Waiting for her mariner fiancé to return from his latest trip to sea, 25-year-old Audra stationed herself in room 501 of the Grand Galvez in Texas’s Galveston. 

Whenever her love was whisked away for work, the young woman would take up residence at the hotel and climb onto one of the hotel’s turrets, where she would look out to sea, hoping beyond hope that he would return to her.

However, this time, he didn’t. After a storm hit the area, Audra learned that his ship had tragically sunk. 

Bereft after hearing the news, the heartbroken woman took her own life in the hotel – before her fiancé could return, having miraculously escaped the same watery fate as his shipmates. 

Almost 80 years later, 501 has become Grand Galvez’s most requested room, with guests keen to experience the paranormal activity this suite is now famed for. 

It has been kept in original 1900s style, featuring pink and green adornments, compared to the breezy blue and white decor of the other rooms. 

Not only that, but guests who want to try and make contact with Audra are left with a Ouija board. 

However, they might not be needing it as Audra is famous for making her presence known, whether the hotel’s inhabitants want her to or not. 

Guests have reported having their phones randomly play music through their room’s Bluetooth speaker, which inexplicably shows up as ‘connected to AUDRA’.

Others – including the hotel’s senior catering sales manager Angela Westhoff – have felt a ‘presence’ that has physically forced them out of rooms, including the downstairs loos opposite the bar.

But this could have been any one of the hotel’s ghosts – who some have even accidentally snapped pictures of when taking bathroom selfies. 

Before my trip around the hotel, I was told that it’s common for ‘do not disturb’ signs to rattle, and this is something I witnessed firsthand.

Sceptical, I checked for nearby air vents and monitored for the slightest breeze that could explain the activity, but I was left stumped.  

In all honesty, I don’t believe in spectres, but even I couldn’t deny being a bit spooked by it. Every time Angela told us another story about the hotel’s paranormal activity, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise up and a desire to leave the haunted rooms for the safety of their glorious bar.

Now, that could just be me getting wrapped up in the storytelling of the whole thing, or maybe ghosts are real – you decide!

Either way, I found myself apologising to Audra for laughing when I first saw the Ouija board. 

Perhaps in a bid to appease Audra and the other spirits, the hotel is – for the second year running – throwing a wedding party for our fallen heroine. The Ghost Bride Ball, which takes place on 28 October, encourages attendees to dress up in period costumes and ‘celebrate the undying love of the most treasured bride of the Grand Galvez’. 

You may think a luxury hotel such as the Galvez would lean away from ghost stories, instead focusing on their spa packages, high tea, and glamorous interiors – but this is no ordinary Marriott. 

It is one that fully embraces the spooky. In fact, the whole island seems to. 

Galveston, located 50 miles outside Houston, is utterly beautiful. It offers sandy beaches with warm waters, candy floss-coloured Victorian houses with gothic touches, tasty grub and a fascinating history. 

But it’s also an island touched by tragedy. In 2008, it was hit by Hurricane Ike, which killed 17, left Galveston declared temporarily uninhabitable and had a predicted economic impact of $22.16billion. 

Even more deadly, the 1900 storm claimed the lives of 8,000 people – and it is this hurricane that has given rise to most of the island’s haunting stories. 

Back then, 6702 Seawall Boulevard was the address of Saint Mary’s Orphanage, which housed around 100 people. In the face of the hurricane, the nuns tied themselves and the children together, killing them all. 

Today, the site is home to a massive Walmart. But not just any Walmart. A massive haunted Walmart. 

Each morning when opening the store, staffers have come to expect one thing: For the toy section to be in disarray, looking as if kids have invaded the shop overnight and played to their hearts’ content.

It is the children’s’ bikes that are most often found out of place.

What else to do in Galveston

• Have a dip! Galveston has a beautiful sandy beach with warm waters on the Gulf of Mexico coastline. September/October is the perfect time to visit with it being in the high 20s/low 30s and off-season for tourists.

• While you’re there, explore the Pleasure Pier’s rides and attractions, and follow it with a trip to the beachside shop Murdoch’s, an institution on the island (and where you can pick up a pet crab in a funky shell).
• Eat the best sandwich you’ll ever try at Maceo’s. They’re known mainly for their spices, and their colourful family history, but I will remember them best for their muffaletta. I have dreamt about that sarnie.

• Cross the road for a cocktail at DTO. I had the Chicha Chicha – frozen rum, purple corn, pineapple, spices, lime – delish.
• Take a self-guided tour of Galveston’s tree art. After Hurricane Ike destroyed many of the island’s trees, instead of chopping them down, residents paid for them to be turned into beautiful sculptures

• Get your history fix at the Bryan Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of artefacts and art relating to Texas and the American West.

While some shoppers and staff have attested that they’ve heard boys’ and girls’ voices and cries, others have witnessed electric toys start making noise by themselves. 

It’s these kinds of stories that have earned Galveston the title of one of the USA’s most haunted cities. And it’s a title the island embraces. 

Any avid ghost-hunters, paranormal fans, or sceptics can find plenty of tours on offer to whet their appetite.

From top haunted sites to themed tours, you can explore old cemeteries, the former red light district, Hotel Galvez itself and bars. 

And if that’s not enough, just an hour’s drive away you can find even more spooky tours in Houston, with The Heritage Society’s Halloween Tour of the city’s oldest houses being my first choice, followed by a drink in the dark and moody La Carafe, Houston’s oldest commercial building. 

While you might not get to meet Audra during a trip to Galveston, there are plenty more ghosts just waiting for a chance to spook you.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

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If you’re in need of a holiday but can’t afford to break the bank, we have some serious inspo for you.

One savvy Brit managed to book a three-day holiday to Spain, all for under £100. 

Callum Ryan, 22, a social media content creator from Milton Keynes, managed to get a return flight from London Stansted Airport to Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport for just £54 – the biggest expense of the trip.

To save money, he split a twin room in a hostel with his friend, with the pair paying just £30 each.

Callum also spent £13.50 on parking and £1.87 on a bus from the airport to the city centre.

In total, he spent £99.37 on flights, accommodation and parking, which are often the largest costs of a holiday.

Admittedly he did take an extra £150 for spending money, but he’d have been spending something on food and drink at home anyway. The total cost of his trip was under £250 and he kept costs down by spending (free) time on the beach and sightseeing.

‘I was surprised that we found somewhere so cheap,’ said Callumn, who often tries to find travel bargains. 

‘We decided to book the trip the day before and to get a full holiday for less than £100 last minute. 

‘I thought it would be impossible. It was a fun and enjoyable trip. The best thing for me was meeting the locals.

‘It was out of season and we mainly chilled with the locals – we have made friends for life.’

This wasn’t Callumn’s first rodeo: he also managed to snag flights to Spain for £10 earlier this year, and even flew to Dubai for £64. 

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If there’s one thing we can probably all agree on, it’s that airport travel can be a very stressful experience.

You’ve got unexpected flight delays and cancellations, big security queues and lets not forget fellow flyers blocking your path as you speed for the gate.

But, there’s now a smart tool that can help you prepare for the airport chaos by predicting the levels of stress you could face during your journey.

Flight Finder’s Airport Stress Calculator takes into account the frequency of flight delays at your airport, luggage restrictions and the amount of travellers at the airport during the time of your journey.

While it’s no miracle-worker and it can’t banish the stress of the journey altogether, at least you’ll know what to expect before you even leave your home.

Flight Finder says: ‘We have analysed data on three of the most common sources of stress for air travellers: the busyness of the airport at the time of your flight, the stringency of the baggage restrictions imposed by your airline and the likelihood of delays at your selected airport.

‘All you need to do is fill in your time of departure, the airline you’re flying with and the airport you’re flying from. Then, the calculator will work its magic and give you the percentage risk that you will have a stressful airport experience.’

Here’s an example below.

While it’s obviously not going to be 100% accurate (don’t you just love air travel), it can paint a fairly good picture of whether you’re going to want to tear your hair out or whether you’ll be able to relax with a pre-flight pint.

It might also help you decide whether to leave extra early for the airport.

What we can tell you is that if you’re flying from Gatwick your stress levels are probably going to be pretty high, according to a recent survey.

London Gatwick has seen the second-highest number of delays across the whole of Europe, with over two in five outgoing flights arriving late (41%) at the beginning of August.

Shahab Siddiqui, CEO of FlightsFinder, said: ‘One of the main reasons why delays are so rife at the minute is that there are simply far more global flights taking off than there have been in the past few years. 2023 has marked the real beginning of travel post-pandemic recovery.

‘They are struggling to hire people fast enough to keep up with demand. While flight timetables are getting busier and busier, the staff members are only increasing very gradually and unfortunately resulting in large numbers of delays.’

And let’s not mention the chaos at Luton Airport after a huge fire in one of its car parks.

So why not give the Flight Stress Calculator a try? At least that way you might know what you’re in for when you attempt to jet off for your autumn retreat.

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I’m floating on my back, stark naked, in a private infinity pool gazing up at a cloudless, sunny blue sky.

A sea eagle flies overhead as I look towards the horizon and take in the panorama of traditional wooden boars gentling bobbing on the ocean. It’s blissful.

But I can’t get too lost in my reverie, there are some important decisions to be made: do I crack open a Bintang beer and have it in my my huge bath tub, or do I call a golf buggy to take me to the spa for a steam, sauna, hot tub combo?

Decisions, decisions.

While Bali is still a destination that’s unfamiliar to a lot of Brits, it shouldn’t be. You see, Indonesia’s most famous island has celebrity pedigree in spades, with a roster of A-list guests that span the fame gamut. But you don’t need to be a celebrity here to feel like one, you just need to splurge on star quality accommodation.

From private infinity pools and personal butlers, to swoon-worthy spas and decadent dining – here are the top five Bali check-ins that are favoured by Tinseltown’s finest…

Four Seasons Sayan

Lush rice terraces, ornate Hindu temples, yoga studios and organic eateries – Bali’s Ubud region has long been a spiritual and natural wellness haven.

Though its status as a hippy haven has been long-held, in recent years the success of the bestselling autobiography, Eat, Pray, Love (partly set in Ubud) has kicked things up a notch, putting the small town on the international map and attracting a new wave of travellers in search of their very own spiritual transformation. And the Four Seasons Sayan truly embodies the tranquility for which Ubud is renowned. Little wonder then, that this is the hotel where the movie’s lead star, Julia Roberts, chose to rest her fame-weary head for three months during shooting of the blockbuster.

Accessed via what is easily one of the most Instagrammed hotel entrances in the world – a teak footbridge suspended over a gorge overlooking a mass of jungle, which ends at an infinity lotus pond.

Nestled in the Ayung River valley 10 minutes from downtown Ubud, the manicured tropical gardens and rice terraces house a selection of hotel suites and 52 private luxury villas, all of which boast private outdoor pools, day beds, marble bathrooms, and outdoor showers. It is this seclusion that is a real drawcard for paparazzi-shy celebs. Certainly the ability to swim, shower, and sunbathe in total privacy is one of the reasons why former American President, Barack Obama, checked in with his family here after leaving the White House. The famous politico stayed at the resort’s Royal Villa – a three-story, three-bedroom palatial pad, which is also where Julia Roberts resided during her Ubud stint.

Celebrity endorsements aside, the hotel was also recently named by Travel + Leisure as its ‘No. 1 Hotel in the World’. Part of this accolade is undoubtedly the resort’s impressive wellness offering. From the anti-gravity yoga in the in-house yoga bale, and the resident ‘wellness mentor’, to the two-tiered riverside pool, outdoor heated spa pools and sauna and steam rooms, and sprawling Sacred River Spa.

Here, you can make like a real-life Elizabeth Gilbert and give your heart a healing once-over with an indulgent 120-minute Anahata Chakra Ceremony, which promises to ‘open the heart chakra.’ Perfect if you’re on the hunt for your very own Prince Charming.

MUST TRY:

The Chef’s table dinner at Sokasi. A tasty seven-course dinner and cultural immersion in one, the Sokasi Chef’s Table dinner offers visitors a unique selection of slow-cooked dishes that are normally reserved for ceremonies, including the renowned Babi Guling (roast suckling pig). Offered three times weekly, the communal tasting meal might mean that you end up rubbing shoulders with a VIP.

fourseasons.com

Mandapa Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Also in the Ubud area and set right next to the roaring Ayung River amidst Ubud’s lush jungle, Mandapa is one of only a few Ritz-Carlton Reserves in the world, which means that Mandapa is special – very special. In luxe hotel speak, this translates to serious exclusivity and a guest roster of V-V-IPs.

Designed to resemble a local village in miniature, accommodation is nestled in between a working temple and rice terraces and comprises only 35 suites and a mere 25 private villas, each of which is kitted out with everything a luxury hotel connoisseur could demand: heated, full-size infinity pools, plush daybeds, tropical outdoor showers, and deep freestanding bath tubs built for two.

Thanks to its stellar reputation, the hotel has become a magnet for visiting celebrities, including both Will Smith, and Crazy Rich Asians star, Henry Goulding.

Part of the appeal for famous folk is the ‘click-of-your-fingers’ service that this kind of luxury living affords. Each villa comes with a personal butler who will remain at your private disposal for the duration of your stay.

Four dining options, includes Sawah Terrace (a farm-to-table fusion of Balinese and pan-Asian cuisine) and Kubu, the fine dining Mediterranean-European. Top tip: request one of the private cocoons by the river, for an especially romantic dinner. Another fab standout is a tour of the local area’s highlights in one of the hotel’s convertible VW cars — driving one of these past vivid green rice fields and ornate temples is social media gold!

MUST TRY:

When chilling out by your private pool gets too stressful, you can head to the in-house Mandapa Spa. A complete wellness destination, the complex features a yoga pavilion, meditation temple, vitality pool, 24-hour fitness centre, saunas, steam rooms and experience showers, alongside an extensive treatments menu.

The Marma Massage – a massage using differing pressure and techniques that is designed to ‘balance and align energy centres’ – comes highly recommended.

ritzcarlton.com

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape

The newest opening of Bali’s luxury hotel crop is also one of the most unique. An adults-only resort with an innovative ‘no walls, no doors’ concept.

Set in the heart of the jungle with sweeping views of seven mountain peaks, lush rice paddies and the roaring Ayung River, Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape lets guests experience the jungles of central Bali in their purest form but without having to rough it.

A whopping 15 years in development, the property is comprised of just 16 ‘bales’ (villas) set across four levels over the steep mountainside and connected by charm-infused stone pathways. Each is positioned to offer maximum privacy and expansive views and each offers expansive open decks, private infinity pools, cosy day beds and gazebos, curtain enclosed huge beds, and open-air oversized, copper bathtubs – which allow for indulgent soaks paired with captivating jungle vistas – and then there’s the private butters (on call 24/7) to cater to your every whim.

Communal areas include The Open Kitchen and Living Room – the resort’s dining and lounge spaces respectively – that provide the space for interaction and exploration of Buahan’s farm-to-table, plant-forward, zero-waste food philosophy. Here, guests gather for delicious breakfasts and decadent dinners, both of which hero local ingredients that are often sourced direct from the resort’s on-site gardens.

And then there’s the tempting Toja Spa. The Banyan Tree brand is famous for its wellness concepts and the spa component here is sublime, especially given that treatments are performed in the open-air bamboo pavilions which overlook the babbling river.

MUST TRY:

Guests are encouraged to discover the surrounding nature and to engage with the local culture through a range of purpose-led experiential experiences – experiences that include a journey into the nearby countryside (in a vintage convertible no less) to join a local farmer for a tour of his land, foraging for fruits and edible plants that are native to the island of Bali.

Taste raw honey from wild bee hives, raw coffee cherries uncover the plethora of flavours that nature has to offer with traditional local delicacies hand-made by the farmer’s wife.

For a more spiritual experience, you can’t beat the water rejuvenation and meditation session, which takes place at Buahan’s own waterfall at the bottom of the valley.

escape.banyantree.com

Alila Uluwatu

Trading the jungle for the beach further south on the island and you’ll reach the cliffs of Uluwatu and Alila Villas Uluwatu.

Set on top a plateau near limestone cliffs that swoop down to the ocean – close to the famed Uluwatu Temple and 30 minutes from Bali’s main airport – Alila offers luxurious accommodations and breathtaking Indian Ocean views. Little wonder then that it has become a go-to for visiting jet setters.

According to insiders, David Beckham checked in a few years back and, given his penchant for all things Posh, his choice of Alila is unsurprising. Indeed, even the most demanding of VIPs would struggle to find fault in this all-villa resort where private pools, jacuzzi tubs, indoor and outdoor rain showers, and butlers come as standard.

Service here is designed to appeal to fame-weary stars. At at check-in, you’ll be asked whether you’d like it ‘invisible’ or ‘extra-attentive’ categorised into ‘private,’ ‘discreet,’ or ‘indulgent.’

Food-wise, Indonesian flavours take centre stage at the Warung restaurant and Mediterranean-inspired at CIRE. But the most famous amenity in the resort – and the most photographed – is undoubtedly its cliffside infinity pool.

Often ranked as one of the best resort pools in international travel magazines, the pool and its iconic Sunset Cabana (an overhanging cliffside platform with dramatic views over the ocean) is one of the most photographed hotel features in the world. It’s at the Sunset Cabana bar where the jaw-dropping sunset can be observed at its best, as such, expect a crowd of honeymooner types and influencers on hand getting happy snaps.

MUST TRY:

Speaking of being loved-up with your belle or beau, for a romantic experience like no other, a massage at the Cliff Edge Spa Cabana is an absolute must.

Perched on the side of the Uluwatu cliff with a breathtaking view of the thunderous ocean below, a massage here will be an experience that lingers for a long time to come.

www.alilahotels.com

Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay

Sheltered in a calm bay along the chichi Jimbaran coast and enjoying dramatic ocean views, the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay is one of the island’s original five-star hotels. As such, it has a lengthy history of welcoming stars from both the stage and screen, stars including chart-topper, Pink, who holidayed here with her family on a super-secret vacay.

Staying in one off the 147 villas – all laid out to resemble a traditional Balinese village – the performer enjoyed a private plunge pool and personal sun terrace, alongside spacious bathroom, outdoor shower and jaw-dropping views. Not that these features are unique to a handful of rooms. Here, each of the 147 villas enjoys these features.

Outside of the suite life in your own private villa, the rest of the resort has plenty to offer too. There are several large pools (one with a huge waterfall), tennis court, yoga, fitness centre and an array of inclusive activities, such as kayaking, blessing ceremonies, and beach games.

While leaving your plush pool villa may be a bit of a wrench, there’s plenty going on in the rest of the resort. A quick phone call will see gold buggy pull up at your door ready to transport you to wherever you fancy, whether you want to stretch your (water) wings in the waterfall pool, to feel the pristine sands of the private beach in-between your toes, or to indulge in one of the amazing massages, facials or herbal body wraps at the plush Healing Village Spa. This newly-opened, sprawling 2,000 square-metre wellness complex is the jewel in Bali’s spa crown. A fusion of Bali’s rich culture of healing and state-of-the-art health tech.

In addition to the more standard range of massages, spa hounds can expect transformative and indulgent ones, such as the Celestial Light Ritual – a treatment pairing chromotherapy lighting, singing bowls and crystal-infused oils, performed on on bed of crushed quartz crystals.

For loved-up couples, the intimate Longevity Garden is a DIY experience involving Indonesian volcanic mud, sun loungers topped with infra-red mats, and private shower, steam room and cold plunge pool. Plus, a luxe hair salon is on hand to ensure that guests are always red carpet ready.

MUST TRY:

Sundowners at Sundara Beach Club. Happily for mere mortals, it’s not only the suites that have boastful vistas – regardless of whether you’re staying at the property or not, anyone can visit its hip and happening Sundara Beach Club to sink a sundowner and to soak in the VIP vibe.

Opening directly onto the sands of Jimbaran Bay, cool crowd with its large beachfront pool, glowing fire pits, decadent daybeds and yummy cocktails. It’s a place where you can easily linger from day into night. After all, if it’s good enough for Pink…

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When it comes to Europe’s best attractions, what is your favourite?

Is it Stonehenge, the Eiffel Tour, or the Colosseum? All are magnificent and adored by the masses, and you would think that one of those three would be picked as the continent’s favourite.

However, one surprising attraction has beaten them all in the race to be Europe’s best.

Guinness lovers rejoice, because according to the World Travel Awards – a gala that has annually celebrated the best of travel, tourism and hospitality since 1993 – The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is the leading tourist attraction in Europe.

The tourist hotspot beat some tough, history-rich competition in the likes of Buckingham Palace in London, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Acropolis of Athens.

This isn’t the first time the Storehouse has won the accolade. It triumphed at the same awards back in 2015 and currently ranks as the very best tourist attraction in Ireland overall.

Situated in the heart of Dublin, The Guinness Storehouse celebrates the rich heritage of Ireland’s most famous export. Meanwhile, the city itself is a beacon of history, devilment, and of course, the best of craic.

And it really is a must-visit. Housed in a converted 19th-century brewery building, the seven-story museum offers an immersive journey through the brewing process, from the finest ingredients used to the distinctive brewing techniques that have made Guinness a worldwide phenomenon.

The Storehouse blends tradition and modernity and has to be seen and experienced by those seeking a taste of Irish culture and the unique story behind a globally adored beverage.

Not only can visitors can explore the various interactive exhibits, they can also take a trip up to the famous Gravity Bar at the top, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city while enjoying a complimentary pint of Guinness.

So, all that’s left to do now is book a flight to Dublin and enjoy.

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When I boarded my flight to Paris last week, I was excited for 48 hours in the city of light – no worries, just coffee and croissants.

That is, until I unlocked my phone ready to put it on aeroplane only to see an itch-inducing text from my friend Nile.

‘Mate fyi. Paris has a bed bug epidemic right now,’ he wrote. ‘The Metro is fully infested.’

He wasn’t wrong. Paris has been trying to tackle its bed bug problem since the 1990s, but it has become particularly bad in recent years due to an uptick in travel and bed bugs becoming resistant to pesticides. 

A survey by ANSES, a government agency which assesses health risks, found that one in 10 French households had experienced bedbugs between 2017 and 2022.

I quickly screenshotted Nile’s message and sent it to my friend Becky, who was a few rows down from me on the plane.

‘I’m scared,’ she wrote back.

‘We’re walking everywhere,’ I responded — and that we did.

We hoped that refusing to take the Metro and staying away from super crowded places would be enough to save us from what politicians are calling a ‘scourge’. 

So we walked everywhere – like, 25,000 steps in 30 degree heat everywhere – ate outside and spent the majority of our time in a huge park. 

Reader: I was still bitten.

Perhaps arrogantly, I was convinced we’d made it out unscathed, until I woke up at 3am on my last day with two large, red and extremely itchy bites on my waist. 

‘It’s in your head,’ I told myself, willing myself to go back to sleep and ignore the sensation of tiny legs crawling over my body. 

It wasn’t in my head. But, thankfully for me, I wasn’t heading straight home. Instead, I was catching the 6am Eurostar to Amsterdam. 

I spent the three-hour train ride trying not to scratch my new bites, which were practically glowing they were so red, and telling myself that there’s no way the bed bugs were on the clothes I was wearing and, even if they were, there’s nothing I could do about it anyway.

When I arrived in Amsterdam, I ignored my body’s need for sustenance and speedwalked straight to the nearest laundromat, where I put every single thing I owned in a dryer on high heat, including the clothes on my back. 

Luckily, my plan worked. I managed to escape Paris’ infestation with just two bites, and more than a week later I haven’t had any more.

But the trauma is real: I have no idea when I’ll stop feeling like I have phantom insects crawling all over me.

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A flight attendant has shared some of her biggest passenger pet peeves in a series of viral clips.

Natalie Magee (@yogimagee), who has been working in the industry for the past few years, has revealed on TikTok some of the things people do on planes that bother ‘every’ other flight attendant. 

And some of them might shock you.

The 42-year-old air hostess says bathroom antics are a big one.

She explains in one video: ‘There are so many [pet peeves]. [Such as] when people don’t shut the bathroom door or leave the bathroom a mess.

‘Also when you can hear it flush but not the sink so you know they didn’t wash their hands.

‘And people who take up too much overhead bin space and want to put every jacket and small item in there.’

Others on her list include passengers attempting to smoke vapes or trying to sneak their own booze aboard – or if they are super keen for an alcoholic drink.

Natalie says: ‘Another is people who hit their call buttons right after takeoff to ask for an alcoholic beverage.’

She adds that parents that let their kids run riot is another top pet peeve.

The flight attendant said: ‘I’m also a parent myself, but when people let their kids put stickers on the airplane or draw on it or leave a dirty diaper in the seat back pocket, I’m horrified.’

Natalie also names a few other bad habits, including not wearing headphones during the flight.

She continues: ‘These people expect everyone to be subjected to their music or what they’re watching.

‘Also people who wear backpacks and hit other passengers with it going down the aisle.

‘Not throwing away their trash when we come through and leaving it on the floor.

‘I also get annoyed when people are talking on the phone after we close the main cabin door and won’t shut their phone off or cease their conversation after repeatedly being asked to do so.’

Other bad habits on her list include people going to the toilets barefoot, clipping toe nails on the plane, and leaving sick bags in their seats.

Despite these occurrences, Natalie stresses she does love her job – she simply wishes some people showed a little more respect for plane staff and other passengers.

She adds: ‘Honestly, when people say “thank you” when they are getting off the plane [it is really great]. Or when they take the time to look at us when we are doing the beverage service and say please and thank you, we really appreciate it.

‘We would love it if people treated the space as their home and were tidy and respectful.

‘Also, we know not everyone is travelling for a fun reason. Some people have funerals to attend or going home to take care of a loved one and people are stressed.

‘A little kindness goes a long way.’

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Scots can’t travel without their furry friends, Londoners can’t survive without streaming services, and the Welsh love saunas.

These are just some of the insights from new research by Hilton Hotels monitoring travel trends in the UK.

The hotel business found that travel habits vary depending on which part of the country you’re from.

In a labelled map of the British Isles, Hilton has broken down exactly what Brits want from their travels, depending what part of the country they’re in.

In the North, it was found that Scots were the most likely to take their pets on holiday with them, with one in 10 people from Scotland choosing pet-friendly breaks.

But while Scots loved their four-legged companions, those in the North East were more concerned about their sea legs, with half of those in the North East specifying that they wanted a hotel with a pool when searching for their next break.

Another demographic that favoured pools are solo travelers, with ‘indoor pools’ being the most popular solo traveling search filter on the Hilton website. And in case you were wondering which area loves solo travelling the most, the answer is Northern Ireland. In fact, a third of them are considering a solo traveling trip in the next years.

Moving towards the East Midlands, this demographic didn’t ask for much from their holidays. In fact, they love where they live so much, 18% of them prioritise staycations when booking a holiday. With nearly one in five East Midlanders preferring staycations, they’re the highest proportion in the UK to do so.

While West Midlanders are less attached to staycations, they are more likely to to book holidays at a shorter notice, which makes them a little more spontaneous.

Those in the East of England were the least attached to social media, with 37% choosing not the post the entire time they’re away, but as a whole, it looks like we’re becoming increasingly attached to our phones: on average, guest data used in Hilton Hotels has increased by 23% since last year, while more than a third of Londoners (38%) used streaming services on holiday.

But while this map has highlighted some regional differences when it comes to our wellness needs, there are also certain facets of the holiday experience that bring us together – like fish fingers.

Across the UK, the top food ordered from Hilton bar menus is the ‘posh fish finger sandwich’ – although local specialities and delicacies also proved to be a top choice for holidaymakers. The only exception to this is the South West, with a third of them favoring locally-sourced food above everything else.

Still, we’re all united in our need for a nice long rest, with spa searches increasing by a whopping 62% compared to last year.

Fish fingers, by the pool, anyone?

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When it comes to exploring a new country, scenic train rides or epic Thelma and Louise-style road trips (minus the ending, of course) might spring to mind.

In fact, it’s easy to assume that highways and train tracks are the only way to soak up a country’s offering and ensure you don’t miss out on more off-the-beaten-track destinations – which typically lie away from popular tourist hotspots.

But there is another way to enjoy, brilliant beaches, dramatic coastlines and charming historical villages – and that’s by boat.

Boat rentals are becoming a more and more popular choice for holidays – whether it be day trips, overnight stays, or week-long adventures.

A boat trip offers the freedom to travel, plus many smaller rental platforms even provide their own local skippers who can share local insights and hotspots, adding a new level of authenticity to your trip.

Not to mention the fact that, with Airbnb now costing more than some hotels, travellers are more vigilant than ever for wallet-friendly accommodation.

And with a place to sleep as well as mode of transport covered, a boat is a two-for-the-price-of one situation.

Take Sicily, for example, since HBO’s White Lotus landed on our screens last year – giving us a taste of the Dolce Vita Sicilian life – interest in the island has soared, and accommodation prices are more competitive as a result.

However, companies like SamBoat, offer a wide range of self-catering vessels, from catamarans and sailboats, to motor boats and yachts – with space for 2 or 20+. Next spring, prices in Italy start from £2,000 for a five-day catamaran voyage for five passengers (with a skipper), so if you’re travelling in a group, it could be a more cost-effective than a hotel.

But this isn’t the only Italian destination gaining traction in this area. This summer, Google searches for ‘Amalfi Coast boat tours’ saw a 5000% surge.

Below are three key reasons why boat rental might convince you to switch up your go-hotel holiday plans…

Escape the hustle and bustle

You only have to look on TikTok to see how crowded popular tourist destinations get. But exploring a country by boat is a fast-track way to escape busy crowds and annoying picture-takers.

Boats offer a peaceful and picturesque alternative, looking both outwards to sea and inwards at stunning landscapes.

Privacy and a personalised itinerary 

Staying on a boat means there’s no need to worry about noisy hotel room neighbours ruining a trip, or being in an Airbnb on a loud street – as you’ll simply have the sun, sea, and sand for company (along with anyone else on your voyage).

What’s more, lots of chartered rentals help you come up with an itinerary that works for your group – be it travelling to quieter beaches, snorkeling in hot spots, or dolphin-watching. The choice is yours.

Local insights

As touched on above, popular boat rental companies have chartered options, which means a local skipper can accompany you on your trip, should you wish.

Not only can they take you to more off-the-beaten-track destinations but they can also offer advice, knowledge and history of local areas – far more interesting than a guide book or Google search.

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As October begins, I cannot help but be thankful for our Indian Summer, after several dismal and rainy months.

I know it’s rather British of me to talk about the weather but the recent sunshine has done wonders for my physical and mental health.

As someone who has brittle bones, a collagen deficiency, dexterity issues and metal telescopic rods that run through my legs, sunshine helps soothe my aches and pains.

The boost of vitamin D helps my bone density and, as someone who battles with general anxiety disorder, longer, lighter days help lighten my mood.

Yet, despite knowing all the positives that come from glorious sunshine, I haven’t had a proper holiday in over five years.

Sure, there has been that small technicality of a pandemic, but even before and after that, I haven’t flown off to chill on a beach for ages.

Because, truth be told, I’ve never had a holiday where I’ve felt completely at ease, safe and comfortable.

Holidays are supposed to be a time to unwind and forget your woes. Yet, for me, I’ve always felt on edge, like a burden or struggled in my new environment.

Just to clarify, I’ve always loved the people I’ve been on holiday with, whether that be family or friends, and that’s what has really mattered, spending time with people I love.

However, I wish, just once, that I could take a vacation where I maintain my independence, feel like I’m residing in a home from home and come back feeling replenished and rejuvenated.

Rather than having to worry if my access needs will be met or if insufficient provisions will impact me, and those who are with me.

I cannot remember a holiday where I’ve not struggled even with the basics, like going to the bathroom, or been able to get up stairs and steps without being carried.

Instead, holidays have been filled with inaccessible beaches and coaches. I remember one holiday with my girlfriends, where we had to hire a rather costly accessible minibus to get us from the airport to our hotel instead of using the coach that was provided.

I felt so guilty, especially as I didn’t have the funds to pay for it solo. My friends were happy to chip in, and sure, this is what friends do but I couldn’t help but feel shame.

Holidays can be stressful for anyone – delayed flights, lost baggage, kids squabbling or catching a tummy bug.

However, when you have a disability, there is so much more to plan and navigate, that sometimes you think, why bother?

There is something undignified about being on your period and having your male friend helping you on and off the loo

As someone who has a condition where broken bones can happen often, I never travel anywhere without travel insurance.

But just having the diagnosis of brittle bones excludes me for many travel insurance brokers. And the ones that do accept my diagnosis charge a premium. On one occasion, I paid almost as much in insurance for a two-week trip to Mexico than the flight itself.

The view of someone having a disability being more high risk always seems unfair to me.

If, like me, you know the risks of your condition, you go above and beyond to safeguard against them on holiday.

I would, therefore, argue anyone – irrespective of their circumstances – going on a holiday, where alcohol and water, or balconies, are involved, should have to pay a premium.

Then there is the issue of travel itself. Given the fact that I cannot walk, I cannot travel independently on a flight. I always need to be accompanied.

This wasn’t such a big deal when I was younger travelling with family, or in college years when I went away with my girlfriends. But now I’m in my 30s, most of my friends have families and understandably go away with them.

I could pay for a private support assistant but having to fork out for 24-hour support would be an enormous cost.

Not to mention the risks to your mobility equipment – roughly 29 wheelchairs are broken each day by airlines.

On a trip to Morocco, the airline lost the seat cushion of my manual chair. No big deal, it’s only a cushion, right? Wrong. My cushion was made to measure, designed to breath and avoid pressure sores.

I spent most of that particular holiday physically uncomfortable and the makeshift cushion we’d fashioned was too low for me to propel my chair, so I needed to be pushed around, completely halting my ability to do even the simplest of tasks.

Thankfully, I got my cushion back after a few days, but it really impacted my holiday.

When you have a disability, your home is your sanctuary.

Everything is where it should be so that we can maintain our independence and autonomy, even down to the minute detail of where we keep our phone charger or the string to help open and close doors.

So being in a new environment can really impact us.

I’ve been to hotels that have advertised as accessible, yet I still cannot get my wheelchair through the bathroom door. Every time I’ve needed to use the toilet or shower, I’ve had to get a friend to carry me, completely eradicating any sense of privacy or autonomy.

Luckily, I’m super close with my friends but there is something undignified about being on your period and having your male friend helping you on and off the loo.

Plus, I don’t want my friends or family to have to come to my aid while we’re on holiday. I want them to relax, in the same way I want to be able to relax.

Disabled people deserve to enjoy their time away. We deserve luxury, we deserve spontaneity, and we deserve to have our needs met, irrespective of where we are.

Finally, things seem to be changing in our favour. Recently I attended a parliamentary event to celebrate the success of the Rights on Flights campaign spearheaded by TV presenter Sophie Morgan.

The campaign shed light on the inaccessibility of airlines and has already assured more accessible air travel – including accessible bathrooms on planes and a prospect of remaining in your own wheelchair on board. 

Of course, disabilities all look and feel different, so I guess there will never be a holiday resort that will tick everyone’s bespoke boxes.

But that doesn’t mean that tourism and leisure facilities can’t go above and beyond to ensure they are catering for the disabled traveller. 

It’s what we deserve.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

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Gatwick airport has seen tons of cancelled flights recently, so it’s no surprise it’s among the worst of Europe’s airports in terms of flight delays.

London Gatwick has seen the second-highest number of delays across the whole of the continent, with over two in five outgoing flights arriving late (41%) at the beginning of August.

Taking the top spot overall though is Frankfurt International Airport, with as many as half (49%) of all flights being delayed. 

Flights comparison site FlightsFinder has looked into the data, finding that London Heathrow is the sixth worst for delays as almost one in three (28%) of its outward planes are late to depart.

More than a third (39%) of flights were delayed at Charles de Gaulle/Roissy CDG, positioning it in third place, closely followed by Paris Orly in fourth place with 38% delayed and Istanbul Airport in fifth with 33%.

It’s not so great at Vienna Int’l and Pôle Caraïbes (PTP) either, both with 26% of flights delayed.

Across the globe, flight delays have hit a 10-year high, according to Flight Aware.

Shahab Siddiqui, CEO of FlightsFinder, said: ‘One of the main reasons why delays are so rife at the minute is that there are simply far more global flights taking off than there have been in the past few years. 2023 has marked the real beginning of travel post-pandemic recovery.

‘They are struggling to hire people fast enough to keep up with demand. While flight timetables are getting busier and busier, the staff members are only increasing very gradually and unfortunately resulting in large numbers of delays.’

To minimise the negative impact of long delays, Shahab recommends investing in an airport lounge.

‘Passes can be purchased for as little as £20 in some airports. Once in there, you’ll have unlimited access to free food and drinks,’ he said.

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If you want a relaxing holiday, this place may not be the best choice.

For intrepid travellers who don’t mind a trek, though, it’s a chance to see some breathtaking views in a truly unique setting.

Situated at an altitude of 2,835 metres, Gervasutti bivouac is a cabin perched overlooking a magical mountain range in Italy. One small downside, however, is that it takes a gruelling four-and-a-half hour hike to get there.

Visitors have to clamber over glacier-like surfaces, trudge through an icy-cold river and scale a rocky cliff to reach the amazing spaceship-like cabin on Mont Blanc, but will find welcome relief once indoors.

Named after the Italian mountaineer Guisto Gervasutti, who in 1942 became the first to conquer the east face of the Grandes Jorasses, it offers shelter for up to 12 people at a time.

In 2011, the standard mountain hut that stood in its spot was redeveloped into this more modern-looking structure that includes beds, a cooking area, and internet access, all of which are powered by solar panels.

Rather than somewhere you book, the bivouac (a concept that may be familiar with keen climbers) is designed to be a first-come, first-served facility for any adventurers who brave the journey.

It’s also totally free to stay in as it’s self-maintained by guests, making it common practice to turn up, stay, then leave the space clean and tidy for the next set of thrillseekers.

Franky Morgan, 20, decided to visit this one-of-a-kind hideaway while trekking up the Grandes and Petites Jorasses mountains in Italy with two pals as she journeyed through Europe.

Student Franky, from Guildford, Surrey, UK, said: ‘It took us about four and a half hours over some sketchy conditions, but we made sure to stop and take in the amazing view during the trip up.

‘When we got up there, the views were crystal clear; it was breathtaking.’

She decided she wanted to stay at the cabin after a friend sent her a screenshot of the location, but has a few tips for anyone else looking to make the trip.

‘Looking back on the trek up, it would’ve been a much better idea to have crossed the river further down the mountain, as when we did it, we had to go thigh deep through quite an aggressive stream,’ said Franky.

‘Having wet, cold shoes and socks was not ideal, but it’s all part of the journey.’

Once they got there, the trio ‘made some food and played cards all evening, accompanied by a well-earned glass of wine.’

It sounds idyllic, but Franky urges keeping your wits about you on the way back too.

‘The trek down was the hardest part; we woke up to a thick cloud of fog and some bad rain,’ she recalled.

‘We waited as long as we could but had to brave going down the mountain in quite treacherous conditions. Once we finished, we said goodbye, and I relaxed in the van for the rest of the day.’

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I think it’s fair to say that – like others my age – I’d always assumed hopping aboard a cruise would be a holiday reserved for retirement, not as a 28-year-old.

For years cruises have conjured up images in my head of older couples or young families looking for a hassle-free holiday, leaving me questioning if I fit the mould just yet and if I would enjoy this super-sized way of travelling.

Yet Gen Z and millennial holidaymakers are obsessed with these floating cities right now. Videos for #Cruise and #CruiseShip have racked up 153 million views and 156 million views respectively.

After recently spending a week on board Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas ship as it stopped off in Santorini, Mykonos, Kusadasi and Naples (after first setting off from Rome), I can understand why.

After first landing in the Italian capital, it was an hour-long drive to get to the Civitavecchia port terminal, with the anticipation high to see the place I’d be calling home for the next seven nights.

As we approached the nearly 350-metre long and 16 deck high ship, I was astounded at the sheer size of the vessel that was about to set sail.

With a capacity of more than 5,500 passengers, it would be easy to assume that having so many people in one place would feel overwhelming, but instead I quickly discovered that the many bars, restaurants, and seemingly endless activities on board catered for everyone – and was pleasantly surprised there was barely ever a queue in sight.

One of the newest ships of the Royal Caribbean fleet, every whim and desire of passengers has been carefully considered on Odyssey, with a whopping 15 restaurants on board ready to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds.

Across my nights on board, I sampled some of the best sashimi I’d ever tasted at Izumi, had my dinner prepared with a side of a hugely entertaining show by my chef at Teppanyaki, and dove deep down the rabbit hole as the culinary envelope was pushed at the theatrical dining experience of Wonderland.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday sailing through the Mediterranean without a few cocktails by the pool too (for adults also wanting a bit of a respite, the Solarium is reserved for those aged 16 years and over).

From the Lime and Coconut poolside bar, Latin-inspired Boleros, the nautical themed Schooner Bar and even English-style pub Crown & Compass, it was only fair I sampled the tipples at each to determine my favourite (there’s also a Starbucks for those who are pretty particular about their coffee order after a late night).

But for those looking for something a bit outside the box as they decided what to drink, a bar with a difference also drew many in to witness something truly unique.

With just two bartenders on hand no matter how busy the crowds get, no-one seemed to mind when waiting at the Bionic Bar, where the drinks were created by a pair of robots, who could whip up old favourites or allow customers to experiment with a custom cocktail order (despite my best efforts to be creative, I discovered I better leave the mixing up to the experts).

Although I was admittedly a bit uncertain of being on a cruise with kids of all ages (we all know how the rush for loungers has been heating up this summer), there was plenty to keep them occupied too.

From bumper cars, laser tag and an arcade in the SexPlex complex, the young at heart could also be kept busy throughout the day.

But for those with kids, there were also several areas reserved specifically for young children and even teenagers so they could hang out in their own space (leaving parents free to have some solo time on the ship).

For anyone wanting to get the adrenaline pumping, there was also rock climbing, a surf stimulator, and even a skydiving stimulator.

After wondering if I’d ever want to follow through with a plan to skydive ‘one day’, RipCord by iFLY gave me a taste of what it was like to experience freefall – and I was instantly hooked.

When the sun goes down too, there’s no need to retreat to the cabins if you aren’t quite ready to wind down, with several shows being held each night on board (a personal favourite was Showgirl, which paid homage to the iconic siren of the stage) in the theatre, while there were also karaoke competitions, game shows, pub quizzes, movies playing on big screens by the pools and even a casino to capture adult’s attention (a few rounds into roulette I was ready to call it a night though).

There’s also a spa for anyone seeking some rest and relaxation, while several shops catered to those wanting a bit of retail therapy.

While I was equally happy whittling away hours watching the world go by as we sailed in the middle of the ocean or stopped in ports, getting a 360-degree view 100 metres above sea level in the North Star left me in awe as I hopped into a pod and was raised high into the sky on the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship in the world.

When the ship does stop, there’s the option to spend the day at your leisure in the destinations, or sign up to excursions offered by the company, with ones on my trip including a day exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus, a trip to Pompeii or even a tour of the island of Capri.

By the week’s end on Odyssey of the Seas, I’d had the chance to explore every part of the ship that had captured my attention, dined out on delicious dishes, got my blood pumping on adventure activities and explored towns and cities that had been on my bucket list for years.

After first being uncertain whether or not cruising might be for me, my expectations were exceeded, and I can’t wait to pack my bags again.

But first, the difficult decision of what ship and destinations stand out the most must be made…

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With so many Wonders of the World, stunning beaches, and iconic landmarks to explore, it feels like our travel bucket lists are constantly getting longer.

So how can we whittle down the very best of the best?

Luxury travel company Kuoni recently carried out a study to rank the world’s best bucket list places to visit, by scouring Google search data for 119 experiences across 219 countries.

This is the first time the company have collated the list and, reflecting on it, senior program manager Sheena Paton said: ‘We’ve previously created travel stories that have analysed the demand for different locations or the best landmarks to visit, but this unique study looks at every country’s most popular bucket list item.

‘We were intrigued to see how this might vary from country to country and which experiences would come out on top, so we decided to do this study to reveal what travellers around the world want to experience.’

Coming in first place is visiting the Maldives, topping the list for 121 countries – which is hardly surprising considering its picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Next up is Niagara Falls – on the Canadian and American border – which receives an impressive amount of searches each year, as people hope to get up close to the three waterfalls.

In third place is a cultural experience – seeing the Mona Lisa, in Paris. Every year, around 10 million people visit the Louvre to admire this iconic Leonardo da Vinci painting – and this popularity is clear through its global ranking.

Elsewhere, the United States has an impressive six places on the top 20 – making it the country with the most locations on the list.

US spots making an appearance in the worldwide roundup include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the White House and Yosemite National Park.

You can find the full top 20 below…

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Among the shadows of the palms, in the shade of Le Morne mountain I stand, feet equally spaced, knees slightly bent, arms in a ‘v’ shape, every ounce of my focus on the small, yellow ball in the manicured grass before me.

I am at Paradis Golf Club in Mauritius, attempting to ruin a good walk, to learn the sport of kings, to play the gentleman’s game – in short, to try golf for the first time.

I’d been musing on taking up golf for a while. As someone who isn’t super active, but up for a challenge, I was keen to give it a go. It’s more sociable than a run or swim, more achievable than a HIIT class and more practical than attempting yoga or Pilates with big boobs. Not to mention, it also appealed to my competitive side.

It’s safe to say I had assumed I’d play my first game on some dreary, rain-soaked UK course, so was delighted to tee off beneath blue skies, surrounded by flame trees, date trees and cheerful Golden Trumpets (yellow flowers also known as allamandas) at the Paradis Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72, championship course.

‘If you are stable you can do it. Without the stability you can’t.’ This is the first piece of golf wisdom imparted by my teacher, Hans Jeewajee, who’s played for 25 years, trained in France and has taught for 15.

The golf pro, who grew up in La Gaulette, discovered his natural talent and love for the game aged just 11 when a caddy brought a nine-iron, some golf balls and tees to the village. After hitting balls into a sugar cane field, he’d found his calling.

Our lesson is a crash course in the technical side of the game, from the difference between a putter and an iron (one for short distances, the other long, “with a putter we roll the ball, with an iron we chip the ball”) to all things angles and acronyms. Chip means hitting the ball and the ground.

I learn that being short and chubby is no golf handicap and my naturally good balance is an advantage. I also, unexpectedly, discover the therapeutic aspect of the game – for an hour my mind is clear of everything but position, grip, alignment (PGA) and my ambitions start and end with hearing the satisfying ‘thwok’ as a ball is sent hurtling out over the green.

While I don’t get a hole in one this time I take away an appreciation of the patience and skill required for this, and a plan to hit the golf clubs back home.

Of course, back home you can’t usually play golf in the morning and swim with dolphins in the afternoon. Luckily for me, my hotel organises both on a daily basis.

I am staying at Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, where guests whizz about its facilities and to activities at neighbouring hotel Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa in breezy little chauffered carts.

Off the beach at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa I spend a magical few hours on a boat following spinner dolphins – watching them leap and live up to their name before plopping into the water and swimming beside them myself. Swimming with dolphins is just as magical as everyone says but my number one tip even for strong swimmers is to wear flippers because, wow, they are fast. (My second tip is to buy ocean-safe sunblock and remember to reapply it after your swim).

At Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, unforgettable activities include dawn swims in the tranquil swimming pool, just a minute’s walk from the rooms, and a massage at the hotel’s peaceful, palm-sheltered spa.

If golf isn’t energetic enough, other activities range from tennis to mountain biking. At Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort and Spa, guests can try their hand at an extensive range of watersports including sailing hobie cats, kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing or stand-up paddle boarding – all great fun but unlikely to top the dolphin trip.

I discover one of the best beaches in Mauritius, La Cuvette, during my stay at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, in the north of the island. With soft sands and waves calm as a millpond during my visit it would be a great place for all ages and abilities to swim. It is known for being so still, locals liken it to a bath.

Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury is right beside this bath-like beach, offering impressive wine-paired meals, yoga classes and a large spa. The smart hotel has hosted celebrities, politicians and royals from Anne Hathaway to Queen Elizabeth II. I enjoyed the early morning exercise class here – usually on the beach but relegated to the air-conditioned gym due to rain when I stayed. The hour-long ‘muscles awakening’ at 8am might not be everyone’s idea of holiday fun but, as a morning person, I loved the combination of stretching, breathing and dancing about to Abba. And it leaves me with plenty of energy to get in the swing of things.

Back at Paradis Golf Club, before saying goodbye, golf manager Mario Desvaux de Marigny takes me on a whistle-stop tour of the whole course and its appeal. Not that I need convincing. The blue skies, the palm trees, it really is Paradis. Unless, of course, a shot goes amiss. ‘We have the sea over there,’ he deadpans. ‘You can’t play if you hit the ball there.’

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Every seasoned traveller has their own tricks for making the most of their trips, from using comparison sites to packing light.

Insider information is always welcome, though, and workers throughout the hospitality and tourism industry have plenty of trade secrets to spill.

Travel firm eShores spoke to hotel staff including waitresses, chefs, receptionists and cleaners to get their top five tips for enjoying your stay.

You want a holiday to be unforgettable for the right reasons, so take their advice on board before you next check in.

Always check the kettle in your room

According to staff, who wish to remain anonymous, you should double-check everything you drink in a hotel room.

Occupants have been known to add unmentionables into kettles – an item not checked daily by housekeeping – so it’s best to save boiling until you’ve checked inside unless you want a nasty surprise.

And mini bars aren’t safe, either. One hotel worker recalls a guest urinating into a bottle from the mini bar and replacing the cap, only to be discovered when the next guest arrived and tried to take a drink.

With that in mind, you should ensure no seals on items have been broken before consuming. It’s better to be safe than sorry after all.

Don’t check in late

Receptionists who took part in the research admitted many budget hotels purposely overbook rooms to maximise profits, based on the assumption that some guests won’t show up. If they end up with too many people checking in, they’ll move you to another nearby hotel and cover taxi costs – but this is obviously a significant inconvenience.

This system usually impacts the guests who are last to arrive. So, if you’re heading to an evening show or event and are thinking of checking in afterwards, perhaps reconsider your plans.

Flush on arrival

If you’re heading to a hotel in a hotter climate, hotel staff have one key piece of advice: flush the toilet when you first get to your room after check-in, or when returning after a day out. In warm locations, the toilet bowl and under the seat make perfect hiding spots for creepy crawlies, especially spiders. Unless you want to risk an unpleasant shock, don’t sit down without flushing first!

Avoid the cooked breakfast if you’revegetarian

The breakfast buffet at hotels can be a welcome option if you don’t want to roll too far out of bed in the morning. But for vegans and vegetarians, it’s often best to give it a miss.

Staff revealed that cross-contamination can be rife during the breakfast rush, and say they’ve seen veggie items such as tomatoes and eggs (which you’d think are safe for non meat-eaters) cooked on trays covered in bacon grease.

Additionally, the tongs guests use to serve themselves can get mixed up, meaning you could end up inadvertently consuming meat. Stick to the continental if you’re unsure.

Wipe down bedside drawers

For most hotels, particularly budget options, housekeeping will do a quick turnover of the room between guests. This includes cleaning surfaces, hoovering and changing bedding, but they often must be in and out within fifteen minutes, so wardrobes or drawers aren’t cleaned every time.

Hotel cleaners claim intimate items are some of the most common things left behind in rooms, usually in the bedside drawer, so giving them a quick wipe down helps give you peace of mind.

Anti-bacterial spray or wipes tend to be a good idea regardless, and thankfully won’t take up too much room in your luggage.

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With great food, fun festivities, and sometimes the odd bit of snow, a winter getaway doesn’t get much better than a European Christmas market break. 

And with December less than two months away, now is the time to start planning one.

Europe has some of the best Christmas markets out there, filled with traditional food, drink, games, gifts, and souvenirs.

Whether you want a slice of tradition in historical Salzburg, a taste of Gløgg at Copenhagen’s Tivoli gardens, or a ride on a gigantic Ferris wheel at Metz’s market – there’s something for everyone.

But with so many different ones to choose from, it can be hard to know which one to pick.

One thing that might affect your trip is the dates, as each European Christmas market varies with timelines.

That’s where travel Instagram account @travel_lisacarty has done the hard work for us and has collated all the different dates for 2023-2024.

She’s rounded up 20 different ones for you to book now – ranking them by her favourites.

However, it’s worth pointing out that the list doesn’t include all of the star players – with the likes of Nuremberg, Salzburg, Frankfurt and Dresden missing from the rankings.

While others have questioned some of the cities that do appear on the list – such as London, Rome and Edinburgh.

One person replied: ‘Absolutely do not go to Dublin market – it’s a joke compared to the proper European markets.’

While another said: ‘Edinburgh markets are awful… just expensive food and drinks, not even typical Christmas vibe/handmade product.’

Nevertheless, for those who want to explore UK Christmas market dates, they can be found below…

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A beach just three hours flight from the UK has been crowned one of the best in Europe.

While you might think of the Algarve in southern Portugal as a popular spot for golfers and retirees, the location has just been named ‘Europe’s leading beach destination’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards – as it’s fast-becoming a hotspot for all ages.

The Algarve just scooped the award for the tenth time in a row – and it’s worth pointing out that no other destination has won this accolade that many times.

Other top shortlisted beach destinations include: Cannes, France; Corfu, Greece; Costa Navarino, Greece; Mallorca, Spain; Marbella, Spain; Porto Santo Island, Madeira and Sardinia, Italy.

The sunny Algarve is home to more than 100 beaches and boasts around 200 km of stunning coastline.

There are also 88 Blue Flag beaches in this region – one of the largest concentrations of BF titles in Europe. This also means that the Algarve is home to some of the cleanest beaches in the world.

So you can rest safe in the knowledge that your dreamy Insta snaps won’t be ruined by rubbish on the sand or murky-looking water.

Speaking about winning the award, the president of the Algarve Tourism Bureau, André Gomes, said: ‘The Algarve has beaches to suit all tastes. From long, sandy beaches protected by golden cliffs to small bays nestled between rocks and the calm waters of the east coast beaches like Manta Rota and Altura, which are perfect for families.

‘Meanwhile, the west coast beaches of Amado, Bordeira and Monte Clerigo have some of the most scenic and uncrowded in the country and are a go-to destination for surfers. There also famous beach resort towns such as Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura, all with fine beaches.’

If you’re looking for a coastline slightly closer to home, Achmelvich in the Scottish Highlands was named one of the best in the world back in May.

You can find the full list of the world’s top 50 beaches, crowned earlier this year, below…

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