Holidays

The travel experts at Which? have called out the travel health products that are a “waste of money” and have warned consumers against purchasing them ahead of a summer holiday

While many of us enjoy making the most of the good weather next to a pool or beach, jetting off during the summer holidays often costs more than it would if you travelled off-peak.

Whether it’s sticking to hand luggage or bagging a last-minute flight for less than £20, many of us are also conscious of making our money go further when planning a summer holiday, but there are certain items you could be splashing cash on that simply aren’t worthwhile.

There are, however, some things you simply can’t plan for, and that’s falling ill while travelling. Investing in some mosquito repellent to ensure you don’t spend the entire holiday scratching at them, or stockpiling on allergy medicines in local Boots might seem like an essential task to do before travelling, but it could be a waste of time and money depending on what you purchase.

While many of us want to avoid getting sick on holiday, the travel gurus at Which? have revealed the travel health products that are actually a “waste of money”, reports the Express.

In a clip shared on Instagram, the travel specialists highlighted the popular items many of us buy to ensure we feel our best before jetting off, which aren’t entirely essential and could be setting you back more than they’re worth.

Mosquito wristbands

Remembering to reapply repellent can prove tricky whilst on holiday, which explains why numerous holidaymakers opt for wristbands as an alternative. Emitting a combination of components that deter the insects, Which? warned that they’re not actually the most efficient.

Whilst it may shield your wrist or at least the upper portion of your body, the specialists noted: “You’re better off using a spray or lotion with 20% to 50% DEET on all exposed skin.”

Travel sickness bands

If you’re facing a lengthy car journey from the airport to your accommodation, or need to board a ferry, you might splash out on an anti-travel sickness band.

A type of acupressure that’s claimed to ease queasiness and nausea, the experts at Which? said: “The NHS says there’s little scientific evidence that these work and when we put them to the test at a fairground, they didn’t work either.”

Instead, they recommended buying tablets such as Kwells which contain hyoscine, a medication that prevents nausea signals.

Once-a-day sunscreen

Whilst once-a-day sunscreen may appear to be a perfect answer if you forget to reapply it, Which disclosed that they discovered a 74% reduction in protection throughout the day.

It’s safer for your skin to use sunscreen that you can reapply during the day, and you should top it up every two hours.

Branded medicines

Numerous branded medications are frequently pricier than generic alternatives available in supermarkets, despite containing identical ingredients.

Which? recommended that whilst brands such as Piriteze and Clarityn might cost you £11, supermarket alternatives of the allergy treatment typically cost under half the price, and the same principle applies to Immodium.

Search for the active component loperamide hydrochloride, and save cash by switching to an unbranded alternative.

A woman who moved from the US to the UK has shared three phrases she never said before she moved to Britain, including one that she claims ‘throws off every American’

A woman who moved from the US to the UK has shared the one ‘British’ phrase that she claims every American expat gets confused by. It’s expected to get some culture shocks when moving to a new country, including the language used by locals, and an American called Katie has taken to TikTok to speak about the differences she has experienced since moving across from the States.

The content creator now lives in York and has posted videos about her life in the UK. These include British supermarket items she likes and things that “feel illegal” in Britain but aren’t illegal. In another clip she shared three British phrases she never used to say before living in the UK.

1. ‘You alright’

Katie claimed the phrase ‘you alright’ “throws off every single American when they move here” and she admitted that it’s definitely true for herself.

She explained that in America people only say that if something’s wrong but in the UK people commonly say ‘you alright’ as a greeting when passing each other in the street, for example.

The expat advised fellow American expats not to panic if a British person says this to them and to respond ‘yeah, good thanks and you?’

2. ‘Hiya’

Katie continued: “[The] Second one is ‘hiya’. I don’t…I never said this before moving here, now I say it all the time.”

‘Hiya’ is an informal way of saying ‘hello’. She added that it flows well with ‘you alright’ so someone from the UK might say ‘hiya, you alright.’

3. ‘What’s for tea?’

The content creator’s third and favourite phrase that she has picked up since moving to the UK is ‘what’s for tea?’

Katie remarked: “I ask everybody ‘what’s for tea?’, I love it.” She explained that Brits use this casual phrase when asking someone what they are having for dinner.

The expat elaborated: “I think it’s maybe only like a northern thing to ask that but either way, yeah I’m obsessed with it.”

She also shared that she asks ‘what’s for tea?’ anytime there’s a lull in the conversation or when she’s talking to someone she has just met.

Katie’s TikTok video has garnered 18,700 views, more than 1,000 likes and numerous comments, at the time of writing.

One user pointed out: “Americans say ‘how you doin’ which is literally the same as ‘you alright’.

Another said: “There’s an amusing irony in how you started the video with ‘what’s up’ which always throws Brits off as we would only use it if something is wrong.”

A third praised Katie for adopting British culture as they commented: “Perfect, you’re doing great. These made me smile, I use all of these.”

While a fourth added: “Love how you’re picking up a bit of an accent too.”

This beach isn’t everyone’s cup of tea — but there are plenty who love it

It just goes to show you can’t please everyone. One of the globe’s most celebrated beaches has been branded by some as actually being among the world’s biggest letdowns. Through examining over 100 internationally recognised coastal destinations via traveller feedback, Ibiza Summer Villas discovered that Bondi Beach leaves many visitors feeling underwhelmed.

Each location received ratings based on visitor comments, online search popularity across Google and TikTok, plus yearly precipitation levels at the destination.

The study uncovered that Australia’s Bondi Beach tops the charts for disappointment, with holidaymakers branding it “overrated” and “disappointing”.

This shoreline claimed the crown for most underwhelming when comparing critical feedback against search popularity, though the figure remained modest at just 2.7% of reviews describing it as “disappointing” or “overrated” alongside 447,000 TikTok searches, reports the Express.

Excessive crowds, heavy commercialisation, and visitor exhaustion feature prominently in complaints, securing its position at fifth place on the overhyped rankings.

Bondi Beach is famous for its waves, coastline and naturally, the countless holidaymakers who descend upon this golden stretch in Sydney annually.

The area boasts tidal pools, a thriving food and drink scene featuring numerous cafés and pubs, plus an array of boutique and chain retailers.

Yet despite its stunning appearance, this destination doesn’t suit all tastes.

Tourists expressed frustration with the masses, with one individual posting on Tripadvisor: “I got the feeling that everyone who comes here comes for ‘been there, done that’ experience only. Crowded and overrated.”

One disgruntled visitor remarked: “Probably the most over rated beach on the planet. Crowded full of arrogant people and feels like everyone is in a bad mood.”

Another added: “I can’t see anything attractive about Bondi, except possibly closeness to the city. The place is so heavily overpopulated, with apartments everywhere you look. Concrete is everywhere. Where is the nature?”.

However, not everyone shared this sentiment, with some tourists being completely taken aback by the beach’s beauty.

One such tourist enthused: “It’s a vibrant, busy beach which is perfect for surfing and swimming. There are plenty of places to eat and drink along the beach and different walks that you can take along the coastline.”

Another penned: “Bondi Beach is an absolute icon! The golden sand, rolling waves, and buzzing atmosphere make it a must-visit in Sydney.

“The surf is amazing, but it can be dangerous if you don’t follow the flags and listen to the lifeguards-they’re there for a reason!”.

Cameron Mofid has recently completed his mission to visit every UN-recognised country and territory in the world and has now named two surprising countries among his favourites

An intrepid explorer who’s visited every country on Earth by the age of 25 has named two surprising countries among his favourites. Cameron Mofid, who hails from San Diego, California, set out on a mission to visit every UN-recognised country and territory in the world (a total of 195) while he was battling obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) during the pandemic.

In April, the plucky traveller ticked off his final nation when he and his friends visited the hermit kingdom of North Korea. With nearly 200 countries under his belt, picking a favourite may seem like an impossible task.

However, two nations stood out in particular for Cameron, both of which carry some strong warnings from the Foreign Office (FCDO). The first nation that he highlighted was Algeria, a destination he described as “unbelievable”.

He told CNN: “It’s one of my favourite countries in the whole world. The countries that receive the least amount of tourism are often the ones where you have the best experience, because you feel totally immersed in their culture.”

Cameron also expressed his appreciation for the Middle Eastern nation of Yemen, having visited the country in February 2023. He noted that walking through the streets was like “going back in time.”

He added: “To see people dress the same way that they were hundreds if not thousands of years ago. To see people living in mud houses, to see people still using flip phones.”

Algeria is in the north of Africa and is largely encompassed by the Sahara Desert, with the exception of the north, which is situated along the coast and is home to most of the population.

Its rich history includes a number of Arab and Berber dynasties that ruled between the 8th and 15th centuries, prior to its links to the Ottoman Empire and later annexation by France in 1848.

In terms of travel to Algeria, the FCDO has highlighted much of the country in green on its website. It means “see our travel advice before travelling”, but the border areas carry orange and red advisories.

It advises against all travel to within 30km of the country’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and certain provinces of Tunisia. In addition, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 30km of the rest of the Tunisian border.

A comparatively new state, Yemen is located in Western Asia on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering both the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, south of Saudi Arabia.

It has experienced a political crisis since 2011. It continues to be in the throes of a brutal civil war that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 150,000 people and led to a humanitarian crisis that has seen 23 million people requiring aid.

The Foreign Office’s travel advice for Yemen is resolute. It advises against all travel to Yemen and urges anyone in the country to leave “immediately”, citing “unpredictable security conditions”.

It said terrorist attacks are very likely in Yemen, as well as a “very high and constant threat” of kidnapping, noting that propaganda produced by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has urged the kidnapping of westerners.

Neil Armstrong was worried about potential charges over luggage size restrictions when he flies with his family of nine – so he decided to take matters into his own hands

When Neil Armstrong and his family of nine were gearing up to fly with a budget airline, he was concerned about potential extra charges due to luggage size restrictions. The clan had booked flights with Ryanair, an airline notorious for its stringent carry-on bag policy and associated fees.

To sidestep a hefty bill, the 54-year-old took the initiative. Equipped with cardboard and tape, he constructed his own replica of the airline’s sizer cage in just 15 minutes. He then used this DIY sizer to measure all the family’s hand luggage, ensuring there would be no costly surprises at the airport.

READ MORE: EasyJet, Ryanair and TUI travellers warned over little-known rule that could stop them flying

A viral video on TikTok shows Neil diligently crafting the sizer to the exact dimensions of 40x20x25cm. The father-of-three confessed that he had to swap his own hand luggage backpack after discovering it didn’t fit into his homemade box, reports the Daily Record.

However, he is now confident he has avoided a potential £510 fee, based on Ryanair’s standard charge of €60 (£51) per bag. The graphic designer remarked that he felt ‘like a Ryanair employee’ while inspecting the bags but urges other patrons of the budget airline to follow suit.

His daughter, Imogen (Immy) Armstrong, 20, shared a TikTok video of Neil assembling the box, which has since amassed over 200,000 views. Neil, from Maidstone, Kent, said: “The family had a bit of a snigger but they think it’s a great idea. I’m proud of it. I’ve read that people have been charged so I wanted to be sure that our bags would fit. I didn’t want to get caught out.

“You can get the tape measurer out but that’s not really accurate and I saw the boxes at the airport but when you’re there it’s too late. I thought I’d make my own and all 10 of us can get our hand luggage and make sure it fits in that.

“I went and got some cardboard, followed the strict centimetre rule, stuck the cardboard together and made this box. The rest of the family only live streets away so I told them to come round when they have a minute and pop their bags in.

“It’s not until you mock something up that you can actually visualise it (the Ryanair measuring box). I don’t want to spend my holiday spending money on a bag. I realised the bag I was going to take wasn’t going to fit so I’ve used another one. I felt like a Ryanair worker, saying to the kids ‘no that won’t do. Go and get another one (bag)’. I’d encourage other people to do it too so they’re not caught out.”

The family is now confidenT that they will avoid any extra baggage fees for their flight from London Stansted to Tenerife. Imogen’s TikTok video bore the caption ‘When your dad doesn’t wanna pay Ryanair £70 so makes his own hand luggage check’.

A TikTok user reacted by saying: “A new level of airport dad has been unlocked.” A second person commented: “Honestly, great idea.” A third quipped: “Hey, I don’t blame him! Work smarter not harder.” Ryanair has been approached for a response.

Graham White, 48, is a fan of the budget airline and regularly jets off to Benidorm – but was left disappointed after his most recent flight to Alicante as he expected more

Numerous Brits are devoted followers of Ryanair journeys as they’re budget-friendly and reliable, plus transport you from point A to point B, typically arriving precisely on schedule. However, when one bloke, who frequently travels to Benidorm, took a Ryanair flight, was left “livid” because the remarkably inexpensive £16.99 journey didn’t feature one particular service.

Graham White posted clips of his adventures at the beloved Spanish coastal destination with his 75,000 TikTok supporters. Yet the 48-year-old felt disappointed when stepping aboard his latest flight to Alicante. On July 25, he travelled on his extraordinarily affordable ticket, but he and his mate were left seething that the £16.99 fare didn’t feature WiFi connectivity.

He revealed: “My mate thought WiFi was included. My mate couldn’t believe [that it wasn’t]. I even asked [the flight attendant] if the pilot would let him use his hotspot.”

In a video, which accumulated 1,800 views thus far, Graham personally questioned the flight attendant about why the internet wasn’t functioning – but passengers on the aircraft were left puzzled as to why he even posed the enquiry.

The cabin crew member clarified they “don’t have it at all,” and somebody in the background remarked: “You’re lucky you have a seatbelt; you’re on Ryanair.

“No WiFi, but their card machines work to sell you things,” someone raged in the comments area.

However, others were speechless and left weeping with laughter emojis, questioning why anyone would anticipate WiFi on Ryanair flights, when it’s not typical on short haul. Ryanair’s website clearly states: “No. Currently, we do not offer Wi-Fi on our flights. Sorry.”

Graham has previously gained online attention for his escapades in Benidorm, including pointing out a spot where a pint is cheaper than a cuppa.

He’s not the only one sharing content from Benidorm, alerting Brits to its potential pitfalls.

Harry, who posts under the handle @harrytokky, revealed that building a simple sandcastle could result in a hefty fine. Yes, you read that correctly – you could be fined for creating a humble sandcastle.

Constructing a sandcastle could set you back a staggering £87 (€100), so you might want to reconsider engaging in this innocent childhood pastime.

In a recent video, Harry Poulton shared the holiday destination is practically deserted as tourists are being “priced out” of the resort.

He described it as the “weirdest thing you can get fined for in Spain,” adding you “probably didn’t even know you could get penalised for it” because it’s so odd.

His mate, Louis Grier, assumed he was referring to public indecency, but it was merely building sandcastles, which he described as “mad”.

“Supposedly, you could be obstructing walkways,” he ranted, concluding the video by calling it “a bit bizarre”.

Dedicated fans of McDonald’s have been racing to Italy where the fast food chain has begun a new promotion. Many are heading overseas to be a part of it and posting the results online

Whilst many fans of McDonald’s collect the fast food chain’s merchandise – most commonly Happy Meal toys – occasionally the company embarks on other promotions to attract customers. For some, that’s meant travelling to Italy just to get their hands on some new ‘Maccies’ goods.

Just as it did last year, McDonald’s in Italy has launched a new adult meal campaign where the toy has been replaced by something much different – a beach towel. One person who travelled across Europe especially took to TikTok to document her adventure. “POV [point of view] You go to Italy to get the McDonald’s towel,” Leonie penned in a caption alongside her video.

After entering the restaurant, Leonie could be seen heading straight to the touchscreen ordering system, where she picked out the “nuovi teli mare” [new beach towels] option.

“Hoping for the ice cream or the burger,” she continued. Indeed the McDonald’s Italy website reveals there are four towels in the range, featuring a Big Mac, a drink, fries and a McFlurry ice cream.

However, after opening her paper bag, she was disappointed to realise she’d been given the drink version. “Not the freaking soda,” she exclaimed. Despite her modest following of just 228 on the social media platform, 1.4 million TikTok users tuned in.

Elsewhere, a second McDonald’s fan from Australia made the mammoth trip to Europe to get her hands on the coveted merch. “I travelled all the way to Italy to secure a McDonald’s beach towel,” confirmed Ana in a clip, which has also been viewed 1.4 million times.

Her grand reveal saw her become the proud owner of the fries design, meanwhile, as she Ana pointed out she was actually in Sardinia rather than the Italian mainland.

Writing in response, one TikTok user quipped: “This is actually really dangerous because now we’ve all had to book flights to Italy to get a McDonald’s beach towel.”

A second replied: “What! I’m going to Italy on Monday. I’m gonna go to McDonald’s.”

A third person praised: “I literally told my parents all about it and we are in Italy right now and we drove to McDonald’s and my parents are getting me one.”

Whilst a fourth joked: “The only thing my six-year old enjoyed in Italy.”

And in response to questions from other intrigued McDonald’s lovers, Ana explained: “You have to order specific meals! There is an option at those kiosks that tell you which ones you need to order to get the towel.”

If you’re tempted to travel to Italy to snap one up for yourself, be wary that McDonald’s Italia says of the promotion: “Offer valid at participating McDonald’s locations. While supplies last. Purchase of a Large McMenu or Happy Meal includes a Beach Towel.

“Check prices at participating McDonald’s locations. Beach towels cannot be sold separately. You cannot choose the design of your beach towel.”

Separated parents going abroad with their children have been warned about six crucial documents they need to bring with them this summer, or they may be denied travel.

Divorced parents face the prospect of being refused entry at airports without the proper paperwork, experts have cautioned. Separated mums and dads have been alerted about six essential documents required for summer travel.

Travelling without the consent of the other parent could be considered child abduction under UK law. Therefore, it’s essential to carry a signed consent letter and supporting documents whenever travelling abroad to avoid problems.

Ann Owens, a consultant solicitor specialising in divorce law at Richard Nelson LLP, explained that estranged and divorced parents must obtain a consent letter from the parent staying behind, a birth certificate, a divorce certificate, a marriage certificate, the child’s passport and a court order (where relevant).”

READ MORE: Holiday-goers warned not to pack white or blue swimwear this summer

As reported by Birmingham Mail, Ann said that a consent letter from the non-travelling parent is very important. She said: “A signed letter provides proof that your ex-partner has agreed to you holidaying abroad should you ever be challenged while travelling.”

Exceptions may apply in different cases. As explained by gov.uk, if the person has a Child Arrangement Order stating that the child lives with them, then they can travel up to 28 days without the other parent’s consent, unless the court has said otherwise.

Ann added: “The letter will need the other parent’s contact details as well as the details of your holiday, such as where you’re going to be staying. As well as carrying the passport, you must also ensure it’s valid for the specific country you’re travelling to.

“In the majority of instances your passport will need to be valid for at least three months after your intended return date but for countries like Dubai, Thailand and Australia it must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the country.”

READ MORE: Mum’s clever travel hack makes holidays with children ‘so simple’

Ann warned: “If you’re relying on a court order to take your child abroad it’s imperative to allow as much time as possible for the case to be heard. While you can request an urgent court order these can take more than a week to go through the courts.

“For those who have been successful in gaining permission this way then you must travel with a sealed copy of the Court Order with you. Border officials may ask for proof of your legal right to take the child abroad at the airport, and if you can’t provide it, you may be turned away at customs.”

But most importantly, besides having all the paperwork in order, parents are responsible for ensuring that their child’s passport is valid and accessible.

Polya Palazova, 21, went to the Italian capital to see the new Pope and take in the sights – but she was left stunned by how busy it was compared to her last trip in 2018

A woman visited Rome and went to desperate measures to escape the throngs of tourists, but still found the city to be “too crowded” and “horrible”.

Polya Palazova, 21, travelled to the Italian capital in early June to see the new Pope and explore the sights. Having been once before in 2018, Polya never doubted whether she’d manage to see all the landmarks – but this time she was shocked by how packed the Eternal City was.

The University of Vienna media and communications student spent four days in the city and branded it as “far too hectic”. Polya and her mates managed to visit many of the headline tourist hotspots including Piazza Navona, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

However, she said it was “too packed” to even attempt visiting the Vatican – meaning she couldn’t tick that off her bucket list. Yet even the places she did manage to see were rammed with people – and there were still hordes when she visited Trevi Fountain at 2am.

READ MORE: Brits ‘scared away’ from Majorca as holiday hotspot left ‘completely dead’

Polya said: “I’m from the crowded city of Burgas, Bulgaria – which is right near the busy Sunny Beach resort. So I’m OK with crowds – but Rome was too much. We had a really good plan and managed to see most of the sights but the Vatican was too hard.

“There were so many people and it was more than 35 degrees, we couldn’t do it. It was just too busy. I wanted to see the new Pope but I couldn’t. It was so hot, and there were so many people that you couldn’t enjoy it.”

Polya revealed she had watched TikTok videos suggesting people visit Trevi Fountain at night for a more peaceful experience and better photos in the darkness. She stayed awake until 2am to make the trip, but discovered it remained heaving with tourists.

She explained: “Because of the TikToks, it wasn’t really quiet. But it was still good to go at night. We went to bed at 3am but we didn’t mind.”

Whilst she relished the getaway, she believes destinations like Italy and Spain have become particularly “trendy” to visit this year. Several pals from her Austrian hometown are also making similar journeys over the coming months.

Polya remarked: “I went in 2018 and it was for sure more busy now.”

The fact Trevi remains busy and, according to some people, overcrowded, may be of some concern to the authorities in Rome.

READ MORE: Tourists slam ‘paradise beach’ as actually being ‘most disappointing in the world’READ MORE: Hotel worker almost trampled as tourists ‘stampede’ to get best sun beds

Last year, the fountain was closed for a three-month restoration, during which time the masterpiece of 18th-century Italian architect Nicola Salvi was spruced up. When it reopened at the end of 2024, a new queueing system was introduced in an attempt to control the large crowds that built up around it.

At its peak last summer, 12,000 tourists would visit it each day. When the new system was introduced, Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri said imposing the limit will “allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion”. Gualtieri also said city authorities were considering charging a modest entry price to finance the fountain’s upkeep, although that is yet to be introduced.

When it comes to packing your hand luggage, there are plenty of items you need to be careful with in order to make it through airport security

If you’re jetting off this summer and planning to cram your life into a hand luggage bag, there are some items that could land you in hot water. Hand luggage liquids generally need to be under 100ml to pass through airport security, including water bottles, face oils, moisturiser and hand gel, reports the Express.

However, some items that aren’t technically liquids can cause issues at security. Fulton Umbrellas have put together a list of surprising items you can and can’t take with you on your travels.

Firstly, soft cheese is part of the 100ml limit if you’re travelling back to the UK from the EU. The same applies for jams, chutneys, sauces and anything sold in liquid like antipasti or olives.

Some countries even have stricter rules when it comes to travelling with food, so always check before you pack. Another item that should not be packed in your carry on is protein powder.

This is because powders can obstruct x-ray machines and therefore will need to be manually checked by staff. This can be a lengthy process so it’s fastest and safest to just leave it at home – or if you’re really desperate, put it in your checked bag.

Surprisingly, in the UK there is one item you are allowed to take on that you might not be aware of.

If you’re only taking carry-on luggage with you, but you fancy dabbling in a little arts and crafts on the plane, you are allowed to take a small pair of scissors on board.

In the UK, the standard rule is that any pair of scissors with a blade length less than 6cm is permissible.

For larger pairs, it’s recommended to stow them in your checked luggage. Different airlines may have varying regulations regarding items with blades, so it’s advisable to verify if you need to carry scissors with you.

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The baguette was fresh from the boulangerie that morning, a perfect fusion of airy lightness and crackled crust. The cheese – a nutty, golden gruyère – we’d bought from Pierre: we hadn’t expected to hike past a human, let alone a fromagerie, in the teeny hillside hamlet of Rouet, and it had taken a while to rouse the cheesemaker from within his thick farmhouse walls. But thankfully we’d persevered. Because now we were resting in a valley of pine and pasture with the finest sandwich we’d ever eaten. Just two ingredients. Three, if you counted the mountain air.

As lunches go, it was deliciously simple. But then, so was this trip, plainly called “Hiking in the French Alps” on the website. The name had struck me as so unimaginative I was perversely intrigued; now it seemed that Macs Adventure – organisers of this self-guided walk in the Queyras region – were just being admirably to the point.

Yes, Queyras. I hadn’t heard of it either. Bordered to the north and east by Italy, barricaded by a phalanx of 3,000-metre peaks, this regional natural park might be the least-discovered – and the Frenchest – corner of the Alps. Queyras only really entered the national consciousness in 1957, after disastrous floods made it briefly headline news. Tourism filtered in. But it remains little known to outsiders, and centuries of undisturbed agriculture and isolation mean its rural character has been preserved.

Even now Queyras takes some effort to reach. Either you take the narrow, hair-pinning road through the gorges of the Guil River from Guillestre. Or you drive over the 2,361-metre Col d’Izoard (from Briançon) or the 2,744-metre Col Agnel (from Italy), both of which periodically test the thighs of Tour de France riders, and both of which close over winter, all but cutting Queyras off from the rest of the world.

Making the most of Macs Adventure’s collaboration with the no-fly specialists Byway, my husband and I travelled as close as we could by train. We overnighted in Paris, whizzed down to south-east France, then chugged more slowly towards Montdauphin-Guillestre, where a Vauban hilltop fort surveils a strategic meeting of valleys. Finally, we boarded the end-of-day school bus, joining children inured to the spectacular views to squeeze up the valley to Ceillac, gateway to the natural park.

The plan from here was to spend six days hiking a circular route that promised big, satisfying climbs but no technical terrain (and no shared dorms or privation). Covering up to 12 miles each day – and walking for an average of six hours – we’d use parts of the GR58 (the grande randonnée that circuits Queyras) as well as other trails to roam between traditional villages. We’d eat cheese, gaze over lakes and mountains, and generally revel in a region that, reputedly, has 300 days of sunshine a year and as many species of flowers as it does people (about 2,500 of both).

On day one this meant walking from Ceillac to Saint-Véran, over the Col des Estronques (2,651 metres). It was a fine start, under blue September skies – we’d come at the end of the hiking season (the trip runs June to mid-September), when crocuses still fleck the meadows and houseleeks hang on higher up, but the bilberry bushes are beginning to blaze in fall-fiery colours and there’s a sense of change in the air.

We joined a light stream of other walkers, progressing up the valley via lonely farmsteads and meadows bouncing with crickets. Noisy choughs and a boisterous breeze welcomed us to the pass itself; 100 vertical metres more took us to the lookout of Tête de Jacquette, where we felt like monarchs of this mountain realm. These may not have been the very biggest Alps – few peaks sported any snow – but they rippled every which way, great waves of limestone, dolomite, gabbro and schist.

From the col we dropped down through arolla pine and larch to Saint-Véran. At 2,042 metres, it claims to be the highest village in Europe. It’s also a snapshot of Alpine life before the modern world seeped in. The oldest house, built in traditional Saint-Véran style, dates to 1641 and is now the Soum Museum; the ground floor, with its half-metre-thick stone walls, is where animals and families would sleep together for warmth. The upper floors, built from tree trunks, were used to keep hay, barley and rye; the grains were made into coarse loaves that would last all winter, baked in the communal oven.

That enormous village oven is still fired up a few times a year, for festivals. But I was pleased to be fed at Hotel le Grand Tétras (“Capercaillie”) instead. Here, we feasted on gratin d’oreilles d’âne (literally “donkey’s ears”, actually a delicious spinach lasagne) and stayed in a simple room with a five-star view to the opposite peaks.

After this, our days settled into a familiar pattern. We’d set off after breakfast to buy picnic supplies. We’d hike up through butterfly-wafted green. We’d cross a pass, go by a lake or reach a panoramic ridge. Then we’d descend through forest or towards an icy river. By evening we’d be ensconced in a pretty village, drinking reasonably priced wine, with a multicourse meal or an indulgent fondue. The air was always fresh, the trails always joyful, the crowds largely thin.

“It’s busy here mid-July to mid-September,” said Christophe Delhaise Ramond, the owner of a gîte in Abriès where we stayed one night, as he poured us mélèze (larch) liqueurs while we pored over maps. Then he reconsidered: “But there are only around 2,000 tourist beds in the park, so it’s never that bad.”

It’s thanks to Christophe that we made a slight detour the following day. As planned, we climbed up to 2,583-metre Lac Grand Laus, a lake so brilliantly blue-green it seemed a bit of the Mediterranean had got lost in the mountains. It was spectacular, but as crowded as we’d seen anywhere in Queyras. So, on Christophe’s suggestion, we continued to climb, steeply, up to the Col du Petit Malrif, where tenacious flowers popped through the rocks and the views were immense, reaching to snow-licked peaks.

From here, we looped back, via two smaller, but no less Mediterranean, tarns, where there were no other people. At the second we flopped down in the cotton grass and chewed baguettes stuffed with bleu de queyras. We stayed there long after the baguettes were gone, listening to the water burbling in the wind. Finally, we headed on, descending via a rocky cleft. Soon we emerged on a track so swirled by puffs of silken thistledown it was as if we were hiking in Fairyland. But no, we were still just hiking in the French Alps – albeit a particularly magical bit.

The trip was provided by Macs Adventure and Byway,; the seven-night self-guided Hiking in the French Alps trip costs from £1,150pp half-board. Transport was provided by Byway, which can book return trains from London to Montdauphin-Guillestre, plus a night in Paris in each direction, from £734pp

A pretty UK seaside town is a popular destination for many – including French travellers and it’s easy to see why so many people flock to the coastal area during the summer

The UK has many charming towns – including this one, once thought to be a ‘prestigious’ holiday destination for French tourists. Folkestone in Kent is a town full of buzz and atmosphere, located in the south-east of England on the coast. Bustling with creative outlets, vast range of food, local beers and wines there is so much on offer for visitors.

With beautiful beaches and independent shops it’s a great destination for a long weekend away. Folkestone has also had some famous historic residents who once called it home, including Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie – which can all be found at the Folkestone museum.

READ MORE: I’m a regular to UK’s ‘poshest’ seaside town is just like Spain but I have mixed feelings about it

According to Visit South East England, Folkestone has seen lots of regeneration and development, with brand new shopping areas, leisure facilities and boutique hotels. The nearby designated coastal park of Samphire Hoe is a great place to wander, and is a haven for wild birds. The area’s maritime history is well preserved too, through ancient remains and architecture.

With an elegant clifftop promenade, a lower coastal park, a fishing harbour and Victorian cliff-tops, it’s an idyllic town by the beach and offers many things to do. The booming economy has grown in the past 10 years. It’s home to the world’s first multi-storey skatepark, a New York Highline-inspired garden walkway, leading to the revitalised Harbour Arm, an annual Pride, and LGBTQ+ bookshop and even mini golf on the beach.

It’s also home to the iconic Mermaid Beach, which boasts a glorious stretch of pristine goodness with an eye-catching coastline which is in the shape of a mermaid’s tail. There’s loads to do in Mermaid Beach if you do plan on taking a trip. You could check out the Folkestone Mermaid sculpture located on the beach.

There’s also the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is one of the most visited tourist spots. This award-winning park has one of the largest free adventure playground for children, as well as beautiful gardens and forest treks, perfect for the whole family.

Meanwhile Folkestone itself is gaining recognition as a hub for art and culture. There’s the Folkestone Triennial which is an international public art festival that scatters sculptures and other artistic creations throughout the town.

Folkestone is also one of the best connected towns on the coast, with direct rail links to London and is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape – while still being easily accessible. Visit South East England recommended some of the best things to do in Folkestone including:

• Animal lovers should head straight for the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. It’s a great place to see dozens of exotic and rare species.
• The nearby Kent Battle of Britain Museum has the best collection of Battle of Britain memorabilia of any war museum in the UK (including dozens of aircraft).
• Take a ride on the miniature steam trains Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

One impressed visitor took to TripAdvisor and said: “Folkestone have really made a shining example of what to do with a cliff area. After leaving the amazing boardwalk (again, genius idea) on the beach we walked right up and beyond the playground. The accessibility to the beach in several places was brilliant.”

While another chimed: “This is such a beautiful walk between the cliff and the beach. Nice flower beds and landscaped arrangements. It was also protected from the wind, which was quite strong when we were there.”

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Five hotspots in the Canary Islands – including Tenerife – have been issued a ‘high alert’ warning that prohibits tourists and residents from taking part in a slew of common activities

A ‘high alert’ warning has been issued across five popular hotspots in the Canary Islands, including Tenerife. Authorities across the tourist-riddled archipelago, located off the coast of northwestern Africa, have urged tourists and locals to take ‘extreme caution’ as high temperatures and dry, windy weather conditions have increased the risk of wildfires.

Temperatures are expected to reach a scorching 34C in parts of the region in the following days, while highs of 37C have been forecast for Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, strong winds above 30km per hour are also slated to shift across the islands.

READ MORE: Brits warned as ‘disgraceful’ silent tourist tax exposed in city break hotspot

On Monday, July 28, at 8am, level one prevention measures were reportedly activated in Tenerife, while wildfire alerts were also extended to El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. At the time of writing, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura seem to have dodged the alert.

According to local news site Canarian Weekly, the Canary Islands Government has implemented the INFOCA wildfire emergency plan, which prohibits those on the island from having BBQs or open flames in recreational areas or outdoor spaces. Tourists and residents are also prohibited from smoking in forest areas, trails, campsites, or public use areas in the mountains.

Even spark-producing tools such as chainsaws and strimmers are said to be banned during the level one restrictions, as well as letting off fireworks in or near forested zones. “Residents and visitors are also strongly advised to avoid entering forested areas during the alert period,” the publication added.

The alert follows a wildfire outbreak in La Palma, which is believed to have been caused by human activity. Authorities have therefore urged the public to ‘remain vigilant’ and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 112.

Back in 2023, forest fires in Tenerife ripped through more than 15,000 hectares of land and resulted in around 12,000 people being forced to evacuate. Again, this blaze was blamed on arsonists, but shows just how quickly fires on the archipelago can spread – especially during the dry season.

The warning follows a slew of deadly wildfires that have spread across Europe during the sweltering summer months and resulted in tragedy. As previously reported, more than 1,500 people were recently evacuated in Turkey as blazes continues to ravage regions across the country.

One firefighter has tragically died while attempting to quash an inferno in the country’s fourth most populated city, Bursa. The city’s mayor Mustafa Bozbey added that more than 7,000 acres of land had been scorched by the fatal fire too.

Thousands of people were also forced to flee as wildfires hit two major Greek islands and villages near Athens this month – with two homes being burn down to the ground in the blaze. You can read more about the Turkey and Greece wildfires here.

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

Beyond its beautiful whit-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and charming high-street – this popular UK seaside town is facing a spiralling issue impacting swathes of locals

Despite its sugar-like beaches and quintessential charm, there’s a much darker side to one of the UK’s most famous seaside towns. If there’s one picture-perfect coastal resort that epitomises Cornwall – it has to be St Ives. Renowned for its pristine beaches, cobalt waters, vibrant high-street and impressive art scene – the town attracts a staggering 540,00 day trippers and 220,000 overnight visitors every single year, bringing an estimated £10 million to the area.

In the summer months, St Ives becomes particularly busy, with social media videos revealing the extent of the town’s popularity. Quaint cobbled alleys become filled with selfie-stick-waving tourists, while picturesque beaches turn into a row of sardine-stacked sun loungers.

READ MORE: Beautiful UK beach with crystal-clear water unleashes brutal £100 warning

If you head towards the iconic row of Instagram-worthy houses by the end of the harbour, you’ll find that they’ll all be occupied. However, it’s not locals that live here – and most of these grand properties have been snapped up by landlords who rent them out as holiday homes.

Come September, most will stand vacant – and by the time winter comes – the resort will be left a ghost town. “It’s all second homes and holiday lets,” Rev Chris Wallis, who set up the St Ives Foodbank over ten years ago, told Cornwall Live.

A former Pentecostal minister who officiated in the town until three years back, Chris launched the food bank in 2012 following a request from the mayor and town council who wished to take action to support local residents grappling with food poverty. 13 years on, the food bank remains a lifeline for many.

Today, its shelves are brimming with tins of baked beans, custard, and soup, alongside packets of pasta and long-life UHT milk. It’s a stark reflection of St Ive’s darker side: where harbourside homes worth millions lie mostly vacant, while residents depend on food banks for survival.

“Locals who have been here a long time have no hope,” Chris said. “They have no hope of a good job paying decent wages. So they are stuck in a rut. Their kids leave in the hope of finding better jobs but the adults stay behind and continue to be stuck.”

The area also attracts retirees drawn by the allure of sunshine, stunning light, and serenity unavailable in bustling cities. But, St Ives has few care homes, leaving many elderly residents to fend for themselves at home. For medical care, locals rely on West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance or St Michael’s in Hayle, but serious conditions like cancer require a trip to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske in Truro.

“I can’t afford to live in St Ives,” Chris added. “Instead I live with my son, daughter-in-law and their children in Penzance. A single bedroom flat here costs £850 a month in rent. How is any family expected to afford that on low wages and seasonal work?”.

Initially, when the food bank opened its doors, it saw four families, comprised of 16 people, in need. Today, the food bank assists 180 individuals weekly, with numbers rising to 240 during the Christmas period. The food bank, supported by approximately 10 volunteers, caters to residents within the TR26 postcode, including those from surrounding villages near St Ives, but not areas like Penzance or Hayle which have their own food banks.

It also aims to support families with energy expenses such as gas and electricity. However, with rising costs, the food bank itself is under financial strain. Until it moved to what used to be the Edward Hain Memorial Hospital, which is now a community hub, it did not have to pay rent but the church where the food bank was located was damp and the food would spoil.

The organisation now faces a hefty £13,000 annual rent, which takes a significant bite out of its budget. However, the new space offers more room and is dry.

“Most of the clients we help are locals,” Chris said. “They tend to come from the two major estates at the top of the hill. There’s great poverty in St Ives. Once they’ve paid for rent and bills, they have no money left for food. That’s the tragedy of seasonal work. Now, even that’s drying out.”

St Ives was one of the first towns in the UK to ban second homes. From April 1, second home owners are also subject to 100 per cent council tax premiums, effectively doubling their council bill.

As a result, many second homes have hit the market at reduced prices compared to the pandemic peak, yet they still remain unaffordable for locals. The retreat of second home owners is also causing a downturn in the holiday rental market, leading to less demand for service workers. “Locals are struggling even more,” Chris remarked. “Demand for the food bank is up.”

Residents cannot simply arrive and pick up a bag of fresh food or tinned goods. All visitors are referred through the NHS or social services. Nevertheless, there is a Food Share initiative in the town where supermarket food nearing its sell-by date is salvaged and given to anyone who shows up.

“We have more families come through the doors,” Chris added. “Many have two or three children. We have three families with six children.”

He revealed that 50 per cent of users are long-term disabled and unable to work. The remaining half may be employed but still struggle to balance their budgets.

“Over the last three years demand has grown incredibly,” Chris said. “It’s all down to the cost of living crisis. More people simply can’t manage anymore. Low incomes and the cost of rents and property are hitting people hard.

“It’s harder for us too. Costs are up. Demand is up but donations are down. It’s the middle-income people who were just about coping who tended to donate. Now they don’t because they are not coping anymore.”

He provided an example of food items the food bank typically purchases – such as frozen minced beef. He noted that recently it would cost £1.80 a packet, but now it’s £3.30.

“We don’t tend to do sanitary products or cleaning products or pet food so much,” Chris said. “Other food banks do and there is demand for it but we concentrate on people having food. Our main focus is on getting people fed.”

Supermarket giant has spotted the growing rise of food security across the nation, and has recently launched its Fair Share initiative within its stores in collaboration with the Trussell Trust. Chris revealed that initially, the local branch would only back food banks affiliated with the Trust, which meant St Ives’ donations ended up supporting residents in different regions.

“Why should donations in the local store go to Camborne? he asked. “The people who need them live here.” Chris noted that under new management, the store now gets the picture, leading to a much-improved partnership between the food bank and Tesco which ensures the seaside town’s inhabitants also reap the benefits of Tesco’s summer generosity.

This contribution is part of Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign, launched to tackle the pressing issue of feeding children who usually depend on free school meals during term time and might otherwise go hungry over the holidays. To lend a hand, Tesco is introducing pre-packed food donation bags across all its larger outlets.

The bags, which are priced between £2 and £3, come pre-packed with a selection of wholesome, long-lasting food items and can be easily grabbed in-store and paid for at the till. The food contributions are directly channelled to FareShare and the Trussell Trust, from where they’re distributed to various charities and food banks across the UK, aiding families in dire need.

Claire De Silva, Tesco’s head of communities, said: “Too often, families with too little support during the holidays worry about their children’s physical and mental health, particularly if they’re not getting the good food every child deserves.”

She further urged community action, saying, “If we all pull together over the summer, whether that’s popping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, we can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children, who, without support, could have a tough summer holiday.”

But in St Ives, its seasonal dependency remains. “St Ives is not a thriving town,” Chris said. “That’s the illusion of summer… It’s also a shame that most of the income from tourism goes to people outside of the town.

“No one wants to see food banks. There shouldn’t be any need for them. But it is a worldwide issue. I visited this old church in France about four years ago and they had a food bank there. There was a plaque saying there had been a food bank there since 1680… We will always have a part of society that’s poor. It is a problem everywhere. The solution is better incomes for everyone [and] better housing..

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Brits who are planning to vape on holiday should check the rules before they travel or they could risk landing themselves in prison for breaking the law

Brits have been warned that vaping in a popular holiday hotspot could actually land them in prison.

UK travellers heading on Thailand holidays should take note that E-cigarettes are illegal across the whole country, with hefty fines and potential prison sentences for anyone caught using them.

That includes packing them in your suitcase, as it’s illegal to bring e-cigarettes and vape pens into Thailand too. Airport officials will often check passengers’ luggage and confiscate these devices, and you could land yourself in hot water if you’re found with them in your bags, such as an on-the-spot fine or even being arrested.

It’s not just vaping either; it’s illegal to smoke in public across Thailand with fines of up to 5000 baht (approximately £115) being handed out to those who flout the law. The ban has been in place since 2014, when the Thai government introduced the rules in a bid to improve people’s health.

The UK government has already warned Brits of the strict rules. The Foreign Office explains in its Thailand travel advice: “It’s illegal to smoke in public with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. E-cigarettes are illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for carrying or using them.”

It’s not just Thailand that has strict rules around vaping. In Singapore, anyone found possessing or using a vape could be fined up to £1,150.

Meanwhile in Mexico the sale of vapes is generally banned. Holidaymakers have been warned that if they have the devices in their luggage and are stopped by customs officials, they may be asked about the vape and its intended use, with some reports that these devices are often confiscated before travellers have even left the airport.

In Europe, countries such as France and Belgium already have a ban on disposable vapes in place. Meanwhile in Spain, vaping on beaches in Barcelona, Benidorm could mean fines of up to €750 (£650). Over in the Balearic Islands, there are a number of smoke-free beaches as visitors are urged not to litter the sands with cigarette butts.

There could be more rules to follow. Last year, the Canary Islands’ authorities began to consider proposals that would ban smoking on outdoor bar and restaurant terraces on the holiday islands, as well as a ban at bus stop shelters, outdoor sports areas and near entrances to buildings such as schools and hospitals. At the moment, smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and workplaces.

You should also take note of the UK’s own laws when you head home. As of June 1, 2025, the UK government has banned disposable vapes. Anyone who is found with a single-use vape could find it gets confiscated at the border.

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

LIFE’S biggest moments you’ll never forget include holding your newborn, seeing your child’s first steps – and getting the keys to your first home, according to new research.

The study, conducted across the UK, revealed the memories Brits treasure most – with events like driving solo, falling in love, and a child’s first day at school all ranking high.

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The poll of 2,000 adults also found people in the UK experience around five unforgettable moments each year.

Saying goodbye to a loved one and hearing a child say their first words also made the top 25.

Other standout moments include passing exams, learning to ride a bike, and being told “I love you” for the very first time.

“These simple yet powerful experiences often stay with us for life.

The research was commissioned by Samsung to celebrate the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold7 – its slimmest foldable phone yet, built for capturing life’s biggest (and smallest) memories.

As part of the campaign, the tech giant released a touching poem, Life Unfolds Fast, written by Georgie Jones and narrated by Martin Kemp.

The accompanying film showcases real-life moments from people of all walks of life – and intimate snapshots from Martin’s own family history.

Martin Kemp said: “Some of my life’s greatest memories are those simple moments at home – playing with my kids in the garden, holding Harley and Roman as babies, and singing with my wife in the car.

“These are moments that truly define our lives.

“Sharing these personal glimpses allows people to see how small, intimate moments become the big memories we want to go back to over again.”

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The majority of adults (76 per cent) said unforgettable experiences shape who we are, while 85 per cent regularly look back at special memories on their phones.

Whether it’s to lift their mood, reflect on happy times, or share with loved ones, phones have become the modern memory box.

In fact, 60 per cent said their digital memories are just as precious as physical keepsakes like photo albums or letters.

But it’s not all picture-perfect. Nearly half of those surveyed admitted they worry about forgetting key life events.

For 46 per cent, the biggest concern is losing memories involving loved ones – such as family milestones or meaningful conversations.

That’s why so many turn to their phones, with 41 per cent using photos and videos to hold onto those treasured experiences.

However, 49 per cent confessed they feel anxious when their phone storage gets full, fearing they might miss capturing something important.

The average Brit replays special videos or looks at meaningful photos about four times a month.

And some are proper memory collectors – with one in eight claiming to have more than 10 hours of footage saved on their phone.

Looking ahead, the most anticipated future milestone is seeing someone close to them achieve something they’ve worked hard for – from graduating to landing a dream job.

Annika Bizon from Samsung said: “Our research shows that over 40 per cent of us take photos and videos for the sole purpose to not forget our best memories.

“It allows you to capture and revisit the memories you never want to forget, feeling their warmth and emotion time and time again.”

The campaign encourages people to reflect on their own milestones – big or small – and not to let life’s most precious moments pass unnoticed.

Because sometimes, it’s not just the big wins we remember most – but the quiet, everyday moments that unfold in between.

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State parks officials say they’re unveiling a lottery-style drawing system for select campsites in three of California’s most sought-after state park campgrounds: Malibu Creek, Morro Bay and McArthur-Burney Falls.

The new system began this month at Malibu Creek, allowing would-be campers to enter a lottery for possible openings eight months away — in this case, from March 1 to April 1, 2026.

Drawings are held seven months ahead of the stay, giving the winners 30 days to claim and pay for reservations. There’s a limit of one entry per visitor per drawing. ADA sites are included. Malibu Creek has about 63 campsites.

The programs will begin later this summer at Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County (over 140 campsites) and McArthur-Burney Falls in Shasta County (about 128 campsites and cabins), where growing crowds have posed challenges for visitors and rangers in recent years. Campsite reservation costs (which include nightly rates and an $8.25 reservation fee) are unchanged and the lottery process is free, but fees could be added later.

Meanwhile, the parks department has also streamlined its reservation websites so that campers can move more easily between the informational site parks.ca.gov and the booking site reservecalifornia.com and see fresher information on what’s available. In announcing the coming changes, parks officials said travelers will able to see “almost real-time campsite status and availability at other nearby campgrounds.”

The move to a lottery system had been expected since late 2023, when California’s legislature approved several measures designed to reduce no-shows and give more people access to the most popular spots. In previous years, reservations at many campgrounds have vanished within minutes of opening.

State parks communications staffers were unable to say Monday exactly how many of the campsites at Malibu Creek, Morro Bay and McArthur-Burney Falls would be part of the drawing.

The system is based on a pilot project at the State Ravine Cabins in Mt. Tamalpais State Park, where rangers started using a reservation drawing system in 2023. That system is still in place.

To level the playing field among those who make repeated use of the campground drawings, the state has set up a points system. “Unsuccessful applicants will receive one point to be used in future drawings, which increases their chances of winning until they are awarded a reservation,” the state’s FAQ on the system explains. “Once a visitor wins a reservation, their points are removed and their balance starts at zero.”

Statewide, California’s campground system continues to open most of its 15,000 campsites for online reservations at 8 a.m., six months ahead of the booking date, on a rolling basis. (In other words, at 8 a.m. Aug. 3 the state will start taking reservations for stays on the night of Feb. 3.) Telephone reservations are still possible at (800) 444-PARK (7275).

In May, a state parks spokesman said the state’s most sought-after campgrounds for the last two years have been Pismo State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, Refugio State Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Doheny State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, San Clemente State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, San Elijo State Beach and Morro Bay State Park.

Although a not a full-on Thomas the Tank Engine fan, I have for 65 years been an out-there and unashamed enthusiast for anything running on rails (‘Thomas the Tank Engine clung to me like a disease’: the film about the choo-choo’s global grownup superfans, 22 July).

My wife and I sometimes do front-of-house at a heritage railway and can confirm the attraction of railways for those with autism, particularly young people. There is a predictability about railways, timetables, signals and all the other paraphernalia that is very attractive.

Also, there is endless scope for studying minutiae and collecting odd bits of information. Numbers and names on the engines, liveries (colours of trains to you), performance records and endless other statistics. And, as honoured by Brannon Carty’s film, discussed in your article, you don’t have to be a loner if you don’t want to: there are millions of others to share your passion.

The study of Thomas’s creator, the Anglican cleric Wilbert Awdry, is recreated at the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Tywyn: a small collection of theological texts on one side, a joyful collection of railway books on the other, with a model railway spread across his desk. Wonderful!
Rev David Gibson
Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire

A little known rule could stop holidaymakers from boarding their flight with popular airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI and Jet2 unless they have the correct documentation

Passengers jetting off with popular airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 need to be clued up on a rule that could stop them in their tracks at airport security. There are specific rules about what can and can’t be taken in hand luggage, and some holidaymakers might not realise an extra document is needed for certain items.

Your prescription medication might not seem like it would cause any issues, but the airlines see things differently. If you try to take medication that’s over 100ml, security staff will halt you and may ask for a letter from a doctor or other healthcare professional.

READ MORE: Travel expert’s verdict on if it’s safe to fly Greece right now amid wildfires

This letter needs to confirm that you need to have the medication with you on the flight. According to advice from Gov.uk, if your medication is in tablet form or is less than 100ml, you don’t need to provide this documentation.

Chronicle Live has rounded up advice from some of the top airlines to help outline the travel rules so you’re prepared and not caught out at the airport.

Ryanair

Ryanair doesn’t require customers to have a doctor’s letter to carry medication in their hand luggage, however, this might be required by airport security. If a passenger needs to take medical equipment in addition to their hand luggage, Ryanair will give them a medical baggage waiver letter.

TUI

A TUI spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: “If a customer is carrying medication or medical equipment onto an aircraft, they will need to bring a doctor’s letter or a prescription, which will allow customers to pass through check-in and security easily.

“Travellers may also bring liquid medication larger than 100ml through security if they have a doctor’s letter.”

Jet2

Guidance on Jet2’s website states: “All the essential medications you need for the duration of your journey should be carried in your hand luggage.

“Essential liquid medication in quantities over 100ml must be verified as genuine by a doctor’s letter and must be presented in their original containers. Bottles and packaging may need to be opened by airport security during screening.”

EasyJet

easyJet said: “In line with government guidance passengers are able to bring essential medication on board and we only require a letter from a healthcare practitioner confirming that it is necessary to bring medication on board if they are liquids that exceed 100ml, are sharp objects such as needles or oxygen cylinders and concentrators, or any medical equipment that may be considered as dangerous goods in the aircraft cabin, a list of which can be found on our help pages on easyJet.com.”

UK Government The UK Government’s official guidelines stipulate that any medicine containing a controlled drug must be carried in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. If you can’t prove it was prescribed for you, it may be confiscated at the border.

If you’re planning to take medicine out of the UK, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, verify the rules for your destination country with the embassy before travelling.

You’ll need to provide proof of ownership with either a prescription or a letter from your doctor.

Its clear and tranquil waters are hard to beat, and I’ve struggled to find a beach that’s as pretty as this ever since I visited

France has no shortage of beautiful beaches that draw in thousands of visitors each year, and while some are still relatively unknown, Nice is no stranger to tourists thanks to its location as the capital of the French Riviera.

While there are plenty of dupes for the French Riviera, there’s nothing quite like seeing the real thing, and a few years ago I decided to do just that. Attracting an estimated five million visitors each year, although I found the pebbled beaches in Nice fairly charming, it didn’t make for a relaxed seaside getaway. Fortunately, there are plenty of tranquil towns along the French coastline, and one of them is home to the prettiest beach I’ve ever seen.

Often hailed as the Jewel of the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a mere 15 minutes from Nice and a welcome break from the crowds of tourists you can expect to see in the capital during the peak summer season, myself included.

Arriving with little more than a freshly-baked baguette and a towel in my bag, lounging on the beach here was exactly what I’d hoped for from my trip the South of France — a laidback seaside with a touch of old-school charm.

Sheltered by dramatic cliffs adorned with pastel-hued homes gazing out over the azure waters, stepping off the train and glimpsing the shoreline felt like picking up a postcard.

The charming town houses roughly 5,000 year-round inhabitants and is often considered one of the region’s most beautiful, reports the Express.

Though it was high season and busy with other sun-seekers, the charming bay known as Plage des Marinières never seemed excessively crowded either, and there’s a peaceful atmosphere to the beach.

Comprising rough sand mixed with tiny stones, it also proved to be a slightly more comfortable experience than lounging on Nice’s 10km stretch of coastline.

Charming bistros and eateries dot the seafront, and while I’d brought my own provisions due to travelling on a budget, which is, in fact, doable along the glamorous French Riviera, it ensures that grabbing refreshments won’t prove problematic for day-trippers.

Though my visit lasted just one day, it’s certainly deserving of an overnight break or even several days, particularly for those seeking somewhere slightly more easy-going than Nice.

Speaking of her own visit, Louise Scott who runs the blog All Things French said: “Discover charming architecture, worn shutters, wrought-ironwork, and colour everywhere. A few shops, weekly brocante and food markets, and a terrific variety of beautiful restaurants and bistros makes relaxing for a week (or a month) in this place an absolute joy!”

Catching the train is incredibly straightforward, and while I can’t recall the exact fare when I visited, a quick glance at Trainline revealed that a one-way ticket today costs just £3.

However, a word of caution — in all my travels to beaches around the world since, I’ve yet to discover one as charming as Villefranche-sur-Mer, complete with its slightly rugged landscape and peaceful shore.

Indeed, I’d even venture to say that the South of France boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, and while it’s renowned as a posh destination, it’s certainly achievable on a budget if you’re merely seeking a relaxed beach holiday.

While Nice is certainly worth a trip, I’d highly recommend using it as a base to explore the less-visited beaches nearby.