underrated

Sarah Findlay, travel expert from Total Travel Protection, has highlighted this affordable and fun European city as one that should receive more visitors from the UK

A European city is an underrated destination for a getaway, offering return UK flights from £100 per person and a five-star hotel for two for £65 a night.

Sarah Findlay, travel expert from Total Travel Protection, believes that many UK holidaymakers are sleeping on an Eastern European spot that can deliver amazing value for money and an awful lot of fun.

“Located on the Baltic coast of Poland, Gdańsk is an underrated and affordable holiday destination Brits should look to book, “she told the Mirror.

The flight time from the UK to Gdansk is between two and 2.5 hours. This can vary slightly depending on your specific departure airport, for example, a flight from London Stansted is around 2 hours and 5 minutes, while a flight from Bristol is about 2 hours and 52 minutes.

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Ryanair, Wizz Air and Jet2 all fly to Gdansk, with direct flights available from airports including Newcastle, Stansted, Leeds, Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Aberdeen and Birmingham. Right now there are direct flights available in December for £15.

There are buckets of good deals available in terms of accomodation. Right now, a room at the five-star Hotel Podewils Old Town Gdańsk in December can be yours for £65 a night.

“While in Gdańsk, you can stroll through the Old Town, visit the Museum of World War Two, and admire the architecture with a walking tour or city cruise. You can try traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi (Polish dumplings) and żurek (sour rye soup). If you’re after the beach, you can visit the relaxing Jelitkowo Beach, located just 6 miles from the city centre,” Sarah continued.

“As Gdańsk is located in the Baltic with summer temperatures in the low 20s, you won’t need to worry about extreme heat, which was the case for many popular destinations this year. Our recent analysis of Total Travel Protection insurance claims revealed a 15% rise in heat-related travel insurance claims in summer 2025, highlighting how important it is to consider rising temperatures.”

What to do in Gdansk

• Long Market (Długi Targ) — This is the heart of Gdańsk’s Old Town: an elegant historic square lined with Renaissance / Baroque townhouses, full of character and charm.
• Neptune’s Fountain — A famous and photogenic landmark right in the Old Town. Great for a classic snap and a bit of city history.
• Wander through Mariacka Street, one of Gdańsk’s prettiest streets — packed with old merchant houses, amber shops, cosy cafés and boutiques. Evening strolls here, when the streetlights glow, feel especially magical.

• Visit the National Maritime Museum, which showcases Gdańsk’s maritime history, shipbuilding, trade, and sea-related culture. Great for history buffs or maritime-curious.
• Walk along the waterfront — along the river and port areas, where you’ll get sea breezes, views of old-town spires, cranes, and historic shipyards.

• Gdańsk Zoo — Poland’s largest zoo by area. If you travel with kids (or simply enjoy animals), this is a lovely place with many species and space to roam around.
• If the weather’s good, head to one of Gdańsk’s nearby beaches. Perfect for a relaxing walk by the Baltic, some fresh air and a break from city sightseeing.

A charming town that’s perfect for a weekend break, with independent shops, great places to eat and drink, and stunning hikes on its doorstep

As the festive season approaches, you might be meticulously planning your shopping trips. However, your local high street may not fit the bill.

If you fancy a change of scenery this December, a staycation in one Welsh town could offer the perfect blend of exploration and independent boutiques. One destination that might not have sprung to mind is tucked away deep within Rhondda, South Wales.

Treorchy and its bustling high street are ideal for a relaxed Saturday morning stroll, perusing the many independent shops, with the rest of the day free for dining, drinking or, weather permitting, a post-lunch ramble around the nearby hills and waterfalls.

Shops

The true allure of Treorchy lies in its quaint independent shops, where you’ll discover gifts and stocking fillers galore. At the top of Bute Street, there’s the florist, Lili Wen, where – alongside beautiful bouquets and wreaths – you’ll find homely yet chic housewares and trinkets, reports the Express.

For those who relish rummaging through trinkets and gifts, Wonder Stuff is a must-visit. This delightful gift shop has been trading for over two decades, selling adorable stationery, mugs, cards, and food and drink gifts.

Just a few doors down, Green Valley may seem like a simple fruit and veg shop – and it is – but it also stocks sustainable gifts, a variety of hot sauces, Christmas items, treats and, intriguingly, cosy Nordic socks.

Beyond The Lion pub, two unique shopping experiences await. Sparkilicious is a haven of chic gifts and homeware, puzzles, games and toys.

Just across the road, Celtic Dragon Retro presents a different kind of treasure chest, brimming with retro game consoles and games, collectable toys and comics. You’ll discover everything from Pokémon and WWE, Star Wars, Marvel and DC to Disney.

They even offer gaming tables for a breather during your shopping spree! Treorchy’s high street also features an array of clothing shops, baby stores, drapers and jewellery shops worth a visit.

Places to eat and drink

Treorchy is teeming with coffee shops and snack spots, such as Hot Gossip, which is currently offering a large festive drinks menu.

The Cwm Farm Shop serves up a hearty breakfast, Sunday roast, homemade pies and pasties, and daily specials. Their cawl is particularly commendable, and many of the dishes use locally-sourced meat from the nearby farm owned by the same family.

For dinner, the Pencelli Hotel offers a full menu of pub classics, tapas items, curries and flatbreads. Alternatively, you can enjoy a pub meal or pizza at the Cardiff Arms Bistro, with dishes like beef short rib, grilled monkfish and prawn curry.

Christmas attractions

Treorchy is one of many towns in Rhondda Cynon Taf that hosts a Christmas celebration. This year, the parade will commence on Saturday, November 29.

Treorchy Library is set to spread some festive cheer with Santa Saturdays every weekend in December, where kids can meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Plus, late-night shopping will kick off on 3rd December and continue every Wednesday throughout the month.

For those who fancy a bit of an adventure, the upper Rhondda offers stunning views and invigorating hikes. Just take a drive up to the Bwlch hilltop for a breathtaking view over Treorchy and Cwmparc, or head to the top of the valley to the Rhigos viewpoint for a glimpse of Bannau Brycheiniog on a clear day.

One hike that’s a must for walkers is the Blwch mountain circular, a 13km stretch from Treorchy up to the viewpoint. And if you’re visiting from out of town, The Pencelli and Cardiff Arms Bistro both offer cosy accommodation options.

OUR Spotlight On column rounds up the best things to see and do in top holiday destinations – and shines a light on some lesser-known spots too.

This week we’re spotlighting Belfast – the Northern Irish capital bursting with charm, heritage and plenty of good craic!

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens recently spent a weekend in the city centre, and is wondering why she didn’t visit sooner.

She said: “Belfast wasn’t on my bucket list, but after going I can’t believe I overlooked it. I’m convinced it’ll be the next go-to city for weekend breaks.

“Flights only cost £15 with Ryanair, and they’re so quick you barely have time to have a drink and stretch your legs before you’re landing again.

“The city’s got some amazing architecture, like the grand city hall and cathedral that watches over the city with its signature spire poking out.

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“The food scene in Belfast is criminally underrated too – local pubs served up some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.

“The Afternoon Tea at the Grand Central Hotel was miles better than The Shard.

“It had loads of unique tea flavours such as lemon smoothie, and plenty of well-stuffed sandwiches to go round.

“Plus, the Causeway Coast is breath-taking and under an hour’s drive from Belfast.

“It’s worth extending your trip, hiring a car and driving up the entire coast to see dramatic cliffs and Game of Thrones filming locations – not just a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway.

Must see and do

Head to McConnell’s Whiskey Distillery for a tour that blends history, culture and some fantastic local flavours.

Housed in the former Crumlin Road Gaol, the £25 experience begins with a welcome drink and a guided tasting of three spirits.

You’ll get to walk over the eerie markings of old prison cells, whilst seeing how whiskey is crafted from grain to glass.

The most memorable part of my visit, however, was the black cab tour.

Our cab driver, Billy, gave us a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, and drove us through a series of murals and past the Peace Walls.

It’s an excellent way to learn more about the city through the eyes of a local.

Else, take a stroll through the Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled streets buzz with street art and live music.

Hidden gem

Belfast lies partly in County Antrim, home to the stunning Causeway Coast.

In an hour’s drive you can discover the breath-taking coastline: from the dramatic rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede to the sweeping sands of White Park Bay.

Head to Glenariff Forest Park for panoramic landscapes and an enchanting waterfall walk.

You can even book a tour with a forest guide, who will tell you all about the area and its wildlife.

And if hiking’s not your thing, you can simply sit in the park’s cafe with a cup of tea to soak up the emerald green landscape.

Best view

For a striking view that makes you think, visit Titanic Belfast.

From here, you can look out over the historic slipways and docks where the liner was built and launched – a backdrop that transports you back in time.

After taking in the sheer scale of the ship from the slipway markings, the attraction itself becomes even more meaningful.

Here you can even step aboard the SS Nomadic – the White Star Line ship that ferried passengers to the Titanic itself.

The walk through takes a couple of hours, and is fascinating, immersive and deeply moving.

Rated restaurant

Mourne Seafood Bar is renowned for its ultra-fresh, locally sourced fish.

From seafood casserole to creamy mussels with crusty bread, the menu champions seasonal flavours.

Casual, welcoming and full of maritime charm, it’s the go-to spot for seafood lovers in Belfast.

If seafood’s not your thing, I recommend heading to Amelia Hall for delicious and generous portions of creamy pasta and freshly made pizza.

Best bar

Ask anyone in Belfast and they’ll say it’s hard to find a bad pint – and they’re right.

But the name that continually crops up the most amongst locals is Kelly’s Cellars.

One of the oldest pubs in Belfast, the low-beamed interior is warm and welcoming, alive with chatter and perfectly-poured pints.

Hotel pick

The Grand Central is Belfast’s showstopper hotel.

Once hosting icons from Churchill to the Beatles, today it continues to impress the modern guest with sleek rooms and city views.

Head to The Observatory, Ireland’s tallest bar, for cocktails or afternoon tea with the skyline shimmering below.

Classic Rooms at the Grand Central start from £220 per night, including breakfast. See www.hastingshotels.com/grand-central.

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Northern Ireland is part of the common travel area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers.

For more information visit: Ireland.com/northernireland.

WHEN it comes to winter city breaks most Brits will look to the likes of Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

But there’s another contender coming for the crown, and it’s usually known for having glorious summers – but it has incredibly mild winters and is less touristy then too.

Time Out named Athens as ‘Europe’s most underrated winter city break‘ with the publication saying that the city “never goes into hibernation”.

The capital of Greece is known more for being a summer destination as it has scorching temperatures of around 30C.

However in winter, Athens can still be very mild. In November, Athens can still have highs of 20C and through the rest of winter, there are still highs of around 14C.

In November you can get one-way flights from £28 with Ryanair, and in January there are even cheaper flights from £20.

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With flights taking around three and a half hours it’s easy for Brits to go there for a weekend before returning to the UK.

Writer Jonathan, who visited Athens during the low season revealed it was better for getting about with there being less tourists.

He said: “It’s not hot, there are no queues, flights and hotels are cheap and we can get the best seats in any bar, café or restaurant.

“Why come a cropper up the Acropolis in August when you can beat the crowds and heat by visiting mid-winter?

“Athens is the perfect Greek city for an all-year-round mini-break, with lots to see and do.”

Thanks to its rich history, archaeological sites are the most popular places to see in Athens from Parthenon to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium.

Plaka is another popular spot, and it happens to be the oldest neighbourhood in Athens.

Jonathan visited Plaka, and revealed that just like the historical spots, it’s better in autumn and winter.

He said: “With narrow pedestrianised lanes, tourist shops and tavernas, it’s no surprise that the area is heaving in summer, but we had plenty of space to breathe and enjoy glimpses of The Acropolis in peace.

“For an even less crowded view, head to 360 Cocktail Bar where you can soak up not just the city’s sacred rock but views of the pastel-coloured buildings below, too.”

If you fancy a drink while in Plaka, check out the Brettos which is famous for a distillery that has made liqueurs and ouzo since 1909.

If you wanted to be especially bold, from Athens you can easily hop over to one of the nearby islands like Mykonos, Santorini or Paros.

The closest islands to Athens are Aegina and Agistri which are both reachable in about an hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus.

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Check out the stunning Santorini-dupe village hidden inside Greece’s capital…

Anafiotika in Athens is the cutest little neighbourhood that until recently flew completely under the radar for most visitors to the Greek capital.

On a recent trip to the city, Travel Writer Hope Brotherton made sure to stop by the area that has been likened to Santorini by visitors, thanks to its whitewashed properties and winding lanes.

Located on the northeastern side of the Acropolis Hill, Anafiotika was built by a group of construction workers from Anafi, a tiny Cycladic island near Santorini and Ios.

The area has become a star on social media and has been praised by travel bloggers and influencers alike – but I spotted the whitewashed area when I was having a drink at the MS Roof Garden.

Here you’ll find whitewashed buildings, but they are inhabited by locals. The streets are very narrow, making it hard to walk around without feeling like you’re invading someone’s privacy

For more on Greece, read more from an expert who visits the country 10 times a year and these are her favourite beaches.

Plus, the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ will soon be easier to get to thanks to new £3million marina.

One place has been enjoying a surge in popularity with Brits in recent months, and it’s not difficult to see why as the country boasts stunning beaches, lush greenery and incredible wildlife

Brits seeking to escape the dreary UK winter for sunnier climates typically opt for destinations like Bali or Thailand. However, travel experts have identified one ‘underrated’ country emerging as a strong competitor, boasting palm-fringed sandy beaches and stunning landscapes.

Sri Lanka, whilst not exactly a hidden gem, has experienced a notable surge in popularity recently, with Travel Republic recording a 72% increase in holiday bookings to the South Asian nation over the past month alone. Across social media platforms, influencers have been documenting their travels throughout the country, with followers eagerly commenting that it’s the “most magical place ever”.

With its picturesque coastline, verdant terrain and diverse wildlife including elephants and leopards, it’s easy to understand why the destination appeals to adventurous travellers.

The ancient fortress of Sigiriya, believed by locals to have been constructed by King Kasyapa, stands as a remarkable landmark. Sihagiri, also known as Lion Rock, derives its name from the massive carved stone lion forming the entrance to the impressive citadel.

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Whilst the ascent is challenging, the panoramic views make it worthwhile (though visitors should note it can become busy, so arriving early helps avoid the tourist crowds). Meanwhile, Udawalawe National Park provides the perfect backdrop for spotting wildlife on safari, from water buffalo and mongooses to jackals and spotted deer, reports the Express.

For those seeking Maldives-style beaches, Unawatuna Beach is essential viewing, with its pristine waters perfect for swimming or watersports.

Then there are the stunning temples scattered across the landscape, but if you can only visit one, make it the Temple of the Tooth. Located in the vibrant city of Kandy, this World Heritage Site contains the relic of the tooth of Buddha – a precious artefact believed to grant its holder the power to govern the country.

Unsurprisingly, the tooth itself remains secured within a golden casket, hidden from view. Nevertheless, the temple complex features numerous shrines and smaller temples to discover, offering a captivating insight into Sri Lankan culture.

A Travel Republic spokesperson said: “Sri Lanka is becoming one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. It offers stunning beaches, lush islands, rich local culture, and incredible wildlife, all without the crowds that have made other destinations feel overrun. For travellers seeking authenticity and adventure, it’s a destination that still feels fresh and undiscovered, much like Bali did two decades ago.”

Add in temperatures reaching 30C during December and January, and the attraction becomes immediately clear. However, a word of caution for those planning to visit during the winter months; it’s best to head to the south and west coasts, where it’s dry season.

The Northern parts of Sri Lanka will be in the throes of their monsoon season, which certainly won’t provide the winter sun you might be after!

The travel expert advised: “With Sri Lanka currently having its moment on social media, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip for 2026. The best time to visit the southwest coast and cultural triangle is from December to March, when conditions are warm and dry. For the east coast, including Arugam Bay, April to September offers ideal weather for surfing and beach activities.”

Travel expert Neil Atkinson has revealed the best Christmas markets in the UK – perfect for those who want a festive break without the huge crowds

With the festive season rapidly drawing near, Christmas markets will soon be springing up throughout Britain. From the hugely popular Winter Wonderland in London to more intimate Christmas fairs, there’s undoubtedly something to suit all tastes – and occasionally it’s the less celebrated venues that turn out to be the most unforgettable.

Neil Atkinson, proprietor of Luxury Group Stay, has shared his favourite picks of under-the-radar Christmas markets delivering genuine festive atmosphere without the packed crowds found in Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh.

He commented: “Some of the best Christmas events are tucked away in smaller spa towns and cathedral cities. They’re often more personal, better value, and filled with genuine local craftsmanship rather than mass-produced souvenirs.”

Underrated UK Christmas markets, according to a travel expert

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market – Hampshire

Championing Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas market, Neil remarks: “Set in the shadow of the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, this market has become a southern secret for those who want European-style charm without leaving the UK.”

Running from November 21 through to December 22, Winchester’s market provides visitors with opportunities to buy handcrafted presents, artisan food, and premium crafts, all beneath sparkling lights that turn the Cathedral Close into a festive scene.

With the cathedral choir delivering multiple performances throughout this time, it genuinely is pure Christmas enchantment.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre – Worcestershire

From December 4 to 7, Worcester takes a nostalgic trip back in time, with the streets brimming with Victorian-garbed traders, a classic carousel and the enticing aroma of roasting chestnuts for the Victorian Christmas Fayre.

Expect to encounter local artisans peddling crafts, street food and festive beverages, while carol singers and buskers maintain a lively atmosphere.

Durham Christmas Festival – County Durham

Recommending the Durham Christmas Festival, which runs for a mere three days, from December 5 to 7, Neil added: “Few settings are as striking as Durham Cathedral at Christmas.”

This brief festival features a Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, a vibrant outdoor market and a Children’s Lantern Parade culminating at the cathedral.

Canterbury Christmas Market – Kent

From November 12 to December 24, Canterbury adds a cathedral-city sparkle with one of the South East’s most scenic markets.

Visitors can anticipate over 170 stalls offering handmade gifts, candles, crafts and festive foods lining the streets under the glow of the city’s ancient cathedral.

The Canterbury Christmas Market strikes an ideal balance between atmosphere and size, showcasing robust local craftsmanship and an abundance of family-friendly activities.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre – North Yorkshire

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre, running from December 5 to 14, is perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely pace when soaking up the festive spirit.

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre, with its approximately 40 adorned chalets scattered throughout the spa town, is a chic, compact and naturally festive option.

Neil commented: “It is beautifully curated, easy to explore, and perfect for a festive weekend with a touch of class. Expect artisanal gifts, gourmet treats, and mulled wine breaks between boutique shops and cosy tearooms.”