Holidays

Southwest Airlines is being criticised for failing to communicate changes to its five-hour delayed flight as two disabled women were left behind as the flight took off without them

An airline has been slammed after two women who are both blind were left behind by a plane and told by staff “we forgot about you.”

Southwest Airlines is being criticised for failing to communicate changes to its five-hour delayed flight from New Orleans to Orlando on July 24.

Friends Camille Tate and Sherri Brun were left stranded after the pair were at the airport waiting by the gate, checking the airline’s app for any updates.

However, they were the only two people on the flight when they boarded. “You’re the only two people on this flight because they forgot about you,” Sherri Bun said the two were told.

According to the airline, because the flight was delayed, nearly all of the passengers on the original flight were re-booked on another Southwest flight to Orlando that departed a little earlier from a different gate. It comes after a furious tourist was just ‘offered £21 by easyJet’ after being stranded in Turkey.

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Sherri and Camillie were the only two passengers not re-booked on the flight. They even admitted they had no idea another flight was an option.

“Nobody at B6 told us anything. Nobody came to get us at B4. The time passed,” said Sherri. “That airplane took off, and our boarding pass had not been swiped,” said Camille.

The pair remains stunned that they weren’t on the flight. They want the airline to improve its communication to people with disabilities.

“The way they help their customers that require additional assistance needs to change. There needs to be follow through,” said Sherri.

“There needs to be some improvement in how they communicate with their passengers especially those that have disabilities,” Camille added.

The friends were offered an £80 voucher as compensation for the delay, but weren’t eligible for a full refund as the flight departed.

Southwest Airlines has since apologised for the embarrassing incident. It said: “The Customers were scheduled on Flight 2637. Although it ran almost five hours late that day, it remained their same flight number throughout.

“We issued the $100 vouchers as compensation for the delayed travel, but a refund is not available if a Customer actually completes the flight.

“It appears the confusion about a plane coming back to get them might be because many of the Customers on that flight were accommodated on another MCO-bound flight that left a little earlier from a nearby gate. These two Customers were not re-booked on that flight, so their assigned gate never changed. Our records show they flew to MCO on the airplane that had been parked at their original gate.

“As far as accessibility policies, all of our information is found on the Disability-Related Accommodations section of the Help Center. For Customers who are blind, escort and navigation assistance is available from the airport curb to and from gates and between gates for connecting flights.

“To receive assistance, Customers must identify themselves and the type of assistance they require to a Southwest Employee when they arrive at the airport, at any connection points, and when they land at their destination. In the event of a gate change, our Employees are responsible for ensuring all Customers who need assistance reach the new gate.

“We apologise for the inconvenience. Southwest is always looking for ways to improve our Customers’ travel experiences, and we’re active in the airline industry in sharing best practices about how to best accommodate Passengers with disabilities.”

GRABBING your lucky penny to see if you have won tens of thousands of pounds in an instant is all part of the thrill for scratchcard players.

But there are ways you can boost your chances of winning with a few crucial steps, thanks to scratchcard expert Patrick Wareing’s tips.

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Patrick runs the website scratchcard-winners.co.uk and has been dishing out top tips on how to bag a big prize since 2015.

He also helps players work out which online scratchcards are best to play.

Scratchcards offer life changing wins of up to £2million for punters and are sold at supermarkets, as well as garages and other convenience shops.

National Lottery scratchcards cost between £1 to £5, depending on which one you choose.

You can also buy online through the National Lottery website.

Anyone 18-years or over can buy a scratchcard and play.

Here’s what you need to know before playing.

Make sure you gamble responsibly.

Track down the odds

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Scratchcard odds can be found on the back of the slip, on the game procedures document or the National Lottery website.

They can also be found on in-store screens at the till in shops.

Typically, the more expensive the scratchcard, the better the odds – but this isn’t always the case.

The odds of winning on the Sapphire 7s Doubler scratchcard, which costs £2, is one in 3.37, whereas the odds of winning the Diamond Maze scratchcard, which is £5, is one in 3.58.

Odds show how likely you are to win any particular prize – the lower the number, the better the odds.

This means you have a better chance of winning with the £2 game compared to the more expensive £5 game.

Of course, there’s no guarantee you will win on your scratchcard, even if you buy many to increase your odds of winning.

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Patrick said: “If you buy a scratchcard with odds of one in four, and you buy four scratchcards, you’d assume you get a winner.

“Yet the odds are calculated on all scratchcards in circulation, which means that you aren’t guaranteed a winner in this scenario.

“It can work in your favour though, as you could equally win on all four scratchcards.”

A better method of calculating the likelihood of winning can be to take a look at what “return to player” rate is.

This is what gambling experts define as the percentage of money that will be paid back to players from total scratchcard sales. It’s essentially the pay out rate on scratchcards.

National Lottery scratchcards usually pay out at a rate of between 60-70%.

So say, for example, that the total of all the scratchcards sold was £1 million. 

A 65% pay out rate would mean that £650,000 would be paid out to players, with the remaining £350,000 going to National Lottery.

The £100,000 A Month For A Year scratchcard has pay out rate of 70.02%.

The £100,000 Multiplier Yellow scratchcard has an pay out rate of 61.75%.

That’s a difference of nearly 10% and can make a big difference to your chance of getting winnings.

You can find information on prize rates on the game procedure documents, which are on the National Lottery website for each scratchcard.

The scratchcards you can NEVER win the jackpot

Before you buy your scratchcard, check whether the top jackpot prizes have already been won.

The number of jackpot prizes available varies depending on what type of scratchcard you pick.

Many people don’t realise you can still buy National Lottery scratchcards even after all the top prizes have been won.

For cards with a jackpot above £121,000, no new packs of scratchcards will be put on sale when the last top prize has been won.

However, scratchcards that are already on display can continue to be sold.

Information about remaining prizes is available on in-store National Lottery scratchcard terminals, but these can be easy to miss so make sure you visit the National Lottery website too.

There won’t be a breakdown of other winnings still up for grabs.

Jackpot information is only every weekday, so there could be a delay if prizes are claimed on the weekend or on bank holidays.

The National Lottery site currently shows that five out of around 50 scratchcard games on sale have already had the top prizes claimed.

Use this nifty site

If you’re not sure which scratchcard to choose with the best chance of winning, this handy website could help.

Smartscratchcard.co.uk ranks which scratchcards are best to buy based on the chances of scoring the top prize.

It uses an algorithm to give a rating out of 100 on popular scratchcards.

It takes into account factors such as the price of the card, whether the top prize is still available to be won, how many cards are still available to buy, and the odds of winning.

It also lists how much you might have to spend to win the jackpot statistically.

The scratchcard rated the top buy on the site is currently Run For Your Money.

It costs £5 and the jackpot is £1 million.

The return to player rate is 70.12%, and two out of three jackpots have been won.

Shockingly, statistically speaking, you could have to spend £4,990,920 on cards to win.

Don’t throw away a loser

You may not believe it, but it’s easier to lose track of a winning scratchcard then you might think.

More than £57.6m worth of prizes went unclaimed by Lotto, EuroMillions and scratchcard players in the ten months to the end of January 2024.

The National Lottery recommends you always sign a scratchcard and keep it safe if you have a winner.

It sounds obvious, but make sure your card is definitely not a winner before chucking.

This is more likely to happen with scratchcards featuring letters and numbers, such as the Bingo and Crossword styles.

Patrick adds: “The National Lottery often changes the rules between new releases – even if they look similar to the ones before them.”

Even if you think you have a loser, it’s a good idea to take it to a shop where they can check.

Then you can be completely sure you don’t throw away any winners.

Don’t leave it too late

It’s really important to know that all scratchcards have an expiry date.

Even if you have a winner, you won’t be able to claim your prize if the card is out of date.

Prizes must be claimed before the end of the 180th day after the closing date of the game.

This gives you roughly six months after the game has closed.

All current game closures on the website national-lottery.co.uk/games/gamestore/scratchcards/closures

But here’s the catch, the closure dates are influenced by how many prizes are left.

So to avoid missing out, cash in your prize as soon as you realise you have a winner.

Remember, only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set a spending limit before you play.

Visit gamcare.org.uk or GambleAware.org if you need help.

‘I won £500,000 scratchcard jackpot – here’s my tactic to winning’

SCRATCHCARD winner Matthew Harding won a £500,000 jackpot, and revealed his secret to scooping the mega win.

Shop assistant Matthew, from Nottingham, won big on the Pink Multiplier National Scratchcard in 2023.

He said he always bought two scratchcards in a row because he heard that this makes you more likely to win.

His tactic paid off, and he scooped the top jackpot.

Matthew said at the time of winning: “I treat myself to a scratchcard or two every month after payday and scratch them on my way home.

“I have seen a few customers in the shop winning £20 or £40 here and there so I thought I would give this particular one a go.

“I have always been told to buy two in a row as you are more likely to win.

“There may be no real logic in that but that’s exactly what I do – I always buy them in a set.

Matthew stuffed the card in his sock to keep it safe.

He bought it from Greasley General Stores, Eastwood – the store he worked at the time.

He made sure to sign the back of the card and didn’t fold it so he could keep the card safe.

A travel influencer and foodie has revealed the three European cities she ‘would have skipped’ after spending time in 17 different destinations across the continent

One woman has revealed the three European destinations she’d avoid going to again, having visited 17 different cities last year. Sooyeon, who lives in San Francisco in the US, went on the adventure of a lifetime to visit the continent.

Having stopped off at more than a dozen cities, she found herself disappointed by three locations in particular. On her TikTok channel @soos. foods, she revealed: “These are three cities I probably would’ve skipped,” before clarifying, “Doesn’t mean these are bad destinations, I just didn’t enjoy them as much as other cities.”

Madrid topped her list of disappointments, reports the Manchester Evening News. Despite spending two and a half days there in 2022 following a visit to Barcelona, she confessed that the coastal city won her over far more than Spain’s majestic capital.

She explained: “The main reason is because I went to both Madrid and Barcelona on the same trip, and I feel like Madrid didn’t have as many interesting things to do for me at least, other than the palace and museums.

“…If I were to do this trip again, I would probably skip Madrid and spend more time in Barcelona.” Catania proved another destination that failed to meet Sooyeon’s hopes.

Situated on Sicily’s eastern coastline, the ancient port city initially appeared like a perfect ‘Italian holiday’ destination, yet it didn’t match her expectations. Sooyeon shared: “The city just felt a little run down and not the safest.

“People were also not afraid to stare at you – I’m sure they weren’t trying to be rude or mean, but it felt a little uncomfortable as a female traveller.” Berlin also featured on Sooyeon’s list, though her concerns with the German capital differed from her gripes about Catania and Madrid.

She recognised Berlin’s ‘welcoming’ atmosphere and its selection of ‘cool cafes, shops and roads’, yet felt something was missing. “Don’t get me wrong, I would love to live in Berlin,” Sooyeon confessed.

“But, as a tourist, I feel like the main attractions are history museums which I personally am not the biggest on, especially because at this point on my trip I was getting severe museum fatigue.”

She also observed that the dining scene was rather international, making it trickier for her to discover genuine local dishes, which remains a priority during her travels.

“The food scene was also pretty international, so I didn’t find as many options for authentic local food, which is something I try to eat everywhere I go. Again, this is just my experience – what doesn’t work for me, could work for you.”

Sooyeon’s honest assessments triggered a wave of reactions on TikTok, with users split over her views on these beloved destinations. One user championed Madrid, declaring: “I will not accept any Madrid slander! I’ve been like four times and it’s an incredible city.”

Others urged travellers not to dismiss Catania, with one comment stating: “Everyone here pls don’t skip Catania,” whilst another user challenged her perception of Berlin’s cleanliness: “Berlin is clean? What girl?”

SAINSBURY’S shoppers are going wild after spotting a “gorgeous” new autumn pyjama collection.

The supermarket’s in-house fashion label Tu is one of the best-loved brands on the high street, and is constantly wowing us with its stylish but affordable fashion.

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TikToker Jasmine Poppy sent fashion lovers into a frenzy when she posted a clip of her latest TU Clothing purchases.

The TikToker showed off Sainsbury’s new range of cosy sets perfect for snuggling up as the nights draw in.

Among the finds was the Mini Me Women’s Halloween Pink Pumpkin Print Slinky Pyjama set, priced at £16, with the rest of the line retailing at £20.

And while Halloween PJs usually mean garish orange and purple prints, Sainsbury’s has gone for something a little different this year with pretty designs in soft pinks and cute patterns that shoppers say are “perfect for autumn”.

The line includes a pink jersey pasta printed set, cosy pin-striped pumpkin set and a fun cherry cake printed set, with plenty of other cute designs for shoppers to pick from.

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The playful pumpkin prints, soft fabrics, and matching sets have quickly earned a spot on people’s must-buy lists.

“I LOVE TU pjs, they’re so comfy,” raved one fan in the comments.

Another wrote: “Never have I run to order something so quickly.”

A third added: “These are gorgeous, I want all of them.”

One shopper had their eyes on a particular set, gushing: “I need the cherry pumpkin ones.”

While another insisted: “Sainsbury’s pjs top all others, honestly.”

It’s clear Sainsbury’s is coming into the colder months well prepared, with styles that feel seasonal without being over-the-top spooky, perfect for anyone who wants to nod to Halloween without going full fancy dress.

So, if you’re already dreaming of hot chocolate, candles, and a fresh pair of matching PJs, you might want to make your next supermarket trip a pyjama haul.

It comes after a Sainsbury’s fashion boss sent shoppers into a frenzy after giving them a sneak peek of their new autumn arrivals.

Hannah Pountain, Director of Merchandising at Tu Clothing, revealed her top five picks from the new range in an Instagram video over the weekend.

And she rounded up her five top picks from the new range – including a staple buy which proves a classic 1920s trend is returning.

The autumn drop follows a wave of excitement over other high street nightwear launches.

Just last week, Primark had shoppers swooning with a Clueless-themed pyjama line, inspired by the iconic 90s rom-com.

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The saying goes “curiosity killed the cat”, as if being nosy is a bad thing. As I stood knee-deep in the cool Atlantic Ocean, marvelling at the beauty and emptiness of the Plage de Port Lin, I decided this was nonsense: without this little detour, “just to have a look”, I’d never have discovered Le Croisic, on the Guérande peninsula. The downside is that time isn’t on my side: it’s past 5pm and I’m supposed to be at the big resort, La Baule-Escoublac, six miles east by now. But the presqu’île (a “nearly island”), as the French call it, tucked in the corner where Brittany meets Pays de la Loire, is calling out to be explored.

First, though, a late afternoon dip in the sea is too hard to resist, and I wade into the water, sharing a delighted smile with fellow swimmers. Two elderly women in flowery swimming caps nod a cheery “Bonsoir” as I take my first strokes. Afterwards, I wander up the coast a little way. A row of belle epoque villas overlook the rocky coastline, and I climb down on to the sand in front of them to look west at the enchanting view of the small headlands jutting into the sea and scattered black rocks in silhouette.

Back in the car, I hazard that I have just enough time to do a circuit of the peninsula if I delay my evening dinner reservation in La Baule, and so I follow the coast road west, spotting menhirs, small sandy coves and a golf course along the way. As I approach the town of Le Croisic, there are more people out for a stroll beneath the towering maritime pine trees and I park up again to join them for a while.

At the jetty that usually sees passengers boarding the foot ferry to the islands off the coast, such as Belle-Île-en-Mer and Hoëdic, I notice a crowd of people aren’t queueing, but fishing. Old men and teenage boys are peering over the railings, with nets lowered down on lines; there’s a jolly camaraderie and their chatter carries on the breeze.

In the sea behind them, I spot the Trehic jetty, an 850-metre stone pier that snakes into the bay nearby – its end point marked by a lighthouse – as well as the tip of the Pen Bron peninsula on the other side of the bay, which seems so close it could be within swimming distance. Its proximity reminds me what the two peninsulas embrace: 2,000 hectares (4,940 acres) of marshland and the salt ponds from which the famous Guérande salt crystals are harvested. The thought of sprinkling it on my dinner makes my stomach rumble, and so I head on to La Baule, taking a detour through the main town, along the pretty harbour front with its yachts and quaysides.

After checking into the Hotel des Dunes, I wander out for dinner. There’s a holiday vibe in the town and restaurants are full of families and friends dining together, black-clad waiters whirling between them with trays aloft. I arrive for my reservation at Restaurant Le M (starter, main course and dessert from €18.90), and tuck into briny oysters from Brittany and grilled fish with Mediterranean vegetables.

La Baule-Escoublac first welcomed tourists in the late 19th century, after the opening of the railway line, and became a sophisticated resort. Today, it is a mix of modern apartments, belle epoque-era timber-framed architecture, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Away from the main drags are desirable 19th-century villas shaded by the cypress and pines that were planted in the early 1820s to stabilise the dunes. It is undeniably touristy, but that’s no surprise for a place with such a good beach.

The next morning, I wander down to the seafront and inhale the ozone before wandering along the shore, sitting for a while on the golden sand.

Some 15 minutes north of La Baule-Escoublac is impressive Guérande – its name familiar from the eponymous salt – with its mighty walls, towers, moats and grand medieval gate, La Porte Saint-Michel. Inside, it is a delight: bunting flutters above streets packed with bakeries, arty boutiques and creperies.

The sun is shining, so I take a table in the main square on the terrace of the creperie Chez Lucien and soon I’m tucking into a crispy golden galette complète, with ham, cheese and a gooey egg at its centre, and a cup of cider. I might strictly be in the region of Pays de la Loire, but the identity here is resolutely Breton, and the salt harvested from the nearby marshes has been a key ingredient in Brittany’s famous salted butter for centuries.

To find out more about the fascinating process of harvesting the sel de Guérande, I head out to the marshes. At the shop and visitor centre of the Terre de Sel cooperative (salt marsh tours from €10.50), I meet Simon Pereon, a paludier or salt harvester, who has agreed to show me how he and his 220 fellow paludiers enact the process of salt harvesting between June and September. Salt has been prized in these parts since Roman times, when soldiers were sometimes paid in salt (hence the origin of the word salary), but the marshes as we see them today date from around 1,000 years ago.

As we drive to Simon’s ponds, I start to see the appeal of working under the big skies and open air, and the reason he followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. “The government classes us as ‘farmers’,” he explains, “but we work with seawater and the whole landscape is balanced between the land and the sea.” With a long, toothless rake called a las, he moves the seawater between a labyrinth of shallow rectangular ponds that don’t drain, due to the clay mud beneath, coloured pink by the algae that thrives here. As the water moves between each pond it becomes increasingly concentrated as the sun evaporates the water and leaves the salt behind.

Simon sweeps the las across the ponds and the water ripples gently: the process is hypnotic. By the end of each day, he has raked the salt into neat piles on the dykes between ponds. “In summer, we harvest 50kg every day. The job has evolved over the years, with tractors and other machines, but for the actual salt harvesting, we still use the identical process that’s been around for centuries.”

The tranquillity has been passed down the ages: I hear little more than the calls from the avocets and ibis in the neighbouring lagoon. “I start at daybreak,” Simon says, “and for the first few hours of the day, I see the sun rise, listen to the birds, and there’s no one around. At the end of the day, too, I just watch the sun go down.”

It sounds like bliss and, after I take another detour later that day through the salt marshes – the clouds in the reddening sky are reflected in the mirror-like ponds – I am reassured that curiosity can only be a good thing.

The trip was provided by Pays de la Loire Tourism; accommodation provided by Hotel des Dunes in La Baule (doubles from €65 room-only). Brittany Ferrieshas crossings from Portsmouth to St Malo from £229 return for a car and two people, including en suite cabin on the outward, overnight leg

Amuse Bouche: How to Eat Your Way Around France by Carolyn Boyd is published by Profile, £10.99. To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com

If you’re looking to go on holiday in the UK this summer, there’s one town that you absolutely can’t miss. The pretty little town has been named one of the best in the country

This destination simply cannot be overlooked if you’re seeking a getaway in the UK this summer. It’s the ideal spot to unwind and soak up breathtaking views.

This isle has earned recognition from Lonely Planet as amongst Scotland‘s finest, and it’s no wonder this legendary location has secured its place on the list. Lonely Planet describes the mainland Shetland isle as one that “oozes” heritage through its magnificent terrain.

The guide states: “You’ll sense it as you cruise past the historic harbor of Lerwick, or descend onto the ruler-sized runway at Sumburgh Airport, passing the low-lying hummocks of Jarlshof, where 4000 years of history spills onto the shoreline – in this one spot, you’ll find Neolithic remains, Bronze Age homes, Iron Age wheelhouses, Viking longhouses, even the ruined mansion of a medieval earl.”

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During your stay, a trip to Lerwick is absolutely essential. Visit Scotland notes: “Lerwick is the perfect starting point for exploring Shetland. Head north for a weekend break or holiday in Lerwick and explore this pretty harbour town.”

“Wander around the quirky lanes made famous by Jimmy Perez in the BBC Shetland TV series, step back in time at the Iron Age broch of Clickimin, spot seabirds and seals on a wildlife boat tour around Bressay or enjoy traditional Shetland music.”

For those curious about activities in the region, there’s an enormous range of attractions and experiences on offer. You can discover the charming Lerwick Harbour, which ranks among the area’s most sought-after attractions, reports the Express.

According to Tourist Checklist, the harbour stands as one of the most stunning locations across the Shetland Islands. The guide notes: “The harbor bustles with activity, making it a great place to take a leisurely stroll. You can watch fishing boats come and go, offering a vibrant view of daily life in Lerwick.”

READ MORE: Popular seaside town home to the UK’s ‘most beautiful harbour’

Local residents on Reddit share insights into island living, with one remarking: “On a day of good of weather there is no better place to be and there are loads of great beaches.” The Shetland Museum and Archives represents another unmissable destination during your stay on the island.

A Tripadvisor reviewer gushed: “One of the best museums I have visited! A really varied display taking you through Shetland’s history from its geology to its archeology and into the modern day. Fabulously presented exhibits and well thought out. Really enjoyed!”.

Another visitor commented: “The museum was excellent at presenting the history of the area from a geological and cultural point of view. “There was so much information and so many historical artifacts. The staff was great and so friendly and welcoming. It was a great experience.”

For those seeking an escape from the chaos and crowds of mainstream tourist hotspots, this destination might just tick all the right boxes.

One spectacular train route, on the highest railway track in Europe and the steepest in the world, offers passengers a breathtaking journey between two beautiful European cities

Rail travel across Europe is one of the finest methods for discovering the continent’s hidden beauty, with one route offering a breathtaking journey.

Europe features countless railway journeys that provide sweeping panoramas of the continent’s most magnificent attractions. Numerous routes wind through spectacular countryside and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, delivering thrilling and picturesque vistas unlike anything you’ve witnessed previously.

Yet, when it comes to selecting just one, one particular route connecting two gorgeous European destinations could well be the ultimate choice. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

READ MORE: Travel fans urged to visit European country now – ‘before it becomes popular’READ MORE: ‘Secret codes’ cruise ship workers use in front of passengers, according to ex employee

The Bernina Express holds the distinction of being Europe’s highest railway line and the world’s steepest, reports the Express. This extraordinary expedition runs from Switzerland’s alpine hub of Chur to Tirano in northern Italy, passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges while delivering passengers an absolutely stunning rail experience.

Gazing from the carriage windows, travellers encounter brilliant azure lakes, imposing viaducts, and expansive meadows that transform into magnificent snow-capped peaks as the journey progresses through the diverse terrains spanning both nations. The 76-mile voyage requires four hours to finish, and passengers can board the train in either direction.

The service features carriages with panoramic windows, plus an additional Bernina Express coach service linking Tirano and Lugano, which passes through gorgeous scenery and alongside Lake Como.

One traveller wrote on TripAdvisor that they “recommend everyone to go on the train,” describing it as a “fantastic experience ” and noting that the “adventure was beautiful.”

Another shared: “Once we mastered how to effectively book this train (train ticket first, later on seat reservations) the whole route from Chur to Tirano is spectacular. Observation cars are where most of the seats are, affording fabulous views.

“The train makes a stop for 15 minutes at a mountain viewpoint, so you can have a leg stretch. At Tirano we had 1.15 hours to have a potter and grab a drink. The engine runs round, so I.T. changes ends, so if you were sat on one side outwards you will be on the opposite side going back. Excellent day out.”

Ticket options include second class, first class, second class return, and first class return. Prices range between 66 CHF (£61.50) and CHF 226 (£210) for the full route from Chur to Tirano. Seat reservations are compulsory for the train and can be purchased on the official website.

READ MORE: Ryanair-approved cabin case to rival Antler gets slashed by 30% in summer sale

Travellers to Spain are warned to be vigilant when it comes to local beach regulations, as one common habit could see them blindsided with a fine ranging from €30 to €2,000

British holidaymakers are being warned that a common holiday habit could land them a major fine on Spanish beaches. Tourists could be hit with penalties up to €2,000 (£1,730) without realising they are breaking the law.

According to Vape Ease UK , tourists are coming up against strict beach regulations in popular Spanish hotspots, notably bans implemented by local councils. “People assume that if something’s legal in the country, it’s allowed everywhere — but that’s not the case,” said a spokesperson for Vape Ease UK.

“In Spain, what’s allowed in the street could get you fined on the beach.” So while e-cigarettes are legal to use and purchase across Spain, many beaches now enforce strict no-vaping rules under local public health policies. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

READ MORE: Tourists use torches in Spain’s sunbed wars in bid to reserve beach spotsREAD MORE: ‘Resorts are becoming ghost towns but it’s not protests that are to blame’

In most cases, these bans mirror anti-smoking regulations and treat vaping the same way. There are a few destinations now where vaping is banned on beaches.

In Barcelona, all city beaches have been smoke- and vape-free since 2022, with regular patrols and fines for non-compliance. Similarly various beaches across the Balearic Islands – specifically in Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca – are marked as smoke-free, and that includes e-cigarettes.

In Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, local councils have designated popular beaches as clean-air zones where vaping is banned, particularly in family areas.

Anyone vaping in prohibited areas risks an on-the-spot fine ranging from €30 to €2,000 (£26 to £1,730). The fine varies depending on the beach and whether or not the culprit is a first-time offender.

“It might feel like a small thing, but the consequences can be steep — especially in regions where authorities are cracking down during the summer season,” said the Vape Ease UK spokesperson.

The bans are part of a wider move by Spanish regional governments to create cleaner, safer public spaces, particularly in areas popular with families. Beaches are now being treated as shared health spaces, and that includes efforts to reduce secondhand vapour exposure and litter from vape cartridges.

Even if signs aren’t visible, any beach designated as smoke-free is almost certainly vape-free too — and tourists are expected to know the rules.

To avoid a hefty fine, travellers are encouraged to check regional restrictions before heading to the beach. Travellers should also look out for areas marked “No Fumar” (No Smoking) and utilise designated smoking areas if available.

Additionally, it’s important to know the rules around flying with vapes and e-cigarettes. Most airlines maintain an almost identical stance when it comes to the monitoring of vapes.

Nearly all major airlines don’t allow people to pack them in their hold luggage, for safety reasons. They are, however, allowed to be kept on a person in the cabin. But vaping on-board, like smoking, is strictly prohibited.

BRITAIN’S Chagos Islands handover will cost taxpayers ten times more than Sir Keir Starmer let on, newly unearthed figures claim.

Official estimates reveal the bill for giving the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius is not £3.4billion as promised, but actually close to £35billion.

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The figure, which was released to the Conservative Party under Freedom of Information laws, is far higher than the £3.4 billion figure the Prime Minister had previously stated in public, according to The Telegraph.

Ministers are now facing allegations that they misled Parliament with a controversial “accountancy trick” to hide the size of the bill from taxpayers.

Britain is to hand over sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory while paying billions of pounds to continue using the Diego Garcia base, a key military facility used by Britain and the United States.

Negotiations for a deal to hand over sovereignty of the island began under the Conservatives and was concluded by the new Labour government.

Back in February, Sir Keir Starmer dismissed Tory warnings of a £30billion cost and branded a £9bn to £18bn estimate “absolutely wide of the mark”.

But an official document produced by the Government Actuary’s Department shows the cost of the deal was first estimated at ten times the stated figure, at £34.7 billion, in nominal terms.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “Add that to their £50bn black hole, and it’s clear – when Labour negotiates, Britain loses.”

A government spokesman said: “The deal is supported by our closest allies, including the US, Canada, Australia and Nato.

“The costs compare favourably with other international base agreements, and the UK-US base on Diego Garcia is larger, in a more strategic location.”

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A MAJOR high street retailer has launched a huge closing down sale ahead of the closing of six of its branches across the UK.

GAME – which operates around 240 stores across the UK – has slashed the prices of some of its products by up to 20 per cent across the closing outlets.

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The retailing giant announced the closure of six of its stores across the UK in August and September, including outlets in Eldon Square in Newcastle and at Galleries Shopping Centre in Bristol.

Fans of the gaming store spotted major discounts at their local outlets that are due to be shut.

GAME, which stocks video games, consoles, and even LEGO products, is owned by Frasers Group – the company behind brands Sports Direct and House of Fraser.

Closing down sale signs were seen outside the popular store in Eldon Square last month, reports ChronicleLive.

Even more have appeared since the first sighting, with discounts slapped on countless products in the store.

These savings could grow even larger as the store heads closer to its final day of trading.

It is not yet clear, however, whether this will be in August, September, or at a later date.

Other stores due for the chop include one outlet in the Metrocentre Shopping Centre in Gateshead as well as another in Southend, Essex.

This follows the closure of a number of other GAME stores in recent months, including shops in the Trafford Centre in Manchester in June and the outlet in the Victoria Centre in Nottingham in July.

GAME was acquired by the Frasers Group, owned by businessman Mike Ashley, in 2019, as part of a £52 million deal.

However, in January 2020 the retailer announced plans to close 40 of its more than 300 stores across the UK.

Today, there are roughly 240 Game stores operating across the UK.

HIGH STREET STRUGGLES

The high street has majorly struggled in recent years due to a combination of factors.

Shoppers are buying much more of their products online, while retailers have faced higher rental, wage and energy costs.

The Centre for Retail Research says the sector has been going through a “permacrisis” since the 2008 financial crash.

Figures from the Centre show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops.

Businesses have cautioned more closures are to be expected this year as well due to the hike to employer NICs and staff wages.

The rate of employer NICs was hiked from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent and the threshold at which they are paid lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 in April.

The national minimum wage was also increased by up to £12.21 a hour.

Some big names have already announced mass store closures in 2025, including Poundland, Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop.

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DUA Lipa proves she is the golden girl of British pop as she soaks up the rays on holiday.

The Hotter Than Hell singer kicked back in a white two-piece with gold earrings and a studded bracelet.

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Dua, who will turn 30 later this month, shared the snaps on social media — but did not reveal where she was.

In another post, she wrote: “Resting meeee bones before I carry on dancing into my 30s!”

Dua recently posted pics from a trip on a boat off the coast of Sicily.

Actor fiancé Callum Turner, 35, was also beaming for a series of loved-up selfies on a day out to Palermo.

Callum has plenty to celebrate as he’s just become the favourite to take on the legendary role of James Bond.

According to new odds from Heart Bingo, it’s thought that Dua’s fiancé is being lined up as the next 007.

The actor claimed the highest share of positive posts with regards to becoming the next Bond.

Following his lead are stars James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Mescal and former Superman Henry Cavill.

DEAR DEIDRE: THE inappropriately close relationship I had with my brother is now ruining my experience of motherhood.

I’m so scared that history will repeat itself that I can’t leave my young children alone together, and I panic when they touch each other.

When I was 17 and my brother was 18, we had a secret relationship — which I instigated.

What started as naive, teenage experimentation turned into an incestuously sexual relationship, which lasted until I left home.

I’ve never told a soul about it, and neither has he.

It wasn’t abusive but we are both aware it was socially unacceptable and against the law, and feel ashamed of what happened.

I can’t explain it, except to say that we were brought up in a strictly religious household where sex was considered to be a sin.

Neither of us was allowed to date or go out to parties and the like.

We were also exceptionally close, perhaps because we were so near to each other in age, without many friends.

I’m now 39 and married with two young children — a boy and a girl who are six and four.

He’s still single. We’re still in touch but we don’t talk about the past.

I didn’t dwell on it until my daughter became a toddler, and began to interact with her brother.

Suddenly, I felt terrified of what might occur if I didn’t prevent it.

I started keeping my kids apart, making them play alone in their rooms.

If I see them play-fighting, I pull them apart.

My husband is starting to notice. I know this isn’t normal, and I worry it’s harming their development.

Please help. All I want is for my children to have a happy, ordinary childhood.

DEIDRE SAYS: You’re brave to admit what happened and to ask for help. You’re not a bad person.

Clearly you love your children and don’t want to damage them.

But, as you’re aware, it’s important they are allowed to interact normally.

What occurred between you and your brother was unusual – though not unheard of – and it’s very unlikely history will repeat itself, especially if your children aren’t brought up in the strictly religious way you were.

It sounds like you may be more traumatised by what happened – and more guilty about it – than you’d allowed yourself to believe.

Speaking about this to people who understand and won’t judge will help you. You can talk in confidence to nspcc.org.uk (0808 800 5000).

You would also benefit from counselling. Read my support pack, How Counselling Can Help.

PAL HAS CROSSED THE LINE

DEAR DEIDRE: MY boyfriend never liked how close I was to my male mate, but I told him it was platonic.

Now I’m worried his fear was well-founded, after my friend crossed a line.

I’m 29, my partner is 30 and we’ve been together two years. My pal and I have known each other since uni. We’d meet for drinks or text about music and life – nothing flirty.

My boyfriend didn’t love it but I told him there he had nothing to fear.

Yet a few nights ago, when my friend walked me home after a gig, without warning he grabbed me and kissed me on the mouth.

I pushed him away and told him he was out of order. He just shrugged and said he “had to try”.

I told my boyfriend immediately – but instead of supporting me, he called me a cheat and stormed out.

I’m upset at how they’ve both behaved. How can I get life back on track?

DEIDRE SAYS: What your friend did was a serious violation of your trust and consent.

You can contact victimsupport.org.uk (0808 168 9111), who can offer free, confidential help.

You did the right thing by being honest with your boyfriend, but his reaction isn’t fair or helpful.

Jealousy can be painful, but it shouldn’t lead to unfair accusations.

Consider having a calm conversation when he’s ready, explaining how his response to this situation has made you feel.

WIFE’S DOGS ARE RUINING MY LIFE

DEAR DEIDRE: MY wife has just bought another dog after we had to have two rehomed a year ago because the neighbours complained about the noise they made.

They wouldn’t stop barking if we left them on their own and were still pretty noisy even when one of us was there.

I am 44 and my wife is 39. We have been together for ten years.

We both work full time and are often out in the evening, so the dogs were left alone for quite long periods on our work days.

One of our neighbours became very aggressive when he complained about the noise.

He swore at me and my wife and threatened us.

It was a very stressful time and in the end it really got to me – the constant barking of the dogs, the rows I was having with my wife about it and then this neighbour having a go at me every time I went outside.

One day I ended up in a fight with this guy when he saw me in the nearby pub – all because of the dogs. The police were called to break it up.

After that, the only option I could see was that the dogs had to be rehomed.

My wife was very much against it and still resents me for making it happen. I thought that was the end of it, but she has now spent money which we can’t afford on a puppy.

She didn’t even ask my opinion. I arrived home one evening to find the dog in our kitchen.

Worse still, even though it cries all night she is talking about getting another one.

I wish she could see what it’s doing to me.

DEIDRE SAYS: She is disregarding your feelings. You need to talk to her and explain how hurtful her behaviour is.

Things can be different this time but your wife needs to understand the puppy needs proper training.

You can talk to the vet for advice on classes. Your puppy also needs plenty of exercise once it is old enough.

The result will be a happier, more settled dog and your neighbours will benefit, too.

ROCHELLE Humes gave Myleene Klass’s ex-husband a place to stay after their bitter split, pals have revealed.

The Saturdays singer, 36, lent a helping hand to showbiz security manager Graham Quinn, 51, in 2013.

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Their continued friendship is said to have caused a rift between Rochelle and ex-Hear’Say star Myleene — who believes she took Graham’s side.

It comes after Myleene, 47, claimed she saw Graham and an unnamed celebrity “unzipping” each other at her birthday party.

Last week, we told how Myleene was locked in a feud with Rochelle and Saturdays’ bandmate Frankie Bridge, who were both clients of Graham.

Rochelle and her JLS pop star husband Marvin were also pictured with Graham in Ibiza.

A source last night told The Sun: “Rochelle was doing what she saw as looking out for a friend in a time of need.

“Rochelle and Marvin are still clearly very much friends with Graham.

“Myleene is of the view that Rochelle took sides from the beginning of her marriage breakdown.

“The fact Rochelle and Graham’s friendship is still there after all these years has put an everlasting rift between Myleene and Rochelle.

“They both do everything in their power to avoid each other.”

Rochelle and Frankie, 36, previously enjoyed a close friendship with Classic FM host Myleene.

In 2012, Myleene and Frankie, both hosts on Loose Women, attended Rochelle’s hen do.

But they have not appeared together on the ITV show since an awkward episode last year.

The alleged unzipping incident is said to have happened before Myleene and Graham married.

The couple — who share daughters Ava, 17, and 13-year-old Hero — wed in 2011 and divorced two years later, with Myleene citing “unreasonable behaviour”.

The Sun on Sunday reported yesterday that Graham said he had been stopped from seeing his children since 2014 and had suffered from depression.

Representatives for Rochelle and Myleene did not reply to a request for comment yesterday.

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PIANIST and co-founder of Derek and the Dominos, Bobby Whitlock, has died at the age 77. 

The rock icon died of cancer after a short battle with the illness as his heartbroken wife leads the tributes.

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His manager, Carole Kaye, confirmed his death this morning saying he died at home in Texas at 1:20am.

The legendary rockstar surrounded by his loved ones when he passed.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

CHELSEA showed that pre-season might be merely a formality as they rolled over AC Milan by four goals to one, lifting the coveted VisitMalta Weekender trophy for the second time in three days.

The Blues have made two supposedly decent teams look like amateurs, in what were hardly tough tests for Enzo Maresca’s young team before playing Crystal Palace in the opening game of their season.

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New signing Jamie Gittens announced himself to the world against AC Milan for Borussia Dortmund two seasons ago, who may well be his favourite opponents as he gave their defence, Yunus Musah in particular, a torrid time today.

The electric Englishman was perhaps overshadowed by Estevao against Bayer Leverkusen, but put in a performance today that showed he could nutmeg a mermaid in a telephone box if ever put to the test.

It was his direct running and trickery that won the free-kick for Chelsea to open the scoring through an Andrei Coubis own goal on the stroke of the 5th minute, after a calamitous mix-up between the Italian and Mike Maignan in the Milan goal.

Moments later and Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto combined for the Brazilian to head home his fifth goal in five games.

A driving run from Neto down the right was followed by an inch perfect cross, met by a header that could’ve ripped a hole in the net to add Chelsea’s second in as many minutes.

He’s proving exceptional value for his £60m fee.

The Blues continued to dominate until the half-time whistle, helped out on the way by Milan defender Andrei Coubis’ afternoon going from bad to worse with a straight red card for bringing down Joao Pedro who was through on goal.

The Italian booted a water bottle as he stormed down the tunnel, and rightly so, you may not see a worse 17 minutes at Stamford Bridge this season than that.

Cole Palmer went close twice from first-half free-kicks, one that left the post rattling and another which left former Chelsea target Mike Maignan being ridiculed as a ‘s*** Robert Sanchez’.

The Blues’ number ten almost went on to recreate Gus Poyet’s famous 1999 ‘scissor volley’ minutes later, but his effort just sailed over the bar.

Unsurprisingly, it was Rafael Leao who lead the AC Milan charge.

He was denied by Robert Sanchez, Tosin and Reece James before finally beating the Spanish stopper, only to see the offside flag raised on the near side.

Half-time brought the introduction of six-time Champions League winner, Ballon D’or winner and Swansea part-owner Luka Modric into the middle for Milan.

The Croatian was left chasing the shadows of Chelsea’s young and energetic midfield throughout the second half, his only highlight being a tame shot claimed by Robert Sanchez. 

After the disastrous news that future captain Levi Colwill required surgery on an ACL injury, Enzo Maresca will have winced as Trevoh Chalobah was forced off with a knock in the 56th minute and replaced by Josh Acheampong,

Milan grew into the game in the second half, and simply had to score when Yunus Musah rolled the ball past Robert Sanchez before Reece James arrived on the scene to put that fire out.

Expectedly, a flurry of Chelsea changes came with 30 minutes to go, and unsurprisingly it was teenage prodigy Estevao replacing Cole Palmer that drew the biggest cheer at Stamford Bridge.

It took the 18-year-old exactly five minutes to be involved in another Chelsea goal, as he was brought down inside the box, allowing Delap to rifle a penalty into the bottom left corner.

The rest of his touches brought an expectant gasp out of everyone in the stadium, as he danced and dazzled with fancy footwork in front of the Matthew Harding stand.

AC Milan got a consolation goal, courtesy of Youssaf Fofana who smashed the ball past Robert Sanchez at the near post with 20 minutes to go, assisted by Alexis Saelemaekers.

Just when fans thought that would be game, set, and match, Chelsea added a fourth and final goal.

Andrey Santos’ perfectly weighted ball into the path of Liam Delap allowed the English striker to make it a brace with a fine finish into the bottom left corner. 

A beach with no piers, arcades or rides has been named the best seaside town in the UK, beating other well-known places on the list

A little-known seaside town has been named the best in the UK despite having no arcades or rides.

Big UK seaside towns with entertainment and piers have always been a favourite for Brits looking for a daytrip to the sea or a staycation. But a new spot has now topped the list of the country’s best seaside locations – and this winner isn’t one of the big names most travellers go to on a hot day.

Aldeburgh in Suffolk replaces arcades and rides with rows of pastel homes and a wealth of history. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

READ MORE: Airbnb host rejects duo’s booking after learning where in the UK they’re fromREAD MORE: ‘I moved from UK to Benidorm – price of a pint and Full English left me floored’

The quaint town was once a site where famous ships were built, including Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, and the area has not forgotten its rich past. It also has links to the Tudor period as Henry VIII himself gave the port town borough status.

History and literature buffs can even enjoy the annual Aldeburgh Festival of music and arts if they want a different type of fun to coin machines and whack-a-mole.

The cute town offers a high street full of clothing boutiques, independent shops and antique stores. Foodies can also enjoy the classic seaside fish and chips while also digging into spots rated by the Michelin Guide. The town’s Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has previously won the title of Britain’s best chippie.

Aldeburgh has even been dubbed “London-on-Sea” due to its location between the River Alde and a stretch of English coastline overlooking the North Sea. The main attractions for visitors are the pebble beach, home to colourful 19th-century holiday villas and a historic watchtower.

The town’s beach is recognised as one of the top five shingle beaches in the country, winning several national awards including a prestigious Blue Flag. The beach has no kiosks, but there are traditional fisherman’s huts across the sand where visitors can buy some freshly-caught seafood.

This sweet town offers a whimsical escape from neighbouring areas and has been named the best seaside spot by The Times, which said: “The East Anglian coast often seems stuck in a bit of a time warp, and if anywhere exemplifies this it’s Aldeburgh.”

The review added: “Aldeburgh is a vision of the English seaside of yesteryear: wooden shacks and bathing huts, boats pulled up on the shingle, strolls along the prom with ice cream in hand.”

Other places on the list included Oban in Scotland, Cromer in Norfolk, Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria and Penzance in Cornwall. Some more well-known seaside towns also made the list including Brighton and Margate.

The train from London to Aldeburgh is quick and frequent, but you can also get there easily by car. The drive from the capital to Aldeburgh via the A12 takes less than three hours.

Tucked away in a picturesque enclave, the village is an oasis in the middle of a city and a hit with tourists who stumble upon it

Dean Village, a peaceful and enchanting oasis in Edinburgh beside the Water of Leith, merely moments from the vibrant Princes Street.

Originally the centre of grain processing during the 12th century, it has evolved into a residential area rich in heritage and charm, with traces of its manufacturing past still evident through scattered millstones and commemorative plaques featuring images of baked produce.

This picturesque village in Scotland proves popular amongst visitors who make the effort to discover it. The UK Tour Guide, a travel content creator on Instagram, holds special affection for this corner of Edinburgh, reports the Express.

In a social media video, he declared: “Next time you visit Edinburgh, you have to take a 15 minute walk to the quiet, hidden village inside the city. Dean Village with its wonderful flowing water, cobbled streets and picturesque buildings, it’s a must to add to any bucket list. I know I have posted about Dean Village before, I just really like it there!”

The famous Dean Bridge, an architectural triumph by Thomas Telford finished in 1831, links the settlement to the city centre through its magnificent sandstone spans rising 39 metres from the valley floor.

Upon arrival you’ll discover Well Court, a significant Victorian structure at the village’s core. Built in 1886 as exemplary accommodation for labourers, it was crafted by Sidney Mitchell featuring striking red sandstone design, towers and a delightful central yard.

After undergoing restoration work during the 2000s, Well Court remains a residential building today, perfectly marrying its fascinating heritage with modern-day living.

The property serves as a major draw in Dean Village, providing guests with a glimpse into Edinburgh’s industrial heritage alongside breathtaking scenery.

Boasting magnificent architecture and peaceful cobblestone lanes, this charming settlement sits along the waterfront within a quiet stretch of The Water of Leith Walkway.

The impressive 12.75-mile route runs from Balerno through to Leith Docks, featuring numerous landmarks such as St. Bernard’s Well and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Dean Village has received glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, with one visitor describing the location as a “Hidden gem in the middle of the city”, whilst another remarked, “Absolutely gorgeous little spot and easily walkable from the centre of town.”

A third visitor noted: “We discovered this village as it was only a short walk from our hotel. It really is so worth a visit, you can’t believe that you are so close to the city centre.”

A British grandad has died after falling ill from eating ‘half cooked’ chicken at a luxury hotel in Fuerteventura. His wife is urging others to be aware of the signs as she shares her heartbreak

A British dad suffered two major symptoms before he died from eating “half cooked” chicken at a luxury hotel resort, an inquest has heard.

Leslie Green, 70, passed away after contracting salmonella during his holiday at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura. The grandfather-of-one was celebrating his milestone birthday with his family when he fell ill during the second week of the £2,300 stay.

He was admitted to a Spanish hospital where he developed complications, including kidney failure and sepsis. Leslie, of Little Lever, Bolton, Greater Manchester, sadly died in hospital around four weeks later from multi-organ failure.

READ MORE: British dad dies after eating ‘half-cooked’ chicken in plush 4-star holiday hotelREAD MORE: Throat cancer warning signs as man develops disease from bedroom activity

An inquest has now determined that the man passed away from food poisoning he contracted as a result of eating partially cooked chicken on holiday. Leslie, a retired newspaper delivery driver for the Manchester Evening News, fell ill on October 9 last year with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration.

Julie, Leslie’s wife of 38 years, said the couple had concerns a carbonara sauce they ate one day was lukewarm while she found her chicken undercooked during another meal. She also claimed she didn’t see any staff washing their hands and newly cooked food would be mixed with food that had been stood.

She was also left seriously ill after she too got salmonella on the day of her 60th birthday and spent a week in hospital. Julie said she and Leslie had only eaten from the buffet in the hotel during their holiday. The hearing at Rochdale Coroner’s Court concluded Leslie died of multi-organ failure as a result of sepsis, caused by salmonella.

After the hearing, Julie said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and trying to come to terms with Leslie’s death.

“Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad. He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same. I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn’t come home. Leslie was the head of our family and someone everyone looked to for help and guidance.”

“There’s now a gaping hole in our family that can never be filled. I’d do anything not to be in this position and for Leslie to be in our lives, but I know that’s not possible.

“Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honour Leslie’s memory. I just hope that by speaking out I can prevent anyone else suffering like Leslie did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

Leslie, who had turned 70 in July 2024 and was placed in an induced coma after falling ill, died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on November 4. His body was repatriated a week later. The Occidental Jandia Playa was approached for comment.

Salmonellosis develops after ingesting salmonella bacteria, and symptoms usually take between 12 and 72 hours to develop.

Seven main signs of food poisoning:

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Fever
• High temperature
• Aches and pains
• Generally feeling unwell

A man who was in Turkey on holiday has shared a word of warning – but other people have said that they disagree with his assessment of the country and its prices

Turkey remains amongst the most favoured holiday destinations for Brits, with an impressive 4.4 million UK tourists flocking to the nation in 2024. Time Out reported this positioned Turkey as the eighth most sought-after tourist hotspot for UK holidaymakers, trailing behind destinations such as Spain, France, and Greece, though visitor numbers continue climbing annually.

Nevertheless, if you’re considering Turkey as your next getaway, one Welsh bloke has a stark warning: “Don’t bother”. The individual, who shares content on TikTok as @northwalesboii, revealed he’d travelled to Turkey for his summer break only to be left thoroughly disheartened by one particular aspect.

In his clip, the tourist grumbled that everything had become “too expensive”, urging potential visitors that if they’re determined to experience Turkey, they’d better be ready to pack “a lot of money”.

He didn’t specify his Turkish location, though some of the nation’s premier attractions include the capital Istanbul, alongside Cappadocia, Antalya, and seaside destinations like Marmaris.

The holidaymaker declared: “Just to let you know, if you’re coming on holiday to Turkey, bring a lot of money. You will spend it. Everything has gone up.”

Warning: The below video contains strong language.

“It never used to be so expensive; it used to be so dirt cheap to come here. To eat out, to drink out.

Not no more. It is f***ing expensive.”

Opinions were divided among those commenting on the video. Some concurred that prices had indeed risen, with numerous individuals recounting their recent holiday experiences of being charged 400 Turkish Lira for a beer, equating to roughly £7.30.

One commenter remarked: “I go three times a year, and you are correct, it’s gotten expensive. It will go up again. Next year, we’re looking at different places.”

Yet, there were those who maintained that their latest trips were “cheaper than the UK”.

A user countered: “Don’t know what part you went to. We have just got back from Antalya, had a great time, and it was cheaper than the UK. “

Another chimed in: “I don’t know where you guys are going, but it’s really cheap in Turkey. I do a lot of shopping and the food is cheap as well. “

By 2024, travellers were warning that unchecked inflation might render Turkey a “ghost town” within a few years, with one person lamenting that tourist spots were “becoming like London prices.”

He expressed at the time: “I’m sat in this place now – for a burger it’s £12. For a water it’s £2 – it’s becoming like London prices.

“My sister, and her little family, said they’re not going to come back again. “”I’ve seen some posts on here where people are saying, give it a few more years, and Turkey’s going to be dead.”

LUKE LITTLER has learned to block out the haters and hecklers, saying: I just let my darts do the talking.

The Nuke is heading to Auckland for part two of his Down Under jaunt this summer.

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The 18-year-old banked £30,000 on Saturday when he beat Belgian thrower Mike De Decker 8-4 in the final of the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong.

It was his fourth success on the World Series of Darts circuit and was equally impressive given that he had not practised ahead of this 21,000-mile round trip.

Every time he failed to hit a treble during the evening’s three games, a group of locals shouted out “rubbish, rubbish” and someone even bizarrely said he was “washed”.

This comment perplexed Littler but it is believed to mean he is supposed to be washed-up and not as good as he used to – which is clearly not the case.

The more he wins, the more he will be targeted by irate punters but even for someone so young, he has learned to rise above it all.

There have been times in Germany where he has been singled out and he was asked if he had gotten used to dealing with a portion of the crowd being on his back.

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Littler, in his second season as a pro, said: “For myself, the first time I hear it, I will obviously do something, but then I will let it go by.

“Just do my darts. Let the darts do the talking.

“No-one has taught me how to deal with much. I just get on with things. You are on stage alone.

“No-one else is with you. No-one else is going to help you unless it’s a few guys from the crowd. Yeah, you have just got to get on with it.”

Littler – who is on the two-week trip with new girlfriend Faith – is in good form and in a good mood, telling his rivals that his confidence is sky high.

No-one else is with you. No-one else is going to help you unless it’s a few guys from the crowd. Yeah, you have just got to get on with it.

Luke Littler on dealing hecklers while on the stage

An early-morning flight to Kiwi country means shifting his body clock by another two hours – he has already said he struggles with jetlag on the other side of the world.

Last year, the Warrington teen was defeated in a last-leg decider 7-6 by world No.1 Luke Humphries in the semi-finals at the Globox Arena in Hamilton.

Littler, the newly-crowned World Matchplay champion, says he has a policy of practising hard for the big TV events but for the smaller ones, he will simply rock up and do his thing.

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The world No.2 said: “I’m very happy. My debut last year in Australia didn’t go to plan. But second time lucky.

“I want to be winning things. We look to New Zealand next week.

“I will enjoy this. But then it’s an early flight again. An extra two hours ahead – so I will definitely be needing some sleep.

“It’s only my second time coming to New Zealand. I didn’t do much last year.

“We can make the most of four to five days and then once it comes to Friday that is when the darts starts again.

“I’m feeling confident. This is the most confident I have felt in a very long time.

“For myself I know how much I will practise, how much I have been doing.

“But yeah I practised really well for the World Matchplay and won it. I think I will practise for the big ones.

“As a player, you are on stage for a long time. You practise leading up to it and when you are on stage, you gain that confidence.

“You get warmer and you find those four or five gears.”