ISRAEL has been in conflict with Hamas since it was attacked on October 7, 2023, but now tensions have been raised even higher in the region.

The threat of greater conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah has cast doubts about whether UK nationals should be travelling to Israel. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Is it safe to fly to Israel right now?

Several flight companies, including easyJet, have stopped flights to Tel Aviv in light of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. 

“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting customers to advise them of their travel options.”

Ryanair has cancelled flights to Israel until at least October 26 while easyJet has cancelled them until March 2025.

United Airlines has cancelled all flights to Israel until further notice, while American Airlines has cancelled them until at least March 2025.

On September 17 and 18, 2024, thousands of pagers and hundreds of walkie talkies belonging to members of Hezbollah exploded. 

Several sources blamed this on Israel, who sent strikes into Lebanon in the following days. 

As a result of this increased tension, travel against Israel is not considered completely safe. 

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What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Israel?

The UK government has advised travellers against travelling to Israel, due to conflict in the region. 

This includes travel to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with Hezbollah launching a missile at Tel Aviv on September 25, 2024. 

The missile was intercepted by the IDF. 

Even before this event, the UK Foreign Office has warned against the threat of exchanged rocket fire between the two countries. 

The website currently warns: “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

Do I need to cancel my flight to Israel?

As mentioned, several flight companies have already cancelled flights to Israel. 

If your flights are still planned to go ahead, you should get in touch with your airline or tour operator about your options if you want to cancel your flight.

CYPRUS is a popular holiday destination with Brits looking for an affordable winter sun break.

However, the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has raised concerns due to its proximity to the island.

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Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?

The UK Foreign Office has not issued any warnings against traveling to Cyprus. 

However, it has warned that protests can occur quickly and suddenly on the island.

It also does not acknowledge the “the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and has noted that it may be difficult for the UK to offer consular support in the region.

What is currently happening in Cyprus?

Tensions between Lebanon and Israel were intensified when Hezbollah voiced anger at Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks.

The situation worsened on September 17 and 18, 2024, after thousands of pagers and hundreds of walkie-talkies belonging to members of Hezbollah simultaneously exploded. 

Several sources have suggested this attack was perpetrated by Israel.

Since then, Keir Starmer has said UK nationals in Lebanon need to be evacuated to Cyprus in case of further conflict.

Cyprus is home to two UK sovereign base areas named Akrotiri and Dhekelia. 

The island is 293 miles from Israel and 180 miles from Lebanon. 

This makes the island very significant for the UK’s and its allies’ operations in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East. 

On June 19, 2024, the leader of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that Cyprus could come under attack if it allowed its airbases to be used against Hezbollah. 

However, Cyprus’s president Nikos Christodoulides has denied Cyprus’ involvement in any conflict and the UK Foreign Office maintains that travelling to Cyprus is safe.

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Should I cancel my holiday to Cyprus?

With no travel warnings currently in place, it is not advised to cancel your stay on the island.

Anyone with a trip booked is unlikely to get a refund for their trip unless the UK government advises against travel.

If you are nervous about your vacation, then you should contact your tour operator instead, as you may be able to move your dates instead.

What do you need to travel to Cyprus?

You can travel to Cyprus without a visa for 90 days. 

However, you must remember your passport that is comfortably in date.

You may also need to be able to produce your ticket and return ticket, as well as proof that you have enough money for your stay. 

A TOWN in the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt has a lot to offer when it comes to a winter break.

El Gouna, also known as ‘Venice of the Red Sea’, is a popular place to head if you want beautiful beaches and water sports to be a part of your holiday.

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Its hot temperatures, cheap flights, and affordable five-star hotels are also reasons why at this time of year it’s a good place to visit.

Temperatures in El Gouna reach over 30C in September and October. And while it cools down during the winter months, you can still expect highs of 24C.

The town has lots of sandy beaches, lagoons and coral reefs, with many of them considered quiet and relaxing.

Zeytuna Beach is one of its quietest beaches, located on its own island just off of El Gouna, with scenic views of the Red Sea.

Many of the hotels offer ferry rides over for guests to enjoy a day there.

For those who like water sports, El Gouna is considered one of the world’s best kitesurfing spots, due to its shallow waters, consistent winds, and year-round sunshine.

The lagoons in particular are ideal for this.

For nature lovers, there are many ways to go wildlife spotting in the town, including bird watching, boat tours and nature walks.

Abydos Lagoon is a mangrove lagoon at the south end of El Gouna where shorebirds feed at low tide and winter gulls can be seen at high tide.

Mangrove Lagoon next to Abydos Marina is a good place to explore on foot, with mangrove and scrubby areas, and gardens.

El Gouna also has lots of highly-rated hotels, including luxury hotels offering affordable stays.

Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is a 5* hotel with a private beach, three outdoor pools, and plenty of activities, with bikes to hire and two outdoor tennis courts.

Prices for a one night stay for two adults start from just £85.

CREEK Hotel & Residences El Gouna is another 5* hotel offering exceptional room rates.

The hotel offers a horizon pool with an infinity view, a lagoon for swimming, a gym, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Prices start from just £69 a night.

The best way to get to El Gouna is to fly to Hurghada Airport.

During November, December and January, flights to Hurghada from London Gatwick are just £94.64 from easyJet.

From the airport, El Gouna is just over a half an hour drive away.

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A high/low vibe appeals at Tomales Bay’s newish Lodge at Marconi. Admittedly mostly high, the coastal retreat’s ambiance and amenities are ideal for those who like their fleece with a bit of Frette. Akin to elevated glamping, a stay here affords easy access to the wonders of West Marin, a region known for its abundant natural beauty and for its culinary and artistic communities. 

Managed by Oliver Hospitality, Lodge at Marconi perches atop forested hills that overlook picturesque bay waters. Its 62 sprawling acres were originally developed in 1914 by namesake Guglielmo Marconi as a radio receiving station. Marconi, often credited as the inventor of radio, is paid homage with a lobby display of antique radio equipment. In the 1960’s, the site became home to the controversial “alternative lifestyle community” Synanon. But any signs of a sinister past have been erased, save for a few Synanon community-made tiles. More recently, the property served as Marconi Conference Center, hosting corporate retreats, conferences, and weddings. 

The hotel’s lobby is a gathering spot for complimentary morning coffee and pastries

After a multi-million-dollar, 17-month-long renovation, Lodge at Marconi opened about a year ago. 45 guestrooms and suites of varying size and layout encircle a large Adirondack-chair-lined fire pit. The grounds suggest “family camp,” yet every accommodation features plush linens, Matouk robes, Frette slippers, plant-based Born Bathing bath products, refillable Path water bottles, and coffee/tea kettles. A no television policy furthers the camp vibe; the lack of distraction encourages communal pursuits such as cornhole and conversation. But if TV is a must, one can be found in the lobby’s game room where a fire flickers on cooler days and nights. 

A lobby adjacent game room features…games, and the Lodge’s only television

The entire aesthetic was spearheaded by New York-based design studio Home Studios, its team of which was inspired by the inventive spirit of Guglielmo, as well as the region’s splendor. Guestrooms and common spaces feature custom furnishings, organic materials, a saturated color scheme, and wall cube art inspired by the style of Stuart Arends, painted in colors pulled from the local landscape. Cedar paneling, artful Bay-area made Heath Ceramics tiles, and ample millwork further define a 70’s-esque ethos. 

In the lobby area, you’ll find thoughtful amenities such as complimentary morning coffee (from a local roaster, natch), delicious pastries, fruit, and a water filling station with both sparkling and still. (Crafted espresso drinks are also available for purchase.) A small grab-and-go market features a highly curated assortment of locally sourced, artisanal snacks and wines; a kitchenette offers a microwave and toaster station for guests’ convenience. And gift giving is made easy with the lobby’s display of quality logoed-goods. 

Lodge at Marconi King Suite

Lodge at Marconi Deluxe Double Queen Loft guest room

The lodge’s newest addition is Mable’s Restaurant and Patio, boasting a spacious indoor dining room, a striking full bar with a robust beverage program, and a 1,300-square-foot wrap-around patio overlooking the surrounding nature and shimmering Tomales Bay waters. Guests at Mable’s can enjoy a vast array of Mediterranean-inspired entrees (including vegetarian and vegan options), with a focus on inventive snacks, shareable plates of dips and spreads, salads, and veggies—all conceived and led by Executive Chef Les Goodman, who brings 25+ years of culinary experience to the new space. Just like the Lodge, Mable’s is fully committed to sustainable practices within their operations, from sustainable farming, to shortening supply chain, to minimizing food waste, and sourcing ingredients from local and organic producers.

The dining room, Mable’s Restaurant and Patio

And though there’s plenty on the Mable’s menu to entice for multiple meals, guests will want to check-out historic and iconic Nick’s Cove, a local institution just a 10 minute drive north. Originally a fishing lodge that dates to the 1930s, Nick’s Cove offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding landscape and is known for its excellent seafood, particularly its oysters. The menu is led by Chef Chris Cosentino, well-known for winning Top Chef Masters, as a competitor on The Next Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, and for his legendary restaurants in the Bay Area and beyond. Cosentino grew up clamming and fishing in the coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, making his collaboration with Nick’s Cove more than serendipitous. 

Lodge at Marconi trails lead to spectacular views of Tomales Bay. Photo by Fran Miller

With its miles of hillside hiking trails leading to spectacular vistas, there’s plenty to do on the Lodge at Marconi property, but you’d be remiss not to strike out in exploration of the bucolic region. West Marin is home to an abundance of cultural riches. Lodge staff can arrange for local activities such as: Tour & Tasting at West Marin Culture Shop whereby guests can learn the art of fermenting, a Farm Tour & Tasting at the iconic Hog Island Oyster Co., a bioluminescence kayak tour of Tomales Bay with Blue Water Kayak, a dairy and cheesemaking tour and tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., a fungi ID hike with Dream Farm Mushroom, wildlife field tracking at nearby Limantour Beach, an olive tour and tasting at McEvoy Ranch, and a historical walking tour of Downtown Point Reyes Station. 

Whether your hospitality preference is high (a glass of quality Cab enjoyed with a view, perhaps) or low (s’more’s by the firepit), Lodge at Marconi rewards with total relaxation.  

Photos courtesy of Lodge at Marconi, except where noted