IF you’ve ever struggled to squeeze in your suitcase to the overhead locker on a flight, then you’re in luck.

Lufthansa is rolling out a modernised overhead locker style next year – the first major airline to so.

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The new lockers were revealed by Airbus last year, called the ‘L bins’.

Most overhead bins require passengers to put their suitcases and bags into it while lying them flat, meaning wasted space in the top section.

But the new lockers will see passengers stack suitcases on their side instead – with 60 per cent more bag capacity.

This works out to an extra three bags into each locker, fitting suitcases up to 61cm x 38cm x 25cm.

Not only that, but it hopes to reduce the boarding and deplaning time, with many delays due to passengers struggling to find space for their suitcase.

The new bins will be rolled out in January 2025, with Lufthansa being the first airline.

The airline’s 38 A320 jets will be refitted with them.

Airbus Head of Commercial Services Europe Charbel Youzkatli said: “We know from talking with airline customers that bigger bins are a clear need to enhance the passenger experience.

“The L Bins provide more space with the added advantage of a plug and play retrofit.”

The bins are being made by EFW (Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH) with “ultra-lightweight and highly stable composite products” as well as reusing many of the old parts of the previous bins.

Other airlines are to follow in Lufthansa’s footsteps with the new bins.

Spanish airline Iberia will also roll out the new lockers in 2025.

British Airways also revealed they are to introduce new larger overhead lockers as part of their £7billion makeover.

The welcome move to larger storage on flights is likely to please most passengers, with many being hand-luggage-only travellers.

This is because most airlines now charge economy travellers to check in a bag, leading to travellers opting for smaller suitcases they can take onboard instead.

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But some experts are saying airlines should ditch overhead lockers altogether.

Former Teague cabin designer David Young said airlines were at “breaking point”.

He added: “Maybe we don’t need carry-ons at all.

“Someone needs to step out and say, ‘We’re not doing this anymore.

“This isn’t the right experience for air travel.’”

If you’re adamant in travelling with hand luggage, here is how to make sure you always find space in the lockers.

And a flight attendant has revealed why you should always put your suitcase in the lockers in front of you – not above you.

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A FAMILY in the UK who have spent hundreds of nights holidaying in their caravan have revealed one of their favourite campsites to visit in the autumn.

Known as The Caravanning Mummy, travel expert Rachel often shares her best advice on her social media.

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The mum-of-two purchased her caravan back in 2019, spending the school holidays and weekends exploring the UK with her family in their Bailey Of Bristol Phoenix 650 caravan.

They’ve been on 56 caravan holidays over the last five years – but there is one campsite they have visited for the last for three October half-term holidays.

Talking exclusively to Sun Online Travel, the travel content creator named Longleat Club Campsite as the best place for families to spend the winter half-term.

She told Sun Online Travel: “The site I would 100 per cent recommend is the Longleat Club Campsite, it’s a Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.

“The site is a bit of a hidden gem.”

“You might get a bit wet and rainy staying in Wiltshire over the half-term.

“But the beauty of this break is you can stay on a caravan club site right next to Longleat Safari Park, which means you can be car-free for your entire stay.

“We’ve spent the last three October half-term holidays staying in Longleat, no matter the weather.”

Located within the grounds of Longleat (the first safari park to open outside of Africa), families have praised the campsite because it’s within walking distance of the safari park.

And Rachel isn’t the only holidaymaker who has praised the campsite, with others raving about the site in online reviews.

One person wrote: “Brilliant site with lots nearby and easy access to Longleat. It’s an ideal base, especially if you have kids.”

Another added: “The facilities were spotless and the wardens very friendly. We could even hear the seals from out pitch.”

A third person wrote: “An absolutely fabulous campsite with beautiful surroundings.”

Other facilities on-site include a family washroom, a TV room, dishwashing area, accessible showers and Wi-Fi.

Stays at Longleat Club Campsite start from £18.70 per night, making it ideal for Brits on a budget.

There are other attractions in the grounds of Longleat too including it’s own miniature railway that will celebrate it’s 60th anniversary next year.

Taking around 12 minutes, the train takes passengers around the park’s woodlands and lake, where you might even spot sealions.

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There is also the huge hedge maze, not only the largest in the UK but one of the longest in the world.

Made up of 16,000 yew trees, it can take as long as 90 minutes to explore – depending on your skill level.

Otherwise there is the huge Adventure Castle playground, with zip wires, climbing frames, slides and a medieval fortress.

Visit in the summer and there is even a splash pad to get wet in.

If you’re there with younger guests, there is the Little Explorer’s Garden, with a new play area for under fives.

And adults can make a trip to Longleat House, a 16th-century stately home first opened to the public in 1949.

Visitors can go on a guided tour of Longleat House exploring hundreds of paintings, tapestries, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and ornate ceilings that were inspired by Venetian Palaces.

Entry into Longleat House costs £29.95 per person.

Away from Longleat, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to keep holidaymakers entertained.

An iconic attraction is the Westbury White Horse – a white chalk drawing etched into the side of a hill.

Once thought to be one of 13 white horse drawings around the UK, only eight remain to this day, with the most recent one added in 1999 to mark the millennium.

Another Wiltshire haunt that’s perfect for Halloween is Avebury, home to 100 huge standing rocks dubbed the Avebury Henge.

The stones are both older and larger than Stonehenge, and date back to between 2850 BC and 2200 BC.

It’s free to visit, and visitors can even touch the stones at the historic site too – something that isn’t allowed at Stonehenge.

Earlier this year, Rachel revealed her favourite place for a UK break in her caravan, with a quintessential seaside town bagging the top spot.

Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.

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Petco Park in San Diego. Photo by Jill Weinlein

The newly renovated Omni San Diego Hotel is the ultimate hotel for San Diego Padres fans. Located next to Petco Park, Charles Cho, the General Manager of the Omni Hotel said, “Omni San Diego Hotel is thrilled to unveil an enhanced guest experience, providing visitors and locals with a relaxing and rejuvenating place to stay while they immerse themselves in everything the city has to offer.”

Even though this season is over for the Padres, the hotel showcases new amenities and baseball theme decor throughout the public areas and guest rooms. When the season returns, baseball fans will want to take advantage of the hotel’s Skybridge, which directly connects the hotel to the stadium.

Baseball theme decor. Photo by Jill Weinlein

An Urban Retreat With A Baseball Theme

The 21-story hotel’s new interior by New York-based design studio, Jeffrey Beers International, presents an inviting lobby with a soaring ceiling. The dynamic baseball-inspired design pays homage to its connection with Petco Park and the San Diego Padres.

Shades of green and brown are layered throughout the property, complemented by stitched leather panels at the reception desk, stadium-style light fixtures, geometric patterned carpets, and curated artwork of baseball bats that engage guests with the action and motion of baseball through history.

On the 6th floor is a display case with baseball collector items that includes a bat and signed balls.

Lobby Lounge. Photo courtesy of Omni San Diego

The newly refreshed lobby exudes comfort and sophistication with earthy tones, sleek furniture and natural materials that reflect the outdoors. The open-concept lobby lounge area features plush sofas, cozy armchairs and communal tables, fostering a social haven for groups to meet and gather before meal, a ball game or night out exploring the vibrant heart of the city.

Spacious Guest Rooms. Photo by Jill Weinlein

The hotel’s 511 guest rooms and suites have been transformed to showcase intricate craftsmanship. The eye catching long cross-hatched credenzas, chic curved couches and nightstands, and a combination of supple brown leather and rich velvet accents add a touch of sophistication.

Rooms have circular tables that function as a dining area and desk space for those who have a hybrid work schedule.

The sleek spa-like bathroom offers a sleek custom vanity mirror designed by Munnworks, large sinks and artistic green tiles outlining walk-in showers. Luxury robes are hanging in the closet for guests to use throughout their stay.

Omni San Diego. Photo by Jill Weinlein

New Pool Deck

The hotel’s sixth floor has been reimagined into an ultimate resort-style vacation destination. The newly designed, 8,000 square-foot rooftop pool provides sweeping views of San Diego’s bay and skyline to Coronado Island and beyond.

The open-air terrace was designed with natural materials and neutral tones for serene views everywhere one looks. There are palm tree planters, a custom trellis structure, and playful artwork inspired by San Diego’s popular beaches and coastal location.

Shaded daybeds and comfortable padded lounge chairs line the pool deck. There are also a handful of private cabanas designed by Indo Puri to reserve. They come complete with lounge furniture and mounted televisions, ideal for watching a game if you didn’t get tickets to be there in person.

The sparkling pool is open early in the morning through late evening for guests to swim laps, stargaze and soak in the warm whirlpool.

Omni San Diego Pool Deck. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Relax, Unwind & Al Fresco Dining

Guests gather at sunset near fire pits while experiencing Executive Chef Wenceslao Zavala’s Tortuga Baja-inspired menu. The modern bar and dining spaces are ideal for an al fresco meal with savory bites and a refreshing beverage menu.

With roots in Rosarito, Baja California, Chef Wenceslao grills Baja fish tacos and prepares shrimp adovada. Both go well with Tortuga’s signature cocktails such as the Lychee Blossom, made with Yobo soju, lychee juice, cane syrup, fresh lemon juice and aquafaba. 

Dine at AC Porter. Photo Jill Weinlein

New Dining Venues

The hotel’s new street-level restaurant and bar, Ace Porter is by Director of Outlet Operations, Priscilla Reyes, and Executive Chef Wenceslao Zavala.

Located adjacent to the lobby with a separate outside entrance, the inviting communal space features a lively cylindrical bar with a wrap-around bottle display. 

Standout design elements include dramatic stadium-inspired lighting. Guests and the public have an option to sit at the bar, or in the interior or outdoor lounge areas.

Diners can select from a playful menu of “Designated Hitters,” with dishes such as the Blistered Shishito Peppers, Vegetable Meze, and Frings Loaded Nachos for pre-and post-game bites. Additional standout menu items include the Ace Burger and a Porter Cobb Salad.

Pair a meal with a selection of local draft beers, signature cocktails, wines by the glass and mocktails. 

Fres.co Market + Cafe at Omni San Diego. Photo by Jill Weinlein

Guests visit Fres.co Market + Café in the lobby for freshly prepared baked goods, coffee beverages and espresso drinks for breakfast. Lunch menu items are inspired by coastal California and Baja Mexico influences.

The locally sourced ingredients from land and sea are gathered within a hundred-mile radius of the hotel. Beer and wine is also available for lunch and for grab and go later in the afternoon.

Visit Petco Park.

San Diego’s Petco Park

Those seeking to visit every major league ballpark in America will enjoy staying at the Omni San Diego. 

The staff at Petco Park lead daily guided tours of the ballpark to see what the players and staff get to experience. The tour guides share behind-the-scenes experiences, while enlightening visitors about the history of the park and the team. 

Step into the press box, see a private luxury suite, visit the Cutwater Coronado Club, and Padres Hall of Fame presented by Motorola. Tickets for the tour are available at Ticketmaster.

Omni San Diego. Photo Jill Weinlein

Every space at the Omni San Diego Hotel is intended to amplify guests’ imagination and help them feel the true spirit of the city.

Located near the entrance of San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, this AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel is also near Little Italy, Seaport Village and San Diego’s cruise ship port for pre-cruise and post-cruise stays.

AN UNDERRATED museum in the north of England is home to a one-of-a-kind underground Christmas attraction.

Earlier this year, research from luggage storage company Bounce named the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield as one of the country’s best hidden gem attractions.

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Located in West Yorkshire, the National Coal Mining Museum is housed at the former Caphouse Colliery, which dates back to the 18th century.

The museum opened to the public in 1988 and offers visitors a deep insight into the life and work of coal miners, preserving the rich industrial heritage of the region.

Later this year, the National Coal Mining Museum will host a Christmas event called Santa Underground.

Visitors will descend 140m underground where they’ll head to a “one-of-a-kind” Christmas grotto to meet the big man himself.

At the event, Children will receive an age-appropriate gift and a certificate.

Previous visitors to Santa Underground have raved about the attraction, with one person writing on TripAdvisor: “I can’t write I can’t fault anything.

“The staff were fantastic and friendly, the underground tunnel to Santa’s grotto was magical and the grotto itself was enchanting.

“Santa spent a lot of time talking to the children and going underground in an original miners’ lift was very exciting.”

Tickets to Santa Underground cost £10 for a full-paying adult and £13 for kids.

Named one of the UK’s best hidden gem attractions, there are plenty of other things to do at the National Coal Mining Museum.

Set across two former coal mines, visitors can learn about over 200 years of coal production.

On volunteer-led underground tours, visitors will hear stories from former coal miners.

There are above-ground attractions too, including a nature trail, an adventure playground and a pony discovery centre where visitors can meet ponies.

The battery-powered Paddy Train is another popular attraction at the sprawling museum.

Previously used to ferry miners around the pit, museum-goers who visit during peak hours can ride on the train from Caphouse to Hope and back again.

Entry into the National Coal Mining Museum is free, although a £5 donation is encouraged. Underground tours cost an additional £7.50.

Despite not being well-known as a tourist destination, there are plenty of other things to do in Wakefield.

One of those is Hepworth Wakefield, an art gallery that overlooks the River Calder.

Named after artist Barbara Hepworth, the award-winning museum is home to displays of artwork like sculptures and still life paintings.

Wakefield Cathedral is another popular attraction in the city, with the tallest church spire in Yorkshire.

Other nearby attractions include Diggerland – one of the strangest theme parks in the UK.

Visitors can spend the day riding dumper trucks around a gravel pit, digging stones out of a hole with a full-sized digger and riding around a muddy concourse while seated in an enormous bucket.

Wakefield is a 70-minute drive from Manchester, and it’s a 20-minute drive from Leeds.

Here are the 25 best ice rinks to visit in London and the South East.

And, these are the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK.

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