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As anti-tourism protests take over popular tourist hotspots this summer, those looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten path where they can avoid the crowds may want to try out this small Spanish island

If soft, sandy beaches and serenity are your idea of the perfect summer holiday, then Ibiza’s more laidback sister Formentera, could be the ideal getaway for you.

Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, but it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and has everything that Majorca and Ibiza has to offer – yet is much quieter.

The island is just 12 miles long and a mile-and-a-half wide at its narrowest point and there’s not much to do there apart from eat, drink and enjoy the soft sandy beaches.

You can’t fly there directly and you’ll need to fly into Ibiza to reach it, but then you’re only a half-hour boat ride away from a much more serene island – particularly in high season.

READ MORE: Beautiful UK beach with pristine sand could be anywhere in Europe

Like Ibiza, it gets busier than usual in July and August so if you’re looking for peace and quiet then the shoulder season of May to June or September to October might be better for you.

Once there you can explore beautiful beaches like Ses Illetes, Platja de Migjorn and Cala Saona and enjoy water sports like snorkelling and kayaking.

The island’s jewel in the crown is Platja Illetes, a pristine beach with white sand and turquoise waters – named one of the world’s best beaches by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 guide.

Platja Illetes is, according to Lonely Planet, “as close a vision of the Caribbean (minus the coconut trees) as you could imagine in Europe”. The beach is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area brimming with flora and wildlife, such as flamingos and rare birds.

What makes the island seem so serene is that it’s largely car-free, making cycling and walking the perfect ways to explore its hidden coves, rugged cliffs and quaint villages.

You can also visit the lighthouses of La Mola and Cap de Barbaria and discover charming villages like Sant Francesc Xavier as well as the stone circle at Ca Na Costa.

The island is known for its independent boutiques and artisan markets and you can buy local crafts and produce at La Mola Market.

And although the island does get busier in the summer months – it never feels as hectic as other parts of the Balearics – Formentera is home to around 11,389 residents compared to the 159,180 inhabitants of its neighbour, Ibiza.

But you can still enjoy a night out albeit at a slightly slower pace. Formentera’s nightlife adopts a more subdued tempo, with its limited yet vibrant clubs and bars designed in the spirit of Ibiza’s legendary scene, including hotspots such as Rigatoni Club Formentera and Pachacha.

Get there: Fly to Ibiza, flyevai.com can organise transfers to Formentera

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Beachgoers are being advised to steer clear of a particular type of shell known as the cone snail, which may look harmless but is actually one of the ocean’s most dangerous creatures

Beach visitors are being warned not to touch or pick up a particular type of shell known as the cone snail, as its venom is powerful enough to cause instant paralysis and, in severe cases, even death.

Cone snails are easily recognisable by their uniquely shaped shells, which are narrow at the base and gradually widen towards the other end, featuring distinctive spirals or coils. These shells often boast striking colours and intricate patterns, making them attractive to collectors and curious beachgoers alike. However, despite their beautiful appearance, experts caution that handling these creatures is extremely dangerous.

There are estimated to be between 600 and 700 different species of cone snails, all belonging to the family Conidae. Remarkably, every one of these species is venomous, capable of delivering a potent toxin through a specialised hunting mechanism.

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Cone snails are skilled predators. They hunt by using a harpoon-like tooth called a radula, which extends from their mouth like a long, flexible tube. This radula rapidly injects venom into prey such as fish, worms, or other molluscs, quickly immobilising them.

One person who experienced just how serious cone snails can be is Becky Lee, who shared her story after finding a cone snail on a beach in Japan. Becky posted a warning video on TikTok describing the terrifying experience of unknowingly handling one of these deadly creatures.

“I was playing with one of the most venomous animals in the ocean, which can cause full paralysis or even death,” Becky explained in her viral post. She shared an unsettling “fun fact” about the cone snail’s nickname, the “cigarette snail,” which comes from an urban legend claiming that after being stung, you only have enough time to light a cigarette before losing consciousness.

Becky described the sting’s sensation, saying: “It can feel like a burning fire at the sting site, or sometimes it feels like nothing at all.” For her, the uncertainty was agonising, as she spent the next 72 hours in constant fear, unsure if she had been poisoned.

One of the most frightening aspects of a cone snail sting is that there is no antivenom available, meaning victims are left hoping and praying for survival while receiving medical care.

Thankfully, Becky was not stung, and she considers herself lucky that the snail did not feel threatened enough to defend itself. Her experience serves as a crucial reminder: not every pretty shell found on the beach is harmless.

She concluded with a simple but powerful piece of advice for anyone who encounters a cone snail: “If it’s a cone snail, leave it alone.”

While the radula is primarily used to hunt and paralyse the snail’s usual prey, humans can be accidentally jabbed by stepping on or picking up the snail. These creatures are commonly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters, often near coral reefs, buried in sand, or hiding beneath coral ledges. Some species also live in mangrove environments.

Cone snails vary significantly in size, ranging from as small as half an inch to as large as nine inches or more. They can be grouped based on their diets into three categories: molluscivores, which eat other mollusks; piscivores, which prey on fish; and vermivores, which feed on worms.

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This one simple trick can save you a lot of time and effort when you open your luggage in your hotel and it only takes a matter of minutes to complete

Anyone packing miniature toiletries into their hand luggage have been told to perform one handy trick before zipping up their suitcase.

A group of Travel Insider writers for Qantas have divulged their best space-saving hacks for packing hand luggage. And this tip not only saves space but a potentially messy eruption.

“Squeeze air out of toiletries” urges one travel writer for passengers attempting to pack sunscreen and other lotions and liquids in their hand luggage. The hack even comes with a guarantee that “you’ll thank yourself later”.

“Is there anything worse than getting to your hotel only to find that half–empty tube of sunscreen has erupted in your bag?” the expert writes. “Squeeze any air out of your toiletries bottles before you travel to create a vacuum effect that sucks lids and caps on tight.”

READ MORE: Tourists urged to ‘prepare for worst’ and pack two items in hand luggage

It only takes an extra minute while packing can save you from losing your costly creams or having to replace them on arrival at your destination. It can also protect your clothes or other items in your hand baggage from being ruined.

That said, another travel expert provides another great idea for those worried about travelling with their favourite products. “I save up all my skincare samples (online store Adore Beauty and Aesop are generous with theirs) so I have a full suite of products for any trip – it saves so much space and weight.”

In addition to being space and weight friendly, these samples will also help you stay under the 100mL limit at UK airports. The limit is still in place despite the installation of new state-of-the-art scanners in a number of UK airports.

The Department of Transport previously announced a “major shake-up of airport security rules” to better screen liquids and electrical items such as laptops. The security update was eagerly awaited by travellers as it would finally end the 100ml limit on liquids, aerosols and gels (LAG) for hand luggage.

The 100ml limit was initially implemented in 2006 after a foiled terror plot but was only ever meant to be a temporary measure. But slow progress to modernise security technology has seen the measure extended.

The driving force behind the more relaxed security update was the availability of new state-of-the-art security scanners that would be better equipped for passenger screening. The Computed Tomography (CT) scanners—the same technology used for medical scanners—are capable of creating 3D images of luggage to better detect potential threats.

The superiority of these scanners are one way that airports are striving to modernise in order to reduce passenger queue times. Initially, there was a June 2024 deadline for UK airports to integrate the new security measure but it was later extended to June 2025.

Because of the continued delay, all liquid containers must be kept in a single clear, resealable plastic bag. The bag should not exceed dimensions of 20cm x 20cm and must have a maximum capacity of one litre.

Only certain liquids, such as essential medications, liquids for specific dietary needs, and baby food or milk, are exempt from the 100ml limit.

Research by consumer group Which? found two sun creams that failed its safety checks – plus others that others, including budget brands that passed with flying colours

A popular sun cream aimed at families with a £28 price tag has failed safety tests.

Consumer group Which? urged shoppers to avoid the product – Ultrasun Family SPF30 – while also revealing supermarket alternatives at a fraction of the price had passed with flying colours.

The results are especially timely, given Britain is in the grip of a heatwave and people will be rushing to buy sun block. Which? found the Ultrasun product – which comes in a 150ml bottle and is marketed as being “perfect for the whole family” and “especially suitable for children and those with sensitive skin” – failed to meet minimum UVA (ultraviolet A) protection levels. Ultrasun’s UVA score was 9.1 and 9.5 in a retest.

It needed to be 10 or more to pass. It did, however, pass for the alternative UVB protection. Another sun block that failed was Morrisons’ Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30 at £3.75 for a 200ml bottle.

It passed for UVA protection but came up short for SPF (sun protection factor) against UVB. Like the Ultrasun product, Which? labelled it a “don’t buy”.

As part of an annual exercise, the group carried out lab tests on 15 popular sun creams using what it says were industry-recognised methods. If a product failed on a first test, it was repeated. If it passed the second time, a third test will be done. But if a product failed the SPF or UVA twice overall, it became a ‘don’t buy’.

Among those that passed was budget supermarket Aldi’s Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, which costs just £2.99 for 200ml. Researchers found it protected skin from both UVA and UVB rays, as claimed.

At £1.50 per 100ml – six times less than Ultrasun – the product also earned a Which? Great Value badge. Another given the same rating was rival Lidl’s Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High, at £3.79 for 200ml.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “It’s really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging.

While shoppers should avoid buying our Don’t Buys, our results prove that there’s no need to splash out to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun as we’ve found cheap reliable options at Aldi and Lidl.”

A spokesperson from Ultrasun told Which? it was fully confident in its testing protocols and that its detailed testing processes continued to not only meet, but surpass industry standards.

It stated that its chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available. Morrisons told Which? that it’s looking closely at the data and working with its supplier to carry out additional independent testing.

Full list

‘Don’t Buys’

• Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30, £3.75/200ml
• Ultrasun Family SPF30, £28/150ml

Passes

SPF30 sunscreens

• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion, £5.50/200ml
• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30, £5.50/200ml
• Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30, £7.90/200ml
• Lidl Cien Sun Protect Spray SPF30 High, £3.79/200ml
• Sainsbury’s Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30, £5.50/200ml
• Superdrug Solait Sun Spray SPF30, £5.50/200ml

SPF50/50+ sunscreens

• Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray SPF 50+, £11/150ml
• Sainsbury’s Sun ProtectMoisturising Spray Lotion SPF50+, £5.75/200ml
• Aldi Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, £2.99/200ml
• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion SPF50+, £5.50/200ml
• Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF50+, £7.90/200ml

SPF50/50+ kids sunscreens

• Childs Farm Sun Cream Fragrance-Free SPF50+, £12/200ml
• Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, £5.50/200ml

There are a few things that people facing airport security will want to ditch when planning their outfit

Millions of people will pass through airports across the UK this summer for long-awaited breaks in sunnier places. But, people heading abroad can make one part of the travel process simpler by choosing to leave some items at home.

TikTok user and frequent flyer Melanie (@comehangout_melanie) said that there are four items that might “cause you to get held up by security.” When getting to the plane can often seem to take hours, people will want to avoid making these wardrobe mistakes that could extend the process even further.

The first, and most obvious one, is not to wear anything metallic, if possible. It’s a standard part of airport security around the world for travellers to pass through a metal detector. If it detects any sort of metal object, staff will pull you aside and complete extra safety checks.

These sensitive devices are designed to be triggered by hazardous items, but can just as easily flag something innocent you’ve forgotten to remove, like jewellery, hairpins or loose coins in your pocket. Melanie added that it can be “a pain”, so if it can be avoided, it’ll speed up the whole process.

Melanie also advises against wearing specific shoes if they are hard to take on and off. She explained: “Most airport security, not all, will make you take your shoes off. There is nowhere to sit to take them off or to put them back on. If people are in a rush, you are gonna have a very annoyed line of people behind you if you’re taking a long time to get your shoes off.”

In some UK airports, you may be asked to remove your shoes at security, particularly if the metal detector is triggered. This is a standard security procedure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

Certain clothes might be comfy for a long flight, but Melanie claimed there are some you should leave at home – or at least keep in your suitcase. They might cause issues with security checks or attract unwanted attention.

She said: “Don’t wear clothing with a lot of pockets or details on it—that includes cargo pants. There are a lot of zippers on those, which could be an issue, but if you actually store things in all of those pockets, it can be difficult to remember to take them all out. If you are in line and having to dig through all of your different pockets to clear them all out, that’s a no-no!”

Baggy clothes —such as “pants, shirts and even flowy dresses”—were also highlighted as something to avoid. Melaine claimed that these outfit options were “far more likely to lead to a pat down” than more fitted clothing, suggesting that baggy items might be used for “hiding things underneath them.”

What to expect at airport security in the UK

Several steps need to happen before airport staff can let you head off on holiday. According to the GOV.UK website, the safety checks include having your boarding pass ready for inspection—your passport is not required at security.

If you are taking liquids in your hand luggage, containers must hold no more than 100ml. Passengers should put appropriate-sized liquids into a clear resealable plastic bag which holds no more than 1 litre and measures about 20cm x 20cm.

Take the plastic bag out of your hand luggage while queuing, ready to put it in the security tray. Remember that liquids may include items such as make-up, toiletries and hand sanitisers.

Empty your pockets, take off your coat, watch, and belt, and remove other metal items when you near the front of the queue so you’re ready to put them in the trays. You may be asked to remove your shoes, other clothing items, or jewellery before going through the security archway or scanner. Electrical items such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and hair straighteners should be removed from hand luggage to go through X-ray machines separately.

No one wants to be delayed, or for their flight to be suddenly cancelled, but in such ‘worst case’ events travel experts urge passengers to store two items in their hand luggage

Travellers have been urged to pack two essential items people nearly always put into their suitcase instead.

The team at Flash Pack, the social travel platform, has created an extensive list of the key items you should keep in your hand luggage. Apart from your passport and travel documents, there are two basic but noteworthy items they think you should be adding to your carry-on bag.

These are a pair of socks and spare pair of underwear. Flash Pack writes: “While nobody wants their hold luggage to be delayed, we always prefer to live by the old adage of ‘prepare for the worst, hope for the best.’ Hedge your bets and pack an extra pair of socks and underwear in your carry-on.”

An change of socks and underwear can also come in hand if your flight has been significantly delayed or diverted unexpectedly. While some airports have showers you can use, switching out these items can be a small relief after a gruelling travel day.

READ MORE: UK airline copying Ryanair with strict hand luggage allowance rules

The hand luggage checklist also notes that passengers may want to have noise-cancelling headphones and a blanket on hand. Both of these items are must-packs for germaphobes as its now common knowledge that airlines repackage and redistribute these items.

While the checklist advises passengers to pack a portable charger in their hand luggage, you should double check the guidelines of your airline before doing this. That’s because recent incidents have led many airlines to enforce stricter regulations around the carry of power banks.

The extra precautions stem from the fact that power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which are known to be highly flammable and difficult to extinguish. South Korea’s transport ministry’s initial investigation of the Air Busan incident even found a scorched power bank in an overhead luggage compartment where the fire was first observed.

Essential medications should also always been packed in your hand luggage. Again, travellers should double-check their airline’s specific guidelines around the carry of liquid medications as you may be asked to present a prescription or note from a healthcare professional.

One final noteworthy item you will want to carry is a reusable water bottle, which can be filled up before boarding. Flight attendants have disclosed that the hot water provided on planes may not be the most sanitary so you should come prepared with your own aqua.

Full checklist for carry-on essentials from Flash Pack:

• Passport
• Portable charger
• Jewellry and other valuables
• Headphones
• Wash bag packed with all the essentials (toothbrush, face wipes, deodorant, etc.)
• Essential medications
• Refillable water bottle
• Socks & underwear
• Chewing gum or sweets
• Entertainment (book, magazine, tablet)
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs
• Neck pillow
• Compression socks
• Blanket
• Hand sanitiser

The experts at International Living have included one town on France’s Cote d’Azur on their list of the top eight best European towns for “adventurous expats”.

If you are considering a move to the EU to either save money or escape the city crowds, this little-known spot in France might be your best bet.

International Living has published its Hidden Places Initiative report which reveals eight of Europe’s best towns for adventurous expats, including one on the French Riviera. “Everybody talks about places like Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence. But the best overseas destinations aren’t always the ones you’ve heard of,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living. Enter Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a stunning town located between Nice and Monaco on France’s Cote d’Azur. The town offers expats a quieter perspective on the glitzy French Riviera and International Living calls it “a mash-up of wildly elegant, flower-flowing villas and earthy, burnt-pastel homes stacked haphazardly along the Mediterranean”.

That said, Villefranche-sur-Mer still maintains the iconic Riviera glamour of its neighbours like Nice. In fact, part of the James Bond classic Never Say Never Gain was filmed nearby.

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The hilly landscape allows for heightened views of the bay below, while stairs take residents up to the steeper parts of the town, including its historic centre. Describing Villefranche, International Living says: “It’s as if Positano and Florence, Italy, did an 1800s collaboration with a palette of muted orange, yellow, and deep turquoise.”

Two of the biggest draws of the town are its horseshoe-shaped bay and its impressive architecture – including a smattering of pastel-coloured French villas and cafes and medieval alleyways. But those picture-perfect villas and apartment buildings don’t come cheap.

According to International Living: “A couple can expect to spend at least £2,233 a month, with rent starting around £2,527”. Thus, Villefranche is not for every budget, but it is ideal for expats with a love of French art and culture.

As confirmed by International Living “music is a big deal in town, as is art”. Villefranche residents enjoy open-air cinemas throughout the summer and impressive art shows at the town’s Citadel. Other favourite events including classic car races, the Naval Flower Battle, jazz concerts, and open-air plays performed in the historic centre.

If you want to improve your French while living in town, you can also take lessons at the Institut de Français. The school offers courses ranging from two weeks to one month and also organises excursions and homestays.

Given the higher cost of living compared to other European destinations, Villefranche-sur-Mer is best-suited for digital nomads and retirees craving serenity, cultural enrichment and a touch of glam.

Full list of International Living’s Hidden Places destinations

• Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
• Toulon, France
• Litochoro, Greece
• Kavala, Greece
• Ioannina, Greece
• Esposende, Portugal
• Rayong, Thailand
• Guimarães, Portugal
• San Pancho, Mexico
• Cádiz, Spain
• Palermo, Italy
• Amed, Bali
• Ascoli Piceno, Italy
• Isla Holbox, Mexico

More than 100 of Britain’s most renowned athletes have written an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging the government to back London’s bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Daley Thompson are among the athletes, past and present, to sign the letter.

The bid proposal, if successful, would see the World Championships held at London Stadium, and require a “one-off injection of public funding in 2028” with the promise of “£400m in national economic impact”.

“Hosting in 2029 would bring the world’s best athletes back to British soil but more importantly, it would inspire a new generation to get involved in the most diverse and inclusive sport there is,” the letter read.

“Some of us were lucky enough to experience a home crowd at London 2012 and 2017. Some of us volunteered, others were in the stands. All of us were inspired.

“That spark set many of us on our journeys, just as it did for so many thousands of other young people who’ve gone on to join clubs, coach, officiate, or simply fall in love with athletics.”

The 2029 bid process is due to begin this summer, with organisers urging ministers to commit to securing the World Championships for the UK in the coming weeks.

London also hosted the Championships when they were last held in the UK in 2017.

Summer holidays are finally here, and there’s nothing like a day at the beach enjoying the sunshine – until it’s time to leave and your feet are all covered with sand.

Everyone loves going to the beach, but getting sand all over your stuff – and yourself – can be quite annoying and messy. But don’t worry, a genius hack will now solve all your problems using a plastic bag from home.

On the list of holiday pet peeves, trailing endless grains of sand all over your body hours after you left the beach is at the top. Pouring some water over your sandy body parts might be an alternative option, but there’s always still some residue left. And if you try and do this when on the beach, the chances are you’ll never rid it all.

But by using a plastic bag, you have found the solution to all of your problems – and it doesn’t cost you anything.

TikTok user @mrsvlifehacks’ seven-second video showed a person washing their feet using a plastic bag filled with seawater. Once her feet were out, they were completely clean, ready to wear the slides without discomfort.

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“Mom’s best friend,” she captioned. This clever hack is particularly helpful for families travelling with small children, as it can be quite messy with the build-up residue of the sand getting on the car or inside the shoes.

So far, the video has accumulated over 14.8 million views, with users describing this hack as the “best thing”. A user commented: “Best thing I have seen on TikTok!!!!!!!! This deserves 20 million views!!”

A third one wrote: “Lol! I love doing this at the beach! It’s so easy, and my sandals don’t get sandy! Lol!” One joked: “Yeah if everybody does this, the sea will be empty in no time.”

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Other comments pointed out that the user could’ve waited until she was on the pavement, as she put on the slides while still on the sand. One commented: “And then you walk two steps, and you have to do it again.”

Now that the temperatures are getting warmer and warmer and holidays are around the corner, the beach will be the number one place everyone will be heading off to, whether is to soak up all of the UV or to have a refreshing dip whilst enjoying the waves of the sea.

By using this clever hack, British holidaymakers will get rid of the sand instantly. Another clever hack is to use baby powder to help remove sand from your body, simply by sprinkling some powder on areas where it’s stuck on you. This will absorb the excess moisture, making it much easier to brush away.

ARMY Sergeant Majors are being urged to stop shouting at sensitive recruits, we can reveal.

Rather than barking orders like in war film Full Metal Jacket, they are encouraged to be more like mild-mannered David Beckham.

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Regimental Sergeant Majors have traditionally been feared as they are responsible for enforcing Army discipline.

But Warrant Officer 1st Class Matt Howarth, head of the Army’s Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, told Soldier Magazine: “There are people who believe the drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket is what we’re like.

“But the era when people shouted and screamed is long gone — for me, the picture of a good leader is more like David Beckham who never seemed to raise his voice.”

In 1987 film Full Metal Jacket Gunnery Sergeant Hartman bullies a bunch of Vietnam recruits.

Similarly, in 1970s It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Windsor Davies played fiery Battery Sgt Major Williams.

By contrast, former England footie ace Beckham hardly ever lost his temper on the pitch.

But WO1 Ciar Crow reckoned: “You’d need to convince me that Beckham is the ideal model.

“My assumption is that he is a good leader but I’m not sure he has ‘a good telling off’ in him.

“People need to know Hartman is in you even if he doesn’t often appear.

“It’s no good if all you do is shout, though. My style is more of the disappointed dad.”

Budget airline Ryanair has shared a simple packing tip which can help passengers “save space” in their hand luggage – and it’s something that is often recommended by travel experts

Ryanair, famed for its budget-friendly fares, has a strict baggage policy that can catch passengers off guard, leading to unexpected fees at the airport. The amount of luggage you can bring depends on whether you’ve purchased a standard fare, chosen Priority, or paid extra for cabin or hold baggage.

No matter your baggage allowance, Ryanair has shared a simple packing tip they claim will help you “save space”. The airline advises against leaving any space unused, suggesting: “Roll your clothes instead of folding. They’ll wrinkle less and you’ll have much more room in your luggage to fit in any extras you pick up while you’re away.”

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This rolling technique is often endorsed by seasoned travellers. For those flying with a standard ticket on Ryanair, only one small bag is allowed free of charge, which must not exceed 40 x 20 x 25cm.

Should your bag be larger than these limits, you might end up paying an additional fee at the airport, so it’s crucial to ensure everything fits within the permitted dimensions.

Lifestyle experts from Oakley have weighed in on the matter, highlighting that the effectiveness of rolling clothes to maximise luggage space actually hinges on the technique used.

They explained: “While the age-old advice of rolling clothes to save space is nothing new, the real game-changer lies in the technique.

“Instead of simply rolling each garment individually, consider layering items within each other before rolling. For example, place socks and underwear inside shirts or pants to create compact bundles that save both space and preve.”

You can boost your luggage allowance by purchasing a Priority ticket which not only allows you to board earlier but also entitles you to a second larger cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm and weighing up to 10kg.

When it comes to distributing weight, Ryanair also shared a handy tip for customers, reports the Express. They said: “Do pack your heaviest items, for example, shoes [and] jeans, in the bottom of your wheelie suitcase. You’ll find it’s much easier to roll as the weight will be more evenly distributed.”

Passenger who want to take extra luggage but also save money, in the long run, should always book and pay for any additional bags in advance of their flight. It’s always cheaper to do this online before you arrive at the airport.

What is Ryanair’s luggage allowance?

All Ryanair fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag, but this can only measure up to 40 x 20 x 25cm and must fit under the seat in front of you. Anything more than that and you’ll have to pay extra.

Passengers can pay for Priority which entitles them to board via the Priority boarding queue at the gate, plus take one small personal bag measuring 40 x 20 x 25cm and a 10kg bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm.

If you’re looking to check in a bag, you have the option to add either a 10kg or 20kg check-in bag to your booking.

However, these must be dropped off at the check-in desk prior to going through security and both options come with an extra charge.

The parallel rise in run clubs and active holidays has sparked a new travel trend: mara-cations. Budget-friendly and fitting for both group and solo trips, marathon tourism is quickly gaining ground

The competition to secure a spot in the London Marathon has become more heated than the race itself, prompting runners to expand their horizons. Less than a week after the 2025 London Marathon wrapped up, event organisers received a record-breaking 1.1 million applications for next year’s race.

But with over 1 million applicants and typically 17,000 to 20,000 runners successfully securing a spot through the ballot system, the chance of getting a spot can fall under 2%. That’s why many would-be runners are looking abroad to get their fix. In fact, they’re making a trip of it.

Britons’ newfound passion for running has shaped every facet of life, from dating to fashion to travel. Given the high rejection rate of the London Marathon and the increasing appeal of run clubs and active holidays, mara-cations have been rising in popularity.

READ MORE: Running is taking over the UK but do marathon runners know they don’t have to

The travel trend is a holiday hybrid, combining fitness with local and natural exploration. Avid runners in the UK are opting to take on the challenge of marathons in Germany, France and further abroad as a way to enjoy the UK’s new favourite pastime.

A study by Travel Republic found that the demand for “fitness holidays” increased by 84% in April, while Google searches for “European marathons” spiked by 403%. Travel companies are even sponsoring marathons around the world. TUI, for instance, is a major sponsor of marathons in Rhodes and Palma, and recently announced it will be the title sponsor for the March 8, 2026 Cyprus Marathon in Paphos.

The shift from party holidays to active adventures – especially for millennials and Gen Z – has also influenced the classic group trip. Marathon tourism lends itself well to group holidays, an opportunity not to just train and travel together but complete a shared goal.

The World Marathon’s 3 Country race in October offers friends the chance to relay across international borders. Starting in Lindau in Germany, passing through Switzerland and finishing in Austria, runners will get to enjoy scenic views and will be cheered the whole way through.

It can be a financially savvy move for marathoners as well, considering UK races can be pricey. While it’s free to enter the London Marathon ballot, if you are successful you need to pay an entry fee of £79.99 (£49.99 if you choose to donate your fee to the London Marathon Foundation at the point of entry).

List of 2026 marathons to register for now

While less cut-throat than London Marathon entry, aspiring mara-cationers will still need to plan ahead as registration for big 2026 races have already opened. Here is our list of some marathons that should be on your radar for next year.

Italy, Rome Marathon – March 22, 2026: The Rome Marathon (aka Run Rome) brings more than 25,000 participants to run in the City of Seven Hills. Some of the race options include a 4-person relay and a 5km “Fun Race” if you’re looking for something to do with friends.

France, Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, April 12, 2026: Early bird entries for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris have already opened. One of the largest marathon’s in the world, this is a great alternative for London Marathon regulars that want a change of scenery.

Germany, Generali Berlin Half Marathon, March 20, 2026: Next year will mark the 45th anniversary of the Berlin half marathon, making it the perfect time to participate in the fun. The organisers’ lottery system means that all interested athletes have an equal chance of getting a race entry during the registration period, which is open until May 22, 2025.

Spain, Seville Marathon, February 15, 2026: The Seville Marathon is the third largest in Spain and is the perfect setting for a post-race wind-down. The coolness of Andalusia in February means you will be able to recover comfortably and, best of all, it’s for a charitable cause.

Sweden, Ekerumsloppet, October 4, 2025: There’s still time to register for this 10km autumn race which takes you through scenic off-road trails in the stunning landscapes of Ekerum and Rällaskogen. Tickets are between €14-27 (£12-23).