Latest news with #HolidayExtras
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Fairytale' city is also one of the 'cheapest' holiday locations in the UK
Experts from Holiday Extras named a 'fairytale' UK city as one of the most affordable destinations for a staycation in 2024 - and Brits can even bag bargain hotel stays Nestled within ancient city walls, historic York is renowned for its Roman heritage, eerie encounters, and charming uneven Shambles. According to experts from Holiday Extras, it's a city that seems like it could be plucked straight from the "pages of a dark fairytale", yet it's also a place where Brits can enjoy a budget-friendly city break this year. York offers a wide range of options, including high-end hotels and upscale restaurants. However, there are opportunities to cut back on expenses. The city is easily accessible by train, thanks to the bustling York station. Booking in advance or using a railcard can reduce costs, with train fares available for as little as £30. In terms of budget accommodations, booking in advance and choosing off-peak times can result in significant savings. Most hotels operate on a supply-and-demand basis, which means they increase prices during peak times. Budget-friendly hotels such as Premier Inn offer affordable options in the city. Premier Inn has six locations that range from the city centre to the outskirts of York, reports the Express. Based on a quick search, Premier Inn's York City (Blossom St North) hotel has availability in September, with approximately £67 per night. If two people share a room the cost would be £33.5 per person per night. York boasts a treasure trove of B&Bs, ranging from chic boutique stays to wallet-friendly accommodations. Kayak's latest figures reveal that some of the most affordable B&Bs can be found from just £52 per night. The city is steeped in history, offering a plethora of ancient sites and museums at no cost. The National Railway Museum, delving into York's railway heritage, welcomes visitors free of charge – an ideal outing for families. Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that York Art Gallery's permanent collections are accessible without an entry fee, including two galleries dedicated to the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA). Behind the gallery, guests can meander through the Artists Garden and Edible Wood, then venture out to the stunning York Museum Gardens. York is dotted with numerous medieval churches throughout its centre, many open for daytime exploration. Visit York recommends St Michael le Belfrey in the heart of the city and Holy Trinity, nestled behind Goodramgate's shops in a verdant retreat. For those keen on discovering York's narrative on foot, Visit York's Visitor Information Centre provides a variety of self-guided walking tours. "Many cover hidden histories and niche interests in the city and are perfect for experiencing the city in a different light at your own pace," says Visit York.
South Wales Guardian
09-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Does your phone have to be fully charged to fly? The rules
There is a lot to think about when going away, from whether your passport is up to date and how early to arrive at the airport, to what electronic devices you are allowed to take. You can take most electrical devices in either hand or hold luggage, including: However, there is a little-known rule that could prevent you from taking your mobile phone (or other electrical device) on a flight. According to the UK Government website, you must make sure all electrical devices are charged before jumping on a flight. The website says: "Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. "If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft." Head of Public Affairs at Holiday Extras, Seamus McCauley, explained there are two reasons for this rule. RECOMMENDED READING: Stress free holiday planning tips from I'm a Celebrity star Dean McCullough Mr McCauley said: 'You may be asked to switch on any electronic device you bring onto a plane, and if you can't, you could be required to leave it behind. "There are two reasons for this rule. First, a device that won't power up may have a damaged or faulty battery, and lithium-ion batteries — which power most modern electronics — can pose a fire risk if compromised. "Second, airlines may view a device that can't be turned on as a potential security risk.' Have you been affected by this travel rule before? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Save 30% on 'life saver' airport lounge access and escape the crowds this summer
Booking an airport lounge is the ultimate travel hack for avoiding overcrowded airports With Easter now behind us, it's time to look ahead and get excited for those sunny summer escapes. Whether you've booked already or just starting to plan, the countdown to your holiday fun has officially begun. To make the next holiday one to remember, depart in style by skipping the noisy departure hall. Priority Pass is currently offering 30% off airport lounge access, letting holidaymakers take advantage of snazzy looking spaces away from the crowds, with complimentary snacks, drinks, WiFi and comfy seating. Booking an airport lounge is the ultimate travel hack for avoiding overcrowded airports. With more than 1,700 Priority Pass airport lounges in 600 cities and across 148 countries, journeys can start and end in style from £48 plus a £24 visit fee. This deal will help flyers feel like a first-class passenger for less. Tucked away from the busy terminal waiting areas, visitors can enjoy some quiet refreshments, bathroom facilities without the queues and WiFi for work or pleasure. Whether travelling for business and needing a quiet spot to work or someone looking for a stress-free airport experience, these lounges are a game-changer. For families flying with children, they also offer respite from the stress of large terminals, keeping little ones in sight and easier to entertain. All Priority Pass airport lounges have flight info screens available. Some even have access to sleep pods for longer layovers, as well as access to dedicated spa areas and treatments at an additional cost. Priority Pass digital membership is available instantly via the app letting passengers book and relax from the moment they sign up. Unlike one-time lounge passes, lounges can be used on departing and returning flights, whereas a one-day lounge pass is applicable for a single leg of the journey. This is typically cheaper than buying a single-use entry pass for a departing flight lounge, and the more you use the lounges, the more affordable your subscription is. If the Priority Pass airport lounges don't quite fit the bill, single use airport passes can be booked at Expedia with Heathrow Airport lounges starting from £34. Other options are available from airports across the UK and beyond. It's also worth noting that Holiday Extras also offers a range of airport lounge deals, as well as car hire, hotel stays and more. The Priority Pass app includes additional perks such as early duty-free shopping, access to premium fitness content, and lounge pre-booking. Members can also get access to spa treatments, gaming zones, takeout pre-orders, private transfers and discounted car rentals worldwide. Passengers who have already experienced the Priority Pass airport lounges, have been sharing their thoughts on Trustpilot. One traveller said: "Six family members visited the lounge in Florence, Italy while waiting for our flight back to the USA. It was very relaxing, good food and drinks, nice bathrooms, no wait to get in. Very good experience." Another frequent flyer added: "Been using Priority Pass in Europe for over a year. I made 22 visits last year and all of the experiences were smooth. Zero complaints and I would highly recommend Priority Pass to anyone interested." A third who flew from the UK, agreed saying: "Our experience was very good! The staff at Heathrow Airport was courteous and efficient. The food was good and the lounge was nice although rather crowded! Would definitely use the lounge again!" Sadly, not all members have been as impressed with the service. One disappointed flyer, said: "I like the clubs but they aren't at all the airports I fly out of. Lately, they have been crowded and have to wait. Often they are located in different terminals than the one I fly out of." On the whole, booking a Priority Pass airport lounge has been a positive experience for most passengers. One delighted flyer summed it up saying: "Literally a life saver when traveling. I love having a place to relax and grab a bite to eat or a drink before a flight. It's truly a game changer."
The Independent
10-04-2025
- The Independent
Most responsible destinations to visit in 2025 named
The most responsible tourist destination in 2025 has been revealed in the latest Good Trip Index. Denmark overtook Switzerland for the top spot based on its commitments to women's safety, quality of life, and press freedoms. It places just in front of neighbouring Norway and Sweden, which both scored highly in rankings on democracy and animal welfare. Launched in 2022, the annual Good Trip Index by travel services company Holiday Extras ranks destinations on their performance on issues that are important to British travellers including LGBT+ travel, press freedom, democracy, animal welfare, quality of life, women's peace and security, and sustainability. 'We created the Good Trips Index to take the hassle out of finding responsible travel destinations for our customers, who tell us in ever-greater numbers that ethical considerations play a large part in picking where they go on holiday,' said Elizabeth Hogg, chief operating officer at Holiday Extras. According to the report, 7 in 10 travellers maintain that human rights is a key consideration when they decide where to go on holiday, while for half of those asked, the environmental impact of a trip is significant. Alongside Scandinavia's success, Finland, Luxembourg and Germany are some of the best destinations to choose if sustainability is an important consideration for you. Switzerland and Sweden share the top spot for animal welfare considerations, while New Zealand ranks best for the LGBT+ travel, according to the index. With high scores in quality of life and women's rights indices, the United Kingdom currently sits at 17th place. This year's index also saw marked rises in the positions of Brazil and Colombia in South America where improvements to democratic accountability and press freedom have landed them in positions 53 and 68 respectively. As the third season of The White Lotus makes Thailand one of this year's most popular travel destinations, sun seekers will be pleased to see it rise 13 places with progress to LGBT+ travel. Switzerland lost its lead with lower scores for democracy and quality of life, while this year Ireland dropped out of top 10. At the bottom of the list are Afghanistan, Myanmar and Iraq which score poorly on LGBT+ travel, sustainability and women's rights. Ms Hogg said: 'As world events lead holidaymakers to look into the impact of the destinations they choose to visit and how to enjoy our time in the destinations with as good an impact as possible. 'It has never been more important for holidaymakers to do their research, and the Good Trips Index - alongside a host of other resources we provide our customers – makes it as easy as possible to holidaymakers to make informed decisions, and get the most out of their holiday.' The top 10 destinations on 2025 Good Trip Index 2025:
