CAA proposals and will make investment decisions accordingly.”

A new alert has been issued in Spain

People in Spain have received another urgent warning following a national emergency declaration earlier this week.

Thousands were forced to flee their homes as wildfires tore through sections of the country, although many have since been permitted to return. A new alert from Spain’s national weather agency, posted on X on Wednesday morning, cautions that additional fires could break out. The message, initially published in Spanish, reads: “With the new heatwave, today the fire danger will be very high or extreme in most of the country.

“Take extreme precautions.” Temperatures are forecast to reach 41C today in the central province of Toledo, where residents from nine of 11 evacuated towns were given the all-clear to return home on Tuesday.

Madrid is bracing for highs of 38C, while Zaragoza is predicted to see the mercury climb to 40C, according to the Met Office. Seville, Malaga, and Palma are expected to experience highs of 37C, 33C, and 33C, respectively.

The UK government hasn’t issued any blanket warnings for Spain, though it is advising holidaymakers to remain alert. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to urge Brits in wildfire-affected areas to “follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services at all times; check updates from the emergency services; and call 112 if you need emergency help”.

On Tuesday, Spain’s Interior Minister urged people: “Don’t let your guard down” adding that “a spark, a moment of carelessness, or an oversight can change anything”. The FCDO guidance states: “Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas.

“Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbecue.”

Brits have been urged to make two essential passport checks before heading abroad this summer as data shows more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements

British travellers heading to France, Greece, Italy and Spain have been urged to make a crucial passport check before heading on their summer holidays as new data reveals more than one million UK passports could fail entry requirements.

Brits entering the EU Schengen area must have a passport issued less than ten years before the start of the trip and have an expiry date at least three months after the return.

New data reveals that more than 705,000 UK passports currently have fewer than three months’ validity remaining, meaning travellers would be unable to board their plane.

A further 350,000 were issued more than a decade ago, meaning more than one million could fail entry requirements for some overseas destinations.

Holidaymakers have been urged to check their passports before travelling abroad in the coming months following this new analysis of HM Passport Office data from June 2026.

The 10-year rule is particularly relevant for travellers whose passports were issued before September 2018. Before then, when renewing a passport, HM Passport Office could add up to nine months of unused validity from an old passport to a new one.

This means some passports may still be in date but no longer meet the Schengen entry requirements.

In total, HM Passport Office data shows that 2.37 million passports are due to expire during 2026.

Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Many travellers assume if they have a valid passport they can travel overseas without any issues, but that’s not always the case.

“Some countries, including many popular European destinations, require several months’ validity extending beyond the length of a trip, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for each destination before travelling.

“With more than 700,000 UK passports now having less than three months’ validity remaining, it’s worth travellers taking a few minutes to check theirs before heading abroad.

“Renewing a passport early could help avoid unnecessary stress and reduce the risk of holiday plans being disrupted.”

Why go now?

One of Europe’s hotspots, central Rome has increasingly come to resemble a tube station during rush hour: stifling, overpacked and claustrophobia-inducing. Last year, the Eternal City welcomed a record number of tourists, driven in part by the 2025 Vatican Jubilee – 22.9 million arrivals stayed in the city, almost 10 times the number of residents.

There is no sign of the great tourist boom slowing down, either, with local sources indicating that 2026 could steal the crown from 2025.

Yet while holidaymakers stream out of Rome’s main railway station, Termini, making a beeline towards the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia, few realise that a 20-minute walk in the opposite direction leads to one of Rome’s most overlooked quarters: San Lorenzo.

Built in the late 19th century for the working-class community, San Lorenzo carries more modern historical weight than many of its city-centre counterparts. During Benito Mussolini’s rise to power, both local residents (sanlorenzini) and the Arditi del Popolo (AdP) – an anti-fascist military group – were involved in acts of resistance.

During the little-documented 1922 battle of San Lorenzo, members of the AdP resisted squadrist incursions into the neighbourhood, forcing them to retreat under gunfire. Five months later, during the March on Rome, barricades were erected to prevent the blackshirts from entering the area. Though 13 people were killed in the unrest, fascist forces never fully controlled the neighbourhood. It became known as the red zone, symbolising its leftwing politics.

Tragedy struck again towards the end of the second world war, when allied bombing destroyed swathes of the area and killed about 1,500 sanlorenzini.

Today, the living situation in this counterculture quarter is a lot less combative. Students from nearby La Sapienza University mingle with artists, creatives and longtime residents who have remained rooted in their working-class, leftwing identity. Although it has had a cash injection, and clubhouse chains Soho House and Social Hub have opened their doors, the neighbourhood has retained much of the character that sets it apart from Rome’s increasingly crowded centre.

Where to eat and drink

Sticky menus with photos of food on them are thankfully few and far between, as are plates of carbonara for more than €10. The district’s Pizzeria Formula 1 is a rite of passage for those living in the area. The no-frills spot has served up Roman-style thin-crust pizza since 1978, specialising in classic toppings such as margherita. Its interior matches what is served: a wood-lined room with white ceilings that looks like it hasn’t been touched since its opening. Both old and young come for meals that rarely stretch beyond €10 per head.

A few minutes away is Osteria da Marcello, a family-run fixture since 1961. Before Marcello Santececca and his wife, Alessandrina, opened their doors, the premises catered largely to fagottari, diners who bought food from home and wine from the establishment. Typical Roman dishes, such as stewed tripe, deep-fried Jewish-style artichokes (carciofi alla giudia), cacio e pepe pasta, and braised oxtail are served on plates placed on paper-covered tables in a dining room retaining its indoor picnic atmosphere.

It’s not just inexpensive eateries that prevail. Nena Mercato e Cucina, run by Italian actor Cristiano Caccamo and his business partner Lorenzo Biancolella, represents a newer side of San Lorenzo: trendy without pomp. Tiled tables and plates hung on the walls lend a Spanish feel, while the menu reworks old-school Italian staples with a sprinkle of modernity, from duck fettuccine with parmesan foam to carbonara with truffles.

Those with a sweet tooth can cleanse their palates with a bona fide gelato from the aptly named Gelato San Lorenzo, which serves flavours ranging from the obscure (avocado, lemon and pepper) to classic (strawberry).

Nearby, 103-year-old chocolate factory SAID dal 1923 serves up desserts centred on chocolate. Display cabinets show off handmade pralines and truffles, and chocolate-making paraphernalia dangles from the walls, offering a reminder of the zone’s industrial past. Come autumn, the chocolatier’s rich hot chocolate is moreish enough for Augustus Gloop to want to wade in.

As dusk falls, Piazza dell’Immacolata becomes the neighbourhood’s unofficial living room, where raucous university students spill out with beers and plastic cups of wine in hand.

Wine bars are few, but it doesn’t mean they are non- existent. Hidden in plain sight is minuscule Ramnes, a wine bar where patrons and newcomers revel in conversation between sips of local wine (such as the crisp Bellone) and beverages from slightly further afield (such as velvety reds from nearby Abruzzo).

Cultural experiences

Much like central Rome, faith makes up a part of San Lorenzo’s sightseeing. The Basilica of St Lawrence Outside the Walls was built around the tomb of the quarter’s namesake. The basilica is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and houses the relics of St Stephen. The original church was destroyed by allied bombings in 1943, with the latest facade rebuilt from the rubble.

In keeping with the religious theme, tree-lined Verano Monumental cemetery (known as Il Verano by locals) offers a place of reflection and tranquillity away from the hubbub of the area. The 83-hectare burial ground is divided into Jewish, Catholic and Protestant sections, with a monument to the victims of the first world war. The resting place of Italian acting icons Alberto Sordi, Bud Spencer and Gigi Proietti, it’s Rome’s answer to London’s Highgate cemetery.

Beyond piety, San Lorenzo’s modern spin stands out. Where central Rome is defined by frescoes, San Lorenzo is defined by street art. As in any neighbourhood, there’s a fair amount of graffiti, but then there are standout pieces such as Marina Biagini and Elisa Caracciolo’s Murale contro il Femminicidio (Mural Against Femicide, 2012-13), each of the 107 figures representing a victim of femicide from the year before. Rome-born street artist Alice Pasquini painted a block-long mural called “Welcome to San Lorenzo” along Via dei Sabelli. Street art tours are frequent.

San Lorenzo’s creative identity extends beyond the streets. It is also a key destination for contemporary art in Rome, anchored by the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, a former pasta factory transformed into a cultural centre in the 1970s, with frequent exhibitions. Independent galleries and creative spaces also contribute to the area’s broader artistic ecosystem, including Collettivo noMade and Monti8.

Where to shop

With not a pristine Gucci bag or a sharp suit in sight, alternative, vintage clothing is high on the priority list for sanlorenzini. There are many secondhand clothes shops, such as Latini 34, where everything from boldly coloured preloved trench coats to shoes can be found. You can also find artisanal leather goods at Laboratorio Pellerossa, and handpicked garments from little-known designers across the globe at L’Anatra all’Arancia. Music-aficionados can pick up a range of vinyl from Ultrasuoni Records Roma.

Don’t miss

It’s pretty hard to miss Giardino Verano in the summer, an open-air space near Il Verano; noise and laughter can be heard throughout the quarter. The four-month-long summer festival hosts (every day until October) free concerts, an outdoor cinema and drinks and games until 2am.

Where to stay

There’s little in the way of plush hotels in San Lorenzo but Ateneo Garden Palace (doubles from €188) is set with a sizable courtyard, and offers spacious, airy rooms. Down the road, the newly opened Social Hub (doubles from €250) offers all the facilities from onsite restaurants to a rooftop pool with a bar.

Halfway through a ride on Universal Studio Hollywood’s new coaster, I didn’t know whether to laugh or scream.

The track turned, angled so my car was completely vertical to the ground, a cliff below me. And then my ride vehicle ever so slightly started to twist, to drift as if banking around a tight curve in a video game. Straight down from me was rocky terrain, but if I looked up and beyond the tracks, I had perhaps the best view of the Valley I’ve ever seen.

Granted, it was fleeting. But I was alternately in awe and fearful of what Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift was presenting before me. I held onto my lap bar, gripping it tighter as I lifted out of my seat, and I couldn’t help but smile at my predicament. I was in a mini, expertly re-created Toyota Supra, hanging over a bluff. I was soaring, the sensation of a car careening off a canyon, only here, my life, thankfully, wasn’t at risk. And I didn’t want it to end.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is intense, yes, but more important, it’s a delight. It’s a roller coaster not just full of thrills but of surprises, of wondering where and when a coaster vehicle will be spin, careen or accelerate. Every turn, twist, flip will leave you guessing. And it’s the smoothest coaster I’ve ever been on, a feeling that lends it a sense of approachability not typically found in rides of this speed and unpredictability.

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It is also a ride that will forever change the tone and tenor of Universal Studios Hollywood, a destination that just two decades ago was largely a behind-the-scenes showcase dedicated to movie-making magic. No more. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the foremost theme parks in the nation, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and now one of the strongest thrill rides in Southern California, changes that haven’t always been met with approval by the park’s neighboring Toluca Lake residents.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift surprise-opened to guests Monday afternoon. The ride is in technical rehearsals, a soft opening, more or less. That means it’s still in a testing phase and may not always be running. If getting on the coaster is a priority for you, it’s best to wait until Universal gives it a grand opening.

A look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift careening over the park’s escalators.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

The coaster — designed by Universal, manufactured by Intamin — has long been circled as the most important theme park attraction of 2026, a feat of engineering nestled on a steep hill between the park’s upper and lower lots that was 10 years in the making. Boasting 4,100 feet of track, two towering inverted loops as well as a pretzel loop and the ability to reach 72 mph through four individual launches, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is full of unique attributes, including its ability to go above and under the park’s famed escalators.

But those not attuned to coaster speak need not be overwhelmed. Know only that at times you’re upside down, at times you’re on your side, some moments you’re facing the ground, others you’re glancing at the horizon, and then you may suddenly be flipped backward. And before you have time to worry about it, you’ll be rocketing forward.

The four cars, all expertly themed to storied vehicles from the film franchise in which the coaster takes its name, can rotate 360 degrees. The choreography is sudden, but not jolting and never gratuitous. I’ve gotten motion-sick on other coasters that can rotate, ones specifically in which designers have opted to move the vehicles in time to a soundtrack, but here, the movement is cleverly attuned to the track. If we spike upward at an angle, the cars twirl as if taking off in flight. A dive downward, and we may hear braking noises as the cars lock in a side-facing position. In short, the vehicles feel forever aligned with the designed course. I rode Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift twice with no issues.

Unversal Studios’ Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift features expertly created mini cars.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

And those cars! They are not small. I’m 6-foot-2 and more than 200 pounds and I had ample leg room. And I know those bigger than I am have had no issues riding this new coaster, which seats four per vehicle. Modern coasters aren’t always known for their accessibility, but Universal has created a ride that should be accommodating for many. The ampleness of the cars, coupled with the smoothness of the track, allows Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, I believe, to alternately appease those seeking high thrills while not freaking out those who may be more coaster cautious. The goal here is fun, not to terrify.

Universal has crafted some spectacular coasters in recent years: Florida’s Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Stardust Racers and Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, among them. Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not just a worthy addition to that portfolio, but a ride that many, I bet, will declare their favorite. Universal Creative, the division of the company responsible for theme park experiences, and especially the Universal Studios Hollywood team led by Jon Corfino, have accomplished what, just 10 years ago, would have been unthinkable. A high-speed outdoor coaster, in a landlocked studio tour park? Far-fetched, at best.

But instead, it’s a reminder that theme parks are where we go to imagine the impossible.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.

Ride on,

Todd Martens

P.S.

Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride typically comes out every Tuesday, but we occasionally publish special editions (like this one!) when we have breaking theme park news. Make sure you’ve signed up to be the first to know.

A SMALL but much-loved holiday resort in the UK is set to get a load of new attractions.

Ribby Hall Village near Kirkham, Preston, has announced plans for a new high ropes course, netted play area and outdoor activity zone.

The new attractions would be at the Wildlife Discovery area in the five-star holiday park and also feature a go-kart track.

A new entertainment centre is already approved for the holiday resort as well.

Ribby Hall Village has a range of accommodation including self-catering cottages and an adults-only spa hotel.

Guests also get unlimited access to a family pool with waterslides and an adult pool.

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And much like Center Parcs, you can book onto a number of different activities including heading to the indoor soft play as well as an onsite zoo and wildlife centre.

For more entertainment, there are also a number of daytime and evening shows.

Across the village, guests can head into a number of family restaurants, bars and cafes.

Summer breaks cost as little as £32 per person per night.

One recent visitor said: “Not our first visit to Ribby hall but as usual had a fabulous break with the family – we have chosen Ribby hall over our former choice of Center Parcs as Ribby represents so much better value for money.”

Another visitor added: “Loved it here, obvious comparison is with Center Parcs and I would pick Ribby Hall.”

Fylde Council has not yet announced when they will make a decision on the application.

BOOKING a holiday in advance doesn’t necessarily pay off anymore and more Brits are leaving up until the last-minute to book a break.

loveholidays found that year-on-year bookings for holidays departing the next day are jumping 26 per cent.

The most popular destinations for these spots include Majorca, Tenerife, Antalya, Costa Blanca and Ibiza.

Sun Travel did some digging of our own, and found some of the best last-minute loveholidays breaks with some flights leaving as soon as tomorrow.

Ona Don Juan, Spain

The four-star hotel in the coastal town of Lloret de Mar is a short-flight away and there’s plenty to do from paddling in one of its three swimming pools to tennis, and trying out the games room.

There’s even an on-site nightclub for those who want to enjoy their break well into the evening and the local beach at Lloret de Mar is a short walk away.

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A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Ona Don Juan starts from £459pp – including return flights to Bournemouth departing on July 29

Cosmelenia Hotel Apartments, Cyprus

Found in Ayia Napa, this hotel is a great find for soaking up the Cypriot sunshine it also has cosy rooms, a swimming pool and food is served throughout the day.

For fans of waterparks, WaterWorld which is one of the biggest in Europe with 30 rides and attractions is a short walk away.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £519pp – including return flights to Manchester Airport from July 31 returning

Hotel Troya, Tenerife

This hotel is in Tenerife’s resort of Playa de las Américas a resort known for having beaches, nightlife and restaurants all in one place.

The Hotel Troya has three outdoor pools and a full spa with a sauna and Jacuzzi – it also has two restaurants and bars including one that’s right next to the pool.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Hotel Troya starts from £609pp – including return flights from Bristol Airport on August 1

Sol Costa Daurada, Spain

In the heart of Salou, Costa Dorada is Sol Costa Daurada which has Mediterranean-style rooms and plenty of places to eat from its buffet restaurant to poolside bar.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a separate one for children with sunloungers dotted about – guests can try their hand at games like table tennis.

A four-night holiday for two people on a full board basis at Sol Costa Daurada starts from £429pp – including return flights from Manchester Airport on July 29

Hotel Playa, Spain

Yet another Spain pick is to Hotel Playa in Torrevieja which is within walking distance of a local beach and rooms to suit families and couples too.

The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools as well as a gym, restaurant and bar – for activities, there’s the opportunity to go cycling and the hotel has live music during the evenings.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £479pp – including return flights departing Manchester Airport on July 29 and returning on August 3 to Leeds Bradford.

Hotel Matheo Villas & Suites, Crete

If you fancy splashing out on a last-minute holiday, head to Crete – the hotel is found in Malia which is a popular resort on the island.

The hotel has three swimming pools with sunlounger beds, a wellness area, and a poolside restaurant serving up Greek specialities.

A five-night holiday for two people on a full board basis here starts from £689pp – including return flights departing East Midlands Airport on July 30

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

A NEW ferry linking a quirky English seaside town with France is setting sail in just a few weeks.

The crossing will take around eight hours with each sailing limited to 12 passengers.

SailLink has teamed up with award-winning sailor Michel Desjoyeaux, who will personally skipper each journey from Shoreham to Fécamp, Normandy.

Mr Desjoyeaux, the only sailor in history to have won the Vendée Globe, a round-the-world sailing race, twice, built the wind-powered catamran from parts of other race boats that had already sailed round the world.

He hopes to prove that regular, wind–powered crossings can become a practical alternative to traditional cross-Channel ferries.

The pilot project will run from September 8-13 .

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Billed as a fishing port and religious pilgrimage site, Fécamp is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and Benedictine liqueur.

The sailing itself retraces the historic voyage of Charles II, who reached Fécamp from Shoreham in 1651.

Ticket prices start from £220 for a one-way trip, with return journeys starting from £440.

Tom Willis, chief executive at Shoreham Port, said: “We are delighted to see Shoreham Port working with SailLink and the Port of Fécamp to offer this unique cross-Channel crossing experience.

“As global warming challenges the way we travel, wind propulsion offers a compelling alternative.”

Tickets for the pilot project go on sale on August 1.

A mum-of-three who left the UK three years ago and moved her family across the world has said the biggest reason for moving abroad was how expensive things are at home

A mum-of-three has claimed her “life is better” after taking her family across the world to escape the cost-of-living crisis. Many Brits have been feeling the pinch over the past few years, with the cost of everything from food to energy bills and petrol costs skyrocketing and leaving everyone with less money in their pockets.

But while many of us look at ways we can cut our spending by being more frugal with our food shopping or cutting back on family holidays, one mum has taken matters into her own hands – by moving somewhere more affordable. Lucy Richardson shared a video on social media in which she said rising costs were one of the biggest factors in deciding to move her family abroad for a new life.

In a video shared on TikTok, Lucy explained that she, her husband, and their three young children decided to leave the UK in 2023. They now live in Bali, Indonesia, where prices are so low that she can completely fill her moped for just £4 – and the tropical weather and gorgeous views are just a bonus.

She said in her video: “The cost of living in the UK was completely out of control, and that’s why we left. We left nearly three years ago because two full-time working parents were not enough for us to sustain the life that we had in the UK.”

Lucy revealed that she and her husband were working full-time to try and support their family and pay their rent, but were finding that they were barely getting by and described their situation as “surviving” and not “living”.

She continued: “We just felt like we were constantly chasing our tail and constantly paying stuff out. Then we had this tiny little pot left over to actually enjoy ourselves and do things that we wanted to do. Then, because there wasn’t enough money, we would put it on a credit card, and then we were in this massive circle of debt.”

The mum-of-three said she could see her family being in this cycle for years, potentially never being able to live their lives until they were retired, by which point they could be “too ill or too old” to enjoy it.

What’s more, Lucy felt like she was missing out on spending time with her three children, as they were growing up without her while she worked full-time to support them. So, the family made the decision to leave the UK and move to Bali.

She said: “It was a crazy, vicious circle that I didn’t want to be a part of. So we left. We now have a much simpler life.

“Today, we just filled up our moped for £4. The same petrol that you have in the UK, and that’s a full tank that’s going to last me for two weeks. Four quid. It’s absolutely crazy.

“Now, we have a much simpler life. We don’t have to go to a nine-to-five [job], and I get to see my kids’ childhoods. So I know what I would rather pick, and that’s why we left the UK. So many people ask, and it’s the cost of living. It was just too high.”

Many commenters on the post praised the mum for having the courage to take her family across the world for a better life, with many saying they wish they could do the same.

One person said: “Well done, you, for taking that step and leaving the UK to better your lives. We are a family of five and totally understand where you are coming from. We class ourselves as the working poor. Working but have nothing to show for it because everything goes on paying taxes and bills.”

Another added: “Agree totally, Britain is a rip off. You did right in getting out.”

A third posted: “Same here. We left six years ago for Spain and it’s so liberating. Our relatives can’t believe how much less we pay month to month here and can now appreciate why we left.”

DEVON has lots of beautiful seaside towns, but when it comes to finding one that is more peaceful than most, it can feel tricky.

Sidmouth in East Devon is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and, surprisingly, has no arcades or rides.

And soon the spot will be getting a £21million glow-up.

The multi-million pound project will focus on protecting Sidmouth’s seafront.

There will be new offshore breakwaters, a 120 metre beach groyne, flood gates and a number of repairs to existing sea walls.

Ultimately, the upgrades will help to not only protect the seafront, but homes and businesses in the area too.

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When visiting the Victorian seaside town, make sure to head to the Blue Flag-awarded beach, which is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in the UK.

Have a look at the cliffs as well, which form part of England‘s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As for the town, instead of amusement arcades, loud sports bars and dodgy street food vendors, you’ll find galleries, antiques shops, independent boutiques and tearooms.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding has previously visited the town and said: “Growing up, I always associated Sidmouth with ‘that place that had donkeys’.

“This is due to Sidmouth being home to the free-to-visit Donkey Sanctuary that has over 100 donkeys that they have improved the lives of.

“Away from the sanctuary, I also visited the beach on occasions growing up.

“Sidmouth is pretty, but I often think people also forget how impressive it is with the dramatic cliffs dating back 200million years.

“They are part of the Jurassic Coast – which is made of vibrant reed sandstone cliffs from the Triassic period.

“They are a wonder to see and within the area, there are many places to go and things to do where families can learn more about the Jurassic Coast.”

A HISTORIC UK train station has partially reopened after a massive fire forced its closure last week.

Paignton Station in Devon sits in the heart of the town centre and acts as a gateway to one of the three towns on the English Rivera – a popular summer family holiday spot.

Last week, a fire broke out at the station causing “significant damage”.

Three boys aged 13, 15 and 16 were arrested on suspicion of arson.

Despite the damages, Great Western Railway and Network Rail have confirmed that services returned to the station from 8am.

Services to resume include between Paignton and Newton Abbot.

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However, due to a damaged platform the station cannot currently host nine carriage trains, which provide direct services between the town and London Paddington.

If you are due to travel to London, you’ll need to head to Newton Abbot or Exeter St Davids instead, for the time being.

There are also currently temporary entrances and exits at the station, as well as temporary ticketing facilities.

And the car park remains closed.

According to the BBC, Daniel Parkes from Network Rail said that they are working to restore “services as swiftly and as safely as possible”.

He added that “work to fully rebuild parts of the station will continue for some time”.

THE most beautiful buildings in the entire world have been named and one surprising estate from the UK has made the list.

However, if you want to visit the pretty British attraction book to go as soon as possible is set to close for a multi-million pound revamp.

The Barbican in London has taken second place to India‘s grand Taj Mahal as Time Out’s 26 ‘most beautiful buildings’ to see in 2026.

The free-to-visit landmark attracts over a million visitors each year and is set to undergo a huge upgrade to save it falling into disrepair.

At the estimated cost of £231million, The Barbican will upgrade its indoor rainforest in its Conservatory which is home to 1,500 species of plant.

Also included in the plans is to protect Barbican’s brutalist foyers and lakeside terrace.

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Outside in the courtyard, the pond will be revamped to stop water leaking onto the Metropolitan Line below – there will be new fountains and seating outside too.

The visitor destination is already free to visit, and this will continue once the revamp is complete.

The refurbishment project is set to start in 2028 when it will close until 2029.

The Barbican was pipped to the post by the Taj Mahal, a picture-perfect landmark in India built in the 1600s – it’s not hard to see why it got top spot.

Coming in third place was the Hallgrímskirkja in Iceland which is a church standing at 244 feet.

Not only is it a place of worship, but it has an observation tower where visitors can get incredible city views.

In Europe, other honourable mentions go to the Sagrada Familia in Spain which is very near completion after 140 years.

The outside of Gaudi’s basilica was completed in February, but there is some work still to do before it’s officially finished.

The Twist in Norway came in twelfth position and is a spectacular art gallery that is also used as a bridge.

It’s part of the Kistefos Sculpture Park and sits across the Ranselva River.

Another UK building did make the list coming in at number 21 – and it’s the Maggie’s Centre at St James’s Hospital in London.

The publication described it as having “mushroom-shaped forms grow from the floors to form the tiered roofs, and the stems are deep enough to contain loos and lifts.

“The space is decorated with mostly natural materials – think cork-topped tables, resin floors and cascading potted plants.”

Some more classic monuments and structures on the list include The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Pantheon in Italy and Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan.

Colombia‘s impressive Santuario de Las Lajas comes in at number 19.

The enormous basilica sits on a bridge over the Guáitara River – it has been a pilgrimage destination since the eighteenth century and now gets up to 900,000 visitors each year.

Here’s the full list of Time Out’s ‘world’s 26 most beautiful buildings to see in 2026’…

1. Taj Mahal, India
2. The Barbican Estate, UK
3. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland
4. Sagrada Familia, Spain
5. Museum SAN, South Korea
6. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
7. Fallingwater, USA
8. Ad-Dayr (The Monastery), Petra, Jordan
9. Fondation Louis Vuitton, France
10. Trinity College Library, Ireland
11. Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali
12. The Twist, Norway
13. Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran
14. Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh
15. Pantheon, Italy
16. Palmenhaus at Schönbrunn Palace, Austria
17. Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam
18. Museum at Eldridge Street, USA
19. Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia
20. Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Australia
21. Maggie’s Centre (St James’s Hospital), UK
22. Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile
23. Futuna Chapel, New Zealand
24. National Holocaust Monument, Canada
25. Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda
26. Enryaku-ji, Japan

BUDGET airline easyJet has just released its flights for next summer and you could grab a bargain.

EasyJet‘s Big Seat Release means travellers can now book flights up until September 26, 2027.

Travellers can choose from 140 destinations across Europe and North Africa and can fly from 22 airports.

And package holidays can be booked up to October 31, 2027.

Sun Travel looked at the current cheapest flights available and here are the best offers at the time of publication.

You could head from Newcastle to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, one-way on September 8, 2027, for £26.48.

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Alternatively, from the same airport, you could head to Nice in France for £26.48 one-way.

From Birmingham Airport, you could travel to Paris, France, on June 29 for £29.48 one-way.

Or head to Amsterdam for the same price, on June 15.

If you don’t mind spending a few more quid, there are several flights for £32.48 from the airport, including to Bordeaux on August 26, Berlin on August 30, Prague on June 16 and Geneva on September 8.

There are several flights from Manchester Airport for £32.48 one-way.

These include to Paris on June 22, to Amsterdam on September 7, to Copenhagen on June 15 and to Rennes on June 30.

For a bit of Spanish sun, you can head to Barcelona from Leeds Bradford Airport for £34.98 one-way on June 16.

Or you could head to Porto in Portugal on August 6 from Glasgow for £32.48 one-way.

If you can’t wait for a holiday until then, you can get 15 per cent off selected flights if you book by Friday, for holidays between August 1 and September 30, 2026.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “Whether customers are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Mediterranean, a city break with friends or a family getaway during the school holidays, our Big Seat Release for next summer gives them the chance to get ahead and start planning.”

Unity Holidays has summer holidays under £400 across its three holiday parks but they’re giving families an opportunity to stretch their budget that little bit further

The school holidays have officially kicked off and if you’re tempted to book a last-minute holiday with the kids then you’re in luck, as there are plenty of late deals to be found.

Unity Holidays is already offering up to 25% off all summer breaks, but that’s not the only saving to be had with the holiday parks firm. For every summer break booked by September 28, 2026, Unity Holidays are offering a £100 food and drink voucher that can be used at any of the venues on site (excluding the grocery stores).

To claim the voucher, simply use the code UNITY100 when you book your staycation on unityholidays.co.uk.

There are three brilliant locations to choose from; Unity Beach in Somerset from £396, Skirlington in Yorkshire from £399, and Seven Lakes from £209. All three have undergone a major £10million transformation just in time for the summer too; we’re talking the likes of new lidos with cabanas, water parks with plenty of fun slides sure to be a hit with the kids, upgrades to bars and venues, and a host of new activities to book including archery and axe throwing.

The parks are dog-friendly too, and there are even new dog agility parks for those who want to let their fluffy friends run off plenty of energy too!

Unity Beach’s brand new lido has already been a hit since opening earlier this month, thanks to its new heated pools (including one specially designed for children), alongside its indoor pool, splash zones and slides.

Former Olympic swimmer Baroness Sharron Davies MBE was at the opening, and said at the time: “At a time when we are seeing the amount of swimming facilities in the country dwindle – we’ve lost 500 since 2010 – to have Unity Holidays investing millions in pools and lidos across the country, and creating jobs for local people, is tremendous.

“They are enabling children to gain water confidence and learn to swim, while giving families a stunning location to enjoy amazing spaces to play and relax. Our seaside towns need this injection of funds, and I was honoured to officially open the lido and water park in Brean while also seeing first-hand how impressive what a modern, 21st-century family holiday park has to offer can be.”

You can find out more about the new lido on the Unity Holidays website.

It’s not just Unity that’s got tempting food and drink offers this summer. Haven for example has a number of different deals ranging from ‘Kids eat for £1’ to ‘Two mains for £20’ at its onsite venues (you can see the full list on the Haven website), while Parkdean Resorts recently introduced all-inclusive packages at its holiday parks that include three meals a day, as well as unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee.

The change has just come into place for the peninsula, and Brits flying to the area will need to make sure their travel documents meet the new requirements, or could find themselves stranded at the airport

Budget airline easyJet has issued a warning to Brits flying on any of its four routes from the UK to a popular holiday hotspot visited by approximately 1.3million Brits every year, as new entry requirements came into force earlier this month.

In a statement, easyJet said: “From 15 July 2026, Gibraltar will align with Schengen entry requirements. If you’re travelling to Gibraltar, please check that your travel documents meet the new rules before you fly.”

The airline operates four routes from the UK to Gibraltar International Airport from Birmingham, Bristol, London-Gatwick, and Manchester. The only other airline that operates from the hub is British Airways, which has a London-Heathrow service.

The airline set out the key changes, saying: “UK visas and UK residence permits/share codes will no longer be accepted for entry to Gibraltar.” It also clarified: “Passports for travellers from non-Schengen countries (except Ireland and Cyprus) must have been issued within the last 10 years, and be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Gibraltar.”

The requirements are now aligned with what Brits can expect at the other 29 countries in the Schengen area. This means they’ll need to go through registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES). EasyJet added: “Before travelling, please make sure you have the correct documents for your journey to avoid any issues at the airport, you can check the government website.”

While Gibraltar remains a a self-governing British Overseas Territory, as of July 15 a post-Brexit deal has allowed the border with Spain to be removed, getting rid of border controls and customs checks for those passing between Spain and Gibraltar.

Historically, the border has caused hold-ups and long queues for locals as it has had to handle an average of 15,000 people passing through it each day for work, education, and social purposes.

But the change means that, while Gibraltar still has autonomy, it’s now a de facto part of the Schengen free-movement area, which is why Brits will notice a change when visiting the territory. The EES system will involve the same fingerprint and face scans as the EU requires at every airport.

The FCDO added: “On arrival at Joshua Hassan Gibraltar International Airport, you should expect two sets of checks which will satisfy entry into Gibraltar and the Schengen Area: Gibraltar entry immigration controls performed by the Gibraltar authorities and Schengen entry immigration controls performed by the Spanish authorities as the authorities of the neighbouring Schengen State

“This includes registration under the Entry/Exit System (EES) where it applies. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will also apply once it is operational. Once you have cleared these checks, you can move freely across the land border from Gibraltar into Spain and the wider Schengen Area.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

AN airport in the UK has issued a warning for anyone travelling there this week, due to a major road closure.

Bournemouth Airport has said passengers will need to allow extra time there due to this, with fears of disruption.

From tomorrow until July 31, Matchams Lane just beyond the Dorset airport will be closed for ‘essential maintenance’.

Passengers arriving that way by car can expect disruption from its junction with Avon Causeway and Bostwick Lane.

The road will be closed to all vehicles from 7am to 6pm on all three days.

For drivers there will be no parking and no waiting at any time on the road.

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There will be a diversion in place, but as a result, Bournemouth Airport has told passengers to allow ‘extra time’ when travelling.

BCP Council added: “These arrangements may be amended/extended should works overrun or weather conditions delay operations; restrictions may be in effect under this Notice for up to five days, and extended by a further Notice or Order.

“The Council regrets any inconvenience to the public caused by this temporary prohibition.”

This comes just one month after Bournemouth Airport hiked its costs at short-stay pick-up and drop-off charges, with some fares doubling.

Motorists who use the pick-up and drop-off zone of the car park now have to pay £8 for up to 30 minutes of parking which is an increase of £2 from last year.

Stays between 30 and 60 minutes have doubled in price, now costing £15 to park, compared to £7.50 previously, with one to four-hour parking priced at £20.

AS many as one million Brits could have invalid passports – which could see them banned from boarding their flight at the airport this summer.

New research conducted by Compare the Market has found that hundreds of thousands of passports are falling foul of two major rules.

The research analysed HM Passport Office Data in June 2026.

One of the more common mistakes is passports not having at least three months left on them.

This is required for more European countries like France and Spain, and the study found that as many as 705,904 passports in the UK don’t follow these guidelines.

Some countries require even more than this – Turkey need 150 days and Egypt needs six months – so Brits need to check how long they have left after the expiry date before booking a holiday.

NO SHARM NO FOUL

Egypt passport rule to be aware of after family banned from flight

PASS IT ON

Turkey passport rule Brits need to know about or risk being BANNED from flight

This recently caught out one family who were forced to miss their ‘dream holiday’ to Egypt because one of their passports had less than six months left on it.

Another rule that holidaymakers are still breaking is the 10-year rule, which no longer allows passports to be more than this.

Pre-Brexit rules allowed passports to carry over 10 months from the previous document, meaning passports could be 10 years and 10 months.

But those extra 10 months are no longer seen as valid, and it is thought that as many as 347,268 passports could be out of date due to this.

Anyone with a burgundy passport, issued before September 2018, are affected by this.

This has affected a number of families already this year, including one who were forced to miss her 50th birthday abroad and was lest £900 out of pocket.

Tim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “Many travellers assume if they have a valid passport they can travel overseas without any issues, but that’s not always the case. 

“Some countries, including many popular European destinations, require several months’ validity extending beyond the length of a trip, so it’s important to check the entry requirements for each destination before travelling.

“With more than 700,000 UK passports now having less than three months’ validity remaining, it’s worth travellers taking a few minutes to check theirs before heading abroad.”

The study also warned of the risk of passports being stolen or lost, with more than 422,000 reported this last year. This works out to more than 1,100 a day.

He added: “While some travel insurance policies will cover lost and stolen passports, there are specific conditions and policies vary so it’s always worth comparing different deals and checking details of your cover to ensure you get the right level of protection for your circumstances.”

If your passport is lost abroad, you will need to apply for an emergency one at the British embassy in that country. Here are some other passport rules you need to be aware of this summer to avoid holiday chaos.

Passport Rules

Everything you need to know about passports