Latest news with #Lastminute.com
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Only the savviest travellers can spot all 10 getaway essentials in this busy beach brain teaser – can you find them?
Scroll down if you are struggling to spot all of the beach gear BEACH PLEASE Only the savviest travellers can spot all 10 getaway essentials in this busy beach brain teaser – can you find them? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH summer just about cresting our horizons, how can you resist a sunny seaside spot-the-items brainteaser. Remembering everything you need is not easy when jetting off – but this puzzle promises to get you into the right frame of mind. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Only the savviest travellers can spot all 10 getaway essentials in this busy beach brain teaser – can you find them? Credit: Hidden away in this busy beach scene are 10 items many of us will need in order to have fun abroad by the sea. Can you find a sun hat, a pair of sunglasses, sun cream, flip flops, beach ball, a plane ticket, a fan, a book, a bikini, and a camera. The brainteaser was commissioned by holiday package and travel tech platform, which also carried out research of 2,000 travellers to reveal the top 30 things they do before every getaway. These include getting their haircut especially for the trip, obsessively checking the weather, and arranging plant care. Doing a big clothes wash, packing lots of snacks 'just in case', and changing the bedsheets so they're fresh to return home to are also key activities prior to do a break. As are packing, unpacking, and packing again, buying new underwear, and worrying multiple times they've successfully packed their passport. The poll also found those who do any prep ahead of a getaway will spend an average of seven-and-a-half hours doing so. And 34 per cent say they actively enjoy it, with half have even taken time off work especially to get everything in order ahead of a much-deserved break. Taking annual leave is more common in younger respondents with 77 per cent of Gen Zs and Millennials having done this. In contrast, just 49 per cent of Gen X, 21 per cent of Boomers, and eight per cent of those from the Silent generation have taken time away from their jobs to get everything in order. I travelled to the hidden gem US region that's better than Florida it's filled bucket list tourist activities But 19 per cent don't factor in the cost of getting ready for a holiday when planning their travel budget. Spokesperson Zoe Fidler said: 'Between work, childcare, DIY projects and endless life admin, actually booking a holiday often ends up as a last-minute task – bringing with it the stress of wondering if you've missed out on the best deals. 'Then comes the 'holiday prep' itself – from hair appointments to packing enough snacks to keep the kids happy.' The study also revealed loading tablets or e-readers with movies, books, games or podcasts, cleaning out the fridge, purchasing travel-sized toiletries and weighing suitcases several times are also key activities for many. It also emerged 54 per cent consider themselves to be someone who gets everything sorted well in advance of a trip. With those who do prepare spending a total of seven-and-a-half hours doing so. Millennials spend the longest prepping for a getaway at nine hours and 14 minutes on average, but the Silent generation spend the least – five hours and 20 minutes. While women take seven hours and 57 minutes getting ready, with men spending six hours and 59 minutes to prep. The research, commissioned via OnePoll, also found 25 per cent tend to overpack 'massively' and 21 per cent leave at least some of their pre-getaway prep to the last minute. But 23 per cent selflessly put the needs of others ahead of their own when getting ready for a break. spokesperson added: 'We know that preparing for a holiday can be time consuming, stressful and expensive - but worth it in the end, which is why we commissioned this research to fully understand what Brits need from their summer getaway. 'We firmly believe it's never too late to book a getaway and our booking data shows this happens more often than you think.' TOP 30 HOLIDAY PREPARATION TASKS: 1. Secure travel documents in one place 2. Purchase sun cream/after sun 3. Exchange currency or order travel money 4. Check passport/visa requirements and renew if needed 5. Pack any prescription medication and travel health kit 6. Make a packing checklist 7. Clean out the fridge 8. Secure the house 9. Get your hair cut 10. Read reviews 11. Clean the whole house 12. Buy medicines/tablets 13. Charge every possible device and pack two portable chargers 14. Arrange pet care 15. Buy travel-sized toiletries 16. Do a big pre-holiday clothes wash 17. Repeatedly worry whether you've packed your passport 18. Weigh their suitcases multiple times 19. Change the bedsheets 20. Obsessively check the weather at your destination 21. Research health precautions (e.g. vaccinations, water safety) 22. Load your tablet or e-reader with movies, books, or podcasts 23. Pack a 'just in case' kit with mini sewing kits, painkillers, duct tape, and safety pins 24. Take pictures of your passport and insurance 25. Pack lots of snacks "just in case" 26. Buy new underwear 27. Download offline maps/apps 28. Decide at the last second to pack several more items 29. Arrange plant care 30. Pack, unpack, and pack again
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Only the savviest travellers can spot all 10 getaway essentials in this busy beach brain teaser – can you find them?
WITH summer just about cresting our horizons, how can you resist a sunny seaside spot-the-items brainteaser. Remembering everything you need is not easy when jetting off – but this puzzle promises to get you into the right frame of mind. 2 Only the savviest travellers can spot all 10 getaway essentials in this busy beach brain teaser – can you find them? Credit: Hidden away in this busy beach scene are 10 items many of us will need in order to have fun abroad by the sea. Can you find a sun hat, a pair of sunglasses, sun cream, flip flops, beach ball, a plane ticket, a fan, a book, a bikini, and a camera. The brainteaser was commissioned by holiday package and travel tech platform, which also carried out research of 2,000 travellers to reveal the top 30 things they do before every getaway. These include getting their haircut especially for the trip, obsessively checking the weather, and arranging plant care. Doing a big clothes wash, packing lots of snacks 'just in case', and changing the bedsheets so they're fresh to return home to are also key activities prior to do a break. As are packing, unpacking, and packing again, buying new underwear, and worrying multiple times they've successfully packed their passport. The poll also found those who do any prep ahead of a getaway will spend an average of seven-and-a-half hours doing so. And 34 per cent say they actively enjoy it, with half have even taken time off work especially to get everything in order ahead of a much-deserved break. Most read in News Travel Taking annual leave is more common in younger respondents with 77 per cent of Gen Zs and Millennials having done this. In contrast, just 49 per cent of Gen X, 21 per cent of Boomers, and eight per cent of those from the Silent generation have taken time away from their jobs to get everything in order. I travelled to the hidden gem US region that's better than Florida it's filled bucket list tourist activities But 19 per cent don't factor in the cost of getting ready for a holiday when planning their travel budget. Spokesperson Zoe Fidler said: 'Between work, childcare, DIY projects and endless life admin, actually booking a holiday often ends up as a last-minute task – bringing with it the stress of wondering if you've missed out on the best deals. 'Then comes the 'holiday prep' itself – from hair appointments to packing enough snacks to keep the kids happy.' The study also revealed loading tablets or e-readers with movies, books, games or podcasts, cleaning out the fridge, purchasing travel-sized toiletries and weighing suitcases several times are also key activities for many. It also emerged 54 per cent consider themselves to be someone who gets everything sorted well in advance of a trip. With those who do prepare spending a total of seven-and-a-half hours doing so. Millennials spend the longest prepping for a getaway at nine hours and 14 minutes on average, but the Silent generation spend the least – five hours and 20 minutes. While women take seven hours and 57 minutes getting ready, with men spending six hours and 59 minutes to prep. The research, commissioned via OnePoll, also found 25 per cent tend to overpack 'massively' and 21 per cent leave at least some of their pre-getaway prep to the last minute. But 23 per cent selflessly put the needs of others ahead of their own when getting ready for a break. Read more on the Irish Sun spokesperson added: 'We know that preparing for a holiday can be time consuming, stressful and expensive - but worth it in the end, which is why we commissioned this research to fully understand what Brits need from their summer getaway. 'We firmly believe it's never too late to book a getaway and our booking data shows this happens more often than you think.' TOP 30 HOLIDAY PREPARATION TASKS: 1. Secure travel documents in one place 2. Purchase sun cream/after sun 3. Exchange currency or order travel money 4. Check passport/visa requirements and renew if needed 5. Pack any prescription medication and travel health kit 6. Make a packing checklist 7. Clean out the fridge 8. Secure the house 9. Get your hair cut 10. Read reviews 11. Clean the whole house 12. Buy medicines/tablets 13. Charge every possible device and pack two portable chargers 14. Arrange pet care 15. Buy travel-sized toiletries 16. Do a big pre-holiday clothes wash 17. Repeatedly worry whether you've packed your passport 18. Weigh their suitcases multiple times 19. Change the bedsheets 20. Obsessively check the weather at your destination 21. Research health precautions (e.g. vaccinations, water safety) 22. Load your tablet or e-reader with movies, books, or podcasts 23. Pack a 'just in case' kit with mini sewing kits, painkillers, duct tape, and safety pins 24. Take pictures of your passport and insurance 25. Pack lots of snacks "just in case" 26. Buy new underwear 27. Download offline maps/apps 28. Decide at the last second to pack several more items 29. Arrange plant care 30. Pack, unpack, and pack again 2 Did you catch all of these? Credit:
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Your questions answered: ‘I've been waiting five years for a refund on a Covid flight cancellation'
Q I booked a flight to the US with in January 2020. The flight was cancelled due to Covid and I was given the option of a refund worth €573.31 or travel credit of €717.75. I opted for the travel credit.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- The Independent
Enjoy up to 20% off your dream holiday with these Lastminute.com discount codes
Wave goodbye to the daily grind for a little while and book the holiday you've always dreamt of – whether it's sunny shores or bustling cities calling your name. If you're hoping to enjoy some Easter sunshine, looking ahead to a summer holiday in Greece or have been saving up for years for a dream trip to the Caribbean, there are countless options with You can book flights and hotels alone, or choose an all-inclusive holiday so you can relax, knowing that everything is taken care of. European package holidays are up to 11.5 per cent more expensive this year compared with 2024, but that doesn't make us want to jet off any less. Instead, we made it our mission to help you save on your next trip, and have rounded up the best discount codes and deals below. From adults-only hotels in the sunshine to family-friendly stays at Walt Disney World, here's how you can get your dream holiday for less. Package deals are great if you want to offload the stress of matching up flights, a hotel and transfers, and spend time planning all the fun stuff instead (namely holiday outfits or which hotel bar to go to for cocktails). has a great selection of package holiday destinations, from seaside resorts in Ibiza to once-in-a-lifetime over-water villas in the Maldives. Using the above discount code, you can get a huge 20 per cent off your flight and hotel bookings when using the app, to give you a bit more cash to spend once you get there. If it's just flights that you're looking for, you won't need to worry about missing out on the savings. The code above will save you 10 per cent on your flights in the app, with options from more than 450 airlines worldwide. If you prefer to be spontaneous, the online travel agent offers some incredible deals on last-minute holidays. Right now, Easter holidays can be snapped up for bargain prices, with an extra five per cent saving on romantic getaways and family fun in the sun. If your package comes to at least £1,000, use the above discount code and watch the total cost drop. Since 1986, The Independent has been a trusted consumer champion, reporting on behalf of our readers to find out the latest information on upcoming launches, deals and big sale events. Whether it's finding the latest deals on travel or products for the home, our team is always on the lookout for the best of the bunch.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lastminute.com founder warns of ‘peril' for tech sector amid Trump DEI crackdown
The founder of has warned that the tech sector is in 'peril' as US President Donald Trump cracks down on equality programmes. Baroness Lane-Fox of Soho argued that inclusion is central to growth and innovation, with diverse teams increasing company profits by 20%. However, the industry is now scrapping many of its efforts to diversify its workforce amid Mr Trump's attack on diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) schemes. Lady Lane-Fox told the House of Lords the US has a huge influence on the UK tech sector and implored peers to 'feel the peril of this moment and the urgency of this moment'. The independent crossbench peer said: 'I had never used the words DEI in my life until the last two months and yet I find myself defending the very notion of equality to journalists, to people I work with, to companions in the sector and outside it. 'I cannot understand this disconnect between good business practice and what we are now facing, which is a fundamental row back in the belief and the priorities of these substantial programmes. 'Just yesterday, I heard of Google's edict from on high rowing back in a huge number of different projects that it works with here in the UK, charities and the civic sector, that look at diversity, equality, inclusion, AI for good. 'I am angry and I am nervous, and we have to keep fighting.' She added: 'I cannot believe that there is a single person who looks like me who has worked on the edges of the digital sector for so long who did not feel like crying as they watched the inauguration and the six men who have completely and totally committed to a president who, at the same time, has degraded the role of women so substantially.' The six men she is referring to include Tesla's Elon Musk, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Sundar Pichai. Her comments came as peers discussed International Women's Day and the steps being taken to promote women's participation and leadership in science and technology. Lady Lane-Fox, who co-founded in 1998, went on to became the UK's Digital Champion, helping to create the Government Digital Service, the team that launched She told peers that she has seen a 'degradation' in both culture and the numbers of women in tech during her time in the industry. The businesswoman said: 'I have to say, I am angry. I am not a person prone to rage and fury, but I am angry. I am angry, because this is an urgent and important question that I fear we are ignoring at our peril. 'I have now worked in or around the technology sector for over 30 years and I have seen no change in the relationship between the sector and women and the numbers of women, in fact I have seen a degradation, not just in culture, but also in the absolute numbers… 'Why does this matter? It matters because, as we know, software is eating the world. We know that it is not an option to digitise, it is happening. 'These are the jobs of the future, they are the jobs that will create the services of the future and the jobs that will be paid the most amount of money. 'It is about power and it is about justice and it is about fairness. 'I am so dismayed when I see the numbers and I keep going back to this disconnect between what I see happening and then I see the benefits and the bonus of employing diversity in your teams and putting it at the heart of the company's strategy, and I just can't understand this disconnect.' Lady Lane-Fox highlighted the fact that just 26% of the world's tech workforce are women, falling to 15% in leadership roles, which falls again to just 6% when it comes to leadership roles in the UK. She said: 'If you believe, as I do, that the sector is going to be eaten again by AI, by quantum, by deep tech, the numbers fall off even more considerably, so we are in a very perilous position, and it is very disappointing to see the enormous influence of the US technology sector being integrated into the culture of our own companies here.'
