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Italy travel chaos as mass strikes at airports risk impacting flights | Travel News | Travel

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The Italian Ministry of Transport has announced that handling staff at a significant number of the country’s airports plan to strike tomorrow (February 5).

Handling staff from companies associated with Assohandlers, one of Italy’s largest aviation associations, are set to walk out for 24 hours due to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions, with unions demanding better wages, improved hours and better benefits for ground staff.

An aviation expert suggests that the strikes could cause massive disruption for flights to and from Italy.

Assohandlers represent handlers at major airports, including Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Naples, Catania, and Venice. Handling staff’s key responsibilities include baggage services, boarding assistance and aircraft loading and unloading.

According to recent data, on a typical day, around 176,000 passengers can transit through Italian airports, including Rome Fiumicino, Italy’s busiest airport.

Companies falling under Assohandlers’ banner include Airport Handling, which works with airlines like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air, according to airporthandling.eu.

Another Assohandlers parter, Aviapartner, employs 10,000 staff across Europe.

“When airport handlers strike, airports and carriers are presented with a very tricky situation,” air passenger rights expert Anton Radchenko of AirAdvisor explained.

“Handlers are a vital component of a machine with a number of moving parts, so when staff from any part of that machine walkout, services are likely to be affected by delays and cancellations.

“As well as disrupted flights, strikes like these can result in luggage not making it on to flights.”

Last February, Aviapartner handling staff at Brussels Airport went on strike at short notice which caused significant delays to flights and led to passengers experiencing issues with their luggage, Mr Radchenko explained.

Another previous Aviapartner strike at Brussels resulted in massive disruption. More than 100 flights were cancelled in a single day and affected airlines included Ryanair and KLM.

Anton Radchenko added: “If you’re travelling between the UK and Italy with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz, TUI or British Airways, don’t underestimate the damage that these strikes could cause to your travel plans.

“If your flight is cancelled less than 14 days before you are due to fly, you may be due up to £520 in compensation from your airline.

“Equally, if your flight is cancelled, you have the right to seek a new seat on a different flight to your intended destination within a reasonable amount of time. This can be with the airline you were due to travel with or a rival airline – and your airline is obliged to pay for it.

“If you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund for your ticket from your airline. Airlines are obliged to offer passengers whose flights are delayed by more than two hours food and drink vouchers. If your flight is rescheduled for the following day, airlines should provide you with accommodation in a nearby hotel.

“Use a free compensation calculator to figure out what you might be able to claim back from your airline.”



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The pretty Spanish city that’s just an hour’s ferry ride from Africa | Travel News | Travel

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A small but beautiful Spanish  city is just a 60 minute ferry ride from a nearby African city.

Algeciras is a city in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, close to the Strait of Gibraltar. It has a population of 120,000 people and is the largest city in the Bay of Gibraltar.

The port is one of the largest in the world in three categories: container, cargo and transshipment. It serves as the main embarkation point to Tangier and other ports in Morocco  as well as the Canary Islands and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. 

And for those looking to explore Morocco, it is also served by a number of ferry routes with crossings to Ceuta and Tanger Med available, with up to eight sailings daily.

Journey times across the 38 miles range from one hour on the Ceuta service to two hours 30 minutes on the Tanger Med service. Both services carry up to 1,000 people and have a shop and cafe on board.

The urban area of Algeciras straddles the small Río de la Miel, which is the southernmost river of continental Europe. The river is very short, only 350 metres long with some waterfalls and water wheels.

The main shopping streets, together with the town square and central market, are mainly pedestrianised. There is a wide range of shops from local food markets and boutiques to big brands.

To see in the city is the Plaza Alta de Algeciras, the medieval walls, the coastline path, Maria Cristina Park, the Church of Our Lady of La Palma, and Almirante Tower.

Reviewers on Tripadvisor called Algeciras a “must-see” area to visit if you are in the area. One person called the main square “charming”, saying it looked “lovely in the sunshine”.

Many commented on the “amazing” coloured tiles covering the Old Town, calling the area “lovely and picturesque”.

Algeciras has a Mediterranean subtropical climate with very mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers. It has summer highs of 28C and winter lows of 11C.

In recent years it has become a significant tourist destination, with popular day trips to Tarifa to see bird migrations; to Gibraltar to see the territory’s sights and culture; and to the Bay of Gibraltar on whale watching excursions.

It is also close to two natural parks -El Estrecho and Los Alcornocales. El Estrecho sits on the southernmost point of mainland Europe on the migratory route for many birds. Los Alconocales is one of the largest cork forests in the world.



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The stunning Greek island just as pretty as Santorini but without the crowds | Travel News | Travel

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When it comes to enviable social media photos, Greek islands are undoubtedly among the top contenders, boasting picturesque surroundings with crystal-clear waters, blue skies, whitewashed houses, and iconic blue-domed churches.

The islands that immediately come to mind are Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes—luxurious, glamorous, and perfect for a summer European getaway.

However, with this popularity comes crowds of tourists, which can sometimes take away from the authentic experience many visitors seek.

But Greece offers a treasure trove of lesser-known islands that promise to deliver a more tranquil, immersive experience, and there’s something uniquely special about discovering an untouched destination before the masses.

Among these hidden gems is Paros, a stunning island easily accessible by plane or ferry from Athens.

Situated in the Cyclades, Paros is perfectly placed for island-hopping, with close proximity to Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos.

Once a lesser-known spot, Paros has been steadily rising in popularity, with even A-list celebrities like Salma Hayek spotted vacationing here.

Despite its increasing fame, Paros still retains its charm and authenticity, offering a beautiful balance of relaxation and excitement.

Moreover, it is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Greece. Whether you’re unwinding at Santa Maria, Marcello, or the unique Kolymbithres, you’ll be captivated by the island’s crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes.

When you’re not lounging on the beach, take a stroll through the chic town of Naoussa. This vibrant fishing village is the heart of Paros’ nightlife, with charming streets lined with some of the best restaurants and buzziest bars on the island. 

While Paros is a standout, Greece boasts a plethora of lesser-known islands that deserve your attention.

Take Syros, for example, an island with a rich cultural heritage and an elegant blend of Venetian and Greek architecture. Its capital, Ermoupolis, is a charming town full of neoclassical buildings, narrow alleys, and vibrant squares.

With fewer tourists than its more famous counterparts, Syros offers a more laid-back and authentic Greek experience. 

Another hidden gem is Folegandros, a small, quiet island in the Cyclades. Known for its rugged cliffs and unspoiled landscapes, Folegandros is the perfect escape for those seeking peace and natural beauty.

Its capital, Chora, is perched on a hill and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

The island’s serene atmosphere, combined with its pristine beaches and picturesque villages, makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to unwind in a more tranquil setting. 

While the likes of Santorini and Mykonos often steal the spotlight, there’s a whole world of hidden Greek islands that offer an equally—if not more—rewarding experience. 



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Warning to UK tourists over 5 extra documents needed to enter Spain | UK | Travel

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UK tourists travelling to Spain are being warned they may need to show five extra documents to enter the country.

All passengers are required to have a valid passport to be permitted entry, and in line with Schengen area rules, this must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and an ‘expiry date’ at least three months after the day you plan to leave.

Passports must be stamped by border control staff on entry into Spain, but tourists could also be asked to show up to five additional documents at Spanish border control.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns that UK tourists may need to show any of the following to border control staff:

  • a return or onward ticket

  • proof of your travel insurance

  • you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

  • a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property

  • an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts

If you’re asked to show proof that you have enough money to cover your stay, current rules state that the the minimum amount is at least 113.40 euros (£94.79) per person, per day, with a minimum of 1,020.60 euros (£853.07) or its legal equivalent in foreign currency.

This can be accredited by showing border officials cash, traveller’s cheques, payment letters or credit cards, which must be accompanied by a bank statement or an updated bank book.

If tourists have less than the minimum amount required, their entry into Spain could either be denied entirely, or the length of stay could be reduced in proportion to the amount of money they have available.

The FCDO also warns that tourists must get their passport stamped on entry and exit into Spain now that the UK is no longer part of the EU.

British nationals can travel to Spain, and other Schengen countries, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, so you’ll need a stamp to prove you haven’t overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport is missing a stamp, you must show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area – such as with boarding passes or tickets – and ask Spanish border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

The FCDO warns: “Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit. If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

“If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

“British nationals living in Spain do not need their passports to be stamped. Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control.”



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