Doesn’t a £20-per-person getaway to Malta sound delightful? What about five nights in Greece for two for £280pp?  

These are just some of the bargain deals to be found on a website that’s being dubbed the ‘eBay of travel’.

Transfer Travel is an online marketplace for holiday bookings that allows you to buy and sell trips others can no longer – or don’t want to – go on. 

It operates on an international scale with more than 162,000 users across over 170 countries, with the top three countries for user activity split across the US, UK and Canada. 

Maisie Blewitt, head of commercial at Transfer Travel, tells the Daily Mail: ‘We’ve always said we’re like Vinted for travel or eBay for travel. If you can’t go on your holiday, you can just pop them on our platform and then resell them. 

‘There’s well over a thousand listings on the website at the moment, well over a thousand different people who need to kind of recoup a bit of money or sell travel plans when things change. 

The website demonstrates hot deals, standout holidays that may lure in keen bookers

‘A buyer from our community can bid and haggle down the price slightly, say if it’s nearing an expiry date and they want a better deal, or they can just buy it there and then as well.’

It’s free to sign up – and can see travellers make huge savings. 

When a listing is purchased, the seller has 72 hours to complete the name change and transfer the documents confirming such name changes to the buyer. 

The trip is then in the buyer’s name, ready for them to enjoy their trip at a discounted price.  

Marketplace listings have increased by 185 per cent year-on-year, showing a significant rise in travellers choosing to resell holidays they can no longer use. 

Over £7million worth of travel bookings has been listed on the Transfer Travel marketplace thus far for this year.

The average holiday across all categories is worth around £1,545, making resale an increasingly attractive way for consumers to recover money from unused trips while also offering buyers a meaningful saving. 

‘Typically, we say you can see savings between about 40 to 70 percent, but within the past month, the typical saving was around 62 per cent,’ Maisie says.

‘If you only have one trip a year, travel is a luxury – so why would you not want to go on more, or make the most of the trips that you do have?’

Some breaks are really cheap, too – Maisie points out one Malta trip that cost £90, which the seller agreed to sell for £45 – divided by two people, this would be just over £20 each.

The downsides? The level of detail about the trip is down to the seller so, just as with purchases made on eBay or Vinted, you might not get the same level of information as you might if you were buying direct from a holiday company or rental site. 

There’s also no functionality as yet for children, so a family would search for ‘four adults’.

The company also engages with the community by offering ‘hot deals’.

For example, efforts within social media, specifically TikTok Lives, allow Transfer Travel to highlight the top savings, provide exclusive discounts, show off never-before-seen listings and live reductions.

The site also does hot deals, last week featuring accommodation in Rhodes, at the Alia Beachfront suite and spa, for early September, selling for 50 per cent off. Two guests for five nights was discounted to £563, from £1,128. 

A tool on the platform allows users to use a Google Flights API Integration to find cheap flights to complement their deal.

There are many successful examples of travellers using the site – including a couple from South Wales who were facing a £9,000 loss on a cruise they could no longer take, with no refund from the provider and their insurance not covering the situation.

Just six weeks before departure, one of them was advised not to travel following a heart-related health concern. The timing left little room to act, with no option to cancel for a refund, and the nature of the condition meant their insurance wouldn’t cover it, removing what is typically the main financial safety net for travellers.

Cruises are a popular second-hand holiday available on the website

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With few options and the full cost at risk, the couple’s son, Owen Basset, 43, began looking for a way to salvage some of the money and sell the booking securely.

He said: ‘I was looking for a quick way to get something back. I assumed there must be somewhere you could move these bookings on. 

‘You could probably try something like Facebook Marketplace, but I wouldn’t have been comfortable selling the trip privately because there’s too much that could go wrong.

‘When you’re dealing with large sums of money, you want a level of protection and reassurance that both sides will follow through.’ 

The cruise, which was departing from Lisbon, was listed for resale on Transfer Travel. With the departure date fast approaching, the listing needed to find a buyer and the transfer needed to be completed within the provider’s deadline.

Luckily, a buyer was secured just days before the final transfer deadline – Jorge Pavia. 

Originally listed at around £9,000, the cruise sold for £3,000, allowing the couple to recover part of the cost that would have been lost entirely otherwise. The transfer was completed in time for the trip to go ahead under the new booking.

Owen said: ‘At that stage, we’d already assumed the money was gone, so getting anything back felt like a real win and it made a big difference. 

‘Once everything was agreed with the buyer, the sale moved quickly and the whole process felt really safe and secure. There wasn’t that worry that it might fall through at the last minute.’

He added that while the situation was unexpected, it was one that others could easily find themselves in: ‘Travel resale is not something you expect to need, but I’d definitely suggest people look into it if they’re in a similar situation.’

Jorge Pavia snapped up the cruise for just £3,000 – a bargain purchase

They are not the only winners.  

A mother from the US visiting the UK turned a spontaneous social media discovery into a first-class rail experience from London to Glasgow, securing return train tickets worth £240 for just £150 through a travel resale platform.

Kirsten Crocker, 38, had never heard of travel resale before coming across it in an Instagram Reel. At the time, she was already planning a UK trip with her two children, and was considering adding Scotland to her itinerary.

She said: ‘I’d never used or even heard of any of these platforms before. I saw an Instagram Reel from the influencer Mrs Dow Jones talking about how people resell trips they can’t use, and Transfer Travel was one of the sites she mentioned.

‘I went on to the site out of curiosity and immediately saw the train tickets. I travel to Manchester quite often, and I’d been thinking about going to Scotland as well. It just felt like perfect timing.’

The listing was for two return first-class train tickets from London Euston to Glasgow Central in March. Originally priced at £240, Kirsten submitted an offer of £150, which was accepted straight away.

‘It was quite impulsive,’ she said. ‘I saw the tickets and just decided to go for it, it just felt like a great deal.’

As travel costs continue to rise and more travellers look for ways to make their budgets go further, resale is emerging as not just a fallback when plans change, but as a way to access experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach.

Even train travel – which is notoriously expensive in the UK – is available to buy

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Transfer Travel’s research shows that while awareness of resale platforms is still relatively low, interest is growing, particularly among travellers open to flexible, last-minute opportunities. 

Travel expert Laura Carden-Lovell from Transfer Travel says this case highlights the evolving role of resale in travel planning: ‘Stories like this show how resale isn’t just a safety net, it’s becoming a discovery tool for travellers. People aren’t always starting with a fixed plan; sometimes they come across an opportunity and build a trip around it.

‘In this case, a first-class rail journey that might have felt like a luxury became an accessible, spontaneous addition to a family trip. That’s where resale is really adding value – giving people the flexibility to do more with their travel, often at a reduced cost.’

For Kirsten, what started as a casual scroll quickly turned into a memorable family experience and a first-class journey she may not have booked otherwise.

“he million-pound view did not disappoint.”

Many parts of northern England are hailed for their rolling hills and serene countryside, which can be best taken advantage of during the summer period. With clear skies and sunny conditions still expected in the coming months, there are plenty of opportunities to take your friends, family, and dogs out on a peaceful stay away.

One such place, Mitchaven in Rothbury, Northumberland, is a three-bedroom holiday cottage offering ‘breathtaking’ views of the northern countryside. Perched in the gorgeous Coquet Valley, this dog-friendly cottage allows visitors to bring up to two pet dogs and accommodates up to six people from up to £779 for seven nights, although not many days are left now for this summer.

It also provides nearby access to Rothbury’s many independent galleries, restaurants, pubs, and shops. For those who want to breathe in more of the nearby scenes, though, can also visit the National Trust property at Cragside, which features peaceful gardens just two miles away from Mitchaven.

READ MORE: Mum-of-two, 33, reveals how she survives 6-week school summer holidays with just £300

READ MORE: I found a clever way to add extra privacy to my garden and stop nosy neighbours

The property itself features a lounge/dine area with floor-to-ceiling windows, letting in a large amount of natural light throughout your stay. The fully equipped kitchen also allows visitors to sort all of their catering needs, providing access to an electric oven, a hob, fridge, microwave, and Tassimo coffee machine.

Meanwhile, the sleeping areas are sorted into a split-level plan, with the lower area including a generously-sized king-size room with an occasional chair, a double room, and a bunk bed room with patio doors and hardwood flooring. The included family bathroom also features a shower, bath, and a separate WC for extra privacy and convenience.

When the sun does come out during your stay, you also have access to a south-facing terraced garden, providing the perfect opportunity to dine al fresco. This is further supported by outdoor furniture and a BBQ that visitors can freely use.

However, if you want to try a different space to enjoy the northern countryside, you could opt for Beck Cottage, Pennington, Cumbria, which is offering seven-night stays from £362. This holiday cottage comes with a double bedroom plus a sitting area and is in close proximity to various shops and pubs.

Otherwise, you could visit Rooftops in the Lake District, which is offering seven-night stays from £500. This second-floor apartment provides beautiful views of the Cumbria Fells and includes plenty of amenities while also being dog-friendly for up to one furry friend.

Back to Mitchaven, many visitors who previously stayed there praised it for its accommodation and views, with one traveller writing: “This was our 2nd visit. The million-pound view did not disappoint. Cottage well equipped, comfortable seating and beds. Lovely walks straight from the cottage up to the old hill fort.

“Then down into Rothbury and along the river. There is a lovely, friendly vibe to Rothbury. A must-visit is the Art gallery. Wide range of are and crafts from local artists on sale at really reasonable prices. Cragside is just up the road. The views from all points are stunning”

Another added: “A fantastic rental within walking distance of Rothbury and the river. Spacious and comfortable house with all you need for a stay. Amazing views and great location!”

While a third said: “Fantastic view whatever the weather but especially when clear and sunny! Cottage had everything we needed.” A fourth added: “The house was really comfortable and well equipped, with plenty of seating, crockery, cutlery etc for a party of 5 (not always the case!). We never tired of the stunning view, and we appreciated the well-designed garden with its flowering shrubs.

“It was great to be able to walk from the door up onto the hills, and there were lots of fascinating places to visit very nearby. Rothbury itself is charming, with its independent shops where we got most of our supplies.”

While a fifth said: “A good location for visiting and getting around the area. The accommodation was excellent throughout and the views from the lounge were breathtaking overlooking the valley. Within easy walking distance of the centre of the village of Rothbury.”

However, another visitor pointed out a minor issue with the patio, writing: “A unique property which is ideally located for exploring the area. We found the property well equipped, clean and comfortable.

“Very quaint and quirky and as described. Steps to the patio areas a bit challenging for the less able-bodied. We all had an enjoyable week.”

Customers should also note that if they’re looking for a seven-night stay at Mitchaven, they may struggle with available if they plan on going this summer. At the time of writing, only a few three-day periods are available throughout August for the property, with the largest availability starting in the autumn period.

Delta Goodrem is set to grace the Strictly Come Dancing stage in September – and has one request about the professional partner she’s paired up with.

Months after representing Australia at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, the actor-turned-singer was announced as a contestant on the all-new version of the BBC competition, which is shaking things up behind and in front of the camera.

In a new interview with The Independent, Goodrem said she was “excited to dive into” the Strictly glitz and glamour.

While the “Born to Try” singer said she did not have a preference as to which professional dancer she would compete alongside, she did say she would “love to be” paired with someone taller than her because she “doesn’t really want to be the one that has to lift people”.

Goodrem is 5 feet 10 inches tall, and if she got her wish, she would most likely be coupled with either Kai Widdrington or Aljaž Škorjanec, both of whom are over six feet tall.

Earlier this month, five new professional dancers were announced to be joining the series alongside the old familiars, including Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell, Jowita Przystal, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and last year’s new arrivals Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.

The newcomers are Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Mark Karmalita, Lethabo Monametsi, and Cristian Priori. They will replace outgoing pros Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.

This celebrity line-up is slowly coming together, too, with football pro Shaun Wright-Phillips the latest to be announced. He joins Goodrem, Dani Dyer, House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia, actor Jaime Winstone, Paralympian cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, TV presenter Will Best, reality star Cacheral Mercer, hair stylist Chris Appleton, and more.

Speaking about her appointment, former Neighbours star Goodrem said she is “thrilled” to be adding the Strictly stage to the many she’s performed on throughout her career.

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“I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world,” she said.

“There is, however, one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor. I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started.”

Goodrem has also been a judge on The Voice Australia and competed for the country at the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing fourth earlier this year.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will be hosted by trio Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, who are taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. It returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September.

The UK is bouncing from one type of extreme weather to another this year. This is climate whiplash. Caused by changes in the fast-moving body of air high up in our atmosphere called the jet stream, climate whiplash has increased in likelihood with climate change. This constant changing of extreme weather makes it a challenge to build resilience.

Drought and heatwaves play a big role in this rollercoaster of weather extremes. There are many different types of droughts – in simple terms drought is an absence of water from an area, meaning it is drier. For a drought to be declared in a region of the UK, the National Drought Group (chaired by the Environment Agency which has responsibility for droughts) meets, looks at several factors and decides. This process is similar to how the UK decides to name winter storms.

There have traditionally been four key types of droughts. Hydrological drought is when lakes and rivers drop below certain regional levels. Meteorological drought is based upon how long it has been dry for. Agricultural drought links lack of rainfall to negative consequences on plant growth. Socio-economic drought happens when the demand for water is higher than the supply available.

There is also another type of drought which is relatively new – flash droughts which are caused by hot, dry, windy weather that acts like a hairdryer. One of the main drivers in flash droughts in UK spring and summers is atmospheric evaporative demand. This is how thirsty the atmosphere is. In some parts of the UK such as parts of southern England, it is suggested there is a flash drought where the atmosphere has been thirstier than the available moisture. In most other parts such as North Wales, we are simply experiencing a hydrological drought.

When heatwaves and drought or dry conditions occur together in the UK, they make each other more intense. The baking dry ground causes a rise in the air temperatures. These conditions also raise the risk of wildfires occurring.

But heatwaves are a separate hazard to drought. Heat is so tricky because while you cannot see higher temperatures or hotter conditions, we feel extreme heat. This is why heatwaves are sometimes called silent killers and an invisible risk.

À lire aussi :
Is Earth really getting too hot for people to survive? A scientist explains extreme heat and the role of climate change

The deadliest heatwaves can occur outside of drought or dry conditions. This is because moisture in the air, humidity, limits our ability to cool down. One way we measure this is through the wet bulb temperature. Meteorologists measure this by using a normal thermometer wrapped in wet muslin cloth – it is an indication of how difficult it is to lose heat through sweat.

Drought is the absence of moisture and so to reach a higher wet bulb temperature is physically more challenging and requires a lot more energy than when that moisture is present.

Opportunities for change

New research shows that many people in the UK are now fearful of climate change because of recent heatwaves. While it is good to be concerned, this can lead to inaction and not knowing what to do. There are many solutions to build resilience to climate whiplash and multi-hazards in the UK.

We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. Because we haven’t already mitigated greenhouse gas emissions quickly enough, we are now globally experiencing intensifying climate whiplash. Investment needs to focus on transitioning faster through scaling up clean energy, restoring natural environments and building resilience.

Climate change is also a social challenge. Tackling it can help address longstanding policy areas, social inequalities and emerging challenges. One of the main places we see heat-related excess deaths outside of hospital are in care homes. So mitigating and adapting to extreme weather can be integrated into long-term social care planning.

Unemployed young people can be upskilled to fill gaps in green and climate-related jobs and clean energy sectors. This gives them a purpose and creates a more specialist skilled workforce.

Investment and considerations of different models for the water industry in the UK can build resilience to multi-hazards. For droughts, storing water; for heatwaves, covering increased pressure; and for flooding and excess rainfall, addressing risk. Schemes such as improving pipe infrastructure, wastewater treatment, reservoir building and more sharing of water within relevant regions of the UK are also important.

Policy can be set out by the UK government to ensure the most vulnerable people to extreme heat in care homes, schools and hospitals will have access to air conditioning when they need it. Policy should also be designed with urban greening, retrofitting and long-term sustainable urban planning with extreme weather in mind. Energy resilience is also important and involves making use of sunnier days and building grid capacity to capture that energy from renewable sources.

While we may keep flashing from hot dry conditions to wet and wild ones, the solutions are in front of us.

Named after a forgotten Saxon

Darlington’s earliest recorded name was ‘Dearthington,’ first noted around 1040, derived from the Old English ‘Dēornōthingtūn’.

The name is believed to translate roughly as ‘the settlement of Deornoth’s people,’ referring to an Anglo-Saxon figure named Deornoth, whose personal name combined the elements ‘dēor,’ meaning dear, and ‘nōth,’ meaning daring or bold.

Nothing else is known about Deornoth himself, but his name effectively became attached to the entire settlement that grew up around his farm or estate on the banks of the River Skerne.

From Dearthington to Darlington

The town’s name went through several changes over the centuries as spelling conventions shifted.

By Norman times, it had become ‘Derlynton,’ recorded in 1457, before further variations, including ‘Darnton’ and ‘Darlington,’ gradually emerged during the following centuries.

The nickname ‘Darnton’ stuck around locally for generations, and not always affectionately.

In the 17th century, the town was famously mocked as ‘Darnton i’ the Dirt,’ a jibe inspired by its unpaved, muddy streets, said to have even prompted King James of Scotland to compose a mocking rhyme about the town during a visit in 1603.

A settlement shaped by conquest

Darlington’s origins as an Anglo-Saxon settlement predate the Norman Conquest by centuries, with the town developing on the banks of the River Skerne, a tributary of the Tees.

Like much of the North East, the area later fell under Viking control, with the Danes taking over Northumbria, including the land around Darlington, by 866AD, leaving a lasting Norse influence on place names across the wider region.

Towards the end of the 10th century, the settlement and its dependencies were granted to St Cuthbert, patron saint of Durham’s bishopric, in the presence of King Ethelred, cementing Darlington’s early ties to the Church that would shape much of its subsequent history.

(Image: Network Rail)

A name unrelated to darling or wool

Despite how it sounds today, Darlington’s name has no connection to the word “darling,” nor to the linen and wool trade the town would later become known for.

It’s a coincidence of modern pronunciation rather than etymology, with the true root buried in a Saxon personal name that vanished from record almost as soon as it was written down.

Every now and then your neighbour’s garden may impact your property, as trees and hedges can overgrow. However, little you may know, there’s action you can take to solve the issue

Every now and then, gardens can become a little bit unruly, with trees and hedges growing out of control, but you don’t always have to tolerate other people’s trees or hedges overgrowing in your garden. In fact, there’s certain gardening action you can take to help remedy the issue, according to expert advice.

The topic previously came up on Reddit when one person asked what they can do about a neighbour’s trees, and the question got a lot of people talking. However, there are some property rules you need to follow when it comes to tackling the issue, so you need to be clued up on the law before you take action.

It’s not the first time advice on the topic has been shared either. Previously, four experts revealed tips on how to deal with a neighbour’s overhanging tree.

A social media user asked: “Can I cut my neighbours trees/plants that overhang into my garden? I just bought a house with a beautiful garden in the UK.

“It gets great sunlight; however, some of it is shaded because of my neighbours at the back. The ends of our gardens meet. They have huge trees and plants that are so overgrown and overhang into my garden and prevent even more sunlight.

“I’ve spoken to them about cutting it themselves, but they’ve ignored me. So my question, can I cut the parts of their trees/plants that overhang into my garden?

“Can I cut and just chuck the cut bits back into their garden? I was just wondering if this encroaches on property tampering or something of the like.”

The question got a lot of people talking, and they offered all sorts of suggestions. They had a lot of thoughts to share.

One said: “Yes you can cut them back to your boundary, as long as you don’t damage the plants. You have to offer to return anything you cut but, if they don’t want it, you need to dispose of them. You can’t throw them over the fence as it would be fly-tipping.”

Another added: “As others have said, you can cut anything which overhangs or comes onto your property. But note that you cannot kill any tree/plant which belongs to your neighbours.

“Example, if a trunk curved into your garden, you shouldn’t cut into that, as it could risk the whole tree.”

A third also replied: “You can cut overhanging branches etc. I’d offer back the clippings (as you must), but throwing them over the fence may create hostility.”

What are the rules?

While many people are right, you can actually cut back overhanging branches, there are rules you must follow to ensure you’re not causing any severe damage or breaking the law. However, it’s advised you speak with your neighbour before doing so to see if you can come to an agreement before taking action.

Regarding trimming hedges and trees, the UK government website states: “You can trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour’s property or a public road. You can only trim up to the property boundary.

“If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property. If you live in a conservation area, or the trees in the hedge are protected by a ‘tree preservation order’ (TPO), you might need your council’s permission to trim them.”

There are also a few other things you need to know. You shouldn’t step into or lean over onto your neighbour’s property to carry out the work without permission.

As well as this, the branches, leaves and fruit you cut off legally still belong to your neighbour. Therefore, you should offer to give them back to your neighbour first. If they don’t wish to keep them, you will be responsible for disposing of them.

You should also always check with your local council’s planning department before starting. If the tree is protected by a TPO, or is located in a conservation area, cutting it without prior written consent can be illegal and can carry hefty fines.

If you’re concerned about anything else, contact your council for further advice. They will be able to help assist you further, and more advice is available on the government website too.

Fans always get excited when the transfer window comes around.

Your team is linked with a big-name signing and you start to dream they could be the ones to lead your club to glory.

Tottenham fans might have felt this way a few years ago when they were strongly linked with a young, prolific striker from Nigeria by the name of Gift Orban.

They had every reason, on paper at least, to be excited.

In the summer of 2023, Orban, then 21, was regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the game.

After scoring 16 goals in 22 games for Norwegian top-flight side Stabaek, he moved to Belgian side Gent and continued his impressive goalscoring record, netting 20 times in 22 matches.

In a wild four-day period in March 2023, he scored seven goals in two matches. He got four in a 6–2 away league win over Zulte Waregem, becoming the first Gent player with a four-goal haul in one game in the 21st Century.

He then followed up with a quick-fire hat-trick in a 4–1 away victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in the Conference League last 16.

That hat-trick was completed within three minutes and 25 seconds, at the time a record in Uefa club competitions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump said he will order American forces to hold off on new strikes against Iran, claiming Mideast allies had reached the parameters of a deal to end the five-month old war.

The emerging deal “would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat,” Trump wrote in a Saturday evening social media post.

“Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL,” Trump said.

Israel agreed to join the U.S. in the commitment to try to complete the agreement with Iran that would bring about an end to the war, he added. Iran did not offer any immediate public reaction to the announcement.

Trump’s announcement marked another turn in the conflict a day after he had suggested the U.S. was close to resuming heavy military strikes to force Tehran to the negotiating table.

The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, starting a war that Trump said was aimed at destroying Tehran’s missile capabilities, preventing it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ending its support for allied armed groups. But the stated goals and timelines for the conflict have repeatedly shifted, and an earlier mid-June deal to stop the fighting crumbled within weeks.

Here are the most important developments in the Middle East today:

Saudis concerned about Iran retaliation

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto leader, spoke with Trump by phone Saturday and raised concerns about the U.S. potentially escalating the conflict with Iran, according to a person familiar with the leaders’ discussion. The call happened before Trump’s social media announcement.

The Saudis, according to the person briefed on the substance of the call but not authorized to comment publicly, are concerned that Tehran could respond with attacks on the energy infrastructure of the kingdom and other Gulf countries.

The crown prince sought clarity from Trump on what potential new action he was weighing to take against Iran, the person said.

A White House official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity, confirmed the leaders spoke Saturday but did not offer any detail.

Iran has repeatedly attacked vessels attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorization as part of its ongoing conflict with the U.S.

Elsewhere in the region

— The State Department issued new security alerts on Saturday urging U.S. citizens in the region to prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions. The warnings covered Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

___

Madhani reported from Washington.

WADDINXVEEN, Netherlands (AP) — Jeroen Wouda and Dirk Boom walk slowly along a Dutch dike, prodding at the bone dry surface with metal rods and scanning the parched grass for patches of green that could give away the location of a leak.

In a scene that brings to mind the fictional Dutch boy who heroically plugs a hole in a dike with his finger, the two men are hunting for cracks in the low-lying Netherlands’ famed water defenses caused a drought that is gripping Europe and has fueled raging wildfires in France and Spain and sent the Danube and Rhine rivers to record low levels.

Unlike the low-tech solution in American author Mary Mapes Dodge’s 19th-century story, modern dike patrols are able to plot possible problems caused by drought in an app and send it to authorities who can then quickly carry our repairs.

In the Netherlands and neighboring Germany cargo ships that ply the Rhine and its offshoots have been forced to carry significantly less freight or risk running aground in shallow navigation channels. Farmers facing restrictions on irrigating their crops are warning of smaller fruit harvests and rising prices this season.

And for some houseboat owners, the drought has left their water-borne homes resting on sandy river bed.

Checking dikes for damage

Peter van Duijvendijk is a flood defense manager at the Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard water corporation, one of 21 such organizations covering the Netherlands that are responsible for issues including flood control.

He has a team of 140 volunteers who are responsible for checking about 100 kilometers (60 miles) of dikes, reporting any problems they find. So far this dry summer there have not discovered any major issues. But they remain alert now and likely into the fall.

The volunteers “are our eyes and ears on the dike,” Van Duijvendijk told The Associated Press.

Like many inland dikes, the barrier in agricultural fields near the small town of Waddinxveen, east of The Hague, is made of peat that needs to be damp to be strong enough to hold back water. It is in one of the lowest points in the Netherlands, some 5 meters (16 feet) below sea level.

“Because it is so dry right now the peat loses moisture, and because of that it becomes weaker,” Van Duijvendijk said. “If that peat becomes weaker, then there is a chance that water will flow through the dike and that waterway will drain into the polder,” referring to reclaimed Dutch land.

Cargo traffic choked by low river levels

Europe’s major rivers face a lack of water flow.

In Cologne, Germany, people walk along parts of the dried-up bed of the Rhine, a river that is a major highway for European freight traffic.

On Saturday, the Rhine’s water level in Cologne dropped below the record low set in October 2018. Marcel Beck, manager of the western German ports of Neuss, Düsseldorf and Cologne at RheinCargo, a port and freight transport company, said the levels are having a “devastating impact” on shipping.

“A ship that would normally carry 2,000 to 2,500 metric tons of cargo can now only transport 400, perhaps 600, metric tons depending on the ship’s design,” he said. “This places an enormous burden on the entire transport chain to reorganize everything in order to still get the goods inland.”

In the eastern Dutch city of Nijmegen, a rusted bicycle and shopping cart are exposed on the dried bed of the Waal — the main Dutch arm of the Rhine — and houseboats are left almost high and dry by receding water.

“It’s a little out of level, it’s not a big problem,” said Schilte, who describes the drought as “the negative effect of climate change.”

Water levels are a Dutch dilemma

The Netherlands, about a third of which is below sea level, is involved in a balancing act between preventing winter floods and having enough water for crops and canals in the summer.

“Throughout the year, we have enough water in the Netherlands, there’s no shortage,” said Vince Kaandorp, a groundwater hydrologist at Deltares, an independent Dutch water research institute.

“But, of course, it is not evenly distributed over the seasons,” Kaandorp said. “In the winter we drain it away quickly because we want to keep our feet dry and we don’t want water on the land. How can you ensure that you do that slowly and give water time to sink into the ground?”

Such measures don’t have to be high-tech, Kaandorp said. Adding something as simple as a hedge near a river slows down water and gives it time to seep deep into the ground. Authorities are studying how to turn soil into “sponges” to better hold water throughout the year.

The low-lying parts of the western Netherlands that are reclaimed land suffer increasingly from salinity in droughts, posing problems for farmers who grow fruit and vegetables in the fertile soil. Water authorities trying to maintain adequate supplies of fresh water have banned farmers in some parts of the country from pumping water out of canals to irrigate their crops.

“It is an extremely challenging year for growers,” John Kusters, chair of the Netherlands Fruit Growers’ Organization, said in a statement.

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Associated Press journalists Ahmad Seir in Nijmegen, Netherlands, Daniel Niemann in Cologne, Germany, and Stefanie Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.