Natalie King

Jet2 has advised passengers flying from Birmingham Airport to place travel essentials and medication in cabin baggage, noting that Birmingham currently has no liquid restrictions through security and that check-in opens four hours before departure. Birmingham Airport says baggage operations are stable and contingency plans are working, although recent travellers report missing luggage, poor communication and significant expenses for replacement essentials.

Gdańsk has been identified by travel eSIM provider Esimatic as Europe’s cheapest autumn city break, with return flights from Stansted reportedly starting at £96, beers averaging £2.97, two nights’ accommodation costing about £119, and a meal for two around £49.57. The Polish city combines a restored medieval waterfront and Christmas market with World War II sites, the European Solidarity Centre, the AmberSky Ferris Wheel and nearby Baltic beaches in Sopot. Jet2 offers seasonal flights from Birmingham in November and December.

Playland Fun Park in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, has been named the UK's most affordable theme park for the third consecutive year based on children's admission prices. Entry is free, while rides start at £1, and the park offers more than 24 attractions, including go-karts, a safari train, a pirate ship and a paddling pool. The Web Adventure Park in York ranked second at £12.95 for children's entry, while Camel Creek Family Adventure Park and Fantasy Island jointly ranked third at £22.50. The ranking was compiled by outdoor play retailer outdoortoys to identify budget-friendly theme park options for families during the summer holidays.

A 250‑year‑old tunnel network beneath the Stourbridge Glass Museum is being redeveloped into an immersive attraction using virtual reality and projection‑mapping technology. Previously accessible only through limited tours, the tunnels will reopen once improvements to safety, access and lighting are completed. The museum aims to broaden its appeal, highlight the region’s glassmaking heritage and boost local tourism. Exhibits include historical glassmaking demonstrations, contemporary art and interactive design displays, with the project positioned as part of wider efforts to support cultural regeneration in the Black Country.

EU biometric checks under the new Entry/Exit System are causing long queues, but travellers to Portugal or Sweden can reduce wait times by pre‑registering through the free Travel to Europe app. The app allows users to scan passport details, take a selfie and answer required questions before travel, enabling access to pre‑registered lanes at airports. Developers note it does not guarantee border entry, though users report quicker processing.