Natalie King

Travellers departing from airports that still enforce the 100ml liquid limit can pre-order toiletries, baby supplies and other larger items from airport retailers and collect them airside after security. The purchases can generally be carried onto the plane in an additional shopping bag, subject to airline rules. Baby milk is exempt from the 100ml restriction but may be screened separately, and Jet2 says cabin crew can heat it on request. The article also recommends allowing extra time for families and highlights Jet2’s Teddy Passport activity for children.

Seven UK travel firms reportedly collapsed in 2026, including Regen Central, Simply Florida Travel, Travel Bespoke, Trav Expert, TS Travel Realisations, Yourtravelshop.com and Asiara UK. The failures affected bookings to destinations such as Italy, Bali, Thailand, Dubai, the United States and Canada. The UK Civil Aviation Authority can help ATOL-protected travellers complete their holidays, arrange replacement flights or process claims, while non-air packages may instead be covered by schemes such as ABTA or AiTO. Travellers are advised to verify a company’s active ATOL certification before booking.

Jardines del Humaya cemetery in Culiacán, Sinaloa, contains elaborate mausoleums resembling luxury homes, complete with air conditioning, Wi‑Fi and comfortable spaces for mourners. Because many occupants are linked to wealthy drug-cartel figures, the mausoleums reportedly include bulletproof glass, reinforced steel, alarms and surveillance, while the cemetery has sometimes been guarded by the Mexican Army. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all but essential travel to Sinaloa, although visitors have offered conflicting accounts of safety and treatment at the cemetery.

Cyprus tops European rankings for clean bathing waters, with 100% of sites rated excellent in a study using European Environment Agency data. Greece follows closely, while the UK shows lower performance despite slight improvement. Popular Cyprus beaches like Nissi Beach and Coral Bay receive strong praise for clear water, though some visitors report occasional algae or plastic debris. Albania ranks last, with low water quality and high levels of contamination. Travellers can check cleanliness standards through EEA’s interactive map or the UK’s Safer Seas & Rivers Service app.

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport plans a £984 million expansion that includes a new terminal for non-Schengen travellers to reduce EES-related queues for British passengers. The upgrade will expand capacity, add retail space, improve security technology, and increase efficiency, with completion expected in 2036. Funding will partly come from higher passenger fees. Ryanair has raised concerns about the airport’s readiness for the EES system, and the proposal awaits review by Spain’s Council of Ministers.

Spain's proposed 100 percent tax on non-European property buyers appears stalled after being omitted from recent housing reforms and lacking parliamentary support. With the measure effectively sidelined, Spain remains attractive to British expats. A report from estate agent idealista identifies the cheapest areas to buy property, with many low-cost locations found inland in regions such as Andalusia, Castilla y Leon and Castilla-La Mancha. Fuente Obejuna ranks as the most affordable place nationally, while island locations like Petra in Majorca and Santa Maria de Guia in Gran Canaria remain pricier despite being the cheapest within their regions.

Lowestoft, recently ranked among the UK’s worst seaside towns, appears drab on arrival but reveals a strong appeal along its seafront, particularly its sandy South Beach and family‑friendly promenade. While the town centre feels utilitarian and in need of regeneration, amenities remain useful and active. The beach, colourful huts, classic amusements and accessible green spaces provide an enjoyable experience, especially for children, leading to a more favourable impression than its low survey ranking suggests.

A study analysing over three million Tripadvisor reviews ranked Luxembourg City as Europe’s most beautiful capital, citing its clean streets, accessible layout, and distinctive landscape of cliffs, ravines and historic architecture. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, Chemin de la Corniche, Grand Ducal Palace, Casemates du Bock and Pfaffenthal Lift contribute to its appeal. Bratislava and Monaco followed in the rankings, with Valletta and Lisbon completing the top five. Travel connections from the UK include flights by British Airways, Luxair and Ryanair.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia is described as an intimidating 17‑mile bridge–tunnel system that makes many drivers anxious due to its narrow lanes, low elevation over strong waters, and two claustrophobic underwater tunnels. Some locals offer a paid service through Kent Island Express to drive nervous motorists across in their own vehicles. Despite the daunting crossing, the route provides access to the Delmarva Peninsula, with attractions including Assateague Island National Seashore and NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.