AIRLINES have cancelled flights to Florida after a state of emergency was declared in the US hotspot.

Hurricane Milton, a category 4 hurricane, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday (October 11, 2024).

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More than a million people have been ordered to evacuate from its path, with a further six million put under hurricane watch warning.

It will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in more than 100 years if it stays on the current track, according to the National Weather Service.

Given the stark warnings, airports across Florida will close to customers, affecting flights from the UK.

Tampa International Airport will be closed from 9am on Tuesday, October 8, (today), with Orlando International Airport expected to close at 8am on October 9 (tomorrow).

Melbourne Orlando International Airport will close to passengers at 2pm on October 9 (tomorrow).

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which serves the Tampa Bay area, will also cancel flights on Wednesday and Thursday.

Holidaymakers are being encouraged to check with their airline to see if their flights have been impacted by Hurricane Milton.

Given the adverse weather conditions airlines like Virgin Atlantic, TUI and British Airways have cancelled upcoming flights from the UK to Florida, with multiple airports affected.

In a statement on its website, Virgin Atlantic told customers: “Due to adverse weather conditions expected to be caused by Hurricane Milton, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida.

“Unfortunately, this has impacted Virgin Atlantic’s flying schedule, and services to and from Orlando and Tampa are subject to cancellations and delays.”

Virgin Atlantic have cancelled the following flights from the UK:

Tuesday 08 October 2024

Wednesday 09 October 2024

• VS129 – London Heathrow to Tampa
• VS130 – Tampa to London Heathrow
• VS074 – Orlando to Manchester
• VS075 – Manchester to Orlando
• VS076 – Orlando to Manchester
• VS091 – London Heathrow to Orlando
• VS092 – Orlando to London Heathrow
• VS135 – London Heathrow to Orlando
• VS136 – Orlando to London Heathrow
• VS225 – Edinburgh to Orlando has been delayed by 23 hours and is expected to operate on October 10

Thursday 10 October 2024

• VS091 – London Heathrow to Orlando

A Virgin Atlantic Spokesperson added: “The safety and comfort of our customers and crew is our top priority and we are contacting any Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holiday customers who may be impacted by the hurricane to discuss their options.

“We ask that anyone travelling checks the status of their flights on virginatlantic.com for the latest information. We’d like to thank our customers for their patience as we work through the impact of Hurricane Milton.”

The airline is contacting impacted customers to discuss their options and to rebook customers onto alternative flights.

Tour operator TUI has also had to cancel one flight to Florida, with two others also potentially impacted by Hurricane Milton.

A statement on the TUI website reads: “The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Milton which is forecast to be a storm of significant strength and pass over Florida from Wednesday.

“As a result Melbourne International Airport is expected to be extremely disrupted, as will our flying programme.

As a result of the closure of Melbourne International Airport, we have made the difficult decision to cancel flight TOM070 from London Gatwick Airport on Wednesday the 9^th of October. We are contacting customers directly to discuss their options.”

Wednesday 09 October 2024

TUI have yet to cancel flights to Melbourne Orlando International Airport on Thursday, October 10, but are “closely monitoring the situation and will update customers as soon as possible”.

These flights include:

Thursday 10 October 2024

Sun Online Travel have contacted TUI for comment.

A number of British Airways flights have also been cancelled because of the category 4 hurricane, with the following flights impacted:

Tuesday 08 October 2024

• BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa

Wednesday 09 October 2024

• BA 2167 from London Gatwick to Tampa
• BA 2037 from London Gatwick to Orlando
• BA 2039 from London Gatwick to Orlando

A spokesperson from British Airways said: “Safety is always our highest priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely.

“As with other airlines, we are adjusting our flight schedules where airport closures occur and providing any affected customers with alternatives including flight rebooking options or full refunds.”

Other airlines like Finnair, Delta and American Airlines, which also fly direct from the UK to Florida, will see their flights cancelled.

Holidaymakers are being urged to contact their booked airlines for further details.

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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Meanwhile, booking certain flights can help passengers avoid travel problems.

And this airline worker showed how to avoid cancellation problems.

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A NEW themed land could soon open at one of the UK’s top theme parks, if plans are given the go-ahead.

Last year, Chessington World of Adventures was named the UK’s best theme park at the UK Theme Park Awards.

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And the theme park could soon renovate two of its pre-existing areas.

The project, called ‘Refresh and Renew’ hopes to see Wild Asia, one of the theme park’s oldest areas, undergo a huge revamp.

According to the proposal, Wild Asia will be replaced by a new themed land have a range of immersive experiences like play areas and sensory environments.

A new rollercoaster with both indoor and outdoor elements is slated to feature in the new themed land too.

Kobra, one of Chessington’s most popular rides, will also undergo a makeover, according to the proposal.

A new indoor ride and an outdoor play area are included in the plans as well as new food and drink outlets and a retail shop.

The new themed land will also make use of the Explorer Glamping Area, which has yet to open at the London-based theme park.

Another proposal being considered called Project Play.

Project Play will see Mexicana, a ‘ramshackle western town‘ that opened in 1987, also undergo renovation.

Chessington hopes to transform Mexicana into a themed land that’s similar to CBeebies Land at Alton Towers.

Attractions outlined in the proposal include a My First Rollercoaster, a themed playscape, a meet-and-greet area and several children’s rides.

A themed food and beverage station and a themed retail area are also part of the plans.

The plans are currently undergoing public consultation, which means they are liable to change.

It is not yet known when renovation work will commence or when the new themed lands will open at the theme park.

Sun Online Travel have contacted Chessington World of Adventures for comment.

The new themed lands aren’t the only new attraction that’s set to open at Chessington World of Adventures, with the resort confirming a waterpark will be added to its line-up.

Announced last year, the waterpark, which hopes to rival the likes of Disney, will have a wave pool, infinity pools, slides and a water play area.

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A safari ‘beach’ and spa will also feature, along with a splash pad and adventure river, with the theme park extending its Safari Hotel as part of the expansion.

A spokesperson for Chessington previously said the new attraction is needed to give a “strong boost” to both London and the tourism industry following the pandemic.

They said: “Visitors’ demands and expectations of leisure and tourism attractions are constantly evolving and growing.

“These are influenced by experiences abroad where the likes of Disney and Universal Studios are able to accommodate guests on site for extended periods, to enable visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience of the themed areas and attractions on offer… without investment visitor numbers will decline.”

If the plans are given the go-ahead, the new attraction could open as early as 2025.

A new £300m theme park could soon open in the UK – despite not having any rides.

Meanwhile, a new indoor theme park could open in Europe next year, with a huge castle, a water flume and a family rollercoaster.

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A NEW outdoor swimming pool could open in the UK – taking over an abandoned 115-year-old reservoir.

Kettlewell Reservoir was built in 1909 in the St Ives Regional Park in Bingley.

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However, it was left to ruin and has since been abandoned, with nature taking over it following a number of leaks.

Yorkshire Swim Works have launched a campaign to turn it into an outdoor lido complex.

It would be the first “public, naturally filtered” outdoor pool in the UK.

Along with the main outdoor 50m swimming pool there would also be a shallow play area and a smaller heated pool.

The main pool wouldn’t be heated, but plans also include sauna pods to warm up in.

Classes and lessons would be part of the swimming pool timetable, with space for casual swimmers and six lanes for the more competitive ones.

Changing rooms, a deck area and even an event area are part of the plans.

A cafe would serve snacks and drinks onsite too.

Yorkshire Swim Works Russell Bowman said the project was “ambitious” but fitting of the area.

They said: “With a young family myself, seeing investment in the area, new opportunities for them and the potential economic boost of tourists coming to the area fills me with excitement.

“I believe that YSW can be a catalyst for the next stage in Bingley’s evolution and an incredible boost to the St Ives Estate that has struggled in recent times.”

It is yet to receive any form of planning permission, so any confirmation of predicted opening dates is yet to be revealed.

However, if given the go-ahead, works would start late 2025.

If it did get the go-ahead, it would be just 20 minutes from Leeds by train.

Until then, the nearest lido to visit is Ilkley Pool and Lido, around 30 minutes away.

It’s not the only new lido hoping to open in the UK.

A multi-purpose leisure attraction with an outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing zone hopes to open in Valentine’s Park in London.

Hoping to open by autumn 2025, it would replace the current one that closed in the park 30 years ago.

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.

And a floating lido could even open in London, with plans revealed for Regent’s Canal.

We’ve even spoken to a ‘lido expert’ on where her favourite ones in the UK are.

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Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Austria’s AQUA DOME is a wellness haven where every detail is designed to rejuvenate. From gourmet dining to invigorating spa treatments, fitness classes to soothing saunas, this world-class resort offers a holistic escape. After my visit, I felt refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on the world. It is the perfect destination for those seeking a true sanctuary of serenity.

Despite its early 2000s origins, AQUA DOME remains a beacon of modern luxury. Chic architecture, thoughtful design, and recent renovations, like the lobby restaurant, have ensured it stays at the forefront of hospitality. The expansive hotel lobby bar and restaurant are a testament to the property’s ongoing commitment to excellence. The elegant lounges and open floorplans create a serene ambiance, while the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning mountain views. The tempting buffet and a la carte options showcase the best of local cuisine, making every meal a memorable experience. Bussing robots whizz about the dining room floor returning dishes to the kitchen, allowing for servers to be closer and more attentive to guests during mealtimes.

Stone, wood, glass and fabric accents can be found throughout the property, leaning into the natural aesthetic and subtly immersing guests in an elemental visual experience. Harkening to the surrounding nature, everything from firepit lounges to artful hallways let your tensions ease and stress reduction start to set in.

The hotel rooms at AQUA DOME are spacious and comfortable, all of which have balconies and outfitted with the comfy Austrian duvet bedding. Double rooms are 115 square feet with The Junior Suites at 213 square feet, with sitting areas and optionally offer a fireplace. Large bathrooms are equipped with totes for taking towels to the pools and saunas, bathrobes and slippers are available through the hotel. JustLuxe insider tip: ask for an oversized robe at the front desk for and even more opulent envelopment.

During the winter, AQUA DOME offers ski gear rental and e-bikes during the summer. A subterranean daytime wardrobe is a perfect spot to change out of ski clothes or bike attire to head to the spa. A tunnel connecting the hotel to the thermal pools and saunas is an ideal moment to take a few breaths and unwind as you move into the AQUA DOME domain.

  The signature thermal spas are a great place to literally dip your toe into the experience; indoor and outdoor pools of various temperatures are popular options for both hotel guests and locals alike. While I attended AQUA DOME in early September, there was light snowfall, which was an invigorating and enchanting swim to be in the outdoor warm pools while fluffy flakes fell from the sky. There are 12 indoor and outdoor pools to explore on property, each with its own unique character.

It should be noted that photography is prohibited at AQUA DOME with the exception of a few designated areas defined with signage. I not only appreciated the destination’s thoughtfulness for privacy of guests, but noticed people were connecting more with one another while not endlessly on their phones.

The fitness center is located next to the spa, where classes are available daily. Yoga, guided meditation, and strength training are all offered. Spa appointments should be made in advance and everything from signature treatments to standard massages and facials are available. A hairdresser is also on property. Thermal Deep is the exclusive beauty line which is only available at AQUA DOME. It includes a range of products such as body lotions, face masks, and body oils—all are enriched with thermal water from theLängenfeld thermal spring, sourced from a depth of over 6,000 feet.

Sauna World is home to 11 saunas of various heats and themes. My favorite was a barn sauna; a little cooler, with a haystack in the center of the room and charming beams and a roof over the top. The larger two-tiered Loft Sauna was warmer and also fantastic. An adults-only side of the resort, it should also be noted that this area is no clothing allowed. Due to the oils of the skin and fabrics which can ruin the cedarwood in the saunas, as well as cross-contaminations of minerals carried via swimsuit from spa location to location, the European way of soaking up the heat is in the nude. While this may be daunting to some tourists, my suggestion is to embrace the practice and appreciate the experience. Showering before each offering is a must, and sitting on the towel entirely (with no skin touching the wooden planks) is also a rule. Sauna masters are also scheduled throughout the day for infusion experiences in the saunas, whipping hot air around with towels and scented air, much to guests’ delight.  

For an immersive experience, head upstairs to the Waterfall; a 30-foot cavern with acoustic effects of a thunderstorm and rain, waterfall and mist to accentuate it. After the invigorating waterfall experience, a warm grotto is just around the corner for a soothing soak lined with glowing Himalayan sea salt.

Spa 3000, only offered to hotel guests, is also a textile-free area. My absolute favorite offering was the Hamman-style mineral bath.  Upon entering, guests use an attached hose to water down the tiled seat and soak in the steamy heat of the room. A quick step outside to a salt-scrub over the skin and then back into the heat. After courteously hosing off their seating area, guests then step into a warm-cold-and-hot series of mineral-infused waterfall-style showers. Thankfully, a video explaining how to enjoy this experience is step-by-step nearby. Additional Spa 3000 opportunities that keep guests coming back for more include a tranquil soaking pool, gently swinging hammocks in a Himalayan sea salt relaxation room, more saunas (of course), and an upstairs panoramic lounge with café and bar to sit fireside or take a nap, finish a book, or take in the Austrian mountain views.

Home to approximately 3,000 square feet of meeting space, the property has a large seminar area, which can accommodate up to 800 people for events and meetings.

AQUA DOME is a property I won’t soon forget, and I look forward to returning to. The outgoing staff, beautiful interiors, relaxing facilities and stunning setting have guests clamoring to unwind at this incredible property. For rates and reservations, visit www.aqua-dome.at/en/

Chad Chisholm

The incredible AQUA DOME located in The Otztal, Austria. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

The chic hotel lobby bar.

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Lounges are great spaces to relax in the evenings. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Local fare and wonderful buffet options from cheese lockers to vegas desserts, local produce to delicious meats. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Sample the local fare at AQUA DOME.

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Dining rooms abound on property. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Junior Suites have the option of a cozy fireplace. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Double rooms are cheerful and luxurious. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Beautifully appointed bathrooms. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Start your aquatic adventure with one of the indoor pools at AQUA DOME.

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

The outdoor pools all have their own character.

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Take in the alpine views year round. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

The crisp alpine air is a perfect contrast to the hot saunas and pools. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Spa 3000 is only available to hotel guests. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

This tranquil pool is in the heart of Spa 3000. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

My favorite experience, the mineral bath is absolutely a must-try. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Relax and enjoy a weightless and carefree swing in this room. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Saunas abound at AQUA DOME.

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

So many options for relaxation at AQUA DOME.

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

A view from one of the Spa 3000 sauna spaces. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Grab a robe, cuddle up with a book, and enjoy these private spaces to relax. 

Courtesy of AQUA DOME

Meeting space at AQUA DOME.

A CHRISTMAS market in the UK has been named one of the best in Europe.

Taking 8th place is none other than the UK’s Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market.

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Set against Victoria Square and the new Street shopping district, the market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Austria and Germany.

It’s organised by Birmingham’s sister city of Frankfurt with over 100 stalls selling traditional toys, ornaments, arts and crafts.

There’s also a wide selection of traditional German food and drink on offer, including bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, roasted almonds, glühwein, weissbeer, and hot chocolate. 

And a free live music programme with performances from German and Birmingham musicians takes place.

Rides and attractions include a Big Wheel, a Carousel, Danters AIR (a swing, spin and loop ride), and an ice rink.

But perhaps the most famous attraction of them all is a singing moose called Chris Moose.

The Christmas moose, a faux deer head, become quite the sensation over the years by belting out Christmas classics during the festivities.

He even has his own X profile, where he keeps followers entertained with hilarious pun-based jokes.

Some of his best posts include: “I had a great joke about German Christmas cake but someone’s stollen it.”

And: “What are the best Christmas jumpers made from? Fleece Navidad!”

People who have visited the market over the years have taken to Tripadvisor to share their thoughts.

One person wrote: “Had a wonderful time on our overnight visit to Birmingham Market.

“Lots of traditional German food and drink to try, with plenty of festive entertainment around. Queue’s were not too long either.”

Another said: “Look forward to this every year, gluwein music and fun.

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“Also plenty of others bars around once you’ve had your German wurst and a pint or two.”

The city’s Christmas market was given a place in the top 10 by European Best Destinations.

The list comprises of 20 markets, which were ranked based on more than 590,000 votes of worldwide travellers.

Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest, Hungary was awarded the top spot, for its beautiful location, unique festive atmosphere, gastronomic adventures, and heart-warming musical and charity programmes.

Two more Christmas markets in Europe also made the list – London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Manchester’s Christmas market.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market will return to the city centre from Friday, November 1 and run until December 24.

In the mean time, here is Butlin’s ‘ultimate Christmas holiday weekend’ launching this year.

And here are some affordable December city breaks you can still book.

A GRANDMA has been left fuming after she was charged £75 for her oversized suitcase but ‘younger and good looking’ passengers were let off.

Maxine Haughian, 63, was stopped in the queue for her flight to Alicante by Ryanair staff at Leeds Bradford Airport.

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The mum-of-two claims her luggage fit inside the guidance rack but “stuck out very slightly” by 2cm on one side.

She was told that her suitcase was too big and she’d need to pay to place the luggage into the hold.

However, Maxine, a retired prison governor, noticed other passengers in the queue being let off for oversized bags.

She described one woman as “young and gorgeous” and even took a sneaky snap of her being let off.

Taking to Facebook, Maxine said she was “disgusted” with Ryanair.

“I’ve just been held up for 20 minutes because they said my cabin bag was too big and I must pay an EXTRA £75 for it to go in hold,” she wrote.

“It’s funny (not funny) how other bags that are exactly the same were allowed through without comment.

“It’s a good job I took the photo of this (gorgeous) girl pushing her case into the box and being allowed through.

“I’m obviously not young or good looking enough!” she fumed.

Maxine, who was travelling with her husband Jim, continued: “Eventually (using photographic evidence) I was allowed through. I’m stressed to high-hell and hope I can calm down and get into holiday mode before we land.”

Despite being pleased that she was let off, Maxine told Oxford Mail: “It was almost like letting me go justified what I was saying. I think it’s definitely a money-making exercise.

“I’m a bit older, perhaps he thought I would be compliant. A lot of people just paid the money.”

She added: “Several people had suitcases that looked exactly the same as mine and they were putting them in the rack and it was sticking out a bit, but they were allowed to go through. It was the inconsistency of it all.

The Sun has contacted Ryanair for comment.

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