February is a fantastic time to travel, offering a mix of romantic escapes , cultural festivities, and warm-weather getaways. Whether you’re chasing winter adventures or tropical sunshine, these destinations are perfect for February wanderlust.

You've heard of Black Friday? Well Sunshine Saturday, which falls on the first Saturday of January, is often considered the busiest day of the year for holiday bookings. After the festive season’s hustle and bustle, many people start planning their next escape to sunnier shores. For travel enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike, Sunshine Saturday is the perfect day to secure great deals on holidays.

Planning a romantic trip this Valentine's Day? Here's our pick of the most romantic destinations.

As the new year begins, January offers a unique opportunity to explore destinations at their seasonal best. Whether you're chasing winter wonderlands or seeking sunny escapes, these top five destinations promise unforgettable experiences.

Need ideas for what to buy friends and family for Christmas? Check out these amazing ideas.

Looking for something different from your family holiday in 2025? We've got you covered.

As the winter chill really starts to set in across the UK and it seems to get dark earlier by the day, many of us dream of escaping the grey skies for sunnier climes. Luckily, there’s no shortage of warm and inviting destinations just a flight away.

Visiting Disney is a bucket-list experience for many, a place where magic and adventure await at every turn. From the classic attractions to brand new experiences, Disney parks offer something unforgettable for everyone. But with so much to see and do, planning a trip to Disney can feel overwhelming. Here’s our tips to help you make the most of your visit if you're a first time visitor.

In a world where stress has become a constant companion, finding solace in nature's embrace can be the ultimate remedy to our busy lives. Natural spas offer a harmonious blend of wellness therapies and the healing power of the environment, creating sanctuaries where you can rejuvenate both body and soul. Here’s a journey through some of the best natural spas around the world.

There's nothing quite like visiting a Christmas market in the lead up to Christmas. Here’s a list of some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, renowned for their festive atmosphere, unique crafts, and delightful culinary offerings.

Sustainable travel doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or fun—it’s about making conscious choices that benefit both you and the world around you. Find out how.

When the last of the summer sunshine ebbs away and is replaced with darker evenings and crisper air, it's the perfect time to travel. Gone are the crowds vying for a spot on the beach and the world is blanketed in hues of orange and gold. Here's some of our favourite places to visit in autumn.

It is official Summer 2026 Holidays are now on sale! Jet2Holidays are now on sale for Summer 2026 with TUI to follow on the 17th October 2024. Booking a holiday as far in advance as possible has many advantages You often get the best deals/discounts when booking early as tour operators aim to tempt you into booking your holiday now ready! You can pay a deposit and then spread the cost of the holiday over a longer period of time, meaning that you can budget easier for your next holiday. Booking early means you can book the holiday you want, rather than searching through late availability and hoping that something suits your needs. Sea View & Swim Up Rooms are always the first to get booked up so booking early ensures that you can secure these if they are important to you! Deposits start from as low as £60 per person so why not secure your Summer 2026 holiday today.

Cruising can raise many questions, particularly when it comes to understanding your travel insurance coverage. To help clarify things, we reached out to Leanne Verges, Senior Partnerships Manager at Holiday Extras Travel Insurance. She has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about their cruise cover insurance policies, ensuring you have all the information you need for a smooth and worry-free journey. What Does Cruise Insurance Cover That General Travel Insurance Doesn’t? Many standard travel insurance policies don’t automatically include cover for cruises, making it essential to check this before purchasing a policy. Cruise insurance is specifically designed to address the unique aspects of a cruise holiday, ensuring that all parts of your insurance policy are applicable while you’re onboard. At Holiday Extras, our cruise cover includes several benefits tailored to cruise travel, such as: ● Missed Port Benefit: Compensation if you miss a port, paid per port up to a maximum limit. ● Cabin Confinement Benefit: Coverage if you’re confined to your cabin due to illness, paid per day up to a maximum limit. ● Missed Excursion Cover: Reimbursement for pre-booked excursions missed due to cabin confinement. ● Additional Personal Effects and Baggage: Extra coverage for personal belongings and luggage beyond the standard policy limit. ● Evening Wear Cover: Protection for formal wear, which is often required on cruises. These benefits are designed to provide comprehensive protection tailored to the unique circumstances of a cruise holiday. Are Pre-existing Medical Conditions Covered? Finding suitable travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions can be challenging. The key is finding a provider that offers robust coverage tailored to your individual needs. At Holiday Extras, we consider all medical conditions. Interesting Fact: In a recent survey, we discovered that over 55% of our insurance customers had agreed to the terms and conditions without actually reading them. To address this, we’ve implemented AI technology that engages in meaningful conversations with our customers. This ensures they fully understand their policy and know exactly what they are covered for. Visit SYD on our website to answer all your policy questions https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance/syd.html Why Should Guests Choose Holiday Extras for Their Cruise Cover? Holiday Extras has over 40 years of experience in travel insurance and is featured in the FCA-approved Money Advice Service travel insurance directory. We’ve been recognised as the best insurance provider at the Travel Weekly Globe Awards for the past 15 years and maintain an excellent rating on Trustpilot. Our specially tailored Cruise Insurance product is developed in collaboration with major cruise lines, offering COVID-19 cover as standard on all policies and no upper age limit on single-trip policies. For a seamless and well-informed insurance experience, choose Holiday Extras and travel with confidence. Contact The Holiday Extras team on 0800 083 3551 and be sure to provide your travel agent's referral code when calling.

We've all heard the misconceptions about cruises. Join us as we debunk them.

31.7 million people enjoyed a cruise holiday in 2023. If that doesn't make up your mind about booking a cruise, here's our top 5 reasons to book.

New Travel Requirements for Europe: What You Need to Know As travel continues to evolve, staying informed is more important than ever, especially if you’re planning a trip to Europe. From 2024, there are new requirements that UK travellers need to be aware of before jetting off. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first European adventure, these changes could impact your journey. Introduction of ETIAS: What Is It? The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to launch in 2024. This system will require travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, to obtain travel authorisation before entering European Union (EU) countries within the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a quick and straightforward online authorisation that grants access for short stays in Europe. However, it’s an essential step for anyone planning to visit. How ETIAS Works The ETIAS application is an online process that should only take a few minutes. You’ll be asked to provide details like your passport information, travel plans, and some security questions. Once approved, your authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This authorisation allows multiple trips, so you won’t need to reapply each time you visit Europe during this period. Key Points to Remember - Application Process: The application is quick, but it’s vital to ensure all information is accurate. Any errors could lead to delays or even a denied entry. Costs: The European Union has confirmed that it will cost 7 Euros for the via waiver for British holiday makers Validity: Once approved, ETIAS will cover your travels for three years, making it a convenient solution for frequent travellers. Why These Changes Matter Previously, UK travellers could simply enter the EU with a valid passport. However, with ETIAS, even though it’s not a traditional visa, it adds an extra layer of security and screening. This change is aimed at enhancing safety across Europe by tracking non-EU visitors more effectively. While this is not yet in place, it's really important to stay up to date as it's likely to be in full effect by Spring 2025. All customers that book with our personal travel agents will be kept up to date and will be guided through the process when it comes into effect. How We Can Help Planning a trip is exciting, but it can also be stressful when new regulations come into play. That’s where our expertise comes in. We stay updated on the latest travel news and requirements, so you don’t have to worry about missing crucial information. Whether it’s guiding you through the ETIAS application process when it goes live or ensuring your entire itinerary runs smoothly, we’re here to take the hassle out of your travel planning. Ready to Plan Your European Getaway? With these new travel requirements, it’s more important than ever to have a knowledgeable travel expert by your side. We’re here to help you navigate the changing landscape of travel and make your journey as seamless as possible. Get in touch with us today to start planning your next adventure.

Skiing in Passo Tonale, Italy After taking our kids skiing in Bulgaria for the first time a couple of years ago we decided it was time to get back to the slopes earlier this year and Italy was the destination of choice. We stayed in Hotel Vittoria Sport in Passo Tonale and had an incredible time with the family. Arriving at the hotel we were really pleased with the room we had booked, as a family of four we opted for the family suite which had two rooms. Not only did this mean our kids had their own bedroom but it also allowed for extra space for all of our skiing gear, if you've not skied before then just keep in mind this can take up room, not only in your suitcase but also in your bedroom. The hotel had hooks in the room to hang our salopettes and ski jackets which was great to help them dry out for the next day! The food in the hotel for both breakfast and dinner was fantastic. Breakfast was a buffet whereas the evening meal was a la carte with a good choice of food and while there wasn't a kids menu the hotel were more than accommodating when it came to there picky food needs. The hotels ski lockers were also very good. They were located over the road from the hotel right at the base of the slopes meaning we never had to carry them back and forth. The ski area was brilliant, lots of slopes for beginners and intermediates alike! We didn't get a chance to explore the black runs on this occasion as we had a lot of snow and viability wasn't the best (out of our control) so we didn't want to take the challenge. Our kids spent the mornings in ski school and by the end of the week were really strong and confident when it came to using the lifts and racing down the slopes. They had a great time and have also caught the skiing bug! We enjoyed it that much that we are going to be returning next year as the area had something for everyone to enjoy.

On Thursday we attended Travel Weekly's Agent Achievement Award and to our delight we were awarded a fantastic accolade! Due to the amazing work that our travel agents do on a daily basis we were awarded with the 'One to Watch' award. As a small business who only started 12 months ago we are super proud of this, our travel agents work hard each and everyday to provide the best service for their customers. As a team we have also built amazing strong relationships with our trade partners meaning that we are able to access every holiday type that you can imagine. The Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards are the largest celebration of the travel trade in the UK & Ireland and the highest accolade for travel agencies and agents. The awards are designed to honour those travel agencies and travel agents who truly represent the best of the travel industry and recognise excellence in a range of categories and specialisms. The glittering awards ceremony was held in front of more than 700 guests in London in association with headline sponsor Celestyal, and was hosted by radio and television favourite, Jordan North, alongside Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley. The award winners are selected based on voting by travel industry suppliers including tour operators, airlines, cruise lines and tourist boards, with some categories decided by panels of expert judges. Travel Weekly is the market-leading multimedia company and magazine for the UK travel industry, with a presence in print, online and through a portfolio of events. So what are you waiting for, get in touch with one of our personal travel agents today to find out just how amazing our team truly are!

Trip to Mauritius Well what can I say about Mauritius. It truly took my breath away. If you are looking for an alternative holiday to the Europe, Caribbean or Maldives then Mauritius is an ideal place to do. Unlike the Maldives there is so much to see and do. Whether you are looking to relax on beautiful white sandy beaches, explore the unique culture or doing something full of adrenaline then this is the place to do it all! Here is some information and tips that I learnt on my trip Flights - We flew with Air Mauritius direct which took around 12 hours. Flying overnight was brilliant as it meant no jet lag and it was easier to adjust to the local time (5 hours ahead when I travelled) Things to do - I don't think I scratched the surface of things to do but one of my favourite things we did was the zip wire adventure at La Vallee Des Coluleurs Nature Park. There were also lots of other things to do while you were there also but that is all we had time for that day. Getting up at 6am to swim with Dolphins in the wild was so worth it, this can be easily organised as a boat trip from your hotel so speak with a local tour provider who can help with arrange this while you are in resort. I also highly recommend hiring a car, they drive on the same side as the UK and it gives you the freedom to explore and see things at your pace! Hotels - I was lucky enough to stay in multiple hotels all with Beachcomber Tours. These hotels were just incredible and they all had their unique points, but my favourite out of the 7 that I saw during my stay was Trou Aux Biches. It just had something for everyone and the kids club really blew me away, I know my kids would have an amazing time if they were there with me. Top Tip - As its a tropical island you do get Mosquitos to make sure you take some very good repellent with you, this is something I neglected and did regret! Here is what I usually take away with me - https://amzn.to/3RKYyCp but if you are not the best at remembering to spray all the time then I can recommend these - https://amzn.to/4cEVKid I usually put one on my wrist and one on my ankle just to be sure! Overall its a fantastic island and really does have something for everyone!

Packing for a trip can be stressful, but figuring out what liquids you can bring in your hand luggage can feel especially confusing. The good news is, things are changing at UK airports! Here's what you need to know about the latest rules for liquids in your carry-on. The Old Way (Mostly Gone): Traditionally, travellers faced the infamous 100ml rule. This meant all liquids, gels, and pastes had to be in containers of 100ml or less, stored in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag no bigger than 20cm x 20cm. The New Way (Arriving Gradually): The UK government is phasing out the 100ml rule at airports. This means, for some airports, you might not need to separate liquids in your carry-on anymore! However, it's important to note that not all UK airports have adopted the new rules yet. Here's what you should do before you fly: Check with your airport: The best way to ensure a smooth security check is to visit your departure airport's website and see if they've implemented the new rules. GOV.UK also has a list of airports with the latest information. Be prepared for both scenarios: If you're unsure, it's always safer to pack following the old 100ml rule. That way, you won't be caught off guard if the new system isn't yet in place at your airport. General Tips for Liquids in Carry-On: Pack smart: If you're unsure about a specific item, pack it in your checked luggage. Consider decanting: If you can't bear to part with your favourite toiletries, decant them into travel-sized containers that meet the 100ml limit. Medications and baby food are exempt: Always check with your airline for specific guidelines, but generally, medications and baby food are exempt from the liquid restrictions. However, you may need to declare them at security. Remember : Even with the new rules coming into effect, security checks are still in place. Airport security staff have the final say on what can be brought onboard, so it's always best to pack cautiously and follow their instructions. By staying informed and packing smartly, you can breeze through security and get on with enjoying your travels!

Planning a trip to Europe? If you're a UK passport holder, there's an important rule to be aware of: the 10-year passport rule. This applies to travel to most European Union (EU) countries. What is the 10-year rule? The 10-year rule simply means that your UK passport must meet two criteria for entry into most EU countries: Issued less than 10 years ago: This refers to the date your passport was issued, not the expiry date. Valid for at least 3 months after your departure: Your passport needs to be valid for your entire trip, plus an additional 3 months after your planned departure date. Why is there a 10-year rule? The rule came into effect after the UK left the European Union. Previously, UK travellers could carry over unused months from an old passport to a new one, potentially extending the validity beyond 10 years. This is no longer allowed for EU travel. What are the exceptions? The 10-year rule applies to most EU countries. However, there are a few exceptions: Ireland Iceland Norway Liechtenstein Switzerland How to check if you need a new passport Check the issue date: Look for the date your passport was issued, which is usually printed on the information page. Calculate validity: If your passport was issued more than 10 years before your planned EU travel date, or if it expires less than 3 months after your return, you'll need to renew it. Tips for travellers Renew your passport well in advance: Processing times can vary, so don't wait until the last minute. Double-check entry requirements: While the 10-year rule is standard for most EU countries, it's always best to check the specific entry requirements for your destination country. You can find this information on the government website GOV.UK . By following these tips and being aware of the 10-year rule, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into the EU on your next trip.

Our first Family Cruise - Marella Explorer Being able to cruise the Caribbean has always been a dream holiday to me and this trip really did live up to expectations. I was worried about how my children (both 6 years old) would react to the long flight and staying on a cruise ship but I really had nothing to worry about! On arriving to Barbados everything went really smoothly, one of the best benefits of a fly-cruise with TUI is that you don't have to collect your luggage. It is collected for you and transported to the cruise ship and taken to your cabin so once you check in for your flight in the UK you do not see your luggage again until you get onboard. This might seem daunting but with children it was great as it meant no waiting around and we could start out holiday in the best way possible. We spent seven days onboard the ship and visited 6 different Caribbean islands. This helped me tick off lots of destinations in one trip, it was perfect as my plan is to visit as many countries as possible and cruising is definitely the way forward. Depending on which islands we were visiting also then depended on the activities we got up to, some of the beaches in the Caribbean were just irresistible so we just spent the days relaxing, on other islands we had a bit more of an adventure trekking through the jungles, zip wires and even tubing down the rivers. Having done a number of cruises before (mainly larger ships) my expectations of a smaller ship were quite low but I was pleasantly surprised and overall loved the whole experience. Having the smaller ship meant it was easier to dock at smaller islands rather than having to tender to shore which again was much easier with the kids. If you are thinking about visiting the Caribbean on holiday then I highly recommend thinking about cruising it instead. Waking up at a new Caribbean Island every morning was just fantastic.

Becoming more sustainable and reducing our emissions starts by looking at our everyday actions, and then adapting or changing our habits. This can of course be challenging at the beginning but once we start the ‘sustainability’ journey it becomes easier and easier and best of all rewarding, knowing that we are helping to create a future to be proud of. Most of all it’s important to remember that every little action will help. Here are some of our everyday tips: 1. Reduce your carbon footprint: Minimise your greenhouse gas emissions by conserving energy at home, switching off lights more often and using energy-efficient appliances, insulating your home, and then rethinking your travel habits, like using public transportation or carpooling more often. 2. Conserve water: Be mindful of your water usage by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and watering plants efficiently. Water treatment and distribution require energy, so conserving water indirectly reduces carbon emissions. 3. Adopt sustainable practices: Change your purchasing habits, try to buy less ‘stuff’, recycle and compost to reduce waste, choose reusable products over disposable ones, and opt for environmentally friendly alternatives such as cloth bags instead of plastic bags. 4. Support renewable energy: Transition to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power for your home. If feasible, invest in solar panels or consider supporting renewable energy initiatives in your area. 5. Eat a sustainable diet: Reduce your meat consumption, particularly beef and lamb, as livestock agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet and support local, organic, and sustainably sourced food options. Don’t buy bottled water if tap water is safe to drink in your area. 6. Plant trees and support reforestation efforts: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change. Participate in tree-planting initiatives or support organisations working on reforestation projects. Trees4Travel do a great job at this! 7. Stay informed and spread awareness: Educate yourself about climate change and its impacts. Share your knowledge with others, engage in discussions, and encourage sustainable practices in your community. 8. Advocate for policy changes: Support political leaders and organisations that prioritise climate action. Contact your elected representatives to express your concerns and support policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Remember, individual actions, when combined with collective efforts, can lead to meaningful change. By taking steps to reduce your own impact and inspiring others to do the same, you contribute to the broader movement toward reversing climate change. Here are some top tips to help reduce your travellers’ emissions: 1. Educate yourself and others: To minimise your environmental impact as a travel advisor, start to inspire your clients to make sustainable choices while travelling. Become an ‘Agent of Change’ – and sign up to the TREES4TRAVEL agent program! 2. Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels and accommodations that have sustainability initiatives in place, such as energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and water conservation measures. 2. Pack light: The more weight your traveller carries, the more fuel is consumed during transportation. Ask your travellers to only pack essentials and opt for multi-purpose items to reduce overall luggage weight. 3. Use public transportation or walk: Whenever possible, encourage your traveller to use public transportation like buses, trains, or trams to get around. If the distance is manageable, ask them to consider walking or cycling instead. 5. Avoid single-use plastics: Suggest that your traveller takes toiletries in reusable bottles that they can take home again, plus bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag. It’s much better to refill a water bottle (as long as, the water is safe to drink in the holiday destination) instead of buying plastic bottles and always say no to plastic straws and utensils. 6. Support local businesses: When you can, opt for locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Ask travellers to only purchase locally made gifts and pay a fair price. This helps the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with imported goods. 7. Respect the local environment and culture: Ask your travellers, to be mindful of the local customs, traditions, and the natural environment. Avoid activities that harm wildlife or damage fragile ecosystems - do not buy wildlife products such as ivory, tortoiseshell, coral, shells, and ditch chemical sunscreens for reef-safe options. 8. Conserve water and energy: Be conscious of water and energy usage. Turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving a hotel room, and reuse towels and linens. 9. Go digital: Ask your travellers not to print out travel documents. 4. Compensate carbon emissions: Educate and share carbon emissions information with your travellers and encourage them or maybe you can include this in your offers to compensate or offset any emissions that are difficult to reduce. Trees4Travel translates a whole trip into trees and then backs up every tree with a share of an investment into United Nations Renewable Energy (CER) Carbon Credits, a great way to give back to the planet and people. Remind your travellers that even small actions can make a significant difference and help minimise their environmental footprint.

Our climate is changing and we’re now heating at a rate unprecedented in at least 2000 years (IPCC Report 2022), this is causing extreme weather events because carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, created primarily through the burning of fossil fuels are accumulating in the atmosphere, creating a kind of extra planetary blanket, meaning less heat from the sun can escape back to space. August 2022 was the hottest August recorded in North America and Europe and the second warmest August globally - summer 2023 is already looking like it will be reaching new and even higher records. Our environment, biodiversity, communities, and livelihoods are all being adversely affected through more and more frequent extreme weather events. Although these types of natural disasters have happened before, today climate change is super-sizing them, making them much more dangerous and more damaging. Trees (yes you heard right), can play a vital role in helping to bring back the natural balance to our planet. Trees absorb harmful pollutants and store carbon emissions, then release oxygen into the air. Trees are currently one of our best carbon technologies. There used to be 6 trillion trees on Earth and today only about 3 trillion trees remain - we are losing about 15 billion trees annually and destroying an area of forest the size of a football field every 1.2 seconds - at the current rate of deforestation, the worlds rainforests could completely disappear within 100 years. Deforestation is also the second largest emitter of CO2 at 20%, this is mainly because of land clearing for cattle rearing and agriculture. Scientific research estimates that a worldwide tree planting programme could remove two-thirds of all CO2 emissions - scientists stating that they ‘’know of no other solution that is quantitatively as large in terms of carbon capture’’ Existing forests around the world currently absorb about 30% of annual CO2 emissions and if we restore nature, we could achieve an extra carbon drawdown of 20 to 30% (Dr. Thomas Crowther 2022). Calculations suggest that we still have around 900 million hectares of tree restoration potential in the world which is enough to plant 1.2 trillion trees. We therefore need to protect existing forests and keep restoring those that have been destroyed. Trees are truly critical to the wellbeing of our planet, but ‘’we must remember nature is not just a carbon store. It is the infinite network of ecosystems that are vital to human life.’’ (Thomas Crowther 2022) Forests nurture and improve our soils, act as carbon sinks, clean the air we breathe by absorbing harmful pollutants, provide healthy food, are natural aqueducts helping water quality and provide habitat to 80% of the world’s terrestrial plants and animals. Shockingly, in the last 50 years we have experienced massive loss in biodiversity - the world's wildlife populations have plummeted by more than two-thirds (WWF). Biodiversity includes pollinators such as bees. Bees are one of the world’s species that are vital to the production of food, pollinating around a third of our food. Finally, some 1.6 billion people worldwide depend directly on forests and their biodiversity for food, shelter, energy, medicines, and income. (UN Global Forests Report 2021) Reforestation in those places where we have already lost trees, is the key. Where the conditions are right, we can harness the power of nature to help create a future in which both people and nature can thrive. Natural climate solutions can be effective if the role of local communities as sources of indigenous knowledge is listened to, included, and supported in an integral way in any reforestation project. Only then can we ensure that the forests we grow become permanent and sustainable. There is no doubt that a stable future climate requires revolutions in our energy sector and massive efforts by us all to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So ‘just’ planting trees and continuing business as usual is not a solution, we must use a combination of approaches if we want to help reverse climate change and that includes those all-important trees, but noticing, measuring, reducing our consumption is the first step to reducing emissions, whatever is then left and hard to reduce we should then look at compensating in a meaningful way with high quality carbon offsets.