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Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Balearic Islands ban influencers after cove is swamped by 4,000 tourists
Spain's Balearic Islands have called time on using social media influencers to promote their idyllic locations after a beautiful beach became overwhelmed by crowds of tourists. Originally, the Balearic government had pinned its hopes on influencers – with their hundreds of thousands of followers – to alleviate the strain on popular tourist haunts by drawing visitors to more obscure locales. However, this strategy spectacularly backfired, leading to an influx of tourists at remote and environmentally delicate sites, all clamouring to take selfies, share them online, and then depart, leaving behind a trail of damage and congestion. "It's had the completely opposite effect to what was intended and runs contrary to government policy on containing tourism," conceded a spokesperson for the Balearic tourism department over the weekend, the Guardian reported. A prime example of the negative impact is Caló des Moro, a small cove in Majorca that can accommodate roughly 100 people. Following an influencer's promotion of the spot, it experienced a deluge of thousands of tourists each day, severely taxing the fragile ecosystem. In June last year, María Pons, the local mayor, disclosed that the cove was being overwhelmed by up to 4,000 individuals and 1,200 vehicles every day. She urgently requested that journalists and tour operators refrain from even mentioning the cove. As a result of these issues, the local authorities have now scrubbed all images of Caló des Moro from their official website. In Ibiza, the iconic viewpoint at Es Vedrà is now off-limits after locals complained about overcrowding and excessive littering. The pushback against social media influencers isn't just a Spanish issue. Bali has slapped hefty fines on tourists for indecent behaviour at holy sites, while Pomfret, Vermont in the US, has capped visitor numbers to manage the influx during the picturesque autumn foliage season. It is becoming increasingly difficult to control the flow of tourists in sought-after destinations such as the Balearics. The dominance of platforms including Instagram and TikTok, and the power of travel influencer to raise the profile of a spot overnight, is causing problems few seem to have answers for. You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. A 2023 study published by Statista found that social media platforms, especially Instagram, have had a profound impact on traveller's behaviour in just a few short years. More than 75% of travelers look to their social media channels for inspiration, while closer to half travel to destinations to show them off on their feeds. In Japan, where the weak yen has led to a big spike in overseas tourist arrivals over the past year, tension is rising as the typically more reserved local population comes into contact with visitors searching for the perfect snap. In response, officials have brought in a series of measures designed to dampen the impact. In Kamakura, a popular temple city, English-speaking guides have been helping to direct tourists, to stop them from obstructing busy train stations, according to Nikkei. Over in Kyoto's traditional neighbourhood, Gion, visitors are no longer allowed to head down its small private alleys in order to protect the geisha from being photographed as they go about their work. Television screens have been installed at the train station to show visitors where crowds are forming, so that they may choose to avoid the busier parts.
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Lads holidays make me uneasy - there was one moment I knew I'd outgrown them'
Booze, sex, testosterone — those are the typical expectations from a lads holiday. But what if that's not what you want anymore? Matt Spraggrett tells us how he fell out of love with the form Urban dictionary defines a lads holiday as: 'When you go on holiday with your 'lads' (mates) and you get smashed out of your head and bang about 50,000 girls." And perhaps that's all one needs to know about the typical boys trip and expectations of them. While there may be (many) men who would jump at the chance to take a no-holds-barred, booze, sex, and testosterone-fuelled trip with the lads, there seems to be a growing section that would really rather just... not. In fact, new research from First Choice confirms that sentiment. In a recent survey conducted by the travel company involving 2,000 Millennial and Gen-Z men, it was found that 69 per cent of men aged 18-35 secretly dreaded going away with the boys and over half (53 per cent) made excuses to dodge the trip. Furthermore, a staggering 81 per cent of blokes felt the pressure to act 'macho' during these out-of-control lads holidays and 66 per cent struggled to keep up with the intense partying mentality. A few key factors contributed to their apprehension: 39 per cent of the men surveyed felt they were forced to drink more than usual on a boys trip, while 27 per cent were uncomfortable with the overspending that such escapades involve. Another 20 per cent were aware that their partners disapproved of their absence and their participation in said exploits. Matt Spraggett, 29, is one such lad who isn't the biggest fan of these lads holidays. Currently working in London as an advertising manager, Matt grew up in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, and says he had a lower middle class upbringing. His dad worked in the public sector, while his mum was a PA. Both Matt and his brother attended their local state school and sixth form and in his words it was 'nothing fancy'. While Matt doesn't hate the quintessential boys trip, it definitely makes him 'uneasy at times'. He feels it's 'largely down to the pressure to conform to a certain idea of masculinity', which he finds off-putting. Matt tells Mirror Travel: 'Specifically, I dislike the expectation of constant, and I mean constant, drinking and the need to be 'on' all the time with either a loud, jokey persona or someone who is just ready to whatever the rest of the group wants to do, no questions. Sometimes it feels like a competition to see who can be the most outrageous. I've been on trips where guys are practically egging each other on to do stupid things, just for the sake of a laugh, regardless of any consequences they might face and after a while it can be exhausting.' Matt feels that an all-blokes trip comes with the expectation of reverting to 'some kind of adolescent version of yourself'. Matt reflects: 'You're supposed to forget about your responsibilities, your growth, and just act like you're back in your late teens and do what the typical lads trip consists of such as, all day drinking, strip clubs, night clubs and even taking drugs. There's often an unspoken pressure to be constantly available for partying, and if you want to chill out or do something different, you're seen as a buzzkill.' Now almost 30, Matt can largely pinpoint the juncture of his life when he started disliking the notion of a typical lads holiday. 'I think it was probably around my mid-twenties, maybe 25 or 26, which might seem a little young to not want to just be on 'lads lads lads' / 'oi oi' type holiday but I think the pandemic had a big impact. I moved away from where I grew up and met a new set of friends in London, plus I was starting to take my career more seriously, and I had been in a relationship for a couple of years by that time so the idea of spending a week getting hammered and acting like an idiot just didn't appeal to me anymore. Also, with the cost of living increasing and paying my own way with rent and bills, I became more mindful about what money I was spending on holidays," he said. Matt remembers being out for the day, celebrating a schoolmate's birthday and 'feeling a little out of sync with everyone else'. He recalls the conversations being 'very surface level and nothing that engaging', which led him to the realisation that something had changed. "I don't want that to sound arrogant, that I changed, and they hadn't, as they had, but they still lived where we grew up and had a certain view and experience of the world, both socially and politically and mine had evolved differently to theirs. After that moment I started to want to spend my time doing things I truly enjoy — not just doing it to retain some favour with the lads.' One holiday that sticks out in Matt's mind which further solidified his negative feelings towards out-of-control boys trips was when he went to Thailand in his early 20s. While the vacation 'wasn't a total nightmare', there were some tense moments that could've escalated and derailed the whole trip" Matt recalls heading out on a pub crawl with the gang, when one bloke from their group wandered off and returned 'about 20 minutes later and says he's got into an argument with the locals' which resulted in 'some pushing and shoving which then turned into a bit of a fight'. The 'very drunk' group instantly started panicking thinking about 'horror stories of foreigners causing trouble abroad and losing your passport' and subsequently 'sprinted about 2km back to our hotel to avoid some angry bar owners our friend had annoyed.' Matt and the lads 'moved off to another part of Thailand quickly after that'. By his own admission, the 29-year-old feels 'many guys and lots of drinks' can often lead to 'an overall atmosphere of tension which might kick off at any moment'. For Matt, his 'ideal lads vacation' would be 'a good mix of culture and party where it's focusing on shared interests and experiences rather than just getting drunk all day every day'. He shares: 'I'd love to do something active, like exploring the local history, going to a vineyard or seeing the best viewpoint. Something that involves an activity as well as some drinks is much more appealing to me. The vibe would be relaxed, we'd explore the place we are in rather than just going to the main strip. It's like going to London and only going to Covent Garden, there's so much more to see! But that's just me.' And while he feels that 'there's nothing wrong with having a few drinks', he'd rather have it not be 'the central focus of the trip'. The perfect trip in his mind? 'It would be about creating good memories and strengthening friendships, not just racking up embarrassing stories of who got the most drunk. They are funny but I don't want that to be the only thing I remember.'
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Get out and about with our step-by-step National Walking Month beginner's guide
Think better, feel better, sleep better. The benefits of walking are proven and the joy of being in the great outdoors with friends and family or by yourself for some 'me-time' is undeniable. So now you want to do more than boost your daily phone stats and step out on a walking holiday? You are not alone – more and more Brits are choosing to lace up and hit the paths and trails at home and abroad. But where do you start? What gear do you need for something more than a stroll round your local park or woods? We've teamed up with the experts at Glasgow-based self-guided walking holiday brand Macs Adventure to help set you on your way. And there's no better time than now, as May is the UK's National Walking Month – an annual campaign that promotes the physical and mental health benefits of walking. And the nation is blessed with a network of excellent signposted and maintained paths. Step this way for our top tips for first-time walking holidays… Your feet are your friends on a walking holiday – make sure you treat them well. Comfy boots are non-negotiable but they don't have to break the bank. Go for three-season boots with durable, water-resistant materials such as Gore-Tex or leather and make sure the soles have excellent grip for various terrains. Don't wait until your holiday to wear new boots. Break them in with short walks to make sure they're well worn-in and to avoid blisters later. Did you know that the way you lace your boots can make all the difference when tackling different comfort issues? Here are some quick and easy techniques to try... Pick moisture-wicking materials such as merino wool to keep feet dry and snug. Ensure a good fit that complements your boots, avoiding socks that bunch up or rub uncomfortably. Layering is key for unpredictable weather so it's worth packing in layers rather than anything too bulky. You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. Other ESSENTIALS Pack smart and pack safe. Here are some must-have items to include in your rucksack... Download the route before heading off as service can be a bit hit and miss in remote areas. Macs also recommends printing off the documents and guides as a back up. Otherwise, you should consider buying (or borrowing) a GPS handheld satellite tracker. Even the best-planned walking holiday requires some physical preparation and it's worth putting in some effort before you hit the trail. Picking the right trip for your first walking holiday is really important. With self-guided tours you are able to walk at your own pace, take breaks whenever you want, and enjoy the freedom of independent travel without having to wait for anyone else to catch up. Macs Adventure categorises all its trips by difficulty levels, so beginners can start with routes graded Easy or Easy to Moderate. Macs founder Neil Lapping said: 'Walking holidays are in great demand, with more and more people looking to turn a leisurely pastime into a great holiday. 'We have a huge range of itineraries to suit everyone, whether you're looking for a slower, more relaxed trip, or something more challenging. One of the best things about doing it self-guided is there is no rush – you can take a break when you want, linger over a long lunch, or just soak up the views. You get to set your own pace.' Here are a few beginner-friendly options to consider: To book a walking holiday see
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Center Parcs cheap European alternatives that will save you £1,000s
If your family is planning a summer holiday and looking for cheaper alternatives to Center Parcs, look no further. Mirror Travel has got a list of holiday parks in exotic European locales that you can stay at — for a fraction of the price. With the summer break just around the corner, families will be looking for things to do and places to go to. And while a UK holiday park like Center Parcs may seem like a seemingly easy, effortless, and no-brainer option, it may well burn a hole in your pocket. Prices at Center Parcs during the summer months start from a whopping £1,500 a week for the lowest category of accommodation, going up to as high as £9,000 and beyond. While the family-friendly holiday park offers serene locations and top-notch facilities, they come at a price. Especially for families looking to book holidays on a budget. Fear not, because we've got a list of cheaper alternatives in gorgeous locations that are a fraction of the cost. From the stunning locales of the Rhône-Alpes in France to the stunning Moselle Valley in Germany, all the way to the vibrant Costa Dorada in Spain — Mirror Travel has collated an affordable list of family-friendly holiday parks that you can visit this summer. What's great is even if you aren't looking to head down during the summer months, these family-friendly holiday parks are, on average, 30 to 70 per cent cheaper than Center Parcs at most times. Location: Rhône-Alpes, France Dates: July-August Group Size: Family of four (two adults, two children) Prices: Starting from £733 for a mobile home Things to do: Enjoy an outdoor swimming complex and a diverse range of activities such as football, tennis, volleyball, the classic French sport Pétanque, a plethora of sports tournaments, shows, live music concerts, and Aquagym lessons. There are also theme parties, karaoke, and leisure activities in the surrounding local area, including horse riding, golf, a treetop adventure park, canoeing/kayaking, and fishing. For children, there's a Kid's Club with treasure hunts, sports competitions, and dance parties, ensuring fun for the whole family. Siblu Village Domaine de Litteau Location: Normandy, France Dates: July-August Group Size: Family of four (two adults, two children) Prices: Starting from £554 for a stylish range of mobile homes or super-spacious pitches for your own touring caravan, tourer, or tent Things to do: Set in the heart of Normandy's countryside, Domaine de Litteau offers fun for all ages with fishing ponds, a covered pool complex, an outdoor play area with BMX tracks, climbing ropes, and a zip wire. A mini-farm, day and evening entertainment, several sports activities, game rooms, and a mini-market add to the excitement. The location is ideal for exploring Normandy, with beautiful beaches and historic sites like Bayeux and Cherbourg, home to the incredible Cite de la Mer with a three-level aquarium, nuclear submarine, and Titanic exhibition, all nearby. Landal Sonnenberg Location: Moselle Valley, Germany Dates: July-August Group Size: Family of four (two adults, two children) Things to do: Enjoy the indoor swimming pool with water attractions, an indoor playground with a climbing wall (chargeable), mini golf, and bowling (for an additional fee). Savour culinary delights at the brasserie or snack bar, and participate in sporting competitions at the Sports Arena. The park also features a game park with a deer enclosure where visitors can feed the deer. Kids will love the bug mansion, Bollo Club, indoor play paradise, ball pit, and air trampoline. Location: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Costa Dorada, Spain Dates: July-August Group Size: Family of four (two adults, two children) Things to do: With multiple pool complexes and a wellness center (including a Jacuzzi and sauna for an additional fee), there's plenty of relaxation and fun to be had at Vilanova Park. Other activities include tennis, table tennis, boules, football, and volleyball. Enjoy twisting waterslides, crazy golf, and a jumping pillow on site as well. The nearby Port Aventura theme park offers even more excitement. EuroParcs Gulperberg Location: Limburg, The Netherlands Dates: July-August Group Size: Family of four (two adults, two children) Prices: Starting from £1,152 for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) Things to do: Features include an outdoor pool, Escapebox 'pyramid', sauna, and exciting activities such as laser gaming, bubble football, children's shows, and a bat safari. The Fun Heroes (travelling entertainers who come to the park) and Fun Crew provide family-friendly entertainment for all age groups. Nearby attractions include the caves of Valkenburg, Natural History Museum Maastricht, the Steam Train 'Miljoenenlijn', and Castle Hoensbroek. In comparison, Center Parcs comes with a hefty price tag, although it has top-tier facilities and locations within the UK, which would be extremely convenient and hassle-free for families in the UK to travel to. Center Parcs Dates: July-August Group Size: Family of four (two adults, two children) Things to do: The Subtropical Swimming Paradise offers activities like mini-jet skis, Tropical Cyclone, Lazy River, Typhoon, Aqua Jetting. There's also a luxurious Forest Spa. You can also enjoy cycling, shopping, kids' play areas, and a variety of activities like archery, squad bikes, laser clay shootouts, paintball, owl encounters, building a nature house, teddy bear making, woodcrafts, pottery, and cupcake making. Water sport activities include kayaking, katakanu, paddleboarding, and the AquaParc for an adventure-filled experience.
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I was urged to avoid a holiday to this popular Italian city - but I went anyway'
Planning an Italian getaway is always exciting, especially if you want to go somewhere very few people want to venture. That was the task Mirror Travel Writer Vita Molyneux and her brother faced when they were preparing to jet off. "We were keen to explore somewhere off the beaten track," she said. "We'd already experienced the coastal charm of Moneglia in Genoa – a tranquil village known for its warm hospitality and close proximity to the renowned Cinque Terre." She added: "We'd also taken in the stunning Tuscan cities of Florence and Siena, marvelling at their magnificent cathedrals and rich culture." With those places ticked off their bucket list, one place was left for them to conquer – and it was one they found, to their astonishment, many people had a dim view of. "We set our sights on Naples, the southern Italian city famed for its pizza, vibrant nightlife and bustling cobbled streets," Vita recalled. "With flights booked, accommodation sorted and anticipation mounting, we encountered an unexpected response. Almost everyone we told about our plans reacted with 'Naples? Why would you go to Naples?'" She added: "The city was painted as 'dodgy', 'dangerous' and 'frightening'. Shaken, I turned to social media and found a plethora of TikTok videos warning against visiting Naples, with comments ranging from it giving off 'kidnapping vibes' to claims it was 'the most dangerous city in the world '." To say Vita was alarmed would be putting it mildly, but this served as a stark reminder not to believe everything you read online, reports the Express. Their journey got off to a bumpy start, as the trek from the airport to their accommodation in the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) was somewhat tense. Naples, Vita found, was unlike any other Italian city she had visited. "Admittedly, it's a bit rough around the edges, with potholed roads and graffiti-laden walls. However, there was already something endearing about it," she wrote. "Our flight was delayed, and we didn't touch down in Naples until around 1am. Our Airbnb host, showcasing the incredible kindness of the Neapolitan people, personally drove to the airport to pick us up despite the late hour. "On our first day, we ventured out to explore our neighbourhood, the Quartieri Spagnoli. I instantly fell for its labyrinthine maze of cobbled streets, markets, shop fronts and homes all festooned with bunting." Vita and her brother could not have arrived at Naples at a better time – the local football team Napoli had just clinched their first Serie A title in 33 years before they arrived. She said: "Images of the late Diego Maradona, Napoli's Argentine legend who is almost worshipped as a saint here, were plastered on every other wall and hung above the streets. The atmosphere was electric and utterly intoxicating. "Simply strolling through the city was an adventure. Mopeds whizzed past on the narrow streets, and there were people everywhere – it was hard to know where to look. "We chose to hike up to Castel Sant'Elmo, perched high above the city. Our journey took us past beautiful villas and layers of pastel-coloured apartments." In the spring heat, climbing the steep stairs to the castle was a challenge, but the breathtaking view from the top made it all worthwhile for the pair. "This medieval fortress, dating back to 1275, served as an autonomous military outpost," Vita said. "Our exploration of the castle and its walls provided breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and towards Mount Vesuvius, which ominously towers over Naples from the south." A highlight of Vita's trip was Naples' proximity to the ancient site of Pompeii – somewhere she had yearned to visit since she was a child. "The ancient village, obliterated by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, is one of the most well-preserved historical sites globally, boasting everything from homes to law courts to vineyards for visitors to explore," she added. "Just a half-hour train ride away, we reached the site early in the morning, with the sun already blazing overhead. We decided against a guided tour, opting instead for audio guides that allowed us to explore at our own pace. "After consulting with a guide on site, he marked our maps, highlighting areas he thought we'd find most intriguing. Given Pompeii's vastness, it's nearly impossible to see everything in a single day. Taking our time, we meandered through the ancient village, absorbing the stories of its former inhabitants." After a full day of exploration, Vita and her brother returned to the city for some evening refreshments and a bite to eat. She was "completely blown away by the nightlife." Vita remarked: "Naples' nightlife is second to none – kicking off with an Aperol spritz in one of the city's numerous bars, watching life pass by, before moving on to taste some truly amazing Neapolitan pizza, hailed as the world's best by many. "We spent a thrilling three days in Naples, and every moment was a delight. Sure, it's bustling and crossing the road requires bravery and a certain level of recklessness, but the city is teeming with life. "The city buzzes with activity, the views are breathtaking, and the locals are fantastic." What advice would Vita give to anyone hesitant about visiting this southern Italian gem? "Don't trust everything you read online, as I discovered. But if you're reading this and pondering whether to visit Naples – take my word for it, you should."
