Win an eight-night luxury ocean cruise for two with Explora Journeys worth £13,000
This fantastic prize gives you and a guest the flexibility to choose your own eight-night itinerary on board either Explora I, Explora II or Explora III (launching in summer 2026), subject to availability. Perhaps you've always wanted to see the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean? Then you can opt for a Puerto Rico to Miami sailing where you'll get to spot both the cerulean lagoons of Tortola and the sandy shores of Antigua. Or maybe you've always talked about going on a Greek island-hopping adventure? You'll want to choose an Athens to Venice sailing that takes in underrated Paros and history-filled Rhodes before making a beeline for Corfu and its remarkable views. Or is a fabulous fjord expedition calling your name? You can sail from Southampton to Copenhagen, marvelling at Olden's fjords and Bergen's seafood along the way. The list goes on . . .
Whichever you choose, you'll stay in an Ocean Terrace Suite, meaning stellar views at all times, on an all-inclusive basis, and enjoy champagne on arrival. The trip must be booked within 12 months of the winner being announced, and excludes Monaco GP journeys, journeys over Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Excursions and spa treatments are extra.
For more information, click here.
For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total.
Click here to vote.
For the full list of prizes, see here.Promotion closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Prize is a voucher valid for an 8 (eight) night stay for two on board EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II OR EXPLORA III (launching in summer 2026) and return economy flights from the UK to Europe only, and return economy class transfers (from the destination airport directly to the port). Prize is valid for travel within 12 months from the end of the Promotion Period, and blackout dates apply including Monaco GP journeys, journeys over Christmas and Thanksgiving. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have a full valid passport (with validity for six months or more beyond the date of travel), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Cancellation is allowed until 90 days before the journey. Within 90 days, cancellation will cause the loss of Prize voucher validity. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Explora Journeys terms and conditions. Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at newsprivacy.co.uk and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see thetimes.com/traveltermsandconditions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
You've been packing your suitcase all wrong – try this ‘genius' hack and your clothes won't get creased
IF you're lucky enough to be jetting abroad any time soon, you've come to the right place and will need to listen up. According to one travel fan, it appears that we've been packing our suitcases all wrong. 3 3 Not only this, but if you want to fit as many clothes into your case as possible without them getting creased, it might be time to ditch the packing cubes, which are loved by many including Stacey Solomon and mum-of-22 Sue Radford. Posting on social media, Annabelle Kate, who has spent the last three years travelling around the world, shared her hack to ensure you can take all the belongings you need on your next trip. In a short clip shared online, Annabelle filmed herself packing her suitcase, as she wrote: 'I've found the best way to fit everything in your case!' According to this content creator, the key is to 'keep everything as flat as possible.' Not only this, but she urged travel enthusiasts to 'throw away your packing cubes.' Instead of folding items into piles, Annabelle puts her clothes into her suitcase flat, as she explained: 'By keeping everything flat you can fit so much more in your case.' And that's not the best part, as she then continued: 'And of course your clothes don't get creased or wrinkled.' Thanks to Annabelle's packing hack, she was able to fit numerous items of clothing into her small case, including a blazer, waistcoat, tops, shorts, dresses, as well as bikinis and underwear. Annabelle's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ annabellekateee, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up 1.5 million views, 36,800 likes and 213 comments. But social media users were left totally divided by Annabelle's luggage hack - while some thought it was 'genius', not everyone was as complimentary. Shoppers run to Tesco desperate to nab the 'suitcase of dreams' that's the 'prettiest vintage style case' and 'so cheap' One user wrote: 'This is what I do. I used packing cubes and could hardly fit anything.' A second chimed in: 'This is exactly how I pack and in my opinion it's better than using packing cubes.' Someone else agreed: 'Yes, packing cubes are a headache when packing!! It gets so bulky when using packing cubes.' Whilst one travel fan gushed: 'Omg this is so genius.' But at the same time, one person snapped: 'I'm not putting my clean clothes in a dirty suitcase. Packing cubes for the win.' Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." Another added: 'Respectfully, please don't tell me how to pack.' A third commented: 'Packing cubes also served as organisers. Easier to identify items/clothes in times of use.' Meanwhile, someone else penned: 'Vacuum sealer and packing cubes for the win.'
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The 10 best things to do in Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, holds a varied selection of attractions – impressive for such a small island – from its scenic coast to charming villages. The southern coastline is home to loggerhead sea turtles on the pristine beaches of Zakynthos Marine Park, while the northern coast boasts the famed Navagio Beach. Look for cultural activies in Zante Town, and be sure to sample the island's grapes at one of the local wineries, known for signature white wines. Whether you're staying for a weekend or a week, here's our expert selection of must-dos on the island. For further Zante inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Plan an extended visit with our ultimate guide to planning a Greek island-hopping holiday. Trainaki Take the train The white trainaki (little train) which trundles out of Zante town to Kalamaki's café-lined beach – stopping off en route to discover perfume workshops (scents are inspired by Mediterranean landscapes), and ceramic workshops selling Byzantine-style crocks – is an ideal and eco-friendly way to see the island's sights. Another train leaving from Alykes beach chugs through ancient olive groves to visit the high flung mountain villages of Katastari and Pigadakia, and culminates in a boozy tasting session: local Graigos wine served with spicy lado tyri cheese and other specialties in the tree-shaded tavern Kaki Rahi. Zakynthos' Marine Park Discover the wildlife Zante is a haven for the endangered loggerhead turtle that clamber ashore to lay their eggs on the protected beaches of Zakynthos' Marine Park. Other critically endangered species that can be found frolicking in this protected zone, which stretches from wild and lonely Cape Marathia to Gerakas' talc-soft beach, include doe-eyed Mediterranean monk seals. To get up close without disturbing them, take a day trip to Marathonissi – better known as Turtle Island – with eco-friendly experts Nefis Travel. Insider's tip: Never disturb the turtles, or stay on the beaches after sunset when they could be nesting or hatching out. Boat tours Hitch a boat ride Some of the island's best attractions can only be reached by boat: Skinari is the starting point for half-day excursions to get a glimpse of Navagio, or Shipwreck beach, the dramatically picturesque cliff-framed sandy cove which earns its name from the rusted hulk of the MV Panagiotis, washed up here after an epic storm in the 1980s. Most trips also stop off at the Blue Caves, so-called because their pale limestone walls give the sea a ghostly turquoise hue. Insider's tip: The Navagio viewpoint near Volimes village is accessible by road, but it's impossible to access the beach from this high-flung spot. Solomos Museum Meet the literatis Dig deep into the soul of this culture-loving island at the Solomos Museum, which is dedicated to Greece's national poet, who was born here in 1798. The poet's primrose-yellow neoclassical home, which was bombed during the Second World War, contains an eclectic and fascinating selection of the writer's personal artefacts: look out for the desk where Dionysios penned the country's rousing national anthem in 1823 and the mausoleum on the ground floor which contains the poet's bones. Insider's tip: Don't miss the other rooms dedicated to the life and times of other famous island scholars, including celebrated Greek Revolution poet Andreas Kalvos. Zante town Stroll the streets Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1953, then rebuilt in Venetian style, Zante town's (semi-pedestrian) paved streets are lined with an elegant collection of buildings – low and well proportioned, with porticoes and pastel-painted facades – many of them are home to cafés and craft boutiques. Insider's tip: Look out for the Provençal-style façade of Archontiko Roma. One of the few buildings that wasn't reduced to rubble, this 17th-century mansion which once belonged to President of the Greek Parliament Alexander Roma is now a small museum – family portraits, works of art and period furniture give an intriguing insight into the once lavish lifestyle of the island's aristocracy, but it is not often open so call before visiting. Bochali Admire the views A winding road just outside of Zante town leads to Bochali, a pretty pine-scented suburb where the ruined battlements of the island's battered 15th-century castle offer eagle-eye views over Zante's red-tiled roofs, glittering harbour and the dense pine forests and sand beaches of distant Vassilikos peninsula. Enter the incense-scented Zoodoxo Pigi church to see richly gilded Byzantine icons, and then hike back down to Bochali village nearby and order a beer and meze snacks in one of the cafés clustered around the square. Insider's tip: Phone in advance to check that the church is open. Askos Stone Park Roam with local deer Families will love Askos Stone Park, named for its pond-sized 13th-century stone cisterns, whose tranquil green waters now squawk with ducks. Friendly guides lead walks out along the wooded hiking trails of this small nature park surrounded by dense pine forest: to pluck and sniff the wild thyme and oregano used to flavour countless local dishes, or to (hopefully) encounter Roe deer that run wild here. Children can also pick peaches and apples in the orchard or pet the farm animals which include portly pot-bellied pigs and fluffy chinchilla rabbits. Visit a winery Sample local grapes Historically, most of the island's grape production was exported as currants – even so, Zante's dry, highly alcoholic wine is well worth sampling in one of the island's half a dozen wineries. The typical local wine is the oak-barrel-aged, intensely flavoured, highly acidic white Verdea, which has been produced here since the 19th century – another must-try is the silky-sweet Lianoroidi white. Sample both at Art and Wine, the Giatras-Gkoumas family's century-old wine estate in the island's north east region. Owner Giannis is also a skilled icon painter. Insider's tip: Hire a car – most wineries are well off the beaten track. Aristeon Olive Press Learn about the local olive oil The 2,000-year-old olive tree in the village of Exo Hora is living proof that world class extra virgin olive oil has been produced on Zante for millennia. Aristeon Olive Press is a (rather characterless) modern factory producing some of the island's best organic oil, but the small well-organised museum inside is packed with olive oil-making paraphernalia – age-pitted stone mills, ancient wooden presses and tall clay pots. An informative guided visit is followed by a tasting session, when crusty local bread is dipped into fruity green oil. Panagia Skopiotissa Hike to a high place From the resort of Kalamaki on Zante's south east coast, it's a long, steep hike along thyme-scented, boulder-strewn paths to reach Panagia Skopiotissa (the island's oldest monastery), but it's well worth it for the views from this lofty leafy mountaintop whose name – Skopos – means watchtower. The monastery has been abandoned for decades, but the walls of the stocky 15th-century church blaze with 17th-century frescoes – the real gem is the gilded Panagia Skopiotissa icon said to have been brought here from Constantinople in 1341. Insider's tip: Ask for the keys to the church at Skopos' small café. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Heidi Fuller-Love I'm a fan of traditional music, and have spent many summers listening to kanthades in Zante's kafeneions and hiking the island's remotest goat trails.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The best bars and nightclubs in Zakynthos
Away from Laganas' rowdy three-kilometre-long strip, Zakynthos' (also known as Zante) nightlife scene is far more laid back. Cafés and bars radiating out from Solomas square in Zante town attract locals who sit out in boisterous clusters greeting friends, eating traditional honey and almond mandoles and playing backgammon tavli. A string of chic bars on Bochali's Venetian castle-crowned hill just outside of town attracts a hip crowd who come here to sip cocktails and admire panoramic views. This Ionian island has a traditional music scene, too and it's well worth seeking out the local bars where they still host atmospheric and traditional kandathes nights. For further Zante inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants and things to do. Plan an extended visit with our ultimate guide to planning a Greek island-hopping holiday. Paradise Cocktail Bar There's always something going on at this funky little bar in the low key resort of Tsilivi. Far from Laganas' rowdy crowds this family-run venue, which has been around for more than 23 years, proudly promotes itself as the place to have 'an old fashioned good night out' with plenty of fun and occasional games, ranging from reggae nights and quizzes, to plate smashing and drag nights. With banners on street lamps proclaiming it to be 'the best bar in Greece' and a wrecked pink motor parked outside with a sign that reads 'Elvis' mothers car', this one is easy to find. Jungle Bar Named for its salt flats, which were abandoned in the 1980s and are now a magnet for migrating birds, the seaside resort of Alykes has one of the island's best low-key nightlife scenes – and the family-run Jungle Bar, set on a busy road in the centre of town, is one of the best places to enjoy it. Children are welcome at this bar's saloon-like terrace (great for people watching) where they serve an extensive range of (competitively priced) cocktails and mocktails, along with Guinness and beer on tap, to the tune of Eighties and Nineties hits. Movida Club Moonlight works magic on this sky bar sat atop the sweet-scented, pine-studded Bochali hill, close to the Venetian castle's crumbled walls, where the city's hip crowd come to sip handcrafted cocktails. Trees strung with glittering lights surround a wood-decked terrace with amphitheatre-like views of the inky black Ionian Sea way below and Zante town's sparkle way beyond. In summer, drinkers (perched on high-backed wooden chairs) are serenaded by the high-pitched toot of Scops owls, and local and international DJs who play mainly chill-out hits. There's also a limited menu: try the handmade burgers with chunky fries. Website: Price: ££ Getting in: Dress code is hip/casual. Cebu Club Although it's just down the road from Laganas, the nightlife in Argassi, just a few kilometres from Zante town, is far more chilled. Early evening is the time to hangout with locals – who flock here to eat in a string of taverns and fast food joints – before heading to one of the laidback clubs. Cebu's palm tree-shaded garden behind high walls is the perfect place to gaze at the stars through waving palm fronds, whilst sipping cocktails. There's also a football-pitch-sized dance space inside where local and guest DJs do their sets. Zakanthi Bar Restaurant Housed in a tall ochre building with olive green shutters along a quiet street in chilled seaside resort Kalamaki, this laidback bar is surrounded by a pretty garden – clipped lawns, palm trees and plants in pots – which makes it feel very private. Interiors are rustic-cosy (think flagged stone floors, chunky wooden tables and candles) but the best seats are outdoors, where friendly waiters serve cocktails handcrafted by a resident mixologist, as the sweet sounds of classic and jazz music filter out from speakers concealed amongst the trees. In summer they also have regular live music nights. Contact: 0030 26950 43586; Price: ££ Getting in: Dress code is elegant casual; it's best to book on weekends. Cotton Club Zakynthos When beret-clad Christian Marstrander and wife Merete, the Norwegian owners of Ibiza's celebrity-loved Cotton Club, first stepped ashore in Zakynthos they were captivated by the Ionian island's pristine seascapes and lush greenery, and vowed to create a second Cotton Club here. An ideal place to escape the coastal crowds, this sophisticated lifestyle club sits on a pine-clad hill with breathtaking views over Laganas bay. Come here during the daytime to sip cocktails and chill by the pool, or stay later to enjoy live DJ's and plant-based menus in the club's al fresco restaurant - for those who choose to linger, they also rent out villas, along with a sleek line of luxury yachts. Porto Azzuro Beach bars are ten a penny in the beach resort of Vasilikos, but Porto Azurro's location – just steps from the warm shallow waters and soft sand of its eponymous beach – combine with an imaginative range of cocktails (try the Greek Collins made with grappa-like tsipouro, instead of gin) makes it a popular lunchtime choice. Drinks can be ordered on the bamboo-shaded terrace of the bar, or from the never-want-to-leave comfort of a sunbed. They also serve Mediterranean snacks: olive oil-drizzled choriatiki salads, fresh grilled meat souvlaki and seafood. Villa Rossa Wine bar Although the best grapes were once exported as currants, these days Zante produces some excellent wines from a wide range of local varietals – and not just the ubiquitous white wine Verdea, either. Housed along the Vassilikos peninsula in an atmospheric villa, with creaking wooden floors and ornate antique furnishings – and which once belonged to the powerful Roma family (who also owned Archontiko Roma in Zante town) – Villa Rossa has plenty of choice. Sit at picnic tables (with plenty of cushions) beneath citrus-scented cypress trees and choose from an extensive list served with spicy ladotyri cheese and other snacks. Portokali Along a side street in the popular seaside resort of Argassi, Portokali (Greek for 'orange') really rocks that amber vibe with carrot-coloured deco ranging from lampshades to seating. Surprisingly, however, the orange-with-everything theme is not oppressive because this quirky live music bar restaurant nestles in lovely lush gardens. There are immense palm trees thrusting palm fronds to the velvet, star-spangled sky and ancient olive trees strung with (orange) hammocks where you can laze and listen to live music which plays most nights here and can be anything from laidback jazz to lively rock 'n' roll. There's also a restaurant serving traditional local treats, including – you guessed it – portokalopita (orange cake). Contact: 0030 26950 45730; Price: ££ Getting in: Casual, but get there early – this place is popular. How we choose Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Heidi Fuller-Love I'm a fan of traditional music, and have spent many summers listening to kanthades in Zante's kafeneions and hiking the island's remotest goat trails.
