Latest news with #APlaceintheSun:HomeorAway?
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
TV travel presenter Jasmine Harman's holiday hacks for last-minute summer getaways
Jasmine Harman, the co-presenter of the Channel 4 series A Place in the Sun: Home or Away? alongside Jonnie Irwin, has shared her top tips 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.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
A Place in the Sun's Jasmine Harman on 'complete chaos' of leaving UK and moving to Spain
A Place In The Sun presenter Jasmine Harman, 46, is currently living in Spain with her husband Jon and two children, as they document the renovation of their new home. A Place In the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman has opened up about the challenges of relocating her young family to Spain and embarking on a home renovation, set to be chronicled in a new Channel 4 programme. The TV host revealed: "I underestimated the amount of upheaval of moving to Spain in the first place with the family and the dog and everything else. "And then the buying of the house we bought was complicated. Normally my house hunts have a very easy time going through - the conveyancing and everything else. "Ours was very complicated. And now we're doing the renovation. So it is complete chaos." Jasmine co-hosted A Place in the Sun: Home or Away? alongside the late Johnnie Irwin between 2004 and 2019. The journey will be showcased in Jasmine's upcoming show, Jasmine's Renovation In The Sun, reports Leicestershire Live. The 15-episode series will document Jasmine, her spouse Jon, and their two children as they dedicate a year to turning their new property into the perfect family home. When questioned about her thoughts on the public seeing the chaos, she said: "I'm not worried about it, but people will definitely wonder 'what is she thinking?' "It's not just the renovation, which is something that I've never done before in another country so that's got its own challenges. "But then filming it as well is just as an extra layer of added pressure," she added. Despite the hurdles, she maintains a positive outlook, saying: "So it's all fine, it's all doable. Everything's all fun and games here all the time. "There's never a dull moment. But there's a lot of space plate spinning going on. The little things getting little bits and bobs done, like taking out a wall or changing kitchen, that kind of stuff is really quite easy. "But ours is a much bigger renovation project, and obviously we're living in the house all the while with the family. "For us, it was there weren't any really other options, because we couldn't stretch to doing the whole renovation, but at the same time renting, or living somewhere else so it just, it's just the way it had to be." Jasmine has presented more than 200 episodes of the popular Channel 4 show since she joined in 2004. Beyond A Place in the Sun, she's worked on documentaries for BBC over the years including Collectaholics and My Hoarder Mum and Me. She has also appeared on shows like This Morning and GMTV. Jasmine Harman has found her own perfect property in Spain, with her husband Jon Boast and their children. The happy couple met on set when Jasmine was filming her first episode of the Channel 4 programme in 2004 and went on to tie the knot five years later. Speaking about how they got together, Jasmine told the Express in 2021: "I met my husband Jon on my first A Place In The Sun. We did a pilot in South Africa, but when I filmed my first show for the series in Portugal, he was the cameraman.
