TV travel presenter Jasmine Harman's holiday hacks for last-minute summer getaways
With the UK already basking in a record-breaking heatwave – the hottest June on record – and the majority of schools breaking up for summer next week, families across the country are gearing up for a much-needed escape here in the UK and broad.
But if you haven't booked anything yet, don't panic – you're in good company.
According to a YouGov survey, 15% of Brits book their summer holidays within the month before travelling. And, I'll be honest, I'm one of them! I've always been a bit of a last-minute planner! Life gets busy, and sometimes you just have to grab the moment.
Clearly, I'm not alone. Enterprise Mobility's new research shows that 78% of people in the UK are planning at least one overnight trip this summer, with August shaping up to be the peak month for getaways.
So, whether you're planning a family escape to Cornwall, a scenic drive through Scotland, or even heading abroad to explore the South of France or the Spanish coast, here are my top holiday hacks for a stress-free, last-minute escape.
1. Don't over-plan – always leave room for discovery
If you're heading to the coast, countryside, or hopping across to Europe, don't feel like you need a minute-by-minute itinerary. Some of the best holiday moments come from spontaneous decisions – a pop-up market, a quiet beach cove, or a quirky museum you spot on the way. Leave space to wander, take detours, and see where the day takes you.
2. Rent a car for flexibility (and space!)
If your usual car feels cramped or isn't up to a long journey, hiring a car can make all the difference – especially when you've got kids, beach gear, or grandparents in tow. I've used Enterprise Rent-A-Car for years because it's quick, convenient, and reliable. If like me, you're usually in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly on your breaks, you know the value of stress-free excellent service. That's why I love the flexibility of renting a car – it just gives you options. And on a last-minute trip, that's gold.
3. Pack like a pro – even if you're in a rush
Don't waste precious time hunting for suncream or headphones at the airport or petrol station. A bit of prep goes a long way. I always pack reusable water bottles, bin bags for sandy shoes, a portable phone charger, and plenty of snacks. For any last-minute panic-ers, keep a list of everything you need and tick off the items as they go in your case. And when you're at the end of your holiday, it's a great way to check nothing gets left behind.
If we're driving, a great playlist is essential – but even on flights or trains, don't underestimate the power of noise-cancelling headphones and a downloaded movie!
4. Be a last-minute legend – spontaneous adventures are the best
You don't need to book six months in advance to have an amazing time. In fact, some of the best getaways I've had were planned just days before. With so many travel tools and booking apps now, it's easier than ever to be spontaneous. I know that this comes easier to some of us than others.
So, if you're usually planned, booked and packed well ahead of time – why not take a last-minute trip this summer with the only thing on your itinerary being to explore somewhere new?
5. School holiday survival tip: travel smart, not stressed
If you're travelling with children, the trick is to move when it's quiet – early mornings or after dinner are often calmer. And always come prepared: audiobooks, travel games, and a 'surprise bag' of little treats can work wonders to keep kids entertained.
A happy journey makes all the difference when you're starting a holiday, especially if you're setting off at the crack of dawn.
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The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
The Spanish party town with 87p shots that's ‘better than Benidorm' & BEGGING Brits to return after anti-tourist demos
IT'S midnight and Boozers Fest Bar is packed to the rafters with a host of 18 to twentysomethings, all jostling to play a wild new drinking game. This Dutch -run party bar charges £17.50 to take part in 'Snappy', where ten shots are placed around a crocodile toy for punters to down if its mouth shuts when they press its teeth. 18 18 18 18 As they drink, the crowd whoops and hollers and the room, no doubt, starts to spin. Kim, 21, falls foul of the snap, and tells me: 'It's like being a kid again, but with an extra hit. 'We love it here — fun and alcohol, what more could you want?' So far, so typical of a Spanish holiday for British youngsters, many on their first sunshine break without mum and dad cramping their style. But while this bar is bursting, the same cannot be said for other venues in the Spanish resort town of Lloret de Mar. With 100-plus bars and clubs, it was once branded the country's 'party capital' but now many of the venues sit partially empty or closed — an unwelcome result of the nationwide anti-tourist protests that have driven customers away. As a result, the pub owners and party organisers here are pleading with high-spending Brits to return. Currently, the town is besieged by Dutch and German tours of under age teens, who barely spend any money and demand that prices stay low or they won't come. Drinks prices on this section of the Costa Brava haven't risen since 2018, so shots are on offer for one euro (87p) and cocktails for eight euros (£7). Locals are now yearning for its early-Noughties heyday when it was a Club 18-30 destination for Brits. Anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers with water guns & block hotels Local shop owner Mohan, 45, told The Sun: 'Without tourists there would be nothing here in Lloret de Mar. "We love English tourists here because they spend the most. 'Yes, some get a bit drunk and loud, but that's not the end of the world. 'The protests in Barcelona have put people off coming here. It's July, and it's not as busy as it should be. 'We want tourists to know they are welcome. I've lived in Lloret since 1999 and everyone here wants more Brits — more tourists, not less.' Without tourists there would be nothing here in Lloret de Mar. We love English tourists here because they spend the most Mohan, Local shop owner Last year 18.4million of us headed to Spain, contributing £20billion to the country's economy, according to the Spanish Ministry of Tourism. But over-tourism has been blamed for inflating Spain's housing crisis, with protesters in Barcelona, the Balearics and Canary Islands holding signs saying 'Tourists go home' and 'Foreigners not welcome'. Lloret is not immune to the housing concerns of places such as Ibiza and Tenerife, but instead of blaming the tourists they have targeted their anger at the government. Officials have responded by cracking down on unlicensed accommodation, which last week saw cops raid 23 illegal tourist flats and slap the owners with fines of up to £20,000. Restaurant Pinocchio owner Claudio La Face, 37, explained: 'Unlicensed holiday flats are a problem because people are concerned about renting to locals as if there is a problem, such as not paying rent, there is little they can do. "On top of that, many prefer to rent to tourists because they can make a lot of money, despite the risk of big fines.' 'Better than Benidorm' 18 18 18 Italian Claudio, who has lived in Lloret for 12 years, said he struggles to understand the anti- tourist protests happening in other parts of Spain. 'It has affected our numbers here, especially this year,' he said. 'But we need tourists in Lloret, we love them. Most of Spain needs tourists too, so protesting against them doesn't help anyone. "Tourists should come to Lloret for the good weather, the beautiful beaches, and amazing food options. Plus there are lots of cultural places around here to visit, such as Girona.' One of the biggest draws to the town is its party district, home to one of the world's best clubs, Tropics. The main strip, Avenue Just Marles Vilarrodona, is full of venues that can hold thousands of revellers, and the winding side streets boast a seemingly unending array of cocktail bars offering outrageous drinking games. Don't Let The Duck Out sees players put on a swim cap and snorkelling goggles to try to grab a bottle of alcohol from a large water bowl. Essentially it's boozy apple bobbing. British teens Lucy and Gemma, both 18, are loving the nightlife in Lloret. Lucy said: 'My sister recommended it, and it's crazy here. We have no regrets booking it. It's fun.' Other Brits out on the lash include Dan Clark and Ollie Bott, both 20, from Stoke, who booked the resort after spotting it on the Jet2 website. For a random find, we've got no regrets. We're on night one, and it's already shaping up to be better than Zante. A lot of bars are giving us drinks for half price because we're British, which is cool Ollie Bott They've flown out with six mates, who they have managed to lose by the time they bump into The Sun. Ollie said: 'For a random find, we've got no regrets. We're on night one, and it's already shaping up to be better than Zante. A lot of bars are giving us drinks for half price because we're British, which is cool.' Newlyweds Rachel, 37, and Phillip, 41, from Leeds, are here for their honeymoon. 'It wasn't quite what we expected for our honeymoon, but we love how lively it is,' courier Phillip said. 'I'd certainly come back here with the lads, or let my sons have their first drinking holiday here as it feels really safe. There's nice food and the booze is cheap. 'Plus everyone here has been really friendly compared to other holidays we've been on.' Couple Paul Willmot and Janette Machin, both 57, from Bridlington, Yorks, reckon it could even start to rival Brit favourite Benidorm. Janette said: 'It's been really great so far. It has potential and reminds me of Beni and Sunny Beach before they got super-popular. We didn't let the protests in other parts of Spain put us off, and no one else should either.' 18 18 18 Standing in doorways and draped over pavements are revellers debating which bar to move to next. Some are being shepherded by tour operators. 'A little rowdy' Back on the main street are Disco Londoner and Touch Down Sports bar, both owned by Marcus Faraji. He told The Sun: 'Ninety per cent of the industry here is based around tourism, even if it's not directly. 'More needs to be done to educate locals that their livelihoods and comforts come from tourists being welcome here. This is getting lost because many people are so worried about the housing issues. 'The drinking tourism we get upsets some, and they complain that people don't come here to visit cultural places, but the truth is we don't have the infrastructure for that. "Many of the tourists that come here are in groups organised by tour operators, who take up bulk bookings at hotels. 'It means we have to keep drinks cheap, because if we raise our prices they threaten to not come. 'But some of the people they bring are as young as 16, so we won't serve them anyway, and they don't have a lot of money to spend, which harms the economy. 'English people don't travel in the same way. We would like more of them because they spend a huge amount on both restaurants and on alcohol.' Bars caught serving booze to someone under age risk a fine of £2,600 for each case — and the drinker can be handed a £850 fine. Local businessman Igor Peyman, 54, is also keen to see more British holidaymakers pitch up in Lloret. He said: 'English people are my favourite tourists because they spend so much. 'They can be a bit difficult, like fighting each other, but they come with a budget to spend and will spend it all. There is so much for people to enjoy here so we hope they aren't put off by the protests in other parts of Spain.' 'Spanish Blackpool' But not everyone is a fan of Lloret. Holidaymaker Amanda, from Stratford-upon-Avon, West Mids, reckons it's essentially ' Blackpool in Spain'. She added: 'You do have to look for the nicer places to go as the centre is very young and aimed at a younger crowd.' Her pal Michele agreed, but added: 'Everyone has been really friendly, and you don't get hassled to go to restaurants or shops. Parts of the town are quite dated and need investment.' We want people who won't pee or poo in the street. We have plenty of public restrooms and bars where people can use the toilets Tattoo shop worker Jose Tattoo shop worker Jose, 30, is keen for Lloret to only welcome tourists who will be respectful. He said: 'We want people who won't pee or poo in the street. We have plenty of public restrooms and bars where people can use the toilets. 'Tourists who want to have fun but appreciate we live here are always welcome, even if they're a little rowdy. 'Lloret is a poor town, and most of us have to earn our living for the year in the space of six weeks. "We love tourists and we always want them to come here.' 18 18 18 18 18 What is overtourism? Overtourism is where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity. The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues. As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals. Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources. In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism. These include:
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Barcelona 'hostile city' for visitors as tourist tax doubles to 15 Euros a night
Barcelona has voted to double the tourist tax to €8 by 2029, and the surcharge, added to the Catalan tourist tax, means some tourists will have to pay up to €15 a night Tourists visiting Barcelona are facing paying up to €15 (£13) a night for overnight stays in a shock new move. The Spanish city has voted to double the controversial tourist tax to €8 (£7) by 2029. The decision was taken yesterday by Barcelona council, with officials agreeing: "The more tourists pay, the less residents will have to." The tourist tax will rise by €1 (£0.87) each year from now on until it reaches the historic high of €8 in 2029. The measure approved will see the surcharge rise to €5 (£4.3) in 2026, €6 (£5.2) in 2027, €7 (£6.1) in 2028, and finally €8 in 2029 - double Barcelona city's current tourist tax surcharge of €4 (£3.50). The surcharge is in addition to the Catalan tourist tax, which varies according to the type of accommodation and stay. The Catalan tourist tax is expected to increase later this year, up to €7 per night for five-star hotels, meaning some tourists could face a total charge of €15 in 2029. "The more tourists pay, the less residents will have to," said Esquerra Republicana (ERC) leader Elisenda Alamany after Friday's council session. Her party proposed the surcharge increase, and the measure passed with support from the ruling Socialists, and Barcelona en Comú. Junts abstained while the People's Party (PP) and Vox voted against. "Managing tourism is common sense in this city," she said ahead of the vote, stressing that the debate wasn't about being for or against tourism, but about shifting perspective: "Recovering that income allows us to ensure balance and build a successful city." Speaking to reporters after the vote, she welcomed the "solid majority" backing the measure, saying the aim was for tourists to contribute more. Deputy Mayor for Economy and Tourism, Jordi Valls, expressed the city government's support for the measure, noting that the tourist surcharge already helps fund key areas such as public transport, safety, and climate initiatives. He said they welcomed the phased approach in ERC's proposal, allowing the sector to adapt gradually as the tax increases. "The city recognises that tourism is a key part of our economy, but there is consensus that it must be properly managed, and that includes the sector itself," he said. The political parties PP and Vox have rejected the increase in the amount of the surcharge and claim tourism is "criminalised". The PP says it will turn Barcelona "into a city hostile to visitors". The measure is conditional on the Parliament approving, foreseeably in October, a modification of the current limit of this rate. Only with that approval, the city council will be able to include the new calendar of increases in the tax ordinances that must be approved before the end of the year. Elisenda Alamany said: "Governing tourism is no longer to be on the right or the left, it is common sense. If we do not govern tourism, the city changes and will change and it will be even more difficult to continue living."
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain
Holidaymakers heading to tourist hotspots in Spain have been warned by local police of a spike in robberies and thefts with criminals targeting all-inclusive hotels Brits heading on holiday to Spain this summer have been warned by police about a crime wave hitting all-inclusive hotels. Police have told tourists to be on their guard after a sudden increase in thefts and robberies from individuals and gangs who are targeting these types of locations. Authorities say that although all-inclusive hotels provide a wide variety of services but "safety is not usually among them." Through a video published on its official TikTok account, the Spanish National Police have issued an alert that highlights "a common and dangerous practice among tourists": neglecting their belongings while enjoying the pools and beaches of hotels. The message aims to raise awareness, without alarming, about the need to exercise extreme personal vigilance. "It is essential to remember that travelling to an all-inclusive hotel does not expressly guarantee protection for your personal effects in common areas such as the pool. Therefore, although it is a period to relax and disconnect, it is advisable to stay in control and take measures to avoid unpleasant situations that can spoil your holiday," say the police. All-inclusive holidays are so popular that areas such as swimming pools, bars and beaches within the hotel complex are frequented by a large number of people, making it easy for thieves to strike. Police say holidaymakers leave their bags unattended whilst they swim or enjoy a drink. They are urging tourists not to fully rely on the presence of private security, as there is not always active and constant surveillance in all areas of the hotel is not guaranteed. Thefts tend to increase especially on summer holidays in destinations such as the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, where the influx of tourists skyrockets and security measures can be overwhelmed on certain occasions. Police say it is best to always carry your backpack or bag in front of your body, which allows you to view and control its contents at all times. Avoiding leaving personal belongings on the sand or in hammocks unsupervised is a basic tip but essential to prevent theft. Likewise, National Police say keep your possessions to a minimum when you go to the pool or beach. Take only what is necessary for bathing and staying in those areas. Valuables such as watches, jewellery or electronic devices should be kept in the hotel room, preferably in safes if available. In addition, when walking or moving through crowded areas near the accommodation, always keep your wallet, backpack or bag in a frontal position and under continuous surveillance. "Pickpockets take advantage of crowds to act quickly and discreetly, so a preventive attitude can make the difference between enjoying the trip or regretting material losses," they stress.
