A FLIGHT attendant has revealed the packable item she swears by on a flight.

Although blankets are sometimes provided by airlines, Lori Thompson said it’s always worth taking your own.

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She said: “I have always had a packable blanket with me for those chilly flights.

“These are nice to have in case there is not a blanket available.”

Lori, who works for Delta Air Lines, also recommended taking a portable mini humidifier.

She told Thrillist: “Our hotel rooms can be rather dry, and after traveling a mini humidifier adds much needed moisture to the air.

“This item is small and all you need is a glass or bottle of water.

“Feel free to add a drop or two of essential oils to freshen the air.”

Meanwhile, other travelling experts also revealed their plane essentials.

Ben Whatman, who works for Air New Zealand, suggested a specific spot treatment – the Origins Super Spot Remover.

He said: “This is an absolute miracle product, I swear by this!

“I always keep one in my cabin bag—if I see a little spot or pimple appear, this will get rid of it in no time at all.”

The jet-setter also recommended the Kiehl’s Lip Balm, to combat dehydrated lips on long-haul flights.

Certified dermatologist Dr Hadley King warned flyers to take an SPF on board, as UV light can penetrate aeroplane windows.

And frequent flyer Annie Tan suggested an inflatable neck pillow, to help you fall asleep.

The advice comes as another expert, Gregor Milne, warned flyers to watch out for hidden boxes under the seat in front while booking tickets – as these can cut out precious leg room.

He said: “On some long-haul aircraft, six out of 10 economy class seats are affected by these boxes.”

A DUBAI travel expert has revealed how to save money on restaurants and bars – plus how to find the best hidden gems.

Dubai is a luxurious travel destination in the United Arab Emirates, boasting both architectural masterpieces and sandy beaches.

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The scorching temperatures of up to 43 degrees in the summer months may deter tourists until the winter as temperatures drop to a milder 24 degrees.

But waiting with the crowd to then push through them in the winter months can make hidden gem discoveries a bit more difficult.

Luckily, an exclusive guide to Dubai’s hidden gems has already been created by top Dubai Travel Experts.

Anuja Bhagat, Marketing Manager at Away Holidays says: “With this insider’s guide from our Dubai Travel Expert, travellers can experience Dubai beyond the typical tourist spots, discovering hidden gems and experiencing the city through a local lens.

“For those looking to book a holiday to Dubai, we have a variety of packages to choose from, catered to a variety of interests and budgets.”

Where are the hidden gems?

Dubai Travel Expert, Neela Goyal suggests visiting Alserkal Avenue.

It’s both a cultural landmark and arts hub in Al Quoz, with art galleries, indie cafes, and creative workshops.

Meanwhile, hidden in the winding lanes of AI Fahidi Historical District is the Coffee Museum.

It offers an escape from the crowd and is a place where visitors can relax and learn about the roasting and brewing styles of coffee.

Continuing with cultural recommendations is Dubai’s Heritage Village near Dubai Creek.

The area is free to visit and you will be able to experience traditional markets, or visit mosques such as Jumeirah Mosque – open to non-Muslim visitors.

Experts also recommend the Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai where visitors can dine in and experience theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, conferences or exhibitions.

Or visit the Dubai Museum, based in Al Fahidi Fort, also the oldest existing building in Dubai, showcases traditional emirate life.

Moving onto outdoorsy recommendations, is the Ras AI Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, it’s free of charge, and home to a large number of flamingos

AI Qudra Lakes is great to visit in the winter months as it’s all vast desert land – surrounded by artificial lakes.

It’s hard to believe you are near one of the biggest cities in the world when you visit this surreal landscape.

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How do I save money?

To get buy-one-get-one-free deals on dining, attractions, and other activities, experts suggest downloading the Entertainer App.

It could be a great way to save money if you are keen to immerse yourself in Dubai.

Another suggestion, is to keep an eye out for happy-hour deals.

Traditional market places can be wallet friendly too – plus spending money on them can keep independent businesses afloat.

Some of these recommendations include the Gold Souk and Spice Souk both situated in Dubai’s business district, Deir.

Look out for Mandi, Khuzi, Falafel, and fresh juices in these traditional Emirati street food markets too.

Another big way to save money is avoid taxis.

Instead, experts suggest using the Dubai Metro.

It’s a quick and easy metro service and you can spend the spare change on more recommendations. from this guide.

THE World’s Most Travelled Man, who’s logged over 31,000 hours in the air, has revealed the two European destinations he isn’t a fan of.

And it’s bad news for fans of a cheap holiday to Bulgaria or Spain.

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Fred Finn, 84, is recognised by the Guinness World Records for the title – one he’s held since 1983.

One place he said he didn’t have a good time in is Bulgaria because of a bad experience he encountered there when he visited.

He told Sun Travel: “I got ripped off there very badly. They copied my credit card and I lost £600.

“It was a very expensive dinner…. things like that put you off from going back.

“I’m sure now I’ll get friends telling me I’m wrong. Its my own opinion, that’s all.”

The Sun’s Jonathon Samuels recently visited the capital Sofia, and said it may not have the “pizzazz of Paris or romance of Rome but does have charm and history”.

Another place Fred isn’t in a rush to go back to is Spain.

He explained: “I think parts of Spain have become over crowded.

“There are some good parts to the country, such as the Spanish islands, for example.

“But again, you’ve got to choose which one very carefully – with a lot of them, Brits just go to the bars there to drink.

“I think, ‘Why do they go on holiday then?’”

There is one place he raves about that he says Brits should stop overlooking – the country of Georgia.

He said: “People don’t really know about Georgia. Kutaisi has tremendous history and Batumi on the coast is like the Monaco of the Black Sea.

“The food is good, the dancing they do is fantastic. It’s got the highest mountain in Europe, it’s got villages and lakes. It’s also very hospitable there.

“And it’s the oldest wine producing country in the world, they’ve been doing it 5,000 years.

Fred, born in Canterbury, started flying as young as 13, although his millions of miles racked up when he joined a major American corporation.

Why you should visit Georgia in 2025

AIRLINES British Airways and easyJet are launching direct flights from the UK to Tbilisi for next year, making it the place to visit.

The British Airways service will take off every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from London Heathrow.

EasyJet’s new route from London Luton to Tbilisi will take flight just two days later on April 1, 2025.

By and large, Tbilisi is a pretty inexpensive city to visit, with bargain hotel rooms from £34, based on two people sharing a room.

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Overnight stays are even cheaper if you’re prepared to bunk in a hostel dorm, with beds for just £6 and private rooms for £10.

A new international airport could be built in Tbilisi, according to the country’s prime minister.

The new airport will increase passenger flow and boost the country’s economy by $129.65million over the next few years.

Over the years, he says he has flown 15 million miles in the air, including a record 718 flights on Concorde.

When it comes to his favourite airline, British Airways is his top carrier.

He said: “I’ve flown with British Airways more than anyone. By a long shot, I don’t think it’s the best airline in the world, because it doesn’t have the money to compete with Etihad, Qatar and Singapore Airlines.

“But British Airways is like a pair of old slippers for me, they’re actually very comfortable, you know what they look like, and you know what they’re going to do.

“I like the colour scheme, it’s restful, and it’s comfortable.

“Usually when I’m on a flight they announce ‘we’ve got a guy on board that has flown more than the whole crew put together’.

“That kind of thing goes on, which is good.”

Fred has now written a book called Sonic Boom where he shares the incredible journeys he’s undertaken over the years, as well as the evolution of commercial aviation and its impact on global culture.

The book is available for pre-order now here.

Former Chief Pilot and Director of British Airways, Al Bridger has shared how food on flights has changed through the years in his book Flavour of Flight: The Food and Drink of British Airways.

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THE energy is high as my fellow party-goers, dressed in blinging club gear, and with their faces covered in glitter, fling their hands towards the sky.

Club classics are echoing around the room while powerhouse singers belt out melodies and podium dancers twist their bodies in time to the music.

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This could easily be a thumping club night in Ibiza, but instead of heavy beats in a warehouse, we’re listening to club tunes played by stringed instruments and saxophones in a countryside setting.

I’m at Warner Leisure’s Heythrop Park for an Ibiza Sunsets break that proves you really don’t need to fork out on flights to the White Isle to party like you’re there.

For this weekend, the Oxfordshire countryside retreat was hosting DJ sets from dance aficionados Dave Pearce and Vernon Kay, reimagined anthems from 16-piece orchestra Ibiza In Symphony, and even an old-school neon party, complete with glow sticks.

Heythrop Park, a Grade II-listed former stately home, is more reminiscent of Downton Abbey than the super-clubs of San Antonio.

Although the musical welcome from a saxophonist immediately conjured up memories of the party island.

I was staying in a spacious superior room with large windows offering amazing views of the parkland and countryside setting — a little different to the seaside surroundings of many Ibiza hotels.

A more typical Warner weekend is usually itinerary-led and packed with activities, but an Ibiza Sunsets break is a more chilled affair.

There is evening entertainment spread across the three-day weekend, including DJ sets inspired by legendary San Antonio nightspot Cafe Mambo.

But the rest of the time can be spent at leisure, taking advantage of activities such as archery and clay pigeon shooting or yoga.

The first day involved a peaceful stroll around the grounds where I stumbled across a silent disco in full swing in the beach club-like Moroccan Garden.

We were ushered to join in with the stomping feet, but it turned out to be just as much fun watching the crowd quietly cutting some shapes.

With all that partying, there’s bound to be a few sore feet — and heads — so when you’re not swaying to melodies, you can fill your time with a visit to the onsite spa.

I opted for a dip in the pool and a sauna for as long as I could withstand the heat, before heading to the outside hot tubs.

Unusually for British summer time, the weather was glorious when I visited.

And without a cloud in the sky, I could almost believe I was in the Balearics.

For those in need of real TLC, optional extras at the spa include facials, mud wraps and reflexology treatments.

Stomping feet

I’d booked in for a Drift Away full-body massage which certainly eased my aching limbs and put me into a zen-like state.

Ibiza Sunsets packages include breakfasts and three-course dinners, so you will never go hungry.

The hotel’s poshest restaurant, Brasserie 32, serves refined pub fare including fish pies, beef short rib and risottos.

Or there’s the Market Kitchen, a buffet-style restaurant in the pretty orangery.

I ate there on my final evening and was serenaded by a flamenco guitarist.

Outside of the main restaurants, visitors can party the nights away in the Late Lounge bar which got everyone on their feet dancing to anthems during my stay.

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If you prefer a more cosy atmosphere, the resort’s pub, The Travelling Duke, serves spirits, ales and ciders as well as steaks, and fish and chip dinners.

With the sun still beating down, it seemed rude not to have a drink outside on the terrace where a DJ was playing chilled Ibiza sounds that channelled the energy of the famous sunset sessions at Cafe Del Mar.

Then it was time for the final evening event — the one we had all been waiting for — as celebrated dance DJs Dave and Vernon took to the decks to transport us back 30 years to the Nineties.

And they certainly didn’t disappoint!

The Late Lounge erupted to the exhilarating sounds of Robert Miles, Darude, Faithless and many more, amid an atmosphere that could only be described as electric.

I couldn’t have been more grateful for my ultra-comfy bed at the end of the night.

Partying that hard in your fifties can be exhausting, but not when you have access to Heythrop’s plush facilities.

I could get used to this.