Trip on the shoulder: autumn escapes are in demand

Plus ultra-low GB rail fares and the best November destinations ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD13aWNvZTdrMWE5ZnkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD0yNHJuaDdnOW9neTQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SoaHR0cHM6Ly9iaXQubHkvNGViS2xITj9saWQ9cm9xZ2ZpdWtxeW43JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SoaHR0cHM6Ly9iaXQubHkvNGViS2xITj9saWQ9YjBmeWoydHUwamFzJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj   You may not thank me for sharing such good fortune, but at 5.50pm yesterday afternoon I wandered out of room 19 at the top of Christine Apartments on [the Greek island of Poros](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QbAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWNoZWFwLWJ1dC1jaGVlcmZ1bC1vci1hLXN1bW1lci1vZi1kaXNjb250ZW50LWZvci10b3VyaXN0cy1pbi1ncmVlY2UtNzg4ODc1NS5odG1sP2xpZD1ubzRlbnVyNTBtZXYmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~). I brushed past an exuberance of bougainvillea that is bringing some late-season colour to the whitewashed walls, clambered down to Askeli beach and tiptoed into the Aegean. The sea is at its warmest in September and the autumnal equinox marks the ideal time to be in Europe’s deep south: my present location is as close to the equator as Sicily and Spain’s Costa Cálida. I am far from alone. Apartments 1-18 inclusive appear to be occupied by a league of nationalities including French, Irish, Australian and Canadian guests, all making the most of this corner of Europe at the optimum time. The waterfront bars and restaurants have no lack of customers. And the pedestrian ferry that shuttles between Poros Town and the Peloponnese mainland runs around the clock. A harbourside panorama, whether beneath a beaming sun or moon, costs a far-from-premium €1.50. So many of us are enjoying the “shoulder season” in Greece that air fares to the UK are soaring. Even with five airlines competing for customers from Athens to London (Aegean, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air), finding a seat below £200 one way this weekend is nigh-impossible; I managed to grab the very last [Avios](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QBAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvYXZpb3MtZmxpZ2h0cy1icml0aXNoLWFpcndheXMtZnJlcXVlbnQtZmx5ZXItYjIzMjQyMDguaHRtbD9saWQ9YXN4dGgxM202azFxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) frequent-flyer ticket on BA before next Thursday. So what’s going on? A question for Julia Lo Bue Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, who gets constant feedback from 750 travel agents. “We are absolutely seeing a change in trends,” she says. “Our members have seen a 70 per cent increase in enquiries for travel during shoulder season, which is phenomenal. Some of that is fuelled by weather: people don’t want to travel in the heat of summer. And they don’t want to follow the crowds.” Spreading visits long into autumn and returning early in spring does everyone a favour. Those of us with the flexibility to avoid July and August should take ourselves out of the picture, so that peak prices can come down. And the more tourists who can keep the [Greek islands](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QGAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvZ3JlZWNlL2dyZWVjZS1pc2xhbmQtaG9wcGluZy1yb3V0ZS1iZXN0LXNhbnRvcmluaS1za2lhdGhvcy1iMjUzMzM2OS5odG1sP2xpZD1sbHZkNWViaXRoNW4mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) busy late in the season, the happier the locals. Share the joy. [Greek island wildfires and holiday risks](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QAAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvcmhvZGVzLXdpbGRmaXJlcy1ncmVlY2UtMjAyNC1ob2xpZGF5LXRyYXZlbC1iMjU5NTQ1MS5odG1sP2xpZD1hbGZoZmx2Z3gzYTkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) - Island hopping: [easyJet passengers double-diverted en route to Santorini](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QDAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvZWFzeWpldC1ob2xpZGF5LWZsaWdodC1kZWxheS1nYXR3aWNrLXNhbnRvcmluaS1iMjYxNTQzNS5odG1sP2xpZD16dnFteHQ5ejBlNmQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) - ID-ology: [French school groups face UK ban if they only have identity cards](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QBAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2Uvc2Vhc2lkZS1yZXNvcnRzLWVuZ2xhbmQtZnJlbmNoLXNjaG9vbC1ncm91cHMtYjI2MTM5ODAuaHRtbD9saWQ9OTM2OHBrdnVtbzlvJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - Air rage: [Are budget airlines more prone to midflight meltdowns?](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9haXItcmFnZS1idWRnZXQtYWlybGluZXMtcnlhbmFpci1mbGlnaHRzLWIyNjEzNTg1Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTNqajVmbTZpdXliNCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QbAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWNoZWFwLWJ1dC1jaGVlcmZ1bC1vci1hLXN1bW1lci1vZi1kaXNjb250ZW50LWZvci10b3VyaXN0cy1pbi1ncmVlY2UtNzg4ODc1NS5odG1sP2xpZD1reG1leXh2dG1xMzkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ Warm shoulder: Greece is enjoying a fine autumn, and so am I   Get inspired ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QGAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvZ3JlZWNlL215a29ub3MtcGFyb3MtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLWhvbGlkYXktdHJpcC1hbHRlcm5hdGl2ZS1iMjU3Mzk5OS5odG1sP2xpZD1memR1MHJ6Z296a3omdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Swap Mykonos for this chic Greek island](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QGAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvZ3JlZWNlL215a29ub3MtcGFyb3MtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLWhvbGlkYXktdHJpcC1hbHRlcm5hdGl2ZS1iMjU3Mzk5OS5odG1sP2xpZD1zbTJzdGpvYnRhMXkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) The smaller island of Paros is less blingy than its pricey neighbours, but equally as charming. [Read more.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QGAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvZ3JlZWNlL215a29ub3MtcGFyb3MtZ3JlZWstaXNsYW5kLWhvbGlkYXktdHJpcC1hbHRlcm5hdGl2ZS1iMjU3Mzk5OS5odG1sP2xpZD1jMzMwc2Y3azJyNmUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS93aGl0ZS1sb3R1cy1ob3RlbC1zaWNpbHktdGFvcm1pbmEtYjI1OTU3MDQuaHRtbD9saWQ9N2trZGxoZG5zYzc3JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TnaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL3NvbWVyc2V0LXRyYXZlbC11ay1mb29kLWhvdHNwb3QtYjI2MTM3MTYuaHRtbD9saWQ9enRqMmc4amc4eTJlJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [How Somerset became a top foodie break](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TnaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL3NvbWVyc2V0LXRyYXZlbC11ay1mb29kLWhvdHNwb3QtYjI2MTM3MTYuaHRtbD9saWQ9bjg0dnZjMDlkOHk2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Forget Cornwall and the Cotswolds – head to Somerset for top local produce and cosy restaurants. [Read more.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TnaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL3NvbWVyc2V0LXRyYXZlbC11ay1mb29kLWhvdHNwb3QtYjI2MTM3MTYuaHRtbD9saWQ9OXRqbWMzdjdycW16JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9zaWNpbHkvYmVzdC1ob3RlbHMtc2ljaWx5LWIyNjA5NjAwLmh0bWw_bGlkPXhnMTJqaHduZWp3YiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [The most stunning hotels in Sicily](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9zaWNpbHkvYmVzdC1ob3RlbHMtc2ljaWx5LWIyNjA5NjAwLmh0bWw_bGlkPWpxM3Jib3d6MmgycSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Where to stay for a gorgeous getaway in Palermo, Taormina, Syracuse, Cefalu and more.~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25vcnRoLWFtZXJpY2EvdXNhL3dvb2RzdG9jay1hdC01NS1uZXcteW9yay1iMjU5NjIwMS5odG1sP2xpZD1yODVtcGVxMDlmM28mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9mcmFuY2Uvd2hlcmUtdG8tZ28tbGVzc2VyLWtub3duLW1hcnNlaWxsZS1iMjYwMzg5OS5odG1sP2xpZD1yNjBtdWhobHVvNmImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Read more.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9zaWNpbHkvYmVzdC1ob3RlbHMtc2ljaWx5LWIyNjA5NjAwLmh0bWw_bGlkPXpxbm54aWNiOHdxMSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QAAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvZnJhbmNlL21vbGlldHMtZXQtbWFhLWZyYW5jZS1iZXN0LW11bXMtZ2lybHMtaG9saWRheS1iMjYwMjUzMy5odG1sP2xpZD0wMXNsaDNrODFsY2omdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TtaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9ncmVlY2UvemFnb3JpLWdyZWVjZS1ndWlkZS11bmVzY28tYjI1OTAxNzUuaHRtbD9saWQ9bWxtcGY3anlzbDJxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj   Support The Independent Join The Independent's mission for truth. 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[SUPPORT US](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZG9uYXRlP2xpZD15dThhNGduajF0b2kmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) [Payment Methods](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZG9uYXRlP2xpZD04dWlodzIyZ2VoM3ImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Essential reading - [Your rights when flooding jeopardises a holiday](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QCAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvZmxvb2RpbmctY2VudHJhbC1ldXJvcGUtdHJhdmVsLXJlZnVuZC1mbGlnaHRzLWIyNjE0MTQzLmh0bWw_bGlkPXoyNm5ud253bm12diZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) - [Air Canada pilots’ walk-out off as ‘tentative’ deal is struck](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9haXItY2FuYWRhLXN0cmlrZS1waWxvdHMtdW5pb24tYjI2MTMwODUuaHRtbD9saWQ9NmNscnU0b3J2azlmJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - ['Quite High Speed 2': the rail solution from Birmingham to Manchester?](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QNAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvYmlybWluZ2hhbS1tYW5jaGVzdGVyLXN1bmFrLWhpZ2gtc3BlZWQtdHJhaW4tcmFpbHdheS1oczItYjI2MTIyNTIuaHRtbD9saWQ9Mmt3MnFrMjhlNTZjJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - [Agatha Christie hotel in Devon secures funding for refurbishment](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QNAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvYWdhdGhhLWNocmlzdGllLWJ1cmdoLWlzbGFuZC1ob3RlbC1yZWZ1cmJpc2htZW50LWZ1bmRpbmctYjI2MTM1NzMuaHRtbD9saWQ9NzE2NmpkOXB5bXY5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   Simon’s dispatches Not only are travellers spreading themselves more widely across the seasons – our horizons are broadening by the day. I have waited for years to use the terms “midnight plane” and “Georgia” in the same headline. At dawn on Wednesday the opportunity finally presented itself: easyJet announced a new nonstop link from Luton to the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. Flights will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays from April Fool’s Day next year. The homebound hop touches down shortly after midnight at the Bedfordshire airport. The sub-editors who enforce the law in these parts approved the headline “[Midnight Plane from Georgia](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9nZW9yZ2lhLWVhc3lqZXQtZmxpZ2h0cy1sdXRvbi10YmlsaXNpLWIyNjE0NzQ0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXFlMzRmbnFmMWtxMSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)”. By noon the same day, [British Airways had joined the post-Soviet party](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QNAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvYnJpdGlzaC1haXJ3YXlzLWVhc3lqZXQtZ2VvcmdpYS1mbGlnaHRzLWxvbmRvbi1hbm5vdW5jZWQtYjI2MTQ5NzEuaHRtbD9saWQ9dWRnbDJjdm9jdmQyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) with a four-times-weekly link from London Heathrow to Tbilisi. I sense an element of financial encouragement on the part of the Georgian authorities may have something to do with the remarkable aeronautical coincidence. The BA link will start two days earlier than easyJet and offers a business-class cabin of sorts (the middle seat is kept empty in Club Europe). I aim to be on the first plane out if I can find a cheap enough ticket. Georgia is an entracing country and Tbilisi one of my top cities. The capital has a superb natural setting beneath the mountains and astride the Kura river. The medieval old town is only part of a fascinating repertoire of architecture that also includes Art Nouveau and Soviet-era structures. To the north, the magnificent monastery at Mtskheta; to the west, the city of Gori – Stalin’s home town. The Kremlin is never far away. The Foreign Office warns the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, under Russian control, are off limits. And the FCDO also warns: “Ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people may face discrimination.” Only one headline works for the sudden rush of UK aircraft to Tbilisi: "[Plane-y night in Georgia](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TGaHR0cHM6Ly94LmNvbS9TaW1vbkNhbGRlci9zdGF0dXMvMTgzNjQxMTY4MTgzODE2NjMyNT9saWQ9cHFqcGd3a2RrdGpnJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)". [Podcast: stretching the limits on low-cost flying](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QPAWh0dHBzOi8vc2hvd3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQvZXBpc29kZXMvc2VwdGVtYmVyLTE3dGgtc3RyZXRjaGluZy10aGUtbGltaXRzP2xpZD1laWR3b3hmMW00eW4mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   PICK OF THE WEEK Best View Fortina Luxury Suites ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SoaHR0cHM6Ly9iaXQubHkvNGViS2xITj9saWQ9emUzMXQ0aXp4NjA2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [Unwind and relax in your fully equipped luxurious suite with concierge. With breath-taking views of Malta’s Capital City Valletta. Indulge yourself in the Spa, enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants and more.](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SoaHR0cHM6Ly9iaXQubHkvNGViS2xITj9saWQ9YWE1eDcwNHVwZHhhJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   INSIDER TIPS Half-price rail travel to and within Wales ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL3dhbGVzL3Nub3dkb24tbW91bnRhaW4tcmFpbHdheS13YWxlcy1mYW1vdXMtdHJhaW4tYjIzMTY0OTIuaHRtbD9saWQ9a3c2NWhvNnEzaGcyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [Transport for Wales](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SkaHR0cHM6Ly90Zncud2FsZXMvP2xpZD10M2hjMjAxamF0a2omdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) is selling half-price advance rail tickets for journeys between 3 and 22 October. Book by 30 September for one-way deals such as: Manchester-Cardiff (pictured), £25.30; Chester-Holyhead, £10.80; and Birmingham-Aberystwyth, £11.50. Test bookings made on Thursday afternoon show plenty of availability at these prices. [Buy online](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SkaHR0cHM6Ly90Zncud2FsZXMvP2xpZD16d2xyM2I4YnFpMW8mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) or via a staffed rail station. [SNOWDON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL3dhbGVzL3Nub3dkb24tbW91bnRhaW4tcmFpbHdheS13YWxlcy1mYW1vdXMtdHJhaW4tYjIzMTY0OTIuaHRtbD9saWQ9YWlzM3RuNWMzN3AzJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Cheapest train in Britain Until recently the cheapest rail fare in Britain was [70p for the six-mile trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QCAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvY2hlYXBlc3QtdHJhaW4tdGlja2V0LXVrLW1hbmNoZXN0ZXItc3RvY2twb3J0LWIyNDc5MzgzLmh0bWw_bGlkPTF2Z2hpMDYxazhiciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) on Transport for Wales. That fare now has quadrupled in price. But on the beautiful 17-mile Marston Vale line between Bletchley and Bedford, you can get an even better deal. To boost ridership on the line, London Northwestern Railway has a flat fare of £1 each way for a journey of any length. (For comparison, the slightly shorter Heathrow Express route from the airport to London Paddington costs £25.) Railcard discounts apply, taking the fare down to 65p, and children aged 5-15 pay 50p. No need to book in advance. The offer runs until 16 November. The route links the West Coast main line and the Midland Mainline through the hills and villages of Bedfordshire. [Most scenic rail networks in the UK](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9yYWlsLWJlc3Qtc2NlbmljLXRyYWluLW5ldHdvcmtzLXVrLWIyNDMxMjY0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTNoeXB0aDNqZTZjcSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPW8ycDMydjh5cTVtbiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPXgyeW1mNnZxd3l4aCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~   [Backpacking tents](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L3RyYXZlbC1vdXRkb29ycy9jYW1waW5nL2Jlc3QtYmFja3BhY2tpbmctdGVudHMtYTk2Mjc5MjYuaHRtbD9saWQ9bWVrMmw3d3lqZmY2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) We've rounded up the [10 best backpacking tents](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L3RyYXZlbC1vdXRkb29ycy9jYW1waW5nL2Jlc3QtYmFja3BhY2tpbmctdGVudHMtYTk2Mjc5MjYuaHRtbD9saWQ9cnNoNHN6c2luMTQxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) that are light enough to take on every adventure.   Question of the week Question of the week November escape?     I need a holiday this coming November with at least some warmth. But I am not sure where to go or when to book?     A shrewd choice. November is the most dismal month of the year in the UK, but conveniently it also offers the very best value for overseas trips. With no school holidays to drive up demand you can expect cheap flights and packages. French Riviera: you can fly for as little as £30 return into Nice or [Marseille](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QGAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvZnJhbmNlL21hcnNlaWxsZS1jaXR5LWd1aWRlLWZyYW5jZS1ob3RlbHMtcmVzdGF1cmFudHMtYmFycy1iMjI4ODI5My5odG1sP2xpZD14bWgwaG9zYm9qbWQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~). Make your way to one of two small, beautiful and historic towns: Villefranche if you fly into Nice, [Hyères](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QBAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvaHllcmVzLWZyYW5jZS1hLWZvcmdvdHRlbi1nZW0tdGhhdC1zdGlsbC1oYXMtYS1zcGFya2xlLTk2ODQzMzcuaHRtbD9saWQ9YjI1b2dvOTA0ZG8xJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) if you are heading to Marseille. Each offers architectural charm, a deep history and great places to eat and drink. For a standard package holiday, you can’t go wrong with Benidorm: the classic Spanish resort, with the added benefit of a tram link to the fine city of [Alicante](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QLAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ldXJvcGUvc3BhaW4vYWxpY2FudGUtdHJhdmVsLWd1aWRlLWJlc3QtaG90ZWxzLXJlc3RhdXJhbnRzLXRoaW5ncy10by1kby04NTU0MzY5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXB5ODl2YnZ6OXhucSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). Expect to pay around £300 for a week, including flights, transfers and accommodation. For not much more, you could reach the [Turkish Riviera](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2dvLXR1cmtleS90dXJraXNoLXJpdmllcmEtcmVzdGF1cmFudHMtc2lnaHRzLWV4cGVyaWVuY2VzLWIyMzg4ODIwLmh0bWw_bGlkPW84MzdlcHRzN2dpOSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~); I have seen one-week all-inclusive packages for as little as £350 in November. Whichever you choose, there is no need to book far in advance. Personally I would not even start a search until six weeks ahead. If something looked outstanding value at that stage I would book, but otherwise I would happily wait a few more weeks. Those trips are not going to sell out. [5 bargain breaks for autumn and winter](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QHAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvY2hlYXAtaG9saWRheS1zcGFpbi1ncmVlY2UtdHVya2V5LXBvcnR1Z2FsLWFsYmFuaWEtYjI2MTAxNTEuaHRtbD9saWQ9MGNrNmdhc3pyMjlvJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) To ask your own question, get Simon's Ask Me Anything newsletter by [subscribing to Independent Premium](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP2xpZD1oNTBqa3VhYTd2NjgmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~).   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SoaHR0cHM6Ly9iaXQubHkvNGViS2xITj9saWQ9aHNkNDNrOHM0MWdpJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj   STAT OF THE WEEK 2.04 ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QBAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvZ2F0d2ljay1haXJwb3J0LWJyaXRpc2gtYWlyd2F5cy1ydW53YXktcGxhbmUtYjI1NzA2MzguaHRtbD9saWQ9aHR0eXdwM3V3NHd0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj[Number of passengers for every seat aboard the 7.33am departure from Bedford to London St Pancras – the most crowded train in England and Wales](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9idXNpZXN0LXRyYWluLXJvdXRlcy1lbmdsYW5kLXdhbGVzLXVrLWIyNjE1NTA1Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWR2Y2FhcjZ1M2VqbyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP4QOAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2Uvd2V0aGVyc3Bvb25zLWxvbmRvbi13YXRlcmxvby1saW9uLXVuaWNvcm4tcmFpbHdheS1zdGF0aW9uLWIyNjA2MTExLmh0bWw_bGlkPWlnZ2pvZzcxdnJ4ZCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9kb25hdGUucmVmdWdlLm9yZy51ay9wYWdlLzE1NTI1Mi9kb25hdGUvMT9lYS50cmFja2luZy5pZD1JTkRJXzI0MDlfSU5ERk9fQ0EmbGlkPTBtbTFmb2lleWp6ayZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9kb25hdGUucmVmdWdlLm9yZy51ay9wYWdlLzE1NTI1Mi9kb25hdGUvMT9lYS50cmFja2luZy5pZD1JTkRJXzI0MDlfSU5ERk9fQ0EmbGlkPTYyd2lyYnI0MXJrcCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~   [Climate100](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0ThaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jby51ay9lL3RoZS1pbmRlcGVuZGVudC1jbGltYXRlLTEwMC10aWNrZXRzLTk5NTA3MDQ0MTQ3Nz9saWQ9cnhldDhkdHp2OHc3JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) [Climate100](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0ThaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jby51ay9lL3RoZS1pbmRlcGVuZGVudC1jbGltYXRlLTEwMC10aWNrZXRzLTk5NTA3MDQ0MTQ3Nz9saWQ9MG42cmhicWZuMjVtJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)     [Refurbished tablet](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzRldVZmck8_bGlkPWNzd3E0ZHpnZGs4aSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Stay entertained on long journeys – this refurbished Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet is reduced to just £65. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzRldVZmck8_bGlkPXk5M3pnZGZuZWE2aSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Spain rough guide](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzNaeXkwY2I_bGlkPTg0bGFxZnpmZzEzdyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Jetting off on a Spanish adventure? The Rough Guide to Spain is currently discounted. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzNaeXkwY2I_bGlkPTQxd2ZwNTR4ZWZzaiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   MORE FROM SIMON Listen to my daily podcast, ‘Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast’ – available free on [Spotify](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPTU0ODdmbWliajBmciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9a3VrM3Y4ZGt6OGZ2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPWxtOGtnY29oMWt3OCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPTl5dmJoYWJldXMxbiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). Be the first to see big travel stories by following me on X/Twitter [@SimonCalder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9N2xqa2N3M2tuamlvJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMC0wOS0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZtAyEe1mm3wTV1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj). My direct messages are open – and I try to reply to as many as possible. Follow me on Instagram [@Simon_Calder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD1hbnB4Z2h2bTB6ZXQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIwLTA5LTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1Qgpm0DIR7WabfBNXUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~). Join me here live every weekend at 5.30pm British time as I answer your travel questions. Find me on TikTok [@caldertravel](~/AAAHagA~/RgRoz5YyP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPWN1OGxwa3Eya2QwaSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjAtMDktMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmbQMhHtZpt8E1dSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) for more travel tips and advice   The Independent proudly partners with 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