Latest news with #dreamholiday
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
We flew out for our dream holiday to Italy… only to arrive at the hotel ONE YEAR early after devastating booking mistake
FOUR British sisters have been left scrambling to find a place to stay after a booking blunder left them arriving at their hotel a year early. Nicole Collings and her siblings jetted off on a dream holiday to Italy hoping to celebrate the mum-of-three's 40th birthday in style. 6 6 6 The group rocked up at the hotel reception in Florence hoping for a smooth check-in so they could get out into the city and bask in the sun and sights. Rachel, often nicknamed the "CEO" for her organisation skills, had booked the flights and accommodation so jovially approached the staff. But Rachel's face soon turned a dark shade of red, as Nicole and her two other sisters soon realised the trip wasn't going as planned. They were told that they had booked at the hotel - but not until 2026. Despite being left without a room for night in a foreign country, the women took the embarrassing blunder in good spirits. As Rachel processed her pricey mistake, the others were left in stitches in the hotel lobby. Nicole from Essex told Luxury Travel Daily: "We all looked at each other in panic but then burst out laughing." The four had flown over to Florence from Southend, London on July 25. They had planned to stay at the Hotel Royal for three nights up until the Monday morning. Rachel had already paid £77 a night - totalling over £230 - but due to the booking mishap the foursome were now left scrambling to find another room. Holidaymaker expects breathtaking view from his hotel window… but viewers in stitches when he pulls back curtain Their original four-person suite was booked out but the girls were determined to stay at the Hotel Royal due to its great location in the city. The only issue was the last remaining option was a two-bedroom basement room which had no air conditioning. Wanting to make the most of the birthday trip, the girls dropped off their bags in the cramped room without much thought and headed out. Nicole continued: "Rachel, who we call the CEO, showed the confirmation email to the receptionist, who then pointed out that the booking was actually for 2026. "It was a real mix of panic and humour, we decided to just go with it and make the best of the bad situation. "The substitute room was really small, with a double bed and a single bed brought in. WIt had no hot water and no air con despite the boiling weather. "We even had to manage getting ready with four girls using one tiny mirror." Nicole was also full of praise for the staff who she said were just as amused by the booking blunder as the women were but remained supportive throughout their stay. "We didn't spend much time in the room due to its size and conditions," the birthday girl added. "Despite the initial hiccup, we had a wonderful time together, and it was hilarious. "We bring the vibes, we are extremely close and always have fun, our energy is electric." Nicole says they are yet to decide on if they will return for the 2026 booking to celebrate her 41st or if they'll just leave the mishap in the past. 6 6 6
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Kids' ‘dream holidays' revealed from zoos with every animal in the world to slides from their room into the pool
KIDS have revealed what they'd really expect on a 'dream' holiday – including zoos that have every animal in the world and slides from their room straight to the pool. A poll of 600 6–12-year-olds and their parents revealed what youngsters are really dreaming of doing when they go travelling, with having ice cream for every meal also high on the list. 1 Others long for magic-themed theme parks, beaches home to every type of fish and sea creature, and visits to a museum – dedicated to their favourite fictional characters. The study also found 98 per cent of parents let their little ones have at least some input in their holiday planning. And 82 per cent claimed this makes their trips more fun. The research was commissioned by Crayola, which partnered with Jet2holidays to launch a competition asking kids to draw what their dream holiday looks like. A spokesperson said: 'We can finally see how fun it could be if you let the kids plan the whole holiday and unleash the full scope of their imaginations. 'It's also really lovely to know how much parents appreciate their little one's ideas when it comes to choosing where to go and what to do. 'If only all the magical and wonderful things kids can imagine could come true and make their trips even more unforgettable.' The study also revealed kids' imaginations in this department definitely can't be limited to the realistic – with 51 per cent wishing for a unicorn or a dragon (45 per cent) as their mode of transport on holiday. While others said a trip to meet dinosaurs (42 per cent) or knights (35 per cent) also wouldn't go amiss. But with 81 per cent wishing the world was a more magical place in general, 67 per cent claimed that going on holidays does make them feel this way, even if temporarily. It also emerged 86 per cent of children want a real say in where they go, while 88 per cent would like input into what they do on their holidays. Although 68 per cent of parents insist their child does get a say in the activities (68 per cent), excursions (48 per cent), and destination (29 per cent) when planning a trip. With 69 per cent prioritising what their children want to do on holiday more than themselves – 48 per cent of the average trip specifically catered to the whims of little ones. The research, carried out via also found six in 10 in parents said their children's creativity inspires them to be more creative themselves, and 51 percent saying the same about their imagination. While 59 percent believe everyone could benefit from seeing the world through a child's eyes. The winner of the competition will get to see their drawing come to life and £1,000 worth of vouchers towards a holiday with the UK's largest tour operator. Crayola's spokesperson added: 'We want to harness the imagination in every child and celebrate their creativity to inspire them to dream big. 'So, we encourage anyone interested to sign up to our competition and make your dream holiday ideas come to life. 'And when you pick up one of our products to help unleash your creativity, you can also get money off towards a holiday so you can continue exploring the world.'
The Independent
18-07-2025
- The Independent
Escape the ordinary: Enter to win a £250 TUI gift card towards your next getaway
Ready to turn those daydreams into beachy realities? Whether you're craving the turquoise waters of Mexico or the vibrant streets of Morocco, TUI has got last-minute getaways that'll have you packing your bags in no time. Escape the daily grind, grab some sunshine, and make this summer one to remember. Enter now for your chance to win a gift card worth £250, which you can put towards your dream holiday! Prize: 1 £250 TUI Travel Gift Card Terms and Conditions - The Independent 18+. UK and residents only. Promotion closes at 23:59 BST on the 17 August 2025. Winner will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. Standard Comps & Offers rules apply, see here. By subscribing to TUI, you agree to our [ Terms of Use ] and [ Privacy Policy ] and consent to receive a varying number of marketing messages via email. Terms and Conditions - TUI Travel Gift Card 1. Your TUI Travel Gift Card can be used as full or part payment for travel products at all TUI Stores (excluding the Republic of Ireland), and For website transactions, your gift card must have sufficient funds to cover the initial payment due when booking your holiday. 2. The card can't be used as payment, or exchanged for, travel money-related products, including currency, travellers' cheques and prepaid cards. 3. The card can't be exchanged for cash or to buy another gift card. 4. The expiry date is printed on the reverse of your gift card. Your physical gift card expiry date will be at least one year from the date of your purchase. For digital gift cards, the expiry will be printed on your digital card and is two years from the date of purchase. 5. The maximum account balance allowed at any one time is £5,000 for physical gift cards and £3,000 for digital gift cards. 6. The card must be treated as cash, and the balance can't be refunded if it's lost, stolen or destroyed. 7. You can find out your balance by phone, in-store or on the web. 8. Cards can't be redeemed over the phone.
