winter

THE docile dugong munches on the swaying grasses ­covering the seabed, kicking up billows of sand as it lazily grazes.

Just a few feet above, I’m snorkelling in the warm waters of the Red Sea and fascinated by this gentle giant, also known as a sea cow.

But it isn’t long before my attention is diverted by a magnificent green turtle gliding effortlessly to the surface for air.

And then there are the reefs, where shoals of vibrant fish dart between the thickly-carpeted colourful corals mere feet below me.

Best of all, this stunning marine life is just steps from my hotel, the beachfront 5H Jaz Elite Amara in the Egyptian resort of Marsa Alam.

This hot new winter-sun destination for tour giant Tui offers the chance to swim in the Marsa Mubarak reef in the bay right by the hotel, with a long pier bringing you to within metres of the natural wonders.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Further south than Hurghada on the Red Sea coast, direct flights to Marsa Alam this winter mean less time travelling and more time relaxing.

And I can’t think of somewhere more suited to that than the all-inclusive Jaz Elite Amara.

This sprawling resort features four huge pools fringed by loungers and over-water sunbeds as well as the largest outdoor whirlpool in Egypt.

And that’s before you get to the vast swathe of sand looking out on to the Marsa Mubarak reef, complete with a relaxed beach bar.

The 272 spacious rooms are set in six two-storey blocks around the pools amidst swaying palms and manicured gardens.

My second-floor room was cool (nice, quiet air con), calm and very comfortable, with two queen beds, a sofa and bathroom with twin sinks and huge rainfall shower.

The roomy terrace was perfect for relaxing, day or night.

You can upgrade to a sea view but I was perfectly happy with my room overlooking the pools. And you can also splash out a little extra on swim-up pool rooms.

Kids are well catered for with their own club space as well as dedicated pools, ideal for allowing Mum and Dad a chance to enjoy the gym and spa, with its sauna, steam room and range of treatments.

But the natural wonders of this environment are not to be missed.

The resort’s 5H PADI dive centre offers the chance to learn to scuba dive in gloriously warm waters with so much to see.

And while the desert landscape is stark, jumping onto a quad bike to roar through the wilderness is another thrilling way to explore.

The landscape — and the driving — are surprisingly varied.

One minute we’re whizzing along flat, sun-baked plains, the next we are bouncing over rocky tracks along dry river beds.

It’s full throttle through narrow paths surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, then we’re kicking up plumes of golden dust as we bank around dunes.

Do as we did and book a late-afternoon safari for the piece de resistance, though.

After an hour weaving our way through the desert, nothing could prepare me for the view as we crested a hill and looked down upon the glistening Red Sea as the sun began to set.

With the desert falling into the water, we paused to watch as the sky turned brilliant orange.

Making our way back to the Bedouin camp where we’d started as dusk fell, there were more treats to come with a generous buffet of lamb, chicken, veg­etables, rice and salads.

Bellies full, we took a walk away from the bright lights of the camp with a guide to look skywards.

Free from light pollution, we were soon spotting stars and planets aplenty in the vast desert skies.

Back at the Jaz Elite Amara, there was still time for a nightcap and a little live entertainment on the hotel lobby’s generous terrace before bed.

And refuelling was never an issue with the all-inclusive hotel offering a huge buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with live cooking stations and a vast amount of choice.

Breakfast featured all your usual hot favourites — with fresh omelettes and pancakes — as well as a vast array of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Lunch and dinner sees more choice, with meat and fresh fish cooked to order in front of you as well as a huge choice of salads, dips and mezze delights.

Hotel guests also get one a la carte meal a week in the hotel’s Tao Tao Asian restaurant, and day and night, fresh ­pizzas, burgers and salads are also served at the pool snack bar and Bay View beach restaurant.

My short stay proved just the tonic after a few long winter months — and even in February, when I went, we enjoyed temperatures in the mid to high 20s every day and glorious blue skies.

Add in the ease of flying directly into Marsa Alam, just a ten-minute drive from the Jaz Elite Amara, and you get a fuss-free, luxury sunshine break.

And after all that wonderful food, I possibly returned home looking not a little unlike my dugong friend.

OUR Spotlight On column suggests what to see and do in the best holiday destinations abroad as well as lesser-known spots in the UK and abroad.

This week, we’re taking a look at the affordable winter sun destination of Hurghada in Egypt.

There’s never been a better time to go – Wizz Air has launched new flights from London Gatwick to Hurghada, while easyJet has put holidays there in 2027 on sale.

It is one of the best spots for affordable winter sun too, with temperatures still over 24C in December, and holiday packages under £600pp.

Throw in beautiful beaches, fantastic diving opportunities and five hour flights, it’s the perfect mid-haul spot.

Here are some other of our top recommendations.

SLIDE INTO SAVINGS

Best winter family hotels from £70pn with waterparks, theme parks & spas

SANDS GREAT

The best value winter sun holiday destinations for Brits this year

MUST SEE/DO

Aside from its year-round heat, Hurghada’s selling point is the ocean that it borders.

It’s positioned right on the Red Sea which is teeming with coral reefs and colourful fish.

You can easily spend a full-day snorkeling between reefs, hopping in and out of the water – most cruises include lunch on board the boat.

Blue Water Dive Resort & Sea Trips has a great selection of day cruises from around £22.

HIDDEN GEM

While most tourists will immerse themselves in the bustling markets or choose to spend an evening at a traditional Bedouin desert camp, very few make it out  to Abu Minqar Island.

It was named after its beak-like shape with “Abu Minqar” translating as “Father of the Beak”, although many colloquially refer to it as ‘The Maldives of Egypt’ thanks to its clear waters and white sands.

This dinky sandbank sits just off of the coast of Hurghada can be reached by boat on day trips. If you fancy a go at kitesurfing, this is a popular place to try it.

BEST VIEW

Head to Hurghada Marina at sunset and you’ll be bowled over by the scene of shiny yachts bobbing on the water, baked in a hazy, orange glow.

From here, you can even see across to the minarets of the El Mina mosque.

Pop into one of the many bars that line the waterfront for a sundowner or dabble in some traditional shisha.

RATED RESTAURANT

Sheraton Road in the Sakkala district is THE place to go for a lively night out and it’s  littered with buzzing restaurants.

One of the best is Starfish Seafood Restaurant that serves up the freshest of fish, plucked straight from the ocean.

Guests can select their raw food – expect prawns, calamari and whole fish – from behind the counter and chefs will cook it just to your liking.

For a taste of something traditional, try the Old Town where restaurants are a little more understated and more geared up for locals.

El Haga Restaurant is known for its excellent clay pot tagines.

BEST BAR

Little Buddha Hurghada is a favourite spot among tourists – and for good reason.

Once the dinner service ends, the whole place comes alive with thumping DJ sets  that keep hip swinging until the early hours.

The cocktail lounge does an excellent sangria for around a fiver.

If you’re keen to take advantage of the glorious weather, Papas Beach Club on the marina is an all-day venue offered a laidback setting with pizzas and burgers by day before transforming into a nightclub at dusk.

HOTEL PICK

The swish 5* Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort occupies a  prime location right on the beachfront and has its own private island connected to the hotel via jetty.

Rooms are modern and spacious with marble-clad bathrooms, with many overlooking a huge outdoor  pool and the ocean just beyond that.

Guests will have their pick of five on site restaurants, including a surf and turf joint, patio cafe serving coffee  and ice cream, and an international restaurant.

See marriott.com.

OUR Spotlight On column shines a light on the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, and some spots that are relatively under the radar.

This week we head to the Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic and the coastal town of Miches.

Often said to be one of the cheapest islands in the Caribbean, it is also 30C in winter and beers are under £1.80.

eurochange has predicted where Brits will be jetting off to in 2026 thanks to recent money transactions – and it’s the Dominican Republic.

Laura Evans Fisk, Head of Digital & Engagement at eurochange said: “As we’ve seen transactions for the Dominican peso surge this year ahead of any other currency, we can definitely expect to see the Dominican Republic at the top of travel bucket lists for UK tourists in 2026.”

Direct flights make it easy to get to as well, taking around nine hours from London (both British Airways and TUI fly there) so here are some of our top tips.

SET SAIL

Our top winter cruise holiday deals – Carribbean sun & Xmas markets from £675pp

GOAT & BOAT

See Lionel Messi with Inter Miami ticket and Caribbean cruise from just £1,649

MUST SEE / DO

Playa Esmeralda is Miches’ showstopper. This vast ribbon of golden-white sand on the Dominican Republic’s northeastern coast stretches for miles, backed by coconut palms.

The water shifts from turquoise to deep emerald blue, giving the beach its name.

Unlike busier Caribbean resorts, it’s entirely possible to walk for half an hour here without seeing more than a handful of people – no fight for the sun loungers here!

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Laguna Limón. This peaceful freshwater lagoon surrounded by tropical vegetation is home to dozens of bird species.

Boat tours glide through the wetlands while guides point out herons, pelicans and other wildlife.

Nearby, the crystal-clear pools of Caño Hondo offer a refreshing alternative to the beach, with natural pools cascading through lush forest.

HIDDEN GEM

The town itself and surrounding coastline – a place where emerald mountains tumble into palm-fringed beaches, humpback whales cruise offshore in winter, and brand new luxury hotels sit alongside sleepy fishing villages.

Unlike many Caribbean destinations, Miches still feels wonderfully undiscovered.

You can spend the morning hiking to panoramic viewpoints, the afternoon kayaking through mangroves and the evening watching the sun disappear over miles of virtually empty sand.

In recent years new resorts have arrived, but developers have taken a more low-key approach than elsewhere in the Dominican Republic, keeping much of the coastline untouched and embracing the natural surroundings.

BEST VIEW

But the Instagram-worthy swings of Montaña Redonda have become one of the Dominican Republic’s most recognisable photo spots.

Perched hundreds of metres above sea level, the hill offers spectacular 360-degree views over lagoons, rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean.

Take a seat on the swing that stands at the end of the viewpoint and push out over the incredible green landscape.

RATED RESTAURANTS

Away from the resorts, Miches town offers a glimpse of local life. Small family-run restaurants serve freshly grilled fish, lobster, coconut rice and sancocho, the Dominican Republic’s famous hearty stew.

Try out Rajanoris in town, it’s an unassuming spot not often visited by tourists but it’s a good bet for meeting the locals and tasting mofongo, a savoury pork and plantain dish with lots of garlic!

BEST BAR

Rancho Lounge Miches has a casual atmosphere and lively music and serves up ice cold beer and of course, lots of rum!

WHERE TO STAY

The Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is set on it’s own 800-metre stretch of sand, with nothing but palm trees and mountains for company.

Even though it’s secluded, there’s a wealth of things to do.

There are four different pools, including a kids pool, 11 bars and restaurants, and a swish spa for some pampering.

As for activities, there’s everything from a bowling alley to a padel court! See hilton.com.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,569pp including flights from Manchester on November 17, 20kg luggage and transfers. See tui.co.uk.

THE UK might still be getting a last burst of heat but now is the time to lock in a winter sun holiday to get through the dark nights of December.

And new research has revealed which holiday destinations are much cheaper to go to this year compared to last year – and the ones to avoid which have jumped in price.

The study, conducted by TravelSupermarket, looked at holiday prices between December 1 and January 31, looking at seven-night breaks.

And the biggest drop in prices was Gambia in West Africa.

The average holiday price last year was £299 each a night, while this winter it has dropped to £219 – a fall of nearly 27 per cent.

This was followed by Ras Al-Khaimah in the UAE, which fell 19.41 per cent £64 to £52.

SLIDE INTO SAVINGS

Best winter family hotels from £70pn with waterparks, theme parks & spas

SANDS GREAT

The best value winter sun holiday destinations for Brits this year

Others that saw prices drop include Las Vegas (-13.05 per cent), Bali (-11.78 per cent), and Dominican Republic (8.82 per cent).

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “This winter‘s package prices show that it pays to look beyond your usual destination.

“These are averages across different hotels and board bases, so individual holidays still need comparing carefully, but the picture is far more varied than winter sun simply becoming more expensive everywhere.

“There are savings further afield , with average package prices to the Dominican Republic down 8.8% and Jamaica down 6.1%.”

Sadly, it’s the destinations closer to home that have risen in price this year.

Tenerife, one of the hottest Spanish islands in winter, is up nearly 25 per cent compared to last year with average prices per person, per night going from £91 to £113.

The Algarve was close behind, with prices up from £81 to £99, a rise in 22.8 per cent.

The Bahamas (+18.67 per cent), Costa Blanca (+16.92 per cent) and Madeira and Porto Sando (+15.43 per cent) rounded up the top five.

Chris added: “Average prices for Tenerife are up 10.5% year on year and Gran Canaria 8.2%, while Cape Verde is down 6% and Gambia nearly 27%.

“Neither is a new destination, but those contrasting price movements give travellers a reason to widen their search.

“Egypt also stands out because its average package price has barely moved, rising just 0.3%.

“At around £117 per person per night, it remains below the averages for Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote in our analysis.”

IF you are thinking about where to go this winter, then you are in luck because Ryanair is adding 22 destinations to its flight schedule.

Routes include Europe as well as a much-loved winter sun spot in Africa.

Four of the new routes will be from London airports including from London Stansted to Glasgow in Scotland, Malmo in Sweden and Parma in Italy.

A new service to Venice, Italy will then also operate from London Luton Airport.

Five new routes will be added to both Liverpool and Birmingham airports.

From Liverpool, you’ll be able to head to Copenhagen, Gdansk, Porto, Tirana and Warsaw.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

SO FLY

Our fave beach hols under 5 hours from UK with Caribbean dupes & £2 bottles of wine

Then from Birmingham you’ll be able to head to Copenhagen, Rome Fiumicino in Italy and Marrakech in Morocco which is perfect for winter sun – with some of these flights costing as little as £14.99 per person, per-way.

And there are other lesser-known destinations where you won’t find the crowds experienced elsewhere in Europe such as Tirana in Albania and Warsaw Modlin in Poland.

The airline has also announced that it is increasing the amount of flights departing Manchester Airport to 26 destinations including Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid in Spain.

It comes as the airline’s boss Michael O’Leary also warned of flight prices rising next year.

At a press conference last week, he said: “Fares for Ryanair passengers and every other passenger into the summer of 2027 are going to rise materially, I believe, because of significantly higher oil prices.

“I have no doubt fares are rising next year. The question is by how much.”

The airline also announced recently that it was axing even more seats that are equal to around 13,000 flights.

In 2025, France lost 25 routes and some 750,000 seats last winter and in Brussels, Ryanair axed 20 routes and cut one million seats across Brussels-Zaventem and Brussels South Charleroi airports.

THE UK Government has issued a new travel warning to Brits heading to Thailand following mass flooding.

According to the Foreign Office, severe floods believed to be the worst in Bangkok in over a decade are impacting parts of Thailand caused by heavy rainfall.

Impacted destinations include Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.

On the FCDO website it states: “All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster-affected areas. Travel disruption, including road closures and flooding of low-lying areas, is possible.

“The Thai government has declared special public holidays on 28 and 29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.

“Many government offices and services may be closed or operating with reduced capacity.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

“Follow the advice of local authorities if you plan to travel.”

The flooding has caused some flights to be delayed or cancelled, including a Thai Airways London Heathrow flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

Thai Airways is allowing passengers due to travel today and tomorrow to change their flights for free.

There are several other departures from Suvarnabhumi Airport which have been cancelled including to Phuket and Hong Kong.

While the airport does remain open, domestic departures and regional flights have been worst affected by cancellations.

Passengers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport have also reported having to wait up to six hours for their luggage and as a result.

There was around 12 inches of rain over 48 hours resulting in cars being submerged and homes flooded leaving some residents stranded.

Some locals have said the flood waters are as high are as those in 2011 which affected 13million people.

While other parts of the country are also impacted, they have not been as badly hit as Bangkok.

SOME hotels give you a quiet pool, a basic buffet and a slightly battered table tennis table in the corner.

Others serve up 81 water slides, life-size dinosaurs, hypercoasters, wave machines and entire fairytale kingdoms.

Variety is the spice of life, after all.

These are the resorts where the accommodation isn’t just somewhere to sleep – it is the holiday.

You could venture outside, obviously, but when there’s a full-scale waterpark or theme park right outside your bedroom door, convincing the children to leave the grounds would require a serious family negotiation.

I’ve hunted down eight of the wildest, most action-packed family resorts available this autumn and winter.

We’re talking theme park stays from £353pp and all-inclusive waterpark breaks from £405pp, with prices based on a family of four.

Every deal includes return flights and access to the hotel’s headline attractions too – so here are my eight picks guaranteed to ruin basic swimming pools for your children forever.

Aqua Mirage Club & Aqua Parc, Morocco – from £573pp

You know a resort takes entertainment seriously when its grounds cover 20 full hectares beneath the Atlas Mountains.

Aqua Mirage features a massive on-site waterpark packed with free-fall tower slides, a sprawling wave pool and an interactive splash castle for preschoolers.

Away from the water, you get six tennis courts, football pitches, evening shows and several pool areas – including a dedicated adults-only pool and spa for parents trying to remember what silence feels like.

It also gives you two holidays in one: a high-energy waterpark resort and easy access to Marrakech’s historic souks and main square.

I found a five-night all-inclusive break from £573pp, flying direct from Manchester on 26 December 2026.

That means you can swap the post-Christmas slump for slides, sunshine and unlimited food and drink – without having to wrestle another turkey into the oven.

My insider tip at this hotel is to take advantage of its free shuttle into central Marrakech, saving your family a fortune on taxis when you do fancy a break from the slides.

PortAventura Hotel El Paso & Theme Park, Spain – from £353pp

First things first: this isn’t just a hotel with a couple of slides attached – it’s a property built inside one of Europe’s largest theme park resorts.

Designed like a colourful Mexican hacienda, Hotel El Paso sits right on the edge of PortAventura Park, giving you easy access to six themed worlds packed with massive rollercoasters such as Shambhala and, my personal favourite, Furius Baco.

Right next door is Ferrari Land, home to Red Force – the 112-metre-high vertical accelerator that launches riders from 0 to 112mph in five seconds flat. I’m not speaking from experience this time. No, thank you.

The best bit is that PortAventura theme park tickets are included with your stay.

I found a five-night room-only package from £353pp, flying direct from Manchester on 24 October 2026 – right in the school half-term window.

When you consider how much standard admission to the park can cost on its own, getting your hotel, flights and multi-day park entry for £353pp in the school holidays is an absolute steal.

HL Paradise Island, Lanzarote – from £405pp

There are waterpark hotels, and then there are waterpark hotels with giant prehistoric creatures towering over the slides.

Guests staying at HL Paradise Island get free entry to Dino Aquapark, where multi-lane racing chutes and enclosed tubes twist around massive, life-size dinosaurs.

The main resort features several swimming pools, sports courts, live evening entertainment and full all-inclusive dining.

Lanzarote stays pleasantly warm right through autumn and winter, making it a brilliant option for some sunshine when the UK enters full freezer mode.

I found a five-night all-inclusive break from £405pp, flying direct from Birmingham on 13 February 2027.

As those dates fall over the February half-term period for many families, that’s excellent value for a school-holiday escape with food, drink and waterpark entry covered.

My tip here is to book an apartment. Having a separate living space and kitchenette means parents get somewhere to relax once the children crash out after a day of chasing dinosaurs.

LIVVO Costa Taurito & Waterpark, Gran Canaria – from £495pp

Taurito looks like someone has built an enormous holiday resort inside a canyon beside the coast.

At the heart of it is Lago Oasis Waterpark – a massive saltwater park packed with kamikaze chutes, racing slides and a giant pirate-ship splash fortress.

Guests at LIVVO Costa Taurito get access to the park, putting all the water-slide madness just steps from their room.

Southern Gran Canaria is one of Europe’s most reliable winter-sun destinations, and the hotel offers all-inclusive dining to keep the holiday food admin nice and simple.

I found a four-night all-inclusive stay from £495pp, flying direct from London Luton on 14 February 2027.

It’s a compact half-term hit of winter sunshine, with flights, meals, drinks and waterpark access all rolled into one price.

I also love the natural volcanic-sand beach just 200 metres from the hotel, giving you somewhere quieter to escape whenever you need a breather from the slides.

Sol Dunas Family Fun, Cape Verde – from £430pp

Sol Dunas is less of a standard hotel and more of a self-contained holiday town.

This sprawling resort features multiple swimming pools, water slides, splash parks, playgrounds and sports courts, forming part of the wider Melia Dunas mega-complex.

Cape Verde is the closest thing to a long-haul winter-sun holiday on this list, serving up temperatures around 25C, plenty of blue skies and broad golden beaches on the island of Sal.

I found a six-night all-inclusive package from £588pp, flying direct from Bristol on 26 October 2026.

Being in the autumn half-term, this deal gives families almost a full week of reliable warmth without the faff of a connecting flight.

It costs slightly more than some of the Spanish options, but a full week of reliable warmth, direct flights and comprehensive all-inclusive dining at a resort of this size still represents excellent value.

Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Sharm, Egypt – from £638pp

Aqua Blu features enough slides to make your local UK “waterpark” look like a damp garden shed.

Part of the enormous Aqua Park City complex in Sharm El Sheikh, this brightly themed resort boasts high-speed racing chutes, wave pools, raft rides and towers of twisting tubes.

The resort is fully all-inclusive and includes access to a private beach via a quick, free shuttle.

Sharm El Sheikh delivers reliable warmth throughout the year, making it a strong choice for autumn or winter sun.

I spotted an eight-night all-inclusive stay from £638pp, flying from Birmingham on 14 February 2027.

It’s the most expensive deal on this list, but you’re getting more than a week of winter sun, all your food and drink, luggage and unlimited access to an enormous waterpark during a peak family-travel period.

The real insider perk, though, is the dedicated children’s buffet, built at a lower level so little ones can grab their own meals without endless parental manoeuvring. Genius.

Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort – Neverland, Hurghada Egypt – from £565pp

This resort features 81 individual water slides.

Eighty-one.

That includes giant family raft rides, multi-lane racers, wave pools and massive themed splash fortresses spread across a complex that feels as though it was designed by a child given an unlimited construction budget.

Beyond the waterpark, Neverland packs in VR gaming arenas, ice skating, huge live productions and an enormous selection of speciality restaurants.

Despite the ridiculous scale of the property, Egypt’s competitive resort market keeps prices shockingly low.

I found a six-night all-inclusive break from £565pp, flying indirectly from Manchester on 16 February 2027, with hold luggage included.

That gives you six nights of all-inclusive dining, luggage and non-stop access to 81 slides during the February half-term period for less than £600pp.

It’s also well worth using the hotel’s internal land train, which runs constantly around the complex, so tired little legs don’t have to walk miles between the slides and your room.

KEEN to get that winter sun break locked in? Holidaymakers on a budget should set their sights on Africa.

A new report released today by the Winter Sun Holidays Costs Barometer from The Post Office Travel Money reveals that Cape Town in South Africa, and Mombasa in Kenya, offer the best value for money for people seeking a sun-drenched winter break.

To calculate which destination gives travellers more bang for their buck, the research considered the average costs of eight essential holiday items in 24 popular long-haul and short-haul destinations.

Items included a cup of filter coffee, a bottle of beer or lager, a can or bottle of cola, a glass of wine, a 1.5l bottle of water, suncream, insect repellent and a three-course evening meal for two with house wine.

The overall cost for all of the above came to just £58.24 in Cape Town, making it the most affordable destination on the list.

According to the Post Office, prices in the South African hotspot have fallen by 9.7 per cent in the last six months, which will have a hugely beneficial impact on tourists.

SWISS GRAND TOUR

I went on Europe’s ‘Route 66’ with 46 attractions and beautiful beaches

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

A three-course dinner with wine was shown to be cheaper here than anywhere else on the list, totalling £39.26 on average.

Despite its reputation for excellent wineries, Tokyo pipped Cape Town to the post for budget vino with a glass costing just £2.53 in Japan’s capital, on average, compared with £3.24 in Cape Town.

Tokyo came in third place overall on the affordability scale with a total barometer cost of £66.76, beaten by Mombasa, in second place, with an overall price tag of £63.66.

Prices haven’t dropped dramatically in this Kenyan city, but the rise of sterling against the Kenyan shilling does mean that you will now pay slightly less than when the country was last surveyed by the Post Office in March this year.

Coming in fourth place on the winter sun budget chart is Colombo in Sri Lanka, where a basket of all eight holiday essentials added up to £74.79, getting on for £20 more than the cheapest spot of Cape Town.

And be sure to ditch the wine and opt for beer instead, as a glass of red, white or rose will set you back £6.60 on average — over double the cost of a glass of wine in any of the previously named locations.

A bottle of beer, on the other hand, costs just £2.47.

Phuket in Thailand closely followed Colombo in fifth place with an overall barometer cost of £76.39 and cheap beer at £2.09 a bottle.

Of course, for the top five spots, the trade off for spending little while in the destination is shelling out for pricier flights to get there.

But remember that holidaymakers will be rewarded with better odds of sunshine and higher temperatures in these long-haul locations.

Those looking to stay a little closer to home still have budget-friendly options, however, including Portugal’s Algarve which came in sixth place overall.

While the total cost of all holiday items came to a slightly steeper £82.35, coffee-drinkers won’t be complaining as this is the cheapest destination to grab yourself a cuppa (£1.27 on average).

YOU’LL be able to travel to 34 more destinations with Jet2 from the UK soon.

The airline is launching a number of new routes for Winter 26/27, with destinations including winter sun spots, city breaks and pretty Christmas markets.

It marks the airline’s biggest winter programme as well as its first winter season from London Gatwick Airport.

Destinations in Europe include La Palma in Spain, Copenhagen in Denmark and Vienna in Austria.

Though, you can head further afield too as there are flights to two spots in Egypt – Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh – as well as a route to Agadir in Morocco.

For some winter sun with temperatures up to 24C in December, fly to Hurghada in Egypt.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

The Egyptian resort city sits on the Red Sea and is the ideal spot to head off scuba diving to see colourful coral reefs.

And there is sunshine year-round.

You’ll get the best of both worlds too as after exploring the water you can head to the desert, for a quad biking or camel riding experience.

Another destination getting Jet2 flights is a city that feels more like stepping into a Disney movie.

Often referred to as a fairytale city due to its winding medieval streets, Tallinn in Estonia takes just three hours to get to from the UK.

The old town of the city is full of interesting shops as well as grand medieval churches and walls.

For a city centre, it is very quiet as well.

And if you happen to visit in December, go the Christmas market, full of chalets selling handmade Estonian gifts as well as glögi – which is essentially Estonian mulled wine.

At the centre of the market is the world’s oldest recorded public Christmas tree as well, which dates back to 1441.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “We are seeing strong demand from customers and independent travel agents for all kinds of winter holidays, so we have responded by putting a fantastic selection of brand-new routes on sale for Winter 26/27.

“Whether holidaymakers want winter sun, a festive Christmas market break, a ski holiday to the Alps or a city break, this expanded programme gives them more choice and flexibility than ever before.

“The addition of 34 new winter routes, three new destinations and our first winter season from London Gatwick Airport shows how we are continuing to grow in direct response to demand.

“This is about giving customers more of what they want for winter, with an exciting mix of destinations that caters for every type of getaway.”

Flights for the new routes cost from as little as £30 per way.

And if you don’t want to wait, the airline currently has 6.3 million seats on sale to 42 destinations for this winter.

IF you’re looking for winter sun, but don’t want to spend a fortune on flights, check out these destinations from Spanish cities to Greek islands.

Skyscanner has found the cheapest spots to jet off to between October and February next year – some of which have return flights from £30.

Starting off with the best value destinations for autumn and winter flights, Skyscanner have found it’s Tangier.

The Moroccan city is just over two hours away from the UK – it’s quicker than heading to southern Spain and in October can see highs of 30C.

According to Skyscanner, return flights on average cost £105 – but from the UK to Tangier in November and December these can be as little as £30.

The city itself has plenty to see, from a whitewashed medina to its busy souk, and landmarks like the Kasbah and the Caves of Hercules.

DIG IN

Best UK garden centres with arcades, FREE soft play, fairgrounds… & even a beach

BE-LEAF IT

Perfect autumn attractions from £1.95 per kid from pumpkin patches to waterparks

In fact, it’s believed that Tangier was created by the son of Hercules, with the god himself staying in one of the caves.

It has a vibrant café culture thanks to its French influence, tapas culture from Spain – and a mix of languages too.

Thanks to its position in the north of the country, it has long, sandy beaches too like Plage de Tanger and Achakkar Beach.

The second cheapest for return flights is Seville which has an average price of £151.

Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest city – and is one of the hottest during the autumn, winter season.

During October, Seville can still reach highs of 26C and even in January can see highs of 16C.

Here’s the list of the best value destinations for travel from Oct 2026 – Feb 2027…

These are the destinations and the average economy return flight price, according to Skyscanner…

• Rhodes, Greece: Average price £218 (-21% YoY)
• Montego Bay, Jamaica: Average price £764 (-13% YoY)
• Tangier Morocco: Average price £105 (-13% YoY)
• Seville, Spain: Average price £151 (-12% YoY)
• Valencia, Spain: Average price £122 (-11% YoY)
• Valletta, Malta: Average price £164 (-11% YoY)
• Perth, Australia: Average price £1,425 (-6% YoY)

Some of the top attractions include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de Espana.

Rhodes in Greece has seen the biggest drop in flight prices year-on-year – it’s down 21 per cent.

The average return flight price is £218 – but in October, we found return flights for less than £60 with Ryanair.

The island is the fourth-largest in Greece, the biggest in the Dodecanese – and it’s considered quieter and cheaper than the likes of Santorini and Mykonos.

Lindos is a popular spot for visitors, the coastal village sits on the eastern coast with a clifftop Acropolis, whitewashed alleys, and sandy beaches.

Greece has incredible summers, but also mild winters with highs of 15C in January and February.

Further afield, long-haul journeys that have cheap return flight include Montego Bay in Jamaica which from the UK has an average price £764.

Montego Bay on north-west coast of Jamaica is the capital of the parish of Saint James and is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island.

Of course Brits flock there for its great weather and beautiful bays like Doctor’s Cave Beach which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand and bright turquoise waters.

Aside from sunbathing and paddling, snorkelling is popular too as swimmers are likely to spot parrotfish, turtles, and small sharks.

Looking on Skyscanner, October is the cheapest month for flights with returns from £364.

RYANAIR has announced that it is cutting more than half a million seats to two European countries before the end of this year.

The budget airline will scrap 550,000 seats from Estonia and Lithuania this winter, which means it will reduce its capacity to the two countries by around a quarter.

The airline has said that the decision comes after higher airport costs in the two countries.

According to Ryanair, airport charges in Lithuania have risen by 30 per cent since 2023.

In Estonia, on the other hand, there has been an increase in charges at Tallinn Airport.

It isn’t clear how many UK flights will be affected, but overall it works out to as many as 3,000 overall.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

DRINK UP

Best places in Europe for cheap booze from 80 wines in 100 minutes to 43p drinks

Ryanair is now looking at increasing capacity in other destinations with lower airport charges.

For example, Riga in Latvia will gain around 40,000 seats this winter.

This means that the airline will operate 16 routes to Riga during this winter.

Ryanair has also decided to increase capacity on a number of other routes including Barcelona and Milan.

A number of other destinations will also lose Ryanair seats this winter.

Greece is set to lose around 700,000 seats and 12 routes.

In Belgium, there will be a reduction of one million seats and 20 routes.

And the airline has already axed flights from a number of airports across Spain, Portugal and Germany.

The news comes just days after the airline said that it plans to have 11 million seats across Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania by 2031 and increase its aircraft in the region from seven to 16.

FROM Art Deco architecture and superstar football to incredible Cuban sandwiches and sizzling nightlife, Miami packs a serious punch for a short stay. 

For Brits, it’s often combined with cruises from the Florida city’s port, making it the perfect start or end to a Caribbean cruise this winter.

The weather remains gorgeous throughout our colder months, with temperatures still in the mid to high 20s.

For first-timers, a stay on Miami Beach puts you right at the centre of the very best of this captivating city.

ARE THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? It’s America — so no, the car remains king. But that’s not to say there aren’t walkable districts.

South Beach and Mid Beach excel with their paved Beachwalk and pedestrianised Lincoln Road is a shoppers’ paradise with all the popular brands and a host of cafes and restaurants offering al fresco dining.

SHELL OUT

I stayed at the historic pub in one of England’s trendiest seaside towns

RAIL GOOD

Coolest neighbourhood in one of Europe’s top cities with world’s 2nd oldest tube

In trendy Wynwood you can easily explore on foot to take in street art, galleries, boutiques and a buzzing nightlife scene.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? Learn all about the huge Cuban influence on Miami on a food and drink tour of Little Havana with Miami Culinary Tours.

Over two and a half hours, you’ll stroll the streets learning how Cuban exiles transformed the city’s flavours and culture.

Among my favourites were the Cuban sandwich stuffed with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickles at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, washed down with a perfect mojito and the crispy beef empanadas from El Pub.

But the tour also features stops at a traditional Cuban cigar shop and Domino Park to watch the locals play fast-paced games.

Another must is a stroll along South Beach’s Ocean Drive to admire the gorgeous Art Deco buildings — book a guided walk through getyourguide.com to bring the history to life.

And football fans won’t want to miss a match at Nu Stadium — home to Inter Miami CF, co-owned by David Beckham and famous for signing Lionel Messi.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Award- winning Austin chef Tyson Cole brings his very modern take on Japanese cuisine to Miami with not one but two restaurants, each offering a vast variety of unusual sushi, sashimi and nigiri paired with quirky flavours from citrus to smoke.

Uchi in Wynwood leans into the citrus while sister restaurant Uchiko is all about char and open-flame cooking. The vast menus can be a bit overwhelming but the brilliant staff will guide you and the quality is outstanding. Visit during the daily Happy Hours to enjoy it for a fraction of the price.

I FANCY A DRINK: Of course, for the in-crowd and those with deep pockets, there are plenty of stunning cocktail joints and seriously cool hotel bars on South Beach — including MILA just off Lincoln Road and the Matador Bar at the Miami Beach Edition.

But for those of us with smaller bank balances, taking advantage of happy hours is a great way to save. Sweet Liberty in Collins Park in Mid Beach has a popular happy hour from 4pm to 7pm with cocktails from £7.40 and craft beers from £4.50. Cafe La Trova in Little Havana sees waiters formally serving up Cuban daiquiris and mojitos.

Or head to Veza Sur Brewing Co. & Cerveceria La Tropical in Wynwood for an outdoor beer garden with pints from £5.20.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? For all the benefits of South Beach without the crowds, stay at gorgeous Art Deco gem, The Palms Hotel and Spa.

Just ten minutes by car from Ocean Drive and Wynwood, the hotel’s lush gardens feature a pool and tiki bar plus plenty of loungers.

You can stroll onto the stunning white sands where even more loungers and shades await.

The hotel has a great focus on sustainability — you can pick up a bucket on the beach to help tidy up and be rewarded with a free gelato.

The light and airy rooms have an understated, tropical vibe and the ocean views are stunning.            

THE SUMMER holidays are in the rearview mirror now, so it’s likely you’re already daydreaming about next year’s getaway.

As for where to book, these spots have been revealed as the trending destinations for 2027 including one place in Europe with tropical-looking beaches, and another country with highs of 30C even in winter.

Advantage Travel Partnership, a UK-based consortium of independent travel businesses has said Albania as the destination to watch for 2027.

The country is much lesser-visited by Brits than the likes of France, Spain and Greece – but it has so much to offer, including beautiful beaches and hot summers.

One spot along the Albanian Riviera called Ksamil is regularly labelled the ‘Maldives of Europe,’ for its stunning coastline.

The village is in the south of Albania very close to Corfu – in fact on a clear day you can see across to the island.

DIVE IN

Rainproof UK autumn holiday parks from £8pp a night – Center Parcs dupes and more

TOP MARKS

Cheap all inclusive hotels with brilliant Tripadvisor ratings – from £299pp

Ksamil has white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and offshore islands that you can swim to from the mainland, giving it similar attributes to the Maldives.

The easiest way to get to Ksamil is actually to fly into Corfu Airport and take a quick ferry crossing across.

Another spot in Albania that is loved by singer Dua Lipa is the seaside village, Dhermi, which in the summertime is called a ‘bustling seaside paradise’.

It has pebbled beaches, beach clubs, a historic old town, and one of the biggest attractions is Pirates’ Cave.

Albania during the spring sits around the mid-20s, and during summertime can be over 30C.

There are direct flights from London Heathrow, Stansted and Luton to the country’s capital, Tirana, which start from £30.

Visitors to Albania have been steadily rising, previous statistics reveal that tourists visiting Albania nearly doubled from 6.4million in 2019 to 11.7million in 2024.

Other places that the data revealed are on the up next year include Egypt, an affordable winter sun hotspot.

The country and particularly Red Sea resorts attract Brits in the later part of the year thanks to its high temperatures.

In October, Egypt can still bask on the beach in 30C heat – meanwhile the UK’s average is around 10C.

In recent years, Egypt has been named the ‘best value for money’ destination, according to the Post Office Travel Money.

According to Wise, a beer in Egypt can be as little as 50EG which is 77p.

Coffee can be as little as 54p and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs an average of £2.75.

Earlier this year, Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK&I named Egypt as one of their “most in demand destinations.”

He named Sharm El Sheikh as a popular spot for couples with its blend of relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and world‑class reefs.

Hurghada is a spot that’s “especially popular with families thanks to its impressive all‑inclusive offering, shallow beaches, and brilliant snorkelling”.

Nearby Marsa Alam is also gaining in popularity thanks to its “pristine beaches, exceptional diving, and a more laid‑back atmosphere”.

There are plenty of direct flights to Egypt from the UK, particularly in the winter months, with an average flight time of just over five hours.

Two other on-the-rise destinations for 2027 include Hong Kong and Vietnam.

The Sun’s Business Affairs Editor James Flanders visited Vietnam last year where he was delighted to find beers for £1.

James said: “From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable.

“The city doesn’t just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can’t help but fall in love. 

“My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past.”

Outside of the capital, one popular activity is kayaking along Ha Long Bay which has emerald waters and is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

No one will be disappointed by the food and drink scene in Vietnam, James enjoyed Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a stir-fried rice noodle dish for less than £8. 

EVER dreamt of getting a World Record? Well, you soon can have a chance at securing one in a huge new UK attraction dedicated entirely Guinness World Records.

Guinness World Records London, which is the first permanent entertainment venue from Guinness World Records, will open at The O2 in Greenwich, this winter.

Spanning across 2,322sqm, Guinness World Records London will be home to 45 different official Record Challenges, in five arenas.

Challenges include Loudest Scream, Fastest Typist, Fastest Basketball and Fastest Buzzwire.

Visitors testing out the different challenges could even walk away a Guinness World Record holder themselves.

There will be a number of interactive exhibits as well.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

While no specific opening date has been revealed yet, on the attraction’s website it states “late 2026” as the expected opening.

The website adds that there will also be “themed food and drink”, as well as a shop with “record-breaking souvenirs”.

Ahead of the attraction opening to the public, Guinness World Record London are looking for the UK’s most competitive family.

The winning family will be the first to look at the new attraction and try out the different challenges.

Will Munford, Adjudicator at Guinness World Records, said: “Guinness World Records London will give every guest the unique chance to take on our line-up of brilliantly fun and exciting record attempts, and potentially walk away a world record breaker themselves.

“We know how competitive families can get, so we want to find out who is the most competitive of them all and get them along to our new attraction to see if they have what it takes to become our first record breakers!”

The countdown to Christmas is on with millions of Brits planning to make a festive escape. But if you’re heading overseas time is running out to sort out any issues with your passport

Whether it’s a Christmas market, Lapland trip, or just seeing family, millions of Brits will head overseas during the festive season. And with only 99 days to go until the big day, one thing that Brits need to be checking right now is their passport.

Passport renewals usually take about three weeks to process after being received by the passport office, so family travel experts advise checking your document now to ensure you have plenty of time to put in an application if needed.

It’s also worth remembering that while three weeks is the general time the HM Passport Office advises for a passport renewal, at busy times of year such as the run up to Christmas this timeframe can be longer.

The advice comes from family holiday firm Lapland Famille who say that the cut off for a pre-Christmas passport application should be October 16, as this gives about a month for the passport to be issued, with around 10 weeks to spare should there be any issues or delays.

As we’re now inside the 100-day countdown to Christmas, this is the best time to check your passport and ensure it meets the requirements for your trip. It also warned that travellers should follow the official GOV.UK advise and not book a trip until they have a valid passport. It’s especially important to check child passports, as these last five years rather than ten, so make sure you check each family member’s document separately.

For those visiting the Schengen area, which includes all 29 European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, a minimum of three months validity needs to be left on your passport from the day you plan to depart the zone. This means if you were planning to leave the Schengen area on December 28 of this year, your passport will need to be valid up until March 28, 2027.

Issue dates continue to catch Brits out due to post-Brexit rules. Check your issue date is within the past 10 years if you plan to visit the EU. You should also make sure you check the FCDO advice for your destination country as well airline document requirements in plenty of time before you fly.

Alex Dyer, managing director at Lapland Famille, said: “Four passports can look in date at a glance, and it’s easy to assume the whole family is ready to go. I’d rather parents find a problem while they’re still choosing a trip, because once you’ve booked activities and arranged time off work, one unusable passport can affect everyone’s holiday.”

Pre-Christmas passport check list

• Validity – should have at least three months remaining from your departure date if visiting the Schengen area
• Issue date – passports issued more than 10 years ago are no longer accepted in the EU
• Damage – rips, water damage, and marks can all see a passport rejected
• Blank pages – most countries require at least two blank pages for stamps

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

YES, we know it’s still T-shirt weather in much of England for at least five hours of the day in between downpours, but it’s time to start thinking about booking your Christmas days out.

One for the calendars is an immersive festive experience that transports families through a snowy North Pole, that’s returning for the second year in a row – and it has a new village and playground.

The Wundrful World of Christmas will return this November taking families on a journey through the snowy landscape to see Santa.

It’s specifically designed for children between the ages of three and eight, who will venture through the frosty landscape in a 50-minute experience.

The journey through the North Pole will begin in the Enchanted Forest towards the Elves’ Workshops.

Little ones can say hello to the elves who will be busy making presents and working at the toy sorting station.

TOP MARKS

Cheap all inclusive hotels with brilliant Tripadvisor ratings – from £299pp

TOP STAYS

Best-rated UK hotels as voted for by guests – with rooms from just £31 a night

Then onto visit Mrs Claus in her cosy cottage where she’ll have plenty of biscuits to go around and tell a story or two.

Then it’s into Santa’s Study to do some letter writing and meet him in person.

Along the way there will be live performers, theatrical sets, storytelling animation screens and plenty of festive lights.

New for this year is the Elves’ Playground which will be fully kitted out with Christmas lights and trees.

It will also have fairground rides, food and drink and even a Christmas market for trinkets and gifts.

For anyone who visited last year at its Borough Yards venue, the experience has moved to Immerse LDN at Excel London.

Last year, one visitor said: “Lovely doing this experience with you guys!”

Another added: “We loved it too. Ours [kids] chewed the ear off Santa and he was brilliantly patient with the epic chinwag session.”

It will run from November 13 until December 24 and you can buy tickets here.

Tickets for adults start from £29.90 and £24.90 for children (1-15 years).

LOOKING to bag a bargain at sea? Now is THE time to embark on a booking.

The UK’s annual CLIA Cruise Week runs until Sunday and there are great deals to be had.

After a record 2.54million Brits headed up the gangway in 2025, it is time to join the party.

Nigel Thompson shares his pick of the offers to book now.

EASTERN CARIBBEAN – 14 nights from £1,349pp

JET away from selected UK airports on November 13 to join P&O’s newest ship Arvia in Barbados for a round-trip visiting Martinique, Saint Kitts, Tortola (British Virgin Islands), St Maarten, Antigua, Saint Lucia and Grenada.

Includes transfers and gratuities — and on applicable Select Price bookings up to December 17, get extra on-board spending up to £350 per cabin.

GO SI

Spain’s tiny island that thousands of tourists visit – but you won’t have heard of

SANDS GOOD

I found a UK beach with crystal clear water & no crowds that felt like Greece

See pocruises.com.

PORTUGAL, MOROCCO & MEDITERRANEAN – Seven nights from £449pp

SAVE £111pp on a winter warmer itinerary on Celestyal Discovery, sailing from Lisbon (overnight) to Tarragona (for Barcelona) via Tangier, Valencia, Majorca and Sete.

Soft drinks, wifi and gratuities are included, although flights cost extra. Departs on December 12.

See celestyal.com.

FRANCE, SPAIN & PORTUGAL – 14 nights from £1,115pp

ADULTS-only Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition sails a no-fly Easter trip from Tilbury, Essex, on March 24, 2027 visiting Honfleur, Le Verdon (for Bordeaux), Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Cadiz, Malaga, Lisbon and Leixoes (for Porto).

Use code CLIA10 during Cruise Week to get ten per cent off, with up to £400 on-board credit per cabin also on offer.

See ambassadorcruiseline.com.

RIVER NILE, EGYPT – Seven nights from £1,279pp

SAVE £778 per couple on a Tui River Cruises all-inclusive round trip from Luxor, flying from Gatwick on October 20.

Tui Bahareya will have overnight stays in Luxor and also call at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.

Passengers get two included shore excursions, 25kg luggage allowance and transfers, with tips and service charges covered.

See tui.co.uk/river-cruises.

WEST MEDITERRANEAN – Six nights from £2,835pp

BOUTIQUE brand Explora Journeys’ Explora II departs for Malta from Barcelona on March 14, 2027, with 30 per cent discounts on offer.

Visit La Spezia (for Pisa/Florence), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples and Sicily (Syracuse), with passengers enjoying benefits such as nine culinary experiences, in-suite dining, unlimited drinks, wifi, spa access, wellness activities and gratuities.

Flights extra. See explorajourneys.com.

RIVER MAIN, GERMANY – Four nights from £675pp

IT is never too early to start thinking about Christmas — and you can get a festive fix on a four-night sailing aboard Viva Cruises’ Tiara, departing on a round trip from Frankfurt on December 14.

The itinerary ticks off Wertheim, Wurzburg and Miltenberg and comes with a £100 flight credit offer, selected premium drinks, one complimentary high tea, welcome bottle of prosecco, wifi and gratuities.

See viva-cruises.com.

MEDITERRANEAN & PORTUGAL – Nine nights from £2,515pp

GOT cash to splash? Grab a half-price luxury voyage on adults-only Oceania Sirena, sailing on January 4, 2027 from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Lisbon via Livorno (for Pisa/Florence), Genoa, Nice, Marseille, Barcelona, Alicante, Motril (for Granada), Cadiz and Lisbon.

The deal includes a balcony cabin, speciality dining, gratuities, wifi and either wine and beer by the glass or shore excursion credit.

Flights extra. See oceaniacruises.com.

RIVER RHINE AND DUTCH WATERWAYS – Seven nights from £1,299pp

SAVE up to £750pp on an all-inclusive voyage from Rotterdam (overnight) to Mainz, Germany, aboard Saga River Cruises’ Spirit of the Rhine, departing on October 26, 2027.

En route, it visits Zaandam and Arnhem in the Netherlands and Germany’s Cologne and Rudesheim.

Bonus extras include flights, nationwide return chauffeur service to the UK airport, transfers, excursions, wifi and gratuities.

See travel.saga.co.uk.

ALASKA & CANADA – Seven nights from £1,404pp

THE Last Frontier’s glaciers, mountains and wildlife await on a Holland America Line round trip from beautiful Vancouver.

Koningsdam sails on May 1, 2027 and visits Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan with scenic cruising along the Inside Passage.

Cruise Week extras include £25pp deposit, alcoholic drinks package, one night’s speciality dining, $100 shore excursion credit, premium wifi, $100 on-board credit and pre-paid gratuities.

Flights are extra. See hollandamerica.com.