Viral

A woman has shared her experience on board a popular train route through Switzerland, which offers stunning views of Alpine lakes, waterfalls and mountain villages – and it’s only £30

A train journey boasting spectacular views of sweeping lakes, mountain villages and much more has been turning heads – and it’ll only set you back £30. Visiting new destinations ranks among life’s most fulfilling and thrilling experiences, opening up fresh cultures, cuisines, ways of living, and a wealth of things to see and activities to do.

For those eager to book a trip away but anxious about the financial burden, a scenic rail journey could be just the ticket. Switzerland sits near the top of many people’s travel bucket lists, owing to its breathtaking alpine landscapes, world-class public transport network, and its legendary reputation for chocolate and cheese.

There’s something for everyone, whether you’re after an action-packed outdoor adventure such as skiing or hiking, or something more laid-back like soaking in mineral-rich thermal baths, leisurely cruises across glacial lakes, or exploring car-free alpine villages such as Mürren or Wengen.

One woman has been full of praise for the iconic Luzern-Interlaken Express, which is billed as “an unforgettable journey right into the heart of Switzerland”.

The nearly two-hour trip carries passengers “along the shores” of at least five “crystal-clear lakes”, “past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass”.

Sweeping panoramic windows ensure travellers can fully soak up the stunning scenery throughout the journey.

Travel enthusiast Dani Dimitrova captured her onboard experience on camera and posted the footage to TikTok. Over the clip, she included text referencing Switzerland’s notoriously pricey reputation: “‘Switzerland is so expensive’. This panoramic train is only £30.”

In the caption, she went into further detail: “Everyone says Switzerland is expensive… and then I found the panoramic train from Interlaken to Lucerne for around £30.

“The Lucerne-Interlaken Express is one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland, taking just under 2 hours and passing lakes, waterfalls, mountain villages and some of the most incredible Alpine views along the way.”

Dani also shared some handy tips for those thinking about making the journey. She said: “Sit on the right-hand side when travelling from Interlaken to Lucerne for some of the best lake and mountain views.”

She also encouraged travellers planning to visit during the busy summer season to “book in advance”. Dani also noted that for those holding a Swiss Travel Pass, the journey is covered but “seat reservations are optional and cost extra”.

Lastly, she suggested keeping cameras at the ready for “the entire trip” as “the views change every few minutes”.

Dani added: “Honestly, if you’re visiting Switzerland and only have time for one train journey, make it this one.”

In the comments section, other TikTok users asked how to book, with one person describing the train route as “magical”.

Train tickets can be booked directly through the Luzern-Interlaken Express website. If you’re eager to secure the best views, seat reservations can be made as early as six months before your departure date.

For a Boeing 777 cargo jet pilot we spoke with, the viral video of a 777 making a freakishly low pass and sharp bank over a Texas airfield was a “shocking” sight to see.

“Shocking, yes,” exclaimed Steve Jones, a former Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon pilot who now flies 777s for Atlas Air. “‘Jesus Christ!’ or ‘holy shit!’ come to mind, but shocking will do.”

Jones was reacting to a 37-second video clip of the jet – painted in Qatar Airways Cargo livery – flying over the runway at the Horseshoe Bay Private Jet Center in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. At about the 12-second mark, the jet makes a sharp bank to the right, placing the right wing tip just above the ground before gaining altitude and flying off.

Jones estimated the jet was flying about 50 feet off the ground during the ‘flat’ part of its flyby and traveling at between 210 and 220 knots.

“It looks like the flaps and slats are up,” Jones noted.

The exact altitude and speed are unknown.

“Two things came to mind,” Jones said after watching the video. “The pilot is probably very good, or lucky, because he was extremely low, and you can see that the right wing tip got pretty close to the ground. You can’t even see the wings from inside the cockpit. You’re looking at somewhere like a 212-foot wingspan.”

Inside the cockpit, “there’s a lot of warnings the crew has to either disable or ignore,” the 777 pilot said. “For example, there’s a ground proximity warning. There’s a configuration warning – not only the ‘whoop whoop’ sounds, but also there will be audible signals saying that, ‘you’re close to the ground, pull up, pull up.’ The sink rate alarms would be going off. All those things are going on. There are some things that you can disable that will prevent those things, but not all of them all at once.”

Boeing 777 Cbt #63 Crew Alerting System Ground Proximity Warning System Gpws

“That’s a pretty great video,” Jones proffered, “but not a smart thing to do.”

The reason, he said, was that “the plane is not designed” to fly like that. “A wind gust in the wrong direction, or a judgment on his actual altitude and height could have been off. It’s a lot of airplane that close to the ground going at those speeds.”

Asked how difficult it could have been for the pilot to pull off such a maneuver, Jones told us that the aircraft is very forgiving.

“The Triple Seven is a very easy airplane to fly… It’s very gentle on the controls. It’s a well-designed airplane to be able to fly at altitudes and take off and landings, but not to fly extended periods low-level over the ground. You’ve got engine pods hanging down, long wingspans.” 

“I’ve never flown that aircraft in that particular configuration that low, but I imagine that it is not necessarily difficult to fly. It comes down to ‘just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.’”

Boeing 777 Freighter

Jones, who has about 850 hours in a 777, said that he would not want to be on a flight like the one seen on the video.

“If I was the co-pilot or first officer flying that situation, I wouldn’t have been comfortable, and I would have said ‘I’m not comfortable with this,’ and try to put a stop to it, but again, I don’t know the circumstances around it, so I can’t speculate, but with two brains, sometimes three or four brains in the cockpit, usually the voice of reason will come up between other folks.”

Things would not go well for him if he were captured on video flying like this, Jones acknowledged.

“I would lose my job,” Jones said with a laugh. “I don’t even know if they would ask why I would do it. I would just probably lose my job.”

There are other factors to consider when it comes to official reactions to this flight, Jones said. 

“What I don’t know is if that particular pilot had authorization to do so,” he stated. “So it could have been authorization from the tower, authorization from the company, or whatever, in order to create something like that. But knowing how the industry is, if there were no prior permissions or authorization, that pilot and that crew will probably lose their jobs.”

FAA records show the jet, N-705DN, is registered to Jetran LLC, an aircraft leasing and service company with an address at Horseshoe Bay. We have reached out to them for more details about the status of the aircraft and why it was flying so low. However, the company reportedly released a statement saying that the low pass flight “does not reflect operational standards” and the aircraft was going through “a pre-delivery test flight” before being turned over to Qatar Airways.

Jetran was also quick to point out that “the pilots on board were not Qatar Airways pilots.”

While the statement about the Boeing 777 low flyby has been issued by Jetran, I can’t help but feel that Qatar Airways had a big say in its content. Ouch! pic.twitter.com/FlHrnNJbnV

— Matt Maszczynski (@yourownkanoo) June 25, 2026

Qatar Airways Cargo “has an agreement with Jetran for five aircraft. DHL and Ethiopian Airlines are also due to take delivery of the aircraft in the future,” according to Aerospace Global News.  

“As the launch customer for the 777-200LRMF, this milestone marks an important moment for both Mammoth Freighters and Jetran,” Jordan Jaffe, CEO, Jetran, told the publication in April. “From the outset, we have had strong confidence in the Mammoth engineering team and their vision for the program.” 

The aircraft is a former Delta Air Lines 777-200LR that was converted to freighter configuration by Mammoth Freighters, according to FlightRadar24.

“Mammoth Freighters has been made aware of a video circulating on social media showing a low-pass flight of a Mammoth-converted 777 freighter aircraft in Qatar Airways livery,” the company said in a statement on its website. “Mammoth is not the owner of the aircraft and Mammoth was not in control of the aircraft at the time of the maneuver. The current owner (which is not Qatar Airways) was in control of the aircraft at the time of the maneuver. The aircraft is in its final stages of preparation prior to delivery to Qatar Airways.”

“While the aircraft is painted in Qatar Airways livery, it was not owned or operated by Qatar Airways, did not carry a Qatar Airways registration, and the pilots on board were not Qatar Airways pilots.”

The FAA told us “it is aware of reports about this event and is looking into it.” We have also reached out to Qatar Airways and Horseshoe Bay Private Jet Center.

Fly Direct to Horseshoe Bay Resort

As to why anyone would authorize a flight like that, Jones shrugged.

“This is a cargo aircraft. It has a job to move cargo from Point A to Point B, not to create videos for Instagram,” Jones scoffed. “From a company standpoint, I don’t know their policies, but I can imagine a company with a $300 million aircraft and the insurance that goes along with those aircraft would not allow such a flight to happen unless they authorized it.”

What reason that would be is unclear.

“Sometimes you see manufacturers like Boeing or Airbus do a demonstration at the Paris Air Show, where you’ll see a steep takeoff or a climb or a low pass,” Jones said. “I’ve never seen one that low before, even at an air show.”

Speaking to us at a layover in Luxembourg, Jones said that so far, he hasn’t heard much buzz from the 777 pilot community about this video, but expects that to change.

“Give it a few hours or a couple of days and I probably will,” he said.

Contact the author: howard@twz.com

BECKY Hill has hit back at the crowd that booed her during her surprise festival set as she addressed a viral video.

The pop star, 32, was treated badly at the weekend after she vowed to play only new songs at her secret set at TRNSMT. 

Speaking about the viral video that showed the crowd, she has now said: “Getting booed is not nice.

“I haven’t found a single one of these easy, it’s really upsetting.

“Because I love this job and that’s not making me love it as much as I usually do.”

Speaking directly to the camera she added: “I wanted to bring a new and exclusive thirty minute set of brand new music to a festival crowd unannouced.

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“I thought it would be a great opportunity to play the new music I’ve been working so hard on.

“And I personally love so much.”

She then thanked the team at the festival for giving her that stage and also the crowd of people who you stayed and danced with her right until the very end.

She added: “It was amazing to have such a captive audience who wanted to hear the new stuff too.

“I said on stage how difficult it is to transition into a new single, and new music and new albums.

“And all this conversation online is exactly what I meant.

“I’m not a jukebox, I’m an artist and the tickets at TRNSMT were not sold with my name as part of the line-up.

“And I wanted to do something new, artistically driven.”

Becky explained that she doesn’t normally get the opportunity to do that much in her career.

She added: “But trust me when my name is on the poster I will always sing the tunes that people know and love.”

“I feel really grateful to have those records in my catalogue,” she explained.

The singer concluded that in order to have a long career she needed to have new music and thanked those that stayed to listen to her.

The pop star has no shortage of hits to choose from, with 19 top 40 singles, six top 10s and a number one to her name.

Becky played her new track Daddy’s Range Rover at TRANSMT which hits out at Jack Whitehall for mocking her when he hosted last year’s Brit Awards.

The pair have since buried the hatchet and Jack admitted he apologised to Becky for calling her “Wetherspoons Whitney”. 

Addressing her fans while performing earlier this year, she said: “I’ve had enough of all this s*** so I wrote about it.

Katelyn Ohashi has gone viral for her gymnastics routines.

She has won two ESPY Awards.

She’s a former national champion and All-American who earned 11 perfect scores of 10 during her time at UCLA.

She once took first place in the all-round at an elite national competition, with the now-legendary Simone Biles finishing as runner-up.

But Ohashi apparently has some unfinished business in the sport, as the 29-year-old athlete announced her return to elite gymnastics Tuesday on Instagram.

“After a few years of contemplating whether I wanted to continue chasing a dream I had as a little kid, I have decided to go for it,” Ohashi wrote. “I’m taking it one day at a time; one skill, one event, one dream. I don’t have any regrets in my career and I want to be able to continue saying that no matter what happens. So here goes nothing!”

Katelyn Ohashi accepts the trophy for best play during the 2019 ESPY Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

(Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Ohashi thanks Pacific Reign Gymnastics, a U.S. national training center in Woodinville, Wash., “for taking a chance on me.” Her post also includes a video of herself at the gym performing a couple of floor skills — with her signature broad smile across her face. The clip uses the same audio of a phone buzzing and ringing as the video Serena Williams posted earlier this month to announce her return to competitive tennis.

Also on Tuesday, Pacific Reign posted on Instagram several photos of Ohashi working out at its facility, along with the caption, “Queen Kate trains to reign.” The gym also announced on its Instagram Story that Ohashi would compete Saturday at the American Classic event in Minneapolis.

Little else is known about Ohashi’s comeback plans. The Times reached out to an agency that represents the gymnast but received no immediate response. Pacific Reign referred questions pertaining to Ohashi to the same agency.

Born in Seattle, Ohashi made her senior elite gymnastics debut at the 2013 American Cup, where she outscored U.S. teammate Biles for all-around gold. Later that year, Biles would win the first of her record six world championships in the all-around.

Ohashi became a fan favorite while competing for the Bruins from 2015 to 2018. She earned nine perfect scores on the floor and two on the beam, with video from a January 2019 floor routine reportedly garnering 240 million views across various platforms (including a repost from future Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris).

UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi’s viral floor routine.

The same routine won Ohashi two 2019 ESPY Awards, for best play and best viral moment.

In 2018, Ohashi was the co-national champion in the floor exercise and helped the Bruins win their seventh and most recent NCAA title. The 10-time All-American last competed in the 2019 national championships, where she placed third on the beam and helped UCLA finish third in the team competition.

“We can’t wait to see you back on the floor, Kate!” UCLA gymnastics posted Wednesday morning on X.

Ohashi was a featured performer in Biles’ “Gold Over America” gymnastics tours in 2021 and 2024.

A savvy traveller has shared a clever packing hack to beat Ryanair’s baggage allowance fees on a £15 flight — but it comes with risks if you’re caught at the airport

A clever traveller has taken the internet by storm after unveiling his ingenious trick to outsmart Ryanair’s notoriously rigid baggage rules, which frequently leave holidaymakers shelling out extra cash at the airport.

Rob Adcock, from Stoke-on-Trent, who regularly dishes out budget-conscious travel tips to his online following, has gone viral with his latest scheme to dodge luggage charges on a £15 Ryanair flight — a move that could save passengers a tidy sum given the airline’s hefty fees for additional bags.

In a clip that which now racked up over 2.4 million views from cost-conscious travellers, Rob shows how he managed to squeeze 20kg of luggage aboard without spending a single penny extra, by using a vacuum pack machine to compress his clothes down to a fraction of their original size.

With a laugh, he holds up his squashed clothing and quips: “Look at it.”

He then carefully stuffs the vacuum-packed bundles into his rucksack, which is allowed on board as a complimentary carry-on item, and breezes onto the plane without forking out a penny in hold luggage fees.

The video is captioned “POV: You’ve vacuum-packed all your suitcase to fit into a free Ryanair bag so you don’t have to pay for the hold luggage.”

As well as being a crafty way to sidestep additional costs, it carries the welcome bonus of avoiding the often frustratingly long wait at the baggage carousel on arrival.

Scores of fellow travellers found the cheeky wheeze hilarious, with one crowning it the “packing cube final boss”. However, sceptics pointed out potential drawbacks.

One baffled commenter questioned: “How are you supposed to vacuum it back up before going back on the plane when going home?”

A second chipped in with a laugh: “Vacuum packed stuff is HEAVY,” alongside a pair of laughing emojis.

Meanwhile, one female traveller highlighted the disadvantage that this approach would leave garments “creased” — hardly perfect for anyone wanting to look presentable on their break.

What’s more, you do risk being spotted by Ryanair staff at the airport.

One TikTok user shared: “Literally saw someone get caught doing this in Budapest today. It didn’t end well.”

Ryanair imposes a 10kg restriction on cabin luggage, and being caught out at the weighing scales could result in forking out additional charges for your trip.

It’s a risk that might not always work out — but for this passenger, it proved a success!

Airline passengers took to Reddit to complain about some of the most disgusting things they’d seen passengers get up to on a plane, and many agreed their habits were best left in the privacy of their homes

Being trapped in a metal tube at 30,000 feet seems to bring out the worst in people, and despite sharing a small space with dozens of others, some people treat the plane cabin like their personal living space.

A thread on Reddit’s AskUK titled “Worst thing you seen on a plane? What do you think is just not acceptable?” brought in over 200 responses, with holidaymakers keen to call out bad behaviour they’d seen onboard. And there were definitely some common themes among the complaints.

The original poster started the ball rolling, writing: “For me, it was that the lady sitting next to me was picking her toenails!” and many agreed lack of shoes was a huge etiquette breach. “I was sat next someone yesterday who took off their shoes and socks as soon as the opportunity allowed. They even went to the toilet barefoot.”, claimed one poster.

They added: “It wasn’t just the fact they were barefoot it was the general hygiene, e.g.: coughing and sneezing without covering, etc. They had me on edge the whole time thinking “right… I’m catching whatever disease they’ve absorbed through the soles of their gross feet.””

In a similar thread, posters complained about passengers doing tasks more suited to their private bathroom: “I don’t like it when people clip their toenails. I’ve seen it 3 times. Twice a row across from me and other time in my same row.”, said one. While another posted: “My wife and I were sitting in 1C and 1D. The guy in 1B pulled out dental floss after the meal and started going at his mouth like he was giving himself a root canal. Full on two handed flossing right in his seat.”

Another said: “I try to be kind and understanding of the difficulties and lack of facilities on this, but, a woman changed her baby’s ‘filled’ nappy in the middle of the cabin… twice. The stench roamed right through that B777.”

Instagram account @passengershaming has amassed over 1.3 million followers thanks to its hilarious posts that highlight some of the worst behaviour on planes. In one classic reel, a woman was seen using the overhead air vent to dry the crotch of her knickers. The viral video was captioned: “PRO TRAVEL TIP: Airplane air vents aren’t for drying underwear Kthx!”

Other examples posted to the account over the years include a woman using a foot file to remove hard skin, and a man opening a can of tuna on a plane for a snack, seemingly unperturbed about the smell in a confined space.

While the examples above are mostly harmless, if disgusting, behaviour, recently there have been calls to create a national database for abusive passengers, which would allow airlines to share information on disruptive passengers and restrict their access to flights.

According to the BBC, Department for Transport officials will be meeting later this month to discuss the proposals, and the database would likely be a collaboration between the government and the airline industry.

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

She was stopped as she was about to board a plane to leave the country

A woman has been arrested after reportedly posting a negative video about her holiday. Yass Naubelle was intercepted by border authorities on Saturday, June 13.

The influencer was placed in police custody just moments before boarding her flight back to her home country France. The 30-year-old content creator published a viral video that reportedly criticised local authorities – sparking hundreds of comments online.

The French-Algerian influencer reportedly slammed her holiday experience in Marrakech, Morocco. She allegedly criticised local law enforcement as well as general driving standards in the North African country.

Airport police at Marrakech Menara Airport executed the border stop as Yass prepared to clear security checkpoints for her return flight to France. Yass, founder of the Naubelle skincare line, was arrested under a national warrant after Moroccan authorities deemed her clip “defamatory towards Moroccan citizens” and “outraging to the forces of order”.

She was placed in police custody “to determine the real motivations behind these criminal acts”. State investigators confirmed she is being held on suspicion of publishing defamatory and insulting digital content directed toward citizens and undermining a public institution.

In the now-deleted video, filmed during her short break in Marrakech, she reportedly described the roads as chaotic. “I’ve never seen people drive like this. It’s super dangerous – cars, mopeds without helmets, with children on board, swerving suddenly,” she reportedly said.

When comparing the driving standards to Algeria, she reportedly said: “It’s less bad than here”. She also accused some traffic police officers of stopping women “for nothing” in order to extract money, it is claimed.

The content quickly triggered a national alert, leading to her interception at the airport. Yass, who has more than 20,000 TikTok fans, currently remains in custody in Morocco. No formal charges or court appearance details have been publicly confirmed beyond her initial arrest.

Marrakech, a popular destination for European tourists including many from France, relies heavily on holidaymakers but has seen occasional controversies involving social media content. British travellers to Morocco are advised to remain cautious with social media posts about local conditions as the authorities have reportedly acted swiftly in similar cases.

From his hometown of Sao Vicente in Cape Verde, Vozinha has been his jersey name throughout his club career.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha broke down in tears at the end of the 0-0 draw with Spain after the 40-year-old was mobbed by his teammates following a stunning display as he denied the European champions victory in their World Cup opener.

Cape Verde were pinned back in their own half for much of Monday’s game, but whenever Spain broke through their dogged rearguard, Vozinha came to the rescue.

His heroics earned him the player of the match, pulling off a string of saves at the end of the first half to deny Ferran Torres, Pedri and Aymeric Laporte.

Here’s everything we know about the Cape Verde goalkeeper:

Where does Vozinha play?

Vozinha goalkeeps for Chaves in Portugal’s second-tier football league.

The World Cup is by far the biggest stage he has reached, but Vozinha began his club career at home with Batuque FC, before transferring to CS Mindelense.

The veteran player’s experience comes from the myriad clubs he has represented – from Progresso in Angola to Zimbru Chisinau in Moldova, Gil Vicente in Portugal, AEL Limassol in Cyprus and AS Trencin in Slovakia, before arriving at Chaves.

Is Vozinha his real name?

No, Vozinha is a moniker for Josimar Jose Evora Dias. It came from his grandparents, whom he spent most of his time with as his father was in the military and his mother was working. The name checks out, since it means “little granny” in Portuguese.

From his hometown of Sao Vicente in Cape Verde, Vozinha has been his jersey name throughout the nomadic club pilgrimage across Africa and Europe.

“When I arrived in Angola, there was another goalkeeper named Josimar, and I said, ‘I am not going to put Josimar II on the shirt’. If everyone knew me as Vozinha in Cape Verde, that’s what I would be,” he told FIFA in an interview earlier this year.

What did Vozinha say after the match?

The Cape Verde keeper was reduced to tears by his heroics and fairytale World Cup debut.

“Very proud… It is an honour for me to represent my country,” Vozinha told reporters of his island nation, the third smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup.

“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and, unfortunately, they were not here; they died a few years before, and they did everything for me and my life,” he added.

“Also, my mum, she didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. The money for the visa, we didn’t manage on time, and I would like her to be here.”

Is Vozinha world-famous now?

Yes, on all counts.

The goalkeeper’s Instagram following jumped from a modest 500,000 to nearly 5 million within a few hours of full-time in the Spain match.

His quiet brilliance was spotlighted on the world’s biggest stage for all to see.

French football star Paul Pogba took to social media after the match in praise of Vozinha.

“The Cape Verde goalkeeper is really something, waaaaw,” he wrote.

A frequent flyer has shared her top three carry-on essentials she never travels without — and they could be a lifesaver if your checked luggage goes missing for a few days

A seasoned traveller has revealed the three essential items you should never forget to pack in your hand luggage when flying, as there’s a strong chance you’ll need them either mid-flight or immediately upon arrival.

Hopping from one country to another can be pretty straightforward, but only when everything runs smoothly. To help ensure your journey goes without a hitch, Jacqui, who travels frequently, and often alone, has outlined the items she’d urge you to keep in your carry-on bag — particularly in case your checked luggage goes astray (though fingers crossed it won’t!).

She emphasised that these are likely things you haven’t previously considered including in your hand luggage.

Money

Jacqui explained that carrying physical currency for your destination is absolutely crucial.

She said: “Not money from your country. Something that I’ve seen people doing videos about travel on TikTok is getting to the place they’re going to and being surprised that in another country, people don’t take your money.

“Take the money of the place you’re going, because just having a bit of cash, especially on you, is always really helpful, especially if your hold luggage were to get lost.”

Power banks

Jacqui stated that a power bank in her hand luggage is something she simply couldn’t do without. However, it’s absolutely crucial to remember these mustn’t be used during the actual flight, with most airlines now taking a firm stance on this.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, power banks must always be kept in your hand luggage and are strictly prohibited from checked bags and suitcases. If security find one in your checked bag, it will be confiscated, and you risk serious flight delays, or even costly diversions.

You are not permitted to charge them during the flight, nor can you use them while in the air. However, they come in extremely handy once you touch down in a new destination.

“I cannot leave home if I’m travelling without a power bank,” Jacqui said. “You can get a cheap one on Amazon; they don’t have to be super expensive, but just being able to charge your phone everywhere is so useful.

She went on: “And if your hold luggage gets lost or you end up just with your carry-on, you become super reliant on your telephone – we’re all super reliant on our telephones when we travel these days. I can’t believe I used to travel without a mobile phone. But being able to just plug it in and charge it is just so so so useful, so make sure that you always have that in your hand luggage.”

Pants

Jacqui noted that packing a spare set of underwear — or several — in your hand luggage can prove incredibly useful.

She added that on long-haul flights, she would pack a complete outfit, reasoning that, should her hold luggage fail to arrive, it could “maybe be a few days,” and she’d want a fresh change of clothes.

“Or at least something that can get me through the day until I can get to the shop and sort myself out,” she added.

Other items that could prove useful to pack in your carry-on luggage…

• Medication
• An empty water bottle to fill after security
• Electronics, including iPads and Kindles
• Valuables
• Travel documents, including a passport and a boarding pass
• A pen
• Earplugs, sleep mask, travel pillow

What do you pack in your hand luggage? Tell us in the comments…

British holidaymakers heading to Greece this summer are being urged to do four things before they set off to help interactions with local people go smoothly…

Planning a getaway to Greece this summer? Brits have been cautioned against travelling if they haven’t done this crucial thing.

With numerous new rules and regulations being introduced, including EES (entry-exit systems) and QR codes that can be scanned to streamline procedures in different countries, it can be tricky to work out what you’re required to do before setting off. We’re all aware it’s vital to stick to baggage weight limits to dodge any additional charges, and that arriving with sufficient time to clear airport security is essential.

However, Dimitri has cautioned that before landing in Greece, it’s also crucial to familiarise yourself with four phrases that will help you get by and feel more at ease, while showing locals you’ve put in some effort. He said: “Don’t come to Greece this summer if you don’t know these four expressions.”

1. Kalimera/Καλημρα: Good morning

This is used to greet someone in the morning or daytime. You should stress the second syllable, pronouncing it “KA-lee-ME-ra”.

2. Kalispera/Καλησπρα: Good evening

This is the correct greeting from the late afternoon into the evening. It is pronounced “KA-lee-SPE-ra”.

3. Efharirsto/Ευχαριστ: Thank you

Used to express gratitude. It is pronounced approximately as “ef-ha-ri-STO”, with a soft guttural ‘h’ sound represented by ‘χ’.

4. Parakalo/Παρακαλ: You’re welcome

This phrase serves as a courteous reply to “thank you,” and is equally handy when offering something to someone. It is pronounced “pa-ra-ka-LO”.

Master all of the above, and, while fluency in Greek may still be out of reach, you’ll come across as someone who has genuinely made the effort to connect with locals in their native tongue. What’s more, it’ll help put you at ease too.

Dimitri added: “A friendly tone and a smile make these phrases more natural and appreciated.”

In the comments, one user wrote: “Having lived in Greece its great to see this and yes, learning the language is a plus. I’d add to those who may feel nervous in doing so, just do it.”

Another chimed in: “I learned these whilst in Greece! The locals were so friendly and kind and loved that we wanted to speak with them in their language.”

One joker suggested that simply saying the word “gyro,” would suffice – referring to the much-loved Greek street food made from seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, then carved and served wrapped in a warm, grilled flatbread such as pitta.

Meanwhile, another enthused: “Greece is my favourite country would love more than anything to learn the language!!”

Will you be learning any Greek before you go this summer? Let us know in the comments…

THE Ibiza Final boss has confirmed he’s SPLIT from his girlfriend amid reunion rumours as his viral fame ends the romance.

Newcastle lad Jack Kay’s life changed forever after he became an overnight viral sensation.

The 26-year-old was spotted boozing and grooving while holidaying on the Spanish island of Ibiza.

A clip of the former builder was viewed over 20 million times last August and fans became obsessed as they felt his distinctive look perfectly encapsulated the party isle’s clientele.

Jack became known for his bowel haircut, oversized chain, vest top and square shades and it wasn’t long before his girlfriend, Alisha Cook, decided to stake her claim.

But it has now been confirmed the pair have gone their separate ways.

Read more on Ibiza Final Boss

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Ibiza Final Boss ditches booze for boxing but owes who filmed viral clip a pint

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Massive sum Ibiza Final Boss made in just six weeks after going viral

Jack told The Sun he was single and doesn’t see a Mrs Final Boss on the horizon for quite some time.

Although the Misfits boxer did hint that he could find the one over on the party isle.

He said: “I might do.

“But I haven’t found Mrs Ibiza Final Boss yet, but probably a couple of years for that.”

It seems Jack’s partying days are not yet behind him as he admitted he’ll be making his way back to Ibiza this summer.

His pals told us last year that his stunning ex Alisha drew a line under their relationship after she became sick of him living it up with the lads.

The debt collector, from Durham, was furious and pulled the plug before he jetted off.

However, it was then rumoured they’d reconciled but he was “skating on thin ice.”

When Alisha was approached for comment, she confessed she “loved him” and they were “back together.”

Jack spent weeks enjoying his sudden fame in Ibiza and it seems the pair couldn’t navigate him being in the spotlight.

Ahead of his Misfits boxing match on Saturday he admitted he won’t be returning to his day job as a builder.

Jack said there’s “definitely not” anything to miss from working in construction.

He added: “This life’s the easy life.”

The Ibiza Final Boss will face off against Manchester rapper Jordan McCann in the ring after two months of being sober.

An HBO miniseries has been hailed as the ‘best of the best’ by fans, who say no show or film compares – and it’s streaming on Amazon Prime and NOW

TV fans have lauded a gripping war drama, calling it “the best of the best” and insisting no other show or film matches it. The series proves perfect for admirers of the popular 2001 American war drama miniseries, Band of Brothers.

So, what’s the show? It’s the seven-part television miniseries Generation Kill, which was produced by HBO and originally broadcast from July 13 to August 24 2008.

It was adapted from Evan Wright’s 2004 book sharing of the same name, which documented his experiences as an embedded reporter accompanying the US Marine Corps’ 1st Reconnaissance Battalion throughout the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The extensive ensemble cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Jon Huertas, James Ransone, Lee Tergesen – playing Wright, though characters only address him using nicknames – alongside many others.

The series earned recognition for its authenticity and emphasis on the bizarre circumstances facing Marines navigating prolonged boredom and volatile combat while dealing with questionable administrative decisions from senior command.

These often incompetent decisions – coupled with inadequate communication – result in troops experiencing frustration and confusion, while simultaneously managing constant equipment shortages.

The miniseries additionally captures the camaraderie among Marines and the gallows humour they employed as a survival strategy during such challenging, intense and unpredictable circumstances.

Generation Kill was created by The Wire’s David Simon and Ed Burns and is renowned for its unflinching use of authentic military terminology, while depicting the Marines as genuine, imperfect people rather than the steadfastly patriotic heroes typically portrayed in war films.

Though it originally broadcast on HBO in 2008, the miniseries is now accessible to stream on platforms such as NOW and Amazon Prime, although subscription add-ons are necessary to view through Prime.

Generation Kill continues to receive regular praise from TV fans and holds an impressive 86% rating on popular review-aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.

One viewer said: “Right up there with Band of Brothers, Peaky Blinders, and The Pacific. The best of the best. First watched this over 12 years ago when it was new, and it’s still the greatest to this day.”

Another agreed: “It’s Band of Brothers during the 2003 Iraq invasion. Great writing and remarkable acting make this one a must watch TV show.”

A third wrote: “The action is a little over-the-top, but the characters, the dialogue and the attitudes all pretty perfectly capture 21st century military life. This is one of HBO’s truly great pieces of art.”

While a fourth said: “The more you watch it, the better it gets. It’s difficult for me to put into words, but to this day I still have not watched any show or even movie as good as this.”

Another shared: “One of my favourite HBO offerings!”

Generation Kill is streaming on Amazon Prime and NOW.

A flight attendant has shared the piece of advice she would give plus-size passengers who are boarding the plane, especially if they’re feeling anxious about the journey

A flight attendant has urged plus-size passengers to follow her simple advice when boarding a plane, especially if they’re feeling anxious about what’s ahead.

Flying when plus-size can feel daunting. You may be worried about whether people will be kind to you, or if they’ll cause a scene about sitting next to someone in a bigger body, rather than questioning why plane seats are so small in the first place. But there’s something you can do before you even make it to your seat to ensure the flight is comfortable for you, and you’re not stressing or feeling embarrassed.

Jeenie Weenie, who shares videos about her life as a flight attendant, said she was making content for “all the beautiful plus-size passengers”.

Someone said they feel uncomfortable and have “anxiety” about asking for a seatbelt extender in front of their seatmate.

Of course, in an ideal world, seatbelt extenders wouldn’t be necessary, as belts would be longer and more accommodating for all, but alas, this isn’t the case right now.

However, Jeanie said: “When you’re boarding the plane, ask a crew member at this time for a seatbelt extender. Some airlines keep the extenders at the boarding area, so they’ll give them to you right away.

“And if they don’t have it there, you can give them your seat number, and once boarding is complete, they will give you the extender without you having to ask for it.”

This means the only person who will hear you asking for a seatbelt extender is the crew member, because everyone else “will be busy boarding”.

In the comments, someone praised the professionalism of all the cabin crew members they’d ever dealt with, as one wrote: “I no longer need a seat extender, but when I did, I’d ask when boarding. The flight attendants were always so nice about it and never made me feel ashamed.”

Another shared: “I remember struggling with my weight (still do) after my car accident, and I put on a lot of pounds. As soon as I was given the okay to work out, I went to the pool daily, ate better, etc. I did lose weight, but not enough.

“My first flight since the accident, I could alllllmost click the buckle. I remember being so upset and having to stop myself from crying, as I already hate walking with a limp.

“An attendant -I assume was off the clock- sat down next to me, and as she saw me quietly losing my mind and feeling desperate, she passed me an extender like a ninja and told me ‘it’s okay’ with such a reassuring smile. It was so nice to be treated with genuine care and human respect. I hope she is doing well.”

Someone else commented: “I always ask as I’m boarding. I don’t always need it since seat belt lengths aren’t the same, but I always ask just in case I need it.”

Realising his vision for photo, though, was not so straight-forward.

Yarrow had to navigate the packed schedule of Norway captain and Premier League champion Martin Odegaard – who was in Budapest with Arsenal for the Champions League final on the day of the squad shoot.

After the parade had left north London, Odegaard joined Yarrow for a solo shoot, and the cloudy conditions matched those of the original shoot – meaning his figure could be added in without too much fuss.

But it was crucial to Yarrow that Odegaard and his title rival Haaland did not steal the show.

“The one thing that was important about that picture is if, in the Norwegian squad, you’ve got someone that’s worth £200m and then you’ve got Watford’s goalkeeper [Egil Selvik] that’s worth £250,000, the third-in-line goalie – that they both occupy the same amount of the frame,” Yarrow told BBC Sport.

“That’s very important for me.

“That is was not seen to be Haaland and Odegaard and 24 others – it was important to foster a sense of team.”

Yarrow was a guest of Norway as the side beat Sweden 3-1 in a warm-up friendly on Monday, with goals by Jorgen Strand Larsen and Antonio Nusa.

He was struck by the breadth of talent in the Norway team.

“People think it’s a team of two people and it’s so not,” said Yarrow, who was born in Glasgow.

“It’s a seriously good football team, from their wingers to their backs, and I think they’ll go quite far in the tournament.

“But, like Scotland – they’ve got to win their first game.”

A flight attendant has said she can’t stand it when passengers break one common phone rule, as it could actually be quite dangerous for the pilot and other passengers

When boarding a plane, there are several things passengers are required to do to ensure their own safety and that of fellow travellers. Once everyone has taken their seats, cabin crew will deliver safety information that must be listened to, and it’s frequently essential that you take their warnings seriously.

If you’re someone who flies regularly, you may believe you no longer need to absorb this safety information as you’ve encountered it numerous times before. But one cabin crew member on social media has insisted it’s always crucial that you remain attentive, as flouting the rules could result in injury, disruption to the aircraft, and possibly harm to your own possessions.

Yasmeen, a flight attendant working out of Los Angeles, posted a video on TikTok from a recent flight, revealing she was left stunned by what one passenger was doing while the aircraft was airborne.

The cabin crew member was travelling as a passenger on this occasion, but explained that her professional experience means she understands just how risky it can be to disregard the rule that the other traveller was so openly flouting.

In the footage, Yasmeen revealed that another passenger seated across the aisle had received a phone call mid-flight and proceeded to answer it with the phone on loudspeaker, allowing everyone within earshot to listen in on their conversation.

Not only is blaring your phone on speaker thoughtless when crammed into a confined space with dozens of other passengers, but you’re meant to switch your mobile to aeroplane mode upon boarding, which blocks all signal and prevents you from making or taking calls.

Yasmeen said: “As a flight attendant, I’m actually about to jump out of my skin.”

Viewers of her clip were split, though. Some insisted they’d never dream of leaving their phone on during a flight, while others claimed they’ve “taken full Zoom calls” on planes previously, suggesting it shouldn’t be a problem.

One person said: “I just don’t understand. With all this technology, and supposedly we went to the moon, but we can’t use our phones on the plane?”

Another added: “I don’t understand what some of y’all don’t understand. You are NOT supposed to be making phone calls while in the air!”

A third wrote: “I’ve taken full Zoom calls on the plane. It’s not against the rules to be on a call.”

Why do phones need to be on aeroplane mode when flying?

Phones, tablets, and other wireless-enabled devices should be switched to aeroplane mode as a safety measure. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), any device that emits radio waves has the potential to interfere with navigation and radar systems, as well as disrupt pilots’ headsets.

The extent to which mobile phones impact aviation technology hasn’t been thoroughly researched, but pilots have reported hearing background noise and interference from handsets while in the air, particularly during landing. This could prove distracting to pilots at a critical stage of the flight, so it’s advisable to simply keep your phone on aeroplane mode throughout.

Failing to switch your phone to aeroplane mode is unlikely to bring the plane down, but even if it doesn’t irritate your pilot, it could also result in unnecessary strain on your own device.

Ways not putting your phone on aeroplane mode can affect you include:

• Severe battery drain: Your phone will be working overtime to try and find a signal in the air by attempting to connect to towers on the ground, which can drain your battery.
• Costly roaming charges: On international flights, flying over multiple countries and having your phone connect to their towers could land you with hefty roaming fees that you weren’t prepared to pay.

A European hotel has been described as a ‘ghost town’ because there are no sunbed wars in the morning – all because of a genius solution they’ve come up with

Sunbed wars have become an almost unavoidable part of a holiday at a sunny resort, but guests at one hotel in Europe never have to worry about bagging a prime spot by the pool.

If you’ve ever stayed at a resort with a pool and rows of sun loungers, you’ll know all too well about the early morning scramble to secure a sunbed before heading off for breakfast. This frantic rush typically sees guests charging across the courtyard to toss their towel over a lounger, effectively claiming it for the entire day.

The trouble with sunbed wars, however, is that they not only encourage deeply selfish behaviour that denies fellow guests a fair chance at using the facilities, but they also pose a genuine safety risk, with people running poolside and potentially coming to blows over the best spots.

At one hotel in Cyprus, though, that early morning battle simply doesn’t exist – the resort appears positively “deserted” compared to other venues where daily poolside races are commonplace.

It’s not that the hotel is short of guests, however. The real explanation behind the refreshingly towel-free poolside scene each morning is that the resort has introduced a clever system designed to guarantee every guest a spot by the pool without any of the usual squabbling.

Mark Brown, also known as Right Guys Reviews, recently posted a TikTok video filmed at a hotel during his stay in Paphos, Cyprus. He panned his camera across the sunbeds surrounding a large pool, revealing that not a single one had a towel draped over it – despite it being morning and the majority of guests already seated at breakfast.

He was keen to point out that the pool wasn’t empty simply because the hotel was quiet, claiming it was actually fully booked. Rather, guests at this particular hotel simply have no need to scrap over a sunbed spot.

Mark said: “Honestly, you’d think this was a ghost hotel, and it was actually empty. But if you take a trip over to pool services, you’ll find out now why there’s no towels on the sun loungers.”

He went on to explain that upon checking in, guests are handed plastic “pool towel” exchange cards. Each morning, these are taken down to the pool services kiosk and swapped for towels to use on the sunbeds.

But there’s no mad dash once you’ve got your towel. At the pool services kiosk, guests are also assigned their sunbeds for the day, guaranteed to be theirs regardless, meaning there’s absolutely no need to squabble over the best spot.

Viewers who commented on Mark’s video were thoroughly impressed by the sunbed management system at the unnamed hotel. Many recalled their own battles over sunbeds in the early hours, with the vast majority saying they’d gladly swap the stress for a more relaxed, hotel-managed approach.

One holidaymaker said: “Just been to a five-star resort in Kos with no sunbed management. I had to get up at 6am every day just to secure two sunbeds for me and the wife.”

Another chimed in: “That’s the best way to do it. Booking policy is a brilliant idea.”

A third shared their own experience: “We went to Tenerife a couple of years ago and they allocated beds. It’s brilliant. So much better. You could book for am/pm or all day. Hate it when people put towels on at 7.30 and don’t turn up until 1pm.”

An airline pilot has shared advice for anyone who deals with anxiety on flights

Anxious travellers could enjoy calmer travel days by following three pilot-approved tips. An airline pilot has revealed several steps nervous passengers can take to calm their nerves before boarding.

The advice was shared by Simon Belmont, who describes himself as an airline pilot, Airbus A350 Captain and a fear-of-flying coach. With over 130,000 followers on TikTok, Simon regularly shares tips and tricks for passengers on social media as @Flyman_simon. In a recent video, the pilot shared his top recommendations for holidaymakers feeling anxious about upcoming trips.

He wrote: “Holiday travel can feel extra intense when you are already a nervous flyer. Crowded airports, delays, noise and rushing around can make anxiety feel even bigger.” Fortunately, the pilot identified three steps passengers can take to help alleviate their stress.

In the post, Simon urged passengers to give themselves plenty of time on travel days, be polite to staff, and ensure they’ve packed properly. As he explained, making sure you “keep fed, watered, and entertained” is key to a good flight. “A calmer flight often starts before you even board. Small changes really do help,” the expert pointed out.

In his video, Simon told viewers: “I’ll give you three top tips to try and make it de-stressed. If you’re a fearful flyer, de-stressing that journey really does lower your levels, and it stops you peaking, maybe overthinking, and doing all that doom thinking that gets you worried about flying.”

Simon said: “Number one, give yourself plenty of time. That is one of the biggest things. If you’re up against the clock, wondering whether that gate’s going to close and you’re going to make the flight, it’s stress from the second you leave your home or the hotel, sat in traffic. So give yourself that extra bit of time.”

He continued: “When you get to the airport, be really courteous, really nice and friendly. Remember all of those staff, all the security staff, and everyone else, they’re not trying to hold you up. They’re trying to do their job. They’re not going to cut corners on safety, and they are going to try to get you through as soon as possible.”

The pilot also advised people to pack entertainment. He explained: “Keep entertained and keep fed and watered. So keep things to keep you busy when you are sat around waiting.”

“Make sure that you have got some snacks, you’ve got some things to eat to keep that blood sugar level up, and that will again de-stress you, put you in a much happier mood, and give you a much better chance,” Simon explained.

He continued: “Keep hydrated because at the other end you want to be able to enjoy the holiday, the business trip, seeing family and friends. Dehydrated, you’re going to feel groggy and crappy.

“So yeah, give yourself plenty of time. Be courteous, remember the people are working hard, and keep yourself fed, watered, and entertained. So download those videos, take little games, card games, whatever you can.”

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t just go to the big cities, instead head to another island which has golden sands and an unbeatable experience you’ll never forget

A stunning island just three hours away from Tokyo must be added to your Japan bucket list, because it was one of my favourite days of our five-week trip.

The little-known island is about 15 minutes by boat from Ishigaki, off Okinawa, and we actually flew from Osaka and were meant to fly direct to Ishigaki. However, our flight was cancelled without our knowing, so we ended up having to fly to Okinawa, and then catching a (very tight) connection to Ishigaki. However, flight drama aside, when we decided to go to Taketomi, we didn’t think there would be much to do or that we’d want to spend very long there. But we were so wrong…

Taketomi is within the Yaeyama District of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Taketomi is one of the Yaeyama Islands, which are a tropical archipelago in southwestern Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, known as the nation’s southernmost and westernmost inhabited islands.

They feature coral reefs, lush jungles, and a laid-back, rural atmosphere, serving as a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and experiencing traditional Ryukyu culture.

When we went, we immediately got a minibus to where we could catch a ride on water buffalo carts. It is an iconic 30-minute guided tour through the traditional Ryukyu village, featuring red-tile roofs and sandy streets.

It was absolutely amazing, an experience we’ll never forget, and our tour guide even played traditional Okinawan music on a sanshin, which is a stringed instrument. I felt like I was in a movie! It was certainly an experience that I won’t forget in a hurry.

Then, once we bought the professional photo (we had to), we headed to get some lunch. It’s worth remembering that an estimated 300 to 360 people live on Taketomi, so don’t expect any chain restaurants or anything you’re probably used to if you’re from the UK.

But the total change of pace to even big Japanese cities was amazing, and it was nice to spend time doing a variety of things while we were in Japan.

After, we went to the beach, where I was gobsmacked by the golden sands and the clear sea. Ishigaki was the first proper tropical island I’d ever been to, and Taketomi had all the same fantastic features. I’m now enamoured.

We had a little paddle in the sea, and I was gobsmacked to find that it was actually so warm, and while you’d have to go quite far out into the sea to actually be able to swim, it was definitely worth paddling.

If you’re going to Japan, make sure you add Okinawa or Ishigaki to your list of places to visit. I’d highly recommend Ishigaki, but I’m definitely biased. I think that Okinawa is a lot more touristy now, so Ishigaki suited us perfectly, especially as my partner is a scuba diver.

We loved it so much that we hope to go back to another of the Yaeyama Islands in the future. It is worth noting, however, that Ishigaki is located in an earthquake-prone area; tsunami awareness is essential year-round. Typhoon season runs from June to November, with the highest risk occurring from July to October.

Mel Fielding, who has more than 26,000 followers on Instagram, shared her first solo break on the social media platform and what she had learned from the experience

While going on holiday with your family or best friends can be a lovely experience, sometimes taking a break by yourself can be exactly what you need. One travel influencer took herself on a 24-hour break to one of the most scenic parts of the UK and documented the experience on Instagram.

Mel Fielding, who has more than 26,000 followers on Instagram, shared her first solo break on the social media platform. She said: “Although I’ve done a few solo trips abroad over the years, and love exploring the UK, I’ve never really been on a solo trip in the UK before, so last week I decided to head to Devon for one night on my own.”

First, she visited Hope Cove, five miles west of Salcombe, where she went for a meal, saying she “felt super self-conscious at first”.

“I knew I wanted to watch the sunset but I had two hours to wait, so I headed down to the beach on my own,” she said. “I read my book and felt myself relaxing as I watched the sun go down. I felt so happy that I’d pushed through the awkwardness and stayed until the sun had set.”

Mel was staying in her van overnight, and had booked into nearby Bolberry House Caravan and Camping Park, which she said “felt really peaceful”. She continued: “I survived my first night along in the van and slept surprisingly well!

“It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be! Isn’t it funny how things usually feel worse in our minds than they actually are.”

The next morning she visited Salcombe, and the Snapes Point viewpoint. “By this point, I felt like I’d relaxed into the trip so I headed on a solo sea swim,” she said.

“No one else was swimming and I did feel a little self-conscious at first, but knew I’d regret not going for a dip on such a beautiful day. I made coffee on the beach afterwards and realised that, although I’d done a few solo trips before, doing stuff solo is a bit like exercising a muscle. You have to keep using it to keep it strong.

“I consider myself a pretty adventurous person, but I also realised it’s okay to feel nervous before doing things you don’t do that often. I ended up having a really wonderful 24 hours and it was a good reminder to feel the fear and do it anyway. Now I’m already planning my next solo overnight adventure.”

Writing in the video description, she added: “I know that to some people this won’t be a big deal, but I also know that to some, it will, so if you’re in the latter group and would also love to go on a solo break in the UK this year, but feel nervous about it, I hope sharing this helps in some way!”

People in the comments left their own experiences of solo travel. One said: “I have been single for seven years, so I decided a while back to do whatever I wanted to, even by myself. My biggest challenge was camping in my tent in Wales last summer… best thing I ever did.

“I was adopted by a lovely family for drinks around the campfire. You’re never truly alone. But the feeling of accomplishment when you do these things alone, immense! Makes you remember you can conquer anything.”

Another said: “I have never done a solo trip ever. If I ever get better I have promised myself a trip to Florence.

“Not having anyone else dictate where I am going. I always put others first. So it would be an amazing dream. Good on you! More of us need to lead by your example.”

Brits planning trips to Portugal this summer have been urged to stay vigilant, as there is a ‘troubling’ scam on the rise that targets tourists

If you’re jetting off to Portugal this summer, there’s one “troubling” threat facing tourists that you need to know about. Portugal ranks among the most sought-after holiday spots for Brits, with roughly 3 million of us flocking to sun-drenched destinations such as Porto, The Algarve, and Madeira each year.

However, for those planning to chase the sunshine in the months ahead, there’s an important warning to heed. According to travel experts on social media, Portugal is grappling with a crisis that sees criminals deliberately targeting tourists to turn a quick profit – all while the nation’s cultural heritage pays the price.

Eric and Josien, a couple based in Portugal who frequently post travel content on Instagram, revealed that thieves across the country are pinching the iconic ceramic tiles adorning buildings and flogging them on the street, mainly to unsuspecting tourists who have no clue about the tiles’ origins.

The tiles, known as azulejos, are hand-painted ceramic pieces used to decorate churches, palaces, train stations, and even some residential properties. They represent a cherished element of Portugal’s culture and heritage, yet according to locals, there’s an “illegal black market” centred around stealing these tiles and hawking them on the street.

They explained: “Azulejos – those beautiful, hand-painted ceramic tiles – are one of Portugal’s most iconic and treasured art forms. Dating back over 500 years, these tiles cover churches, palaces, train stations, and even ordinary homes, turning buildings into vibrant storytellers of Portuguese history, culture, and craftsmanship.

“But behind this beauty lies a troubling reality: an illegal black market that thrives on stealing these tiles.

“Thieves often target abandoned or under-renovation buildings, or even occupied homes late at night, using special tools to remove the tiles without damaging them. Once taken, these tiles are sold as ‘vintage’ or ‘reclaimed’ pieces through online shops, antique markets, and tourist areas – sometimes even shipped abroad.

“Because buyers rarely ask where these tiles come from, and regulations around these sales are limited, thieves profit while Portugal’s heritage suffers.”

Visitors to Portugal can purchase genuine azulejos from local craftspeople throughout the country, and the Instagram duo encouraged travellers to seek out artisan boutiques rather than purchasing from street sellers.

They added: “Never buy tiles without knowing their origin. If it looks like an authentic azulejo, ask questions and proof of its source. And support local artisans and shops that create or sell new, authentic tiles.”

What are azulejos?

Azulejos are intricately decorated ceramic tiles that typically measure around 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15cm) square. They’re most commonly found in Portugal and Spain, where they’ve been crafted since the 14th century. In Portugal, the tiles have predominantly featured in religious architecture, including adorning the Coimbra Cathedral.

While Spain largely stopped making the tiles by the 18th century, Portugal pressed on, eventually shipping them to the Azores, Madeira, and Brazil. They’re now frequently manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, where they’re regarded as the finest in the Western Hemisphere.

Due to their historical and cultural importance, they’ve become a sought-after keepsake for holidaymakers visiting Portugal. That said, you should always ensure what you’re purchasing has been ethically sourced, and its origins can be verified. If you suspect the tiles being offered could be stolen, steer clear of buying them.

The Portuguese National Tourist Board has been contacted for comment.

A satirical political movement called the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ has gone viral in India after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches”. The movement taps into growing frustration over unemployment, inflation and living costs under Narendra Modi’s government, gaining more than 22 million Instagram followers in just six days.

Situated in the south west of Germany, on the border of the iconic Black Forest mountain range, the city has jointly been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you’re thinking about a trip to Europe, but want something a bit off the beaten track, one “hidden gem” with historic spas, Roman ruins, and incredible museums could be just the ticket. Situated in the south west of Germany, on the border of the iconic Black Forest mountain range, the city has, along with Bath in Somerset and nine other locations, jointly been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of ‘The Great Spa Towns of Europe’.

Travel influencer Katherine McQueen, who has 685,000 followers on Instagram, where she is known as vineyardsandvoyages, posted a look into everything the city has to offer. She said: “This is one of Europe’s most elegant hidden gems… and most people skip it.”

Describing the city as “polished, romantic, and completely different from the bigger stops most travellers add to their itineraries”, she hailed its “pastel streets, grand architecture, thermal baths, elegant cafés, beautiful gardens, and old-world glamour around every corner”. But it was the history which she hailed as its most important element.

“People have been coming here for the thermal waters since Roman times, and wellness is still one of the biggest reasons to visit today,” she said. “You can soak in mineral-rich baths, wander through historic spa buildings, and experience a side of Germany that feels slow, refined, and deeply relaxing.”

Katherine also praised the city’s glittering casino, food – including, of course, the iconic Black Forest gateau – and location, calling it “one of the most unexpectedly charming places I’ve visited in Germany”.

The city in question is Baden-Baden, located around 15 miles east of the French border, and 42 miles west of Stuttgart.

In the post Katherine explained more about what the city has to offer. “Some of the bathhouses here feel more like palaces than spas, with mineral pools, grand domes, and centuries of wellness history,” she said. “But it’s not just a spa town. It’s also filled with elegant architecture, gardens, colonnades, and beautiful places to wander.”

She added: “The whole city has this refined, romantic atmosphere. Long covered walkways, grand buildings, art, gardens, and peaceful corners everywhere.”

Concluding, she said: “It has that rare mix of history, wellness, food, architecture, and nature, all in one very walkable little city. Everywhere you look, there are details that make it feel grand without feeling overwhelming. This town rewards slow wandering. Hidden side streets, stairways, dreamy corners, and beautiful views around every turn.”

The city’s official tourism website says: “Baden-Baden was founded 2,000 years ago to do people good. Thermal water at temperatures of up to 68 degrees gushes out of the earth from 12 thermal springs in Baden-Baden. Even today, our spa town at the foot of the Black Forest is the perfect place to enjoy spa tradition – whether in the Caracalla Spa or in the historic Friedrichsbad Spa.”

How can I get to Baden-Baden?

By air: Direct flights to Baden-Baden are available from London Stansted Airport. Indirect flights are also available from most other UK airports.

By train: You can take the Eurostar to Paris or Brussels, with various connecting routes available.

By car: You can drive by taking the Eurostar and then heading south east through France, or east into Belgium before crossing, into Germany. Once arriving in France, the route is between 400 and 450 miles, taking between six and seven hours.