Flipping the image of a ‘big white van’ on its head, a woman is living and travelling in one, making it her haven.

Ellen Green, 29, a freelance graphic designer from Northern Ireland, spends just £200 a month living this way.

She began travelling around Ireland in a van with her dog, Max, a Staffordshire bull terrier, in 2019.

After being in her van ‘all the time’, she decided to move into her new £5,000 Citroen Relay permanently.

Ellen’s loved ones thought her living choices were a ‘bit weird’ to begin with, but now she thinks ‘people can just see that it works for her’.

The 29-year-old has travelled to Snowdonia and Donegal, and has hiked all around the UK and Ireland. Last year, she ‘climbed 52 peaks in 52 weeks’ as the van has made it easier to explore the nation.

Ellen has also saved a lot on monthly bills – now her outgoings are around £200 a month. She can also see herself staying in the van long-term, given how flexible her life can now be.

The graphic designer said: ‘I often just find the nearest beach and park there. It’s so relaxing – I wake up, swim in the sea, do some work, and just chill out.

‘I’d never be able to do that if I was renting. It’s made me make the most out of life, and become a more adventurous person.

‘I can’t believe that showering in leisure centres is normal to me now – I love this lifestyle.’

She continued: ‘I love how flexible it is and being able to park up anywhere, in such beautiful places.

‘There’s no point in me renting a flat because I’m always in the van, and everything’s in here.

‘It’s a lot cheaper than having to spend money on rent on top of this.’

But not all of her loved ones were on board with the idea at first – like her now ex-boyfriend, who said she needed to be more ‘realistic’.

‘Nobody understood it – everyone was a bit embarrassed to be in it because it’s just a big white van and everyone just thought it was a bit weird,’ she said.

‘But I guess, during Covid, it all became a lot more normalised and popular.

‘Now, I think people can just see that it works for me.’

After moving in permanently, Ellen started renovating her van, spending around £1,000, by adding in a leisure battery and a window.

She explained: ‘It was already panelled and had everything, like a kitchen and a workspace in it.

‘But I gradually ripped everything out of it, and then rebuilt it.

‘I did it all myself so it’s quite rustic, I guess – I’ve done a lot of it with reclaimed wood and my friend gave me a pallet so I made shelves out of that.

‘Now, I’ve got a bed, a workspace and a kitchen – I did things like use old book shelves to make kitchen cupboards.’

Her favourite places to explore are Cornwall and Donegal, as lots of other ‘van people’ are there.

‘I pay a maximum of £200 for things like phone bills, apps, showers at leisure centres and washing at launderettes,’ she says.

‘With fuel, it really just depends on how much I want to spend.

‘If I want to spend less this month, I just don’t move around as much.

‘You get to have so much freedom, save money and explore – it’s amazing, I’d suggest it to most people.

‘I can’t see myself settling down somewhere for the foreseeable – at the moment, I wouldn’t change it for the world.’

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In need of some travel inspiration? Look no further, as a new ranking of the world’s best countries has been revealed.

The findings are a result of a collaborative project between the US News and World Report, marketing company WPP, and a business school from the University of Pennsylvania.

It involved an intensive analysis of more than 70 factors for 87 countries and then used data extracted from a survey of more than 17,000 people. 

Categories used for the research included heritage, food, cultural attractions and quality of life with factors such as the job market, income equality and education system, alongside social purposes such as human rights and climate change.

So, which country came out on top?

Known for its beautiful scenery, chocolate and cheese, Switzerland won the battle.

The country found its way to first place thanks to its low levels of unemployment and corruption, and high levels of cultural influence.

In second place is Canada, which is described by the report as a high-tech industrial society. The country also boasts a good job market, education and healthcare system and a stable economic and political landscape.

In third is Sweden, a country which is said to have the most generous people. Why? Well, roughly 1% of the gross national product is put towards humanitarian aid each year. It’s also one of the happiest countries in the world and is extremely family friendly.

Australia and the United States finish the top five, while the UK came in at 9th place. In a good showing for Europe, half of the top ten spots are occupied by the continent.

According to US News, Britain ranked highly for its ‘global influence’, being at the ‘scientific and technological fore’ and having some of the ‘top universities in the world.’

In total, it scored 92.4 out of 100. 

The country did best in the areas of entrepreneurship, cultural influence and power categories but lost points on cost of living (no surprise there), scoring a low 2.2 out of 100 on the scale. 

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We all love a holiday bargain, and now, yet another country is launching a cheap monthly rail pass – and this one costs about the same as just one week of Tube travel.

Following on from Germany relaunching the deutschlandticket and Portugal’s low cost rail pass, France now has joined the party with their own offering.

For only €49 (£42), those travelling on the rail pass in France can get unlimited travel for a month across the country. It includes TER regional services, intercity trains, and potentially local bus, metro and tram travel too.

Even if you don’t travel on it daily, you’ll likely still be making a saving instead of paying for journeys separately.

The pass is valid on TER routes such as Bordeaux to Arcachon, which usually costs €15 (£12.85).

There’s also savings to be had on long-distance routes. For example, if you booked Paris to Toulouse on the day, you could be forking out as much as €94 (£80.50) – almost double the new rail pass.

This pass comes after multiple domestic short-haul flights in France were banned, to get more people using trains.

Research has shown that a small proportion of flyers undertake a huge proportion of flights in Europe – the hope is, more people will pick transport options that are better for the environment.

The new pass is due to be available from summer of next year – so keep it in mind when you plan next year’s holiday.

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While working on serene beaches or by tranquil pools was once a dream for many, it’s now very much a reality.

Working remotely is surging in popularity and, as a result, a growing number of countries are now offering digital nomad visas to entice people over.

For those not clued-up, these particular visas allow remote workers to live and work in that country for a specified period, while being employed and earning an income from a business based outside of that country.

And new research has analysed the cost of living in the countries offering these visas, to reveal the best for remote workers to get the most out of their earnings.

So, if you’re considering packing up and working elsewhere, there are certain cheaper spots that should be on your radar.

According to the Digital Nomad Rich List created by Flamingo App, Sri Lanka is the country where your money will go furthest.

Based on the average UK salary, the data found that cost of living in Sri Lanka comes to just £492 per month (on rent, food, transport and utility bills), so the average Brit is expected to pocket around £2,282 of disposable income.

Argentina, Colombia & North Macedonia, Indonesia and Malaysia also ranked within the top five cheapest countries for digital nomads – according to this report.

However, the most expensive countries to work remotely in were also named, with Bermuda scooping the top spot, followed by the Cayman Islands and Iceland. The UK also placed eighth on the most expensive list.

David Hehenberger, the founder of Flamingo App, said: ‘The findings of our Digital Nomad Rich List are eye-opening, highlighting that the average Brit can increase their disposable income by choosing to work remotely from over 40 countries, freeing up financial and mental space to explore and enjoy life. If you can work from anywhere, why not pick a place that enhances your life?

‘Whether it’s the warm beaches of Indonesia, the cultural hubs of Argentina, or the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

‘Remote work doesn’t have to be confined to our familiar surroundings; it can be the gateway to global experiences, cultural immersion, and financial empowerment. The world is your office.’

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A stroll along the Grand Canal, a gondola ride through skinny side streets, a wander around the Peggy Guggenhiem collection and lots and lots of pasta – Venice is one of the most popular city breaks for a reason.

But, from next year, tourists could be made to pay a €5 (£4.30) tourist tax if they want to take a day trip to the famous Italian city.

The scheme was first due to start in June 2022 and then again in January 2023, but after facing some delays the city has now announced it is set to come into force in spring 2024, initially as a 30-day experiment.

The tax will only apply to those travelling to the Old City (which is the main area of Venice), rather than minor islands such as Burano, Murano and Torcello, and those visiting for one night or more will be exempt from the tax.

However, those exempt from the fee will still need to register your trip on the online booking system.

Rather than turning a profit, the tax is intended to dissuade people from visiting the city on particularly busy days in a bid to prevent overcrowding.

It follows an announcement from Unesco that it was considering adding Venice to its endangered list, partly due to damage by high tourist numbers. 

With the threat of Venice’s ubiquitous canal drying up, €5 is a small price to pay to protect one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 

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A disgruntled couple are demanding a refund for a recent flight, which saw them sat next to a ‘snorting and farting’ dog.

Gill and Warren Press were on the first leg of their journey to New Zealand, flying 13 hours from Paris to Singapore with Singapore Airlines.

However, the couple, from Wellington, weren’t alone in their premium economy seats – they were also sat next to a passenger with an emotional support dog.

An animal, which they say, ruined their flight.

‘I heard this noise – a heavy snorting,’ Gill told Stuff.

‘I thought it was my husband’s phone, but we looked down and realised it was the dog breathing.

‘I said, “I’m not having this sitting next to us the whole trip”.’

They asked to move, but were told the only seats available were at the back of economy class.

Unsatisfied with this, they decided to stay – but complained the smell of the ‘farting’ dog disturbed them.

Gill said: ‘[The owner] couldn’t have the dog out in the aisle because staff couldn’t get the trolleys through, so it had to come in further, which meant his head was under my husband’s feet.

‘My husband was in shorts, and was getting the dog’s saliva goo on his leg.’

Gill spoke to flight staff once more, who then said they could move to the front of economy class as seats were now free that cabin crew had previously been using.

The couple were told the airline would log the complaint and be in touch, but they didn’t hear anything over the next week.

Gill wrote in, then three weeks later was offered a travel voucher of around £95 per passenger.

Still unhappy, Gill said: ‘We didn’t receive the experience we paid for’, and demanded a full refund.

A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said: ‘Singapore Airlines endeavours to notify customers who may be seated next to an assistance dog prior to boarding the flight.

‘We sincerely apologise that this did not occur in this case, and will work with our airport teams to ensure that this lapse does not occur in future.

‘In circumstances where customers seated next to an assistance dog request to be moved, Singapore Airlines will assist to re-seat customers within the same cabin where space permits.’

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We’ve all boarded a flight, and walked through the first class cabin, full of longing, as you take your place in economy.

And there’s something about seeing a child in one of those luxurious spots that stings even more.

Surely, they don’t even appreciate the luxury that you wish you could lap in?

Well, this was the logic behind one step-dad’s decision not to allow his girlfriend’s 13-year-old child to fly with them in business class.

Taking to Reddit, the girlfriend explained: ‘My boyfriend and I have been together for five years and are trying to organise our next holiday. He’s settled on a destination and so excited at the idea of a family trip.

‘We’re looking at flights that will likely be at least nine hours long with business class flights, resort stay, and plenty of experiences. He makes significantly more than me but we will split the cost of the holiday 50/50 including my child’s costs.

‘The problem is he does not want to let my child on to the same class on the plane as us.’

The woman explained that her boyfriend feels the child is already being treated well. ‘He thinks that my child should be grateful to be getting an international trip and just enjoy the movies and whatever other amenities there are on the flight,’ she wrote. ‘That they can pop up and visit us whenever in business class and that it’s not worth the extra cost, even if he were a millionaire.’

She added: ‘He has a view where children might not appreciate the value of business class and that his parents went on business class while he flew economy on his own.’

Understandably, she feels ‘weird’ at the idea of sitting apart from her child for a long-haul flight, even if she’s on the same airplane.

‘I’d probably prefer to downgrade my flight if boyfriend is unwilling to split that specific cost.

‘He thinks I’m being weird for wanting to make that concession and it’s not a big deal for child to fly alone’, she explained.

While commenters agreed that a child feasibly would be fine in their economy seat alone, it’s the boyfriend’s intentions that concerned people.

‘So we already know he doesn’t like your kid, what other huge red flags are you ignoring with this guy?’ wrote one person.

‘There’s just something unsettling about a parent being on the same flight but in a different seat class,’ agreed another. ‘Sit in economy with your son. Let your boyfriend sit in business class alone’, another suggested.

Others suggested that sitting apart would set a precedent for how her partner treats her child. ‘If you start letting him exclude your son he will think it’s okay and continue pushing that boundary,’ one wrote.

However, some did point out that the boy might be happy having some alone time.

‘Why is everyone acting like this is the end of the world? When I was 13, I would’ve been stoked to go anywhere, and where I sat on the plane wouldn’t have phased me at all’, they wrote.

‘Time away from parents feeling like a grown up, watching whatever I want, eating what I want.

‘They’d be literally a two second walk down the aisle from each other if needed.’

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Constantly trawling Skyscanner and Google Flights for a bargain holiday deal?

Well soon, travellers across Europe could be forced to say au revoir to super cheap budget flights thanks to France and its proposed minimum flight price policy.

The French government is aiming to present its policy to the European Union and, if passed, it could see low-cost flights across Europe end.

French transport minister Clément Beaune expressed that super-cheap flights are no longer a responsible transport option, citing the climate crisis. In his view, the prices that low-cost airlines offer ‘don’t reflect the price for the planet’.

In May 2023, France similarly banned short-haul domestic flights in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. Flights are now banned between destinations where there is a train that takes under two-and-a-half hours.

For many, short haul flights aren’t just a quicker option than other modes of transport – they’re cheaper too.

This summer, research from Greenpeace concluded that travelling by train across Europe can cost between two and four times as much as flying. In analysing 112 European routes connecting major cities, 79 out of the 112 routes were cheaper to fly.

France’s initiatives could soon become a reality in the UK, too. Possible, a charity campaigning to speed up climate action, is pushing for a frequent flyer levy, a move that would ‘ensure the wealthy minority of frequent flyers pay more, unlike ordinary people who don’t fly often.’

A recent report from the charity found that achieving a lifetime membership status of a frequent flyer programme could involve the emission of over 1,800 tonnes of greenhouse gases per person.

‘We need urgent action to protect the climate, but frequent flyer reward programmes are sending emissions soaring in the wrong direction’, Alethea Warrington, senior campaigner at Possible, said.

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Fancy a day trip?

You might think that heading to the coast is best for postcard-perfect towns and beautiful views – but there are plenty of places to discover away from the seaside too.

Consumer champion, Which? has revealed the best inland towns and villages in the UK, as ranked by over 9,000 holidaymakers.

And claiming the top spot is Wells, in Somerset – which is actually one of the UK’s smallest cities.

The locations were ranked based on scenery, food and drink, tourist attractions and value for money – with mediaeval Wells scoring 83% overall.

Which? says: ‘A popular filming location, Wells has featured in major film and television productions including Hot Fuzz, Dungeons and Dragons and Wolf Hall.’

It also ‘boasts stunning architecture, including its famous cathedral’, receiving the full five stars for attractiveness and tourist attractions.

At the other end of the scale, of the 94 towns and villages ranked, Gretna in Scotland is at the bottom, with a score of just 49%.

The romantic town is famous for being the place that young couples from England would elope to in order to get married. The law that required couples under the age of 21 to have their parents’ permission to wed, did not apply in Scotland.

And despite being at the bottom, Which? say the town is ‘steeped in history’.

Elsewhere on the list, the south west is home to firm favourites. Avebury in Wiltshire was second, with 82%, and Corfe Castle in Dorset came next, with 80% – although third place was tied with Port Sunlight, in Merseyside.

The top Welsh town was Llangollen with 79%. Which? said: ‘From canal boat cruises to horse-drawn boat trips, as well as its annual International Musical Eisteddfod festival, there’s plenty for visitors to enjoy.’

And Melrose was the Scottish favourite, with a score of 78%. ‘Once described as those ‘delectable mountains’ by author and historian Sir Walter Scott, the town unsurprisingly scored five stars for scenery and attractiveness,’ said Which? ‘Melrose also scored four stars for its tourist attractions, which famously include Melrose Abbey, the final resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce.’

Perhaps surprisingly, Cornish town, Bodmin, came second to last, with just 50%.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: ‘There are beautiful towns and villages in Scotland, Wales and from across England in the top ten – meaning there is a fantastic place to visit on your doorstep no matter where you live.’

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A beach-bum with a book is the usual version of me you will find on holiday. Sand, sea and sun is what I’m used to.

But as the clock hit 4am one crisp morning in the Dolomites, I found myself sat alone watching dawn break on top of a mountain.

My legs were aching from the fast-paced climb to race the sun over the peak; the air so clean my lungs almost couldn’t cope. They radiated with the freshness that lingered in the morning mist, rather than the London smog that I regularly take in on my morning commute.

I wasn’t in the relaxed and half-asleep state of mind I usually am as I lounge around on my beach holidays. No, I was invigorated and more awake than ever – taking in the burning oranges and red hues as they broke over the horizon.

Surrounded by jagged rocks and towering trees, maybe the occasional wild bear or wolf that I was blissfully unaware of (thank god), I tried to imagine what the valleys looked like covered in snow as the cowbells tinkered softly in the distance.

Winter is peak season for the Dolomites after all, but this peacefulness of off-season summer is much more appealing to me. It was quiet, rejuvenating and simply stunning.

The sunset hike I had just completed was the first of the year, organised by the five-star Hotel Granbaita Dolomites, which I may go as far as to say is one of my ultimate wellness destinations.

When I think of wellness, doing the bare minimum and recharging tends to come to mind – but this hotel nestled in the Dolomite Mountains, in the heart of Selva di Val Gardena, proves that wellness is so much more than that.

The Puntscher-Perathoner family run the hotel, which even boasts staff guides equipped to help you hike the mountain’s trails that range in difficulty – from beginner to experienced – or by cycling through the valleys.

There’s also Pilates and yoga in the great outdoors, as well as water Pilates in the hotel’s indoor-outdoor pool, not to mention full-body workouts.

After a day packed with these heart-racing activities in the surroundings of vivid green and stony mountains, your body will be feeling a pleasant ache – the sign of a day lived to the fullest.

But you can’t stay at Granbaita without immersing yourself in their state-of-the-art spa to recuperate. And when I say this isn’t just any old spa, I mean it.

It’s the most incredible spa I have ever been to. There are multiple steam rooms and saunas, of varying heats, and once you’ve raised your body temperature why not step into the snow shower?

Yes, you read that right. Now your muscles are thanking you, take a nap on the heated water beds before basking in the sun outside in the jacuzzi.

Get some laps in the pool while looking out into the mountains and then go and float in the salt baths.

Your classic spa treatments are available but the traditional Arnica wrap of the Italian region was exceptional.

After a full-body massage, I found myself being covered in Arnica cream before being sealed in a wrap, and engulfed in a water blanket – which left me feeling totally weightless.

It may not be one for those of you who are claustrophobic, but it sent me into a blissful sleep as I felt the aches of my earlier hike seep away.

When it comes to fuelling your body after a day of hiking and biking, the hotel has a recommended menu that changes daily – although you are free to pick and choose the dishes you want.

The traditional hay soup is certainly something you’ll want to try but every single dish is delicious – not to mention the staff are all very aware of allergens.

The hotel restaurant doesn’t require a booking but if you fancy something a little, well, fancier, why not try the Ristorante Gourmet Granbaita, which includes multiple courses – some of which are even prepared in front of you.

Did I mention that every single table has a view?

However, throughout your trip you’ll need to be wary of the fluctuating weather.

The mornings were cold and crisp, but as soon as the sun broke through I found myself with rather pronounced burn lines.

Don’t be me. Take SPF.

This destination isn’t your stereotypical Italy. In fact, I flew from London to Innsbruck, which is actually in Austria, then got a car transfer to the hotel across the border.

And you can tell the Dolomites are not just a collection of snow-capped mountain peaks, but a melting pot of Italian and German culture as well – with most of the locals speaking both, as well as Latin and English.

I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the ‘active getaway’ – a holiday I never thought would really be for me.

Despite a non-stop trip exploring the mountains, I had never felt more rejuvenated.

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A woman has shared how she was ‘shamed’ on a flight after her outfit was deemed ‘inappropriate’ and ‘lewd’.

When Maggi Thorne, 42, flew with Southwest Airlines from Orlando to Nashville she had no idea her outfit would provoke such a reaction.

Maggi, known for being an American Ninja Warrior contestant, said a flight attendant approached her not long after she took her seat

She wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘[Southwest Airlines] attendant just shamed me in front of passengers saying my attire wasn’t appropriate’.

Maggi had on a black cropped top with high waisted tracksuit bottoms – it was hardly scandalous. But she claims she was asked to cover up.

Maggi said: ‘A tank top and high-waisted pants. Flight 1039. Is this really happening in 2023? The passengers around me were stunned as she shamed me for all to hear.’

Of course, people on social media had opinions.

One person commented: ‘Put some clothes on. It’s a plane not a gym. The attire should fit the event.’

Thankfully, most agreed with Maggi – with one person adding: ‘That’s absurd – proud of you for standing your ground Mag!’

Maggi reportedly refused to put on more clothes, and spoke to another flight attendant.

‘When I told her I wasn’t okay, I don’t think she knew what to do,’ she said.

‘I’m not a confrontational person, but what happened isn’t okay and someone should say something about it.’

Southwest Airlines has since apologised to Maggi, and a complaint has been made on her behalf.

Maggi told Insider she was shocked to hear her basic outfit was deemed ‘lewd, obscene, or patently offensive’, according to the airlines guidelines.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to Southwest Airlines for further comment and we will update this if they respond.

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You don’t have to have dealt with the fallout of an overbooked flight first-hand to know it’s no picnic.

While that kind of flight disruption isn’t hugely commonplace, it turns out lots of airlines actually do intentionally sell more tickets than there are seats on the plane for popular destinations.

According to The Independent, EasyJet’s typical rate of passengers who don’t show up for departure is an average of 5%, or around nine would-be travellers per full flight.

So it makes sense for them to play those numbers, but sometimes it can backfire if everybody defies the odds by showing up on fly day. There’s also always a chance that, for one technical reason or another, the size of the aircraft has had to change on the day of departure.

And when that happens, not everyone can travel the way they planned.

First, per European air passengers’ rights rules, the airline has to ask for people to volunteer to be bumped onto another flight in exchange for monetary compensation.

After that, if no one or not enough people put themselves forward, EasyJet gets to choose who gets bumped.

And part of their company policy is to, as much as possible, protect the original plans and journeys of those who have booked full EasyJet Holidays.

An EasyJet Holidays spokesperson told The Independent: ‘Our ground staff are given guidance on which groups of customers to try and avoid selecting not to travel in the event where not enough volunteers come forward when an aircraft is downgraded, which includes a number of groups like those requiring special assistance and, where possible, easyJet Holidays customers.’

So there you have it – you’re more likely to be asked to be moved off an overfull flight if you’ve just booked your flights with EasyJet, as opposed to your whole holiday.

‘We always seek volunteers to not travel if we have to operate a smaller aircraft in exchange for alternative travel options and denied boarding compensation, which can range up to £500 for volunteers,’ the spokesperson added.

‘While we always endeavour to not split bookings, our agents will on occasion offer rebookings on separate flights in order to get customers to their destination as quickly as possible – particularly if there is limited availability for seats to their destination.’

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A woman’s Caribbean cruise turned sour after it ended with an unexpected, eye-watering bill.

When 24-year-old Molly Saxton returned from the trip, she was shocked to find her phone bill was £1,100 more than usual.

Molly realised that the bill was 3290% higher – coming it at £1186.59 compared to her typical £30-35 – all down to one tiny mistake.

Even though Molly looked into data packages before she left, the staggering amount was down to excess use and accidental roaming at sea.

Molly said: ‘Before the holiday, I made sure to pay for a data and text bundle to make keeping in touch with people on the cruise cheaper. I had a feeling that I’d exceeded these but didn’t worry too much, as I expected my phone provider to place a cap on spending, or at least notify me if I was running the risk of using too much.

‘You can imagine my shock when I saw that my usual monthly phone bill of between £30-£35 ended up being £1,186.59. While I expected a slightly larger phone bill due to using it abroad, I didn’t for one minute think that it would be anywhere near £1,000 – I could have gone on another holiday with that money.’

It turns out, it’s easy to unintentionally connect your phone to a ‘maritime’ network or a neighbouring country which can send your phone bill soaring

Molly explains: ‘The high costs were down to excess use of the data and text bundle as well as accidental roaming while at sea. I had no idea that your phone could automatically connect to maritime roaming in this way, neither did my friends or family.’

Thankfully, Molly says her phone company did agree to pay half of the bill after speaking to them – but she says she’s learnt her lesson the hard way.

She adds: ‘Now when I go on holiday, I really limit my phone use, and will only really use it when I know I can connect to Wi-Fi in bars, restaurants or hotels.’

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Venice: the built up yet exquisite city of marble palaces and basilicas resting on the surface of the Adriatic sea.

There’s history every which way you turn. Whether it be the absurdly priced gondolas weaving between buildings, an espresso facing the Palazzo Ducale in the Piazza San Marco, or the silent monastery where monks still dwell.

It’s all of this, as well as the tales of times past etched into every wall, that has drawn me back to the floating city time and time again. Five times to be exact.

In a classic case of naivete, I assumed I’d pretty much seen it all, despite the fact there are 118 islands that form the Italian tapestry of Venice.

But, my most recent visit proved that assumption wrong, as I set foot on the private island of Isola delle Rose.

Not only is it adored by A-list celebs – none of whom I am allowed to disclose but all of whom I am certain will be familiar to you – but it is barely a complimentary 15-minute shuttle service from the hub of central Venice.

Alternatively, you can have yourself a James Bond moment and opt for a private water taxi, complete with polished wood and cream leather seats.

The island’s only accommodation is five-star luxury 40-acre resort, the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, which sits nestled amongst olive groves and gardens.

It is the ultimate retreat, offering the chance to rest and recuperate before heading out to cruise down the grand canal emulating the glamour of Bond and Vesper in Casino Royale.

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But, if the idea of being somewhat isolated appeals more to those in the public eye than to you, don’t shrug off the JW Marriott just yet.

The private oasis offers a stunning church, three pools, and a heavenly spa complete with steam rooms, saunas, facials and massages.

I highly recommend the spa by night, which will leave you feeling blissful and relaxed after a long day of weaving between glass blowers and Venetian mask vendors.

But, it’s the luxury dining experience at Agli Amici Dopolavoro which draws in not just tourists but locals too from all over the islands.

Under the watchful eye of Emanuele and Michela Scarello, who already have two Michelin stars to their name, the two menus (a fish menu and plant menu) are inspired by the home grown vegetable garden on the island and the fresh fish caught nearby.

And let me tell you, it was the best meal I have ever eaten – and I don’t say that lightly.

There were stunning aperitifs with anchovies; my first and deliciously prepared oyster; a mouth-watering jellyfish; a rose risotto which smelled like an English garden and glazed tuna.

Transitioning from savoury to sweet, I delicately devoured a wasabi sorbet palette cleanser and white chocolate soil desert, alongside delicious lollies and an actual rose petal.

The eleven (!) courses, served alongside a tableside mixologist’s smoky Negroni and blinding wine pairings, made for four hours of the most incredible food and service I’ve ever experienced.

One of the fundamental reasons we all adore Italy is because of its cuisine – risotto, eggplant parmesan, pasta, tiramisu, – the list is endless.

They just don’t do it the same back home, so why not try one of the resort’s authentic Italian cooking classes, where you can opt to cook one of your favourite dishes? You’ll learn the traditional Italian method and have one-on-one guidance.

I made a classic risotto and ate it alongside a steady intake of bubbly. *Chef’s kiss*

If you get tired of island life, the shuttle is ready and waiting so you can explore the mainland.

Lunch at Sagra Rooftop was brilliant, with a simple bowl of gluten-free pasta Pomodoro filling a boot-shaped hole in my stomach before I went to lounge by the rooftop pool with panoramic views of Venice.

While food is my primary focus on holiday, culture and history are a very close second – after all, to truly fall in love with the city you have to get to know it intimately.

Now, I will preface this by saying I actually fear walking tours. You’ve got a huge group of babbling tourists blocking pathways and stopping suddenly to take selfies while a group leader waves an absurdly fluorescent umbrella at the front to carve a destructive path through a stunning maze of buildings.

But thanks to the hotel’s partner company ShoMeVenice I had a personal guide to show my girls and I the less cliché and more authentic secrets of Venice.

Our exceptional guide Matteo walked us around quiet streets sharing snippets of unknown history as well as revealing his best eats and hidden photo spots.

His top tips? For the best, most authentic pasta and exceptional gluten-free menu you will find Ostaria Antico Dolo nestled just near the Ponte di Rialto.

Meanwhile El Magazen offers delicious food but also Instagrammable tables by glass doors which open onto the canal, while Suso will give you the most delicious scoop of ice cream you’ll ever eat.

If you’re looking for a romantic spot, Taverna al Remer will exceed all your expectations and offers delicious wines. After your meal you can pop outside onto the hidden jetty and get a gorgeous undisrupted view of the Rialto bridge.

Of course, you can’t go to Venice without hopping on a gondola – just make sure that you pay no more than 80 euros and give the money at the end to avoid the 30 minute journey being cut short. You want to get your money’s worth.

Sigh, take me back. I want to do it all again.

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We finally seem to be getting a taste of summer as a heatwave blasts across the UK.

Britons could experience the hottest day of 2023 as its predicted temperatures could peak at 32C, with amber weather warnings issued by the Met Office.

It makes a drastic change from the wet and dreary weather we experienced in July and August with temperatures barely breaking 20C and an unprecedented amount of rainfall.

As the mercury rises, many of us will be looking for ways to keep cool as well as have fun in London.

There is no shortage of fun things to do in the capital, with plenty to help you stave off heat exhaustion and heat strokes while still getting out and about.

Looking for the perfect activity in London during a heatwave? We have 12 suggestions for you to choose from.

Splash in the fountains at Granary Square

One of the most popular attractions in King’s Cross is arguably the fountains at Granary Square, perfect to cool down on a hot summer’s day.

There are a whopping 1,080 jets all individually lit and controlled to offer endless hours of fun for the whole family, as well as some wet and wild photo opportunities.

As the sun goes down, the fountain provides its very own light show for visitors to enjoy, while they grab a bite to eat and a drink at one of the many eateries in the area.

Take a dip in Canary Wharf

There are plenty of places in the capital you can take a dip, one of which happens to be in Central London.

Canary Wharf’s Middle Dock offers open-air swimming in partnership with Love Open Water and supported by NOWCA.

Perfect for those over the age of 10, each session is lifeguarded and costs £8.50 per swim with all new swimmers needing to purchase a NOWCA membership for £15 per year.

Additionally, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at Hampstead Heath Ponds or the West Reservoir Centre in Hackney. Booking in advance is advised for both spots.

Head back in time at London Fields Lido

Another place you can head for a swim is a slightly retro one.

London Fields has its very own lido open for public swimming as well as lessons in the 50-metre Olympic size, heated outdoor swimming pool.

There is also a cafe open for refreshments as well as a large sundeck and sunbathing area for you to lay back and catch some rays.

Prices start from £1.50 for children aged between 3 to 15, and £4.05 for adults with pay-as-you-go membership and one-off costs available.

Go to the beach…Sort of

When you think of lidos your mind may not always jump to London, but the city offers urban beaches aplenty for you to enjoy.

Fulham Beach Club at Neverland London is perfect for a lazy day in the sun with bubbles, cabanas, sofas, and beach huts all available to book while you enjoy a cocktail on the sands.

Ruislip Lido, which you can find near the picturesque Ruislip Woods, does not offer swimming but you can still lounge on the sands.

The woodland centre offers nature walks in the woods, family walks and craft sessions and there is also Ruislip Railway you can board to take in more sights.

Lounge in Hyde Park

Get in touch with nature and take a stroll through Hyde Park while the sun shines.

The 350-acre, historic Grade I-listed urban park is the largest of the Royal Parks and boasts plenty of things for you to do.

Take a walk to the Serpentine which boasts panoramic lake-side paths, waterfront cafes and wildlife for you to keep your eyes out for – you can even hire a pedalo to further explore.

Relax at K West Spa, Shepherd’s Bush

A spa day is always welcome whatever the weather, but K West Hotel and Spa offers the perfect hidden gem as temperatures soar.

Aside from its sauna, sanarium, steam room, foot baths and hydrotherapy, the K West Spa is home to London’s first ‘Snow Paradise’, a room filled with snow and kept chilly for the ultimate winter break.

Spa day packages start from £90 with a number of treatments available.

Enjoy a film at an open-air cinema

Open-air cinema is common across London and great if you don’t want to sit inside a dark theatre when the sun is shining.

Rooftop Cinema, with locations in Peckham and Stratford, offers panoramic views from a sky-high location as you take in everything from musicals to action-packed blockbusters.

Luna Cinema has a whopping 13 locations across London from Regent’s Park to Kew Gardens, and has shown huge titles such as Paddington, Grease, and the Oscar-winning Banshees of Inisherin.

Indulge in Chinatown’s array of ice cream parlours

If it’s ice-cream you’re after you’ll be spoiled for choice in Chinatown, with all manner of inventive variations on your standard cone and some imaginative flavours to boot.

Check out Taiyakiya, for example, which dishes up such flavours as vanilla, dark chocolate, lychee rose and matcha in its distinctive fish-shaped waffle cones (you can also get them with savoury fillings if ice-cream’s not your thing.

Or hop on over to Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream, London’s first Filipino ice-cream parlour, known for its Ube Bilog – a milk bun filled with ube (purple yam) ice-cream.

Rent a boat for the day

If you fancy taking advantage of the hot weather to check out the capital’s waterways, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Skuna offer two experiences – you can either rent a boat with an onboard BBQ or an on-board hot tub – to enjoy while cruising around Canary Wharf or Lakeside in Essex.

Alternatively, take a jaunt along the Thames with an Uber Boat, or rent yourself a GoBoat, grab some friends and enjoy a trip down the Regent’s Canal towards Camden Lock.

Catch an open-air theatre show in Regent’s Park

If you’re not so keen on being at an indoor theatre during the hot spell, you don’t have to miss out on seeing a show completely – as it’s the perfect weather to take in a performance at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Currently on at the famous outdoor venue is La Cage Aux Folles, the classic stage musical later made into the hit movie The Birdcage, starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.

With classic songs including The Best Of Times and I Am What I Am, and tickets costing just £15 for much of September, it’s a great way to enjoy the last of the summer

Book a trip to Kew Gardens

If you’re looking to spend time outdoors in the hot weather you might want to consider one of London’s many parks or gardens – and you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Kew, one of its most visually stunning.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses over 50,000 living plants – including some rare and threatened species in the Victorian greenhouse – while the Rhododendron Dell and the Great Broad Walk Borders, with their colourful display of blooms, are also must-visits.

Other highlights include summer tours which are happening daily until September 30, and Sound Baths in Nature, running through until mid-October.

Hit the ice at Alexandra Palace

Ice-skating might seem more like a Christmas activity, but if you’re looking to cool off hitting the rink is a great way to do so.

One place that offers skating all year round is Alexandra Palace in north London, which offers sessions for all ages as well as skating lessons – although you do have to book in advance.

Standard tickets are £9.50, under-16s are £8,50, concession tickets are £8 and it’s £6.50 for under-fives – with sessions lasting either 90 minutes or two hours depending on the day and the time.

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Perhaps this end-of-summer heatwave has made you want to escape for one final holiday before dark and moody autumn hits.

And the good news is that destinations will be considerably less busy now we’re in term time, too.

If you’re currently looking for a last-minute getaway this month, the team at Skyscanner have named a top location for a September break.

The travel team say Ibiza is their destination of choice for this time of year, with temperatures still as high as 27 degrees on average. So this could be the ideal spot to go to later this month when things cool down in the UK.

Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destination expert, said: ‘Even if you don’t want to go clubbing, there are many other things to do on this beautiful Balearic island.

‘Take a walk along the historical centre of Dalt Vila, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, populated with 16th century, Renaissance bastions. Stroll the old marketplace and of course, check out Ibiza’s best beaches to take your pick of sand and sun.’

Another September favourite is Croatia with Gothic Renaissance cathedrals and old cobblestone towns to explore.

Laura said: ‘Croatia is also blessed with endless shores surrounded by lush forests, where you can enjoy an extension to your summer stretched out on secluded coves. Head to Kraljicina beach, on the island of Nin, for its long strip of sand and beach bars, or find the 800+ yards of sandy strip surrounded by pine trees at Sakurun beach.’

If neither of those take your fancy, the third spot recommended for a September break is Albania – with Laura describing it as ‘rising as a real contender.’

She added: ‘With beaches that rival its Mediterranean neighbours and culture galore, it’s one to watch.’

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