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The iconic Dorset beach featured in one of the most emotional scenes in Ryan Gosling’s new film, and fans are now visiting the picturesque Jurassic Coast location for spring walks

One of the most iconic coastal spots was recently featured in Ryan Gosling’s latest film, Project Hail Mary, and the good news is it’s located right here in the UK for those who want to visit.

There’s always a thrill when you recognise a familiar location in a film or TV programme, whether it’s a documentary or the backdrop for a fictional tale. While the UK serves as a popular setting for numerous blockbuster films and television series, one of this year’s biggest cinema releases actually filmed one of its most memorable scenes in the UK – and it’s accessible to visit right now as a stunning walking destination.

That’s precisely what one London-based couple decided to do, bringing their dog, Presto, along to the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset to see the Project Hail Mary filming location after recently watching the film at the cinema.

“Cried at the cinema at this beach so we went in real life,” they captioned their video, before sharing footage from their day trip adventure.

Without giving away any spoilers, the beach serves as a significant location for one of the film’s characters, with several of the more poignant scenes captured here, making it particularly meaningful for fans to experience. That said, the breathtaking views alone make the journey worthwhile.

Durdle Door stands as one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. Situated on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset, it forms part of the stunning Jurassic Coast.

The coastline holds such exceptional geological significance on the world stage that UNESCO designated it as England’s first natural World Heritage Site in 2001, placing it alongside iconic natural treasures such as America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The stunning natural limestone arch was created when powerful waves eroded the rock and carved a hole through its centre. The name Durdle comes from the old English word ‘thirl’, meaning to pierce, bore or drill.

The film also features the neighbouring Man O’ War Beach, which visitors can normally reach via a footpath. However, the pair revealed that during their late March visit, storm damage had swept away the steps leading down to this beach, rendering it currently inaccessible.

Still, they weren’t bothered, as they were able to take in the spectacular views from the clifftops overlooking the beach.

How do you get to the Jurassic Coast? If you’re travelling by car, you can park at the sizeable car park reached through Durdle Door Holiday Park. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk down a steep path to the steps above the beach.

For those without a car, the iconic landmark is also reachable by bus, with a brief journey from Wool in Dorset taking you straight to the beaches.

The London pair weren’t alone in their admiration for the landmark, as numerous others quickly flooded the comment section to share their own visits.

“Went back in 2022 and loved it, need to go back again now that I saw it in the film,” one person wrote. Someone else added: “I wish I hadn’t seen that this was in the movie before we saw it but it was special seeing it with my boys who I took there in 2022.”

WHEN on holiday, the place you choose to stay doesn’t have to be boring – so why not choose one where your breakfast is delivered by pulley system?

Set in a woodland around two hours from Paris is Les Cabanes de Fontaine-Châtel, with treehouses that sit up to 12 metres from the ground.

All of the treehouses have been individually designed to fit the tree that they are in.

Littered throughout the woods, the treehouses are between a five and 20 minute walk from the reception for the ultimate peace.

There’s the Berceau, which is suspended 12m high with a ‘puzzle’ bridge you need a harness to get across.

Or try the Terrier which has two zip lines, one of which is 50m long.

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Thankfully some are much lower, with ‘Siamese’ treehouses sleeping up to eight people.

Each one is totally off-grid, meaning no Wi-Fi, no electricity and no water.

But don’t worry about having to venture out for your early morning breakfast – as each is delivered by rope.

With fresh pastries inside, guests can hoist up the hamper by a pulley system connected to the treehouses.

Other treehouses are accessible either via a suspension bridge or even zipwire.

Each treehouse has dry toilet facilities, although additional toilets and showers are then available by the entrance to the site.

There are some that are more accessible than others, with trails to them – ideal for families or those with accessibility needs.

You’ll need to bring your own towels and sheets, though you can also rent some from reception.

One recent visitor said: “Brilliant place to stay, with incredibly made tree houses.

“We stayed in the family hut – Robin de Bois with four kids from zero to 10-years-old and had a great time.

“The breakfast basket was delivered on a rope and pulled up, with the bread and croissants still warm!”

Stays start from £120.15 a night based one for two adults.

If you want to explore the surrounding area, the French city of Rouen is just 20 minutes away.

Dubbed the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, Rouen is famous for its Gothic Cathedral (painted by Monet) and as being the site where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.

Visitors can explore the cathedral to retrace Monet’s footsteps as well as head to numerous museums and art galleries, as well as explore the Old Town.

Another thing to do is to wander through the Old Town, which is full of cobbled streets.

The quickest way to get from the UK to Rouen is by catching the train or hopping on a flight to Paris, and then catching an hour-and-a-half train costing about £8 per person, per way, to Rouen.

For more places to stay with treehouses, here’s some of the best with free wine, cheese hampers and hot tubs.

Plus, the new cosy treehouses in the middle of the Cotswolds.

CATCHING fish has never been top of my holiday to-do list.

But from the moment my six-year-old son Alex spotted a boat offering fishing trips in the Cretan harbour of Panormos, he pleaded to go on one.

And when he offered to pay with his pocket money, I knew he was serious.

With three-hour excursions starting at 50 euros a head, I buckled under the pressure and am so glad I did.

Panormos is a village in the Rethymno area of the Greek island, 45 minutes from Heraklion Airport in the north and where Eva’s Fishing is based.

The owner, unsurprisingly called Eva, spent years fishing for a living before welcoming tourists.

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After taking us through stunning caves, with crystal-clear water, she put bait on to our poles and insisted: “You will find it the most relaxing thing you ever do.”

She wasn’t wrong. And now, pardon the pun, I am hooked. We caught fish after fish and it was relaxing, but also exciting and fun.

Back on land, Eva has an agreement with a lovely restaurant, Agkyra, to grill her customers’ catch and they served ours with roasted vegetables and lemon butter.

Although Alex had seen her gut and descale the fish, my husband Chris and I watched in amazement as he tucked in enthusiastically — even picking his way through the bones and asking for more.

I opted for tzatziki and a Greek salad.

With wine, complimentary orange cake and a shot of raki, it cost less than 25 euros for all three of us.

The boat fun was the highlight of our holiday —  but not the first exciting trip.

On our flight from Manchester, with Tui, Alex got to visit the cockpit — then the fancy ceiling lights of our airport taxi made us feel like we were in a limo.

Our hotel, The Royal Senses Resort & Spa, which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, was also pretty fancy — and not least its reception, with floor-to-ceiling gleaming glass doors and the smartest- looking staff you have ever seen.

By the way, those staff were also the kindest of teams, ensuring each guest felt like a VIP.

Like Yorgos, who ushered us into a golf buggy to whisk us to our room — and let Alex help with the driving.

Along the way, Yorgos pointed out the kids’ club, as well as the main pool, a waterslides zone, adult pool, gym, spa, bar and four restaurants.

There are 178 rooms, ranging from doubles to villas, and spread out up a hill so that each has a sea view.

A cable car-style glass lift travels up and down the hill, lest you have to work too hard.

We were upgraded to a room with, joy of joy, a private plunge pool.

Our room had a kingsize bed plus sofa-bed for Alex, plenty of storage, a coffee machine, free bottled water, fluffy white towels and locally made toiletries crafted from olive oil and mandarin.

But we didn’t get to relax in our room for long.

At 5am, Alex was up, trunks on, goggles ready and raring to go. And breakfast only added to his giddiness.

Although he tucked into fresh pineapple and watermelon, I struggled to divert him from the temptaion of fresh cookies, pancakes, cakes and waffles.

I loved the Cretan breakfast with rusks, fresh tomato, olive oil and feta cheese while Chris struggled to resist the free- flowing fizz.

The hotel isn’t bang on the beach but its sister, The Royal Blue, is and guests share facilities.

There is a free shuttle bus but we walked.

It took five minutes and there’s a supermarket en route.

Although the city of Rethymno, with an old Venetian harbour, is just 30 minutes and 25 euros away in a taxi, we loved the relaxed vibe in Panormos.

It is six minutes from the hotel by taxi, £7 each way.

Or the green and yellow Magic Train travels by road to and from the village several times a day. It’s £2.60 for kids over five and £4.35 for adults.

It felt like an easy funfair ride and Alex loved it.

Panormos has a sandy beach, church, bakery, supermarket, taxi office and a few tourist shops.

We bought olive oil from a man whose family have farmed locally for hundreds of years.

There are several restaurants, too.

Our No1 was the Locus Deli, on a cobbled pedestrian street where local musicians played Greek music and Alex ran around, danced and played with the local cats.

It served Greek food with a modern twist.

We had chicken with pistachios and a fava-bean dip with fresh basil oil.

Even the child pasta was made with chopped local tomatoes.

With drinks, our bill came to less than £50.

The hotel also offered great dining options.

The evening buffet had amazing variety, plus homemade pizzas that could have come from Italy.

Other treats included a restaurant with Michelin-starred chef — which welcomed kids and offered adult mains from £30 — as well as wine-tasting evenings.

Musicians played of an evening, and the hotel even invited loom weavers to demonstrate their art — we crammed a new bath mat into our suitcase, which was already bulging with pottery after a Tui trip to Margarites.

The mountain town stands on rich clay, and pottery has been made there since 3000BC, during the Minoan period.

But my best trip was to the hotel spa. It’s the largest on Crete, with therapeutic thalassotherapy seawater pool.

I celebrated my birthday on holiday so also had some pocket money.

And during an hour-long massage for £58, chiropractor Costos rid me of longstanding shoulder knots.

We spent our last night at Geropotamos Beach’s Old River taverna, 1km from the hotel.

As Alex played on the beach and the sun set, we had some very drinkable local wine and reminisced.

We agreed few places could beat Crete, for its warm hospitality, fab food, glorious beauty — and modes of transport.

A MAJOR airline has slashed the price of fares by 50% for summer as the Middle East war tumbles demand for long-haul flights.

Etihad is now offering some of the lowest ever prices seen for long-haul flights from the UK for May and June as it kicks off a price war with Gulf airlines.

Travellers can get return economy flights with the gulf airline from London to Sydney, via Abu Dhabi, from £688.

This is almost three times cheaper than flying to the Australian capital with British Airways (BA), via Singapore, on the same dates – which is £1,850 in economy.

The Foreign Office is currently advising against all but essential travel – which doesn’t include holidays – to the United Arab of Emirates amid the ongoing conflict.

But Etihad, which is the official airline of the UAE, appears to be gambling on hopes that the situation in the Middle East will have eased by next month.

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An Etihad insider told The Times, which analysed the airline’s prices: “As soon as travel picks up, we want to be back to flying planes 100 per cent full in all cabins, as we were before the conflict. These prices will help.”

The airline is also offering market-leading fares to other popular destinations from the UK, including the Maldives, Tokyo and Bangkok.

Brits can get return economy flights to the Maldives with the airline in May and June from £581 – compared with £3,380 with British Airways.

Flights to Singapore are form £391, but are £980 with BA.

Emirates and Qatar Airways, the other main Gulf airlines, have not cut their prices.

Demand for long-haul flights has plunged since the war in Iran first broke out at the end of February, with flights cancelled and the Foreign Office issuing “do not travel” warnings for countries in the Middle East.

Countries in Europe including Spain have seen demand rise, as Brits look for alternative destinations to travel to.

The UK Foreign Office states: “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates.

“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

TORONTO has long been a place of discovery and invention.

Insulin, for example, was discovered at the city’s university in 1921.

While the CN Tower was the world’s tallest building until 2009, when it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

Decades on, the city continues to impress with its newness.

It is gearing up to stage the country’s first World Cup match as Canada co-hosts the tournament alongside Mexico and the US.

There will be six games in Toronto — including Canada’s opening Group B match against Bosnia Herzegovina — and the region is prepared for an influx of visitors thanks to its Fan Festival with huge screens, music, art and food.

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WHY SHOULD I GO?

Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities and you can experience a flavour of that at the Royal Ontario Museum.

If you are a sports fan but didn’t manage to bag World Cup tickets, head to the Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays.

Canada’s only Major League Baseball team, play in the shadow of the CN Tower.

Adrenaline junkies can walk the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, 1,168ft in the air.

It’s not for the faint-hearted though, so if you have a fear of heights you may want to head to the observation deck instead.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

Absolutely — make sure your footwear is sturdy.

But also pack your flip flops for a visit to the car-free Toronto Islands, home to gorgeous beaches and waters you can paddle in.

Ward’s Island Beach is the place to head for spectacular sunsets, while in the opposite direction is Hanlan’s Point, a nudist beach where shoes — and everything else — are optional.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?

Niagara Falls hardly needs an introduction and it’s absolutely worth a visit.

The huge waterfall is jaw- droppingly magnificent and you can sail directly into its base on the Maid Of The Mist boat tour (adult tickets start from £22).

You will be provided with a poncho for the trip but it’s rather flimsy, so I’d recommend bringing your own waterproofs too.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

The 206-year-old St Lawrence Market is the best choice for those who can’t decide as it is home to 120 vendors flogging an abundance of seafood, meats and artisanal cheeses.

The peameal bacon sandwiches from Carousel Bakery are legendary.

If you are after dinner with a view — and motion sickness isn’t an issue for you — try the 360 Restaurant inside the CN Tower.

True to its name, the restaurant slowly revolves to give you a full panoramic view of Toronto.

It takes 72 minutes to complete the rotation so, unless you’re a speed-eater, you’ll get the full cityscape with your meal.

I FANCY A DRINK . . . 

King Street West in downtown Toronto is known for its thumping nightlife.

You may even spot a few A-listers, as Toronto International Film Festival holds its red carpets and premieres there.

For something a little less raucous, the Harbourfront area is lined with cool bars, many of which offer a skyline view of the Toronto Islands.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

The Chelsea Hotel is very well located.

From the airport, you can take the UP Express to Union Station, then jump on the subway and you arrive at the hotel in under ten minutes.

Moments from Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square and Toronto’s answer to Piccadilly Circus) the hotel is in the heart of the action.

It’s Canada’s largest, with nearly 1,600 rooms spread across 26 floors.

Of course, Canada’s largest hotel isn’t short on entertainment, either.

The highlights include a rooftop terrace, two restaurants and a 130ft water slide in its family-friendly pool area.

ALONG the Essex coast are well-known seaside towns like Southend, Clacton-on-Sea, but most won’t have heard of Brightlingsea.

The seaside destination is visited far less than its neighbours, and is said to have one of the ‘best kept traditional high streets in the East of England‘.

During the summertime, Brightlingsea is much quieter than its neighbours where holidaymakers are more likely to flock to.

However, it’s shingle beach is recognisable thanks to its line of colourful beach huts on the promenade.

The Blue Flag beach is popular for paddling too and has excellent water quality.

On a clear day, holidaymakers can even see across to Mersea Island.

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One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor called it a “traditional beach without the noise.”

Another added: “Very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”

As well as a beach, Brightlingsea also has its own beachside lido, with tickets from £3.50 to £5.

There’s no date for the lido reopening for 2026 but last year it opened for the season in May.

Around the corner from Brightlingsea Beach is its harbour which in the summer has an influx of visitors by boat.

In the summer months, Brightlingsea can get as many as 2,500 visiting yachts in a single season and hundreds of local boats.

For anyone wanting to visit neighbouring islands, it’s here you can hop on a ferry to the likes of East Mersea and Point Clear.

Unlike other towns across the country, Brightlingsea’s high street is considered one of the ‘best kept traditional high streets’.

Rather than lots of typical chains, it’s dotted with independent shops.

Some sell records and plants like Roots & Grooves; others like Toggs is where you can pick up women’s clothes and handbags.

For another seaside stay – head up the coast to this pretty Norfolk town…

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

BOOK A STAY

There are also beauty salons as well as food shops like Joy Thai Spices and Bumbles greengrocers.

Little Boat Gifts is a sea-themed shop filled with lots of knickknacks and gifts while at River Colne Food Co. Deli there are lots of homemade treats like chocolate brownies and cinnamon rolls.

Opposite is Ye Olde Swan, which is a pub, bed and breakfast, and is one of the oldest buildings in the town dating back to the 1300s.

Another pub on the high street is The Brewers Arms and head to Winkies for takeaway fish and chips.

Minutes from the high street is the popular Rosebud Pub & Seafood Restaurant which is the top-rated spot to enjoy seafood in the town.

Here you can get an entire seafood platter for £26.

When it comes to where to stay, Brightlingsea has its own Hoseasons holiday park.

It has a choice of holiday caravans from the Bronze which has two bedrooms, an open lounge, kitchen and dining area.

In April, a stay for four in a Bronze caravan starts from £10 per person per night.

Here’s another pretty seaside town that’s one of the UK’s driest places…

Shoeburyness is a small town along the Essex coastline that’s one of the driest places in the country…

It has a lower annual rainfall average than the rest of the UK – not to mention it has two Blue Flag beaches and is just one hour away from London.

Thirteen minutes from Southend-on-Sea is the lesser-known coastal spot of Shoeburyness.

The town is home to around 22,000 people and is one of the driest places in the country.

Its position on the southeast coast means it gets less rainfall than other spots around the UK.

Shoeburyness records an average of between 526.78mm and 527mm of rain per year.

In comparison, the average annual rainfall for the entire UK is 1,163mm – Shoeburyness receives less than half of that.

So, it’s no wonder that lots of people flock to the town to visit its two Blue Flag beaches; Shoebury Common and Shoebury East Beach.

Shoebury Common is a sand and shingle beach that’s popular with families during the summer.

But it’s not just bucket and spade friendly, or for paddling, though. It’s also a popular place to launch boats and jet-skis, and is good for kitesurfing too.

Plus, here are 10 of the most affordable English seaside towns for Easter holidays with £1 rides, £2 pints & mega cheap hotels.

And here are our favourite old-fashioned English seaside resorts – with quaint promenades and retro beach huts.

This seaside hotel is arguably one of the most famous in the UK, and it overlooks the city’s long shingle beach and lively promenade, as well as being just steps from the easily-recognised pier

A weekend at a seaside hotel is a classic British staycation. From windswept walks on the promenade to fish and chips on the beach, it’s fun no matter what the weather.

Seaside accommodation can vary massively from independent B&Bs to chains, and a recent article by Which? uncovered some of its inspectors’ favorite seaside hotels from across the UK, with properties from Fife to Kent making the list.

However, clinching the number one spot is a five-star property that overlooks the famous Brighton Beach. The Grand is over 155-years old, and has had a complete refurb in recent years, restoring much of the former glory to this long-running hotel.

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Even among Brighton’s long promenade which hosts many huge hotels, the Grand stands out as a landmark of the city. Its marble columns and iron balconies harking back to when Brighton was a stylish seaside destination for Victorians.

The hotel has over 200 rooms, from simple doubles with comfy beds to grand sea-view suites, and each room has suitably nautical colors and touches that will get you in the mood for seaside fun.

Downstairs, guests can relax in the thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, and steam room, or can book a spa treatment such as a facial or massage, the perfect end to a long day exploring the city. It also has a stylish restaurant overlooking the seafront, where you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea or a dinner menu featuring freshly caught seafood.

Staying at the Grand means you’re just a short stroll from many of Brighton’s attractions. Brighton Palace Pier is a must-see. Dating back to 1899, it’s another example of Brighton’s ornate Victorian architecture, and you can enjoy amusements, fairground rides, bars, and colourful end-of-the-pier shows.

Explore the Royal Pavilion and gardens, a unique Regency-era palace inspired by Indian architecture. This ornate building is often compared to the Taj Mahal on the outside thanks to its dramatic domes and minarets. A newer addition to the skyline is the Brighton i360, an observation tower that gently lifts visitors 138-metres into the sky. Walk around the glass viewing pod and you can enjoy sea views on one side and the city and the South Downs on the other.

Holidaymakers bringing kids along, or just those who love seeing colourful creatures, will enjoy SEA LIFE Brighton. It’s the world’s oldest continuously-running aquarium, having been open since 1872, and includes the classic glass tunnel for spotting sea animals up close.

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The Lanes and North Laine are also must-visit areas when you spend a weekend in Brighton. North Laine is full of colourful independent shops offering vintage clothes, unique household items, and artworks, while The Lanes include boutique shops, stylish cafés and upmarket restaurants. As the name implies, these are found down narrow, pedestrianised streets where you can wander for hours and find the city’s hidden gems.

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

April 3 (UPI) — The Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, said Friday it suffered a cyberattack, but not a breach of data earlier this year.

The country’s top art museum said nothing had been damaged or stolen in the attack.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that hackers had infiltrated the museums’ IT systems and taken access codes, internal maps and the locations of closed-circuit cameras and alarms, then demanded ransom.

But the museum disputed that report, saying its security systems are inaccessible from outside the museum, the BBC reported.

Corriere reported that the attackers moved through interconnected systems, computers and phones, learning the museum’s operations. It said a ransom demand was later sent to museum director Simone Verde’s personal phone threatening to sell data on the dark web.

The Uffizi houses priceless masterpieces by Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. It’s the home of The Birth of Venus, by Botticelli; Venus de’ Medici, a Greek sculpture by an unknown artist; and Annunciation by Leonardo.

Italian media have reported that the attack forced authorities to move some of the museum’s collection into secure vaults. But the Uffizi stressed in a note shared with Politico that the attack was “nothing like the Louvre,” referencing the $100 million jewel heist last year that eventually forced its director to resign. The items stolen from the Louvre have not been recovered.

The movement of items to vaults, which included Medici-era treasures, was because of ongoing renovations, the museum said.

Former Prime Minister and former Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi criticized Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, an ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for not protecting the important museum.

“Hackers are attacking the Uffizi Gallery and threatening our cultural heritage. I wonder: what is Minister Giuli doing and what has he done?” Renzi posted on X Thursday. “Did he notice or is he too busy playing the flute in honor of the god Pan … ? And what is the National Cybersecurity Agency doing? Or is Italians’ money just going into software like Paragon that spies on journalists? I’ll submit a question. I’m curious to see if anyone will have the courage to respond.”

On March 22, a three-minute heist resulted in the loss of three paintings by Renoir, Cezanne and Matisse from the Magnani-Rocca Foundation in Parma, Italy.

Centuries before Donald Trump started playing around with the world economy, “tariff” was a levy paid to Spain by ships using the strait of Gibraltar; it was named for Tarifa, the town near the strait’s narrowest point. France’s kings had long dreamed of a waterway linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean: as well as depriving the Spanish monarch of easy money, it would save ships a long voyage around Spain and Portugal, risking storms and pirates.

From the Atlantic, vessels can reach Toulouse from the Gironde estuary (on the Garonne River), but not until the 1660s did anyone have a viable plan for the remaining 200km to the Med. Considered one of the biggest engineering feats of the 17th century, Pierre-Paul Riquet’s Canal du Midi (finished in 1681 and called the Canal Royal du Languedoc until the revolution) rewrote the history of transport and commerce in the south of France – for centuries it carried wheat and wine, people and post.

In 1996, Unesco added the canal to its world heritage list, citing the way Riquet “turned a technical achievement into a work of art”. Today, the canal attracts more than 70,000 visitors a year, almost three-quarters of them from outside France. From La Ville Rose (as Toulouse is known) to the sea, here is how to enjoy it, however you decide to travel.

Toulouse-Carcassonne

The canal south-east of Carcassonne sees the most tourists; the Toulouse side has fewer attractions, but is enjoyably quieter, all sunflower fields and old windmills. In centuries past, horse-drawn barges would make their first stop at Négra lock; it’s a good place to clock the unusual oval shape of the lock basins, which helps the stone walls withstand water pressure. The inn that served passengers lunch is now a Locaboat rental firm, which hires out barges sleeping from two to 12.

The technically minded will enjoy the Seuil de Naurouze, the canal’s highest point, where it crosses the watershed between the Atlantic and the Med. Key to Riquet’s plan was feeding the canal with water channelled from the Montagne Noire, north-east of here. It’s a peaceful spot, with an avenue of plane trees leading to an obelisk commemorating the engineer. A short walk away, Le Pas de Naurouze offers a meaty (this is south-west France) but excellent set lunch for €23.

Eight miles on is Castelnaudary, home of rib-sticking bean cassoulet, invented while the town was besieged by the English in 1355: try it at the renowned restaurant Chez Marty. The coming of the canal boosted this town’s fortunes: waterside terraces on its lake-like Grand Bassin have an expansive feel, and a 10-minute climb to the restored 17th-century Cugarel windmill offers great views. Across the water, Le Grand Bassin is, in high season, an eco-friendly holiday let sleeping 15, but in shoulder season it lets out individual en suite rooms from €90. Handy for the station and boat jetty, it also offers cycle storage and repairs, and luggage transfers.

Carcassonne – and on

Much has been written about Carcassonne’s medieval citadel, but it is best avoided in the summer season. The canal grows more attractive from here though, even if the towpath gets bumpier. Sleepy villages in golden stone include Trèbes, between the canal and the Aude River, with its 13th-century church, marina and Sunday market. A lovely walk south-east takes in the Domaine des Pères olive oil mill (book visits online), and a three-lock flight on which boats drop seven metres of their 80-metre descent to the Mediterranean.

Paraza, 25 miles on, is an arty village, home to several studios and the unfortunately named CLAP gallery (Centre Local d’Art Parazanais). Château de Paraza winery offers tastings – and luxury castle rooms for a splurge. Cheaper options include Domaine Méditerranée (from €85) with a pool and dinners on request.

Toulouse is just under 200km from the sea, but the canal’s many loops and meanders add another 40km. One loop, just after Paraza, runs to France’s first canal aqueduct, the 1676 Pont-Canal de Répudre, the parapets of its one-arch bridge spanning the river of the same name.

Escape the canal

There’s a holiday feel to the route after Capestang. The countryside is more open, there are more pleasure craft on the water, and plenty of attractions.

It’s worth detouring a few miles to the village of Saint-Chinian, in Languedoc’s oldest winemaking area. It has narrow streets, shady squares and a Benedictine abbey, but also lots of ways to get active. Rock climbers can tackle any of 15 routes up the magnificent west-facing Notre-Dame cliff nearby. There’s kayaking on the Vernazobre and Orb rivers, horse riding and cycling among the vines on Oenovélo 1, a mostly off-road bike route that links Saint-Chinian to the canal at Colombiers (see below). This makes a nice change if you have been riding the towpath for days.

South of here is the circular, spiral-built village of Puisserguier, topped by its 1,000-year-old battlemented castle (entry free but hours can be erratic; try +33 6 62 14 70 96). Then it’s back to the canal at Capestang, with its chunky stone bridge and great market (Wed and Sun) by the tall Saint-Étienne church. There’s good food at Le Pourquoi Pas, right by the canal a few miles west, while La Pause Sous le Pin (doubles from €90 B&B) is a welcoming B&B with a pool and garden, five minutes’ walk from the centre.

To Béziers and the coast

The area around the ancient village of Colombiers used to be classic Insta-worthy Canal du Midi – curved stretches of waterway reflecting rows of tall planes – but severe canker stain infection saw about 1,600 trees felled. Many have been replanted, though, and are now thriving. Before Colombiers, there are two sites of note. The Oppidum d’Ensérune is a Gallic hill fort dating from the sixth century BC (€9 including museum). A scenic walk away (and free) is the world’s oldest canal tunnel, the Malpas, bored through a ridge. Finished in 1680, it takes just a few minutes to pass through but is a unique experience for boats, bikes and walkers.

Colombiers is the place to take to the water if you haven’t already. Sunboat offers permit-free day boats for 4-12 people from €35, all with cushions and sunshade; larger ones have a Bluetooth speaker and table for musical lunches. There are also rowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards to hire – and guided sightseeing trips. Colombiers’ 12th-century chateau is mostly closed for restoration, but there are guided tours on Wednesdays. Check out the wine cellars, glazed in multicoloured metro tiles.

Just outside Béziers is maybe the canal’s most remarkable sight: the “nine locks” of Fonseranes, allowing boats to drop 21 metres. It’s a lively spot, with plenty of spectators on the banks. Boats now enter and leave via basin seven, so the flight is six locks, but it’s impressive all the same.

And relax …

The canal empties into the Étang de Thau at Les Onglous, but boats would then cross the lagoon to unload at Sète harbour, which Riquet also designed. Sète is a pretty, lively port town, with train links on to Marseille and Avignon or back to Toulouse. It has canals of its own, sandy beaches, a covered market and traditional water jousting tournaments (great fun to watch). Les Terrasses de Saint-Clair is a peaceful B&B with three bedrooms (from €130), pool and boules court on the hill between the port and lagoon. After a canal odyssey of any kind, Séte makes a great place to stay still for a few days.

Find information about this year’s events at canal-du-midi.com

According to a flight attendant for a major UK airline, there’s a big difference between the seats you choose on the plane, and the extra legroom might not always be worth it

Securing extra legroom on a flight is often seen as a major perk, but a flight attendant has revealed that it can have a major downside.

Adam Hodge, 35, originally from Newcastle, has worked as Wizz Air cabin crew for eight years, and during that time he’s travelled to around 30 countries. He loves nothing more than providing the best service to his passengers, and knows the cabin like the back of his hand.

So much so that Adam, who is based at Luton Airport, knows exactly where the best seats are on a plane, the seat he’d recommend for nervous flyers, along with the seats that are the least desirable. And while most travellers long for extra legroom so they can stretch out, he said it’s actually more “restrictive”.

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Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam explained: “It’s all great having the extra leg room at the emergency exit, but the problem is, you can’t have your bags on the floor for take-off and landing, and you can’t have your headphones on. They’re great as you do have a bit more space, but they are more restrictive.

“For me, I like to have my bag under the seat so I can get stuff in and out of my bag when needed, change my headphones, or get a book out. So it’s good to have more freedom and flexibility.”

There’s one desirable spot Adam suggests securing on the plane, but it has to be within specific rows. “I always recommend a window seat.”

On his own seat preference, Adam, who is also a representative on Wizz Air’s Cabin Crew People’s Council, added: “I don’t like to be at the very front, but I don’t like to be at the very back. I like to be in the middle.” Therefore, he recommends that passengers choose a window seat between rows 5 and 10 or 25 and 30.

“It’s the middle, but it’s not right at the back or right at the front,” he added. “You still have easy access to the toilet, or you’re not having to wait long for the trolley service to pass by.”

In reference to securing a window seat, the flight attendant noted: “For me, I like to see what’s going on, take some photos, especially if we’re flying over the Alps, for example.

“The aisle is great too if you like a little bit more access to get in and out, but not the middle aisle. I call it the friendship seat. I’ve made some very good friendships over the years sitting in the middle seat, but I definitely prefer a window.”

Having spent almost 10 years flying to various destinations, Adam has been able to explore some of the lesser-known holiday spots, with Wizz Air operating more than 750 routes across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. One capital he couldn’t recommend more highly is Tiranë, Albania.

“Not only does it have the city, but it also has the beach and coastal areas as well. It has the best of both worlds. If you want to do a city break, or visit the beaches along the coast, and towards the top are the European destinations similar to the Maldives,” he said.

“Tiranë has everything, and it’s very good value for money.”

For more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

A travel content creator based in Tenerife believes there are five common mistakes tourists make when visiting the largest of the Canary Islands and has advised how to avoid making them

If you’re planning a getaway to Tenerife in the near future, a travel content creator based in the popular Canary Islands resort has highlighted five common blunders many visitors make. Taking to TikTok, Tenerife Ambience suggested that such missteps stop tourists from experiencing the “real” island.

Around 2.3 million Brits flock to the sun-soaked destination each year. However, Brits travelling to Spain this weekend could face severe travel disruption amid major airport strikes.

More than a million travellers could be hit by industrial action taking place at popular destinations across Spain. Tenerife Ambience warned against falling victim to these pitfalls.

Staying only in the South

“The South is for sun and hotels,” Tenerife Ambience said, “but the soul of the island is in the North (Anaga, La Orotava, Garachico) – that is where the real magic begins.”

Fearing the North’s weather

Connected to the previous point, Tenerife Ambience urged prospective holidaymakers not to be deterred by the supposedly more challenging weather conditions in the island’s northern region. “Mist in the laurel forests is not a ‘bad forecast’,” they explained.

“It is the most photogenic atmosphere you will ever see. Just pack a light jacket.”

Overlooking logistics

While mountain roads may look short on the map, these winding ‘serpentine’ routes require time to navigate. Therefore, Tenerife Ambience recommends: “Do not rush through the drives. Tenerife is not for hurrying.”

Visiting Teide

Mount Teide is a 3,718-metre-high active stratovolcano situated on the island, and is an absolute must-see. However, Tenerife Ambience cautions against visiting around midday, when it tends to be heaving with crowds.

“The heat and crowds kill the scale of this place,” they said. “Stay for the sunset. Watching the sun go down above the clouds is a life-changing experience.”

‘Tourist’ food

Rounding off Tenerife Ambience’s list is a word of warning about dining out. “Forget frozen paella in the ports,” they advised. “Look for Guachinches in the North. Local wine and fresh octopus are the true taste of the island.”

For those who love exploring on foot, Tenerife Ambience has put together five “iconic” oceanfront routes to “feel the real energy” of the Atlantic, taking in “wild cliffs to misty palm groves”. In their own words, these are:

1. Costa de El Sauzal. A hidden scenic boardwalk directly above the crashing waves.

2. El Médano to Montaña Roja. Windy dunes and a stunning view of the Red Mountain. Pure freedom.

3. Lago Martiánez to Playa Jardín. The best of Puerto de la Cruz: saltwater pools, black sand, and lush parks.

4. Punta del Hidalgo. Walking between huge volcanic mountains and natural ocean pools. North side vibe.

5. Rambla de Castro. A lush palm forest trail right above the powerful Atlantic ocean. A total fairytale.

Newly opened Ella Álkyna is an adults-only, all-inclusive 5-star resort on Corfu’s west coast with stunning sea views and private pools

There arrives a moment in life when the notion of an adults-only, all-inclusive resort suddenly seems less of a luxury and more of a relief. No inflatable pool toys hurtling towards you, no frantic early-morning buffet chaos – simply sea vistas, excellent cuisine and the freedom to do absolutely nothing if that’s what you fancy. That’s precisely the atmosphere Ella Álkyna delivers to Corfu’s west coast.

Recently launched and positioned high above the dramatic bay of Agios Gordios, it’s crafted as a sophisticated, luxury retreat, yet without the eye-watering bill you’d typically encounter at other 5-star Mediterranean resorts.

The accommodation

The resort boasts 349 rooms, suites and villas, all orientated towards the Ionian Sea to ensure the panorama is practically inescapable. I stayed in a private pool sea-view room, which swiftly became the standout feature of the entire visit. At the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, you can also reserve charming comfort rooms that still offer equally stunning vistas.

Inside, the design is serene and modern, featuring touches of pale timber, sandy hues and linen finishes that mirror the scenery beyond. But the genuine showstopper is the terrace. My compact private pool gazed straight out across the water, meaning mornings commenced with a pre-breakfast swim and evenings frequently concluded with another plunge as the sun descended behind the cliffs. Bathrooms are spaciously proportioned with rainfall showers and sumptuous robes, reports OK!.

The resort Álkyna is carved into the hillside overlooking Agios Gordios beach, and the location is breathtaking. The resort’s terraces tumble downwards, meaning virtually every spot – from the pools to the dining areas – boasts sweeping sea vistas. Amenities include two primary outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and a contemporary spa and wellness centre.

One point worth noting: the sunloungers surrounding the main pools tend to get snapped up fairly swiftly as the morning progresses. There’s no requirement for a crack-of-dawn towel dash, but if you’ve got your eye on a specific view, it’s wise to head down following breakfast rather than waiting until mid-afternoon.

Food and drink

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Dining takes centre stage here, with three restaurants – Cocura, Nafs and Lucáta – plus six bars dotted throughout the resort. Several of the culinary concepts were developed alongside Michelin-starred chef Alex Tsiotinis, which accounts for why evening meals feel more akin to a chic metropolitan eatery than a typical hotel buffet.

Anticipate abundant Mediterranean touches such as grilled seafood, seasonal vegetables, regional olive oil and dishes crafted for leisurely, convivial dining rather than hurried consumption. Most tables are positioned outdoors, as you’d expect, meaning dinner frequently comes accompanied by a sea breeze and a stunning sunset.

It’s worth noting, however, that Corfu’s late-summer wasp season can make alfresco dining slightly more animated than anticipated. They appeared especially drawn to sweet cocktails and anything containing honey during my visit, so a touch of patience or a well-chosen seat makes all the difference if you’re planning to go in August or September.

What’s on offer at the resort

There’s no shortage of activities if you fancy keeping busy. Visitors can take part in fitness classes, yoga and Pilates sessions, or indulge at the spa with massages and facials designed to promote complete relaxation. I was especially taken with the on-site Roée Wellness spa’s Finnish sauna and steam room, and enjoyed the most soothing (and aromatic) 50 minutes of tranquillity thanks to the bespoke massage featuring Greek botanicals and natural oils.

Exploring the local area

The resort is located near the charming village of Agios Gordios, where traditional tavernas dot the seafront and the sunsets are renowned throughout the island. If you venture out just once, I’d urge you to visit Akrogiali Family Taverna, where I sampled the finest honey-drenched baklava and ice cream of my entire life.

I’d also strongly suggest making the journey to Kaiser’s Throne in the quaint town of Pelekas, merely a 20-minute drive away. The walk is brief, and the restaurant perched at the summit serves superb Greek salads alongside endless emerald vistas. For a change of scenery, Corfu Town is approximately a 30-minute taxi journey away and certainly worth a visit. Its Venetian alleyways, independent boutiques and bustling squares make it one of Greece’s most characterful island capitals. Boat excursions along the west coast are also sought-after and showcase some of Corfu’s most striking beaches and secluded coves.

Book it

Comfort Room with Sea View prices start from £215 per night based on an all-inclusive basis. To book, visit here. Flights to Corfu from major UK airports are served by Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and more.

A scenic train journey from London to Geneva via Paris offers some of Europe’s best views – and can cost half the price of a plane ticket at around £135 return

A rail journey linking three capital cities boasts some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery—and could set you back half the price of a flight.

The Eurostar and France’s TGV whisk passengers from London to Geneva, making the very most of a trip that spans three nations. The train departs from St Pancras with a change in Paris before heading onwards to the Swiss capital.

It’s a nearly six-hour journey in total, passing through Montbard, Dijon and Bourg-en-Bresse, offering stunning vistas of national parks and rolling countryside. Passengers can hop off in Paris to discover the city—with landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Champs-Élysées, Sacré-Cœur and the Louvre.

Once the train pulls into Geneva, visitors can take in Lake Geneva, Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre, the Palais des Nations, the botanical gardens and the Brunswick Monument.

From there, it’s also a brief trip to the nearby Alps, with day excursions available from the city to ski or snowboard on the slopes and savour the local restaurants. The train can be half the price of a plane ticket. According to Skyscanner, return flights this month cost up to £394.

During the same period, return train tickets cost around £135, half the price of a flight, according to Trainline.

Families can also cut costs by purchasing Interrail passes—£482 for a family of four to travel on four days within one month, plus seat reservation charges. And expense isn’t the sole advantage.

According to the Times, four passengers journeying from London to Geneva and back by rail produce approximately 44kg of carbon emissions, compared with 108kg by car and 1,608kg by plane. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that, to maintain climate change within sustainable limits, each person has a carbon “budget” of 1,500kg of carbon emissions per year.

Although there are a number of factors that determine how polluting different forms of travel are, such as the type of electricity production used to power trains, riding the rails is typically greener than flying.

Back in 2023, carbon calculations made by the Rail Delivery Group found that travelling by rail from London to Edinburgh creates 10 times fewer carbon emissions than by car and 13 times fewer than by plane.

One of the tricky considerations for passengers is generally cost, with budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air typically offering cheaper plane tickets than the equivalent train tickets.

The route from London to Geneva shows that it is not always the case. The price gap between the two forms of transport may also be getting smaller.

Travellers are facing rising airfare costs and reductions in flight schedules as the conflict in the Middle East causes oil prices to soar, with concerns that ticket prices could remain elevated for months even if the war de-escalates. Cathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways are among a growing number of airlines increasing fares to offset the hikes.

While train services are also impacted by rising oil prices, fuel tends to be a much smaller proportion of their operating margins than with airlines.

While Center Parcs is a great family choice, it’s certainly not the cheapest. So, could a short journey to Europe actually save you money? We compared the price of a break in the school holidays at the two holiday parks

Center Parcs may be famous for its massive swimming pools, endless family activities, and beautiful lodges, but it’s also notorious for being a bit expensive, especially once you hit the school holidays.

Despite its prices, the five Center Parcs in the UK and one in Ireland has no trouble attracting families. But if you’re on a budget, you might be wondering if it’s possible to enjoy the Center Parcs experience without the premium prices.

One option that many families with school-aged kids will be looking at is staying in a European Center Parcs.

Although it is run by a different company, there are 28 Center Parcs holiday parks across Europe, and they can be found on the Belgian and Dutch coast, deep in Germany’s forests, and even close to Disneyland Paris, so there are lots of locations to choose from.

While accommodation prices are lower than those at Center Parcs in the UK, I was curious whether, once travel costs were included, it would still be a cheaper option.

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Which is cheaper?

Firstly, I looked at a short break in May half-term week, from Monday, May 25, for four nights. I priced this up as a family of four with two school-aged children and looked for the cheapest options.

In the UK, the cheapest park seemed to be Whinfell Forest, Cumbria, and the least expensive accommodation was a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge, which comes with a dishwasher, private patio, and pretty much everything you need for a family staycation.

This came in at £1,349 and the price includes entry to the famous subtropical swimming pool, adventure playgrounds, and cycle routes.

It does sting a little that the same break a week before is £599, showing just how dramatically the price differences can be for the school holidays.

Onto France, and for a short break, most parents would likely opt for somewhere without too long a journey. Center Parcs Les Bois-Francs is about two hours from Le Havre ferry port or three-and-a-half hours from Calais. For the same four nights in a Premium Cottage, the price is €440 (about £380), for about the same grade of accommodation as the UK.

Of course, you then also have your travel costs. A ferry from Dover to Calais can be found on those dates for four plus a car at £164, if you don’t mind driving in France. Fuel costs can vary a lot, especially with the current global situation, but a quick calculation shows the journey to and from Calais in my car would cost about £70 in fuel.

This puts the cost of a Center Parcs break in France for four at £614, including accommodation and travel, nearly half the cost of the UK. If you don’t live near the south coast, then your travel times could vary, but if you’re close to a ferry port and enjoy the adventure of exploring a new country, it could be a fun break.

Next, I looked at a longer break in the six-week holidays, which are notoriously expensive wherever you go. I wanted to see how a seven-night break would compare in Center Parcs UK versus Europe on these premium dates.

I chose breaks starting Friday, August 7, in the middle of the summer holidays, and again looked at prices for a family of four. A Woodland Lodge in Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire, is priced at £2,378 for a week.

But would the cost of a European break be any less painful on your pocket?

One of the cheaper European options for this week is Le Lac d’Ailette in the Picardy region of France. This pretty lakeside park is big on indoor and outdoor water activities, and being at the heart of the Champagne region means adults can enjoy stocking up on bottles to take home.

A Comfort Cottage is €1872 for the week (about £1,634) plus the cost of fuel to and from Calais, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive. A return ferry from Dover to Calais on these dates comes in at about £241 for four people in a standard car, so again, it’s cheaper than the UK option, but involves a longer journey.

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In conclusion

While my basic calculations show that a Center Parcs holiday in Europe could be cheaper, it’s worth also bearing in mind the additional costs of travel abroad such as passports. And for families short on time and annual leave, the UK parks are likely a better option simply because it’s a shorter drive.

Food in supermarkets also tends to be more expensive in France than the UK, apart from the wine, although you can often eat out more affordably thanks to prix fixe menus.

However, if you’re a Center Parcs fan and fancy a change, or don’t mind the extra time spent on a ferry and in the car, you might want to consider trying one of the parks on the continent for your next break.

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

DONNA Smiley discovered the Canary Islands.

While Sinead McIntyre and her family found bliss on the Turkish Riviera.

Tenerife

Senior Writer Donna Smiley discovered foodie heaven in the Canary Islands.

As three pilot whales playfully leap in and out of the sea, everybody on our boat is grinning.

We’re only 30 minutes into our two-hour boat trip from Puerto Colón, so there’s still plenty of time to have a dip in the crystal waters ourselves, before we sip wine and eat tropical fruit as the sun sets on our journey back to shore.

A two-hour boat trip costs £51 per person for up to nine people (Bluejacksail.com).

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

We’re staying at Joia El Mirador by Iberostar in Costa Adeje, 10 minutes’ drive away, where all rooms are suites with four-poster beds.

With its lagoon-style pool dotted with palm trees and setting right on one of Tenerife’s best golden-sand beaches, this five-star adults-only hotel makes quite the impression.

So too does the family-run artisanal goat’s cheese farm, Quesería Montesdeoca in Adeje, 15 minutes’ drive away.

With lush green fields and a glimpse of neighbouring islands La Palma and La Gomera from its rooftop, we learn all about the cheese-making process, which is done by hand, and meet the goats and sheep who love being stroked, before the all-important tasting.

Hour-long tours cost from £17 per adult (Quesosmontesdeoca.com).

Back at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant El Cenador, we tuck into a 10-course tasting menu, £72 per person.

Every course is delicious and crafted with local produce, and it ends in style with a passion fruit cake served under a cloud of candy floss, which dramatically dissolves when the sauce is poured over.

Come morning, cooked-to-order eggs benedict, pastries and cappuccinos made with coffee beans from a local farm don’t disappoint, either.

The bus to the island’s capital of Santa Cruz takes 50 minutes, where we find a branch of Zara with prices cheaper than at home, plus more foodie gems.

We wander the charming streets of the old town and grab a barraquito – a local-speciality coffee of condensed milk, Licor 43 (a Spanish vanilla liqueur), espresso and frothed milk, at rooftop cafe La Escala (@Laescala tenerife).

Then we make our way to Colmado 1917, a tiny Michelin-flagged restaurant offering delights such as salted fish with black potatoes and anchovies, £6, and beef tartare, hand-chopped before each serving, £11, with a red from northern Tenerife, £5 a glass (Colmado1917.com).

Finishing our getaway in style, we hit Japanese restaurant Kensei, a short stroll along the beach from our beds (Kenseijapanesetenerife.com).

Its low-temperature wagyu with teriyaki sauce, celeriac purée and lotus root chips, £40, is a delicious end to an equally delicious mini-break.

Turkey

Editor-in-Chief Sinead McIntyre, husband Alistair and twins Riley and Harris found bliss on the Turkish Riviera.

Diving into the clear-blue sea, my 14-year-old twins are in holiday heaven.

After trying to outdo each other holding their breath underwater, they emerge to slump in our cabana and have their fill of the nuts and fresh fruit on offer.

As I have learned over the past year or so, keeping two teenagers happy on holiday can be a challenge.

But Corendon Playa Kemer on the Turkish Riviera, close to Antalya, has risen to the challenge – and then some.

We arrive at our five-star hotel, a 45-minute drive from Antalya airport, in the early hours of the morning after flight delays, so don’t really take in our surroundings as we wearily check in.

It’s only when we wake and head to breakfast at the main Zephyranthes restaurant that we marvel at the view – outside is a terrace with two sparkling swimming pools and, just beyond, the pristine sandy beach.

The hotel is all-inclusive and the food is excellent.

For breakfast, we feast on eggs, pastries, yoghurt and mountains of fruit, while lunch and dinner consist of grilled fish and meat, salads and desserts, including melt-in-the-mouth chocolate mousse and sticky-sweet baklava.

Playa Kemer beach has a series of wooden jetties jutting out to the sea, lined with luxe four-poster sunloungers and cabanas.

We decide to splash out and book a cabana, from £18 per day, and it proves a winner with Riley and Harris.

They especially enjoy taking selfies with the view behind them to send to friends, as well as seeing who can jump the furthest into the sea off the jetty.

Every afternoon, chilled music plays and there are also live performances, all contributing to a feeling of total relaxation.

As does the on-site spa, where I have a Turkish hammam massage, leaving me feeling completely rejuvenated.

Treatments cost from £61 for 90 minutes.

One evening, we indulge in fresh prawns, mussels and calamari, with Turkish bread, dips and salads at the alfresco Pier Seafood A La Carte restaurant, surrounded by twinkling lights.

The day after is spent parasailing around the bay, £157 for two people.

Riley and I head high into the air on a tandem pulled behind a speedboat and can see for miles – a scary, but exhilarating experience.

And no trip to Antalya is complete without a visit to 40m-high Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall, where the Düden River plunges over a cliff into the Mediterranean.

We look in awe at the men fishing far below on the rocks as the spray from the waterfall covers them.

From there, we head to the old town and browse the bustling bazaar for amazing spices and Turkish Delight, before heading back to our hotel with two delighted teens in tow.

THE SUN’S £9.50 Hols Agony Aunt, Tracey Kennedy has tried and tested holiday parks across the UK for over 30 years.

Over her decades of staycations, Tracy’s ticked off popular holiday spots from the Isle of Wight, to North Wales, down to Land’s End in Cornwall.

It’s fair to say that Tracy knows her stuff when it comes to UK holiday parks – whether it’s how to bag a bargain break, or find the best free and cheap family attractions whilst you’re away.

Over three decades of staying at holiday parks up and down the UK, Tracy has ranked her top five holiday parks based on accommodation, entertainment and location.

Plus she’s sharing all of the hacks she uses to save while she’s away.

We’ve paired each park with the cheapest deal available online, including three-night breaks for two for under £50.

5. Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village

“This holiday park is in a lovely seaside town in Somerset, and I like it so much that I’ve been back several times.

“My tip for booking a Haven holiday would be to book a Haven Hideaway package.

“These are the cheapest breaks possible, and can cost just £49pp. I paid just £120 for a full week away on a Haven Hideaway.

“However it’s worth noting that Hideaway holidays don’t come with a Play Pass as the standard breaks do, so make sure to check which activities are included at each Haven park, and which you would have to pay extra for”.

Entertainment and activities

“There’s plenty to do here without paying extra for the add-on activities. This site has a lovely arcade, which is cashless apart from the classic 2p machines.

“I wasn’t too keen on it being cashless at first, but once you’ve got your card and have topped it up with as much or little as you want, it’s easy to use.

“As for the evening entertainment, I went last year and it was really quite good. The comedy is especially great.

“With Haven parks, if you make sure to download the app, about 2 weeks before it’ll tell you which activities you can book if you have the Play Passes.

“But you dont need passes for the arcade or evening entertainment, it’s just for swimming and paid activities. They can be nice to have, but you don’t have to get them”.

Accommodation

“I stayed in a saver caravan, which is the lowest grade, but it still has heating and everything you need.

“I always go for the cheapest I can but that is still nice, and the saver option here is great if you’re looking to stay on a budget“.

Local area

“Burnham is a quiet town, so it can be quite a peaceful place to stay. There’s also a lovely beach and lighthouse in walking distance from the park, as well as a cinema. But mainly this is a great base for exploring.

“Brean is about a 10-minute drive away, and there’s loads to do there. Brean Beach is gorgeous, plus there’s a splash park, Brean Theme Park and an animal farm, so there’s loads to do.

“You’ve also got Cheddar Gorge a half-hour drive away. You can of course try loads of cheese, but there’s really fascinating caves and clifftop walks there, too.

“If you’re willing to drive a bit further, about 40 minutes, you can also visit Wells. There’s loads of medieval historic sites there, like Wells Cathedral as well as the Palace and gardens”.

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing. This deal also comes with a low-deposit option from £30.

4. Riverside Holiday Village, Bleadon, Weston-super-Mare

“I went to this holiday park last year for my 50th, and had such a fantastic time. I have lots of memories coming here with parents, and now I get to bring my kids!

“One of the best things about this park is where it’s located. It’s less than 10 minutes from Weston-super-Mare‘s seafront”.

Entertainment and activities

“This is quite a small site, but it does have a good arcade, restaurant, and entertainment performances.

“There’s no costume characters for the kids, but if you visit in peak season, there’s a pretty packed activity schedule that keeps them busy.

“It’s a very relaxing site if you prefer a peaceful holiday. There’s a beautiful lake to walk around, and you can pop out into Weston whenever you’d like”.

Accommodation

“We stayed in a large Gold caravan, which doesn’t work out to be too expensive once you split the cost between a group of people.

“We paid £650 total, and the Gold caravans can sleep up to six people, so that works out at around £109pp – which isn’t bad at all for a full seven days during the summer holidays.

“We had wrap-around decking which is lovely to sit on and enjoy your coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening.

“I recommend going as a large group and splitting costs so you can try out the nicer accommodation. This is one of the parks where I’d say it’s worth it”.

Local area

“The surrounding area, Bleadon, is very quiet. There’s just a couple of cosy pubs.

“But if you want a proper day out, then you should drive or catch the bus into Weston-super-Mare itself.

“There’s loads of things to do in Weston. If you want to stick to free things to do, Weston Museum is a great one and has activities for kids.

“Visiting the Grand Pier is a full day out itself – there is a small charge of £2, which is the same for both adults and kids.

“There’s lots of cost-friendly places to eat on the pier, like chip shops, a Costa and a Tiffany’s.

“My favourite though is Revo Kitchen. It’s inside the old Sea Life centre and it has 360-degree views of the sea. It’s dog-friendly, and does amazing, family-friendly food.

“It’s easy to spend the whole day at just the pier. There’s a ball pit, arcade games, fun house, ghost train – loads to do.

“Obviously it can be costly, but there are great-value wristbands available for kids to go on unlimited rides.”

“The Little Kids wristband, with unlimited rides suitable for younger children, costs £15 and lasts all day. The Big Kids wristband costs £20.

“There is also an Ultimate wristband available for £30, which includes unlimited rounds of golf and go-kart races.

“You don’t have to pay the entry fee cost of £2 for those with wristbands. You can buy the wristbands for the Grand Pier ahead of time online“.

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a three-night stay at Riverside Holiday Village in a Purn Gold WF caravan from £169, based on two adults sharing. This deal also offers a low deposit option of £25.

3. Martin Mere Holiday Village, Blackpool

“This park is around 10 minutes’ drive into Blackpool, and there is so much to do there for families.

“They have also just had a major upgrade, with a brand-new restaurant, a refreshed Show Bar, and an expanded arcade added”.

Entertainment and activities

“It’s all about the entertainment with Haven. And the best part is that most of it is free.

“There’s an outdoor pool and lazy river, and you can book inflatables for your little ones to use.

“They’ve got plenty of fun things for families with kids like a climbing wall and a giant football dartboard.

“You’ve also got Linked Bingo at 5:15pm every evening, which sometimes has massive cash prizes.

“They’re also adding four new kids shows ready for summer this year”.

Accommodation

“The caravans are spacious, clean and have everything you need. Even the saver caravans are tremendous value for what you get.

“What I like about the accommodation here is that most caravans are only a short walk to the entertainment, which is great if you stay up late”.

Local area

“There is absolutely loads to do in Blackpool. You can even see the tower flashing its lights at night from the park.

“Blackpool can be as cheap or expensive as you like, but I’ve been going for years and found some good ways to save money.

“One of the best-value places to go is Coral Island Arcade, which has a restaurant where kids eat free.

“Once you’re at Coral Island, make sure to pick up any free leaflets that are there. They often have vouchers inside for discounted attractions.

“We picked one up and got a free go on the camel derby – so always look out for leaflets before you book something!

“Some of my other favourite things to do are going up into the tower, where there’s an arcade, the dungeons and a circus inside the tower itself.

“Then of course you’ve got Pleasure Beach – but if you know you want to go, book ahead of time online.

“That way you can pay £30 for entry rather than £60 on the day.

“If you’re wanting to save money on ticking off the paid attractions, there’s a new card where you can do them all for a fixed price called The Blackpool Pass.”

“The Blackpool Pass starts from £35 and includes unlimited entry to eight Blackpool attractions: Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Tower Eye, Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Blackpool Tower Circus, Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse and Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play.

“You can expect to save up to 70 per cent on attractions compared to booking individually.”

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing.

This deal also comes with a low-deposit option of £30.

2. Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl, North Wales

“This site is really up-to-date. It’s recently undergone a £1.5m makeover, with all the new developments set to be fully done in May 2026, ready for your summer holiday!

“Some of my favourite things about this park are the enthusiastic entertainment staff, as well as the food – I always really look forward to the food when holidaying here!”

Entertainment and activities

“The pool here is so good that my youngest went swimming every single day. It has a brand-new splash zone, three super slides and even a spa for the adults.

“It’s just had activities like go-karting added to the list of things to do, and there’s new sports courts and trampolines.

“I last went at Halloween and it was just absolutely fantastic, but the entertainment is great year-round too.

“The costume characters come out to meet the kids – all the info on who is coming out when is listed on the wall, so you can meet the characters, comedians and singers.”

Accommodation

“The standard caravans here are slightly different to other holiday parks, for example like at a Haven resort.

“Their highest-ranking option is a platinum. We’ve stayed in platinum and it’s lovely. We had a little bit of a balcony that we had our coffee and drinks on.

“I’ve stayed in three levels of accommodation here, and I liked all of them. Each caravan was clean and spacious, with multiple big bedrooms, so you can’t go wrong here no matter what your budget is.

“I usually like to bring my own food to save money, however the food here is just lovely and definitely worth the money!

“We had cod and chips (£6.95) from the on-site chip shop here and really enjoyed it – in fact, we had it twice because it was that good! Food here is also really good value for money”.

Local area

“There’s a beautiful beach just across the road from the park, just remember to bring some snacks, as there’s no cafe or shop to buy food.

“You might see seals here – we saw some on my last visit and I was so excited.

“You can see them bobbing around in the sea, it’s nice to see them out in the open compared to an aquarium.

“Rhyl is just 5 minutes away, and there’s loads to do there. Shops, a massive marine lake, and my favourite – a little train that takes you around.

“Lots of people go crabbing, too…we caught some massive ones!

“A trip into Rhyl could be a free day out if you planned for it. Pack a picnic, wander through its streets, plus there’s even a free attraction: Rhyl Museum and Arts Centre.

“The only thing you would have to pay extra for if you wanted to would be the train, which costs £4 per adult and £3 per child.”

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a three-night stay at Lyons Robin Hood in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £111.30, based on two adults sharing.

Lyons Robin Hood is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.

1. Lower Hyde, Isle of Wight

“The best holiday park I’ve ever been to is Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight – that is my firm favourite.

“I’ve returned several times because my family and I really liked it. I like everything about the park.

“There’s loads to do on site itself, it’s actually one of the only sites where we didn’t mind spending the entire day there.

“There’s plenty of nature trails around the park, and there’s also an adventure park on site.

“Lower Hyde also have a restaurant with really good pub-style food called The Barnhouse, plus they also have little food huts such as the Thunderbird Chicken shack and an ice cream parlour.

“They’ve just had a new outdoor bar open up, too.”

Entertainment and activities

“The entertainment teams are top-quality at Lower Hyde and plenty is free compared to other parks.

“I like the archery in the daytime, plus there’s a great pool to make use of, too.

“I watched some brilliant entertainment there last year.

“In the evenings, the entertainment starts off with discos and character meet and greets for the younger kids, with their own show.

“Then there’s some great bingo, followed by an adult game show.

“Later in the evening there’s more acts from visiting acts such as comedians or magicians, or a performance from the entertainment team.

“There’s then a disco until midnight, so you can stay there all night, if you fancy it.”

Accommodation

“I’ve stayed in both chalets and caravans, and the caravans are top-notch, very cosy and warm.

“The accommodation is in a really nice quiet area. There is a little bit of a hill walking down, so do let the site know if that’s an issue if you plan to visit”.

Local area

“The must-visit spot nearby is Shanklin. There’s lots of little artisan shops, and it’s not a far walk, about a 10-minute walk into the centre.

“If you walk further, it takes you into Shanklin Old Village. There’s a lovely little restaurant there called The Crab, with beautiful seafood.

“There is also the famous old thatched cottage from all the postcards. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it does afternoon tea inside (from £7.95).

“There’s also Shanklin Chine, a wooded coastal ravine that is the oldest attraction on the island.

“If you wanted to visit, then you can loop right down to the beach afterwards and make your way back up – that’s the perfect day out.

“Some of my favourite things to do in the area are keep an eye out for red squirrels on nature walks, and go stargazing at night – the Isle of Wight has clear skies where you can see the stars”.

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a three-night stay at Parkdean Lower Hyde in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £99, based on two adults sharing.

Parkdean Lower Hyde is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.

How Tracy saves extra on her holidays

As ouur Hols From £9.50 Agony Aunt, Tracy Kennedy has several tips and tricks up her sleeve when it comes to saving money on your staycations.

Here is exactly what Tracy does to prepare ahead of time and save on her holidays, as well as her top tips for saving whilst you’re away.

She told us: “One of the most cost effective things you can do is cook your own meals.

“I’d make a note of some easy, cost-effective meals that are quick to make so you can get it done and get out and enjoy your holiday.

“I like to pack an essentials box of non-perishable food bits with me, like packets of rice, pasta, and tinned food – just make sure you don’t forget to bring a tin opener, too.

“I also bring a small amount of washing up liquid and cleaning products in little travel bottles so we don’t have to buy full-sized ones. This really helps with the shopping, especially if you’re on a budget.

“Then when you do go shopping, all you have to do is buy the fresh stuff like bread, milk and butter.

“I like to slowly buy bits to add to my box in the months before my holiday, as it spreads the cost out and saves you spending too much in the expensive on-site supermarkets when you arrive.

“Once you’re prepared with food and cleaning supplies, it’s time to start thinking ahead on how to save on attractions.

“Before I go anywhere, I make sure to Google everything there is to do nearby. Especially for days out. See if there are any two for one ticket offers at local attractions, or even places that are free to visit.

“Especially during holidays like Easter, as nearby attractions will often have free events for kids like Easter egg hunts.

“When I visited Prestatyn in North Wales, I did my research ahead of time and found free pottery classes for kids, so we spent an afternoon doing that.

“Also check the National Trust website as well as English Heritage, because sometimes they offer free days out, too. Also check Sun Superdays and Sun Club offers, too!

“If you’re staying at a seaside resort, you can easily spend an entire day out on the coast for free. Check which dates you are there have good weather, and plan to pack a picnic, walk along the promenade, go for a swim.

“Sometimes there will be free children’s Punch and Judy shows, or local festivals – always Google the area and search on local Facebook groups in case there are events whilst you’re there.

“If you’re going as a couple or friends, it can be nice to explore local towns with cheap public transport.

My friend and I visited Lyons Robin Hood last year, and planned to go to Llandudno.

“We bought a £6.50 day saver ticket, jumped on a bus with Llandudno as the final stop and sat on the top deck at the front, and the views we had were absolutely amazing.”

“You can get family saver tickets too if there are more of you, then you can go out for the day, get a great view of the local towns and all you have to buy is the bus ticket. It’s a nice, cheap day out for all of the family.

“Similarly, I planned a cheap day out at the coast a few years ago in Newquay, Cornwall.

“We visited all the local beaches, walked to Lands End, and I planned a walk past the hotel where the Roald Dahl film The Witches was made.

“We also drove out to Port Isaac, and walked around where Doc Martin was filmed. All you have to do in these places is pay for is parking and bring your own food.

Then you can just walk around and see all of these really cool filming locations, and that costs you nothing!

“Definitely research the area before you go to see if any movies or TV shows were filmed there”.

The budget airline has issued a message to its passengers, urging them to ‘please note’ the announcement as it ‘does not look cool’ – but many people were not impressed by the new rule

Budget Irish airline Ryanair has taken aim at travellers who persist in wearing one particular accessory aboard aircraft. This follows the airline previously advising passengers to ‘please stop wearing’ jeans during flights.

For several people, being comfortable while travelling on a plane ranks amongst their top priorities. And given that remaining seated in the same spot for extended periods can be decidedly uncomfortable, particularly when you’re short on legroom, selecting the appropriate attire might be your sole opportunity for achieving comfort. For many, this translates to donning joggers or tracksuits. However, sometimes it’s the accessories that can enhance comfort even further.

This becomes especially important on Ryanair, where seating is typically more confined owing to the airline’s efforts to accommodate as many seats as feasible, forming part of their strategy to maintain ticket prices as low as possible – despite recent threats that prices might go up do to jet fuel prices.

Renowned for their budget-friendly fares, the carrier has also established a reputation on social media, where they frequently poke fun at their own passengers, and jokingly threaten to introduce even more regulations and charges than they currently impose – such as extra legroom seats or late check-in fees.

Nevertheless, Ryanair has now criticised travellers who insist on wearing one particular type of accessory aboard aircraft, claiming it ‘does not look cool‘.

Posting on their Facebook page, the airline issued a statement to their passengers. They wrote: “Please note: Passengers do not look cool wearing sunglasses on board.”

However, many weren’t convinced, as numerous people quickly flocked to the comment section to express their own views.

“Could be true, but we don’t care,” one person posted. Others went on to suggest it was ‘necessary’ due to the vibrant interior of Ryanair flights.

One person contended: “Gotta shield our eyes from that highlighter-yellow cabin.”

“I put mine on so I can sleep,” another person clarified. Another concurred and stated: “Sunglasses at night-flight for a better sleep.”

Someone else remarked: “With sunglasses on during the flight the 3 days vacation lasts longer.”

Nevertheless, some sided with the airline, as one person commented: “Only pilots should wear sunglasses.”

This isn’t the first occasion Ryanair has joked about and poked fun at its passengers. Recently, they threatened to introduce a ‘toilet usage fee’ for any passengers wishing to use the lavatory facilities onboard an aircraft.

However, many travellers soon cottoned on this was a joke, as they noted it sounded like an April Fool’s prank that was posted a few days early.

Amersham market town in Buckinghamshire is accessible via the Metropolitan Line and offers Cotswolds-style charm with cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages and rolling hills

With spring now in full swing and the weather hopefully turning warmer and brighter with each passing day, it can be a real treat to escape the chaos of London and discover somewhere new. The good news is, you won’t need to venture far to find a picture-perfect market town that ‘feels like the Cotswolds‘.

Travel-loving couple The Weeshas regularly take to Instagram to share their top tips for exciting places to explore, whether closer to home or further afield. If you’re stuck for ideas on where to head for a day trip, the duo have shared footage from their visit to a charming little town that’s reachable via the London Underground, yet feels worlds away from the capital.

“This charming town is 50 minutes from London by tube,” they wrote on the video, which featured clips of the stunning-looking destination.

They also added in the post’s caption: “Nope, that’s not the Cotswolds. You can visit the English countryside without leaving the London Underground map.”

The footage went on to reveal a courtyard complete with a clocktower, framed by a beautiful border of blooming flowers. It then cut to a shot of a bridge, its wooden fence adorned with an array of plants and flowers. The video also showcased a stunning fountain, cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages, and a river winding its way through the village.

So where exactly is this picturesque market town, and how do you get there? The couple explained: “Just hop on the Metropolitan Line and in under an hour, you’ll arrive in Amersham, the last stop on the line – and one of England’s most charming villages, with cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages, cosy pubs, and rolling Chiltern hills.”

Nestled in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, Amersham is a market town and civil parish situated 27 miles northwest of central London. You may well recognise it, even if you’ve never set foot there before.

The town has earned quite a reputation for its appearances in well-known films and television programmes, from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Midsomer Murders and Cuckoo.

Made up of two distinct areas – Old Amersham and Amersham-on-the-Hill – the town’s history stretches back to pre-Anglo-Saxon times, even earning a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086.

So what’s there to do in Amersham that makes it worth the trip? You can take a leisurely stroll through Old Amersham, perusing boutique shops and antique stores. Weather permitting, a walk through the Old Amersham memorial gardens is a must, along with a visit to St Mary’s Church, which dates back to around 1140 A.D.

When hunger strikes, the travelling duo suggest grabbing a meal at The Crown Inn or The Kings Arms, which featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

“This makes for a slow, scenic, and budget-friendly day trip from London,” they wrote in their post’s caption. To reach the destination, just hop on the Metropolitan Line from Baker Street to Amersham Station (Zone 9). A return ticket will set you back roughly £10.

FEW questions could strike fear into the hearts of parents faster than being asked by their children, “Can we play with slime?”

Messy, sticky, often neon in colour, kids seem to universally LOVE slime, while all grown-ups can think of is the nightmare clearing up.

Which is why iconic toy shop Hamleys has come up with a brilliantly clever workaround this spring.

It has transformed the basement of its flagship store in London’s Regent Street into a hands-on sensory, slime playground.

For £15 a ticket, parents can book children into a professional slime-making workshop run by Gootopia, who you might call professional “slimologists”.

I took my three children aged five, eight, and 12, and they all loved getting messy in the hands-on class – and best of all it wasn’t taking place in my kitchen!

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Kids are allocated their own work station and all the components to mix their own slime in a big metal bowl.

Then, under instruction, they are let loose to create their gooey concoction from scratch, mixing it and watching in wonder as it seemingly transforms into slime before their eyes.

They can then knead and stretch to their hearts content.

Once they have created the perfect gooey consistency, an array of paint colours are on offer to turn their masterpiece whichever shocking shade of their choice.

Kids are also invited to wield glitter – that other kryptonite substance for parents – and shake it with abandon over their slime.

And my little girl Estella also loved adding strawberry- shaped sprinkles to hers.

Once their creation is complete, the real fun starts.

The Gootopia experts, who patrol the class, show the children how to perform fun tricks with their slime, such as turn it into giant bubbles.

And at the end of the experience, the slime can be safely contained in screw-top plastic pots for transportation home, much to my kids’ delight.

Of course, there’s plenty more entertainment to be had elsewhere in Hamleys, with additional events throughout the Easter holidays including treasure hunts and Lego experiences.

We finished off our craft-making visit by visiting all seven floors of this wondrous toy store, taking in the free toy demos, new magic shows and meeting costumed characters.

We also checked out the newly opened Pokemon area of the store, crammed full of cuddly teddies, themed games and merchandise.

Messy craft and toy shopping in one day, no wonder my three had the slime of their lives.

• GO: Gootopia at Hamleys costs £15pp. The experience runs until April 12 and can be booked at hamleys.com.

A flight attendant has shared the little-known reason passengers are welcomed onboard planes – and it has nothing to do with manners

A flight attendant has lifted the lid on a trade secret about the moment passengers board a plane. The little known fact explains why passengers are welcomed at the aircraft doors during boarding.

Most air travellers are well acquainted with the customary warm reception at the plane doors, which typically involves broad smiles and even some direction on locating their allocated seat. The most widespread assumption is that this is simply a display of good customer service, with the flight attendants, the public face of any airline, setting the tone with courtesy and decency.

Another presumption is that the welcome is intended to set passengers up for an enjoyable flight experience, or perhaps verify boarding passes one last time. However, one serving flight attendant claims that hospitality is not the primary driving force behind the warm greeting. The genuine reason for the friendly reception is to carry out a visual assessment of passengers from head to toe before take-off.

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In a now- viral TikTok clip, MrsMiva – who claims to work for TUI out of Stuttgart airport – has revealed that flight attendants use the boarding process to assess whether passengers are fit to fly. According to the content creator, flight attendants are checking to establish whether passengers may be “too drunk or sick to fly”.

In the caption accompanying the video, MrsMiva also clarifies that the greeting enables attendants to identify who could potentially assist in the event of an emergency. The video has been watched over 18 million times and sparked a flurry of discussion in the comments.

Numerous users confirmed they’ve definitely experienced the cabin crew greeting and that the reasoning behind it makes perfect sense. One commenter who purported to be a long-serving attendant verified the policy as well, writing: “FA (flight attendant) of eight years – or to check if they could be an ABA (able-bodied assistant).”

The comments also started to diverge into the various types of cabin crew passengers had come across. Some remarked they had “really chill” attendants, while others noted theirs were supportive when they were in poor health to travel.

Being able-bodied and physically capable is essential for passengers seated adjacent to emergency exit doors, which is potentially why attendants verify this at the entrance. Emergency exit seats are highly sought-after given that they provide additional legroom and have no row ahead of them.

That being said, occupying these seats means that a passenger must be willing and capable of helping cabin crew in the improbable event of an emergency. For this reason, Ryanair’s terms and conditions stipulate that it “can change your allocated seats at any time, even if you had reserved it, if we need to do this for operational, safety or security reasons.”

According to the airline’s regulations, passengers wishing to occupy rows 1, 16, or 17, where emergency exits are situated, must fulfil specific requirements. These include being aged over 16, being physically capable of assisting during an emergency, travelling without an infant, not requiring any special assistance at the airport, not needing a seat belt extender, and not having an extra comfort seat reserved.

Should the added responsibility of emergency exit seats not appeal to you, there are alternative methods to guarantee extra legroom while on board.

Do you have a story to tell? Email: emma.mackenzie@reachplc.com

The once-bustling holiday resort – popular with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor – was abandoned in the 1970s but has since become a haven for one niche but growing tourist market

Once a playground for Hollywood’s elite, this coastal resort has transformed into an unsettling ghost town. Yet this Cypriot location has found new purpose amongst travellers, emerging as a destination for ‘dark tourism’.

A short distance from well-known Cyprus holiday spots such as Paphos and Limassol lies Varosha. Varosha was formerly a glamorous getaway destination in its own right, attracting Elizabeth Taylor and other luminaries of the 1960s.

However, when Turkish forces invaded Cyprus’s northern territory on July 20, 1974, the seaside resort was altered forever. Five days earlier, there had been a coup attempt backed by the Greek junta. The 15,000 inhabitants of Varosha were compelled to evacuate en masse following the military incursion, leaving behind their homes, businesses and pristine beaches.

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Consequently, the district became a ghost town with structures left predominantly vacant. Even now, the neighbourhood remains frozen in time under Northern Cyprus’s jurisdiction. Unsurprisingly, the area lost all attraction for holidaymakers, as vegetation began reclaiming the pavements and sea turtles made nests on Varosha’s formerly sunbather-packed beaches.

Yet in October 2020, a decision was taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the then prime minister of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, to reopen the district to visitors. Varosha has since begun drawing a markedly different type of tourist than it did during its 1960s golden era.

More than 1.8 million tourists have descended on the ghost town over the past four years, according to figures published in 2024. Visitors appear to be drawn in by the town’s chilling historical significance and its crumbling, derelict landscape.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Hubert Faustmann, a professor at the University of Nicosia, said: “The section found itself in the top tourist sites in terms of dark tourism, so they started to open up certain parts of Varosha, and it’s now a tourist destination with guided tours, with e-bikes, vehicles and coffee shops.”

Faustmann continues: “Varosha is being used as a tourist destination, as a tourist attraction, without a single inhabitant prior to 1974 returning. It’s changed in the sense that it’s open to the public, but it’s not open for return.”

In a bid to shed its decaying reputation, Varosha has undertaken clean-up efforts ahead of its reopening. The town now boasts a range of amenities catering to all types of visitors, from beach umbrellas to canteens.

Just days after its tourism figures were made public, Varosha’s troubled situation was brought to the table in Oslo at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

PACE rapporteur for Varosha Piero Fassino, who had visited the ghost town in mid-May, presented his findings to the assembly during the gathering. The Italian senator expressed his hopes that Varosha could be transformed back into a “living town” following his visit.

That being said, dark tourism has been a longstanding element of the travel sector, achieving widespread attention through the Netflix programme, Dark Tourist. The series explores the bizarre, eerie and superstitious customs and folklore connected to numerous locations across the globe.

Speaking to The Mirror, dark tourism enthusiast Louise Joy explained: “Traditionally, dark tourism is visiting places associated with death and tragedy.” Joy is a blogger and founder of The Morbid Tourist and reveals she routinely seeks out “spooky” locations when travelling.

Joy suggests TikTok has also made a substantial impact on the dark tourism sector in recent years. “The individuality on TikTok [helps] people seeing stuff that is different and you don’t necessarily see that out there offline, like in books,” says Joy.