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One of the UK's 'best hidden beaches' has incredible views and features in multiple films

Tucked away in East Sussex is a quiet pebble beach which has been described as one of the "best hidden beaches" in the UK despite having starred in multiple films due to its incredible views. The beach was included in the top 10 best hidden beaches in the UK compiled by Sykes Holiday Cottages, who describe it as "one of those secret beaches where you can simply immerse yourself in the area’s rich history". The beach is dominated by the white chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters which loom overhead to the east and sits at the mouth of the Cuckmere river. One of the most iconic spots for views is looking out over the coastguard cottages towards the cliffs. Thanks to this backdrop, the beach has been used as a location in numerous films including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The beach offers a fantastic place for walkers, dog walkers and simply those who want to sit down beneath the sun and soak up the views. Cuckmere Haven is also a popular spot for anglers.

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May train strikes: How will the next rail drivers’ walk-out affect passengers?

National rail strikes by train drivers will enter a third summer with a series of “rolling” walk-outs, one region at a time, during May. Members of the Aslef union aim to halt thousands of trains on 7, 8 and 9 May 2024 – with commuters who normally go to the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday among the targets. The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Rolling strikes cause maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay. In addition, six days of overtime bans will cause further cancellations from 6 to 11 May. The first day is the early May bank holiday, while the last coincides with Take That performing in Manchester. The previous national industrial action by train drivers, comprising an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs, hit passengers in April. Industrial action by Aslef train drivers in their dispute over pay and working arrangements began in July 2022. The union is demanding a no-strings pay award, but rail firms – directed by ministers – say any increase is contingent on radical reforms to working practices in order to reduce public subsidies. During the dispute, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy – particularly hospitality businesses. Taxpayers are pumping cash into an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of £90 per second on top of the normal subsidy. Over the course of a year, that amounts to £2.8bn in addtional public cash. The quarrel has become increasingly bitter, with no sign of any progress towards a settlement. Caught in the middle of a seemingly intractable dispute: the passenger. In a snap social media poll for The Independent that garnered 2,142 responses, one in three passengers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends. For passengers, these are the key questions and answers. Which rail firms are involved? Aslef is in dispute with the 14 train operating companies (TOCs) that are contracted by the UK government to provide rail services.

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Airlines now required to offer cash refunds for canceled flights, delays and luggage woes

HOUSTON – Airlines will now be forced to offer full refunds for flights that don’t get off the ground or are delayed, among other issues. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the new rule on Wednesday. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg calling this new set of regulations the end of the “refund runaround.” In the rule released the U.S. DOT, airlines will now be required to offer automatic full cash refunds for all canceled flights as well as significantly changed flights. “No more refund runaround, and no more defaulting to a travel credit that expires,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. This includes domestic flights delayed by more than three hours and international flights delayed by six hours, flights arriving or leaving from a different airport, added connections or if passengers are downgraded to a lower class. The rule also takes effect if a connection is at an airport or on a flight using a different plane that are less accessible or accommodating to someone with a disability. “In the past, you have to run through hoops, rings of a fire before you could get stuff,” travel expert Pete Trabucco said. “And I think it sounds very fair and even to everyone. Not just if you complain,” Amanda Watson, who was traveling to Houston’s Hobby Airport from Vermont, added. Your bags are also impacted by the new regulations. If luggage is lost or delayed by more than 12 hours for domestic flights and 15-30 hours for international flights, passengers will be entitled to a full refund. “It’s an automatic prompt, and you want it in cash or in the original way,” Trabucco explained. “It’s not that a lot,” Wanda Gates-Monroe said. “But to just to know I’d get my cash back would be awesome.” The groundbreaking regulations doesn’t stop there. Hidden fees were also tackled by the Department of Transportation’s policy. Airlines now need to be upfront about “junk fees,” which include hidden baggage charges and other fees that are tacked on later or at the airport during check-in. “Passengers should know how much it’ll add to your total ticket price, to check or carry on a bag, or to change or cancel your flight,” Buttigieg said. Federal leaders and travel experts alike call this a monumental win for passengers travelling in the skies over the United States. However, is this truly as good as it sounds? “Holds the airlines accountable, and I just hope that it doesn’t make all the prices go up overall,” Watson added. “The airlines always take care of themselves.” “It’s good for the customer and the consumer, but at the same time, it might not be good for them. And yes, they might have to raise pricing,” Trabucco responded. The Department of Transportation mandates that airlines comply with the regulations within six months for automatic refunds.

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Indian passport is the second cheapest passport in the world, after UAE

In a recent update, the Indian passport has come across as the second cheapest to obtain passport in the world after the UAE. Indian passports are also the cheapest in terms of cost per year of validity. However, with an Indian passport, people can only travel to 62 nations visa-free. The number one spot taken by the UAE is cheapest in cost of acquisition and number of countries for visa-free access. The study was done by Compare the Market AU, which is an Australian firm. It studied the cost of acquisition of passports of different countries and the cost-effectiveness per year of validity and also their value in terms of the number of nations that it provides visa-free access to. The study found Mexico the most expensive passport, costing USD 231.05 for 10 years. Australia was a little cheaper at USD 225.78 for a 10-year passport. As per a press statement by the firm, India had the second cheapest passport on the list overall, costing USD 18.07 for a validity of 10 years while the UAE has USD 17.70 for a 5-year passport. In terms of cost per year of validity, India had the cheapest passport with a cost of USD 1.81 per year. South Africa and Kenya were in second and third place, at about USD 3.05 and USD 3.09 respectively. The statement further mentioned that the travel insurance comparison experts compiled a list of passport fees around the world and compared them based on price, years validity and power, finding some nations’ passport power can come with a high price tag. While Indian passports offer economic advantages, their visa-free access is limited, contrasting with countries like Australia, the USA, and Canada, which, despite their passport power, incur relatively higher fees. Considering the importance of passports, many opt for travel insurance to mitigate expenses incurred from loss, theft, or damage abroad. Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager of General Insurance at Compare the Market, emphasises the value of travel insurance in alleviating stress during unforeseen circumstances, ensuring peace of mind while traveling. He said, “Nobody wants to be stressed out on their holidays. Damage, loss or theft of your important documents is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas. Depending on your policy, travel insurance may be able to help cover the cost of a replacement if you need to apply for one,’’ says Taylor.

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Leh-Manali highway reopens: Reasons why you should not miss the scenic route this summer

This Leh-Manali highway has reopened post the winter closure. The route is synonymous with motorheads, especially adventure seekers, who travel through the mountainous region to soak in its vast landscapes that are postcard perfect. Here are 10 reasons why you should not miss travelling on the route this summer season. This route is synonymous with motorheads, especially adventure seekers, who travel through the mountainous region to soak in its vast landscape that's postcard perfect. Here are 10 reasons, why you should not miss travelling on this route this summer season. No 1. Spectacular scenery: The Leh-Manali Highway offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and meandering rivers along the route. No 2. Adventure of a lifetime: Driving on the Leh-Manali Highway is an adventure in itself, offering thrilling experiences such as crossing high-altitude passes, navigating through winding roads, and encountering diverse landscapes. (Image: Indian Army) No 3. Experience the unique culture: Along the journey, travelers have the opportunity to visit remote villages and interact with local communities, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region. No 4. Every view is postcard perfect: With its stunning landscapes and ever-changing vistas, the Leh-Manali Highway offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture awe-inspiring shots of nature's beauty.

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Bhutan removes mandatory travel insurance requirement for tourists

Bhutan's Department of Tourism has made a significant announcement indicating the removal of the mandatory travel insurance requirement for tourists. This requirement was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide coverage for unforeseen emergencies, particularly medical expenses related to the pandemic. However, with the situation improving and as part of efforts to facilitate smoother travel experiences, the department has decided to lift this requirement. The decision aims to streamline travel procedures and make the process more convenient for tourists visiting the country. While the mandatory requirement for travel insurance has been withdrawn for visa processing, the department still encourages tourists to possess travel insurance as a precautionary measure. This is to ensure they are adequately covered in case of any unlikely emergencies associated with international travel. By removing the mandatory travel insurance requirement, Bhutan hopes to simplify the visa application process and encourage more visitors to explore its unique culture, landscapes, and heritage. This adjustment reflects Bhutan's commitment to providing a welcoming and hassle-free experience for tourists while maintaining the necessary precautions for their safety and well-being. Is Bhutan visa-free for Indians? Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to Bhutan due to the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries. Bhutan is one of the few nations that shares a border with India, maintaining excellent relations. Do we need an entry permit to visit Bhutan? Indian passport holders planning to visit Bhutan are required to obtain an entry permit from the Immigration Office in Phuentsholing. This permit, valid for a period of 7 days, is necessary for travellers entering Bhutan by road and must be presented at every checkpoint along the way for verification. However, those intending to extend their stay beyond the initial 7 days need to visit the immigration office in Thimphu and apply for an extension of the permit's validity. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and serves as the administrative centre where such extensions can be processed. This process ensures that visitors can enjoy their stay in Bhutan without any hassles while adhering to the country's immigration regulations. The entry permit issued by the Bhutan Immigration Department for Indian citizens is provided at no charge.

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