Two toxic WhatsApp words destroyed my holiday with friends. Now I'm desperate for payback over our pricey trip: VICKY REYNAL has the answer
I've booked a hotel with two friends for the bank holiday thinking the cost would split three ways. But my two friends have fallen out and now one of them is not coming. 'L' left the group chat in anger and her last words were 'I'm out'. L has written to me separately to say she has nothing against me, but didn't mention what will happen with her share of the trip. We each booked our own travel, but shouldn't she still pay for her share of the Airbnb
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The Sun
20 minutes ago
- The Sun
Fury as train fares could soar by inflation-busting 5.8% next year despite services getting WORSE
TRAIN passengers could face a 5.8 per cent fares rise next year, even though punctuality is the worst since 2020. It would see the price of a Liverpool-to-Manchester annual flexi ticket jump by £120.30 to £2,195.10. 2 Increases are usually calculated by adding one percentage point to the Retail Price Index figure for inflation — which yesterday hit 4.8 per cent for July. The RPI is calculated by looking at the prices of 700 products and services but also includes mortgage interest payments and council tax. Fare rises could see a Woking-to-London season ticket soar by £247 to £4,507. Meanwhile, punctuality is at its lowest in more than five years. The Office of Rail and Road found trains reached 66.7 per cent of station stops on time in the year to July 19 — the worst since the year to May 2020. Labour is nationalising operators as contracts expire, with South Western Railway and c2c now under public ownership. Ben Plowden of Campaign for Better Transport said: 'The fundamental question for the Government is how to use its role in setting fares policy to deliver a more affordable network and encourage customers.' Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden said: 'Labour's election promises ring hollow as passengers are hit with inflation-busting rises on top of cancelled trains, driver shortages and chaos on the network.' The Department for Transport said an update on fares will be released later this year. Peak rail fares scrapped by John Swinney 2
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
Santorini v Mykonos: which is better?
There's a reason why Santorini and Mykonos are Greece's most celebrated islands. These Cycladic siblings are only 60 miles apart, yet their similarities — direct flights, rocky landscapes, sugar-cube architecture — are much less pronounced than their distinctly different natures. So which one is for you? Santorini's claim to fame is being the ultimate romantic island, thanks to its one-of-a-kind views across the midnight-blue waters of a sea-filled volcano. Mykonos, on the other hand, is more about sandy beaches and a see-and-be-seen, all-summer-long party scene. Whatever kind of holiday you're after — be that a honeymoon, a solo trip, a romantic escape or a knees-up with friends — both islands deliver. Each has beaches (mostly golden in Mykonos, black in Santorini) where family-friendly appeal meets lively beach clubs, and there are fascinating ruins from ancient civilisations to discover. True, Mykonos has more edge, but Santorini wins at wineries — and in terms of dreamy scenery, it's utterly peerless. If you're torn between the two, this guide should help you find your way to whichever one ticks your boxes. And if you still can't decide? No worries: with ferry connections between the two taking only a couple of hours, it's super-straightforward to visit both islands in a single (and incredible) wish-list trip. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Winner Mykonos From a tourism perspective, both islands shut down for the winter; but in the summer months they're positively booming. Though Santorini's selling point is its sweeping volcanic caldera, there are beaches here too, mostly made of black pebbles or sand that shelve into the Aegean Sea, with the biggest and best being the east coast resorts of Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos. A notable exception to the dark-sand rule is Red beach, which sits beneath crimson cliffs and is best accessed by catamaran. In short, the beaches are memorable but not the main attraction. Mykonos, on the other hand, is all about the beach. Beyond a handful of wilder shores such as sleepy Agios Sostis or hidden-away Fokos up in the north, the best beaches are strung along the south. From Platis Gialos to Paradise, laid-back beats drift over the sand, while several (notably Psarou and Super Paradise) have see-and-be-seen beach clubs. Renting loungers and parasols can be shockingly expensive (especially the row nearest the sea); but for sensational swims mixed with all-day buzz, there's nowhere quite like Mykonos. Mykonos is at its loveliest — and most crowd-free — at the end of the season, when the weather remains warm and you'll have many of the beaches to yourself. Visit on a cruise from Athens: Silversea offers stylish autumn sailings that calls at both Mykonos and Santorini, with plenty of time for getting your toes in the sand. Short on time? Take a shorter, scenic cruise in Mykonos, with swimming stops at some of its beaches. • Discover our full guide to Greece Winner Mykonos Mykonos isn't the archipelago's only party hotspot. Santorini's main town, Fira, has a lively summertime bar scene. Things get particularly busy in the early evening, when crowds converge on the rim of the caldera to soak up sunset views. The best spots of all are the bars and restaurants with bijou rooftop terraces; come back later at night and the party vibe spills into the streets. For for a more relaxed experience, head to Oia and aim for Santo Pure or Canaves Epitome, whose sophisticated sunset lounges feel far removed from the hubbub of the village. Sunset is also peak hour at bars on Mykonos, especially in the capital, Mykonos Town. Come early if you want to grab a table at the most popular places along the Little Venice waterfront. It gets crowded, but you'll never forget the views of the landmark windmills bathed in the golden hour's glow. Fancy something less hectic? The open-air bar at Deos Mykonos, a luxurious hilltop hotel with views across town to the windmills, is outstanding. Whichever you choose, remember to pack plenty of stamina: Mykonos Town is an all-nighter kind of place. Winner Santorini Beyond its sunset-facing bars, Fira has plenty of decent restaurants for sampling Greek cuisine (be sure to try fava, a typical mezedakia dip made with Santorini-grown beans). The next villages along the caldera, Firostefani and Imerovigli, also have great spots for dining and are generally more relaxed than Fira. Further round again, the clifftop village of Oia has the most in-demand tables at fine-dining establishments where open-air terraces cascade down the caldera. Among them, the modern Greek cuisine at Adami is a hit. In keeping with its reputation for conspicuous consumption, Mykonos has plenty of fancy restaurants, several with Michelin stars. Fine dining is a feature at the best hotels, but be careful at some of the beach clubs, where prices can be astronomical. Mykonos has some of the most expensive restaurants in Greece, but with more affordable spots in town (Leonidas is a favourite for souvlaki), dining out doesn't need to blow your budget. For a fun but sophisticated supper in a secret garden in Mykonos Town, book ahead at the enduringly popular Interni Restaurant & Bar. Winner It's a tie: both islands have brilliant hotels Santorini's signature is its cave-house architecture. Carved into the cliffs' softer layers, many are now luxury hotels with rooms and suites (often with private plunge pools) facing out across the flooded caldera. They're unique — and the setting is so special that these are among the priciest hotel rooms in Greece. Perivolas in Oia is a standout, as is whiter-than-white Canaves Ena; or try Kivotos in Imerovigli, which goes against the grain with its all-dark interiors. Hotels beyond the crater need to be stunning to draw guests away from those views. Seek out the exceptional Sandblu Resort near Kamari Beach, or the all-villa Santorini Sky in hilltop Pyrgos. Similarly, if you're looking for larger rooms than most cave hotels can accommodate, Santo Pure — on the island's gentler slope yet within walking distance of Oia — is outstanding. Santo Pure offers ample space and a resort-style ambience with sensational sunset views. Read our full review of Santo Pure Read our full review of Canaves Ena Read our full review of Santorini Sky • More great hotels in Santorini Not to be outdone, Mykonos also has plenty of top-notch hotels: and because they're not crowded along a caldera, they tend to offer more in terms of facilities and space. You could choose to stay somewhere close to the action like Theoxenia or Semeli Hotel, both in Mykonos Town; or a five-star retreat above the beach, such as Myconian Ambassador. The once overlooked east coast is becoming increasingly popular; a chic option here is Numo Mykonos, near Kalafatis beach. Alternatively, shun the crowds altogether at super-stylish the Wild Hotel by Interni, which epitomises bohemian chic and sits above its own private cove. You'll love the laid-back vibes and breeze-free beach at the Wild, near Agia Anna. Read our full review of the Wild Hotel by Interni • More great hotels in Mykonos Winner Santorini Sunset is a highlight when you visit Santorini, whether it's viewed from an Oia hotel suite's pool, a cliff-edge Imerovigli restaurant or even at sea on a sunset cruise; but there's much more to do here besides. A vineyard tour will uncover the secrets of Santorini's assyrtiko grapes; the hike along the crater from Fira to Oia is fantastic; or check out Akrotiri, an ancient settlement that, like Pompeii, was smothered by volcanic ash. Tour the site, then see its treasures in Fira's archaeological museum. Sunsets are just as spectacular in Mykonos; favourite spots to watch them include Mykonos Town's Little Venice and windmills, or the lighthouse at Armenistis. Summer winds bring ideal conditions for kitesurfing, especially at Ftelia and Korfos. There's history on the neighbouring (uninhabited) island of Delos, which makes for delightful day trips; or step back into less ancient times at Rizes, a working farm that serves up homegrown produce. And while those with kids tend to holiday on cheaper isles, the beaches of Mykonos are that bit more family-friendly than Santorini's. Trafalgar's two-week Best of Greece tour takes in the country's most memorable spots, from Athens to historic Meteora. You'll have five days to explore Santorini and Mykonos, staying at stylish boutique hotels. Learn all about (and taste) Santorini's indigenous wines on a half-day tour. • Best things to do in Santorini• Best things to do in Mykonos OK, so both isles are pretty evenly matched in terms of their standout appeal, but if we have to pick an overall winner, there's only one contender. Although Mykonos may be marvellous, next-door Paros is rapidly catching up with its profile and party scene; but Santorini's geographic splendour is impossible to replicate — and that alone is enough to hand it the crown.
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The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
I've worked on over 100 cruises. This is the popular destination I think is overrated
It's one of the most popular cruise destinations on the planet, but for one former cruise ship worker, it all looks a bit "samey." That's the verdict on the Caribbean by Alley Kerr, who has worked on more than 100 cruises as a singer and dancer. The 28-year-old is now urging novice cruise passengers-in-waiting to look beyond the region, famed for its palm-fringed sands. Alley, whose bright, breezy and insightful videos have earned her 307,000 subscribers for her Wanderlust Alley YouTube channel, explained over a Zoom chat with The Independent: "Don't limit your cruise experience to just the Caribbean. When you do, everything kind of looks the same. It's just a bunch of beaches. Which all look the same after a while. "And if that's your cup of tea, perfect. But cruising to me is having access to unique adventures." So what's her destination tip? She said: "My first cruise experience as a passenger was in the Mediterranean and I feel like I was absolutely spoiled. It was incredible. I went to so many different countries along the Mediterranean coast, such as France, Spain, Croatia, Montenegro, Israel, Greece… it was such a crazy experience. "And every place that you go is so different. The culture is so different, the offerings are so different — there's some beach, there's some city, there's some history. It's so eclectic and immersive. "Plus, there's the potential for the Caribbean to be a bit sketchy, but I never felt unsafe in the Mediterranean." Alley also recommended cruising in Asia - having had an "amazing" time on sailings around Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. She acknowledged that some people find globetrotting to far-flung shores nerve-wracking, but pointed out that cruising offers a less daunting way to explore new horizons. The travel guru explained: "If the destination is not in someone's comfort zone, then having that little taste and access with a nice big ship to go back to is super helpful. "It makes sense to me why older demographics enjoy cruises so much. Because they don't have to worry about anything. They get to see a little bit of the world, but without the stress of lugging a backpack around." Alley's cruise ship career was cut short by a back injury. But one thing she doesn't miss is the food. She revealed that: "Sometimes you just get slop — not great quality food. Which can be quite difficult. "On some of the more luxurious ships, the crew members eat better. But the quality of the vegetables is not great. For example, you get the runt of the melon and you're like, 'Does it really make me want to eat fruit? Not really.' "So, everything gets a bit meh and repetitive. But even when there is some good food, the energy of the mess is not super exciting. People don't look forward to it." Alley certainly enjoyed her compensation, though, and the fact that "there's nothing you actually have to pay for", except logging on. "You don't have to pay for rent, your food is free, you have free health insurance,' Alley said. 'You don't have to pay for anything, really, except internet stuff." The lowest earners make around $500 a month, but performers like Alley would start on around $2,000, and could earn a lot more. 'It depends on whether you're a specialty act or a lead, or how long you've been in the company — you get little bumps over time — but I know some people who made over $10,000 a month,' she added. "I think most dancers got hired at around $2,500 per month and most singers somewhere from $3,000 to $3,500. And then in musicals, that bump goes up. "On my first ship, I was a dancer, and then a dancer/vocalist on my second. So, my pay got bumped up to $3,500 from $2,900. "I then became a manager and dance captain and I was in an aerial show. You get paid extra for the different roles. "So, I ended up getting all these extra things tacked on top of my salary and making around $6,000 a month. That's a lot."
