Kate Lally

easyJet is offering one-way summer fares from £16.99, including routes from the UK to destinations such as Malaga, Milan, Alicante, Kos, Lisbon and Barcelona. Ryanair has selected flights from £14.99 for travel through October 2026, while Jet2 is offering thousands of seats for £39 or less, including return flights to Menorca and Ibiza. All promotions are subject to availability and terms, and easyJet and Ryanair charge extra for additional luggage, whereas Jet2 includes two cabin bags in its standard fare.

Iceland shoppers are praising Kitchen Joy’s Thai Cube Chicken Panang curry with jasmine rice, saying its flavor and texture resemble restaurant or takeaway food. The 350g microwave meal costs £2.75, or £2.50 through Iceland’s two-for-£5 offer, and has a five-star average rating on the retailer’s website. Customers particularly highlighted the tender chicken, flavorful coconut-and-lime sauce, pleasant heat and well-cooked rice.

Spain’s national weather agency has warned that wildfire danger will be very high or extreme across much of the country as a new heatwave brings temperatures of up to 41°C. Thousands of people were evacuated during recent fires, although residents in most of the affected towns in Toledo have been allowed to return. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises British travelers in affected areas to follow local emergency instructions, monitor official updates and avoid activities such as lighting barbecues or leaving cigarette ends and bottles behind.

Santander will not announce further UK branch closures beyond the 58 locations already scheduled to shut, leaving 305 Santander and 175 TSB branches open for at least the next 18 months and most likely until 2028. The decision comes as Santander targets at least £400 million in savings by the end of 2028 following its £2.65 billion acquisition of TSB, while increasing its use of artificial intelligence and automation. Santander’s half-year pre-tax profit fell 31% to £528 million, partly due to a £179 million provision connected to the UK motor finance mis-selling scandal, as well as higher bad-debt and restructuring costs. The article lists the 58 Santander branches that have recently closed or are due to close.

The Buck Moon is expected to occur on July 29, 2026, rising at approximately 8:07 p.m. in the UK. Astrologer Cam White calls it the year's best full moon because it coincides with a Sun-Jupiter conjunction, which he associates with inspiration, hope and good fortune. The July full moon is known as the Buck Moon because male deer begin regrowing their antlers during this period, and it is also called the Thunder Moon or Hay Moon.

Jet2 issued travel alerts for passengers heading to the Algarve and Madeira due to motorcycle rallies expected to cause road closures and increased traffic. Travellers are advised to allow extra time, arrive at least two hours before departure and note that check‑in closes 40 minutes before flights. Jet2 recommends checking its Travel Information section before travelling and says all flights remain scheduled as normal.

A fish-like smell in a home can signal overheating electrical components caused by arcing from loose or faulty connections, posing an immediate fire risk. Electrician James Harrison urges residents to switch off mains power and call a qualified electrician if the odour appears. Preventative steps include obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report every five years and avoiding overloading sockets, especially with high‑power appliances.

NHS guidance states that cholesterol levels can often be reduced through lifestyle changes such as limiting saturated fats, increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, using olive oil, eating oily fish, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake. While many people can avoid statins through these measures, those with cardiovascular disease or elevated long-term risk may still require the medication.

Santander is offering customers £100 to £150 in cashback for taking out a new life‑insurance policy underwritten by Aviva. Most customers receive £100, while mortgage holders, Select account customers and those with Santander Edge accounts qualify for £150. Cashback is paid automatically 280 days after the policy begins if it remains active, and is limited to one payment per customer. Terms and conditions apply and the offer can be withdrawn at any time.

A pharmacist explains that paracetamol is generally more effective for reducing fever and headaches, while ibuprofen may work better for body aches due to its anti‑inflammatory properties. He advises caution with ibuprofen because some people are allergic to its drug class. Both medicines can be taken together as they work differently, though cold and flu symptoms like coughs and congestion often require specific remedies such as decongestants, expectorants or cough suppressants. Users are urged to check packaging to ensure safe combinations with other medications.

A £12 Black Short Sleeve T-shirt Dress from Asda’s George line is receiving highly positive customer reviews, earning a 4.8 rating and praise for its comfort, quality, accurate sizing and pockets. Shoppers describe it as flattering, versatile and excellent value, though some sizes have already sold out online. The dress features short sleeves, a crew neckline and a gathered waist, and is made from soft, machine‑washable jersey fabric.

The UK Government confirms six remaining bank holidays for 2026, with Northern Ireland next observing the Battle of the Boyne on July 13, followed by Scotland’s Summer bank holiday on August 3. England, Wales and Northern Ireland observe their Summer bank holiday on August 31. Scotland will also mark St Andrew’s Day on November 30, and the whole UK will observe Christmas Day on December 25 and a substitute Boxing Day holiday on December 28. A full list of UK bank holidays for 2027 is also provided.

More than 750,000 young people in the UK have unclaimed Child Trust Fund accounts averaging £2,200 each, according to HMRC. The accounts were created under a previous Labour government for children born between September 1, 2002 and January 2, 2011, with initial government contributions. Many eligible individuals aged 15 to 23 are unaware they have an account. HMRC and the Treasury are urging people to locate their funds through providers or an online Gov.uk tool to ensure the money is claimed.

Parents are urged to protect babies and young children during an upcoming UK heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 35C. Health authorities advise keeping sun‑facing rooms cool, avoiding direct sunlight for infants, dressing children lightly, and using fans safely. Sunscreen is recommended for babies over six months, and hydration guidelines vary by age, including increased breastfeeding or offering cooled boiled water. Additional NHS tips include using shade, paddling pools, cool baths, and maintaining safe bedroom temperatures to prevent heat‑related illness.

Heathrow Airport advises passengers to empty reusable water bottles before security despite the lifting of the 100ml liquid limit enabled by new CT scanners. The updated rules allow liquids up to two litres and keep electronics in luggage, though requirements may differ at return airports. The Department for Transport notes Heathrow has fully deployed next‑generation security technology and urges travellers to confirm local regulations before flying.

Ryanair’s expanded personal bag allowance, introduced in response to EU regulations, allows passengers on basic fares to carry larger under‑seat bags. Packaging specialist Tom Schott warns travellers not to overpack, advising the use of a lightweight cardboard box to maintain bag structure and avoid penalty fees. He recommends modular packing, sealable bags and pre‑planning within the allowed dimensions to maximise space efficiently.

Turkey now restricts activation of new international eSIMs upon arrival, requiring travellers to download and activate them before leaving the UK. The rule, linked to actions blocking certain eSIM provider websites, may leave visitors without internet access if unprepared. Holafly advises setting up eSIMs in advance, retaining QR codes for activation in Turkey, and using a secure VPN.

A review of the UK’s most commonly failed driving theory test questions marks the exam’s 30th anniversary, highlighting statistics from Theorypass showing high failure rates on specific topics and noting an AA survey indicating that fewer than half of drivers believe they would pass the test again today. The article lists ten frequently missed questions with their correct answers, illustrating areas where learners struggle most.

Tesco explains that some customers may see a temporary £120 pre-authorisation charge when using Pay at Pump at its petrol stations. The charge verifies sufficient funds and is replaced by the actual fuel cost once processed. Some banks may not update balances in real time, causing the temporary amount to appear on statements. Tesco confirms card acceptance rules and notes that contactless payments are not available at Pay at Pump but are accepted at kiosks up to £100.

UK airports are warning travellers that disruptive behaviour could lead to cancelled flights, diversions, lifetime airline bans or fines of up to £80,000 under the government-backed One Too Many campaign. London Luton and other major airports are displaying messages urging passengers to fly responsibly to avoid ruining their holiday or others’. The initiative, supported by the Department for Transport and the Home Office since 2018, aims to ensure safe and enjoyable travel, with airports committed to monitoring and acting against unruly behaviour.

Santander alerted customers to the option of investing in ready‑made funds through a Stocks and Shares ISA, allowing contributions from £20 a month or a £100 lump sum. The bank highlighted potential long‑term growth and tax advantages while warning that investments carry risk and should be considered only for money not needed for at least five years. Customers were reminded that annual ISA allowances permit up to £20,000 in tax-free contributions.

A woman from Loughborough reclaimed £2,213 in student loan overpayments after following advice on the Martin Lewis Money Show, which highlighted that more than a million people may have overpaid. By checking her student finance account and submitting a refund request, she received confirmation within 48 hours. Guidance from Money Saving Expert notes that reclaiming overpayments is quick, with common causes including incorrect loan plans, repayments made below income thresholds, early deductions and payments made after loans are cleared.

The UK government plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under‑16s in England, citing evidence of health risks such as headaches, sleep problems and negative impacts on wellbeing and academic performance. The proposal follows calls from parents, teachers and health professionals, and receives strong support from the British Dietetic Association. Many major retailers already enforce voluntary restrictions, but the new measure would make the ban legally binding across all points of sale.

The UK Government plans to ban social media use for under‑16s, with legislation expected before Christmas and safeguards taking effect in spring 2027. Ministers say the goal is to reduce online time and increase offline activities, supported by major investment in youth services. Funding includes £500 million for enrichment opportunities across sports, arts and youth programmes and £132.5 million for expanded school‑based activities. Additional long‑term investment aims to increase access to youth centres and protect cultural and community venues.

A British social media curator explains the origins of the Waitrose supermarket name, revealing it derives from founders Waite and Rose and was originally pronounced “Wait-Rose.” She notes the modern “Way-trose” pronunciation emerged over time. The post sparked discussion online as users reacted to the clarification and shared their own experiences with the pronunciation.

Explains that washing-up liquids are commonly green because Fairy, the first major British washing-up liquid launched in 1959, adopted green as its brand colour. The colour originated from earlier Fairy soap, which was olive green due to containing olive oil. Other brands followed the colour convention despite no green active ingredients. Social media users react with surprise at the historical connection.

HMRC warns UK parents with multiple children that they may be missing out on over £930 a year by not claiming Child Benefit for additional children. Payments amount to about £1,406 annually for the eldest child and just over £930 for each subsequent child, with National Insurance credits also available. Higher earners must repay some or all of the benefit through the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which now begins at £60,000 following an April 2024 threshold increase.

New EU Entry/Exit System rules require most UK passport holders entering the Schengen area to scan their passport, be photographed and provide fingerprints, with the resulting digital record remaining valid for three years or until passport expiry. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting, and travellers entering on non-UK passports, such as Irish passports, will not need to use the system. The changes follow post‑Brexit travel arrangements affecting entry limits and documentation requirements.

Spain’s first heatwave of 2026 has caused an estimated 212 deaths, with central and northern regions most affected. Officials report that nearly half of the fatalities occurred on June 24. Health authorities advise tourists and residents to avoid alcohol and stay hydrated, while the UK Foreign Office urges travellers to monitor weather alerts from Spanish and European meteorological agencies.

Long border queues caused by the EU's new Entry/Exit System and a sharp rise in flight delays at Palma and Alicante airports are creating significant disruption for UK travellers to Spain. Delay rates have more than doubled in Mallorca and nearly tripled in Alicante, where one in nine flights runs over an hour late and average delays reach 124 minutes. Increased short‑haul cancellations across Europe are tied to rising oil prices, but the European Commission has reaffirmed that fuel‑price volatility is not an extraordinary circumstance, meaning airlines remain liable for compensation when cancellations or delays stem from cost pressures.

Parents are urged by the UK Health Security Agency and the NHS to protect babies during a UK heatwave by keeping rooms cool, using fans safely, reducing clothing, shielding infants from direct sunlight, applying appropriate sunscreen for babies over six months, and ensuring proper hydration. Additional NHS advice highlights the risks of heat-related illness, suggests safe outdoor precautions, and recommends practical steps such as cool baths, shaded paddling pools, and monitoring room temperatures to keep young children safe.