12 h. ago I stayed at the UK holiday park that’s a ‘better value Center Parcs’ with Christmassy Blue Lagoon and kid elf uniforms

AS a golf buggy whizzes past me,  blaring festive tunes and with a fully decorated tree tied to the rear, it occurs I might be in possibly the most Christmassy place this side of Lapland.   I am with my family on our first visit to the popular Kingdom Of The Elves experience at the...

Politics

64 h. ago The AI boom is heralding a new gold rush in the American west

Once home to gold and prospectors, the Nevada desert is now the site of a new kind of expansion: tech data centers Driving down the interstate through the dry Nevada desert, there are few signs that a vast expanse of new construction is hiding behind the sagebrush-covered hills. But, just beyond a massive power plant and transmission towers that march up into the dusty brown mountains, lies one of the world’s biggest buildouts of data centers – miles of new concrete buildings that house millions of computer servers.This business park, called the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, has a sprawling landmass greater than the city of Denver. It is home to the largest data center in the US, built by the company Switch, and tech giants like Google and Microsoft have also bought land here and are constructing enormous facilities. A separate Apple data center complex is just down the road. Tesla’s gigafactory, which builds electric vehicle batteries, is a resident too. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago UK destinations planning to introduce a tourist tax following the Budget

As outlined in the UK Government's Autumn Budget 2025, local leaders in towns and cities will have the power to charge a modest fee for overnight stays in hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets.

Economics

1 week ago Labour 'mansion tax' will cost homeowners up to £7,500 a year

Kate Allen, 45, founder and owner of Finest Stays, a luxury holiday letting agency based in Devon, manages more than 100 high-value holiday homes, most worth more than £2million.

Economics

1 week ago Gen Z want hot tubs and cold plunges on staycations, holiday home giant says

Awaze said younger couples and adult groups were its fasting-growing demographic when it comes to bookings.

Politics

2 w. ago Backlash at the bed tax: Rachel Reeves plans to bring in an overnight tax on top of your hotel or Airbnb bed for the night

Rachel Reeves faced a furious backlash over plans to impose a 'bed tax' on hotel stays and holiday rentals.

Society

2 w. ago Reeves could allow holiday tax on English hotel and Airbnb stays

Move to give mayors powers to raise funds through levies, but industry says it will ramp up prices and inflationBusiness live – latest updatesBritish holidaymakers could have to pay a nightly tax on hotel stays and Airbnb-style visits in plans expected to be announced by Rachel Reeves in the budget next week.The chancellor is reportedly preparing to give mayors powers to raise taxes by charging tourists on the cost of an overnight stay in their cities. Continue reading...

Society

3 w. ago Family flee Spain hotel as toilet's pungent smell 'woke them up when someone lifted seat'

Frankee and Jonny James, both 33, took their son Rowan, 8, for their first family holiday abroad but were appalled by their stay at Hotel Sorra Daurada Splash in Malgrat de Mar

Society

4 w. ago The Holiday house is real! Fans can now stay inside Kate Winslet's iconic cottage

Attention rom-com lovers, the most iconic festive cottage in movie history is now a real place you can actually book.

Politics

4 w. ago ‘Fabulous 50s dresses and even a kilt’: readers’ favourite vintage shops and markets in Europe

Our tipsters rummage through thrift stores and markets from Budapest to Bologna• Tell us about a lesser known corner of Italy or a winter stay in the UK – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherW Armstrong in Edinburgh is a true institution. There are several locations, but the Grassmarket spot is a treasure trove. Frequented by locals, students and tourists alike, there is a price point for all. Whether I’ve been on the hunt for vintage cashmere, denim, fabulous 1950s dresses, garb for a fancy dress party or even a kilt, this store has sorted me out. It is always a favourite for when friends visit the city, and whether you are looking to buy or not, it is worth a visit just to see its eclectic collection.Amy Continue reading...

Economics