Holidays

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.

READ MORE: Huge boost for Brits as five-months of airport strikes come to an end

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.”

READ MORE: Spain travel warning for Brit as little-known rule could land them £520 fineREAD MORE: Wizz Air scraps dozens of routes as hot weather is breaking its planes

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.”

Jet2 issues guidance for all inclusive packages on its website

TUI, easyJet and Jet2 customers are being told to “check” certain hotel rules ahead of a busy summer for holidays. Millions of people are expected to jet off abroad over the coming months, with experts predicting a bumper season for international travel.

Lots of travellers like to book all inclusive hotels for ease, as most things are taken care of and you won’t need to take too much spending money as you’ve already paid for meals and drinks. However, on its website Jet2holidays explains that all inclusive rules can vary “from one hotel to another”.

Guidance reads: “Please check the property description for each hotel for details of what’s included, as this will vary from one hotel to another. All inclusive typically includes 3 buffet style meals in the hotel’s main restaurant, snacks and locally produced drinks (often during a specified timeframe) for a minimum of 12 hours per day but please note that in rare cases all inclusive may be available for less than 12 hours; where we are aware of this, it will be stated clearly in the property description.

READ MORE: Ryanair, easyJet and TUI bag rule parents may not be aware ofREAD MORE: Spain holidaymakers told not to say these two words this summer

“Please be aware that in some properties, there may also be limits on the number of drinks or the facilities available.” This was the case for an all inclusive package to Playa de Palma, Mallorca, found on the Jet2holidays website, where information stated: “A maximum of 3 alcoholic drinks per person (beer and wine) during lunch, and 3 alcoholic drinks per person (beer and wine) during dinner only. At all other times any alcoholic drinks are payable locally.””

easyJet offers similar advice, too, explaining: “Every all inclusive hotel is different, however most do include alcohol as part of an all inclusive package. Most of the time local branded alcohol will be included, and you can often upgrade to include premium or international drinks if you want to.

“Check the description of the hotel you’re interested in to find out exactly what is included.” And if you’re going on an all inclusive holiday with TUI, again, “it varies from hotel to hotel”.

TUI says: “One buffet restaurant might take care of all your meals, or you could have a different restaurant to visit every night of the week. Likewise, things like kids’ clubs and watersports can all come as part of the package, or you might need to pay a little extra.

“You’ll find all the details on the hotel’s info page on our website. Everything’s taken care of so there’s no need to factor in extra costs for food or drink. You’ll get your breakfast, lunch and evening meals included in your package.

“Plus, snacks and soft and alcoholic drinks are also included – some hotels might charge extra for premium spirits so check before you book.”

Campaigners hoping to convert a disused railway line into England’s longest cycle and pedestrian tunnel are challenging a government decision to fill much of the historic structure with concrete.

Earlier this month ministers decided to award several million pounds to permanently shutter the Queensbury tunnel built in the 1870s for a railway between Halifax and Keighley in West Yorkshire, despite spending £7.2m to shore up the structure less than four years ago.

The government has agreed to fund plans to infill the tunnel for safety reasons, by the roads agency, National Highways (NH), which is responsible for maintaining the historic railways estate.

The decision comes after the agency was widely criticised for “cultural vandalism” over the infilling of Victorian bridges on the railway estate. In 2023 it was forced to reverse burying in concrete a Victorian bridge in Great Musgrave, Cumbria, on the route of a scheme to join two heritage railway lines.

The mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, who backed calls to reopen the 1.4-mile tunnel which was closed to railway in 1956, has expressed disappointment at the government’s decision. In 2021, while standing at the entrance of the tunnel, she described plans for a subterranean cycle path linking Bradford and Keighley to Halifax as a “great facility for our community.”

Campaigners accused the government of “investing in destruction” and ignoring the views of 8,000 planning objections to the plan to infill the tunnel. They are due to meet Lilian Greenwood, the minister for the future of roads, next week to urge her to reverse the decision.

In a letter to campaigners, Greenwood said converting the tunnel for cycling would be too costly in “the challenging fiscal environment” and that “safety risks need to be addressed.”

NH’s contractors estimate it would cost £26.4m to convert the tunnel. But campaigners have dismissed this figure as “gold-plated” and claim the tunnel could be brought back into use as a greenway for only £13.7m – not much more than the £7.2m spent to shore it up from 2018 to 2021 including at least £3.3m now required to infill the structure.

They also point to a study by the charity Sustrans published earlier this year which found the proposed route would generate £3 in social, economic and tourism benefits for every £1 spent on it.

Norah McWilliam, the leader of the Queensbury Tunnel Society, said: “The government is making and investment in destruction to satisfy the needs of a roads body that only cares about its own narrow interests. Community aspirations to bring positive benefits from our fabulous historic asset mean nothing to these spreadsheet shufflers.”

She added: “These new millions and the seven lost in a black hole four years ago could have paid for the tunnel’s repair, safeguarding it for a role at the heart of an inspiring and sustainable active travel network – something Bradford and West Yorkshire could be proud of.”

Graeme Bickerdike, the engineering coordinator for the society, said: “The minister claims that her decision is based on a ‘full view of the facts’, but the evidence seems to have come exclusively from National Highways which has a proven track record for exaggerating risk, misrepresenting condition evidence and frittering away public funds.

“There is no justification for another costly tunnel intervention at this time as the 2018-21 works have reduced what was already a low risk profile.”

Brabin said she shared the disappointment of campaigners, but said she understood the government’s decision. She said: “To ensure everyone’s safety the government had to act quickly to secure the site, and the realities of public finances meant a difficult decision needed to be made.

“We remain committed to helping support alternative routes for walking, wheeling and cycling between Bradford and Calderdale.”

Tbilisi in Georgia has been named the cheapest city in Europe to visit – and it’s a top spot for a summer city break with affordable hotels, food and drinks

For a summer getaway that won’t leave you skint, one European city stands out from the crowd. Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is an emerging hotspot with plenty to discover – and the best part is, it’s still reasonably priced.

Research conducted by luggage storage firm Bounce reveals that Tbilisi is actually Europe’s most affordable destination. The study examined average costs for accommodation, meals, beverages, and transport, as well as the number of free attractions in 70 of Europe’s top cities to determine the most budget-friendly this year.

A weekend stay at a hotel in Tbilisi will only set you back £136, and a pint of local beer is a mere £1.64.

In addition to the inexpensive drinks and lodging, Tbilisi boasts numerous free attractions, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Bridge of Peace.

This stunningly overlooked city has a lot to offer.

The Cathedral’s architecture is breathtaking, and there are also lovely gardens to wander around, perfect for a day of exploration.

The Bridge of Peace, another architectural marvel that spans the Mtkvari River, is lit up by thousands of LED lights at night, reports the Express.

After a day of sightseeing, you can enjoy a reasonably priced meal. Dining in Tbilisi is also quite affordable, with a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing less than £33.

You can also get two lunchtime meals at a budget-friendly restaurant for approximately £16.50.

If you find yourself in Georgia, you simply must sample Khachapuri – a traditional Georgian dish that’s akin to pizza and absolutely scrumptious.

Another local favourite is Khinkali – these steamed dumplings, filled with rich Georgian spices, meat and broth, bear a resemblance to Chinese soup dumplings and are an absolute must-try when in Tbilisi.

Getting around the city won’t break the bank either, with taxis charging the same for a 1km journey as the cost of a pint.

Public transport is even more affordable, with tickets averaging at a mere 27p.

Often caused by unfamiliar local rules or simple mistakes, a holiday fine can quickly turn an enjoyable break into an expensive ordeal. Make sure you know the rules and don’t get caught out

More and more Brits are being slapped with fines when abroad, with many falling victim in one country in particular.

Recent research by Ski Vertigo found that nearly 30% of British holidaymakers receive at least one fine during their trip each year. Often caused by unfamiliar local rules or simple mistakes, these fines can quickly turn an enjoyable holiday into an expensive ordeal.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the number of Brits who head there each year and the country’s love of rules, Spain is the place where UK tourists are currently getting fined the most. Fines in Spain often relate to issues such as littering, smoking in prohibited areas, parking violations, and failure to follow beach rules. Many tourists unintentionally break these regulations because they differ significantly from what is allowed in the UK.

READ MORE: Huge boost for Brits as five-months of airport strikes come to an end

Here are some of the laws in Spain you might find yourself accidentally breaking, and the fines you’ll face if you do:

• Leaving rubbish in public spaces: fines up to €600 (£520)
• Smoking near children or in no-smoking zones: fines range from €30 to €600 (£26 to £520)
• Parking in restricted areas or without proper permits: fines start at €80 (£70)
• Ignoring local signage about behaviour on beaches or in parks: fines vary, but can be as much as €200 (£175)
• Throwing away bus tickets before reaching the destination: €100 (£87) in destinations such as Madrid and Barcelona
• Drinking in public places: fines vary based on location, but can reach €600 (£521)
• Pet restrictions: many public spaces have limitations on pets; fines can exceed €500 (£430) for violations
• Wildlife protection: disturbing wildlife or disrupting protected areas can also result in substantial penalties

READ MORE: Wizz Air scraps dozens of routes as hot weather is breaking its planesREAD MORE: UK’s most dog-friendly beach is sandy stretch with rock pools and dunes

Ski Vertigo suggests several practical tips for UK tourists to avoid fines while abroad:

• Always dispose of litter in designated bins
• Follow local smoking regulations carefully
• Check parking rules before leaving your vehicle
• Respect local customs and signage, especially on beaches and in protected areas

Michele Massa, CEO of holiday rental agency Ibiza Summer Villas, said: “The increase in travel fines across popular destinations like Spain is a direct response to the growing challenges posed by mass tourism. It’s important for travellers to respect local customs and regulations to avoid unexpected costs.

“Checking the local government’s tourism website or consulting a travel agent can be invaluable. Additionally, packing light and being mindful of your behaviour in public spaces can significantly reduce the risk of incurring fines.”

As stomach-turning clips of the 2013 ‘poop cruise’ make the rounds on social media, cruise travel experts reassure holidaymakers why the horrors of the past are unlikely to be repeated

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve likely been subjected (unwillingly) to videos of fluffy brown sewage exploding out of a cruise ship’s windows. Clips from Netflix’s documentary, Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, are going massively viral – and its left audiences quite literally gagging.

The documentary was released on June 24 and follows the events of the Carnival Triumph: a 2013 cruise liner bound from Texas to Cozumel, Mexico. It was smooth sailing until the ship’s engine room caught fire, leaving over 4000 passengers stranded in the Gulf of Mexico. The fire destroyed the ship’s power system, causing a WiFi outage and the toilets to stop flushing.

What resulted was, unsurprisingly, pandemonium. Passengers were instructed to pee down shower drains and handed red biohazard bags to defecate in. There were reports of backed-up waste from the drains running down the walls and through the hallways.

READ MORE: ‘I was on vile “Poop Cruise” where sewage seeped into cabins – the smell still haunts me’

A passenger, Devin, who was featured in the documentary, said: “You walked down a hallway and all of a sudden, squish-squish-squish-squish…we were in excrement.” They were stranded for four days until tug boats finally arrived to pull the ship to safety.

The story has, unsurprisingly, left social media users horrified. But, if you’ve booked a cruise, or are planning to, there’s no need to worry. Cruise experts from Riviera Travel dispel five common cruise safety myths:

Myth: Cruises are unsafe

Riviera Travel reassures passengers that while it’s normal to feel apprehensive when going on a cruise for the first time, there are thorough safety regulations put in place to ensure travellers are safe on board. They add: “Many passengers who were anxious about going on their first cruise later stated that it became easy to forget they were on a boat!”

They explain: “Strict regulations are followed, and the ship’s state-of-the-art safety features, such as lifeboats, life preservers, and thoroughly trained crew members, make it a secure vessel.”

Myth:

Fortunately, cruise ships are equipped with plenty of resources to prevent this from happening. Riviera Travel says: “These ships also have onboard and offshore staff trained and prepared for these instances if they were ever to happen.”

Myth:

According to Riviera Travel, hygiene is taken “very seriously” on cruise ships. They say: “The catering team ensures food is of the highest quality before being dished out and takes necessary precautions to prevent contamination.

Plus, they add that cruise meals aren’t always buffet-style, and that you can opt for ships that have onboard restaurants and traditional table-service.

Myth:

This is actually a misconception. Riviera Travel emphasises that strict hygiene protocols are followed on cruise ships, with passengers’ health and safety “a top priority” for cruise lines. They explain that cruise lines take all necessary measures to prevent outbreaks like norovirus, as well as following strict guidelines to make sure ships adhere to high hygiene standards.

Although, they add: “Viruses can spread anywhere, so while strict hygiene measures are in place, passengers should still take precautions to reduce their own risk.”

Myth: There’s no medical help if something goes wrong

Riviera Travel reassures passengers that cruise ships have trained medical professionals on board and “are equipped with top-notch facilities for anyone who needs medical attention.” There are also protocols are also in place for more serious medical emergencies, and cruise ships will stop at nearby ports if they need to.

Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!

Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett took her toddler to Disneyland, Paris, and didn’t expect that she’d have to fork out so much cash for some bubbles

11:00, 15 Jul 2025Updated 11:12, 15 Jul 2025

Samantha Bartlett is an Assistant Editor of Social News across all Reach Plc titles. She frequently covers viral and lifestyle topics such as driving, money, cleaning, gardening, parenting, shopping and travel. Previously she has written for Daily Star.

Taking your child to Disneyland, Paris, is something most parent dreams of when they have kids. However, if you’re planning to take your little one to Disney anytime soon, then I suggest you start saving up for the trip now.

Of course, we all know the accessories on sale at Disneyland aren’t going to be cheap, but I was left a little startled by just how expensive a few things were when I went there with my toddler last week. Getting prepared, I ordered us some mouse ears online before we went there as I knew my three-year-old would want some and they would be expensive in the theme park. However, when I went to pack, I had completely misplaced his ears – something I knew would be a costly mistake.

Of course, as soon as we started walking up to the park and he saw everyone wearing mouse ears, he had to have some. I offered him mine but then when he saw the other sparkly versions on sale, he decided he wanted to pick his own. These will set you back €25 (£22) each, so they don’t come cheap – especially if you have more than one child.

He was happy with his ears, however once he saw some other kids with the Disney bubbles he just had to have those too. He is madly into Spider-Man at the moment and had his heart set on those bubbles, which were again another €25, plus another €2 (£1.70) for a bubble refill.

As he chomped his way through an €8 (£7) popcorn and a €4.50 (£4) ice cream, things were starting to add up.

It was then onto lunch and my little one and his dad had hotdogs, which were €10 (£9) each and then €3.59 (£3) for fries and a €3.49 50cl drink. Meanwhile, I opted for a vegan chilli, which was €8 (£7), but was very tasty.

We also treated ourselves to some chocolate-covered waffles later in the day, which I think were around €5 (£4.30) each.

The only other thing we spent out on were some fast passes for one of the rides. You can pay €90 (£80) to get you on all of the rides quicker, however we didn’t bother with that, considering our toddler couldn’t go on everything and that’s nearly the same price our ticket cost. Instead, you can also buy individual fast track passes for a ride of your choice, which we did for Orbitron, which cost us €5 (£4.30) for both adults.

So all in all, we did spend quite a lot, however, having only one child, it did make things a bit cheaper. I didn’t actually know that Disneyland also allows you to bring in your own food into the park, so if you’re prepared, you might want to pack lunch and snacks if you want to save a bit of cash there.

Those who are planning to take a toddler may want to do what we did and take them just before their third birthday as they get in for free up until they’re three. My little man managed to stay awake the whole time we were there from 10:30am to 6:30pm at night and enjoy himself on the rides, but if he was any younger I do think he would have struggled a bit with the long day and would have had to have a nap.

As well as Disneyland, he also travelled on the Eurostar free, which they can do up until they’re four.

So am I a bit sore about paying £22 for bubbles? Well yes, it wasn’t ideal. But to be fair, they made his day and brought him joy, and as parents, we know that’s priceless!

Not so long ago, parking at the curb in Southern California was relatively simple: It was either free to park, or you had to feed change into a meter. Boy, times have changed! Now, any given meter might require quarters, a credit card, an app, your license plate number or any combination of the above.

As the experience of paying for parking in Southern California grows more complex and confusing, I want to hear your stories about paying for public parking — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Maybe you’ve come to love parking apps like Park Smarter or ParkMobile that alert you when a parking session is about to expire and allow you to add more time remotely. Or maybe it’s taken so long to download a needed app and type in your credit card information that you missed an appointment or were late to a meeting.

I’d also love to hear about any strategies you’ve devised to make the experience of parking more streamlined. Do you keep rolls of quarters in your car or a folder of parking apps on your phone? Have you given up entirely and started taking the bus?

Share your story in the form below, and I might follow up with you to include your tale in a coming story.

The Snaefell Mountain Railway on the Isle of Man is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles and is steeped in history, culture and pure imagination

The only electric mountain railway in the whole of the British Isles is rich in history, culture and sheer wonder.

The Snaefell Mountain Railway climbs from Laxey to the peak of Snaefell – the highest mountain on the Isle of Man – standing a staggering 2,036ft above sea level, serving as the enchanting gateway to seven mythical kingdoms.

Constructed in 1895, the service typically runs from March to November and takes about 30 minutes for a one-way trip.

Travelling along a five-mile track, it uses electricity from overhead wires at approximately 550 volts to operate, remaining faithful to its original Victorian-era infrastructure, ferrying passengers who come from all corners of the globe to catch a glimpse of this world wonder.

Upon reaching Snafell, or ‘Snow Mountain’ as it’s often called, visitors will make their way into five wooden electric railcars. Each of them are numbered from one to six, though you’ll soon notice that number three is mysteriously absent, reports the Express.

It appears it was destroyed in an incident where the car derailed back in 2016. Whatever remained of it has been gathered and is reportedly due to be rebuilt at some stage, so stay tuned.

The main station on the line is the interchange with the Manx Electric Railway at Laxey. The only stopping place is Bungalow, the halfway point where the line crosses the A18 Mountain Road, notorious for the perilous and deadly Isle of Man TT race.

A stone’s throw away, visitors can find the Manx Museum in Douglas, a treasure trove housed in an ex-hospital with exhibits featuring Viking silver, Celtic crosses and the Tynwald – the world’s oldest continuous parliamentary body.

The museum’s creation aimed to revamp the Isle of Man’s image following tough times in the mid-19th century.

Sir Henry Brougham Loch, the lieutenant governor, played a pivotal role by initially promoting Douglas as a spa destination, triggering a seaside holiday surge.

An impressive 1,500 hotels were established to accommodate roughly 350,000 summer tourists. Yet, Loch recognised most visitors lingered only in the capital, prompting the construction of a railway network that would transport them across the island.

Andrew Scarffe, technical support officer at Manx Heritage Railways, told the BBC about the impact of the railway: “When the railway opened, it was like science fiction. Droves of people came over on the ferry just to see its electric technology and innovation.”

Scarffe shared a little-known fact: “What’s rarely spoken of is we were 130 years ahead of the rest of the world with green travel. We began generating our own power back in the 1890s to run the railway, and the electric tram cars are still doing what they were built to be doing.

“Slow travel by electric train? It all started here.”

In its heyday, the railway service boasted a million passengers annually. However, this grand Isle of Man tradition has seen a decrease in recent years, though an estimated 200,000 people still board the train each year, soaking up the immense historical splendour this small island has to offer.

This spring, I spent five weeks travelling around Mexico – my longest time away from home since becoming a vegan two and a half years ago. It was a learning experience: lots of incredible vegan food, gallons of fall-back guacamole and the odd cheese-related disaster. This is what I found out about being a vegan on holiday, and the advice I received from more seasoned vegan travellers.

Choose your destination wisely

“I have been completely blown away by the difference in attitude and progressiveness of places,” says Alexis Gauthier, a Michelin-starred vegan chef. “I’ve found the cuisines of Mexico, India and the eastern Mediterranean/Levant all vegan-forward. Their use of beans and pulses as a fundamental ingredient and minimal reliance on dairy means they make excellent choices for a vegan holiday.” I second Mexico: pretty much everywhere serves beans, rice and guacamole, and most restaurants will knock up some veggie tacos.

But don’t rule anywhere out – even France

“I’m sorry to say my beloved homeland of France has not yet caught up with the world with vegan food, but there are ways to be smart,” says Gauthier. “In the north it is more difficult, as everything is still mostly based on heavy cream, butter and red meat. Paris is changing – there are now lots of really exciting places opening, especially bakeries.” That wasn’t my experience. I was in Paris last autumn, and it was still difficult to find vegan options.

“In the south it’s better, as menus naturally rotate around seasonal vegetables,” continues Gauthier. “Falafel is popular, as is socca [chickpea flatbread], panisse [chickpea fries] and tapenade. I swear you can live on really good tomatoes, aubergines, basil, chickpeas, olive oil and olives for ever! And there is always France’s greatest dish: ratatouille, my favourite dish in the world.”

Holidaying in the UK may be harder than you think

“Don’t assume that all of the UK is vegan-friendly,” says Holly Johnson, editor of Vegan Food & Living magazine. “What’s normal in a cafe in Bristol is weird and wacky, and even offensive, to those in more remote farming communities. I once got laughed out of a corner shop in Devon for asking for oat milk.”

Go on a city break

“Berlin is an amazing city for vegans, with a real forward-thinking scene, as are Brighton and Vienna,” says Gauthier. I would add London, where eating out is effortless (although expensive), and Mexico City, where I ate exclusively at vegan restaurants. Peta, the animal rights organisation, has free vegan city guides to Berlin, New York, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney, plus one for the Indian state of Goa.

Give the countryside a chance

“I’ve learned never to assume that there won’t be vegan options,” says Elisa Allen from Peta. “I was recently in a small village in rural Ireland. An online search hadn’t turned up any options, so I was pleasantly surprised when the local cafe had two home-baked vegan cakes and a vegan lasagne. The owner’s daughter had recently gone vegan, so they were inspired to expand their menu.”

Look for an alternative scene

In El Cuyo, a laid-back fishing village at the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, practically every restaurant had hummus and tofu on the menu.

Use the Happy Cow app

Every expert I spoke to recommended the Happy Cow app and website, and I relied heavily on it in Mexico. “Happy Cow is your best friend for seeking vegan options while travelling. You can use it to research local restaurants beforehand or while you’re strolling around a city,” says Chelsea Harrop from Veganuary. “You can filter by vegan and vegetarian eateries, as well as restaurants with plant-based options if the rest of your travel party isn’t eating vegan. I’ve visited many small towns in Ireland and the Scottish islands where I didn’t expect to find anything vegan at all, and Happy Cow has always served me well.”

Learn some helpful phrases in the local language

Not everyone is familiar with the word vegan. Sascha Camilli from Peta says: “A friend of mine tried saying ‘vegan’ in Bali and they all thought she meant ‘pagan’. In Portugal, I’ve been offered gluten-free food because they didn’t know what vegan meant.” A simple explanation, such as “No meat, dairy or eggs, please”, will help. Harrop says: “Learn the words for ingredients such as egg, milk and fish so you can spot them on menus. Phrases such as ‘I don’t eat fish’ or ‘Does it contain egg?’ are also useful.”

Carry a cheat sheet

“In Egypt, I had an infographic in Arabic that said exactly what I didn’t eat,” says Camilli. Peta’s Sadie Buckles says: “When I visited China, my professor helped me make a little card that said: ‘I am a strict vegetarian. No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, milk or cheese. Onions and garlic are OK.’ In China, they will ask if you are Buddhist vegetarian, which means no pungent foods such as garlic, onion, leeks, chives and shallots.”

Call ahead

Jennifer White from Peta contacts restaurants and hotels in advance to explain she’s vegan. “Be super nice about it, and chances are they will make you a lovely meal even if they don’t have anything on the menu,” she says. Johnson says: “I find that most chefs are happy to accommodate, and actually excited to cook something a bit different. I always make sure I show my gratitude – they might just add more plant-based options to the menu in future.” I phoned ahead on a city break to Genoa, and chefs prepared delicious dishes around seasonal ingredients such as artichokes.

Stay in a vegan hotel

The Vegan Welcome website lists 35 hotels around the world that are 100% vegan in the cuisine they offer. It also has a directory of vegan-friendly hotels. Retreat-style holidays almost always cater well for vegans, too.

Consider self-catering

“If you’ve researched your destination and it doesn’t seem vegan-friendly, choose self-catering,” says Harrop. “This way, you can explore the shops and markets, which is a great way to connect with the local culture.” Emma Robinson from Veganuary says: “One of my favourite activities as a traveller is visiting traditional markets. I enjoy looking at the unfamiliar produce and trying to figure out what it is and how to prepare it.” In Mexico, I tried chaya, a spinach-like plant; nopales, the fleshy fronds of the prickly pear; and huitlacoche, offputtingly described as corn fungus, but tasty in a taco. Buy the basics at supermarkets, says White: “They are surprisingly well stocked in many countries, and you can find oat milk, tofu etc.”

“Make the most of online vegan communities when planning your trip, especially Facebook groups and influencers on Instagram and TikTok,” says Harrop. “Most large cities are likely to have a vegan community and there are vegan travel groups on Facebook that are full of invaluable tips.”

Make your vegan quest part of the holiday

“When travelling, I treat vegan cafes and restaurants as tourist destinations in their own right so I can work them into my itinerary,” says Harrop. “Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path to uncover local vegan treasures – it’s a rewarding way to connect with a city’s culture.” Sophie-Anne Nabhan-Sandison from Veganuary did just that in Dubrovnik. “We found an amazing little vegan restaurant hidden away and it was one of the best meals I have ever had,” she says. Last summer, I sought out a vegan restaurant in Lindos, Rhodes, and even my gyros-addicted boyfriend had to admit it was worth the trip.

Harrop has a word of warning. “If you have your eye on a certain place, always double-check it’s open on the days you’re travelling. I once spent over an hour walking to a vegan cafe in Paris only to find it was closed when I got there.”

But don’t be boring

It’s really frustrating for your non-vegan travel companions to trail round after you for hours, looking for somewhere you can eat. If you find somewhere that ticks everyone else’s boxes – full of local people, on a beautiful piazza – will it kill you to eat bread and salad for a night? “All my friends and family are so supportive – they wouldn’t want to take me anywhere that’s meat-heavy,” says Johnson. “However, I’d never stop them going, and if necessary I’d just eat before or afterwards and join in the fun.”

Research ‘accidentally vegan’ dishes

“I recently went to Cyprus and a lot of the country’s traditional dishes were vegan-friendly,” says Johnson. “Hummus, falafel, olive bread and certain meze dishes are all packed with flavour, so you don’t feel you’re missing out.” Ed Winters, author of This Is Vegan Propaganda and How to Argue with a Meat Eater, found the same on holiday in southern Italy. “I was pleasantly surprised by how much local cuisine was plant-based or could easily be made suitable for vegans. For example, one of the most famous foods from Puglia is focaccia barese with tomatoes and olives.” Every country will have a vegan staple such as rice, wheat, oats, maize, lentils, beans, potatoes, taro or yam.

Ask (politely) for alterations

In France, says Gauthier, you could request chickpeas on your salad instead of goat’s cheese or tuna. In Mexico, I asked for my enfrijoladas “sin huevos”: soft tortillas smothered in refried beans, greens, tomato sauce and ground pumpkin seeds, minus the fried eggs on top. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate simple requests like this. On the other hand, sometimes you have to take no for an answer. At one cafe, I asked for hummus on my toast instead of butter and jam (hummus was on the menu). They said no. I offered to pay extra. Still no.

Seek out vegan versions of local dishes

No vegan goes to Spain to eat Thai green curry – we want tapas and paella like everyone else. On a trip to Germany last year, I found restaurants were particularly good at offering plant-based versions of traditional dishes such as schnitzel (breaded meat) and maultaschen (filled dumplings). Oaxaca in Mexico had several places serving vegan takes on pozole (soup made from hominy – a type of dried corn – with soya chunks instead of meat), chilaquiles (stewed tortilla chips, minus the usual dairy) and tortas (a kind of hearty sandwich), including a hangover-busting barbecue mushroom version.

It’s OK to go off-piste sometimes

On longer holidays, you might find yourself craving a change from the local cuisine. Chinese, Indian, Thai, Korean and Japanese restaurants usually cater well to vegans – in Mexico City, I found an incredible vegan ramen place.

Read – and write – reviews

Vegan travellers tend to be a helpful bunch, highlighting plant-based dishes in restaurant reviews on Tripadvisor, Google and so on. Make sure you return the favour, says Harrop: “Always remember to leave your own reviews to help other travellers seeking vegan options. Share photos of the dishes and menus if you can.”

Use map apps to your advantage

It sounds ridiculous, but when I fancied a change from Mexican food, I searched for “tofu” on my phone’s map. It led me to a fantastic Japanese smokehouse and sake bar, which served agedashi tofu and vegan sushi. White says: “Some countries have navigation apps that are more widely used than Google Maps. For example, South Korea has Naver. Download and use those apps instead.”

Pack snacks

Much like at home, it’s always wise to carry snacks. Johnson says: “Don’t ever assume there will be anything to eat, especially at an airport. Once you’re on the flight, most airlines do offer a vegan option if you’ve ordered it – but don’t forget that said vegan option might just be a banana and a pair of chopsticks.” Harrop suggests snack bars and nuts; I carted a packet of fancy granola around Mexico.

And plant milk

“Always take oat milk,” says Johnson. “There’s nothing worse than waking up in a hotel room, excited for your morning cup of tea, and seeing those sad little pots of UHT cow’s milk.” I like travel-sized Oatly sachets if I’m on the move.

Try vegan activities

I once did a cookery class in Thailand and learned about ingredients such as banana blossom, which I now use regularly in curries. Lots of cities have vegan food tours, and companies such as Naturetrek offer wildlife holidays staying at vegan hotels.

Support animals

I visited the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve in Yucatán – the entry fee helps protect the habitat of manatees, sea turtles, jaguars, pumas and more. But choose carefully. “Fifteen years ago, I went to Thailand and was so excited to see a baby elephant in a restaurant. Now, I’d avoid places like that,” says Johnson. “Research shows that wild animals being used for human entertainment have most certainly suffered some kind of abuse and are kept in unnatural and often cruel conditions. I would love to try authentic experiences such as safaris or visiting an animal sanctuary, but it’s important to check the provenance of the company or organisation first.”

Accept you will have slip-ups

In one restaurant, I ordered what I thought was a vegan dip, only to be presented with a bowl of melted cheese. And at a tiny campsite in the middle of the jungle, miles from anywhere, I was given scrambled eggs for breakfast. “This has happened to me a few times over the years,” says Johnson. “I don’t let it worry me – we all slip up sometimes and I just carry on as normal. Obviously that’s different if you have an allergy, but I’m vegan for different reasons.”

Don’t sweat about supplements

At home, I take a vegan supplement. On holiday, life’s too short. I just drink the odd green juice and try to eat a varied diet. Johnson does take a multivitamin on holiday, but says: “It’s not something I worry too much about – no one is going to die of a deficiency during a week or two away.”

You can still have an ice-cream

Vegans aren’t condemned to a life of sorbet. In particular, dark chocolate ice-cream is often dairy-free.

If all else fails, there’s always chips

“I would suggest always ordering a side of fries with every salad or curry,” says Gauthier. “It keeps the holiday vibe high!”

Thick white cloud hangs outside the windows of Rifugio Segantini, a mountain hut 2,373 metres up in the Italian Alps. But it is shifting, revealing glimpses of the majestic Brenta Dolomites before us: a patch of snow here, a craggy peak there. The view is tantalising, and a couple of times I have run outside in a kind of peekaboo farce to see the full display, only for it to pass behind clouds again.

The refuge – cosy, wooden-clad and packed with hikers – is named after the Italian landscape painter Giovanni Segantini, who was inspired by these mountains. His portrait hangs on the walls and his name is embroidered on the lace curtains. A simple stone building with blue and white shutters in Val d’Amola, the refuge is dwarfed by its rugged surrounds, with Trentino’s highest peak, the snow-capped 3,556-metre Presanella, as a backdrop. The entries in the guestbook are entirely by locals.

For most British hikers, the eastern parts of the Dolomites, like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies, towards Cortina, are better known. Few come to Trentino, and fewer still come to this part of the Adamello Brenta nature park. This, I am told, is the wild part of these mountains: less explored, with fewer tourists, and rousing “bigger emotion”, according to my mountain guide Nicola Binelli. (He climbed Presanella for the first time when he was six.)

I’m here to sample the new Via delle Valli (the Trail of the Valleys), a network of 50 hiking routes covering 50 of Trentino’s mountain valleys, which launches this month. It runs from ski capital Madonna di Campiglio down to Lake Idro, taking in both the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello glacier, Italy’s largest. Some are gentle family-friendly strolls; others are remote challenging climbs for which a mountain guide is recommended. Trails can be walked in a day, or strung together in a multi-day trek, making use of the area’s mountain huts (open from June to September) and bivouac shelters. But exploring the whole route is a long-term project, intended to be walked over weeks, months or even years.

These trails existed before, but they have been unified under the Via delle Valli. Their signage is being updated, maps and GPX files have been made available online, and a “Valley Passport” has been introduced, which hikers can stamp at each valley as an encouragement to return. Each valley has a local ambassador, intended to pass their love and knowledge of the area on to others.

The initiative, which has been three years in the making, is the brainchild of local tourist board manager Loredana Bonazza, who was inspired by Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago. The idea, she explains, is to tempt mountain-lovers away from the area’s hotspots, like Madonna di Campiglio and Val Genova, and towards adventures on lesser-charted trails. “Every valley is different,” she says. “We forget everything [in the mountains]: our stress, our jobs, our family problems. You really feel connected with the mountain. The result is: per scoprire; per scoprirsi. To discover; to discover yourself.”

My focus is on two contrasting valleys – the rocky, rough Val D’Amola and neighbouring verdant Val Nambrone, where we begin by exploring one of its jewels: the breathtaking (literally) Lago Vedretta, at 2,600 metres. We climb from another hut, Rifugio Cornisello (newly renovated and all timber and glass), through green alpine pastures, up over a rocky lip, where the lake appears in all its glory. The landscape remains frozen, even in late June, with sheets of ice thawing into pale blue water. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was Patagonia, rather than Italy.

There are around 100 bears in Trentino, as well as wolves, foxes, chamois, falcons and eagles. But on the way back to the refuge, where we are spending the night, we take a detour up above the turquoise Lago di Cornisello Superiore to spot fluffier mountain residents: marmots.

There are plenty of them up here, promises Debora Rambaldini, ambassador for Val Nambrone and the first woman in the area to become a forest guard. We follow her up a lush green spur dotted with wildflowers, and stand in silence, listening to the sounds of rushing water. Rambaldini puts a finger to her lips. There, a flush of reddish fur, a marmot darting between rocks, bushy tailed. And better still, another sunbathing on a rock below, eyeing us with suspicion.

The following day, we head to Val D’Amola. The route takes us around the inky Lago Nero and up over the Bocchetta de l’Om pass, backpacks fully loaded. Val D’Amola is only a few kilometres away, but it is a different world. It is more peat and bog, more Lord of the Rings. The water – grey here, not blue – thunders rather than babbles. But after lunch it’s our ascent up to Quattro Cantoni, a steep ledge and the gateway to the next valley, that reveals more of these mountains’ wild side. The cloud hangs low and thick, and apparently a storm is coming – soon. The sky rumbles above. Scrambling over rocks, tiptoeing on ledges and gingerly crossing patches of snow, the route is humbling: a reminder to improve my mountaineering skills. But safely back at Segantini, I feel elated. And the storm never comes.

At Segantini, just as we sit down for our hearty mountain dinner of polenta, the clouds finally part. Seen from Cornisello, these jagged, teeth-like Dolomites appeared pastel pink in the sunset; now, they are slate-grey, foreboding, capped with snow. They fill the whole horizon. As the sky darkens, we can see the twinkling lights of another hut, the vast Tuckett which sleeps 120 people, slowly appear on their black flanks.

I head to bed happy, and feel my heart racing with the altitude. It’s a small, six-bed dorm room, with a window that looks back towards the way we came. Occasionally, distant flashes of lightning illuminate the room, disrupting the dark and quiet. Sleeping – and waking – above 2,000 metres, though, is special. Ordinary life, below the clouds, feels a long way down. Time slows, you can only focus on the present, the company, the view. Afterwards, a little part of me will stay up here at Segantini, waiting to come back and explore more of these wild mountains and the secrets of the Via delle Valli.

The trip was provided by Trentino Marketing and the local tourist board. Dorm rooms at at Rifugio Cornisello €65 B&B or €90-€100 half-board, and €85 half-board at Rifugio Segantini. For more information about the Via delle Valli, visit campigliodolomiti.it

Brits are said to be “ditching” a popular holiday destination as prices to visit continue to soar. They instead seem to be opting for a cheaper alternative

Brits are reportedly giving a once-beloved holiday spot the cold shoulder as sky-high prices make trips to the destination increasingly unaffordable. Reports suggest that the cost of a holiday in Turkey is on the rise, with inflation hitting the tourist favourite hard.

In recent times, disgruntled travellers have been vocal about the escalating costs, with many considering a boycott in favour of more budget-friendly sunny escapes. Now, it appears a new destination has caught their eye, as viral posts suggest holidaymakers are swapping Turkey for Albania, and they’re loving the change.

A TikTok user by the name of ahmadsquad1 shared her bewilderment in a video post-holiday in Turkey, pondering over the noticeable lack of bustle. She acknowledges the inflation issue but is curious about why certain spots remain deserted.

In her video, she queries: “So we just got back from Turkey, and [in] every single shop we went to they were complaining about how quiet it is, and how there’s not that many people on holiday and, if they are on holiday, they are broke and don’t do loads of shopping – us included, but why is it?

“Where are people going? Why is that you have stopped going? One thing we did notice when we were there was like, for example, any kind of can – whether it’s branded or local brand – they would be like £4.00. Ice cream was like £4.00. Everything was so expensive.”

She mentioned that a typical meal such as a kebab and chips would set you back roughly £8.00, leading her to wonder whether the sparse crowds are down to inflated costs. Alternatively, she suggested that holidaymakers might simply be hunting for more budget-friendly getaways.

When she invited viewers to share their opinions, many disputed her claim that Turkey had ever been the top choice for British tourists. Nevertheless, some confessed they’ve sworn off returning to the country.

One person responded: “Been going to Turkey for years, but last year was different. Inflation hit hard, prices were high, getting overcharged. Hospitality didn’t feel the same. Not surprised fewer people are going now.”

Another suggested: “Should try the Balkan countries. Bosnia and Albania are lovely and very affordable.”

A third chimed in with: “Turkey has gone more expensive now, especially in Istanbul which makes it not worth it. People are now going to Bosnia or Albania.”

Meanwhile, a fourth contributor noted: “Turkey has gone expensive and a lot of people are choosing cheaper options like the North African countries, Balearic Islands or Greek islands.”

However, not everyone was convinced by the complaints, with one person writing: “Turkey isn’t that expensive – I don’t see what everyone is moaning about.” Another countered: “Of course the tourist areas are expensive, but decent places are cheap.”

Why is Turkey becoming so expensive?

There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in Turkey. Statista has offered one explanation.

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.”

Nevertheless, Turkey is reportedly implementing measures to revitalise tourism, tackling escalating costs, diversifying holiday experiences and pumping money into infrastructure. Authorities are allegedly working to curb inflation, whilst some are championing specialised tourism sectors such as wellness retreats and medical tourism.

Brits looking for an adventurous scenic drive can check out the world’s best road trip destination with no need to go abroad – and there are routes you can do in just a few hours

The world’s best road trips for families have been revealed, and it’s great news for Brits who won’t have to go too far if they want to check out the top spot for themselves.

That’s because the Scottish Highlands have topped new rankings of the world’s most scenic drives, beating out iconic routes including the USA’s Route 66 and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Considering the Highlands are already famed for their rugged and wild but breathtaking landscapes, it’s not difficult to see why they’re top of the list.

There are various routes that you can explore whether you want to follow the well-trodden paths, or try going off into more remote parts of the spectacular region.

For example, the Moray Firth Route can be completed in under two hours, with sweeping vistas across the likes of Beauly Firth, Cromarty Firth coast, and Dornoch Firth. Meanwhile the Highland Tourist Route offers up plenty of gorgeous landscapes in just under three hours, covering 116 miles. Oh, and that includes a chance to take in the Cairngorms, a must-visit in the Highlands.

READ MORE: Holiday warning for Brits as selfie mistake could land you with £100,000 fineREAD MORE: Sign up to the Money Saving Club for tips to stretch your summer holidays budget

Another popular drive is the North and West Highland Route which can be completed in under four hours and is renowned for the remote landscapes it covers between Ullapool and John o’ Groats.

However, if you only do one drive then you may want to make it the North Coast 500. Hailed as the “ultimate Highlands road trip experience” by Visit Scotland, this 500-mile-long route can be completed in just under 14 hours if you aren’t going to stop, but it’s not one to power through. Instead, it’s worth spreading the drive across various days to enjoy the historic castles, lush green valleys and azure waters that make up the unrivalled landscape. Highlights include Dunnet Head, Handa Island,

If you’re thinking of planning a trip, then you may want to check out Visit Scotland’s useful guide to the nation’s best scenic drives.

READ MORE: UK seaside town gets £1.8million facelift for summer including new arcadeREAD MORE: Picturesque UK town ‘rivals Amalfi coast’ with colourful houses and pretty beach

With so many gorgeous destinations, it’s therefore no surprise that the Scottish Highlands were unveiled as the best destination for a scenic drive, in a recent study by Ocean Florida. The research found that for Brits aged 29-44, road trips evoked some of their favourite memories. Meanwhile for those aged 18-28, road trips were top of the list for a ‘dream holiday’, with the US often featuring heavily on their bucket lists. (In fact, five out of the top 10 road trip destinations were in the USA.

Capturing photos in front of iconic landmarks, curated playlists and scenic stops were all among the top reasons for wanting to enjoy a road trip amongst intrepid explorers.

You can check out the world’s top 10 best road trips for families below:

1. Scottish Highlands, Scotland
2. Route 66, USA
3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
4. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), California, USA
5. Ring Road, Iceland
6. Miami to the Florida Keys, USA
7. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
8. Florida Fly Drive Adventure, USA
9. The Romantic Road, Germany
10. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Do you have a travel story you want to share with us? Email us at [email protected].

Passport rules for British travellers have changed in recent years, with more factors to consider to ensure a passport remains valid, particularly since the UK left the European Union

Holidaymakers are being urged to ensure their passports are valid for travel to avoid potential delays or being denied boarding at the airport.

Travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have named seven essential passport checks jet-setting Brits should carry out before heading on holiday this summer.

Passport rules for British travellers have changed in recent years, with more factors to consider to ensure a passport remains valid, particularly since the UK left the European Union.

When travelling to Europe, Brits need to make sure their passport was issued less than 10 years before the date of entry, and that it’s valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the EU.

READ MORE: ‘Fairytale’ UK best campsite beside river near waterfall is ‘out of this world’

This is crucial to remember because previously, UK passports could be issued with up to 10 years and nine months’ validity. EU rules now only recognise the 10-year limit from the issue date.

While UK travellers don’t need a visa for a short stay of up to 90 days in Europe, those looking to go on longer trips need to check the entry requirements for the country they’re visiting and obtain an appropriate travel permit.

Avid travellers collecting stamps in their passports need to also ensure they have at least two blank passport pages remaining, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid.

The experts also urge travellers to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as damage to the cover, pages or the chip, could lead to delays or even refusal at the border.

Parents travelling with children should be especially mindful, as a child’s passport is only valid for five years.

Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “We urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport.

“Post-Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it’s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements before jetting off to Europe.

“Travellers also need to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as things like damage from water or ink, rips in pages and laminate peeling from the personal details page can mean that your passport may not be accepted as a valid travel document.

“If you’re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you. That’s why it’s so important to double-check these things well in advance of your departure date.”

READ MORE: Wizz Air scraps dozens of routes as hot weather is breaking its planesREAD MORE: ‘Best beach in UK you’ve never heard of’ with stunning views and hidden gems

Seven passport checks to carry out before travelling this year:

Blank pages in a passport

With Brits now getting stamped every time they travel through the EU, travel enthusiasts and those who hit the road for work may potentially run out of blank pages in their passports. All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid. Those who really like to travel frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages.

Expiry date

Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. In Europe, passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure and must have been issued less than 10 years ago. This is an important detail to remember as previously, British passports could be valid for 10 years and nine months, however with the new EU rules, they’re only valid for 10 years from the issue date.

Water damage

If your passport has sustained water damage, you likely won’t be able to use it as a valid travel document. While minor exposure to water such as slightly crinkled page edges shouldn’t be an issue – further damage like smudged ink or discolouration can lead to delays or refusals at the border.

Tears or rips in pages

If any of your passport pages are torn or missing, your passport is considered damaged and will likely not be accepted at the border, especially if it affects the personal details page or any visa stamps.

Laminate peeling

If the laminate over the personal details page is lifting or peeling, it could raise suspicions of tampering. This is a common reason for passports being flagged or rejected so even if all the information is readable, it’s best to get your passport replaced to prevent any issues.

Visa

Holidaymakers need to familiarise themselves with the entry requirements of the country they’re travelling to, especially if it’s a non-European destination, and acquire a travel visa if needed. When travelling to Europe, you don’t need a visa if you’re going for a shorter trip of up to 90 days.

Child passport

A child’s passport is only valid for five years and often expire before parents realise. Parents should check the expiry dates early and renew them in good time to avoid delays or travel disruption.

A BRITISH marathon legend has died after he was reportedly hit by a car in India.

Fauja Singh passed away at the age of 114 after he spent years making history – including becoming the world’s oldest marathon runner at the age of 101.

7

7

7

The beloved athlete is still believed to be the oldest runner to ever complete a full marathon.

He tragically lost his life after he was smashed into by a car as he crossed the road in his home village of Beas Pind in Punjab on Monday, according to reports in India.

Singh – who had lived in Ilford since 1992 – broke onto the global running scene after he started to compete in marathons at the age of 89.

He continued to run up until he was 101 years old competitively.

During those remarkable years he received a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth II, was honoured by the Guinness World Records and became a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics.

His London-based running club and worldwide charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death today.

Touching tributes were led by Harmander Singh, Singh’s coach at the running club.

He announced: “Dearest runners. It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India. Aged 114 years old.

“He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home.

“In lieu of flowers please donate to his Clubhouse Appeal so we can carry on his legacy to encourage the world to keep fit and stay positive.”

The running club have planned several upcoming events in London to celebrate his life and achievements.

Singh’s legacy is made even more impressive due to him suffering from thin and weak legs which meant he was unable to walk until he was five years old.

After moving to London in the 90s he only took up running in 2000 after the death of his wife.

Aged 90, he ran the London Marathon in six hours and 54 minutes – beating the previous record for anyone over 90 by almost an hour.

Singh went on to compete in numerous marathons with his best ever finish being at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

It took him just five hours and 40 minutes.

When he hit 100, Singh showed no signs of slowing down as he attempted to become the first centenarian to run a marathon in 2011.

After finishing the race, Guinness World Records described it as an “inspirational achievement”.

7

7

7

They were unfortunately unable to register it as an official record due to complications with Singh’s birth certificate.

He didn’t own the proper documents due to his upbringing in India during the early 1900s despite the date of birth on his passport being April 1 1911.

After running a few more events, he eventually retired from racing at the age of 101.

Other tributes have flooded in since his passing was confirmed.

MP Preet Kaur Gill said on X: “Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh.

“I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me.

“A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything. Rest in power, legend.”

Fellow MP Jas Athwal MP added: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji.

“He was legendary – a man who continued running until he was 101. He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world.

“His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. We will miss him. RIP.”

7

Picture this: A gaggle of 21-year-olds squeeze into a booth, pull the curtain and smile for the camera. After a series of mysterious analog rumblings, the booth expels a tiny strip of prints. The posers crowd in to savor the tiny film prints — and raise their cameras to snap digital images of them.

While boomers blink in puzzlement, legions of digital natives have embraced the old-school ritual and machinery of the photo booth — and the people at San Francisco-based Photomatica are among those building empires on that enthusiasm. Their latest venture: a Photo Booth Museum in Silver Lake, which opens Thursday.

For anyone who grew up with digital photography, a photo booth is a sort of visual adventure — a selfie with “analog magic.” And at $6.50 to $8.50 for a strip of four photos, it’s more affordable than plenty of other entertainment options. Photomatica, one of several companies riding the photo booth wave, has been restoring and operating these contraptions since 2010. This is the company’s second “museum.”

At the new L.A. site at 3827 W. Sunset Blvd. (near Hyperion Avenue), the company has gathered four restored analog photo booths — two of which date to the 1950s — and one digital booth. The 1,350-square-foot space is designed to look “as if you walked into a Wes Anderson movie set,” said spokeswoman Kelsey Schmidt.

The machines are retrofitted to accept credit cards and Apple Pay, but otherwise the technology is original on the old machines — which means no retakes and a 3-to-5-minute wait for image processing. The film-based booths print black-and-white images only; the digital booth offers a choice of color or black and white.

Is this at all like a traditional museum experience? No. It’s a for-profit venture. Though visitors might learn a little about photography history, the core activity is making and celebrating selfies. So far, Schmidt said, the booths have been especially popular with people under 25, especially female visitors.

A birthday group gathers for a snapshot in the Photo Booth Museum, San Francisco.

(Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Photomatica rents out and operates about 250 booths (including bars, restaurants, hotels, music venues and special events) nationwide. The company hatched the museum idea after drawing immediate crowds with a booth in the Photoworks film lab on Market Street in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood.

On its Thursday opening night, the L.A. Photo Booth Museum will operate from 6 to 10 p.m., offering up a limited number of free photo sessions and key chains. Otherwise, daily hours will be 1 to 9 p.m.

While passengers typically sleep in their seats on long-haul flights, few know where the cabin crew rest – but a TUI flight attendant has offered a rare behind-the-scenes look

A TUI air hostess has lifted the curtain on a little-known aspect of aviation by showing where cabin crew staff sleep on long haul flights. Experienced travellers will be well-versed in the hierarchy of airline seating from economy to first class, with the latter two offering flat-bed luxury.

However, for some passengers it’s a mystery as to where the flight attendants rest during these lengthy journeys. Charlie Silver, an air hostess with TUI, took to TikTok to give a glimpse into the resting place for staff onboard planes. In her video, she walks through a hidden door near the galley and climbs a ladder to a snug sleeping area above the main cabin.

She reveals: “This is our crew bunks and we have six of these little beds located on our 787 Dreamliners.” She goes onto describe how each crew member receives a ‘bunk kit’ for their break, complete with a pillowcase, mattress topper, and blanket.

Charlie admits that making up these compact beds isn’t straightforward due to the cramped conditions.

The flight attendant shared: “Some crew can’t sleep up here but even if you’re not going to sleep sometimes it’s just a nice little escape from everyone.

“I, personally, can sleep and I think it’s just the sound of the plane that just soothes me.”

Ensuring her safety, she always fastens her seatbelt over the blanket in case of any unexpected turbulence. The bunks also usually come with reading lights for convenience.

Charlie further revealed that these snug spaces are where crew members can “have a little nap at 40,000 feet somewhere across the Atlantic”.

After take-off, rest periods are scheduled and rotated among the crew to ensure everyone gets a chance to recharge.

As per Cabin Crew Wings, on flights ranging from 8 to 12 hours, staff might be allocated an hour or two for their rest break.

On ultra-long-haul flights (those exceeding 12 hours), they are often given up to four hours to rejuvenate and be ready to help passengers.

Cabin Crew 24 reveals that passengers “rarely know about these spaces as they are often hidden from view”.

Despite being compact, these compartments provide enough comfort for crew members during their breaks.

They come equipped with essentials like privacy curtains and ventilation systems.

The website also emphasises that rest for cabin crew is a “critical part of ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight”.

This is because the onboard staff have numerous responsibilities, including handling emergencies and providing customer service.

Charlie’s TikTok video, offering a peek into where TUI cabin crew members catch some shut-eye, has garnered more than 30,000 likes and nearly 200 comments.

One person remarked: “I’d pay good money to have one of these instead of a normal seat.” Another chimed in: “Gosh I’d feel very claustrophobic.”

A third expressed their astonishment, saying: “Why have I travelled long haul millions of times with TUI and never knew about these.”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Been on a TUI 787 many times, where on Earth is this located on the plane?!?!” To which Charlie responded: “At the back most people think it’s a toilet!”

Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI passengers are being warned about what they should avoid packing in their suitcases, including some common items that you might not expect

With the summer holiday period now upon us, a top travel expert has issued a warning to those jet setting abroad – keep certain things in your hand luggage at all times.

Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI fliers have been urged to take note of the potential dangers of packing everyday items that could potentially cause trouble into your suitcase.

TikToker @thepointsguy has advised against tossing essentials into your checked luggage. From suncream to plug adaptors, he’s got the lowdown on what “you should never put in your checked bag, regardless of how short your flight is”.

READ MORE: Plane passengers warned they might want to swerve travel pillows on flights

For those dependent on prescription meds, you’ll want to pay attention to the expert’s advice. He said: “You may be able to get a doctor to call in your prescription, but that becomes trickier if it’s a weekend or a holiday or if your medication doesn’t allow for refills before the previous prescription runs out.”

He also urged travellers not to store electronics in their checked luggage. He cautioned that while most airport staff are honest, there’s always a “risk” of theft, reports Birmingham Live.

Not to forget, “jewellery and cash” along with anything sentimentally priceless should stay firmly in your hand-carry to avoid potential “financial or emotional loss.”

Lastly, he recommended that “plug adapters and high-quality suncream” should accompany you on board, rather than being buried in your checked baggage, because if your luggage happens to get lost then these things might be difficult to buy in more remote locations.

The savvy traveller insists that “daily necessities” should be tucked into your carry-on, because you never know when you might need an extra outfit, toiletry essentials, and eyewear like glasses or contact lenses.

In reply to the warning, which has gone viral after being widely praised, a TikTok user wrote: “Everything important goes into my carry-on. Meds, contacts, electronics in particular.”

And a second said: “I only have clothing & shoes in checked bags. Everything else is in my carry-on.”

This advice comes at the perfect time, with many people planning on jetting off on holiday soon. But if you’re only taking hand luggage, and you’re worried about space, then one other travel expert has recommended a simple trick that’ll allow you to fit ‘three months’ worth of belongings.

The tip was shared on TikTok by @joanna. pirog, who decided not to use packing cubes for her journey, opting instead a more basic and cost-effective approach.

She demonstrated with an empty suitcase and a collection of holiday clothes, tightly rolling each item before neatly arranging them in the case.

Her suitcase managed to fit an huge selection of dresses, shirts, tops, skirts, and shorts without difficulty, and even when it appeared full, Joanna managed to insert more items by tucking them into small openings. She asserted that this technique allowed her to pack ‘three months’ of clothing into a single small suitcase.

If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here

While going on a plane is exciting for a holiday adventure, it can be uncomfortable and a shock when our ears pop during a flight – a doctor has detailed how to help this

Jetting off on holiday is thrilling, but the journey can sometimes be a bit of a grind. You have got to pack your bags, rock up to the airport early, track down your gate, and if you’re not a fan of flying, settle those last-minute jitters. Then, just as the aircraft lifts off, many of us end up with blocked ears, which isn’t exactly pleasant when you’re thousands of feet above ground.

The climb or descent of the plane and the resulting changes in cabin air pressure can lead to an unpleasant sensation in your ears. While you’re gazing out at the fluffy clouds and expansive blue, you might be curious about the cause behind this discomfort.

Specsavers has explained: “Stress is put on the eardrum as a result of high-pressure environments and it is usually caused by rapid changes in altitude. You’ll recognise it if you’ve ever felt your ears ‘pop’ after a flight or going diving.”

Now, one doctor has delved into the reasons behind why our ears feel blocked on a flight and how we can alleviate the issue. Doctor Michael, a popular health guru on TikTok with a following of half a million, reassures that the common ear-popping experience should not cause alarm.

READ MORE: Noel Gallagher’s daughter Anais sums up Manchester Oasis gig with one word

Using a diagram to illustrate, he points out the eustachian tube [between your nose and ear and goes across your cheek], explaining: “It is caused by this tube that connects the back of your nose with the inner ear.”

He elaborated: “When you’re flying, you probably hear your ears popping and that’s this tube kind of equalising the pressure of your inner ear. You can do it yourself by swallowing or holding your nose and breathing against it.”

Dr Michael also suggested opening your mouth really wide. If these techniques don’t work – or if they exacerbate the problem – it’s likely you’re dealing with something called eustachian tube dysfunction.

He explained: “It happens when you’ve had a cough or a cold or you’re really congested here and that eustachian tube just closes over.”

The medical expert advised that if this often occurs while you’re flying, there are preventative measures you can take before boarding a plane to avoid this issue.

Dr Michael recommended using eucalyptus oil. He said: “Put it in some boiling water and let the steam go up into your nose and open up this sensation tube.

“Or if you want something a bit more long lasting, a couple of days before your fly, you should start using a steroid nose spray. I would do a spray in each nostril twice a day, about three or four days before you fly.”

If you’ve tried all these methods and none have worked, Dr Michael suggests it’s time to consult an ears, nose and throat specialist.

For more information see the NHS website/app or consult your GP.

Do your ears suffer when you go on a plane? Comment below…