Holidays

Mike Swigunski, an “eight-figure entrepreneur” and TEDx speaker, has visited more than 100 countries and has named his top five – and one is a “fairy tale city”

A globe-trotting entrepreneur who’s visited over 100 countries has revealed his top five favourite destinations — including one he describes as a “fairy tale city.” Mike Swigunski, an “eight-figure entrepreneur” and TEDx speaker with extensive travel experience, posed an intriguing question to his 5,000-plus YouTube followers.

He asked where they’d choose if restricted to visiting just five countries for the rest of their lives — a “fun” mental exercise he’d previously explored with several mates.

He then revealed his personal favourites, with selections stretching from the Americas through Europe and extending to Asia.

His choices included a country “full of pristine beaches” and a more unexpected choice offering “just about every landscape imaginable”.

Thailand

Mike said: “One of my favourite countries in the world is full of pristine beaches, has some of the best food of any country I’ve ever been to, and costs a fraction of the price — even 13 times cheaper than the United States.”

He explained that Thailand would be high on his list, citing the “great” climate, the cost of living, the “super high quality” of food, and accommodation that’s available for a “fraction of the price.”

When it comes to local attractions, Mike said he’s a fan of the beaches, forests, the country’s “super rich” history, and — once again — the food.

The Czech Republic

Mike said: “One of my favourite countries — and more importantly, favourite cities — is actually the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen in my life.”

He was describing Prague, the Czech capital. He portrayed it as a “fairy tale city” featuring well-preserved medieval architecture and specifically praised the “iconic” Charles Bridge.

Mike also lavished praise on other regions of the country, including the historic town of Český Krumlov. Regarding cuisine, he enjoys Czech goulash and svíčková (a beef dish served in a creamy sauce).

Italy

Mike said: “Another one of my favourite countries is good at just about everything — from food, drinks, culture, history, experiences. They have great beaches, beautiful mountains, and an amazing transport system.”

He spoke about his extensive travels across “50 different cities and locations” in Italy over a span of 15 years, highlighting the ancient ruins of Rome, the iconic canals of Venice, and the breathtaking Renaissance art found in Florence.

He praised Italy as a visual and culinary delight, lauding its “world-renowned” wines, cheeses, pasta, and pizzas, and noted how each region offers a unique taste of Italian culture.

Georgia

He was equally enthusiastic about Georgia, describing it as a country with “just about every landscape imaginable” and calling it a “hidden gem” rich in history, with warm people and “stunning” vistas.

He singled out Georgian delicacies such as khachapuri, a cheese-stuffed bread, and khinkali, meat-filled dumplings, as culinary highlights.

USA

Finally, he selected his home country, the US, as one of the nations he’d choose if he were only allowed five to visit for the rest of his life, mentioning that it’s where he has “so many” friends and family members.

He explained that he cherishes his time in the US because he can spend time with some of his “favourite people” in the world, adding that having the US on his list is “absolutely essential.”

Visitors to the town of Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, will have to abide by new local ordnance that prohobits several common activities enjoyed by holidaymaking Brits

A sun-drenched holiday hotspot could fine rulebreaking Brits more than £400 after it introduced sweeping bans restricting a slew of typical summer activities.

Italian officials in Portofino, a stunning coastal town on the country’s Riviera in Liguria typically swimming with thousands of tourists at a time, have introduced bans after growing weary of the massive activity. From today, new ordinance will prevent the up to 100,000 people who travel there a year from walking barefoot, enjoying picnics, and drinking booze on the community’s streets.

The ordnance, which has been introduced to protect the “peace and quiet of residents and tourists”, also introduces a series of other bans.

READ MORE: Brits abroad warned to brace for more summer holiday protests from anti-tourists

Signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, it prevents people from walking through the town barefoot, topless, or while wearing nothing more than swimwear.

Per the rules, alcohol can only be consumed in restaurants, bars and designated areas, with begging and lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and in local parks also banned. The new rules come into effect immediately, and will last throughout the summer season, when thousands of Brits will be mingling with the roughly 400 locals during a picturesque summer break.

Those who break the rules will risk a potential hefty fine, with penalties ranging from as low as £22 to up to £433 as Italian officials try to discourage unruly tourists.

Portofino has jostled with problem visitors for years, with the increasingly popular town having hit headlines years ago for similar restrictive measures. In 2023, officials banned tourists from visiting several local vantage points, officially citing concerns over local pedestrian footfall.

The earlier crackdown led to the creation of “no-waiting zones” in which tourists were prevented from pausing at locations – usually the most popular ones – deemed especially crowded or prone to bottlenecking.

Much like the latest raft of bans, rule flouters were threatened with hefty – although less pricey – fines. Anyone caught on the wrong side of the ordnance was ordered to pay up €275 (£242), with town administrators stressing at the time that, again like the latest rules, they were meant to protect the local quality of life.

Mayor Viacava told news outlet Leggo the rules were placed after select areas of the Portofino borough became so crowded that police were called in to “control pedestrians”.

He said: “The ordinance prohibits gatherings in certain areas of the borough where getting around is so difficult that police must be called in to control pedestrians. This is a common sense safety measure.” He added in a statement to Il Secolo XIX.: “Our goal is not to drive tourists away or discourage them from visiting.

“Everyone must do their part to contribute to the beauty of Portofino by behaving properly.”

A SpiceJet captain was forced to take the Boeing 737 back to the terminal during a scheduled flight from Delhi to Mumbai, India, the airline said in a statement

Two unruly passengers caused a seven-hour flight delay after allegedly attempting to get into the cockpit of a plane, it was claimed.

The pair is accused of making their attempt while the aircraft was taxiing for departure on Monday. Cabin crew and passengers pleaded with them to return to their seats, the airline said in a statement.

The captain was forced to take the Boeing 737 back to the terminal, as reported by Luxury Travel Daily. The jet was travelling from Delhi to Mumbai, India.

A video taken inside the cabin has gone viral, with passengers heard complaining about the delay. “You cannot stop a plane like this; this is illegal,” one passenger is heard saying. From the rear of the cabin another passenger says “AC chala de, hum baith jayenge”, which translates as “switch the AC on, we will sit down”, according to India Today.

READ MORE: Inside the eerie UK ‘plane graveyard’ where jumbo jets from around the world are ditched

Several passengers are then heard asking the cabin crew to summon CISF security and remove the disruptive flyers. “Those who don’t want to go, make sure they get down,” says one of the passengers.

The SpiceJet flight, originally scheduled to depart at 12.30pm from Indira Gandhi International Airport, was delayed until 7.21pm, according to data from flight tracking service Flightradar24.com. A spokesperson for the airline said: “Two unruly passengers were offloaded from SpiceJet flight SG 9282 operating from Delhi to Mumbai. The two attempted to forcefully approach the cockpit and caused a disruption while the aircraft was taxiing.

“Despite repeated requests by the cabin crew, fellow passengers, and the Captain, they refused to return to their seats. In the interest of the safety of all passengers and crew, the Captain decided to return the aircraft to the bay, and the passengers were offloaded. They were subsequently handed over to the CISF.”

The airline said the decision to return to the terminal was made in the interest of passenger and crew safety. No injuries were reported.

The issue of passengers delaying plane departures is not new, but it certainly causes airlines a huge amount of grief. Even small disruptions can lead airlines to miss departure slots, pushing back their eventual take-off times significantly. Thanks to the compensation rights of passengers and airport fees, such delays can land plane operators with big bills.

Back in 2023, an Indian man travelling from New York to Delhi allegedly urinated on a co-passenger on an American Airlines flight, NDTV reported. A similar incident had taken place in 2022 when a drunk man allegedly urinated on an elderly woman in the business class of an Air India flight.

One of the factors used is the check in order is the order in which people checked in. If you were one of the last to check in, you’re more likely to be at the bottom of the priority list

An easy-to-overlook code on your plane boarding pass could let you know whether or not you’ll be kicked off a flight.

Holidaymakers should be paying close attention to the ‘SEQ’ number, as it could let you know your chances of a big spanner being thrown in the holiday works.

When flights are oversold, which is increasingly common during peak periods, airlines have to choose who gets involuntarily denied boarding. One of the factors used is the check in order is the order in which people checked in. If you were one of the last to check in, you’re more likely to be at the bottom of the priority list.

Hadleigh Diamond, airport chauffeur at SCS Chauffeurs, explains, “SEQ stands for Sequence Number, and it tells airlines the order in which you checked in for your flight. A SEQ of 001 means you were the first to check in; 152 means you were the 152nd. While it doesn’t affect your seat assignment or boarding group, it’s crucial during overbooked flights, especially on budget airlines.

READ MORE: Inside the eerie UK ‘plane graveyard’ where jumbo jets from around the world are ditched

“When we arrange transfers, we often remind passengers to ensure they’ve checked in early, whenever possible, to avoid a potential flight issue”

With travel demand surging, overbooking has become a more regular practice across major airlines. According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, more than sux million passengers were denied boarding globally in the last year, with many unaware that early check-in could have protected their seat.

“Airlines tend to overbook flights as not all passengers turn up on the day. When a flight is so overbooked that passengers are denied boarding or offloaded, the airline will usually ask for volunteers. But if no-one comes forward, each airline will deny boarding to passengers in line with its own policies,” Hadleigh added.

There are other boarding pass codes that are worth paying attention to, such as the SSSS that appears on many tickets for travel to or from the US.

Chloe Jade Meltzer, 30, has been traveling the world since 2015 and has visited 162 countries. Out of the hundreds of times she has traveled, Chloe has had ‘SSSS’ written on her boarding pass six times.

Those four letters stand for secondary security screening selection – meaning the passenger has been flagged for additional security checks by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before boarding the flight.

READ MORE: Spain travel warning for Brit as little-known rule could land them £520 fineREAD MORE: Spanish holiday island loved by Brits overwhelmed by piles of stinking rubbish

This means they will have to undergo additional screening procedures, including pat-downs, hand swabs, and thorough luggage checks before boarding the plan. Chloe says one of the most common signs a traveller will have ‘SSSS’ appear on their boarding pass is if they don’t get issued it immediately.

Chloe, a travel blogger, from New York City, said: “I have gotten ‘SSSS’ on my boarding pass periodically over the years. When I get one, I will just try get the checks out of the way and head straight to the boarding gate to be screened again by airline staff.

“Usually, how long it takes depends on how fast you get to the boarding gate, how your bags are packed and how fast they are at searching. When you are checking into your flight, you usually get your boarding pass. If you don’t get it straight away, that can be a sign your pass will have ‘SSSS’ written on.”

Chloe says if you are flagged for secondary screening you will be pulled aside at the gate before you board. She said you will then either be given a pat down or a detailed search of your luggage – or you will be tested for explosives.

Fans of the venue said it is “nice to stroll around on a warm day” and dubbed it “cute and wholesome”

Award-winning rose gardens have been praised online as a place to add to your “weekend list.” The venue, tucked away in Norwich, Norfolk, has drawn attention online due to its picturesque views.

Peter Beales Roses, in Norwich, has been dubbed a “hidden gem” by fans on TikTok, who praised the rose gardens specifically. That will come as no surprise to many as Peter Beales is renowned for being home to the largest variety of roses in the UK and having 29 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals to its name.

TikTok user Shauna (@ilyxshaun) shared a clip showcasing the venue on a recent trip. Her caption read: “One for your weekend list.”

In the video, Shauna walks through the venue and shows viewers the entrance, the indoor shop selling produce, meets, handmade jewellery, the cafe, and the garden shop. She then moves on to the rose gardens, which she claims are “nice to stroll around on a warm day.”

In her voiceover, Shauna said: “This award-winning spot in Attleborough might just be Norfolk’s best kept summer day out. It’s known for its beautiful rose gardens, but there’s a lot more you can do here.

“Inside. They’ve got a shop with lots of local produce like jams, chutneys, fresh meats, even handmade jewellery. They also have a cafe for brunch and afternoon tea.

“Plus you can sit outside when the weather’s warm, which is a bonus. There’s a garden section with indoor plants, tools and just all the little bits that you didn’t know you even needed.

“But the best part, without a doubt, is the rose gardens. There were rose bushes everywhere, little archways to wander through and so many pretty corners. It’s so nice to stroll around on a warm day. Peter Bales is ideal for when you don’t have plans but want something cute and wholesome to do.”

Beneath the video, others praised the venue and shared their favourite things about it too. One viewer said: “such a lovely day out” and a second wrote: “looks lovely.”

A third added: “When I last went there was a little hidden play park too for children we had to follow signs and it was very hidden but very cute.”

A different person said: “Yep there’s a children’s play area right at the back and a little nature walk.” The praise continued, with one viewer writing: “I love visiting here solely for the rose gardens!” and another adding: “Love it here. The rose festival is fab!”

According to Peter Beales, the rose gardens allow visitors to “escape to a world of beauty and tranquillity”, where “nature’s artistry meets timeless elegance.” The venue’s website adds that the gardens are the perfect place to “lose yourself in a sensory paradise.”

The rose gardens feature rose-covered archways and walkways draped in vibrant blooms, a “stunning” observation turret offering panoramic garden views, a “serene” wildlife garden buzzing with biodiversity, and display gardens with “intoxicating perfumes and seasonal colour.”

Peter Beales Roses is based around half a mile off the A11 in Attleborough, Norfolk. The venue features free parking, wheelchair access, toilets, and baby-changing facilities. Entrance to the rose gardens, which is open seven days a week, year-round, is free.

THE Open is set to return to Royal Portrush THIS WEEK for the 153rd edition of the iconic golf tournament.

Some huge names will feature in Northern Ireland, including home hero Rory McIlroy.

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McIlroy is eyeing another Major title after he ended his 11-year drought by winning the Masters in April.

The golf icon failed to make the cut in 2019 when The Open was last hosted at Portrush.

Shane Lowry was victorious when the tournament was last played on the prestigious Northern Irish course.

To this day, it’s Lowry’s only Major win, and he will be looking to repeat history this week.

Some huge names feature in the star-studded 156-player field – but is Tiger Woods one of them?

Is Tiger Woods playing at The Open 2025?

Tiger Woods will NOT feature at the 153rd Open as he continues to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

His absence means the three-time Claret Jug winner will have missed all four of the annual Major tournaments.

Woods last competed in a PGA Tour event 12 months ago, when The Open was held at Royal Troon.

The 15-time Major champion missed the cut in his last outing.

How to watch The Open 2025

In the UK, The Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf throughout the tournament.

Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW/Sky Sports app.

In the US, the tournament will be aired on USA, NBC Sports and Peacock.

Unexpectedly, porridge is a Finnish obsession, available in petrol stations, schools and on national airline flights. But Helsinki’s gastronomic offerings are a lot wilder, featuring reindeer, moose, pike perch, salmon soup, herring, seaweed – and even bear meat. And from summer into autumn, Finns’ deep affinity with nature blossoms, fusing local organic produce with foraged berries and mushrooms. This inspires menus to feature whimsical fusions of textures and flavours, all straight from the land.

Garlanded with superlatives, from “friendliest” and “happiest” to “world’s most sustainable city”, this breezy Nordic capital is fast catching up on its foodie neighbours. Enriched by immigrant chefs, the youthful, turbocharged culinary scene now abounds in excellent mid-range restaurants with affordable tasting menus – although wine prices are steep (from €10/£8.60 for a 120ml glass). Vegan and vegetarian alternatives are omnipresent, as are non-alcoholic drinks, many berry based. Tips are unnecessary, aesthetics pared down, locals unostentatious and dining starts early, at 5pm. And, this being Finland, you can digest your meal in a sauna, whether at an island restaurant (Lonna) or high in the sky on the Ferris wheel (SkySauna).

Eat, sweat, swim – go Finn!

Nolla

Top of the table in zero-waste cred is pioneering Nolla (meaning “zero”), which even boasts a designer composter in one corner. It serves regularly changing taster menus (four courses €59, six courses €69) in an old townhouse with a relaxed, hip vibe. Led by Catalan chef and co-owner Albert Franch Sunyer, the 70-seater espouses localism and upcycling: staff uniforms are made from old curtains and sheets, while the base of a wine bottle becomes a butter dish. Nothing goes to waste, whether leftover bread or used coffee grounds (an ingredient in a roasted hay ice-cream). Goose is a recent innovation, roasted deliciously with honey turnips, parsnip puree and hazelnut crumble, while Finncattle carpaccio with a radish and tomato harissa dressing brings an exotic hit. With a Michelin green star, Nolla’s easygoing atmosphere and strict environmental policies make it a winner.
restaurantnolla.com

Muru

Not far from Nolla, in the popular central area, is long-standing Muru, one of the first French-style bistros in Helsinki. Masterminded by award-winning sommelier Samuil Angelov, it’s intimate, with a slightly worn, rustic edge and eccentricities that stretch to a wine store at the top of a vertiginous ladder. The changing menus (four courses €59, two courses €39) are chalked on a blackboard in Finnish, which any waiter will translate – English is virtually a second language in Helsinki. Depending on the season, you might indulge in a starter of lavaret (freshwater fish) with pickled cucumber, radishes and dill flower, a nettle risotto with rhubarb and parmesan (risottos are Muru’s speciality) and end with a luscious pannacotta and strawberry dessert.
murudining.fi

The Room

This is where the Middle East comes to Finland – dramatically. Cloistered in a curtained room, 14 diners sit around a kitchen bar to watch Kurdish chef Kozeen Shiwan enact his gastronomic life story. This is represented by 14 meticulously conjured courses – from a single richly decorated olive (“Made in Suleymaniah) to a spicy quail’s leg buried in flowers (“Flora’s Quail”). Each dish is introduced by the chef’s witty patter. Gold rules, too, whether in Kozeen’s teeth, his necklace, or encasing a platter of glittering potatoes baked with amba sauce and roe before they sink into a mayo, saffron and olive oil sauce. It’s a memorable dining performance (€159), but make sure Kozeen is present on the night you book, and choose wine by the glass rather than the €119 wine pairing.
kozeenshiwan.com

Finlandia Hall

Nobody can visit Helsinki without paying homage to Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), the groundbreaking architect and designer who brought functionalism to Finland. After three years of renovation, his monumental Finlandia Hall, an events centre which opened in 1971, now includes a sleekly designed bistro and a cafe. Everything in the building is by Aalto, from lighting to furniture and brass fittings, explained in an illuminating permanent exhibition. On the food front, the bistro (open for dinner Thursday to Saturday) offers typically creative Nordic cuisine with Mediterranean accents (four courses €59, six courses €69, plus à la carte) in a moody interior. For more luminosity, or for lunch, head for Finlandia Café&Wine (open all week), with terrace views over the bay. Self-service snacks and drinks are backed up by a daily lunch special (€14.70) or a copious breakfast (€19.90) – porridge included, of course.
finlandiatalo.fi

Nokka

Down on the south harbour, beside a stretch of other eateries, Nokka’s spacious warehouse is full of nautical artefacts and enlarged sketches of wild animals. The philosophy of chef-founder Ari Ruoho, a keen hunter and fisher, is to bring Finland’s peerless “wild nature” on to the plate, nose to tail. Apart from the wild meat, there is a huge emphasis on organic vegetables. There are three menus (four courses €89, vegetarian €74, eight courses from €129) and à la carte options. The smoked bream mousse starter with pickled cucumber, cucumber sorbet and a crispbread combining fish skin with dried roe and pumpkin seeds (€24) is a revelation, as is tender roasted reindeer, seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes with grated elk heart. This is ambitious, perfectly honed food that easily justifies its Michelin green star.
nokkahelsinki.fi

Lonna

Several thousand islands speckle the Gulf of Finland, so there’s no excuse not to hop on a ferry for a 10-minute ride to Lonna island. Here, recycling comes with a twist, as ageing military structures now house an eponymous restaurant with bar and terrace overlooking the Baltic. Add to that a beach, a sleekly designed sauna and views to Helsinki and you have a bucolic escape. The 60-seater Lonna restaurant is low key, with bare brick walls and gorgeous Finnish tableware, and is open May to September. Excellent-value menus (three courses €39) change monthly, offering local organic produce and plentiful vegetarian options, such as oyster mushrooms with barley and smoked tomato, or a meaty option such as organic pork with bok choi and trout roe.
lonna.fi

Bona Fide

In an elegant residential neighbourhood, this quirky little restaurant offers a four-course menu (€48) tweaked every few weeks. “We do what’s in season, using French technique and good ingredients from abroad, and only wild game or fish,” says Ilpo Vainonen, one of the two young chefs who are co-owners with sommelier and manager Johan Borgar. Like many of their peers, they make their own bread, which comes with a black olive dip. Every dish is presented superbly: try a starter combining fresh and semi-dried tomatoes framed by hazelnuts, cream cheese and tiny cherries, or an ice-cream in a puddle of olive oil served with a pan of stone fruits poached in rum syrup. Suddenly, a spoonful of raspberry sorbet coated in pink peppercorn appears. Divine.
bonafide.fi

Lunch on the run…

As most of the restaurants above open for dinner only, lunch during Helsinki’s summer is all about outdoor grazing. Ice-cream kiosks dot the city, while numerous lippakioski (wooden kiosks dating from the 1920s) provide drinks and snacks. Countless cafes include quaint Café Regatta, an old waterside fisher’s shack with terrace. The touristy Market Hall offers wide-ranging choices, from reindeer salami and salmon soup to Asian fast food. Inside Oodi, Helsinki’s spectacular central library, you can enjoy a bargain set lunch or take snacks on to the panoramic terrace. And as everyone has the right to forage, for dessert head for Central Park to fill your pockets.

A simple mistake could leave holidaymakers facing huge bills if they end up in hospital while abroad, with costs reaching as high as £150,000 in some countries

Holidaymakers risk racking up medical costs soaring to as much as £150,000 if they inadvertently invalidate their travel insurance. Securing travel insurance binds you to an array of terms and conditions.

These cover scenarios where you won’t be covered, leaving you liable for emergency expenses. Nevertheless, experts say it is essential to get travel insurance promptly upon booking your getaway.

The upside is that travel insurance might also mitigate pre-holiday issues, like missing your flight due to sudden illness. But little-known guidance shows that some seemingly ordinary activities could put you at risk of invalidating your insurance and ending up with an enormous bill if something goes wrong.

READ MORE: Jet2 ‘be aware’ alert over holiday rules you may not know aboutREAD MORE: Spain holidaymakers told not to say these two words this summer

Cost of medical care abroad

Government advice states that medical bills abroad can escalate dramatically, depending on your destination. A fall resulting in a broken leg needing hospital care in Spain may see charges exceed £25,000.

In Greece, a quad bike accident that requires surgery can cost more than £80,000. Meanwhile, if you get a stomach bug or infection in the USA that requires hospital treatment, you could be charged more than £150,000.

Advice from the Association of British Insurers(ABI) states: “When shopping around for travel insurance, make sure that the policy is right for your needs, and do not automatically opt for the cheapest. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.”

They also advise securing travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday to safeguard against potential losses such as cancellation fees if illness prevents you from travelling. At the very latest, they say you must sort it before departing the UK, as numerous policies provide coverage from the beginning of your journey until your return.

Things that can invalidate your insurance

Travel insurance generally includes a variety of exclusions, which means you’re no longer covered. Guidance on GOV UK notes that this can include:

1. sports such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies
2. alcohol and drugs: most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances
3. mental health conditions: you must declare mental health conditions or risk invalidating your policy. Be aware that some may exclude cover for treatment related to a pre-existing mental health condition. See foreign travel advice for people with mental health issues for more guidance
4. age restrictions, particularly if you are buying an annual policy
5. use/hire of quad bikes or mopeds: they are not usually covered
6. driving overseas: if you’re hiring a car, check what you’re covered for with the hire company; if you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers
7. natural disasters (such as an earthquake or tropical cyclone): some policies only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by a natural disaster
8. high risk destinations: many travel insurance policies will not cover travel to a high risk destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel or all travel. Check your policy wording and the relevant country travel advice pages before booking your trip and buying insurance
9. terrorist acts: most travel insurers offer only limited cover for terrorist acts but some offer policy add-ons to provide additional cover if there is a terrorist attack in your destination. This may include cancellation cover, if your destination is affected by a terrorist attack before your trip and you no longer wish to travel. At a minimum, make sure your policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and travel home if you are caught up in an attack
10. civil unrest, strikes or other industrial action: you may not be covered for some claims that arise from these kinds of incidents, especially if they were known publicly when you booked your trip and/or bought your travel insurance policy

Full guidance on travel insurance can be found on GOV.UK.

FASHION fans have been racing to pick up Marks & Spencer’s new summer dress that hides lumps and bumps.

The linen mini dress that shoppers have been describing as “perfect” has become an instant bestseller.

M&S Linen Blend Button Through Mini Dress, £45

M&S’ Linen Blend Mini Dress has a shift silhouette that’s flattering on all body shapes, with a stylish button-down design.

The sleeveless cut is perfect for holidays and the warmer weather, while the mini length will pair well with just about any footwear.

It has a versatile design that can be dressed up or down for any occasion, so it could be teamed with sandals for an effortless daytime look, and dressed up with heels and chunky jewellery for evening occasions.

The white colourway has already sold out, but it’s still available to shop in black.

Some M&S shoppers are already raving about the linen dress.

One reviewer wrote: “I got this in store, tried it on at home and it’s stunning with a perfect fit, even my partner said it looks lovely, can’t wait for my holiday to wear it. 

It’s the perfect fit and doesn’t pull around the bust, well done M&S.”

Another added: “I’ve been trying very hard to get this dress ever since I noticed it online, but I was lucky enough to find it in-store and it’s fab. 

You can wear it through the day or it would look great for summer evenings.”

Linen dresses are perfect for summer as they’re light and airy to wear in the heat – making them a comfortable for choice holidays and days in the office.

Marks & Spencer’s £32.50 Linen Rich Shift Dress is also trending, featuring a relaxed cut and a flattering V-neck.

M&S Linen Rich V-Neck Mini Shift Dress, £32.50

It’s available in black and cream shades, while the blue version has already sold out.

One reviewer said: “A lovely, lightweight dress for the summer that’s easy to style and won’t cling in the heat. 

It’s a nice length and my favourite summer colour, I can’t wait to wear it.”

The high-street is full of stylish summer pieces right now, including New Look’s £30 summer dress that shoppers say flatters chunky arms and “looks expensive”.

Flattering swimwear has also been trending in recent months, and fashion fans have also been racing to pick up New Look’s tummy control £31 swimsuit.

Marks & Spencer also has its own version, and shoppers have been calling the £35 scallop one-piece “the most flattering ever”.

The high-street Linen Midi Dress has already sold out in several sizes, so if you’re on the hunt for the perfect holiday dress, it could be worth adding to your basket soon.

Several crew members of two Victory Cruise Lines vessels have been removed by US Customs and Border Protection officers.

Thirteen staff members from two ships were rounded up and removed last week in Detroit during planned calls.

Five were taken from Victory II and another eight from Victory I two days later.

The cruise line says the crew gained the necessary approvals to work onboard the ships at the start of their contracts.

Like most cruise lines, the company uses a third party staffing agency which takes care of staff vetting and work visas.

It hasn’t been disclosed exactly why they were removed.

Victory Cruise Lines says it is working with federal authorities.

“A limited number of Victory Cruise Lines crew were recently removed from Victory I and Victory II by U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” Victory chairman John Waggoner confirmed.

“We are actively cooperating with federal authorities to clarify the circumstances, and my priority is always our crew and the experience for our guests.”

For the past 30 years, Mark Gregory’s Air Salvage International (ASI) has been assessing, chopping up, disassembling, and recycling planes at the private airfield, which sits two miles from Kemble in Gloucestershire

What connects Saddam Hussein, Tom Cruise and Doctor Who? Cotswolds Airport, of course.

The mass murderer, the action star, and the BBC space drama have all starred, in their own way, at one of the most curious pieces of the aviation industry: the plane graveyard.

For the past 30 years, Mark Gregory’s Air Salvage International (ASI) has been assessing, chopping up, disassembling, and recycling planes at the private airfield, which sits two miles from Kemble in Gloucestershire.

Armed with redundancy money in the early ’90s, Mark bought his first plane and spent six months breaking it down into sellable bits. More than 1,400 aircraft later, the business is thriving and employs dozens of people to cope with the growing demand from the ever-expanding aviation industry.

READ MORE: ‘I lost my mind taking the train to Spain – there are three problems’

And there are big bucks at stake. The equivalent of a commercial jet’s MOT costs around £1 million, which is why many plane owners decide to send their ageing aircraft to Mark instead. Sometimes as much as £12 million can be salvaged from them, either in reusable parts or recyclable materials.

There are a few other strings to the business’s bow, Mark explained as he took me on a tour around the facility.

ASI puts on dramatic training scenarios for organisations including the SAS, helping them practise plane-related emergencies. One mock-up situation had Mark and his team crush a van with a plane fuselage, creating a tricky day out for the special forces, who also had to deal with hijackers and “injured” passengers on board.

The airport and its jets are also movie stars. Countless films have been shot at ASI, including The Fast and the Furious 6, World War Z, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Mission: Impossible, and Batman. You may also recognise it from small-screen appearances on The One Show, Horizon, Inside Out, Terror in the Skies, Engineering Giants, Casualty and, of course, Doctor Who.

Look closely the next time you see a dramatic plane disaster or runway scene on screen, and you might spot some suspiciously Gloucestershire countryside in the background — or even Mark’s arms.

When not making cash out of old planes or hammering away at the drum kit set up in his runway-side office, the ponytail-sporting scrap magnate can be partially seen on the silver screen, “piloting” the Boeing 727 in its latest movie escapade.

Although many of the firms that send their planes to ASI know exactly what they want back — a demand list that can stretch to 2,000 parts from a single jet — other aircraft meet less formulaic fates.

One big chunk of fuselage ended up in the shadows of The Swarm rollercoaster at Thorpe Park. Others are sent out to aviation buffs who want to decorate their homes with various bits and pieces. Through ASI’s sister site, planestation.aero, you can buy a redundant pilot’s seat for £6,000, or small sections of fuselage with a window for £150. The money raised is spent on the staff Christmas party.

Seat pockets filled with cash-stuffed wallets also occasionally bolster the coffers, although most of these find their way back to their owners.

Another offshoot of the business is crash site investigation. Although downed planes rarely make it to ASI due to the extent of the damage, members of Mark’s team are occasionally called out to inspect the aftermath of major aviation tragedies.

Their expertise in breaking aircraft down makes them particularly useful when it comes to identifying remains and helping determine what went wrong. They were part of the investigation into the Afriqiyah Airways crash in Tripoli, Libya, in 2010, which killed 104 people.

While most of the firm’s planes get broken down and flogged off — sometimes for £10 million for a single jet — Mark Gregory can’t bear to give up certain flying machines that come his way.

One such plane is a VIP-fitted Boeing 727 that was once part of Saddam Hussein’s fleet, after he instructed Iraqi Airways to steal all of Kuwait Airways’ planes during its 1990 invasion of the country. Mark loves the historical significance of the aircraft and its classic ’80s interior.

When owned by the Kuwaiti royal family, the 189-capacity jet was stripped of its standard bum-numbing plane seats and kitted out with enough chintzy furniture to fill a retirement village. We’re talking plush velour seats with extendable footrests, cutting-edge JVC TVs built into mahogany walls, and glass vases filled with plastic roses next to still-unopened bottles of bubbly.

Before Iraqi forces swooped in and took over the Kuwaiti fleet, Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other well-heeled royals used the plush plane to jet-set. On a patch of carpet now taken over by mould spores, the Emir would sit in a specially constructed throne, using radio equipment to issue commands to his staff from 30,000 feet.

HER breakout role saw her play Michael Douglas’s drug-addicted teen daughter in 2000 crime flick, Traffic.

Since then she’s starred opposite some of Hollywood‘s biggest names from Kevin Costner to Susan Sarandon.

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And 25 years on from that career-defining role, the successful actress, 42, is embracing her natural self.

She was spotted out and about in LA in a vest top and ripped jeans freely showing off her armpit hair as she reached up to adjust her locks.

Going makeup-free, Parenthood star Erika Christensen looked at ease and radiant as she strolled in the sunshine.

Mom-of-two Erika currently stars in ABC crime drama Will Trent as the titular dyslexic detective’s on/off girlfriend Angie Polaski.

She hasn’t stopped working for the past three decades with dozens of film, TV and music video credits to her name.

Some of her best known work includes the films Swimfan, The Upside of Anger and Flightplan, while on the small screen she’s been in The Geena Davis Show and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Her first major role was back in 1995 when she appeared in Michael Jackson’s Childhood video, though she never got to actually meet the King of Pop.

She once told Blackfilm.com, “I wish I could have met him, I didn’t. We were green screened together. In the video he’s sitting in a forest and all the kids are in boats above him. He sent me an autographed photo and that was nice.”

The interview came out ahead of the release of her 2005 rom-com The Upside of Anger where she played the daughter of Joan Allen’s character Terry Wolfmeyer.

The family drama sees Terry fall for heavy drinking neighbor Denny Davies [Costner] after husband Grey upped and left the family for a life in Sweden with his secretary – though this doesn’t end up being the case.

Erika said at the time, “Kevin Costner and Joan Allen, who does not love Joan Allen? She’s fantastic, so cool as a person.

“She’s our mother, it’s about a family, there are four daughters, Alicia Witt, Kerri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, and myself. It’s a great cast and it’s written and directed by Mike Binder. He stars in it too.

“It’s a bunch of us over a period of three years. It’s very dramatic and funny. It’s really character driven. I’m looking forward to see it so much.”

Erika was raised a Scientologist in Seattle and has defended the controversial religion in recent years.

She opened up about it to her Parenthood co-star Dax Shepard on an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, explaining her beliefs.

She said: “I can justify things in all kinds of different ways, but basically, like, as a Scientologist, and I definitely cannot speak for every Scientologist about anything because everybody has their own beliefs and comes at it from even other religions and all kinds of stuff.

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“However, I don’t believe this is the first time I have lived on this planet and I basically think I’ve probably done absolutely everything before.”

The foundation of Scientology is the belief each person is an immortal spiritual being with unlimited potential.

Erika poured scorn on Leah Remini’s stirring docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath as well as follow up Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.

She said, “It honestly doesn’t have anything to do with anything that I’ve ever learned about the group or organization.

“To be specific about [Going Clear], if somebody has read a book, read Dianetics or some Scientology book and wants to philosophically tell me what they disagree with it, cool.

“That is a totally different thing. But, specifically with that documentary, the documentary was based on a book. The book was not even published in some English-speaking countries because the libel laws are stricter than they are here.”

Experts from an Australian airline and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre have been looking into the best ways to help beat jet lag – and it turns out that chocolate is one of the key elements

A sweet surprise awaits holidaymakers as researchers suggest that tucking into chocolate could be just the treat to boost your mood on long flights.

The recent study has revealed chocolate as one of the “key elements” in beating jet lag, particularly if it is filled with some spicy options like chilli.

Qantas, in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, embarked on ‘Project Sunrise’ to investigate how certain foods could minimise jet lag during long-haul travel.

As Qantas gears up for their direct London to Sydney flights slated for late 2025, the findings of their study come at an opportune time. In 2019, Qantas conducted three research flights for Project Sunrise, tweaking meal times and leveraging specific dietary choices to help sync passengers’ biological clocks, including pairing proteins like fish and chicken with swiftly-digested carbs, alongside comforting delights such as soups and milky desserts.

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Part of the tactic involved increasing travellers’ tryptophan levels, an amino acid known for its sleep-inducing properties. Peter Cistulli, a professor of Sleep Medicine from the University of Sydney, conveyed optimism about the ongoing study, highlighting “clear signs” that the gastronomic strategy can alleviate some of the strain of extended air travel.

Researchers travelled on the aircraft and monitored 23 volunteer customers who were fitted with wearable device technology during the 20-hour flights as they followed specially designed menu, lighting, sleep and movement sequences.

The inflight trials involved tailored cabin lighting schedules to facilitate adaption to the destination time zone and integrating simple stretch and movement activities.

They also adjusted the timing of meal services to align the passengers’ body clock and encouraged waking and sleeping by using specific menu items including fish and chicken paired with fast-acting carbohydrates, as well as comfort foods like soups and milk-based desserts to encourage sleep.

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Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce has expressed excitement about the potential to reduce jetlag and transform international travel for all passengers.

“Given our geography, Qantas has a long history of using imagination and innovation to overcome the tyranny of distance between Australia and the rest of the world,” said Mr Joyce.

“Now that we have the aircraft technology to do these flights, we want to make sure the customer experience evolves as well, and that’s why we’re doing this research and designing our cabins and service differently.

Meanwhile, there are numerous tips and tricks available to combat jet lag and secure a decent amount of sleep on flights.

A woman’s ‘clever’ hack for better sleep on planes recently took the internet by storm, requiring just an armrest and a jacket. In her TikTok video, she demonstrates how she folds a jacket or blanket and uses the armrest to fashion a makeshift headrest, insisting that “it doesn’t matter if you have an aisle seat or a window seat it works everywhere”.

The comments section was abuzz with travellers commending the ingenious method, calling it “so smart” and “perfect” for lengthy journeys.

One commenter shared: “I’ve been doing this for years and it’s so much better than sleeping on the food tray”. Another traveller, who apparently had a less-than-comfortable flight experience, remarked wistfully: “This would’ve been helpful about 2 days ago,”.

A gorgeous white sand beach is well worth having on your travel bucket list especially as it’s one of the best spots for swimming during the summer months

A breathtaking beach is already hailed as one of the best in Europe, and now it’s also been tipped as a must-visit for Brits looking for swim-friendly waters.

Tropea in Italy is no hidden gem, and it’s not difficult to see why it’s been crowned a must-visit this summer. If you were going to put a picture of a beach on a postcard, Tropea ticks all of the boxes. White sands? Check. Crystal-clear waters? Check. Breathtaking surroundings for those all-important Instagram backdrops? Check.

The Blue Flag beach is free to visit, but it can get quite busy during the peak summer months because it’s popular with both locals and tourists. As for those inviting turquoise waters, you can hire the likes of pedalos in the area to go exploring, or join one of the many boat trips that take you along that ridiculously pretty Italian coast.

As for back on the fine sands, you can hire sunloungers and umbrellas, not to mention that there are plenty of restaurants and shops just a short walk away. The gorgeous beach is also currently rated as one of the top 10 in Europe, taking eighth place in the rankings on Tripadvisor, based on visitors’ reviews.

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One happy holidaymaker wrote of their stay: “Wonderful place, always clean and clear water (so much so that you could see the fish). We rented a pedal boat to go a little ‘offshore’ and enjoy the enchanting sea of Tropea and we are not disappointed. Enchanted!”

Another added: “The downside is the need to climb stairs from the city to the beach and back. But in Calabria, it’s inevitable. Pros are much more: a beautiful coast, with bays and relatively low tourist occupancy, crystal clear water, a clean groomed beach, wonderful views and beautiful sunsets.”

If you are planning to take a dip, you’ll likely get to enjoy water temperatures averaging 26.3C, according to new research from Iglu Cruise. In fact, their experts have named Tropea as the best beach in Italy when it came to rankings of where to go for a dip, and enjoy glorious sun-soaked weather.

The travel insiders explained: “Often regarded as one of the best beaches in Italy (according to Tripadvisor), Tropea Beach is another location where you can find warm sea temperatures that are perfect for swimming in the summer. Views from the beach are spectacular, with surrounding cliffs causing a natural barrier to the wind. If you’re looking for azure blue waters and white sand, this might be the beach for you.”

It wasn’t just Tropea that impressed. In fact, overall it came fifth in the rankings, with Konyaaltı Plajları in Turkey taking the top spot, with waters boasting average temperatures of 27.8C. You can check out the full top 10 list below…

1. Konyaaltı Plajları, Antalya, Türkiye – 27.8°C
2. Konnos Bay, Ayia Napa, Cyprus – 27.3°C
3. Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece – 26.5°C
4. İztuzu Plajı, Dalyan, Türkiye – 26.5°C
5. Tropea Beach, Tropea, Italy – 26.3°C
6. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece – 25.7°C
7. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece – 25.6°C
8. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain – 25.1°C
9. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy – 24.9°C
10. Playa de Muro Beach, Majorca, Spain – 24.8°C

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The stunning lake has been compared to the Maldives thanks to its clear blue water and floating lodges

Kent, often referred to as the Garden of England, might not be the first place you’d think of when picturing turquoise waters and floating lodges. However, this county, known for its charming cathedrals and rugged coastlines, is also home to a lake that’s been likened to the Maldives.

St Andrews, once a chalk quarry, is now a stunning lake nestled in the Kent countryside. The water is so pure it’s almost potable, although it’s probably best not to drink it.

Located in the quaint village of Halling, the lake’s vibrant colour comes from suspended chalk particles reflecting light. While there’s a sandy beach for lounging, the lake is more famous for its array of attractions.

Visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boards and pedalos for a jaunt across the lake. Sailing courses and swimming are also on offer for those seeking a less intense activity, with the water reaching a warm 22C in summer. However, if you fancy a swim, you’ll need to complete an open water swim induction first, reports the Express.

The lake’s most renowned attractions, aside from the dazzling blue water, are the two aqua parks situated on the 70-acre lake. A new addition this summer is a towering water slide named La Jefa.

While the main aqua park welcomes visitors aged six and above, there’s also a kids’ aqua park suitable for kids between the ages of two and six.

For adults seeking a tranquil retreat, the wellness offerings include a more sophisticated tour of the lake coupled with access to invigorating facilities such as a sauna, hot tub, and plunge lagoon, complemented by premium sun loungers in the relaxation area.

But there’s also an abundance of excitement to be had on the ground; you can view the quarry from a breathtaking vantage point on the 33ft high zip wire. For additional thrills, try your hand at axe throwing, test your aim with archery, or scale the 23ft rock climbing tower.

When it’s time to wind down after a day brimming with adventure, St Andrews beckons guests to one of its serene floating lodges on the lake for an overnight getaway, each boasting their very own hot tub.

One enchanted Tripadvisor reviewer shared: “Absolutely lovely. The lodges are gorgeous and I could not get enough of sitting on the deck looking at the beautiful lake.”

Echoing the sentiment, another guest who revelled in the delights of Coots Lodge remarked: “Had Coots lodge, unreal views and stunning setting, the smallest fish I saw was 8-10lb, like being in the Maldives.”

Welcoming visitors daily from 10am, St Andrews is a mere stone’s throw away from Halling and a straightforward 40-minute drive from London; alternatively, guests can hop on a train to Halling and find themselves at the lake following a brisk 10-minute stroll.

It’s advisable to book activities in advance through the lake’s website to secure your spot, particularly during the bustling summer season.

The anti-tourism movement is quickly gathering pace across Europe with protest groups causing widespread disruption today – and threatening there is more chaos to come

Just when Brits thought it was safe to get back in the sunshine – an anti-tourism group is threatening more summer protests.

The Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET) group, already revelling in the widespread disruptions caused on a Europe-wide day of action on June 15, is threatening there is more disruption to come. In a strong statement they said: “Common sense is changing.

“The myth of tourism as economic salvation is over. Touristification is no longer a problem perceived by a few. It has become a widespread concern across generations, social classes, cities and regions. And this is just the beginning.

“Given the situations we are witnessing everywhere, there is no doubt that more actions and mobilizations will take place here and there this summer, much like there might be more anti-touristification actions on 27th September for World Tourism Day. The struggle against touristification is growing, expanding, and is being organized. Because our lives are worth more than their profits.”

Tourists across Europe had to endure mass protests last month when thousands of people in Spain, Portugal and Italy took to the streets in at least a dozen tourist hotspots to protest against “touristification”.

It was the most widespread joint action to date against what they see as the steady reshaping of their cities to meet the needs of tourists rather than people who live and work there. Tourists enjoying meals in places like Palma and Barcelona were met with baying mobs and some were even sprayed with water pistols.

In Spain, there were instances of protestors holding signs saying “tourists go home”. Earlier this year The Mirror spoke to one of the ringleaders of the massive tourist protests who spoke to us on condition of anonymity.

He said: “The general mood is one of growing frustration, indignation, and despair. People feel they are being expelled from their own land and that their fundamental rights are not being protected. People have had enough.”

The protestors accuse foreigners of inflating property prices and driving up the cost of living for locals who have reached breaking point. Tensions have been building since the protest movement formed last summer and earlier this year a shocking sign threatening to ‘kill a tourist’ appeared in Tenerife.

Footage of the graffiti being painted on the was posted online by a group called Islas de Resistencia, which describes itself as “a project to recover the memory of social movements in the Canary Islands.” Spanish party isle Ibiza has also seen signs of hostility when access to a popular viewing point was blocked with boulders.

Activists have also reportedly torched and smashed hire cars in Tenerife. Shocking video footage posted online appeared to show vandals pouring flammable liquid on the ground, then setting fire to around 20 rental vehicles in the southern Tenerife resort of Costa Adeje.

And the protests have now spread to Portugal and Italy who both have huge influxes of tourists each summer. The bulk of last month’s protests on June 15 were in Spain, where tourist arrivals surged last year to record levels.

But cities in Italy like Venice and Lisbon in Portugal also took part. The statement from SET added: “The streets of Barcelona, Cantabria, Cordoba, Donostia-San Sebastian, Ibiza, Granada, Genoa, Lisbon, Menorca, Naples, Palma, and Venice were filled with large demonstrations, symbolic actions, statements, and debates.

“Simultaneous and coordinated mobilizations have allowed us not only to join, but also to multiply our voices in a powerful chorus of struggle. And we are not alone. Growing numbers of people understand that this tourism model does not bring progress, but causes evictions, precariousness, and devastation.”

Although it is not all doom and gloom for Brits looking to soak up some sun as some industry experts claim one resort’s loss is another’s gain. Miguel Perez-Marsa, president of Majorca’s ABONE nightclub and entertainment association, said business is booming in the German party resort of Playa de Palma instead.

He also said the biggest winner of the drop in British revellers picking Magaluf for their holidays following the party resort “clean-up”. And he has claimed young Brits are turning their backs on Magaluf – where holidaymakers from other European countries were once a rare sight in the summer season – because they have been “demonised.”

Mr Perez-Marsa said the gap was being filled by French and Italian tourists who tend to drink less than UK party animals and don’t spend as much going out at night. And claiming British youngsters who have traditionally packed out the noisy nightspots of Magaluf’s brash Punta Ballena party strip had been “steam-rollered”, he went on to put Benidorm at the top of the list of other “more welcoming” resorts they were flocking to instead.

Mr Perez-Marsa also told Diario de Mallorca more British families were visiting Magaluf, but complained they were opting for all-inclusive deals that meant they spent less outside their hotels. British tourists make up the vast bulk of Benidorm’s foreign holidaymakers.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has warned Brits travelling to Thailand that they could be “held in detention” if they pack a common British game

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to British travellers about the trouble you could get in for packing a simple game.

Thailand’s strict gambling laws could see you get in serious trouble if you aren’t prepared for how fastidious the Southeast Asian nation can be.

“Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment,” the FCDO warns in a new update on its website.

There are other considerations to keep in mind when considering a visit to Thailand.

As of the start of May this year, the country – which once welcomed one million Brits at its pre-pandemic height and now welcomes around 800,000 annually – has implemented a fresh visa system applicable to all non-Thai passport holders.

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“From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive,” details the FCDO on its official website.

British citizens are permitted to enter Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism, business meetings, and urgent or one-off work. This type of visa can be extended once for no more than an additional 30 days. However, the FCDO cautions that overstaying your visa could lead to severe consequences.

“If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh,” the government body warns.

Travellers must also adhere to other specific entry regulations when visiting Thailand. Your passport must possess an ‘expiry date’ of no less than six months beyond your arrival date and contain at least one blank page. Entry will be refused if you lack a valid travel document or attempt to use a passport that has been declared lost or stolen.

If you hold dual nationality, it’s advisable to depart Thailand using the same passport you used for entry – this prevents complications at immigration. You may also seek a multiple-entry visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days.

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From May this year, Thailand has reintroduced the requirement for tourist visa candidates to furnish financial evidence. This stipulation, which was briefly waived in November 2023 to encourage post-pandemic tourism, mandates that all candidates prove their capacity to sustain themselves throughout their visit.

According to Thailand’s official e-Visa website, candidates must now present financial documentation displaying a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Valid documents encompass bank statements from the previous three months or a sponsorship letter if another party is funding the journey.

Earlier this year, a British gentleman was detained in Thailand following a visa overstay of more than 25 years beyond his initial 30-day permit.

The individual, now aged 60, entered Thailand on a brief tourist visa on 9 January 2000, subsequently avoiding Thai officials for 25 years. Thai police described it as a “record” visa breach, surpassing the former record held by a Pakistani gentleman who exceeded his visa by 10 years, according to AFP news agency.

Tenby in Pembrokeshire has been named one of the UK’s top 20 best coastal destinations – and it’s easy to see why, with its quaint harbour, sandy beaches and great places to eat

You don’t have to fly off to a far-flung destination for a stunning beach experience; we’ve got some fantastic seaside spots right here in the UK. One of the most picturesque is Tenby, a charming town in Pembrokeshire.

With its quaint harbour adorned with pastel-hued buildings, four sandy beaches, and an array of delightful eateries, it’s no surprise that it’s been ranked among the top 20 best coastal destinations in the UK by holidaycars.com. The website praised: “Tenby is one of Wales’s most popular seaside towns, but with gorgeous sandy beaches, technicolour cottages, and a delightful harbour, it deserves its recognition.

“The working harbour sees fishing boats come in and out, and the crisp scent of the salty sea is always hanging in the air.

“Its maze-esque streets offer plenty for visitors, including top-notch restaurants, independent boutiques, and galleries. There are also three Blue Flag beaches nearby, and Tenby Castle Beach is a favourite.

“After exploring Tenby Castle, which sits atop Castle Hill, you can meander back down to the beach for a well-earned ice cream.”

Visit Wales provides a comprehensive list of activities for those visiting Tenby – from enjoying the town’s four beaches, embarking on a fishing trip from the harbour, or taking a trip to the nearby Caldey Island, reports the Express.

It said: “Just 20 minutes away by boat, the holy island of Caldey Island is an oasis of calm where you can watch seabirds or relax on a tiny beach.

“Owned and run by a community of Cistercian monks, it’s open to the public on summer weekdays and Saturdays.

“Regular boat trips set off from Tenby Harbour (pick up your tickets from the kiosk), taking visitors straight to Priory Beach, a beautiful place for a dip in the sea and the starting point for exploring the island.”

The town also features a museum and art gallery, a 15th-century church, an RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeboat station, and even ghost walks.

Tenby can be accessed via the A477, turning south onto the A478 at Kilgetty. It’s approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cardiff.

The town is also well-served by regular bus and train services. The closest airport is Cardiff Airport, roughly 60 miles away, while the busier Bristol Airport is about 88 miles away.

Llucmajor, a district in the south of the Balearic island, has found itself facing Birmingham-levels of uncollected waste, with residents complaining of terrible smells and rats

Residents in part of Majorca have become overwhelmed by great piles of stinking rubbish.

Llucmajor, a district in the south of the Balearic island, has found itself facing Birmingham-levels of uncollected waste. Great mounds of mouldy food, household rubbish, and general gunk have been building up in the streets.

The roasting hot southern Spanish weather is making things worse, as the sun heats up the black sacks, turning them into putrid whiff bombs. This is a particular problem in a neighbourhood that is home to a large poultry farm, controversial not just because of the intense pong of hot chicken waste, but also due to allegations that the animals live in poor conditions.

“This is not an isolated case. We residents are tired of excuses and the lack of response. We demand immediate solutions,” one resident told the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

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Others have complained that the situation is not new and that Llucmajor has suffered such unpleasantness for far too long.

PSOE spokesperson Jaume Oliver said: “In Arenal, the population doubles starting July 15 due to tourists and second-home residents. The town hall knows that the same thing happens every year, and yet they don’t increase services. We are not ruling out taking legal action against the town hall.”

Another resident blamed a “systematic failure of the waste collection service” for not dealing with the rubbish build-up. “With this heat, the smell is unbearable, and at night there are tons of rats. It’s disgusting and scary,” they told Crónica Balear.

“We have been experiencing collection failures for months, but what has happened in recent days has surpassed all limits.”

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According to local reports, the council’s contracts with waste collection companies expired in May. The town hall has said that there will soon be a tender for the service. “In the meantime, FCC is obliged to provide the service until a new contract is awarded. The company is having problems with trucks and sick workers. In some areas, it is using leased vehicles.”

The situation in Llucmajor is similar to that in Birmingham, where residents are dealing with the consequences of more than 100 days of strikes by the city’s refuse collectors.

The Mirror’s Sanjeeta Bains visited Brum in June, stopping off at Balsall Heath, an inner-city area. There she found “a horrifying trail of stinking rubbish including food waste from local takeaways lying just yards from people’s front doors.”

“Flies swarmed around half-eaten burgers and dirty nappies, and even after getting back in the car, there was no escaping the foul smell. I had to fight the urge to drive home and get straight into the shower. And to make things worse, brazen fly-tippers have been emboldened to take advantage of the council chaos.”