Holidays

An expert says you should get a jab at least two weeks before you travel to build up immunity

Anyone holidaying in Europe this year is being urged to get a vaccine to prevent falling ill on holiday. The advice comes for holidaymakers travelling to destinations including France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Turkey and Italy.

Experts say even if you have had a jab earlier this year, it may no longer be effective and you should look into getting another one. Jack Janetzki, l ecturer in pharmacy and pharmacology at the University of South Australia, said anyone travelling in the northern hemisphere should consider getting a flu jab.

That could include holidays outside Europe – in places such as North Africa, the USA and the Far East. Jack said: “I f you had your flu shot in April or May, it may no longer offer enough protection by the time you travel in July or later. Getting a second shot will provide you with optimal protection against the flu while travelling to the northern hemisphere.”

He particularly recommends a jab if you are looking at travel as we head into peak flu season – which will start around the time of half term in October, adding: ” Ideally, get your second shot at least two weeks before your departure, so your body has time to build up protection.”

The NHS flu jab system only operates in the UK during flu season – so from the autumn. Your GP should be able to advise how to get a jab any time of the year if you think you need one.

A flu jab could be essential for some people in the UK looking to travel to Australia or elsewhere in the southern hemisphere now – as it is peak flu season on the other side of the world.

There are some trips where a flu vaccine could be even more essential, Jack said:

Cruises are a prime setting for flu outbreaks. There are hundreds or thousands of people sharing confined spaces, such as restaurants and entertainment facilities, for days or weeks at a time. This creates the perfect environment for the flu virus to spread.

Group tours and large events are also high risk. Bus tours, music festivals and cultural events bring together large crowds, often in indoor spaces or via shared transport. This increases your chance of exposure and catching the virus.

Pilgrimages and religious gatherings such as Hajj, Lunar New Year or Ramadan are also high risk, especially for older travellers or those with health conditions. These events can attract millions of international visitors, often in crowded, shared accommodation, where flu and other respiratory viruses can spread rapidly.

People who are over 65 years of age , have medical conditions, such as severe asthma or diabetes, or are on medications that decrease their immune function, are more likely to become severely ill if they catch the flu. So, if you’re travelling during the northern hemisphere’s flu season, a second shot should be strongly considered.

Jack said: “The flu is more than just a sniffle. It can lead to serious illness, cancelled plans and perhaps a hospital stay in a foreign country. Even if you don’t get sick, you could pass the virus to others more vulnerable than yourself. So before you finish your pre-travel checklist, make sure your flu shots are up to date.

“Not getting the shot could be the difference between sipping Aperol spritz on the Amalfi Coast or spending your trip in bed with a fever.”

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

Hout Bay in Cape Town is a stunning seaside spot that’s a must-visit for anyone travelling to South Africa – but there’s a near-perfect alternative much closer to home

A Welsh coastal gem bears a striking resemblance to the breathtaking Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa.

With its spectacular scenery and crystal-clear azure waters, Hout Bay has established itself as an essential destination for travellers exploring South Africa. Yet there’s a remarkably similar shoreline much nearer to home for holidaymakers seeking an affordable getaway.

North Wales’s Porthdinllaen, featuring the magnificent Morfa Nefyn Beach, serves as Britain’s answer to Hout Bay, according to staycation specialists at holidaycottages.co.uk.

Both Porthdinllaen and Hout Bay are enchanting coastal settlements renowned for their golden sandy shores and dramatic clifftops, each boasting a lively local character with thriving harbours.

Porthdinllaen, much like its South African counterpart, provides an ideal spot for wildlife observation, and whilst you won’t encounter any penguins as some fortunate Hout Bay visitors have, there’s still an abundance of creatures to discover, including seals, sand martins, and oystercatchers.

The Welsh coastal destination also appeals to those eager to enjoy a dip in the ocean or participate in more thrilling water activities such as kayaking and snorkelling.

Visitors to Porthdinllaen must make sure to grab a bite at The Ty Coch Inn, a quaint red-brick establishment situated on its own stretch of sandy coastline, which has been described as “world-class” and “magical” by guests. Dog owners will be chuffed to hear that Morfa Nefyn is a dog-friendly beach, but do remember to keep your furry friend on a lead near the Ty Coch area.

The beach has been showered with praise on TripAdvisor, with one holidaymaker commenting: “Fantastic views, beautiful beach. Ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. Lovely pub on the beach selling good homemade food. Naturally gets busy at peak times, bank holidays etc.”

Another visitor remarked: “I thought that this was a particularly good beach. It had sand, sea, boats, old buildings and mountainous views. It is definitely worth a go, if you are out that way.”

A third reviewer shared: “We were staying in a nearby holiday cottage and had a quiet, scenic, pleasant walk on a January morning. With it being out of season, it was pleasant having the entire place to ourselves for the walk. Would be lovely to visit again in better weather and with a picnic.”

Ask any vegan about the early days of plant-based ice cream, and they’ll shudder at the thought. Remember the chalky, grainy consistency? The barely-there sweetness? Before Los Angeles became a hub for vegan cuisine, sorbet was the best available option. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case — now, some of the best scoop shops in the city are dedicated to plant-based ice cream that delivers the same flavor and texture you’d expect from dairy versions.

Opened in 2010, KindKreme was L.A.’s first fully dairy-free ice cream chain, operating three locations before it closed, one at the former Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery in Echo Park. It remained one of the city’s only destinations for vegan ice cream until 2014, when Van Leeuween launched artisanal pint flavors.

The trend picked up in 2015 with the opening of Yoga-urt, a plant-based frozen yogurt chain that now has four locations. Around the same time, established creameries began introducing vegan options, and oat, cashew and macadamia milks started landing in stores, indicating a growing desire for dairy milk alternatives.

Magpies Softserve opened in Silver Lake the following year, with “flavors that reflect the city, like horchata, ube, Thai tea and black sesame,” said Warren Schwartz, who co-owns the chain with his wife Rose. The couple uses a coconut cream, oat milk and nut milk base for soft serve that also makes its way into pies. “We experimented with plant-based fats, emulsifiers and natural stabilizers to get that creamy, satisfying texture that people expect,” he added.

L.A. is now awash with vegan ice cream shops serving flavors inspired by childhood nostalgia, cultural heritage and our region’s abundant year-round produce. From raw-vegan ice cream made with young Thai coconut meat to dairy-free frozen yogurt infused with healthy probiotics, here are 10 vegan ice cream shops to help you cool down this summer.

Nathan Fillion straddles the line between everyman and hunk — and he’s built a career out of it. He’s a natural in roles that require both charisma and a touch of self-awareness, whether he’s solving crimes, commanding a spaceship or enforcing the law.

Fillion played the wisecracking mystery novelist Richard Castle in ABC’s crime drama “Castle” and stars in ABC’s “The Rookie” as John Nolan, a forty-something who navigates his midlife crisis by joining the LAPD. Of course, to sci-fi fans, Fillion will always be Captain Mal Reynolds from “Firefly,” the short-lived but beloved space Western that has kept him a staple at comic conventions for over two decades. Though “Firefly” lasted just one season in 2002, its cult status has endured, cementing Fillion as a fan-favorite in the genre world.

Now he’s stepping into an even bigger universe: the DC Universe. Fillion plays the role of the Guy Gardner / Green Lantern (complete with the iconic bowl cut) in James Gunn’s “Superman,” a highly anticipated reboot hitting theaters on today.

“You got to be really lucky,” he says of his 30-year career. “It’s just not up to you whether or not you stay relevant and popular and on TV and in movies.”

Living close to the hills in Hollywood, Fillion’s ideal Sunday involves relaxing at home, catching up with his favorite people and some late-night gaming. Here’s how he’d spend a perfect day in the city.

7:30 a.m.: Greet my cat and make some art

I much prefer waking up to sunlight than an alarm. I like having open curtains so the sun comes in, I wake up and feel awake, whereas if an alarm goes off in the dark, I don’t. My cat doesn’t sleep in my room, but every morning when I wake up, he’s at the foot of my bed. This is Bowie. I named him Bowie because he has heterochromia: one blue eye, one gold. He’s massive, 25 pounds, a Norwegian Forest Cat and Turkish Angora. He’s great about not waking me up, which I appreciate. Then he follows me around while I make my coffee — creamy and sweet, like my cat. I’ll sit in my kitchen — I’ve got nothing but birds chirping and the sun’s coming in — doodling for hours if I’m allowed. I say “doodle” instead of “draw” because my work is abstract, just black ink on paper, but only with the right pen, ink and paper. It’s an ASMR thing.

9 a.m.: Eggs benny at Sweet Butter

I love eggs for breakfast. I will do a classic scramble and toast with a little bacon or some sausages. But if I really want to be treating myself, it’s eggs Benedict. There’s a place called Sweet Butter down on Ventura Boulevard, and they do a real nice eggs benny.

10 a.m.: A hike with a view (and a rainy day contingency plan)

After breakfast? A hike. I live close to the hills in Hollywood. You’re up there, you’re in nature, you’re seeing animals, you’re seeing the birds. You’re just out there, looking out over the city. It’s better for your body to move a little bit after you’ve got some food. If it’s a rainy day, all bets are off. You’ll find me at the IPIC Theaters because of their luxurious seats and their incredible food, seeing a matinee.

12 p.m.: Nothing beats a backyard hang

I love having friends over. I’ve got a really beautiful backyard. I just had some friends over and their three-year-old twins. We threw them in the pool, and we made pork ribs. We had an incredible salad with some roasted tomatoes. We made corn on the cob. It was perfect weather. We found some shade, and we just sat there for hours and ate and laughed. And that’s a fantastic way to spend a Sunday, with people that you don’t get to see very often. Los Angeles is a beautiful city, but it’s rather spread out and gathering can be a little bit difficult. So when people make the time, it’s really nice.

4 p.m.: Channel my inner Marie Kondo

My house has too much clutter, so lately I’ve been trying to pick out a room or a closet or a drawer, and I’m organizing everything and getting rid of anything I don’t use or don’t like. Just trying to declutter the house — that’s something I’ve been engaging in in the last month. Do I enjoy it? I don’t enjoy the process. I do enjoy the results. And also just the inventory, knowing what you have. Oh, I’ve got these. I don’t need to buy any more of these. I got five of them in the back here.

6 p.m.: Sushi and streaming

Sunday nights are for ordering in. There’s a pho place, a ramen place and Iroha Sushi, my favorite sushi in the city. And LALA’s Argentine Grill. And [Sunday nights are also] for binging television. And right now we just finished binging “From.” [Editor’s note: Fillion is notoriously private and didn’t state who “we” is.] Super scary, and we love being judgmental of the parenting done by the one couple that have their kids there with them. They really let their kids run around unsupervised in this horror town. Also “Invincible” and “Landman.” We’re making our way through those.

9 p.m.: Answer the “Call of Duty”

In the very late evening, I have a group of about 25 guys who have been playing Xbox Live together for about 20 years. We do “Destiny 2,” “Halo” and “Call of Duty.” Some different games get sprinkled in now and again, but it’s mostly just those top three. There’s a text thread, and you’ll just say, “Hey, I’m jumping on for about an hour.” Or sometimes we’ll play late into the evenings, and we catch up, we laugh, we chat and maybe twice a year, we gather. I say, “This is my last game because I’m getting tired,” and I just roll into bed and wait for the next Sunday.

It was announced this week that Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have installed new scanners that allow bottles of up to two litres to be taken on board planes

Holidaymakers have been urged to plan ahead and do their research before travelling abroad to avoid being caught out by hand luggage rules.

The Transport Secretary has told air passengers to assume the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage remains in place, after two airports changed their policies.

It was announced this week that Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have installed new scanners that allow bottles of up to two litres to be taken on board planes. However, other airports around the UK are at different stages of putting the technology in place, meaning the old rules still apply.

Heidi Alexander said: “You should work on the basis that it is 100ml at the moment unless you have heard from your airport otherwise.”

Mirror Travel has contacted the UK’s major airports to ask whether they have the new scanners in place and to get their latest advice for passengers.

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Gatwick

For the moment, passengers should come prepared for security at London Gatwick as normal and not bring liquids in containers of more than 100ml, the airport’s spokesperson said.

Heathrow

The vast majority of passengers are already using the new security lanes at the UK’s biggest airport, which is working with the DfT to complete the rollout.

However, as the rollout is not complete, passengers have been urged to prepare for security as normal, with liquids in containers up to 100ml.

Birmingham

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “Birmingham Airport now allows passengers to travel with up to 2 litres of liquids, following a change in rules made by the Government. Passengers can now carry liquid, paste and gel bottles up to 2L each in their hand luggage, without the need to take them out of their bags.

“This change will enable faster and more efficient processing of hand luggage, following the £60m investment in equipment and infrastructure made last year. We are pleased passengers can now benefit from this change in ruling, made by the Government in time for the summer peak.”

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Bristol

“The limit at Bristol Airport is still 100ml and will be until the DfT advises us otherwise,” a spokesperson told the Mirror.

Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands

The Manchester Airport Group, which runs Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, has the new scanners up and running.

A MAG spokesperson said: “New security technology is already in use across all three of MAG’s airports, and the majority of passengers are screened with the new equipment.

“In accordance with Department for Transport guidance, passengers should continue to arrive at the airport prepared and travel with liquids in containers no larger than 100ml in their hand baggage, unless advised otherwise.”

Liverpool John Lennon

“Here at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, passengers have been able to leave all liquids and large electrical items such as laptops and tablets in their hand luggage for a few months now, following the installation of the new security screening equipment. However, the 100ml liquid size limit currently remains,” the airport’s spokesperson said.

“We will move to higher liquid quantities when approved to do so, at which time we’ll communicate this to passengers.”

Edinburgh

“This week we announced that passengers can now keep liquids in their bags when going through security, and those liquid containers can now be up to two litres each,” the airport’s spokesperson said.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport has been closed since the end of the 2022 summer season after its then owner, Peel Group, declared it financially unviable

Doncaster Sheffield Airport has moved one step closer to reopening following positive talks.

TUI and Ryanair have been in conversation with the group running the relaunch project, giving hope that the now mothballed airport could start jetting holidaymakers off once again.

Doncaster East and Isle of Axholme Labour MP Lee Pitcher announced the DSA Action Group “sat down with TUI’s UK & Ireland commercial director” and “chaired a positive DSA Action Group meeting with Ryanair, represented by their head of public affairs.”

“We discussed Ryanair’s position on Doncaster Sheffield Airport — and I’m pleased that they’ve agreed to be introduced to Fly Doncaster, the company that will manage the airport in partnership with international operator Munich International,” Mr Pitcher said, the Doncaster Free Press reported.

In January, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary refused to rule out returning his company’s flights to the North East airport, but admitted being based at the site was “a hard sell.”

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The CEO used an interview with Sky to push for air passenger duty (APD) to be scrapped, something he has called for regularly, despite airlines paying no tax on the very polluting fuel they use.

“I think its a very tough sell for somewhere like Doncaster in the shadow of Leeds Bradford. I wish them well but its certainly not part of our growth plans in the UK – which isn’t to say we wouldn’t put some flights back into Doncaster if APD was scrapped,” Mr O’Leary said.

“We certainly would look at it if it was the price of scrapping APD, we would guarantee to put flights back into Doncaster.”

Signing up airlines will be key to any future reopening of Doncaster Sheffield, which has been dormant since November 2022.

The City of Doncaster Council has pledged to have Doncaster Sheffield Airport up and running by spring 2026, according to West Bridgford Wire. This development follows South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard’s indication that a decision regarding the release of gainshare funding for the airport’s revival is expected in “early September”, a move seen as pivotal for the travel hub’s resurgence.

This new schedule signifies yet another postponement, with initial plans aiming for a summer restart. “The plan remains to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport in Spring 2026,” confirmed a spokesperson for Mayor Jones, acknowledging several dependencies still in play.

“Once we have the Gainshare decision signed off in early September we can finalise our plans, including progressing with our Airspace, signing-up airlines and freight providers and to employ and train the hundreds of staff required to operate an airport.”

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Previously reliant on TUI as its sole operator before the Peel Group shut it down due to financial woes, the airport’s future now rests with FlyDoncaster. The company, formed by Doncaster Council, is optimistic about the airport’s economic prospects once it reopens.

Back in 2016, the airport saw its busiest year, with 1.25 million passengers passing through its gates. German company Munich Airport International (MAI) is set to deliver operational and management expertise. Earlier in February, MAI’s managing director Dr Lutz Weisser mentioned it was “too early” to talk about specific airlines or destinations, but confirmed ongoing confidential talks with carriers.

“The UK is a very important aviation market and we are interested in Doncaster because it is all there. This is not a greenfield project, this is not something that needs to be built. You don’t have the risks of planning approval or construction and all these other things,” he explained, as reported by the BBC.

“It may need some renovation, and recertification is important, but it is all in place. It just needs a bit of polishing and then you have an airport and that is exciting.”

At a recent council meeting, Christian Foster, who is both the council programme director and director of FlyDoncaster, shared ambitious plans for diversifying airline operations at Doncaster. The Sun quoted him saying: “Working with our advisers from Munich we are very clear we want to target a number of airlines and have already been having those conversations for over 12 months with certain airlines.

“Having a strategy where you only have an airport with one airline doesn’t work for Doncaster and hence we want a minimum of four to five and that’s where we are working at. We are very keen to get our airspace returned back to 24 hours for next year.”

Meanwhile, TUI has teased the possibility of a return to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which previously featured in its roster for flights to sun-soaked spots such as Cyprus and Spain. Reminiscing about former ties, a TUI spokesperson remarked in February: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region and were disappointed when the airport closed. We’re excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening.”

A seasoned traveller from Birmingham is sharing her checklist of the five things everyone staying in a hotel should do immediately upon arrival to ensure a safe and comfortable stay

A veteran traveller has revealed a checklist of all the tasks travellers should complete before settling into their hotel room. While you may be tempted to dive into bed after a long travel day or race to unpack, there’s one critical thing you should do before anything else.

An experienced traveller hailing from Birmingham, Dimple Chudasama-Adams, shares tested travel advice with her extensive Instagram following. On her account, @escape_the_ordinary_by_dimple, Dimple shared a list of tasks to ensure a safe and comfortable hotel stay.

“What’s the first thing seasoned travellers do when they enter a hotel room?” Dimple writes in the caption. “Not admire the view. Not unpack. They check for hidden issues before settling in.”

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The first item on her five-bullet checklist is to check for bedbugs. To do this she says you should pull back sheets and inspect mattress corners. While a pain, this can help prevent an infestation in your own home.

The second item on her checklist is to wipe down high-touch surfaces, including remotes, light switches and door handles. These surfaces can often be overlooked by cleaning staff despite being used by every guest.

Dimple’s third tip focuses on ensuring your safety and is particularly important if you are travelling solo. She advises her followers to ensure the door lock and safe are functional.

The penultimate item on her checklist is to “check the minibar and take photos”. While this may seem like an odd measure to some, she explains that it can help combat “surprise charges” that could appear on your bill.

Dimple’s fifth and final travel tip is another safety-focused measure. She advised travellers – especially solo travellers – to block their hotel door with a wedge or lock.

This provides an extra layer of protection beyond the simple chain lock on most hotel doors. If you don’t have a door wedge or lock, there are other common items you can use to make your hotel room safer, including a wash cloth .

Dimple’s advice was met with mixed reviews in the comment section, particularly her security tips. While some users shared their own safety hacks and advice, others said that Dimple was “paranoid”.

One commenter wrote: “Paranoid much?” while another added: “Maybe umm, don’t travel? Geez.” Contrastingly, one user shared an important addition to the checklist: “Perhaps check the fire exit routes first.”

Ensuring your safety in a hotel begins even before you enter your hotel room according to one security expert. The team at ADT security alarms warned hotel guests of a common check-in mistake that could ultimately make it easier for thieves to target victims.

They explained: “When checking into your hotel, ask the receptionist to write down your room number instead of telling you out loud. This stops nearby guests from knowing which room you are staying in. It is also a good idea to check your surroundings when entering and leaving your room, to ensure that no one knows which room you are staying in.”

Sunrise with ancient gods in Anatolia

Rising from the rugged heart of Anatolia, Mount Nemrut offers one of the world’s most surreal sunrise experiences. Here, colossal stone heads of ancient gods and kings gaze silently across the highlands, remnants of a long-lost kingdom. As the first rays of dawn paint the statues gold, visitors are transported into an almost mythic realm. Begin your journey in Gaziantep, often called Turkey’s culinary capital. Savour rich baklava and spicy kebabs before setting out through the hills toward Nemrut. After experiencing the mountain’s majesty, continue to Göbekli Tepe – considered the world’s oldest temple complex, predating Stonehenge by millennia.
Ickin Vural

Join the locals and eat at a büfe

It’s become a little more expensive in Turkey recently, so my tip is: eat at the büfeler, where the taxi drivers eat. You find them at every bus station in every town and village. A light lunch of rice with kuru fasulye (beans) on top, perhaps a side of vegetable stew (despite all those kebab shops, Turkish people don’t eat as much meat as we like to think), and an ayran (yoghurt drink) on the side would be my idea of a perfect lunch. Afiyet olsun! (enjoy your meal), as they say in Turkey.
Anna

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Guardian Travel readers’ tips

Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage

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Exploring the vibrant city of Eskişehir

Eskişehir is a vibrant, studenty city less than an hour and a half’s train ride from Ankara. Its name (“old city”) is a clue to the age of the place – it was founded around 1,000BC – but unlike some of the much more visited ruins and ancient cities in Turkey, it is very much a forward-looking, 21st-century place. The Odunpazarı houses in the oldest part of the city are beautifully multicoloured – it is a perfect area to enjoy an obligatory Turkish coffee and piece of lokum (Turkish delight).
Michael Kuipers

Authentic Turkish charmers near Ephesus

Discover two gems near exquisite Ephesus: Alaçatı, on the coast near İzmir, is a picturesque, sleepy village complete with fresh fish restaurants and sandy beaches; a bit further south is Şirince, a beautiful flower village that stays fresh even through July heatwaves. You can explore the coast, visit thermal baths in spectacular Pamukkale, and Ilıca, or head to the Greek island of Samos for the day, while still savouring the joy of a simpler and more authentic Turkey.
Thomas

Lesser visited Lycian ruins around Kaş

Just above the popular seaside town of Kaş, tucked high in the hills, lie the ancient ruins of Phellos. The steep hike can be tough – especially in the heat – but the reward is worth it. Massive Lycian tombs and weathered stone ruins appear unexpectedly, like a scene from Indiana Jones. With no crowds or noise, it’s an off-the-beaten-track adventure into ancient history. If you’re seeking something beyond beaches and tourist spots, Phellos offers solitude, mystery and a stunning glimpse into a forgotten world.
Pinar Greenwood

Mardin’s heady mix and sweeping views

My top secret Turkey tip would be Mardin, in the south-east. Honey-coloured houses on a hilltop cascade down to the Mesopotamian plateau, and just about every hotel has a terrace with sweeping views across to Syria. The history is a mix of Assyrian, Armenian, Chaldean and, of course Turkish, with museums, medreses and narrow streets. It’s a taste of the Middle East but with the safety of travel in Turkey. And the food …
Ann Ozsivadjian

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Chilled dining in Antalya’s waterside retreat

The Dim River lies on the outskirts of Alanya, in the Antalya region. A short taxi or bus ride will transport you from the bustling seaside town to a cascading waterfall which flows from the Taurus mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Trees and natural vegetation provide shelter from the searing summer sun, while the waterside restaurants offer traditional Turkish food and drinks. Relax at tables nestled in the trees, perch at the water’s edge, or take a dip in a pool filled with icy mountain water – if you dare!
Natalie

Paddling off the Lycian coast from Fethiye

Sea kayaking along Turkey’s wild south-west coast from Fethiye is an unforgettable experience. Paddle past hidden coves, ancient ruins and dramatic cliffs, before friendly local guides prepare delicious traditional Turkish meals, and the sunsets glow deep red over crystal waters. Fethiye is a culturally rich town nestled between mountains and the sea, and the perfect launch point for a trip. If you’re after beauty, solitude and authentic connection, this is paradise.
Mikey

Hike to stunning ancient Termessos

We visited Antalya in February, and viewing some of the ancient sites on a crisp, sunny day with snow on the mountains in the background was brilliant. But the highlight of our trip was taking a hike in the Mount Güllük-Termessos national park to see the ancient Solymi city of Termessos, and particularly the stunning theatre, set atop the mountain with panoramic views. You pass many interesting ruins on the way up, but this is the jewel in the crown. We went on our own, but if you want to make a day of it I’d suggest joining a hiking group for an in-depth exploration.
Alison

Winning tip: timeless charm at Akyaka

On a spontaneous road trip through Turkey’s south-west, I stumbled upon Akyaka – a peaceful, pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism. The Azmak River, so clear it seemed unreal, flowed past riverside cafes where I watched turtles drift by. Locals welcomed me like family, and evenings meant fresh seafood and golden sunsets. The architecture – wooden houses with carved balconies – gave the town a timeless charm. Paddleboarding on the calm sea at sunrise was a moment I’ll never forget. Debbie Skudra

In the past year, seven of the UK’s 10 busiest airports have increased the cost of dropping off a loved one before travel – to the point that London Luton is now more expensive than a stay at the Ritz

Drop-off charges at one major UK airport have risen so much it’s more expensive – minute by minute – seeing a loved one off than staying at the Ritz hotel in London.

Most of the UK’s busiest airports have upped the prices of their drop-off zones, commonly known as “kiss and fly” areas, where travellers can say a quick farewell to their loved ones before jetting off. In the past year, seven of the aviation hubs have either increased prices or reduced how long drivers can stay before higher fees are applicable.

Luton Airport currently has the highest per-minute cost the UK’s busiest airports – charging £5 for five minutes before the £1 a minute fare rolls in for a maximum of 20. These prices rose steeply following the renovation of Luton’s drop-off zone after it was torched in a fire in October 2023. Before the fire, it was £5 for 10 minutes followed by the £1-a-minute charge.

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For a deluxe king room at Mayfair’s Ritz hotel, you’d pay £1,149 per night, which works out at around 91p a minute. The airport said the charge helps maintain the flow of passengers and traffic, claiming that the majority of visits are within five minutes. They signposted customers to the mid-stay car park, which is a ten-minute walk to the airport terminal.

It tells The Times: “With a £5 fee, the barrierless system keeps passengers and the traffic flowing, with the average time spent in the area well within five minutes. For those with more time, drivers have a range of free and paid-for drop off, pick up and parking options to choose from.”

According to the RAC, these kiss and fly charges are “bordering on the ridiculous”. Rod Dennis from the RAC said: “Drivers will be understandably aghast at the prospect of paying as much as £7 for what amounts to nothing more than opening the boot so a friend or relative can collect their luggage and catch their flight.

“The problem is a lack of practical — and affordable — alternatives for getting to many airports. Faced with the choice of a double-decker bus with lots of luggage, or forking out for a taxi, it’s easy to see why people feel they have no option other than to drive.”

Many of the major airports ask drivers to pay before or after they arrive and late payment charges are issued if a payment isn’t made within 24 hours or by midnight the following day.

Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing, based in Reading, said: “Failingto pay for drop-off parking or exceeding your time limit can really hit you in the wallet. It’s all too easy to forget to log on and to then remember with a sense of dread when it’s too late.”

The new ‘My Journey’ feature has been designed to help passengers easily manage their flights and track all updates on their mobile devices

Wizz Air has launched a new in-flight app feature which it hopes will transform the passenger in-flight experience.

The Hungarian budget airline has just unveiled “My Journey,” an addition to the Wizz Air mobile app that offers passengers flight management at their fingertips.

Alongside the usual channels of communication customers may have with their airline—such as phone calls, SMS, and emails—they can now do it all through the app.

That includes getting instant updates on flight status, including check-in, boarding time, and gate number, and finding out whether you’re eligible for a meal voucher or hotel stay if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

READ MORE: Wizz Air boss hit with £60 fine by own staff for breaking hand luggage rules

If you are, then you’ll be able to claim any entitled benefits in the app during your journey, including meals, accommodation, and even compensation.

Customers in this tricky situation can also review and select alternative travel arrangements like rebooking, refunds, or accepting a new flight proposed by Wizz Air.

This could prove to be a major boon for passengers, given how difficult it can be to work out what to do if a flight is cancelled or delayed.

Wizz Air boasts of being one of the most reliable and punctual airlines operating in the UK. According to Cirium data, it is the country’s second-most punctual airline. It was one of the airlines least impacted by last week’s French air traffic controller strike. This is in contrast to budget airline Ryanair, which said it had been forced to cancel more than 170 flights, with the holiday plans of more than 30,000 passengers disrupted.

However, Wizz Air is likely to be impacted to some extent before the summer is out. This season, air traffic is expected to be 5% higher than last year. Air traffic controller strikes and the impact of wildfires currently breaking out across the hotter parts of Europe could well lead to flight delays and cancellations this month and next.

“It’s not just about flying, it’s about feeling in control during those frustrating moments,” said Boglarka Spak, Wizz Air’s Head of Customer Experience.

“My Journey is the ultimate solution for our passengers—enabling them to own their travel experience, whatever happens. With ‘My Journey,’ we’re empowering our customers with real-time tools to manage their trip on their own terms. This is another step towards our commitments made in our Customer First Compass initiative. We believe launching this feature during the peak summer period, when more flights are impacted by weather and air traffic control-related disruptions, will help our customers navigate more easily and save time and energy during their trips.”

The Wizz Air app has had 35 million downloads across Apple, Google, and Huawei platforms so far. “My Journey” will be rolled out as an update to the app in stages from 9 July.

Despite its marmite reputation, a ‘rundown’ seaside town once dubbed the country’s worst has been featured in The Times’ league tables for the best UK beaches in 2025

A ‘rundown’ seaside town has surprisingly made the league tables for the best UK beaches in 2025 – despite its crumbling reputation.

Every year, around four million holidaymakers flock to Skegness, lured in by rows of flashing arcades, stomach-churning funfair rides, and a constantly lively beach. It’s long been one of the most iconic coastal resorts on the Lincolnshire coast, but has been stung with a barrage of complaints from locals and tourists alike – and was once even ranked alongside North Korea and Syria as one of the worst places in the world to visit.

Skegness recently came 16th-to-last in Which?’s annual league tables of the best UK seaside resorts – scoring a not-so-great 54 per cent overall destination score*. Travellers rated the town a respectable three stars for its beach, seafront/ pier, tourist attractions, parking availability and food and drink offerings – but gave just two stars for its shopping scene and one star for its scenery and peacefulness.

READ MORE: UK’s best beach in 2025 named and it could be anywhere in the Mediterranean

It’s a slight improvement from years gone by – but prove that Skegness’ £20 million plan to transform the area is still urgently needed. In 2023, Skegness came in at the absolute bottom on Which?’s ranking, and scored 5th last in 2024. Back then, one reviewer described the beach as ‘horrible’, arguing they had to trek 30 miles up the road to Mablethorpe instead. “Overall, it’s a terrible place with terrible people,” they said. “I will never go there again.”

Another agreed, branding the town the ‘dirtiest place in England’. “The sea has a brown froth on the top,” they fumed. “The streets are dirty [and] the roads are potholed.” Despite the heavy criticism, it’s clear Skegness boasts an unwavering popularity, and still attracts swathes of positive reviews online.

“It’s a nice old-fashioned beach experience that brought back many childhood memories,” one person hailed. “The beach itself is clean and well-maintained and there are lots of attractions around to keep kids and adults amused.” Another recent traveller said they were ‘pleasantly surprised’ by how well-maintained the area is. “The beach and town look clean and well looked after,” they wrote.

Much of Skegness’ hate can sometimes feel unfair. It’s not the place to go if you want to sip on iced oat milk matcha while chewing on £5 sourdough with poached eggs. But, if you’re looking for that classic UK seaside experience, it has your back. In fact, The Times recently featured Skegness in its best 50 UK beaches in 2025 list – hailing the town for offering ‘all round entertainment’.

“Having spent 17 years watching the crumbling of our traditional seaside resorts, I’d argue that Skeggy is the new King of seaside tat,” the publication wrote. “There are donkeys, rollercoasters, wall-to-wall chippies, arcades, a pier and the Embassy Theatre, offering much more than the tide of tribute acts that flood other seaside playhouses. As for the beach, it’s big, soft and golden, with views across the Wash to the Norfolk coast.”

Earlier this year, Skegness was selected to receive a whopping £20 million of funding and support over the next ten years as part of the government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods. This scheme focuses on three goals: thriving places, stronger communities, and taking back control – and allows local authorities to drive forward their own priorities.

Paul McCooey, Chair, Connected Coast’s Skegness Sub-Group said: “We have been awaiting further steer on this funding and now that the details have been announced, we can get to work with our communities, partners, and stakeholders to shape a plan for investment. In Skegness, we have already seen what can be achieved through partnership working through the Town Deal projects, as exemplified by projects such as the Skegness Learning Campus which is set to be an economic game changer for our area. Now, we can bring even more improvements to the town to benefit more people long into the future.”

*Which?’s results are based on an online survey of 8,952 experiences from 3,872 Which? Connect panel members conducted between January and March, 2025.

Do you think Skegness deserves the criticism it receives? Let us know in the comments section below

This stunning two-mile golden beach is a haven for water-sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike – and has just topped the league tables for the best UK beach in 2025

With two miles of soft golden sand, cobalt waters, and rugged green cliffs – this slice of coastal paradise seems worlds away from the dreary UK.

Sandwiched between the acclaimed Giant’s Causeway and the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Portstewart Strand could easily compete with the postcard-worthy beaches of the Mediterranean. Located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the Blue Flag beach, which is owned and managed by the National Trust, is the perfect place to soak up the rays with a good book – or chat the evening away with a lazy picnic.

The beach also draws in a more active crowd, and is an ideal spot to surf, kayak, and paddleboard (if you’re brave enough to submerge into the freezing cold waters). “SUB6 are based at the beautiful Portstewart Strand and are the only Accredited ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) Surf & Stand-Up Paddle School in Northern Ireland with an Instructor training centre,” National Trust states.

Travellers can also explore the 6,000-year-old dunes, some of which soar 30m high, or trek over to the Bann Estuary, which is a wildlife sanctuary for waterfowl and wading birds. Portstewart Strand is also the starting point for the 33-mile-long Causeway Coast Way to Ballycastle – making it a popular destination for hikers.

With all of this in mind, it’s no real surprise that Portstewart Strand was crowned the winner of the UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025 by The Times. “You can spot the first-timers as they drive down past the golf club and onto Portstewart Strand,” the publication wrote. “They pause. They look at all the locals’ cars parked on the sand, with picnic tables set up in their lee, and slowly their confusion turns to delight. Yes, you can drive onto the beach, and will you look at the size of it?”

There are also disabled toilets, adult-sized changing bench facilities, and a beach equipment loan – making it one of the country’s most accessible beaches. In 2023, Portstewart Strand also welcomed its unique Sauna and Sea experience onto the sands – allowing Brits to sweat out their sins while watching the sun rise on those chilly mornings.

Experiences can be booked for 30, 60, or 90-minute periods, with prices starting at £80. You can book your slot here.

To get to Portstewart Strand, you’ll first need to fly into Belfast. You can get here directly from most UK airports, including Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and London Stansted. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in August for as little as £29.

After touching down in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to travel some 60 miles north to get to Portstewart. This takes around one hour and 14 minutes in the car, while public transport will double the journey time – but is still feasible.

There is a range of accommodation types in Portstewart, from cosy inns to modern apartments. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, August 8-10) at Port 56, a recently renovated guest house just 16 minutes away from the beach, will set you back £225. This is based on two adults sharing a Budget Double Room.

For those wanting a more luxurious stay, check out Me & Mrs Jones. This stylish property boasts chic rooms, a family-friendly restaurant and a sun terrace. Staying in a Luxe Room on the exact same dates costs £538, and includes an ‘exceptional’ breakfast.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured

Lowestoft is a popular UK seaside town that is further east than anywhere else in England – it boasts sandy beaches, a pier, sand dunes and a zoo on it’s doorstep

Labelled ‘the most unsung location in Suffolk’, the coastal gem of Lowestoft boasts the easternmost point in England. Not only does it feature a classic pier, sand dunes and even a zoo nearby, it’s an unmissable spot.

Frequently gracing rankings for top seaside destinations, Lowestoft’s breathtaking sunrises might just be one of its standout lures. The award-winning South Beach, also known as Victoria Beach, has repeatedly earned the Blue Flag for its outstanding environmental quality and pristine waters.

READ MORE: Huge Amazon Prime Day sale slashes Coco & Eve’s ‘best tanner on the market’ by 30%

Railway enthusiasts can delve into history at the East Anglia Transport Museum or broaden their maritime knowledge at the Lowestoft & East Suffolk Maritime Museum.

With a plethora of sights and activities, Lowestoft is a family favourite – whether you tire of the stunning seafront views and venture to Pleasurewood Hills theme park or enjoy an evening with the esteemed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the local theatre.

Why not savor a pint of the region’s Adnams beer at the highly regarded Jolly Sailors or Spring Tide pubs? The accolades are abundant, with both pubs amassing approximately 2,000 reviews celebrating their hearty fare and vibrant vibes, reports the Express.

Tourists often express their fondness for the town, enjoying strolls along the pier, observing the boats, and exploring the promenade.

Nonetheless, not every visitor has been equally enthralled. One disappointed tourist described their experience as “Shocking. Dirty. Grim”, highlighting the prevalence of youngsters on the streets and inebriated individuals occupying doorways.

Alas, it seems that Lowestoft isn’t immune to the less favourable stereotypes typically associated with port towns. Like numerous town centres, Lowestoft has seen better days, with shop closures and a dip in social buzz leaving it feeling somewhat neglected.

The term “ghost town” has been bandied about by some, yet they still commend its stunning beachfront.

There’s a consensus that the area holds promise as an attractive spot, and fingers are crossed that ongoing refurbishments will breathe new life into it.

Brits worry a popular seaside town will meet its demise following the announcement that its biggest attraction is slated to be bulldozed down due to a new council development

Fears a beloved seaside resort will turn into a ‘ghost town’ have emerged, following the closure of a century-old attraction.

Situated on the stunning Welsh coastline, some 25 miles west of Cardiff, lies the coastal gem of Porthcawl. Neighbouring the Kenfig National Nature Reserve, and home to miles of soft golden sand, it is an ideal base to explore the country’s rich wildlife and pristine beaches. But, Porthcawl’s biggest claim to fame is its Coney Beach Pleasure Park.

Opening up back in 1920, the fun fair enthralled thousands of tourists back in its heyday, thanks to its eclectic range of stomach-churning rides and food vendors. But in a move that has been described as the ‘end of an era’, Coney Park is slated to shut its doors for good – giving Brits just three months to experience the dodgems, go karts, flying cars and tea cups for one last time.

The announcement follows a consultation back in February, where Bridgend council and the Welsh government unveiled plans to redevelop the waterfront. The transformation will see up to 1,1000 new homes replace the theme park, along with shops, restaurants, and the extension of boardwalks and green spaces.

“It is with heavy hearts we would like to share with you personally that this season at Coney Beach will be our last,” the owners of the pleasure park wrote on Facebook. “We will be closing our gates for the final time this October.

“It’s the end of an era, for over one hundred years we and other showmen and their families have lived and worked in Porthcawl, helping to make it a busy seaside destination. Bringing fun, laughter, and fond memories to so many. We will miss it greatly, and while we are sad to see our time here come to an end, we are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to have been part of so many generations of families’ lives, young and old.”

Thousands of Brits flocked to the comments section to share their fond memories of the park, with many saying they’ll miss the ‘doughnut man’. Others argued the theme park’s closure will have a negative impact on Porthcawl, with one user stating: “It will not be the same without the fairground.

“Porthcawl will have nothing to go down there for, only the beach, shop, and pub. The fairground made the attraction.” Another agreed, commenting: “I think there will be a negative impact on tourism for Porthcawl. The fairground has been integral to its success,” while a third added: “It really needs to stay otherwise Porthcawl will be a ghost town.”

However, others welcomed change, with one user arguing: “Times change and things move on, and Porthcawl has to. It’s been coming for years, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The days of fairgrounds are long gone; people want different things today. Porthcawl will survive; there is a lot more here than just a funfair.

Responding to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: “Porthcawl is a popular tourist destination for numerous reasons, including its beautiful Blue Flag beaches and vibrant seafront attractions. The acquisition of the land represents a significant investment in the area’s future, creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors whilst respecting the town’s heritage as a cherished seaside destination.”

The Mirror has also approached Bridgend County Borough Council for comment.

Do you think Coney Beach should be turned into houses? Let us know in the comments section below

Today the UK’s busiest airport, Heathrow, has revealed its £10billion, five-year plan designed to turn the “extraordinary airport” into one “fit for the future”

Heathrow has unveiled a huge expansion plan that will see billions of pounds poured into the airport, capacity increased by 10 million passengers, and a terminal demolished.

Today, the UK’s busiest airport revealed its £10billion, five-year plan designed to turn the “extraordinary airport” into one “fit for the future.”

Once complete, Heathrow will be able to serve 10 million more passengers a year—a 12% increase in capacity compared to now. Cargo handling will also get a significant boost, with plans to increase freight capacity by 20%.

A redevelopment of the Central Terminal Area is also planned, with new lounges, shops, and restaurants to be installed in several terminals. Heathrow has said space equivalent to ten football pitches will be opened up to passengers across the terminals.

READ MORE: Wizz Air boss hit with £60 fine by own staff for breaking hand luggage rules

In a major change, Heathrow bosses will seek planning permission to demolish the old Terminal 1, extend Terminal 2, and build a new southern road tunnel to improve access.

In April 1969, Queen Elizabeth opened the new Heathrow Airport Terminal 1 on the site, then the largest airport terminal in Western Europe. It was used by commercial aviation customers until its closure in 2015.

The terminal has played an important role in the running of Heathrow since then. “The building is still maintained to a very high standard, and the entire building has to be kept fit for purpose for safety and escape route reasons,” the airport’s website explains. The site also houses the baggage system for Terminal 2.

The plan will have to account for the loss of Terminal 1’s current functions, presumably by moving these facilities and operations into the expanded Terminal 2.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: We’re making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport—having become Europe’s most punctual major airport so far this year. But our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we. To compete with global hubs, we must invest.

“Our five-year plan boosts operational resilience, delivers the better service passengers expect, and unlocks the growth capacity airlines want—with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago. With Heathrow’s UK-based supply chain, this private investment will create jobs and drive national growth during this Parliament. We are ready to deliver the more efficient, sustainable Heathrow that will keep Britain connected to the world.”

READ MORE: Grim reason why you should always avoid one item in your hotel roomREAD MORE: Eurostar announces big change to train schedule kicking off this year

By the end of the five years, Heathrow aims to have 80% of flights leaving on time and 95% of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security.

“The CAA will now review and evaluate our plan. We will support this process alongside our airline partners and look forward to getting started with delivering improvements to make Heathrow an extraordinary airport, fit for the future,” a statement from the airport read.

THE number of summer jobs available has fallen to the lowest level for seven years, as cautious firms cut back on hiring.

Figures from job-matching platform adzuna.co.uk show seasonal vacancies down by 13 per cent on 2024, but there are still more than 20,000 roles on offer nationwide.

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The temporary roles can boost your CV, help you learn new skills and even open up a permanent role.

Adzuna’s Andrew Hunter said: “A summer job might not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the smartest moves a young jobseeker can make right now.

Beyond the extra cash, these roles offer a chance to build up the kind of soft skills that AI can’t replicate — emotional intelligence, communication, interpersonal skills and teamwork.”

Among the roles which are seeing a surge in hiring are lifeguards, festival crew, theme park assistants and hospitality staff.

Here are Sunemployment’s top tips to land a summer job to supercharge your career . . . 

Seek out a summer role which can lead to long-term work: Not all seasonal roles end when the sunny weather does. Big firms will often have year-round opportunities.

For example, start serving drinks in a beach bar, then move on to an apprenticeship or front-of-house role for a pub or restaurant chain.

Try an alternative industry: They may not seem like an obvious choice, but plenty of sectors from trains, airlines, hotels and coaches to gardeners, warehouses and call centres recruit for the summer.

All of these offer permanent contracts to summer staff.

Use a recruiter: Fed up applying for summer roles then getting ghosted? Recruitment consultants can put your CV in front of hiring managers to speed up the whole process.

Zahida Ahmed joined South Western Railway aged 21 as a temporary event supervisor through Adecco.

Although the initial job only lasted a week, she continued to work through the recruiter and is now a contract consultant with the firm.

Zahida, from Sunbury, Surrey, said: “My summer job was transformative and allowed me to step confidently into the working world and discover a career path I hadn’t considered before.”

Neil Carberry, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said: “Recruiters can offer people from every background a chance at a job by working at a festival, concert or sporting event this summer, or something calmer in an office, shop or construction site.

“Agency work is a fantastic way to get experience over the summer in ways that suit you — and even kick-start your career.”

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HOLIDAY park operator Haven has 1,200 roles on offer. There are positions in areas including food and beverage, activities and leisure, security and accommodation services.

Ed Camp, 28, joined the firm in summer 2019 on a seasonal contract as a commis chef at the Littlesea park’s Mash And Barrel restaurant.

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He was later offered a permanent job and put on the Grow to Team Manager talent programme. He is now the restaurant’s kitchen team leader managing 16 staff. Ed said: “I’m excited to see where my journey takes me next.”

Apply at jobs.haven.com.

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SIX TIPS RELATIVE TO WORK

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THIS week saw the Gallagher brothers take to the stage together for the first time in 16 years. While working with family isn’t always so stressful, it may still throw up extra challenges.

Peter Duris, co-founder of Kickresume.com, said: “A family member on your team means having a colleague you can really trust.

“But, as in the case of Oasis, it can also mean spending too much time together or making big, stressful decisions with someone who knows how to push your buttons.”

Here, he shares his advice.

1. Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life: If your co-workers are family, it’s a necessity.

You might choose to use email only for work-related communication, while using your phone’s messaging apps for things like planning your dad’s birthday party.

2. Make sure the fact that you’re family doesn’t shape how you treat each other at work, so you don’t favour family members over others.

3. Keep your professional expectations the same: Never expect more or less because someone is family. Expecting more might make things more stressful and harm your personal relationship.

4. Be mindful of your past: Working with someone who knows you really well can be stressful, especially if there is already some tension between you.

For instance, if you’ve always had a bit of a competitive relationship with your sibling, or maybe grew up feeling like you were compared to each other, working together can be very tricky.

If you find yourself getting wound up, it might help to stop and think, “What am I really annoyed about?” When working on a project together, focus on your shared goals.

5. Consider your policies: Many UK companies have policies relating to family members, such as banning direct relatives being line managers over each other. These help you prevent a conflict of interest when it comes to issues like pay rises or performance reviews.

6. Sort your succession planning: If you work for a family business where multiple generations are involved, take professional advice on succession planning to avoid damage down the line.

MAKE FAST ‘BUCKS

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Starbucks has opened applications for its accelerated leadership programme – a fast track for future store managers.

The course offers a Level 3 management qualification which usually takes three years to achieve – but 20 trainees will be able to get it in 13 months.

Positions are available in major cities including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow. No previous hospitality or work experience is required.

Alex Rayner, general manager of Starbucks UK, said: “Whether you’re leaving school or exploring a fresh start, Starbucks is a place where you can work with great people.”

Apply by July 21 at corndel.foleon.com/starbucks/starbucks-learner-hub.

Monrovia Canyon Park reopened just in time for this week’s heat wave to remind us that summer is here.

This 80-acre wooded treasure was closed for a few years after it burned in the 2020 Bobcat fire and then suffered significant damage from subsequent flooding. This past week I visited the park, which reopened June 27, where I marveled at massive oak trees and spotted the first bear I’ve seen on a local trail.

Upon entering the park, it’s easy to notice all the great work that volunteers and staff have completed to improve this cultural treasure. I appreciated the smooth paved roads leading into and through the park. I was greeted by a friendly ranger in a well-made kiosk who was happy to answer my questions about the park’s trails. And I easily found parking on a weekday (and as a bonus, under a shade tree).

Soon, Maggie May, the official dog of The Wild, and I headed onto the waterfall trail, a moderate jaunt through the canyon that ranges in length from 1.5 to 3 miles, depending on whether you start at the nature center, cabin or ranger station.

Maggie and I took our time as we headed to the waterfall. One of us lay down in the creek — I’ll let you guess who — appreciating the lush landscape around them. I loved seeing the massive oak trees. How many wildfires have they survived? They always remind me to slow down and appreciate what’s around me, including the resilience of these ancient beauties.

I also spotted a few patches of wildflowers, including bright orange California poppies and the Matilija poppy whose fried egg appearance always makes this breakfast lover a little hungry.

The trail ends at a 30-foot waterfall that’s flowing for now. Overall, Monrovia Canyon Park reminded me, with its short concrete dams and lush canyon, of nearby Big Santa Anita Canyon, another gorgeous hiking destination with an impressive waterfall.

As Maggie and I headed out of the park, I drove slowly with my windows down, which made it easy to spot the small brown bear when it popped out of the woods just before the ranger kiosk. Bears are frequently spotted in the park, so please keep your dogs on leash. It is required, but especially important to heed given the ursine residents.

Monrovia Canyon Park requires visitors to make reservations when visiting on the weekend. Officials are waiving the parking fee for the first few weeks. Once enforced, it’ll be $5 on weekdays and $6 on weekends.

Before we dive in further, a few reminders on trail etiquette:

• Watch your speed. The trailheads for these hikes involve driving along twisting roads or through neighborhoods.
• Leave no trace. Before leaving, take a moment to read the seven Leave No Trace principles. In short: Observe wildlife from a distance, stay on the trail and pack out whatever you pack in, including orange peels. And please leave the Bluetooth speakers at home.
• Watch your step. It is officially rattlesnake season. Keep an eye out for our misunderstood reptilian residents!
• Bring a map. Regardless of whether you take a photo of the map at the trailhead, download a map on your phone or bring a paper map, please have something with you to guide your way.
• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. I am specifically talking to the hikers with a 12-ounce water bottle on a sunny day. (I will always share my extra water with you, but I hope you won’t ever need it!)

OK, now that we’ve covered that, let’s dive into three hikes near L.A. where you can cool off during or after a hike.

1. The waterfall trail in Monrovia Canyon Park

Distance: 1.5 to 3 miles, depending on starting point
Elevation gained: About 500 feet, although it will vary
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: The Legg Lake Loop at Whittier Narrows

2. Antonovich Trail

Distance: 7.8 miles out and back
Elevation gained: 385 feet
Difficulty: On the easier end of moderate
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: Antonovich Trail; instead of entering the trail off San Dimas Avenue, where you must navigate a steep hill, start the trail from this parking area; the trail is not paved, but it is mostly flat if you head in the westerly direction from the parking lot.

Antonovich Trail is a 7.8-mile out-and-back trek along Walnut Creek, which flows gently through the canyon. The hike is heavily shaded by canopies of fig, coast live oak, eucalyptus trees and several fan palms. Besides a steep descent from the parking lot into the canyon, the route is mostly flat. This is one of my favorite trails that I discovered since I started writing The Wild last July.

As an added bonus, after your hike, you can head over to the swim beach at Puddingstone Reservoir in Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, which reopened last week after park officials replaced a transformer system.

3. Escondido Falls trail

Distance: About 3.5 miles
Elevation gained: About 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: Ann Skager Trail in Malibu Creek State Park

The 3.5-mile hike to Escondido Falls, a 150-foot multi-tiered waterfall, passes through oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub, two native landscapes with plants and trees that provide shade and ground cover — and are more adapted to wildfires than invasive plants — for hikers and the animals who live in the region. You’ll likely spot laurel sumac and buckwheat, along with several lizards darting across your path.

Even when the waterfall is only a trickle, the park itself will be a cooler spot to hike than others on this list, given its proximity to the ocean.

Like the other two hikes on this list, Escondido Canyon often offers a reprieve from an otherwise hot day.

3 things to do

1. Plant habitat for monarchs in L.A.
Volunteers are needed Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ascot Hills park nursery (4371 Multnomah St.) to develop habitat for monarchs. The Santa Monica Mountains Fund will host the event along with Monarch Mami, North East Trees and El Serenity Garden. Register at eventbrite.com.

2. Improve wetlands in Marina del Rey
The Ballona Wetlands Land Trust will host a stewardship event from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday where volunteers will yank invasive plants among other tasks. The organization will provide gloves and tools. Participants should bring water, close-toed shoes and sun protection. Learn more at the group’s Instagram page.

3. Get your honky tonk on near Santa Clarita
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area will host a free celebration of western songs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the park. Participants are encouraged to bring their dancing boots, a picnic, camp chairs and their favorite western wear (like whatever you have left over from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour). Food trucks and other vendors will sell food and other items. Learn more at the park’s Instagram page.

The must-read

Would you like an excuse to walk around outside for 10 minutes a week and, in turn, contribute to science? Times staff writer Corinne Purtill reports that Project Phoenix, a multiyear research project exploring birds’ response to wildfire, needs volunteers in California, Oregon and Washington to collect data from July through November. The data you collect — 10 minutes a week in the same location — will aid in the understanding of the effects of wildfire smoke on birds, an understudied topic. Scientists would like to understand whether birds fly to new places when air quality declines or if they’re changing in other ways when their nests get smoky. “These are the hypotheses we are hoping to test with the data we collect in 2025,” said program director Olivia Sanderfoot, a UCLA ornithologist. “The more people we have engaged, the more likely that we will have people in place to capture these impacts where they occur. It requires people power.”

I just signed up to volunteer, and can confirm it’s quite an easy process.

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

Do you have a bored teenager at home? Send them to a public garden. From now through Labor Day, teens ages 13 to 18 with valid student ID can visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, Virginia Robinson and South Coast Botanic Garden for free. Perhaps challenge them to take photos of plants they’ve never seen, and you can look them up together as a family at home.

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

Maria Márquez began her Sonoran-style taqueria in 2022 from her home in Oakland, pairing the nearly translucent, lard-glossed flour tortillas she’d been making her whole life with meats grilled open-air over mesquite coals by her husband, Juan Carlos Garcìa. Three years later the business evolved to a food truck parked four days a week in a lot along one of Hayward’s main streets, with a comfortable dining tent set up in the far end. Few things in California life are as rewarding as a taco that hits your senses like the current that turns on the stadium lights. San Francisco Chronicle critic Cesar Hernandez led me to the taco Yaquí, a large tortilla folded around smoky chopped carne asada with refritos (flavored with chorizo and chipotle to double the smokiness) and a grilled Anaheim, its stem a curly tail sticking out from the bundle. Melted cheese had sealed the taco, but I pried it open to splat on smooth avocado sauce and roasted-tomato salsa served in a molcajete. Boom. The menu is short: quesadilla, caramelo, chorreada (made with a crackling corn tortilla drizzled with the rendered, toasted lard called asiento); asada, al pastor, chorizo, tripa. For overkill, the “special burrito” is wrapped in bacon and grilled to crispness. It’s probably something you only need to order once, but it’s there for all the TikTok likes should you choose.

Extra Helpings: On the subject of Sonoran-style taquerias, I must shout out Sonoratown, now with several locations across Los Angeles County, which fills its powdery-butter tortillas with cheese-laced guisados for chivichangas and my favorite burrito in the city with grilled steak or, lately, spiced cabeza.

Brits heading to the likes of Spain, Egypt and Portugal for their summer holidays could find they’re paying pay hundreds of pounds more this year

Families have seen some holiday prices to top hotspots rocket by nearly quarter this summer, research has revealed.

The jump means travellers looking forward to their break abroad risk having to shell out hundreds of pounds more than last year.

Analysis by the website TravelSupermarket for the BBC revealed big price rises in a host of destinations popular with Brits. The data compared all-inclusive seven-night family breaks departing this August with a year ago.

Prices to Cyprus have leapt 23%, from an average £950 per person to £1,166. The cost of a week away to Egypt has soared by a fifth – almost £200 each – from £980 to £1,176. Jetting to top getaway Spain has risen by 9%, or from £835 to £913 And a typical week away to Portugal will cost £972 per person this summer, against £936 last year.

READ MORE: Man visits every country in Europe – and one ‘dull’ place was the absolute worst

For those looking further afield, the analysis found the United Arab Emirates has seen the steepest price rise overall. A week away now costs an average £1,525 per person, up 26% – or £300 – from £1,210 per person in 2024.

Chris Webber, head of deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Like most things, family summer holidays have become more expensive over the past 12 months — and our data backs that up. We’ve seen price rises of between 4% and 26% across popular destinations like Spain, Greece, Turkey, the UAE and Portugal. These increases are likely tied to rising fuel prices driving up flight costs, along with hotel expenses rising due to energy costs – which in turn pushes up food and drink costs for all-inclusive packages.”

It is not all bad, with some destinations actually cheaper this year. For instance, a week in Italy will cost an average £1,128 per person this summer, or £137 less than a year ago. Tunisia is also around £30 better value, at an average £763.

READ MORE: ‘Entitled dad asks to swap plane seats for son – but his reason wasn’t valid enough’

And while accommodation and flights may have risen, other holiday costs have come down.

Research published last month by the Post Office found Brits planning foreign holidays will be quids in thanks to the pound’s strength. Sterling has shot up against a host of currencies – in some cases, by a lot. For instance, the pound’s 30% rise against the Turkish lira in the past year means holidaymakers jetting there will have £116 more to spend for every £500.

In many cases, car rental prices have also fallen. A study by iCarhireinsurance.com last month revealed that the average cost of a week’s car hire this summer is £369, 43% lower than the 2022 high of £652, but still 19% more than in 2019 (£310).

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected].

The UK is full of incredible beaches but one that has been dubbed as the most beautiful yet underrated is a must-visit spot for any staycationer this summer

Planning a summer getaway can be a daunting affair with sky-high flight prices, costly airport transfers, and steep accommodation costs, particularly in the likes of France. However, scores of Brits are choosing to forgo foreign jaunts this year, instead opting to uncover hidden gems right here on home turf.

For a top-notch staycation spot that’s stirring quite the buzz, take a trip eastward to the charms of Norfolk’s coastline. Norfolk boasts an array of stunning coastal scenery, from Holkham’s sprawling sands to Wells-next-the-Sea’s extensive quay, yet it’s the buzzing heart of north Norfolk drawing crowds: Cromer. Known far and wide for its exquisite crabs, Cromer is capturing attention as a prime destination in its own regard.

The quintessential seaside town of Cromer sits proudly atop dramatic cliffs, enveloped by the region’s lush woodland and countryside – providing visitors with epic vistas across the North Sea. Cromer’s crown jewel is its celebrated Victorian pier in the town’s centre, a hub of entertainment where guests can savour a show at the Pavillion Theatre, revel in arcade games, or simply meander along taking in the atmosphere; the very same pier also garnered fame in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, reports the Express.

So captivating is Cromer Pier that it snagged the prestigious title of Pier of the Year last year from the National Piers Society, who cited its enormous appeal due to the impeccable upkeep of its traditional Victorian aesthetics and the incredible sea views it affords.

For those with a passion for literature, the charming line from Jane Austen’s Emma might ring a bell: “You should have gone to Cromer… the best of all the sea bathing places. A fine open sea… and very pure air.” Arthur Conan Doyle, famed creator of Sherlock Holmes, drew inspiration from Cromer’s local legends, particularly the tale of the spectral hound Black Shuck, which became the basis for his renowned novel The Hound of the Baskervilles.

What’s on offer in Cromer?

Visitors have been left spellbound by the beach, with one enthusiast taking to Google Reviews to proclaim it “the most beautiful yet underrated beach”. Praise continues to pour in from another reviewer who expressed: “Beautiful town and beach. The beach was almost empty despite it being the school holidays. Beautiful town with both local independent shops and larger chains.” Another visitor shared their enchantment, commenting: “It’s the loveliest town I’ve ever visited… great atmosphere and fantastic fish and chips.”

Cromer is a treasure trove of unique boutique shops, quaint cafes, and delightful bakeries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. For those keen on a more vigorous activity, the picturesque Norfolk Coastal Path offers a journey through sand dunes and lush countryside.

Sampling the celebrated fresh Cromer Crab is an essential experience for any foodie visiting the area. And if you’re craving some traditional fish and chips, No. 1 Cromer, owned by Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston, boasts stunning views of the coast and pier.