Travel
Little-known Italian destination called ‘Maldives of Europe’ that costs fraction of price
The chances of you getting away this year may just be looking up!
If you’re looking to get away but you’re strapped for cash, there is an underrated destination in Southern Italy known as the ‘Maldives of Europe’ — where you can catch a flight for less than £30.
We’ve had a global pandemic and now we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, so many of you will be looking for a not so costly escape to just get away from it all and hit that refresh button. If you’re looking for some sun but don’t have much cash to flaunt, this heavenly destination could be the perfect place for you.
With plane tickets costing less than £30 — the price of a takeaway for two — you could definitely get away this year without hurting the bank. Especially as you’ll be pleased to hear that accommodation can be found for as little as £55 per night, you’ll just need to add some spending money on top of that and you’re good to go.
Maldive del Salento Pescoluse near Palombara, Southern Italy has earned its nickname for its crystal clear ocean water, perfect for a postcard. The actual Maldives is an undeniably stunning destination — making it popular amongst the honeymooners — but it comes with a hefty price tag, meaning many of us will never bother to venture there.
But at the Maldive del Salento Pescoluse near Palombara, you can get a similar experience for just a fraction of the price. Right now Ryanair flights from London Stansted airport to Brindisi — the closest airport — are as low as £12.99.
Though prices may fluctuate throughout the year, you can bag yourself a proper bargain if you keep a lookout and plan ahead. Once you get there you can head straight for the beach and grab some much needed chill out time while you bask in the sunshine. There are also boat rides available to take you snorkelling or scuba diving, and plenty of bars to sip on cocktails and watch the sunset of an evening.
And you don’t have to stick to one place if you’re the type who gets a little restless. You can also venture off on day trips and explore nearby picturesque coastal towns including Otranto and Santa Maria Leuca.
One commenter on the Trip Advisor page for the Maldive del Salento Pescoluse, wrote: “This beach is just beautiful! Although it was in the middle of July, it didn’t feel as crowded as other beaches we went to. The water is clear and beautiful and the sand is nice and white.”
Another reviewer said: “The beach goes on for miles. Sheer perfection. Loads of Lidos with well behaved people. Although busy, it’s orderly. Clean sand, crystal clear waters. Amazing day on a perfect beach.”
The were a number of reviews calling it a ‘PR stunt’ and saying it ‘wasn’t like the Maldives’, although another piped up to set them straight, saying: “I think people misunderstand the reason for the title ‘The Maldives of Italy’. This isn’t to do with the beach, but the clarity of the sea water. And for that reason, it is true.
“The sea is so clear, blue, warm and very shallow. You can walk out far and feel nothing under your feet but soft sand. It is to die for! The beach itself is relatively narrow but there was plenty of space when we visited in mid September.
“If you are planning to spend the day, either fork out for sunbeds/umbrellas on the beach or bring your own umbrella, as the sun in Southern Italy is HOT! Highly recommend.’
Well that’s put the record straight. Stunning beaches, crystal clear sea water and hot sunshine, all for a reasonable price. Better book a ticket!
Travel
Passport fees are rising tomorrow for second time in 14 months
Things are getting more expensive, again…
In bad news for holidaymakers, the cost of getting a new passport is set to rise once again.
The Home Office has confirmed that passport fees are set to rise by more than 7% from tomorrow, under new proposals.
This means the cost of online applications within the UK, for anyone aged 16 and over, will increase from £82.50 to £88.50.
Mikey / Flickr
Children under 16 will also see an increase in passport costs, with the price rising to £57.50 from £53.50.
Overseas and postal applications will also rise at a similar level, with postal increasing to £100 for adults and £69 for children, and an online overseas application rising to £101 for adults and £65.50 for children.
The new charges will officially be in place from tomorrow, Thursday April 11th.
Last year passport fees increased by around 9%, back in February 2023.
Ethan Wilkinson / Unsplash
The Home Office said in a statement: “The new fees will help ensure that income from these applications better meets the cost of delivering passport and associated operations, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.
“The Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.
“The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.
“The increase will also help enable the Government to continue improving its services.”
Travel
Passport fees to rise within weeks as Home Office confirms new prices
Things are getting more expensive, again…
In bad news for holidaymakers, the cost of getting a new passport is set to rise once again.
The Home Office has confirmed that passport fees are set to rise by more than 7% next month, under new proposals.
This means the cost of online applications within the UK, for anyone aged 16 and over, will increase from £82.50 to £88.50.
Mikey / Flickr
Children under 16 will also see an increase in passport costs, with the price rising to £57.50 from £53.50.
Overseas and postal applications will also rise at a similar level, with postal increasing to £100 for adults and £69 for children, and an online overseas application rising to £101 for adults and £65.50 for children.
While the changes are still subject to parliamentary approval, if passed they will be in place from April 11th.
Last year passport fees increased by around 9%, back in February 2023.
Ethan Wilkinson / Unsplash
The Home Office said in a statement: “The new fees will help ensure that income from these applications better meets the cost of delivering passport and associated operations, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.
“The Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.
“The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.
“The increase will also help enable the Government to continue improving its services.”
Travel
Wizz Air launch mystery holiday deal where you find out destination when you land
Enter the competition to win a ticket
If you’re dreaming of catching a jet plane to just about anywhere, well Wizz Air have launched a holiday deal where the mystery location isn’t revealed until you land.
The Hungarian airline will take a plane full of holiday hopefuls from London Gatwick for a four-day mystery getaway as part of its #LetsGetLostwithWIZZ campaign.
Those who win a ticket to the unknown location, will turn up to London Gatwick on March 7th to board a Wizz Air flight for ‘four days of fun, including cultural, culinary and adventure activities’ – it could turn out to be the trip of a lifetime!
To be in with a chance of winning a seat on the flight, UK residents can visit the Wizz Air’s Instagram page and follow the prompts on the Let’s Get Lost London pinned post.
“Entries close on February 22nd at 00.01am”, the low-cost airline says.
The lucky chosen ones will be able to bring a plus one on the trip and winners will be contacted via Instagram.
In a post shared to its official Instagram page, the airline put: “It’s time to get onboard our latest venture to the unknown with Let’s Get Lost London, departing from London Gatwick to…
“Do this by the 22nd February and you could be in with a chance of departing with us on an exciting flight to the unknown.
“The trip will take place between 7th – 10th March. Open to UK residents only, please make sure you’re following WIZZ on Instagram and that your profile is public.”
If you’re wondering whether you’ll need your bathing suit, suncream, hiking boots, rain coat or winter woollies, don’t worry, the 35 lucky winners will be told the climate to pack for a few days before the trip.
No other clues will be given away until touch down in the unknown destination.
UK Wizz Air Managing Director, Marion Geoffroy said: “We love connecting our passengers to new countries, allowing them to meet new people and try new experiences.
“Going on a flight to an unknown destination is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are pleased to be able to offer this to lucky winners here in the UK.
“Let’s Get Lost is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our British passengers and we hope to continue serving them as they travel the world and make new memories.”
Wizz Air flies to more than 70 destinations from the UK. Last year, the most popular destinations among Brits included Morocco, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Spain.
It is unclear whether the airline will jet the 35 lucky ticket holders and plus ones off to one of its more popular destination choices, or whether it will choose to take them somewhere a little more alternative and secluded.
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