Viral

One Australian traveller was left stunned when she turned up to Gatwick airport at 4am and look over at the Wetherspoons pub there. Her video has now gone viral online

Most of us have bagged ourselves an early flight to try and save on fees before. However, that does involve getting up at the crack of dawn to make it to the airport on time. Luckily, most major airports usually have somewhere open to get a coffee, grab and snack or have the ‘airport beer‘ many Brits enjoy before heading on your flight – no matter what the time.

One of the most popular places for many Brits to head to before they catch their flight is Wetherspoons if there’s one there. Most of us know that airports can be expensive, so the budget pub brand is the perfect place to have a breakfast, meal or drink that isn’t going to break the bank.

However, one Australian traveller was left stunned when she turned up to Gatwick Airport and saw that the Wetherspoons there was completely packed – despite it being 4am.

The travel influencer, Kiaya, who boasts 14,900 followers online on her @kiaya.travels account, shared a video the showed people queuing to get into the pub. Another take from inside then showed the inside which was rammed with people, with some already enjoying an alcoholic beverage.

Overlay text read, ‘Every table full at 4am in the airport, oh to be British.’

The caption for the post, which was shared on the official Wetherspoon Instagram account, wrote: “Nothing like a ‘Spoons breakfast before my flight!”

People were loving the post, as it went viral and racked up more than 122,000 likes.

One person exclaimed: “Nothing slaps harder than a pre-flight ‘Spoons breakfast and a pint to be honest,” while another added: “What more could you want a 4am! I’m here for it.”

A third chimed in: “We love Wetherspoons,” while another branded it their “favourite spot”.

Wetherspoon pubs at Gatwick Airport are typically open between 3AM and 5AM and close between 9PM and 11PM daily. There is one branch in the North Terminal (after security) and two in the South Terminal (one before and one after security).

Despite a pre-flight pint being a tradition amongst many Brits, travel insiders previously shared why it might not be the best idea. Chatting with experts at global travel booking giant Omio, flight attendant Dashiell Horowitz of Air Transat gave his advice to anyone planning to board a plane.

He recommended eating a big meal to ‘make sure you’re tired and get some rest on the flight’, however, he wasn’t as keen on airport beers.

Dashiell said: “There isn’t much I would avoid if flying as a passenger except for anything that you know will upset your stomach!

“The one thing I would truly avoid is any alcohol before a flight. Most people don’t know it affects you twice as much whilst in the air, so you’re more likely to feel the effects than on the ground.”

A flight attendant has shared several plane safety tips that could make your next trip more comfortable – including the one item you should absolutely never wear

You could be picking up all sorts of germs by wearing the wrong clothes on a flight.

When travelling by plane, whether it’s for a work trip or holiday, you usually want to be as comfortable as possible. No matter how long your flight is, sitting in a cramped space surrounded by strangers isn’t ideal, so you normally want to make sure your outfit is something you can feel relaxed in for at least a few hours, if not longer.

But one flight attendant has said there’s one thing you should absolutely never wear on a plane, regardless of how comfortable you think it is. Charity Moore is a flight attendant who regularly posts travel tips on social media, and in a recent video, she shared several things she wishes more people did on flights.

Among her tips, Charity said there’s one thing you should absolutely never wear on a plane, as it puts your body in direct contact with the seats – which aren’t always the most hygienic things to be sitting on.

1. Wear the right clothes

Charity insisted you should never wear anything that exposes your legs on a plane, including shorts and skirts. She advocated for wearing trousers at all times, because she’s seen some “diabolical” things happen on plane seats that aren’t always cleaned as thoroughly as you might like.

She said: “I am letting you know, from a flight attendant, the amount of things I have seen on the seat. Wear pants. Shorts, skirts, dresses, absolutely not. Wear full pants. None of your skin should be touching that seat. I don’t care if you come on board and disinfect it. Nope, nope, nope. Wear full pants. Trust me, I have seen some diabolical things.”

2. Disinfect the seatbelts

The flight attendant also said that while she often sees passengers using antibacterial wipes on things like the tray table, she hardly ever sees anyone clean the seatbelt – which she believes is the most important part.

She explained: “You guys all come on board with your little Clorox wipes and your little disinfectants, and you start wiping everything down. That little tray table in front of you [and] the back of your seat. I don’t really get why you’re wiping the back of your seat, because if you’re wearing clothes, nothing really touches that.

“What you should be wiping that nobody wipes is that seatbelt. The metal part, because everybody touches it, but also you should be wiping the fabric part of the seatbelt, because everybody pulls on that. The amount of throw up, baby vomit, bodily fluids, liquids that have spilt, and random stuff that ends up on those seatbelts. Wipe them down, babe.”

3. Exercise proper toilet hygiene

Charity claimed that not enough passengers have proper toilet etiquette when using the bathroom on a plane. This includes washing your hands once you’ve done your business, making sure you flush the toilet, and even closing the door behind you once you’re finished.

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While these might seem like obvious things you would do after any toilet visit, whether it’s on a plane or not, the flight attendant insisted a large portion of passengers don’t do them.

She also said if you’ve taken your shoes off at your seat to make yourself more comfortable, you should not go to the toilet without putting your shoes back on.

The attendant noted: “It is never ever water on the floor in the lav. And your socks are like two big sponges.”

4. Bring food

Charity’s final piece of advice is to bring food with you. She said it’s a “huge misconception” that you can’t bring food through security, and encouraged people to bring snacks or even a fully prepared meal with them to help them survive their plane journey.

In the UK, food items and powders are allowed in your hand luggage, but may obstruct images on X-ray machines, so your bags might need to be checked again manually by security, which could cause you delays.

You are generally not allowed to bring liquid or gel-like foods such as soup, sauces, jams, and yoghurts in your hand luggage, and may not be able to bring certain fresh produce, like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy, across some international borders, so always make sure you check the rules before you fly.

In most cases, you will be able to bring snack boxes with things like sweets, chocolate, and crisps onto a flight. You should usually avoid packing nuts into your snack box, as you may be asked not to open these if a passenger has an allergy.

Budget airline Ryanair has suggested a controversial new fee targeting one type of passengers on early morning flights – and the idea has divided opinion among travellers

Budget airlines such as Ryanair are often an excellent choice if you need to travel across the UK and Europe without emptying your bank account for the ticket fee. However, they frequently impose a range of ‘hidden’ charges should you wish to add special extras to your standard ticket.

From airport check-in charges for travellers who don’t check in online, to amending the name on your booking, or missing your flight, it all carries an additional cost that can add up quickly. And Ryanair is no stranger to threatening to bring in further fees, as they regularly turn to social media to float ‘ideas’ for new passenger charges – though these seldom become reality.

Potential new charges that have been shared on their social media channels include a denim fee for travellers who choose to wear jeans while on the aircraft, to a ‘toilet use’ charge. The possibilities, it appears, are genuinely limitless – and frequently prompt mixed reactions from passengers who are swift to devise ‘hacks’ to dodge the various fees.

Now, the carrier has unveiled what could be one of its most controversial proposals yet – charging talkative passengers on early morning flights. The company turned to Facebook to float the concept in a tongue-in-cheek message.

“We’ll be charging yappers on our 6am flights very soon,” they posted. Despite how absurd it may appear, some travellers seemed entirely supportive, as they were keen for a peaceful and quiet flight when having to board early. One user wrote: “A charge we can all stand by.”

Another chimed in: “Here’s a deal, if we get on board and say we don’t want a scratch card, then we are left in peace for the rest of the flight by your in-air street traders who do most of the yapping.”

Ryanair is well known for selling scratch cards on its flights, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.

However, others were quick to turn on the airline, questioning whether this fee would also apply to the cabin crew themselves. One user hit back, asking: “Does that include the ones yapping on the PA system about scratch cards and duty free?”

“That would be your crew selling us perfumes first thing in the morning,” another user added.

Ryanair fees to be aware of

While Ryanair frequently pokes fun at its own extra charges, there are some very real fees that passengers ought to familiarise themselves with – as being caught off guard could land you with a steep bill at the departure gate.

Failing to check in online means you can expect to be charged £55/€55 to ‘cover the extra cost’ of checking in at the Ryanair desk. If your flight is departing from Spain, however, this drops to £30/€30. Instead, travellers are urged to check in for their flights via the Ryanair app or website prior to arriving at the airport. Those who have pre-booked a seat can check in up to 60 days before a scheduled departure, while others may check in 24 hours before a flight. Generally, check-in closes two hours before departure.

You’ll also need to ensure your luggage meets the size requirements for cabin bags, as this is where numerous passengers come unstuck, finding themselves hit with a £60 fee per bag. Previously, bags had to be 40x25x20cm, but as of last year, passengers can bring a bag of up to 40x30x20cm. This small item can be a laptop bag, handbag, rucksack, or any item that fits within the dimensions to fit under the seat in front of you.

For an additional charge, which differs depending on route and availability, passengers can bring a second cabin bag of up to 10kg in weight. This bag can be up to 55x40x20cm in size and passengers will need to be able to load this into the overhead locker themselves without any assistance from the cabin crew.

For more information about Ryanair’s extra fees, you can read more on their website.

A British couple have shared their honest verdict on the giant mozzarella sticks in Tenerife that have gone viral on social media, with a plate of three setting you back £11.25

A couple have given their candid verdict after sampling the viral, giant mozzarella sticks during their holiday to Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Whenever you’re gearing up to visit somewhere new, many people turn to the internet and social media to scout out things to do and foods to try, building excitement while piecing together an itinerary for their time away.

This also means that if you’re heading to a well-known tourist hotspot, the chances are you’ll stumble across at least one dish or eatery that’s already taken social media by storm. In Tenerife, one such food that’s been setting the internet alight is an impressive-looking mozzarella stick. But with all the buzz surrounding them, some may question whether they’re truly worth seeking out.

To put them to the test, British holidaymaker Sam Jenkins decided to give them a go while away with her boyfriend, before heading to TikTok to share their honest thoughts.

“Trying the VIRAL Tenerife mozzarella sticks!” they wrote at the beginning of the clip, which shows the pair making their way to the restaurant that serves them.

The footage then revealed the mozzarella stick itself, which appeared thick, lengthy and a beautifully golden shade after being deep-fried. They were presented on a plate of three, which looked to be a rather generous serving given their considerable size. A dipping sauce was also included on the side.

The girl then attempted to tear off a piece, resulting in an impressive cheese pull that demonstrated just how generously packed with mozzarella each stick truly was.

The guy then had a go himself, snapping the mozzarella stick open from the middle, which once again produced a spectacular cheese pull that appeared to stretch wide enough to reach his outstretched arms.

Although they didn’t film themselves actually tasting the mozzarella sticks following the cheese pull, they did confirm the snacks had lived up to all the hype, awarding them a ’10/10′.

“Try the viral Tenerife mozzarella sticks with us!!! From the Winchester Tenerife Costa adeje 10/10 would recommend,” they wrote in the caption of the post.

In the comments section, they revealed that the plate of three mozzarella sticks had set them back €12.95 (£11.25), adding that other dishes on the menu, including burgers and pizzas, were equally delicious.

Numerous viewers also flocked to the comments to share their opinions. One person said: “I’m going to Tenerife in June so definitely will try them.

“10/10 cheese pull,” someone else remarked, while a third viewer gushed: “Omg need!!!! I dream about these everyday.”

Not everyone was convinced, however, with some branding them ‘overhyped’. One person commented: “Over hyped! We loved the seahorse just up the street I would run back there just for their food.”

April 19 (UPI) — The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Sunday that a photo showing an Israeli solider smashing the head of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon is authentic.

The photo, originally posted on X by Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi, quickly went viral across social media, drawing condemnation from Christians, Palestinians and others in the war-torn region.

After initially pledging an investigation into the photo, the IDF later announced they had found it to be real and not an artificial intelligence fabrication.

“Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon,” the military announced.

“The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.

“The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command. Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”

The Israeli military added it is “working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place” and vowed it has “no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols,” in its fight against Hezbollah militia forces in southern Lebanon.

The photo stirred up outrage among Christians, Palestinians and others in the Middle East.

Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Holy Land Christian Forum, a group of Christian laity advocating for the Christian presence in the region, called for action on the part of Israeli authorities.

“Israel has to inquire this crime, to apologize for it, to bring suspect to justice, & make sure it won’t be repeated!” he wrote in a social media post.

Meanwhile, Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament, added sarcastically, “We’ll wait to hear the police spokesperson claim that ‘the soldier felt threatened by Jesus.'”

A British holidaymaker has shared his experience of a trip to Benidorm, saying it was ‘everything you expect and more’ after spotting one sight out of his hotel window

Benidorm is recognised as a beloved holiday destination among Brits. In fact, roughly 800,000 to 900,000 Britons flock to the Spanish resort annually, establishing them as the largest international tourist group in the city. The coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca is known as the “Spanish Las Vegas” for its countless bars, clubs, and cabaret venues, especially clustered around the Levante district and Calle Gerona.

Benidorm attracts an incredibly varied clientele that changes considerably depending on the season and the particular area of the city. While it is famously a magnet for British “sun and sea” tourists, it is equally a prime destination for Spanish nationals and pensioners.

Holidaymaker Mattie Powell, from North Wales, recently detailed his experience of a Benidorm getaway, describing it as ‘everything you expect and more’ when he glanced out of his hotel window.

Mattie posted to his Instagram page a video showing a “traffic jam of mobility scooters” along a Benidorm path.

He captioned it: “Traffic jam of mobility scooters was not on my 2026 bingo card.”

Those who use mobility scooters are known to regularly head to Benidorm because the resort is remarkably flat and accessible, especially along its extensive beachfront promenades. This renders it an unusual holiday destination where people with limited mobility can move about independently for miles.

Numerous people were loving by the video, as it accumulated over 105,000 likes.

One person joked: “City’s safe in their hands.”

While another user quipped: “Might go there and do some British spotting.”

The post follows a recent visit to Benidorm by an American tourist who found himself baffled by one thing.

Travel enthusiast Kalani, from the US, revealed he was repeatedly quizzed about someone called ‘Charlie’ during his stay.

“I need someone to tell me about who Charlie is,” Kalani said, recounting how numerous people had approached him offering ‘Charlie’ after a night out on the Strip. It didn’t take long for his followers to set him straight, explaining that Charlie is a widely-used slang term for cocaine.

Most people like to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary when heading off on holiday or a short break, and one Airbnb shaped like a giant flower pot is certainly providing that

Many of us love to stay somewhere a little out of the ordinary when heading off on holiday or a short break, and one Airbnb is certainly delivering on that front. The Idaho Flower Pot is a charming, 24-foot tall Airbnb built in the shape of an enormous terra cotta flower pot. Nestled just south of Burley, Idaho, in the US, this eccentric getaway scooped Airbnb’s $100,000 (£74,000) “OMG! Fund” and sits on a working flower farm.

Inside, guests are treated to a 436-square-foot multi-storey space featuring tapered walls and a spiral staircase, with a queen-sized memory foam mattress in the loft and a pull-out sofa on the ground floor, sleeping between two and four people.

The bathroom boasts a lavish rainfall shower and a heated mosaic floor, while the kitchenette is kitted out with a two-burner induction hob and a compact fridge.

The décor features a striking “root” chandelier, bird lights, and a vintage record player.

Guests can also unwind on the rooftop patio, which offers a terrace at the top of the “pot” complete with loungers perfect for stargazing and sweeping views of the surrounding Albion Mountains.

There’s also a four-person hot tub and a flower-shaped fireplace to enjoy.

Travel influencer Anissa, known as @herjoliejourney on Instagram, shared her stay at the Idaho Flower Pot with her 64,500 followers on the platform.

Dubbing it “the most unique Airbnb in Idaho”, she added: “I’ve stayed in a lot of unique Airbnbs over the years, but nothing compares to sleeping inside a giant flower pot.

“We loved every minute of our stay and would absolutely come back again.”

Anissa posted footage from her visit, including stepping through the flower pot door, relaxing on the rooftop terrace, and shots of the bedroom and kitchen.

Followers adored the post, with it becoming viral and amassing more than 32,000 likes.

One person declared: “This is so cute,” while another commented: “Omg this is incredible! The attention to detail.”

A third remarked: “Well this is something I never thought I’d see, I love it!”

The Airbnb is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 45 minutes from Twin Falls.

Prices generally begin around $200 (£148) per night.

It’s worth noting that the rooftop patio and outdoor fire pit are accessible late spring through late autumn but may be shut in winter owing to snow.

You can view availability or reserve your stay via the official Airbnb listing.

A man on an 8-hour long haul flight was left gobsmacked when he saw what his fellow passenger had brought to amuse himself with– and the viral video has racked up more than 85,000 likes

Most of us do everything we can to keep ourselves entertained on a flight, particularly on a long-haul journey. However, one man was left completely stunned when he spotted what his fellow passenger had brought along to pass the time.

Influencer Tonio Guajardo, who has 23,100 followers on Instagram, took to the platform to share a reel of the incident. The clip began with Tonio filming himself before panning the camera round to reveal the man sitting beside him. Overlay text on the video read: “This guy brought a 1,500 piece Lego set on our 8-hour flight.” His fellow traveller was filmed pulling the Lego pieces from a small bag before leafing through the instruction booklet to guide his build.

Further text stated: “He kept dropping pieces,” as the man was shown attempting his Lego set on the cramped aircraft tray table, repeatedly bending down to retrieve fallen bricks.

A subsequent update then read: “Six hours in and we weren’t even close,” as the passenger’s rather modest Lego progress was revealed.

In the caption, Tonio wrote: “No flight is THIS long.”

The post went viral and garnered more than 85,000 likes, with viewers thoroughly enjoying it.

One person joked: “All fun and games until the plane hits some turbulence.”

While another commented: “Honestly this is a game-changer for flights. One bag at a time.”

A third chipped in: “Lowkey I’m going to start doing this.”

Even the official Lego account joined in, asking: “How did he manage to fit all that in his carry-on?”

LEGO remains enormously popular across the UK, firmly holding its place as a top brand in an expanding toy market.

The British toy industry recorded its first growth since the pandemic in 2025, with overall sales hitting £3.9 billion. Building sets, largely fuelled by LEGO, emerged as the fastest-growing category, surging by 25% on the previous year.

A key factor behind LEGO’s lasting appeal is its ability to captivate multiple generations.

So-called “Kidults” (adults and teenagers over 12) now represent roughly one-third of all toy sales in the UK.

Anyone planning on boarding a plane with hold luggage has been urged to make one change to their suitcases before they fly – as it will help keep belongings safe

Plane passengers need to make one crucial change to their hold luggage. If you’re jetting off and you’ve got bags destined for the plane’s cargo hold, you’ll know just how nerve-wracking it can be to be parted from your belongings. There’s always that nagging worry that your luggage could be lost or stolen before you reach the baggage carousel at your destination, leaving you stranded without clothes, toiletries and other essentials during your holiday.

To tackle this, most travellers will attach luggage tags to their bags. These hold small pieces of paper where you can jot down vital information, such as your email address and phone number, so that should your bag go missing or end up on the wrong flight, airport staff can reach out to you if and when it’s located.

However, one woman on social media has flagged that these tags might not be the most secure option when you’re separated from your bags, particularly as some people inscribe their full name and home address on them.

In a TikTok video, Sammy urged fellow passengers to do something different with their tags, claiming it would help safeguard their personal details from anyone who might attempt to sneak a peek at their information.

She said: “This is something I’ve never seen anyone talk about, and I had to figure it out on my own. This is not safe for you for a plethora of reasons. You have your full name on there, you have your phone number, you have all of your contact information.

“These will flip over. You’re going to have your luggage, and it’s going to flip over, and anyone who sees it can not only take a photo of it, but also anyone who sees your content online that shows your luggage can get all of your information.”

Sammy described the risk of having your details stolen from your luggage tag as “so dangerous” and “so not worth it”. In its place, she advised opting for a luggage tag featuring a full cover. These typically open like a book and fasten with a popper or Velcro, ensuring nobody can access your personal details without deliberately taking your luggage.

You can also accomplish the same outcome by removing the piece of paper from your tag and flipping it around so your details aren’t visible from the outside. You could then write something along the lines of “information overleaf” or “please turn over” on the blank side facing outwards, so airport staff know exactly where to look should they need to get in touch with you.

Those commenting on the post put forward further alternative solutions, such as listing a dummy email address that you can monitor should you ever lose your luggage, but don’t use for anything else.

One person said: “I have a fake name with my spam email that I’ll check if I ever lose my bag.”

Another added: “I write my name and flight number on the front, then put ‘see reverse for personal details’ with my address.”

A third wrote: “Thank you!! I’ve been saying the same thing for years, and people think I’m nuts. Same with names on kids or pets clothing!”

Should you opt to include only your email address without your name, ensure the email itself doesn’t contain your name within the address.

Using a false name, as one commenter proposed, is not recommended, as should your bag go missing, you won’t be able to verify it’s yours if your ID fails to match the name on the luggage tag. That said, you can choose to display only your surname or initials on the card to safeguard as much of your personal details as possible.

It turns out Raven Johnson’s “revenge tour” wasn’t completely over.

The South Carolina guard was selected as the 10th overall pick by the Indiana Fever at the 2026 WNBA draft Monday, setting her up to be reunited with a former college teammate as well as a notable rival.

Described as “one of the most WNBA-ready players” in the mock draft by The Times, the two-time national champion was famously waved off by then-Iowa phenom Caitlin Clark during their Final Four matchup in the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament.

During the first quarter, Clark declined to guard Johnson, who had the ball outside of the three-point line, with wave of her arm while turned away from her. Not only did Clark’s team go on to win, the taunt — much like a number of other moments involving the sharpshooting former Hawkeye — went viral.

Johnson has been open about how that moment and the online response took a toll on her mental health.

“I was all over the internet,” Johnson said while discussing some of the adversity she’s faced in her basketball career on a recent episode of the “I Am Next” podcast. “I got bashed, I got bullied, I got called all these things that I wasn’t … like a monkey [and] just things like that. I wanted to quit basketball at that time and I wanted to just go in this little bubble of isolation and just be by myself.”

She credited her faith and the support of her teammates and loved ones for being able to turn it around and use the moment to fuel her “revenge tour” the next year. South Carolina beat Clark’s Hawkeyes in the 2024 national championship to cap off an undefeated season.

Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson at the 2024 NCAA women’s basketball tournament.

(Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)

At least in part because of this history, the online response to Johnson being drafted by the Fever has been divided among the team’s fans as well as the supporters of each of the individual players. But the Fever staff were clearly elated to be able to nab Johnson off the board.

“Let’s go,” Fever coach Stephanie White said in a video call with Johnson posted on social media on Monday. “We are so excited.”

Johnson isn’t the only one who is set to join forces with a rival in the next chapter of their career. Following her trade from the Sparks, Rickea Jackson will be teammates with Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso, whose game-winning buzzer beater for the Gamecocks took down the former’s Tennessee team at the 2024 Southeastern Conference tournament.

And that’s not to mention the Washington Mystics following their selection of UCLA center Lauren Betts as the fourth overall pick Monday by later drafting Texas standout Rori Harmon in the third round. Betts’ viral block is what sealed UCLA’s win over Texas at the Final Four en route to the Bruins’ championship win earlier this month. (The Mystics also selected UCLA forward Angela Dugalic in the first round.)

Despite the naysayers, Johnson appears excited to be joining a championship contender with the Fever. During a Monday news conference, Johnson mentioned Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell among the team’s vets she’s looking forward to learning from.

“She has taught me so much through my college experience,” Johnson said of Boston, her former college teammate. “She taught me what pro habits were. She taught me you have to bring those habits every day to practice. … She is a phenomenal person. She instills so much in young people and there’s no way you don’t want to play with somebody like that [and] look up to somebody like that.”

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead

You don’t have to travel to an exotic foreign destination to see some absolutely stunning sights, with so many amazing things to see right here in the UK. But one travel influencer has said some of UK’s best-known tourist sites might not be all they’re cracked up to be – and suggested some lesser-known alternatives that are just as good, if not better.

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead.

Writing in the description of her post she said: “Unpopular opinion… some of England’s most famous spots aren’t actually the best ones. These are just based on my experience, and what I’d do differently if I planned my trip again.” She added: “England is full of beautiful places… but I’ve realised there’s almost always a better, quieter alternative.”

The first place she said she’d skip? Stonehenge. The prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain is famous around the world and attracts more than one million visitors every year, drawn by the mystery of what exactly it was built for.

Apryl, from Manchester, said: “Looks iconic, but disappointing in person.” She added visitors “can’t get close”, tours and tickets are expensive, and there is “always a crowd”.

Instead, she recommended visitors should travel just 25 miles north to Avebury, home to the world’s largest stone circle. Apryl said the site is “older than Stonehenge”, and visitors can walk among the stones. She added it’s free to visit, and there are “no crowds”.

The second place Apryl said she’d avoid is the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The chocolate box village is known around the world for its iconic architecture and beautiful Gloucestershire surroundings.

Apryl said: “Charming, but can feel overcrowded.” She added it’s the “busiest spot in the Cotswolds” and is “very touristy” and “hard to enjoy at slower pace”.

Instead, she suggested visitors to the Cotswolds should instead pay a visit to the nearby villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. She described the villages as “quieter” and “just as scenic”. She added visitors can enjoy “a relaxing walk”.

Apryl’s third suggested location to skip is the stunning Seven Sisters and Beach Head cliffs in East Sussex, part of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Specifying the destination should be avoided in the spring, she warned it features “longer hikes than people expect”. She also said it is “very weather dependent” and “not the easiest to access”.

Instead, she suggested sightseers should travel just up the coast a little to the Birling Gap. She said this alternative offers views of the same cliffs, is “easier [to] access”, doesn’t require a hike, and is “just as stunning”. Writing in the post’s description, she added she would still recommend the Seven Sisters lighthouse walk “in calmer weather”.

People had a range of views in the comments. One said: “I thought Stonehenge was super cool!! Yes it’s crowded and you can’t walk up to them normally, but I thought the audio guide was really interesting and the museum and all the information was really cool, so I loved it!

“Also I did Seven Sisters both ways! Parked at Birling Gap and then walked to the lighthouse along the cliffs and loved it! I thought that’s what you were meant to do to reach it??”

Another said: “I loved Stonehenge. Yes there were a lot of people but honestly it never felt crowded. So awe inspiring.”

Another had an alternative suggestion. “I suggest you don’t skip these spots,” they said. “Just go off season. We had Bourton on the water to ourselves in December.”

The picturesque village has been named the “prettiest in England” and it’ll make you feel like you’re stepping into a place that’s “frozen in time” with ancient stone cottages

A village named one of the “prettiest in England” will transport you to somewhere that feels “frozen in time”. Whether it’s a place for hiking or seeking the finest coffee spots around town, we all crave a touch of adventure.

Now one travel account dedicated to “explore the UK’s ‘secret’ spots” has unearthed the “prettiest village in the Peak District”. It’s a settlement that’s wonderfully photogenic and brimming with attractions. According to the account, it resembles somewhere “frozen in time”. The location receiving countless glowing tributes is Tissington.

This charming village sits within the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, close to Ashbourne on the park’s southern boundary.

In the TikTok post, the page’s description stated: “I spent some mornings wandering through a place that feels completely frozen in time.

“Walking past these ancient stone cottages and visiting the local tea room felt like stepping into a classic British storybook.

“There’s a unique stillness here – no modern street lights, just the sounds of the countryside and centuries of history in every stone.

“It’s the perfect ‘hidden gem’ for anyone looking to escape the 21st century for a few hours.”

Top attractions in Tissington:

The storybook settlement showcases stunning cottages arranged around an historic hall, impressive church and duck pond.

Should you explore Tissington Hall, this welcomes guests during specific periods featuring tearooms, gift boutiques and craft outlets.

The tradition of Well Dressing is believed to have originated here, and each Ascension Day five wells are adorned with floral displays as a tribute to God for the gift of water.

Tissington is equally celebrated for its 13-mile traffic-free trail, which is perfectly suited to both walking and cycling, whatever takes your fancy.

Top activities in the village include cycling, exploring the centre, visiting the tea rooms, and touring the hall.

For those feeling a touch creative, the One a Wick and a Prayer Candle Workshop is a much-loved candle-making destination within the village.

While the village itself has no pub, The Bluebell Inn can be found on the A52 near Tissington Gates.

How to get to Tissington:

If you’re coming from London, this is a 153 mile car journey via the M1 which takes around 3 hours.

Public transport is a lot quicker, taking 1 hour and 25 minutes with East Midlands Railway.

Meanwhile if you live more north, it takes around 1 hour and a half from Manchester, or 50 minutes from Stoke.

If you’re coming from Birmingham, this is around 1 hour and 22 minutes by car, while you’re looking at nearly 2 hours drive from Liverpool.

A man splurged almost £7,000 on a first class flight with British Airways but one big issue left him feeling unimpressed with some saying he has “sufficient evidence for a refund”

A man forked out almost £7,000 on a first class flight with British Airways but branded his experience “shocking” due to one specific downside.

Flying first class is a dream many people have, especially on a long-haul flight as standard airline seats are notoriously tight and cramped. For those lucky enough to snap up a first class ticket, their expectations may be as high as the price. Now one content creator, known as Jabz, splashed £6,800 on a first class ticket with British Airways and documented his experience in a vlog-style video which he shared to social media.

In the footage, which was posted on Instagram to his 213,000 followers, he narrated his thoughts. Jabz began: “I just flew British Airways’ first class which was £6,800 and it was shocking.”

He did praise the cabin, which looked quite “modern” with a “minimal” design. It also came with a “super wide” seat which offered “more than enough space” to stretch out his “long” legs.

Jabz said: “The only downside is there was no privacy door which is a shame because even business classes have them now.”

When he was handed an “amenity kit” and a set of pyjamas, he was immediately impressed, and then enjoyed a welcome drink while he familiarised himself with the features of his seat.

But things took a turn for the worst after he was handed a menu. First class passengers are able to “request different meals before departure”, which he did, but was told by staff that “they forgot to load it onto the plane”.

Jabz said sarcastically: “That’s fine because there’s gonna be other options, right?”

He had wanted a fish dish but this wasn’t possible. He continued: “BA said they only had one fish meal in first class and someone had already requested it but they said they’re gonna check what they had spare in the lower cabins to see what they could do.

“Talk about first world problems but that’s just not what I paid for. I’m over here getting treated like I’m Oliver Twist.”

He then included clips of all the meals he was served onboard. He branded a tomato soup “actually quite decent” but said a “cold plate of tomatoes, paneer and couscous” was “really not good, unfortunately”.

Jabz jokingly described his main dish as a plate of “glippy gloop and fizzy widgets”. He said: “If this is what they’re serving in first class, the food in economy must be radioactive because I genuinely don’t know what this is supposed to be.”

He was “excited” for dessert which “looked good” but “tasted like baby oil and sugar” while the accompanying fruit plate contained mangoes which “weren’t even ripe”.

Jabz also noted the first class bathroom didn’t contain a shower, which differed to previous experiences he enjoyed on other first class flights.

Onto a positive feature, he praised the “really cool” wardrobe outside first class seats which allows passengers to hang up their clothes once they’ve changed into the provided pyjamas. After returning to his seat, he noted the flight attendant had made it into a bed so he could lay down and get some rest. Jabz was pleased it was “really spacious” and said it was “one of the more comfortable cabins to sleep in”.

But his final plate of food was made up of “miscellaneous ingredients” that he wasn’t impressed by.

In the comments section, fellow Instagram users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Flying first class is a personal dream that I’ll likely never achieve. Thanks BA for making me feel so much happier about not being able to afford it.”

Another quipped: “You have sufficient evidence for 70% refund.”

A third said: “These for £6,700? No thanks.”

Another added: “That is pretty shocking. That food wouldn’t be barely passable in business but First? It should be pure gourmet.”

Meanwhile others had more positive things to say about their previous experiences. One said: “Yes I fly First Class to Barbados, worth it. I love BA, thanks.”

While someone else commented: “I’ve flown BA business with the new sliding doors and it was great.”

What does BA offer in First Class?

According to BA’s website, a first class experience comes with “exceptional, elegant service”. It added: “Your own private, spacious suite, a fully flat bed with luxurious bedding.

“Delicious, indulgent fine dining. Temperley London loungewear, amenity bag and slippers. Seven-piece luxury skin and body care collection from Elemis. Access to luxurious lounges. Exclusive and dedicated service. Priority boarding.”

The airline prides itself on providing a “luxury travel experience” where you can “cross the world’s skies comfortably, enjoying excellent food”.

BA has been approached for a comment.

TikTok travel influencer Luke Patrick described the city as “highly underrated”. He said: “It’s unfairly a bit overshadowed by Istanbul, but I’m here to change that.

While Turkey is already an incredibly popular holiday destination among Brits for its stunning beaches and the historic city of Istanbul, there’s another part of the country you might not have considered for your next break. And if you’re looking for somewhere a bit off the beaten track filled with history, culture, and great food, one travel influencer has you covered.

Luke Patrick, who regularly shines a light on lesser-known destinations in Eastern Europe and further afield on TikTok, where he has more than 22,000 followers, recently posted a video showcasing the city of Bursa. The city in north-west Turkey lies south of Istanbul, across the Sea of Marmara, and has a lot to offer.

Opening his video, Luke said: “I am in Bursa, one of the largest cities in Türkiye, and one of the former capitals of the Ottoman Empire. Here’s how to spend a day in this wonderful city.”

The Ottoman Empire spanned much of South East Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, with its heart in modern-day Turkey. It lasted more than 600 years, from the 14th century up to 1922.

Continuing, Luke said: “Bursa is one highly underrated city. It’s unfairly a bit overshadowed by Istanbul, but I’m here to change that.

“The first place you should visit is Tophane Park. It’s where the old Ottoman Sultans are buried, and here you can get the best views over the city.”

He continued by highlighting the cuisine on offer, saying: “Bursa is in my opinion the best food city in Türkiye. What you want to get is iskender and tahini bread with simit.” Iskender is a dish consisting of sliced lamb or chicken with hot tomato sauce over pieces of pita bread, topped with sheep’s milk butter and yoghurt, while simit is a ring-shaped bread which looks similar to a bagel.

Luke said: “You eat it by dipping the simit in the tahini. This is usually my go-to breakfast.”

Continuing, he said: “Another place you definitely want to visit in Bursa is Koza Han. A Han is basically an old rest stop for merchants and travellers. Here you can get the best Turkish coffee.

“And finally, you want to visit the Grand Bazaar. Here they sell everything, and it’s all much cheaper than at the one in Istanbul.”

One person in the comments added their own suggestion for people visiting the city. They said: “Bursa is also renowned for its skiing resort, and also the oldest Ottoman village, Cumalıkızık.”

How can I get to Bursa?

The closest airport to the city is Bursa Yenişehir Airport, which is about 30 miles east of the city itself. However, no airlines currently offer direct flights from the UK.

The most direct option is to fly to one of Istanbul’s two airports – Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen. Direct flights to both are available from a number of UK airports. The flight takes around four hours.

From there, you can either hire a car, or travel by bus to Bursa. The journey takes around two hours.

Van-life traveller Lana says this gorgeous UK village with cobbled streets and turquoise waters is so ‘quaint and dreamy’ it’s like stepping back into the past

This pretty UK village has narrow cobbled lanes and cute shopfronts that will make you feel like it’s the good old days.

Lana, who explores Britain while living in her van, is encouraging people to make the journey to Clovelly in north Devon.

The content creator said: “I had a solo trip to this quaint and dreamy little place with the most picturesque scenery! It was like stepping back in time with no cars allowed and had a kind of a Greece feel to it with the cobbled streets, bright white houses, hanging flower baskets over looking a turquoise ocean.”

She adored spotting donkeys at the top of the village, as well as taking in the breathtaking vistas and indulging in a scrumptious afternoon tea.

Clovelly boasts dramatic views over the Bristol Channel, a small working harbour, and a really distinctive layout that makes a visit feel like an experience rather than just a stop-off.

People come for the cobbled main street that drops steeply down to the water, the photogenic cottages and flower-filled walls, and the slower pace created by the fact cars don’t use the village streets.

Another reason if feels like stepping back to the past is that goods are traditionally moved by handcarts, and you’ll often see donkeys referenced as part of the village’s heritage.

If you’re planning on visiting, Lana said there’s an entrance fee for the village as it has remained privately owned since Elizabethan times. Visitor charges are roughly £8.75 per person.

Clovelly Court Gardens are an absolute must-see when exploring this famous village, boasting immaculately maintained grounds and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses.

Be sure to pop into the Kingley Museum or head up to Mount Pleasant – widely regarded as the finest picnic spot in the village

There are also a handful of charming pubs, craft workshops to get stuck into, as well as shops stocking unique and handmade goods.

For ale fans, the Clovelly Brewery sits proudly at the top of this stunning village.

But Lana warned: “It’s on a steep cliff so be prepared for a bit of a walk and don’t be like me and wear flip flops – which also broke so that was interesting on steep cobbled paths.”

Lana recommends visiting on a weekday where possible to sidestep the crowds – and people agree that it’s well worth the journey.

Commenting on the viral video showcasing the village’s stunning beauty, one user said: “Beautiful Clovelly, worth the £9 per adult. Absolutely stunning the £9 ticket is valid for seven days so definitely worth it. Visited the garden too – bought a little plant.”

Another said: “I visited Clovelly some years ago, it’s lovely.” And a third added: “Clovelly, prettiest village ever, been few times.”

You could find huge savings on your next flight by following three tips from a former flight attendant – including booking your trip on a certain day of the week

The day you choose to book your flights can influence the price you pay. Holidays can become costly rapidly if you’re unaware of how to hunt for the best bargains, including your destination, accommodation, and which flight to select. Securing the finest deals can be challenging, and it can hinge on seemingly arbitrary factors, such as when you browse.

According to a former flight attendant, there are some straightforward steps you can take to cut costs on your next plane ticket. Bianca, who has been sharing travel tips online since departing her flight attendant role three years ago, posted a video on social media in which she encouraged travellers to capitalise on several flight hacks, including booking flights on particular days of the week, and even which time of day is optimal.

She said: “Do not book another flight until you do these things.”

1. Book flights on particular days

Bianca explained it doesn’t matter which day of the week you actually fly, but you should purchase your tickets on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. She maintained airlines frequently offer superior deals or more affordable seats on those days, irrespective of which day you’re actually intending to travel.

She said: “Book your flights only on a Tuesday, a Wednesday, or a Saturday. I mean book your flights on those days. Which means you’re going to sit down on one of those days and you’re going to book your flight. The flight can be on any day, but you’re going to book it on those days. They’re cheaper [and have] better deals.”

2. Always use incognito mode

The former flight attendant implored everyone to utilise incognito mode on their web browser, or to employ a virtual private network (VPN) to keep their browsing data concealed from the website they’re using to arrange their flights. This could help secure a more economical deal on your flights – though that’s not always guaranteed.

She said: “You’re going to use a VPN or incognito mode, depending on what device you have and depending how well it works on your device. If incognito mode does not do enough, then get a VPN.

“You generally just don’t want your demographic to show where you are when you’re going to buy a flight. Because they [websites] will literally rack up the prices of flights based on where you live. I know it’s crazy, but they do it.”

3. Book flights in the morning

If you’re after the best bargains on flights, you’ll need to rise early – or stay up late. Bianca maintains that, alongside booking flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, you should also attempt to purchase your tickets between 3am and 4am.

She explained: “Three or four in the morning, if you’re a night owl, this is all for you. This is the best time to book your flights. [There are] cheaper deals [because] flights drop in the middle of the night. I’m telling you, it’s the best time.”

Commenters on Bianca’s post expressed gratitude for her tips, with many stating they’d be implementing them to obtain a more affordable flight for their forthcoming summer holidays.

One person said: “Okay, I’m going to travel.”

Another commented: “Thank you, sis! This is good.”

A third endorsed the advice, stating: “Yup, I bought my flight to LA in the middle of the night and paid $150 (£112) round trip.”

Southwest Airlines has come under fire for its controversial policy change which can require plus-size passengers to purchase an extra seat at the airline’s “sole discretion”, with furious travellers branding it “discrimination”

A so-called “fat tax” aimed at plus-size airline passengers has left travellers furious and feeling “stressed”. Major carrier Southwest Airlines has found itself at the centre of controversy over its contentious new policy, which can compel passengers to shell out for an additional seat at its “sole discretion”.

The policy change comes after 30 years of letting plus-sized passengers request a complimentary extra seat at the gate, and reimbursing those who purchased one in advance – a practice that has now been scrapped.

Under the new rules, customers will only receive a refund for a second seat if their flight departs with at least one empty seat, while those who failed to book ahead can be forced to purchase another ticket on the spot.

In a statement addressing the policy change, a Southwest spokesperson said: “To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.”

On the airline’s website, the updated “customer of size” policy reads: “Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) must purchase the number of seats needed. Customers should purchase the seats prior to travel to ensure adjacent seats are available.

“The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats; you may review information about the width of Passenger seats. In addition, Southwest may determine, in its sole discretion, that an additional seat is necessary for safety purposes.”

But passengers are far from happy. Influencer Samyra Miller turned to TikTok to criticise the policy, branding it a “fat tax”.

She said: “They’ve been doing this way before their little new policy was even supposed to go into effect because, remember, they kicked me off my flight in December.”

She revealed a Southwest representative privately messaged her after she shared her negative experience online and continued: “My primary concern with that whole back and forth with Southwest was for how they were about to treat their plus size customers in changing their customer of size policy.”

Samyra referred to the wording of the policy on the Southwest website but claimed, at the airport, “they’re just eyeing people”. The content creator went on: “There is no criteria that they are using to determine who has to pay for an extra seat.”

Describing it as “discrimination”, Samyra continued: “It is literally just at the discretion of and fatphobia of whoever is working that day.”

In the comments section, people were eager to share their opinions. One TikTok user said: “This is absolutely horrible!”

Another said: “We have a company trip in May and I told my boss to use any other airline BUT Southwest.”

A third posted: “I have a flight in 5 days I AM STRESSED I DON’T have more money to buy an extra seat”.

While another added: “This isn’t fair at all”.

Fellow TikTok user Sassa Ésmith uploaded a video prior to a Southwest flight and added text overlay which read: “Shoutout to Southwest for contributing to my traveling anxiety with your superfluous ‘customer of size policy'”.

In the caption, she said: “Spent my entire lobby time mentally preparing for a random gate agent to tell me I gotta buy an additional seat for a 40 minute flight”.

A Canadian woman who moved to the UK with her partner and three children recently paid a visit to a charity shop where she noticed several differences between the stores here and in her home country

A Canadian woman currently living in the UK has shared the key differences she noticed when perusing charity shops here as opposed to the “thrift stores” in her home country.

Many people from the United States and Canada relocate to the UK and quickly come to realise that despite sharing the same language, there’s plenty of cultural quirks and differences. This seems to be the case for Jaclyn Walton, who swapped life in North America for England with her partner and their three children.

The mum has praised many aspects of life in the UK, from the school curriculum involving swimming lessons to the “beauty and history” that’s rife, as well as the football opportunities for her son.

She also spotted the different terms used commonly over here, like “sweets” instead of her native “candy” and “holiday” instead of the Canadian term, “vacation”.

Recently, Jaclyn took to Instagram to share a video of herself exploring a small charity shop here in the UK. Over the top of the footage, she narrated her thoughts: “Come with me to a British charity shop – it’s like a thrift store in Canada but here they call them charity shops as the sales help raise funds for charity.

“The differences I notice in Canada and the UK is the culture around charity shops. In the UK, it’s common, easy to pop in, take a look, and pretty normal.

“In Canada, you’re either a thrifter or you’re not. In the UK, like almost everything else, it’s smaller; these little shops with this type of selection.”

She went on: “In Canada, they have small ones like this but you also immediately think of big ones like Value Village where you have aisles and aisles upon selection.”

Back to her thoughts on UK charity shops, Jaclyn concluded: “These shops often have volunteers working here as well.”

In the comments section, Jaclyn added: “I didn’t love thrift stores in Canada but I do enjoy looking around here… maybe I just wasn’t in my thrifting era yet.

“I feel like with all the history in England, I am looking for a beautiful find.”

Fellow Instagram users were keen to share their thoughts. One said: “I think the difference in the UK is that people donate old stuff and the charity sells it for money.

“A thrift store is a kind of recycling centre where you can sell old stuff like books, which the operator cleans up and resells for a profit.”

Another said: “I never went in charity shops until I developed a book habit! I can now never resist popping int. My hometown is blessed with eight charity shops.

“One in particular is so nicely set out that you would think it is new items only. I look at clothes now and have bought some really lovely items. I’m definitely a thrifter now!”

A third commented: “You can find some really good stuff a charity shops in affluent areas. Try places like in the Cotswolds like Chipping Norton.” And a fourth added: “Love it.”

An On the Beach travel influencer has shared recommendations for holidaymakers

People booking holidays after payday could benefit from a travel expert’s destination tips. A travel influencer has shared six holiday trends he predicts for March and April, and the knowledge could benefit anyone looking for a ‘cheap city break’ in the coming weeks.

The tips were highlighted in a video shared by Rob Brooks, a travel enthusiast and influencer with the travel company On The Beach. Rob is well-known for posting budget-friendly travel advice, hotel reviews, and holiday tips for his 114k TikTok followers, where he goes by the username @Robonthebeach.

In a new video shared this week, the travel lover shared ‘six holiday trends’ he is ‘predicting for payday’. In the clip, Rob explained: “If I got paid today and I had seven days to book a holiday, this is exactly what I’d be doing.

“I’m Rob, I work in travel, and I spend my days deep in holiday data, what people are searching, what people are booking, what’s getting sneakily cheaper. And these are my payday predictions as a holiday expert, and more importantly, exactly how I’d use them.”

First, Rob predicted that city breaks will soar in popularity this year. He said: “Short trips are crazy popular in 2026, and I’m seeing loads of demand because people want a quick break without burning loads of annual leave. And when flights price dynamically, weekends get expensive really fast.

“So midweek is currently where the value sits on city breaks. And if I was booking one right now, I’d be looking at a midweek break in Prague, Lisbon or Barcelona. I’d try and line them up with a May bank holiday so you can stretch your time off without paying peak prices.”

Moving on, the travel enthusiast said Turkey ‘will see a surge of bookings.’ He said: “You’re getting five-star all-inclusive holidays for the same prices that you’d pay for three-star elsewhere. And interestingly, according to the data, the longer the transfer, the cheaper the holiday.”

As for when you want to book your trip, the holiday expert suggested May. Rob told viewers: “May is a perfect crossover for holidays, and I’m seeing some pretty nuts prices in some destinations where the weather is already properly warm.

“Airlines and hotels haven’t quite pushed up the prices yet in line with peak demand, but that demand is now starting to build. So if I was booking today I would lock in a holiday in May in somewhere like Morocco or Egypt, Tunisia or Turkey because they’re hot, reliable and still really good value before summer kicks in.”

Sharing another tip, Rob added that all-inclusive holidays are proving popular. For his next prediction, the influencer said: “Last-minute bookings will spike. There’s a real wait and see behaviour with holidaymakers right now.”

He continued: “People are watching prices then jumping in to book as soon as they drop. And when airlines and hotels need to fill seats and rooms close to departure, that’s when prices on package holidays suddenly start to dip. If I were going for pure value, I would actually wait and book about seven days before departure, possibly even later than that. It’s risky. But when it works, it really works. I should say, please, only do this if you’re prepared and in a position to take that risk.”

Concluding his video, Rob added that he thinks people will treat themselves more this payday. “There’s definitely a bit of a go on then mindset in the UK right now, and I personally think it might be tied to the cost of living creeping up again cause people know prices are only going one way, so they’re locking in the good prices now before they go up. So if I were booking this week, I’d probably stretch my budget a little bit to book a better hotel or a nicer room and lock it in before prices inevitably climb over the next few weeks.”

A woman who found a secret compartment in a plane toilet was left gobsmacked by what she found inside – as some said other public toilets should do the same

Your next flight might be concealing some vital items in a “secret compartment” within the toilet. We’re all aware that air travel can be an uncomfortable affair. You’re squeezed onto an aircraft alongside a host of strangers and informed you can only bring a small bag containing all your essentials – and you’re likely to overlook something important.

While nothing will truly enhance the experience unless you splash out thousands of pounds for first class, one woman on social media has revealed that a hidden door in the bathroom could hold something which at least makes the journey tolerable for some passengers.

Rhonda Abdalla, from Florida, US, was travelling on a Southwest Airlines service from Tampa to Houston, Texas, en route to Las Vegas, when she unexpectedly started her period. She consulted a flight attendant who pointed her towards a small compartment in the aircraft toilet, which was stocked with tampons and sanitary towels.

The woman admitted she had no clue the compartment existed, and suspected other women would be equally unaware, so she turned to Threads to share the discovery and spread awareness.

She posted: “I’m a girls’ girl, so I have to share. Ladies! Did you know there’s a secret compartment in the airplane bathroom that has tampons and pads if you need them?! Because nobody wants to be caught off guard at 35,000 feet.”

Speaking to Newsweek, Rhonda revealed the flight attendant instructed her to take as many tampons as required, and even thoughtfully disclosed she had additional supplies if the stock in the lavatory proved insufficient.

Rhonda detailed that whilst the compartment does feature a sign indicating it can be opened, it “isn’t very noticeable”, so she believes she never would have considered looking there had the flight attendant not informed her about it.

Southwest Airlines has confirmed that sanitary products are something they ensure are stocked on all aircraft for any passenger who might require one urgently.

They told Newsweek: “Sanitary products are available on all Southwest aeroplanes in all lavatories. These items are supplied in case a customer needs one. Whilst we do supply them, they are not a relatively high-use item.”

Both flight attendants and passengers have reacted to Rhonda’s social media post, with numerous people expressing gratitude for her sharing the information, whilst others mentioned they always carry spare tampons for circumstances like hers.

One flight attendant commented: “The amount of times someone has come up to me in tears because on top of a stressful travel day, they started their period and all their products are in their checked bag. Baby, I got you. Tampons, chocolate and a glass of wine will be brought to your tray table immediately.”

Another contributed: “And if you don’t find them in the lavatory, ask a flight attendant. We always have some on board!” One grateful passenger responded: “That’s actually a really useful travel tip! Appreciate you sharing that with everyone.”

Rhonda later expressed her satisfaction at the positive feedback to her post, as she believes it’s important for everyone to be aware of the resources available to them when needed.

She stated: “The response has been really positive, and I’m glad it’s helping spread awareness. Getting your period mid‐flight is already stressful, so knowing there are resources available makes a big difference.”

However, it’s worth noting that some airlines may not stock sanitary products in their lavatories. You can always enquire with a flight attendant who may be able to assist, but it’s advisable to always carry a few emergency tampons or pads – either for your own use or to help someone else in need.

Ben Keaton, who is best known for playing Father Austin Purcell in the iconic Channel 4 sitcom, has died at the age of 70 – tributes have poured in for the ‘wonderful actor’

Father Ted actor Ben Keaton has passed away aged 70. Keaton, who portrayed Father Austin Purcell in the beloved comedy series, alongside appearances in Casualty and Doctors, died at Lincoln County Hospital on Friday, it has been announced.

His death notice reads: “Ben will be forever greatly missed, loved and fondly remembered by his ex-wife Polly, son Waldo and daughter Daisy, brothers Des and Thom, sister Jeanette.”

In tribute, the Nottingham Playhouse said: “We are so sorry to hear of the death of Ben Keaton, a wonderful actor who is fondly remembered in our 2008 production of Vertigo. Sending our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”

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Meanwhile, a Father Ted fan X account shared: “Saddened to hear of the passing of actor Ben Keaton. We knew him as Father Austin Purcell (one of my favourite one-off characters). He was a regular at ComicCon events, so I imagine many got to meet him over the years. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and many fans.”, reports the Daily Star.

Outside his television work, the Irishman was a distinguished stage performer. He dedicated much of his professional life to The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, appearing in an eclectic array of productions from American Buffalo to Hay Fever.

A versatile artist, he co-established the improv group South Of The River and served in a senior position at the Creative Academy. His awards collection showcased his range, including the 1986 Perrier Comedy Award and two Best Actor accolades from the Manchester Evening News, culminating in a nomination for the esteemed Laurence Olivier Awards.

Honouring him in a message on X (formerly Twitter), one admirer wrote: “RIP Ben Keaton. A great actor and comedian – there can be little praise higher (if at all) in that he stole the scene every time he appeared in Father Ted. Off to the great parochial house in the sky.”

In 2022, Keaton witnessed an unexpected surge in digital popularity after being surrounded by fans seeking autographs at the CovCon event in Coventry. The frenzy intensified when he joined forces with fellow Father Ted cast members Joe Rooney (Father Damo), Michael Redmond (Father Stone), and Patrick McDonnell (Eoin McLove) to film an impromptu TikTok video.

Looking back on the viral sensation, Keaton told The Irish Sun: “The video went from 500 views to 50,000 and up and up. Joe now says we are up at half a million views on TikTok. It’s incredible.” He confessed he was frequently astonished by the lasting impact of his fleeting, scene-stealing turn as the world’s most tedious priest.

Drawing comparisons to his other roles, Keaton remarked: “I appeared in Casualty for three years, nobody cares. I did three minutes on Father Ted and it’s all people want to talk about and something which just sails through time.”

For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Ryanair have shared their brutal opinion on passengers who miss their flights and then complain to the airline, and people have said their video was ‘accurate’

Missing your flight can prove an enormously frustrating ordeal, particularly when the hold-up is completely beyond your control. Delays can occur due to security complications, last-minute boarding gate changes requiring you to trek across the entire airport, or even a late taxi journey to the terminal.

However, occasionally the blame lies squarely with the traveller themselves. It’s widely understood that arriving at the airport with ample time to spare is essential to accommodate these possible setbacks, and opting to turn up at the eleventh hour or lingering so long in duty-free that you miss boarding entirely isn’t the airline’s responsibility.

And in a cheeky video, Ryanair have been refreshingly blunt about their views on such passengers. The Irish budget carrier shared a clip on Facebook in which they mockingly demonstrated what travellers who miss their flights apparently expect the aircraft to do to accommodate them.

The footage depicted a man reaching the airport precisely as his plane departed from the tarmac. He yelled in desperation and dashed onto the runway, whereupon the aircraft looped back and employed some kind of science fiction film-style beam to teleport the man aboard whilst still airborne.

Ryanair captioned it: “What passengers that miss their flight expect us to do.”

Ryanair’s candid video had commenters in stitches, with many responding with laughing emojis. Some expressed bafflement at how frequently travellers lose track of time in airports, ignoring boarding announcements and then becoming irate when the plane departs without them.

One individual commented: “Accurate!”

Another chimed in: “I would work for free in this marketing team.”

A third shared: “I watched four people chatting for like two hours in front of me whilst their gate was open and they waited until everyone boarded the flight, and then went to the gate after it was closed and started shouting at the employees. The whole time they were sitting and chatting, 10 steps, literally, from the gate!”

What to do if you miss your flight

If you find yourself missing your flight, the first course of action should be to ring the airline you’re booked with as soon as you realise you’re going to be late. This could be due to traffic en-route to the airport, other travel disruptions, or lengthy queues at security once inside the airport.

According to Which?, this can boost your chances of being rebooked onto another flight at no extra cost, or if a fee is required, it may be less than the price of purchasing a new ticket. Some airlines offer a “rescue fare” or a “rescue fee” for missed flights, but the conditions for this will vary depending on the airline you’re flying with.

You may also incur a “no-show fee” from certain airlines if you fail to turn up to the airport at all, so if you’re running behind schedule, you should still attempt to reach the airport, even if you don’t manage to board the plane.

Certain travel insurance policies might also provide cover if you miss your flight, but this will be dependent on your policy, and numerous policies don’t offer protection if it’s down to lengthy queues at the airport.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of missing your flight is to allow ample time to journey to the airport and pass through security, taking into account any possible delays.