Europe

We're here to ask the age-old question: the city or the beach? 

Bournemouth

England

Lanzarote

Spain

Bristol

Manchester

Liverpool

East Midlands

Shannon

Ireland

Madeira

Portugal

Madrid

Dublin

Lanzarote, Madeira and Madrid ☀️ in £/€40s-£/€50s return

Toronto

Canada

Pico Island

🏞️ Pico Island at $660 RT from Toronto

Weeze

Germany

Faro

Faro 🌞 at €65-€68 rtn from Dusseldorf Weeze

These fares really are cheap as chips 🤩

London Luton

Lyon 

France

Valencia

Alicante

Barcelona

Bordeaux

Turin

Italy

Milan

Tirana

Albania

Bratislava

Slovakia

Košice

Wrocław

Poland

Poznań

Lublin

Gdansk

Tromsø

Norway

London Gatwick

Birmingham

Suceava

Romania

Sibiu

Leeds Bradford

Cluj-Napoca

Iași

Glasgow

Scotland

Aberdeen

Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland and more ☀️ in £20s-£70s rtn

Edinburgh

Faro ⚓ at £50-£51 rtn from Edinburgh

Cork

Faro ⛵ at €52-€57 rtn from Cork

I book this flight 30th November 2025 for 7th - 9th March and was so looking forward to it. It was great, first real D vitaminer after a long Scandinavian winter. Food was great, people friendly.

Postcard from Markoo

Always a pleasure to be back in Portugal! Porto has the best vegan food (including a vegan cat cafe!!!) and we indulged in traditional Portuguese tile painting. Until next time Porto 🇵🇹💙

Postcard from Carissa

Thank you!! It was a great trip because we had extra cash thanks to jacks flight club

Postcard from A

Last summer, I booked a solo trip to Lisbon my first time venturing out alone after a hectic year in London slightly traumatic with an ending of a long term relationship The plan was simple: wander the Alfama district, stuff myself with pastéis de nata, and catch a sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. No drama, just some much needed recharge time. But on day two, as I was navigating the steep cobbled streets with my map app glitching (thanks, spotty Wi-Fi), I took a wrong turn and ended up in a tiny, hidden courtyard off Rua dos Remédios.
It looked like something out of a fairy tale vines climbing old azulejo tiled walls, laundry flapping in the breeze, and an elderly lady sitting on a stool, peeling oranges. She waved me over with a smile, and before I knew it, I was roped into helping her prepare for a family gathering. My Portuguese is basically non-existent (Duolingo failed me), but through gestures and Google Translate, I learned her name was Maria, and she was hosting her extended family for a spontaneous sardine grill.
What started as a polite “obrigado” turned into an afternoon of chopping veggies, flipping fish on a makeshift barbecue, and toasting with homemade vinho verde. Her grandkids showed up, blasting fado music from a phone, and suddenly I was part of this lively, chaotic feast. No tourist traps, no itinerary; just pure, unfiltered Portuguese hospitality. It was the highlight of my trip, far better than any viewpoint or pastry. That unexpected detour reminded me why I travel: for the plot twists that turn strangers into friends.

Story from Vijay

I have planned my first trip to Portugal ever at 52 years old. Planning my retirement and doing some research on the underrated wines!
Looking forward to March in Faro.

Postcard from Mark Thomas

Postcard from Simon

United Kingdom

United States

Austria

Hi there, Travellers,
February has whizzed by, and somehow we've reached the end of the month already!&nbsp;
While January was full of meeting members old and new at travel shows, this month has been all about bringing together everything we learned from you. The feedback was so great to hear, so please continue to get in touch with ideas.
One thing we know makes a difference before booking a big trip is getting the inside scoop from someone who's been there, done that&mdash;and that applies to which airlines we fly with, too. Two of our most-viewed articles are our reviews of lesser-known airlines,&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-saudia-airlines-and-more">Saudia Airlines</a> and <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-china-southern">China Southern</a>, and we'd like to keep sharing the intel.
So if you've had a memorable airline experience (for the right or wrong reasons), or you've flown on an airline you weren't familiar with beforehand, <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/home?contribute=airline">send us a little airline review</a> to help the Jack's Community go further.
Happy travels and safe landings,

Will EES Give You Border Control Nightmares This Summer?

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.

Answered by Katy

<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 passport will now need to go through the process of biometric checks 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;
Have you been through the new EES system already? <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>!

Reader's Corner

Calling All Vicarious Travelers...

We love seeing the bargain Flights you, our fantastic Community, have bagged, and hearing stories from your trips. It helps us all travel vicariously through each other when we can't be out on an adventure ourselves.
Here are some of our fave moments of escapism from the last month:

"Always wanted to do a safari and the cheap flight offer defo made it doable for me!! Best trip ever!" -&nbsp;Postcard from DynamicVoyager84378

Kenya

"Had a brilliant time, it was amazing!" -&nbsp;Postcard from Calts63

"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!"&nbsp;- Postcard from PassionateHolidaymaker60896

Greece

"I had two weeks of a lifetime solo in Barbados after working through the Christmas period. I&rsquo;d never have been able to afford it otherwise and I stayed with a local in the country. After a few days of getting the bus, I hired a car and really saw the island. I made friends who live there, and now I&rsquo;m absolutely dying to go back. It was an amazing trip, I saw so much!"&nbsp;- Postcard from Polly!

Barbados

<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/postcards">Head to our Postcards wall</a> to see more!
We'd love to have your pics and tips joining them up there. <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/home?contribute=postcard">Send us a Postcard</a> to let us know about an awesome trip you found through Jack's, or share all your tips, tricks, and tales in <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/home?contribute=story">a travel story</a>.&nbsp;

Travel Tales

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from around the Jack's Community this month.
<ul>
<li>Help! Jack's Traveler Samina from our Facebook community needs your tips for her upcoming <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2741791856176658/">family trip to the Seychelles</a>. Go give her a hand, would ya? </li>
<li>Cheap flights to Asia sometimes mean a long layover in China&mdash;but don't let that put you off! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DU2m52MDD5r/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">Our Navigators shared their top tips</a> for making the most of it. </li>
<li>Now we didn't mean to get you all riled up, but when we asked <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2726200921069085/">where you'd&nbsp;never travel to</a>&mdash;not even if it was free&mdash;there were plenty of opinions flying around. </li>
<li>Jack's Traveler Nina shared some <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJi-7mkWYg/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">stunning pics</a> from her recent trip to Northern Vietnam. The rest of us immediately went to book flights. </li>
<li>Layovers, who'd have 'em? Community members shared their thoughts, feelings, and experiences on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2722718518083992/">transiting through the USA</a>. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2723282631360914/">AMA: Ask Masuma Anything</a>. Jack's member Masuma answered all our questions about her recent trip to Sri Lanka, and, boy, were we envious! </li>
<li>And finally, Navigator Akasha challenged an unsuspecting Jack's member on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVORuEBjPKK/?hl=en">a fundamental part of plane etiquette: manspreading</a>. We think he passed the test.</li>
</ul>

Community Chatter

Community Dispatches & European Border Control Chaos

Switzerland

Mauritius

Hey there, Travellers!
The time has finally come for me to face a hard truth; my favourite carry-on backpack is on its way out. The straps are fraying, bits are falling off, and it now opens of its own volition.
I picked up my trusty Herschel about 5 years ago for a bargain price, and it's been on nearly every trip with me since then. It's the perfect size for a long weekend, there's a lovely, padded laptop sleeve inside, and it is actually a nice colour (or was, before I got it all mucky).
So now I need your help, readers! Since this is the prime time of year to snap up new gear, I'm looking for your carry-on backpack recommendations. Do I stick with my beloved Herschel, or is there a new kid on the block?
Let me know <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/winter-on-the-glacier-express-winter-sun-escapes#comments">in the comments</a>, or reply to this email!
Happy travels and safe landings,

Katy - Editor of The Detour

Unlock every Flight we find. Upgrade with up to&nbsp;25% off.
One Flight booking covers the cost of&nbsp;Takeoff. Don&rsquo;t miss out!

Black Friday Promo

Window Wonderland: Winter on the Glacier Express

Navigator 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.

By Akasha

Some winters are best seen in motion, and Switzerland&rsquo;s panoramic train promises just that.
Winter. My spirit does not gleefully jump at the fading light, soggy gloves, and single-digit temperatures on either side of zero.
Nor does it dance with the bare-naked trees when I picture gusts of tiny needles hitting my face. Or the sting of the cold in my ears that haunts me long after I&rsquo;ve slammed the door to the frozen world outside.&nbsp;
Yet for every scratchy woollen layer, stiff finger, and runny nose, there exists a winter worth savoring. The one from the warmth of a window.&nbsp;

Windows offer an intimate glimpse of the outside world when we step inside, away from the hustle. They serve as a projector, reeling back micro-moments of &ldquo;humanness&rdquo; that we might not necessarily catch on a check-box trip; a dog leaping through a fresh blanket of snow, waddling toddlers bundled in bulky snowsuits, a street vendor meticulously hanging the last strand of tinsel on their awning. 
Call it travel voyeurism. The joy of a quiet, captivating secret beyond the glass.&nbsp;
There may be no better window from which to watch the season unfold than on the Glacier Express&mdash;and that&rsquo;s exactly where I found myself earlier this year.
The world&rsquo;s &ldquo;slowest express train,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://glacierexpress.ch/en">the Glacier Express</a> winds unhurriedly through some of Europe&rsquo;s most iconic winter scenery, linking the ritzy resorts of Zermatt &amp; St. Moritz.

With 360 panoramic windows, it&rsquo;s a photographer&rsquo;s dream, though you&rsquo;ll want one hand free for a glass of champagne and the extravagant meals provided onboard.&nbsp;
Chugging through alabaster valleys, alpine villages, and towering mountains, the journey takes eight hours to complete. Pine forests and pastures peel back in slow motion, revealing wooden hamlets and steeples tucked into the valley below.

Inside, the carriage felt like a cocoon: warm air hissing through the vents, windows fogging then clearing with every shift in altitude. I spotted someone two rows up wrapping their hands around a warm mug.
An elderly couple to the left were speaking about the construction of the route; entire teams lived in alpine huts for months, blasting through rock metre by metre with picks and dynamite.&nbsp;
 <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/winter-through-a-window-glacier-express">Keep reading</a> for Akasha's essential Glacier Express tips...

As soon as the temperatures begin to drop, the requests for winter sun recommendations start piling up in our inbox. And we don't blame you at all; sunny trips are about the only thing that get us through those dark and dreary months!
Some of you are just in need of a quick, cheap winter break, while others are on the hunt for good spots to combine a vitamin D top-up with a bit of remote working.&nbsp;As a general rule, we&rsquo;d suggest you head south for extra daylight and temperatures above 16 &deg;C.&nbsp;If you want a little more to go on, we&rsquo;ve drawn up a short-list of exciting winter sun spots beloved by the Jack's team and Community alike.
<h2 id="cadiz">Cadiz, Spain</h2>

Temperatures: 16-18 &deg;C in January - March
Why should I visit?&nbsp;It's supposedly the oldest city still standing in Europe, dating back to the 12th century. Beautiful cathedrals, Roman ruins and authentic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.manvsglobe.com/best-taps-restaurants-bars-where-to-eat-cadiz-spain/">tapas bars</a>&nbsp;are tucked away around every corner in the narrow alleyways of the Old Town.
The locals also know how to throw a party, rehearsing all year for their world-famous&nbsp;<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-cadiz-carnival/">Carnival</a>&nbsp;that takes places over 11 days in late February - March.
<h2 id="mauritius">Mauritius</h2>

Temperatures:&nbsp;22-27 &deg;C in November - March
Why should I visit?

"What&rsquo;s not to like with Indian and East African influences mingled in with British and French culture? People are hospitable, weather is great (remember it&rsquo;s summer in January) rum tastes good, and I&rsquo;d be happy to return tomorrow!" - Avril

Temperatures&nbsp;- 16-17 &deg;C in November - March
Why should I visit?&nbsp;- You'll find it hard not to rush outdoors and breathe in the Azores&rsquo; fresh mountain air. The islands are <a href="https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/hiking-in-the-azores-a-guide-to-the-best-hikes-in-azores/">made for hiking</a>, with trails leading you to waterfalls, around volcanic craters, and along the craggy coastline. And although you may never have heard of a&nbsp;<a href="http://grutadocarvao.amigosdosacores.pt/en">lava tube</a>, we bet you&rsquo;ll want to snoop around inside one now that you know it&rsquo;s possible on S&atilde;o Miguel Island.
We&rsquo;d also recommend&nbsp;<a href="https://www.winetraveler.com/portugal/azores-islands/">visiting a local winery</a>&nbsp;or two - just for science, of course. Despite the extreme growing conditions out there in the middle of the Atlantic, wine has been made there for hundreds of years.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jacks-top-winter-sun-destinations">Keep reading...</a>

Travel Tips

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/2760939580766771">Polar night has begun</a> across the northern Arctic. This week, parts of Alaska and northern Norway joined Svalbard in a months-long nighttime. The sun won't show its face again there until mid-to-late January. </li>
<li>Travelling to watch sports is nothing new, but 2026 may see <a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/article/the-rise-of-sumo-travel">an unexpected sport </a>inspiring trips far and wide. </li>
<li>No trip to Istanbul is complete without considering scooping up a friendly local feline. Not quite strays nor pets, the city has a truly <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20251118-istanbul-turkey-inside-the-city-where-cats-rule-the-streets">unique relationship with cats</a>. </li>
<li>And finally, would you <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/nov/17/high-art-the-museum-that-is-only-accessible-via-an-eight-hour-hike">hike eight hours up an Alp</a> to reach a museum? No? Me neither. Even a really good one.</li>
</ul>

Travel News

Winter on the Glacier Express & Winter Sun Escapes

Costa Rica

Gambia

Vietnam

Thailand

Cambodia

Laos

South Africa

As soon as the temperatures begin to drop, the requests for winter sun recommendations start piling up in our inbox. And we don't blame you at all; winter sun holidays are about the only thing that get us through those dark and dreary months!
Some of you are just in need of a quick, cheap winter break, while others are on the hunt for good spots to combine a vitamin D top-up with a bit of remote working.
As a general rule, we&rsquo;d suggest you head south for extra daylight and temperatures above 16 &deg;C (well known for being the point at which it becomes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taps-aff.co.uk/#search">&ldquo;Taps Aff&rdquo; weather</a> here in Scotland). If you want a little more to go on, we&rsquo;ve drawn up a short-list of exciting winter sun spots beloved by the Jack's team and Community alike.
<h2 id="cadiz">Cadiz, Spain</h2>

Temperatures&nbsp;- 16-17 &deg;C in November - March
Why should I visit?&nbsp;- You'll find it hard not to rush outdoors and breathe in the Azores&rsquo; fresh mountain air. The islands are <a href="https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/hiking-in-the-azores-a-guide-to-the-best-hikes-in-azores/">made for hiking</a>, with trails leading you to waterfalls, around volcanic craters, and along the craggy coastline. And although you may never have heard of a&nbsp;<a href="http://grutadocarvao.amigosdosacores.pt/en">lava tube</a>, we bet you&rsquo;ll want to snoop around inside one now that you know it&rsquo;s possible on S&atilde;o Miguel Island.
We&rsquo;d also recommend&nbsp;<a href="https://www.winetraveler.com/portugal/azores-islands/">visiting a local winery</a>&nbsp;or two - just for science, of course. Despite the extreme growing conditions out there in the middle of the Atlantic, wine has been made there for hundreds of years.
<h2 id="c">Costa Rica</h2>

Temperatures&nbsp;- 16-27 &deg;C in January - March, depending on the area
Why should I visit? Sorry to be clich&eacute;d, but there genuinely is something for everyone in Costa Rica. Sun, sea, surf, and sand? Check. Mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, and lakes? Check. Colourful birdlife, howling monkeys, and <a href="https://www.slothconservation.org/blog/with-a-little-help-from-my-friends-sloths-moths-and-algae">green-tinged sloths</a>? Also check.
Plus, the Jack's team is&nbsp;obsessed&nbsp;with <a href="https://puravidamoms.com/what-is-salsa-lizano-from-costa-rica/">Lizano Salsa</a>!

&ldquo;We enjoyed Costa Rica this past January, although we only stayed in Tamarindo for a week. If we had more time we would travel to other areas in Costa Rica. In January, we had little rain if any and it was hot. Perfect time to go on boat cruises and lounge around the pool.&rdquo; - Sharrie

Temperatures&nbsp;- 32-34 &deg;C in January - March
Why should I visit?&nbsp;- For one thing, the people of Gambia are famously friendly, earning it the nickname &ldquo;The Smiling Coast of Africa&rdquo; (okay, that may have something to do with the&nbsp;<a href="https://face2faceafrica.com/article/ever-wondered-why-the-gambia-is-called-the-smiling-coast-heres-why">shape of the country</a>, too).
Despite being reliant on tourism, the country&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gambia.co.uk/blog/a-beach-lovers-paradise">beaches remain uncrowded</a>, and you don&rsquo;t have to hike for hours to find a secluded spot. You can have all the luxury of a Caribbean resort for much less. Then again, it&rsquo;s easy to immerse yourself in local life by staying in&nbsp;eco lodges&nbsp;and hitting non-touristy spots like Tanji, with its <a href="https://www.mewithmysuitcase.com/2022/09/tanji-fish-market.html">fish markets</a>.
Word to the wise: if you&rsquo;re not into fish guts and strong aromas, sit this one out.
<h2>Cape Town</h2>

Temperatures&nbsp;- 25-29 &deg;C in November - March
Why should I visit?&nbsp;

&ldquo;It has everything. We used to spend three months there for many years. Cape Town has masses of things to do apart from 1000 wine estates to visit. Then there are amazing safaris to go on. The food and wine scene is fantastic.&rdquo; - Christine

Oh, and the <a href="https://onegirlwholeworld.com/africa/boulders-beach-foxy-beach-penguins-south-africa/">tiny penguins</a>, obviously!
<h2 id="s">South East Asia</h2>

Temperatures&nbsp;- 15-30 &deg;C in November - March
Why should I visit? Okay, okay, we know this is a whole region, but we find it hard to pick just one spot. Northern regions of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam will offer cooler jungle vibes, while central areas will be a little warmer, just right for checking out some temples. And then there are the coastal spots, and all those famous Thai beaches.&nbsp;
If we had to choose, we'd say: don't! Take your time, and work in some winter sun on the beach as well as the jungle fun.

&ldquo;Thai beaches are always a good idea, especially in January. It certainly isn't the rainy season in, e.g., Phuket then! Koh Lanta and other nearby islands, plus beaches North of the airport, have a slower pace than the racier party beaches in the South, near Phuket town. Or for cheaper, more developing options: Cambodia or Vietnam.&rdquo; - Catherine
<hr>
"Asia is a very good option to spend January in! Countries like Vietnam (the only one I have been to Asia so far, which I absolutely loved), Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, see temperatures around 30C which can make it appropriate for swimming! The other perk of Asia compared to other areas in the world is it's cheap!"&nbsp;- Marilena

There you have it, readers - our top suggestions for trips to wash away the winter blues.
Where's your favourite winter sun destination? Let us know in the comments!

Jack's Top Winter Sun Destinations

Japan

Iceland

Peru

Estonia

Latvia

Lithuania

<h3>Slowing Down the Speed of Our Wanderlust. This is how tourist fines ask us to pause.</h3>

You&rsquo;ve heard the protests, seen the headlines, &ldquo;The new tourist fines sweeping Europe&rdquo;.&nbsp;
But depending on who you ask, the new rollout of tourism rules and regulations can feel like a total killjoy or long-overdue protection against an industry that&rsquo;s been eating itself alive.&nbsp;
Reading the list below, it&rsquo;s easy to roll our eyes when we&rsquo;re the ones passing through. But how would you feel if the beach you grew up hearing the waves at night now echoes with drunk tourists music and drones overhead? That street you grew up on where you learned to ride your bike? It&rsquo;s now blocked with selfie-stick traffic impeding your route to work.&nbsp;
And your favourite caf&eacute;, the one that knows your order by heart? They tell you that you&rsquo;ll have to wait longer because tables are being saved for tourists that tip better and stay all day.&nbsp;
Through this lens, it&rsquo;s easier to see that these new waves of tourist fines are less about punishing visitors, and more about meeting a destination and its locals on their own terms. So, presuming you want to be a conscientious traveller and not become enemy #1 in your chosen destination, here&rsquo;s everything you need to know.

<h2 dir="ltr">Flip-flops behind the wheel in Europe</h2>
Rule / Fine: Up to &euro;200 if police deem your footwear unsafe, despite no outright ban.
In countries like Spain, drivers are expected to maintain proper control of the vehicle at all times. Loose footwear like flip-flops can jeopardize pedal control, so officers can fine you if they judge your sandals to compromise safety.
Traveller Tip: Always pack a pair of light sneakers or secure sandals to slip on when you hit the open road.
<h2 dir="ltr">No Swimwear Off the Beach (Europe, including Barcelona, Sorrento, Albufeira, Cannes, Venice)</h2>
Rule / Fine: Up to &euro;1,500 for walking around in swimwear outside beach zones. It's just polite, really!
 Traveller Tip: Keep a lightweight cover-up handy &mdash; say, a breezy shirt or sarong &mdash; for when you step ashore and into town.
<h2 dir="ltr">Public Drinking (Spain, UK, Baltic states, Canada &amp; more)</h2>
Rule / Fine: Up to &euro;3,000 for alcohol consumption in non-designated public areas.
Party hotspots like Ibiza and Mallorca in particular are trying to curb rowdy public behaviour by outlawing open-air drinking away from bars and restaurants. But beyond that, many countries or local authorities have blanket bans on carrying open containers of alcohol in public.&nbsp;
Traveller Tip: Check the local laws at your destination before cracking open a nice cold beer. If in doubt, sip your sangria indoors, at a bar&rsquo;s outdoor terrace, or in your hotel.

<h2 dir="ltr">Sunbed Reservation Abuse (Spain)</h2>
Rule / Fine: Around &euro;250 for reserving a sunbed with a towel and abandoning it.
Resorts are cracking down on the old 6am towel trick to keep things fair and tidy for all beach-goers.
Traveller Tip: We&rsquo;re not sure what to say about this one&hellip; Don&rsquo;t get lost?&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Collecting Shells or Pebbles (Greece &amp; Sardinia)</h2>
Rule / Fine: Up to &euro;1,000&ndash;&euro;3,000 depending on location.
Coastal ecosystems are fragile. Pocketing natural souvenirs threatens biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Traveller Tip: A picture says a thousand words. Take one, take a thousand &mdash; just leave the shells be.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Swimming in Venice&rsquo;s Canals (Italy)</h2>
Rule / Fine: Around &euro;350 fine &mdash; and up to &euro;1,000 if other violations apply.&nbsp;
Repeat after me, &ldquo;Canals aren&rsquo;t for swimming, they&rsquo;re for boats and sewage!&rdquo; Banning swims protects both visitors and historic waterways &mdash; and probably protects you from at least a dozen infectious diseases.&nbsp;
Traveller Tip: Stick to gondolas, or <a href="https://gillianlongworthmcguire.substack.com/p/gillian-knows-best-guide-to-beaches">head to the Lido</a> if you must get your feet wet.

<h2 dir="ltr">Entry Fee for Day-Trippers (Venice, Italy)</h2>
Rule / Fine: &euro;5&ndash;&euro;10 entry fee; failure to pay can lead to &euro;300 fine.
Overwhelmed by mass day-trip tourism, Venice is trying to manage crowd flow and encourage longer stays by offering fee exemptions to hotel guests.
Traveller Tip: Book your visit in advance, or stay overnight, and keep your receipt handy.
<h2 dir="ltr">Selfie Zones &amp; No-Linger Spots (Portofino, Italy &amp; Hallstatt, Austria)</h2>
Rule / Fine: Up to &euro;275 for blocking walkways with a selfie; Hallstatt uses &ldquo;selfie fences&rdquo; to curb crowding.&nbsp;
Europe&rsquo;s quaint and cute villages are overloaded with visitors lining up for the same shot. This measure aims to restore flow and reduce stress for locals trying to get to work on time.
Traveller Tip: Capture your pic, then move on. Who knows, you might just find a hidden corner!
<h2 dir="ltr">Beach Behaviour Campaigns (Spain &amp; Portugal)</h2>
Rule / Fine: Ranging from &euro;750 for public urination to &euro;2,000 for beach smoking. Malaga&rsquo;s Improve Your Stay campaign enforces up to &euro;873 fines for bad conduct in the port city.&nbsp;
Fines can be as high as &euro;30,000 for anti-social behaviour like vandalism or street drinking; attending (or throwing!) unlicensed events can set you back a similar amount, while hitching a lift in an unlicensed taxi can result in penalties of &euro;600. And before you decide to go for a nighttime dip Benidorm, just consider whether you have &euro;1,000 to spare.&nbsp;
Traveller Tip: Follow the local code snippets posted in your hotel lobby or on billboards, or simply ask a local. But let&rsquo;s be honest &mdash; it&rsquo;s always better to just find a toilet, smoke away from others, keep the noise down at night, and generally not be a nuisance.

<h3 dir="ltr">Proof of Travel Insurance (Spain)</h3>
Rule / Fine: Fines for British travellers of up to &euro;6,900 for not having proper travel health insurance documentation when entering Spain.&nbsp;
To protect its healthcare system and keep tourists from becoming walking liabilities, Spain can now request proof of travel insurance at the border.
Traveller Tip: Buy travel insurance! And just in case your phone battery dies, pack a printed copy of your insurance documents so you can pull them out at passport control.
<h3 dir="ltr">Visitor Caps in Europe&rsquo;s Ancient Icons (Greece, Italy)</h3>
Rule / Fine: Acropolis (Athens) is capped at 20,000 visitors/day; pre-booking required, high heels banned with fines up to &euro;900. Pompeii (Italy): also limited to 20,000 visitors/day and the Colosseum (Rome): capped at 3,000 visitors at a time.&nbsp;
These heritage sites want to stay standing, not crumbling under the footfall. Regulating access protects their history (and makes your visit more enjoyable).
Traveller Tip: Book your tickets for the first thing in the morning to avoid the rush, and leave the stilettos at home.
<h3 dir="ltr">Tourism Balance (Japan)</h3>
Rule / Fine: Mount Fuji: &yen;2,000 entry fee (&pound;10/$13.50/&euro;11.60) with a cap of 4,000 climbers/day. Kyoto: &yen;10,000 fine for taking photos of geisha without permission; some alleys are even off-limits. Tokyo: A year-round ban on public drinking from 6pm-5am.&nbsp;
Traveller Tip: Book early. Ask before snapping. Stick to bars and caf&eacute;s, not the streets.
<h3 dir="ltr">Hiking Restrictions (Machu Picchu)</h3>
Rule / Fine: Timed-slot tickets are now mandatory &mdash; no more spontaneous hikes to Machu Picchu!
Peru is slowing tourism to protect both the trail and the ancient ruins from overuse and degradation.
Traveller Tip: Book your slot online well in advance. Check out Flight Finder Lauren's <a href="https://jacksflightclub.com/detour-145-machu-picchu">top tips for visiting the site here</a>.

<h3 dir="ltr">Digital Arrival Card (Thailand)</h3>
Rule / Fine: As of May 2025, all foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at least within 72 hours before arrival. Earlier isn't possible.
This replaces the old paper form, and can be submitted online before you travel. You won't need to do this if you're just transiting in Thailand.
Traveller Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to do this 3 days before you arrive, save the confirmation, and breeze through immigration!
<h3 dir="ltr">Eco-Tax (Iceland)</h3>
Rule / Fine: A nightly, per-room eco-tax is in place nationwide to support environmental conservation to protect its glaciers and geysers.
Traveller Tip: Factor this small extra (approx. $5-$8) into your hotel budget; you&rsquo;re investing in the island&rsquo;s future. 
<hr>
 Follow these guidelines, and hopefully you won't find yourself stepping on any toes on your next trip.
Wear the right shoes in Cinque Terre, not because Italy wants to control your packing list, but because those paths are centuries old and prone to erosion. Skip the selfie in a geisha district, not because Kyoto wants to spoil your carefully curated feed, but because a working woman shouldn&rsquo;t be turned into a prop or have her picture taken without consent.&nbsp;
The result? A subtle but meaningful shift: travel is becoming less about extraction &mdash; how much you can see, collect, or post in a few days &mdash; and more about exchange: &ldquo;You bring the curiosity and respect, we&rsquo;ll reveal our truer selves beyond the tourist brochures.&rdquo;
And if that feels restrictive, maybe the question isn&rsquo;t whether the rules have gone too far, but whether the speed of our wanderlust has burned through the soul of the streets before we even noticed.&nbsp;

Portugal

Lanzarote, Madeira and Madrid in £/€40s-£/€50s return

CA$705 RT

€57-€69 rtn

Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland and more in £20s-£70s rtn

£39-£52 rtn

€45-€60 rtn