Europe

Greece is infinitely more than just crowded sunsets and the overhyped postcard clichés. We're here to help you navigate the magic of the Greek islands without blowing your entire travel fund. Whether you’re dreaming of a culture-packed getaway to historic Athens, hunting for the absolute best cheap flights to Greece, or mapping out an island-hopping adventure from the iconic cliffs of Santorini and the party vibes of Mykonos to the hidden gems of Crete and Rhodes, we’ve got the insider intelligence to get you there for less. Stop overpaying for your summer escape, brush up on the best time to visit Greece, and turn your dream Mediterranean holiday into a budget-friendly reality.

Vancouver

Forget everything you thought you knew about Canada being a polite, freezing expanse. This place is seriously epic, stretching from Vancouver's gorgeous coastline and the towering Rockies right over to the hip coffee shops of Montreal and the rugged East Coast. 
The only problem? It’s massive. Luckily, this is where we step in. We find those great-value Canada Flights that prove you can tackle this stunning country without turning your bank account into a frozen wasteland.
Whether you're flying in from overseas or grabbing a domestic flight for a quick poutine run, our in-house Canadian crew is here to lend their expertise. So stop guessing when to book and where to go: our guides are your secret weapon for getting the most bang for your loonie, eh!

Canada

Forget everything you thought you knew about Canada being a polite, freezing expanse. This place is seriously epic, stretching from Vancouver's gorgeous coastline and the towering Rockies right over to the hip coffee shops of Montreal and the rugged East Coast.

Athens

Greece

Greece is infinitely more than just crowded sunsets and the overhyped postcard clichés. We're here to help you navigate the magic of the Greek islands without blowing your entire travel fund.

Calgary

Greece ⛵️ in $6500s-$6900s RT

Beauvais

France isn't just about Eiffel Tower selfies; it’s a country that deserves a serious deep dive without the pretension—or the heavy price tag. We’re here to help you snag cheap flights to France so you can spend less on airfare and more on what actually matters: endless glasses of Bordeaux, buttery croissants, and authentic French food. Whether you’re planning a culture binge in the romantic streets of Paris, hunting for sunshine along the French Riviera, or wandering through the vineyard-lined hills of Provence, we’ve got the insider intelligence to get you there for less.

France

We’re here to help you snag cheap flights to France so you can spend less on airfare and more on what actually matters: endless glasses of Bordeaux, buttery croissants, and authentic French food.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki 🌄 at €88 rtn from Beauvais 

This island lives in my head rent-free...

Paris

Chania

Corfu

Kalamata

Mykonos

Heraklion

Rhodes

Greece 🌊 in €60s-€90s rtn 

Munich

Germany

Kos 🏝️ at €84-€114 rtn from Munich

This is the easiest hard decision you'll ever make.

Newark

The United States is a travel heavyweight, packing everything from dazzling skylines and buzzing neon cities to natural wonders so epic they make your camera feel inadequate. It's the land of big ideas and even bigger distances—which is precisely where Jack’s Flight Club comes in. We’re here to help you skip the seriously long bus rides and the soul-crushing flight search by finding the cheap flights for you and proving you don't need to break the bank just to cross a few time zones.
Whether you're planning a swift weekend trip to the Big Apple, a surf session on the West Coast, or a grand tour of the national parks, we've got your back. Our Navigators love sprinkling in a generous helping of insider knowledge to make your trip count—because life’s too short to pay silly money for flights you can’t even brag about.

United States

The United States is a travel heavyweight, packing everything from dazzling skylines and buzzing neon cities to natural wonders so epic they make your camera feel inadequate. It's the land of big ideas and even bigger distances.

Cephalonia

New York

Washington DC

Zakynthos

Boston

Santorini

Chicago

Seattle

Las Vegas

San Francisco

Los Angeles

Orlando

Tampa

Larnaca

Cyprus

Dallas

Denver

Greek Islands & Cyprus 🏝️ in $710s-$880s RT

It's the sale that just keeps on giving! 

Gothenburg

Sweden isn’t just the sleek, high-design wonderland you see in glossy magazines—it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, packed with history and a café culture that’s arguably the best in the world. Whether you’re hunting for the best Sweden flight deals to experience the midnight sun in Swedish Lapland, wandering the historic streets of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, or exploring the maritime charm of Gothenburg, we’ve got your back. Our navigators are on the hunt for the genuinely good value airfare that unlocks the magic of Scandinavia, giving you the insider tips you need to book smarter, save on the essentials, and secure cheap flights to Sweden.

Sweden

Sweden isn’t just the sleek, high-design wonderland you see in glossy magazines—it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, packed with history and a café culture that’s arguably the best in the world.

Split

If you’ve spent the better part of this year staring at photos of the Adriatic and wondering if a Mediterranean escape is actually in the cards, we’ve got good news: the islands are closer (and cheaper) than you think. Croatia is the ultimate travel-sized wonder, balancing 1,000+ islands with historic hubs like Dubrovnik and Split that are best experienced without the premium travel price tag. We’re deep in the data to find the best Croatia flight deals, clearing the path for you to trade your daily commute for a swim in the Dalmatian Coast waters. Stop overpaying for the basics; use our intel to score cheap flights to Croatia and spend your savings on the stuff that actually matters—like that extra round of local wine in Hvar.

Croatia

If you’ve spent the better part of this year staring at photos of the Adriatic and wondering if a Mediterranean escape is actually in the cards, we’ve got good news: the islands are closer (and cheaper) than you think

Stockholm

Madrid

Sick of looking out the window at the same old gray sky? We get it. Sometimes you just need to swap reports and Teams chats for tapas and a questionable sangria that tastes suspiciously like pure sugar. Spain isn't just one place; it’s a million different escapes waiting to happen, from the scorching beaches and Moorish architecture of the south to the mountains and wine regions up north.
We’ve been hunting down Flights so cheap, you won't even care whether your boss notices you're gone. Consider this your official notice: your next spontaneous trip is calling, and it sounds suspiciously like "Hola."
But we’re not just going to drop you off at the gate with a map and a shrug. On this page, you’ll find all the insider intel—hand-crafted articles, honest reviews, and destination guides—to help you navigate everything from the world's best paella to how to avoid tourist traps. 
We've done the legwork and gathered the secrets of Spain, so you can stop scrolling through boring forums and start perfecting your siesta game. If a trip is worth taking, it’s definitely worth taking for less.

Spain

If you're looking for a destination where the default settings are fiesta and siesta, Spain is the one. You're in for legendary food, charming, sun-drenched streets, and mind-blowing architecture, and that's before you even hit the beach.

Copenhagen

Denmark is far more than just sleek architecture and an obsession with bike lanes—it’s an effortless blend of Scandi-cool design, cosy hygge culture, and historic harbour cities that don't need to shout to be impressive. Whether you’re planning a weekend of design-spotting in Copenhagen, exploring the ancient, cobbled streets of Aarhus, or chasing music festival highs in Roskilde, we’re constantly tracking the best Denmark flight deals to get you there for a bargain. Stop overpaying, snag some cheap flights to Denmark, and find out why this corner of Scandinavia is worth far more than just a quick layover.

Denmark

Denmark is far more than just sleek architecture and an obsession with bike lanes—it’s an effortless blend of Scandi-cool design, cosy hygge culture, and historic harbour cities that don't need to shout to be impressive.

Lisbon

Portugal is a masterclass in combining old-world charm with a coastline that’ll make you question why you haven’t moved there yet. We’re here to help you snag cheap flights to Portugal so you can spend that extra cash on more pastel de nata and crisp Vinho Verde instead of airfares. Whether you’re dreaming of a city break in the hilly, tiled streets of Lisbon, getting lost in the romantic palaces of Sintra, or surfing your way through the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, we’ve got the intel to get you there for less.

Portugal

Portugal is a masterclass in combining old-world charm with a coastline that’ll make you question why you haven’t moved there yet.

Malta

Malta is one of those rare spots that functions like a giant, open-air museum, only with turquoise water and beaches that actually look like the postcards. We’re always on the lookout to find you the best Malta flight deals, clearing the path for you to trade your local view for the historic limestone alleyways of Valletta or a swim in the lagoons of Comino. So why not use our intel to score cheap flights to Malta and keep your travel budget focused on the important stuff—like fresh seafood and boat trips around the harbour.

Malta is one of those rare spots that functions like a giant, open-air museum, only with turquoise water and beaches that actually look like the postcards.

Porto

Valencia

Florence

Why should Italy be next on your list? Because it's the place where "living la dolce vita" is not just a slogan—it's the only way to operate. Travel to Italy means surrendering yourself to world-class authentic Italian food that will ruin your neighborhood pizzeria for you forever. We're talking freshly rolled dough, delicious ragus, and gelato that’s a mandatory daily pleasure, all served up with a side of next-level atmosphere.
But an Italy vacation is so much more than just a culinary tour; it's an effortless deep dive into culture through the ages. The art, the fashion, and the sheer, undeniable style of it all are so effortlessly chic, they'll make you want to immediately uproot your entire life.
One day, you could be standing awed by thousand-year-old historic sites in Rome or Florence, and the next, you're sipping an Aperol Spritz on the Amalfi Coast. From the rugged beauty of the Dolomites to secluded beaches, Italy offers a perfect backdrop for any adventure, whether you're seeking romance in Venice or a vibrant city break. It’s an inspiring destination that checks every box, and our affordable Flights to Italy make those Rome, Florence, and Venice dreams a reality.

Italy

"Living la dolce vita" is not just a slogan—it's the only way to operate in Italy. Our affordable Flights and travel guides will have you soaking in ancient history, sipping on spritzes, and splashing in the sea in no time.

Oslo

Norway has a knack for making almost every other landscape look a bit ordinary, and with the right intel, getting there doesn't have to cost a fortune. We’re deep in the data to find you the best Norway flight deals, clearing the path for you to trade your local view for the dramatic, towering fjords, the Northern Lights, or the historic charm of Bergen. Our insider strategy will help you score cheap flights to Norway and keep your travel budget focused on the important stuff—like exploring the vibrant streets of Oslo and experiencing the wild, untamed beauty of the Arctic north.

Norway

Norway has a knack for making almost every other landscape look a bit ordinary, and with the right intel, getting there doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Alicante

Bergen

Southern Europe 🌞 in €80s-€120s rtn

There's also extra leg room on one leg of the flight. Thanks for sharing the tips on Google Flights to find the best deal depending on the day of travel. We look forward to travelling to Mykonos to then take a ferry to Naxos and visiting neighbouring island Paros whilst we're there in Sept.

Postcard from Marcia

Took a very romantic road trip from Athens to see the ancient ruins and monasteries, something I had wanted to do for so long! The food was also absolutely fantastic!

Postcard from PassionateHolidaymaker60896

Booked a return flight BFS to Corfu for only £64 each at the start of the Easter hols 

Postcard from SpiritedGoer53672

25 years living in Europe and I’ve never been to Greece. £58 return and long weekend in Athens here I come!

Postcard from NomadicDiscoverer23028

✈️ Just got back from an incredible solo trip to Athens and I have to say: Shout-out to Jack's Flight Club for spotting such a great deal from Eindhoven to Athens 💸🇬🇷

Shout-out to Jack's Flight Club

Hey!
I bought this flight, thank you so much!
Brussels - Athens, Jan 13 - 19, 2 persons, €185,90!
Thank you!
Anaïs

Postcard from Anaïs

Japan

Hey there, Travellers,
It happened again. I booked more flights. This time, to Greece!&nbsp;
A couple of weeks ago, I got a message from family friends in Alabama saying that they're coming over to Europe in July, and would my mum and I like to meet up with them?
Of course, the answer to that question was a resounding "yes!" But as all you worldly-wise travellers will know, peak-summer fares to Greece were not on our side...
As a professional bargain-flight finder, I was not willing to pay more than I had to. Cue hours of tearing apart Google Flights, comparing routes on different dates to different islands, checking various combinations of open-jaw flight, and working out how many Avios I had to spare in the piggy bank.
Eventually we opted to fly into Santorini with Jet2 (after all, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/07/21/the-nothing-beats-a-jet2-holiday-tiktok-trend-explained-and-how-the-airline-capitalized-on-viral-ad/">nothing beats a Jet2 holiday</a>) and out of Athens with BA (thank you, Avios). We're yet to work out how to join the dots, but the current plan involves island hopping to Paros or Naxos. Having never been to either, I'd love your advice&mdash;which island to choose and why? Or is there somewhere even better that we're missing? Please <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-238-planning-for-japan-reviewing-alaska-airlines#comments">let me know in the comments</a>!
Happy travels and safe landings,

Katy - Editor of The Detour

Alaska Airlines' Saver Class: Are the Savings Worth It?

Jake is a New Englander living in the woods of Northern California. When he's not traveling the world or hunting down deals for JFC, he's at home watching old movies. His cat edits all his articles.

By Jake

If you follow airline news as obsessively as we do, you&rsquo;ve probably noticed Alaska&rsquo;s name popping up more often lately. They&rsquo;ve been making some big moves in the last couple of years, including a merger with Hawaiian Airlines that expanded their Pacific network and provided access to more wide-body jets. Add some <a href="https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/aviation-news/airline-news/airline-routes/april-routes-roundup-alaska-launches-its-first-ever-route-to-europe/">new Europe routes</a>, and baby, you've got a stew going.
In the meantime, their domestic network has continued to grow steadily. Alaska&rsquo;s fares typically sit somewhere between bare-bones airlines like Frontier and the big boys like Delta or American, occupying that &ldquo;lower middle class&rdquo; zone with United and JetBlue. That&rsquo;s good news for budget-conscious flyers who prefer not to be treated like human cattle, but is Alaska&rsquo;s juice worth the squeeze?
As a frequently broke traveler who just got back from a trip to Fairbanks, I&rsquo;m the perfect man to answer that question. This review is based on some basic economy fares I stubbornly refused to upgrade (in any capacity), so consider this the absolute floor of the Alaska experience.
<h2 id="flight-aircraft-details">Flight Details</h2>
I booked these tickets in Alaska&rsquo;s &ldquo;Saver&rdquo; class, which is one of the more generous basic economy offerings out there. It&rsquo;s nearly identical to their main cabin fares, the only major differences being auto-assigned seats and reduced miles for the reward program. The free carry-on was especially appreciated, since I'm used to flying out of San Francisco with stingier United.

<h2 id="general-facilities">General Facilities</h2>
As a grown man of grown-man size, the first thing I notice on any airplane is the legroom (or lack thereof). I&rsquo;m thrilled to report that Alaska crushes the competition here, offering a solid extra inch of legroom over United&rsquo;s basic economy seats. Sure, one inch might not seem like a lot when you take off, but you&rsquo;ll definitely be feeling the difference by the time you land.
The same goes for the seats themselves, which are about an inch wider than United&rsquo;s standard. That left the aisle feeling a little narrow, but it&rsquo;s a sacrifice I&rsquo;m more than willing to make.
Aside from the glorious surplus of breathing room, you're looking at typical basic economy fare. Two standard power sockets for every three seats, plus USB-C ports to charge your phone. Adjustable headrests, standard recline, Wi-Fi at $8 per flight (or free for T-Mobile customers). Nothing too out of the ordinary.&nbsp;
<h2 id="food">Food</h2>
I didn&rsquo;t want to pay for a meal since my flights were pretty short. However, on the early morning flight from Fairbanks to Seattle, I sat next to a gentleman who ordered a hearty-looking breakfast bowl. Thinking (as always) of our beloved Jack's subscribers, I asked him how it tasted. He paused, considered the question, and then replied, &ldquo;You know, it&rsquo;s actually not bad.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Take that review how you will.
On a personal note, I can confirm that the free snacks were terrific. I recommend going for the pretzels over the Biscoff cookies &mdash; when I close my eyes, I can almost still taste that <a href="https://stellarsnacks.com/products/maui-monk-1-5-oz">Maui Monk flavor</a> on my tongue. 10/10, well done, Alaska!
If you tend to get peckish on flights, you&rsquo;ll want to order a meal ahead of time. Supplies were seemingly limited, and the attendants ran out of a few options on all four flights.

<h2 id="e">Entertainment</h2>
Sadly, this was a major disappointment. Despite being the first US airline to offer in-flight movies back in the day, Alaska has recently removed all the seatback screens from their main cabins, so you&rsquo;re mostly on your own when it comes to entertainment. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!
It&rsquo;s not all bad. You can access Alaska&rsquo;s entertainment library from your own devices, but only if you&rsquo;re a member of their rewards program (make sure you sign up before takeoff). There are little flip-out stands for phones and tablets on the backs of the seats, and the library itself is&hellip; fine. It&rsquo;s hard not to be disappointed, though, especially since other low-cost airlines offer better options.
I mean, I watched The Wild One and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? on my last flight with United. Air France proudly includes&nbsp;Le Samoura&iuml;&nbsp;in their library. You could step it up a little, Alaska. Just sayin'.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-alaska-airlines">Keep reading</a> to see how Alaska stacks up overall and share your experiences in the comments...

Flying High

When it comes to countries we never tire of finding great Flights to, Japan is right up there at the top of the list. Thankfully, you lovely readers seem to feel the same way!
After Navigator Larissa's trip there last year, we put her straight to work writing down all her insider tips to add to our Travel Guides. But recently, she caught a second wind and magicked up even more advice and handy info to keep us on the straight and narrow for our future Japanese adventures.
Here's a taster:&nbsp;

<h2 id="e">Shrine Etiquette</h2>
Many visitors bow at the entrance of the torii gate (entrance gate) on their way in, which you&rsquo;re be encouraged to do as well. Bow, yes, but then walk around the side of the gate rather than passing directly underneath (this path is reserved for the gods).&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re comfortable, you can take part in the purification ritual once in the grounds of the shrine&mdash;you'll see other visitors take a cup of water and wash their hands and mouth with it (left hand first).&nbsp;
You don&rsquo;t need to make an offering if you don&rsquo;t want to, but if you would like to take part in the experience, you can toss a coin (5 yen is considered a good coin for this) into the offering box (usually found at the front of the main hall). You can then ring the bell and start your prayer. Some visitors will bow and clap as well. <a href="https://soranews24.com/2025/01/07/the-etiquette-rules-for-visiting-shinto-shrines-in-japan/">Read this guide</a> for specifics on the hows and whens.&nbsp;
Alongside praying directly, you can buy a wooden tablet and write your &lsquo;petition&rsquo; on it before attaching it to a nearby tree or board (it will be obvious where this should be hung). There are also fortunes you can buy (and tie to a tree if it&rsquo;s bad luck).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 id="k">Kyoto's Food Scene</h2>
Influenced by its proximity to Uji&rsquo;s famed matcha fields, Kyoto is one of the best places to try all things green tea&mdash;matcha sweets, matcha lattes, and ceremonial-grade cups of matcha. You name it, you can find it.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also a great place to find more traditional dishes, like soba, tofu, and all sorts of vegetarian delights, including pickled vegetables.&nbsp;

Here are some typically Kyoto foods and drinks you ought to try while you&rsquo;re there:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Tsukemono: pickled vegetables, which you can easily find in Nishiki Market&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Soba: buckwheat noodles in all kinds of flavors, including green tea! Sometimes served cold, so be aware of what you&rsquo;re ordering.&nbsp;</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Yuba: tofu skin served in various ways, like added to soup or as a fried side dish/snack in the form of tofu skin chips</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Saba-zushi: a raw mackerel sushi, different from Edo-style (Tokyo)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Matcha: green tea powder, drunk hot or cold</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sake: the soft water in Kyoto is some of the best for sake production in the country&mdash;look out for brands like Gekkeikan (one of the oldest breweries in Japan), Sho Chiku Bai (known for its sparkling sake), and Tsuki no Katsura (specialising in cloudy sake).</li>
<li><a href="https://www.leafkyoto.net/en/240719-kyoto-obanzai/">Obanzai</a>: home cuisine, usually small dishes heavy on the vegetables and soup</li>
</ul>
You&rsquo;ll also find cuisines from all around the world, but less so than in Tokyo. For example, we were feeling like a break from Japanese food and found <a href="https://tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260203/26038364/">this highly rated burger spot</a>. The food was delicious, but it was extremely busy (likely because there weren&rsquo;t many other burger spots nearby) and there was no space to eat in, so we had to take our food back to the hotel.

<h2 id="l">Lesser-Known Tokyo Neighborhoods</h2>

Asakusa is one of the &lsquo;quieter&rsquo; neighborhoods in the city, and where I&rsquo;d recommend someone stay on their first visit to Tokyo.&nbsp;
We liked that it was well connected to the more &lsquo;touristy&rsquo; parts of the city via the Metro, but there was also enough going on within walking distance of our hotel. The famous Senso-ji Temple gives the area a mixed feel between the traditional and the modern, and you&rsquo;ll find plenty of restaurants, <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2036_izakaya.html">izakayas</a>, and bars within 5&ndash;10 minutes of your hotel.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s also situated on the Sumida River, which does give a little respite from the concrete jungle of the vast majority of the city.&nbsp;

Travel Tips

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Hey, remember that unconventional new airline startup that <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-global-airlines">some of our Navigators tried out</a> last year? It&rsquo;s going <a href="https://viewfromthewing.com/onlyfans-co-founder-walks-away-from-luxury-a380-startup-global-airlines-has-just-one-parked-plane/">about as well as you&rsquo;d expect</a>. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Nat Geo just listed their <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-of-the-world-2026/article/best-food-destinations">15 best places in the world for food right now</a>. The US and Canada both have spots on the list, and they&rsquo;re not the usual suspects! </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Thanks to a <a href="https://simpleflying.com/5800-miles-dublins-new-longest-nonstop-route/">new China Eastern route</a>, soon you&rsquo;ll be able to end one night with a pint of Guiness and the next with a walk down the Bund. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">As Central Asian tourism surges, <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/turkmenistan-tourism-visa-airlines-visit-b2980430.html">an unexpected country</a> best known for towering white marble and hosting the Door to Hell shows early signs of opening its doors to the wider world. </li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Imagine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/18/ba-no-show-clause-flights-british-airways">losing &pound;9,000 just for missing an 80-minute flight</a>. British Airways once again reminded us to read the fine print on airline tickets with a magnifying glass.&nbsp; </li>
<li>And finally, as the current US administration seeks to privatize airport security, the TSA is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/05/21/g-s1-123215/tsa-gold-private-security-screening-airports">rolling out a new &ldquo;Gold+&rdquo; program</a>. We can&rsquo;t wait for the next upgrades, undoubtedly called &ldquo;Gold+ Premium&rdquo; and &ldquo;Gold+ MAX.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>

Travel News

Planning for Japan & Reviewing Alaska Airlines

Belgium

Netherlands

Finland

Hey there, Travellers,
We were delighted to see yesterday that airlines aren't the only part of the industry where error fares pop up. <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/carnival-cruise-line-cancellations-travelers-b2976640.html">Carnival Cruise Line fell foul of a "glitch"</a> earlier in the week that saw fares slashed in half, and of course some eagle-eyed Redditors spread the word.
While we usually see airlines honouring error fares, Carnival opted not to, saying that it "fell far below any reasonable promotional fare." Despite getting a full refund, many affected travellers are upset as they'd already gone ahead and booked their flights out to the port of departure.
They clearly hadn't read <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/what-is-an-error-fare-and-how-to-book-one">our tips on what to do when you spot an error fare</a>. Spoiler: we always recommend waiting at least a couple of weeks before booking anything else in case the carrier chooses to cancel. Until then, give yourself a pat on the back and open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate!&nbsp;
Happy travels and safe landings,

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This&nbsp;special&nbsp;&pound;1 offer ends 20th&nbsp;May 2026, so don't miss out and start your Wanderlust journey today.&nbsp;

In Partnership with Wanderlust

With journeys spanning more than 30 countries and ten years, Akasha's best memories live in the pages of her passport. She always consults her tarot (and her cats) before any big trip. Currently based in Ireland, when she isn't travelling, she&rsquo;s probably drawing in a caf&eacute; somewhere.

By Akasha

Welcome to the rabbit hole.
International borders are strange and sometimes confusing things, changing over time and often on seemingly bureaucratic whims. And once you start digging into the wheres and whys, it's hard to look away...
Here are a few of our top picks for the world's weirdest borders:
<h2 id="the-longest-hole-in-one">The longest hole-in-one</h2>

Ever shanked a golf shot so bad it took an hour to land? Seriously!&nbsp;
On the northern border of Finland and Sweden, you&rsquo;ll find Green Zone&rsquo;s 18-hole golf course. The quirk? Seven holes in Finland and 11 in Sweden, meaning golfers need to walk across the border multiple times per round.&nbsp;
And since there&rsquo;s a one-hour time difference between these Nordic neighbors, your shot technically takes an hour to get to the other side &mdash; or even appears to travel back in time.
<h2 dir="ltr" id="a-little-to-the-left">A little to the left</h2>

Meet the undisputed champion of border lore. One of only two counter-enclaves in the world, and certainly the most bizarre.&nbsp;
No corner of the towns <a href="https://youtu.be/xv8t0x34A8w?si=Aw5IyGnH7FS8FTbu&amp;t=68">Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog</a> is safe from the patchwork white crosses that mark the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. It&rsquo;s a town of roughly 10,000 and made up of 22 enclaves belonging to the Belgian municipality of Baarle-Hertog, surrounded by the Dutch municipality of Baarle-Nassau, with 7 counter-enclaves. Because of this, you can cross the boundary 30 times in just 5 kilometers, with the border running straight through streets, supermarkets, and schools.
It&rsquo;s a place where couples can sleep in the same bed while being in two separate countries and where residents have moved their front doors just a smidge to pay less tax.

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A good book, a teary opera. Both have the ability to transport you into their stories instantly, but what if they could transport you across state lines&hellip;&nbsp;
On the skirt of Vermont and Quebec, that&rsquo;s precisely what happens at the <a href="https://www.haskelloperahouse.org/">Haskell Free Library &amp; Opera House</a>. The only indication you&rsquo;ve swapped maples for stars? A black line cutting through a rickety floorboard.
It was built by a wealthy Canadian, Martha Stewart Haskell (no, not that one), after inheriting a fortune from her late husband. A gift to the community, it was intentionally built to straddle the border between the US and Canada as a symbol of friendship and cultural welcome mat for the border communities. It&rsquo;s often referred to as &ldquo;the only library in the US with no books&rdquo; since most stacks are indeed on the Canadian side.&nbsp;
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/the-worlds-weirdest-borders">Keep reading for more barmy borders...</a>

Travel Inspiration

The Detour Editor Katy is a budget travel aficionado who has already travelled to more than 50 countries. Whether she's at home or on a foreign adventure, she has a particular talent for stumbling upon tasty Georgian restaurants.

By Katy

Back in March,&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/will-the-new-ees-system-give-you-border-control-nightmares-this-summer">we shared what we already knew</a> about the new EU Entry/Exit System. It has now been in place for over a month, and its flaws continue to dominate travel news. As we inch closer to summer travel, non-EU nationals are understandably anxious about delays and disruption. So what can you expect?
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">An April statement on the website of the Greek Embassy in the UK suggested that Greece has suspended the EES system this summer for incoming UK citizens. British travellers make up the largest number of international visitors to the country from outside the EU, so the move is designed to prevent long lines in those smaller, island airports. </li>
<li dir="ltr">This does not mean that tourists from the UK won't face checks&mdash;the usual passport control will be in place.&nbsp; </li>
<li dir="ltr">Visitors from other countries, such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and further afield, will still have to register for the EES system in Greece with their fingerprints and a biometric photograph. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Portugal and Italy have announced that they do not&nbsp;plan to follow suit, despite extensive EES-related delays causing travellers to miss flights out of the country. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Popular summer spots like Faro, Lanzarote, Milan and Lisbon have all recently been called out as airports where an influx of flights landing at the same time has led to hours of queuing. If you're planning a self-transfer trip, where you book an onward connection separately, allow several hours to get through passport control (twice!).</li>
</ul>
All that said, the experience is inconsistent. So far this year, I've travelled through Berlin, Brussels, and Amsterdam airports without any major to-do.
Admittedly, the line at passport control arriving into Brussels was a little slow, but having already provided my biometrics in Berlin a month earlier, I flew through without any issue once I reached the front. The delay wasn't helped by the fact I had to run back to the bathroom beside the gate to retrieve my forgotten suitcase, either...
Amsterdam certainly wasn't making the best use of its 12 border gates with only three operational. However, there was absolutely no need for me to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, despite the warnings on my easyJet app to do so.
Berlin, however, was super efficient. 5 minutes in the line, an apology from the border guard for keeping me waiting. I think I even made it through faster than some of the EU citizens waiting to use the eGates!
So what have our members reported over the last couple of months?

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"Arrived at Verona Airport on 15/04/26 - there were maybe 15 kiosks. It was easy/quick to register and then to go through e-gate. No delays whatsoever."&nbsp;-&nbsp;PassionateHolidaymaker55469
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"12/04 - Arrived at Charles de Gaulle, quite early though - 08.00. Prints and photo in less than 5 minutes. On departure 15/04, scanned passport and straight through - easy."&nbsp;-&nbsp;NomadicHopper67104
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"Nightmare at Malaga on landing. Followed the queues as directed, machines refused to work so we finally joined the back of the original passport control queue. Waste of time and very confusing for those trying to do the right thing. Just about to head off to Faro but I&rsquo;ve read that the new machines have been suspended to be rolled out later this year when it&rsquo;s not so busy."&nbsp;-&nbsp;IndomitableTourist33491
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"We've been through Geneva Airport all winter and it's been a NIGHTMARE!!"&nbsp;-&nbsp;AnimatedExpeditionist08802
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Have you got an EES tale to tell?&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/will-the-new-ees-system-give-you-border-control-nightmares-this-summer#comments">Share your experiences in the comments</a>!

What a deal!!! When I saw it, I didn&rsquo;t even hesitate to book! It got me 20 days in the wonderful country of Chile, where I got to see my first desert (and the driest one at that), and finally see the Pacific again! A great trip, and the money I saved on the flight just meant more souvenirs to bring back home.

Miami to Santiago, Chile at $383 RT

Postcard from ShopaholicShrimp

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://simpleflying.com/true-business-class-passengers-priority-emergency-evacuation/">Can fare class dictate</a> in what order you evacuate a plane? </li>
<li>Ever felt like you'd be able to keep raving a little longer, if only you could take a nap without getting thrown out of the club? <a href="https://secretberlin.co/en/the-infinite-now-kraftwerk-berlin-3/">Berlin has the solution</a>. </li>
<li>Young Americans, take the money-saving wins where you can get them with <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/tsa-precheck-offers-discount-for-young-travelers">discounted TSA PreCheck</a> this summer. </li>
<li>Yes, <a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/article/englands-eight-best-northern-seaside-towns">"England" and "beach holiday"</a> do go together, even in the north. Fish and chips obligatory. </li>
<li>And finally, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy82j0q383no">Magnus the walrus</a> spent weeks making waves around Scotland before disappearing back into the chilly North Sea. As it transpires, he'd simply had enough of us and decided to continue his Northern European tour across in Norway. Do send us a pic if you spot him!</li>
</ul>

Weird and Wonderful Borders & a May EES Update

Iceland

Singapore

Like many avid travellers, mosquitoes are the bane of any trip to warmer climates. Although we have them here in Scotland, they still don&rsquo;t seem to have learnt how to bite (unlike our <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/OutdoorScotland/comments/1fhulxs/midges_scotland_help/">demon midges</a>), so I&rsquo;m always underprepared. And apparently very tasty.
When you&rsquo;re travelling to an area with virus-carrying mosquitoes, you don&rsquo;t want to mess around. And even if an itch is the worst risk, one really annoying bite can make a trip pretty miserable.&nbsp;
An established repellent containing DEET is my go-to. However, I know there are alternatives and extras out there that can boost my mosquito-repelling powers, of which I wish to have many.
That&rsquo;s why I asked our worldly-wise Jack&rsquo;s Flight Club Community for tips on how to stop mosquitoes from biting me. Here&rsquo;s what they had to say:

<h2 dir="ltr">Sprays &amp; Oils</h2>

&ldquo;I use the mosquito wipes on my exposed body and it seemed to work just fine in South America where I frequent. A buddy told me BOUNCE dryer sheets also worked but I haven't tried it as the wipes do it for me along with the unscented deep woods spray.&rdquo; - Gallivanter
<hr>
&ldquo;Avon Skin So Soft works for us. Not sold as a repellent, but it does work!&rdquo; - SpiritedDiscoverer78933
<hr>
&ldquo;A friend who was in the army said they all use Avon Dry Oil spray. We&rsquo;ve used it ever since, and the only time anyone has been bitten was when they weren&rsquo;t wearing it. Smells nice too.&rdquo; - LiberatedTourist51024
<hr>
&nbsp;&ldquo;A friend who was working in India told me that a mix of dettol and baby oil was very effective and cheap.&rdquo; - AdventurousHiker36717

Avon Skin So Soft is a popular anti-midge solution here in Scotland. While not sold as a repellent, studies have indicated that <a href="https://bcmj.org/articles/mosquito-repellent-effectiveness-placebo-controlled-trial-comparing-95-deet-avon-skin-so">it can be around 85% as effective</a> as repellents containing DEET.&nbsp;
Mosquito wipes, on the other hand, contain chemicals like DEET or Picaridin, which is similarly effective to DEET and less likely to cause skin irritation.
<h2 dir="ltr">Natural remedies</h2>

&ldquo;Currently in India. The mozzies love to bite me wherever I go. I recently read a scientific article about studies with coconut oil &amp; derivatives of it repelling mosquitos. I use coconut soap, coconut shampoo, coconut oil after shower + eucalyptus &amp; citronella spray ..seems to work great &amp; all natural (+ coconut oil for sandflies is a must)&rdquo; - NomadicCommuter12627
<hr>
&ldquo;If you want to keep the mosquitoes off you keep a bag of limes along. Slice one open, squeeze it on any exposed skin, and that citrus smell will keep them away.&rdquo; - Rich

In particular, it&rsquo;s the fatty acids derived from coconuts that are good at making you less attractive to mozzies. So while there&rsquo;s no harm in washing with all the coconut-scented products under the sun and smelling like a pi&ntilde;a colada for your whole trip, double up with reliable mosquito sprays containing coconut compounds.
It&rsquo;s probably worth stating clearly that coconut oil alone could be a recipe for disaster in sunnier climates, offering little to no protection against UV rays.
Citronella is well-established as a repellent; however, its effects are not so long-lasting as DEET and other sprays. You&rsquo;ll likely need to reapply every couple of hours to ensure you&rsquo;re well protected, which isn&rsquo;t ideal when you&rsquo;re out and about. Lime juice has a similar effect, acting more as a short-term deterrent.&nbsp;
Combined, these seem to make for fairly effective options for short-term natural repellents when you&rsquo;re in a low-stakes environment.
<h2 dir="ltr">Marmite &amp; Vitamin B</h2>
A couple of our esteemed community suggested vitamin B, or its (very British) proxy foodstuff Marmite, as an effective solution for warding off mosquitoes:

&ldquo;I recommend eating Marmite every date before you go. It emits from your skin pores, they don't like it.&rdquo; - Keith
<hr>
&ldquo;I've also been told (and found) that natural source B complex with yeast is effective because they don't like the smell&hellip;&rdquo; - AdventurousHiker36717

As someone who mosquitoes find especially tasty, I tried the B complex tablet solution myself when I went to Cuba in 2017. Unfortunately, it made little to no difference for me, even when combined with repellent&mdash;I still remember the bite I got square in the middle of my forehead nine years on.
Taking vitamin B complex or eating a bucketload of Marmite (which is full of yeast and loaded with B vitamins) is not scientifically supported as a method of warding off bugs. <a href="https://entomologytoday.org/2022/11/21/vitamin-b1-not-mosquito-repellent/">Scientists have debunked the approach</a> as little more than a myth, indicating that oral insect repellents simply don&rsquo;t work.&nbsp;
So if you need a few extra B vitamins in your life or you're a fan of Marmite, it won&rsquo;t hurt you. But definitely don&rsquo;t rely on it!
<h2 dir="ltr">Clothing</h2>

&ldquo;To avoid getting bitten, cover up at dusk&mdash;long sleeves, long trousers, decent socks. Craghoppers Nosilife clothes are the best, as mozzies can't bite through them. Add mozzie repellent for any exposed areas, i.e. face, neck and hands. Squirt your room with mozzie killer just as you leave to go out for dinner. Yes, it's a bit of effort, but you will enjoy an itch-free holiday!&rdquo; - AnimatedBackpacker29290

For going out in nature in mosquito-infested areas, covering up is a must. As a bonus, spray your clothes with repellent to ward off any hitchhiking nibblers who might lie in wait until you strip.
<h2 dir="ltr">Bite Relief</h2>
Sometimes (often) we will still get bitten despite our best efforts. It&rsquo;s best to be prepared when you do:

&ldquo;I don't travel anywhere without Bug Bite Sting Relief; not a repellent, just a remedy when you get bit. I haven't experienced anything this doesn't fix, nothing from South America, innumerable islands or Europe. Dozens of countries, dozens of years!&rdquo; - AdventurousItinerant20681
<hr>
&ldquo;For bite relief, I've found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/bite-relief-click">electrostatic clickers like these</a> pretty good.&rdquo; - CarCamper

<h2 dir="ltr">Places With No or Few Mosquitoes</h2>
Now and then, it&rsquo;s nice to know that you just don&rsquo;t have to worry about getting bitten. There&rsquo;s only one country in the world where you&rsquo;re (pretty much) guaranteed to avoid mosquitoes, but other popular destinations can offer low-risk options, too.
<h3 dir="ltr">Iceland</h3>
If you want to be certain you won&rsquo;t be woken by that high-pitched drone circling ever closer or find yourself absentmindedly scratching your calf with your foot, Iceland is the way ahead. It&rsquo;s the only country in the world with no native mosquito population.&nbsp;
Even if a wee gang of the bitey beasts hopped on a flight to Reykjavik, there&rsquo;s little chance they&rsquo;d be able to hang their coat for long. Between short summers and long, chilly winters, mosquitoes simply don&rsquo;t get the chance to breed. That said, <a href="https://www.ruv.is/english/2025-06-30-icelanders-learn-to-live-with-biting-midges-447298">other bitey beasts are available</a>. Sorry.

<h3 dir="ltr">Antarctica</h3>
There&rsquo;s lots to consider before heading off on an <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/the-beginners-guide-to-visiting-antarctica">epic adventure to Antarctica</a>. Visiting is pricey, it&rsquo;s remote, and you need to pack a whole load of layers. But one thing you won&rsquo;t need to bring along is repellent.&nbsp;
Much like Iceland, the climate in Antarctica doesn&rsquo;t have the cozy conditions and standing water that mozzies typically enjoy. As yet, they&rsquo;ve not found a way to procreate on an iceberg, for which we (and the penguins) are grateful.
<h3 dir="ltr">Santorini</h3>
Let&rsquo;s be clear&mdash;there are mosquitoes in Santorini. But as warm island climates go, Santorini is a safer bet than most. With no rivers or lakes and generally dry conditions, as well as the gentle Aegean breeze, there just aren&rsquo;t that many spots for mozzies to set up home. You&rsquo;re most likely to have a run-in once the winds calm down in late summer and autumn.
We&rsquo;d still recommend that you take the usual precautions&mdash;body sprays and plug-ins for your accommodation should successfully ward off any determined nibblers.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Singapore</h3>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Singapore has a ruthless team dedicated to identifying and removing standing water anywhere. Apparently a common case is an old tyre, its shape inevitably results in a small pool of water somewhere, whatever angle it is stored at.&rdquo; - WanderingRoamer78745
</blockquote>
This is what we love to hear. To fight the mosquito population in Singapore, the government has, in fact, released additional mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia. These guys basically pass along their virus onto other mozzies and neutralise the spread of viruses like malaria and dengue fever. In some areas of Singapore, this has apparently led to a 98% decrease in the overall mosquito population!
Caveat:&nbsp;there are still mosquitoes around. You probably won&rsquo;t encounter many in the city and residential areas, but if you stray out into nature, be prepared.

Of course, there&rsquo;s an element of seasonality to mosquito populations in many destinations. We&rsquo;d always recommend you do your research before heading off on a trip and stock up on trusted, reliable products before you travel.&nbsp;
Before you head out for a day in the sun, apply sunscreen first, give it 15-20 minutes to absorb, and then apply your repellent. Check the instructions on your repellent of choice to see how often you need to reapply for the best protection.
So, dear readers, what did we miss? Are there any products or methods you swear by? Let us know in the comments to help other Jack&rsquo;s Travellers stay itch-free :-)&nbsp;

Mosquito Mayhem: Tips and tricks to avoid getting bitten on your travels

United Kingdom

<blockquote>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to know your views on the new EES system which is due to roll out in April &lsquo;26. I&rsquo;m a UK passport holder travelling to Kos in August and concerned about the potential delays at passport control.&rdquo;
</blockquote>

Hey there, Traveller! Great topic, and very timely too.&nbsp;
Since October 2025, countries in the Schengen Zone have been rolling out the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). By collecting your biometric data upon arrival (photo &amp; fingerprints), countries within the zone are aiming to track visitors more consistently and ensure that nobody is overstaying their welcome.&nbsp;
This doesn&rsquo;t feel like anything new in terms of border control techniques (I&rsquo;ve been attempting not to make silly faces in photos at international borders for years), so you&rsquo;d think it wouldn&rsquo;t be a big deal. However, when you try to get <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-is-the-ees">29 countries</a> to roll out one system across 500+ airports, all major ferry ports, land border crossings, etc., things get a little complicated.
Anyone entering the Schengen area on a non-EU/Schengen passport will now need to go through this process upon arrival. Well,&nbsp;probably.&nbsp;
Like you, reader, airports and border control agents are getting anxious about the surge in summer visitors possibly leading to utter chaos at immigration. For that reason, the EU has confirmed that, although April 9th is still the legal deadline for implementation, all countries have the <a href="https://etias.com/articles/eu-entry/exit-system-full-implementation-still-april-9,-with-flexibility">ability to pause the EES checks</a> for up to 90 days after that date. They&rsquo;ve also given the possibility of a further 60-day extension on that, with early September as the final final deadline.
All that to say, you may not even have to deal with the new EES system upon your arrival in Kos. But if you do, there&rsquo;s no knowing whether it&rsquo;ll be hellish or plain sailing. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2734116543610856/">We asked our Facebook community</a> for their experiences so far, and it really was a mixed bag.

&ldquo;Really quick with lunchtime arrival in Vienna on February 16th. Through in under 10 minutes.&rdquo; - Susan
<hr>
&ldquo;Straight through in Lille, took seconds, and in Fuerteventura they had specific machines for people who hadn&rsquo;t previously done theirs and no queues at all.&rdquo; - Sally
<hr>
&ldquo;Barcelona last month - easy peasy and done in no time.&rdquo; - Liz
<hr>
&ldquo;Alicante in January, returned Feb&hellip;no issue.&rdquo; - Lesley

<h2 dir="ltr">The confused</h2>

&ldquo;Been through Faro (where we did our prints and photos done on the way in) and Rome Ciampino. In Rome when I scanned my passport an official told me to go with him, I was a bit worried but it was just to get my passport stamped and I went straight through. Unfortunately because he was dealing with me, he missed my husband who had to go through the whole process and was almost last through! Teething problems!&rdquo; - Fiona
<hr>
&ldquo;Two very different experiences. One was 2 hours (Tromso), and the other was all automated with self-service scanners! I was pleasantly surprised at Tenerife.&rdquo; - Sophia
<hr>
&ldquo;When I went to Spain, there were some new, very confusing lines, and none of the staff really knew which queues to put people in. When I got to the desk at the front, a grumpy man told me to look into the camera, then do my fingerprints, and that was it. It took around 30-40 minutes, I think, but that was mostly down to the lack of organization; they had people switching queues constantly.&rdquo; - Lauren
<hr>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been through various, and I think depends upon destination. Montpellier in France is a regular trip, and time-wise for me at least, nothing is out of the ordinary. Did experience about an hour delay at Prague, where they seemed to be struggling, and it took about 40 mins at CDG Paris.&rdquo; - Simon
<hr>
&ldquo;We went through with Eurostar in Paris on Wednesday. It was fine and quick for me, but then our train was delayed because so many people, who had arrived at the time the email and tickets told them to arrive, were stuck in big queues at security.
I think, to be honest, it was the bag scanning that slowed it down there, as the staff manning that section could not have been less helpful.&rdquo; - Danielle

&ldquo;Scanner took a while to scan the passport, and the fingerprint scanner didn't work at all no matter how hard or soft you pressed! (Leeds/Bradford) so had to go the usual route anyway, and the queue was enormous!! So it wasn&rsquo;t just us that had a problem.&rdquo; - Jules
<hr>
&ldquo;2 hours to get into Krakow&hellip;&rdquo; - Beverley
<hr>
&ldquo;A nightmare in Lanzarote. Not clear what to do. Those that didn't scan their passports couldn't then get through passport control at the gate. All UK flights were delayed last night.&rdquo; - Anon
<hr>
&ldquo;Scanners "down" at Lanzarote on way in and took ages to get them back up, so there were big queues. There was no one easily found to ask questions of, and I could see that some of the questions might take some folk down rabbit holes&rdquo; - Karen

The main thing I&rsquo;m taking away from all these stories is that it really varies wildly from airport to airport. Anyone arriving in the Schengen Zone on a non-Schengen passport this summer should plan to queue for at least 30 minutes at border control. If the EES system is in use, many people will be going through for the first time and will need to register their details, causing delays. If it&rsquo;s not in use, you&rsquo;ll still have to wait for a manual check and/or stamping.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re on a tight schedule, book seats close to the front of the plane so you&rsquo;re first off. Don&rsquo;t stop to use the facilities on your way&mdash;plan ahead and use the toilet on the plane before landing. And it&rsquo;s always worth making sure you have your roaming or eSIM sorted in advance so you can keep on top of your transport plans during delays.
Waiting in a line for hours isn&rsquo;t fun for anyone; however, I would suggest doing your best to go into the situation expecting it but not dreading it. It is what it is, and it will be over eventually. That sentiment may be particularly beneficial for anyone heading to Lanzarote, it seems!
But if you&rsquo;re lucky, reader, Kos will have you through border control in under ten minutes, and you&rsquo;ll be sailing off into the Grecian sunset in no time.

It&rsquo;s worth noting that the EES system is linked to the new <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/about-etias/what-is-etias">Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)</a> in Europe, similar to the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/eta">Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)</a> that the UK brought in this week. While visitors to the UK need an ETA already, ETIAS will only be necessary from late 2026 and won&rsquo;t be a problem for your August trip. However, keep an eye out for updates if you&rsquo;re travelling again later in the year.
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for your upcoming trip, reader. It may not be plain sailing, but it shouldn&rsquo;t be the end of the world. Do let us know how it goes once you&rsquo;re back!&nbsp;
<hr>
May 2026 EES update:
The EU Entry/Exit System has now been in place for over a month, and its flaws continue to dominate travel news. As we inch closer to summer travel, non-EU nationals are understandably anxious about delays and disruption. So what can you expect?
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">An April statement on the website of the Greek Embassy in the UK suggested that Greece has suspended the EES system this summer for incoming UK citizens. British travellers make up the largest number of international visitors to the country from outside the EU, so the move is designed to prevent long lines in those smaller, island airports. </li>
<li dir="ltr">This does not mean that tourists from the UK won't face checks&mdash;the usual passport control will be in place.&nbsp; </li>
<li dir="ltr">Visitors from other countries, such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and further afield, will still have to register for the EES system in Greece with their fingerprints and a biometric photograph. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Portugal and Italy have announced that they do not&nbsp;plan to follow suit, despite extensive EES-related delays causing travellers to miss flights out of the country. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Popular summer spots like Faro, Lanzarote, Milan and Lisbon have all recently been called out as airports where an influx of flights landing at the same time has led to hours of queuing. If you're planning a self-transfer trip, where you book an onward connection separately, allow several hours to get through passport control (twice!).</li>
</ul>
All that said, the experience is inconsistent. So far this year, I've travelled through Berlin, Brussels, and Amsterdam airports without any major to-do.
Admittedly, the line at passport control arriving into Brussels was a little slow, but having already provided my biometrics in Berlin a month earlier, I flew through without any issue once I reached the front. The delay wasn't helped by the fact I had to run back to the bathroom beside the gate to retrieve my forgotten suitcase, either...
Amsterdam certainly wasn't making the best use of its 12 border gates with only three operational. However, there was absolutely no need for me to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, despite the warnings on my easyJet app to do so.
Berlin, however, was super efficient. 5 minutes in the line, an apology from the border guard for keeping me waiting. I think I even made it through faster than some of the EU citizens waiting to use the eGates!
So what have our members reported over the last couple of months?

Have you been through the new EES system yet? Share your experiences in the comments!

Will the New EES Give You Border Control Nightmares this Summer?

Crete produces almost everything it eats&mdash;here's how the island has been a self-sufficient agricultural powerhouse for centuries&hellip;
With over 1,600 different kinds of plants and <a href="https://www.cretamaris.gr/blog/sustainability/the-precious-herbs-of-crete">wild herbs</a> (almost 170 of them endemic!), the goats and sheep grazing freely on the mountains produce exceptionally high-quality dairy products and meat.
The island's unique flora fuels the honey with rare mountain herbs and aromas, while the citrus and olive trees thrive in the coastal areas. And let's not even mention the <a href="https://www.greece-is.com/the-cretan-vineyard-5500-years-in-a-nine-minute-read/">4,000-year-old wine-making tradition</a>, with 11 indigenous grape varieties and over 60 wineries dotted around the island.

Oh, and if olive oil is your thing, you'll no doubt appreciate that there are roughly 40 olive trees for every person living in Crete&mdash;let that sink in for a moment.
A quarter of the island is covered in olive trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. You'd be forgiven for thinking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lucylovestravelling/video/7395128100704636193?q=crete%20olive%20trees&amp;t=1769190136003">they belonged in a museum</a>&hellip; instead, they&rsquo;re still alive and producing exceptional fruit!
To experience authentic Cretan produce and truly understand the magic rooted deep in its soil, rent a car and venture beyond the tourist zones. Visiting the fishing villages and lush valleys will give you a privileged taste of local Cretan life &mdash; finger-licking&nbsp;dakos and <a href="https://seasonedtraveller.com/best-of-lists/crete-food-greece-gourmet">askordoulakous</a> guaranteed :-)

After You Land: Produce of Crete

China

New Zealand

Hey there, Travellers!
As usual, I've spent much of my free time this week planning for future trips. Quelle surprise!
Next week, my husband Dave and I will be jetting off to Germany for a couple of days. Those of you in the UK and Ireland may have heard of a Wowcher Mystery Holiday, where you pay &pound;99pp and the destination is up to the luck of the draw (kind of). I'd never done one before, so we reckoned it was about time.
Unfortunately, our luck didn't bag us 2 weeks in Bali, rather 2 nights in D&uuml;sseldorf. But honestly, I'm still pretty excited! Despite living in Germany for years, I've never been to the city before &mdash; only the airport&nbsp;&mdash; so it's all going to be new.
If you've got any D&uuml;sseldorf tips for me, or if you've ever taken a mystery trip and have a tale to tell, <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-202-fear-of-flying-beijing#comments">let me know in the comments</a> or by hitting&nbsp;'Reply'.
Happy travels and safe landings,

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In Partnership with Babbel

How a One-Day Course Cured My Fear of Flying

Flight Finder Akasha finds phenomenal flights faster than you can decide where you want to take a trip to next. A pro at finding the best of the best fares, she's also a master at sharing must-visit spots for when you land.

I never in a million years thought I&rsquo;d be sitting in a window seat, on &ldquo;a flight to nowhere,&rdquo; listening to a pilot calmly instruct us to squeeze our butts over the intercom. Yet, here I was, circling Heathrow on a faux-flight, surrounded by a cabin of strangers clenching in an awkward synchrony&hellip;
For the 1 in 6 of us who fear flying, the real question isn&rsquo;t whether you prefer take-off or landing, but: &ldquo;how will I survive this?&rdquo; and apparently survival starts with your glutes.
The fear of flying starts the moment you book &mdash; the creeping dread as you shuffle through security, the way your body locks at that first &lsquo;bing bong&rsquo; of the seatbelt sign. I know. I used to resign myself to meeting a tumbling death in the first ten seconds of turbulence.&nbsp;
So when British Airways&rsquo; Flying with Confidence course crossed my desk at work, I volunteered to be a personal guinea pig for a&nbsp;&ldquo;life changing&rdquo; experience aimed at curing your fear of flying.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;British Airways did not pay me, sponsor this review or bribe me with tiny pretzels and peanuts. I paid full price for this course, and all opinions and occasional panic are 100% mine.

<h2 dir="ltr">Flight School: Turbulence, Sounds, and Control</h2>
Mainly held in Heathrow and Gatwick, the course is piloted by, well, pilots (and psychologists, too). There are a few flavours to choose from&mdash;Primary, Premium, Premium Plus, or Private&mdash;depending on your budget and nerves. I signed up for the primary course, which meant a day of technical and psychological sessions with about 100 fellow nervous flyers. Perks? Unlimited tea, coffee, snacks, and lunch.
The day is broken into 3 parts, and honestly, it felt a little like flight school lite.
The morning kicked off with some breathing exercises, which would be the foundation for controlling anxiety throughout the day.&nbsp;
The technique is called &ldquo;Breathe &amp; Squeeze,&rdquo; basically a combo of deep breathing and contracting your glutes, aiming to slow your heart rate and muscle tension.
Next, pilots Nigel and Niven gave a presentation that broke down all aspects of aviation. From ailerons and roll, to rudder and yaw, lift and drag. Personally, I found this the most helpful part of the course. I&rsquo;m usually not one to grasp concepts to do with physics &mdash; ask anyone who sat near me in school &mdash; but somehow Nigel and Niven made it click.&nbsp;

They managed to make a deep dive into aerodynamics entertaining. It was seriously in-depth, and I found myself appreciating just how much training, knowledge, and precision go into every single flight &mdash; and wondering why I ever thought my fear knew better.&nbsp;
&ldquo;What if the engine falls off?&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;What if passengers bring extra baggage on board and it affects the weight of the plane?&rdquo;
&nbsp;&ldquo;How can there be a safe landing if you&rsquo;re flying across the Atlantic?&rdquo; 
&ldquo;What if we get struck by lightning?&rdquo; 
&ldquo;What if there&rsquo;s something wrong with the left phalange?&rdquo; Ok, I &mdash; or should I say Phoebe from Friends &mdash; made that one up, but if there was a left phalange, we&rsquo;d worry about it.
We had all of our questions answered and more, and I even walked away with some new flight-nerd facts with which to impress my colleagues.&nbsp;
Did you know that it&rsquo;s the wing that enables the aircraft to fly, not the engine? Now you do.&nbsp;
Did you know that the wings undergo an extreme stress test? They do, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x25xeSqNYF8">look</a>!
How many wings does an aircraft have? 2? 4? Wrong. It has one.&nbsp;
Do you know how much weight the paint on an airplane adds? Two tonnes.&nbsp;
Most importantly, though, we gained a greater understanding of the numerous noises inside and outside the cabin (&ldquo;Noise is good&rdquo; was another mantra throughout the day), as well as the phantom threat haunting the skies. It strikes precisely when you&rsquo;ve let your guard down and placed your drink on your lap: Turbulence.&nbsp;

Enter the third chant of the day, &ldquo;Turbulence is uncomfortable, not dangerous&rdquo;&nbsp;
They asked who among us has ever experienced severe turbulence. My hand smugly shot up along with a few others, as if to vindicate every intrusive table-gripping thought we&rsquo;ve ever endured.&nbsp;
Trick question. According to the pilots, they&rsquo;ve never encountered severe turbulence in all their years in the sky, just garden-variety bumps that feel terrifying to us mere mortals because we don&rsquo;t understand what&rsquo;s happening. Which, frankly, felt like a personal attack.&nbsp;
Imagine the plane is like a spoon in jelly, they told us. The jelly is the air&mdash;usually smooth until something stirs it. Then it wobbles. The spoon jiggles, but it won&rsquo;t break. Planes work the same way. Air, they reminded us, has fluid properties.&nbsp;
Just because you can&rsquo;t see it, doesn&rsquo;t mean it&rsquo;s not there, and like boats resting on a sea of water, planes rest on a sea of air. Sometimes, like water, the air gets choppy. It feels dramatic, sure, but really it&rsquo;s just physics being physics. And dangerous? Not even close.&nbsp; 
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/how-the-flying-with-confidence-course-finally-beat-my-fear-of-flying">Keep reading&hellip;</a>

Travel Tricks

Win A Glamorous Night Out In London

It's said there are three great quests in life:&nbsp;1)&nbsp;To find love.&nbsp;2)&nbsp;To find meaning.&nbsp;3)&nbsp;And to win an insane competition for&nbsp;the ultimate luxury night out for four people&nbsp;involving wine, cocktails, and unique luxury dining experiences.&nbsp;
Which, our friends over at London's finest city guide&nbsp;<a href="https://thenudge.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thenudge.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1756982549610000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2x3wyahJgW_cUf8P1PJEUh" rel="noopener">The Nudge</a>. can help with.&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s involved? Well, first you and three (incredibly grateful) buddies will start with cocktails at Mexican-Japanese&nbsp;Los Mochis, City, where you&rsquo;ll have&nbsp;&pound;100 to spend on&nbsp;stunning drinks&nbsp;either in their world-class Agaveria and lounge, or on their panoramic rooftop terrace should the weather see fit.
Then, things move onto&nbsp;<a href="https://thenudge.com/london-restaurants/luna/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thenudge.com/london-restaurants/luna/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1756982549610000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lvjEBZSFm_iEUDx-BSP0f" rel="noopener">LUNA</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;an intimate omakase restaurant&nbsp;perched on the 9th floor, overlooking the city.&nbsp;With only 12 seats in the whole restaurant, your group will be taking up a full third of the jewel-box space. And what follows will be a dozen courses from a theatrical, boundary-pushing menu that fuses storytelling with spectacular food. Expect welcome cocktails, some incredible food, wine pairings, and no bill at the end.
To enter, you don't need to guess how many jellybeans there are in a jar, or solve a riddle, or do a backflip - just click below&hellip;

In Partnership with The Nudge

From Art to Auckland, and Back to the Aegean

In this week&rsquo;s Reader&rsquo;s Corner, I&rsquo;m bringing you a mash-up of topics that have landed in my inbox this week.&nbsp;
First up, it&rsquo;s Beijing. Last week, Flight Finder Kristi asked for your Beijing tips for her upcoming trip, and one of them in particular caught my attention. Aside from the must-see Forbidden City and early-morning panda visits, The Detour reader Fiona recommends exploring the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.babagoeschina.com/beijing-798-art-district/">798 Art District</a>.
I looked it up and all I can say is, wow! Factories and warehouses repurposed as galleries, alleyways splashed with street art, and sleek hipster caf&eacute;s &mdash; you&rsquo;d be forgiven for thinking this was Berlin as opposed to Beijing. We love hearing about the spots that don&rsquo;t usually make it into the tourist brochures, so please keep the recommendations coming.&nbsp;
Next up, it&rsquo;s the turn of the Chinese airlines&hellip;

&ldquo;Greetings!
I am currently in Ireland, but am looking for a flight from London to Auckland, NZ. I can get a good price with China Southern, or with Air China. How would you rate these airlines? I would appreciate an honest opinion.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Thanks so much&rdquo; - Dianne

Hi Dianne, this is a great question. The lowest fares we see to Auckland from the UK generally do involve Chinese Airlines, but most of us on this side of the world aren&rsquo;t very familiar with them.
Our resident Aussie, Larissa, flew home to Sydney with China Southern last year, and rated the airline a rather resounding, &ldquo;fine.&rdquo; There were no bells or whistles, lots of noodles, and a rather lengthy stopover in Guangzhou, but ultimately no major issues either. You can find her&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-china-southern">full breakdown of the experience here</a>.
A couple of other Jack&rsquo;s team members have flown China Eastern in recent years and gave pretty similar reviews, but unfortunately we&rsquo;re yet to board Air China. <a href="https://youtu.be/561YLjn7W2M?si=PNBs1lyHdGwnXKdg&amp;t=506">This recent review</a> on YouTube makes it look pretty decent, especially considering the low fares.
I hope that gives you some confidence to go ahead and book &mdash; I sure would!
And finally, we'll wrap up with a return to the Aegean...

&ldquo;Hello, my husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2026 and so are friends of ours.&nbsp; We want to see the Greek Islands and are open to cruising, ferries, whatever is the best means of transport.&nbsp; My husband is getting a knee replacement sometime this fall and we're hoping he'll be more mobile. Any recommendations?&rdquo;

Hi reader &mdash; if I&rsquo;m not mistaken, you might have asked a similar question a couple of months back. In case you missed it, Flight Finder Fran put together her <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-182-disastrous-flight-delays#:~:text=Sparkling%20Seas%20for%20a%20Silver%20Anniversary">top suggestions for your gorgeous Greek getaway</a>. We hope you have a wonderful time (and send us some pics when you get back)!

Reader's Corner

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across web this week.
<ul>
<li class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 css-1kubl8f css-1kubl8f">Here's your <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/baby-puffin-throwing-wildlife-rehabilitation">annual dose of Icelandic&nbsp;"awwww!"</a> </li>
<li class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 css-1kubl8f css-1kubl8f">Sometimes, the last thing you want to do after a long trip is talk to a human at a hotel reception. Are <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/inside-japan-henn-na-robot-hotel/">Japan's robot hotels</a> the solution? </li>
<li class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 css-1kubl8f css-1kubl8f">As destinations go, "hell" isn't commonly considered one of the good ones. But just in case it does take your fancy, <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/geography/wanderlust/entrances-to-hell">these 10 entrances to the underworld</a>&nbsp;are worth checking out. </li>
<li class="MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1 css-1kubl8f css-1kubl8f">And finally, after 19 years and a lot of controversy, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kazakhstan-borat-ad-tourism-very-nice/">Kazakhstan has decided that "Very nice"</a> might not actually be so bad.</li>
</ul>

Greece

Greece in $6500s-$6900s RT

€93 rtn

Greece in €60s-€90s rtn

€79-€106 rtn

Greek Islands & Cyprus in $710s-$880s RT

Southern Europe in €80s-€120s rtn