Mia O'Hare

Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, England and Wales will observe the substitute bank holiday on Monday, December 28. In 2027, Christmas Day will fall on Saturday and Boxing Day on Sunday, creating substitute bank holidays on December 27 and 28. New Year’s Day 2028 will also be observed on Monday, January 3, while UK government guidance confirms that employers are not generally required to provide paid leave on bank holidays.

A survey from Saga Home Insurance shows widespread neighbour disputes over trees, with overhanging branches the most common issue. Legal guidance indicates that homeowners may trim branches or roots up to the boundary line but must avoid trespassing and should first attempt to reach an agreement with neighbours. Local councils can assist with mediation when needed, and unlawfully cutting a neighbour's tree can lead to significant fines or criminal charges.

A study by MoneyTransfers.com identifies Phuket as the world’s most overcrowded destination with 118 tourists per resident, followed by Pattaya and Krabi. Thailand dominates the top ten, with additional entries from Turkey, Greece, Italy and the US. Venice is highlighted for increasing its tourist entry fee, a policy driven by concerns over annual visitor numbers reaching 30 million. The article outlines crowding issues across major global holiday spots and the measures some cities are taking to manage tourism pressure.