The hidden holiday gems without the tourists
Right now, some of Europe's most famous holiday hotspots are swarming with summer tourists all hoping to see (and snap!) the same sites. But you don't need to brave the crowds to get the best holiday content for your socials; our travel expert Chelsea Dickenson is here with her pick of the hidden holiday gems that will help you avoid the tourist-crush, without missing out on the culture.
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The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
There is a Bali beyond influencer's Instagram reels – and it's far more beautiful
'It's like the Costa del Sol for Australians. You'll hate it.' The response from my friend who lived in Sydney when I told her I was going to Bali was not positive. And to be honest, I wasn't particularly surprised. While I had once dreamed of surfing Bali's legendary breaks and hiking among the island's breathtaking volcanoes, it had steadily slipped down my list of destinations to visit. And it seems that Bali could be losing its sheen for influencers, too. Molly Mae's sister Zoe Rae left the island after just a couple days because it didn't live up to what she saw on Instagram. This was followed by a series of writers, bloggers and journalists jumping in to say that they too had been shocked to see this island presented behind a sheen of social media filters was not, in fact, just sipping smoothies in chic cafes, swings over rice fields and infinity pools spilling onto glorious golden beaches. But should we really be all that surprised? This is an island overwhelmed by the number of visitors who have poured in, attracted by its staggering natural beauty, spirituality and hospitality. Without an effective plan to control the surge in tourists, the island has struggled to keep up with the sheer volume, putting a strain on infrastructure, including water supply, waste management and roads. While an economic blessing for some, tourism has been a nightmare for others – drawing local people away from their homes to the visitor hotspots and creating a sense of resentment thanks to several high profile incidents of culturally insensitive tourists disrespecting traditional values and religion. This was something I felt as I travelled through Bali myself last November. The heart-aching beauty of watching the sun rise over Mount Batur was somewhat tempered by the hundreds of other tourists who had the same idea that morning; the party-like atmosphere, the plastic bottles that littered the trails, and the buzz of a drone flying overhead. The streets of Ubud were choked with traffic, and during my morning run through Denpasar I kicked aside rusted beer cans and broken flip-flops while tourists ate avocado toast in hotels along the promenade. So I ditched the beaches, and headed up into the hills. I was travelling with the travel company Intrepid, which is working with the local communities in Sibetan Village – a rural region on the east of the island that's home to around 10,000 people – to create a responsible form of tourism. Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, Intrepid's general manager for Indonesia, explains to me that this type of trip allows travellers to see a whole new side of Bali while also supporting those who live there. He explains: 'Bali is a lot more than its beaches and tourist hotspots, and by staying with local families in Sibetan our travellers can really immerse themselves in Balinese culture and life. They're also directly supporting community-based tourism that creates jobs and sustains the local economy. 'It's not only a more meaningful way to experience Bali but has a positive impact on a local community too.' Homestays mean that the village is not encouraged to build hotels or bring in chain restaurants or shops, which allows the community to maintain their way of life. We wound our way through the mountain roads to the small sub village of Banjar Dinas Dukuh in Sibetan, which is best known for farming salak, a fruit with a distinctive snakeskin texture that's both sweet and acidic. Sibetan previously relied solely on farming for an income, and the population declined steeply as young people moved away to seek opportunities in the tourism industry. This was often in hotels on more developed parts of the island, and sometimes on cruise ships. The arrival of Intrepid's community project in 2023 has encouraged more people to stay in the village. They can now find jobs with a sustainable income by hosting, guiding and organising the tours. We arrive at the community hall in the centre of the village. While walking through the streets, dogs trot along beside us, while local people poke their heads out from their homes and greet our small group. The night is spent at the home of Ni Nengah Armini (Nengah) and I Komang Ada Saputra (Komang), along with their teenage daughter and multiple dogs and cats who mill around in the yard as we arrive. The rooms are simple but spotlessly clean, with crisp white sheets, powerful fans and remarkably strong wifi. This is a quiet village, but there's plenty for tourists to do during a short stay. Local tour guides I Wayan Septiawan (Wayan) and I Gede Aditya Permana Putra (Adit) show us around; we see the temple (guests are asked to respect local traditions and not to go inside), receive a lesson on traditional Balinese Gamelon instruments, have a go at basket weaving with some of the local women, and visit the salak plantation, which has been the lifeblood of the community for generations. Food is simple, fresh and prepared by local people: Wayan and Adit gleefully show us the selection of (rather strong) salak fruit wine made in the village. Made Sukman is part of the team who organises these visits to Sibetan. He grew up in the village but tells me that he initially moved away to work in hotels and on cruise ships, before returning to work for Intrepid. He explains how the income generated is shared among the community; although there are just eight host families, there are 121 families in the village, and the project has been designed to benefit them all. Among other things, the tourism revenue has been used to bring a dance teacher to the local school and to set up a plastic recycling programme. That night, after dinner at a local restaurant just outside the village, I stand on Pemukuran Hill and look out over the lush green canopy that stretches to the ocean in the distance. Down there is where you might find the Bali of TikiTok and Instagram – with the infinity pools, yoga studios and beauty salons; where influencers pose by Buddha statues, order iced matcha lattes and film reels of themselves at bougie brunches. But up here in Sibetan Village, it feels a world away. Admittedly, this isn't the sort of travel that would suit everyone. Zoe Rae's sister would undoubtedly baulk at the lack of AC, the steep climb from the house into the village, and the cockerel who acted as a (very) early alarm call. But maybe this is the real beauty of Bali, and it's about time that we start looking at this enchanting island in a different way. Beyond the beaches, there's a whole other Bali worth visiting – and I believe it's far better. Annabel was travelling in Bali as a guest of Intrepid Travel.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
Molly-Mae accused of ‘always moaning' as she claims not to have done ‘one fun thing' this summer despite holidays
MOLLY-MAE Hague has been accused of "moaning" about her luxury jet-setting lifestyle after three holidays this year. The influencer, 26, told fans on her latest vlog that she's not done one "fun thing" this summer. 7 7 7 7 But some fans were left open-mouthed as she failed to acknowledge her no expense spared getaways to Dubai, Disneyland and Budapest, while claiming she has "no life". Molly said: "I said to a friend the other day, that I'm going to make it to the end of summer having not done one fun thing." Speaking to her sister, she said: "Zoe, I haven't socialised once. I'm going to get to the end of this summer having not done one social fun thing. "I haven't a life. That's not good is it. "Summer will end and I've not done one fun social thing." Molly went on to say that she's not put makeup on or dressed up for a night out with her friends in ages. But her followers were quick to hit out at the star for taking her luxury lifestyle for advantage. One wrote: "I like Molly but she does complain." A second posted: "Wimbledon, lunches, Spain, Dubai, France, Centre Parcs... let's normalise that." Someone else commented: "This was so jarring because she can casually spend 6k in Dior on an outfit to log to Wimbledon then complains she has no time for herself. "'No life', when she has a better life than 99.9 per cent of girls/mums her age," a fourth said. "She's been to Dubai three times this year," this person said. This follower posted: "She's on holiday every month, she was just at Wimbledon. She was at Estelle Manor Spa." While another noted: "She's a millionaire, she can literally wake up tomorrow and do whatever the hell she wants." This annoyed viewer asked: "Why does she always want us to feel sorry for her?" It comes after the influencer traveled to the UAE in March with their two-year-old daughter, Bambi, and praised the destination as their "happy place". Tommy was spotted at the airport with them, and the pair shared nearly identical snaps from the same resort. In April, Tommy splurged on a luxury stay in Budapest as he prepared for his first fight since defeating KSI in October 2023. They stayed at The Pullman, a five-star hotel with luxurious amenities, including a gym, restaurant, and bar. The hotel's most expensive suite, which boasts a spiral staircase, is believed to cost at least £500 a night. In May, Molly-Mae and Tommy took Bambi to Disneyland Paris. Molly-Mae gave fans a glimpse into the lavish getaway - complete with champagne on board and a Mickey Mouse cake. The former Love Islander also took a trip to St Moriz in Switzerland in January for a luxurious "work trip". Taking to Instagram, she shared several clips and photos from her stay at the posh Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, where rooms go for around £1,500 a night. 7 7
Metro
6 days ago
- Metro
Our Travel Editors' picks of underrated destinations in the easyJet summer 2026
EasyJet has launched its big summer 2026 sale, and the team at Metro Travel is here to help you get the most bang for your buck. From sun-soaked beaches to ancient Old Towns, there are destinations to suit every kind of traveller. And, for a limited time, you can lock in your next holiday by paying a £60 deposit. Check out our editors' picks of the best and most underrated places on the list. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. For a city break with a difference, Metro's Travel Editor Alice Murphy recommends heading to Belfast. An industrial port with a troubled past, Northern Ireland's capital has pulled off a remarkable transformation into a creative party town. 'There's nowhere better for a night out on the island of Ireland, if you ask me,' says Alice. 'It's been wonderful to watch the creative scene here rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of the Troubles.' Alice says a day is best spent learning the history of Ireland's north on a black cab tour ('the guides are always great craic'), followed by dinner at the Muddler's Club or the Lantern, and a pint at Madden's, the best spot for a proper seisiún (traditional Irish music session). You might even run into the lads from Kneecap, they're regulars. Convinced? Metro found a flight from London Stansted to Belfast on Wednesday, July 1, for £29.99. If you're still looking for a sunny escape, for Alice, it's all about Sardinia. Though it often plays second fiddle to glitzier Sicily, she says this Italian island is home to the most beautiful beaches in Italy. To get the best of Sardinia, Alice advises flying into Olbia, renting a car and taking to the road to explore the extraordinary beauty of the Costa Smerelda (Emerald Coast). 'Every beach is more beautiful than the last: think lunar white sands and dazzling turquoise water,' she says. Alice's advice is to skirt the main cities, as the most breathtaking bits of Sardinia are found in the villages that hug the coast: 'The showstopper for me was Cala Goloritzè and Cala Luna (a quick Insta or Google search will tell you why).' Metro found a week's holiday at the four-star Mangia's Sardinia Resort for £785, down from £1,055 per person, if you travel on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Alice's third and final choice is Corsica, where you can fly to from as little as £72 one-way. She says she was pleasantly surprised to see the French-governed island on the EasyJet roundup. 'Getting to Corsica, which is often referred to as 'France's best kept secret', is usually wildly expensive. So if I were you, I'd seize the moment. I can't recall seeing one-way trips for such a low price before,' says Alice. Moving west, Amanda Cable, Metro's Deputy Features Editor, loves Spanish city Valencia for a city break. She says: 'Refresh with a dive into the sea, before a delicious tapas lunch and a stroll around the Old Town to find some lovely bargains.' If you're looking for a city filled with character, bars and food, nestled on the coastline, Amanda says Valencia is as good as Barcelona, without the crowds. 'We checked into the Novotel Valencia, which has a rooftop pool for luxury at a wallet-friendly price.' On Tuesday, September 1, Metro found a flight from London Gatwick for £67.99. If you're looking for somewhere to while away the days with a good book, Amanda suggests Lake Maggiore in Italy. While Lake Como takes all the glory, she says its lesser-known sibling feels like you're stepping back in time. 'The pretty town of Stresa is a fantastic foodie base, while water taxis whisk you to the stunning islands.' Amanda's favourite was Isola dei Pescatori (Island of the Fishermen). If you feel like exploring further, you can even take a train across the mountains into Switzerland and catch a local ferry back. We've got a handy guide to Ascona, an under-the-radar Swiss border town. Back at base, if your hotel has a swimming pool, make sure to take a dip against the backdrop of towering peaks. Unlike the other package holidays, Lake Maggiore is a little on the pricey end. But, if you have the funds, it's a must-visit. Metro found a five-night stay at the five-star Castello Dal Pozzo for £1,110 per person. The flight leaves from Manchester Airport on Monday, June 1, 2026. Kristina Beanland, Metro's Lifestyle Editor, has a soft spot for Portugal's Algarve, having spent summers there as a child. While it's far from a 'hidden gem', there are a few spots that haven't been spoiled yet. 'Head to the fishing town of Ferragudo, with its quaint harbour and cobbled streets, or hop on a river cruise to Silves, which once served as the capital of the Algarve,' she says. Kristina says you should visit the Monchique mountains and the famous spa village of Caldas, known for its thermal waters. If this sounds like a bit of you, the four-star Hotel PortoBay Falesia has a week-long holiday available from Bristol Airport on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for £885 per person. More of a city breaker? Kristina says you can't go wrong with a trip to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. However, it can be expensive to get there – and with Eurostar yet to release tickets for summer 2026, it makes sense to snap up an Easyjet bargain now. 'If it's culture you're after, there are museums a-plenty from the Rijksmuseum to the, erm, Sex Museum,' says Kristina. Peckish for lunch? Grab a sandwich at Zero Zero or indulge in three courses at the impossibly cool CornerStore. 'And of course, there's always plenty of places to grab a 'coffee.' Fly to the Dutch capital on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from London Southend for £41.99. The 2026 summer sale launched at 9am this morning. You can now book cheap flights between June 15, 2026, and September 13, 2026. Other destinations on the list include hotspots like Amsterdam and Ibiza. For package holidays, the dates extend a little further until October 31, 2026. Destinations include European favourites like Greece, Turkey, and Spain, where holidaymakers can guarantee a good old dose of vitamin D (and sea). If you can't afford to pay for your holiday in full straight away, there's an option to pay in fee-free instalments up to 28 days before departure. The initial £60 per person deposit locks in the price. When browsing for holidays, also look out for other discounts in the package prices. Some include child-free places, where one child can fly and stay for free when travelling with two paying adults. Still not booked your 2025 summer holiday? There's still time to get a good deal this year, too. EasyJet offers promo codes on beach and city holidays. For the former, you can get £100 off when you spend £800–£1,999 using the code SUMMER. If you spend over £2,000, you'll receive a £200 discount with the same code. For city breaks, the code CITY20 gives you £20 off per person. EasyJet uses dynamic pricing, which means prices fluctuate based on demand. More Trending For example, booking a holiday during peak times (or to a popular destination) might incur higher charges than somewhere off the beaten path. Other things to look out for are booking fees. If you're travelling with your family and want to sit together, the most obvious extra cost is seat selection. Additionally, if you don't factor in checked baggage fees from the start, you may end up paying more if you add them later. Finally, if you need to change your flight or booking, charges will be incurred. Before confirming your booking, double-check your dates. Should you need to cancel completely, cancellation policies vary depending on the holiday you book. 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