Virgin Atlantic

Full list of airline hand luggage rules you need to know about to avoid pricey fees at the airport

GOING away with just hand luggage seems easy until you realise all the airlines have different policies on exactly what hand luggage is allowed.

While we all know budget airlines are some of the strictest, other airlines could still catch you out with a hidden fee at the airport.

Different airlines currently have different hand luggage allowances Credit: Getty

So we’ve explained everything you need to know about taking a suitcase with some of the UK’s major airlines.

Read on for the current rules for Ryanair, easyJet, TUI, British Airways, Wizz Air Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic.

Easyjet

EasyJet currently only allows you to have one small underseat bag Credit: Alamy

All easyJet passengers are allowed to bring one small underseat bag per person on board for free, measuring up to 45 x 36 x 20cm and weighing up to 15kg.

Currently, if you want a cabin bag measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, you’ll need to pay extra for it.

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The price for this depends on demand, the route, your flight date and the time of booking.

Though if you get to the gate and haven’t paid for a cabin bag but have one with you, you will be charged £60.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air currently only allows you to have a small bag Credit: Alamy

Each passenger can bring onboard a small bag measuring a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20cm and weighing a maximum of 10kg with Wizz Air.

The bag must fit under the seat in front of you.

However, it does state on the airline’s website that you can also carry onboard a coat or blanket, mobile phone, reading material for the flight, and duty-free items for free.

But a neck pillow is not included in this, and must fit in your cabin baggage allowance.

Currently, if you want a cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring a maximum of 55 x 40 x 23cm, you will need to purchase this through Wizz Priority.

This will set you back between £12.85 and £89.98 during the low season and between £17.14 and £98.55 during the high season.

Ryanair

Ryanair currently only allows each passenger to have one small underseat bag Credit: Alamy

Each passenger can take a small bag on board that measures a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20cm.

It must fit under the seat in front of you and be a handbag, laptop bag or backpack.

If you want a cabin bag measuring up to 55 x 40 x 20cm, then you will need to purchase this.

This will cost you between £12 and £36 at the time of booking, or between £20 and £60 when at the airport.

Jet2

Jet2 allows passengers to have a small bag and cabin bag each Credit: Alamy

All Jet2 passengers are entitled to a 10kg cabin bag, measuring a maximum of 56 x 45 x 25cm and a small under seat bag measuring a maximum of 40 x 30 x 20cm.

On busy flights, Jet2 may ask to put your cabin bag in hold and if your bag is too big or heavy, you could be charged £45.

TUI

TUI allows passengers to have a handbag and cabin bag Credit: Alamy

On TUI flights, passengers can each take one cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring a maximum of 55 x 40 x 20cm and a handbag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm.

If a bag exceeds the weight limit, you will be charged £60 per 15kg bag.

British Airways

British Airways passengers with a basic economy fare get one cabin bag and one small bag each Credit: Alamy

With British Airways‘ basic economy fare, each passenger is entitled to one handbag measuring a maximum of 40 x 30 x 15cm and one cabin bag measuring a maximum of 56 x 45 x 25cm.

Your handbag must fit under the seat in front of you and your cabin bag must not have any valuables, electronics or essential medicines inside it.

If your cabin luggage is too big or heavy, British Airways might put it in the hold.

Though, you will have to pay a fee for this, which is usually £65 per bag, per way.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic passengers in economy light are allowed a small bag and a cabin bag each Credit: Alamy

With Virgin Atlantic, each passenger in economy light is allowed to have one cabin bag weighing up to 10kg and measuring a maximum of 23 × 36 × 56cm as well as an underseat bag such as a handbag or small rucksack measuring a maximum of 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.

Your under seat bag must fit under the seat in front of you and any bags that are over the allowance could get a £65 charge as well as being placed in the hold.

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Little-known gadget rule to be aware of this summer – and it varies for almost every airline

With the summer holidays set to be one of the busiest travel periods, everyone needs to be aware of the different rules when it comes to taking a nifty gadget on board flights

Before jetting off abroad this summer, it’s vital to understand the little-known gadget rule that varies by airline.

For most of us, packing a power bank for our holiday is top of the list, whether it’s to use at the airport or while exploring a new city. But there are strict rules for carrying the nifty gadget onboard.

Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organisation amended its rules on passengers carrying power banks, along with lithium cells or batteries, onboard any aircraft. The changes came into effect on 27 March, limiting how travellers pack and use their power banks, with a cap on the number that can be taken on board.

The amended rules from the ICAO stated that power banks:

  • Must be carried in carry‑on baggage
  • Must be individually protected when not in use
  • Must not be recharged on board the aircraft
  • Should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
  • Maximum of two power banks per person

There have been various reports of power banks causing hazardous issues onboard, with safety experts at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) explaining that lithium batteries found in power banks can be dangerous on planes, primarily because they can enter “thermal runaway.” This is a process in which a battery experiences a rapid, uncontrollable temperature surge, potentially leading to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic fumes.

In accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation rules, most airlines allow passengers to carry two power banks per person on board. However, they cannot be used during the flight and must be taken on board in their hand luggage.

What airlines allow two power banks?

  • Asiana Airlime
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • China Airlines
  • easyJet
  • EVA Air
  • Jet2
  • Lufthansa
  • Korean Air
  • Loganair
  • Qantas
  • Ryanair
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Starlux Airlines
  • TUI Airways
  • United
  • Vietnam Airlines
  • Wizz Air

While these airlines allow two power banks on board, they also outline their own additional rules, including the permitted watt-hours and the required device condition. So it’s vital to check your airline’s specific power bank rules before jetting off abroad.

What airlines only allow one power bank?

While most airlines allow travellers to take two power banks on board, Emirates restricts customers to just one power bank per person. They state that it must be under 100 watt-hours, carried in hand luggage, and cannot be used to charge devices on board.

The airline also outlines that the power bank should not be placed in the overhead lockers, but must be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag underneath the seat in front. For full details on Emirates’ power bank rules, visit their website.

What airlines allow more than two power banks?

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic permits passengers to carry up to five power banks or spare batteries per person. However, it depends significantly on their watt-hour (Wh) rating.

They also need to be stored in hand luggage and cannot be used during the flight. For full details on Virgin Atlantic’s power bank restrictions, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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I spent four packed days in Las Vegas and discovered there’s so much more to this town than casinos

Epic food, amazing shows, museums you won’t find anywhere else and a helicopter ride down the famous strip – here’s my ultimate Las Vegas itinerary

The glitz, the glam, those unforgettable “wow” moments – it’s easy to see why Las Vegas remains the ultimate bucket-list destination. Whether you’re marveling at the neon skyline from 1,000 feet up or walking the Strip to soak in the music and eclectic fashion, this town is a sensory explosion that demands to be experienced at least once.

The home of the famous strip, countless wedding chapels and its own Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, this place almost doesn’t feel real. It’s defined by vintage camp, 24-hour casinos, more buffet restaurants than you can possibly imagine, and high-class dining eateries. Welcome to Vegas, baby.

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The most exciting area to stay in Las Vegas

I arrived via a direct flight from Heathrow, checking into The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Arguably the best-positioned hotel on the Strip, it offers the perfect paradox: you are in the heart of the action, yet the rooms are a sanctuary of total silence.

My suite featured a private balcony overlooking the city’s glowing landmarks and the iconic choreography of the Bellagio fountains. Watching the water dance from my room, the excitement for my desert escape truly set in.

Where to find the best places to eat in Las Vegas

Food is central to the Vegas experience, so first on the agenda once we’d dropped our bags was brunch at Alexxa’s – situated on the Strip, right in the thick of the action. In the spirit of a true American getaway, we went straight for the classics, ordering a spread of fried chicken and waffles, fluffy American-style pancakes and steak and eggs.

Of course, no Vegas brunch is complete without a little “hair of the dog.” I washed it all down with the most gargantuan Bloody Mary I’ve ever seen, complete with a slice of bacon. Nothing here is small-scale – it was the perfect, over-the-top introduction to the local food scene.

But don’t miss breakfast at the hotel either. The Cosmopolitan‘s Wicked Spoon is a brilliant buffet, with pretty much everything you could possibly think of… I even had a few sushi rolls on the side.

For dinner, we feasted at Mayfair Supper Club inside the Bellagio (yes, the one from Ocean’s Eleven), where live dancers perform around diners as they tuck into all-American classics.

But the highlight was dinner at Vanderpump Paris – and as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fan, it was the dream. Lisa Vanderpump knows how to put together a menu. Curated with Parisian themes embellished with Vegas flair and eclectic cocktails, I felt like a total superstar eating here.

Experiences you must not miss while you’re there

I could have filled the days just walking up and down the infamous strip. With buskers, magicians, show girls (and show boys) I spotted the Eiffel Tower, the Luxor pyramid, the Empire State Building, the Paris globe and the iconic casinos – which were already getting busy, despite it being barely two in the afternoon.

But there are so many bucket list experiences to try, too. We started with an ice hockey Game: Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers (tickets around £55). I was pretty much an ice hockey novice, but that doesn’t matter a jot. American sport is packed with entertainment, and it didn’t take me long to soak up the atmosphere and join in with the chants. Why can’t this be a thing in the UK?

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one night, we then ticked off another iconic moment – a helicopter ride down the Strip.

Now, I’m no daredevil (I was slightly apprehensive), but as soon as we got up into the sky it was magical. We were given a 10-minute tour by our pilot, taking off at 10:30pm, just as Vegas was truly coming alive for the night.

We also checked out The Sphere, which I’d like to call an immersive cinema but it’s so much more than that. It’s a one of a kind, multi-sensory show with holograms and AI. With tickets for the classic The Wizard of Oz, I was expecting a cinematic experience. In fact, it was fully immersive, to the point it made us feel like we were actually in the storm with Dorothy.

Another recommendation is the Neon Sign Museum. The bright lights of the signs are what makes Vegas so magical, so what happens to the signs when they are no longer in use? They go to the Neon Sign Museum – and it’s nearly as impressive as the Strip itself.

I loved seeing the ‘old’ Vegas here, bringing history to light – literally – and for the best experience I recommend the illuminated evening tours (from £26) but there are also self-guided daytime options (from £19).

Finally, in dedication to the stars of all the shows, we couldn’t miss a stop at the Show Girl Museum – the home of all the iconic showgirl costumes. But what makes this museum one of a kind? It’s inside Grant Philipo’s house – a former showgirl costume designer. Tickets are $33 each and Grant has nearly 300 mannequins in his home as he led us around the impressive pad, paying homage to the glamour and beauty of Las Vegas.

And if the brunch and dinner performances weren’t enough, we topped the day off by going to watch Jennifer Lopez perform at her residency in The Colosseum theatre – part of Caesar’s Palace Hotel.

You’d think with all that I wouldn’t have found time to have a little flutter on the tables, but this is a 24-hour city – there’s always time to squeeze something else in, if you can just stay awake.

How to book the ultimate Vegas trip

  • Discover more at Visit Las Vegas.
  • Stays at he Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas start at $189.35 / approx. £142 per night including resort fee and taxes. Stays in the Terrace One Bedroom Suites with Fountain View starts from $246.49 / approx. £185 per night, including resort fee and taxes.
  • Vegas Views helicopter tour by Maverick Helicopters start at £75 per person, see maverickhelicopter.com
  • Book Vanderpumps in advance here
  • Virgin Atlantic offers daily direct flights to Las Vegas from London Heathrow starting from £512*, and seasonal flights from Manchester Airport. *Prices subject to change.

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‘Spacious yet compact’ £10 Home Bargains cabin bag right size for easyJet and BA

Shoppers looking to ‘travel in style’ could do just that with the latest travel deal at Home Bargains

Home Bargains is helping shoppers prepare for their summer holidays with a “spacious yet compact” cabin bag that meets the hand luggage requirements of several major UK airlines. The discount retailer, which has over 600 stores nationwide, claims it is “perfect for your adventures”.

It may be renowned for its affordable homeware and furnishing deals, but Home Bargains’ range extends far beyond side tables, lamps and ornaments. From garden accessories and beauty buys to travel essentials, shoppers can find plenty of wallet-friendly options.

Take the Salisburys Carry-On Cabin Lightweight Backpack, for instance, which retails for a more-than-affordable £9.99. It comes in black, and boasts a very simple aesthetic to suit various tastes.

Describing the product, Home Bargains said: “Travel light and in style with the Salisburys Carry-On Cabin Lightweight Backpack in sleek black! Perfect for your adventures, this spacious yet compact backpack is designed for easy packing and effortless carrying.

“Every Salisburys product has been designed, manufactured and extensively tested to stand the rigours of today’s travel. Every Light Luggage product has been designed, manufactured and extensively tested to stand the rigours of today’s travel.”

According to Home Bargains, the cabin bag measures approximately 45 x 30 x 15cm, making it suitable for use with the cabin luggage allowances of most major airlines, namely easyJet, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and KLM. Please note, it could be too long for Ryanair, Wizz Air and Jet 2.

Weighing around 760g, it features multiple zipped compartments for organising belongings, a fully lined interior and a lightweight construction designed for travel. Interested shoppers can find out more, and view additional product images, on the Home Bargains website.

It’s available both in-store and online as Home Bargains offers standard delivery across the UK mainland from £3.95, while orders over £100 qualify for free delivery. A £10 delivery fee applies to larger furniture items, and most standard parcels are expected to arrive within four working days.

Home Bargains is also selling the Salisburys Under Seat Bag which will also set you back £9.99. The product description reads: “Meet the Salisburys Under Seat Bag – your perfect travel companion!

“With its spacious zipped compartments and sleek design, it’s ideal for keeping your essentials close at hand while you jet off on your next adventure. Salisburys presents its broadest line-up of tried and tested luggage solutions with contemporary features to help the modern tourist navigate the hurdles of twenty-first century travel.

“Salisbury Under Seat Bags solve modern travel issues of the check-in case. A fantastic size bag that is versatile for the needs of your modern travel. Large open zipped storage compartment with small zip side pouch.”

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This UK airline has been named the best in Europe

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EUROPE’s best airlines have been named and a major one in the UK was named the winner.

Virgin Atlantic came in top for the best airlines in Europe in this year’s Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) awards.

Virgin Atlantic has been named Europe’s best airline Credit: Getty

The awards are based on passenger feedback, with millions of people anonymoulsy rating their flights across four categories.

APEX Group CEO Dr. Joe Leader said: “Passenger feedback remains one of the clearest indicators of how airlines are delivering on the experiences travelers value most.”

Virgin has also launched two new flight routes this summer, to bucket list holiday destinations.

The airline’s first ever flights to South Korea took off earlier this year – and we were one of the first to join.

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Otherwise new flights to Phuket will be starting later this year as well.

Other APEX winners included Turkish Airlines for both entertainment and food and drinks, while KLM won for Best Cabin Service.

Turkish Airlines took two awards Credit: Alamy

Best Seat Comfort went to Finnair, and Best WiFi went to airBaltic.

Sadly, UK airlines missed out in the overall global categories, with Korean Air named Best Cabin Service, while Emirates won for Best Entertainment.

Qatar Airways took Best Food & Beverage while Eva Air had Best Seat Comfort.

aerial view of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport Credit: Alamy

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Expert issues ‘stand by’ warning as Foreign Office eases Gulf travel warnings

The Foreign Office has lifted its no-go travel warning after Iran and the US signed a deal

A travel expert has provided an update on journeys to and from the Gulf region following the US and Iran reaching an agreement to cease hostilities between the two nations. Speaking outside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Simon Calder confirmed that travel insurance was ‘once again valid’ after both the Iranian and American presidents put pen to paper on a deal to end the conflict.

This prompted the FCDO to lift its advice against travelling to several Gulf States. Nevertheless, it cautioned that the ‘situation remains unpredictable’ amid ongoing regional tensions.

Mr Calder stated that those wishing to visit the region could now do so ‘with some confidence’. He said: “I’m at the Foreign Office which has just changed its advice for travellers going to the Gulf region, in particular Dubai, which last year was visited by 1.4 million British travellers.

“As from now, the no-go warning which prevailed for the whole of the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as to the countries of Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, has been lifted. The Foreign Office still warns that you need to be ready for trouble to resume at any time, but it means that travel insurance is once again valid and anybody planning a trip to the UAE or Qatar or elsewhere in the region can do so with some confidence.

“The immediate effect, I think, is going to be a big marketing campaign by the giant airlines: Emirates of Dubai, Etihad of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways based in Doha. They will be wanting to get people to both connect through their hubs, but also to take summer holidays. Be warned, it is extremely hot with average daily highs around 40°C.”

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Not only do millions of holidaymakers head to the Gulf states, but countless others use them as a stopover for journeys to Asia and Australia. That meant the tourism industry took a particularly severe blow when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February.

The FCDO decision means tourists can now return without putting their travel insurance at risk. But that doesn’t mean flights will restart straight away.

Virgin Atlantic halted flights until winter 2027 after the conflict began, and a spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that this ‘remains the case’.

British Airways announced earlier in June that it wouldn’t restart flights to the UAE until October 2026. Emirates has maintained flights to and from the region throughout the hostilities.

Mr Calder continued: “The immediate effect, I think, is going to be a big marketing campaign by the giant airlines: Emirates of Dubai, Etihad of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways based in Doha. They will be wanting to get people to both connect through their hubs, but also to take summer holidays. Be warned, it is extremely hot with average daily highs around 40°C.”

“But it means that anybody who’s planning to travel perhaps to Asia or to Australia now will be able to travel with confidence through one of the Gulf hubs. In addition, I imagine that airfares will fall because the Asian carriers will not be able to command such a premium.

“Stand by for some really good holiday offers, but I personally won’t be seeing you on the beach in Dubai until about November.”

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Major airline confirms new direct route from Manchester airport starting next month

Passengers no longer need to make connecting flights as the new service is set to start from July 23, the first of its kind on a route to and from Manchester Airport

A major airline has announced it will be running a new direct service to a major capital city from Manchester Airport.

Riyadh Air will launch the service between the Saudi Arabian capital and Manchester from July 23.

Flights direct to Riyadh will operate three times a week, making one of the first direct links between the Saudi Kingdom and England’s north in decades. Many passengers have been forced to rely on connecting flights through European hubs or other Gulf airports – until now.

As per Riyadh Air, the airline will run the route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with flight RX417 leaving Riyadh King Khalid International Airport at 1.45am local time before arriving into Manchester at 6.40am. The return service, RX418, will depart Manchester at 8.40am and land back in Riyadh at 5.20pm local time – right on time for the dinner service.

Riyadh Air told travel news website Travel and Tour World that the route has been designed to appeal to both business and leisure passengers, offering faster and more convenient travel between the Middle East and England’s north. The new direct service will mean business travellers will be able to attend meetings in Riyadh without overnight layovers, and holidaymakers can travel to Saudi Arabia without the need to make a connecting flight. Additionally, the flights will make use of Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which feature wider seating, advanced lighting systems, and nifty travel technology designed to reduce jet lag on long-haul journeys. Riyadh Air said the new Manchester flight path forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to grow tourism, strengthen global connections, and expand the country’s aviation sector. Riyadh Air, which was founded in 2023, plans to grow its fleet of more than 100 aircraft over the next decade, while also aiming to connect travellers to more than 100 international destinations.

The Manchester route is among the first international services planned as part of the national airline’s wider summer 2026 expansion programme, with new connections also flying out of London.

The additional fares come as travel between the UK and Saudi Arabia continues to increase, with weekly seat capacity surging by up to 150% in recent years to meet rising business and tourism demands. Riyadh Air is now the only aviation firm to expand flight offerings and launch new direct routes between major British and Saudi airports, with British Airways recently boosting its London Heathrow to Riyadh service to up to 14 weekly flights and its Jeddah (JED) route to five flights per week. Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic have also launched direct routes connecting Gatwick and Heathrow airports to cities like Medina, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

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Wizz Air Monday statement confirms major 2027 change

The changes will kick in from 2027

Wizz Air has made an announcement that will affect passengers planning to fly with the budget carrier from 2027 onwards. It has confirmed that travellers will soon be able to enjoy high-speed internet access on board.

The airline, which is based in Hungary, revealed it is fitting Elon Musk’s Starlink internet system across all its “new generation” aircraft. Wizz Air claims it will be the first European ultra-low-cost carrier to adopt the technology.

The airline has yet to confirm whether passengers will be charged for using the service. Starlink — owned by billionaire Mr Musk’s SpaceX aerospace firm — operates via thousands of satellites in orbit around Earth. A growing number of airlines have already begun offering the service or have announced plans to introduce it, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Ian Malin, chief commercial officer of Wizz Air, said: “Ultra low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people. In 2027, we’re taking that philosophy into the space era.

“Our customers shouldn’t have to choose between affordable fares and reliable internet onboard to stay connected to the people, work and moments that matter most. We’re proud to lead that change by collaborating with Starlink to bring maximum benefit to Wizz Air.”

In January, a row broke out between Mr Musk and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary over whether Starlink could be used on the airline’s flights. After Mr O’Leary dismissed the idea as unfeasible, Mr Musk branded Mr O’Leary an “idiot” and a “chimp”, and speculated on X about potentially buying the airline.

Mr O’Leary claimed the “PR spat” had driven a 2-3% increase in sales.

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I visited the new Virgin Atlantic destination set to be huge with historic palaces, dance classes and £2.50 beers

WE’VE all gone a little K-razy – with Brits obsessed with K-pop, K-drama and K-beauty.

So it’s no wonder Virgin Atlantic chose to launch new direct flights to South Korea’s cool capital Seoul.

The Buddha statue at Bongeunsa Temple looks across at Seoul’s modern skyscrapers Credit: Getty
Women in traditional Hanboks in Bukchon Hanok, Seoul Credit: Getty

From the music legends BTS and Netflix hits KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game to the latest in advanced skin treatments, would my first trip live up to the hype?

After a whistlestop three days, I can ­definitely say yes — it was all I thought it would be and so much more.

The journey from Incheon International Airport to the city centre was eye-opening as we rattled along a highway next to the great expanse of the Han River that splits the city into its historic northern half and glitzy southern districts.

In the shadows of the countless skyscraper apartment blocks, locals gather on the riverfront’s parks, walking trails and cycling paths.

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And this high-tech capital of endless high rises and neon-lit streets is also home to ancient palaces and surprisingly tranquil green spaces.

Locals and tourists alike flock to the five grand Joseon-era palaces and if you wear a Hanbok — the traditional Korean clothing — admission to them all is free.

While it may seem a little odd to us, embracing the traditional garb is actively encouraged and there are plenty of boutique rental shops surrounding the palace district that will, for a small fee, dress you head to toe in the brightly coloured garments and even braid your hair.

With little time to waste, we went straight from the plane to the palaces.

Top tip: plan your days carefully.

The ­magnificent main palace, Gyeongbokgung, is closed on Tuesdays, while the nearby ­Changdeokgung shuts its gates on Mondays.

We spent time wandering Changdeokgung’s ancient courtyards — just make sure to book ahead if you want to see its famous, tranquil Secret Garden.

Next morning, it was time to shake off the jetlag and embrace modern Seoul with a K-Pop dance class in the city’s university ­district.

Our incredibly patient instructor walked us through a routine to the Saja Boys’ hit Soda Pop, from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.

The 90-minute session was an absolute blast, and even someone with two left feet like me could just about pick up the moves — albeit I was a few beats behind the music!

More modern-day Korean fun came next with a visit to one of the flagship Olive Young K-beauty stores in the Myeong-dong shopping district.

You’ll find smaller stores on almost every street corner here, packed with Korean beauty products from floor to ceiling.

A hands statue near COEX shopping centre is tribute to Psy’s 2012 hit Gangnam Style Credit: Supplied
A feline friend rests at the Roof Cat Me cafe Credit: Supplied

The trick is to do your research before you go — it can be overwhelming looking at the overflowing aisles but you can score amazing bargains, with some products just a third of the price you’d pay in the UK.

Next up was another Korean trend that has taken social media by storm — colour analysis.

Stepping into a deliberately all-white room, your personal stylist will assess the colours that suit your skin tone best.

While I am sure the colours picked for me suited the Korean aesthetic — you’ll rarely see very bright tones on locals strolling streets by day or night — I felt they missed the mark.

After my colour analysis, we stumbled across the Roof Cat Me cafe which, as a feline fan, was a must.

The £10 entry fee included unlimited drinks for the humans — and the chance to chill next to some of the most beautiful pedigrees, all of whom appeared extremely happy with their spotlessly clean, custom-built hangout.

What surprised me the most was the great value — and warm welcome — we got everywhere we went.

While the efficient metro system costs just 80p per journey, it was also very easy to grab an Uber — and journeys were a fraction of the price we’d pay in the UK.

Download the Naver app to get around though, as Google and Apple maps are limited to public transport routes.

Food and drink was also very reasonable.

Local beers cost just £2.50 and you can even enjoy unlimited beef Korean barbecue for around £15.

And what’s more important, even at night I felt completely safe on the buzzing streets of bars, clubs and restaurants.

The Sun’s Lisa Minot trying a Korean trend that has taken social media by storm – the colour analysis Credit: Supplied
Lisa at the Changdeokgung Palace, which has a popular garden Credit: Supplied

There is none of the edgier atmosphere you can get in big cities.

We ticked one last thing off the bucket list with a trip to the Gangnam southern district — known for its upscale shopping and nightlife made famous by the original smash-hit song from Psy.

There was just time to pose under the giant Psy hands statue outside the COEX mall before it was back to the airport and I was boarding my Virgin Atlantic flight home to London.

My feet were tired but my skin was glowing.

Seoul is a dizzying, delightful mix of old and new — and it more than lives up to the hype.

GO: SEOUL

GETTING THERE: Virgin Atlantic flies daily from Heathrow to Seoul with fares from £889 return.

See virginatlantic.com.

STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon are from £130 per night.

For details see mondrianhotels.com.

OUT & ABOUT: Real K-Pop Dance class is close to Hongik University, £37.50, realkpopdance.com.

Colour analysis at Colorize Seoul, Myeong-dong and Gangnam, £68, colorizestore.cafe24.com.

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