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Americas
Bucket List: Rio de Janeiro — Where 007 Pointed, and I Followed
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Continuing his occasional series on whether bucket list destinations live up to expectations, Group Editor Andrew Palmer heads to Rio de Janeiro on the eve of the 2016 Olympics, chasing a city he first fell for thirty-odd years earlier, dangling from a cable car alongside Roger Moore. Blame Roger Moore.
12:00 AM 27th June 2026
Flight Delays Hit One In Three Passengers This Summer - Here’s How To Claim What You’re Owed
Jane Hawkes
Consumer Expert
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
Millions of British holidaymakers face delayed or cancelled flights every summer - and most never claim a penny of the compensation they're legally entitled to. New Civil Aviation Authority data reveals punctuality failures remain widespread across UK airlines, with package holiday giant Tui among the five worst performers for on-time departures.
12:00 AM 27th June 2026
The Travel Mistakes Experts Are Seeing Most Often
Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay
Millions of people are preparing for summer holidays, but immigration experts are warning that one overlooked travel requirement could leave passengers stranded before they even board their flight.
P.ublished 20th June 2026
Americas
Amazon Jungle Fever: What Lurks In The World's Largest River?
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
Sunset splendour over the Amazon’s unique ecosystem Images by Steve Hare
An eye-watering seven million square kilometres, the Amazon River Basin covers around 40 per cent of South America and crosses eight countries. Home to the world’s largest rainforest, it teems with up to three thousand fish species including piranhas.
P.ublished 20th June 2026
Hotels
The King’s Arms Crowned Best Pub In Cumbria At National Pub & Bar Awards 2026
(L-R)Head Chef Ross Bowman and General Manager Ollie Stolborg
The King’s Arms, Hawkshead, has been named the best pub in Cumbria at the prestigious National Pub & Bar Awards 2026, cementing its reputation as one of the Lake District’s leading hospitality destinations. The award recognises excellence in service, atmosphere, food and drink offering, and overall guest experience.
P.ublished 15th June 2026
Weekend
The Price Of Danish Happiness
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Copenhagen's Gefion Fountain with the English Church in the background
In a country where most of the population seems to bemoan the fact that Chancellor Rachel Reeves, introduces new stealth taxes on a weekly basis, it is a curiosity that in Denmark, with one of the highest tax regimes in the world, there is little pushback against the Minister of Finance and people remain among the happiest on the planet.
P.ublished 13th June 2026
Sleep Lounge P&O
P&O Ferries is expanding its range of onboard travel options with the introduction of a new Sleep Lounge on its popular North Sea route between Hull and Rotterdam. Designed to provide passengers with greater flexibility and comfort during overnight sailings, the new facility will be available on crossings from 13 July and aims to offer an alternative to traditional cabin accommodation.
P.ublished 13th June 2026
Hotels
Summer By The Sea: Hotel Victoria Announces Coastal Programme Of Events
Hotel Victoria in Robin Hood’s Bay is set to host a series of events this summer as part of its 2026 programme for locals, visitors and guests.
P.ublished 13th June 2026
6 Long-Haul Flight Mistakes That Could Leave Travellers Exhausted Before Their Holiday Even Starts
As summer holiday season approaches, travellers everywhere are busy plotting itineraries, hunting for flight deals and perfecting the art of carry-on packing. But while most attention is given to the destination itself, travel experts say one of the most overlooked parts of any trip happens long before you check-in at the hotel: the flight.
P.ublished 13th June 2026
Americas
Buenos Aires: Bursting With Latin American Passion And Sensuality
Buenos Aires - a multi-cultural melting pot pulsating with a kaleidoscope of colour - is the birthplace of tango and among the world’s most dynamic capital cities. Famed for icons including Eva Peron and Maradona, it is lovingly called the ‘Paris of South America’ with a rich cultural tapestry and vibrant arts scene to match London and the finest European capitals.
P.ublished 6th June 2026
Setting A New Standard: National Win For The Tempus Shines Light On Region's Distinctive Hospitality Scene
CEO and owner of The Doxford Group, Richard Shell, and wife Sophie collecting Gold at the VisitEngladn Awards for Excellence.
The Tempus, Northumberland has won Gold at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence to become the country’s Small Hotel of the Year 2026, setting a new national standard and shining a light on Northumberland’s distinctive hospitality scene.
P.ublished 4th June 2026
Europe
La Dolce Strada: Memories Of Italy In A Vintage Rolls
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Lake Garda Photo: Piotr Arnoldes Pexels
When a young journalist was invited on a press trip to northern Italy and handed the keys — metaphorically speaking — to a vintage Bentley, he had no idea the experience would stay with him for the rest of his life. Andrew Palmer revisits a journey through Trentino and the Veneto that captured something rare: the Italy that tourism forgot.
P.ublished 30th May 2026
Travel Expert Warns Holidaymakers Over The 4-Tap Scam Hitting Airports, Hotels And Booking Inboxes This Summer
Image by raju shrestha from Pixabay
Holidaymakers are being warned to slow down before scanning QR codes, clicking booking links or entering card details, as travel scams become more convincing ahead of the summer rush.
P.ublished 30th May 2026
Hotels
A Resort For All Occasions
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
Ramside Hall Hotel and Resort is built on a site that can trace its history back centuries. With Medieval origins, the land originally belonged to a monastic establishment and was known as Ramside Grange, but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the site passed to numerous wealthy families over the ensuing centuries.
P.ublished 30th May 2026
Small Mobile Operator Cuts Roaming Costs Across 115 Countries
Ahead of summer, spusu mobile has cut roaming data prices across 115 countries worldwide — making it significantly cheaper for customers to stay connected well beyond the EU. The latest changes lower the cost of mobile data in a wide range of popular and long-haul destinations, reinforcing spusu’s commitment to fairer, more transparent roaming.
P.ublished 30th May 2026
Hotels
A Gem In The Heart Of Cheshire
Set in 38 acres of gardens and wooded parkland, fringing the banks of the River Weaver, Rookery Hall and Spa in Worleston near Nantwich enjoys complete tranquillity and the atmosphere of a bygone age. The Hall can trace its history back to 1816 when it was known as The Rookery, Worleston.
P.ublished 23rd May 2026
Missed The World Cup - But Top Of The Holiday Charts: Italy Wins The Summer
Italy may not have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, but ‘Bel Paese‘ may end up having the last laugh this summer. New research from InsureandGo reveals that Italy has become the top choice holiday destination for Brits looking to escape the FIFA World Cup frenzy this summer – and there are a lot of people looking for such an escape.
P.ublished 23rd May 2026
Shoulder Season Travel: The Key To Relaxed, Affordable Adventures
Shoulder seasons typically refer to the travel period between peak and off-peak months as a sweet spot where destinations often have smaller crowds and lower prices. In spring, this usually falls in April and May, and September and October for autumn.” Why travel during the shoulder seasons? Travelling in the shoulder seasons offers the perfect balance of lower costs and comfortable weather.
P.ublished 16th May 2026
The King’s Arms Hawkshead Launches “Alice’s Cottage”
King's Arms Hawkshead has announced the launch of Alice’s Cottage, a beautifully renovated Grade II listed one bedroom property located in the centre of the picturesque village of Hawkshead. Positioned on the village’s historic main square, Alice’s Cottage combines timeless Lakeland charm and comfort.
P.ublished 16th May 2026
Hotels
Five Star Liverpool Luxury
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
Standing loud and proud on one of Liverpool’s earliest streets that dates back to medieval times is The Municipal Hotel & Spa. Opened around 3 years ago as a hotel, the Grade 11 listed building that dates back to 1868 was once home to the beating heart of Liverpool City Council.
P.ublished 16th May 2026
Motorhoming
Raw, Remote, Remarkable: The Allure Of Scotland’s Islands
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
Beauty abounds in the Scottish Islands Images by Steve Hare
Scotland’s wild and rugged islands include the Orkney Islands off the Scottish mainland - and the Shetland Islands situated between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway.
P.ublished 16th May 2026
Europe
CYPRUS – Still Open For Business!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Sunsets to die for
In a week when Cyprus’ tourist sector has been highlighting turnover drops of 50%+ following the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri several weeks back, I can report that I am just returned from this stunning Mediterranean island intact, suntanned (a slight exaggeration perhaps) and with not one missile or drone in sight!
P.ublished 9th May 2026
Maintaining Fitness While Travelling
When I’m travelling, exercise becomes even more important – not less. Travel can be physically draining. Long periods of sitting, changes in routine, different food, disrupted sleep – it all adds up. I’ve found that keeping some form of movement in my day helps me stay energised, focused and balanced.
P.ublished 9th May 2026
Worried about being delayed at the airport?
New data showing the worst UK airports for flight delays may be the “calm before the storm” ahead of the summer holiday season our regular columnist Jane Hawkes, has warned.
P.ublished 9th May 2026
Short breaks
Celebrate England’s Newest National Trail With A Coastal Escape At Hotel Victoria, Robin Hood’s Bay
Following the official designation of the iconic Coast to Coast Path as England’s newest national trail this March, outdoor enthusiasts now have even more reason to explore one of the country’s most breathtaking long-distance routes.
P.ublished 8th May 2026
Things To Do By Bus This Spring In The Lakes
Spring is the perfect time to discover the Lake District, and Stagecoach is inviting everyone across Cumbria and Lancashire to make the journey by bus. Travelling by bus is not only convenient and affordable but also one of the best ways to sit back, relax and soak up the stunning scenery as you explore this world-famous region.
P.ublished 2nd May 2026
Cruising
Unsurpassed Beauty: Through Fairytale Fjords To The Arctic Circle
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
Sensational scenery: The Havila Capella in Geirangerfjord Images by Steve Hare
Visitors the world over are awestruck over by the majesty and enchantment of the Norwegian Fjords. Widely acknowledged as the world’s most beautiful voyage which abounds with myths and folklore, epic scenery lies in store around every corner.
P.ublished 2nd May 2026
Rivers Of Blue And Fields Of Fire
Andrew Liddle
Guest Writer
The famous blue river
At this beautiful time of year, the highlight of a holiday in the Netherlands has to be a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, home to one of the world’s most breathtaking displays of spring flowers. Located in the small town of Lisse, this amazing park is a celebration not just of horticulture at its most vibrant but of a deep-rooted cultural tradition that stretches back centuries.
P.ublished 27th April 2026
Americas
Bayfront Views With Urban Energy Abound At Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami
All images Courtesy of Hyatt
From glistening skyline views and thoughtfully appointed waterfront suites to the elevated Cuban-inspired cuisine of Caña restaurant, this pristine Hyatt hotel delivers a complete Magic City experience. Miami rewards location. In Brickell, location can define the whole stay. You are either plugged into the district’s pace or watching it from the sidelines.
P.ublished 25th April 2026
Broadening Horizons: New Coach Tour Operator Dedicated To ‘Silver Tourism’ Launches In The North East
Romantic Journeys of Yorkshire - Skipton Canal Photo courtesy Primrose Holidays
A new independent coach tour operator, Primrose Holidays, has launched in the North East of England, dedicated to meeting growing demand among ‘silver tourists’ for high quality, experience-led travel – minus the hassle.
P.ublished 20th April 2026
Going Abroad This Summer? Don’t Cut Costs On Travel Insurance
With global travel becoming increasingly uncertain, a consumer rights expert and former stewardess is advising holidaymakers to pay particular attention to their travel insurance. Consumer expert Jane Hawkes, whose website Lady Janey features advice on consumer advice and money-saving tips, says risking no or insufficient travel insurance can be costly in the long run.
P.ublished 18th April 2026
Americas
All Aboard For The Sacred Sanctuary Of Machu Picchu
An enduring symbol of the expansive Inca Empire, visitors are spellbound by Machu Picchu’s mysticism, beauty and cultural significance. Often referred to as the lost city of the Incas - and designated one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’ in 2007 - the 15th century citadel in the Andes towers almost 8,000 feet above sea level.
P.ublished 18th April 2026
Motorhoming
Motorhome Magic France: The Scenery, Charm, Romance
Very few travellers are immune to the charms of France – with its diverse landscapes, UNESCO marvels and fairlytale villages. The most geared-up country in Europe for campervans and motorhomes with over 4,000 motorhome service stations, known as Aires, eliminates the often stressful quandry of where to find an overnight park up.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
Turn Detective If You Get Unwell On Holiday
Regular columnist Jane Hawkes, who runs the consumer advice website Lady Janey, says you should turn detective if you become unwell on holiday. Timing is critical for holidaymakers who become unwell if they want to claim from their travel insurance or tour operator.
P.ublished 11th April 2026
Short breaks
A Journey Through Northumberland’s Wonderland This Spring
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
Spring’s symbolic reawakening Image by Steve Hare
Northumberland, England’s northernmost county, is emerging from her winter hibernation and bursting into a blaze of colour. With the long-awaited arrival of longer, lighter days and sunset’s ‘golden hour’ nudging past 8pm, the county is enticing visitors with open arms to experience its symbolic reawakening with a packed calendar of events.
P.ublished 4th April 2026
Bucket List: Not A Destination, But An Experience
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
In his occasional series of articles about whether bucket list destinations and experiences live up to expectations, Andrew Palmer recalls the day he broke the sound barrier — and the woman who made history doing it for a living. There are journeys that take you somewhere, and then there are journeys that are the somewhere. Concorde was emphatically the latter.
P.ublished 28th March 2026
Haven at Last
Jeremy Williams
Arts Correspondent
Established 62 years ago, Haven currently has 41 caravan holiday parks and 1 cottage resort in the UK. Having changed hands several times since its inception, Haven has always been known as good-value holiday fun with entertainment built in. However, at age 43, I have never been to a Haven.
P.ublished 21st March 2026
Europe
South Costa Blanca's Golden Gems Under The Lens
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
World class: South Costa Blanca’s Blue Flag beaches Images by Steve Hare
The Mediterranean coastline of the Costa Blanca, or ‘White Coast,’ stretches 120 glorious miles from Denia in the North to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. Located in the region of Alicante, the temperate climate boasts 300 days of sunshine annually.
P.ublished 21st March 2026
Motorhoming
Spanish Roadtrip 2026: Love The View? We Do Too!
Getting off the beaten track when travelling is no mean achievement in today’s world of mass tourism - especially in countries like Spain whose growing population hit 49 million last year.
P.ublished 14th March 2026
Hotels
The King’s Arms, Hawkshead Awarded Four AA Gold Stars And An AA Rosette Award For Culinary Excellence
The King’s Arms in Hawkshead is proud to announce that just 6 months after opening it has been awarded Four AA Gold Stars for 2026, alongside an AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence Award, recognising the pub’s outstanding standards of hospitality, accommodation, and dining.
P.ublished 14th March 2026
Is A Tourist Tax Right For The North East And Yorkshire?
The proposal to allow mayoral authorities to introduce an overnight visitor levy has prompted a straightforward question for our region: would a tourist tax strengthen Yorkshire and the North East, or risk weakening the businesses that sustain the visitor economy? Visitor levies are small charges added to paid overnight stays, typically applied per person or per room, per night.
P.ublished 7th March 2026
Oktoberfest: The Dream, The Drench, And The Detour
In the second of his occasional series exploring whether bucket list destinations live up to expectations, our Group Editor travels to Munich for Oktoberfest — only to find that the real magic lies elsewhere: in a wonderful restaurant, a chance encounter with strangers, and the serene beauty of a lakeside haven just a short train ride away. A Lake, a Haven, and an I…
P.ublished 7th March 2026
UK
New Ride Spins Into Action
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
AVIKTAS AN ARTISTS IMPRESSION
Aviktas comes to life as new ride spins for the first time at Pleasure Beach Resort There were cheers on site at Pleasure Beach Resort this week as Aviktas, the park’s highly anticipated £8.72M mega ride, completed a major new milestone – with its huge pendulum spinning for the very first time.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
UK
New Home For Blackpool Tourist Information Centre
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
VisitBlackpool’s Visitor Information Centre has a new home inside the world-famous Blackpool Tower. The centre has relocated from Festival House on the Promenade in a move that will bring visitor services into the heart of one of Blackpool’s most iconic landmarks. The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is a vital resource welcoming thousands of visitors every year.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
Motorhoming
Spanish Roadtrip 2026: Coast And City - The Ultimate Mix
Sharon Cain
Lifestyle & Leisure Editor
Moorish magnificence: The Alcazaba of Malaga Images by Steve Hare
Among the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Spain receives a record high 96.8 million visitors last year - and is predicted to be the world’s most visited country by 2040.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
A Wild And Wonderful Home From Home
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
Exterior Larpool Mill
From fashion to furnishings and food, art and theatre and staycations, the release of the new film version of Emily Brontë's classic Wuthering Heights will be influencing everything over the next few months. I, for one, remember, as a small child, watching the black-and-white version starring Lawrence Olivier and Merle Oberon.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
Cruising
All At Sea Again: How A Hull To Rotterdam Mini Cruise Rekindled My Love Of The Water
As a child I spent a lot of time on ferries. Each summer my parents would load the three of us into the back of our Vauxhall and drive us off on a European adventure for a week or three. I loved it. I loved the adventure. I loved the boat. I loved being on the sea. Strangely though, as an adult, the sea is not something I have done a lot of.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
A Refined St Patricks' Day Escape
If you are looking for a refined way to celebrate St Patrick's Day, then The Chancery Hotel is the perfect solution. In the heart of Dublin City Centre, The Chancery Hotel introduces a stylish way to experience Ireland’s most iconic celebration. Their exclusive St.
P.ublished 28th February 2026
Asia
From Scalegill to Sri Lanka: Day Nine - Dalhousie & Adam's Peak
Waking up with a slight hangover from the night before (must have been a dirty glass!), I decided to spend another couple of hours in Kandy enjoying Sri Lanka’s second city before the three hour journey to Dalhousie.
P.ublished 27th February 2026
Short breaks
Golden Treasure: Bamburgh Beach Ranked World’s Third Best
Bamburgh’s golden beach - framed against the town’s majestic castle - has seen off fierce competition to be ranked third best in the world’s ‘one of a kind’ beaches.
P.ublished 26th February 2026
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