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The little-known jacket travel hack that will help you bring more items on holiday | Travel News | Travel

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Packing for a holiday can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to travel light or avoid extra luggage fees

But according to travel expert and outdoor adventurer Meeshka Brand, there’s a clever jacket hack that can help you bring more items without overpacking your bags.

Speaking exclusively to the Express, Meeshka, who is the founder of Sand & Elevation and a seasoned climber, shared her secret: wear a travel jacket or vest with hidden pockets. 

She explained: “These can hold smaller, heavier items like power banks, chargers, or even snacks, keeping them off your backpack’s weight limit while being easily accessible.”

The extra storage can make a big difference, particularly for travellers who need to pack smart for both airport travel and outdoor adventures.

Meeshka, who has explored the Olympic and Cascade Mountains extensively and climbed Washington volcanoes like Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, also stressed the importance of making the most of every inch of packing space. 

She said: “Stuff socks or smaller items into shoes – this avoids wasted space and helps the shoes keep their shape.”

The travel expert also recommended bringing a foldable daypack inside your main bag for day trips, allowing you to leave your larger bag behind.

For those looking to save space without sacrificing comfort, Meeshka suggested swapping bulky shoes for minimalist travel sneakers or sandals. 

She said: “Seek ultra-light options that take up half the space of traditional shoes but still provide comfort.”

Another tip for saving room is to pack a pillowcase instead of a pillow. “Fill it with clothes or a jacket, and you’ve got an instant travel pillow without wasting space,” Meeshka said. 

This hack is particularly handy for long-haul flights or overnight bus journeys.

Meeshka also highlighted the benefits of bringing collapsible food containers or silicone zip-top bags. 

She said: “These are perfect for leftovers, street food, or even organising small items in your pack. They’re lightweight and can save space while adding versatility to your travel kit.”

“Packing light isn’t just about saving space – it’s about making your trip easier and more comfortable.” 



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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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