TRAVEL

A woman has shared her frustration after an ‘entitled’ passenger tried to steal her plane seat – but she managed to get the last laugh with a cutting response on the flight

A woman has hit out at an ‘entitled’ passenger who stole her plane seat and tried to pull it off with ‘main character energy’. She detailed her experience on a nine-hour flight from Abu Dhabi to Bali, which had two economy sections.

The first section was described as “big and crowded”, but she had the foresight to pre-book a seat in the second section where every seat boasted extra leg room. Taking to Reddit, she shared: “Guess which one I booked? Yep, the smaller one, because I actually planned ahead, paid the higher fare, and got the perks (priority boarding, luggage, and that sweet legroom).

“Boarding finishes, and the woman next to me slides into the empty window seat, leaving the middle empty. Dream scenario: me on the aisle, her on the window, and glorious space in between.

“I’m snuggled up under a blanket, headphones in, hoodie up. Universal ‘do not disturb’ mode activated.”

Once the aircraft reached cruising altitude and the seatbelt sign went off, the woman felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see a woman in her late 20s to early 30s grinning at her.

The woman continued: “She starts with, ‘Wow, you look so comfortable!’ Translation: she’s about to make me uncomfortable.

“She explains she wants me to swap seats with her so she and her friend (currently seated in the sardine can section) can take my aisle and the free middle seat.

“Her seat? Somewhere back in the busy main cabin, absolutely not extra legroom. I just smiled and said: ‘No thank you.’ Her jaw dropped.

“She tried to argue, so I spelled it out, ‘This is a paid extra legroom cabin. I booked it in advance, it wasn’t free, and I’m not giving it up so two adults who didn’t plan ahead can sit together’.”

She says the entitled woman looked at her as if she’d just “slapped her across the face” before walking away with a sour expression.

She added: “I put my headphones back on, hoodie up, and turned toward the window. Curtain closed on that conversation.

“The absolute audacity of people never ceases to amaze me. Pay for your seat like the rest of us.”

Commenting on her post, one user said: “I can’t believe the hide of some people.”

While someone else added: “My brother is tall so he always books the extra legroom seats. He also travels pretty often.

“He has told me that on almost every flight he is on someone will try to get him to swap with them to some squished no no-legroom seat. He has mastered the ‘f*** off’ and ‘what part of f*** off don’t you understand?'”

A third user said: “My come back line as always is….. ‘sure for $1,000 (£743) cash, you can have the seat, that’s my price.'”

Wells is one of England’s most charming cathedral cities where you can browse markets, drink cider in cosy pubs and wander the cathedral’s gorgeous grounds

Nestled in Somerset lies one of England’s most picturesque cathedral cities, Wells, where you can explore markets, sip cider in quaint pubs and stroll around the stunning grounds of the cathedral. Wells is situated on the southern fringe of the Mendip Hills, with the imposing figure of Wells Cathedral at its heart, reports the Express.

Constructed between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been hailed as the most poetic of the English Cathedrals, and it’s not hard to see why. It holds the distinction of being the earliest English Cathedral built in the Gothic style and enjoys an international reputation.

This grand cathedral is worth a visit for its architecture alone, but it also houses over 300 sculptures, Britain’s oldest functioning mechanical clock, and offers daily tours to delve into the city’s rich history.

The city itself gained international recognition after serving as the filming location for the fictional village of Sandford in the cult film Hot Fuzz, featuring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and a host of other renowned British actors.

Many of the film’s most memorable locations such as the Swan Hotel, the corner shop where the characters purchase Cornettos and the marketplace where the epic gunfight occurs are actual places you can visit.

Wells is also home to Europe’s oldest residential street. Vicars Close boasts beautiful stone houses, cobbled streets and a breath-taking view of the cathedral, perfect for capturing memorable photos of your weekend getaway.

The marketplace in front of the cathedral opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays where you can buy fresh produce, treats and homemade crafts – perfect for a lazy day of mooching around before stopping in to one of the city’s many pubs and enjoying a pint of Somerset cider.

According to Tripadvisor, one of Wells’ finest boozers is the Sheep and Penguin, which serves up a cracking Sunday roast.

One punter raved: “The choice of beer was excellent and the bar manager’s knowledge and enthusiasm was great. We then returned for more beer and a meal. The beer remained delicious and the meal was fabulous. If we lived anywhere near, we would be enjoying the delights on a frequent basis.”

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Passengers on a recent easyJet flight were guided by cabin crew through an impromptu stretching session, but beyond entertainment there is a vital reason this is becoming a common practice

Passengers on a recent easyJet flight were subject to an impromptu ‘air-robics’ class. A viral TikTok video shows a plane-full of passengers stretching their arms and touching their knees at the direction of a cabin crew member.

The TikTok video has been viewed over 2 million times and was shared with the caption: “What in the air-robics is going on, easyJet”. While the synchronised stretching may look quite odd, one expert has shared that the practice is critical while flying.

While doing yoga stretches on an airplane may sound like a hassle, it’s become quite the trend. Videos are circulating online of flight attendants leading passengers through seated yoga routines mid-flight.

READ MORE: Brits warned to stop adopting common sitting position on flightsREAD MORE: Pilot’s wife shares the only two neck pillows she recommends for long flights

Weighing in on the movement, yoga instructor Holly Hogan says the practice supports circulation onboard and reduces nerves.

Partnering with Well Pharmacy Online Doctor, Holly Hogan, also shares expert-backed advice on in-seat yoga stretches, discreet breathing techniques, and strategies for beating jet lag to improve passenger comfort and wellbeing at 30,000 feet.

Holly says even minimal movement during long-haul travel can make a big difference. “Just five minutes of gentle stretching every couple of hours can help reduce tension in the neck, back and legs and lower the risk of circulation issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).”

While it’s important to stretch your legs by walking up and down the aisle, Holly says there are some beginner-friendly ways to stretch in your seat too.

“Even with limited space, there are simple yoga stretches you can do to stay comfortable and grounded. Try a seated cat-cow by gently arching your spine as you inhale and rounding your spine as you exhale. Add in some neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and ankle circles to release tension and improve circulation.”

Holly recommends a “seated spinal twist” as well, which is not only great to ease stiffness in your back but aids with digestion. A great stretch to try after you’ve gotten through your inflight meal. Knee hugs are also great to loosen the lower back.

When you do stand up to stretch your legs or use the bathroom, there are a few other discreet poses you can attempt. “Mountain pose is a great one: just stand tall, ground your feet, and lengthen your spine,” Holly says. “A gentle forward fold can release your lower back, and calf raises are perfect for circulation. Even a standing quad stretch or lunge, if you have space, can prevent stiffness.”

For those who feel anxious while flying, Holly recommends focusing on breathing to calm down. “If you’re feeling anxious, one of my favourite techniques is box breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. If you can, extending your exhale – for example, inhale for four and exhale for six or eight, will help to calm your nervous system.”

Everyone should be moving or stretching every one to two hours during a long flight, according to Holly. This includes walking the aisle, doing standing poses or just stretching while seated.

“It doesn’t have to be a full routine – just enough to keep your body from stiffening up,” she says. She also says it’s vital to combine gentle stretching with good hydration.

“Drinking water supports good circulation and prevents dehydration, while conscious breathing keeps your mind calm,” she concludes. “Add in a few stretches and a guided meditation, and you’ll land feeling much more refreshed.”

In “The Paper,” the much anticipated mockumentary spinoff to “The Office,” Alex Edelman plays intrepid accountant/reporter Adam Cooper, part of the team tasked with reviving local newspaper “The Toledo Truth-Teller.” Edelman was also a writer and consulting producer for the show, which premieres on Peacock on Sept. 4 with all 10 episodes, and says the project gave him “the thing that is rarest in Los Angeles”: routine.

“It was a really wonderful routine,” he adds.

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

Of course, routines must end and new routines must be created. Edelman, who won an Obie and a Special Tony for his stand-up show “Just For Us,” about attending a meeting of Nazis as an Orthodox Jew (it became the HBO original comedy special “Alex Edelman: Just For Us,” for which he won an Emmy), is back on the road and adding new dates for his current show, “What Are You Going to Do.” In his spare time, he’s working on a nonfiction book, “I Don’t Belong Here.”

The perfect Sunday, for Edelman, is always a little bit different, with currents of consistency woven through. (He calls himself a “recommendation machine,” which feels accurate.) There’s always a hike. There are always friends involved. There’s always food. There are plenty of laughs. But for all the tried-and-true recs, novelty is important too. “I guess my headline is, Sunday’s the day to try new things,” he says.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.

7 a.m.: Wake up and go on a coffee walk
On the weekends, I like to walk. The only thing left to do on planet Earth apparently is to get coffee. Do you know that our whole lives revolve around a series of silly little coffees? I only drink espresso drinks, which is a fact about me, which is very boring. I might walk between coffee stations, like a man journeying between oases. I’ll walk down and I’ll get to All Time and be like, do I want a coffee here or can I make it to Maru? And when I get to Maru, do I get a coffee here? Or can I make it to Camel? And then I’ll make it to Camel, which apparently is now called Handles? And I’m like, do I get a coffee here or do I go to Dinosaur? And then, do I do a coffee here or do I go to Tartine or LaLo in Silver Lake or Lamill, which is also in Silver Lake. It feels like a long time, but that’s only about an hour walk.

I might get some breakfast too. I like Telegrama or Friends and Family — a favorite there is the olive oil eggs. I spend a lot of my money at All Time. I like to get the thing they call “the B.O.A.T.” I don’t know exactly what it is, but it’s really good.

8 a.m.: Get in a bit of writing
I like to park myself at Telegrama or Maru; you can find a little corner and really groove.

10 a.m.: Hike and have an adventure
I’m a keen weekend hiker. And I have hiking buddies. My friend [TV writer] Jenji [Kohan] and I started to do a thing in the pandemic where every weekend we would go hike somewhere and eat somewhere. I’ll hike with Jenji or my friend Rebecca or my friend Morgan. We’ll get after it. You hike with someone, you complain. It’s a lot of fun.

There are some really, really gorgeous hikes around Los Angeles. I use AllTrails to keep track of them. If we’re doing a hike out of town, we’ll go up to Santa Barbara or down into Orange County for one of the heavy beach hikes. Or any hikes with the word “Punchbowl” in them. And we’ll go to Charlie Brown Farms right afterwards.

We hike and eat and there’s always an adventure in there. We use the Atlas Obscura and go check out things, like, I heard there’s this weird store where this guy who makes things out of pop tabs or whatever it is. One of my favorite things is just getting to look at a little midcentury modern house I’ll never be able to afford. If there’s a house by Lautner or Neutra or Frank Lloyd Wright, sometimes we’ll take a schlep just for the house, to even just see from the street. One of the hikes in Malibu, Solstice, has an old Paul Williams house. It’s like a ruin.

1 p.m.: Lunchtime
We like going into the San Gabriel Valley and eating at Chengdu Taste in Alhambra or Bistro Na’s. I can’t eat pork or shellfish, so whatever falls within the electric fence, my lapsing Judaism. Whenever we drive south for a hike, we like to go to Pho 79 in the Anaheim area, or Garden Grove maybe. And I get something vegetarian or chicken or something like that.

2:30 p.m.: Thrifting and a snack
The thrift stores in Pasadena, those places are so good. Downtown, we always stop at the old mochi spot, Fugetsu-Do. They’ve been around for 117 years, even longer. I think they opened in 1903. On Sundays, sometimes the line can be long, but it’s worth waiting in. I like the regular rainbow-colored, strawberry-stained stuff. A thousand percent fruity or candy and no gelatin because of my Judaism.

4 p.m.: Catching up on books
Since we’re downtown, I’ll stop by the Last Bookstore. I also really love Skylight. And I love a used bookstore. I love a browse.

I like reading and listening to music on a Sunday. For a while, I was rationing out my friend Taffy Akner’s last book, “Long Island Compromise.” I’d read a couple of chunks every Sunday until I ran out. I just bought a couple of plays by Kimberly Bellflower and Noah Haidle. And I am reading Carrie Courogen’s “Miss May Does Not Exist” about Elaine May, who I worship and actually met once at a friend’s house.

7 p.m.: Pizza and movie night at Phil’s
I have a friend, Phil, who sometimes makes Sunday his movie night. His house has a little pizza oven. Phil will have pizza made in the style of the pizza from Mozza, which he loves. And we’ll watch movies on a projector. I watched “A New Leaf” there and enjoyed it very much, speaking of Elaine May.

9:30 p.m.: A stand-up set
Late in the day, my favorite thing to do is stand-up comedy. There are a lot of good places to perform in Los Angeles. So I’d do a late spot at the Comedy Store, the Lyric Hyperion, Laugh Factory or Dynasty Typewriter.

11 p.m.: Late-night meal
I’m out late, especially for Los Angeles. And there’s nowhere to eat very late at night in Los Angeles, unless you’re going to venture into Koreatown, where there’s Dan Sung Sa. I love to eat late and hey, we’re four meals deep, but that’s fine. Or Canter’s is open until 11:30 on Sunday. And Same Same Thai on Sunset is open until 11. They do something called khao soi, which is really hard to find in a lot of places. So I’ll sometimes get a really late night khao soi.

12 a.m.: Scrolling, reading, maybe a phone call or two
I’m up for a bit. I watch, I’ll scroll. I’ll scroll until I drift off, which I shouldn’t. Or I’ll call friends in London who are just waking up, stand-up comics. My friend Josie Long was in Glasgow, and sometimes I’ll call her, or I’ll catch my friend Isobel, who’s a composer, who’s in Europe all the time. But in my ideal situation, I’m asleep by 1. I’ll read this book by Lizzy Goodman called “Meet Me in the Bathroom,” or I’ll listen to this podcast called “Search Engine” by PJ Vogt, and sort of drift off.

St David’s is the UK’s smallest city, but don’t let that fool your

The UK’s tiniest city, nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire on the Welsh coast, is actually a charming village brimming with history and natural beauty.

St David’s, a cathedral city named after Wales’s patron saint, Saint David, is where his final resting place is located. Its city status was traditionally granted due to its grand cathedral, believed to have been constructed between 1180 and 1182.

It remains a lesser-known coastal treasure amongst UK holidaymakers.

However, those willing to embark on a few hours’ drive through Wales’s rolling green hills to the edge of the west coast will be pleasantly surprised by what this small town has to offer. St Davids’ allure lies in its rich history, being home to one of Wales’ most iconic religious sites and a pilgrimage destination for centuries.

Tourists can freely explore the cathedral, and its grounds provide an idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day. Despite attracting numerous visitors throughout the year, the area maintains much of its understated charm, remaining surprisingly quiet and compact, reports the Express.

Beyond the historical landmarks of the cathedral and the original gothic ruins of Bishop’s Palace, St Davids boasts a plethora of scenic walks and swimming spots for nature enthusiasts. This quaint, cobbled town is not only home to a stunning stretch of beach but also offers cliff-side walks and hikes.

Whitesands Beach stands as the principal expanse of pristine white sand in the region, sweeping northward towards St Davids headland and serving as one of the nation’s renowned surfing destinations.

It’s ideal for days spent constructing sandcastles, basking in the sunshine, or taking a refreshing dip.

For those seeking more thrilling pursuits, windsurfing and kayaking prove particularly popular pastimes.

One delighted TripAdvisor reviewer said: “What an absolutely phenomenal beach. The beach itself is so clean; the water was crystal clear, and there was no seaweed. You can go out for quite a way, and it was just unbelievable.

“The family loved it and couldn’t believe how quiet it was, and even when it got a little busier later in the day, it was still so pleasant, and this is all before the walks. The mountain walks around the beach were quite simply breathtaking. Some lovely places tucked away; we even found a cove we had all to ourselves.”

For those wanting to venture even deeper into Pembrokeshire’s stunning landscape, there’s a concealed gem called Porthmelgan Beach, merely a 20-minute stroll from Whitesands Bay.

This rather more isolated location boasts equally brilliant white sands but tends to be considerably quieter, with no parking facilities, eateries or wave riders to be found. Another gem is the Blue Lagoon, a 20-minute drive from the city centre, boasting turquoise waters and rocky landscapes.

It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful swim, a relaxing kayak ride or even a daring cliff dive, all while enjoying stunning coastal views.

Venturing back into the city’s charming cobbled streets, you’ll find a handful of pubs that quickly fill up in the summer with patrons enjoying their post-walk pints. These establishments often feature live music in the evenings, creating a lively atmosphere, and serve traditional pub food.

However, it’s worth noting that without a reservation, you might struggle to secure a cosy spot.

As with any seaside town, St Davids boasts numerous ice cream parlours and a mix of independent shops and larger brands in the city centre. So when you’ve had your fill of coastal walks, a stroll through the city streets and a browse through the shops can provide a refreshing change of pace.

WITH the new school year right around the corner, millions of parents are back to looking for lunch inspiration for their kids.

While fresh fruit, a sarnie and yoghurt are go-to picks for many families, one ”stay-at-home-dad” has left the internet stunned with his kid’s packed lunch.

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Foodie Tyler Yan regularly shares mouth-watering recipes on his TikTok, such as the viral Japanese Sando with strawberries and refreshing smoothie bowls for his wife.

But it’s not just Tyler’s partner who gets to enjoy his talent at cooking – their daughter, too, gets treated to luxury lunch boxes for school.

In a now-viral video posted on social media, the stay-at-home dad revealed he gave his daughter three glass jars full of fresh caviar which he served on ice to keep it cold.

The bizarre lunch also included crackers, a generous amount of cream cheese, which he hoped the girl would enjoy with smoked salmon.

For dessert, the child was given fresh figs – a lunch that ”sounded good”.

”Felt like a solid Wednesday move,” Tyler wrote in the caption.

The daughter, whose age is unknown, indeed gets to experience the finest things in life, as another clip saw Tyler filling her lunch box with octopus.

The ”Mediterranean-style box” also came with herby lemon quinoa, tomato cucumber salad, fresh figs, and marinated olives on the side.

On a different day, the girl went to school with a fresh arugula salad topped with cheese and steak cooked to perfection.

The epic lunch box, he shared in the video, also consisted of truffle fries, sauteed shiitake mushrooms, as well as sliced apples with peanut butter for something sweet.

But while Tyler created the jaw-dropping lunches with love and care, social media users weren’t so sure if his daughter actually enjoyed them.

Thousands of TikTokers insisted that the child must be trading her lunches with other kids and were in disbelief how luxe the food was.

”That lunch costs more than my rent,” one person thought about the caviar-rich box, which has racked up over 19million views.

”And she swapped it with a friend for stringy cheese, a yoghurt and a cookie,” another was convinced.

”Meanwhile all she wanted was a lunchable,” someone else agreed.

”bro just called me poor in so many ways,” a fourth chimed in.

However, not everyone came to share their criticism, as a fellow luxury foodie hit back at the trolls.

”as someone who grew up on stuff like this. no.. she doesn’t want the Lunchables or string cheese. She knows what she’s got.”

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MULBERRY’S premium leather handbags will never go out of style, and you don’t need to spend the big bucks to get your hands on one.

The Mulberry Black Friday sale is the perfect opportunity to score a discount on the item on your wishlist – here’s everything we know about the mega-sale.

Mulberry sale

The British luxury brand is known and loved for its timeless leather accessories that are loved by celebrities, including Mulberry’s iconic Bayswater Bag.

For Black Friday 2025, we’re anticipating huge deals on Mulberry must-haves, including discounts from other retailers that stock the luxury label.

John Lewis, House of Fraser, and Selfridges are just three retailers worth checking out when the highly-anticipated sales event arrives.

Read on to find out more, including how to secure marked-down Mulberry items on Cyber Monday, and how to bag additional fashion deals.

When is Black Friday 2025?

When is Black Friday? This year, it lands on 28 November 2025.

The mega-sale traditionally takes place the day after the US Thanksgiving (which falls on the last Thursday of November), and it has become a global shopping event known for its dramatic discounts.

Black Friday has become just as popular in the UK as in the US in recent years, and brands and retailers often kick off their sales ahead of the main event.

UK shoppers can expect many retailers — both online and in-store — to launch their Black Friday deals early, with some sales kicking off from the beginning of November.

Wondering what the meaning behind Black Friday is? Check out our explainer.

Is Mulberry taking part in Black Friday this year?

Mulberry has participated in Black Friday in the past, so it’s highly likely that the retailer will return with more discounts this year.

In previous years, shoppers have enjoyed huge savings on bags, purses, holdalls, and other accessories.

Shopping directly from Mulberry’s website is usually where you’ll find the best offers and discounts.

While the Mulberry is yet to officially announce the details of its Black Friday sale, we’re expecting the brand to follow a similar suit to previous years.

To keep up-to-date with information on the Mulberry Black Friday sale, bookmark this page, as we’ll be updating it with all the sale news as it comes in.

What to expect from Mulberry’s Black Friday sale 2025

Shoppers can expect to save on some of the brand’s most popular styles which include the Alexa, Lily, and Darley.

The brand is best known for its Bayswater bag, and even the iconic arm candy has been previously slashed in the Mulberry Black Friday sale.

Plus, other retailers taking part in the Black Friday sale could also include Mulberry items, so keep an eye out for offers at John Lewis, Farfetch, Selfridges, and House of Fraser.

Shoppers will need to be quick when the sale does drop though, as big discounts on the most popular styles are likely to sell out fast.

What was in the Mulberry Black Friday Sale last year?

In 2024, Mulberry’s Black Friday sale featured a range of discounts on some of its most sought-after items.

Here are just a few of our favourite finds from last year’s Black Friday sale:

Mulberry

More Mulberry deals

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Mulberry taking part?

When is Cyber Monday? This year, it will take place on 1 December.

Most brands and retailers continue their Black Friday sales through until Cyber Monday, serving as a final chance to make a big saving.

It’s possible that further reductions will be made on items for Cyber Monday, but it’s not always the case.

However, if there’s a particular item you have your eye on, waiting until Cyber Monday to snap it up means you could risk it selling out.

While Mulberry hasn’t confirmed its plans for Cyber Monday 2025, it’s likely that the discounts will continue throughout the Cyber weekend.

How much does Mulberry’s shipping cost?

If you’re planning to shop online during Mulberry’s Black Friday sale, it’s good to know about its shipping policies.

Mulberry offers free standard shipping on all UK orders, which will take between to and five business days to arrive.

The brand is also currently offering complimentary shipping on new arrivals, although it’s unlikely that these pieces will be reduced in the sale.

Mulberry also provides faster delivery options at an additional cost, including express delivery (1-2 working days) and same-day delivery (if ordered before 3pm).

Express Delivery is priced at £6.95, while Same Day and Saturday Delivery will cost £12.

As it’s the most popular shopping event of the year, it’s worth considering that Black Friday is likely to impact shipping times.

Does Mulberry offer any other discounts?

While Black Friday offers the biggest discounts of the year, Mulberry does have other ways to save.

The brand usually runs sales in the summer and winter, with discounts on selected items.

Plus, Mulberry has been known to occasionally provide promotions through its newsletter.

If you want to shop on a budget outside of Mulberry’s Black Friday sale, it’s worth checking out the brand’s Pre-Loved section or Buy Back option online.

Other retailers stocking Mulberry may also slash the prices of selected items throughout the year, so it’s worth checking various stockists before making a purchase to get the best deal.

Mulberry sale

Find your favourite brand’s Black Friday deals in our A-Z directory

Into a Finnish labyrinth

One of the most magical places I’ve been is Lake Saimaa in eastern Finland – a huge labyrinth of islands and tranquil forests where you don’t come across many people. We rented a lakeside cabin (typically they cost from about €100 a night, sleeping two) and watched the midnight sun shimmer across peaceful waters. Days were spent kayaking between uninhabited islets or hiking pine-scented trails, with only the call of black-throated divers (or loons) for company. We visited the Linnansaari national park on an archipelago in the middle of the vast lake (the largest in Finland and fourth largest freshwater lake in Europe), where encounters with rare Saimaa ringed seals await. It’s nature’s embrace at its purest – remote, quiet and utterly rejuvenating.
Anthony

Canyons and forests in Montenegro

Last autumn, I visited Durmitor national park in northern Montenegro, a quiet and beautiful place in the Dinaric Alps. The road there passed through thick pine forests and opened on to wide valleys surrounded by tall, rocky mountains. I walked to the Black Lake (Crno Jezero), where the water was so still it perfectly reflected the autumn colours of the trees. In the hills, shepherds looked after their sheep, and small villages sold fresh cheese and honey. I also gazed down into Tara River Canyon, which is among Europe’s deepest gorges; right at the bottom, several thousand feet below me, I could see the bright turquoise ribbon of the river.
Lorna Walkden

Cycling through the Bosnian countryside

My partner and I cycled the Ćiro trail in Bosnia Herzegovina. We picked up the trail in Ivanica and followed it for more than 80 miles to Mostar. It follows the route of the Dubrovnik to Mostar railway line, which closed in the 1970s, and has a lot of spooky, bat-filled tunnels. We barely met another person on the route. One night we camped overnight in a pub beer garden because we were worried about mines. Stunning scenery, spooky history, and we saw tortoises on the trail.
Anna Fenton

Pyrenean hideaway, Spain

If there was ever a jaw-dropping way to enter Spain it has to be over the peaks of the Pyrenees to the village of Ochagavía in Navarre. Nestled in the valley of Salazar, its cobbled streets and whitewashed homes are surrounded by rivers, forests and peaks where walkers mingle with birds of prey, chamois, marmots and an occasional hermit. When civilisation and replenishment are needed, Sidrería Kixkia, a restaurant in Ochagavía, will fill your very grateful tank with local cider and a very meaty menu.
Liz Owen Hernandez

Remote islands off northern Germany

We stayed at the charming seaside resort of Cuxhaven in Germany and took the horse-drawn carriage over mud flats to visit the tidal island Neuwerk with its extraordinary 700-year-old lighthouse. I’d also recommend a ferry trip beyond Neuwerk to incredible Heligoland island to see the 47-metre-high Lange Anna sea stack and the large gannet colony. You can see the craters left by the British in 1947 when the occupying authorities decided to blow up the remaining German military installations on the island in one giant explosion, having already bombed the island severely in 1945. Yet the tiny island with its red cliffs and grassy plateau survived somehow, and is now home to more than 1,000 people.
Sue Kyson

Kayaking between icebergs, Iceland

Starting in Reykjavík, with my 15-year-old, I took a rental car for a road trip, staying in small hotels and hostels on the way. We went kayaking between icebergs in the Jökulsárlón lagoon, snowmobiling and ice-climbing on the Sólheimajökull glacier and whale-watching near Húsavík. We were amazed to see the molten lava on the Reykjanes peninsula, as well as the interactive volcano museum near Vik. Highlights for my teen included taking a ferry to the island of Grímsey to snorkel with puffins while they were diving for fish.
Karen Guenzl

Brittany’s quiet side

Tucked away in western Morbihan, an hour from Vannes and the Breton coast, Inguiniel is a quiet corner of Brittany, where rolling hills and forests invite you to slow down. We stayed at picture-perfect Camping Pont Calleck, which was ideal as a walking and cycling base. From there we cycled to Le Faouët, a town with a pretty square, a 16th-century market hall, and striking gothic chapels. As evening fell, our ride took us along the River Scorff past weirs and watermills and eventually to a quiet auberge for a traditional Breton meal.
Kevin Atkins

Winning tip: bathed in constant daylight, Norway’s Svalbard

The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard (which used to be called Spitzbergen) in summer is bathed in constant daylight because it is entirely within the Arctic Circle. Dog sledding on wheels is a great way to experience this remote landscape, guiding your teams of eager huskies over the tundra, past mountains necklaced with puffy Arctic cottongrass flowers. Boat trips, passing near the town of Barentsburg, the inhabitants of which are mostly Russian, allow closeup views of slumbering walruses, minke whales and dozens of seals. Nearby, huge cliffs at Alkhornet are the breeding ground for thousands of birds, and below the nests, arctic foxes wait patiently for their next meal. Afterwards, rent a floating sauna cabin, leaping into the sea to cool off.
Caroline

Plus-sized passengers make have to fork out hundreds extra if trying to fly thanks to a popular airlines new policy that sees plane seat restrictions tighten in the coming months

A popular airline has made huge changes for plus sized passengers – and people aren’t happy. Southwest Airlines has announced a new role for larger passengers, which could see their ticket prices more expensive.

Southwest is a major airline in the United States, and for those who can’t find within the armrests of their seat will need to soon book an additional seat before they fly.

It comes as a rollout of new changes coming into effect on January 27 2026, including pre-assigned seats. At the moment, plus-sized travellers who may need extra room can purchase an additional seat upfront and apply for a refund after flying, or request a complimentary seat at the airport.

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One of the biggest changes to this will mean refunds may still be possible, but not always guaranteed which could result in passengers facing higher upfront costs without the certainty of getting their money back.

In a statement released by the airline, they said: “To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking.” It goes against what the airline was previously known for as being traveller-friendly and operating a ‘customer-first approach’ according to Metro.

These perks, which also included open seating at boarding and a generous free baggage allowance are slowly disappearing as the free baggage was stopped in May, and the rules around seats getting stricter.

The refunds for plus-sized passengers will only be granted if at least one seat on the flight was empty at departure and if both tickets were purchased in the same booking class. In other words, passengers can no longer assume that an extra seat will automatically qualify for a refund.

In order to get their money back, passengers will need to request a refund within 90 days of their flight. In a bid to still protect the promise for flexibility for passengers, it may still hike up costs for people being asked to pay hundreds upfront without the certainty of getting it reimbursed – and if it’s a fully booked flight, they will be turned away and booked onto the next available flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, told AP: “I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody.”

Tigress Osborn, chair of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance told the New York Times: “Southwest was the only beacon of hope for many fat people who otherwise wouldn’t have been flying. And now that beacon has gone out.”

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MY DINING table doubles up as my workspace, which means I’m no stranger to a dusting of toast crumbs on my desk.

When I spotted Lakeland’s super-cute countertop vacuum, which costs just £9.99, I was seriously intrigued.

As long as the compact gadget worked well enough, I thought it had potential to be a game-changing cleaning hack.

Mini Countertop Vacuum, £9.99 from Lakeland

On first glance, the Lakeland vacuum is small and sleek. It’s also super easy to use, with a single setting — you press the button to fire it into action, and then you simply move it across any surface to suck up the crumbs.

Technically, that’s something you could do with a normal cordless vacuum cleaner, but, being honest, that feels like too much effort.

Plus, this feels more hygienic, as you can restrict its use to just surfaces and not floors.

Performance

I would usually grab a cloth or a piece of kitchen towel to wipe down the dining table after a meal, but keeping the vacuum nearby presents a much more convenient alternative.

It’s got bristles underneath, which help guide crumbs to underneath the vacuum.

I found the best method was to use it to sweep the crumbs into a corner (while switched off) before turning it on, and then sucking them up.

Mini Countertop Vacuum, £9.99 from Lakeland

Another handy use for the Mini Countertop Vacuum is in the kitchen, when you’re preparing food and creating a mess — I found it particularly useful to have on hand when making toast.

The suction isn’t going to rival a normal vacuum, but it’s easily powerful enough for crumbs, so it definitely does what it claims to — and at £9.99, you’ve got to class that as a win.

I’d recommend it for those quick clean-ups in between proper household cleans.

If you have kids, I can only imagine how much use you’d get out of it — especially since the description says it’ll even suck up glitter!

If you have kids, I can only imagine how much use you’d get out of it — especially since the description says it’ll even suck up glitter!

I might live in an adult-only household, but as a fiend for messy help-yourself meals, I’ve found myself reaching for the countertop vacuum often.

If you work in an office, the device would be useful to keep in a drawer for when you need to do a swift cleanup of your workspace.

It’s not too noisy (although you’re only likely to use it for a few seconds anyway), and it’s also cordless, charging up via a USB cable. 

The small and lightweight design means you could even take it away with you if you’re staying somewhere self-catered.

The only thing it won’t help with is wet spills, so drips and splashes from drinks or sauces will still need to be wiped up.

Mini Countertop Vacuum, £9.99 from LakelandVacuum £9.99

While we’re on the topic of handy household gadgets, I swear by an Amazon clothes steamer that costs £21.99 and helps me avoid ironing.

I also recently tested out one of the most compact cooking devices money can buy, in my Ninja Crispi air fryer review.

Drivers are being urged to check whether they need to apply for a permit in order to drive abroad, especially in Spain as it can be a legal requirement for motorists

Hiring a holiday car can make your trip much easier and more accessible, especially if you are staying somewhere a little more remote. However it’s important to know the rules of the road in the country you’re in, and if you need permits or not.

Spain is a popular holiday spot for Brits due to its balmy weather and frequent flights that only take a few hours. But now people are being urged to check if they need permits before hiring a car according to the DVLA.

You may need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as other paperwork and passport checks for motorists heading abroad. The permit you may need depends on which country you’re visiting and how long you’re staying too. You also need to have a valid GB driving licence to get an IDP, and paper licences cannot be accepted.

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This document makes sure that you’re legally allowed to drive in countries that may not recognise or allow your UK driving licence. Make sure you’re covered for your next trip and avoid fines and legal issues by applying for an IDP before you travel.

If driving, you must always have your driving licence with you as well as your IDP, and if you are visiting Spain, you may be caught out.

While the DVLA states that in Spain “You do not need an IDP. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP.”

So while it’s not a requirement for the country, certain car hire companies may still require one for motorists. It costs £5.50 to buy and if you have a full UK driving licence – either a photocard or paper version – you can apply for an IDP at PayPoint stores.

There are three types of IDPs, each of these offer different levels of coverage for specific countries. It’s important that you choose the right one for your destination(s). The 1949 IDP is the most common, but if you’re planning to drive in countries like Italy or the USA, you may need the 1926 or 1968 versions.

IYou do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK.

You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either: a paper driving licence, a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. But it’s always advised to check with the embassy of the country you will be driving in.

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The new advanced CT scanners combine computer image processing with X-rays, which is a huge improvement for speeding up security waiting times.

UK holidaymakers are being urged to double-check the specific rules at each airport they travel through due to differing security policies.

Those jetting out of the UK, whether for a sun-soaked holiday, family visit, sports tournament, business trip, or studying abroad, should note that not all airports have yet installed CT scanners at security checks.

These scanners mean passengers no longer need to take liquids and electronics out of their luggage. Previously, liquids were restricted to 100ml and had to be placed in a clear plastic bag, while electrical items had to be removed and scanned separately.

However, not all airports have implemented the new systems, so the old rules still apply in many places.

The state-of-the-art CT scanners combine computer image processing with X-rays, significantly speeding up security waiting times. This also means travellers should be able to fly with bottles and containers holding up to two litres of liquid, with no limit on the number of bottles they can carry, reports Birmingham Live.

However, holidaymakers shouldn’t disregard the old rules just yet. There’s still a fair bit of confusion about which airports have the scanners fully operational and which do not, as internet searches on the issue have more than doubled.

Experts at One Sure Insurance have warned: “With some airports such as London City Airport having installed CT scanners in April 2023, others such as London’s Heathrow are not expected to make a full switchover soon, due to the cost of the new technology – expected to be around £1 billion – and the retraining of staff that’s required.

“It’s important to remember when returning from your trip that you still need to follow the rules from your departing airport, including liquid, electronic and customs restrictions and protocols.

“Otherwise, you may face delays and/or losing expensive belongings in the bin. You might leave from an airport where two litres are fine, but return from one that still enforces the 100ml rule. Not all airports are ready, and that could cause problems.

“There’s a big risk of confusion right now, but technology has the power to change the way we fly. Until airports around the world catch up with newer technology, travellers should stay proactive to avoid being left behind.”

This means checking airport websites, packing liquids in hand luggage, keeping essential items to 100ml if in any doubt, leaving enough time at airports to potentially separate liquids and electronics, and being especially mindful when returning to different airports or during multi-city holidays.

As we approach the peak of the summer holiday season, millions of UK passengers are expected to pass through airports, some of which will still be operating under the old rules.

So, which airports have these new security scanners in place?

Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have fully rolled out new CT scanners at security. This means you can keep liquids of up to two litres inside your cabin bag, and there’s no limit on how many two-litre bottles or containers you can take through.

Only liquids, pastes, and gels in containers no larger than 2 litres (2L) can be carried in hand luggage – anything larger needs to be in checked luggage.

When going through security, ensure all items are out of your pockets, including phones, keys, coins, tissues, etc. Watches can be left on.

Bristol Airport has fully embraced the new rules, stating that electrical items can remain in hand luggage along with liquids, which can now be up to two litres per container.

While most other UK airports are still operating under the old rules on liquids and electricals, more are expected to introduce CT scanners throughout this summer.

Gatwick Airport has announced that passengers no longer need to remove liquids and gels from their hand luggage, although the containers must still be limited to 100ml. However, electrical items do need to be removed and screened separately.

Luton Airport has stated that all liquid containers in your hand luggage must be under 100ml/100g each, including creams, pastes, lotions, and gels. Passengers can keep their liquids inside their bags for security screening, as a plastic bag is no longer required.

Electronics can also be kept in baggage.

Stansted Airport is still adhering to the old rules, advising passengers that they can pack liquids in their hand luggage, but containers must be under 100ml each and in a clear, resealable plastic bag. This bag should be removed from hand luggage and placed clearly in the tray provided, along with any electrical item above A5 size (20cm x 20cm).

Manchester Airport has also confirmed that the old rules are still in place. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be under 100ml each and packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm.

Manchester passengers are limited to packing one clear bag of products in their hand luggage, with the stipulation being one per person. These should be removed from hand luggage and placed in the tray for scanning.

Additionally, any electrical item larger than A5 (20cm x 20cm) should also be removed from your bag and placed in the tray.

Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester airports are gradually introducing new CT scanners lane by lane, meaning some passengers may be asked to remove liquids and electronics while others won’t.

It’s worth bearing in mind that you may not be able to leave liquids or electrical items in your bag on your return journey. According to consumer website Which, at most airports in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain – as well as the US – you will need to remove liquids from your hand luggage and put them in a clear plastic bag.

HUNDREDS of thousands of Brits could be hit by a surprise £500 tax bill as a new rule comes into effect. 

The new scheme could affect nearly 900,000 business owners across the UK. 

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The Government’s new Making Tax Digital scheme will require people over a certain income threshold to keep electronic records and file updates every financial quarter.

The move is part of the Government’s efforts to crack down on tax fraud, which cost Britain £12.4 billion from 2021 to 2022.

However, financial advisors have warned that the cost of reporting your tax figures could cost up to £500 a year once staff training, software and admin time are factored in – according to George Holmes, managing director of Aurora Capital. 

Only people who earn £50,000 from self-employment or from rental properties will be subject to the new rules.

Ahead of the change, Craig Ogilvie, director of Making Tax Digital at HMRC, said: “With April 2026 on the horizon, we are issuing letters to customers we believe will be mandated, outlining specific requirements and timelines.”

He added: “We urge those who meet the mandate criteria to join our testing programme on GOV.UK now to help shape the final service and make your transition smoother.”

An estimated 864,000 sole traders and landlords will need to comply with the new rules.

James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “MTD for Income Tax is an essential part of our plan to transform the UK’s tax system into one that supports economic growth.”

Murray added: “By modernising how people manage their tax, we’re helping businesses work more efficiently and productively while ensuring everyone pays their fair share.”

The news comes after experts warned Rachel Reeves that she would have to find £50 billion to plug a black hole in Britain’s finances. 

The Chancellor has remained committed to her fiscal rules, which requires the UK to have financial cushion of £9.9billion by the end of the decade.

In order to put the UK’s finances on a firm footing, experts from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research have said that Ms Reeves will have to raise taxes.

Prof Stephen Millard, from the institute, said: “We would advocate building a bigger buffer. 

“To do that requires moderate but sustained increases in taxes.”

The think tank also upped its growth forecast for this year to 1.3 per cent but knocked their prediction for 2026 down to 1.2 per cent from 1.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, tax refund letters have started landing on doorsteps across the UK but Brits have been warned to watch out for scams.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Sun found that HMRC refunded a staggering £8.3billion in overpaid tax from 2022 until 2023 — with the average worker pocketing £943.

However, any letter or email which requires you to give your credit card details, transfer money or click a link should be avoided at all costs. 

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AN EASYJET cabin manager has lost an appeal after being sacked for calling female co-workers “lovely ladies”.

Ross Barr was fired for gross misconduct after crew members and passengers logged multiple complaints about his inappropriate behaviour.

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He had worked for the airline for eight years, and defended his actions as “flirty banter”.

Mr Barr also claimed he was discriminated against or his sexual orientation, alleging it would have been accepted if “a gay colleague” have made the same remarks.

The former cabin manager appealed the decision to let him go at an employment tribunal, but lost.

Mr Barr began working at easyJet in 2014 and became a cabin manager in 2017.

He was hauled into a disciplinary hearing in 2022 and issued a final warning after a sexual harassment complaint.

More allegations of a similar nature were recorded against him in both 2023 and last year.

Customers also claimed he would refer to his team as “lovely ladies” over the PA system.

Passengers further reported he used the tannoy as an opportunity to perform his own comedy routines rather that conduct proper safety briefings.

Mr Barr had confessed to telling a stewardess “oh I have just brushed past your boobs” as he moved past her.

He was also overheard telling another cabin crew member on a separate flight: “I’m not doing anything.. I’m just staring at your ass.”

The comment was made in front of flyers, including young children, according to witnesses.

In another complaint, one woman said: “The entire shift pretty much he was talking about sex or making jokes about it.

“He explained that he had been suspended before due to a speak up speak out that someone previously put in against him because ‘all I said was that her tits would get bigger if she got pregnant, and guess what they did’.

“She also said that he had referred to her and another crew member as his ‘much more attractive colleague’.”

A different complaint was logged after he told a staff member “having a problem trying to stuff it in? Bet you’ve never had that problem”, while she was packing a bag.

Mr Barr argued he did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable and dubbed his comments “banter”.

He was sacked in September 2024 after the hearing but appealed the decision.

The former easyJet worker argued his case had been tainted by previous hearings.

But employment Judge Muriel Robison ruled: “As the cabin manager you are in a position of trust and I feel there has been a breakdown in trust in relation to these situations, you should conduct yourself in a manner that ensures your crew feel safe onboard the aircraft.

“This is not the first time you have been in this situation with regard to your conduct and comments made to female crew members.

“You raised that you were treated differently compared to others under similar circumstances due to your protected characteristics.

“My investigation did not uncover any evidence to substantiate this claim.

“It’s my belief the process followed was consistent and fair, and you were not treated any differently to your colleagues.

“On 19 March, 2024, you successfully completed training that included a thorough focus on diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace.

“Despite this, your continued behaviour demonstrated a failure to uphold the values and principles outlined in this training.”

This comes after we reported how a mum was left furious after a British Airways flight attendant allegedly lifted her nursing blanket while she was breastfeeding her seven-month-old daughter.

Passenger Shayanne Wright made a sexual harassment complaint against the male host and said the incident left her feeling “violated.”

A British Airways spokesperson confirmed the allegations were being investigated and said the airline “have been in contact with our customer directly to resolve the matter”.

Wright said the airline did not apologise to her, however offered a $250 gift card, later increased to $1000.

MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE — With only the lazy Joshua trees and hovering buzzards out here to bear witness, this isolated expanse of high-desert plain could well be among the quietest places on the planet.

By day, the summer heat hammers hard and the dull whistle of the wind is the only discernible noise. Come nightfall, the eerie silence is often pierced by the woeful bleat of a wandering burro.

Classic stories from the Los Angeles Times’ 143-year archive

But wait. There’s another sound.

Along a line of wooden power poles running to the horizon in both directions, 14 miles from the nearest paved road, a solitary pay phone beckons with the shrill sound of impatient civilization.

Then it rings again. And again. And yet again, often dozens of times a day.

The callers? A bored housewife from New Zealand. A German high school student. An on-the-job Seattle stockbroker. A long-distance trucker who dials in from the road. There’s a proud skunk owner from Atlanta, a pizza deliveryman from San Bernardino and a bill collector from Denver given a bum steer while tracing a debt.

Receivers in hand, they’re reaching out–at all hours of the day and night, from nearly every continent on the globe–to make contact with this forlorn desert outpost.

They’re calling the Mojave Phone Booth.

Here comes a curious caller now:

“Hello? Hello? Is this the Mojave Phone Booth?” asks Pher Reinman, an unemployed South Carolina computer worker.

Told by a reporter answering the line that he has indeed reached what cult followers call the loneliest phone booth on Earth, he exclaims: “Oh my God, I can’t believe it! Somebody answered! There’s actually somebody out there!”

Calling to See What Happens

Like Reinman, callers everywhere are connecting with the innocuous little booth located not far from the California-Nevada border, along a winding and treacherous dirt road accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Out here, where summer temperatures soar to 115 degrees and cattle often wander by en route to a nearby watering hole, there’s rarely anyone on hand to answer the calls, but persistent phoners don’t seem to care. If someone does pick up, of course, so much the better.

Some of those who do answer are previous callers who, for unknowable reasons that make sense only to them, also feel compelled to visit the booth.

“For us,” wrote screenwriter Chuck Atkins of his recent trek to the booth, “it was about driving into nowhere for no good reason, meeting fellow netizens who shared our sense of childish glee at the coolness of a phone booth in the middle of nowhere.”

Indeed, this public phone, first installed in the 1960s and operated with a hand crank by nearby volcanic cinder miners and other desert denizens, has been popularized by the globe’s most advanced communications system: the Internet.

The so–called Mojave Phone Booth is shown as it looked in Jan. 1998, in Cima, Calif.

(Desert Dispatch / Lara Hartley / Associated Press)

The craze began two years ago after a high-desert wanderer noticed a telephone icon on a Mojave road map. Curious, he drove out from Los Angeles to investigate and wrote a letter to a counterculture magazine describing his exploits and including the phone number. After spotting the letter, computer entrepreneur Godfrey Daniels became so captivated by the idea he created the first of several Web sites dedicated solely to the battered booth.

Since then, word of the phone has been beamed to computers virtually everywhere.

It has evolved into a worldwide listening post straight from the mind of a Rod Serling or a David Lynch, captivating countless callers.

There’s Preston Lunn of San Bernardino, whose wife reluctantly let him take a long-distance shot at reaching someone at the phone, a call he made “just for the hell of it, just to see what happens.”

There’s Debbie, the 20-year-old baby-sitter from Boston whose older sister, “the one who goes to college,” told her about the phone. Bored, with her infant wards asleep, Debbie decided to take a chance and telephone the desert.

“So, what’s out there?” she asked tentatively. “Just, like, cactuses and a dirt road and stuff?”

And there’s Atlantan Jim Shanton, who heard about the phone “from one of the ladies on our pet skunk e-mail list.” Added Shanton: “And I was just crazy enough to call. For me, this is like calling Mars. It’s that far away from everything I know.”

‘If You Call It, They Will Come’

What callers reach is just a shell of a phone booth, actually–its windows long ago blasted out by desert gunslingers desperate for something to shoot at, its coin box deactivated so that only incoming calls and outgoing credit card calls are possible.

But fans have taken the neglected old booth under their wing. Outside, they’ve posted a sign that reads “Mojave Phone Booth–you could shoot it, but why would you want to?” Next to that is another placard reading: “If you call it, they will come.”

On top of the pay phone perches a nude Barbie doll. Scratched into the booth’s metal frame are its longitude and latitude coordinates. Inside, along with plastic-coated children’s magnets spelling out “Mojave Phone Booth,” are mementos such as candles and license plates. Visitors have covered the booth’s bullet holes with Band-Aids.

Nearby, fist-sized stones form the phone’s number along with a huge arrow pointing to the booth. The message can be seen from the air so, as one Mojave phone fan put it, “even aliens can find it.”

The booth-oriented Web sites multiplied when their creators saw the phone on other sites and–after calling numerous times–decided to document their own pilgrimages to the desert phone.

James Wielenga, left, and Gerald Zettel survey the spot where the so–called Mojave Phone Booth formerly stood on May 19, 2000. The booth was removed under an agreement reached by the National Park Service and Pacific Bell.

(Desert Dispatch / Lara Hartley / Associated Press)

There’s the lighting designer from New York who was so thrilled to finally reach the Mojave phone that she stripped naked “and ran around like a giddy little girl.”

And two L.A. writers, who later chronicled their trek to the Mojave, headed out just to return the receiver to its cradle after learning the phone was off the hook. They arrived to find the phone temporarily out of order.

Rick Karr, a 51-year-old spiritual wanderer, has no Web site, but says he was instructed by the Holy Spirit to travel to the desert and answer the phone. The Texas native recently spent 32 days camping out at the booth, fielding more than 500 calls from people like Bubba in Phoenix and Ian in Newfoundland and repeated contacts from a caller who identified himself as “Sgt. Zeno from the Pentagon.”

“This phone,” he said with a weary sigh, “never stops ringing.”

While she would not provide statistics, a Pacific Bell spokeswoman said the phone experienced “very low outgoing usage.”

Still, the booth is sometimes used by locals to conduct business or check messages.

“I’ve passed that old phone booth just about every day for more than 20 years now and I’ve never given it as much as a second thought,” said Charlie Wilcox, a sun-wrinkled 63-year-old tow-truck driver who has become the booth’s unofficial tour guide. “And I’ll be damned. Now it’s a celebrity.”

Phone booth callers, Web site creators and Internet intellectuals alike are trying to figure out just why this far-flung phone has gripped the imagination of those who come across it.

Some say calls to the booth are an attempt to create community in a disconnected world. Others view the calls as pure phone fetish, a sort of long-distance voyeurism.

The Attraction of Exotic Isolation

“It’s the kick of reaching out and touching a perfect stranger in a completely anonymous and indiscriminate way,” said Mark Thomas, a New York City concert pianist who created a Web site listing the numbers of thousands of public pay phones worldwide, including the Mojave Desert phone.

Many of the phones on his list are located in urban areas–such as the one at the top observation deck of the Eiffel Tower–and Thomas said the Mojave Phone Booth may attract so many callers because of its exotic isolation.

“You could make a chance contact at any pay phone, but the odds of reaching someone out in the desert are incredibly remote,” he said. “That’s why people call.”

Others say calls to the phone are made out of sheer boredom.

“It’s the get-a-life factor,” said UCLA sociologist Warren TenHouten. “Some people just have nothing to do, so they pursue shreds of information that have no value. It amuses me, but there’s something pitiful about it too. I mean, what’s the most interesting thing that could happen by being so mischievous as to call a public pay phone?

“Someone answers, a person you have absolutely no connection with. You exchange names and talk about the weather. What a thrill.”

One of the 60 callers greeted by a reporter on a recent visit acknowledged that he was shocked anyone was there to answer.

Cows run past Rick Carr and the Mojave Desert Phone Booth located about 20 miles from I–15.

(Los Angeles Times)

“I thought I’d just call and wake up the coyotes,” said a purchasing agent from San Bernardino County, who buzzed the phone from work. “Modern times are passing us by and it’s just sort of romantic–just the idea that it’s out there.”

Daniels, a Tempe, Ariz., resident, is considered the father of the phone booth. He was hooked in the spring of 1997, after reading of the Mojave phone in the cryptic letter to the magazine “Wig Out.”

The 36-year-old, who once ran for the Arizona Legislature and tried to start a country called Oceania, had discovered a new adventure: He began calling the booth every day. And he forced friends to call whenever they visited him.

After weeks of long-distance dialing, someone picked up.

“I was probably more surprised than he was that we were having a conversation on that phone,” said Lorene Caffee, a local miner who answered the Mojave line in 1997.

Daniels transcribed the conversation on his new Web site. Later, after making several trips to the phone, he included such features as a 360-degree view of the surrounding desert from atop the phone and pictures of a bust of composer Richard Wagner–which he carries with him on his travels–inside the booth.

Soon came the call blitz. On one two-day trip to the booth, Daniels answered 200 of them, including a confused connection from Albania during the war in Kosovo.

Daniels plans to return on New Year’s Eve to take Y2K reports from around the globe.

“I like the fact that you can have people who have never met or never will meet and they have this little intersection,” he said. “Two people who have no business talking to one another.”

Surprised to Get an Answer

Since most callers don’t expect an answer, they gasp when a visitor actually picks up, many quickly hanging up like teenage telephone pranksters.

One call answered by a reporter came from 17-year-old Jan Spuehamer of Hamburg, Germany. “This is costing me a lot of money, but I think it is very funny,” Spuehamer said. “One magazine article said you have to be very lucky to have someone pick up this line. Because this is the loneliest phone in the world, no?”

And so people keep calling the Mojave Phone Booth. And visiting.

On a drive home from Las Vegas, Wade Burrows and Brian Burkland impulsively decided to visit the booth. They walked around for 10 minutes scratching their heads, finally leaving behind their own memento: a car license plate they both autographed.

Said the 21-year-old Burkland: “Dude, this is, like, so cool!”

Then Burrows, a San Bernardino pizza deliveryman, placed a call from his favorite desert phone booth.

“Hey, Mom,” he said, holding a cigarette burned down to the filter. “You’ll never guess where I’m calling from–a phone booth in the middle of nowhere.”

He paused, listening.

“Why am I out here? Well, Mom, that’s a long story.”

KAI HAVERTZ has undergone knee surgery – leaving Arsenal with just ONE fit recognised striker.

The 26-year-old has been out since picking up an injury in training – days after a 30-minute cameo off the bench in a 1-0 opening-day win over Manchester United on August 17.

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SunSport understands that Havertz has shared his time between London Colney and his native Germany, being assessed by doctors to determine the severity of the issue.

And the Gunners have since decided to take precautionary measures with Havertz going under the knife for the second time in six months.

A club statement read: “Further to sustaining a knee injury after our recent game against Manchester United on 17 August, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews with Kai confirmed that surgery would be required.

“Today, Kai underwent a successful minor surgical procedure.

“He will shortly begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

It means Havertz will miss crunch Prem clashes against Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle, as well as the start to Arsenal’s Champions League campaign next month.

Havertz had a hamstring operation back in February that saw him only return for the final two games of last term, but this minor procedure is not expected to keep him out for a similar period.

It now leaves boss Mikel Arteta relying on summer signing Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line without any back-up for at least the next few weeks.

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Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal’s third-choice No.9 – is also still on the recovery table, expected to return towards the end of 2025 after an ACL reconstruction in January.

However, Arsenal are confident that they have the squad to deal with the absence, hijacking Tottenham’s £68m deal for Eberechi Eze last week 24 hours after Havertz’s injury news.

Arteta does have options – playing midfielder Mikel Merino and winger Leandro Trossard down the middle for large parts of last season.

The Gunners are also set to be without Bukayo Saka for a number of weeks following the injury he sustained during their 5-0 thrashing of Leeds on Saturday.

While there remains uncertainty around whether Martin Odegaard will be fit to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Gunners captain was forced off with a shoulder injury in the 38th minute and replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.

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THE National Lottery Set For Life numbers are in and it’s time to find out if you’ve won the top prize of £10,000 every month for 30 years.

Could tonight’s jackpot see you start ticking off that bucket list every month or building your own start-up as a budding entrepreneur?

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You can find out by checking your ticket against tonight’s numbers below.

Good luck!

The winning Set For Life numbers are: 06, 18, 21, 25, 34 and the Life Ball is 10.

The first National Lottery draw was held on November 19 1994 when seven winners shared a jackpot of £5,874,778.

The largest amount ever to be won by a single ticket holder was £42million, won in 1996.

Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won £41million in November, 2020 and ended up knocking down his bungalow to make way for a luxury manor house with a pool.

1. £1.308 billion (Powerball) on January 13 2016 in the US, for which three winning tickets were sold, remains history’s biggest lottery prize
2. £1.267 billion (Mega Million) a winner from South Carolina took their time to come forward to claim their prize in March 2019 not long before the April deadline
3. £633.76 million (Powerball draw) from a winner from Wisconsin
4. £625.76 million (Powerball)  Mavis L. Wanczyk of Chicopee, Massachusetts claimed the jackpot in August 2017
5. £575.53 million (Powerball)  A lucky pair of winners scooped the jackpot in Iowa and New York in October 2018

Sue Davies, 64, bought a lottery ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic — and won £500,000.

Sandra Devine, 36, accidentally won £300k – she intended to buy her usual £100 National Lottery Scratchcard, but came home with a much bigger prize.

The biggest jackpot ever to be up for grabs was £66million in January last year, which was won by two lucky ticket holders.

Another winner, Karl managed to bag £11million aged just 23 in 1996.

The odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about one in 14million – BUT you’ve got to be in it to win it.

A three-day weekend is approaching, and you’d like to escape to the mountains. But you didn’t plan ahead. What’s an L.A. outdoorsy resident to do?

Don’t fret, my dear Wilder, for there are about 30 first-come, first-served campgrounds around L.A. County, and I’m here to suggest a few where I think even the worst of planners could snag a spot this weekend.

Let’s start with the popular first-come, first-served spots near L.A.

Chilao’s Little Pines loop is aptly named, as it features several sizes of pine trees that provide nice shade and good smells.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

If you leave right now, meaning Thursday late morning when this newsletter publishes, you might get lucky enough to snag a spot at Buckhorn, a 38-site first-come, first-served campground in Angeles National Forest. This pine-dappled paradise is just over an hour’s drive from L.A. and sits at around 6,500 feet elevation, offering a cool reprieve from your steamy apartment. (That window unit can only do so much!)

Or you could try Chilao, an 84-site campground about 10 miles southwest of Buckhorn. It is also first-come, first-served. My wife and I once snagged the last campsite available on a Memorial Day weekend trip (in which we undoubtedly set up our tent in the dark).

The view from a campsite in Chilao campground in Angeles National Forest.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Buckhorn is very popular and fills up quickly. Chilao is also popular but larger, so again, perhaps you’d get lucky! Make sure to check both the Manzanita and Little Pines loops for spots. If you left Friday morning, I think you’d snag a spot at Chilao.

Crystal Lake — not to be confused with Crystal Cove — is a 120-site campground north of Azusa in Angeles National Forest. If you forget anything, the charming Crystal Lake Cafe is on-site, selling burgers, sandwiches and an array of camping supplies and treats. It is also a popular spot, but given its size, hopefully you could find a spot on Friday.

Coldbrook Creek at Coldbrook Campground.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

On your way to Crystal Lake, you’d pass Coldbrook Campground, which has 22 sites, including some spots next to the creek where the campground gets its name. If it were me and I had enough time, I’d swing by Coldbrook on Friday morning to see whether any spots were still open before heading up to Crystal Lake. That said, Crystal Lake provides stunning views of the night sky. My friends recently camped there around the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and saw shooting stars.

I am too nervous to try this, but resort Mountain High manages five campgrounds near Wrightwood, and some sites are first-come, first-served. Wrightwood is a charming mountain town, and hikes in the surrounding area offer stunning panoramic views. That said, the campgrounds are popular too, so I wouldn’t leave late Friday evening expecting to find a spot.

Several of the sites at Coldbrook Campground sit at the creek the campground was named after. The campground is also nestled among the San Gabriel Mountains and provides great views of nearby peaks.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

For those of you who are stuck at work until 5 p.m. Friday, I want to provide options for you too.

Here are some less popular but still great spots to consider.

• Horse Flat: A 26-site campground in Angeles National Forest shaded by tall pine trees and near the scenic Silver Moccasin Trail. No potable water available.
• Mt. Pacifico: Ten tent-only sites; no potable water; reached by driving a narrow dirt road for about 4.4 miles — an experience that gave me the vapors because of its steep drop-offs — and then another mile on a rougher road recommended only for high-clearance vehicles. It can also be reached by backpacking.
• Sawmill: A remote eight-site campground with striking views of the Antelope Valley and more that’s about a two-hour drive from L.A. There is no potable water, but thanks to recent renovations funded by federal Great American Outdoors money, the campground has bear boxes and campfire rings. The Pacific Crest Trail is nearby and great for day hikes! You must travel a steep dirt road to reach the campground, so consider a vehicle with good clearance.

Lastly, if you have gear handy, you could consider a quick backpacking trip. I wrote this guide on backpacking near L.A., highlighting great spots to check out. I’m personally itching to get back to Valley Forge.

Regardless of where you end up for Labor Day weekend, I hope you have a safe and serene time in our public lands. Feel free to let me know how it goes! I love hearing about your adventures in the wild.

3 things to do

Hikers trek in the Turtle Rock area in Irvine.

(William Vazquez)

1. Clean up a trail with new pals in Irvine
We Explore Earth will host a hike and trail cleanup as well as post-hike yoga and a journaling session from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Irvine. Participants will meet at the Turtle Rock trailhead, hiking 1.7 miles round-trip and picking up trash along the way. Afterward, the group will be led in yoga and nature journaling. Register at eventbrite.com.

2. Gaze at the stars in Silver Lake
The Los Angeles Astronomical Society will host a star party from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday at Sunset Triangle Plaza (3700 Sunset Blvd.). Participants are encouraged to have dinner at nearby local restaurants while they look at the cosmos through provided telescopes. Learn more at nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov.

3. Learn about queer ecology in L.A.
Local naturalist Jason Wise and biological anthropologist Natalia Reagan will host a queer ecology-focused walk at 6 p.m. next Thursday near the Elysian Park Arboretum. Participants will learn about native Californian animals that scientists have documented engaging in homosexual behavior. Tickets on a sliding scale from free to $33.85. Register at eventbrite.com.

The must-read

(Maggie Chiang / For The Times)

Any hiker knows that going outside is restorative, but I was intrigued to learn in my conversation with environmental neuroscientist Marc G. Berman that a person benefits from being in nature even if they don’t enjoy it. I recently spoke to Berman about his new book, “Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being.” Berman told me scientists believe nature can restore our attention spans in part because it is “softly fascinating,” like when we gaze at a waterfall. “The kind of stimulation that gives you this restful, restorative experience has to be softly fascinating and not harshly fascinating,” Berman said. The thing that will stay with me most, though, is what Berman told me about the humanizing effects nature can have on our psyche — a crucial bit of data in the midst of so much dehumanizing rhetoric in the news.

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

Back in June, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins rescinded the 2001 “Roadless Rule,” a landmark environmental law that established significant protections — namely from road construction and logging — for 58.5 million acres of national forestland, including 4.4 million acres in California. The Trump administration says the rule must be revoked to decrease wildfire risk, a claim that environmental advocates found dubious, arguing this is yet another public land grab. Friends of the Inyo recently flagged that the public comment period, which is part of the formal rulemaking process, is expected to start soon on what should be done next regarding the Roadless Rule. You should be able to check this U.S. Forest Service page to stay apprised of the process. I will also keep you posted!

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.

MANCHESTER United fans and neutrals alike have revisited a video of Jose Mourinho from last year as evidence that he could be on his way back to Old Trafford.

The tongue-in-cheek comments about a return on social media come off the back of the Red Devils’ embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two outfit Grimsby on Wednesday.

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The iconic manager made comments last October hinting that he would be open to a return to a bottom-half Premier League side, after his Fenerbahce side secured a draw in the Europa League AGAINST Man Utd.

He told the press: “The best thing I have to do is – when I leave Fenerbahce – I go to a club that doesn’t play Uefa competitions.

“So if any club in England, from the bottom of the table, needs coach in two years – I am ready to go.

Fans across the English game this window have jumped on the bandwagon, with Leeds, West Ham, Wolves and Utd fans all linking themselves to the manager through the video on social media.

One United fan succinctly commented on the post: “So Mourinho is going back to Man Utd, innit?”

Fans are split on the Portuguese, who already spent two years at the helm at Old Trafford between 2016-18, but at least some of the Red Devils faithful would be open to the move.

Speaking on the players, one X user commented: “None of them can manage the pressure and the culture of winning. We just need Jose Mourinho back.”

Fans of other clubs have also been circling around the old clip as it circulates on X.

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One Leeds fan commented:” “I don’t care if he got us relegated, this needs to happen.”

A Hammers fan added: “Feel like Mourinho and West Ham would be pure entertainment. Let it happen, fate.”

Man Utd ratings v Grimsby

MANCHESTER UNITED are at rock bottom after the biggest cup upset saw the club crash out of the Carabao Cup second-round to League Two Grimsby Town on penalties.

Ruben Amorim’s United lost to a four-tier side for the first time ever.

The home fans sang “you’re getting sacked in the morning” to Amorim throughout and you can’t help but wonder if they’re right.

Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated United’s flops at Blundell Park.

The beloved maverick was even linked with the Nottingham Forest job last week after news emerged of Nuno Espirito Santo‘s falling out with the club.

The 62-year-old’s CV includes spells at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, becoming one of the sport’s most successful managers.

He is currently causing his signature chaos as manager of Turkish giants Fenerbahce.