RYANAIR passengers will have to follow new boarding pass rules next year – and it isn’t good news.

The low-cost airline has confirmed that paper boarding passes are to be scrapped in 2025.

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Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary confirmed that they would phase our the physical boarding passes by May, saying that as many as 60 per cent currently use mobile passes.

Currently, Brits can get a boarding pass at the airport with the airline.

But passengers are charged £55 if they forget to check in and download their boarding passes before arriving at the airport.

The new rules would mean there would be no option to to check in at the airport at all, with the desks scrapped.

He said: “Our goal is to eliminate check-in desks at the airport, just like we’ve done with luggage counters.

“Everything will be managed through the app, making the process fully digital and eliminating paper entirely.”

The scrapping of the desks would also mean the scrapping of the £55 fee.

He added: “I’m one of the last remaining people still showing up with my piece of paper.

“It also means, once we get everybody onto the app, nobody will ever again pay for a boarding pass at an airport – the airport check in fee will be gone. 

“So, I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody.” 

Some countries, however, require a physical print out of the boarding pass, such as Morocco, Turkey and Albania‘s Tirana, so it isn’t clear how this will be affected for passengers who forget to print one.

The Ryanair website currently states: “If you depart from a Moroccan airport, a digital boarding pass will not be accepted.

“You must carry a physical printout of your boarding pass, and you’ll need to present this boarding pass at the Moroccan airport check-in facility.”

Ryanair has also increased their luggage fees this week.

The airline previously charged up to £38 for anyone booking Priority upgrades at the airport, which come with a 10kg suitcase and hand luggage bag.

New rules could see passengers charged up to £60 if adding this after booking flights or at the airport.

A spokesperson said the fees depend on the route and travel dates selected.

Earlier this year, the Ryanair boss warned that flight prices will soar this Christmas.

Due to passenger caps at Dublin airport, he said that flight prices could hit £422, adding he will “make a fortune” this Christmas.

It’s not the only outlandish way the airline wanted to make money.

Previous Ryanair plans included paying £1 to use the onboard toilets.

And the airline even proposed standing cabins and scrapped armrests to reduce the weight of the plane – saving them money.

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THE Chagos Islands are an archipelago that have made headlines after the UK agreed to hand sovereignty over the group to Mauritius. 

One of the islands, Diego Garcia, is especially important when it comes to international politics.

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But why were the islands handed back to Mauritius and can everyday people visit?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Where are the Chagos Islands?

The Chagos Islands are a collection of 60 islands that lie 500km south of the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean.

They were claimed by Mauritius, after the country gained independence in 1968.

However, the Chagossian people on the Diego Garcia island were forcibly removed by the British in the 1970s.

Why are the Chagos Islands significant?

Diego Garcia is a significant island, because it is home to a UK-US military base. 

The island’s position allows the US to operate across much of the Indo-Pacific region. 

On October 3, 2024, the governments of the UK and Mauritius released a statement announcing that control of the islands would be handed back to Mauritius. 

This came after enormous pressure from the UN and several international courts. 

However, the Diego Garcia base would be leased to the US for the next 99 years. 

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Can you visit the Chagos Islands?

Diego Garcia is off-limits to any non-military personnel. 

This restriction also applies to the wider British Indian Ocean Territory, which encompasses the islands. 

Because of these restrictions, it is very rare that every day people can visit the islands. 

PLEASURE Beach Resort in Blackpool is one of the country’s best-loved seaside attractions.

The award-winning seaside theme park, which is just as popular in the colder months of the year, claims to be home to the “most haunted” ghost train in the world.

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The Ghost Train at Blackpool‘s Pleasure Beach Resort first opened to the public in 1930 and remains in operation to this day, with Hollywood director Tim Burton among its fans.

Tim Burton visited Blackpool last year while he was filming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and went on a private tour of the Blackpool-based ghost train for inspiration.

But a tour – or even a ride – certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, with claims that it’s the world’s most haunted ghost train.

The popular ride is said to be haunted by a clog-wearing spirit aptly named ‘Cloggy’.

Cloggy, who died 20 years ago, was one of the ride’s original operators, and earned his nickname because he always wore clogs.

It was after Cloggy passed away that guests reported being “touched” or “grabbed” by someone – or something – they could only hear.

Over the years, staff members have also claimed to hear odd noises like tapping, scratching and groaning as well as loud footsteps.

A group of workmen also reported unusual events like signs working without any power or electricity, while others have claimed to see a ghostly male figure resembling German philosopher Karl Marx.

Other parts of the seaside theme park are also said to be haunted, including Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines, the park’s oldest ride.

A ghostly little girl is said to haunt the ride’s gift shop.

Other spooky sightings at the park include a phantom hanging man and a blood-stained woman.

The TV series Most Haunted investigated Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort in 2004, with the late Derek Acorah claiming to make contact with Cloggy

Still in use today, the Ghost train will form one of the four scare zones at Pleasure Beach Resort’s Journey to Hell event.

Journey to Hell is an experience-led event, featuring live actors through themed areas of Pleasure Beach Resort.

There will also be immersive scare zones and unlimited riding after dark, guaranteed to leave adrenaline flowing and hearts thumping. 

Two new live-action scare zones are set to feature in 2024.

I just love the whole vibe

The Alice and Wonderland-themed ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ will see the park’s Alice in Wonderland ride transformed into a nightmarish world where Alice and friends have gone insane.

Meanwhile, inside the bizarre ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ visitors will find the lair of a macabre collector and have to flee through a maze of horrors.

There will be nine rides in the event, all available for unlimited riding, with the north of the Pleasure Beach home to terrifying roaming creatures.

‘The Ghost Train: Vault of Shadows’ returns for the second year, and the resort’s network tunnels will become home to a live-action scare zone.

Entry tickets start from £39.50 per person, with the event running from October 11 until October 31, 2024.

Andy Hygate, director of operations at Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “The story goes that Cloggy loved his job so much that, even after he passed away, he continued showing up for work and causing mischief. Even the most skeptical of staff have stories to tell, and some point blank refuse to work on that particular ride.

“Other people can’t get enough of the ghostly goings on though, and we’ve had guests travel from all over the world to get a glimpse of Cloggy and the other ghosts that are said to haunt Pleasure Beach.”

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Celebs who love Blackpool

Plenty of A-listers have been spotted in the northern seaside town, including Robbie Williams and Samuel L Jackson.

Tim Burton, who is arguably the town’s biggest fan, first visited Blackpool in 2006 to watch The Killers perform.

Since then, he’s returned to the town on several occasions, even shooting his Miss Peregrine’s School For Peculiar Children in the Blackpool in 2015, and turning the lights on at Blackpool Illuminations.

Burton told Granada Reports: “I just love the whole vibe. It surprised me because I don’t really know why. Sometimes things are an emotional response.

“I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in California and used to wander alone on these amusement piers.

“It just had a gravity to me; the old and new, the texture of the older buildings. The whole environment was something that really spoke to me.”

Plans are underway to develop pet-friendly apartments at the seaside theme park.

And this award-winning theme park is opening a new £300m attraction in the UK.

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A HUGE new waterfront development is set to transform a Brit-loved winter sun hotspot.

Ras El Hekma is a new waterfront megaproject being built in Egypt, which will be twice the size of Barcelona.

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Ras El Hekma will be on the North Coast of Egypt between Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh.

It will also be just a few hours from Cairo, with plans to have both flights and cruise ships from Europe.

This means a new international airport will be built, along with a cruise terminal and high speed rail links.

Brits can currently fly to Cairo in just under five hours, with flights to the the development expected to be slightly shorter.

Resorts expected to be built there include Accor – who own Ibis and Novotel – and Ennismore.

The luxury golf courses will be created by Valderrama, one of the most famous golf resorts in the world.

The main waterfront area will be the tourist resort with a main downtown that has beach resorts, public beaches and “coastal communities”.

Another district will promote “local culture”.

Images also show a cable car network as well as restaurants right on the beach.

Some of the first stages will be complete by next year, such as some of the beach apartments, amusement facilities and the seafront with construction starting next month.

The project is being developed by Abu Dhabi based Modon Holding as well as other UAE and Egyptian developers including ADQ subsidiary Ras El Hekma Urban Development Project Company.

As much as $110billion (£84billion) investment is expected by 2045.

His Excellency Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, said, “Ras El Hekma is destined to become a regional crown jewel in a country already famed for its rich and diverse attractions.

“Modon Holding is proud to bring this 170-million-square-metre
visionary megaproject to life, leveraging our expertise and innovative approach.

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“With our partners, we are poised to transform Ras El Hekma into a dynamic economic powerhouse and a global model for urban development.”

Another £16.3billion beachfront attraction is set to open in Egypt as well.

The new SouthMED project is to become a “global destination on the southern Mediterranean”.

As well as 2,000 hotel rooms, there will also be an international marina and 8km beach.

Five new water attractions opening in the UK

1. Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
2. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
3. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
4. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
5. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.

In Greece, a £6.8billion Dubai-like attraction is set to open with the seaside resort home to five-star hotels and marina.

And a £4.3billion beachfront attraction in Qatar is to “rival Disney” in size.

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CHRISTMAS is getting closer and some of the UK’s biggest attractions are dusting off their baubles and hanging up the festive lights in preparation.

If you fancy treating the kids to some extra fun in the run up to Christmas, theme parks across the country will soon start running festive entertainment alongside their most popular rides.

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Legoland

Twinkling lights and a giant Duplo Christmas tree are set to transform Legoland Windsor later this year.

From November 23, 2024, guests will enjoy Father Christmas’s Magical Sleigh as it travels from Heartlake City to Pirate Shores.

After making its debut in 2022, Ollie’s Christmas Chaos show is back for another year and it promises the same level of mischief.

A selection of 25 rides will also be open to the public, and there will also be an opportunity to visit the big man himself.

Christmas tickets cost £34pp as well as an additional £25 per child to see Father Christmas inside Santa’s Grotto.

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Alton Towers

On selected dates from November 29 until January 5, 2025, Alton Towers will also be on the receiving end of some festive magic.

The theme park’s Magical Days Out have returned for another year, and they’re set to feature a new live show called Santa’s Toy Workshop.

Park-goers will watch as a team of hard-working elves prepares for Christmas Day, with Santa even making an appearance.

Also new for 2024 is the Reindeer Games, where visitors to Alton Towers must help find a missing reindeer.

Tickets to the Magical Days Out start from £18 per person and include entry to CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay.

Santa Sleepovers are also back for another year, with the festive staycation including a visit to Santa’s grotto, Christmas activities and entertainment, a festive meal and an overnight stay.

The stay also includes complimentary breakfast, entry to the Caribbean-themed waterpark and crazy golf.

Two new pantomime shows have been added for 2024, including a Jack and the Beanstalk Panto and a festive courtyard show featuring Santa.

The Christmas-themed staycations are available from £90pp this November and December.

During the Santa’s Sleepover days, not all of the standard theme park rides are available, but there are plenty of other activities to keep the little ones busy.

For instance, make sure to schedule time for the included visit to Santa’s Grotto, where the kids will be able to speak to the big man himself.

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Drayton Manor Park

On selected dates from November 23 until December 31, Drayton Manor will also play host to a range of festive attractions.

Christmas at Drayton Manor will feature decorations, Santa’s grotto and access to 25 family-friendly rides and attractions in Thomas Land too.

In Thomas Land, a Festive Light Train, which is new for 2024, will take passengers on a journey where they’ll enjoy a magical Christmas tale with Sir Topham Hatt.

The journey will end at Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory, which is also new for 2024.

Park-goers will learn the secrets behind the art of hot chocolate making as they warm their little hands on a cup of sweet cocoa topped with marshmallows – other treats are also set to await.

Santa’s Grotto experience will return for another year where children will be provided with entertainment as well as the chance to meet Father Christmas who will give them a gift.

An accessible Christmas Grotto that’s been specially designed for kids who need more time or a calmer setting will also feature in this year’s line-up.

Park entry starts from £19pp, with tickets that include festive additions like a visit to Santa’s Grotto, starting from £32pp.

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Chessington World of Adventures Resort

The Winter‘s Tail is back for another year and, from November 23 to December 31, guests can visit Father Christmas and be given access to a top-secret toy workshop.

A new Christmas village has been installed for 2024 complete with a cosy grotto where guests can meet Father Christmas.

Park-goers can also explore the Enchanted Hollow where Santa’s Elves have set up their Toy Workshops in the underground town.

Guests can also visit selected theme park rides, and a zoo with its very own reindeer.

Tickets for the Winter’s Tail event start from £32pp.

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Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World

On selected dates from December 6 until December 23, Paultons Park will also be getting into the festive spirit.

The park will be filled with magical illuminations, and a selection of rides and attractions will be open for the festive period too.

Guests will get the opportunity to meet their favourite Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves.

Theatre shows have also returned for another year, with Santa’s Christmas Wish Show set to feature singing, dancing, special effects and Christmas characters.

Christmas tickets cost £38.75 each for those over 1m tall.

Tickets to LaplandUK went on sale earlier this year – and they may already be sold out.

And a much-loved Christmas steam train is set to make a return to the UK this year where passengers can meet Santa.

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A FAMILY in the UK who have been on 56 holidays in their caravan have shared their best budget-friendly staycation tips.

Known as The Caravanning Mummy, travel expert, and mum-of-two, Rachel shares travel tips and destination guides on Instagram, including how to make breaks budget-friendly while keeping the kids entertained.

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Rachel purchased her caravan back in 2019, with her family spending the school holidays and weekends exploring the UK in their Bailey Of Bristol Phoenix 650 caravan.

The family-of-four have been on 56 caravan holidays over the last five years, so it’s safe to say Rachel has found the best ways to keep costs down without compromising on the fun.

Rachel encouraged holidaymakers to book a Certified Location with their caravan or motorhome.

Certified locations (CL sites) are small, privately-owned campsites for caravans and motorhomes that are exclusive to members of The Caravan and Motorhome Club.

She told Sun Online Travel: “I would say CL sites are probably around £20 per night for a pitch, which is obviously pretty good. It means you’re looking at around £40 for a weekend pitch.

“The Caravan and Motorhome Club sites are great for beginners because they have all the key facilities and you know what you’re going to get.

“They’re about half the price of a big site but you do get less facilities, so that is something to consider.”

To keep the family entertained while keeping costs low, Rachel recommended making the most of supermarket loyalty schemes.

She added: “We use Tesco vouchers massively when we’re going away because it almost halves the cost of entry into top-rated attractions.

Tesco Clubcard Vouchers can be spent at theme parks like Thorpe Park, Legoland, Chessington World of Adventures and Alton Towers.

Entry tickets to places like Cadbury World, Warwick Castle, the Eden Project, the Black Country Living Museum, Conkers, Madame Tussauds and various Sea Life Centres can also be bought using Clubcard vouchers.

Children aged between five and 15 can also apply for a Blue Peter badge, which also provides free entry to a range of UK attractions.

The Caravanning Mummy also recommended purchasing a membership to the National Trust.

She added: “The other tip I always recommend is getting a membership with the National Trust.

“While it might seem a bit random for a caravan holiday, it means you have entry to a nice stately home, or an indoor attraction, which is great for rainy days.

“These places often have large grounds so kids can have a run around too, and they’re often equipped with a cafe so you can have tea and cake.

“A lot of the places have ponds with ducks, so we always have some porridge oats in our pockets so the kids can feed the ducks.”

Later this month, Rachel will be sharing more caravanning tips at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Earlier this month, Rachel revealed her favourite place for a UK break in her caravan, with a quintessential seaside town bagging the top spot.

Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.

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