Europe

London Stansted

England

Lisbon

Portugal

Lisbon at £105-£150 rtn from London Stansted

Did you know that the Hawaii of Europe has its very own love story?

Winnipeg

Forget everything you thought you knew about Canada being a polite, freezing expanse. This place is seriously epic, stretching from Vancouver's gorgeous coastline and the towering Rockies right over to the hip coffee shops of Montreal and the rugged East Coast. 
The only problem? It’s massive. Luckily, this is where we step in. We find those great-value Canada Flights that prove you can tackle this stunning country without turning your bank account into a frozen wasteland.
Whether you're flying in from overseas or grabbing a domestic flight for a quick poutine run, our in-house Canadian crew is here to lend their expertise. So stop guessing when to book and where to go: our guides are your secret weapon for getting the most bang for your loonie, eh!

Canada

Forget everything you thought you knew about Canada being a polite, freezing expanse. This place is seriously epic, stretching from Vancouver's gorgeous coastline and the towering Rockies right over to the hip coffee shops of Montreal and the rugged East Coast.

Ponta Delgada

Toronto

The Azores 🌋 in $550s-$840s RT

Copenhagen

Denmark

Porto

Porto 🍷 at €117-€126 rtn from Copenhagen 

Edinburgh

Scotland

Porto 🍷 at £48 rtn from Edinburgh

The perfect place to write your own classic love story :-)

Montreal

Azores 🌸 at $707 RT

Halifax

Lisbon at CA$436 rtn from Halifax

Postcard from gabidev

I ended up doing a Madeira 9 day trip solo and the hiking and people were incredible. All props to JFC for bringing me the flight details. I can’t thank you enough!

Postcard from Amy

Postcard from Karen

Postcard from Abbi

Thank you! I'm already looking forward to flying to Brasil from Dusseldorf in November for the first time of my life - completely alone.

No pictures available yet, but a lot of gratitude :-)

Postcard from Andrea

Thanks for letting me know about the TAP sale. We bought very cheap flights from Hamburg to São Paulo.

Postcard from Thomas

Belgium

Netherlands

Finland

Sweden

United States

Greece

Italy

Hey there, Travellers,
We were delighted to see yesterday that airlines aren't the only part of the industry where error fares pop up. <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/carnival-cruise-line-cancellations-travelers-b2976640.html">Carnival Cruise Line fell foul of a "glitch"</a> earlier in the week that saw fares slashed in half, and of course some eagle-eyed Redditors spread the word.
While we usually see airlines honouring error fares, Carnival opted not to, saying that it "fell far below any reasonable promotional fare." Despite getting a full refund, many affected travellers are upset as they'd already gone ahead and booked their flights out to the port of departure.
They clearly hadn't read <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/what-is-an-error-fare-and-how-to-book-one">our tips on what to do when you spot an error fare</a>. Spoiler: we always recommend waiting at least a couple of weeks before booking anything else in case the carrier chooses to cancel. Until then, give yourself a pat on the back and open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate!&nbsp;
Happy travels and safe landings,

Katy - Editor of The Detour

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This&nbsp;special&nbsp;&pound;1 offer ends 20th&nbsp;May 2026, so don't miss out and start your Wanderlust journey today.&nbsp;

In Partnership with Wanderlust

With journeys spanning more than 30 countries and ten years, Akasha's best memories live in the pages of her passport. She always consults her tarot (and her cats) before any big trip. Currently based in Ireland, when she isn't travelling, she&rsquo;s probably drawing in a caf&eacute; somewhere.

By Akasha

Welcome to the rabbit hole.
International borders are strange and sometimes confusing things, changing over time and often on seemingly bureaucratic whims. And once you start digging into the wheres and whys, it's hard to look away...
Here are a few of our top picks for the world's weirdest borders:
<h2 id="the-longest-hole-in-one">The longest hole-in-one</h2>

Ever shanked a golf shot so bad it took an hour to land? Seriously!&nbsp;
On the northern border of Finland and Sweden, you&rsquo;ll find Green Zone&rsquo;s 18-hole golf course. The quirk? Seven holes in Finland and 11 in Sweden, meaning golfers need to walk across the border multiple times per round.&nbsp;
And since there&rsquo;s a one-hour time difference between these Nordic neighbors, your shot technically takes an hour to get to the other side &mdash; or even appears to travel back in time.
<h2 dir="ltr" id="a-little-to-the-left">A little to the left</h2>

Meet the undisputed champion of border lore. One of only two counter-enclaves in the world, and certainly the most bizarre.&nbsp;
No corner of the towns <a href="https://youtu.be/xv8t0x34A8w?si=Aw5IyGnH7FS8FTbu&amp;t=68">Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog</a> is safe from the patchwork white crosses that mark the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. It&rsquo;s a town of roughly 10,000 and made up of 22 enclaves belonging to the Belgian municipality of Baarle-Hertog, surrounded by the Dutch municipality of Baarle-Nassau, with 7 counter-enclaves. Because of this, you can cross the boundary 30 times in just 5 kilometers, with the border running straight through streets, supermarkets, and schools.
It&rsquo;s a place where couples can sleep in the same bed while being in two separate countries and where residents have moved their front doors just a smidge to pay less tax.

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A good book, a teary opera. Both have the ability to transport you into their stories instantly, but what if they could transport you across state lines&hellip;&nbsp;
On the skirt of Vermont and Quebec, that&rsquo;s precisely what happens at the <a href="https://www.haskelloperahouse.org/">Haskell Free Library &amp; Opera House</a>. The only indication you&rsquo;ve swapped maples for stars? A black line cutting through a rickety floorboard.
It was built by a wealthy Canadian, Martha Stewart Haskell (no, not that one), after inheriting a fortune from her late husband. A gift to the community, it was intentionally built to straddle the border between the US and Canada as a symbol of friendship and cultural welcome mat for the border communities. It&rsquo;s often referred to as &ldquo;the only library in the US with no books&rdquo; since most stacks are indeed on the Canadian side.&nbsp;
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/the-worlds-weirdest-borders">Keep reading for more barmy borders...</a>

Travel Inspiration

The Detour Editor Katy is a budget travel aficionado who has already travelled to more than 50 countries. Whether she's at home or on a foreign adventure, she has a particular talent for stumbling upon tasty Georgian restaurants.

By Katy

Back in March,&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/will-the-new-ees-system-give-you-border-control-nightmares-this-summer">we shared what we already knew</a> about the new EU Entry/Exit System. It has now been in place for over a month, and its flaws continue to dominate travel news. As we inch closer to summer travel, non-EU nationals are understandably anxious about delays and disruption. So what can you expect?
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">An April statement on the website of the Greek Embassy in the UK suggested that Greece has suspended the EES system this summer for incoming UK citizens. British travellers make up the largest number of international visitors to the country from outside the EU, so the move is designed to prevent long lines in those smaller, island airports. </li>
<li dir="ltr">This does not mean that tourists from the UK won't face checks&mdash;the usual passport control will be in place.&nbsp; </li>
<li dir="ltr">Visitors from other countries, such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and further afield, will still have to register for the EES system in Greece with their fingerprints and a biometric photograph. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Portugal and Italy have announced that they do not&nbsp;plan to follow suit, despite extensive EES-related delays causing travellers to miss flights out of the country. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Popular summer spots like Faro, Lanzarote, Milan and Lisbon have all recently been called out as airports where an influx of flights landing at the same time has led to hours of queuing. If you're planning a self-transfer trip, where you book an onward connection separately, allow several hours to get through passport control (twice!).</li>
</ul>
All that said, the experience is inconsistent. So far this year, I've travelled through Berlin, Brussels, and Amsterdam airports without any major to-do.
Admittedly, the line at passport control arriving into Brussels was a little slow, but having already provided my biometrics in Berlin a month earlier, I flew through without any issue once I reached the front. The delay wasn't helped by the fact I had to run back to the bathroom beside the gate to retrieve my forgotten suitcase, either...
Amsterdam certainly wasn't making the best use of its 12 border gates with only three operational. However, there was absolutely no need for me to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, despite the warnings on my easyJet app to do so.
Berlin, however, was super efficient. 5 minutes in the line, an apology from the border guard for keeping me waiting. I think I even made it through faster than some of the EU citizens waiting to use the eGates!
So what have our members reported over the last couple of months?

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"Arrived at Verona Airport on 15/04/26 - there were maybe 15 kiosks. It was easy/quick to register and then to go through e-gate. No delays whatsoever."&nbsp;-&nbsp;PassionateHolidaymaker55469
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"12/04 - Arrived at Charles de Gaulle, quite early though - 08.00. Prints and photo in less than 5 minutes. On departure 15/04, scanned passport and straight through - easy."&nbsp;-&nbsp;NomadicHopper67104
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"Nightmare at Malaga on landing. Followed the queues as directed, machines refused to work so we finally joined the back of the original passport control queue. Waste of time and very confusing for those trying to do the right thing. Just about to head off to Faro but I&rsquo;ve read that the new machines have been suspended to be rolled out later this year when it&rsquo;s not so busy."&nbsp;-&nbsp;IndomitableTourist33491
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"We've been through Geneva Airport all winter and it's been a NIGHTMARE!!"&nbsp;-&nbsp;AnimatedExpeditionist08802
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Have you got an EES tale to tell?&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/will-the-new-ees-system-give-you-border-control-nightmares-this-summer#comments">Share your experiences in the comments</a>!

Travel Tips

What a deal!!! When I saw it, I didn&rsquo;t even hesitate to book! It got me 20 days in the wonderful country of Chile, where I got to see my first desert (and the driest one at that), and finally see the Pacific again! A great trip, and the money I saved on the flight just meant more souvenirs to bring back home.

Miami to Santiago, Chile at $383 RT

Postcard from ShopaholicShrimp

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://simpleflying.com/true-business-class-passengers-priority-emergency-evacuation/">Can fare class dictate</a> in what order you evacuate a plane? </li>
<li>Ever felt like you'd be able to keep raving a little longer, if only you could take a nap without getting thrown out of the club? <a href="https://secretberlin.co/en/the-infinite-now-kraftwerk-berlin-3/">Berlin has the solution</a>. </li>
<li>Young Americans, take the money-saving wins where you can get them with <a href="https://www.afar.com/magazine/tsa-precheck-offers-discount-for-young-travelers">discounted TSA PreCheck</a> this summer. </li>
<li>Yes, <a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/article/englands-eight-best-northern-seaside-towns">"England" and "beach holiday"</a> do go together, even in the north. Fish and chips obligatory. </li>
<li>And finally, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy82j0q383no">Magnus the walrus</a> spent weeks making waves around Scotland before disappearing back into the chilly North Sea. As it transpires, he'd simply had enough of us and decided to continue his Northern European tour across in Norway. Do send us a pic if you spot him!</li>
</ul>

Travel News

Weird and Wonderful Borders & a May EES Update

Cuba

Ghana

Japan

Thailand

Q:&nbsp;"Can you do an article on best places to go for Black solo travellers please! It would be a really useful article. I always have to Google search before booking holidays."

We&rsquo;ll do our best to answer this one for you, reader!
We'd also start by saying that you're already doing the right thing. When it comes to prejudice, racism, or concerns about traveling safely abroad, it&rsquo;s always best to carry out your own research, frustrating and time-consuming though it is.
After all, this is your adventure, not anybody else's, and you want to be sure that you're setting off on your travels feeling confident and reassured.
And as Stephanie Yeboah points out in her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-for-black-female-solo-travellers">&lsquo;Best places for Black female solo travellers&rsquo;</a>&nbsp;piece for Lonely Planet, there&rsquo;s sadly no such thing as a country that&rsquo;s entirely free of racism.
The risk of having a bad experience can also vary wildly within a country&mdash;for instance, Stephanie herself recommends Thailand specifically as a top pick for Black women who are solo traveling thanks to its gorgeous spa hotels, heritage sites and beaches (which is a great recommendation!).
But Thailand is also a country with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.allure.com/story/color-and-colorism-in-thailand">complex history of colorism</a>, and some travelers of color&mdash;and particularly Black and Indian men&mdash;have reported experiences of being blocked from entering Thai nightclubs, receiving poorer treatment in bars, or being turned away from budget hotels when attempting to make a spontaneous booking. So we wouldn't necessarily leap to recommend it for a male traveler who's planning on doing a lot of backpacking or taking in the nightlife.
In short, spending some time reading personal blogs on sites like Travel Noire, which has a&nbsp;<a href="https://travelnoire.com/tag/traveler-story">fantastic selection of traveller stories</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackandabroad.com/">Black And Abroad</a>&nbsp;while checking those recommendations against first-hand experiences on Reddit (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/blacktravel/">r/blacktravel</a>&nbsp;is a great starting point) or groups like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blacktravelersnetwork.com/">The Black Travelers Network</a>&nbsp;is the best way to make sure you&rsquo;ve got all of the facts.
It can also be pretty reassuring to read the experiences of experienced solo travelers like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/black-solo-traveller/">Diane Petterson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/she-visited-every-country-on-earth-heres-what-she-learned">Jessica Nabongo</a>&mdash;officially the first Black woman to have visited every country in the world&mdash;whose main takeaway from their experience is that most people across the globe are essentially welcoming and kind.
With all of that said, here are just a few of the countries that we&rsquo;ve seen come up most often in Black solo travelers&rsquo; recommendations.&nbsp;

<h2 id="ghana">Ghana</h2>
We&rsquo;ve written more broadly before about visiting glorious Ghana&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/top-tips-for-visiting-glorious-ghana">right here</a>&nbsp;(and we saw a lot of reader responses agreeing that it was a fantastic destination), and we thoroughly think it deserves the top spot!
From Vanessa Kanbi, who moved to Ghana for a year from Edinburgh,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i69mIa3BJY">here are some specific tips</a>&nbsp;for solo travelers, including hostel and tour recommendations.
Ghana also has a thriving heritage, culture and sankofa (&lsquo;return to your roots&rsquo;) tour scene for travellers from the West African diaspora&mdash;<a href="https://ashantiafricantours.com/ghana-heritage-tours/">Ashanti Tours</a>&nbsp;is one operator with strongly positive reviews that specialises in them. The Culture Trip also has&nbsp;<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/africa/ghana/articles/a-solo-travellers-guide-to-ghana/">a solo travel guide to Ghana</a>&nbsp;with some helpful hostel recommendations if you&rsquo;re traveling on a budget!
Every two years in July, the fishing port of Cape Coast also hosts&nbsp;<a href="https://panafest.org.gh/">Panafest</a>&mdash;a pan-African arts and culture festival where Africans and travelers of African descent are invited to come and celebrate together. And, of course, in December, there&rsquo;s the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afrofuture.com/">AfroFuture festival</a>&hellip;

<h2 id="japan">Japan</h2>
A few caveats apply here; we have read experiences of Black travelers to Japan and Black ex-pats, particularly in rural and less touristy areas, who&rsquo;ve encountered unwanted curiosity or attention in the form of strangers on the street trying to touch their hair, or locals making catcalling comparisons to famous Black celebrities (who do not, of course, at all resemble the traveler).
However, most Black travelers (some examples from bloggers&nbsp;<a href="http://www.culturedblackpearl.com/solo-travel-tokyo-japan/">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://choplifeandtravel.com/asia-travels/traveling-as-a-solo-black-female-in-east-asia#:~:text=in%20East%20Asia.-,Tokyo,-TOKYO">here</a>, and an interesting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/solotravel/comments/59kfwq/black_guy_anxious_about_travelling_alone_to_japan/">Reddit discussion here</a>) speak warmly about the lack of racial hostility in Japan, the kindness and friendliness of locals, and perhaps most importantly for a solo traveler, the firm sense of safety all around them.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBlackExperienceJapan">The Black Experience Japan</a>&nbsp;is a YouTube channel that shares interviews and news from Black people who are resident in Japan&mdash;if you have the time, it&rsquo;s a fascinating watch!

<h2 id="p">Portugal</h2>
Notably, Portugal is the only European country that comes up time and again across lists of recommended destinations for Black travelers.&nbsp;
Aside from its fantastic cuisine and all-around good vibes,&nbsp;Nana-Ama Danquah highlights in <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/why-lisbon-became-a-top-destination-for-black-travelers">her piece for National Geographic</a> that Portugal offers something for African American travelers in particular that is rare among former colonizing countries: facing its historical role in the slave trade head-on and actively fostering the deconstruction of racist mindsets.&nbsp;
The consensus among reddit threads (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/LisbonPortugalTravel/comments/1s1fwsw/black_man_going_to_portugal_for_the_first_time/">like this one</a>) as well as the <a href="https://blacktravelview.com/blog/k1rju06mibx5j3eeuavksi6drf3ll0">Black Travel View blog on Lisbon</a> is that locals are welcoming and helpful, and there's a genuine sense of blending in. No stares, no microaggressions, no sense of feeling unsafe. Yes, racism still exists among locals; however, visitors are unlikely to experience it.
The large international population from around the diaspora adds another layer to the Portuguese experience, meaning you can actually find yourself immersed in many different cultures during a single trip. Be it soaking up the sounds of Cape Verdean&nbsp;morna&nbsp;or sipping on the finest Brazilian&nbsp;caipirinhas&nbsp;this side of the Atlantic, there's always a fun and friendly spot that'll suit you.

<h2 id="cuba">Cuba</h2>
We&rsquo;ve been waiting to mention Cuba on The Detour for a while&mdash;so thank you for giving us the perfect opportunity, reader!
One of Fidel Castro&rsquo;s key ambitions after the 1959 Cuban Revolution was an end to racial inequality and discrimination, implementing a series of policies to radically empower the lives of the Afro-Cubans who&rsquo;d suffered as second-class citizens under the previous government&mdash;and while it&nbsp;<a href="https://raceandequality.org/cuba/">didn&rsquo;t lead</a>&nbsp;to the racism-free utopia that Castro hoped for, it did at least ensure by the mid-1980s that Afro-Cubans were equally represented in the professional sector and the education system. (From Travel Noire, here&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://travelnoire.com/16-afro-cuban-businesses-havana">16 of Havana&rsquo;s Afro-Cuban-owned businesses</a>.)
Black travellers from abroad have also been a commonplace sight in Cuba since the Revolution itself&mdash;one of Castro&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/perspectives-global-african-history/african-americans-and-cubas-first-experiment-tourism-joe-louis-commission-post-revoluti/">other smart ideas</a>&nbsp;was to advertise Cuba as a tourist destination for the African-American middle class who were still being restricted from domestic holidays due to Jim Crow laws in the USA.
Combine all of this with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/discovering-afro-cuban-culture/">Afrocubanismo movement</a>&nbsp;of the 1920s which enshrined Afro-Cuban art, music, dance and culture at the heart of the Cuban identity, and you&rsquo;ve got a beautiful, fascinating country that is certain to be welcoming and warm to Black solo travellers. (Make sure you head to Havana&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147271-d318995-Reviews-or20-Callejon_de_Hamel-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html">Callejon de Hamel</a>&mdash;the rumba shows begin every Sunday from noon.)
Travel writer Amara Amaryah covers her experience of solo travel in Cuba&nbsp;<a href="https://travelnoire.com/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-solo-traveling-to-cuba">here</a>, and she offers a really lovely quote about why she feels it&rsquo;s so special:
"Being in a space where I could navigate Havana without being stared at, even being confused as Cuban was refreshing, new &hellip;&nbsp;Mostly, I enjoyed the invisibility to enjoy the country without feeling like an impostor, instead I felt seen which allowed for a whole new standard for future solo travel trips." 
As of 2026, Cuba continues to suffer a crisis of fuel and food shortages amid ongoing US blockades. Tourism has taken a nosedive since the situation worsened, with many airlines cancelling flight routes to the island altogether. However, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/03/cuba-tourism-us-oil-blockade">some say travelers should continue to visit</a> at this time when the local economy needs a boost most.&nbsp;
Whether or not you decide to visit now or bank it for later, Cuba and its people are warm and open, and you'll be greeted with a smile regardless.
 We hope that's some help, reader! Wherever you choose, we hope you have an absolutely fantastic adventure and safe travels!

The Best Destinations for Black Solo Travelers

Seychelles

Hey there, Travellers,
I'm back from sunny Senegal and here to wish you a Happy May! It's starting to feel like summer is on the way, not least because it's officially the beginning of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-places-to-see-whales-in-europe-whale-watching">whale watching season in Europe</a>.
One spot I've been considering a trip to this year is the Azores, precisely for that reason. Where better than the mid-Atlantic to get the binoculars out and just hope things don't <a href="https://youtu.be/3bzloAHSFjQ?si=-v8xns46dnLym1MJ">turn all Pinnochio</a>? Of course, in Scotland I can practically take a day trip to the West Coast and try my luck, but that doesn't feel like so much of an adventure.
So, tell me, readers, where in the world have you had luck whale watching? I wanna hear all about your close encounters of the marine kind 🐋 &mdash; bonus points if you <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-235-top-tips-for-may-vacay-discovering-glacier-np#comments">drop a pic in the comments</a>.
Happy travels and safe landings,

Hannah loves spotting a deal to somewhere she can add to her endless bucket list. When she&rsquo;s not busy writing up travel inspo, you&rsquo;ll probably find her buying some new vinyl or tackling her TBR list.

By Hannah

With the cold winter chill firmly behind us and the sweltering summer sun not quite here yet, you&rsquo;re spoiled for choice when it comes to looking for the best places to visit in May.
As with other shoulder months, you&rsquo;ll be treated to fewer crowds and cheaper prices at this time of year. But you&rsquo;ll also find the weather in that perfect sweet spot, with warmer temperatures in Europe and North America and the wet season ending in parts of South East Asia and East Africa.
And that makes it an ideal time for a trip filled with sunny beach days, hikes through lush forests, or just soaking up some culture in the shape of local festivals.
So, have your sunglasses, sun cream, and passport at the ready while we run you through some of the best places to visit in May! Let&rsquo;s get into it:
<h2 dir="ltr">Madeira, Portugal</h2>
Why? The Madeira Flower Festival
Key dates: The whole month, but aim for the 3rd &amp; 17th May (2026) for floral parades
Closest airport: Funchal (FNC)
Madeira in spring is just a little extra special. It&rsquo;s a great time for taking on the island&rsquo;s actually <a href="https://travelrebels.com/madeira/pr1-pico-do-arieiro/">jaw-dropping hikes</a> and wandering along its black sandy beaches, and as an added bonus, the surrounding meadows and fields will be blooming.
And the locals love it too. So much so, they have a special<a href="https://visitmadeira.com/en/whats-on/events/flower-festival/"> Flower Festival</a>!
The whole month of May is dedicated to celebrating the island's stunning natural beauty, with floral parades that add sweet smells and a kaleidoscope of colour to Funchal. Sure there&rsquo;s a little less glitter, but with a lot more petals, these<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdxTHcdaJX8&amp;t=129s"> gorgeous and intricately decorated floats</a> could even give Brazil's carnivals a run for their money!

<h2 dir="ltr">Seychelles</h2>
Why? Good weather, great for outdoor activities&nbsp;
Key dates: All month
Closest airport: Mah&eacute; (SEZ)
If you&rsquo;re looking for warm places to visit in May, Seychelles is hard to beat.
As the start of the dry season, the weather is ideal for all of your outdoor activities, whether that&rsquo;s hiking through lush jungles or heading straight for the beautiful beach.&nbsp;
FYI, <a href="https://northabroad.com/anse-source-dargent-beach-la-digue-seychelles-travel-guide-how-to-visit/">Anse Source d&rsquo;Argent</a> is the beach you&rsquo;ll have seen all over socials!
And if you&rsquo;re no stranger to donning some fins on holiday, then you&rsquo;ll find a whole other world waiting for you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuM2w8AHfzg&amp;t=219s">below the water</a>. With great water visibility, May is one of the best times to go snorkelling and diving near the <a href="https://www.spga.gov.sc/parks/port-launay">Port Launay Marine Park</a>.

<h2 dir="ltr">Camogli, Italy&nbsp;</h2>
Why? The Camogli Fish Festival
Key dates: 2nd Sunday in May (10th May 2026)
Closest airport: Genoa (GOA)
Now, you may have never heard of Camogli before, but you&rsquo;ll find it on the Ligurian Coast (just over half an hour away from Genoa). And on the 2nd Sunday in May, you&rsquo;ll see it come alive.
Ever since the 50s, this tiny village has had its own <a href="https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/camogli-fish-festival/">Fish Festival</a> to celebrate its centuries-old fishing traditions. How do they celebrate, you ask? Well, they cook up a feast using a <a href="https://youtu.be/3yUxK1zzTPE?si=IDoQCRgGUCqOl17i">giant frying pan</a> and dish it out to the attendees &mdash; for free!
It&rsquo;s worth sticking around and visiting some of the other towns on the Ligurian Coast, too. <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/meet-sestri-levante">Sestri Levante</a> is a particularly great choice if you&rsquo;re looking for somewhere quiet and beachy.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/the-best-places-to-visit-in-may">More ideas for your May vacay &rarr;</a>

Passport to the Parks: Meet Glacier National Park

A San Diego native, Olivia left home two years ago to live on the road. Since then, she's had homebases everywhere from Quebec to England to New Orleans, but she always ends up back on the West Coast. When she's not hiking through the desert or the woods, she can usually be found exploring her current city and scoping out the best bars and coffee shops.

By Olivia

Since the first US National Park was established in 1872, sixty-two others have popped up, ranging from cacti-covered corners of the desert to huge swathes of Alaskan wilderness to colorful coral reefs in Florida.&nbsp;
Every park does things a little differently, so to help break each one down, we&rsquo;re starting a new series: Passport to the Parks! It&rsquo;s a chance for us to give you a quick introduction to the prettiest places in the country and cover the basic facts to know before you go.
And who knows, maybe we&rsquo;ll take a tour around some other countries&rsquo; parks too. If you have requests or ideas, let us know in the comments!
First on our docket: Glacier National Park. Despite its fairly remote location in Montana&rsquo;s Rocky Mountains, Glacier still cracks the top ten most visited US National Parks. That&rsquo;s less surprising once you lay eyes on its soaring, snow-dappled peaks and sweeping valleys:

While the dramatic views here are pretty hard to top, the park&rsquo;s popularity and mountainous terrain also come with some challenges. Let&rsquo;s jump right in!
<h3 dir="ltr">Quick Facts about Glacier National Park:</h3>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Established: 1910</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Size: 1,583 square miles (4,100 km&sup2;)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Location: Northwest Montana, just south of the Canadian border</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Closest small towns: West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Coram (&lt;20 mins by car)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Closest major hubs: Kalispell, Whitefish (30-45 mins by car)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Closest airports: Kalispell (FCA) is the closest by far, but Bozeman (BZN) and Missoula (MSO) are within an afternoon&rsquo;s drive and often far cheaper. International visitors may get the biggest bang for their buck by flying into Calgary (YYC) and combining their trip with some Canadian sights (more about that below!)</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Best time to visit: June-August</li>
<li>Biggest highlight: Those jaw-dropping mountain vistas</li>
</ul>
As you might have noticed, the best time to visit Glacier is peak summer &mdash; while the park certainly gets crowded that time of year, it&rsquo;s also the only time when the entire place is accessible. Remember that mountainous terrain I mentioned? Turns out it&rsquo;s pretty hard to plow.
So while Glacier is technically open year-round, unless you&rsquo;re handy with a snowmobile and don&rsquo;t mind having next-to-zero open services, you&rsquo;ll want to stick to the warmer months.
And hey, those verdant valleys are at their prettiest in summer anyway!

Step one of your trip should be getting a handle on Going-to-the-Sun Road: Glacier&rsquo;s premiere scenic drive. The 50-mile road skirts along the edges of dizzying glacial valleys, tunnels through rocky cliffsides, and glides past crystal-clear waterfalls.&nbsp;
In the past, you had to snag a coveted vehicle permit to see it. For the 2026 season, the NPS is going to try stopping and starting entries throughout the day as needed instead of requiring timed entry permits.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll have to wait and see how that plays out, but hopefully it improves accessibility, because this drive is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful roads in the&nbsp;entire country. It&rsquo;s the best way to see as much of the park as possible in one fell swoop, so if you only have one day in Glacier, you should spend it on this.&nbsp;
It takes about two hours to drive the entire length, but even if you don&rsquo;t go hiking along the way, you&rsquo;ll still want to stop at as many viewpoints as possible. I suggest setting aside one entire day for the drive itself, then using any additional days you have at Glacier to hike or explore the park&rsquo;s other roads.
There are also shuttles along Going-to-the-Sun that can take you to Logan Pass (a major park hub and the start of several popular trails) without having to compete for parking.&nbsp;Score.

Once you&rsquo;ve got your transportation sorted, you&rsquo;re ready to scope out some hiking spots. With over 700 miles (1,100 km) of trails crisscrossing through the park, there&rsquo;s truly a trek for everyone. The most popular is Highline Trail, a challenging ridge hike whose narrow paths guide you along the edge of the continental divide. Coming in at 11-15 miles (depending on your route), it&rsquo;s a trail for the folks who want to disappear into the mountains.
For a shorter journey, try Hidden Lake Trail. Less than three miles in length, it takes you through a flowery meadow and around a glittering alpine lake. It&rsquo;s also a great spot to see mountain goats, the shaggy white critters that are practically the park&rsquo;s mascots.

<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/passport-to-the-parks-meet-glacier-national-park">Keep reading for bonus goats and goated views &rarr;</a>

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.
<ul>
<li>Power banks are an essential item for many travelers, but airlines are increasingly bringing in restrictions. <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/packing-power-bank-ban/4bffb2a0-9c29-4624-a31d-b21dc0aa581a">Here's what you need to know</a> before you pack your bags and go. </li>
<li>Sweep into the vibrant <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/queer-tango-in-buenos-aires">queer tango scene in Buenos Aires</a> on your next Argentine adventure. </li>
<li>Last week, ward B-737 of Delta Air Lines Hospital received an unexpected admission on approach to Portland with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/woman-gives-birth-on-flight-portland-6294a432018007308ace0f6cfdac4469">arrival of baby Brielle</a>. </li>
<li>Party animals, assemble! If you're looking for a new club and music scene to get your teeth into, check out the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXr-l7VDZDa/?img_index=1&amp;igsh=MXB6a3dldXBwaTVuNw%3D%3D">Raver's Guide to Tbilisi</a>. </li>
<li>And finally, a PSA:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjw8w849g6go">don't commit mischief</a> in Singapore, no matter how tasty that straw looks.</li>
</ul>

Our Top Tips for a May Vacay & Discovering Glacier NP

Indonesia

Peru

With the cold winter chill firmly behind us and the sweltering summer sun not quite here yet, you&rsquo;re spoiled for choice when it comes to looking for the best places to visit in May.
As with other shoulder months, you&rsquo;ll be treated to fewer crowds and cheaper prices at this time of year. But you&rsquo;ll also find the weather in that perfect sweet spot, with warmer temperatures in Europe and North America and the wet season ending in parts of South East Asia and East Africa.
And that makes it an ideal time for a trip filled with sunny beach days, hikes through lush forests, or just soaking up some culture in the shape of local festivals.
So, have your sunglasses, sun cream, and passport at the ready while we run you through some of the best places to visit in May! Let&rsquo;s get into it:

<h2 dir="ltr">Madeira, Portugal</h2>
Why? The Madeira Flower Festival
Key dates: The whole month, but aim for the 3rd &amp; 17th May (2026) for floral parades
Closest airport: Funchal (FNC)
Madeira in spring is just a little extra special. It&rsquo;s a great time for taking on the island&rsquo;s actually <a href="https://travelrebels.com/madeira/pr1-pico-do-arieiro/">jaw-dropping hikes</a> and wandering along its black sandy beaches, and as an added bonus, the surrounding meadows and fields will be blooming.
And the locals love it too. So much so, they have a special<a href="https://visitmadeira.com/en/whats-on/events/flower-festival/"> Flower Festival</a>!
The whole month of May is dedicated to celebrating the island's stunning natural beauty, with floral parades that add sweet smells and a kaleidoscope of colour to Funchal. Sure there&rsquo;s a little less glitter, but with a lot more petals, these<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdxTHcdaJX8&amp;t=129s"> gorgeous and intricately decorated floats</a> could even give Brazil's carnivals a run for their money!

<h2 dir="ltr">Camogli, Italy&nbsp;</h2>
Why? The Camogli Fish Festival
Key dates: 2nd Sunday in May (10th May 2026)
Closest airport: Genoa (GOA)
Now, you may have never heard of Camogli before, but you&rsquo;ll find it on the Ligurian Coast (just over half an hour away from Genoa). And on the 2nd Sunday in May, you&rsquo;ll see it come alive.
Ever since the 50s, this tiny village has had its own <a href="https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/camogli-fish-festival/">Fish Festival</a> to celebrate its centuries-old fishing traditions. How do they celebrate, you ask? Well, they cook up a feast using a <a href="https://youtu.be/3yUxK1zzTPE?si=IDoQCRgGUCqOl17i">giant frying pan</a> and dish it out to the attendees &mdash; for free!
It&rsquo;s worth sticking around and visiting some of the other towns on the Ligurian Coast, too. <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/meet-sestri-levante">Sestri Levante</a> is a particularly great choice if you&rsquo;re looking for somewhere quiet and beachy.

<h2 dir="ltr">Bali, Indonesia</h2>
Why? Good weather, fewer crowds than in summer
Key dates: All month
Closest airport: Denpasar (DPS)
If you&rsquo;re looking for beach holidays in May, Bali&rsquo;s got to be top of your list.
The island is transitioning from the rainy season into the sunny, dry season at this time of year, which makes it the perfect middle ground.
You&rsquo;ll be there before all the summer crowds descend, you can spend a day at the beach without packing an emergency brolly, and the forests will still be beautifully lush and green.
Of course nowhere in Bali is gonna be crowd-free (it is Bali after all!), but if you head for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.baliholidaysecrets.com/uluwatu-bali-guide/">quieter village like Uluwatu</a>, you&rsquo;ll still be able to find a bit of peace and quiet.

<h2 dir="ltr">Ottawa, Canada</h2>
Why? The Canadian Tulip Festival
Key dates: 8th-18th May 2026
Closest airport: Ottawa (YOW)
You can never have too many floral festivals, right?
For 11 days every May, Ottawa hosts the <a href="https://tulipfestival.ca/">Canadian Tulip Festival</a> &mdash;&nbsp; the biggest in the world! And it&rsquo;s all thanks to an annual gift of tulip bulbs that Canada has received <a href="https://ottawatourism.ca/en/ottawa-insider/deep-historical-roots-canadian-tulip-festival">from the Dutch royal family</a> every year since the 1940s.&nbsp;
With the city blanketed in over a million multicoloured tulips (mainly in the Commissioners Park), they really take it seriously over there. It&rsquo;s definitely the kind of trip <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHBitcSRKiE/">your Instagram feed</a> will thank you for later!&nbsp;
Then, once you&rsquo;re all tulip-ed out, there&rsquo;s plenty to keep you busy, including markets, walking trails, a fun run, and loads more.

<h2 dir="ltr">Machu Picchu, Peru</h2>
Why? Great conditions for hiking Machu Picchu
Key dates: All month
Closest airport: Cusco (CUZ)
<a href="https://abexpeditions.com/machu-picchu-in-may/">May in Machu Picchu</a> is where everything just comes together perfectly.
You&rsquo;re there at the start of the dry season, which means you&rsquo;ll still be treated to lush green landscapes, but you&rsquo;ll also have bright blue skies and uninterrupted panoramic views of the citadel.
It&rsquo;s also before the summer crowds join in on the fun, so you&rsquo;ll have plenty of room on the trails and won&rsquo;t have to worry about a selfie stick blocking your perfect pic. 
And if you&rsquo;re looking to do it on the cheap, there are loads of great tips in our guide to&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/how-to-visit-machu-picchu-on-a-budget">visiting Machu Picchu on a budget</a> from Navigator Lauren.

The Best Places To Visit In May

Spain

France

United Kingdom

Austria

Norway

Poland

Hi there, Travellers,
February has whizzed by, and somehow we've reached the end of the month already!&nbsp;
While January was full of meeting members old and new at travel shows, this month has been all about bringing together everything we learned from you. The feedback was so great to hear, so please continue to get in touch with ideas.
One thing we know makes a difference before booking a big trip is getting the inside scoop from someone who's been there, done that&mdash;and that applies to which airlines we fly with, too. Two of our most-viewed articles are our reviews of lesser-known airlines,&nbsp;<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-saudia-airlines-and-more">Saudia Airlines</a> and <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jfc-honest-airline-reviews-china-southern">China Southern</a>, and we'd like to keep sharing the intel.
So if you've had a memorable airline experience (for the right or wrong reasons), or you've flown on an airline you weren't familiar with beforehand, <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/home?contribute=airline">send us a little airline review</a> to help the Jack's Community go further.
Happy travels and safe landings,

Will EES Give You Border Control Nightmares This Summer?

Answered by Katy

<blockquote>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to know your views on the new EES system which is due to roll out in April &lsquo;26. I&rsquo;m a UK passport holder travelling to Kos in August and concerned about the potential delays at passport control.&rdquo;
</blockquote>

Hey there, Traveller! Great topic, and very timely too.&nbsp;
Since October 2025, countries in the Schengen Zone have been rolling out the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). By collecting your biometric data upon arrival (photo &amp; fingerprints), countries within the zone are aiming to track visitors more consistently and ensure that nobody is overstaying their welcome.&nbsp;
This doesn&rsquo;t feel like anything new in terms of border control techniques (I&rsquo;ve been attempting not to make silly faces in photos at international borders for years), so you&rsquo;d think it wouldn&rsquo;t be a big deal. However, when you try to get <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-is-the-ees">29 countries</a> to roll out one system across 500+ airports, all major ferry ports, land border crossings, etc., things get a little complicated.
Anyone entering the Schengen area on a non-EU passport will now need to go through the process of biometric checks upon arrival. Well,&nbsp;probably.&nbsp;
Like you, reader, airports and border control agents are getting anxious about the surge in summer visitors possibly leading to utter chaos at immigration. For that reason, the EU has confirmed that, although April 9th is still the legal deadline for implementation, all countries have the <a href="https://etias.com/articles/eu-entry/exit-system-full-implementation-still-april-9,-with-flexibility">ability to pause the EES checks</a> for up to 90 days after that date. They&rsquo;ve also given the possibility of a further 60-day extension on that, with early September as the final final deadline.
All that to say, you may not even have to deal with the new EES system upon your arrival in Kos. But if you do, there&rsquo;s no knowing whether it&rsquo;ll be hellish or plain sailing. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2734116543610856/">We asked our Facebook community</a> for their experiences so far, and it really was a mixed bag.

&ldquo;Really quick with lunchtime arrival in Vienna on February 16th. Through in under 10 minutes.&rdquo; - Susan
<hr>
&ldquo;Straight through in Lille, took seconds, and in Fuerteventura they had specific machines for people who hadn&rsquo;t previously done theirs and no queues at all.&rdquo; - Sally
<hr>
&ldquo;Barcelona last month - easy peasy and done in no time.&rdquo; - Liz
<hr>
&ldquo;Alicante in January, returned Feb&hellip;no issue.&rdquo; - Lesley

<h2 dir="ltr">The confused</h2>

&ldquo;Been through Faro (where we did our prints and photos done on the way in) and Rome Ciampino. In Rome when I scanned my passport an official told me to go with him, I was a bit worried but it was just to get my passport stamped and I went straight through. Unfortunately because he was dealing with me, he missed my husband who had to go through the whole process and was almost last through! Teething problems!&rdquo; - Fiona
<hr>
&ldquo;Two very different experiences. One was 2 hours (Tromso), and the other was all automated with self-service scanners! I was pleasantly surprised at Tenerife.&rdquo; - Sophia
<hr>
&ldquo;When I went to Spain, there were some new, very confusing lines, and none of the staff really knew which queues to put people in. When I got to the desk at the front, a grumpy man told me to look into the camera, then do my fingerprints, and that was it. It took around 30-40 minutes, I think, but that was mostly down to the lack of organization; they had people switching queues constantly.&rdquo; - Lauren
<hr>
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been through various, and I think depends upon destination. Montpellier in France is a regular trip, and time-wise for me at least, nothing is out of the ordinary. Did experience about an hour delay at Prague, where they seemed to be struggling, and it took about 40 mins at CDG Paris.&rdquo; - Simon
<hr>
&ldquo;We went through with Eurostar in Paris on Wednesday. It was fine and quick for me, but then our train was delayed because so many people, who had arrived at the time the email and tickets told them to arrive, were stuck in big queues at security.
I think, to be honest, it was the bag scanning that slowed it down there, as the staff manning that section could not have been less helpful.&rdquo; - Danielle

&ldquo;Scanner took a while to scan the passport, and the fingerprint scanner didn't work at all no matter how hard or soft you pressed! (Leeds/Bradford) so had to go the usual route anyway, and the queue was enormous!! So it wasn&rsquo;t just us that had a problem.&rdquo; - Jules
<hr>
&ldquo;2 hours to get into Krakow&hellip;&rdquo; - Beverley
<hr>
&ldquo;A nightmare in Lanzarote. Not clear what to do. Those that didn't scan their passports couldn't then get through passport control at the gate. All UK flights were delayed last night.&rdquo; - Anon
<hr>
&ldquo;Scanners "down" at Lanzarote on way in and took ages to get them back up, so there were big queues. There was no one easily found to ask questions of, and I could see that some of the questions might take some folk down rabbit holes&rdquo; - Karen

The main thing I&rsquo;m taking away from all these stories is that it really varies wildly from airport to airport. Anyone arriving in the Schengen Zone on a non-Schengen passport this summer should plan to queue for at least 30 minutes at border control. If the EES system is in use, many people will be going through for the first time and will need to register their details, causing delays. If it&rsquo;s not in use, you&rsquo;ll still have to wait for a manual check and/or stamping.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re on a tight schedule, book seats close to the front of the plane so you&rsquo;re first off. Don&rsquo;t stop to use the facilities on your way&mdash;plan ahead and use the toilet on the plane before landing. And it&rsquo;s always worth making sure you have your roaming or eSIM sorted in advance so you can keep on top of your transport plans during delays.
Waiting in a line for hours isn&rsquo;t fun for anyone; however, I would suggest doing your best to go into the situation expecting it but not dreading it. It is what it is, and it will be over eventually. That sentiment may be particularly beneficial for anyone heading to Lanzarote, it seems!
But if you&rsquo;re lucky, reader, Kos will have you through border control in under ten minutes, and you&rsquo;ll be sailing off into the Grecian sunset in no time.

It&rsquo;s worth noting that the EES system is linked to the new <a href="https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/about-etias/what-is-etias">Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)</a> in Europe, similar to the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/eta">Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)</a> that the UK brought in this week. While visitors to the UK need an ETA already, ETIAS will only be necessary from late 2026 and won&rsquo;t be a problem for your August trip. However, keep an eye out for updates if you&rsquo;re travelling again later in the year.
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for your upcoming trip, reader. It may not be plain sailing, but it shouldn&rsquo;t be the end of the world. Do let us know how it goes once you&rsquo;re back!&nbsp;
Have you been through the new EES system already? <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/will-the-new-ees-system-give-you-border-control-nightmares-this-summer#comments">Share your experiences in the comments</a>!

Reader's Corner

Calling All Vicarious Travelers...

We love seeing the bargain Flights you, our fantastic Community, have bagged, and hearing stories from your trips. It helps us all travel vicariously through each other when we can't be out on an adventure ourselves.
Here are some of our fave moments of escapism from the last month:

"Always wanted to do a safari and the cheap flight offer defo made it doable for me!! Best trip ever!" -&nbsp;Postcard from DynamicVoyager84378

Kenya

"Had a brilliant time, it was amazing!" -&nbsp;Postcard from Calts63

Slovakia

"Took a very romantic road trip from Athens to see the ancient ruins and monasteries, something I had wanted to do for so long! The food was also absolutely fantastic!"&nbsp;- Postcard from PassionateHolidaymaker60896

"I had two weeks of a lifetime solo in Barbados after working through the Christmas period. I&rsquo;d never have been able to afford it otherwise and I stayed with a local in the country. After a few days of getting the bus, I hired a car and really saw the island. I made friends who live there, and now I&rsquo;m absolutely dying to go back. It was an amazing trip, I saw so much!"&nbsp;- Postcard from Polly!

Barbados

<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/postcards">Head to our Postcards wall</a> to see more!
We'd love to have your pics and tips joining them up there. <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/home?contribute=postcard">Send us a Postcard</a> to let us know about an awesome trip you found through Jack's, or share all your tips, tricks, and tales in <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/home?contribute=story">a travel story</a>.&nbsp;

Travel Tales

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from around the Jack's Community this month.
<ul>
<li>Help! Jack's Traveler Samina from our Facebook community needs your tips for her upcoming <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2741791856176658/">family trip to the Seychelles</a>. Go give her a hand, would ya? </li>
<li>Cheap flights to Asia sometimes mean a long layover in China&mdash;but don't let that put you off! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DU2m52MDD5r/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">Our Navigators shared their top tips</a> for making the most of it. </li>
<li>Now we didn't mean to get you all riled up, but when we asked <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2726200921069085/">where you'd&nbsp;never travel to</a>&mdash;not even if it was free&mdash;there were plenty of opinions flying around. </li>
<li>Jack's Traveler Nina shared some <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJi-7mkWYg/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">stunning pics</a> from her recent trip to Northern Vietnam. The rest of us immediately went to book flights. </li>
<li>Layovers, who'd have 'em? Community members shared their thoughts, feelings, and experiences on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2722718518083992/">transiting through the USA</a>. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jacksflightclub/permalink/2723282631360914/">AMA: Ask Masuma Anything</a>. Jack's member Masuma answered all our questions about her recent trip to Sri Lanka, and, boy, were we envious! </li>
<li>And finally, Navigator Akasha challenged an unsuspecting Jack's member on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVORuEBjPKK/?hl=en">a fundamental part of plane etiquette: manspreading</a>. We think he passed the test.</li>
</ul>

Community Chatter

Community Dispatches & European Border Control Chaos

Switzerland

Mauritius

Hey there, Travellers!
The time has finally come for me to face a hard truth; my favourite carry-on backpack is on its way out. The straps are fraying, bits are falling off, and it now opens of its own volition.
I picked up my trusty Herschel about 5 years ago for a bargain price, and it's been on nearly every trip with me since then. It's the perfect size for a long weekend, there's a lovely, padded laptop sleeve inside, and it is actually a nice colour (or was, before I got it all mucky).
So now I need your help, readers! Since this is the prime time of year to snap up new gear, I'm looking for your carry-on backpack recommendations. Do I stick with my beloved Herschel, or is there a new kid on the block?
Let me know <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/winter-on-the-glacier-express-winter-sun-escapes#comments">in the comments</a>, or reply to this email!
Happy travels and safe landings,

Unlock every Flight we find. Upgrade with up to&nbsp;25% off.
One Flight booking covers the cost of&nbsp;Takeoff. Don&rsquo;t miss out!

Black Friday Promo

Window Wonderland: Winter on the Glacier Express

Navigator Akasha finds phenomenal Flights faster than you can decide where you want to take a trip to next. A pro at finding the best of the best fares, she's also a master at sharing must-visit spots for when you land.

Some winters are best seen in motion, and Switzerland&rsquo;s panoramic train promises just that.
Winter. My spirit does not gleefully jump at the fading light, soggy gloves, and single-digit temperatures on either side of zero.
Nor does it dance with the bare-naked trees when I picture gusts of tiny needles hitting my face. Or the sting of the cold in my ears that haunts me long after I&rsquo;ve slammed the door to the frozen world outside.&nbsp;
Yet for every scratchy woollen layer, stiff finger, and runny nose, there exists a winter worth savoring. The one from the warmth of a window.&nbsp;

Windows offer an intimate glimpse of the outside world when we step inside, away from the hustle. They serve as a projector, reeling back micro-moments of &ldquo;humanness&rdquo; that we might not necessarily catch on a check-box trip; a dog leaping through a fresh blanket of snow, waddling toddlers bundled in bulky snowsuits, a street vendor meticulously hanging the last strand of tinsel on their awning. 
Call it travel voyeurism. The joy of a quiet, captivating secret beyond the glass.&nbsp;
There may be no better window from which to watch the season unfold than on the Glacier Express&mdash;and that&rsquo;s exactly where I found myself earlier this year.
The world&rsquo;s &ldquo;slowest express train,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://glacierexpress.ch/en">the Glacier Express</a> winds unhurriedly through some of Europe&rsquo;s most iconic winter scenery, linking the ritzy resorts of Zermatt &amp; St. Moritz.

With 360 panoramic windows, it&rsquo;s a photographer&rsquo;s dream, though you&rsquo;ll want one hand free for a glass of champagne and the extravagant meals provided onboard.&nbsp;
Chugging through alabaster valleys, alpine villages, and towering mountains, the journey takes eight hours to complete. Pine forests and pastures peel back in slow motion, revealing wooden hamlets and steeples tucked into the valley below.

Inside, the carriage felt like a cocoon: warm air hissing through the vents, windows fogging then clearing with every shift in altitude. I spotted someone two rows up wrapping their hands around a warm mug.
An elderly couple to the left were speaking about the construction of the route; entire teams lived in alpine huts for months, blasting through rock metre by metre with picks and dynamite.&nbsp;
 <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/winter-through-a-window-glacier-express">Keep reading</a> for Akasha's essential Glacier Express tips...

As soon as the temperatures begin to drop, the requests for winter sun recommendations start piling up in our inbox. And we don't blame you at all; sunny trips are about the only thing that get us through those dark and dreary months!
Some of you are just in need of a quick, cheap winter break, while others are on the hunt for good spots to combine a vitamin D top-up with a bit of remote working.&nbsp;As a general rule, we&rsquo;d suggest you head south for extra daylight and temperatures above 16 &deg;C.&nbsp;If you want a little more to go on, we&rsquo;ve drawn up a short-list of exciting winter sun spots beloved by the Jack's team and Community alike.
<h2 id="cadiz">Cadiz, Spain</h2>

Temperatures: 16-18 &deg;C in January - March
Why should I visit?&nbsp;It's supposedly the oldest city still standing in Europe, dating back to the 12th century. Beautiful cathedrals, Roman ruins and authentic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.manvsglobe.com/best-taps-restaurants-bars-where-to-eat-cadiz-spain/">tapas bars</a>&nbsp;are tucked away around every corner in the narrow alleyways of the Old Town.
The locals also know how to throw a party, rehearsing all year for their world-famous&nbsp;<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-cadiz-carnival/">Carnival</a>&nbsp;that takes places over 11 days in late February - March.
<h2 id="mauritius">Mauritius</h2>

Temperatures:&nbsp;22-27 &deg;C in November - March
Why should I visit?

"What&rsquo;s not to like with Indian and East African influences mingled in with British and French culture? People are hospitable, weather is great (remember it&rsquo;s summer in January) rum tastes good, and I&rsquo;d be happy to return tomorrow!" - Avril

Temperatures&nbsp;- 16-17 &deg;C in November - March
Why should I visit?&nbsp;- You'll find it hard not to rush outdoors and breathe in the Azores&rsquo; fresh mountain air. The islands are <a href="https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/hiking-in-the-azores-a-guide-to-the-best-hikes-in-azores/">made for hiking</a>, with trails leading you to waterfalls, around volcanic craters, and along the craggy coastline. And although you may never have heard of a&nbsp;<a href="http://grutadocarvao.amigosdosacores.pt/en">lava tube</a>, we bet you&rsquo;ll want to snoop around inside one now that you know it&rsquo;s possible on S&atilde;o Miguel Island.
We&rsquo;d also recommend&nbsp;<a href="https://www.winetraveler.com/portugal/azores-islands/">visiting a local winery</a>&nbsp;or two - just for science, of course. Despite the extreme growing conditions out there in the middle of the Atlantic, wine has been made there for hundreds of years.
<a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/jacks-top-winter-sun-destinations">Keep reading...</a>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/2760939580766771">Polar night has begun</a> across the northern Arctic. This week, parts of Alaska and northern Norway joined Svalbard in a months-long nighttime. The sun won't show its face again there until mid-to-late January. </li>
<li>Travelling to watch sports is nothing new, but 2026 may see <a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/article/the-rise-of-sumo-travel">an unexpected sport </a>inspiring trips far and wide. </li>
<li>No trip to Istanbul is complete without considering scooping up a friendly local feline. Not quite strays nor pets, the city has a truly <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20251118-istanbul-turkey-inside-the-city-where-cats-rule-the-streets">unique relationship with cats</a>. </li>
<li>And finally, would you <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/nov/17/high-art-the-museum-that-is-only-accessible-via-an-eight-hour-hike">hike eight hours up an Alp</a> to reach a museum? No? Me neither. Even a really good one.</li>
</ul>

Portugal

£105-£150 rtn

The Azores in $550s-$840s RT

€117-€126 rtn

£48 rtn

Azores at $707 RT

CA$436 rtn