Latest news with #ElectronicTravelAuthorisation
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘My £19,000 family holiday is in jeopardy because of the Home Office's ETA shambles'
I live in California and have dual UK-US nationality, as do my three teenagers. Me and my husband (who has dual Canadian-US citizenship) have been planning a month-long trip to see family in England for the first time since 2019. Our UK passports expired in 2017, so we booked the flights – and planned to travel – using our US passports (as required under US law). After doing so a few weeks ago, United Airlines informed us that we would need to apply for the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. No problem, we thought. One of the questions on the online ETA form asks applicants whether they hold dual nationality, however, and nowhere in the drop-down menu can you select 'British', nor is there anywhere to type it in. Therefore, unless I falsely claim to have only US citizenship, I cannot obtain one. Having booked the flights within a month of travel – we were awaiting confirmation of work commitments – we have no time to apply for new UK passports (it takes at least four weeks, we have been advised) or a Certificate of Entitlement (which takes up to eight weeks and costs £589 per person). I have spent around 30 hours calling the British Consulate and Embassy in the US, I've called the UK Visas and Immigration agency and used its ETA web chat multiple times, and I've spoken to United Airlines on several occasions. Yet all I'm getting is conflicting advice. While the Home Office website advises dual nationals that we should be allowed to board a plane to the UK without an ETA, I don't want to risk being turned away at Heathrow for either travelling without an ETA, withholding information on my ETA form, or possessing an expired passport. We feel devastated and defeated, with no choice but to cancel our travel to the UK. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we are faced with losing $26,000 (£19,200) in flights, car rental and accommodation and are left wondering why entry for British dual citizens is so much harder than for tourists. I also worry for myself – and others – what would happen if I needed to travel if a family member was sick or dying. - Mary, California I can well understand your frustration. The ETA scheme has been phased in since early January and it appears you are not the only ones to be baffled by the rules – many other dual British nationals are experiencing the same problem. Currently, the UK Home Office seems unable to provide a solution beyond the advice on its ETA Factsheet which states: 'We recommend that all British citizens travel on a valid British passport to avoid unnecessary delays at the border… As an alternative, British dual citizens can evidence their citizenship in another passport by obtaining a certificate of entitlement on However, with just 10 days to go before you travel, obtaining either a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement is, as you say, not an option. I spoke to the Home Office on your behalf and was advised verbally that you should be allowed to board a plane with an expired passport but there was no confirmation that your family would be allowed to enter the UK when you arrived at Heathrow. Of course, without an ETA, you are unable to simply use your US passport upon arriving in Britain as you did the last time you came here in 2019. The ETA factsheet goes on to state: 'We recognise that the introduction of the ETA is a substantial change for British dual citizens of ETA eligible nationalities. In the current transition period, we do not expect carriers to deny boarding to passengers who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.' This would suggest you can enter the UK with your US passport and an expired UK passport, but the Home Office is unwilling to say so on record. Your airline, United, would not confirm to me that you will be allowed to board, and simply referred me back to when I contacted them on your behalf. Scouring blogs, social media forums and media coverage for expatriates in ETA-eligible countries, the situation is being described as 'a shambles' but it appears people facing this quandary are coming to the UK on expired passports or using an ETA and the valid passport they hold for the country where they now live, falsely claiming on the ETA form that they do not have dual citizenship. The latter option – lying on an immigration form – is risky and understandably not one we would condone nor that you wish to pursue, especially with teenagers in tow. There is one last option, and that is to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) for yourself and your three children. While ETDs are not designed for leisure travel, the Home Office told me verbally that if you have held valid UK passports since 2006 (and yours only expired in 2017), then there is no requirement to prove the reason for emergency travel. Applying for an ETD takes 48 hours and may involve an interview with the nearest embassy, but could provide the peace of mind you need to proceed with your desperately longed-for holiday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Time Out Dubai
29-05-2025
- Time Out Dubai
UAE visa-on-arrival countries: 8 countries for UAE residents to visit
Firming up your travel plans? There is never a bad time to look into a holiday and, with Eid Al Adha coming up, it's as good a time as any to look into a quick getaway. And if you're in possession of a UAE residency visa, you can visit nine countries without even having to think about applying for a visa. All you need is yourself, your passport, your residency visa – and maybe a pal and some of your belongings to get to these UAE visa-on-arrival destinations. So, without further ado, these are the countries you can jet off to completely hassle-free: UAE visa-on-arrival for UAE residents Azerbaijan Candy Cane Mountains Azerbaijan (Credit: Canva) Azerbaijan, straddling Europe and Asia, is like a crazy combo of modern and ancient vibes. Baku, the capital, is all about futuristic buildings next to ancient spots like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Sheki's got some mind-blowing palaces, and the mud volcanoes in Gobustan? Pretty incredible. Plus, the food – plov and kebabs that'll make your taste buds party. Note: You can get a month-long tourist visa-on-arrival at the airport with a UAE residency visa. Georgia You can visit Tbilisi for up to 90 days with a visa-on-arrival for UAE residents (Credit: Canva) Georgia is where the old meets the new, and it's like a mix of beautiful landscapes and warm welcomes. Tbilisi's got those cobblestone streets and an arts scene that's off the charts. Check out Mtskheta and Uplistsikhe for a taste of ancient vibes. Oh, and Georgian grape– it's a must-try. Note: You can get a 90-day visa-on-arrival visa if you're a UAE resident, but there are exceptions, including Pakistani nationals. Kenya (Credit: CanvaPro) Kenya recently announced a no-visa policy and started welcoming travellers minus visas. Please note that you do need to get Electronic Travel Authorisation approved at least 72 hours before you arrive. It's where you go for – we know, you know – views of the wildlife, the great Serengeti migration and of course luxury retreats. Note: No visa is needed at all for UAE residents, but you do need an ETA. Maldives (Credit: Supplied) The Maldives is a haven for white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts and turquoise waters. Made up of about 200 inhabited islands and many beautiful resorts, The Maldives is a bucket-list destination for many. Note: A 30-day tourist visa is available on arrival for all nationalities. Nepal (Credit: CanvaPro) Nepal, the Himalayan wonderland, is where majestic peaks meet fantastic art and culture. Kathmandu's temples and markets are a trip and the trekking trails of Annapurna and Everest? Views that'll humble you. Pokhara's lakeside chill is the perfect escape and the momo and dal bhat? Comfort food, Nepali style. Note: You can get either 15, 30 or 90-day visa-on-arrival in Nepal if you're a UAE resident, unless your passport is from these 12 countries. Oman Oman Neighbouring Oman is one of the most stunning places you can visit with abundant natural beauty throughout the land. You can see the stunning Musandam Peninsula and the calm of the Wahiba Sands. Note: UAE residents can get a 30-day visa-on-arrival as long as their UAE residency is valid for the next three months or longer. The GCC Resident visa is dependent on approval of your profession from the Royal Oman Police. Seychelles (Credit: Supplied) One of the most beautiful spots on earth hands down. Mahe's beautiful jungles, while Praslin's Vallée de Mai is like nature's secret garden. La Digue's beaches are straight out of a movie. And Seychellois cuisine? A feast with African, French, and Indian flavours that'll make your taste buds dance. Note: Seychelles is a visa-free country (apart from Kosovo) and you're allowed to get a visitor's permit on arrival provided you have a return ticket, prepaid accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay. Uzbekistan (Credit: CanvaPro) If you are a fan of ancient architecture, you'll enjoy going to Samarkand, a city that once stood on the Silk Route. When here, head to the Registan plaza which is home to three ornate buildings (which also make for great backdrops for photographs). It's also very, very welcoming of tourists so book yourself a homestay, cooking classes or even go yurt camping for an excellent experience. Note: If you have a UAE residency visa you can stay for up to 30 days in Uzbekistan provided your residency visa is valid for at least 90 days after you enter the country. Not travelling? Here's what to do in Dubai The best pool day deals in Dubai Where to get beach and pool access in Dubai New brunches in Dubai: top spots to try From parties to buffets, here's where to check out this weekend Brilliant things to do in Dubai at night What to do once the sun has set in the city
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's Trusted Tour Operator Scheme boosts tourism with over 11 000 new digital visas
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, on Tuesday announced, that through the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) digital platform, 11 144 tourists from China and India obtained digital visas through the scheme in three months. Efforts to boost tourism in South Africa have seen significant gains as the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, on Tuesday announced, that through the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) digital platform, 11 144 tourists from China and India obtained digital visas through the scheme in three months. The department said that the volume of applications grew consistently from an average of 50 per day in March to 135 per day in April and to 210 per day in May thus far. "These are tourists who otherwise would not have come to South Africa, given the challenges previously experienced with obtaining visas for tour groups from China and India," the department stated. The latest research facilitated by Operation Vulindlela showed that one new job is created for every 13 tourists who visit the country, suggesting that TTOS has already created 857 new tourism jobs since February with this one reform alone. Under TTOS, the Department of Home Affairs partnered with 65 tour operators under a risk-sharing model that grants them access to a digital platform to submit and receive visa outcomes for tour groups from China and India. Travellers from these major source markets, home to over 2.8 billion people, previously had to travel great distances to submit paper visa applications, the outcomes for which sometimes only arrived after their planes had already departed. TTOS visas are now consistently delivered digitally through a secure online platform within a matter of hours. Minister Schreiber, who conceptualised the scheme, said, 'It is important to note that TTOS is still just a small-scale proof of concept. But after three months of operation, it is already clear that it has been a resounding success. TTOS has attracted over 11 000 additional tourists in this short time, working with just 65 partners. This amounts to almost a third of all tourists from China who visited South Africa last year. The success of TTOS demonstrates the enormous growth potential that we can unlock by rolling out a digital-only visa platform – not only for group travel from these 65 partners, but for every tourist in the world.' Schreiber further added, 'This is exactly what Home Affairs is building. In addition to shortly announcing a second intake of tour operators to further boost the number of group tours attracted through TTOS, we are on track to deliver a world-class Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system this year. This system will completely digitalise and automate all tourism and short-stay visas, enabling every tourist on earth who wants to visit South Africa to instantly and securely obtain a digital visa. Not only will this eliminate fraud and inefficiency, but, as TTOS demonstrates beyond all doubt, it will amount to the single biggest reform to boost job creation in the tourism sector in decades.' BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The global tourism market is booming – just not in Britain
Globally, tourism is on the up. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), international visitor spending is forecast to reach an historic £1.57 trillion in 2025, surpassing 2019's previous high by £123 billion. The WTTC also reported that people visiting the UK spent £40.3bn in 2024, down 5.3 per cent on 2019. The global tourism body noted that the UK is already 'one of the most expensive destinations in Europe' and the recently introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), lack of VAT-free shopping, growing business taxes, increasing Air Passenger Duty, and cuts of more than 40 per cent to VisitBritain's budget will all hamper growth in 2025. These measures, it claimed, were 'deliberate policy choices' that create 'barriers to travel'. Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO – and a former adviser to Sir Tony Blair when he was prime minister – said: 'Other European countries see the economic value of travel and tourism but in the UK, it's taken for granted. Now the Government is actively damaging growth. 'The government is risking… stagnation and long-term decline, without targeted action and investment. Globally, travellers are spending more than ever before, while other countries are benefitting.' Given the Government's declared commitment to growth, it seems strange that such a valuable sector – before the pandemic, the UK Travel & Tourism sector's contribution to GDP was 9.9 per cent – is being actively shrunk. Is part of the problem the lack of a tourism minister? The current holder of the second-tier ministerial post with responsibility for tourism is Chris Bryant MP, whose full title is 'Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms and Minister of State (Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism)'. On his official home page, 'tourism' is at the bottom of a long list, beneath 'cultural diplomacy and soft power'. He also oversees space stations and rockets. The UK hospitality industry experienced a turbulent final quarter of 2024, with an average of more than eight venues shutting their doors every day. The Hospitality Market Monitor, which tracks data from Britain's licensed hospitality sector, warns of a net loss of nearly 3,000 venues over the course of 2025 if the trend continues. Hoteliers, already facing higher costs and wages, say the Government gives the impression it has no grip on the tourism industry. 'It's still extraordinary to me that a sector of the economy that contributes 10 per cent to GDP is so woefully understood and represented by successive governments,' says Tom Ross, CEO of The Pig chain of hotels. 'Wider political decisions are taken with seemingly little regard for their impact on hospitality, [where] businesses are being treated as ATMs for the Treasury. 'The country requires the Government to show entrepreneurial spirit and agility – as demonstrated by businesses up and down the country every day. As a country we must seize the opportunity to throw our arms wide open and encourage tourists – a warm welcome is quite natural to people in hospitality but apparently less so to those in Whitehall. 'I weep to hear that the marketing budget of Visit Britain has been slashed. In business you cannot cut your way to growth, you must find ways to grow the business to survive. By this measure, the Government is asking the hospitality economy to find ways to grow by increasing National Minimum Wage and National Insurance costs; we have to be innovative or fold under this financial pressure – it is about time the Government demonstrated their ability to do the same. Stimulate demand by affirmative actions, rather than suppressing it with punitive layers of policy.' The Tourism Alliance represents some 70 major organisations, including ABTA, Airports UK, the Bed & Breakfast Association and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) – which itself has 52 members. Richard Toomer, the organisation's executive director, sees a contradiction at the heart of official policy. 'The Government is talking a good game on economic growth in general, and tourism growth in particular, but time after time we have seen policies which are hampering that growth. The imposition of the new ETA for non-visa nationals was a new cost and barrier to travel, and was bad enough, but to hike the fee 60 per cent just as European travellers were needing to apply for it, was staggering. 'We've also seen visa and Air Passenger Duty costs go up and up. And of course the additional taxes and pressures on businesses following last year's Budget have hit our sector, which is so people-dependent, especially hard.' At the end of 2024, Bryant announced a commitment to increasing international visitors from the current 41 million to 50 million by 2030. A keynote speech highlighted the importance of creating a skilled workforce, smoother logistics at airports and on railways, and drawing foreign visitors away from London. He said a Visitor Economy Advisory Council would oversee planning and strategy. 'We are hopeful that the Government's new tourism growth strategy will undertake to tackle all of these barriers and costs so that their growth targets can be achieved,' says Toomer. 'We also want to see specific mechanisms to ensure cross-Government coordination, otherwise we are concerned that the disconnect between the visitor economy and other parts of Whitehall – especially the Home Office – will continue.' In September 2020, Rishi Sunak axed tax-free shopping, claiming it was 'costly' and 'did not benefit the whole of Britain equally'. Effectively an admission that tourists only go shopping in the capital, the decision incensed retailers. 'Our latest data revealed that the absence of tax-free shopping cost the West End £640 million in unrealised sales in 2024 – a notable increase from £400 million in 2023 – with many international visitors choosing to shop in Europe instead, where they can still benefit from the policy,' says Dee Corsi, chief Executive of the New West End Company, which represents more than 600 businesses. 'In what is an increasingly uncertain global marketplace, and at a time when the Government is having to tighten purse strings elsewhere, reinstating tax-free shopping represents a rare opportunity to give British businesses a competitive edge. 'We urge the Government to take bold action by delivering a robust and fully funded tourism strategy, putting tax-free shopping at its centre. Failing to do so will result in long-term economic repercussions for British business, and run contrary to the Government's mission to go further and faster on growth.' Bryant's boss, Lisa Nandy, the culture, media and sport secretary, recently said the Government 'could explore' restoring VAT-free shopping. She added, however, 'at the moment, that's not something we're proposing to do.' Industry leaders are concerned that the lack of urgency – combined with macro-economic challenges and the unignorable geopolitical turmoil – could lead to a downturn and, potentially, a full-blown crisis in the sector. Quangos can be hesitant about turning on their paymasters. Nonetheless, VisitBritain's CEO Patricia Yates states the bare facts of the matter thus: 'VisitBritain has been informed by the UK Government that its budget to promote Britain globally to international visitors has been cut by 41 per cent with immediate effect, from about £18 million to £10.5 million for the next year. 'This will mean pulling our just-launched 'Starring GREAT Britain' screen tourism campaign from some of our largest and most valuable inbound visitor markets, affecting our ability to compete for visitors, their spending and to drive regional growth. 'This comes at a time when our forecasts are showing that the UK is starting to lose its competitive position internationally as a visitor destination, both globally and against our major western European rivals. If tourism to the UK was growing at the same pace as forecasts are currently indicating for western Europe, our analysis shows that the industry would be worth an additional £4.4 billion per year to the economy by 2030.' Since the Seventies, British holidaymakers have been able to choose between Rhyl and Torremolinos, Margate and Malta. Yates suggests the Government needs to bear in mind that everyone else has the same freedom to choose. 'Tourism is an extremely competitive global industry; visitors have a lot of choice, we face fierce competition especially from our European neighbours and we are seen as an expensive destination. Like every export industry, to be able to compete we need to be telling our story about why people should come to Britain not one day, but today.' National cuts have direct local impacts, as VisitBritain spends part of its budget pushing less obvious corners of the country. As tourism has become more sophisticated, foreign visitors are as likely to visit Birmingham as Bath. Andrew Lovett, chair of the West Midlands Tourism & Hospitality Advisory Board, said: 'Tourism is an integral and valuable component of the West Midlands economy. Thousands of small-to-medium sized businesses create good, accessible jobs for local people and offer rich cultural options for our communities to enjoy. 'Whilst we continue to enjoy a successful partnership with the Government, demonstrated by our Destination Development Partnership pilot, I am especially concerned – on behalf of visitor economy businesses across the West Midlands – of the impact that these substantial cuts to our national tourism organisations will have. These are not without consequence.' Julia Simpson agrees: 'The loss of regional support is particularly concerning. Without dedicated marketing and investment, regions outside London will struggle even more to attract international tourists, despite their huge untapped potential.' The WTTC study, produced in collaboration with consultancy Oxford Economics, also found that – in spite of all the headwinds – travel and tourism contributed £286 billion to the UK's economy in 2024, up 3.9 per cent from 2019. So, while the international spend is declining, the overall economy relies on tourism and hospitality more than ever before. The organisation calls on the UK Government to reverse cuts to VisitBritain, restore tax-free shopping for international visitors, rethink 'punitive' travel taxes and 'invest in keeping the UK globally competitive'. The Telegraph contacted Chris Bryant's office for comment but received no response. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Times
06-05-2025
- Times
‘Aer Lingus cancelled our flight and refused to refund expenses'
✉ Following a wonderful Christmas holiday in Barbados with my parents, we arrived at the airport for our return flight to Manchester but found the check-in desks closed and no Aer Lingus staff on hand. After waiting around with dozens of others, a member of airport staff handed us a piece of paper telling us the flight had been cancelled for operational reasons and instructed us to make our own arrangements in terms of both rebooking alternative flights home and sorting accommodation, which would then be reimbursed. We incurred significant costs in doing so because we had to stay another five nights before the next Aer Lingus flight. However, Aer Lingus has declined my request to be reimbursed for my expenses, which amount to £1,650, or offer any compensation for the cancellation. At first it blamed adverse weather but last month it told me my flight was cancelled due to operational reasons, which was what the airport staff had initially told us. What had changed in the time between the original response and this new one? Can you help me get my money back?Patrick Ferguson That was a miserable end to your Christmas and there's no excuse for Aer Lingus failing to refund you for your extra expenses. When I got involved, the airline quickly paid up. A spokesperson said: 'Aer Lingus sincerely apologises to Patrick for the delay in processing his reimbursement request. We are pleased to confirm that the refund for vouched expenses is now being processed as a priority. We have contacted Patrick directly to express our regret at his recent experience, which fell short of our standards on this occasion.' However, the airline won't offer compensation for the cancellation because it says it was due to adverse weather, so you'll have to complain to the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) if you want to pursue this ( ✉ I have dual UK-German nationality. After Brexit, I decided it would be less complicated to travel on an EU passport, and have been happily travelling on my German passport for the past two years. However, I now understand an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for entry into the UK. Do I need one? I was born in the UK, and always take my expired UK passport with me as proof of my UK citizenship. My German passport also confirms that I was born in the Hurst Lucky you having a German passport so that you can skip the queues for 'third-country nationals' at European airports and swerve the bureaucratic nightmare that will be the EU's new Entry/Exit Scheme, which starts in October. As a dual national you don't need an ETA but I think it's probably worth spending £94.50 on a new British passport so you don't have to lose a moment's sleep over potential delays or complications at the border. • Our guide to the new Entry/Exit Scheme • More information on Electronic Travel Authorisation ✉ My partner and I would like to have a holiday in Portugal in June near beaches where I can bodysurf. We want to fly from Edinburgh or Glasgow, then use public transport to get around and stay in an apartment because we enjoy eating out at different restaurants in the evening. We'd also like to be able to do some coastal walks and to hire bikes. Any ideas?Meg Wraight • Great rental properties in Lisbon If you fly to Lisbon from Edinburgh or Glasgow, several top surfing beaches are easily accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride from the airport. The most dependable spot — where you'll find many surf schools — is Costa da Caparica, a laid-back town whose boardwalk is filled with surfers, dog-walkers, cyclists and skateboarders and has plenty of bars and restaurants. Stay on a quiet road near the seafront in an airy apartment with a balcony; a week in June costs £980 and the owner runs a surf school should you need any tips ( • The best villas in Portugal ✉ My husband would like nothing more from a holiday in June than a lovely hotel on the seafront so we could walk by the sea. We know Brighton, Eastbourne and Margate well. Do you have any other suggestions in Kent, Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset or Devon, where we could walk easily and enjoy the views?Judy Parker • Where to stay on the British coast In Kent, Deal has a lovely flat seafront promenade and it's a great stroll up to Walmer Castle, one of England's finest Tudor artillery forts (and home to apartments that served as residences for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Winston Churchill and the Duke of Wellington). There's also a blustery walk along the 1950s brutalist pier with a perfect brunch spot at the end of it ( Stay at the Rose, a few roads back, with its gastropub vibe and colourful quirky rooms as well as a sister restaurant, the Blue Pelican, on the waterfront. B&B doubles start at £215 in June ( Or try the Continental, a family-run hotel on the seafront in Whitstable, a short stroll from the harbour and the high street ( B&B doubles with sea views on the first floor (there's no lift) start at £165 in June. If you're looking for a hotel with grounds to relax in, the Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis in Dorset is in a fantastic cliffside spot about a ten-minute walk through Langmoor Gardens to Marine Parade and has a large garden where you can sit and enjoy sea views without the summer crowds. B&B doubles in a garden view room start from £215 in June ( • The best tour operators for solo travel ✉ I'd like to spend a week in Mexico City, focusing on cultural and archaeological sites, Chapultepec Park, traditional Mexican ballet, as well as the vibrant food scene. However, I've been unable to find any small-group travel online; most are generic Mexico tours, but no city breaks. Surely there must be specialist companies that provide this? I'd be travelling solo, looking for boutique hotels. Any ideas?Jaquelin Clay It's tricky to find long-haul city-break tours because operators assume that if you're flying all that way, you'll want to see more of the country. The answer is a tailor-made trip, which will bump up the price but of course you'll get to do exactly what you want. Audley Travel is one of the best companies for a holiday like this and it suggests you stay at the Alest, a boutique hotel with just 19 rooms in the hip neighbourhood of Polanco and a ten-minute walk from the edge of Chapultepec Park. It could arrange private guided tours of any of the city's 150 museums as well as a half or full-day tour to visit some of the arty highlights like Frida Kahlo's Blue House, the Museum of Modern Art or the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The pyramids of Teotihuacan are just over an hour away and if you're feeling adventurous you can see them at daybreak with a hot-air balloon ride. You could also sign up for cooking classes with a local family to learn how to make tortillas or walking tasting tours that will get you to street vendors and cantinas you'd never find on your own. A week's holiday for a solo traveller would start at about £5,900pp, including all flights, transfers, B&B accommodation and a privately guided excursion per day (
