Tui

Many European destinations and warming up, and spring is definitely on the way. But which short-haul spot is most likely to give you sunshine and dry days over Easter? Here’s the destination with the best odds.

It feels like winter has dragged on forever this year, and many parts of the country are only just emerging from months of endless rain and grey skies to see a little bit of sunshine. With Easter on the way, which can be an unpredictable time for UK weather, many people will be looking to get away to the sunniest spot they can find for a few days.

Luckily, TUI has put together a list of the Easter getaways that are most likely to give you the ideal weather conditions, analysing historic data on the average rainfall, wind speed, and temperature in early-April to work out a Good Weather Score. Brits will be pleased to hear that topping the rankings is a destination just over four hours away from the UK that’s expected to see highs of 19C over the next couple of weeks.

According to TUI’s rankings, Turkey historically has the “most ideal weather conditions” during the Easter holidays, usually offering holidaymakers average temperatures of 18C. It’s also the destination where you’re least likely to be caught in an April shower. In the Easter holiday months, the amount of rainfall is just 0.01mm on average.

When the data was broken down into individual destinations, Marmaris in Turkey was the place most likely to give holidaymakers the best Easter weather conditions. It often reaches highs of 19C around Easter, and is usually dry with only light winds. Marmaris is in southwest Turkey in an area dubbed the Turkish Riviera. This lively port town has a marina, bustling grand bazaar, and historic sites such as the 16th-century Marmaris Castle.

Marmaris also has an amazing selection of sandy beaches that sit alongside its turquoise seas. Marmaris Long Beach (Uzunyali), is around six miles long, starting at the city centre, and has a lively promenade full of hotels, restaurants, and bars. A quieter alternative can be found at İçmeler Beach, just south of the city, where you’ll find sandy coves and incredible mountain views.

Second on the list for good weather was Greece, and this time of year brings mean temperatures of around 16C and long sunny days. Meanwhile, Bulgaria ranked third for its “pleasant and balanced climate”. Like Turkey it offers light winds and low rainfall, and Easter can be a good time to explore as tourist don’t have to contend with the intense summer heat. Bulgaria is becoming a major hiking destination, especially around the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges which combine gentle trails with more intense, steep climbs.

Bulgaria is also known for its stunning beaches. The Black Sea coast has 200 beaches to choose from and resorts to suit all sorts of holidaymakers. Sunny Beach is known for its lively nightlife and cheap drink deals, while Varna is a historic and cultural hub that has soft golden sand beaches and clear blue seas.

Anyone planning an Easter break can also check TUI’s holiday weather guide, which gives a breakdown of weather by month for popular tourist spots.

Europe’s top 10 destinations for good Easter weather

1. Turkey
2. Greece
3. Bulgaria
4. Spain
5. Croatia
6. Italy
7. Hungary
8. Portugal
9. Montenegro
10. Gibraltar

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IF you’re planning your next holiday but you’re on a strict budget, the experts have stepped in to help you save hundreds.

TUI‘s Commercial Director, Chris Logan – who has worked there for 17 years – as shared some of his top tricks to shave hundreds of pounds off your holidays.

One of those is forgetting that Saturday departure.

He explained: “Mid‑week departures offer a sweet spot of value and convenience for travellers.”

“Flying midweek, especially Monday to Wednesday, could save you hundreds on the exact same holiday. 

” For example, this week there’s a deal for a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the 4T TUI Suneo Kenzi Europa in Agadir, Morocco for just £523pp.

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“Travelling on May 4 (Monday) instead of May 3 (Sunday) currently saves you nearly £300 per person.”

Not only that, but travelling just a month out of the busy season can save you loads.

He continued: “May and September offer gorgeous weather without the peak prices. 

“You’ll get balmy temperatures upwards of 20 degrees in destinations like the Canaries and Greece but pay a fraction of the cost.” 

When it comes to what board you want to book, he also advises not always going for the all-inclusive.

He explained: “If you’re not a big drinker, you don’t need to splash out on all-inclusive. 

“Half board could work out as much better value for money. 

“And if you love exploring local restaurants and heading into town for dinner, self-catering or bed and breakfast are your best bets.”

He added: “The best hack is to always scroll down on our holiday pages – there’s a calendar that breaks down prices by departure date, so you can instantly see which days are cheapest.” 

Otherwise TUI has a secret “under £500” page for all holidays that are less than that, if you don’t mind where you travel to,

Chris finished by saying: “The ‘Holidays under £500‘ page brings together all the best deals in one place – you can filter by your local airport, star rating and board type. 

“It’s how customers can find some incredible deals for five-star hotels for under £500.”

One of the cheapest deals we found was seven nights in Greece in May for just £265 each.

Otherwise there are a number of five star holiday packages in Spain, Bulgaria and Tunisia that just come under £500 each.

Chris says his inside advice could save holidaymakers huge amounts on their next trip – but his hacks come with a warning: “Bargain hunters really need to act fast – my biggest tip is to lock in your next trip asap to secure the best rates, as the deals are constantly updating and changing.” 

WHAT’S your check list for a family holiday that keeps everyone happy? Several pools? Water slides? Beach access? Good kids club?

This month, the TUI Holiday Village in Sarigerme, Dalaman, was voted TUI’s best family-friendly hotel in the world.

The Magic Life property on the edge of the Aegean Sea has 253 rooms, five pools and four restaurants… and enough activities to keep guests busy for an entire month.

I visited for a week last summer with my 6 year old and was blown away by the offering. 

As a Travel Editor for nearly a decade, I’ve slept in some of the world’s best places, from five-star resorts to Disney theme park hotels. 

But this flagship Holiday Village property by TUI got a 10 out of 10 for many things, from food and cleanliness to extracurriculars. 

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I’ve been to five-star hotels with far poorer service and fewer food choices.

On my family’s trip our days were so busy I had to schedule everything. 

We filled our days with Go Ape-style aerial adventures, drama classes, inflatable obstacle courses, discos, game show challenges, arcades… 

There truly was something for everyone, including football and swimming lessons, or even chocolate parties.  

Despite scorching temperatures in August hitting 48C, the staff were amazing.

The entertainment team were always on form, the food at breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious, the poolside was immaculate and the rooms were spotless.

Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for — Turkish pastries, English favourites, about six types of eggs, continental, and a huge fruit selection.

Lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge mezze selection consisting of about 40 different dishes.

But the best meal was dinner, with an even more expansive mezze selection, soups, salads and several hot food stations serving everything from pizza to gourmet to-order dishes, and a pudding buffet of dreams.

They also had themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings.

And they had a separate kitchen for kids’ food at all meals. 

There were three a-la-carte restaurants too, serving American, European and Asian dishes.

At night, most of the hotel decamped to the 500-seat amphitheatre to watch the entertainment.

One evening towards the end of our holiday, my son and ten others put on a half-hour show that was deeply impressive given the minimal six hours of rehearsals that had taken part in the run-up. 

Also part of the evening entertainment schedule were DJs, dance contests, quizzes and a musical. 

Admittedly, you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy this hotel.

“Never a dull moment” extends to all times of the day, with a full-on range of activities taking place by the pool during the afternoon.

But if that’s you, then the TUI Village Sarigerme really does offer everything the whole family could want from a holiday.

Seven night all-inclusive holidays at the hotel start from £655pp, with return UK flights.

Many TUI customers due to fly in the next few days will be awaiting news of whether their flights and package holidays are cancelled. The travel operator has now issued a major update on the situation

TUI has cancelled more flights to Cyprus as a UK Royal Navy warship heads for the region.

Sir Keir Starmer said HMS Dragon – a Type 45 Destroyer – will be sent to that section of the Mediterranean. The PM has also spoken with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to let him know the UK is also “sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities”.

It comes a day after the runway of the British air base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was hit by a drone. The Ministry of Defence said it caused “minimal damage”.

Today, flights to Cyprus’s two commercial airports were cancelled, with easyJet, Ryanair and TUI scrapping services. This afternoon, German travel giant TUI issued a major update on its coming Cyprus flights.

The spokesperson said: “In light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, we have taken the decision to cancel the four TUI Airways flights scheduled to travel to Cyprus on Wednesday, 4 March. We appreciate this may be disappointing news for those due to travel, and we are truly sorry for the disruption to our customers’ holiday plans. Our customer service teams are fully mobilised, and every affected customer will be contacted directly to discuss the options available to them.

“We want to reassure all customers that we are closely monitoring developments and keeping the situation under constant review.”

As for next steps, TUI has said: “Customers will be contacted directly and offered the option to amend their booking fee-free, with a rebooking incentive, or to receive a full refund.”

It also confirmed that its next TUI Airways flights to Cyprus are scheduled to operate on Saturday (March 7). TUI said: “At this stage, these flights are planned to run as normal. However, we continue to monitor the situation closely and, as it remains dynamic, schedules may be subject to change.”

Passengers flying out on Saturday should keep an eye on TUI’s travel alert page, as well as check its app for updates, and keep up to date with international news.

Flights cancelled on Wednesday, 4 March:

• TOM7318 – East Midlands Airport to Paphos
• TOM6312 – Cardiff Airport to Paphos
• TOM6354 – Bournemouth to Paphos
• TOM2336 – Manchester to Paphos

TUI’s website also has advice for customers currently in Cyprus. It says: “The safety of our customers is always our top priority. Our teams are working with our airline partners to monitor the situation and make arrangements to bring you back to the UK once it is safe to do so. We are working though bookings in date order and will call you to discuss your options. However, if you would prefer, please call us on 0203 451 2688.

“If you choose to call us, please be aware that we are receiving an exceptional volume of calls and there may be some delay in your call being answered.”

READ MORE: TUI, Emirates, British Airways and easyJet latest updates on when flights might resumeREAD MORE: TUI issues update for Brits impacted by Middle East travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not currently advise against travel to Cyprus, but many airlines have been cancelling their flights in light of the current situation.

The FCDO advises that Brits planning a holiday in Cyprus should sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, monitor local news, and regularly review departure plans as the situation can change rapidly.

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THINKING of booking a holiday? Well, it’s perfect timing as TUI has just announced its most-loved hotels across the world.

Over 13,000 hotels have been assessed with only those achieving top Customer Satisfaction Scores being considered for the awards.

And coming out on top for UK holidaymakers, is TUI Blue Barut Andiz in Türkiye.

Located in the town of Side, the adults-only hotel scored the highest guest ratings across the entire TUI portfolio.

UK travellers noted how the hotel has friendly staff, brilliant food and a chilled, child-free setting.

Inside the hotel, guests can dine at two à la carte restaurants on a first-floor terrace whilst looking out at the sea.

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When booking via TUI, you’ll get one free visit to the hotel’s signature à la carte restaurant – the Culinarium – which specialises in seafood and hosts themed evenings.

As for bars, you can enjoy the orange glow of the evening at the Sunset Bar or enjoy a tipple by the water at the Meltem Pool Bar.

Need some caffeine? Well, you can head to Thea’s Coffee Shop for ice cream, desserts and of course, hot drinks.

The hotel also boasts a spa with a Turkish bath and a mix of solo and couples treatment rooms.

This year the hotel is celebrating 10 years since opening and as a result, throughout this summer will be hosting a number of celebratory fitness sessions, food experiences, live music events, silent discos and parties.

Fitness sessions include BLUEfit, which are outdoor instructor-led sessions including Aqua Board classes, Pilates and yoga.

Around the hotel, you can head to the beach, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

And Side’s old town is also not too far, where you can explore Roman ruins with glass walkways that sit over dug-out ruins.

If you want to discover artefacts that have been found during the excavations in the old town, then head to Side Museum, which costs £4.36 per person to visit.

A seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people in a double room with a balcony this April costs from £1,389.32.

Perhaps you are wanting to go on holiday with the family though? Then look at TUI Magic Life Sarigerme, which has been named the best family-friendly hotel.

Also located in Türkiye, the hotel features five swimming pools, seven bars and four restaurants – all sat on the beachfront.

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Dalaman but also right by Sarigerme Beach, which is a large, sprawling beach loved by locals for kitesurfing.

There is even a watersports centre on the beach if you want to try out kitesurfing for yourself.

An all-inclusive seven-night stay for two adults this April in a double room costs from £1,383.68.

Fancy heading to Greece? Well, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel and Suites has been named the best hotel in the Cyprus and Greece category.

With its own private beach, there are two restaurants to pick from as well, serving traditional Mediterranean dishes.

There are two outdoor freshwater pools, an indoor pool and even a whirlpool.

Over the summer months, the hotel usually also puts on entertainment such as live music.

Two adults can stay for seven-nights on a bed and breakfast basis this May from £2,114.82 in a double room with a sea view.

And if you are thinking about heading to Spain, you might want to book in to Hotel Fariones in Lanzarote.

The hotel came out on top for the best in Spain and Portugal category and boasts two pools, three restaurants and direct access to the Playa Grande Beach.

Just a short walk away, you can discover Puerto Del Carmen’s Old Town where you will find a selection of restaurants and bars.

A seven-night break for two adults this May costs from £2,509.14, on a bed and breakfast basis in a double room with a sea view.

For more inspiration on hotels in Europe to book, here’s Europe’s number one beach hotel with a huge pool and sea-view suites.

Plus, Europe’s biggest hotel is in a VERY surprising part of the UK – with 1,630 rooms.

Passengers have been evacuated from Paphos International Airport in Cyprus amid reports of an unidentified drone flying into its airspace. Here are the latest updates from airlines with flights to the island.

Paphos International Airport in Cyprus ordered an ‘immediate and total evacuation’ this morning (March 2) amid reports that an unidentified drone had been flown into its restricted airspace.

Some European airlines including easyJet have already been cancelling their flights to Larnaca International Airport, a major hub for package holidays, after a drone strike hit the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Cyprus is a popular destination for Brits, with over 1.3 million visiting each year, and with the busy Easter period on the way, many holidaymakers may be wondering how this will affect their travel plans. Around 60 flights have been cancelled to the island today, and airlines will be closely monitoring the situation in order to make a decision on resuming flights in the coming days and weeks.

Check out updates from airlines including British Airways and easyJet below. Travellers to the island should also keep up to date with FCDO advice for Cyprus, as the situation is likely to change quickly.

British Airways (BA)

BA said in its latest statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East. We understand it is a difficult time for customers in affected destinations and we are in contact with them to offer reassurance and support. Safety is our top priority and we will only operate a flight if it is safe to do so.”

It added: “We have cancelled flights to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv up to and including the 05 March and today’s Larnaca service [March 2].

“We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for free.

“We are advising customers to check their flight status on BA.com for the latest updates before travelling to the airport due to the evolving situation.”

EasyJet

EasyJet has been advising passengers on X (formerly Twitter) to check its Flight Tracker for the latest information on whether their Cyprus flight will be delayed or cancelled.

An easyJet spokesperson told The Express: “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating.

“Flights from 3 March are currently operating as planned but we would advise customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information.

“We are doing all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and are providing options for rebooking including on other airlines or a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.”

TUI

A TUI spokesperson said: “The safety of our customers is our highest priority, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the middle east and surrounding regions. We are currently operating our Cyprus program as planned, but as this is an evolving situation, that could be subject to change.” Paphos and Larnaca airport shows TUI flights scheduled from Wednesday onwards, with no cancellations or delays showing at the time of writing.

TUI has also previously released a statement for customers due to fly out to the UAE or Qatar up to and including March 8, advising: “our pre-travel team will be in contact with you ahead of your departure date.” It also advises: “We are working though bookings in date order and will call you to discuss your options. However, if you would prefer, please call us on 0203 451 2688.” Should the current situation extend to Cyprus, it’s likely the process would be the same.

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Jet2

Jet2 flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3 and 4) are not yet showing as cancelled or delayed on the Paphos Airport website. Customers who have asked for advice via Jet2’s official X account have been advised to contact the Jet2 pre-travel team via Whatsapp to discuss their options.

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A passenger survey has found the short-haul airline that was ranked as the lowest for its overall customer satisfaction, including for the boarding process and value for money

The airline with the worst customer satisfaction in the UK has been revealed, and it’s not Jet2, Wizz Air or easyJet.

In a lot of circumstances, the airline we fly with can depend on the most affordable ticket available at the time of booking, with competition rife among major budget airlines like Jet2, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet for short-haul flights. But depending on the airline we choose for our journey, it can severely impact our overall travel experience, from the booking and boarding processes to the customer service onboard.

Now, an annual customer satisfaction survey of more than 5,500 travellers by Which? found that Ryanair was the worst-performing short-haul airline.

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A Ryanair spokesperson told the Mirror: “Neither we nor our 208m passengers pay any attention to these made-up manufactured surveys or their fake results. Every passenger booking a flight has a choice and last year 208m consumers chose Ryanair, while nobody reads or pays any attention to Which? fake surveys.”

In the Which? ratings, Ryanair secured a mere one star for seat comfort, while it scored two out of five stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service and cabin environment.

When it comes to value for money on short-hauls, the airline earned a three-star rating, the same as easyJet and Wizz Air, but fell behind carriers, Jet2, Lufthansa, TUI and Aer Lingus. Overall, Ryanair received a customer satisfaction score of 55 per cent in the short-haul survey and ranked bottom on a list of 24 airlines. Just in front of Ryanair on the customer survey, with a total score of 59 per cent, was Wizz Air.

The budget carrier, which had 259 passengers included in the Which? survey, received two stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service, and cabin environment. However, it was awarded three stars for its value for money.

A Wizz Air spokesperson also shared: “Once again, Which’s survey relies on a tiny sample size. It surveyed 259 people, which is only 0.002% of the 12 million passengers carried on our UK flights in 2025. No credible organisation can claim that such a sample is representative.

“Our strong passenger numbers – which rise every year – clearly show that travellers value WIZZ’s low prices and industry-leading operational performance. We’re continuing to deliver against the commitments outlined in our £12 billion Customer First Compass initiative. From October 2024 to December 2025, customer satisfaction rose by eight percentage points. At the same time, our flight completion rate in the UK was 99.7% – consistently among the best in the industry – while our on-time performance increased by 14% year-on-year.

“This year, we look forward to welcoming even more passengers on board Europe’s youngest and most modern fleet, taking advantage of our low prices on our biggest ever summer leisure network to many new destinations in Spain, Greece, and France.”

In stark contrast, Jet2 topped the list with 76 per cent, receiving a four-star rating for its booking process, customer service and value for money. One customer said: “Compared with other budget airlines, they give you a generous luggage allowance, which makes such a difference.”

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EGYPT is having a holiday comeback, with trips to the destination booming according to all the experts.

The Red Sea resorts are tempting holidaymakers back with their incredible weather, beautiful beaches, activities like snorkelling – and it’s just five hours away.

For many years Egypt was the sought-after destination for Brits thanks to its promise of great weather and barely any rain.

In 2010, Egypt saw peak British holidaymaker numbers, with around 1.4million tourists visiting.

But then Brits stopped going to Egypt as much – leading to the 2011 flight cancellations – due to conflict within the region.

This was followed by the 2015 terror attack on a Russian passenger plane which killed all 224 onboard.

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As a result, flights from the UK were stopped for four years, with TUI only reintroducing holiday packages in 2019.

Now, many airlines fly to to Egypt, in particular the Red Sea resorts, like EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

And interest in heading to Egypt is higher than ever – TUI has revealed that customer numbers are up 10 percent more than last year.

It’s not just TUI which has found that Egypt is growing ever more popular. River cruise and tour operator Riviera Travel named it as the fastest-growing destination for 2026.

Comparing January-February 2025 with January-February 2026 bookings, Egypt is up 310 per cent.

It’s no surprise as in just five hours Brits can enjoy sun, sea and sand as well as affordable food and drink.

The resort cities are brilliant winter sun destinations and during the summer, temperatures can be as high as 38C – this week it’s seeing highs of 22C.

It’s not just the sunshine and beautiful resorts either as Egypt remains very affordable too.

In recent years, Egypt has been named the ‘best value for money’ destination, according to the Post Office Travel Money.

According to Wise, a beer in Egypt can be as little as 50EG£ which is 77p.

Coffee can be as little as 54p and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant starts from £1.55.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK&I added: “It’s one of our most in demand destinations and a stand-out location for holidaymakers in 2026.

“The choice and standard of hotels have evolved significantly keeping pace with the increased demand from UK and international tourists.”

He named Sharm El Sheikh as a popular spot for couples with its blend of relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and world‑class reefs.

Whereas Hurghada is “especially popular with families thanks to its impressive all‑inclusive offering, shallow beaches, and brilliant snorkelling”.

There’s also Marsa Alam which is gaining in popularity with “pristine beaches, exceptional diving, and a more laid‑back atmosphere”.

Chris added: “Value for money is another reason for Egypt’s resurgence.

“Whether it’s grabbing a pint in Hurghada for the equivalent of 80p, enjoying a cocktail on the seafront in Sharm for just £3, or dining out at local restaurants, customers consistently tell us they’re getting exceptional quality at a price that’s hard to beat.

“While Spain and Turkey remain firm favourites, we’re seeing North Africa flourish and Egypt is leading the way as the top choice for 2026.

“It really does have everything – UNESCO listed bucket list experiences, a welcoming culture, inspiring history, adventure, value, amazing resorts and hotels, beautiful locations, crystal clear waters, and outstanding beaches. 

“All within easy reach of the UK. What’s not to love?”

TUI has revealed some of its favourite package holidays.

A seven-night holiday to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt at the 5T TUI Magic Life Redsina Sharm el Sheikh on an all-inclusive basis starts from £789 per person.

This is based on two adults sharing a Family Area Deluxe Double Room with Garden View and Balcony departing from London Gatwick on 11 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

If you’re heading to Marsa Alam, TUI offers a seven-night holiday at the Jaz Grand Marsa on an all-inclusive basis from £625 per person.

Price is based on two adults sharing a Superior Twin Room with Garden View and Balcony or Terrace departing from London Gatwick on 15 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

Here is perfect for swimmers as its private beach has a coral reef – and there’s a trio of sea-view pools.

Over in Hurghada, you can stay at the 3T Sindbad Club on an all-inclusive basis from £1114 per person.

Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Superior Family Room with Pool View, Waterpark View and Balcony departing from Birmingham on 30 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

This hotel is great for families as it has its own waterpark and a pool scene as well a 10 bars and five restaurants.

For more on holidays to Egypt, one writer stayed a huge resort with the country’s largest water park and massive hotel buffet.

And another Sun Writer visited TUI’s Egyptian resort with a huge swimming pool – and it had unlimited booze.

Located on the Atlantic coast, the country has a subtropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons, with average high temperatures in March reaching 34C

A breathtaking destination boasting 34C temperatures in March and direct flights from Britain offers travellers 50 miles of spectacular coastline featuring white-sand beaches. Dubbed ‘The Smiling Coast of Africa’, the Republic of The Gambia – or simply The Gambia – is so called after The Gambia River, which forms the core of the country’s geography.

It’s also mainland Africa’s smallest country and is celebrated for its friendly inhabitants. Situated along the Atlantic shoreline, The Gambia enjoys a subtropical climate characterised by distinctive dry and wet seasons.

In the capital, Banjul, average peak temperatures during March climb to 34C, whilst the ocean reaches an agreeable 26C. British holidaymakers travelling to Gambia can select from 17 airlines, according to Booking.com..

TUI operates holiday packages to The Gambia featuring flights from London Gatwick and Manchester Airport to Banjul International Airport, the nation’s capital. The journey from Britain takes approximately six and a half hours.

Despite measuring just 31 miles at its widest point, The Gambia features 50 miles of shoreline blessed with white-sand beaches, with standout locations including the coastal areas of Kotu and Kololi.

Surrounded entirely by the West African state of Senegal, The Gambia’s official language is English and has experienced “long spells of stability” since gaining independence from nearly 150 years of British colonial governance in 1965, according to the BBC.

A haven for nature enthusiasts, The Gambia is home to hippos, chimpanzees, crocodiles, and more than 600 species of birds. The nation also features nine distinct tribes, with the Mandinka forming the largest.

YouTuber Waleed Maoed, who recently visited The Gambia, documented his experience with locals in a video about the nation: “Honestly, it has been a great day in Gambia, home of the Smiling Coast.

“People here are awesome. Very welcoming. I definitely recommend visiting this country. This country is pretty cool.” He noted that despite having travelled to “many places” across Africa, Gambians had proven “super kind”.

The Gambia is a predominantly flat, low-lying strip of land split by the Gambia River, and, in what will come as a relief to those of us who struggle with jet lag, it operates on the same timezone as the UK.

Notable attractions include the River Gambia National Park, Kotu Beach, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Albert Market and the historical Kunta Kinteh Island (previously called James Island).

Regarding traditional food, white rice accompanied by fiery sauces proves popular, according to The Gambian Experience, with the peanut-based Domoda stew serving as the national dish.

Additional specialities include spiced meat snack afra, meat-and-rice dish benachin, okra stew, palm wine, a bread variety called tapalapa, non-alcoholic wonjo juice, and chicken yassa.

Back in March 2013, Didi Danso penned a piece in the Mirror documenting a journey to The Gambia: “Stepping off the plane, warm air blasted me in the face. Temperatures are usually around 30C – one of the main reasons for its popularity with winter and spring sun-seekers.

“In the airport and beyond, people greeted me with a smiling face. This was so infectious that by the end of each day, my cheeks ached from smiling back.

“My first stop was the beautiful Kombo Beach Hotel in Kotu resort, where a light and airy room with a private balcony offered views of the ocean and beaches.

“Waking up to the sound of the sea was a delightful way to start the day. It convinced me to take a walk on the beautiful Bakau Beach – something I’d recommend to all.”

FANS of Spain will be happy to hear that TUI has launched new holidays to the Spanish city closest to the UK.

Taking less than two hours to fly to, Bilbao is the largest city in Spain‘s Basque Country.

And now it will be getting new TUI holidays this spring.

The city used to be an industrial port before it was later transformed into a modern city with unique architecture.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one example of the interesting architecture in the city.

It was designed by Frank Gehry and inside visitors can expect 20 galleries full of art.

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Make sure when visiting to see Jeff Koons’ Puppy, which is the world’s biggest flower statue with more than 38,000 flowers that are even changed twice a year.

The museum costs £13.10 per person to visit.

Whilst visiting, you should also head to Casco Viejo, which is the city’s medieval old town and is filled with shops, cafes and the Santiago Cathedral.

It is a great spot for food lovers as there are lots of restaurants and bars offering pintxos (small snack dish) along with txikitos (small glasses of wine).

Pintxos usually cost from £1.80.

Of course, whilst you are in the city, take a stroll along the Nervion River to see views of Zubizuri Bridge, Iberdrola Tower and the San Mames Stadium.

Spain‘s famous Rioja region is also nearby, so wine lovers can head off on a day trip to tour one of the historic wineries and have a taste of the local wine.

If you want to see the city from a different angle, then head on the Funicular de Artxanda and you will travel to the top of Mount Artxanda, which has amazing panoramic views of the city.

For dinner, check out Mercado de la Ribera, which is Europe’s largest covered market serving fresh food.

Temperatures in the summer hit around 26C with lots of sunshine.

What’s even better is that Bilbao is only a short flight from the UK, taking just two hours.

With TUI, travellers can fly to Bilbao from Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester Airports.

Two night breaks with return UK flights can be found for just £127pp when travelling next month.

TUI’s commercial director Chris Logan said: ”Bilbao offers a truly special city break.

“With incredible art, fantastic food and beautiful scenery all in one trip, it’s ideal for customers who want the authentic taste of Spain.

“Outside peak summer, it’s fantastic value too with great hotels, unforgettable experiences and some of the best food in the country, all in a walkable city.”

For more inspiration on Spanish holidays, here are the best Spanish resorts you’ve never heard of.

Plus, the Spanish holiday resort that has the cheapest all-inclusive holidays this summer for families on a budget.

While this lesser-known region in Spain is growing in popularity, it still gets only a fraction of visitors that other cities see, and it allows you to enjoy a completely different type of Spanish culture

TUI has added a new city break destination to its roster for spring, and it’s in a part of Spain that’s growing in popularity with Brits and has a unique look.

If you’re bored of the Spanish Costas and want to escape the usual packed tourist spots, then Northern Spain is becoming an alternative for Brits who want to see a different part of the country. The Basque Country alone saw a 40% increase in visitors last year, although this still only puts the area at 182,000 tourists a year- a fraction of the visitors to Southern Spain.

At the heart of the Basque Country is Bilbao, and if you’ve never been to this part of Spain, it’s an excellent starting point for immersing yourself in the area’s unique beauty and culture.

TUI will offer city breaks to Bilbao from four major UK airports this spring: Bristol, London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, and Manchester. With flights from London taking just under two hours, it’s ideal for a long weekend or mini break.

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In a Lonely Planet article, one travel writer wrote: “When your plane banks toward Bilbao Airport for the final approach, the lush forest passing below looks nothing like the Spain you thought you knew.”

The climate and landscapes of this region are worlds away from the dry, sunny south, with milder weather that can be a respite from summer heatwaves. In March and April, daily highs are around 17C, while over the summer, it hits around 26C, and the south often bakes in temperatures in the mid-30s. It also gets more rain than the south, giving the surrounding area a fresh green look.

Bilbao sits on the banks of the Nervión River, and one of its most popular spots is its old town, also known as Casco Viejo. With colourful buildings dating back to medieval times, a grand cathedral, and the beautiful neoclassical Plaza Nueva, full of bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect city break destination.

In contrast, the Guggenheim Museum, with its unique Frank Gehry-designed exterior, looks different from anything else in the city, yet draws people in with its vast collection of contemporary art. Even if you don’t venture inside, it’s worth walking past to see its titanium-clad exterior shining in the sun.

In addition to its cultural delights, Bilbao is known for its colourful food scene, and as you wander the streets, you’ll find plenty of pintxos bars. A northern alternative to tapas; pintxos are bite-sized pieces of bread topped with ingredients from jamón to seafood or cheese, held together by a cocktail stick.

Another famous product of Northern Spain is its Rioja wines, which are the perfect pairing for a plate of pintxos. You can enjoy a day trip to wineries near the city, or simply visit one of the many wine bars for a tasting.

TUI’s deals include a 7-night stay 4T NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels on a room only basis from £583 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Double or Twin Comfort Room departing from London Gatwick on the 14th of April 2026 with hand luggage only.

Or you can book a seven-night holiday staying at Hotel Sirimiri on a room-only basis from £451 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Double or Twin Standard Room departing from London Heathrow on the 21st of April 2026 with hand luggage only. Prices are subject to availability and may change. To find out more, visit the TUI website or download the official app.

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TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways rules on flying with pets including the airlines that do allow you to bring animals into the cabin

Every pet owner has found themselves missing their cuddly companion when away from home. If you’re particularly close to your dog or cat, you might even be wondering whether it’s possible to take them with you. Policies vary from airline to airline, as does the cost. It’s also worth checking the requirements for bringing pets to your destination, as well as returning to the UK with your pet, as you’ll need to follow a number of steps to get them through customs.

Here’s what some popular airlines say about travelling with animals.

TUI

Pets aren’t allowed in the cabin of TUI’s aircraft, although registered assistance dogs can travel with their owners for free. Any other animals need to travel in the hold, and TUI say pets will usually go on the same flight as their owners. Its website reassures owners that: “The hold is pressurised and at the same temperature as the passenger cabin.”

Pets need to be kept in a travel box with a water bowl, and cannot be medically sedated, although herbal calming products cam be used. Owners will need to call or email TUI beforehand to check whether their pet can be accommodated, as some routes have restrictions, and to arrange for their pet’s travel in advance.

EasyJet

EasyJet’s policy is clear: “Animals are not allowed on our flights, apart from recognised registered guide and assistance dogs.” Animals can not be carried in the cabin or hold.

Passengers travelling with assistance dogs will need to contact the special assistance team in advance, at least 48 hours before the flight, and will need to provide documents that the pet is a trained assistance dog. The dog will also need an animal health certificate, or pet passport if accepted, and the necessary vaccination certificates depending on the destination.

Ryanair

Ryanair also say: “We do not carry animals on board any Ryanair flights, except guide/assistance dogs on certain routes.” Assistance dogs need to be registered with an organisation such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK, or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

Ryanair added: “Emotional support or therapy dogs that are not recognized as assistance dogs by the above organizations are not permitted to travel with Ryanair.” It also has a list of requirements for assistance dogs on its website.

Jet2

Jet2 does not allow pets in the cabin or hold, and assistance dogs are the only animals allowed onboard. Assistance dogs travel with their owner for free, and Jet2 advise that passengers should contact their Assisted Travel Team before travelling so arrangements can be made.

It advises: “Please note an additional seat may be required to ensure there is enough floor space for the assistance dog to lie down, and if this is the case, an additional charge may be applicable depending on the size of the assistance dog.” Jet2 also warned: “If the assistance needs (including carriage of assistance dogs) of customers on the same flight create conflicting health issues, we reserve the right to decide how the conflict shall be resolved at our absolute discretion.”

British Airways (BA)

BA advise that all pets must be carried in the hold on flights to and from the UK. It has partnered with cargo services that specialise in the transport of pets, details of which can be found on its travelling with pets page.

BA warn: “British Airways is unable to accept emotional support dogs for travel in the cabin on any British Airways operated flights. Your emotional support dog can travel as a pet.” However, it also makes an exception for assistance dogs, which can travel free of charge in the cabin. Assistance dogs will need to be registered and trained with a suitable organisation, and the dog will need to be registered ahead of the flight’s departure.

Air France

Air France is one of the few European airlines to allow pets in the cabin, but there are restrictions. It only allows cats or dogs up to 8kg in weight, and up to 75kg in total with its carrier. Pets over this size must go into the hold.

Owners will need to contact Air France before they travel and check the strict list of requirements. Certain breeds with snub-noses will need to be cleared by a vet to fly. This includes pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats. Pets can’t travel in the cabin on intercontinental flights and aren’t allowed in business class.

Vueling

Spanish airline Vueling also allow some pets onboard including dogs, cats, birds, and turtles, although they must be kept inside a carrier at all times when in the cabin. It does not allow pets in the hold.

The maximum weight for pets travelling on Vueling is 10kg including the carrier, and it’ll need to go under the seat in front of you. Pet owners will need to check the requirements for their destination country and should contact the airline to book their pet’s space.

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PARTS of the UK have seen rain every day of 2026 so far.

But there is a popular country in Africa where you can find sunshine as it has the least amount of rainfall in the world.

Egypt is constantly ranked the country with the lowest average annual rainfall in the world.

In one year, it only gets about 0.7 inches of rain – in comparison, the UK sees on average 47 inches.

This week, while the UK shivers in freezing temperatures and possible snow, Egypt is basking in highs of 30C.

The good news for Brits is that Egypt is incredibly accessible with the flight time being as little as five hours – and there are very cheap holiday offers throughout the year.

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The most popular resort towns for Brits are scattered along the Red Sea – these are Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, El Gouna, and Marsa Alam.

You can pick the destination depending on what kind of break you’re after.

Sharm El Sheikh, on the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, is a premier Red Sea resort city with world-class diving and snorkelling thanks to its stunning coral reefs.

Hurghada is also a Red Sea city and is known for having incredible beaches along with great nightlife in Sakalla.

Just up the coast from Hurghada is El Gouna – a secure and gated resort town with high-end hotels, golf courses and marinas.

Meanwhile, Marsa Alam is further south – its U-shaped Abu Dabab Bay is known for its sea turtles and sea cows.

You can spend 10 nights at in Giza for as little as £249 each with loveholidays.

The hotel has spacious bedrooms – some even have bathtubs in the rooms.

The rooftop is the perfect place to gaze at the ancient pyramids, and guests can hire out BBQ equipment for some outdoor cooking.

The price is room only and includes flights from London Stansted.

Staying in Giza, a city on the west bank of the Nile is the perfect stop for anyone wanting to explore Egypt’s history.

It is home to the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World—the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx.

Over in Hurghada, you can stay at the 4-star Elysees Dream Beach Hotel which has its own beach, and lots of children’s facilities.

A 10 night stay at Elysees Dream Beach Hotel (starting on February 26) starts from £339pp this includes breakfast – and flights from London Stansted.

Hurghada is the perfect spot for a ‘fly and flop’ break – and February sees more mild temperatures as in peak summer season it can get as hot as 38C.

For a different kind of holiday, why not check out an Egyptian river cruise?

TUI offers package cruises from £1459pp with the Legends of the Nile.

This package is across seven nights, it’s all inclusive with a superior cabin which comes with air conditioning and shower as well as other room amenities.

Guests can explore spots like Aswan, Edfu and Kom Ombo seeing ancient cities and ruins.

One Travel Writer hopped onboard a TUI river cruise when it first launched.

She said: “I got to explore the ancient lands of Egypt in possibly the best way a tourist can — a cruise along the River Nile on board Al Horeya, TUI’s first river cruise ship to sail outside of the European waterways.

“Luxor was the first stop on my seven-night bucket list adventure.

“And I was desperate to explore the Valley Of The Kings where some of Egypt’s most illustrious — and notorious — Pharaohs are buried.

“After a busy day of exploring this fascinating city on the Nile’s east bank, the double bed in my Superior French Balcony Cabin seemed all too inviting.

“From the first night, the Egyptian rosé wine Shahrazade became my tipple of choice – luckily, stays aboard the TUI Al Horeya are all-inclusive which meant I could swig back as many wines as I fancied.”

For more on Egypt, here’s the perfect destination for families seeking adventure from scaling pyramids to snorkelling and desert safari.

Plus, Jet2 is restarting flights to one much-loved winter sun destination for the first time in 16 years.