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Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
One of the world's best beaches is in the UK - and it looks just like the Caribbean
Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it's been plucked right out of the Caribbean and dropped onto the coast of Scotland. Now its beauty has been officially recognised If you're dreaming of pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters and serene tranquility, you might be saving up for a trip to the Caribbean, Greece or perhaps Australia. But according to Enjoy Travel, one of the world's most stunning beaches is actually much closer to home - in Scotland, to be precise. Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean paradise, such is its breathtaking beauty. It's ranked 12th in the list of the world's 50 most beautiful beaches, and once you set foot on its shores, it's easy to see why. The beach has been recognised with a Scottish Beach Award for its natural splendour and commitment to environmental preservation. While the beach itself is captivating enough to keep you there all day, the surrounding countryside also offers plenty to explore. Whether you fancy a peaceful stroll or are more inclined towards hiking or cycling, there's something for everyone, reports the Daily Record. For those seeking a bit of adventure, nearby Clisham mountain, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, promises a thrilling climb. Reach the summit and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island's spectacular landscape. Despite its acclaim, Luskentyre Beach remains wonderfully uncrowded. You can wander for miles without encountering another soul, making it a true hidden gem. Visitors to this stunning beach have been left utterly captivated by its natural splendour. A traveller gushed on Tripadvisor, confessing they had "never seen anything quite like it". They continued: "The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There's a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that's helpful! The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day." Another visitor was equally enthralled: "What an amazingly gorgeous beach. The sand is in its purest form and the water as blue as can be. The fact there were not many people there when we went made for such a dramatic sight. We walked and walked just admiring how clean and beautiful the beach is. We did a hardy soul take a dip in the water, he was a local of course." For those eager to experience this coastal paradise, you can hop on a ferry from the Scottish mainland or catch a flight to the Outer Hebrides from Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness.


Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Two UK beaches named among world's top 50 - beating Greece and Thailand
The UK is not the first place that springs to mind when you think of beautiful beaches, but a new list has revealed two stunning stretches of sand that rival those in Greece and Thailand. The UK might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of stunning beaches, with most people's thoughts drifting towards Spain, the south of France or even Australia. Yet, a recent list has ranked two British beaches among the top 50 in the world, outshining spots in Greece and Thailand. Whitesands Beach, located near St Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, clinched the 28th spot on Enjoy Travel's top 50 beaches. This breathtaking expanse of white sand is nestled amidst dramatic cliffs, offering spectacular walks and awe-inspiring ocean views. The beach itself is a beauty, boasting ample space for exploration without ever feeling overcrowded. With excellent water quality, it's an ideal spot for summer swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. It even holds a Blue Flag status, assuring its safety for swimming, reports the Express. The second British gem to feature on the list is the remarkable Luskentyre Beach in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. Ranked at number 12, this beach is renowned for its striking similarity to Caribbean locations, courtesy of its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waves lapping against the shore. As the largest beach on the Isle of Harris, it frequently features on 'best of' lists due to its tranquil allure and stunning vistas. Like Whitesands, Luskentyre Beach offers vast expanses often devoid of crowds, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its natural beauty. If you're keen to explore this award-winning beach, the ideal times are late spring and summer, courtesy of the extended daylight hours. As the sun dips below the horizon, you'll witness a breathtaking spectacle marking the end of the day. Nonetheless, a winter visit offers equal beauty - just ensure you're adequately layered up.


North Wales Live
17-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Welsh beach named among best in the world — better than those in Greece and Thailand
When you think of the best beaches in the world, you might think of the far flung reaches of Australia or Thailand - or perhaps even southern France and Greece. However, one of the best beaches is actually much closer to home in Wales and it's beaten out some of the more famous hotspots for a top position. Coming in at number 28 on Enjoy Travel's top 50 beaches, Whitesands Beach is near St Davids in Pembrokeshire. This incredible stretch of sand is overlooked by the hill of Carn Llidi, while the white sands curve towards the rocky headland of St Davids Head. It's got Blue Flag status so is perfect for a summer dip and the beach is quiet despite its popularity. It does cost £6 to park, but the beach is worth the money. Reviewers on Tripadvisor have been blown away by how gorgeous it is, with one person writing: 'An absolute gem! Beautiful dog friendly beach with the sound of crashing waves. "Footpath either side for a view across the bay. Called into the cafe which is also dog friendly for an ice cream, the staff were really friendly and welcoming. Plenty of parking available however £6 is expensive if you are only there for a short visit.' Another said: 'What a fabulous place for a beach holiday! This beach has a wide soft sand beach and lovely paths to walk above the beach.' If you grow tired of enjoying the beach, this part of Wales has much more to offer tourists. Just 13 minutes away is the irresistibly charming town of Solva. In 2022, luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller listed this village as one of the 'most beautiful in the UK and Ireland' and it's easy to see why. Solva is home to an amazing harbour which was once the main connection in Wales before roads were constructed. A wander along the sandy shore will show you fishing boats and limekilns - a remnant of the past. The village is also speckled with pastel coloured homes and surrounded by beautiful hills that make Solva a uniquely serene location to spend a few days by the sea.


Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Daily Record
Beautiful Scottish beach named as one of best in world - just like the Caribbean
To explore one of the best beaches in the world you don't need to buy flights anywhere - just a ferry from the mainland of Scotland will have you living the tropical lifestyle. If you want to explore one of the best beaches in the world, you might think you need to start saving for flights. When you picture white sands, crystal-clear water, and tranquility, you probably think of places like the Caribbean, Greece or even Australia. However, according to Enjoy Travel, one of the best beaches in the world is actually right here in Scotland. Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it's been plucked right out of the Caribbean and dropped onto the coast of Scotland. It's incredible beauty has seen it listed at number 12 out of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world and if you're lucky enough to visit it, you'll soon see why. The beach holds a Scottish Beach Award for its natural beauty and environmental efforts. Although the beach itself is beautiful enough to stay all day, if you want to explore the surrounding countryside, you're spoiled for choice. It's perfect for a peaceful wander and there are several hiking and cycling trails surrounding the area for the more active minded. Nearby is Clisham mountain which offers adventure seekers the thrill of summiting the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides. If you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the island's stunning scenery. Despite its fame, this beach is almost always devoid of people. You can walk for miles and rarely will see another soul. People who have visited the beach are blown away by it's beauty. One tourist wrote on Tripadvisor that they had 'never seen anything quite like it'. They added: 'The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There's a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that's helpful! The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day.' Another said: "What an amazingly gorgeous beach. The sand is in its purest form and the water as blue as can be. The fact there were not many people there when we went made for such a dramatic sight. We walked and walked just admiring how clean and beautiful the beach is. We did a hardy soul take a dip in the water, he was a local of course.' To explore this slice of heaven for yourself, you can take a ferry from the Scottish mainland. Alternatively, flying to the Outer Hebrides is possible from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.


Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘People are just scared': Timmins travel agent sees drop in U.S. bookings
While the United States was once a top travel destination for Canadians looking for sunshine, shopping, and seasonal escapes, those travel patterns are changing. According to Laurie Leonard, a senior corporate travel agent with Enjoy Travel in Timmins, American destinations just aren't drawing the same crowds anymore. 'I have noticed that my flights and stuff, even to Miami, Orlando, are not what it used to be. It's on a decline,' Leonard told TimminsToday. Leonard, who's been in the business for 25 years, said U.S. politics are a factor. 'When things started to go sideways with Trump being re-elected … and then when there was mention of tariffs, a lot of people took a step back,' she said. 'There seems to be a fear of tariffs. Just going to the States all in itself, the difference in the money, the safety issues, people just don't have the same feelings they used to.' Statistics Canada data show that in April, an estimated 4.5 million international arrivals — both returning Canadian residents and non-residents — entered Canada by air and automobile, marking a 15.2 per cent decrease compared to April 2024. It's the third straight month of year-over-year declines. Canadian-resident return trips from the U.S. by automobile fell to 1.2 million in April, a 35.2 per cent decrease compared to the same month in 2024. It marked the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. Leonard said she's seen clients cancel pre-booked trips to the U.S. over what she calls a growing sense of uncertainty. Concerns range from fluctuating exchange rates to fears over border restrictions, particularly among snowbirds. 'One couple I had was concerned about talk that seasonal travellers would need to fill out extra forms and pay a new kind of tax. They just said no, we're not going to start paying extra fees,' she said. 'People I know have sold their mobile homes and aren't going back to the States to spend their winters like they were.' Leonard said she's had virtually no bookings for U.S. flights in the last two months, a dramatic change from past years. Instead, Canadians are looking elsewhere. Cruises, European getaways, and domestic trips are all on the rise. 'It's been a crazy, crazy season as far as destinations,' she said. 'I've had a lot of demand for cruises, and even more people are looking to travel within Canada. One family chose Lake Louise over a road trip in the States. The dad told me he'd rather keep his dollars in Canada.' There's also a subtle but growing shift in cruise habits. Where many clients once booked voyages out of Miami, more are now opting to sail from Vancouver, avoiding the U.S. altogether. 'An older client said, 'What if we travel to the States and then we can't get back into Canada?' It's the unknown. Trump comes up with the craziest stuff on a day-to-day basis. People are afraid of what might happen next,' Leonard said. While U.S. bookings are at a standstill, Leonard has also noticed a resurgence in another corner of the travel industry: the return of the travel agent. 'For a while, I saw younger people booking everything themselves online. But now they're realizing that if something goes wrong, they're on their own. Some of those sites are U.S.-based, and people don't want to deal with that anymore,' she said. 'Now they're coming back to the office, saying, 'I want a real person. I want someone to help me if something goes wrong.'' Leonard believes it would take a major political shift to reverse the current U.S. travel trend. 'For Trump not to be the president of the U.S., that's what it would take,' she said. 'People are just scared.'