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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
World's 'most beautiful cruise port' is tucked away in city that's UNESCO site
Cruise passengers never fail to be impressed as they sail into the breathtaking harbour in the European city so pretty the entire place has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site The world's most beautiful cruise port has been revealed, and the good news for Brits is that they won't need to sail too far to enjoy the views. That's because they'll simply need to pick cruises sailing along the Mediterranean with a port of call to Malta, as Valletta Cruise Port has been named the prettiest in the world. With its eye-catching historic buildings, traditional boats moored in the harbour and sun-soaked weather, it's not difficult to see why Valletta never fails to be a hit with holidaymakers. In fact, the city is so beautiful the entire place has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Cruise expert says 'mega ships' will soon rival cities and carry 35,000 passengers Beautiful white sand beach is one of 'best in Europe' with crystal-clear waters According to new rankings from cruise specialists at AllClear Travel Insurance, Valletta gives the best first impression from the water as ships arrive. (Meanwhile, eagle-eyed TV fans may recognise it as one of the settings for King's Landing in Game of Thrones). To determine which ports were the prettiest, researchers conducted an "eye-tracking study that compared a variety of the world's most scenic ports and monitored which caught travellers' eyes the quickest, and for the longest amount of time". They explained: "A UNESCO World Heritage Site, our study's most beautiful cruise port is a masterpiece in harbour aesthetics. Its combination of golden limestone reflecting off the glistening water provides the ultimate, jaw-dropping arrival into this exciting mediterranean city, and with the longest fixation time of any port in the study, Malta certainly earned its place as our number one." One top tip from fellow cruise fans? "Walk into the historic town in just 15 minutes and explore St John's Co-Cathedral with its Baroque artwork, or head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the harbour itself." P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Royal Caribbean, TUI's Marella Cruises and MSC Cruises. It's not difficult to see why it's so popular with intrepid explorers too. Highlights for GoT fans include the gates of Mdina and St Dominic's Convent, both of which served as filming locations in the show, while a boat trip to the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino allows you to take in the views of lagoons with azure waters that look like the stuff of postcards (Gozo's submerged Azure Window is a must-visit). History buffs won't be disappointed either courtesy of the numbers of temples and catacombs that can be explored. It wasn't just Valletta which impressed in the study. Out of the top 10 spots, the majority of the world's prettiest ports were in Mediterranean locations, including the likes of Italy and Croatia. You can check out the top 10 list below. Valletta Cruise Port, Malta Port of Ushuaia, Argentina Port of Palermo, Italy Stadsgården Cruise Terminal, Sweden Nassau Cruise Port, Bahamas Aruba Cruise Terminal, Aruba Lisbon Cruise Port, Portugal, and Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, Australia Port Sultan Qaboos, Oman, and Ege Port, Turkey Port of Gruž, Croatia Cape Town Cruise Terminal, South Africa
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Flight attendant warns of grim passenger habit and reason you should avoid it
A member of cabin crew has shared the one thing that you should never do when you're flying on a plane, with many Brits admitting to using the unhygienic storage A flight attendant has revealed the part of a plane that should be avoided at all costs. CiCi in the Sky, who describes herself as a 'sky ally' and 'travel alchemist', boasts over 300,000 TikTok followers who turn to her for expert guidance on air travel. The aviation specialist recently revealed the dirtiest parts of the plane she'd recommend avoiding. She strongly advises against using seat pockets, labelling them as "gross" due to the variety of items people shove into them. The cabin crew member then cautioned her audience to refrain from stowing their coats or other loose belongings in the overhead bins, again highlighting hygiene concerns. "I mean I've never seen them cleaned and I've seen people's stuff spill out of their bags and get all over people's jackets, clothes or whatever so just don't do it," Cici said. A Reddit user going by the name HausofDarling issued a stark warning on the 'Flight attendants of Reddit' forum, advising passengers to steer clear of using the seat pocket on commercial jets. They cautioned: "I always recommend you never, ever, ever, ever use or put anything in the seat pocket. They are cleared of rubbish but are never 'cleaned'." The flight attendant went on to describe the unsavoury items they've encountered in these pockets: "I have pulled out and seen all sorts being pulled out from there. Dirty tissues, sick bags, knickers, socks, gum, half sucked sweets, apple cores, and then next flight you go and put your phone, laptop or iPad in there." Another crew member, choosing to remain anonymous, corroborated these claims with their own grim discoveries, including: "I once discovered vomit outside of the paper bag which spilled through the seat pocket. It was absolutely awful, but what can you do?". Despite such horrors, new research from AllClear Travel Insurance reveals that 7 in 10 (70%) travellers admit to unhygienic habits while flying Topping the list is storing personal items inside the seatback pocket (30%) - one of the most unhygienic parts of the plane - followed by resting your head on the tray table (19%) and using the toilet without shoes or in socks (13%) AllClear also spoke to an ex-flight attendants about the horrors of the seat pocket. They said: "Sometimes dirty nappies and used sick bags would be left in seat pockets." Almost a third of travellers (29%) store their personal items and food in seatback pockets, but these areas are rarely cleaned. Where possible, travellers should try to store snacks in resealable containers and sanitise their hands if they use the pockets.
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Scotsman
Spain, Italy and France dominate Scots holiday choices for Summer 2025
The beauty of Spain Despite Brexit, Scots are heading to Europe in droves. New research from AllClear Travel Insurance reveals that Spain (33%), Italy (16%) and France (14%) are the top-choice holiday destinations for Scots this summer. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With schools soon closing for summer - and holiday peak season just weeks away - AllClear Travel Insurance surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults about their holiday choices for this summer – with 71% of Scots planning a break in mainland Europe. Top country choices for summer 2025: Given the dominant popularity of Southern and Northern Europe for summer holidays this year, AllClear also asked UK holidaymakers what their top European country choices would be for an overseas getaway this summer, and which places they rated highly for having good medical facilities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Plan to visit this summer Rated best for medical facilities Spain 33% 43% Italy 16% 30% France 14% 36% Portugal 7% 25% Greece 7% 11% Germany 6% 41% Turkey 8% 9% Cyprus, Malta 8% 19% Switzerland 6% 37% Netherlands 4% 30% Scandinavia 4% 28% Croatia 7% 6% Finland 3% 23% Monaco 3% 16% Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at AllClear Travel Insurance commented: 'Spain has always been a popular choice for guaranteed sunshine. What we see from our research this year is safety considerations are also important to Scottish holidaymakers. The safety record of a country and having good medical facilities are factors that more closely align with the top country choices - more so than how cheap or affordable the country is to visit.' 'That said, whilst UK holidaymakers acknowledge the importance of good medical services in the countries they plan to visit, in some countries, this can also mean medical costs are higher too. "Spain, for example, can have higher travel insurance costs than some other European countries because many clinics and hospitals - especially in tourist areas - are private and often don't accept GHIC. With safety top of mind for many this year, we encourage all holidaymakers to ensure they take out travel insurance with comprehensive medical cover before they head off abroad this summer.' The AllClear research also revealed that for UK holidaymakers with medical conditions, 69% of survey respondents said they would be having a European holiday this summer. Their top destination choices - Spain (28%), Italy (18%), France (17%), Portugal (15%), Germany (10%) and Switzerland (9%) – align with destinations they regard to be safe and having good medical facilities. For this group, safety factors are more important than price. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad European countries that people with medical conditions plan to visit this summer – and which countries they rate highly for safely, medical facilities and for being relatively inexpensive to visit [column percentages]
Wales Online
08-06-2025
- Wales Online
Stunning coastal walk in North Wales named amongst world's best for 'no-sweat scenery'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A relatively short coastal walk in North Wales has been adjudged one of the world's most scenic for those who don't want aching limbs at the end of it. A bonus for walking slackers is the pub that lies en route - it has a global reputation for combining leisurely pit stops with stunning views. The walk, on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, is just 3.6 miles (5.8km) and involves climbing no more than 54 metres along the way. Porthdinllaen Circular, along a sandy beach and dramatic cliffs, was considered to be among the world's top 10 'easiest walks to the world's best views'. Its rating, following an analysis by AllClear Travel Insurance, leaves the walk rubbing shoulders with iconic spots like the Giant's Causeway and Switzerland's Panorama Trail. The idea of 'easy walks' to scenic locations was conceived for those who struggle to access the world's 'most iconic views'. Medical conditions, limited mobility, time constraints or travelling with children can all make challenging hikes a no-go. The people behind the study imagine the concept will also appeal to idlers who want 'big views with minimal effort'. Or as they call it, 'no-sweat scenery'. The circular walk gives unspoilt views of Porthdinllaen Bay, a charming pub on the beach and, on clear days, views stretching all the way to Eryri's majestic peaks. The pub, Tŷ Coch Inn, was once named one of the world's best beach bars. There is one jarring note: the route highlighted, devised by an online hiking specialist, includes a section to a campsite that's actually private land. Alternative footpaths are nearby, perhaps offering even more scenic landscapes, but these will add distance to the trek. The shortest alternative may involve an extra 10-20 minutes to the 70-minute walk, so for most people it's probably not a deal-breaker. Whichever way you go, from the B4417, the destination is Nefyn Golf Course and the Llŷn Coastal Path. Following the latter takes you up one side of the Nefyn headland – a finger of land curving out from the bay – and back down the other side. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki) One side offers cliff drama, the other stunning views across the bay towards Yr Eifl mountains. The latter passes the RNLI Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station and its small but wonderful sandy beach. From here, you can follow the Llŷn Coastal Path down below, or stay atop the headland for better views. The high point was once the site of an Iron Age hill forts, whose ditches and ramparts can still be made out on the golfing fairways. Once on the beach, Tŷ Coch Inn awaits. Named by the Sunday Times one of the UK's top 10 'best proper' pubs earlier this year, it's the centrepiece of the tiny hamlet of Porthdinllaen, a former fishing community that once vied with Holyhead to become the main harbour for Irish trade. Since 1994 it's been looked after by the National Trust. Even in winter the Tŷ Coch Inn can be busy; on warm summer days it positively bustles. From here, the Porthdinllaen Circular continues along the beach to Morfa Nefyn, then back up to the B4417 via Lon Bridin and Lon Las. Visitors have two main options for parking – the National Trust car park off Lon Golff, and a set-aside parking area further up the hill at the golf club. Both charge a fee. Letitia Smith, of AllClear, said: 'For millions of people, reaching some of the world's most beautiful viewpoints isn't always easy. Our research highlights just how many incredible landscapes can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and all abilities, particularly those living with medical conditions.' Topping the list was Artist Point in the Yellowstone National Park, USA. The scenery is pretty good – the viewpoint looks out over the Grand Canyon and its Lower Falls. But the 'walk' barely merits the description – it's just a 200-yard stroll from a car park. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox According to the study, the world's most difficult viewpoint to reach was Indonesia's Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with an impressive turquoise crater lake. Getting there requires a steep and strenuous hike but the views are considered amongst the most rewarding in south east Asia. The Top 10 most scenic walks requiring the least effort 'Difficulty score' in brackets. Artist Point, USA (11.9) Cadillac Summit Loop, USA (14.7) Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand (17.7) Cape Flattery Trail, USA (17.8) Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail, Canada (18.5) Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore-Manarola, Italy (21.3) Moro Rock, USA (21.9) Grand Canyon South Rim (22.3) Bastei-Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany (22.6) Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales (22.8); Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland (22.8); Bryce Point Trail, USA (22.8) Find family activities near you
North Wales Live
08-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Stunning coastal walk in North Wales named amongst world's best for 'no-sweat scenery'
A relatively short coastal walk in North Wales has been adjudged one of the world's most scenic for those who don't want aching limbs at the end of it. A bonus for walking slackers is the pub that lies en route - it has a global reputation for combining leisurely pit stops with stunning views. The walk, on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, is just 3.6 miles (5.8km) and involves climbing no more than 54 metres along the way. Porthdinllaen Circular, along a sandy beach and dramatic cliffs, was considered to be among the world's top 10 'easiest walks to the world's best views'. Its rating, following an analysis by AllClear Travel Insurance, leaves the walk rubbing shoulders with iconic spots like the Giant's Causeway and Switzerland's Panorama Trail. The idea of 'easy walks' to scenic locations was conceived for those who struggle to access the world's 'most iconic views'. Medical conditions, limited mobility, time constraints or travelling with children can all make challenging hikes a no-go. The people behind the study imagine the concept will also appeal to idlers who want 'big views with minimal effort'. Or as they call it, 'no-sweat scenery'. The circular walk gives unspoilt views of Porthdinllaen Bay, a charming pub on the beach and, on clear days, views stretching all the way to Eryri's majestic peaks. The pub, Tŷ Coch Inn, was once named one of the world's best beach bars. There is one jarring note: the route highlighted, devised by an online hiking specialist, includes a section to a campsite that's actually private land. Alternative footpaths are nearby, perhaps offering even more scenic landscapes, but these will add distance to the trek. The shortest alternative may involve an extra 10-20 minutes to the 70-minute walk, so for most people it's probably not a deal-breaker. Whichever way you go, from the B4417, the destination is Nefyn Golf Course and the Llŷn Coastal Path. Following the latter takes you up one side of the Nefyn headland – a finger of land curving out from the bay – and back down the other side. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now One side offers cliff drama, the other stunning views across the bay towards Yr Eifl mountains. The latter passes the RNLI Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station and its small but wonderful sandy beach. From here, you can follow the Llŷn Coastal Path down below, or stay atop the headland for better views. The high point was once the site of an Iron Age hill forts, whose ditches and ramparts can still be made out on the golfing fairways. Once on the beach, Tŷ Coch Inn awaits. Named by the Sunday Times one of the UK's top 10 'best proper' pubs earlier this year, it's the centrepiece of the tiny hamlet of Porthdinllaen, a former fishing community that once vied with Holyhead to become the main harbour for Irish trade. Since 1994 it's been looked after by the National Trust. Even in winter the Tŷ Coch Inn can be busy; on warm summer days it positively bustles. From here, the Porthdinllaen Circular continues along the beach to Morfa Nefyn, then back up to the B4417 via Lon Bridin and Lon Las. Visitors have two main options for parking – the National Trust car park off Lon Golff, and a set-aside parking area further up the hill at the golf club. Both charge a fee. Letitia Smith, of AllClear, said: 'For millions of people, reaching some of the world's most beautiful viewpoints isn't always easy. Our research highlights just how many incredible landscapes can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and all abilities, particularly those living with medical conditions.' Topping the list was Artist Point in the Yellowstone National Park, USA. The scenery is pretty good – the viewpoint looks out over the Grand Canyon and its Lower Falls. But the 'walk' barely merits the description – it's just a 200-yard stroll from a car park. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox According to the study, the world's most difficult viewpoint to reach was Indonesia's Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with an impressive turquoise crater lake. Getting there requires a steep and strenuous hike but the views are considered amongst the most rewarding in south east Asia. The Top 10 m ost scenic walks requiring the least effort 'Difficulty score' in brackets. Artist Point, USA (11.9) Cadillac Summit Loop, USA (14.7) Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand (17.7) Cape Flattery Trail, USA (17.8) Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail, Canada (18.5) Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore-Manarola, Italy (21.3) Moro Rock, USA (21.9) Grand Canyon South Rim (22.3) Bastei-Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany (22.6) Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales (22.8); Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland (22.8); Bryce Point Trail, USA (22.8) Find family activities near you
