Natalie King

Lloret de Mar on Spain’s Costa Brava is presented as a cheaper alternative to Ibiza, offering nightlife, beach clubs, Mediterranean restaurants and coastal attractions. Visiting in September or early October can provide warm weather, fewer crowds and savings of up to 45%, with lower prices for beach-club sunbeds, meals and drinks. Recommended attractions include the Camí de Ronda, Santa Clotilde Gardens, Castell de Sant Joan and nearby Tossa de Mar. The resort is accessible via Girona–Costa Brava or Barcelona-El Prat airports, with direct flights from Liverpool to Barcelona operated by Ryanair and easyJet.

Camelot Theme Park near Chorley, which closed permanently in 2012 after 29 years of operation, is set to reopen temporarily for Scare City’s 2026 Halloween experience. The immersive horror event will run from September 26 to November 7, featuring live actors, outdoor sets, scare zones and a continuous trail through the abandoned park, with tickets starting at £34.95. The site may eventually be demolished if Story Homes’ outline application to build 350 homes and a community hub is approved.

A JoJo Maman Bébé study ranking more than 30 UK destinations identifies Salcombe in Devon as the country’s most relaxing staycation destination for parents. Its ranking was supported by high-quality accommodation, spa and wellness facilities, more than 50 attractions, beaches and access to the Kingsbridge Estuary. Lyme Regis, Southwold, Grasmere and Windermere complete the top five, with the article highlighting family-friendly activities and scenic surroundings across the destinations.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport continues to enforce the 100ml liquid rule but allows liquids under this limit to stay inside hand luggage without clear plastic bags. Large electronics can also remain in carry-ons. Passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before departure and plan travel carefully to avoid delays. Drop‑off fees remain unchanged, with both paid express and free short‑term options available. The airport has introduced Bolt scooter and e‑bike parking and offers Fast Track Family parking, which includes wider spaces and complimentary fast‑track security access.

Upcoming EU aviation regulations will remove common fees for families sitting together, cabin luggage, no‑show penalties, paper boarding passes and minor name corrections on flights linked to the EU. UK passengers remain covered by UK261 on UK‑only routes, with potential further changes under a proposed Civil Aviation Bill. Airlines will also face stricter requirements around informing passengers of compensation rights and processing claims within defined deadlines.

El Hierro in the Canary Islands is identified as Europe’s least crowded island, receiving only about 25,000 visitors annually despite its proximity to heavily touristed destinations such as Tenerife. Research by Avis highlights the island’s seclusion and natural attractions, including volcanic landscapes, natural sea pools and scenic coastal paths. Accessible via inter-island flights or ferry, El Hierro offers quieter alternatives for swimming, hiking and marine excursions. A top-10 list of other secluded European island road trips accompanies the story.