You might want to reconsider holidays to these hotspots in 2025
UK residents have been warned before planning their next holiday, as 15 countries have been classified as ‘do not visit’ locations.
Christmas has come and gone, but all this means is everyone’s attention turning to the new year, and more specifically, where we might be travelling to in 2025.
The thought of a holiday might be all that keeps us going through the cold months of January and February, and even more so for those taking part in Dry January – but why have people been advised against visiting these popular holiday hotspots?
Some popular holiday destinations have been classified as ‘do not visit’ (Getty Stock Photo)
Brits will be starting to mark their locations of interest next year, though 15 places have been outlined as ones to avoid.
According to English travel guide producer Fodor, even those looking to venture outside of the European Union should look out for a number of places.
Fodor editors explain: “These places are popular for good reason – they’re beautiful, fascinating, and culturally significant. But some of these sought-after tourist spots are buckling under the weight of their own fame.”
Some of these places are Agrigento in Sicily, Tokyo in Japan and the Scotland North Coast 500.
Fodor further highlights: “But we do believe that acknowledging the problem is the first step towards solving it. The No List serves to highlight those destinations where tourism is putting unsustainable pressure on the environment and local communities.”
They add that the overtourism issue should be ‘addressed’ before ‘future generations’ can go and enjoy them too.
Here’s the full ‘do not visit’ list:
- Bali, Indonesia
- Barcelona and Majorca, Spain
- Canary Islands
- Venice, Italy
- Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Britain Virgin Islands
- Kerala, India
- Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Scotland North Coast 500
The Canary Islands are on the list (Getty Stock Photo)
Fodor explained: “The destinations featured on the No List deserve the fame and adoration they receive. They are worthy of your time and money,” noting that protests in European countries in particular are rising due to the issue.
Describing the ‘challenges’ of tourism in these locations as ‘real and urgent’, they clarified: “Fodor’s does not advocate for travel boycotts – they harm local economies and fail to bring about meaningful change. But we do believe that the first step to alleviating a problem is recognising there is one.”
They add that the ‘unsustainable pressures on land and local communities’ are issues that must be solved before we start venturing over to them in large numbers.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photos
Topics: Travel, Holiday, Europe, UK News
Joshua Nair
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Updated 13:15 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 13:13 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1
Brits warned as UK and EU airports in major U-turn over 100ml liquid limit
No timescale has been put in place on when the rule will be relaxed
The wait was almost over for Brits flying overseas. But now the mind-numbing 100ml liquid limit placed on our hand luggage has been brought back in across the United Kingdom and European Union.
Trying to fit in your suncream, deodorant, toothpaste and smellies is one of the biggest annoyances when packing for a trip overseas, with everything having to fit inside a 20cm by 20cm plastic bag since the early 2000s.
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And everything being packed had to be no more than 100ml in capacity or it’d be binned by staff running the airport security scanners.
There has been exceptions to the cap, with prescribed medicine and baby food permitted (as long as the latter is sealed).
New, advanced scanners have been installed across airports throughout 2024, with some ahead of others in getting them across the line in time for the busy summer months.
Now with those behind us and autumn on the cards, those looking to enjoy the sun outside of the bedlam of the school holidays have been warned that the 100ml rule is being brought back across all UK airports and many in Europe due to a ‘temporary technical issue’.
The limit has come back in play across the EU (Getty Stock Image)
The issue impacts the new scanners, which when working, allow travellers to take up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage. The liquids can also be packed anywhere in the bag, with the 20cm by 20cm bag a thing of the past.
But the European Commission announced in late July that from 1 September, the 100ml limit would be returning. Currently, there is no date for when the rules will be relaxed again.
In the UK, the Department for Transport said it has been ‘working with manufacturers, airports and international partners to lift restrictions when possible’.
An end to 100ml liquid limits has been delayed (Getty Stock Image)
The Europe branch of the Airports Council International (ACI) has estimated that there are 350 of the new scanners in place across 13 EU countries, including Italy, Germany, and Ireland.
ACI bosses have said it be a ‘setback for the passenger experience and a blow to major investments made by airports’.
ACI director general, Olivier Jankovec, said: “Security is non-negotiable, it is one of the top priorities of European airports.
UK and EU airports have brought back the 100ml cap (Getty Stock Image)
“Therefore, all airports will fully comply with the new restriction. However, airports that have been early adopters of this new technology are being heavily penalised, both operationally and financially.”
In the UK, some smaller airports such as Leeds-Bradford Airport had scrapped the 100ml limit in the summer with customers breezing through security check.
Scanners at larger airports, such as Heathrow and Manchester, hadn’t opened in time, with them set to be fully operational by the summer of 2025.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Europe, Holiday, Travel, UK News
Tom Earnshaw
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Published 11:38 1 Jul 2024 GMT+1
Brits warned they could be fined over simple airport meal deal sandwich
That airport meal deal could end up costing you a whole lot more
The airport meal deal is a ritual millions of us go through every year as we jet off to our holiday destinations of choice.
But it is one that could land you with a fine if you break a common rule.
Many of us have been in this situation countless times – bags have been dropped off, you’re through security and picked up a bargain bottle of something rather nice from duty free.
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Then it’s time to scran, especially if you’re done the 3am get up for those first flights departing just after six.
But whether you get a meal deal from WHSmith or a butty from Costa, one group of travel experts have warned Brits flying to the EU that they could be fine for bringing their food across borders.
According to European Waterways, a travel expert group, it all comes down to Brexit’s impact on meat or dairy products.
EU rules about meat and dairy could scupper your holiday plans (Getty Stock Images)
Maryanne Sparkes, from the group, said: “If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you – this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich.
“It is safe to consume these sandwiches in the airport and on the plane, but they must be disposed of either before you get off the flight or as soon as you enter the terminal at the other side.
“To avoid fines or potential criminal prosecution, ensure that any meat or dairy products are not carried into the EU.
“You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey.
“Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are as long as they weigh no more than 20 kilograms or the equivalent weight of one whole fish, whichever is heavier.”
Sandwiches most at risk of a fine (containing meat or dairy products)
- Chicken & Bacon
- Ham & Cheese
- BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato)
- Turkey & Swiss
- Egg & Bacon
- Chicken Caesar
- Chicken & Stuffing
- Ham Salad with Cheese
- Beef & Horseradish
- Tuna Mayo & Sweetcorn
Airport scran (Getty Stock Images)
Sandwiches least at risk of fine (excluding meat and dairy products)
- Vegan Hummus & Roasted Vegetable
- Falafel & Spinach
- Spicy Bean & Avocado
- Vegan Sweet Potato & Red Pepper
- Veggie Club (without cheese or mayo)
- Avocado & Tomato (without cheese or mayo)
- Chickpea & Mango Chutney
- Beetroot & Falafel
- Mediterranean Veggie (without cheese or mayo)
- Curried Chickpea & Mango
Don’t risk it and eat it before you land (Getty Stock Images)
A statement from the European Union website reads: “If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you.
“You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey.
“Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are also allowed.”Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: UK News, Travel, Europe, Money, Crime, Holiday, Brexit
Tom Earnshaw
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Published 15:33 20 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Europe’s five worst places to visit if you have really bad hay fever
There are some major hay fever and pollen allergy hot spots in Europe, according to new research
Speaking as someone who has suffered from it since he was six-years-old, hay fever is an absolute nightmare here in the UK.
A runny nose, watery eyes, and non-stop sneezing… three symptoms that are synonymous with the summer months for anyone else that suffers from a pollen allergy.
For some, 2024 has proven to be a particularly bad year for hay fever sufferers – and there’s a reason for that. And whatever you do, do not hold your sneeze if you feel the allergies hitting you particularly hard. Try and avoid rubbing your eyes, too.
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Sadly, pollen isn’t restricted to the UK. Which means those of us heading overseas for a summer holiday should prepare to be hit by pollen bombs across Europe and beyond – especially if it stays warm, humid and windy.
And now, new research has been released revealing the worst places on the European continent when it comes to your holiday being ruined by the allergy.
Dr. Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph said: “People that suffer from hay fever may find that they actually have fewer symptoms, or in some cases worse symptoms when they are abroad.
“This is because types of pollen vary across different countries, and the varying climate and weather also means the pollen seasons can be vastly different.
“Some people find that when they move to a different country, they develop new hay fever symptoms. This is because they are exposed to different types of allergen that their immune system has never seen before.
Sneezing hell is a common symptom of hay fever (Getty Stock Images)
“Bad hay fever symptoms can really take away the enjoyment of travelling abroad, so it’s definitely worth thinking ahead if you do suffer from hay fever, researching the pollen count in the country you are visiting, and preparing yourself to tackle the symptoms whilst you’re away.”
For those heading to Faro and Lisbon in Portugal, as well as Ibiza and Dublin, don’t worry too much.
The research, from Hellotickets, has named them as the best destinations you can take a trip to if you suffer from hay fever.
It differs depending on the kind of pollen allergy you have – tree, grass, or weed.
Some people get rashes when suffering from hay fever (Getty Stock Images)
For tree pollen allergies, Faro is the place to be in June with it Lisbon for July and August. Ibiza makes the clean sweep when it comes to grass pollen, with it the best holiday destination for all three months. The same goes for Dublin and weed pollen across the entire summer.
Worst European destinations for hay fever sufferers
Zürich
Zürich is one of the worst cities to visit during the early summer if you have a pollen allergy. The Swiss city gathers high to extreme levels of tree and grass pollen count from April to July, but it’s a rather pleasant destination during the late summer and early autumn months.
Dr Merrifield said: “Switzerland tends to have longer, more intense pollen seasons than other countries in Europe. This means symptoms can worsen, and can last longer.”
Warsaw
The Polish capital has one of the highest amounts of average grass pollen levels during the early summer months, only after Zürich, with guts of over 80 grains per metre cubic of air during June and July, an amount considered high by pollen count standards.
Nasal sprays are a common medicine used to calm the symptoms of hay fever (Getty Stock Images)
Milan
The iconic Italian city not only shines by their fashion industry, but also its pollen count levels. From May to August, the city features moderate tree and grass pollen levels by standard classification, although bursts can reach almost 70 grains per metre cubed. Weed pollen is also high during the autumn, so the best time to visit Milan is during the winter months.
Corfu
The beautiful island of Corfu is also among the worst destinations for hay fever sufferers. While tree and grass pollen is not particularly high during the summer, weed pollen is. A big part of UK hay fever sufferers don’t know what type of pollen they’re allergic to, so unless certain, we recommend avoiding the Greek island this summer.
Budapest
Lastly, Budapest is a safer choice for early summer travellers, but like Corfu, it gathers one of the highest levels of weed pollen during July, August and early autumn. If Budapest is on the bucket list, winter is the best time to go.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Europe, Health, News, UK News, Travel
Tom Earnshaw
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Published 17:07 17 Jun 2024 GMT+1
Brits warned as Spain issues new system for tourists that could save your life
Spain has issued its 2024 National Plan for Preventive Actions on the effects of excess temperatures on health
A new travel system could mean the difference between life and death for those visiting Spain this summer, with tourists and locals alike urged to keep themselves updates.
And if you think we’re exaggerating, sadly we’re not.
Since 2017, Spain has suffered 22,000 heat-related deaths; that is almost 3,000 people every year due to complications brought on as a result of extreme heat.
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Recent years has seen central Europe deal with extreme temperatures across the continent, with numerous locations hitting the 50 degrees Celsius mark.
In the last week, Dr Michael Mosely and at least four other tourists have tragically lost their lives while visiting the Greek island of Crete which has been dealing with a widespread heatwave with some told to stay inside between 11am and 3pm.
To try and tackle the issue in Spain – with millions of Brits set to fly there in the coming months – and across the Canary and Balearic islands, the Spanish government has produced its 2024 National Plan for Preventive Actions on the effects of excess temperatures on health.
One vital part to this is a new, state-of-the-art heat alert map showing a localised breakdown of Spain and which areas are deemed to be at risk as you check it with daily updates on 182 zones across the country.
A woman taking shade using an umbrella in Madrid during the heatwave of the 2023 summer (Bilbao/Europa Press via Getty Images)
It comes as Copernicus, the EU’s global warming monitoring body, has recorded the 11th consecutive warmest month around the world. In other words, every month since June 2023 until April 2024 has been the hottest respective month, ever.
A normal healthy individual can deal with temporary changes to their temperature of around three degrees Celsius without their physical or mental state reacting.
But any more than that and a physiological defence reaction occurs, with older people and children more sensitive to these temperature changes.
The Spanish Ministry for Health says: “Exposure to high ambient temperatures can cause an insufficient response of the human thermoregulatory system. Excessive heat can alter our vital functions if the human body is not able to compensate for variations in body temperature.
Stay hydrated, seek shade (Miguel Pereira/Getty Images)
“A very high temperature produces loss of water and electrolytes that are necessary for the normal functioning of the different organs. In some people with certain chronic diseases, undergoing certain medical treatments and with disabilities that limit their autonomy, these thermoregulation mechanisms may be decompensated.
“From a biological approach, exposure to excessive temperatures can cause health problems such as cramps, dehydration, heat stroke, heat stroke with multi-organ problems that can include symptoms such as unsteady gait, seizures and even coma.
“The impact of exposure to excessive heat is influenced by physiological aging and underlying diseases.”
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Areas of Spain are known for issuing warning to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm (Lorena Sopena/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The map splits Spain in to 52 regions, so you can accurately know if the area you’re on holiday in presents a danger to your health.
There are four risk levels – Level 0: no risk; Level 1: low risk; Level 2: medium risk; and Level 3: high risk. Every region is given a daily risk rating as well as a five day forecast, so you can plan if travelling.
Time to bookmark the map if you’re heading to Spain this summer and give it a check over your morning espresso. You’d nothing to lose and plenty to gain.