GOOGLE Flights have revealed a new tool that will refund your flight price difference if it gets cheaper before you travel.

The new feature offers travellers the lowest price guarantee when booking certain flights.

1

Google announced: “No one likes to feel buyer’s remorse, and that’s especially true for a big purchase like plane tickets where the prices change from day to day.”

The new tool enables travellers to determine whether the price of their trip is low, high, or average for their planned trip.

Jetsetters can also set flexible dates to find the cheapest time to book.

Google is currently testing a new program that guarantees the cheapest option for your next flight.

However, if the price drops between the time of purchase and take-off, Google will pay the difference via Google Pay.

A Google blog post about the feature claimed: “These price guarantees are part of a pilot program available for select Book on Google itineraries departing from the US.”

Flights eligible for refunds through the app will be marked with price guarantee badges, indicating that Google is confident the price won’t drop further before take-off.

Therefore, travellers will be compensated for the difference through the Google Pay app if the price drops.

The refund policy will only apply to flights that are booked with Google and departing from the US.

Travellers should ensure there is a price guarantee badge before purchasing a ticket otherwise, they won’t be eligible for a refund if the price drops before takeoff.

It comes after a holiday booking expert has revealed the best way for passengers to save money when buying their flights.

Gilbert Ott is a frequent flyer and founder of the website God Save the Points, where he advises people on how to get the best deals on their plane tickets, as well as offering other tips and tricks.

As far as he’s concerned there are only really two days every year when passengers are guaranteed to find cheaper flight prices.

For the rest of the year, they have to use other methods to make sure they don’t overpay.

He told Mail Online that “Black Friday and Cyber Monday” were the closest thing holidaymakers would likely get to “a magical day to book travel”.

Instead, he recommends flying at certain times of the year to keep costs down, as well as getting to grips with online price trackers.

He continued: “To score the best flight deals, it’s often more about when you want to go than when you want to book, and setting price alerts to see when prices do change.

“Think about changing your travel plans to shoulder season months when airfare can be 43 per cent lower or better.

“Also, don’t be afraid to learn everything you can about Google Flights, so you can let the best deals you’ve searched for come to your inbox.”

He recommends setting price alerts as early as possible and relaxing while the price changes are emailed directly to you.

I HAD always thought that luxury sailing trips were the preserve of the rich and famous, made solely for billionaires who have ballrooms and swimming pools on their yachts.

But I could not have been more wrong.

4

4

Advertisement

And you do not even need to escape the UK to experience it.
My partner and I, frazzled by the school holidays, had just whisked our three kids and their grandpa off for a three-night boating getaway in Norfolk.

Home for the weekend, the Fair Statesman, was a gleaming white motor cruiser rented from Norfolk Broads Direct, which although no billionaire yacht, had ample space for our party of six.

The aft cabin (am getting there with boat lingo — it means “at the back”) featured a spacious double bedroom with an en suite.

Then there was another double in the mid-cabin with a bathroom directly opposite and a forward cabin in what I called “the nose” of the vessel with cute bunks where all three of my kids could snuggle down.

Again, they had their own bathroom. The kitchen came kitted out with an oven, a microwave, toaster and full fridge, while the spacious lounge area offered comfy banquette seating and a table that folded out — with a large telly and a games console.

But my kids didn’t need electronic distractions because we were lucky enough to have glorious weather, which we regularly soaked up from the comfy seats on the top of the sundeck.

We had been sailing through Norfolk’s Broads National Park, home to 125 miles of open waterways that offer breathtaking views of nature.

Prior to the trip, I had not so much as steered a dingy, but Norfolk Broads Direct made us feel fully prepared with advance safety videos and the friendly staff member who ran through everything on arrival.

The 5mph speed limit on the broads meant life moved at a leisurely pace as we meandered along these wildlife-fringed waterways, observing herons, swans and dragonflies the size of small birds.

Come 4pm each day we would find a mooring point and tie up for the night, using the opportunity to connect to power or fill the water tank up.

Luckily, Norfolk Broads Direct had given us detailed maps plus an easy-to-follow itinerary that meant we could navigate like pros.

After a tranquil first night spent on Salthouse Broad, we were up early to head to Ranworth, where we climbed to the top of the pretty St Helen’s Church nicknamed “Cathedral of the Broads”.

The spiral steps of the tower may have tired our legs, but the view from the top was well worth it.

This area is home to a nature reserve that has a fantastic wildlife centre on stilts above the broads.

Visitors can rent binoculars for birdwatching, while children get stuck into the interactive exhibits. Our kids loved the stickers they were given, each featuring a different local bird that matched their “wingspan”.

4

Advertisement

4

Next stop on our list was St Benet’s Abbey, whose ruins make for a dramatic picture.

At the meeting point of the rivers Bure and Ant, this historic site dates back to Anglo Saxon times.

It has been a favourite spot for artists, poets and photographers for 200 years.

Our boat adventure finished in the bustling town of Wroxham, just a 30-minute car ride from Great Yarmouth

We struck lucky as our visit happened to fall on the one Sunday of the year when the Bishop of Norwich, still officially the Abbot, conducts a service.

It was quite a sight seeing him arrive in billowing ecclesiastical robes on one of only eight remaining “wherries”, the traditional wooden sailing ships that used to transport cargo around the broads.

After even more picturesque waterways and stops, our boat adventure finished in the bustling town of Wroxham, just a 30-minute car ride from Great Yarmouth.

Being so close, we could not resist swinging by to watch the epic show at their famous Hippodrome circus — one final treat for the kids.

It has certainly got the wow factor. And the finale was truly one of the best things I have seen in a theatre as the circus ring filled with water to allow for a spectacular synchronised swimming and water acrobatics performance.

A fitting end to our water-born family holiday.

“IT’S almost as if Disneyland Paris was made with kids in mind,” my sister said after one too many rugrats ran into me.

She wasn’t wrong.

2

2

Advertisement

It had been a childhood dream of ours to go.

Now we were ditching the little ones for an adult-only trip to the famed Paris theme park.

Without children, it meant we could avoid the long waits for character meets, skip the Disney dining and not worry about limiting wine.

And having opted for the Premier Access Ultimate, I realised you can easily do both of the parks in one day, if you are savvy.

The pass, admittedly an extra £83 on top of the park entrance fee, can be used once on several rides, usually those with the biggest queues.

My sister couldn’t quite stomach Hyperspace Mountain, known for hitting speeds of 71kmph.

Didn’t matter to me, I hopped through the fast queue and rejoined her barely five minutes later.

Also worth the queue jump are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, where wait times can be more than an hour, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast.

I’m not sure how, but I ended up with 60,000 points after frantically zipping and zapping the villain Zurg, much to my sister’s chagrin.

The photo at the end may have caught us grappling with each other as we tried to block the other’s laser gun.

The pass can be used on other long-wait rides including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, one of the scarier roller-coasters, as well as the laid-back driving Autopia ride.

But there is also the second park, Walt Disney Studios, to make the most of too.

Home to both Toon Studios and Avengers Campus, our competitive nature was tested once again on the Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure ride.

Similar to Buzz, this time we had to fling “webs” using our arms to stop the multiplying Spider-Bots.

My winning streak ended here, and I was smashed on the scoreboard by my very smug sibling.

I cheered myself up with a glass of champagne from a cart back on Main Street.

Unique to Disneyland Paris, it comes with a €20 price tag although you get to keep the souvenir cup.

Continuing our “hooray no kids” theme, our evening carried on at the Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, a five-minute walk from the park gates.

We made the most of joyously late dinners at the Manhattan Restaurant with huge plates of pasta, followed by drinks at the Skyline Bar.

Firework show

That rollercoaster adrenaline hadn’t worn off, so after watching the final firework show in the park, we opted for a late night at the Disney Village.

With some bars open until 2am, we danced and sang to live pop and country music at Billy Bob’s.

It was our aching feet that brought us back to the hotel after racking up 32,000 steps.

We gorged on turkey legs, creamy tartiflette and sickly sweet Darth Vader waffles to keep us going throughout the day

Kara

Our only day-time respite was at the hotel’s Metro Pool, brisk at first but with a warmer hot tub to help our sore toes.

The park is currently undergoing a transformation ahead of the new Frozen land, so expect some closures and boarded-up areas.

Thankfully all the important stops were open – and by that I mean the food stands.

We gorged on turkey legs, creamy tartiflette and sickly sweet Darth Vader waffles to keep us going throughout the day, before packing a Mickey cookie for the train home.

We’ll just pretend the bickering on the Eurostar about who gets to keep the ride photo didn’t happen…

ONE of the most popular autumn activities in the UK is pumpkin picking, with many farms offering tickets throughout October.

Pumpkin patches have become increasingly popular among families in the UK, where you can not only pick them but have photoshoots and even decorate them.

11

Here are 11 of the best from all over the UK for you to visit this year.

Kenyon Hall, Warrington

Tickets for Kenyon Hall are already on sale, with more than 20,000 pumpkins expected to grow on their patch this autumn.

Family photo shoots with professional photographers can be booked on certain days as well, while there’s also a maize maze and fruit picking on site too.

Entry tickets start from £2.95 for adults and children; infants under 18 months go free.

The patch will be open from September 28 until October 31, although there are limited dates left.

11

Balgone Barns, North Berwick, Scotland

Scotland‘s largest pumpkin patch promises to let everyone “experience the countryside and Halloween to its fullest”.

More than 60,000 pumpkins are growing on the site across more than 10 acres. Prices for the pumpkins depend on the weight.

There is also a spooky haunted trail stretching 2km around Balgone Barns’ lake, while visitors can toast marshmallows at the Crooked Cauldron.

Visitors should book ahead online, with tickets range from £12 to £15, with select dates throughout October.

11

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol

Avon Valley has the ” South West’s biggest Pumpkin Extravaganza” this year.

There’s also a small fairground, as well as theatrical performers and fire shows taking place on site.

Pumpkin Paintball, Seasonal Slingshot and an apple cannon add to the Halloween activities available for families to enjoy.

The patch is open on selected days between September 28 and October 31.

Tickets can be booked online for up to £8.99 per person.

11

Advertisement

Tulleys Farm, Crawley, West Sussex

Tulleys Farm declares itself to be the UK’s number one pumpkin festival, with more than a million pumpkins grown across 100 acres of farmland.

Live roaming characters ox wizards and scarecrows can be seen mingling among the pumpkins.

Street food stalls and a pumpkin bar serving cocktails and beers enhance the experience, while live music will be performed at Pumpkin Nights shows.

Tickets are available online for selected dates between September 28 and October 31.

Day time tickets range from £5-8, while evening tickets range from £8-12.

11

Mr Pumpkin, Derby

Located just outside of Derby in Morely, Mr Pumpkin has become a favourite for pumpkin pickers since it first opened in 2017.

They have more than 90,000 pumpkins planted for visitors this year from more than 40 different varieties.

A pumpkin trail will also be raising money for the air ambulance, with more than £12,000 raised in recent years.

The event is running on most dates between September 29 nd October 31.

Tickets are £2.50 for adults, kids up to the age of 15 go free.

11

Advertisement

Spilman’s Farm, Thirsk

This family-run farm in Yorkshire has more than 125,000 pumpkins ready to be picked on the 25 acre patch.

Tickets, which cost £7.50 per person, will grant each guest £5 to spend on either pumpkins or Spilman’s activities.

It also allows visitors to watch the family-friendly show Fright Delight.

Twilight picking evenings are back for another year too, with live music, a bar, street food and cosy fire pits.

The patch is open on weekends from September 30 until October 31.

11

Manorafon Farm Park, Abergele, Wales

North Wales‘ largest selection of pumpkins is also home to a pumpkin carving tent for visitors to decorate their veg on site.

A mad scientist’s trick or treat show, creepy crawly handling, walkabout characters and the “horrid hallows” all add to the farm’s spooky Halloween atmosphere.

There’s also street food, a shooting range, a slime lab and special pumpkin festival nights, with a bar for adults and live music.

Tickets are £15.30 for adults and £16.20 for children if you book ahead, with one pumpkin per child’s ticket included.

Pumpkin fest will be running on a select few dates in October.

11

Advertisement

Pumpkin Moon, Kent

Pumpkin Moon has three different locations in Kent – Maidstone, Faversham and Rainham.

There is street food and drinks available, while fancy dress is actively encouraged by those who run the patch.

Everyone needs to book before visiting, with prices from £3.75.

It will run for the weekends of September 5-6 only in Faversham, following by all of the farms from September 12 – October 13, and then October 19 – 31.

11

Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth

From October 21-19 this Northumberland farm will be changing its name to Frighthouse Farm and running a Halloween ‘spooktacular’.

As well as pumpkin picking, there’ll be Magic Merlin’s School, with Halloween themed games and prizes to be won.

There’s also a walkway of terror a spider’s lair, catacombs, a bat chamber and an eerie grave yard.

A fancy dress contest will see the winner claim a gift voucher to use at the farm, while visitors can get up close and personal with owls and critters.

Tickets are available for £15.45 for adults and children and the event will run from October 12 to October 31.

11

Forage Farm, Glamorgan

This South Wales pumpkin patch comes with pigmy goats, pigs, alpacas, tractor rides, pumpkin catapults, an interactive maize maze and face painting among many attractions.

There’s also a hay bale tower and plenty of other picture perfect backdrops to create lasting memories with.

The patch will be open on select weekends – October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-30, as well as October 25 and 31. After dark pumpkin picking experiences are also available.

Daytime tickets cost £9 per car, while evening tickets are £6 per person.

11

Advertisement

Arnprior Farm, Glasgow

Scotland‘s “original” pumpkin festival will run for more than three weeks in October this year, with more than 20,000 pumpkins to choose from.

As well as pumpkins, they have a quad pod ride, pumpkin cannon, bale mountain, an indoor hay barn, face painting, bouncy castle, lots of photo opportunities and a polytunnel shop.

There’s also a selection of food and drink each day including Loops and Scoops’ infamous churros, Skinners of Kippen burgers and pumpkin soup, pizzas, hot chocolates, Lous home baking and Gin fizz.

The event runs from October 9-29 and tickets start from £15.70, including a pumpkin voucher.