ONE winter sun destination that sees hundreds of thousands of Brits visit each year has entered a period of mourning after the loss of its former Queen.
As a result, there will be some new rules in play for visitors that will affect everything from clothing to events.
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Thailand is a holiday favourite for Brits – especially during the colder months in the UKCredit: AlamyNew rules have been put in place as Queen Sirikit of Thailand passed away in October 2025Credit: Alamy
Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand‘s King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on October 25, 2025.
Sirikit was the Queen of Thailandfrom 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016 as the wife ofKing Bhumibol Adulyadej(Rama IX), well-known for her charity work, and being a style icon.
As a result of Queen Sirikit’s passing, the Royal Thai Government has announced a period of national mourning for 90 days.
Despite the mourning period, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reassuring travellers that Thailand remains open and is welcoming tourists as usual.
However, it has added that visitors during this period should behave respectfully, especially when going to temples, royal sites, or government offices.
Tourism services like transportation, hotels, attractions, hospitality venues across Thailand continue to be open and operate as normal.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new measures for locals, which will also affect tourists.
For anyone going on holiday in the next two months, you will see members of the public dressed in mourning clothes, as a sign of respect.
Locals are likely to be wearing black, and while holidaymakers don’t have to, they are encouraged to wear clothing that isn’t brightly coloured.
Events might change slightly too as organisers have been asked to “exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning”.
Queen Sirikit was the Queen of Thailand from 1950 to 2016Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Some places will be closed, like The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) which from October 26 to November 8, 2025 won’t be open.
This is for the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral.
The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 event in Bangkok, which was scheduled from November 1 to December 15, 2025, has been postponed in observance of the mourning period.
It will now begin on December 1, 2025 instead.
The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park.
The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also proceed as planned, with celebrations adjusted in tone.
The Grand Palace will be closed until November 8, 2025Credit: Alamy
Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Travel to Thailand UK & Ireland said: “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was deeply revered as a mother figure to the Thai people.
“During this time of remembrance, we thank visiting travellers for their understanding and sensitivity toward the feelings of the Thai nation.
“Thailand remains as welcoming as ever, and we encourage travellers to continue with their current and future plans to visit.
“Hotels, hospitality venues, attractions and experiences across the country continue to operate with the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is known.”
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April, as temperatures average between 32 and 36C, and there are up to nine hours of sunshine every day.
To make it even more appealing, some of Asia‘s most stunning beaches are in Thailand.
There’s accommodation for every budget in Thailand, from luxury spa resorts to thatched beach huts and hotels.
If you’d like to stay close to the lively capital of Bangkok, Pattaya and Ko Chang are relatively near the city and feature incredible white sands and resorts.
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is full of hotels, miles of sandy beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
In the southern Gulf of Thailand, you’ll find luxurious beach resorts on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao islands.
A union secretary said they wanted to send the message that “there’s no room for more people here during the high season” and that the tax was intended as a deterrent for potential visitors
More than two million Brits visit Majorca each year(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Brits planning a break in the Balearic Islands next summer have been warned they could face a tourist tax hike.
The CCOO, a major trade union on the Spanish islands, have proposed hiking the current tourist tax to €15 a day (approximately £13.08). This would affect Brits visiting holiday hotspots such as Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. The proposed tax would apply for stays during July and August, the busiest months on the Mediterranean islands.
The Balearic Islands already have a tourist tax in place, which is between €0.5 and €4 a day (approximately £0.44 and £3.49). The amount of tax paid depends on whether tourists visit during the peak or low season, and the type of accommodation they stay in.
Children under 16 are exempt from paying the current tourist tax, and there’s a 50% discount for longer stays, which is applied after the eighth night. According to the government of the islands, this tax is used for purposes such as sustainable tourism initiatives and preserving cultural heritage.
The proposed increase would mean a seven night break in peak season would see each adult charged approximately £91.52 in tourist taxes.
The CCOO made clear that the higher tax being proposed wasn’t for the benefit of the islands, but rather to keep people away. According to Majorca Daily News, General Secretary José Luis García said: “This is not an increase aimed at raising revenue, but rather a deterrent, so that the Balearic Islands send a clear message to the world that there’s no room for more people here during the high season.”
He added: “To reduce summer overcrowding, it’s not enough to curb demand; we must also act on supply.”
The news outlet also reported that the CCOO is asking the government to put a hold on new tourist accommodation places, aiming to cut visitor numbers but attract higher-value tourists. Due to the housing crisis in the Balearics, they also want the island declared a “stressed area” and for 40,000 public housing properties to be created.
The move is the latest in a long line of proposals aimed at reducing the pressure of tourism on the popular Balearic Islands. Over the summer, Majorca was named the most unwelcoming spot for British tourists in Europe, with anti-tourism protests cited among the reasons for the dubious honour.
Summer 2024 and 2025 were marked with protests across the islands, but especially in Majorca, where protestors occupied beaches while waving anti-tourist banners. A number of Mirror readers revealed they’d be ditching Spain due to the protests and what they dubbed “anti-British sentiment”.
Speaking to the Mirror over the summer, Kevin Durkin who visited various Spanish destinations over 30 years said: “Over the last few years, the anti-British sentiment has just grown. Some bar owners have put up signs telling the British to keep away and some hotel owners don’t want us either.
“I do not need Spain, they can keep their latest charges and hatred of the British. I will not be back, neither will my friends or family. Adios.”
While Linda Munro revealed that overcrowding at border control at the airport had made her summer trip to Majorca stressful: “My husband and I got through the scanners, no problem. However, the rest of the family had to queue for an hour and a half.
“On the way back, it was worse, as people were worried they might miss their flights home. Our family just made it on time. They all said they wouldn’t be back abroad anytime soon.”
More than half of all British holidaymakers have had to make a claim on their travel insurance after things went wrong before or during their trip – but not everyone is protected.
Experts warn you could miss out if you don’t do 1 thing before going on holiday(Image: PinPep)
Two-thirds of young Brits are jetting off on their jollies without any travel insurance, with half of them convinced that nothing will go pear-shaped. This is despite the fact that research shows 29% of all holidaymakers have had to make a claim after things went south either before or during their trip, with the average claim totalling around a massive £4,500.
The top reasons for this include holidays being cancelled due to unexpected events like illness. Meanwhile, nearly half have had to dip into their policy because of lengthy travel delays, while 45% needed assistance following a medical emergency abroad.
However, a survey of 2,000 adults found that 58% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers have given travel insurance a miss because it’s too pricey.
Emily Barnett, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: “Taking out travel insurance should be as instinctive as booking your flights, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances, for example should you need to cancel before you depart.
“With the busy winter travel season upon us, whether it’s skiing in the Alps or a visit to the Christmas markets, it’s never been more important to make sure you have suitable cover in place before you set off.”
It also came to light that 41% have claimed for delayed or damaged luggage, while 40% needed their policy after falling victim to thieves abroad.
Others have been forced to turn to insurance after their hotel or travel firm let them down at the last minute, whilst 38% made a claim to get hold of medication whilst away.
But 16% weren’t aware their policy must meet the specific needs of their getaway – as certain trips, like winter sports holidays, require specialist coverage. This figure jumps to nearly a third amongst 18 to 24 year olds.
Regarding travel anxieties, the top concern amongst respondents is suffering a medical emergency whilst abroad (37%), followed by misplaced luggage (21%) and missing their flight (19%).
The research has sparked a powerful photo collection from Compare the Market, called ‘What Happened on Holiday’, created to emphasise how crucial it is to arrange insurance when booking your trip.
Emily Barnett added: “We’re urging Brits to protect their trips early to give themselves peace of mind, so they can focus on making memories instead of mishaps.”
TOP 10 MOST COMMON TRAVEL CLAIMS ACCORDING TO COMPARE THE MARKET:
Trip cancellation (due to illness, injury, bereavement etc. )
A number of people holidaying in the Costa Blanca resort in Spain have been targeted in recent days by a common crime that could leave you seriously out of pocket
Liam McInerney Content Editor
10:28, 21 Oct 2025
‘Several’ Brits have reported being targeted in recent days (Image: Getty)
Brits jetting off to Benidorm to escape the autumn chill have been urged to keep their wits about them due to a common crime that could put a damper on their holiday and leave them out of pocket.
Michelle Baker, who has resided in the popular tourist destination for over four decades and once ran a local newspaper for 20 years, now keeps Brits up-to-date via her Facebook group, Benidormforever.
Her most recent post was a “serious” warning, beginning with the words “Look out… there’s a thief about!”
She went on to detail concerns that have cropped up recently, stating: “The happy holiday vibe coupled with the warm weather – and a couple of cocktails – can often make us less vigilant and I don’t want to be a party pooper but several people have contacted me in the last two days to tell me they’ve been pickpocketed…
“All were in the Old Town (generally considered the safest area of Benidrom) and none felt a thing.
“Benidorm is a statistically safe place but crowds anywhere in the world attract pickpockets, and sadly Benidorm is no different.”
In terms of advice, she wrapped up by saying: “You know the drill; Keep your valuables out of sight; don’t carry your passport with you (unless you’re going to change money), don’t leave phones on the table, and beware of strangers getting too close, asking questions or bumping into you…
“Spread the word; stay vigilant and stay together for a happy holiday folks.”
Responding to the post, one individual commented: “Always zips and keep everything in the front pockets. Benidorm gets bad reviews for this but go to London Oxford Street exactly the same.”
Another shared: “We were targeted not far from the royal last week. Hubby’s wallet taken from buttoned short pocket. Didn’t feel a thing, first time in 35 years visiting.”
One user remarked: “A young man on (scooter emoji) tried to steal my phone from my bag late at night, but fortunately although I had consumed plenty of gin I still had my sensible head on and stopped him. That was old town.”
A fourth person noted: “Visited in April, friends zipped up bag was dipped and her purse was taken. The pickpockets walked right in front of us, broad daylight, been visiting years, it is getting worse, a zip will not stop these low lifes.”
Another added: “Thank you am coming in November we’ll take what you said on board.”
Earlier in the summer, Michelle disclosed that she herself nearly fell prey after an “agitated young individual” approached to say he had lost his friends and couldn’t remember where he was staying.
The con involved the person suggesting that they vaguely knew where it was and that you could assist by opening Google Maps for them before they grabbed the device and legged it.
Michelle continued: “I was lucky; I didn’t get my phone out I simply told the chap who stopped me where his hotel was… but my friends weren’t so lucky and are absolutely gutted to have fallen for this.”
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits, stating: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.”
After Storm Alice wreaked havoc in Spain last week, Brits staying in the Los Alcazares area of Murcia have been left withouta basic essential for a week due to contamination
Brits in Los Alcazares have been struggling since Storm Alice wreaked havoc in the area (Image: Edu Botella/Europa Press via Getty Images)
A number of British tourists have revealed the desperate conditions in Murcia, Spain that has left them without running water for a week. Flooding across the Iberian Peninsula triggered by Storm Alice led to water supplies becoming contaminated throughout the region, with Spanish authorities issuing evacuation orders in certain areas.
Those who stayed behind have turned to TikTok to document their ordeal. Jodie Marlow shared clips of her “reality” from Los Alcazares, showing her family had “no access” to water. “I’m in a flood zone and we have had so much rain,” she explained in a video, which showed residents wading through ankle-deep murky water flowing through the streets.
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“Six or seven days with no water, it’s been crazy,” she continued. “The town hall has been amazing though in keeping us up-to-date and they tried to keep us as safe as possible in making sure we went to high ground.”
Grateful that her car had survived the disaster, Jodie continued: “As you can see there is mud everywhere, but the council has been amazing – the clean-up has been insane.”
Yet, venturing into a local shop, Jodie highlighted the desperate situation on its shelves. “We are on one week of no water… this is the reality of what the shops look like,” she added, showing that bottled water was now in extremely short supply.
Large tanker lorries on the back have been sent to the area. Other consequences have seen Jodie forced to travel to another neighbourhood to use a laundrette to wash her clothes, while her family have resorted to using paper plates and cutlery as they are unable to wash up. “It’s been an eventful week,” she summarised.
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Meanwhile, a second Brit – Jade Gartshore – confessed she had been unable to shower for four days in her own clip recorded in Los Alcazares. Instead, she was forced to travel to a community centre for access to clean water.
“We are lucky enough that our neighbours in Cartagena are helping us with water and shower facilities!” she explained. “We’ve had news that in the storm it has damaged a system meaning that our water is contaminated, we have told that I can be anywhere up to five days without water. This is day four, today our water has been turned off to treat the water.”
Like Jodie, however, she was quick to praise the local authorities. “I have to say the councils have been absolutely fantastic, we have had updates every couple of hours from the mayors, even 3am!” she hailed. “I feel very grateful to be part of such a beautiful community even in a difficult time.”
Writing in response, another Brit commented: “Here in Sucina, the water is off possibly [for] 6 days. Just been in my pool for a swish off, getting plenty of notices about the situation and we have a water truck where we can fill our bottles up!”
Another holidaymaker shared their predicament: “We’re in San Pedro and it’s the same – we’ve booked a hotel in Pilar for the week to go back and forward to shower and wash clothes.”
Meanwhile, a third TikTok user from nearby La Torre chimed in: “We have been told tonight the water is now not usable for personal use. We’re now in the same boat. We’re all be washing in the Mar Menor [lagoon] soon.”
It comes after a tornado wreaked havoc in nearby Cartagena, Murcia, on Friday (October 10), leading to the evacuation of 67 people. Authorities issued a red alert in the area due to the storm, warning of “extraordinary danger”.
Pablo Gárriz, Director General of Emergencies and the Interior, expressed his concern at the time: “The situation that concerns us most right now is in those municipalities where we have identified the possibility of heavy rain, hence the orange alert.”
The Entry Exit System (EES) was introduced on Sunday, which involves people from third-party countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU
A change has been made to EES(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP via Getty Images)
A last-minute change has been made to the rules set up to track travellers entering the EU.
On Sunday, the long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) went live. It requires individuals from third-party countries such as the UK to register their fingerprints and have their photograph taken to enter the Schengen area, which is made up of 29 European countries, primarily within the EU. For most UK travellers, the EES process will be carried out at foreign airports.
However, when it comes to Eurostar services from St Pancras, border checks are carried out by French officials in the UK, rather than in Paris.
When the Mirror was shown how the system would work prior to its launch, uncertainty surrounded one part of it – the questions travellers are required to answer.
3. Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay?
4. Do you have medical insurance?
It remains unclear what the consequences are if passengers answer ‘no’ to any of those questions, or if they lie in their answers.
Now, it has been announced that passengers will not be asked those questions when travelling on the Eurostar from St Pancras.
A spokesperson for Eurostar told the Mirror: “Following constructive discussions with the French Ministry and our colleagues, we’re pleased to confirm that the questions will be technically removed from the kiosks during the initial six-month introduction phase of the new system.
“We welcome the pragmatic approach being taken by the French border authorities to help ensure a smoother experience for our customers during this transition period.”
This week Simon Lejeune, the chief safety and stations officer for the cross-Channel train operator, said that some passengers are being processed through the EES in as little as 50 seconds.
To facilitate the new demand, Eurostar has set up three areas at St Pancras, housing a total of 49 kiosks where pre-registration for EES can take place.
Mr Lejeune informed the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee that the process at the station is initially being handled solely by French border officers, and there have been “really good transaction times”.
He stated: “I was observing transaction times of 50 seconds. That’s for the full biometrics, as well as the passport check and the stamping for EES-eligible passengers.
“So quite encouraging, and that’s without the kiosks that do that pre-registration, which we’ll be introducing over the next few weeks.”
THERE’S nothing like a lovely relaxing autumnal dog walk, but there are plenty of hidden dangers pet owners need to look out for, it turns out.
This comes as new research from dog walking insurance providers, Protectivity, reveals that the majority of pet insurance claims are linked to dog walking.
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Hidden dangers could lead to hefty vet billsCredit: Getty
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It’s importatn to keep your eyes on your dog during autumn walks, the pros saidCredit: Getty
Since these hazards can end up not only being dangerous for your pet, but costly when the vet bill arrives, it’s good to know what to avoid.
Luckily, Protectivity has partnered with three certified canine experts to share practical tips and advice to safeguard dogs on their autumn walk.
Ingesting slugs or snails
The damp weather that autumn brings can lead to an increase in slugs and snails that can carry lungworm larvae, a potentially fatal issue if left untreated.
Sadie Geoghegan-Dann, Canine Welfare Expert & Dog Trainer at Nervous Rex warned: “Having personally lost one of my own dogs to lungworm, I can’t emphasise enough how dangerous it is to let your dog play around with slugs and risk eating one.”
The expert added that lungworm can take hold very fast and can be fatal in no time if not spotted.
Terry Cuyler, Certified Dog Trainer and owner of Pawsitive Results Dog Training added: “My default solution to this problem is to train a good “drop it” command.
“Occasionally, despite our best intentions, a dog will grab something while we’re not able to intercept them. An effective ‘drop it’ guarantees that they’ll drop the object at once, and this can be a life-saver.”
Fallen fruits from apples, pears and plum trees
As autumn rolls around, fruit trees start to shed their sweet-smelling fruit and while it may seem enticing to dogs, fallen fruit can cause severe stomach upsets and present a choking hazard.
Dog owner, Shakira Sacks, from Leeds, explained how her four year old cocker spaniel, Autumn, had to receive medical treatment after ingesting a fallen plum on a walk.
Urgent warning for pet owners as contaminated dog food recalled after salmonella found with ‘do not use’ warning issued
Shakira said: “Being a cocker spaniel, Autumn is forever eating things she shouldn’t. Over the years, we’ve implemented lots of training commands but on a recent walk in our local park, she ate a fallen plum, including the stone.
“After speaking to our vet, they asked us to bring her in immediately and two hours of induced vomiting and a £350 bill later, Autumn was her happy self again.
“It was, however, a very scary experience and has made me even more hyper-vigilant of hazards that I wasn’t aware of previously. I had no idea that although plums are usually safe for dogs to eat, the stones can be toxic, as can the flesh when it’s mouldy.”
Acorns on the ground
The phrase ‘are acorns poisonous to dogs’ has been searched 7,000 times on Google in the UK in the last month alone, revealing the very real concern owners have.
Terry warned: “In my experience, one of autumn’s most underappreciated perils is the abundance of acorns. I have worked with dogs who have come to significant injury from eating them.”
Acorns contain tannins, the dog pro explained, which can cause stomach issues and even kidney damage in dogs. For smaller breeds they also pose as a chocking risk.
Fallen conkers
Conkers are another highly toxic risk for dogs on autumnal walks, with severe cases costing up to £2,000 in veterinary treatment.
Terry said: “I see this process repeat itself time and time again during autumnal walks. Dogs have an instinct to be attracted to conkers, acorns, and fallen fruits, as these trigger their hidden foraging instinct and carry scents of wild animals to them.”
He recommended looking out for key warning signs, like over-sniffing at ground level, sudden stops during walks, and that familiar head-down posture showing keen interest in something to eat.
But mostly, pet owners should be aware of the “freeze and stare” posture just before their strike and correct immediately with a high-reward treat and a ‘leave it’ command.”
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she’d never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
A TikTok has named the top five countries that Brits are moving to – and you’d be surprised to find out that it’s not Australia in the top choice
Italy just made it into the top five with 6231 choosing to move there in 2023(Image: Getty Images)
Spain has been revealed as the top choice for Brits looking to relocate abroad, according to a TikTok video. The reason is quite typical, but it makes a lot of sense.
The laid-back lifestyle, warmer temperatures and stunning beaches are among the main reasons why Brits are choosing Spain over other countries.
While Australia might seem like an obvious choice for many, the long distance from the UK often deters people from making the move. Spain, on the other hand, offers similar benefits to Australia but without the lengthy journey, making it easier for Brits to return home when needed.
In 2023, approximately 93,000 Brits decided to move abroad, the TikTok video revealed. The top five destinations for Brits included Italy, France, Australia, America and of course, Spain.
Italy just made it into the top five, welcoming 6,231 Brits in 2023. The country’s beautiful coastlines, stunning scenery and delicious cuisine are among the top reasons why it’s a favourite relocation destination.
France, which is one of the closest European countries to the UK, ranked fourth, with 9,393 Brits moving there. Despite its proximity, France offers a variety of landscapes that are notably different from those in the UK, including countryside and beaches.
In third place, Australia has attracted 10,416 Brits to its shores. It’s no surprise that this far-flung destination is a favourite among Brits, with its unique culture and stunning landscapes making it a dream relocation spot.
The United States takes the second spot, with 12,648 Brits choosing to call it home. The vast landscapes and endless opportunities of this English-speaking nation are a major draw for many. The rumours of British hating Americans, and vice versa, might be a myth after all.
And bagging the top spot is Spain, with 13,113 Brits swapping their UK homes for the sunny European country. According to the latest available data, there are around 293,000 to 300,000 registered British expats in Spain. Popular cities include Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Tenerife and Benidorm.
With its enviable lifestyle and proximity to the UK, it’s no wonder Spain is the number one choice for Brits looking to relocate – and it’s totally understandable!
One destination in particularly is attracting a lot of attention and a lot of eyeballs. Selerno has seen a 211% increase in searches over the past year, putting it at the top of the Skyscanner hot list.
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The Amalfi Coast is a tourist favourite, with a hefty price tag to match(Image: GETTY)
A pretty seaside town on the Amalfi Coast offers all the beauty of the region’s better-known destinations without the crowds.
Skyscanner has unveiled its list of the top trending destinations for UK travellers, highlighting places across the world that are turning heads and climbing charts.
One destination in particularly is attracting a lot of attention and a lot of eyeballs. Selerno has seen a 211% increase in searches over the past year, putting it at the top of the Skyscanner hot list.
“In 2026 UK travellers are turning their attention to smaller, lesser-known destinations that fly further under the radar but offer something fresh beyond the big-name spots. In Italy, Salerno offers Amalfi-Coast charm without the crowds,” the newly published Skyscanner report reads.
At first glance, the charm of Salerno can be easy to miss. Lonely Planet says that “Salerno may initially seem like a bland big city”, but that it has a “gritty, individuality, especially around its ostensibly tatty centro storico (historic centre)”.
Milo Boyd
In the middle of the town you’ll find medieval churches, historical trattorias packed with locals and the hustle and bustle of Southern Italy.
The city has invested in various urban-regeneration programs centred on this historic neighbourhood, which features a tree-lined seafront promenade widely considered to be one of the cheeriest and most attractive in Italy.
The fact that it is far less well known than other locations on the famous coastline is an increasingly attractive quality. Amalfi and Sorrenton in particular have become known for being a little too popular for their own good.
“Hot take: I like Salerno more than anywhere in the Amalfi Coast,” a tourist wrote on Reddit.
“I recently made a trip to the Amalfi Coast, including all your typical stops: Positano, Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento. I scheduled a single night in Salerno, simply because it was a convenient place to stop on the way back to Rome. And surprisingly, Salerno ended up being my favorite place in all of Italy.
“The Amalfi Coast is beautiful, possibly the most beautiful physical setting I’ve ever seen. It’s the type of place that you oughta see at least once in your life. But seeing it and experiencing it are different things because its also exhausting and drains your energy. The crowds, the stairs, the prices, all of it was so exhausting that I usually ended up feeling like I just wanted to go back to my hotel’s terrace and just admire the physical beauty from there.”
Salerno, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.
“It’s less picturesque, but it begets exploration. The medieval centro storico is amazing. It’s a bit gritty but in a very inviting, charming way. Everything feels so authentic, and its just so bustling and vibrant. In Salerno unlike the Amalfi coast, I didn’t want to go back to the hotel, I just wanted to walk, stop at shops and trattorias, I wanted to explore every inch of it,” the tourist continued.
“Anyway that is my hot take. If you are someone trying to figure out if you should spend some of your Amalfi Coast vacation time in Salerno, my personal advise is: yes, do it, give yourself at least a night there. And book a room in the centro storico, even if that’s not the top most convenient location for access to the train station.”
1 of 2 | Christopher Berry arrived at the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, in London, in May 2024. He and Christpher Cash were charged with spying for China, but their charges have been dropped. File Photo by Andy Rain/EPA
Oct. 8 (UPI) — A British spying case against two men collapsed just before going to trial for lack of evidence because the United Kingdom hadn’t labeled China as an “enemy,” the country’s top prosecutor said.
Stephen Parkinson, U.K. director of public prosecutions, said that while there was evidence to prosecute at the time charges were filed, there was a precedent set by another spying case earlier this year that changed the rules of evidence under the Official Secrets Act.
He said that China would have to be labeled a “threat to national security” at the time of the crimes. During that time, the government labeled China an “epoch-defining challenge.”
Christopher Berry, 33, of Oxfordshire, and Christopher Cash, 30, of Whitechapel and London, were charged with official secrets act offenses in April 2024. Cash is a former parliamentary researcher and Berry is a teacher.
Officials alleged that from Dec. 28, 2021, through Feb. 3, 2023, Berry was involved in spying activities for China, including obtaining, collecting, recording and other activities. Cash was accused of spying from Jan. 20, 2022, through Feb. 3, 2023. They both have denied wrongdoing.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government’s description of China could not change retrospectively and had to be based on the position of the government when the crimes happened.
“Now that’s not a political to and fro, that’s a matter of law. You have to prosecute people on the basis of the circumstances at the time of the alleged offense,” Starmer told reporters. “So all the focus needs to be on the policy of the Tory government in place then.”
At a Conservative party conference, leader Kemi Badenoch said that the Labour party “deliberately collapsed the trial” because “the prime minister wants to suck up to Beijing.”
Starmer’s government has strongly denied these allegations.
“It is extremely disappointing that these individuals will not face trial,” it said. “Any attempt by a foreign power to infiltrate our parliament or democracy is unacceptable.”
The Chinese Embassy in London has called the allegations fabricated and dismissed them as “malicious slander.”
Some 8% of adults surveyed said they use the technology to give them ideas for where to go on holiday, up from 4% a year earlier, a poll suggests
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter and Neil Lancefield PA Transport Correspondent in Calvia
16:03, 07 Oct 2025
Increasingly Brits turn to AI for travel inspiration (Image: Getty Images)
Double the number of people are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for holiday planning inspiration compared to last year, fresh research reveals.
Travel industry body Abta, which commissioned the study, branded the technology a “creative co-pilot” that holidaymakers can utilise to research, plan and book their getaways. Around 8% of participants in a survey of 2,001 UK adults carried out in July admitted they use AI to spark ideas for their holiday destinations.
This marks a rise from 4% twelve months ago. Abta’s director of communications Graeme Buck suggested there is “a potential for this acceleration” to persist, stating: “I wouldn’t be surprised if that 8% becomes 16% next year.”
The most recent findings showed that those aged 25-34 are most inclined to harness the technology for holiday brainstorming, with 18% of participants in this age bracket confirming they do so.
This was followed by 35 to 44 year olds (14%). Among those 65 and over, the proportion dropped to merely 1%.
AI travel applications encompass services including chatbots and resources for translation and itinerary creation.
More than two in five (43%) survey participants indicated they would feel somewhat confident using AI to organise a holiday, though this fell to 38% when it came to actually making reservations.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, addressed travel industry leaders at Abta’s annual convention in Calvia, Spain, stating that technology like AI will “continue to become a bigger part of what customers do before they book”.
He added: “We’re all going to have to work harder to justify the margin that we want to earn by demonstrating superior knowledge of the product and providing that anticipation and excitement.”
Neil Swanson, UK managing director of Tui, forecasted that AI will “completely transform” the travel industry, but many customers will still prefer to book their trips through human travel agents.
He said: “That is not going away anytime soon, in my view, because of that group of customers who value that. They use the technology a lot of those customers, but they still want to go in and look someone in the eye when they’re booking something. They value that trust element.”
Abta CEO Mark Tanzer said: “The challenge is to harness the potential which AI has to support our businesses, while continuing to celebrate and champion the value of the personal touch and expertise which comes with booking with a travel agent or tour operator.”
The Foreign Office urged UK tourists them to stay vigilant for a number of issues, including sexual assaults, harassment and groping
13:12, 07 Oct 2025Updated 13:12, 07 Oct 2025
Foreign Office said women had been targeted and said people in Vietnam should take precautions (stock image)(Image: Getty)
British holidaymakers have been issued a stark warning after a spate of sexual assaults and harassment in Vietnam. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, stating that women have been targeted for inappropriate touching and groping while walking alone.
In a fresh alert, officials have urged tourists to be particularly cautious about what they are consuming and take measures to prevent their drinks from being spiked. They also highlighted that many of the offences were committed by unlicensed taxi drivers.
Furthermore, they cautioned that victims would be required to demonstrate that they did not consent to the attack, especially if they had consumed alcohol. Officials stated: “British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in the main tourist areas and places where foreigners live, often committed by or linked to unlicensed taxi drivers. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.”
Foreign Office advice to reduce risk:
buy your own drinks and keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked
be wary of accepting snacks, beverages and gum from strangers and new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk
use pre-arranged transport or official taxi-hailing apps, such as Grab or XanhSM, which supply licensed cabs. Be wary of scammers who claim to be from these companies and always book your full journey on the app
save the location of your accommodation on a map app (such as Google Maps), so that it is easier to find at the end of the night
set up a WhatsApp group to keep in contact with others in your group
report anything that does not feel right to the management of local bars, restaurants, hotels or hostels
An official added: “In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.”
“If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you can reach out to the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Consular staff can assist you in reporting an incident to local authorities, if you would like to do so. Read FCDO’s information pack relating to rape and sexual assaults in Vietnam for more advice.”
The Foreign Office has also issued a fresh warning for vapers planning to visit the country: “Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy vapes in Vietnam or bring them into the country.”
More information on rules and safety issues in Vietnam is available on the Foreign Office website.
WE all like to think that we’d beat the scammers if they came knocking – but are you really that savvy?
After all, the latest Global Anti-Scam Alliance report warns that people in the UK lost £11.4billion to scams in the last year – up £4billion on the year before.
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We all think we’d beat the scammers – but even very simple modern cons can catch us outCredit: Getty
And the average loss per victim was £1,400, with just 18% recovering their money.
We spoke to several security experts who revealed five of the most simple-but-effective scams going – they’re all shockingly common AND easy to spot… but repeatedly catch out Brits.
This is a cheap and easy tactic that Brits do fall for.
“Blackmail scams claim to know damaging information about a victim, demanding payment to keep quiet,” said Chris Hauk, of Pixel Privacy, speaking to The Sun.
“Victims are told they have been recorded doing disgusting things while at their computer or using their mobile device, and that the video will be sent to friends, family, and employers if they do not pay up.”
These claims can be scary, and there’s a sinister trick that crooks pull to make them even more convincing.
Deepfakes more ‘sophisticated’ and dangerous than ever as AI expert warns of six upgrades that let them trick your eyes
They’ll use fake email addresses that look like your own account to hoodwink you.
“Email extortion scams claiming to have compromising pictures of end-users in intimate moments are quite common, and remain some of the most prevalent scams on the internet these days,” said Michael Tigges of Huntress.
“An adversary will often spoof the email addresses in the mail and generate an email that appears as if it was sent from the user’s own email account and claim to have access to all accounts.
“They will ask for money, cryptocurrency, etc., to avoid ‘leaking’ these pictures or videos.”
Staying Safe
It’s important to not give in to the scammer’s demands.
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Email is still a classic way for crooks to reach Brits, and they’re not doing it for a laugh – it really still does catch people out in 2025Credit: Getty
In the first place, even if the material that the crook has is legitimate, paying them won’t help. They might just take your money and share it anyway.
But in most cases, the crooks have simply invented the dodgy material – and won’t show any real proof that they have it.
It’s best to just ignore these scam messages. Interacting with the crook shows that your email is active and that you’re willing to engage.
And that could lead to them targeting you with other scams down the line, or trying a different tactic on you.
SCAM 2 – TECH SUPPORT
Next up is the iconic tech support scam, which still successfully hoodwinks unsuspecting Brits.
“Tech support scams are another classic,” Proton’s Patricia Egger told The Sun.
She described it as “a pop-up or call pretending to be from Microsoft or Apple, pushing you to hand over control of your computer or bank details”.
It might sound obvious, but they often come out of the blue and catch you off-guard.
And with years of experience under their belts (and now the power of AI), scammers can generate highly convincing fake alerts.
“Fake tech support scams are also highly common,” Michael Tigges, a security analyst at Huntress, told The Sun.
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Tech support scams often start with a shocking pop-up, often in bright red and with a serious warning attachedCredit: Getty
“A website will generate a ‘notification’ prompt in modern browsers which mimics an anti-virus/Microsoft notification and asks the end-user to call a number controlled by the adversary.
“That person will then remotely access the computer and either install malware, or remotely fake a number of ‘tech issues’ that must be fixed for a fee.”
Staying Safe
Be extremely sceptical of any mysterious pop-ups.
Look out for typos, bizarre requests (for passwords or money), aggressive wording, and unusual styling (does it fit how your device normally looks?).
And if you’re unsure, check with your device maker to see if it’s legit.
This is extremely simple – and that’s what makes it so effective.
“The scams that catch people out most often are usually the simplest,” Proton’s Patricia Egger told us.
“Fake texts or emails saying you’ve missed a delivery, owe tax, or need to fix a bank problem are still everywhere.
“And they work because they create a sense of urgency that does away with calm and clear thinking.”
REPORTING SCAMS
Here’s the official advice on reporting scams from Action Fraud…
Have you spotted a suspicious email?
If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS):[email protected]
Have you received a suspicious text message?
Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to 7726. This free-of-charge short code enables your provider to investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious.
Have you received a suspicious phone call?
If you’ve lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a call, you should report it:
In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report it to us online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101.
If you have not lost any money or responded to the call, you should report report scam call numbers free of charge to 7726. Your provider can find our where the call came from and block or ban the number.
To report a scam call, simply text 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the scam.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE SCAMMED
Here’s the advice from Citizens Advice:
Contact your bank immediately if:
there’s a payment from your bank account you don’t recognise – this is known as an ‘unauthorised transaction’
you’ve used your debit card and more money was taken than you expected
“Explain what’s happened and ask if you can get a refund,” Citizens Advice said.
“If you’re not happy with how the bank deals with your claim, you can complain to them. Find out how to do this by checking their website.
“If it’s been 8 weeks since you complained, and you haven’t got your money back, contact the Financial Ombudsman.”
You will need to give your bank as much detail about the scam as you can. That includes exactly what info you may have handed over to the scammers – or if you’ve downloaded any dodgy files.
That way, they can prevent more money from being taken from you in the future.
You should then contact the police about the scam.
Crooks can deliver this kind of scam in bulk – hitting hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of targets.
And they just need a fraction of those targets to bite, allowing them scoop up prized info or cash.
It can take many forms, but the style is always the same: you must act quickly, or you’ll be handed a bill.
“A victim is told they have several outstanding fines or payments that must be paid immediately or they’ll face prosecution,” Chris Hauk told us.
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Scammers will send you official-looking missives that claim you’ve got an unpaid bill, there’s a transaction you need to deal with urgently, or that you’re on the hook for a massive fineCredit: Shane O’Neill, Coalesce
“However, if they just go and buy several gift cards amounting to the outstanding sum and provide the information to the scammer, all will be forgiven.
“Emails and text messages claim that sums of money are owed either for a debt, or a fine, or even a toll road fee.
“They may also provide a link to pay that is actually to a malicious site designed to harvest financial information from the victim.”
Staying Safe
Scammers don’t want you to have time to think things over or to check out their story.
Chris HaukPixel Privacy
If you ever receive an urgent alert, pause – don’t act fast.
Instead, reach out directly to the company that the alert claims to be from.
Use the official phone number or email on the website, and not the one you’ve been sent with the alert.
And if the fine or charge comes from a suspicious company you’ve never heard of, do your research. Is it a real company? Does it have an online presence or reviews? Is it registered on Companies House? Who runs it?
SOCIAL ENGINEERING SCAM – HOW IT HAPPENS
Here’s a tale of how quickly £4,500 can be lost to crooks, as revealed by Action Fraud…
“Sophie, a 25-year-old marketing executive from Manchester, received a convincing email that appeared to be from her bank, alerting her to suspicious activity on her account,” Action Fraud said.
“The email included the bank’s official logo and a link to a website that looked identical to her bank’s online portal. Concerned about her finances,
“Sophie clicked the link and entered her login details, believing she was securing her account.
“Within minutes, she received a phone call from someone claiming to be a bank representative, who referenced the ‘suspicious activity’ and asked her to confirm her identity by providing additional personal information and a one-time passcode sent to her phone.
“Trusting the caller, Sophie complied, only to discover the next day that £4,500 had been withdrawn from her account in several unauthorised transactions.
“The scammers had used her credentials and the passcode to bypass the bank’s security measures. Despite reporting the incident immediately, the funds could not be recovered.”
Ask these questions before handing over any cash.
Chris added: “Scammers don’t want you to have time to think things over or to check out their story.”
SCAM 4 – THE FAKE JOB
The fake job scam is one of the most nefarious cons out there.
It’s almost unimaginable to think that you’d fall for such a wheeze. Surely you’d spot a fake job a mile off?
But it’s easy to forget that when you’re hunting for a new role, you might be feeling particularly desperate.
And as the cost of living goes up, Brits can be tempted by easy money or a more relaxed working environment.
Crooks know this, and capitalise on it.
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Fake job scams often come via WhatsApp – don’t fall for themCredit: PA
“Fake job offers are also becoming increasingly common, these often sound appealing at first, promising easy money, work-from-home roles, or a big windfall,” Proton’s Patricia Egger told us.
“They hook people with the promise of good news, then demand ‘processing fees’ or bank details.”
She continued: “These tricks work because scammers know how people act in response to emotions, both good and bad.
“And with increasing quantities of data about us online, ‘I’d never fall for that’ is just one data leak away from being untrue.”
Staying Safe
Patricia’s best advice is to watch out for red flags like:
Unexpected links or attachments in a chat about a job
Pressure to act immediately
Being asked to move money for a job or pay fees upfront
Any perk of the job that seems too good to be true
She added that you should always make sure to “slow down and stay sceptical”.
SCAMS IN 2025 – THE EXPERT VIEW
Here’s what Sean Keach, The Sun’s resident tech expert, thinks…
It’s never been easier to carry out scams.
Cybercriminals have the world’s arsenal of tech at their disposal.
And with AI, they can supercharge their efforts by crafting convincing scam materials in seconds – and then dispensing it to victims just as quickly.
It sounds terrifying, and in many ways, it is.
But there is some good news.
Although scammers can carry out scams more convincingly and at greater speed, they’re still the same classic cons at their core.
And that means the age-old rules you need to follow stay the same too.
Avoiding scams really is as simple as being as cautious as you can be.
If something seems too urgent or too good to be true, don’t be afraid to take a step back and give it a good think.
Ask your friends and family for advice. Do research online.
Money can disappear in the blink of an eye, and you’ll struggle to get it back. And the same is true for info, which can be used to defraud you or hoodwink those close to you.
So be extremely careful before you ever hand anything over online.
If something seems off, it probably is.
Picture Credit: Sean Keach
SCAM 5 – FRIEND IN NEED
There are lots of variations of this con, but it’s commonly known as the “friend in need” – or lately, the “hi mum, it’s me” scam.
This is when a crook pretends to be someone you know to hoodwink you.
It works because so often we expect scams to come from people we don’t know – or criminals posing as businesses.
“It’s not just strangers,” said Patricia Egger, of Proton.
“Criminals often pretend to be friends, colleagues or family by hacking accounts or stealing personal details.
“If you get an urgent request from someone you know that feels unusual, check with them through another channel before doing anything.”
These crooks might message you from a strange WhatsApp account, and say, “Hi mum, it’s me your daughter, I’m texting from a friend’s phone.”
And they’ll say that they’re in trouble and need money fast.
They might give the excuse that they’re in legal trouble, need cash for a taxi home, or have some other urgent money worry.
Many parents or pals will dismiss these texts out of hand.
But it only takes a little absent-mindedness and some luck on the part of the crook and you can easily fall for the con.
It’s increasingly common in the UK because so many Brits fall for it.
Worse still, some crooks will actually text you from your own family member’s phone number.
“Accounts can be taken over, and regularly are, by bad actors,” said Erich Kron, of KnowBe4.
“It can email, social media, or any number of other mediums, and attackers know that communications from known associates carry a lot of inherent trust.
“They can even hijack previous conversations, making it look even more legitimate.”
HOW THE ‘IN NEED’ SCAM REALLY HAPPENS
Here’s a case study from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute of a woman who tried to send £2,600 to criminals posing as her son…
“A member of the public named Alison received a message on the popular messaging platform WhatsApp: ‘Hi mum, I’ve dropped my phone down the loo (sad emoji) this is my new number’,” the CTSI said.
“Alison replied to the message and asked if it was her son, Will, to which the scammer replied in the affirmative.
“The very next day, Alison’s ‘son’ messaged her asking for £2,600 and explained that he had got mixed up with loan sharks and needed to pay up. Alison didn’t doubt the message for a moment.
“Alison tried to call her ‘son’ back, but the person on the other end kept saying they couldn’t take the call and continually put pressure on her to make the payment quickly.
“This worried Alison, who agreed to make the payment. The person gave the bank details of the alleged loan shark to pay.
“Fortunately for Alison, she forgot to click the final payment confirmation and, after some time, the scammer messaged asking for a picture to prove the payment had been made.
“This caused a wave of scepticism in Alison’s mind, and then it was confirmed that the message was indeed a scam.”
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Crooks will send messages pretending to be a loved one – be very wary if you ever receive a text like thisCredit: Alamy
Staying Safe
With this scam, your best defence is communication.
Be cautious whenever anyone asks you for money urgently – even a family member.
If they do, reach out to them by some other method, like calling them on the phone, to verify that it’s actually them asking for money.
Another good trick is to create a safe word or phrase that your family uses to verify that they’re really asking for cash.
“It’s important to establish an understanding between peers and family,” said Huntress’s Michael Tigges.
“Consider establishing ‘safe words’ or phrases that can be utilised when calling family members or peers from an untrusted number to confirm identity.
“And encourage family members, especially the elderly, to be highly sceptical of phone calls from untrusted numbers.”
Your safe word could be anything – even a silly phrase like “purple banana”.
It just needs to be something that you and your loved ones can remember, but that a criminal could never guess.
Don’t save it anywhere on your phone. Keep it as secret as possible.
It could mean the difference between avoiding a scam or losing thousands to a criminal – and then never getting it back.
Airlines will not know exactly how many flights they need to cancel until the action is confirmed and almost underway, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said he expects Ryanair to be told to cancel up to 600 daily, affecting up to 100,000 passengers.
EasyJet’s CEO said the airline has been “held hostage”(Image: BrasilNut1 via Getty Images)
Ryanair and easyJet have issued warnings to passengers ahead of a run of disruptive strikes that could impact more than 100,000 passengers.
The main French air traffic control union, SNCTA, has announced a strike scheduled from 7 to 10 October 2025, which is expected to trigger a large number of flight cancellations and delays throughout western Europe.
Airlines will not know exactly how many flights they need to cancel until the action is confirmed and almost under way, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said he expects Ryanair to be told to cancel up to 600 daily, affecting up to 100,000 passengers.
He said: “We cannot have a situation in the EU where we have a single market yet we close that market every time the French go on strike. They have the right to strike, but if flights are to be cancelled they should be flights arriving to and from France. They should not be overflights.”
The union’s reasons for striking include concerns over air traffic control governance, highlighting “mistrust, punitive practices, and harsh managerial methods,” along with demands for pay increases to offset inflation.
Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, said: “While this is outside of our control, we will be doing all we can to minimise the impact this will have on our customers. Our passengers and crew have been impacted by ATC related disruption for too long and so a solution must be found.
“We are calling on the new head of the French aviation authority to urgently address this issue by building more resilience into the system and crucially, by protecting overflying on strike days to ensure the travel plans of passengers whose flights do not take off or land in France are not needlessly ruined.
“We need action on this now, so the rest of Europe is not held hostage when French Air Traffic Controllers go on strike.”
This industrial action is likely to cause major disruptions, especially affecting flights crossing French airspace, with past strikes having resulted in thousands of cancellations and substantial costs for the aviation sector.
By law, airlines must reroute passengers and provide accommodation and meals for cancelled flights, regardless of the strike’s cause—though managing these obligations becomes difficult during widespread disruption.
Latest analysis by AirAdvisor shows the strike will impact over 129,600 UK passengers, with mass cancellations expected on routes to Spain, Italy, France, and beyond. AirAdvisor expects a 50-60% disruption rate, which means 240 UK flights per day or over 720 flights to and from the UK will be disrupted, affecting 129,600 Brits over three days.
According to AirAdvisor, the routes that are most vulnerable to being disrupted are:
UK to Spain (all routes except northern Spain via the Bay of Biscay)
UK to Portugal (including Madeira and Azores)
UK to Italy (especially southern Italy)
UK to Greece (western routes)
UK to the Canary Islands
UK to Morocco and Tunisia
French airspace acts as Europe’s bottleneck. More than 30% of all UK-to-Mediterranean flights, and a huge chunk of UK-Spain, UK-Italy, and UK-Portugal routes, are about to face either outright cancellation or one to four hour delays. The disruption isn’t limited to French airports, but will affect every hub from Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma to Amsterdam and Brussels.
Airlines cannot simply fly around France as alternate, oceanic or North African routes add time, cost, and complexity. Fuel, crew, and slot constraints mean not every flight gets an alternative path.
Travellers headed to Spain and Portugal from London, Manchester, and Bristol are expected to be especially hard hit, with flights being axed at the last minute and others rerouted hundreds of miles out of the way, resulting in arrivals creeping into the early hours or simply overnighting at hubs.
One travel expert has offered handy advice for all visitors to the US
Brits have been warned of a new fee that is aimed at visitors to the US and comes into force today(Image: Alphotographic via Getty Images)
Travellers to the Unites States face paying a new £185 fee from today (Wednesday, October 1) – but many Brits won’t have to fork out a penny more. The US government announced the new measure in the summer, aimed at reducing visa overstays. It came into effect today, meaning Brits – and other foreign nationals heading to the States – could have to pay up before flying across the pond.
The new charge applies to travellers from non-Visa Waiver Program nations, who need to apply for non-immigrant visas. But, as one travel expert explains, the fee won’t apply to many of us travelling to hotspots like New York or Florida.
Brenda Beltrán, a travel expert at Holafly, says that the majority of travelers from the UK will not have to pay the $250 fee. She said: “The UK is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
“That means most Brits visiting for tourism or short business trips of up to 90 days will continue to use ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and will not face this new $250 charge.” However, there are still circumstances in which the fee does apply.
Some British visitors to the USA will still have to pay up. If they apply for certain visas that are not included in the usual ESTA route, the charge applies.
For example, the following circumstances would incur the charge:
Student visas (F-1, M-1)
Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)
Extended stays beyond the 90-day ESTA allowance
Specialist visa categories for exchange, journalism, or diplomatic purposes
Brenda added: “For the average Brit heading to New York for shopping or Florida for Disney, nothing changes. But if you’re planning to study in the U.S., take up a job, or stay longer than three months, you should budget for the new $250 cost on top of existing visa fees.”
For the vast majority of British holidaymakers, nothing changes after 1 October 2025. ESTA remains the standard route for short-term visits, and the cost is currently $21.
The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee is primarily aimed at travellers from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program. Therefore, it is unlikely to affect UK–US tourism levels.
Brenda continued: “This update sounds alarming at first glance, but most Brits won’t notice any difference. As long as you qualify for ESTA, which nearly all UK holidaymakers do, you won’t be hit by the new charge.”
How to get the fee reimbursed
As part of the new law, the US government will reimburse certain travellers the £185 cost. The legislation allows for the Secretary of Homeland Security to pay visitors back if they prove they complied with their visa.
As long as they have not tried to extend their stay without a relevant visa and left the USA within five days of the visa expiring, visitors may be eligible. They must also not accept unauthorised employment and have lawfully changed their nonimmigrant status.
Foreign Office guidance on travelling to the United States
The UK Foreign Office has specific advice on the entry requirements to visit the US. The government guidance on ESTA states: “ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
“You can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS. All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry.
“Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy & Consulates. Travellers whose sex on their passport differs from their sex recorded at birth should contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for further advice.”
Those who may not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver include those:
who have been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
with a criminal record
who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the US
who have previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver
Furthermore, there are a list of countries that visitors must not have been in on or after March 2011 to apply for an ESTA waiver. These are Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
You also cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. An ESTA may not be sufficient for all types of business travel – particularly if you are travelling on behalf of a US company.
The Foreign Office says: “Please check the rules on the ESTA website carefully. If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa. Travelling on an ESTA when ineligible can lead to detention and deportation by the US authorities.”
Brenda’s expert tips for travelling to the US
Apply early for ESTA: it’s valid for two years and covers multiple trips, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Double-check eligibility: if your circumstances don’t fit the Visa Waiver rules (e.g. long-term study or work), be prepared for the additional cost.
Stay updated: Immigration rules evolve regularly, so always check official guidance before booking flights.
According to the Future of Work in Travel and Tourism report from the World Travel and Tourism Council, the world is facing a huge shortage in people working in the industry by 2035
The travel industry will struggle to keep up with demand, according to a new report(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The world is facing a 43 million worker shortfall by 2035 that could spell chaos for holidaymakers if not addressed.
Many of the world’s biggest holiday economies, including Japan, Greece and China, will require millions more workers to keep their tourism industries afloat.
Ageing populations and a desire not to work in low-skilled jobs will see labour supply slump to 16% below demand levels in ten years’ time, according to the Future of Work in Travel and Tourism report from the World Travel and Tourism Council.
There will be a forecast shortfall of 20.1 million people required for low-skilled roles, with deficits projected across all 20 economies. China (16.9 million), India (11.0 million) and the EU (6.4 million) will be hardest hit. In relative terms, the economies projected to face the largest shortfalls are Japan, with labour supply at 29% below demand, Greece (27% below), and Germany (26% below).
Since the Covid pandemic, a number of countries have struggled to fill vacancies, with many tourism workers leaving the industry when hotels and resorts shut down to stop the virus’s spread. The shortfall has already led to price rises.
All-inclusive family package holidays from the UK jumped in price for some of the most popular destinations, including Spain, Cyprus and Turkey over the past year. The average price for a week in Cyprus in August went up by 23%, from £950 per person to £1,166, the TravelSupermarket show reported in July.
While there are multiple factors at play including the rising cost of plane fuel, a shortage of workers in key countries is contributing. La Tribuna de Ciudad Real reported that almost half of the vacancies in Spanish bars and hotels remained unfilled in 2024. Unfilled vancancies reached 80,000 in Greece in May, the Guardian reported.
Gina Fleming, senior director of Learning and Development at Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, said: “Recruiting chefs is so competitive as many cruise companies have elevated the food experience to meet guests’ higher expectations. There is a high demand for culinary skills and roles like Junior Sous-Chef. We are partnering with chef schools to build a pipeline.”
Tourism has been booming worldwide in the post-Covid years. In 2024, the sector supported a record 357 million jobs worldwide and is forecast to support 371 million this year. Over the next decade, travel and tourism is projected to generate 91 million new roles, accounting for one in every three net new jobs created globally.
However, by 2035, global demand for workers in travel and tourism will outpace supply by more than 43 million people, leaving labour availability 16% below required levels.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism is set to remain one of the world’s biggest job creators, offering opportunities for millions of people worldwide. But we must also recognise that wider demographic and structural changes are reshaping labour markets everywhere. Many workers left the sector during Covid when travel and tourism came to a standstill. Now, as global unemployment is expected to fall and working-age populations to shrink, this is creating increased pressure on labour supply, especially for fast-growing sectors like Travel & Tourism.
“This report is a call to action. By working together with governments and educators, our sector will meet these challenges and continue to be one of the most rewarding sectors, offering dynamic futures for the next generations. WTTC will work with government officials around the world to ensure policies are implemented to reduce this gap and unlock the potential in their countries.”
Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, added: “By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from Travel & Tourism — no other sector can claim that. Saudi Arabia shows what vision and investment can achieve, with over 649,000 training opportunities, and a workforce that is nearly 50% women.”
One mistake has been highlighted by many cruise passengers, and it could see you turned away from the restaurant when you attempt to dress for dinner
Brits on cruises have been warned they could be turned away from dinner venues for one item(Image: Getty)
Countless British holidaymakers will be eagerly anticipating embarking on a cruise adventure this winter season.
These floating holidays provide endless opportunities to savour delectable cuisine from around the globe whilst experiencing incredible cultural adventures at destinations worldwide.
Yet P&O Cruises has emphasised a crucial regulation that travellers must heed to avoid the embarrassment of being refused entry at their dining booking. The majority of their voyages maintain a laid-back attire policy, with occasional evenings designated as “Black Tie” affairs.
These special evenings celebrate “glitz and glamour”, as P&O’s website describes: “a chance to dress to impress with your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown, suit or smart jacket and tie.”
There are also “Evening Casual” occasions, where guests are encouraged to don their finest shirts, dark denim and smart separates, “as long as the tracksuits are left on the hanger”.
One particular garment, however, stays strictly forbidden across all dining venues except the buffet during Black Tie evenings – tailored shorts. Even during Evening Casual nights, only a select few restaurants permit guests wearing them to enter, reports the Express.
Reddit users have recounted tales of themselves or their companions being denied access to these more upmarket evenings for sporting shorts – despite pairing them with crisp button-down shirts and pricey footwear. One disgruntled passenger recounted how her husband was turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox for his attire, stating: “My husband got turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox (about four years ago) for wearing nice shorts with a collared polo shirt,”.
While you might be tempted to dispute with staff over dress code issues, it’s generally seen as bad form. Dressing inappropriately is a frequent faux pas among cruise passengers.
Grant Harrold, an etiquette expert collaborating with Spincasino.com, highlighted that dressing appropriately is crucial and often overlooked by first-time cruisers. Grant emphasised: “This is really important,” adding, “It’s making sure you’re dressed in the right outfit in the right area.”
He further explained that guests are usually informed about the dress requirements for formal and casual evenings aboard large vessels. “On a lot of the big ships you will be given notice of formal evenings or casual evenings, so casual evenings can be anything from jeans and t-shirts to smart shirts, jackets and chinos to the formal evenings where it’s going to be black tie or national dress and officers wear their uniforms.”
However, holidaymakers need not jettison their smart shorts just yet. Daytime attire on cruises is typically relaxed, with t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses being the norm, although they might not be the best choice for a Northern European trip this winter.
Grant also advised: “Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”
P&O also suggests comfortable flat footwear for wandering the decks and lightweight layers for cool and windy evenings whilst on deck. For passengers venturing ashore, the cruise line also highlights air-conditioned galleries or cooler places of worship.
“Please remember that some cultures may require you to cover up too,” particularly many sacred sites. Smart shorts aren’t the sole garment with restrictions: “Fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board.”
“We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. The only exception to this is official P&O Cruises theme nights, where guests are invited to dress up in line with the theme.”
Applications are now open to volunteer for roles on the Greek island of Syros, and with the job comes free accommodation, breakfast and utility bill costs included
Two of Italy’s biggest unions, the CUB Trasporti and USB unions, are organising walkouts in a dispute over pay and working conditions, this will affect British holidaymakers
There’s potential travel chaos for British holidaymakers(Image: EleSi via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers jetting to or from Italy tomorrow, September 26, face travel chaos due to nationwide strikes. Two of Italy’s largest unions, the CUB Trasporti and USB unions, are orchestrating walkouts over disputes regarding pay and working conditions.
According to EuroNews, the 24-hour industrial action will affect airline crews alongside airport personnel, with Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports expected to bear the brunt of the disruption.
Milano Malpensa Airport warned on its website: “There might be some delays or cancellations affecting your flights. We invite passengers to contact the airline in order to check their flight status before going to the airport”.
Baggage handling workers are also set to down tools, with Assohandlers employees planning to strike from 10am to 2pm, whilst drivers at Milan’s airports will walk out for the entire day.
Meanwhile in Sardinia, security personnel at Cagliari Elmas Airport are also preparing to strike, reports the Manchester Evening News. Budget carriers Volotea and Wizz Air Malta have also announced planned industrial action.
Holidaymakers are being warned to expect flight disruption with “cancellations and delays likely”. However, Italy’s civil aviation authority ENAC has mandated that flights scheduled between 7am and 10am and 6pm and 9pm must continue operating throughout the strike action.
Passengers are urged to contact their airline directly and factor in additional time for their journeys. No matter the reason, any passenger whose flight is cancelled is always entitled to a refund, rerouting or a return flight, according to European Union regulations.
Passengers are entitled to compensation if the strike action is carried out by cabin crew or pilots as it is not classed as an ‘extraordinary circumstance’.
However, industrial action undertaken by staff which are ‘external to the airline’ such as airport staff, can be regarded as an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ which means passengers would not be entitled to compensation. Passengers should contact their airline for more information.
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