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Major airline offering tourists FREE flights - but there's a catch

Major airline offering tourists FREE flights - but there's a catch

Daily Mail​5 days ago
Japan Airlines is offering international tourists the opportunity to explore more of Japan at no extra cost - but there are some conditions.
The carrier is giving away free domestic flights to travellers who book round-trip international flights with them.
This initiative is more than a flight promotion, as it aims to combat overtourism in popular cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, and encourage exploration of less-frequented areas of Japan.
It can be especially useful for holidaymakers interested in combining a visit to a major hub with a historic deep dive in Hiroshima or a skiing excursion in Hokkaido.
To qualify, passengers must book an international flight with JAL and include a domestic leg within the same reservation.
As of the latest, there is no announced end date for the promotion, so there is no rush for travellers to book now.
However, there are a number of requirements the airline has laid out to be eligible for the deal.
The offer will be available to travellers from specific countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, India, China and Taiwan.
Currently, only passengers from the US, Canada, Mexico, Thailand and Singapore are eligible for the deal.
However, from September 19, the offer will become available to Australia and New Zealand, later extending to travellers from Vietnam and the Philippines on September 25, and on September 27, to India, Indonesia, China, and Taiwan.
Travellers from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and China may also be subject to a stopover fee of ¥300 ($100 USD) if they stay in the first destination in Japan for more than 24 hours before flying on their domestic leg.
No extra charges will be applied to passengers from other countries for the domestic segments, as reported by Points Passport.
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‘Don't erase the soul of Bingin': Bali locals dismayed as 48 businesses destroyed in local crackdown
‘Don't erase the soul of Bingin': Bali locals dismayed as 48 businesses destroyed in local crackdown

The Guardian

timean hour ago

  • The Guardian

‘Don't erase the soul of Bingin': Bali locals dismayed as 48 businesses destroyed in local crackdown

'I can't believe this is happening,' said Komang Agus, looking on in despair at his workplace of 16 years in the Bali tourist hotspot of Bingin, lying in fresh ruins. 'I have a wife, three sons, my father is sick and in the hospital, how am I going to support them?' the manager of Morabito Art Cliff Villa said, his voice cracking and tears welling in his eyes. 'We understand the laws and the need for regulation, but why only here?' Agus spoke to the Guardian shortly after the government embarked on a sweeping crackdown on alleged illegal coastal developments on Indonesia's most popular tourist island. The demolition of 48 cliffside establishments at Bingin beach – ranging from warungs (small eateries) and homestays to boutique villas and restaurants overlooking one of the world's most revered waves – marks a flashpoint in Bali's struggle with mass tourism, overdevelopment and the desire to retain the cultural and surfing heritage that put the island on the global tourist map in the first place. Bingin is being cleared as part of a campaign led by the re-elected governor, Wayan Koster, to enforce zoning regulations and eliminate unregulated structures on protected government-owned land. 'The Bali provincial government is preparing a team to conduct an investigative audit of tourism business permits throughout Bali,' said Koster, hammer in hand at the start of the Bingin demolition in July. 'We cannot allow it. If we let these methods continue throughout Bali, Bali will be ruined.' More than 20 other businesses have also been targeted as allegedly illegal by local authorities at nearby Balangan beach, and others across the Bukit peninsula and beyond may soon face similar action. But for many locals, the loss of Bingin represents a further gutting of a historic and cherished part of the island's surf culture that in many places has been overtaken by mega resorts, shopping strips and beach clubs. Surfers, many of them Australian, began arriving at Bingin in the 1970s and 1980s, attracted by its perfect mechanical left-hand barrel waves. Local families built small warungs on the cliffs to serve them. Among them was Kelly's Warung, established by the family of local professional surfer Mega Semadhi. 'This place feels like home, away from the noise and chaos above – a beautiful beach, beautiful wave and people,' Samadhi told the Guardian. 'There are not many places like this left.' Over time, the area grew and commercialised, with some rooms now renting for over A$200 a night and small family-run businesses morphing into multi-level luxury suites like the towering Morabito Art Cliff boutique hotel, with multiple swimming pools – and one even in its master suite. 'The developments got out of control and people got greedy,' said Semadhi, who lives and works in the village nearby with his wife and two young children. 'We tried to stop it, but the government didn't listen to us [at the time]. And now it's too late.' Semadhi called for the community to be involved in the future of the area. 'If they are going to redo it, we want to do it properly. To return the soul of how it started. If we lose this place, all of Bingin will suffer.' Tourists have also expressed dismay; many gathered on the beach throughout the week after the demolition began, completely unaware of the plans. Several Australian expats said they had been advised against speaking out publicly, with concerns they could be deported. An Australian surfer and local business owner, who first visited Bingin over 30 years ago, described it as a 'very special place'. 'The first time I came down here, we could only eat food and sleep on people's decks. There was something magical about it,' he said. 'Australians were among the first surfers to come here and form a special relationship with the Balinese. There aren't many places like this left.' Business owners – many foreigners, including Australians – say many of the structures existed before zoning rules were formalised and the land became deemed a protected area, and efforts were made to ensure operations were compliant. Alex Barung, a lawyer representing some owners attempting to halt the demolitions, said the community had tried multiple times to resolve the issue and work with the government. 'In 1985, the community realised the tourism potential and built supporting facilities. They lacked capital and so partnered with foreigners – but the businesses came first, before the regulations.' Owners argue that they were operating under customary law, with informal permission from the village to operate. Critics of the demolition – which officials expect to take a month – warn that erasing Bingin risks destroying a unique cultural and social ecosystem. 'This is part of Bali's surfing heritage,' said Piter Panjaitan, a local surfer and environmentalist. 'It became a hotspot, a golden egg of the Bukit peninsula. Now, 1,000 people are losing their jobs overnight. People are crying.' He questioned the transparency and consistency of the government's approach. 'We understand the need to clean up, but why here, and why like this? We want to make Bali better, but we also want social justice.' The demolition highlights challenges in Bali's growth. The island's population has doubled since the 1960s to more than 4 million, and tourist arrivals are projected to hit 6.5 million this year. The government has floated – and abandoned – a moratorium on tourism development, opting instead for tighter controls. Local environmental group Walhi Bali said it supported reining in unregulated growth but criticised 'selective enforcement'. 'From our research, there are many other developments across Bali lacking permits and environmental assessments,' said Walhi Bali's Ida Bagus Arya Yoga Bharata. 'The inconsistency highlights the slow and weak governance in Bali's development planning.' The head of Bali's Public Order Agency, I Dewa Nyoman Rai Darmadi, denied claims that the demolitions were clearing space for luxury developments. 'That's a hoax,' he told the Guardian. He said it was about safety, with many businesses packed into the steep cliff zone and that public land was 'not for business like currently'. 'This is protected land. There's no indication of it being taken over by an investor.' Still, uncertainty looms, even from officials. 'Once it's renovated, it will become an attraction – whether for surfers or something else,' said Governor Koster. 'At the very least, tourists will want to come, and it will contribute to the wellbeing of the local community.' And without a clear plan, locals worry the area could be redeveloped without them. But despite the sadness, Semadhi said he was optimistic about the future. 'If they are going to do it, then maybe we can do it properly this time, a new beginning. But let us be part of it. Don't erase the soul of Bingin.'

I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights
I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights

BARCELONA might boast easy flights, buzzing bars, and amazing food worth jumping on a plane for. But after a weekend of cava and chaos, I like to bolt on a few chilled-out days somewhere a bit calmer and just over an hour's drive away from the bustling city. 7 7 Just along the coast is the perfect escape: Tossa de Mar - a charming beach town that feels worlds away from Barcelona's busy streets. While most tour groups might end up in the neighbouring resort of Lloret de Mar - think all-inclusive wristbands and packed beaches - Tossa de Mar is where more locals go. What's more, it was recently named one of the country's cheapest beach resorts. Averaging just £508 a week per person, TravelSupermarket's latest report named it one of 'the most affordable Spanish beach destinations for summer 2025'. That's proper value considering you're not only getting relaxing beach vibes, but a picturesque town brimming with boutique shops, and lots of trendy restaurants and bars all in one. Even with a name that might make some giggle when said out loud, Tossa really should cost more. It has history, authentic food, stunning beaches - and after paying for your hotel, you still have enough left for dinner and drinks. In fact, I was able to tuck into delicious Tapas with wine for two of us, costing us less than £30 altogether. It might be small, meaning most things were within walking distance and saving us money on taxis, but Tossa de Mar packs a punch. It has its own castle right on the beach, a pretty marina, and barely any Brits there. The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities This also means you won't see as many anti-tourism marches either, compared to the ongoing protests in Barcelona. In fact, you are more likely to see Korean tourists rather than Brits, after it was made popular by both a TV series and Kpop music video being filmed there. Top tips on what to do if visiting Tossa de Mar You can explore cobbled lanes, shop for local crafts, grab a gelato, or head up to the castle for epic sunset views. The old town, called Vila Vella, is like a medieval picture book boasting quaint stone streets, tiny squares, and loads of independent shops. In just one afternoon, you can saunter through the shopping streets, climb the ramparts, peek out over the sea, then finish it off with tapas in a chiringuito (beach bar) looking across the waves. If, like me, you're not here for tourist-trap cafes and chain restaurants, Tossa's food scene is a breath of fresh air. All over the town, you'll find family-run restaurants where everything's homemade and the prices are reasonable. One of those is Bar La Lluna - a tiny, family-run gem tucked behind some cobbled backstreets. 7 7 7 With a gorgeous terrace that spills out onto the street, you'll find lovely homemade food, from creamy artichokes to crispy patatas bravas, with a vibe that's chilled but full of charm. What's more, a table of tapas for two and a few glasses of wine each cost just €30 (£26). Then there's Restaurante Portal, which does tapas with a twist. It's got a trendy, modern interior and a menu that's more creative than your usual. I went for the soft-shell crab brioche, and a tortilla de bacalao (cod) - both of which were unreal. The entire meal, consisting of three tapas plates to share and two main dishes, with drinks, costing just over €50 (£45) for two. Wash it down with a cocktail and you're set for the night. You can grab an Aperol Spritz here for just €6.80 (£5.90). After dinner, you can wander through the town and grab dessert from one of the many gelato shops in the square. A cone piled high with different flavours will only set you back a few euros. Try the turrón flavour for something more local. Just wanting drinks? Canela en Rama is worth a visit. This slick cocktail bar right by the castle with sea views has a real grown-up feel. The cocktails are expertly made here, with lots of attention to detail. They start at around €12 (£10.50), which is pretty good for such an upmarket place. I had one of the best cocktails of my trip here, and the staff made me feel like a regular. You can also get a glass of cava for €4 (£3.50) if cocktails aren't your bag. Generally, evenings in Tossa are mellow - think ice-cold cava, candlelit tables, and the sound of conversation in Spanish or Catalan - not karaoke, kebab stalls or people stilling out of clubs. Of course, if you really want the cheap beers, head to the local Bar Josep, running since 1966, where you can find pints for under €4. Bar Savoy is just as cheap with tapas from €1.50 and similarly priced pints. When to visit the town As always, July and August are the busiest months to visit Tossa, but even then, the resort stays relatively chilled. June or September is the sweet spot - warm weather and sunny skies but less hustle. If you go off-peak (May or October), you'll still get heatwave moments - great for dipping in the Med, roaming the ramparts, and dining outdoors. Where to stay When it comes to accommodation, I always stay at Gran Hotel Reymar, which is practically on the beach. It's a four-star but really affordable. Rooms are fresh, clean and modern, and it's located right in the middle of everything. There's also a big pool and spa area. Room prices start at around €126 (£110) per night, though that jumps to about €180 (£160) in high season. If you want something with a bit more character, Hotel Diana is a good pick. 7 Nestled in a historic Modernist building right on the beach with its own terrace and two bars, it feels stylish, boutique, but still very relaxed. Double rooms start from around €113 (£99) per night. It's right in the heart of town, super comfy, and ideal for anyone who likes something a bit less cookie-cutter. Both hotels are within walking distance of the beach, castle and bars - so whether you're into spa days or historic vibes, you're sorted. How to get there Getting to Tossa is fuss-free, and you won't need a car. If you want to fly there directly from the UK, you can get there in just half an hour after landing at Girona airport. Or, if you're heading there from Barcelona, you can hop on a bus from the city's coach station, Estació del Nord, in roughly one hour and it only costs €12 (£10.20). It might be more expensive, but if you opt to hire a car, it'll be even easier to explore Tossa's neighbouring towns and resorts, like Platja de Canyelles, or even pop inland to explore the medieval town of Girona. Flights to Barcelona or Girona from most major UK airports can be picked up from as little as £45 return. Everything you need to know about visiting Spain Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country. Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in an 180-day period. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit. Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border. Spain is one hour ahead of the UK. The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55. Flights to Spain from the UK take between 2-4 hours depending on the destination.

Eurostar chaos as trains cancelled & delayed due to power outage – leaving summer holiday travellers stranded
Eurostar chaos as trains cancelled & delayed due to power outage – leaving summer holiday travellers stranded

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Eurostar chaos as trains cancelled & delayed due to power outage – leaving summer holiday travellers stranded

THOUSANDS of passengers have had their travel plans thrown into chaos after the Eurostar cancelled services today. Holidaymakers are now facing delays of up to two hours at both London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord, while engineers carry out urgent repairs. 2 2 There were 17 Eurostar services scheduled to depart from London St Pancras today - six of which face ongoing delays delayed. A further five trains - out of a total of 18 heading from Paris to London - have been cancelled. Six others bound for London from France have been pushed back. The train operator took to X to confirm which services have been cancelled. A spokesperson for Eurostar said that the following services from London to Paris will not be running: #ES9022, 11.31 #ES9028, 13.31 #ES9044, 17.31 #ES9050, 19.01 Similarly, the following services from Paris to London will not be running: #ES9025, 11:37 #ES9039, 15:15 #ES9051, 18:10 #ES9055, 19:11 The spokesperson added: "We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused today." is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

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