NEW holiday advice has been issued for Brits heading to a number of winter sun hotspots.

The UK Foreign Office has updated the travel advice for destinations such as Egypt and Morocco.

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Updated on September 29, more than 17 countries have a new warning in place following Israel’s bombing of Lebanon.

The current travel advice states: “Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

“Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.”

Lebanon currently borders Syria and Israel, although is also near to Cyprus and Egypt.

Along with Egypt and Morocco, the travel advice is also in place for the UAE, where Brits often visit to holiday in Dubai.

Other destinations include Tunisia, Jordan, Oman and Qatar.

Both Egypt and Morocco are popular destinations with Brits seeking some warmer weather in winter.

Egypt’s Hurghada often has affordable deals in November and December as well as temperatures over 25C.

Morocco is also one of the cheapest places in Africa to visit, while Dubai is one of the hotter destinations to visit to escape the UK’s cold.

The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travel to these countries, apart from a few small areas including the borders.

Brits should still check the travel advice before they visit any of the countries with the warning in place.

If the advice updates to advising against all travel, tour operators will issue full refunds for anyone with holidays booked.

If you cancel a trip yourself without a travel warning in place, you are unlikely to get any money back.

Here’s everything you need to know about travelling to Cyprus as well, regarding the Israel-Lebanon conflict.

Airlines have already been forced to divert their routes to avoid flying over the Middle East.

Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are now flying over Egypt to avoid flying over Israel.

This means flights to Asia and Australia are now taking longer.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

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If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

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When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

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Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

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If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

And Qantas has been forced to suspend its Perth-London direct route – one of the longest in the world – due to the situation in the Middle Wast.

Passengers now have to change at Changi Airport in Singapore.

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The Inn at Stonecliffe offers luxury, and a step back in time. Photo by Fran Miller

Mackinac Island has long captured my imagination. Through the decades, tales and images of the auto-free Michigan vacation destination within Lake Huron ignited a curiosity that I hoped would one day be satisfied with a visit. Fudge! Horses! Bikes! History! Americana kitsch! I yearned to experience all of it. My travels recently led me to this idyllic haven, and it was everything I imagined it might be—and more, thanks to the gracious hospitality at The Inn at Stonecliffe. 

The well-known and stately Grand Hotel might be Mackinac Island’s hospitality icon, but it is the newly reimagined The Inn at Stonecliffe that is commanding the attention of locals and visitors. Itself iconic, and a historic property originally built in 1904 as a private lakeside estate, Stonecliffe recently reopened after a two year, $40-milion renovation, and its 15 acres are spectacular. 

Entrance, The Inn at Stonecliffe. Photo by Fran Miller

The Stonecliffe experience begins with a 45 minute horse-drawn carriage ride from the island’s ferry dock to the resort. The rhythmic clippity-clop of horse hooves is surely Mackinac Island’s soundtrack; modes of transport here are horse and bicycle, the two images of which grace the souvenir t-shirts and hoodies sold within the many boutiques along bustling Main St. The island’s long-standing auto ban was first enacted in 1898, and it has held steady since, serving to preserve the island’s natural beauty and timeless charm. For this California girl, where parched landscapes dominate, the carriage ride through lush green forests to Stonecliffe’s vast front lawn entrance captivated. Verdant lawn, during summer? How novel. 

Horse-drawn carriage is the transport mode on Mackinac Island. Photo by Fran Miller

Hammocks and Adirondack chairs grace Stonecliffe’s green entry expanse, beckoning guests to relax and enjoy the quietude. Out back, an even larger span of green—Stonecliffe’s Straits Lawn—features stunning views toward Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge that connects Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Filled with games (croquet, cornhole, and ladder golf), and the site of evening marshmallow roasting and al fresco movie nights under the stars, this magnificent lawn serves as a verdant playground for all ages.

Stonecliffe’s remodel includes new, luxuriously appointed guestrooms: 16 within the stately, 18,500 square foot mansion, and 32 within the renovated Summer House. Both buildings, and four standalone private cottages, feature colorful artwork by local artisans, one of whom teaches art classes on property. Kate Dupre, of the island’s whimsical Watercolor Café, helps guests find their inner artist with her guided direction to the joys of watercolor painting. 

Stonecliffe’s expansive Straits Lawn features views of Lake Huron. Photo by Fran Miller

A Stonecliffe mansion guest room. Photo courtesy of Stonecliffe

A state-of-the-art fitness center, two swimming pools (one for families and one for adults), an apple orchard, a chicken coop, and a bicycle pavilion with bikes for rent provide more than enough entertainment and activity to enthrall guests on property. Dining options too are plentiful. Fine-dining restaurant The Straits serves local specialties from Michigan and the Great Lakes, with ingredients sourced from the resort’s own orchard and garden. The lovely formal dining room overlooks the Straits Lawn. More casual, The Backyard features a variety of wood-fired pizzas, served al fresco on a brick patio. And Horsey’s Bar is a cozy spot for crafted cocktails and small bites. Sit inside the hunting lodge-esque interior, or grab a rocker on the covered patio where quilted blankets are offered to ward-off evening chill. For something off property, Woods Restaurant & Bobby’s Bar is a short stroll from Stonecliffe. Bavarian in style and décor, its menu features hearty comfort dishes. Be sure to look beyond the bar for the single lane bowling alley. Originally constructed in 1898, it is one of the oldest surviving bowling alleys in the nation. Whatever your meal choice, save room for homemade ice cream, scooped from the cooler at The General Store, Stonecliffe’s grab-and-go market that stocks a variety of food items and logoed souvenirs. 

The Straits dining room. Photo courtesy of Stonecliffe

Horsey’s Bar. Photo by Sara Wright

Beyond the hospitality and activities offered at Stonecliffe, Mackinac Island “must-dos,” as I learned from my visit, include: 

Fudge tasting: Fudge is the island’s greatest export, and Main St. teems with purveyors of the sugary goodness. Murdick’s Fudge is the island OG. Founded in 1887, and still family owned, Murdick’s continues to utilize the same recipes (all natural ingredients) and paddling techniques as those of founder Mrs. Henry Murdick. Visitors to the shop can watch the experts at work.

Murdick’s Fudge is the OG of the famed Mackinac Island export. Photo by Fran Miller

Rum Runner imbibing: This The Pink Pony concoction of a refreshing blend of rums and fruit juices is an island icon. Enjoyed on the restaurant’s back deck with views of the harbor, the potent cocktail makes for a memorable Mackinac Island experience.

Biking: Rent your Stonecliffe bicycle and hit the 8 mile, car-free, M-185 highway that encircles the island. It’s the only state highway in the United States where motor vehicles are prohibited; the views of Lake Huron and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. 

Cruising: Book a boat cruise around the island with Brown Eyed Girl Charters, and explore the island from the surrounding crystal clear waters. If weather permits, Captain Alan will drop anchor, allowing you a quick dip in chilly Lake Huron. 

Explore the island with a Brown Eyed Girl charter. Photo courtesy of Brown Eyed Girl Charters

Sunset Viewing: Stonecliffe is home to one of the island’s most captivating sunset viewing spots, Sunset Rock. The outcropping affords gorgeous panoramic views, dawn to dusk.  

I’m actually finding it hard to put into words the feeling of contentment that the island, and The Inn at Stonecliffe, provided me. I felt a deep sense of nostalgia for this place I’d not previously known—an odd, yet comforting, sensation. Mackinac Island and Stonecliffe provide a step back in time, where visitors leave worries behind. Both are places of trust, where bike locks are unnecessary, and every interaction feels like a reunion with old friends. It felt like coming home. Though this was my first visit, it will certainly not be my last. 

A Mackinac Island sunset view from Sunset Rock. Photo by Fran Miller

Owned by Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, The Inn at Stonecliffe is one of three Humanitarian Hotels where 100% of net profits are used to support charitable initiatives (scholarship programs, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, affordable housing, mental health, and more) in Mackinac County and around the globe.

The island’s history is as vibrant as its beautiful coastal landscapes. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Odawa and Ojibwe, the first European visitors (French explorers and missionaries) arrived in the 17th century. The island then became a pivotal military outpost during the War of 1812, serving as a base for both American and British forces. It was in the late 19th century that the island transitioned from a military stronghold to a summer resort destination for wealthy families, leading to the construction of grand hotels and the preservation of its historic sites. Today, visitors ferry over from Mackinaw City for day trips, or for longer leisurely stays that reveal the island’s multiple treasures.

THE smell of freshly cooked sausages wafts through the air, while the sound of a booming Oompah band drowns out the raucous laughter.

I have a very large beer tankard in both hands, which means I can only be in one place – Munich‘s Oktoberfest.

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The festival was first held in Munich in the early 1800s to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria.

While it’s grown in size over the years, the Oktoberfest is still very much a celebration – and one I’ve been lucky enough to be part of twice in my life.

This year, I headed to the festival with a large group of friends – both British and German – and on another trip I sat on a table with festival-goers from America and South Africa.

Nationalities can easily mix at the festival simply because everyone is there with the same aim – to have a good, old-fashioned knees up.

From families with small children enjoying the fairground rides to the heaviest of drinkers, Oktoberfest always has an exciting and good-natured atmosphere.

That being said, foreign visitors – like us Brits – could still learn a thing or two from the locals.

Here are 11 tips for visiting Oktoberfest that I’ve learned from the Germans…

1. Make sure to plan well ahead, because flights and accommodation can get very expensive in the German city, especially if you leave it to the last minute.

2. If you’re planning on dressing in the traditional garb, I would recommend buying something in the UK.

I bought my Dirndl from Amazon for £20, knowing I wouldn’t be too upset if it got dosed in beer, which it did.

Prices for cheap polyester Lederhosen and Dirndl can cost upwards of €80 (£66.50), with many places selling them for around €200 (£167).

Just don’t expect to look like a local because many will spend hundreds on their outfits, knowing they will last them a lifetime.

3. Those holidaymakers heading to the festival in a large group should aim to book a table inside one of the tents.

There are 38 tents at Oktoberfest, meaning there’s somewhere for everyone from huge party tents like Hofbrau to child-friendly spots like Augustiner-Festhalle.

When deciding on where to head, it’s worth taking note of the beer that’s being served as each tent generally only serves one type, and if you’re planing on being particularly raucous, you might feel more comfortable in one of the adults-only tents.

Reserving a table is actually pretty tricky, with tents often prioritising locals and festival-goers who’ve been before.

If it’s your first time visiting, I’d recommend reserving a table at Schottenhamel Festhalle because their tables can be booked online.

4. Reservations are made in exchange for food and drink vouchers, which can be used in the tent on the day of your booking.

However, these vouchers will need to be posted to the UK, which can cost an eye-watering €60 (£50) in postage fees, so make sure to factor that into your budget.

5. In Munich cash is still king, so make sure to have enough money to cover your purchases inside the tent.

While cash points are dotted around the festival site, you might not be allowed to re-enter a tent if you decide to leave so be sure to have enough cash.

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6. Make sure to have plenty of extra cash for tips too, because the more you tip the better service you’re likely to have during your stay.

One Maß (a 1-litre tankard) of beer costs around €15 (£12.32), but we paid just under €20 (£16.70) per Maß once tips were included – which may seem like a lot but we were treated very well by our servers.

7. Beer served in the tent (Festbier) has been brewed specially for the festival and are generally stronger than your typical versions.

For instance, a lager was 6%, which gets you drunk considerably quicker when you’re drinking by the litre.

8. Entry to the festival is free and there is plenty to do away from the beer halls, so give yourself plenty of time to visit the attractions and food stalls.

The entire site is very family-friendly, with school trips taking place during the day and families making the most of the fairground rides, face painting and puppet theatre.

One of the rides that shouldn’t be missed is Munich Looping – the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster.

9. Only small handbags and bum bags are allowed into the grounds of the festival.

Each bag is searched by security, who throw away any food or drink for safety reasons.

10. While the tents are inside, check the weather forecast and bring a brolly or a Cagoule – it’s an autumn festival and you wouldn’t want to come away with a cold on top of an atrocious hangover.

11. Despite its name, the Munich festival actually runs for two weeks in September and one week in October.

This year’s festival will run until Sunday October 6, with dates for next year’s festivities already being announced.

Meanwhile, this European city break has 180-year-old beer gardens, cheap football and amazing street food.

And a new high-speed train service is soon set to link Berlin and Paris.

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“WHEN you see the manta ray, you need to jump off the boat and swim really fast behind me,” the guide explained, to my two wide-eyed daughters.

“I am a very quick swimmer, so you’ll just have to keep up,” he added, before turning his attention to the ocean’s horizon.

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I couldn’t work out if he was joking or not.

But while I was inwardly panicking, my daughters weren’t scared in the slightest and before I knew it they were in, paddling around and in awe of the majestic creatures.

This certainly wasn’t the first “pinch me” moment of the week.

We were in the Maldives on a holiday of a lifetime and from the moment we stepped foot on Villa Park Sun Island resort we were mesmerised.

With water bungalows overlooking a crystal clear ocean teeming with fish, and villas plonked on pure white sands, you could see why many honeymooners jet off to these Indian Ocean islands for some romance.

But how would we fare as a family with two youngsters under the age of ten in tow?

Luckily, our beach bungalow had plenty of space with two double beds and a private pool – not that we needed another place to swim with the large resort lagoon pool and the whole of the Indian Ocean at our fingertips.

Although, parents should be warned that the currents can be strong.

Elsewhere on the resort are two beautiful, beachside restaurants dishing up cuisine from all over the world — and they play a very strong curry game.

One day I had it for breakfast, lunch and dinner – just because I could!

The only means of travel around the island, with its banana grove and lush green gardens, is by foot, bike or golf buggy.

And even as one of the biggest resort islands on the South Ari Atoll, with 462 villas, it still only took me 50 minutes to march around the edge one morning — and I wondered how we would keep the kids entertained for a whole week in such a small space.

The good news is, the resort has a kids’ club every other night, and regular entertainment, ranging from crab racing to musical performances, plus a disco most evenings.

But that wasn’t what made Sun Island worth flying all this way for.

What made this spot unique against other kid-friendly resorts was the location itself.

After all, where else in the world can you swim alongside whale sharks, turtles and manta rays with almost guaranteed sightings year round?

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And as well as some fantastic snorkelling with shoals of colourful fish, every day at 6pm the resort has manta ray feeding sessions on the beach, and you can also watch a shiver of friendly whale sharks thrashing over food at the end of the pontoon.

If the parents fancy a bit of downtime, there’s a beautiful spa with a blissful “signature experience”, combining massages, coconut milk foot rubs and breathing exercises to bring a sense of calm to mind and body.

But even with an all-inclusive package, this does come at an additional cost.

Most romantic place in the world

What all-inclusive guests do get though (on top of food and drink), is free snorkel hire for the trip, windsurfing and canoeing, access to sports facilities and one special night-time fishing excursion per stay.

So can you bring your kids on holiday to the most romantic place in the world?

Simply put, yes. But it’s only worth doing so if they can swim.

You can guarantee they’ll be boasting about those manta rays for years to come.