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Florida’s lesser-known side has powder-white sand, 22C turquoise waters and enormous ‘cows of the sea’

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Sea cows can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coast

I BREATHE calmly into my snorkel and gently float as a manatee and its calf leisurely swim beneath me.

Just two hours’ drive from a world of Mickey Mouse and rollercoasters, these magical creatures — also known as sea cows — can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coast.

Sea cows can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coast

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Sea cows can be found in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s western coastCredit: Alamy
The Salvador Dali Museum houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist’s work

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The Salvador Dali Museum houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist’s workCredit: Getty
The plush Opal Sands Resort

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The plush Opal Sands Resort

I’m staying at The PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge on Kings Bay, the ideal hub for making the most of this natural paradise on the Gulf of Mexico.

As I slip into my wetsuit, dive expert Jake, from Waterfront Adventures, guides us through the etiquette of meeting these gentle giants.

We set sail before sunrise in search of manatee activity, which can be identified through “footprints” — oval-shaped ripples on the surface of the water.

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Our boat stops in the Three Sisters Springs where these marine mammals bask in the 22C turquoise waters.

It takes some bravery to pause and float as a 500kg animal swims towards you.

But it is as if these creatures give off a calming energy throughout the water as they hoover up the grass on the seabed.

Jake also encourages us to get a closer look at the three springs — Pretty Sister, Deep Sister and Little Sister — which actually contain a total of 19 freshwater springs between them.

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I plunge beneath the surface and watch as the sand bubbles like nature’s very own hot tub brimming with yellow-bellied sliders and schools of fish.

The three-hour tour ends with a fluffy white towel to dry off and a velvety mocha to sip as we make our way back to the shore, leaving the manatees to graze on their breakfast.

After working up an appetite in the water, we head to the Wild Sassa seafood shack to enjoy a fresh shrimp taco.

Mum-of-22 Sue Radford shares vid from another Florida holiday, after defending her family’s VERY frequent vacations

It is set on the edge of the Homosassa River, and the queue of hungry adventure seekers in wetsuits and flip-flops reflect how this humble trailer has made its way into the top 100 taco spots in the USA.

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And while Florida is typically associated with fast food giants, the Homosassa Springs area boasts some of the freshest seafood on the coast.

Bayside Kraft Kitchen serves up homemade fries with perfectly poached lobster, while Waterfront Social offers fresh alligator bites, if you dare.

For those wishing to unwind, the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is a calming oasis.

While there, don’t miss the underwater observatory, which allows visitors to step beneath the spring’s surface and watch as the manatees and fish swim in a natural habitat.

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A 90-minute drive down the coast we switch up the tempo in the vibrant city of St Petersburg.

While the city itself can be considered its very own gallery — with colourful murals on every block — it is also home to the Salvador Dali Museum.

The museum houses the largest collection of the Spanish surrealist’s work, all enclosed within 18-inch thick walls designed to withstand the powerful hurricanes that can wreak havoc in this corner of the globe.

A hive of activity

You can also experience his work in an incredible sound and light show inside a glass sphere known as The Dali Dome.

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After a bit of culture and dinner of nduja and prawn ravioli at Brick & Mortar in Downtown St Pete, we head to the hub of the city.

It is a place where twentysomethings are sipping craft beers from local microbreweries with their university friends, while those 50 years their senior cheer each other from the sidelines at the St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club.

Founded in 1924, it is the oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world.

The aim of the game is to push weighted discs along narrow courts into designated boxes to score points, in what becomes an addictive and frustrating game.

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As the sun sets, the Friday Night St Pete Shuffle is a hive of activity, with a cool bring-your own booze” policy — the ideal aperitif to a delicious dinner.

For those wishing to carry on the night, retro club Goodnight John Boy is the ultimate party, playing Seventies and Eighties disco tracks.

But a trip to this corner of the world would not be complete without some serious relaxation.

Clearwater Beach is a three-mile stretch of powder-white sand that has turquoise Gulf waters lapping on to its shore.

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The sand, derived from quartz, is cool under foot.

The exotic flamingoes in St Petersburg

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The exotic flamingoes in St PetersburgCredit: Supplied
The Sun's Emily Webber gets close to the sea life

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The Sun’s Emily Webber gets close to the sea lifeCredit: Supplied

And it coated my toes in a refreshing way as I took a stroll in the 33C heat.

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After basking in the sunshine, a dip in the pool at my hotel — the four-star beachside Opal Sands Resort — was just the thing.

As the sun sets, I grab a seat at the hotel’s SandBar Waterfront Tiki Bar and order a raspberry mojito while watching playful dolphins dip and dive in the bluest Gulf waters.

I would never have thought of white-knuckle rollercoaster paradise Florida as a destination to relax and recharge — but it seems that this corner of the Sunshine State truly is.

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Wizz Air Airbus 320 & 321 seating plans: How to get the best seats with this flight map & the ones to avoid

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Wizz Air have won the award for the 'Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline' four years in a row

IF you’re looking to whizz off aboard a Wizz Air flight this summer then you’ll be wanting to select the best seats without any extra cost.

Book wisely using our guide to secure you and your family the best seats aboard the Wizz Air Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.

Wizz Air have won the award for the 'Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline' four years in a row

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Wizz Air have won the award for the ‘Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline’ four years in a rowCredit: GETTY
Here is a seating guide for Wizz Air Airbus 320 based on SeatGuru seating plan

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Here is a seating guide for Wizz Air Airbus 320 based on SeatGuru seating plan

Wizz Air have been dubbed the ‘most sustainable low-cost airline’ four years in a row, but what can passengers expect from their experience aboard the Airbus Airbus 320 and 321.

The budget airline celebrated the arrival of the GTF-powered Airbus Airbus 320 aircraft to its fleet of 153 aircraft in 2022. 

Both the Airbus 320 and 321 operate in short-haul flights with Wizz Air offering snacks and beverages for purchase on most of their flights.

Although the two aircrafts look almost identical, their size and seating plan vary.

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The Airbus 320 offers 180 seats, whereas the Airbus 321 is larger, offering 230 seats in comparison.

Your holiday begins the minute you board the plane, so why not make your journey as comfortable as possible by using the SunTravel seating guide map.

Extra leg room

If you’re tall or like to spread out on a flight, then it will be the extra leg room you’re after.

There are specific economy seats that provide the space you need – you just have to know where they are.

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According to the flight map for both the Wizz Air Airbus 320 & 321 the seats with extra leg are as follows:

Passengers needing the extra space on either aircraft should opt for any seat between A – F on row 1.

Incredible moment Airbus barely misses beachgoers as it makes ‘lowest ever landing’ at island airport

Row 1 seats tend to get booked up fast but there’s plenty more to choose from.

If your aircraft is the Wizz Airbus 320, any seat between A – F on row 13 will provide the extra leg room you need.

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Seats A – F on row 12 also offer extra leg room, but these particular seats do not recline.

Here is a seating guide for Wizz Air Airbus 321 based on SeatGuru seating plan

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Here is a seating guide for Wizz Air Airbus 321 based on SeatGuru seating planCredit: The Sun

If you find yourself allocated a flight onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 then seats B,C,D and E on row 12, and seats A,B,C and F on row 26 will provide extra leg room.

Row 10 also offer extra leg room in seats A – E, but do bare in mind these particular seats have a limited recline which could make napping quite uncomfortable.

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Seats to avoid

If your first choice of seats are booked, then your next best bet is to know which seats to avoid.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 320 passengers should avoid seat A – F on Row 30 – due to their close proximity to the toilets and the cabin -you’re likely to be disturbed throughout your flight.

The seats may also have limited recline for the same reason, and there is no window on the last row of the plane.

It’s also worth noting there is no window available in seats A and F of Row 20.

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Onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 passengers should avoid seat A – F on row 39 as your seats will have no recline, and you’re likely to be disturbed by passengers getting up to use the toilet closeby.

Seat A and F on row 26 have legroom but no window.

Best views

Being situated by the wing of the aircraft guarantees the best skyline snaps.

For the best views onboard the Airbus 321 passengers are urged to book seat A or F on row 10.

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And if you’re onboard the Airbus 320, seat A and F on row 9 are the seats to look out for.

If you want first dibs on snacks chose a seat at the front or the back of an aircraft

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If you want first dibs on snacks chose a seat at the front or the back of an aircraftCredit: GETTY

Head start on snacks

If you want to be among one of the first passengers to be served refreshments then it’s best to book a seat in either the first two rows or the last two near the back of the plane.

Seat A – F on row 1 or row 30 on the Airbus 320 will get you first dibs on snacks.

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With trolley carts circulating from both the front and the back of the aircraft, these seats are your best bet but the downside you’re likely to be disturbed by other passengers using the toilets.

Similarly, for the Airbus 321 any seat on row 1 and 39 will mean you’re close to the gallery where snacks are prepared.

Take a nap

If passengers find themselves on an overnight flight you might like to get some sleep.

Window seats give passengers the best chance at having an uninterrupted snooze.

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This is because other passengers won’t need to ask you to move when they take a trip to the toilet.

Check The Sun’s flight map to see where all the window seats are located on both aircrafts.

Getting off the plane first

If you hate waiting around and you’re keen to start your holiday then beat the queues by booking a seat in the front five rows of both the Airbus Wizz 320 and 321.

Failing that, you’re guaranteed to get off the plane quicker by simply booking an aisle seat, because you’ll have a head start at finding your hand luggage.

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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.

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

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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.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

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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).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

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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.

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

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England’s best completely free attractions revealed – from 500ft-high garden to the ‘world’s greatest museum’

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Sky Garden is 500ft above the City of London

AS the cost-of-living crisis continues, families may be looking for a fun day out that won’t break the bank.

TripAdvisor has revealed its top attractions to visit in England completely free of charge – and it ranges from a 500ft-high garden to the so-called “museum of the world”.

Natural History Museum

Science and natural history enthusiasts should look no further than the Natural History Museum.

Its dinosaur specimens and replicas are world-famous – and include part of the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.

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The building, in South Kensington, London, is one of the city’s most spectacular attractions in itself.

Although some exhibitions may have an entry fee, general admission to the museum is completely free.

Sky Garden

London’s highest public garden, Sky Garden, is perched at the top of a skyscraper in the heart of the city.

On the 43rd floor of the Fenchurch Building in east London, the garden offers panoramic views of the capital from a height of over 500ft.

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Sky Garden is 500ft above the City of London

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Sky Garden is 500ft above the City of LondonCredit: Alamy

As well as the iconic glass-domed landscape gardens, it’s got observation decks and an open-air terrace.

And, if you’re willing to part with a little cash, you can even enjoy a drink or meal at one of the bars or restaurants.

Make sure to book a slot in advance to enjoy this free attraction.

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The British Museum

The British Museum has one of the largest collections in the world – of eight million works – and it’s totally free to access.

The museum is 271 years old and located in Bloomsbury, London.

2E04KNC The British Museum, The Great Court, London, England.

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2E04KNC The British Museum, The Great Court, London, England.Credit: Alamy

With relics dating back 1.8 million years, it’s the perfect historical day out for families.

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Plus, it is set to have a huge multi-million-pound makeover soon.

The museum is a hit with visitors, with nearly 54,000 five star reviews on TripAdvisor.

The Shambles

The Shambles is a historic street in York city centre, dating back to the medieval times.

It was once a street of butchers shops – and you can still find many original 14th century buildings there.

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It is Europe‘s most visited street.

It’s just a twenty-minute walk from York Station and can be explored completely for free.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A is the world’s biggest museum of art and design, founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852.

It’s located in Kensington, London, and houses exhibitions for all ages.

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The V&A was founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

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The V&A was founded by Queen Victoria and Prince AlbertCredit: Alamy

From July to September, it ran a Taylor Swift exhibition, complete with 13 iconic costumes donated by the singer.

It is entirely admission free.

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Stunning seaside city with the world’s most beautiful bookshop and very famous 80p treats

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Porto is close to Portugal's northern coast, with the wide-mouthed River Douro cutting through its centre

I HAVE always loved a city that can be navigated by foot.

Not only because you can tick off all the sights with ease but burning off the calories means you can gorge on the local grub guilt-free.

Porto is close to Portugal's northern coast, with the wide-mouthed River Douro cutting through its centre

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Porto is close to Portugal’s northern coast, with the wide-mouthed River Douro cutting through its centreCredit: Getty
The city is famed for its port

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The city is famed for its portCredit: Getty

That is something I’d been doing a lot of in Porto, where gooey custard tarts can be picked up on almost every street for around €1.

Portugal’s second largest city is close to the country’s northern coast, with the River Douro cutting through its centre.

It’s not just custard tarts, known here as pastel de nata, that I’d been gobbling.

The region is known for its traditional food which includes bacalhau (salted cod fish) and the Francesinha toasted sandwich layered with assorted hot meats and cheeses then smothered in a rich beer sauce and served with French fries.

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The sandwich is a ritual for after a good few inexpensive port cocktails.

After all, if there’s one thing this city is known for other than food, it’s port.

Here, this fortified wine is not just associated with Christmas and to be paired only with your favourite stilton or Stinking Bishop, it’s served year round in all the restaurants and bars.

Never tried it before? Well, think of a vibrant red wine that’s sweet and with depth — just like the Tripeiros (the slang name given to Porto’s charming inhabitants).

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The Douro Valley has been making port since Roman times, but it was in the 17th century that port wine as we know it today was born when Brits fortified the booze in order to maintain its quality while transporting it by sea.

And you can learn all about the process at the World of Wine in the historic heart of nearby Gaia.

Fine dining, stunning architecture and a new direct flight makes Porto a must visit destination

A short distance from the city centre within an old port warehouse, the attraction is made up of seven museums, 12 restaurants and bars, several shops and even a wine school.

For proper wine enthusiasts, the Wine Experience is a must-do, allowing visitors to get hands-on with tastings and immersive artwork, all while learning the grape-to-bottle process.

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Of course, this doesn’t beat a proper tasting. And Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo winery is the place to do it.

You can sample the good stuff, along with nibbles, on a terrace overlooking the lush valley and river below.

The vineyards are a sight to behold, dazzling in colour, and the wines they produce are seriously good.

If you’re after a more substantial meal to soak up the vino, the Mercado do Bolhao is where to head.

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Seriously good

The food hall is packed with various counters selling local produce, from meats, fish, fruit and veg to breads and pastries and is, of course, somewhere to grab a tipple.

Or for something fancier, there’s the DOP restaurant, which does a sensational 14-course tasting menu.

Highlights include a meat-free take on carbonara where the pasta is cleverly crafted from squid.

Porto's iconic custard tarts, known locally as the pastel de nata

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Porto’s iconic custard tarts, known locally as the pastel de nataCredit: Getty
Experience wine tasting at Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo winery

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Experience wine tasting at Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo wineryCredit: Alamy
Livraria Lello can only be described as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, housed in a curious neo-Gothic building

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Livraria Lello can only be described as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, housed in a curious neo-Gothic buildingCredit: Alamy

Taste buds satisfied, I ventured back to Porto to walk off the indulgence along the hilly and cobbled streets of the Miragaia neighbourhood.

It was there that I discovered Livraria Lello — what can only be described as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, housed in a curious neo-Gothic building.

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Set over four floors, it features stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and a grand, imposing central staircase that takes you up to balconies overlooking the lower levels.

Allegedly, the site was an inspiration for Harry Potter author JK Rowling when she lived and taught in the city.

The store certainly has an otherworldly feel to it, although it’s in the basement that the true magic unfolds, with many rare tomes and first editions adorning the shelves.

Otherworldly feel

Entry to the shop is €8 and this can be redeemed against a book purchase, although make sure to get there early to avoid the long queues that form around the block.

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Luckily, I’d been staying at the 5H Editory Boulevard Hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the store, so the early rise wasn’t a problem.

The hotel serves a sensational breakfast that can’t be missed.

That is if you have any room left in your stomach.

It’s safe to say, you won’t go at all hungry or thirsty while in Porto.

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GO: Porto

GETTING/STAYING THERE: Four night’s room-only at the 5H The Editory Boulevard Aliados Hotel with a Douro Valley Wine Tour costs from £559pp, including flights from Manchester on November 3.

Price includes 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

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Why you should never trust the fancy hotel toiletries in your room – and the secret they are hiding

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Travel whizz Jessica Sulima revealed the truth about hotel toiletries

A TRAVEL expert has uncovered the secrets of fancy hotel toiletries and revealed why you should never trust them.

Holidaymakers love to horde tiny bottles of high-end shampoos and lotions but you might not be getting what you think you’re paying for.

Travel whizz Jessica Sulima revealed the truth about hotel toiletries

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Travel whizz Jessica Sulima revealed the truth about hotel toiletriesCredit: Getty

Plenty of hotels sign exclusive agreements with luxury cosmetics brands to carry miniature versions of their signature products.

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These can add a touch of class to an en suite, but bosses are keen not to give away too much for free.

And, according to travel whizz Jessica Sulima, they don’t.

Writing for Thrillist, she claimed that when it comes to hotel toiletries most of the value is in the name on the bottle.

Jessica said: “These days, it’s rare to find a generic, unheard-of brand lining your bathroom sink or shower caddy.

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“As far as luxury hotels go, expect to find D.S. and Durga at The Carlyle, Bamford at The Palace Hotel, or Diptyque at the Ritz-Carlton.

“The trend is a win-win — the hotels get to amplify their prestige, and the cosmetic companies get to spread brand awareness.

“It was probably naive of me, however, to think that such products are exact replicas of what you can find in stores.

“In practice, hotels typically work with these brands to create custom formulations that reasonably approximate their product at scale.

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“These samples are designed to be as close to the real deal as possible, and in a perfect world, guests wouldn’t be able to sniff out the substitute.”

Travellers reveals sneaky way to take fancy hotel toiletries without getting in trouble

Her suspicions were backed up by Anna Ableson, a professor at the Tisch Insitute of Hospitality at NYU.

The industry insider said: “Some hotel toiletries may look like retail name-brand products, but they’re often formulated and sourced differently to meet hospitality industry needs.

“This can cause variations in quality and composition compared to store-bought versions.”

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And Ian Ginsburg, president of beauty brand C.O. Bigelow, added: “The north star is to do it exactly as it is.

“But it’s a balance of cost. Sometimes the cost is too much, so we’ll try to modify the fragrance.”

It comes after a Brit who has gone on more than 50 cruises revealed the one item he never leaves home without.

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Woman reveals very clever way to make cheap espresso martinis at the airport

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Holidaymaker Alexis Oliver shared her DIY espresso martini hack

A WOMAN has shared her clever hack to make cheap espresso martinis at the airport.

The holidaymaker revealed how to whip up the boozy concoction using ingredients almost entirely brought from home in your bags.

Holidaymaker Alexis Oliver shared her DIY espresso martini hack

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Holidaymaker Alexis Oliver shared her DIY espresso martini hackCredit: tiktok/@alexis.all.love
All you need is a cheap coffee and a couple of miniatures

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All you need is a cheap coffee and a couple of miniaturesCredit: tiktok/@alexis.all.love

Alexis Olive, a tech worker who makes food and drink content on social media, shared her top tips for a little pick-me-up on an early morning flight.

In a video posted to her TikTok, which has amassed over nine million views, she broke down the creation of the drink step-by-step.

Traditionally, an espresso martini is made with vodka, coffee liqueur and, of course, espresso.

But since most departure lounges charge top-shelf prices at their cocktail bars, Alexis has to get creative.

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All you need is a few miniatures and an airport coffee to get started.

First of all, go to a coffee shop and get an iced espresso.

If, like Alexis, you choose to get this from Starbucks, it can cost as little as £1.95.

She also added a pump of vanilla syrup, but this is optional if you like a little less sweetness.

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Then just add in a miniature of Vodka and one of a coffee liqueur like Kahlua or Tia Maria.

Bailey’s is also a good substitute if you can’t get your hands on any of the latter.

I tried Ryanair’s new £8 cocktails

Alexis explained : “I’ve even confirmed this with several TSA agents.

“The TSA says that alcohol can be stored in a passenger’s carry-on bag if the containers are 100ml or less.”

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Once you’ve added your booze just give the coffee a good swirl and enjoy for less than £7.50 all told.

Alexis added: “My mom showed me this hack.

“Some people wouldn’t consider it an espresso martini.

“It has Irish cream instead of coffee liquor, but I think it’s just your preference.

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“10/10 would recommend.”

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Tiny restaurant around the corner from major English airport named ‘best hidden gem’ in the UK

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Lavang in Solihull has been crowned the number one hidden gem restaurant by Tripadvisor

A RESTAURANT in Solihull less than a 10 minute drive away from Birmingham Airport has been crowned best ‘hidden gem’ restaurant in Britain.

Lavang restaurant was awarded the accolade for its rave reviews from customers and its out the way location – nestled in between an electrical shop and a Chinese takeaway on a residential estate.

Lavang in Solihull has been crowned the number one hidden gem restaurant by Tripadvisor

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Lavang in Solihull has been crowned the number one hidden gem restaurant by TripadvisorCredit: Lavang
The restaurant's has a chic interior, with white blossom on the ceiling

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The restaurant’s has a chic interior, with white blossom on the ceilingCredit: Lavang

The award was given by Tripadvisor in its Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants 2024.

Winners of the awards were chosen by looking at the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings for restaurants from travellers over a 12-month period.

Lavang’s location may not be the most exotic, but its menu serves up a tonne of South East Asian delights.

There’s everything from flavourful tandoori dishes to delicious charcoal grills.

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And the prices on the menu are cheap too – poppadoms, a starter, curry, rice, naan, and chips for two people will set you back around £40.

Lavang’s chic and sophisticated style is also realised once you step inside.

The decor includes a beautiful white blossom ceiling, and customers describe everything as looking very clean and well presented.

Diners have also commented on Lavang’s staff being extremely friendly and efficient, with dietary requests always accommodated.

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The restaurant is even commended for having an “impeccable playlist”.

Mr Miah, Lavang’s owner, explained to Sun Travel why the restaurant is perfectly located for customers.

Frankies at the beach and Rye Rugby Club

He said: “Being located in Solihull; we’re in close proximity to both the NEC and Birmingham Airport – this in turn allows us to invite customers that are both local, and that are visiting the region.”

He added: “We are incredibly honoured and thrilled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to provide exceptional food and service to our guests.

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“Winning this award reinforces our commitment to excellence and motivates us to continue elevating the dining experience at Lavang.

“We are extremely grateful to our loyal customers for their support, and we look forward to sharing many more memorable moments with them.”

One customer who visited the restaurant in August this year and shared their experience on Tripadvisor.

They wrote: “After finding this gem of a restaurant I haven’t dined anywhere else for the same type of cuisine! That’s saying something because I love going to different places.

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“Starters often taste better than the mains in a lot of restaurants; possibly because when you first sit down you’re hungry. Not here! Starters and mains are perfectly prepared each and every time; you truly savour and enjoy the whole meal.

“The level of service attention, helpfulness and friendliness is at exactly the right level creating a relaxed ambience of a great evening out.”

Another offered a tip with their review: “Do book as it’s always busy but this does not detract from its quality – it just adds to the enjoyable buzz of the restaurant.”

Two restaurants that missed out on the top spot on Tripadvisor’s hidden gems list were Sotto Sotto in Bath and Coronation Curry House in Bristol.

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Sotto Sotto is an Italian restaurant known for using high-quality ingredients and its romantic setting.

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants 2024 (UK)

Casual dining

  1. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, Edinburgh
  2. La Boca Steakhouse, Doncaster
  3. The Shalimar, Matlock, Derbyshire
  4. Murphy’s Pakora Bar, Glasgow
  5. Lavang, Solihull
  6. Casa Brazilian Rodizio, York
  7. Howies Waterloo Place, Edinburgh
  8. Annies, Manchester
  9. Taipan Asia, Darlington
  10. Cappadocia Mediterranean Restaurant, Bath

Date night

  1. The Old Stamp House Restaurant, Ambleside, Cumbria
  2. Fifty, Looe, Cornwall
  3. Jackson’s Bistro, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
  4. Sutherland House Restaurant, Southwold, Suffolk
  5. The Bank Restaurant, Barmouth, North Wales
  6. Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, Padstow, Cornwall
  7. 1863 Restaurant, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria
  8. Restaurant Kensington, Lynton, Exmoor National Park
  9. The Really Wild Emporium, St. Davids, Pembrokeshire, Wales
  10. Pentonbridge Inn, Carlisle, Cumbria

Fine dining

  1. Northcote Restaurant, Langho, Lancashire
  2. The Old Stamp House Restaurant, Ambleside, Cumbria
  3. The Tudor Pass, Egham, Surrey
  4. Paul Ainsworth at No. 6, Padstow, Cornwall
  5. The Kitchin, Edinburgh
  6. Opheem, Birmingham
  7. Pentonbridge Inn, Carlisle, Cumbria
  8. Gidleigh Park Restaurant, Chagford, Dartmoor National Park
  9. Upstairs By Tom Shepherd, Lichfield, Staffordshire
  10. Adam’s, Birmingham

Hidden gems

  1. Lavang, Solihull
  2. Sotto Sotto, Bath
  3. Coronation Curry House, Bristol
  4. The Secret Italian, Barnsley
  5. Ciliegino Restaurant, Cardiff
  6. Casa Med Tapas, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
  7. Chop Chop, London
  8. The Lazy Trout, Meerbrook, Staffordshire
  9. The Coconut Tree Cheltenham, CheltenhamGreen Gates Indian
  10. Restaurant Merchantcity, Glasgow

Quick bites

  1. Frankies At The Beach and Rye Rugby Club, Rye, East Sussex
  2. Pizza Union Spitalfields, London
  3. Please Sir !, Broadstairs, Kent
  4. Sausage Shack, Manchester
  5. Notorious BRG Canterbury, Kent
  6. Northern Soul Grilled Cheese, Manchester
  7. Middle Feast, York
  8. Magic Falafel, London
  9. Yanni’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Liverpool
  10. Goddards at Greenwich, London

Vegan & Vegetarian

  1. Twelve Eatery, Bournemouth
  2. David Bann, Edinburgh
  3. Vega, Tintagel, Cornwall
  4. Magic Falafel, London
  5. Hendersons – Eat Better Live Better, Edinburgh
  6. Tofu Vegan Islington, London
  7. Purezza, Manchester
  8. Herb, Leicester
  9. Mallow – Borough Market, London
  10. Herbies, Exeter

It’s located in a basement cellar with stone vaulted ceilings and bare brick walls, with candlelit tables. 

Coronation Curry House in Bristol has fun colourful decor and Indian artwork adorning the wall, and customers describe its chicken tikka as “comforting and tender”.

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There's lots to choose from on the menu, from flavourful tandoori dishes to delicious charcoal grill

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There’s lots to choose from on the menu, from flavourful tandoori dishes to delicious charcoal grillCredit: Lavang

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