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The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best lesser-known cities for romantic getaways in 2025
Sign up to Simon Calder's free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder's Travel email Get Simon Calder's Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What could be more romantic than whisking your beloved away on a European city break? Naturally, the allure of couple-centric front runners – Paris, Florence and Prague – dominate the search bar for loving long weekends filled with tables for two, rose-strewn duvets and flutes of champagne amid intimate itineraries. With these can come steep price tags, swarms of sightseers and impossible restaurant reservations – all things that are sure to kill the mood. Forget the hearts and flowers heavyweights vying for the crown of the city of love – opt instead for an under-the-radar alternative for better value, fewer tourists and just as much opportunity to hold hands and stare lovingly into each other's eyes... Here's how to cheat the canals of Venice in a love affair with Annecy and trade fairy-tale Bruges for the charms of Strasbourg on your next romantic getaway. Read more: Top bakery destinations around the world and which treat to eat Swap Dubrovnik for Pula open image in gallery Pula has a historic pedigree to rival the walled cobbles of Dubrovnik ( Niels Bosman ) With a prime spot on the Mediterranean, promenades of sophisticated seafood spots and distinctive medieval architecture, the cobbles of Dubrovnik are undoubtedly a haven for lovers and the proclaimed 'Pearl of the Adriatic' welcomes hordes of visitors to its sun-kissed walls year-round. An escape to frequently neglected Pula in northern Croatia offers an amphitheatre of Roman ruins to wander, a ragged coastline for bathing and authentic tavernas to taste pours from the Istria wine region without the perpetual hustle of southern hotspot Dubrovnik. Savour sailings watching the dolphins dance, Mediterranean meals beginning with pršut ham and local olive oil, and lively nights in buzzing bars post sunset in Istria's historic main city. Where to stay Relax mere metres from the Adriatic, float hand in hand in a heated outdoor pool or stretch out during a couples massage at the stylish Boutique Hotel Valsabbion just 10 minutes from the heart of Pula. Read more: Secret heart-shaped European peninsula perfect for a foodie holiday Trade Venice for Annecy open image in gallery Medieval Venice-esque canals weave Annecy's waterways ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Annecy in south-east France is known as the Venice of the Alps – and for good reason. This medieval canal city has several waterways running through the centre, fed by the neighbouring Lake Annecy, set to a backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. It also features a charming old town with cobbled streets and pastel houses; the Château d'Annecy, which looks like it fell straight out of a storybook, looms large, and is now home to a museum. The city rivals Venice for picturesque beauty and has the additional boon of the glorious lake, which visitors can explore on pleasure boats or on foot, following the trails around the water's edge. Where to stay Located on the banks of the Vassé Canal, the contemporary Le Splendid Hotel faces Lake Annecy with old-town gift shopping, the fairy tale Palais de l'Île museum and idyllic boat tours at your fingertips. Read more: The best hotels in Paris for budget-friendly breaks and luxury stays Switch Florence for Ferrara open image in gallery Ferrara is a romantic Renaissance heavyweight ( Melina Kiefer ) Florence may be the cradle of the Renaissance, but the reasons tourists flock there – world-class art, architecture, food and drink – can be found elsewhere in Italy. The oft-overlooked city of Ferrara, sat between Venice and Bologna, is a serious Renaissance art destination, plus a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its proximity to better-known cities makes it a relatively quiet option, with less competition to see the signature Castello Estense, a giant castle complete with moat in the city centre, and various palazzos boasting fine frescoes and examples of Renaissance art. Food-wise, there are plenty of trattorias serving traditional Ferrara dishes, such as cappellacci di zucca (pasta filled with pumpkin, parmigiano cheese and nutmeg) and pasticcio di maccheroni (a sweet-crust pie with macaroni, béchamel, dried mushroom and truffle filling). Where to stay With wooden beams, rich red accents and antique furnishings there's a warm ambience to the Princess Art Hotel that encapsulates a bygone era. Think cosying up by the fire, unwinding on the garden patio and making the short stroll to Este Castle. Read more: The best city breaks in Italy, from art-filled Florence to coastal Cagliari Change Bruges for Strasbourg open image in gallery Strasbourg beats Bruges as a fairy tale base ( Chan Lee ) Bruges' pretty market squares, cobbled streets and soaring church spires mimic a medieval fairy tale. The drawback? These attractions also attract huge numbers of tourists. Find a quieter yet equally charming base in Strasbourg – the underappreciated Alsace gem on the French-German border that combines the best of both. Half-timbered, colourful old buildings lining winding streets give their own take on the fairy-tale style, while cosy winstubs (traditional Alsatian taverns) welcome travellers for food and drink. Get a cultural fix at the 18th-century Palais Rohan, dubbed a 'Versailles in miniature', or go more modern with a visit to Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, which features works by Kandinsky and Picasso. Where to stay The grand 16th-century Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D'or has preserved its historic splendour among the waterside timbers of 'Petite France'. Le Bouclier d'Or even hosts a steamy hammam, moody wine bar and impressive views of Strasbourg Cathedral. Substitute Prague with Český Krumlov open image in gallery For a pint-sized Prague, visit Český Krumlov in the South Bohemia region ( Mike Swigunski ) Plentiful beer, architecture that roams from Gothic to baroque to art nouveau and a maze of pretty, cobbled streets – Prague has all you need for a romantic break. And, apparently, for a less-than-romantic stag do. Escape the morph-suit-clad crowds by travelling to Český Krumlov, a pint-sized Prague in Czechia's south. With its own Unesco status, plenty of Renaissance architecture to admire and a fairy tale castle perched above the Vltava River, this small-scale town blends the highlights of the capital with peaceful and responsible tourism. Where to stay For riverside accommodation in Český Krumlov, Garni Hotel Castle Bridge sits on the Vltava River with views that stretch to its iconic stronghold. Picture hearty breakfast platters on the banks and spacious double rooms just a stone's throw from the main square. Read more: The perfect European city Christmas market break – with a hidden spa twist Replace Paris with Bordeaux open image in gallery Ditch the bustling city of love for quiet carafes of margaux ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Hailed as one of the world's most romantic cities, Paris attracts more than its fair share of lovebirds. But those looking for good food and wine and a chance to brush up their langage de l'amour should look further south for all the romance with less of the cliché. Bordeaux offers a compact city centre, pedestrianised boulevards and restored neoclassical architecture at every turn. Swap the Eiffel Tower for the Miroir-d'eau, the world's largest reflecting pool, take advantage of the city's illustrious wine heritage in the Cité du Vin museum, and forget Notre Dame – Bordeaux's Cathedral of Saint Andrew is a Gothic masterpiece in its own right. Where to stay A dream for couples, luxury is king at Villas Foch in downtown Bordeaux. Here, a world-class spa meets romantic Juliet balconies, indulgent pâtisserie and swirls of red in the dimly lit bar. Read more: How to do a Bordeaux wine tour by public transport
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Getting a handle on cabin baggage: How confusing are the current rules, and what is changing (or not)?
You know the feeling: you buy a budget airline ticket and turn up at the departure gate only to discover that you have the wrong sort of hand baggage. It might be too big for the 'sizer' at the entrance to the plane, you may have one too many items – such as a handbag as well as a laptop case. European consumer groups are calling for such penalties to be banned, saying every passenger should be allowed to carry a roll-along bag as well as a 'personal item' such as a handbag or laptop. How likely is this to come to pass? Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independent, has been stowing his belongings in the overhead locker for a good few years … Have there always been cabin baggage wars? No. A couple of decades ago, the number of questions I received about cabin baggage allowances was close to zero. But in 2006, airlines started charging for checked baggage. As the practice spread swiftly through the budget airlines and then the 'legacy' carriers, inevitably passengers started cramming whatever they could into cabin baggage. Very quickly, the overhead bins started flowing over, and airlines spotted another revenue source: charging for taking larger pieces of cabin baggage on board. They don't agree about the exact dimensions on the free item, either – leading to all manner of disputes at the boarding gate. Meanwhile airlines such as British Airways see their generous two-piece allowance as a marketing edge. Who are these European consumer groups – and what exactly do they want? They comprise 16 national bodies from across the EU, under the main European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) umbrella. They want a consistent, generous limit on how much you can take into the aircraft. Agustin Reyna, director general of BEUC, said: 'Consumers expect to see a small item and a piece of hand luggage when buying basic tickets.' In other words, every airline should share the British Airways two-piece allowance. Standardisation is also important. Cabin baggage limits on flights are maddeningly complicated. Airlines come up with their own rules on the exact dimensions and weights of hand luggage. Some charge for anything more than a small backpack, laptop case or handbag – others don't. Many 'legacy' carriers such as British Airways and North American airlines have a generous two-item allowance for cabin baggage. But budget airlines in Europe are much more restrictive. And to make matters worse they deploy different dimensions for the free cabin baggage and a paid-for roll-along case if you want to bring one. What do the top carriers allow? Currently, if you normally fly on airline X, you cannot assume your bag will also be compliant on airline Y. At present the leading three budget airlines in Europe have sharply different maximum dimensions: Free bag: Easyjet: 45 x 36 x 20cm Ryanair: 40 x 25 x 20cm Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20cm Paid-for bag: When converted to litres of capacity, the differences become obvious: Easyjet: 32 free, 63 paid Ryanair: 20 free, 44 paid Wizz Air: 24 free, 51 paid With easyJet around 50 per cent more generous than Ryanair, there is plenty of scope for standardisation. This could extend to 'legacy' airlines too. At present British Airways has a meagre allowance for a personal item (40 x 30 x 15cm, or 18 litres) but also a giant free cabin bag measuring 56 x 45 x 25cm (63 litres). How likely are changes? Already courts in Italy and Spain have come down on the side of the passenger wanting to bring two pieces of cabin baggage, with fines imposed on various budget airlines, particularly Ryanair. But the carriers believe that they will win at higher courts, because the current system offers passengers choice. They say that forcing airlines to carry almost unlimited cabin baggage will snarl up their systems and send air fares soaring. Michael O'Leary of Ryanair says officials in Brussels 'accept that there will have to be restrictions'. He told me: 'We can only allow about half the passengers to bring a wheelie bag on board. There isn't space on board the aircraft for any more bags. So we don't think there's going to be any legislation that will impose a right – or impose on all airlines, 'You must take all these wheelie bags' – because the aircraft won't fit the bags.' He would say that, wouldn't he? Yes, because budget airlines make a large slab of their revenue from charging for larger items of hand luggage. Low-cost carriers refute the accusation that extra baggage charges are hidden. They say they make pricing entirely transparent. I have some sympathy with them. Yet the airlines have brought extra attention to their policies by upping the cost of baggage to an absurd degree. On Saturday, for example, I can fly on Ryanair from Edinburgh to Cork for £17. But taking a larger piece of cabin baggage will cost an extra £19 – more than doubling the cost. No wonder the European authorities are taking a closer look at the subject. Will the airlines be forced to change anything? I believe they will voluntarily align cabin baggage limits. The European Parliament passed a resolution last October saying: 'EU-wide harmonisation of the requirements on the size, weight and type of carry-on and check-in luggage for all airlines operating in the European Union would enhance transparency and consumer protection for all air travellers.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Europe holiday spot that's 'cheap as chips' with '80s prices' and top beaches
Simon Calder was speaking on ITV's This Morning as he discussed different destinations for Brits to consider over summer - and one place stood out in particular for value Travel expert Simon Calder has revealed the ultimate cost-effective hotspot for sun-seekers looking for a bargain break, tipping Bulgaria as a top budget-friendly summer destination. Simon waxed lyrical about the beauty spot, emphasising that savvy travellers can bask in all-inclusive luxury while enjoying prices reminiscent of a bygone era. "Bulgaria. It's a great, great destination. Cheap as chips," he raved. "This is an all-inclusive favourite. Great long beaches and prices which are kind of out of the 1980s." Reassuring that Bulgaria offers tremendous value, he said that it's roughly a third of the cost compared to a holiday in Italy, with just a slight language challenge thrown into the mix. "It's really cheap when you get there," Simon declared. "So whatever you want, whatever you'd be spending in Italy for instance, you just divide it by three and that's what you'd pay in Bulgaria. "You've got to master the Cyrillic alphabet though. Back to front Rs and all that but it's a three hour flight so just do that on the plane." According to Muveone, a pint of local beer in Bulgaria will only cost you around 3.00 BGN, which is roughly £1.50. The country offers popular destinations such as Burgas, a city on the Black Sea Coast. It boasts stunning beaches and is just a short distance from the lively Sunny Beach - a favourite amongst young Brits. Visitors can also explore the city's Sea Gardens, home to a vast array of sea plants from across the globe, designed by landscape artist Georgi Duhtev. Alternatively, head to Lake Atanasovsko for a relaxing dip in its black mud pools for a natural yet luxurious spa experience. Further south of Burgas lies the ancient seaside town of Sozopol. Here, the Old Town provides a glimpse into local history and the tranquil Kavatsite Beach. Sozopol offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea, and tourists can take a boat trip to St Ivan Island to spot monk seals and birds.
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- RTÉ News
Why does air travel make us so cranky?
Analysis: A look at the science behind why flying brings out the worst in us and what we can do about it The holidays are coming, airports are packed and emotions are running high. You've probably seen it or even been part of it: that tense moment when a passenger snaps at a flight attendant, or a near-meltdown over a seat reclining too far. Why does flying seem to bring out the worst in us? Airplanes are, quite literally, a pressure cooker for emotions. For many, airports and airplanes are synonymous with anxiety, which often begins well before they step into the terminal. These environments combine stress, discomfort and a loss of control, often leaving even the calmest travellers feeling on edge. Planes also make inequalities bleedingly obvious. We've all experienced the envy of walking through first-class cabins to reach economy. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, travel correspondent for the London Independent Simon Calder on warnings over summer air traffic disruption It's easy to see why air rage has become so common. In fact, reported incidents have skyrocketed in recent years, exacerbated by pandemic-related anxieties. So, let's have a look at the science behind why we get so cranky when we fly. But more importantly, what we can do about it. Air rage is getting worse In recent years, reports of unruly passenger behaviour around the world have surged. Perhaps the most comprehensive indicator is the data compiled by the United States' Federal Aviation Administration, which show a clear connection to the pandemic effect. In 2021, 5,973 incidents of unruly passenger behaviour were recorded, a staggering 492% increase compared to the year before. To put this in perspective, the four-year average of such incidents for the period 2017–2020 was 901.75 (2017: 544, 2018: 889, 2019: 1,161, 2020: 1,009). While the numbers have decreased since their peak in 2021, they remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, the US FAA reported 2,455 incidents, followed by 2,076 in 2023, and 1,954 so far in 2024 (with final numbers for the year still pending). From RTÉ Radio1's Liveline, are airplane seats getting smaller? These incidents in the US alone have led to 402 enforcement actions initiated in 2023, compared to a pre-pandemic high of 83 in a single year. Since 2021, fines totalling more than $21 million have been levied as a result of such incidents. The issue is not limited to the United States (although the US seems to have a higher share of such cases). The International Air Transport Association reported an increase in unruly passenger incidents globally, with one incident per 568 flights in 2022 – up from one per 835 flights in 2021. The most common types of incidents include non-compliance, verbally abusive behaviour and intoxication. Notably, while non-compliance incidents initially fell after mask mandates were removed on most flights, the frequency began to rise again in 2022, ending the year 37% higher than in 2021. Examples of non-compliance include: What's behind the air rage phenomenon? Research has highlighted that the phenomenon arises from an interplay of stressors unique to aviation. Environmental stressors Research consistently identifies the physical environment of airplanes as a significant contributor to passenger frustration and antisocial behaviour. Factors such as cramped seating, limited personal space and high-density cabin configurations exacerbate discomfort and feelings of confinement. Psychological factors such as anxiety, claustrophobia and aviophobia (fear of flying) can also trigger an unusual behaviour that the passenger may not show in other social contexts. In some studies, physical discomfort, such as encroachments into personal space, has been found the leading trigger for anger among passengers. Emotional triggers such as frustration over delays, long queues at the security check or unmet service expectations can escalate minor grievances into disruptive outbursts. Noise and hunger could further compound the situation. It can create a volatile atmosphere even before passengers acted out. From RTÉ Radio 1's The Business, it seems that all of us are living in "the age of rage," with people getting angrier, fuses getting shorter, and more signs being posted in passport and post offices warning people not to be aggressive Research has also suggested that low-cost carriers, while not directly responsible for air rage, create environments conducive to disruptive behaviour due to reduced service levels, inadequate facilities and passenger stress from automation and cost-cutting measures. Social stressors The role of inequality within the cabin environment is another potent factor. Research shows that airplanes serve as a microcosm of class-based society, with physical inequality (the presence of first-class cabins) and situational inequality (boarding through first-class sections) increasing the sense of frustration. Interestingly, situational inequality can even affect first-class passengers, by highlighting their privileges, sometimes fostering a sense of entitlement that may lead to antisocial behaviour. Alcohol use and nicotine withdrawal Alcohol is a dominant precipitant of air rage incidents. Some studies have found that more than half of reported air rage cases involved alcohol intoxication, often fuelled by liberal airport alcohol policies and in-flight consumption. Similarly, nicotine withdrawal was another factor, with nearly 9% of incidents attributed to smokers unable to satisfy their cravings during long flights. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Ryanair calls for two drink limit in airport bars Sociodemographic influences Empirical data suggest sociodemographic factors play a significant role in air rage incidents. One study examining 228 air rage cases found nearly 90% of incidents involved male passengers, with younger adults, particularly those aged 30–39, being the most frequently implicated. Cultural norms and expectations around air travel also influence behaviour. They shape how passengers respond to delays, discomfort, breaches of etiquette or perceived inequities. What can be done? In the UK, airlines and airport authorities have implemented measures, such as Edinburgh's " No Excuse for Abuse" campaign, to address the rise in disruptive behaviour. Such initiatives remind passengers to treat staff and fellow travellers with respect, while emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to aggression. But tackling air rage requires more than just slogans. De-escalation techniques and early recognition of disruptive behaviour can help diffuse situations before they escalate. Studies suggest experienced and well-trained crew members are better equipped to handle such incidents. There are also simple things you can do to improve the flying experience. You may choose to avoid overindulging in alcohol before or during the flight, even if it feels like a way to relax. Staying hydrated and opting for non-alcoholic beverages can help keep emotions in check. Be mindful of others when reclining your seat, storing baggage, or navigating the aisle. A little courtesy can go a long way. Reduce stress by arriving early, ensuring your documents are in order. Avoid rushing through the airport, which is often a recipe for heightened anxiety and irritability. Travel can be stressful for everyone. Showing empathy and being polite, even in frustrating situations, can help de-escalate potential conflicts. Ultimately, it may be helpful to remember that air travel isn't always glamorous. Acknowledge that delays, discomfort and inconveniences are often part of the experience and accepting this reality can help reduce frustration.
Business Mayor
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
easyJet to reopen Newcastle base five years after Covid closure
Sign up to Simon Calder's free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder's Travel email Five years after easyJet closed its base at Newcastle airport, Britain's biggest budget airline has announced it will reopen for summer 2026. Newcastle was an important UK base for Go, the short-lived budget airline from British Airways that was later taken over by easyJet. The base at the Tyneside airport was closed in August 2020 along with the East Midlands and Southend operations. EasyJet reopened its Southend base in March this year. The airline has continued to fly in and out of Newcastle from other bases including Bristol, Belfast International, Geneva, Palma and Paris. The three-aircraft base at the airport will open in March 2026, creating around 130 jobs for pilots, crew and engineers. Routes are yet to be announced but are likely to comprise sunshine flights to destinations in Portugal, the Canaries, the Greek islands and Turkey – as well as one or two city destinations. Jet2, Ryanair already have strong positions at Newcastle. The airport's chief executive, Nick Jones, said: 'It is fantastic that easyJet has chosen to open a new base at Newcastle airport in spring 2026 following such strong demand for flights and package holidays from our passengers. 'This investment will not only offer greater connectivity with the launch of new routes, but it will also deliver hundreds of thousands of additional low-cost seats and package holidays for our passengers; a significant boost to the local economy by creating high-quality jobs and attract more inbound visitors to the region.' Kenton Jarvis, easyJet's chief executive, said:'This not only consolidates our position as the UK's largest leisure airline but will create many skilled jobs and provide critical connectivity for the region, playing an important role in enabling vital economic growth for the UK. 'It's clear that holidays are increasing in importance and more than ever are a priority for UK consumers. With our unrivalled short-haul network and unique easyJet holidays, we're able to offer greater choice and value for money, making travel easy for more customers in the North East and beyond.' Mr Jarvis has also commented on easyJet's half-year results. The airline's headline loss before tax for winter was £394 million, in line with consensus predictions. The easyJet CEO said: 'We remain focused on delivering another record summer this year, expecting to drive strong earnings growth as we continue to progress towards our target of sustainably generating over £1bn of annual profit before tax.' The airline has put in 'additional resilience measures to manage increasing ATC [air-traffic control] delays as part of our ramp up preparations for the summer period'.
