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This European city offers the best value family holidays

This European city offers the best value family holidays

Times19-07-2025
Once a quiet fishing village nestled between pine-covered hills and the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, Marmaris has grown into one of Turkey's busiest resorts. This summer, the ­bustling port city has claimed the top spot for best-value family holidays for Britons seeking sun, sea and savings.
Thanks to the tumbling Turkish lira, Marmaris is cheaper than anywhere else in Europe, as the pound goes further even as prices continue to rise across the continent.
The total price for a typical daily basket of goods for a family of four in Marmaris, which includes lunch and evening meals, drinks, suncream and bug spray, comes in at £128.99, according to Post Office Travel Money's annual family holiday report. This is nearly half what Britons heading to Ibiza are likely to pay. The Mediterranean island, where beach clubs and cocktails aren't cheap, has again been named the most expensive destination; a day's costs are estimated at £240.
Although local prices in Marmaris have risen since July last year, the continued decline in the lira means British holidaymakers are still getting significantly more for their money. Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office, said: 'British visitors will only have to pay 10 per cent more than a year ago and this increase is much lower than in many other destinations.'
Last year's cheapest destination, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, came in as the second most affordable at £129.47 after prices jumped 17.2 per cent. The Algarve, on Portugal's south coast, claimed third place at £143.56.
Beach Barometer, produced with the travel company Tui, compared costs in 16 European destinations and found prices had risen in 13 since last year.
Plunkett said: 'This makes it important for holidaymakers to do their homework and take enough travel money to cover costs in the resort they are visiting.'
The report also found 78 per cent of British families were planning a trip abroad this year. Many are likely to spend more than planned, as keeping children entertained, including visits to water or theme parks, and beach gear such as buckets and spades, costs £202 on average. Marmaris and Puglia, in Italy, emerged as the cheapest for children's attractions at about £179.
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Molly-Mae Hague jets off to lavish £2k-per-night hotel in Turkey with Tommy Fury and daughter Bambi - after 'out of touch' influencer was blasted for claiming she 'hasn't done one fun thing' all summer
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  • Daily Mail​

Molly-Mae Hague jets off to lavish £2k-per-night hotel in Turkey with Tommy Fury and daughter Bambi - after 'out of touch' influencer was blasted for claiming she 'hasn't done one fun thing' all summer

Molly-Mae Hague looked worlds happier as she enjoyed a £2K-per-night holiday in Turkey with Tommy Fury and daughter Bambi on Sunday, after claiming her summer has been 'no fun' - despite spending much of it abroad. To date, the millionaire Love Island star has spent the warmer months enjoying first class trips to Dubai, Paris, Saint Tropez and Wimbledon 's Centre Court, where she was greeted like Hollywood royalty after being invited by tournament sponsor Evian water. But the evidently hard to please influencer has once again ruffled feathers this week across social media by claiming her summer has, thus far, been boring. 'I haven't socialised once,' she told her older sister Zoe in a recent YouTube vlog. 'I haven't done one social, fun thing... I haven't a life.' However, Molly has now once again jetted off on her seventh holiday of the year, this time to the luxury 5-star Regnum The Crown hotel, which has been 'carefully curated to deliver a true family holiday without compromise.' The TV personality has shared snaps from her current getaway on Instagram, as the family enjoyed the hotel's Aqualantis, the newly unveiled water park. Bikini-clad Molly was seen beaming as Bambi, two, sat on her lap while going down a small water slide, at the Aqualantis which also includes a number of water slides, lazy rivers and an immersive themed zones for hours of entertainment for every age. The family looked happy to be spending quality time together at the celebrity hotspot where Jennifer Lopez recently celebrated her birthday and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and actor husband Jason Statham have also holidayed. Other celebrities who have stayed at the hotel's same hotel group, include Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Jason Derulo and Tom Jones. Molly shared a glimpse at the families huge luxurious room, which is one of 553 spacious suites and private villas at the hotel, as Tommy and Bambi cosied up in bed. The couple also enjoyed a freshly cooked lunch while sitting in a restaurant overlooking the picturesque beach. If Molly and Tommy would like some time alone the hotel also offers 'Bamboo Kids World, a safe, vibrant space where children can explore, learn and create under expert supervision while, parents can enjoy well-earned relaxation, knowing their little ones are in excellent hands.' The mother-of-one looked restless on Thursday as she prepared to board a Jet2 flight with partner Tommy and Bambi after arriving at a busy Manchester Airport. The influencer had her hands full with Bambi's empty pushchair and the family luggage while Tommy walked hand-in-hand with their young daughter. And there wasn't a smile to be seen as she waited at check-in with her family before helpful Jet2 staff came to their assistance. After landing at the Antalya International Airport, Molly only had a twenty minute trip to the hotel which is surrounded by panoramic views of the turquoise Mediterranean. The couple also enjoyed a freshly cooked lunch while sitting in a restaurant overlooking the picturesque beach However, the holiday is the latest in a series of overseas trips for Molly-Mae, but neither the art and architecture of Paris, the sun-kissed glamour of Dubai nor the sweeping Mediterranean coastlines of Saint Tropez have impressed. 'I will get to the end of summer without having done one fun thing,' she moaned while talking to her sister in July. 'Zoe, I haven't socialised once. I am going to get to the end of this summer, I haven't done one social fun thing.' The globe-trotting influencer added: 'I haven't a life. I haven't a life. It's not good. 'It's all kids related, if it's not work and kids I am not doing anything. It's not good. People going for a drink with their friends or to a beer garden. 'Oh my gosh, I don't remember the last time I did my hair and makeup and put an outfit on for something that wasn't work related. 'I don't do anything. Lets normalise it. For the girls that are going to get to the end of summer and not done one fun thing.' However Molly-Mae did accept that her recent trip to Wimbledon, during which she did indeed wear make-up and a £3,000 Dior dress, was a 'fun' occasion. She said: 'No that's a lie because people are going to say "You went to London in your last vlog and had a ball," and I did.' Unsurprisingly, Molly-Mae's latest comments didn't go down well with her two million-plus YouTube subscribers, with many claiming she was 'out of touch', 'tone-deaf' and 'always moaning'. The influencer started strong this summer by signing a seven-figure deal with consumer goods firm Unilever and starring in a new campaign for its detergent brand, Persil and Comfort, in May. She fronted a new 'delicate' fragrance range with her toddler Bambi, who made her campaign debut in a fluffy pink jumper and ballerina tutu. Putting her name behind their 'Heaven Scent' non-bio capsules, fabric conditioner and a scent booster elixir, Molly-Mae said: 'I can be really protective of what I use at home, especially since having Bambi. 'My skin's always been sensitive, so I need products I know are kind to my skin but still leave everything smelling amazing and this range honestly does both.' But it wasn't all work though as Molly-Mae jetted off on her sixth holiday of the year – once again to Dubai. She and Tommy travelled business class to one of the most luxurious hotels in the UAE, the five-star Jumeirah Al Naseem, where rooms cost a whopping £13,897 per night. The hotel has its own private 2km beach, a turtle rehabilitation sanctuary and an infinity pool – which the couple were pictured canoodling in. If that wasn't enough time away from home, that month Molly-Mae also visited private members' club Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds. She's not the first celebrity to be drawn to the £500-a-night retreat, with the Beckhams, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Taylor Swift also fans. Molly-Mae treated herself to a couple of nights in one of the cabins, where members can enjoy spa facilities, country bike rides and tennis. For her final trip in May, she flew on a private jet to Disneyland Paris to celebrate her 26th birthday alongside Tommy, their daughter and some of her best friends. She shared pictures from inside the jet alongside photos complete with birthday cake, balloons and plenty of Minnie Mouse ears. Come June, Molly-Mae told her YouTube followers she was jetting off yet again. First to Germany for two nights for a 'secret project' and then on to the South of France to shoot the summer campaign for her clothing brand Maebe. Basking in the sunshine at a luxury villa in St Tropez, the influencer shared various snaps of herself lounging on sunbeds and dining at luxury restaurants. 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The 47p essential buy mums swear by to prevent your holiday being ruined with tears and tantrums
The 47p essential buy mums swear by to prevent your holiday being ruined with tears and tantrums

The Sun

time9 hours ago

  • The Sun

The 47p essential buy mums swear by to prevent your holiday being ruined with tears and tantrums

THE summer holidays are officially here, which can only mean one thing, a family vacation. While we all love heading abroad to relax by the pool, or spending time on a beachside trip in the UK, it can come with challenges when you have kids to look after. 3 Fortunately, one mum has found a cheap hack that will make it all a little bit easier. We all know that hair easily gets matted in the pool and in the ocean and trying to get it knot-free again for children can lead to tears and tantrums. But one mum has shared a must-have buy that keeps hair from becoming a bird's nest. Taking to social media, the mum was seen putting her daughter's hair up before getting into the ocean. She wrote: "We're at the beach 24/7 and her hair gets tangles so fast!" "Braids don't work for her, they get matted. This is literally the only thing that helps," she captioned the post. The video showed the mum put a hair band in her daughter's hair, but this was no ordinary hairband. Connected to the hair tie was a long fabric braid that she twisted around the ponytail When she got to the end of the ponytail, the braid had a smaller hair tie attached to the bottom to keep it secure. It meant her daughter's hair would securely stay together without moving an inch, preventing matting. 3 3 tips to help you get the cheapest flights when booking holidays "This is hands down the best solution I've found!" she added. So if you're heading to the beach this summer you may want to purchase the travel buy for you and your kids. The best part is that you can buy the rope hair tie for as little as 47p on Shein. The pack costs £1.91 at the moment and comes with four hair ties. The clip which was shared on the mum's TikTok account @ lifeontheisland has gone viral with over 7 million views and people were quick to thank her for the holiday hack. One person wrote: "I'm a full grown adult and might have to buy this for the beach." Another commented: "I once had to chop off my long beautiful hair into a bob as a kid because it got matted from a braid in a beach day. A product like this could have prevented it." Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board. Plan Ahead: Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities. Research kid-friendly attractions and activities. Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children's schedules. Pack Smart: Create a packing checklist to ensure you don't forget essentials. Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained. Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on. Travel Comfort: Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey. Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones. Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep. Stay Organized: Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted. Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder. Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation. Engage and Entertain: Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals. Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums. Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged. Maintain Routine: Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible. Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals. Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children's needs and moods. Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments. Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip. These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories! "I am giving this a try. Always braid the hair of my niece but it never helps. One bit of water and boom... two hours of frustration after the beach," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "That's genius!!!! Braids do not work for my daughter! I've even done multiple braids and they all turned into dreadlocks!" "I'm going to have to try this!! My daughter's hair does the same thing and she ends up looking like she has dreads!' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "This is genius, I need one."

All the big mistakes to avoid at waterparks this summer – from simple slide accidents to forgotten ‘rules'
All the big mistakes to avoid at waterparks this summer – from simple slide accidents to forgotten ‘rules'

The Sun

timea day ago

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All the big mistakes to avoid at waterparks this summer – from simple slide accidents to forgotten ‘rules'

AS WE enter the school summer holidays and warm temperatures continue across the country, knowing how to keep your children safe when at a waterpark is super important. A family expert has warned parents about the common waterpark safety mistakes to make sure you don't get caught out by them. 6 Not crossing your legs on the waterslide Oliver Brendon, family travel expert and CEO of shared how crossing your legs on a waterslide is actually really important. He said: "It might sound like a playground joke, but wedgies on waterslides can actually cause minor injuries. "Children, and adults alike, can end up with painful grazes or cuts from not keeping their legs crossed properly on the way down." Essentially, the speed and pressure of the water can hurt you and leave you feeling uncomfortable for the rest of the day. "To avoid this, it only takes a few seconds to remind your child to cross their legs and hold that position, but it can make all the difference. "It's one of those things you laugh about later, but it's definitely worth preventing in the first place," he added. Don't skip a lost-child plan Taking your children to a waterpark can be a super thrilling day out. However, losing them can turn the day into a nightmare. "With so many people around and lots going on, it's surprisingly easy for children to become separated from their parents at a pool or waterpark," said Oliver. "To avoid it, I suggest families set a clear meeting point as soon as they arrive, somewhere easy to find and explain to kids. I went to France to visit the world's best waterpark "Tell your child that if they lose sight of you, they must go straight to that spot and stay there." This should help reduce panic in the situation, Oliver claims, and it can help provide a calm and simple solution. Don't delay the post-swim rinse A post-swim rinse might be a thing of habit, but did you know this is something you should actually always do? Oliver explained that any chlorine left on a child's skin can be really irritating, especially if your child has sensitive skin. "A quick rinse at the showers near the pool is all it takes to avoid this and it makes a big difference," Oliver explained. "It's a small step that can prevent itching and complaints later in the day." 6 Picking the wrong swimsuit colours There is a lot of research out there about the best colours for children to wear when swimming, but choosing the right colour can make a real impact. Whilst blue and green tend to blend into the water, bright colours like pink and yellow, stand out more clearly. Oliver commented: "As a parent, it gives you a bit of peace of mind knowing your child is easy to spot. "It also really helps lifeguards if they ever need to scan a crowded area." Not explaining water depth zones Different children means different swimming abilities and with this it is important your child understands the depths of the pool you are visiting. "What looks shallow to an adult can feel overwhelming to a child, especially if they're caught off guard," explained Oliver. "Before letting kids loose, I always recommend walking them around the pool or pointing out the depth markers. "Make it clear where the shallow and deeper areas are, and which zones are best for them. "A two-minute chat can stop a panicked moment before it happens." Assuming children remember how to swim from last year's swimming lessons Some parents assume that their kid still knows how to swim, when they actually had their lessons over a year ago. But in reality, children can forget and become less confident as more time passes where they haven't been swimming. Oliver recommended "At the start of a waterpark day, it's worth having a quick refresher in a quieter area, even just getting them to practice kicking or floating. "It boosts their confidence and gives you a better sense of what they can handle." 6 Forgetting suncream reapplication You might think the whole 'wear suncream' phrase has been drilled into your mind by now, but it remains crucial. Often people will start the day by applying suncream and then they will not reapply for the rest of the day. Oliver said: "Between the sun, water, and sweat, it wears off much quicker than people think. "I always advise parents to reapply every 90 minutes and after water rides, even if it says 'water-resistant' on the bottle. "It's a small effort that really pays off in preventing painful sunburn." Overlooking hydration Heading to a waterpark on a baking hot day may feel like the best way to cool down, but staying hydrated i s really important. Oliver warned: "Dehydration can creep up on kids fast, especially in the sun, and headaches and crankiness are early warning signs you need to watch out for." He also recommended carrying a refillable bottle for each child and making sure they take water breaks between each ride. 6 Not checking height and health restrictions If at a waterpark with numerous rides, it is important to remember there might be height and health restrictions. "Ride restrictions aren't just there to be annoying, they're truly designed to keep everyone safe," Oliver shared. "I've seen so many parents plead with ride attendants to let their child on something they're not quite ready for. "It's not worth the risk. Always check height and health rules in advance and manage expectations early on." He added that there are usually plenty of other attractions that are better suited and usually are just as fun. Not tying up long hair For children with long hair, remembering to tie it up can help keep them safe. Oliver warned how loose hair can cover a child's eyes in the water, making it hard for them to see. Or it could even get caught in features of the water park. "A simple ponytail, bun, or swim cap keeps things safer and more comfortable, and saves time untangling it all later," Oliver concluded. Top tips for flying with children FLYING with young children can be stressful, but preparation is key to making the journey easier. Before booking, consider using tools like Expert Flyer to gauge flight busyness, and choose your seats wisely. Bulkhead seats offer space and bassinet access for babies, while the back of the plane is convenient for changing facilities. When packing your carry-on, 'recreate home' by bringing familiar comfort items. A mix of new and old toys, wrapped for surprise, can keep kids entertained. Don't forget pyjamas and a spare change of clothes for accidents. Snacks are also essential. To encourage sleep, consider booking night flights and tiring kids out at the airport. Onboard, blankets can block light, and noise-cancelling headphones can help babies and toddlers with pressure changes. Lavender balm may also aid relaxation. Remember to pack dummies or bottles for babies to help with ear pressure during take-off and landing. Finally, don't hesitate to ask cabin crew for help. They can assist with entertaining children, provide essential supplies, and offer a much-needed break to parents. A Place in the Sun's Laura Hamilton has also revealed her free travel hack to settle small kids on planes. Plus, anyone with a child is urged to check outdated passport rule that could see you turned away from the airport. 6

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