Brits

The EU is launching the Entry Exit System (EES) for UK and non-EU nationals who are visiting the Schengen zone but two countries not affected by the new rules

British holidaymakers will encounter tougher entry requirements when jetting off to the EU next month as fresh regulations take effect across 29 EU nations. Yet two destinations remain exempt.

The EU’s Entry Exit System (EES) launches on October 12 for UK and non-EU citizens making short visits to the border-free EU Schengen area. Brits must now register at borders by having passports scanned alongside fingerprint and photo capture under the updated system.

A digital profile will then be established, remaining active for three years or until passport expiry. This record will subsequently be used when accessing other participating nations, reports the Manchester Evening News.

For departures and future border crossings to or from member countries, travellers need only scan passports and provide either fingerprints or photographs. The programme is being phased in gradually over six months, meaning holidaymakers may or may not encounter the fresh system depending on their chosen destination.

Passport stamping will continue throughout this transition period. The EU states the EES will become “fully operational” from April 10, 2026.

The UK Government has alerted travellers to these updated regulations, which will affect beloved holiday hotspots including France, Spain and Greece. The Schengen zone also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

However, there’s two EU countries where the EES will not be required: Ireland and Cyprus. Neither of these countries are participating in the system as they are not part of the Schengen Area.

This means that even after October 12 Brits can visit them as usual without having their fingerprints or photographs taken. Recently, travel journalist Simon Calder urged Brits who possess an Irish passport to use it when they visit the Schengen Area from next month.

Responding to a question on which passports dual British-EU citizens should use, he said: “If you have the wisdom and fortune to have an Irish passport, use that at all times. It has a superpower no other document has: unfettered access to both the UK and the European Union, with no need to get an online permit in advance.”

Meanwhile British passport holders are warned of longer queues at the Schengen border as the EES is rolled out. In ports such as Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Port of Dover the EES checks will be completed in the UK.

A government spokesperson said: “While EES checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are in constant and close dialogue with our European partners to try and minimise the impact on the British public.

“While we have done everything we can to ensure the required infrastructure is in place, anyone who is planning a trip to the European mainland once these checks are introduced will still need to allow more time for their journey as the new EU systems bed in.”

Here’s the full list of countries implementing the EES scheme:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland.
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

The EU’s Entry/Exit system is finally set to begin next month, with the first passengers heading through UK stations such as St Pancras and arriving in EU airports having to submit their details

Brits hoping to head on holiday will have to answer four questions when a new European Union-wide border system comes into force.

The much-anticipated and repeatedly delayed border system, set to govern travel across the entire European Union, is finally ready to launch come October 12.

The EES will monitor the arrival and departure of “third-country nationals” entering and leaving the Schengen zone, eliminating the requirement for passport stamps. One of its primary objectives is to digitalise travel documentation to guarantee that the restriction on days (90 within a 180-day timeframe) non-EU passport holders can remain in member nations isn’t violated, whilst enhancing border protection.

Information will typically be kept on record for three years. Those who decline to supply information can be refused entry.

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As well as giving biometric data and having your passport scanned, travellers will be asked to answer four questions – either by the kiosks or by a human guard. They are:

1. Do you have somewhere to stay?2. Do you have a return ticket?3. Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay?4. Do you have medical insurance?

It is currently not completely clear what the consequences are if passengers answer ‘no’ to any of those questions, or if they lie in their answers. Simon Lejeune, Eurostar’s chief safety, stations, and security officer, was present on Wednesday morning to reveal the kiosks that will begin gathering data from Brits next month.

He suggested that passengers would be directed to speak to a border officer if they answered ‘no’. They can then be refused entry to the country.

A government spokesperson told the Mirror: “From 12th October, passengers who register for EES at a kiosk may need to answer a series of questions. If a traveller answers ‘no’ to any of these questions, they will be directed to speak with a border guard for further discussion. This is a normal part of border procedures, which is designed to ensure smooth and secure travel.”

There are significant concerns that this new system could cause further congestion at ports, exacerbating the travel chaos that has become a staple of summer holidays since the Covid lockdowns. However, after getting an early glimpse of the EES at St Pancras, my prediction is that these fears may be unfounded.

Eurostar and St Pancras have invested heavily in tackling the issue, installing fast-track kiosks to handle the extended border process. If things do go pear-shaped, as they inevitably will, additional guards are ready to manually process passengers.

The roll-out of the EES is going to be staggered, both at St Pancras and other ports across Europe. Only Eurostar’s Premier and Carte Blanche customers will be asked to use the EES from October 12. A handful of regular ticket holders may be asked, but it’s likely very few will.

Initially, biometrics like fingerprints won’t be collected. This will only start in mid-December and not for all passengers using EES.

By January, all kiosks at Eurostar’s St Pancras and Gare du Nord terminals will be operational, and a broader passenger sign-up will commence. Fingerprints will be taken, and all eligible customers will be urged to pre-register before border control.

Once you’ve registered once, you won’t need to do it again for another three years. In theory, this should make border checks faster, as border officers only verify the data of those registered.

Mr Lejeune clarified that registration should take about two minutes per person, meaning the process of getting through border control would take slightly longer if you’ve not used EES before.

When we had the opportunity to see one of the 49 new kiosks installed at St Pancras in action, the process was considerably quicker. From beginning to end, it took just over a minute.

If something does go wrong, such as the machine failing to recognise a passport, then an expanded team of human border guards will be available to assist. The number of guard booths has been doubled from nine to 18.

Thailand is a popular travel destination for Brits seeking some winter sun – but new travel restrictions came into place earlier this year that people should be aware of before arriving

As the colder weather approaches, some of us may not be ready to say goodbye to summer, and looking for some winter sun.

While there are many destinations offering balmy weather for freezing cold Brits, Thailand is a popular spot for many people over the winter months. Data from Thailand Travel Specialists at Travelbag found that during peak travel seasons (November to February), departures to Thailand increase by more than 158 per cent.

More than 35 million visitors flock to Thailand annually, with more than 700,000 travelling from the UK alone. With this demand, the experts urge all travellers to be aware of the new entry requirement that took effect in May of this year to avoid any stress or delays when entering the country.

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According to Helen Wheat, asia destination manager at Travelbag said: “As of May, all foreign nationals travelling to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. While there is no strict minimum time, it is recommended to submit the TDAC at least 72 hours before arrival to avoid any delays in processing.”

She said this digital form has replaced the traditional paper TM6 card to “streamline immigration procedures” and does not require any fee or payment.

Wheat further noted: “If the TDAC isn’t completed in advance, travellers may experience delays at immigration and be required to fill it out at a self-service kiosk on arrival, which can take much longer.”

The expert also recommended screenshotting or emailing the confirmation to your phone as you may be asked to show it, and said to make sure you have your passport, flight details and accommodation information ready when completing the form.

“At Travelbag, we advise all customers to complete the TDAC ahead of time to avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a hassle-free start to their trip,” Wheat added.

For those who don’t want to travel as far as Thailand, there’s a European secret that delivers a comparable adventure much nearer to home. The Shala River has earned the title “Thailand of Europe,” offering a taste of paradise without the lengthy journey or cost of a holiday in Southeast Asia. It features stunning turquoise waters and dense, rainforest-like landscapes, creating an exotic adventure in Europe’s heartland.

Ideal for an autumn getaway, Albania enjoys delightfully mild temperatures of approximately 25C in October, with plenty of sunshine making it perfect for late-season sun-seekers.

For those drawn to Thailand’s 1,500 miles of shoreline and more than 1,400 islands scattered with limestone formations, colourful coral reefs, and magnificent beaches, Albania’s Shala River offers an extraordinary substitute.

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The much-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) will be gradually rolled out across 29 European countries in the Schengen area across the next six months

UK holidaymakers are bracing for extended queues at European borders as fresh regulations kick in on October 12.

The long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will be phased in across 29 European nations within the Schengen zone over the coming six months. The new system means British tourists must provide fingerprints and photographs when first entering or exiting the Schengen area. This creates a digital profile lasting three years.

Alongside the fresh EES procedures, Brits will still get their passports stamped, though this will eventually be phased out once EES becomes fully established.

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The European Union expects the EES to be “fully operational” by April 10 2026. Yet British travellers should prepare for lengthier border delays starting October 12, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Travel expert Simon Calder recently outlined the new regulations in The Independent, cautioning Brits about an ‘additional obstacle’ at EU frontiers. Though he pointed out that certain UK passengers hold a ‘superpower’ document that allows them to bypass border queues.

He noted that Britons holding an Irish passport should present this when journeying to Europe. In response to a query about which passports dual British-EU citizens should utilise, he advised: “If you have the wisdom and fortune to have an Irish passport, use that at all times.”

“It has a superpower no other document has: unfettered access to both the UK and the European Union, with no need to get an online permit in advance,” Simon continued.

READ MORE: Brits face travel changes from October which may ’cause delays’ to journeys

The Irish government’s website states that if you or one of your parents were born on the island of Ireland before 2005, you can apply for an Irish passport without needing to apply for citizenship.

If you, or your parents, were born on the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005, your right to Irish citizenship depends on:

• the parents’ citizenship at the time of the birth
• the residency history of one of the parents before the birth

You can also apply for Irish citizenship by descent if your grandparent was born on the island of Ireland. Citizenship can also be acquired through naturalisation, which requires you to meet certain criteria such as legally living in Ireland for five years or being married or in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen.

According to the Irish government, a record-breaking 1,080,000 Irish passports were issued in 2022. The number of first-time passport applications from Northern Ireland and Great Britain was 100,000 out of over 1.15 million total applications received that year.

Calder, speaking about passport holders from other EU countries, advised: “For all other EU passports, register with the European document outbound (and show it when you arrive). Coming back, register the British document (and show it when you arrive).”

Millions of people head to the Spanish sunshine from the UK every year making it the country’s most popular holiday destination

As summer disappears and the cooler months approach, it’s time for many people to look back on their summer break and begin to plan their next venture. Last year around 18 million people travelled from the UK to Spain for their holidays.

The lure of brighter sunshine and warmer coastlines can be very attractive but it is still important to make the most of your spending money. Now, a new study has revealed the Spanish cities where Brits can get the best value for their money.

Learn Spanish with James, led by James Smith, a fluent Spanish speaker with over 10 years of teaching experience and extensive living experience across Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica, conducted comprehensive research into 29 popular Spanish destinations. He said: “Having lived in Spain for years, I’ve seen firsthand how different cities offer vastly different value propositions for British visitors.

“While Spain is generally affordable compared to the UK, some cities stand out as exceptional bargains where your pounds can stretch much further.”

The study analysed hotel costs, dining expenses, beer prices, transport fares, and attraction entry fees across 29 Spanish cities popular with foreigners. Data was collected from Booking.com for accommodation, Numbeo for living costs, and TripAdvisor for attraction prices.

All costs were converted to GBP using average exchange rates. These were then normalised into a Holiday Value Score ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better value for British tourists.

James, an expat living in Spain, added: “Some cities offer exceptional value for British tourists by combining low daily costs with rich cultural and leisure experiences. What makes these top-ranking destinations special isn’t only their low prices, but how they balance affordability across all aspects of a holiday, from where you sleep to what you eat and see.

“Cities like Cádiz and Córdoba are proof that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for value. These places offer authentic Spanish experiences, incredible history, and local charm at prices that make your pounds work harder.

“For Brits considering a move to Spain or planning an extended stay, understanding these cost differences can literally save thousands while opening doors to some of the country’s most fascinating destinations.”

Top 10 Spanish Cities Where Brits Get the Best Value – GBP

Rank

City/ Municipalities

Avg. Cost of 3-star Hotel per Night

Avg. Cost of Meal for Two at Mid-range Restaurant

Avg. Cost Bottle of Beer

Public Transport Ticket Price (One-way)

Avg. Attraction Entry Fee

Holiday Value Score

1

Cádiz

£ 126.16

£ 29.50

£ 1.19

£ 0.93

£ 20.08

79.34

2

Córdoba

£ 80.89

£ 35.83

£ 1.20

£ 1.10

£ 26.88

77.18

3

Torrevieja

£ 65.83

£ 33.72

£ 1.00

£ 1.31

£ 44.37

70.02

4

Cartagena

£ 104.35

£ 42.15

£ 0.87

£ 1.01

£ 37.90

69.34

5

Granada

£ 99.31

£ 31.61

£ 1.25

£ 1.18

£ 32.39

68.62

6

Alicante

£ 104.18

£ 42.15

£ 1.12

£ 1.22

£ 32.39

67.20

7

Murcia City

£ 104.91

£ 37.09

£ 1.07

£ 1.10

£ 99.76

63.60

8

Ourense

£ 77.73

£ 37.93

£ 1.38

£ 0.72

£ 37.57

62.90

9

Vitoria-Gasteiz

£ 78.17

£ 37.93

£ 1.19

£ 1.18

£ 67.05

60.78

10

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

£ 73.40

£ 42.15

£ 1.35

£ 1.26

£ 31.74

60.76

1. Cádiz – The Unbeatable Value Champion (79.34)

Cádiz claims the top spot with an impressive Holiday Value Score of 79.34, making it the ultimate destination for budget-conscious Brits. While hotel costs sit at £126.16 per night, the city more than makes up for it with incredibly affordable dining at just £29.50 for a meal for two, and bargain beer at £1.19 per bottle. Transport is particularly cheap at £0.93 per ticket, and attractions cost just £20.08 on average.

“Cádiz is a hidden gem that British tourists frequently overlook,” explains Smith. “It’s one of Europe’s oldest cities with stunning beaches and incredible history, yet it offers some of the best value you’ll find anywhere in Spain.”

2. Córdoba – Moorish Magic on a Budget (77.18)

Córdoba secures second place with a score of 77.18, offering exceptional accommodation value at just £80.89 per night. Dining costs £35.83 for two people, while beer remains affordable at £1.20. The city’s rich Moorish heritage, including the famous Mezquita, comes at reasonable attraction prices of £26.88.

“Córdoba perfectly balances affordability with cultural richness,” notes Smith. “You can explore one of Spain’s most historic cities without breaking the bank.”

3. Torrevieja – Coastal Living for Less (70.02)

Torrevieja rounds out the top three with a score of 70.02, boasting the cheapest accommodation at just £65.83 per night and the most affordable beer at £1.00 per bottle. Meals for two cost £33.72, though attraction fees are higher at £44.37.

“Torrevieja is perfect for Brits who want that coastal lifestyle without the premium prices of more famous beach destinations,” says Smith.

4. Cartagena – Naval History Meets Great Value (69.34)

Cartagena offers excellent value with a score of 69.34, featuring the cheapest beer in our top five at just £0.87 and reasonable transport costs of £1.01. Hotel prices sit at £104.35, with dining at £42.15 for two.

“Cartagena’s naval history and stunning Roman theatre make it a fascinating destination that won’t drain your wallet,” explains Smith.

5. Granada – Alhambra on a Shoestring (68.62)

Granada completes our top five with 68.62 points, offering reasonable accommodation at £99.31 and excellent dining value at £31.61 for two people. Despite being home to the world-famous Alhambra, attraction costs average just £32.39.

“Granada proves you can experience Spain’s most iconic sights without paying tourist trap prices,” Smith adds.

An American woman living in Yorkshire has revealed several British quirks that sometimes leave her lying awake at night because she can’t stop thinking about them

While the two cultures share much in common, an American woman living in the UK has revealed several British quirks she claims “sometimes keep her awake at night”.

Maxine Berry, known on TikTok as @yorkshireyank, has lived in the UK for the past 23 years. However, there are still some aspects of British culture that she finds perplexing. Some of the “wild” differences she has pointed out to her 15K followers include the British postcode system, the UK’s unusual laws around swans, and some of the nation’s quirkier dishes.

In a clip recently shared to her channel, Maxine, who lives in York but is originally from South Dakota, said: ‘As an American living in the UK, I thought I’d got used to the quirks living here.”

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She continued: “But these sometimes keep me awake at night. Sometimes not but sometimes they do.”

First off, she stated that she was “pretty sure the NHS is using shows like Homes Under The Hammer and Come Dine With Me as medicine”. She explained that she’d come to this conclusion as these two particular shows are always on the TV in hospital waiting rooms,” as reported by Daily Mail.

She continued: “It doesn’t matter which hospital you go to, the waiting room always has this tuned in. You know it’s true.”

The TikTokker then went on to claim that the British have “an utter obsession with carpets”, and wondered why they couldn’t opt for “nice tiles” on their floor instead as “it would be so much easier”. Though, she did admit that the UK has cold weather.

Continuing her catalogue of observations, Maxine took a jab at some of the UK’s “centuries-old laws” that are still in place and enforceable. For example, she cited the historical law around the protection of swans in the UK.

Since the 12 century, all “unmarked mute swans swimming in open waters” in the country have belonged to The Crown, while subsequent wildlife preservation laws prohibit anyone from disturbing or harming swans, including their eggs.

Maxine found this rather perplexing. She said: “I mean, I’m not technically allowed to eat a swan because it belongs to the King, but who’d want to do that anyways? I mean, does the King eat swans? I’m just asking.’

In fact, it is illegal to kill, eat or keep swans in the UK. Until 1998, it was even considered an act of treason to kill or injure a swan.

Other ‘Britishism’s Maxine pointed out included the postcode system, which she described as “pretty cool”. She enthused: “It literally finds a front door, can pinpoint you with satellite accuracy.”

Although, Royal Mail’s response to when the system fails has left Maxine bemused. “The Royal Mail will send you a card and say, ‘Sorry we can’t find you, the nearest depot is 45 miles away,'” she said.

Finally, British cuisine took a hit, as Maxine described the names of popular pub dishes as “quite wild”. She highlighted ‘toad in the hole’ and ‘bubble and squeak’ as being particularly quirky.

MILLIONS of Brits who rely solely on the state pension face having to pay income tax within the next two years.

Rises guaranteed under the triple-lock will push many dangerously close to the £12,570 tax threshold.

State pensions rise each year by the rate of either inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5 per cent — whichever is highest.

With wage growth at 4.7 per cent, the full new state pension will rise to £12,535 a year next April.

That is £35 short of the frozen income tax threshold, meaning OAPs in question are certain to be paying up by 2027.

Despite warnings, the Government has made no commitment to raising tax thresholds or making an exemption for Brits who have only the state pension.

A spokesman said: “We are committed to helping pensioners live their lives with dignity and respect, which is why millions will see their pension rise by up to £1,900 this Parliament.”

They also stated that people completely reliant on the state pension would not have to pay any income tax “this year”.

HMRC is expected to deduct tax directly through pension providers — or send pensioners a Simple Assessment tax bill that they have to work out.

Campaigners last night blasted the news, with ex-Pensions Minister Sir Steve Webb calling it a “creeping injustice” due to “drag millions more into the tax net”.

Rachel Vahey, of pensions firm AJ Bell, said it would force many older Brits to fill out their first self-assessment, and warned that present financial woes made reforms on taxes and pensions unlikely.

1

unday marked the first day of strike action at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport in the Spanish capital, where “endless queues” and plenty of disruption are being reported

Brits heading for Spain are being warned of major chaos at its biggest airport, with passengers facing security delays of up to an hour and a half.

Sunday marked the first day of strike action at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, where “endless queues” are being reported. Unions say the strike is “indefinite and full-time”. The disruption has continued this morning, with images circulating online showing crowded corridors and jammed conveyor belts. Antena3 reports that lines have ‘exploded’.

Passengers have expressed dismay after finding themselves caught up in the chaos. “What’s happening at Barajas Airport at this hour? Kilometre-long lines (and this isn’t an exaggeration) to get through security at Terminal 4. Passengers are very nervous about missing their flights,” said Felix Millán on X where he posted pictures of the queues.

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Passenger control staff, managed by the Trablisa company and with about 800 personnel, began their full-time action on Sunday after negotiations to improve their working conditions failed.

The workers say their work is at a saturation level and demand salary improvements and specific compensation for this service. Alejandro Corredera Arriaga, spokesperson and member of the Madrid strike committee, said the volume of work at Barajas “far exceeds” that of other Spanish airports.

Among other demands, the passenger security guards demand at least equal conditions, such as the summer bonus paid for similar work at Palma de Mallorca, also managed by Trablisa. They also want a “danger” bonus, similar to that paid to explosives guards, when carrying out their work in a critical infrastructure such as an airport, in a context in which Spain has maintained level 4 of anti-terrorist alert since 2015.

Delays are occurring in all the terminals of the Madrid airport, both in the standard access to the passenger filter and the preferential one, known as ‘fast track’. At 9am on Sunday, the waiting time in Barajas was around 95 minutes, compared to the usual ten.

Passengers have been reporting “endless queues that reach the entrances and exits of the airport.”

The Spanish airport authority AENA has warned travellers of possible delays. To try to alleviate this situation, from the first hour, it has placed assistants in the metro hall of the old terminals and in other areas to divert passengers to T2 and T3 in the face of the collapse in the rest of the terminals.

“Due to a strike by Trablisa security personnel at Madrid-Barajas Airport, security clearance times may be longer. We apologise for the inconvenience,” said AENA in a statement.

The industrial action in Madrid is far from the only bit of aviation-related strike chaos due to take place this month.

In Italy, a 24-hour strike by airport handling staff at Milan Linate and Milano Malpensa Airport has been called on September 26. Security staff at Cagliari Elmas Airport are also planning 24 hours of industrial action on the same day.

In France, air traffic controllers in France are planning a strike in September after talks over pay between their union, SNCTA, and their employer, the nation’s Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), broke down.

The strike will last from September 18–19 and is expected to cause disruption to a huge number of flights. Even those who aren’t flying to or from France could be impacted, as so many flights follow routes over France.

Airports across Spain will be impacted by strikes over labour rights by Azul Handling baggage staff, which is part of the Ryanair Group. The firm handles the bags for the majority of the operator’s flights. Its unionised members have planned actions from 5am to 9am, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of 2025.

The affected airports are Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Tenerife South and Valencia.

New research suggests that British travellers are forgoing their beloved summer hotspots like Greece and Spain in favour of more far-flung destinations like Thailand

According to new research, some key non-European destinations have enticed Brits away from their typical hotspots this summer.

While Italy, Spain and Greece continue to deal with the repercussions of over-tourism, British travellers are casting their holiday sight further abroad. Virgin Media O2 data suggests that visitors to Spain have dropped by about 9% year-on-year, with anti-tourism protests potentially giving British holidaymakers pause.

Visits to Greece and Portugal are also down by 7% and 5% respectively, the data suggests. Destinations like Thailand, Canada and the US are on British travel radars this year.

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Visits to France were even eclipsed by those of the US this summer, which brought in 17% of British travellers compared to France’s 14%. Canada now accounts for 9% of trips from the UK and the United Arab Emirates has enjoyed 8% of the British tourist allocation.

Thailand and Australia both earned 5% of visitors, which may have to do with The White Lotus effect. In fact, the TV series drove so much tourism to Thailand that it threatened to bury one of the paradise islands.

The exceptionally hot weather in the UK this summer could have also influenced why Brits didn’t feel the need to storm their sunny EU holiday destinations.

When it comes to last-minute getaways however, the data shows that convenience is still a top priority for British holidaymakers. Resorts that are a short-haul flight away still saw the biggest influx of travellers. Almost 38% of Brits will take late breaks to Spain while Greece will see 25% and Italy 23%.

Christian Hindennach, chief commercial officer at Virgin Media O2 said of the latest research: “As Brits explore new holiday spots beyond Europe, we’re proud to keep them connected wherever they may roam.

He continues: “From last-minute trips to far-flung adventures, we’re committed to keeping our customers connected without the worry of hidden fees, so they can focus on enjoying their time away.”

That said, months of active overtourism demonstrations across Spain in particular has been bad news for tourism revenue in some parts of the country.

A once busy Spanish city is now “dead” as Brits have reportedly abandoned the destination for other holiday spots.. Footage has surfaced online showing the area’s completely deserted streets.

Laura, who goes by lauratravelvlogs on TikTok, has been chronicling some stark changes in Barcelona this year, having resided there herself for over two years. She noted a significant drop in visitor numbers and, for months, she’s been posting videos of Spain’s vacant streets, silent roads and empty beaches to illustrate the drastic shift in the country’s tourism landscape.

In a recent video featuring eerily quiet roads, Laura questioned: “Sorry, no one can argue that these roads leading up to the beach were not packed in 2023?”

The Greek government is considering extending a ban on short-term rentals. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, spoke on the topic of holiday lets

Holidays to parts of Greece may soon get a little trickier if Athens goes ahead with a new crackdown.

The Greek government is considering extending restrictions on short-term rentals to alleviate the strain on the nation’s property market. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, said that the possibility of prolonging the ban on new short-term lets in three Athens districts for another year was under consideration.

He also suggested that the ban could be expanded to other regions of the country. To incentivize more property owners to switch from short- to long-term leases, a three-year tax exemption would also be extended in proposed legislation.

“I am open to extending the ban on the inclusion of new homes in short-term rentals outside of Attica, to other popular destinations, and it is something we will decide on in the next one to two months,” the prime minister said.

“The problem has arisen in recent years and is a result of a rapidly growing economy. The problem for the tenant is a benefit for the landlord. We need to see both sides.”

The abundance of holiday lets in the Mediterranean country is causing issues in the housing market. According to ekathimerini.com, official 2024 statistics indicate that the average number of properties available for short-term rentals per 1,000 permanent residents in Greece is 46.

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In the Cyclades, this figure rises to 611 per 1,000 residents, while in the Ionian Islands it stands at 340, and in the Dodecanese at 125.

The Greek government has been wrestling with a surge in short-term lets, driven by platforms like Airbnb, and the urgent need for local housing, reports the Express.

When the ban on short-term rental licences was announced in 2024, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni cautioned that it could be extended beyond a year. The ban came into effect on January 1.

Tourism brings in billions for Greece, with the country’s beaches, hot weather and warm seas attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. During the nation’s debt crisis following the 2008–09 financial meltdown, residential property values crashed by 42%.

They have since bounced back to the extent where homeownership has become an unlikely prospect for some residents trying to climb onto the property ladder. Estate agent Engel & Völkers Germany reports that Greek prices have kept climbing since hitting rock bottom in 2017, with this upward trajectory persisting throughout this year.

The estate agent has noted that Greece still provides “affordable” and “moderate” pricing compared to other European destinations.

Engel & Völkers, highlighting the dilemma facing the Greek administration, indicated that predictions for the coming year stay “positive”. It continued: “Greece is increasingly positioning itself as a safe and value-stable destination for investments in vacation and lifestyle properties.”

In June Mr Mitsotakis made a commitment to address overcrowding and manage the number of visitors on the country’s islands, including limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.

Mr Mitsotakis acknowledged that the Cycladic Islands were “clearly suffering”, amid complaints from locals about the effect on their daily lives and the cost of living, according to Bloomberg reports.

The Greek Prime Minister has highlighted Santorini as the “most sensitive” to overcrowding, with around 800 cruise ships docking last year, closely followed by Mykonos with 750 in 2023.

In April last year, Athens was rocked by furious protests, with demonstrators reportedly shouting: “They are taking our houses while they live in the Maldives”.

A woman recently went to a restaurant in Turkey, and was floored by the cost of a three-course meal. When you’re abroad, you never know what to expect to pay

It’s no secret that the cost of visiting Turkey has risen, with various tourists having brought the matter to people’s attention in recent months. However, a woman who lives in Turkey recently revealed she was floored when she discovered how much it is to enjoy a three-course meal at a restaurant at the popular holiday destination, and Brits are equally as surprised.

The woman, known as lifeoflottss on TikTok, recently drew people’s attention to the food discovery in a candid video, and she was left pretty stunned. When you’re willing to look around, it turns out you can really find some bargains, with many people being left stunned by the price of the meal.

She explained she found the eatery in Marmaris and felt she had to show it off. It seems not everything is super expensive at the destination, despite reports of Turkey being “dead” due to inflation.

In the clip, Lotts said: “Hello everyone, if you’re staying in the Armutalan area in Marmaris then you can actually get a three-course meal for £3.50. If you really want to try traditional Turkish kitchen food then I would really recommend coming here.

“I’ll show you inside to show you what the food looks like. You can sit in and eat, or you can just get a takeaway. I absolutely love this food – all freshly made.

“Really nice, traditional Turkish kitchen food. Chef’s kiss. You’ve got puddings, drinks. You can get three courses for £3.50, or you can buy them separately. Honestly, it’s so cheap and the food is unreal.”

After she shared the video, people had all sorts of questions. In the comments, she confirmed the prices stay the same “all year around”, and she told intrigued holidaymakers to look for Anadolu Yemek Evi, Marmaris, when they visit.

One person said: “Love this place. My husband goes here to get us food all the time. Lovely food.”

Another added: “The food is the best type of food. Unbelievably cheap.” A third replied: “Tried this place in June when we were over. Great value. The food was really nice, and all the bread on the table was unreal.”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I went there in May. Cheap as chips.” Someone else also chimed in with: “Bargain.”

Anadolu Yemek Evi also has rave reviews on TripAdvisor too. It has an average rating of five stars, with one customer saying it serves up the “best meal” in Marmaris. It just goes to show you can find affordable dining at the destination when you look around.

Is Turkey becoming expensive?

Even though Lotts’s story is positive, there are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in parts of Turkey. If you’re wondering about the situation, Statista has offered an explanation as to why it may be happening.

The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”

However, it’s said Turkey is taking steps to help boost tourism, including addressing rising prices, making tourist offerings more diverse and investing in infrastructure. The Government is said to be working to reduce inflation, and some people are also promoting niche tourism areas like spas and health care.

Electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, herbal products, shisha pipes and devices used to heat tobacco and other substances would be treated the same as conventional cigarettes under the Spanish govenrment’s new proposals

Smoking and vaping could soon be banned in restaurant terraces and on beaches in Spain.

The Spanish government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban locals and holidaymakers alike from having a puff on bar and restaurant terraces, as well as on beaches. The law would also prohibit minors from using vapes and related products, and end the sale of single-use electronic cigarettes.

The legislation was signed off by the cabinet on Tuesday morning. The bill still needs to be approved by parliament and could be amended. There is no indication yet of when these measures might come in.

Electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, herbal products, shisha pipes and devices used to heat tobacco and other substances would be treated the same as conventional cigarettes.

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Their use would all be banned in enclosed public spaces, as well as in outdoor areas such as bar terraces, stadiums, sports centres, children’s play areas, bus stops and educational facilities.

The health minister, Mónica García Gómez, said the draft law was intended to put Spain “back at the forefront of the fight against tobacco”. Smoking inside bars and restaurants in Spain was banned back in 2010, but since then, progress has been slow.

According to the Global Action to End Smoking report, 24.9% of the population used tobacco in some way in 2022, with higher rates of (27.5%) among men. In contrast, 11% of Brits smoke.

Ms Gómez added: “We know that tobacco claims the lives of 140 people a day in our country, which is 50,000 people a year. I also want to stress that 30% of cancer tumours are linked to the factors that come from tobacco use … We know that the reality has changed when it comes to tobacco and that there are new devices, such as vapes and tobacco-heating devices and nicotine pouches – and this law, for the first time, will regulate all these tobacco-related products, and it will regulate them in a clear and forceful way based on the scientific evidence.”

Holidaymakers looking to pick up some cheap cigarettes are in luck. There is no plan to hike prices in a country where a pack of 20 cigarettes costs less than €6 (£5.20).

Spain’s approach mirrors recent action taken by France in July. It is now illegal to smoke in outdoor places, including beaches, parks, public gardens, outside schools, bus stops and sports venues in France. The legislation, however, excludes café and bar terraces and electronic cigarettes from its restrictions.

Absent from Spain’s cabinet-approved proposal are any requirements for plain packaging on tobacco products. This is a measure that has been adopted by 25 nations, including the UK, according to World Health Organisation data.

OFCOM has launched an investigation into at least 22 porn websites over concerns about the age checks they have in place.

Adult platforms have been forced to adopt stricter age verification rules in the UK since the end of July, which require users to share their ID or a selfie to access them.

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Sites that fail to comply with the Online Safety Act risk being slapped with hefty fines and could even be blocked from the UK.

The communications regulator is responsible for checking companies abide by the law, which is designed to protect children from easily stumbling across inappropriate content online.

Today Ofcom bosses announced an investigation into five companies that are known to collectively run at least 22 porn sites.

It’s estimated that the group receive some eight million visitors from the UK every month.

The watchdog said the sites face a “prioritised” probe because of the risk of harm they pose and their user huge numbers.

“We are now gathering and analysing evidence to determine whether any contraventions have occurred,” Ofcom said.

“If our assessment indicates compliance failures, we will issue provisional notices of contravention to providers, who can then make representations on our findings, before we make our final decisions.”

The companies include Cyberitic, LLC, Web Prime Inc, Youngtek Solutions Ltd and ZD Media s.r.o.

Some 47 sites are already being investigated by Ofcom over similar concerns.

Bosses have also revealed that they’re expanding their probe into two companies, 8579 LLC and Itai Tech, over whether they have failed to respond adequately to Ofcom’s requests for information.

The new law triggered a surge in VPN downloads as some try to get around the block.

VPNs – which are used as legal privacy tools to disguise a person’s location – are still in the top download charts.

The regulator has admitted that there’s no way to stop people from using VPNs.

THE SHOCKING STATS

Latest figures show the scale of adult content consumption online…

Ofcom stats:

• Around 8% children aged 8-14 in the UK visited an online porn site or app in a month.
• 15% of 13–14-year-olds accessed online porn in a month.
• Boys aged 13-14 are the most likely to visit a porn service, significantly more than girls the same age (19% vs 11%).
• Our research tells us that around three in ten (29%) or 13.8m UK adults use porn online.
• Pornhub is the most used site in the UK – Ofcom research says 18% (8.4m) visited it in one month.

Children’s Commissioner stats:

Of the 64% who said that they had ever seen online pornography:

• The average age at which children first see pornography is 13. By age nine, 10% had seen pornography, 27% had seen it by age 11 and half of children who had seen pornography had seen it by age 13.
• We also find that young people are frequently exposed to violent pornography, depicting coercive, degrading or pain-inducing sex acts; 79% had encountered violent pornography before the age of 18.
• Pornography is not confined to dedicated adult sites. We found that Twitter was the online platform where young people were most likely to have seen pornography.

Image credit: Getty / The Sun

DANNY Jones reportedly ‘legged’ it from the NTAs after accepting an award with Maura Higgins.

The pair reunited as I’m A Celeb won the gong for Reality Competition.

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All eyes were on Danny Jones and Maura Higgins after their illicit snog at the Brit Awards six months ago.

They stood apart on stage as Danny delivered the acceptance speech.

Meanwhile, the singer performed with band McFly to open the show, then was seen with Maura to collect the gong.

But then he scarpered.

On the award win, runner-up Coleen Rooney later said: “It’s amazing, it was a tough category. We’ve had a fantastic year.”

Co-star Oti Mabuse said to press: “Our king of the jungle Danny has left already!

“He wanted us to say he is on tour so he had to leg it.”

Last month, Danny shared holiday snaps with wife Georgia and son Cooper.

The king of the jungle sported a tan after he jetted off to a mystery European seaside location.

He posted a string of assets onto his Instagram profile as he strolled through the streets with Georgia and their seven-year-old son Cooper.

The young family beamed from ear to ear as they enjoyed each other’s company by the sea.

Speaking on This Morning, the money saving expert Martin Lewis turned his forensic hand to the topic of flight compensation and when you will and won’t be entitled to some cash

Martin Lewis has highlighted a little-known six-year rule that means you may be entitled to compensation without realising it.

Speaking on This Morning, the money saving expert turned his forensic hand to the topic of flight compensation. While many will know that, under EU law adopted by the UK following Brexit, passengers are often entitled to financial compensation following lengthy flight delays, they may not be aware of a useful bit of small print.

“Did anyone have a flight delay or cancellation this summer? Or actually, the law says you can go back six years, except in Scotland where it is five years. So if you’ve had this happen to you during this time, except in certain circumstances, you are entitled to a fixed amount of compensation. £520 per person, so a family of four is over a grand, depending on the length of flight and the length of the delay and some other things,” Martin told Cat Deely and Ben Shephard on Tuesday’s programme.

That means it is well worth looking back at flights you may have taken as long ago as 2019 to see if any of them were delayed enough for you to claim some compensation. Online tools such as AirHelp let you check if you’re owed cash for free.

Martin went on to explain that other criteria that can determine whether you’re owed compensation.

“First of all, it has to be a UK or EU-regulated flight. That is, any flight leaving the UK or European airport, that is pretty simple. Or any flight arriving to a UK or EU airport, but then it has to be a UK or EU airline. Easiest way to think of that, British Airways from New York to London is EU regulated, American Airlines from New York to London is not,” he said.

“Then for a delay to count you have to have arrived, not left, three hours late. So when they open the doors of the plane.

“Cancellation rules, they have to have cancelled less than 14 days before the flight. If it’s more, it’s deemed that you have more time to organise. If it’s less, then it depends on when the replacement flight would’ve landed, what you’re entitled to. You’ll need to look that up. There are free tools online that’ll do this for you, you do not need to pay.”

As many passengers have found out to their displeasure, there are certain situations in which airlines don’t have to pay out despite lengthy delays or cancellations.

“The final thing is it must be the airline’s fault, which is much broader than it may sound. If it is a weather issue, if it is air traffic control, if the airport shuts down, it’s not the airline’s fault. If it is staffing problems for the airlines, technical problems for the airlines, if it is a knock-on impact that means your flight is delayed, it is generally the airline’s fault,” Martin said.

When it comes to whether or not you should claim, Martin suggested the following rule of thumb.

“It’s a slight moral thing. If you were three hours and one minute late, sat in the airport bar, having a great time, I wouldn’t bother. We don’t want airlines to go bust. If you were 12 hours late, the kids were sleeping on the floor, it was an absolute disaster, go get your money,” he concluded.

FOR warm weather, beach resorts and mountain views, Tunisia is slowly becoming the hot new destination again.

The African country had been a popular spot with Brits for years up until the attack in Sousse 10 years ago – but numbers reveal it is rising in popularity once again.

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Tunisia has so much to offer for an autumn or winter break for Brits wanting sun, sea and sand.

In November, you can easily laze about on a beach in Tunisia as temperatures can still reach at 20C.

The most popular beaches in Tunisia include Hammamet which is known for its long sandy shores and Sousse, a lively resort town.

Ten years ago, the attack at the Bardo Museum in Tunis followed by the one on the beach resort in Sousse, resulted in plummeting bookings for Brits heading to Tunisia.

Now, statistics have revealed that holidaymakers are returning to the country in similar numbers.

Foreign arrivals to Tunisia have jumped by nearly 10 per cent this year compared with 2024, reaching 5.3 million through July 20, according to the National Tourism Office.

The government hopes to attract 11 million visitors by the end of the year – which is a million more than in 2024.

Back in 2014, there were 7.1 million tourists visiting the country, one year later in 2015, that dropped to 5.3 million.

The capital of Tunisia is Tunis, and is found on the northeastern coast.

Visitors to the city will find an ancient Medina and Roman Mosaics as well as plenty of bars and restaurants.

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Just outside of the capital is the pretty town of Sidi Bou Said which has a completely different feel with white coloured houses and cobbled streets.

It has lots of al fresco eateries and small art galleries with a marina on a sandy beach.

One writer visited the town last year and treated herself to a three-course meal for £10.

She also bumped into friendly locals and saw Ottoman-inspired architecture.

On a recent trip to Tunisia, Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot explored the island off the coast called Djerba.

Lisa said that one thing she noticed was that it had an uncanny resemblance to the Greek islands.

Like Mykonos and Santorini, Djerba has vibrant pink bougainvillaea and white-washed buildings with blue window shutters and doors – unlike Greece, coffee costs 25p.

Lisa said: “Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites.

“Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine.“

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The island is a great place to explore for any fans of Star Wars as the small town of Erriadh was used as a filming location.

Back on the mainland, the city of Tataouine was said to have inspired the location for Star Wars with its desert look and unique house exteriors.

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, even called his fictional planet, Tatooine.

EasyJet runs flights to Tunisia from multiple airports across the UK – one-way flights from London Southend to Enfidha in November are as cheap as £26.

It launched year-round flights to the island of Djerba from both London Luton and Manchester with one-way flights starting from £35 in November.

EasyJet even runs multiple tours from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. 

TUI also offer all inclusive holidays to Tunisia, as do Thomas Cook and On the Beach to name a few.

Read more on Sun Travel’s favourite TUI holidays from African beach resorts to European bucket list hotels.

Plus, discover the other two African destinations that Brits are heading to rather than Europe.

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On his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, finance guru Martin Lewis outlined how passengers could be owed hundreds of pounds

Holidaymakers who jetted off this summer could potentially claim up to £520 in compensation. A financial expert has revealed that travellers whose flights were disrupted might be entitled to substantial pay-outs.

On his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, finance guru Martin Lewis outlined how passengers could be owed hundreds of pounds. Compensation is available if your flight to or from a UK or EU airport was delayed by a specific amount of time. If your flight was scrapped, you might also qualify for monetary compensation alongside a replacement flight.

Writing for MSE, Martin posed the question: “Did you have a flight delayed or cancelled this summer? You may be due fixed compensation of up to £520 per person.”

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The flight doesn’t necessarily need to be recent – if it occurred within the past six years (or five years for Scottish departures) you could still secure a payout, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Martin explained that to be eligible, your flight must have:

• Been any flight from a UK/EU airport, or a flight to a UK/EU airport, but in the latter case, it must also have been on a UK/EU airline
• Landed three or more hours late to be considered delayed
• Been cancelled less than 14 days before it was due to fly
• Been the airline’s fault, so not bad weather, or issues with air traffic control – though airline staffing or servicing issues or knock-on delays due to previous flights usually do count

Martin noted: “The amount you are due is fixed depending on the length of the flight and delay. For some family long-haul flights, it can be £1,000s.”

MSE provided additional details, explaining: “Compensation under EU and UK rules is designed to makeup for the inconvenience of a delay – it’s not a refund of the flight ticket cost. So the amount you’ll get is fixed depending on the amount of time you were delayed and how far you were travelling.

“Crucially, it’s about when you arrive, not when you leave. You’ll start being eligible for compensation if your flight arrives three hours (or more) later than scheduled. So if you’re on a flight that takes off four hours late but lands two hours 55 minutes late, you won’t be eligible.” The arrival time is deemed to be when at least one of the aircraft doors opens.

What amount of compensation might you be able to claim?

Should your flight be cancelled, you ought to be offered either a replacement flight to your destination or a full refund. You may also be entitled to as much as £520 in compensation, according to MSE.

One MSE reader called Linda was motivated last year to attempt claiming money back for a delayed flight, and secured a total of £1,040. In an email she revealed: “I just wanted to thank you for your article on flight delay compensation.

“It triggered my memory of a delayed flight last November and I went straight on to the British Airways website and filled in the short form. It was so easy and a couple of weeks later I received an email advising that an amount of £520 per person would be paid into my account.

“We received £1,040 in total. What a result. Thanks to all the information on Martin Lewis’s site.” For further details, visit the MSE website.

One ancient town dubbed ‘the Pearl of the Black Sea’ has beautiful cobblestone streets, and affordable food and drinks

An ancient Bulgarian town has been crowned the cheapest beach destination for Brits – boasting white sandy beaches, UNESCO listing and pints costing less than £2.

Nessebar, on a small peninsula in Bulgaria, has been named the best-value beach in the new easyJet ‘Cheap Beach Index’ thanks to its dependable ‘shoulder-season’ deals on flights and hotels and affordable hospitality.

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Nessebar blends together rich history, culture and seaside charm. It delights visitors each year with its charming cobblestone streets in its UNESCO-listed old town and a famous seafood scene.

Nipping at its heels is the Budva Riviera in Montenegro, which boasts a range of idyllic beaches along a 35 kilometre stretch of the Adriatic coast in western Montenegro.

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Cruising into third place is the Costa de Almería in Spain that’s known for Europe’s only desert Tabernas Desert and its golden beaches.

Further down the table, value keeps rolling in destinations like Zadar and Nin in Croatia, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol in Spain and Halkidiki in Greece.

These sun-soaked destinations pair clear seas with competitive apartment and hotel prices, meaning a seven-night stay rarely breaks the bank.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “With summer behind us, there’s plenty of opportunities to still find great weather in early autumn across Europe.

“With thousands of flights across hundreds of routes from the UK throughout September, it means great value beach breaks are still available across Europe.

“Our unrivalled network of flights across the continent provides direct links from many UK airports to a whole host of great value, sun-friendly beach breaks on a budget.

“Our Cheap Beach Index offers a great variety of value choices for passengers looking for one last dose of summer sun and fun.”

The top 20 table was compiled by analysing areas within easy reach of airports that offer affordable direct routes to the UK. Each destination is priced on the basis of a typical holiday ‘basket’ that includes criteria such as the price of beer, an ice cream and a family meal out.

The index comes ahead of the start of ‘shoulder season’, from mid-September through to October. With many European destinations still offering warm conditions and airline schedules still operating at near-peak summer levels, the ‘shoulder’ is proving a popular option for many who aren’t ready to see the summer go.

For more information, please visit easyJet – Book Cheap Flights and Holidays

It’s a six-hour direct flight from the UK, and each of the ten islands that make up the archipelago has a different and distinct feel – perfect for those looking for year-round sunshine

The stunning nation of Cape Verde is fast becoming a favourite among Brits seeking year-round sunshine.

For those looking to change their annual holiday destination in Spain, Italy or France, you might want to have a look at this place. Spain has long been a top pick for those looking to escape the unpredictable British weather, but now more holidaymakers are venturing further afield to Africa’s Cape Verde.

Just a six-hour direct flight from the UK, Cape Verde’s ten islands offer constant sunshine, with temperatures seldom dipping below 21C, making it an ideal winter sun destination. Did anyone say a quick weekend trip?

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Each island in this Atlantic archipelago boasts its own unique charm and character. With an abundance of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, you’ll be spoilt for choice, reports the Express.

With a culture influenced by Portugal and African traditions, Cape Verde is the perfect place as it offers an all-year round exquisite weather where visitors can enjoy the beach and partake in watersports like windsurfing and outdoor activities like hiking.

Cape Verde is a member state of the African Union. But interestingly, the official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. Nonetheless, Creole is also used in conversation, and visitors will hear it throughout their stay.

Top picks include Santa Maria Beach and Ponta Preta on Sal, Praia de Chaves on Boa Vista, and Laginha beach in Mindelo, on São Vicente. Beyond the beaches, there’s fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities, with whales, dolphins and turtles often seen in the crystal-clear waters.

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While Cape Verde is a great year-round destination, do note that the rainy season falls between July and October. In November, expect daily maximum temperatures around 29C and minimums averaging at 23C.

According to AMAN (Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies), Cape Verde welcomed over a million visitors in 2023, setting a historical record.

For those who love a good hike, the islands are crisscrossed with walking trails through magnificent mountains and towering volcanoes. Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Fogo are touted as the best islands for walkers.

So, if you’re looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life without going to the typical holiday destinations, Cape Verde is the place for you. For families, friends, and even for a solo trip.

Direct flights are available from London to Cape Verde on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Airlines such as easyJet offer direct flights from London Gatwick, with prices starting at £120 depending on the season and time of purchase.

Hotel irons are often used for more than just smoothing out wrinkles, and travellers are being warned to avoid using them

When it comes to packing for a holiday, no matter how meticulously we fold our clothes, they always seem creased on the other side of the journey. But before you reach for your hotel’s iron to smooth out those wrinkles, you might want to think twice as it may have been used in ways you’d never imagine.

In this era of viral TikTok hacks and unconventional uses for everyday appliances, the humble hotel iron has often found itself under scrutiny – and frequently for all the wrong reasons. Oddly enough, it’s not just being used for smoothing out wrinkles anymore.

TikTok content creators promoting alternative uses for regular household appliances are, in many instances, creating these ‘hack’ videos not at home, but in hotel rooms, reports the Express.

So when you’re stepping into a freshly-booked hotel room, you’ve no idea what the provided appliances might have been used for by previous guests.

However, clothing experts Stock have unveiled information about why you should steer clear of hotel irons.

Why should you avoid hotel irons?

Hotel irons get passed around by countless guests, and not everyone uses them solely for clothes.

Some guests have resorted to using them to heat food items like pizza and sandwiches, and one TikTok user even attempted cooking a steak with one.

A swift Google search also uncovers several travel blogs advocating for this hack. It’s a startling and cautionary revelation about the potential misuse of these appliances.

A travel website even suggested using an “ironing board as a hot plate” and the iron itself as a heat source.

Beyond their unintended culinary adventures, hotel irons pose several risks.

One Stock expert explained: “They may not always be as clean as you’d hope, potentially transferring residues from previous uses onto your clothes.

“Using them for non-ironing purposes can damage the appliance and leave unsavoury smells on your garments.

“Moreover, irons can be old and rusty, risking stains that are tough to remove.”

What to do instead

Stock offers the following unconventional yet practical alternatives to hotel irons.

Steam it out

Forget the iron in the wardrobe and harness the steam from your hotel bathroom. Suspend your garments near the shower and allow the steam to work its magic in releasing creases.

Quick steam with water

Fill a spray bottle with fresh water and lightly spritz your clothing. Your body heat will help dry them swiftly, naturally smoothing out wrinkles.

Inspect before you iron

Always examine the iron’s state before using it. Check for any visible grime or corrosion.

Test it on a concealed section of your garment to ensure it’s clean and won’t harm your outfit. If the iron leaves any unpleasant marks or odours, it’s best to steer clear of using it.