UK TRAVELLERS risk being stuck on planes after arriving at European airports once enhanced border checks are introduced, the boss of easyJet said.

Chief executive Johan Lundgren said airlines being unable to disembark passengers and others unable to board because of congested terminal buildings is a “worst case” consequence of the Entry/Exit System (EES).

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The new system is meant to be launching around November 10 but the EU has yet to confirm if this will actually happen with a further update is expected to be made on Thursday.

Under EES, travellers from non-EU countries such as the UK will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a biometric image of their eye taken.

This will register them on a database when they enter a member state, with the data stored for three years.

There are fears this will spark queues at EU airports, as well as the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel’s terminal in Folkestone and London’s St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys.

In an interview at the annual convention of travel trade organisation Abta in Costa Navarino, Greece, Mr Lundgren said it is possible EES will cause airport terminals to be congested with arriving passengers waiting to be processed, leaving no room for additional travellers.

“In the worst case you actually can’t disembark, you hold people on the plane,” Mr Lundgren warned.

He said: “We have to think about what can actually happen.”

Mr Lundgren predicted “there will be some disruption” from EES as “it is a new procedure”.

He called for the launch to be further delayed unless it is possible for travellers to pre-register before beginning their journeys.

He added:  “We have been clear – if the EU is not ready, change the date.”

A mobile app enabling this to happen is still being developed by the EU.

Neil Swanson, who was appointed UK and Ireland managing director for tour operator Tui last month, predicted there “could be some hiccups” with EES.

He has urged the Government to take more action to ensure holidaymakers are prepared.

He said: “We will absolutely be looking after our customers, we will be making sure they’re aware.

“But I think the Government should be doing a bit more as well to make sure that everyone’s aware of what the situation is.”

Worries about chaos at airports has seen travel association ABTA brief their members.

My view on what this means for your travel

Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in further on what EES will mean for you

SPEAKING to the bosses of easyJet and TUI at the ABTA travel convention this week, it was  obvious to me there is a huge frustration at the chaotic roll-out of the new EU Entry Exit System.

Delayed multiple times, it was meant to be launching on November 10 but even that is not yet confirmed.

In recent weeks, France, Germany and the Netherlands all indicated they were not ready to launch the new system.

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Airports, ferry terminals and the entire travel industry are desperate for clarity. They’ve invested millions in new infrastructure, they want to put plans in place to counter any disruption that could inevitably happen. 

An app to allow visitors to pre-register their details before they even get to a border was meant to launch at the same time as the new system.

Yet it seems the app itself will not be ready until next summer.

EasyJet boss Johan told me: “We should have had the ability to do pre-registration from the very start of the new system.”

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And the chaos isn’t helped by the fact that individual EU member states are all interpreting the new system in different ways.

What British travellers – and the industry as a whole – need is a clear indication of when the ESS will start and just how it will work.

 Chief executive Mark Tanzer said:  “It’s frustrating that there will be delays for customers. Nobody wants that.

“Because we haven’t had a clear date for when this is going to commence, we haven’t really been able to start detailed communication yet.”

His views were echoed by ABTA’s director of public affairs, Luke Petherbrige, who felt that the constant delays and changing of dates has led to confusion for holidaymakers.

 He said: “There  is still a fair way to go before the majority of travellers fully understand how the new EU Entry/Exit System will change their passport control experience when travelling to Europe.

“That’s perhaps unsurprising given that we’re waiting for official confirmation of when the scheme will go live. It’s difficult to talk to a customer about a new system without knowing if it will actually be in place for their holiday.

“So, we are urging the EU to provide clarity on when EES will go live, and to make sure the changes are clearly communicated to consumers.

In August, the Department for Transport announced £10.5 million of funding for UK ports where juxtaposed border checks are conducted to support new facilities and technology to deal with EES.

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WINTER sun seekers will soon have another destination to explore, as TUI adds Enfidha to its list of destinations taking off from London Stansted next year.

The picturesque hilltop town, which has views of both the Meditterranean sea and the Djebel Zaghouan mountain, can be reached in just over three hours from the UK.

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Thanks to its location, there is barely ever a cause to wear a coat in the region.

Autumn sees highs of 33C and even in mid-winter temperatures hit 18-19C.

Dubbed the “budget-friendly St Tropez”, Tunisia is an ideal spot for a pocket-friendly getaway, with the country known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, unique cuisine and being easy on the wallet – and Enfidha is certainly no exception.

Located in the north eastern part of the country, the quaint town is home to Enfidha is home to the Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, which serves as a gateway for travellers visiting the region.

The town is home to traditional architecture, busy markets and local cuisine.

Couscous is a staple in Tunisia as is Brik, a crunchy, flaky, pastry dish served with savoury fillings.

Nearby beaches have also been praised by visitors, including Madfoun Beach, which is home to white sand and crystal-clear waters.

There aren’t many hotels in Enfidha but there are more options in neighbouring Hergla, where rooms at four-star hotels start from £43 per night.

Hergla is a 30-minute drive from Enfidha and is one of the smaller cities on the coastline.

Enfidha is also a good base for exploring other tourist hotspots in the area, including Sousse.

Sousse is a 45-minute drive from Enfidha, and it can also be reached on a local train service that takes just over an hour.

The once-popular tourist hotspot has plenty to keep visitors entertained like the Medina of Sousse, a busy market that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the winding narrow streets, holidaymakers can buy local souvenirs such as crafts, spices and textiles.

Other attractions in Sousse include its Ribat, an impressive fortress that dates back to the 8th century.

There’s also the Great Mosque of Sousse, Sousse Archaeological Museum and Dar Essid Museum.

Sousse has 13 beaches, many of which have white sand and crystal-clear waters like Boujaffar Beach.

Stretching for 10km, Boujaffar Beach is a family-friendly spot thanks to the ice cream vendors and beach shacks that line its shores.

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Also reachable from Enfidha is Port El-Kantaoui, a purpose-built tourist complex with a marina, golf courses, and a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.

For holidaymakers who are after a little bit more of the local culture, El Jem Amphitheatre is a 70-minute drive from Enfidha.

The El Jem Amphitheatre is one of the most impressive Roman ruins in Africa.

As the highest point in eastern Tunisia, Parc National Djebel Zaghouan is another day trip option from Enfidha.

Until TUI launches its flights from London Stansted to Enfidha, several other airlines currently operate flights to the Tunisian town.

Direct services already run from Bristol, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Belfast, Glasgow and Birmingham.

Return fares in December start from £41, with flights taking just over three hours.

Along with the likes of Egypt and Morocco, Tunisia was once one of the most popular winter sun destinations.

However, this changed in 2015 after 38 people, 30 of which were Brits, were killed following a terror attack at the beach resort of Sousse.

Travel to Tunisia was advised against by the UK government.

The ban was subsequently lifted in 2018, with flights and holiday packages resuming.

And while the Foreign Office deems the majority of beach resorts safe to visit, the return to Tunisia holidays has been slow.

In the last few months, a number of UK airlines, including both TUI and easyJet, have relaunched flights to Enfidha.

What else do I need to know about Tunisia?

The local currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), with £10 equaling about 38 TND, while certain holiday resorts also accept dollars and euros.

Make sure to swap every dinar back before you leave because taking them outside of the country is forbidden.

Although Arabic is Tunisia’s official language, the majority of the staff in the holiday resorts will also speak English.

Tourist numbers plummeted after a terrorist attack in Tunisia in 2015, but now the UK government no longer warns against travel to the holiday resorts.

However, it still advises against travelling to locations near the Chaambi Mountains National Park, Dhehiba, and the Libyan and Algerian border.

The newest easyJet flights were launched earlier this year, from Glasgow to Enfidha in Tunisia.

If you want a package holiday, you can find cheap deals for that too with all-inclusives under £300.

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A CITY in Germany is dubbed ‘Christmas city’ because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets – and it’s easy to get to from the UK.

Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, is considered one of the best places in the world to visit when it comes to Christmas.

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Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town, is one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in the world.

The market features traditional, handmade decorations and treats like gingerbread.

The history of Nuremberg gingerbread dates back to the 14th century when Frankonian monks baked honey cakes. 

The city’s location at the centre of European spice trading routes led to the addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg to the recipe.

You’ll also find bratwurst at the market, another food with a deep rooted history in the city.

The first written record of bratwurst in Germany is from Nuremberg in 1313. 

The market’s location also adds to its Christmassy feel.

Its festively decorated lanes are set against the historic architecture of the Hauptmarkt square.

And if you walk up the steps of the Church of Our Lady you can catch a great view of the market’s stalls and lights.

For children, there’s a children’s Christmas market in the city known as Kinderweihnacht.

Located right next to the Christkindlesmarkt, there’s a two-tiered merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel, and a steam railway.

Outside of the markets the city continues to ooze all things Christmas.

The city is decorated with twinkling lights, and, if you’re lucky, you might see snow falling on the roofs of the century-old houses.

Imperial Castle in Nuremberg is a great place to visit during the Christmas season.

It’s perched on a sandstone ridge and offers stunning views of the medieval city below.

The Schoner Brunnen is located in Nuremberg’s main market square is also decorated for Christmas time.

The fountain has a small golden ring on the black grille that people turn three times for good luck. 

Some say that if you turn the ring, you will return to Nuremberg, while others say it will bring you good luck.

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt usually starts on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent and ends on Christmas Eve.

This year, the market will be open from November 29 to December 24.

Ryanair offers direct flights to Nuremberg from London Stansted Airport, starting from £43 for one way.

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Images courtesy of @puntodos_studio

From JustLuxe Content Partner MensGear

Un Hospedaje en el Pigüe, or A Lodging in the Pigüe by Mestizo Estudio Arquitectura, is a tranquil retreat in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It perches horizontally over a southeast ravine situated on a 2.5-hectare family-owned lot near the village of El Calvario in the Pastaza province of Ecuador.

The lodge is a blend of industrial and organic materials. It perches on the slope via repurposed metal pipes from the oil industry. It also uses wire mesh, rods, and natural elements of wood, stone, and bamboo, seamlessly blending with its surrounding wildlife. Meanwhile, the large living Pigüe tree integrated into the structure allows it to harmonize with the dense rainforest.

A Lodging in the Pigüe features a facade made of recycled materials. Its main wall consists of a welded wire mesh formwork filled with broken rocks or stones. Bamboo and wood cover the ceilings, and glass panels separate communal and private areas. These expansive glazing also allow natural light inside while offering a fully immersive experience of the natural Amazonian environment.

Meanwhile, its extended roof protects against heavy rains and winds. The pilings of recycled pipes also protect the structure from moisture and enable the installation of biofilters for wastewater treatment. The space created below the lodge offers natural vegetation regeneration that also helps stabilize the slopy terrain.

Aside from the open deck, A Lodging in the Pigüe has a cantilevered netted seating area outside. Here, guests can lounge and thoroughly soak in their surroundings. This place is designed to offer rest with direct interaction with its natural habitat.

Learn More Here

More From MensGear:

CHRISTMAS is a magical time of year and one of the best ways to get into the festivals spirit is to see a light show. 

There are many stunning light shows across England from Kew Gardens in London to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

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Some even serve festive treats including mulled wine and gingerbread men to help you get into the fun of the season. 

Here are the eight best Christmas Light shows in England.

Kew Gardens, London

When Christmas arrives, Kew Gardens is lit up with more than a million bulbs.

It’s an entirely new way to see the 320 acre attraction which is home to over 16,000 species of plants. 

The Gardens are bathed in warm, colourful light and the trail is lined with thousands of candles, holographic laser beams and canopies of fairy lights. 

Visiting Kew Gardens doesn’t have to break the bank either, as ticket prices range from £21.50 for members at off-peak times to £26 at peak times. 

For non-members, it is a little bit more expensive with off-peak tickets costing £25.50 and peak tickets costing £32. 

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Blenhein Palace, Oxfordshire

The grounds at Blenhein Palace are already so beautiful that they have been used in Harry Potter, James Bond and Indiana Jones, but Christmas there is really something special.

There are thousands of illuminated lights transforming the historic building and grounds into a winter wonderland.

Kids will love the Neverland in the palace experience, which gives them the opportunity to explore the sparkling State rooms, complete with a model London skyline

Also, £1 will be added at basket stage for each Everland in the Palace ticket to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. 

Longleat, Bristol

Bristol is home to the beautiful Longleat House which opens its gates for visitors to welcome them to its annual Festival of Light. 

The grounds, which are home to one of the UK’s most exciting safari parks, will turn back the clock and take visitors on a journey from the dawn of man to the present day. 

But that’s not all because this light show has a Santa train to meet Father Christmas and his elves.

The festival of light runs from November 9, 2024 to January 5, 2025.

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Oxford Street and Regent Street

Oxford Street and Regent Street are some of the busiest streets in Europe and they are both home to some of England’s best light displays every Christmas.

Both streets have over 300,000 LED lights which provide great photo opportunities while you do some Christmas shopping. 

Regent Street has huge angels of light spanning across the entire street and Oxford Street is draped in over 5000 white stars. 

Oxford Street will be lighting up from November 5, 2024, and Regent Street will follow suit just two days later. 

Killerton, Exeter

Christmas at Killerton will feature a traditional Christmas experience that includes an enchanted decorated house, which has green garlands, warming fireplaces and lush trees to make you feel cosy.

There is more fun to be had in the garden, which has an outdoor trail for the kid’s to enjoy.

The gardens and Chapel grounds will be covered in Christmas lights, making it the best location for a Christmas family photo so dress to impress.

Christmas at Killerton will run from November 26, 2024 to January 2, 2025.

Bedgebury, Kent

Bedgebury is home to a one-mile magical winter trail which has fields of light and giant luminous seed pods.

Then, you’ll walk through sparkling tunnels of light and the forest is drenched in all of the colours of the rainbow.

It’s perfect for a little Christmas warmth on a cold December day.

Christmas at Bedgebury runs from November 14, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

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Mayfield park, Manchester

The Twilight Trail transforms Mayfield Park into a 6.5 acre Christmas extravaganza with 50,000 lights.

From hot chocolate to toasted marshmellows, there is plenty to eat and drink as they wander through the winter wonderland.

Tickets are now on sale. Adult tickets priced at £14 and child tickets are £9, with under two-year-old’s gaining free entry.

The Twilight Trail runs from November 14, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

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Liverpool Cathedral

The Light Before Christmas 2024: Starlight is an immersive sound and light installation by the acclaimed artistic collective Luxmuralis, in one of the most historic cities in England.

The cathedral will become a stunning display of sound, light and story telling but it only runs for one day so you’ll need to hurry to get tickets.

Head on to Liverpool to catch The Light Before Christmas when takes place on November 30, 2024.