The ultimate family holiday guide: why the Costa Dorada ticks every travel box
The brilliant news? The Costa Dorada (known locally as Costa Daurada) delivers all of this in spades, offering everything from theme parks and waterparks to stunning beaches, picturesque hiking and cycling trails, and incredible historical sites. What's more, with Jet2holidays flying to the Costa Dorada from 12 UK airports and a range of two to five-star accommodation, it's easy to get your family getaway in the bag. Jet2holidays is always giving you more, to help make planning and booking as smooth as possible. That goes for the PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments** option, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage for all the kids' stuff, and return transfers† that are included. Look out for Free Child Places***, while infants under two go free‡.
Here's what to look forward to on your family getaway...
Beach life
With 50 miles of coastline and 26 Blue Flag beaches, families are spoilt for choice when it comes to somewhere to pitch up at with a unicorn-shaped inflatable and a bucket and spade. The stretches of soft sand are long and golden, with safe, calm and shallow waters perfect for little ones. And in many places, water sports and beach activities to suit older children.
Some of the most popular seaside resorts include Salou, which houses the charming Platja Llarga, surrounded by a small pine forest. And there's Cambrils, where you'll find Platja del Cavet, which boasts a water sports school and open water swimming channel. Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja, is known for its nearly two miles of fine, champagne-sand beach, fronted by a long promenade, while Tarragona has a range of fantastic options, including Platja del Miracle in the heart of the city. There, you'll find a great range of bars and restaurants and Platja de la Savinosa, a quieter beach enveloped by imposing cliffs. Many of these can be reached by easy coastal paths.
Park life
Another advantage of the Costa Dorada is its many theme parks and waterparks. For a real all-rounder, head to PortAventura World in Vila-seca, la Pineda Platja, a three-in-one park that's one of Europe's largest. Here you can enjoy everything from thrilling rollercoasters, rides (don't miss Dragon Khan, which reaches over 68 miles per hour) and live entertainment. Then pop your swimmers on to enjoy waterfalls, pools and beaches at Caribe Aquatic Park. After you've had fun splashing around, head to Ferrari Land, which has a range of spectacular attractions that will make you feel like a real F1 driver.
Get even more thrills at nearby Aquopolis Costa Dorada. It has a range of attractions for all ages, from toddler-friendly and gentle – like the Mini-Park playground and Treasure Island – to more high-octane rides, such as the Boomerang, a speedy waterslide. Or there's the Kamikaze that older kids will love. Alternatively, Náutic Park offers a range of fun activities and experiences spanning a coastal area of nearly 60 miles including those in Salou, Cambrils, Vandellós – l'Hospitalet de l'Infant and Mont-roig – Miami Platja. Whether you want to rent a sailing boat for the day, try a water bike or even take part in an escape room on the beach, Nàutic Park has it all.
Finally, Aqualeon, near Tarragona, has plenty of enjoyable rides and slides too. The Rapid River is fun for all the family, where you'll feel like you're gently 'flying' over the water. All the while, the Crazy Race pits you against grown-ups and siblings to see who can get down the slide first. Do you dare to ride the Anaconda? Featuring two intertwined tubes, it's suitable only for the bravest...
Force of nature
Getting the kids out into the fresh air can sometimes feel like a struggle, but when the scenery in the Costa Dorada is this beautiful, nobody will feel it's a hardship. Head inland to the striking Prades Mountains, which has a wealth of hiking and cycling trails in the area. These are filled with quaint villages and jaw-dropping viewpoints, where you can get active, immerse yourself in nature, and explore the distinctive, rocky landscape. Don't miss the Gorgs route, near La Febro, known for its scenic natural pools and waterfalls.
For fascinating grottoes and gorges, head to Serra de Montsant Natural Park, which has dozens of walking trails which offer spectacular views. Back at ground level, in Cambrils, Parc Samà is a lovely botanical garden where kids will enjoy visiting the aviary, filled with exotic birds, as well as looking out for the deer, pheasants and peacocks which also call this place home.
Culture-seekers
With its rich history, there are stacks of captivating sights in the Costa Dorada that will grab your kids' imaginations. Take them back to Roman times at archaeological sites, such as the amphitheatre of Tarragona; it was used for fights between wild beasts, races and gladiatorial combat. All these are brought excitingly to life by guided tours and interactive exhibits. Children will also love walking the Roman walls, and exploring the Circus and Forum, with the open-air setting making for the ultimate mix of education and adventure.
In a quiet spot at the end of a valley, nestled under the Montsant hills, you'll find Cartoixa d'Escaladei (see main image), a 12th-century monastery founded by French monks at a site where a shepherd had dreamt of angels coming down from the sky. Here you can enjoy guided tours around its three cloisters, church and refectory, while learning the history and purpose of each building.
Finally, stoke their creativity with a visit to the Gaudí Centre in Reus, where the architect Antoni Gaudí was born. It offers an interactive and engaging experience that brings his genius to life in a way that appeals to all ages. You'll find real objects related to him, detailed mock-ups of his iconic works, and a special effects room that immerses visitors in his groundbreakingly imaginative world.
With Jet2holidays, it's a doddle to book your family getaway to the Costa Dorada. From a low £60 per person deposit* to PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments**, 22kg baggage for all the kids' stuff to return transfers†, it's all included. Families can make the most of Free Child Places*** and infants under two going free‡. And with flights included and the choice of two to five-star hotels, Jet2holidays is always giving you more. For more Costa Dorada travel inspiration, and to find and book your ultimate family holiday, visit Jet2holidays. Plus, right now, myJet2 members can save £100 per person§ in The Big Jet2 Price Drop (correct at original publish date).
*On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. **Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within ten weeks. ***One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#FCP2025 for further details. †Unless otherwise stated. ‡Applicable for all infants under the age of two years on the date of return. Infants are not entitled to a flight seat (they must be seated with a parent or guardian) or a 22kg baggage allowance. §£100 per person off holidays for myJet2 members departing until 15 November 2026. myJet2 members will need to be logged into their account at the time of booking for the discount to automatically apply. Book online, via our app, through our call centre or with your travel agent. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a free child place. Terms and conditions apply, please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#100APRIL2025 for details.
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Telegraph
17 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The 21 best restaurants in Madrid
Madrid is one of the top gastronomic capitals in Europe, with more and more people going primarily for the food. Classic tapas bars and traditional restaurants are still as popular as ever, with some sticking to the local favourites and others giving a creative twist to their dishes. Get the feel of the city with a tapas crawl in the oldest parts of town below the Plaza Mayor and around Plaza de Santa Ana, then explore the gourmet hubs in and around Ponzano and Ibiza streets. While Madrid is all about spontaneity, you do need to plan ahead and book for popular and fancier places, particularly at weekends. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Madrid. Find out more below, or for more Madrid inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, bars, shops, things to do and things to do for free. Find a restaurant by type: Best all-rounders Best for traditional food Best for cheap eats Best for fine dining Best for walk-ins Best for vegetarians and vegans Best all-rounders Angelita Book ahead at Angelita in Chueca, a gastrobar where the daily-changing menu features the best seasonal produce and more than 50 wines are available by the glass – and also the half glass, so you can try quite a few. Just let the waiters advise you both on what to order and what to drink with it. If you've been disappointed with vegetable dishes in Madrid, a lot of the produce here comes from the owners' farm and is superb quality. After dinner, just slide downstairs to the decadent bar for a classic or creative cocktail – maybe a Chido, a mix of mezcal, cranberry juice and rice vinegar. Bodega de los Secretos You would be very unlikely to stumble upon Bodega de los Secretos by chance, as the restaurant is not only on a quiet side street but is also hidden away in a labyrinth of underground wine cellars that date back to the 17th century. Tables in romantic arched alcoves ensure privacy and there is a great menu of modern Spanish dishes, such as steak from the Pyrenees, rice with prawns and octopus, tuna tataki, and pumpkin ravioli. There are more farflung influences too, such as ceviche with avocado, citrus marinade and mango cream. Murillo Café After walking miles around the Prado, this chic brasserie-style café behind the museum is the perfect place to rest your feet with a coffee – or drop in for breakfast before you start. Snacks include pizzetas with toppings such as ibérico ham or fontina cheese with mushrooms, but you might feel like settling in for a leisurely lunch of tuna tartare with chipotle mayonnaise, goat's cheese, quinoa and lentil salad or a vegetarian burger. If you are really exhausted, order a restorative passionfruit Daquiri to start with. Sunday brunch options include waffles and eggs Benedict. La Casa de Salesas Open all day every day until late, this is a great place to sink into the cool vibe of the Salesas neighbourhood. Kick off with a Bloody Barrio (tequila, tomato juice and a secret spice mix), then go for the grilled avocado with prawns, the oxtail brioche and sliders with Comté. You should also know about the sandwich Salesas, which is a croissant stuffed with chocolate cream and vanilla ice cream. Back to index Best for traditional food Botín According to the Guinness Book of Records, Botín is officially the oldest restaurant in the world. It opened in 1725 and is renowned for its roast suckling pig and lamb, which are cooked over vine shoots in the huge oven that has been there since it opened. Also good are the clams and the baby squid in its own ink. The dining rooms sprawl through the building, from the vaulted cellar to pretty tiled spaces on the upper floors. Unsurprisingly, Botín is very popular with visitors, but eating here is a quintessential Madrid experience so don't let that put you off. Ernest Hemingway fans can ask to sit at his favourite spot. Casa Ciriaco This supremely traditional bar and restaurant, a favourite of politicians, writers, bullfighters and celebrities, has been going for a century and has a rich history – which you can trace by looking at the photographs covering the walls. New owners have barely changed a thing, thank goodness, and Casa Ciriaco has lost nothing of its character. Order the delicious signature dish, gallina a la pepitoria - chicken in almond sauce – and maybe some meatballs. In summer, start with the melon gazpacho. Or just have a draught vermouth or beer in the tiled bar with some croquetas – a good option if you need to recharge your batteries after visiting the Royal Palace. Area: Plaza Mayor Nearest metro: Opera Website: Prices: ££ Reservations: Advisable for restaurant, not required for bar Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio Taberna Los Huevos de Lucio is a traditional tavern run by the younger generation of the family behind the renowned Casa Lucio across the road and is great for either a quick bite at the bar or a proper sit-down meal. Huevos rotos – fried eggs 'broken' over a pile of chips – is the signature dish, as it is in Casa Lucio, and is a must-try in Madrid. Here it's elevated to gourmet heights, with additions such as chistorra sausage or pisto vegetables (like a Spanish ratatouille). The slow-cooked ibérico pork cheeks are fabulous too. Order a few things to share. Taberna La Carmencita La Carmencita, with its tiled walls and zinc bar, opened in 1854 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Madrid – once a favourite of Federico García Lorca and Pablo Neruda. Now in the hands of a dynamic restaurant group with origins in Santander, the menu mixes traditional Madrilenian dishes with specialities from the north of Spain, using a lot of organic produce. Have a vermouth while you look over the menu. The meatballs in amontillado sauce with chips are always a good idea. Area: Chueca Nearest metro: Chueca Website: Price: ££ Reservations: Recommended at weekends. Back to index Best for families Cabreira This tapas bar and restaurant with traditional décor and terrace tables on Plaza Dos de Mayo in the boho Malasaña area is a popular local haunt. Have the patatas a la churri (sautéed potatoes with scrambled egg, onion and garlic), delicate coquina clams, monkfish goujons, fried aubergine with honey and the gambas al ajillo (prawns sizzling in oil with lots of garlic and chilli). Or go for one of the steaks with chips if you're in that sort of mood. The draught beer is excellent here and there is a good range of reasonably-priced wines by the glass or bottle. The friendly waiters speak good English and they open every day with food served all day. Area: Malasaña Nearest metro: Bilbao or Tribunal Website: Prices: £ Reservations: Recommended at weekends Mama Campo On Plaza de Olavide, where there is a playground and a string of bars and restaurants with outdoor tables, Mama Campo is a relaxed, attractive place to eat where they use a lot of organic produce. There are options to suit all ages and tastes – the menu usefully marks dishes for various allergies – including plenty of tasty things to share, burgers (gluten-free available), salads, plant-based choices and great cakes. Area: Chamberí Nearest metro: Iglesia, Quevedo or Bilbao Website: Price: £ Reservations: Not usually needed Villa Verbena On a fine day – of which there are many in Madrid – it is worth venturing across the Manzanares river for a leisurely lunch by the lake in the Casa de Campo park. There's something for everyone on the menu, including tuna and avocado on toast and oxtail cannelloni. The aromas floating from the grill mean you won't be able to resist ordering a plate of sardines, octopus or a steak. The kids will happily tuck into plates of ham croquetas, chicken strips and chips. With plenty of terrace tables and floor-to-ceiling windows inside, you get a good view wherever you sit. Back to index Best for walk ins Taberna La Elisa Taberna La Elisa, decorated with pretty blue and yellow tiles, dates back more than century but is now run by the talented young team behind the highly successful Triciclo restaurant nearby. Here they serve up modern versions of Spanish classics, such as rich oxtail with silky butter beans. Grab a stool or a marble table in the bar or eat in the dining room at the back. The kitchen is open all day and this is a good bet for a late lunch after visiting the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza or Reina Sofia museums. Area: Barrio de las Letras Nearest metro: Antón Martín Website: Prices: £ Reservations: Not required for bar tables but recommended for dining room at weekends Casa Dani The Mercado de La Paz is one of Madrid's smartest food markets with proper stalls where the well-heeled locals shop. Casa Dani is easy to spot as there is usually a bit of a queue – worth joining as it moves fast. This busy bar (with tables too) is famed for making one of the best tortillas in town. Ordering a slice of the golden, gooey potato omelette is a must, but there is a lot more on offer, such as croquetas, cuttlefish, meatballs and tomato and tuna salad. La Dichosa Hidden away on a quiet street in the quietly cool Conde Duque area, local favourite La Dichosa is a laidback bar and restaurant with striking blue, black and white décor where you share plates of croquettes, grilled octopus, baby broad beans with sobrasada sausage, artisan cheeses and charcuterie. There is a changing range of interesting wines by the glass as well as the bottle and a selection of craft beers too – check out the blackboards to see what's on offer or just ask Eva or David behind the bar, who will be happy to advise you. Area: Conde Duque Nearest metro: Plaza de España or Noviciado Website: Prices: ££ Reservations: Not usually necessary, except for dinner at weekends Back to index Best for cheap eats La Sanabresa Madrid's traditional casas de comida (basic restaurants) are dying out, but this jolly, unpretentious place does a roaring trade every day; waiters charge around and old friends are engaged in animated conversations in the gloriously unreconstructed dining room. Come here for a bargain fixed-price lunch after the Prado or Reina Sofía museums. There is plenty to choose from, with no standing on ceremony, and you may well have to wait, but the queue moves quickly. Have a big bowl of soup, aubergine fritters, a salad, roast lamb, spare ribs, meatballs – whatever you fancy basically. Area: Barrio de las Letras Nearest metro: Antón Martín Address: Calle Amor de Dios 12 Website: Prices: £ Reservations: Walk-ins only El Bierzo El Bierzo is a much-loved, family-run place for people who live and work in and around Chueca. Nothing much has changed in the half-century it's been open – unlike the neighbourhood, which has shifted from scruffy to chichi over the years. Come for the set-price, three-course lunch, which features a choice of Spanish classics, usually including a tasty lentil or bean stew to start with and maybe hake and salad or eggs, morcilla sausage and chips for main. There are enough options for vegetarians to put a meal together. Back to index Best for fine dining La Tasquita de Enfrente It is easy to stroll straight past tiny La Tasquita de Enfrente, which is one of Madrid's best restaurants and an unlikely haven of discreet elegance on a boisterous nightlife street. Chef Juanjo López Bedmar has been at the helm for 25 years and creates different dishes every day, depending on the best produce available, drawing on the more than 300 recipes in his repertoire. It is all about clean flavours and inspired combinations here. You can choose from two tasting menus or à la carte. Book well ahead. Ramon Freixa Tradición Ramon Freixa, who had two Michelin stars at his previous Madrid restaurant, has gone back to his roots in 2025 with Tradición, where the emphasis is on the produce. While the menu features traditional Spanish dishes, everything has the exquisite, sensual touch you would expect from one of Spain's most renowned chefs. Share the turbot with pilpil sauce or the lobster with fried eggs and potatoes and you will have a big smile on your faces. The spectacular space screams special occasion – definitely one to dress up for. It's open all day from 1pm, so early dinners are no problem. Corral de la Morería With the renowned chef David García at the helm, the restaurant at this legendary flamenco venue has been awarded a Michelin star. An evening here, in the oldest and most characterful part of Madrid, is really special as it combines enjoying creative cuisine with seeing performances by the top flamenco artists in Spain. For the full Michelin experience, book one of the four tables in the gastronomic dining space. After dinner, you move to a reserved table close to the action when the show starts. Most people eat in the less formal setting of Tablao, the area around the stage. Several fixed-price menus are available, including vegan and gluten free. Back to index Best for vegetarians and vegans El Invernadero Leading chef Rodrigo de la Calle has won a Michelin star at this restaurant where the focus is on creative, plant-based cuisine but meat, fish and dairy also feature on the menu (there are four multi-course, fixed-price options). If you are vegan or have a gluten or other allergy, there is no problem here, but bear in mind that the set menu you choose must be served to everyone on the table. Not cheap, but the food is superb and you will have a truly memorable experience. Zíngara Zíngara is bohemian, fashionable and romantic – and also happens to be vegetarian (with vegan and gluten-free dishes flagged on the menu). Start with one of the legendary cocktails then try the seaweed fritters with almond alioli, the mushroom papillote with Indian spices or the sweet potato noodles with kimchi. Open for dinner only, except at weekends when the decadence begins at 1pm. Low lighting, sumptuous decor and great music create a clubby vibe. Area: Salesas Nearest metro: Chueca or Colón Website: Price: ££ Reservations: Recommended How we choose Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller's taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations. Annie Bennett has been living in Madrid on and off for more than 30 years. She never gets tired of exploring the oldest parts of the Spanish capital and discovering new tapas bars.
The Sun
17 minutes ago
- The Sun
‘Expensive-looking weekend bag at bargain price' goes viral as it's big enough for 2 people & could be a hospital bag
IF you have weekend trips coming up, you may wish to pop to Dunelm. The high street retailer is selling a weekender bag for just £17 and people are saying it has space to fit in enough for two people's clothes. 3 3 A bargain hunter took to Facebook to rave about Dunelm's Cream & Tan Faux Leather Fold Out Holdall Bag, which they hailed as 'huge.' They wrote: 'Found this holdall in DUNELM yesterday and it didn't have a tag. 'I was surprised to find it was only £17 at the till! 'It's huge! Will be able to fit mine and my husband's clothes on for a weekend. 'Tried to show size with my daughter's travel pillow, absolutely worth £17!' Not only is the bag said to be 'huge' - measuring 33cm x 29cm x 54cm - but the shopper also loved the design. They added: 'And it looks lovely and expensive. 'It's a leather like material.' The chic bag has a cream design, with tan straps and gold zips. According to the description it is 'perfect for weekends away' and 'folds out flat'. Dunelm shoppers are scrambling to their local store and their 'massive sale' kicks off with posh glasses for 89p and £8 gadgets to keep the Spring chill out The Dunelm website added: 'This faux leather holdall-style bag is the perfect companion for weekends away. 'With a stylish cream and tan colourway and classic design, this bag screams sophistication.' Many people on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK page seemed impressed at the bargain find. One person said they felt it would make the perfect 'hospital bag'. 3 Another wrote: 'I got this bag on Tuesday, bargain price. Really needed a nice weekender bag.' And a third commented: 'Thank you just ordered!' Originally the bag was priced at £35, but is currently half price in their 50 per cent off sale. It's currently available for Click & Collect, if you wish to order it online. Dunelm's top interior design trends for 2025 Maximalism Maximalism is about unleashing your creativity and bringing joy to everything around you, day in and day out. Bold pattern combinations of florals, checks and geometrics set the tone with a bright joyous colour palette that holds everything together. Don't mistake Maximalism for having loads of stuff, it's about mixing and matching florals, layering key pieces and storytelling throughout your home, and ultimately doing things your own way. Dunelm's new collaboration with Sophie Robinson is all about that. Minimaluxe The interiors world has witnessed the evolution of "minimalism" into a richer, more luxurious iteration. The goal is quiet luxury - simplicity with a sense of sophistication. Minimaluxe focuses on creating spaces that are pared down yet warm, elegant, and inviting. Gloriously tactile textures, in a palette of warm neutrals, with hints of caramel and gold, complete the look. Introducing softer forms and round edges to avoid a space feeling overly stark The Edit Built on the philosophy that having fewer thoughtfully designed and well-made things helps us leave a lighter imprint on the earth. Interior design is shifting to be inspired by the natural world, and all its perfect imperfections. Take Dunelm's The Edited Life collection, it focuses on natural materials like wicker, jute and linens - as well as décor pieces and hand-thrown pottery vessels that feature forms dictated by the artisan's mark. Soft relaxed fabric textures mixed with uneven wood grains help bring this neutral, look together. New Nouveau Blending 19th century inspired maximalism with a contemporary colour palette this collection takes inspiration from the ornamental art form from the Nouveau era. Rich and luxurious, blending a little bit of history with a more modern aesthetic you can mix and layer into your home. Stylised Lily motifs adorn sumptuous textiles and wallpapers mixed with marbling & stained glass vintage style lighting for a vintage inspired look, with a modern twist.
The Sun
17 minutes ago
- The Sun
Travel industry applauds Sun investigation into celeb ‘get rich' scheme pushed by Strictly star… while agents protest
INDEPENDENT travel agency, InteleTravel, is answering questions about their business practices after The Sun's investigation shined a light on the true cost of joining their organisation to sell travel. With glamorous celebrities like Strictly's Vicky Pattison and TOWIE's Jess Wright promoting the scheme on their huge social platforms, it was revealed they could be earning over £200,000 as fans sign up to the scheme. 5 5 However, our report showed that almost 90 per cent of people don't make a single penny working as an Independent Travel Agent (ITA) - with many ending up out of pocket. Those selling travel through the Vicky's Vacay team will almost certainly have signed up with recruitment firm, PlaNet Marketing, who are a separate company to InteleTravel. Even though they are different companies, The Sun could find no way of joining InteleTravel without signing up to PlaNet Marketing and paying an initial fee of £140 and then £30 per month thereafter. Industry experts TTG, have reported that since The Sun called for clarity on how many Brits are affected negatively by joining the scheme, InteleTravel is now reviewing its partnership with the US-headquartered company that recruits agents on its behalf. In our report, we looked at how likely it is for everyday women and fans of these glamourous celebrities to earn money selling holidays to their friends and family for a small commission. Social media messaging flaunting a jet-set lifestyle and ability to 'be your own boss' is rife on platforms like Instagram. And it's not just the celebrities who are at it. Many ITAs who say they make 'big money' from selling travel are, in fact, doing so with an elaborate recreruitment downline. This means anyone they sign up to their 'team' must pay them a commission, as well as the commission to InteleTravel - an ABTA-approved travel agency - on anything they go on to sell. InteleTravel came under criticism as recruiters for the network, appear to approach people, most-often women and mums, on social media. Avoid being ripped off by car hire companies with these four top tips Subtle messaging, which some women who spoke to The Sun allege they are trained for, is used to lure new agents in by telling them a glamorous lifestyle can be achieved while on their family holiday. It's heavily implied that a huge salary can be achieved while being a full-time mum or working in another job. A recruiter told our reporter that she earned £27,000 alongside her full time job in a different sector. Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel's UK and Ireland managing director, insisted the agency's partnership with PlanNet Marketing had 'not run its course' but added: "discussions need to take place". 5 5 Senior industry agents also reacted to the story, calling it 'deeply concerning'. In a article published by trade publication, Travel Weekly, they raised concerns about InteleTravel's recruitment methods and about the impact of the story on the professional reputation of other agents in the sector. Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: 'It's important to remember the vast majority of travel agents across the UK are highly professional and trustworthy". 'Being a travel agent is not a hobby. It should never be treated as a casual side hustle to make some extra money". While marketing consultant Steve Dunne, chief executive of Digital Drums, said such stories 'could push back the reputation of the travel agents a generation'. A number of InteleTravel agents have reacted to our report in defence of InteleTravel. They were keen to tell their followers that agents can 'just sell holidays' and do not have to sign up to be part of the business responsible for the recruitment of other agents. James Pirie-Warsop said: 'I've been with Intele for about two or three years and I'm glad I did [join them]. Yes, there's a multi-level marketing side, but you don't have to do it". Whilst no-one is forced to recruit a 'dream team of travel agents' like Vicky and Jess, official data from the Direct Selling Association reveals that 63 per cent of agents in the sector do go on to build a 'team'. InteleTravel's own figures may differ from the UK wide average, but when asked directlt by The Sun, they declined to comment on the amount their agents earn. 5
