If you’re flying this summer, then you could be missing a crucial step – and your bank balance and skin may pay the price. Whilst we’re focused on our passports and luggage when we step on a plane, many of us forget about ourselves. According to Cult Beauty and skincare expert Elizabeth Japal from The Derma Lab, people should always ensure that they wear SPF with those in the know stressing that this is an “essential” whether on holiday, back in the UK or on board a plane.

Elizabeth has stressed this is especially true if you sit at the window rather than the aisle seat, saying: “Many people don’t realise that UV exposure actually increases at altitude, and airplane windows don’t block out all UVA rays, which are the primary cause of premature skin ageing. You’re essentially sitting next to a magnified sun bed, especially in the window seat.”

This combined with the low humidity in cabin air causes your skin to become more vulnerable to dehydration, dullness and damage even on short flights. “It’s not just about how you look stepping off the plane, regular exposure to this kind of environment can really take a toll on skin health over time,” she said.

Urging people to prep before they step foot in the airport, Elizabeth says that this applies to everyone, whether you are flying short or long-haul. And yes, you still need to wear SPF even if it’s cloudy and grey.

Elizabeth’s checklist 

1. Do this before you fly

In her number one rule, she urges people to cleanse before flying. “Starting with clean skin is essential. Your face will already be exposed to the drying effects of cabin air – leftover makeup, SPF, or pollution will only clog pores and contribute to inflammation.”

2. Hydrating Mist

Both before and during the flight, you should sprit some mist on your face for hydration. The recycled air on planes can sap your skin of moisture within minutes. Doing this throughout the flight helps prevent dehydration and delivers an instant glow.

3. Hydrating Serum

“Serums are your skin’s drink of water. Layering a serum underneath your moisturiser maximises hydration while boosting antioxidant protection”, explains Elizabeth. Try opting for a travel-friendly option that is packed with niacinamide and vitamins C and E. It brightens the complexion, calms inflammation and shields against oxidative stress – perfect for fending off free radicals during flights.

4. Moisturise and SPF

Yep, even indoors you should use SPF. 2People assume SPF is not needed on a plane, but UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass – and they’re the aging ones,” says Elizabeth.

5. Pack these

Pack essentials in your clear bag for top-ups such as:

• Face Mist

• Lip Balm

• Hand Cream

• SPF Touch-Up

6. After Landing

When you have landed at your destination, take the time to pip on a calming serum followed by a barrier-restoring moisturiser. And of course, always reapply SPF before stepping out into the sun. You can do this whilst you wait to embark the plane. “Your post-flight skin ritual is just as important – it resets and supports your skin as you move into a new climate or time zone,” Elizabeth advises.

Europe’s most overcrowded tourist island has been named. A report by consumer advisor Which? has detailed the 10 places with the highest “tourist pressure”—visitors per 1,000 residents—and Zakynthos—also known as Zante—in Greece has come out on top. Second was ranked Istarska Zupanija in Croatia, and third was the Spanish island of Fuerteventura. Experts have recommended some alternative destinations.

Which? emphasised that only around 40,000 people actually live on Zakynthos, but it had 6 million overnight stays in 2023. Most of these were on the “sprawling, raucous” resorts along the south coast. This means there were 150 overnight stays for every person who lives there. Specialists added: “Zante does not have the most visitors in absolute terms, but compared to residents, the volume of tourists is huge. The results of this level of tourism vary, but broadly it means a holiday there is mostly spent in the company of other tourists while shops, restaurants and cultural experiences will often be aimed (and priced) at tourists rather than locals.”

If UK travellers are looking for a “quiet seaside holiday”, Haapsalu in Estonia is a seaside resort that has around 120 overnight stays by tourists per square kilometres, Which? emphasised.

It added: “Overtourism is already so prevalent that popular destinations are now actively trying to reduce the number of arrivals. As a result, travellers may now be resistant to visit certain areas like Spain due to the increase in tourist tax and overtourism protests, so it is more worthwhile than ever for travellers to consider alternative destinations for their holidays.

“What this data shows is that overtourism has overwhelmed some of Europe’s most popular destinations,” Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said.

He added: “With so many fantastic places in Europe, the truth is, you are going to have a far better holiday in a destination where there are not hundreds or even thousands more tourists than there are locals.”

Try Estonia for stunning coastlines and, yes, warm weather, during summer. Or if you want to stick with Spain, Murcia is a great option.”

Full list of places with highest tourist pressure

• Zakynthos (149,886.95)
• Istarska Zupanija (133,466.93)
• Fuerteventura (118,720.31)
• Lanzarote (117,785.17)
• Dodecanese Islands – Kalymnos, Karpathos – Iroiki Nisos Kasos, Kos, Rodos (113,790.45)
• Tiroler Oberland, Austria (112,716.37)
• Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria (Salzburg Alps) (109,009.7)
• Cyclade Island group-  Andros, Thira, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos (104,152.63)
• Kerkyra, Corfu (100,079.59)
• Außerfern, Austria (97,299.12)

This tiny village is home to one unique school which is unlike many others – it’s one of the UK’s smallest with just two pupils. Duror is nestled between the mountains and stunning coastline of the Scottish Highlands. It is a charming village offering a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking nature, history, and adventure.

Located near the shores of Loch Linnhe, Duror is the perfect base for exploring the dramatic landscapes of the West Highlands. Duror Primary is located in a Victorian-era building which has stood in the Highland village for more than a century, however it had been earmarked for closure due to its dwindling pupil numbers, reports BBC.

But with several babies and toddlers in Duror expected to soon boost the school roll, the local council have agreed to keep it open after a campaign by locals.

Shannon and Molly, who are the only two students currently at the school, told BBC News that they mostly do everything together and that they are best friends.

Holly Graves, a teacher at the school, said: “I love the flexibility and the freedom for going out and exploring. If the weather is good, we can go and do our work down at the beach.”

She says small schools are important for the wider community and that it’s important the school has managed to stay open.

However, some people have said the school is similar to homeschooling other than that the students are located in a school building.

The school has been saved from closure in its past after receiving public support but social media users have been split in their reaction.

On Instagram, one person wrote: “Seems unique, but also seems like a waste of funds and resources for 2 pupils.”

Another penned: “Waste of resources. English taxpayer money redistributed to Scotland to fund this nonsense is appalling.”

Others are supportive of the school, one person comments: “I’m guessing they’re far from any other school for their grade. They’re going to look back on this and have some amazing memories.”

Highland Council had wanted to shut the school, which has educated pupils in the village near Loch Linnhe since 1877, but locals objected to the plans, reports Daily Mail.

Duror is a quiet part of the Highlands, often visited for off the beaten track walking routes.

It is not a major tourist destination but offers a peaceful and quiet place to explore for those wanting to see an authentic part of the Highlands.

One place to visit in the area is Highland Titles Nature Reserve which is a uniquely funded conservation project. You can take a tour of the site which is popular with visitors.

A visitor on Tripadvisor said: “This was our second trip to Highland Titles in Duror. Last year we did not have the opportunity to get a guided tour but did this year!

“Fiona was great and very informative and helped us find our plot. After our tour we decided to walk the reserve which we thoroughly enjoyed! The scenery is spectacular.

“They do amazing things to maintain and preserve the natural highland trees and animals! We also got to see Stewart feed the Coos! This is a place we will visit whenever we can get back to Scotland.”

If you’re looking for a unique place to visit, Druor could be the perfect place to enjoy a quiet break this summer.