7 d. ago ‘It’s insanely sinister’: horror writers on the scariest stories they’ve ever read

Bloodthirsty ghosts, sadistic supercomputers, creepy childhood games ... Mariana Enríquez, Paul Tremblay, Daisy Johnson and others on the tales that kept them up at nightThe Summer People by Shirley Jackson I read this years ago and it’s a story that’s truly haunted me ever since. The titular “summer people” are the Allisons from New York, who rent the same off-grid country cottage each year. This time, instead of heading back to the city, they decide to extend their holiday for a month longer – something that seems to unsettle everyone in the nearby town. All pass on the same veiled caution that nobody has ever stayed at the lake beyond Labor Day. Nonetheless, the Allisons are determined to remain, and that’s when things start to get increasingly weird. The man who delivers the kerosene won’t sell to them. No one will deliver groceries to the cottage, and when the Allisons attempt to drive into town, the car won’t start. A storm gathers, the batteries in the radio fade, and as dark...

Events

9 d. ago A train tour of Europe’s cool northern capitals: from London to Vilnius, via Berlin and Warsaw

My epic rail journey to some of the continent’s most creative and edgy cities mimics a cruise – I hop on and off, eat too much and soak up the cultureThe people queueing for the Eurostar at London St Pancras station, rushing in from the rain in hoodies, look noticeably less enthusiastic than the usual holiday crowds. But then, we aren’t heading to the usual hot, heady holiday destinations of Spain or the south of France, but boarding a train to north-east Europe. For me, it will be a journey of more than 1,000 miles – via Amsterdam, Berlin and Warsaw to Vilnius – visiting some of the coolest capitals in the north. At least in terms of temperature.As England sweltered this summer, and Spain reached a hellish 46C, it made sense to head away from the heat on what is now fashionably being called a “coolcation”. I left in August, with a suitcase full of jumpers. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Woman, 39, hopes treatment can 'buy more time' after terminal brain cancer diagnosis

Louise Jensen, 39, had been enjoying the summer with her partner of eight years, Adam Philipson, and planning a holiday together when she was struck down by headaches

Economics

2 w. ago Dad dies following Turkey holiday scooter crash after suffering severe head injury

John Kearney has died following fighting for his life in hospital after suffering a severe head injury.

Events

3 w. ago Why Gen Z are ditching pints for smoothies and juices at the airport

For many people, an airport pint is an essential part of any trip. Whatever time your flight may be, you might be keen to head to the airport's pub for a drink before your holiday.

Politics

3 w. ago Boy hospitalised in Turkey after splitting head open in swimming pool on holiday

Rhiannon Dunn had jetted off to Antalya in Turkey with her son Carlson Turner as a birthday present for the seven-year-old

Politics

3 w. ago 'Biggest ever' great white shark reappears and is heading for holiday resort

Great white shark 'Contender', the largest ever recorded in the Atlantic at 14ft, has resurfaced off the Canadian coast and his behaviour is raising hopes among marine scientists

Events

3 w. ago The biggest great white shark ever recorded is heading for popular holiday resort in the US

The 14ft shark, named Contender, and was tagged 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast in the North Atlantic by OCEARCH in January - a non-profit that researches large marine animals.

Events

3 w. ago 'Biggest ever' great white shark reappears and is heading for resort

The 14ft great white shark, nicknamed Contender, was tagged in the North Atlantic by OCEARCH in January and it is the biggest great white ever recorded in the Atlantic

Events

3 w. ago 'Biggest great white ever' surfaces and is 'heading for holiday resort'

Contender is estimated to be around 30 years old

Events

3 w. ago Mum down £1.5k after son backflips in pool as Turkey hospital refuses Asda insurance

Rhiannon Dunn was left 'panicking and crying' when her son Carlson, seven, split his head open after backflipping into a pool on holiday - she was left to fork out 1,500 for his medical treatment

Economics

3 w. ago Mum's Asda insurance didn't cover £1,500 bill after son split his head on holiday

Carlson Turner, seven, suffered the nasty injury backflipping into a swimming pool on holiday in Antalya, Turkey, and needed urgent treatment at Konakli Medical Centre

Economics

3 w. ago Trump budget director pushing Social Security overhaul to cut disability benefits for hundreds of thousands of Americans: report

Critics fear proposed changes from White House budget chief Russell Vought mark biggest-ever cuts to disability insurance

Politics

3 w. ago Dad on Turkey holiday with friends left fighting for life as family 'told to say goodbye' in tragedy

John Kearney, 64, was on a holiday in Turkey when he sustained a serious head injury

Politics

3 w. ago TUI 'abandons' dad and daughter after plane crash in 'absolutely shocking' holiday hell

Holiday-maker Jason Hall was heading home after a nine-day break in Cyprus with his 13-year-old daughter when they found themselves 'abandoned' at the wrong airport

Events

last month Revealed: The mistakes that will get European locals laughing at you

When you head on holiday to a different country, there will always be differences in the culture - things you might not be used to. Adapting can be tough - and could lead to often humorous faux pas.

Politics