BUDGET airline Ryanair will be launching its first-ever flights to Turkey from the UK later this year.

Later this year, Ryanair will operate two new routes from London Stansted to Bodrum and Dalaman in Turkey.

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The no-frills airline started flying to Turkey in 2018, with routes from Bratislava and Dublin.

Six years after first launching flights to Turkey, Brit holidaymakers will be able to fly to the country using the budget airline.

Flights for Bodrum will leave London Stansted at 6.45am before arriving in Turkey at 12.35pm local time.

Return flights will then leave Bodrum at 13.35pm, touching down in the UK at 2.40pm.

One-way fares will start from as little as £29.99, with flights launching on December 1.

Bodrum has been dubbed the “St Tropez of Turkey” because of the superyachts that bob in the city’s bays.

The Turkish city also has a pristine promenade as well as designer shops on every corner, making it a magnet for the rich and famous.

A-listers like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss, Tom Hanks and Bill Gates have all been spotted on holiday in Bodrum.

Arguably, one of Bodrum’s main draws is its 65 beaches, including Bitez Beach, Kumbahçe Beach and Central Bodrum City Beach.

The Turkish city also sits on the site of Halicarnassus, which once held the Mausoleum — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Other archeological draws include a 15th-century castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which houses one of the oldest prehistoric exhibitions in the world.

And just outside, there is the village of Etrim, where families have been making traditional Turkish rugs for hundreds of years.

Ryanair services to Dalaman will begin one day later on December 2, 2024.

Flights to Dalaman will leave London Stansted at 6am, landing in Turkey at 12.50pm.

Return services will then leave Dalaman at 2.45pm, arriving back in the UK at 3.45pm.

One of Dalaman’s most famous attractions is the rock tombs of Fethiye, built into the huge cliff faces.

But just like Bodrum, Dalaman also has a beautiful coastline lined with beach hotels like the 4H Holiday Village AQI Turkiye and Sunway Hotel.

Next year, Sun Express will start flying from Newcastle to
Dalaman.

Meanwhile, this airport has warned passengers to keep to strict luggage rules despite having the new scanners in place.

And this airport security guard revealed the mistakes that get passengers held up most frequently.

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THE country’s largest tour operator is launching new package holidays to two festive destinations in Europe.

Brit holidaymakers will now be able to book package holidays to Bratislava and Malmo with Jet2.

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The tour operator has confirmed it will be launching package holidays to the city break destinations following strong demand from UK holidaymakers.

Jet2 will operate flights from Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport to Vienna Airport in Austria.

From Vienna, it’s an hour’s drive to Bratislava where holidaymakers can book into a range of four star hotels located in the heart of the city.

Package holidays to Bratislava from Manchester and Birmingham airports go on sale today (October 18) until May 19, 2025.

Jet2 will also add extra services to Vienna from several UK airports, including Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and London Stansted.

These flights will operate in November and December for the festive period.

Bratislava in Slovakia is a relatively small for a European capital, but it has a lot for visitors to explore along its streets.

Chief among them is its incredibly affordable beer selection, with pints averaging around £1.60.

Beer isn’t the only popular drink in the city either, with honey wine a special local tipple, and it’s usually sold at Christmas markets, where it’s often drunk hot.

Visitors to the city can go to the Medovina distillery where the honey wine is brewed, so they can taste it and learn more about the bees and the brewing process.

The best place to enjoy a drink in Bratislava is the city’s old town, which is described as an “historic neighbourhood filled with charming narrow lanes, burgher’s houses and nobles’ palaces”.

It’s also the perfect part of the city in which to try local dishes like bryndzové halušky, described by Flash Pack as “gnocchi-like dumplings served with sheep cheese and a sprinkling of bacon”.

One person previously wrote: “Very beautiful. Especially charming during Christmas market, where you can feel the holidays atmosphere, to taste delicious food, sausages, beer, boiled wine, desserts etc.”

Other attractions include Bratislava Castle, the Slovak National Museum and the highly Instagrammable Blue Church.

Jet2 will also be launching package holidays to Malmo in Sweden.

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Christmas market getaways to Malmo will run from November 29, 2024 until December 23, 2024.

Flights will operate from Leeds Bradford Airport and Newcastle International Airport.

Brit holidaymakers will fly from the UK to Copenhagen before taking a direct train over the Oresund Bridge that links Denmark and Sweden.

Twice weekly services will operate every Monday and Friday from Leeds Bradford and Newcastle International Airport this winter.

Holidaymakers can bok to stay in a range of hotels in Malmo through Jet2 City Breaks.

Just like Bratislava, Malmo is another popular Christmas market destination thanks to the wooden market stalls selling festive treats and local delicacies like gløgg and saffron buns.

However, unlike Bratislava food and drink in Malmo is a little pricier, with a pint of beer costing around £5.80.

Located in the city’s largest square, Gustav Adolfs Torg market is adorned with twinkling lights and shopping stalls.

Other attractions in the square include an ice rink, choir singers and a carousel.

Jet2 boss, Steve Heapy, said: “City and Christmas market breaks are continuing to grow in popularity, so we are delighted to be going on sale with two brand-new destinations for Winter 24/25. 

“Bratislava and Malmo are fantastic destinations, and we are expecting these new city and Christmas market packages with Jet2CityBreaks to be very popular with both customers and independent travel agents.  

“We are always listening and reacting to feedback from holidaymakers, and this latest expansion of our Cities and Christmas Markets programmes for this winter is just another example of that.

“With the addition of Malmo and Bratislava to our already huge winter programmes, customers are spoiled for choice when it comes to discovering a new city or experiencing a European Christmas market this season.”

Meanwhile, this new European airline is set to launch flights this summer.

And this lesser-known airline has new flights from two UK airports.

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JUST because the weather has turned, doesn’t mean you can’t visit the UK coastline.

The Sun Travel team have revealed their favourite seaside destinations across the country that are still great to visit in the winter.

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Seahouses, Northumberland

The historic fishing village of Seahouses on the Northumberland coast is the ultimate cosy bolthole in the depths of winter.

While the summer crowds may have moved on, a blustery walk across the beaches to the north and south are the perfect way to blow away the cob webs and offer a tantilising view of Bamburgh Castle.

And of course, those dark nights are even more welcome when the clearest skies of the year create the perfect conditions for a spot of stargazing.

When the weather turns, hunker down in the sea-facing bar at the Bamburgh Castle Inn overlooking the harbour.

And to sample some of the fare delivered daily by the local boats, head to Swallow Fish, who have been selling their wares in the town since 1843.

– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

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Rye, East Sussex

While not strictly seaside, the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex is
extremely near the coast – it has a harbour and you can see the sea.

But I figured it deserved a mention because it’s by far my favourite
coastal town to visit in winter.

The cobbled streets, quaint antique shops and cosy pubs make it the
perfect way to spend a chilly weekend.

Make sure to pay a visit to The Mermaid Inn, a 600 year old pub with
cellars that date back to 1156.

In the Giant’s Fireplace Bar, with its dried hops and huge inglenook,
you can just imagine what it was like back in the days when smuggling gangs used it as a meeting place.

Equally great is the Globe Inn, a white clapboard pub that serves up
freshly caught fish and seafood, alongside local ales.

Or if you have more of a sweet tooth, head to Knoops – founded by a
‘chocolate sommelier’, the store sells loads of different hot
chocolates at various percentages of cocoa.

From Rye, it’s just a few miles on foot to the glorious Camber Sands,
with it’s long sandy beach and dunes.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

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Whitstable, Kent

It can be tricky trying to find places open in seaside towns when the summer ends, with some closing for the season.

But the beauty of Whitstable is it has all you might need to shelter from the winds.

My favourite is the The Old Neptune pub – it’s right on the seafront so you can see the beach and crashing waves while staying warm in front of the fire.

The high street is also full of shops where you can escape the winds, with charity shops offering bargain clothes to cosy coffee shops – my favourite is Blueprint Coffee & Books.

Sure, you might not be wanting to grab some oysters and take a seat on the shingles – but at least you’ll be able to enjoy the usually busy town, crowd-free.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

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Trebarwith, Cornwall

Cornwall is flooded with tourists in summer. Visiting in August? Well, forget about finding decent digs or bagging a table at one of the favourite restaurants if you haven’t booked months in advance.
But this all changes after September.

The crowds disperse and much-loved beaches like Watergate Bay are pretty much deserted, meaning you can enjoy its seven miles of sand and craggy caves all to yourself.

Stay close to Trebarwith Strand, near Tintagel, which is breathtakingly beautiful with beachside sunsets that could rival those in the Caribbean.

After a blustery walk along the beach, cosy up in the Port William, a cliffside pub with snug sofas next to roaring fireplaces and huge windows overlooking the waves – it’s dog friendly and has bedrooms too.

This area is a wildlife lovers haven, with hundreds of species of birds to spot in the winter months.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

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Barry Island, Wales

Years ago, I was lucky enough to live in Cardiff, which meant I spent weekends exploring everything the Welsh capital had to offer, including the neighbouring coastal towns.

One place that I always recommend visiting is Barry Island – a seaside resort made famous by the TV sitcom Gavin and Stacey. 

And with a new Christmas special set to air later this year, the next few months are an ideal time to visit to explore some of the instantly recognisable filming locations from the show. 

Even in the winter, day-trippers should make a beeline for Whitmore Bay — a huge crescent of golden sand that’s backed by a promenade of busy cafés, and fish and chip shops. On a colder day, I like to grab myself a hot chocolate from one of the many coffee shops that line the beach. 

Get your pulse racing at the Barry Island Pleasure Park, it has a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and a waltzer. It even comes into its own in the winter thanks to Winter Wonderland, with this year’s attractions set to be announced soon. 

And a trip to Barry Island isn’t complete with a trip to Nessa’s slots where you’ll be sure to have a tidy afternoon spending your pennies.

– Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter

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Christmas is looming, and whilst it might be too early to be putting up the tree, it’s a great time to start planning a festive getaway.

Europe is brimming with Christmas markets come December, as picturesque towns and cities gear up for the holidays with twinkling lights, local carols and the scents of sweet treats.

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And an added bonus of enjoying these magical places is that getting there from the UK doesn’t have to carry a hefty price tag.

We’ve searched through Ryanair‘s most Christmassy destinations to find flights to wintry wonderlands for under £25 — here’s what we found:

Nuremberg Christmas market, Germany

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Dubbed the ‘Christmas city‘, Nuremberg boasts one of the world’s oldest and largest Christmas markets.

The famous Christkindlesmarkt sits in the central square of the old town, surrounded by trademark Bavarian architecture and charming cobbled streets.

Visitors can browse stands selling unique decorations while revelling in the local food scene — after all, Nuremberg is the birthplace of the bratwurst.

The city has a long history of gingerbread-making too, with its Lebkuchen often claimed by locals to be the world’s best.

It’s great fun for kids, as the event boasts a mini Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and a young woman dressed as an angel who greets and reads fairytales to the children.

Basel Christmas market, Switzerland

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Basel hosts not one but two Christmas markets.

Spread across the Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz squares, Basel’s event was voted Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2021.

Here you’ll find 155 little wooden chalets selling artisanal goods, Swiss raclette and biscuit called Läckerli instead of gingerbread (kids can even decorate their own at a workshop).

The 13 metre-tall Christmas pyramid is the best place to grab a hot drink, while the best view can be seen from the cathedral tower.

Head up to the top to admire the romantic sea of lights from the market below.

Brussels Christmas market, Belgium

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Called Winter Wonders, the Brussels yuletide market is the main reason the city is considered a Christmas capital.

Tourists making their way through the 2km stretch of stalls will find authentic Belgian waffles and chocolates which can be washed down with an spiced mulled wine or a local beer.

Family friendly activities can be found all around; there’s ice rink for skating, a Ferris wheel and spectacular light shows to wow the kids.

Plus, you can’t miss the enormous tree which stands the centre of all the action and is a wonder to behold at over 66ft high.

Krakow Christmas market, Poland

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Getting in the Christmas spirit is not hard in Krakow‘s picture-postcard medieval square.

Horses pull white carriages around the plaza which is situated at the heart of the Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the air is filled with the aromas of traditional cuisine.

Visitors to its market wander around with pierogies (Polish dumplings) or grilled meats in hand and perhaps the local specialty of mulled beer.

It gets cold, but anyone who comes unprepared can buy handmade fur hats and gloves to keep toasty from inside the square’s central building, the Cloth Hall.

Truly the place to be for some Christmas shopping, the market has a wealth of crafts on offer from stocking-fillers to Krakow‘s signature finely-painted glass baubles.

Copenhagen Christmas market, Denmark

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Few places embody the cosy Danish spirit of hygge as much as Copenhagen at Christmastime.

The markets become a haven of enchanting lights, stands selling knitwear and wooden toys and people drinking glögg, the Scandinavian version of mulled wine.

Of the several Christmas markets in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is by far the most popular, but Nyhavn’s harbour setting has its own charm too.

Braver visitors can take an icy dip in the water during the day, but there are plenty of fairground rides to choose from if you your idea of fun is firmly on dry land.

• Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (exact dates vary by market)
• Flights to Copenhagen with Ryanair: from £16.99 from Bristol

Riga Christmas market, Latvia

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When Riga‘s Doma square is decked out in its seasonal decor, it’s clear to see why it was voted the Most Authentic Christmas Market in Europe.

With its award-winning light trail nestled among the traditional architecture and stalls selling local delicacies like winter pig snout, the Eastern European city really does ooze a sense of magic.

Riga is a generally affordable city — according to the Savvy Backpacker’s price guide, lunch, dinner and a beer can be bought for just over £10 — but its worth budgeting a little extra for souvenirs and culinary delights.

If you’re travelling with family, children can meet Santa’s little helpers and send letters to Lapland while the grown-ups browse a wealth of unique gifts on sale.

Latvian folk music is swapped out for a live DJ on Fridays, so Riga has the amusement covered for people of all tastes.

Bratislava Christmas market, Slovakia

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Bratislava‘s markets are scattered throughout the city and are a feast for the senses.

From the famous Bratislava rolls to cheesy dumplings and roasted goose, the markets are a foodie paradise, and it’s a good place for a tipple too.

The city boasts some of the cheapest beer on the continent while markets serve honey wine and fruit brandy.

Bratislava castle which sits perched on a hill on the banks of the Danube river adds to the movie-like wonder of the place, as does the Christmas tram which transports passengers through the streets covered in fairy lights.

• Dates: November 23 – December 23, 2024
• Flights to Bratislava with Ryanair: from £14.99 from Leeds

Gothenburg Christmas market, Sweden

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In the run-up to Christmas the Gothenburg amusement park of Liseberg transforms itself into a winter wonderland complete with a market and theatrical performances .

Visitors pay for entry here, but inside they’ll find towering rides, bumper cars and and an impressive ice show which is included in the ticket price.

For a smaller market that’s free to visit, the welcoming neighbourhood of Haga offers a community vibe as shoppers meander through cobbled lanes snacking on roasted almonds.

Berlin Christmas market, Germany

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Berlin pulls out all the stops when it comes to Christmas markets.

Advent sees over 80 individual markets get set up in the German capital, with Spandau being the biggest and Weihnachtszauber considered the prettiest.

Postdamer Platz is the place to be for activities; market-goers can try tobogganing or curling and children can enjoy a free ice skating lesson.

The usual German festive trimmings will be available everywhere; sausages, glühwein (mulled wine) and snow-dusted huts selling traditional jewellery and crafts.

Some of the markets have an entry fee, but you can get your fix of Christmas cheer for free at Alexanderplatz, Charlottenburg Palace, Spandau, Landberger Allee and numerous others listed on the Berlin city website.

Seville Christmas market, Spain

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Seville may not be the first place that comes to mind for Christmas markets compared to the colder and snowier destinations in Northern Europe, but it is well worth a visit.

Wooden cabins line the streets of the glowing historic quarter as shoppers snack on hot churros and choirs sing Andalusian Christmas songs called campanilleros.

It’s also worth exploring the Spanish tradition of nativity scenes — elaborate models of Bethlehem ranging from miniature to life-size are displayed at the Feria del Belén.

• Dates: November 29 – December 23, 2024 (to be confirmed)
• Flights to Seville with Ryanair: from £24.99 from Luton

Poznan Christmas market, Poland

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There’s an ethereal atmosphere in Poznan‘s square when it gets festooned with over 43,000 LED lights.

Over 70 quaint stands, a Venetian carousel and a massive tree arrive in the city for the Christmas market which sees throngs of tourists and locals alike munching on roasted chestnuts and buying handcrafted wares.

Poznan is an inexpensive city and puts on a show at the market with free concerts and animations for kids, so a trip to the market won’t break the bank.