The New Train Routes Set to Transform European Travel in 2026 18th December 2025 – Europe’s rail renaissance continues to gain momentum, with a wave of new routes set to launch in 2026. Following major milestones such as the Paris–Berlin direct service and the long-awaited return of cross-border links between France and Italy, the continent’s rail network is entering a new phase of expansion. Against a backdrop of rising demand for train holidays that prioritise journey-led travel, wellbeing and environmental impact, Byway, the slow travel specialists, reveals the most exciting new connections to know about next year. ČD ComfortJet from…

Belfast Firm ”My Baggage’ acquires London-based competitor Sherpr in significant UK travel logistics consolidation. My Baggage, one of the UK’s fastest-growing luggage shipping and personal effects logistics companies, has acquired London-based competitor Sherpr, a strategic deal that strengthens My Baggage’s leadership position in the rapidly expanding international travel-logistics market. Supported by EY and Millar McCall Wylie, the acquisition was completed in late November for an undisclosed sum. It brings seven-figure additional revenue into the My Baggage Group and sees nine Sherpr employees join the business. The move enhances My Baggage’s operational footprint across the UK, Ireland, the US, Australia, and…

Jet2holidays awarded Which? Recommended Provider status once again, proving that “Nothing beats a Jet2holiday” UK’s favourite tour operator ends successful year on a high by being renamed a Which? Recommended Provider across five categories Jet2’s brands continue to hold the prestigious status across a total of seven categories! 16th December 2025: Jet2holidays has proved once again that “Nothing beats a Jet2holiday” after retaining the prestigious Which? Recommended Provider status across five holiday categories. The UK’s favourite tour operator has been awarded the coveted status in the Beach and Resort Holiday Providers, Family Holiday Providers, Tailor-Made Holiday Providers and Solo Holiday…

Grand Central Hotel Takes New Year’s Eve to New Heights Taking New Year’s Eve to new heights isn’t just a promise at the 5-star Grand Central Hotel in Belfast – it’s the reality of celebrating the biggest night of the year above the Belfast skyline. From sky-high cocktails in the Observatory 23rd floor cocktail bar, to decadent dining in the Seahorse restaurant, the hotel has crafted New Year’s Eve experiences that elevate every flavour and view. The Grand Central’s New Year’s Eve Observatory package The glitzy New Year’s Eve Observatory black-tie celebration is designed for those who want atmosphere and…

Best value Christmas 2025 destinations for UK families, according to travel experts Between rising living costs and tighter rules around term-time absences, going away during the Christmas holidays can be very expensive. Prices for flights and accommodation often increase at this time – Shubhang Gupta, Director from Viva Holidays advises prices can increase by up to 150-200%. To help parents find value, Shubhang has recommended the top destinations that typically stay budget-friendly at Christmas. Each pick is based on expert experience, historical pricing patterns and general affordability, supported by simple public data like average December temperatures and cost-of-living indicators. Here…

easyJet launches first flights to Rovaniemi from Belfast easyJet flights took off yesterday from Belfast International to Rovaniemi in Finland and are operating twice a week throughout the festive season Seats are available to book at easyJet.com and via the mobile app Northern Ireland’s largest airline easyJet has celebrated the launch of its first flights from Belfast International to Finland in time for Christmas. easyJet’s Christmas services from Belfast International to Rovaniemi – also known as Lapland – is the first and only direct connection to Finland from Northern Ireland. Flights took off yesterday, 2 December, and are now operating…

Vilnius Named European Hospitality City 2025 The jury of the European Hotel Awards grants Vilnius a rare Honorary Award. This award holds a particular significance, as it is not presented every year. The jury reserves it for cities that truly embody and inspire the ideals of European hospitality – sincerity, openness, excellence, and human warmth. Vilnius, Lithuania. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been named the European Hospitality City 2025 by the European Hotel Awards – a prestigious annual event that recognises excellence in the European hospitality industry. The announcement was made during a gala event held on November 17…

SPL Villas offers up to 25% off all European villas in an unmissable Black Friday sale The family villa holiday specialist unveils its biggest Black Friday yet with huge savings across all destinations. Image credit: SPL Villas SPL Villas – the family villa holiday specialist – is set to launch its most generous Black Friday promotion to date, giving holidaymakers the chance to book their dream European villa escape at exceptional value. From 28 November until 5 December (until 23:59), customers can unlock incredible discounts across all destinations. During this limited booking window, SPL Villas is offering 25% off all…

Oceania Cruises® Unveils A Sneak Peek Of Oceania Sonata™, the First Ship in the Line’s All-New Sonata Class, Debuting in 2027 The Sonata Class Heralds a New Era of Luxury at Sea, Seamlessly Blending Refined Design, Expansive Spaces and Exceptional Cuisine Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, today unveiled Oceania Sonata, the latest expression of the brand’s signature blend of intimate, luxurious experiences. Set to debut in 2027, the vessel will be the first of four 1,390-guest ships in the new Sonata Class, representing the next chapter in the line’s continued evolution of its intimate,…

THE GOOD HOTEL GUIDE ANNOUNCES BRITAIN AND IRELAND’S BEST HOTELS FOR 2026 THE GOOD HOTEL GUIDE ANNOUNCES BRITAIN AND IRELAND’S BEST HOTELS FOR 2026 The Good Hotel Guide, the only genuinely independent hotel guide in the UK, has revealed the winners of its 2026 César Awards. These 21 ‘Oscars of the UK hotel industry’, inspired by Swiss hotelier César Ritz, recognise the hotels, inns and B&Bs that set the benchmark for their category. This year’s 21 winners include a pub with its own brewery, spa and farm shop; a former artists’ haunt whose guests included Claude Monet and Oscar Wilde;…