Sophie Lam

The Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium offer the strongest European networks for electric-vehicle drivers, with high numbers or densities of public chargers and growing fast-charging capacity. Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia have fewer chargers relative to demand or territory, so drivers may need to plan charging stops carefully. Charging costs vary widely by country and speed, with rapid and ultra-rapid charging generally considerably more expensive than standard charging.

A family trip to Camp Bestival in Dorset is presented as a cost-effective alternative to school-holiday childcare and traditional summer holidays. The festival offered children extensive activities including sports, crafts, circus skills, performances and street theatre, while parents benefited from free yoga and a broad wellness programme. The article highlights research showing that festivals are increasingly attracting families because they are convenient, close to home and seen as a source of shared memories. The family’s DIY camping setup was demanding but ultimately successful, and the experience left them with positive memories and an appetite for returning.

Millions of British holidaymakers are expected to travel overseas during the summer, but border queues, extreme heat, wildfires, airport drop-off charges and Middle East-related disruptions could complicate journeys. The new European Union Entry/Exit System is creating delays at some airports, so travellers are advised to choose arrival times carefully, allow buffers, use advance registration tools where available and consider destinations outside the scheme. Travellers should check insurance coverage, prepare for heat-related illness, follow wildfire warnings and monitor Foreign Office advice, particularly because airlines are not generally required to rebook passengers who miss flights due to border queues.

Ryanair will stop charging parents to sit with their children from 25 June while introducing random seat allocation, with families likely to be placed toward the rear because fee-paying passengers take preferred seats first. The change follows a Competition and Markets Authority investigation into whether the previous mandatory fee was an unfair contract term. Although Ryanair describes the update as revenue neutral, the policy is criticised as a cynical solution that may still fail to guarantee adjacent seats and could alienate families.

Hastings is recommended as a more complete seaside destination than Brighton, Eastbourne or Bognor Regis, combining Norman and Bronze Age history, a working fishing fleet, Victorian seaside attractions, a characterful Old Town and access to the High Weald and Hastings Country Park. The guide highlights local festivals, beaches, galleries, shops, restaurants, pubs and accommodation, and provides a two-day itinerary covering the Samphire Sauna, Hastings Castle, Hastings Contemporary, Pelham Beach, Camber Sands and countryside walks. Practical advice includes train and bus connections, accessible attractions, places to stay, dining recommendations and activities for families.

The European Parliament has agreed provisional reforms to airline passenger rights, including free carriage of a small personal item, clearer upfront fare displays, free adjacent seating for children under 14 accompanying adults, and protections for disabled, reduced-mobility and pregnant passengers. Existing compensation thresholds for significant delays, cancellations and denied boarding will remain, while airlines will face clearer duties to assist disrupted travellers and process claims promptly. The rules will benefit UK passengers travelling from European airports or on European airlines, although UK regulations have not yet been updated. Ryanair and Airlines for Europe oppose aspects of the deal, arguing that it could raise advertised fares and restrict passengers’ ability to choose optional services.

Ryanair’s low headline fares are supplemented by substantial ancillary charges. The most worthwhile extra is generally cabin or checked baggage, provided passengers stay within the airline’s strict size and weight limits. Priority boarding, reserved seats, security fast track, prepaid onboard credit and hastily purchased travel insurance are generally poor value, with limited exceptions for families, passengers needing extra space or travelers facing lengthy border queues. Families also face unavoidable charges for infants, seating together and additional baby equipment, while the Competition and Markets Authority investigates whether mandatory family seating fees are unfair.

Folkestone is presented as a revitalised Kent seaside town whose development has been accelerated by transport links, public investment and private regeneration. The town’s attractions include Creative Folkestone’s extensive outdoor art collection, the restored harbour and railway station, the Shoreline beachfront development, Sunny Sands beach, the Lower Leas Coastal Park and the new Sea Scrub Sauna. The guide recommends accommodation, restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and visitor itineraries, while highlighting Folkestone’s mix of heritage, contemporary culture and coastal leisure.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has warned airlines not to sell flights they reasonably expect may be cancelled during the peak summer holiday period, amid soaring jet fuel prices and supply concerns linked to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Cheap deals to Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy have been offered to sustain demand, but the regulator says airlines must clearly disclose cancellation risks and provide as much notice as possible. Cancellations for commercial or operational reasons such as fuel prices would generally not qualify as extraordinary circumstances, potentially leaving airlines liable for compensation when less than 14 days’ notice is given. The Government has eased sanctions to permit Russian jet fuel refined in third countries to enter the UK, a move criticised by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

DJ and Camp Bestival co-creator Rob da Bank shares his favourite UK coastal destinations, drawing on his life on the Isle of Wight and the festival’s home near Lulworth Cove in Dorset. He highlights beaches and coves including Bouldnor, Steephill Cove, Freshwater Bay, Colwell Bay, Lulworth Cove and Sandbanks, alongside Dorset’s quieter spots such as Ringstead Bay, Worbarrow Bay, Mupe Bay and Church Ope Cove. The piece celebrates camping, swimming, sailing and embracing unpredictable weather, while identifying Pembrokeshire Coast as his next major destination to explore.

At least 120 UK flights scheduled for May and 36 for June have been cancelled amid a global jet-fuel crisis linked to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Frankfurt has experienced the most UK-originating cancellations, followed by Munich and Miami, with Lufthansa strikes also contributing to disruption. Aviation analysts expect cancellations to increase, particularly on low-demand regional and fuel-intensive long-haul routes, while airlines may combine flights or end seasonal services early. The UK Government’s relaxed slot rules make it easier for carriers to cancel flights without losing future operating rights, and the International Air Transport Association has urged European airlines to consider US-produced jet fuel.

British holidaymakers could face hundreds of additional last-minute flight cancellations this summer as conflict involving Iran disrupts jet-fuel supplies and drives prices higher. Airlines have already cancelled thousands of flights worldwide, though cancellations from the UK remain limited so far. Routes to Spain and Italy are considered particularly vulnerable because passengers can often be moved onto alternative services. Experts expect airlines to cut low-demand, seasonal and traditionally unprofitable routes, while longer-haul services may also be affected because they consume more fuel. Passengers whose flights are cancelled should be offered refunds or alternative routes, but compensation may be unavailable if airlines successfully claim extraordinary circumstances.

Andrew and Molly Clifford, a father and daughter from Maghera in Northern Ireland, describe their experience competing in the BBC’s Race Across the World. Their route from Palermo to Mongolia exposed them to unfamiliar cultures and landscapes, including Mount Nemrut, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Although they were highly competitive, they prioritised meeting local people and embracing unexpected experiences. The journey strengthened their relationship, with both recognising that they had come to see each other as friends as well as family. Molly’s careful budgeting helped keep them in contention, while she plans to travel independently to Peru and Andrew intends to return to teaching and take his wife to Norway.

A guide to nine family-friendly hotels and inns in North Cornwall, covering options in St Ives, Newquay, St Agnes, Mawgan Porth, Polzeath and Boscastle. The properties range from historic pubs and coastal resorts to flexible apart-hotels, with prices starting at £153 for self-catering apartments and rising to £373 for August studios. Key attractions include family rooms, pools, spas, children’s activities, self-catering facilities, dog-friendly accommodation, coastal access and locally sourced food.

Return and short-haul flight prices from the UK to several European destinations have fallen, with one-way summer fares advertised from £40.99 to Menorca and £72.62 to Pula. However, the Iran conflict, disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and rising jet-fuel costs could lead airlines to cut services, cancel lightly booked flights and raise fares later in the summer. Ryanair and other UK airlines are partly protected by fuel hedges, but those protections will expire, while Virgin Atlantic has already introduced fuel surcharges. Airlines UK is seeking flexibility on airport slot-use rules and compensation obligations. Passengers whose UK or UK/EU airline flights are cancelled are generally entitled to a refund or replacement flight, although insurance coverage for related hotel losses may be uncertain; package holidays offer stronger protections. Long-haul fares have already risen sharply, prompting advice to book soon if prices are affordable.

The continuing conflict involving Iran and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threaten Europe’s jet fuel supplies, with the International Energy Agency warning that Europe may have only about six weeks of supply remaining. Airlines have already begun responding: KLM will cancel 160 European flights, while Virgin Atlantic has introduced fuel surcharges of £50 in economy and up to £360 in Upper Class. Industry leaders warn that even a reopening of the strait would not restore supplies immediately because Middle Eastern refining capacity has been disrupted. UK officials say there is currently no jet fuel shortage but are monitoring the situation, while the European Union is preparing measures to maximise refinery output and protect supplies.

Rising oil prices and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz are pushing up travel costs, especially long-haul air fares, some fuel surcharges, hotel rates and petrol prices. Airlines are cutting or reallocating capacity, while cruise operators face potential future surcharges and route changes. Travellers can limit the impact by booking earlier, choosing operators that guarantee no surcharges, considering alternative destinations and transport routes, comparing fares, using no-fly cruises or package holidays, and improving driving or train-travel efficiency.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System is expected to cause lengthy delays for British travellers at airports and ferry and rail crossings during Easter, the May bank holidays and summer. Airports in Spain, Portugal, France and other European countries have already reported waits of up to several hours, with industry groups warning that processing times could worsen because of unresolved technology and staffing problems. ACI Europe, IATA and Aéroports de Paris have called for the full rollout to be delayed, while the European Commission says countries can temporarily suspend checks during severe congestion. Travellers using Dover and Eurotunnel also face possible gridlock because passengers must leave vehicles to register fingerprints, passport data and photographs. Local officials and travel experts are urging a delay and advising passengers to allow substantially more time.

A comparison of premium short-haul options on sample London–Valencia journeys finds that value depends mainly on luggage needs, flight frequency and airport convenience. British Airways Euro Traveller offers comparatively attractive value for passengers wanting a generous luggage allowance and basic refreshments, while Club Europe is most worthwhile for business travelers who value lounge access, fast-track security, priority boarding and extra baggage. easyJet Plus can pay off for frequent travelers, families or couples who would otherwise incur repeated luggage and seat-selection fees. Wizz Class provides more legroom, a blocked middle seat and refreshments, but is expensive and difficult to book, making it the least compelling upgrade on the tested route.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East is expected to raise jet-fuel costs and disrupt airline networks, potentially making flights from the UK to Spain and Greece up to 30–50% more expensive this summer if the conflict persists. Airlines including Cathay Pacific, Qantas, SAS and Thai Airways have already introduced price increases, while Air New Zealand is cutting flights. Aviation experts warn that rerouting, airspace restrictions and unhedged fuel costs could push fares higher across Europe, although Ryanair says its fuel hedging will protect its low fares for the next 12 months.

Six quieter short-haul destinations are recommended for Easter travel: Portugal’s Algarve, Fes in Morocco, France’s Côte Bleue, rural Ibiza, Crete’s Lassithi region and northwestern Sicily. The destinations are presented as offering mild weather, lower prices and fewer crowds than peak-season alternatives, with examples of flight fares, package holidays, hotels and activities. The recommendations reflect growing interest in shoulder-season travel and uncertainty affecting some traditional Easter destinations in the eastern Mediterranean.

A wholesale British boycott of the United States would likely hurt tourism workers and local communities more than Donald Trump, especially because many travel-industry employees are unlikely to support him. International tourism to the US has declined, driven particularly by a sharp fall in Canadian visitors, while UK arrivals have remained broadly stable. Rising national-park fees, ESTA charges, inflation, tariffs and the weak pound have nevertheless made American holidays considerably more expensive. Rather than refusing to visit altogether, tourists are encouraged to spend selectively in ways that support Indigenous communities, local businesses and socially beneficial attractions.

Conflict-related airspace closures and security threats across the Middle East are putting thousands of British Easter trips to Cyprus, Dubai and destinations in Asia at risk. More than 60 flights to and from Cyprus were cancelled after a suspected Iranian drone strike near RAF Akrotiri, while travelers stranded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha face limited routes home. Jet fuel prices have risen about 81% because tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has stalled, potentially increasing airline fares by 20% to 50% and causing further cancellations if disruption lasts several weeks. Cypriot hotels are already reporting significant cancellations, and the UK Government has begun charter evacuations while warning that the crisis may last weeks or months. Stranded travelers also face high hotel costs and limited insurance coverage because many policies exclude war-related claims.

New UK border rules require dual British nationals entering the country to present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, rather than relying on another nationality’s passport and an ETA. Rebecca, a British citizen living in France, says she must obtain a £70 British passport for her 15-year-old son, plus courier fees, so he can continue visiting his grandmother. The change has prompted some dual-national families to reconsider or cancel UK trips, with critics calling the requirement discriminatory and another negative consequence of Brexit.

A family trip to Levi in Finnish Lapland combined beginner skiing with husky safaris, a visit to Lainio Snow Village, tobogganing and Northern Lights viewing. Despite temperatures reaching -20°C by day and below -30°C at night, careful layering, Arctic clothing, short lessons and access to warm facilities made the experience manageable. The family found Levi’s learner-friendly slopes, short airport transfer and dependable snow appealing, completed three days of lessons and left eager to continue skiing.

A family visits Glen Dye, a 15,000-acre estate in Aberdeenshire, for a restorative Highland break. The stay includes accommodation in the Coach House, use of the DIY Glen Dye Arms pub and woodland sauna, bushcraft activities, hiking and excursions to St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. The estate’s restored cottages, family-friendly activities and remote scenery receive highly favorable reviews, with practical advice on transport, accommodation prices and activity costs.

The decline of glamorous air travel is attributed to the rise of low-cost airlines, which traded comfort and service for cheaper fares and reshaped passenger expectations. British Airways’ replacement of hot breakfasts on short routes exemplifies this shift, while Virgin Atlantic is also reducing complimentary perks. Older travellers remember economy meals and onboard service as special experiences, but younger passengers raised on Ryanair and similar carriers largely view flying as an economical way to reach a destination. Premium Gulf airlines such as Qatar Airways and Emirates continue to preserve luxury for passengers willing to pay for it.

Ski holiday prices have risen by an average of 10 per cent, making many Alpine resorts significantly more expensive for British travellers. Post Office Travel Money’s 2026 survey identifies Bardonecchia in Italy as the best-value resort for adults, while Geilo in Norway recorded the smallest price increase. Nordic destinations such as Geilo, Beitostølen and Pyhä offer strong value for families, although Italy dominates the overall value rankings. French resorts and Austria’s Saalbach are among the most expensive, with a week for a family of four in Saalbach costing about £4,060.

Travelers attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico are advised to plan early but avoid panic-buying after the tournament draw, when flight searches and fares are likely to rise. Cost-saving strategies include setting fare alerts, securing required US and Canadian travel authorizations, avoiding higher UK Air Passenger Duty through alternative departure points or long stopovers, flying to nearby satellite cities, using rail or flight passes, and booking separate or multi-city itineraries. Prices may later fall or airlines may add capacity as the tournament progresses.

Historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes describes Oman as a safe, welcoming and comparatively uncrowded winter-sun destination for solo travellers. Her journey includes the camel souq at Sinaw, the desert dunes of Sharqiya, the tranquil beaches and traditions of Masirah Island, and the lush oasis of Wadi Tiwi. The country’s archaeological discoveries and maritime history highlight a sophisticated heritage, while its government is developing tourism to reduce reliance on oil. Oman aims to attract 12 million visitors by 2040, but officials say growth should focus on high-value experiences that protect cultural and environmental heritage.

Vilnius is identified as Europe’s cheapest Christmas market city break for winter 2025, with an average two-night trip for two costing £509.06 according to Post Office Travel Money. The Lithuanian capital is also a joint European Capital of Christmas, with markets and illuminated attractions beginning on 29 November. The city is promoted as a less crowded alternative to major destinations such as Vienna and Berlin, with low-cost flights from London, affordable boutique hotels, traditional food and crafts, a Christmas sightseeing train, and Michelin-listed restaurants offering relatively inexpensive menus.

Airports and airlines worldwide are expanding facial-recognition systems that can let registered passengers move through check-in, security, immigration and boarding with little or no need to show a physical passport or boarding pass. Examples include Emirates at Dubai International, Face Express in Japan, biometric processing in Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Colombia, Spain, Germany and Austria, and the Curaçao Express Pass. The systems can reduce processing times substantially, but most still require passport registration or presentation at some stage. Passenger support is high, although concerns over biometric data storage and privacy have led to scrutiny and the suspension of a faceboarding pilot at Milan Linate.

Bilbao and nearby Getxo are presented as a quieter and more affordable alternative to heavily visited San Sebastian, offering high-quality Basque food without the same tourist pressure. Highlights include the historic Palacio Arriluce Hotel, seafood and tasting menus by chef Beñat Ormaetxea, inexpensive pintxos around Bilbao’s Plaza Nueva, local Txakoli wine and seafood at Arrantzale Gastro Tavern. Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and wider architectural regeneration have helped revive the former industrial city, while attractions such as the Bizkaia transporter bridge remain relatively uncrowded. Rising flight demand and climate-driven migration to northern Spain could increase tourism pressure in the future.

Eurostar has ordered 30 Alstom Avelia Horizon double-decker trains, expected to enter service in 2031 and increase capacity by about 20 per cent per train. The order may primarily replace the ageing former Thalys fleet rather than expand London–continent services. The trains also face potential competition from Trenitalia France, Virgin Trains, Gemini Trains and Evolyn; Channel Tunnel safety certification; and capacity constraints at St Pancras, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Planned station upgrades could support growth, but regulatory and government decisions will be needed to enable greater competition and utilisation of the high-speed network.