Here are some brilliant holiday hacks that I’ve collated that will enhance your holiday experience:

1. Bronze your sun cream

Why wait till you get a tan to look bronzed and glowing. If you mix bronzer or sparkly eyeshadow into a heap of your lotion the result is an attractive shimmering effect when sunbathing.

2. Deodorant to stop blisters

Sometimes shoes or sandals can cause blisters. You can avoid this by rubbing your ankles and toes with deodorant first — this will stop any moisture from collecting and prevent friction.

3. Maintain hair colour nature’s way

The colour of dyed hair can change when exposed to sun, seawater or chlorine. A neat trick to avoid this happening is to lightly spritz apple cider vinegar over your hair.

4. Baby powder as dry shampoo

You don’t have to wash your hair everyday. Instead add a light dusting of baby powder and rub into the roots — it behaves as a dry shampoo.

5. Sand repellent

Baby powder can also act as a brilliant sand repellent. Sprinkle on your legs, arms and body before heading to the beach and you’ll be able to wipe of all sand instantly with ease.

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Two Swiss pilots completed the first ever round-the-world flight using only the power of the sun to power their airplane, the Solar Impulse 2.

When the young Icarus in Greek mythology flew too close to the sun, the wax on his wings melted, the feathers fell away and within minutes he could no longer fly.

I wonder what he would be thinking now if he had witnessed two Swiss pilots not only using the power of the sun to power their airplane, the Solar Impulse 2, but their flying time totalled 23 days in the first ever round-the-world solar-powered flight.

Andre Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, founders of the project took turns to pilot the aircraft during their epic 16-month voyage to promote renewable energy.

They began the circumnavigation in March 2015 in Abu Dhabi. It has since crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans without any fossil fuel or polluting emissions (i.e. petrol, diesel etc) whatsoever, covering 40,000km in 16 months.

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Despite being tiny in size, Anguilla is home to 33 incredible award winning beaches — all the beaches are public, uncrowded and un-spoilt.

Getting About

The island is located within the Leeward Islands, lying between the majestic Caribbean Sea in the West and the open Atlantic Ocean in the east.

There are no direct flights to Anguilla, so visitors often fly to St Maarten then take a boat across to the island. At only 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, it’s easy to get around and explore once you arrive.

Eating Out

Anguilla is the culinary Capital of the Caribbean; there are only 30 square miles of Island but there are over 70 amazing restaurants to choose from. Some of the highlights include sticky barbequed jerk style meats, luxurious fresh fruit fritters and line-fresh seafood — and as France own lots of the Islands within the Caribbean, both Anguilla and St Maarten are dotted with authentic French bakeries.

History & Culture

The island is one of few in the Caribbean that remains a British overseas territory. In the past, salt, sugar, tobacco and cotton were the main principles of trade but in recent years tourism has become the economy mainstay on the island. Fishing is another important economic territory and a financial service sector is being developed. The modern population of Anguilla is largely of African descent, with a minority having European ancestry.

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Dubrovnik, on the Adriatic coast in Croatia, is famous for its historic Old Town and as a backdrop for the filming of Game of Thrones.

Getting About

Dubrovnik, or the pearl of the Adriatic, is a city located in Eastern Europe on the southern coast of Croatia. Famous for its historic Old Town and its well preserved ancient architecture — tourism has boomed in the past ten years.

You are able to fly into Dubrovnik’s international airport, which is only 9 miles from the city centre. The best way to move around the city is the extensive bus network that connects all parts of the city.

Eating Out

Meals along the Dalmatian coast are heavily influenced by their Italian ancestry, often beginning with a hearty plate of pasta, black risotto or spaghetti in squid ink sauce. The cuisine relies heavily on fresh fish and seafood caught offshore — usually grilled, served with local olive oil, garlic and a squeeze of zesty lemon.

History & Culture

Dubrovnik has a spectacular and well preserved history. The distinctive Old Town is encircled with monumental white-stone walls that were originally completed in the 16th century, and a walk on top of them is sure to be the highlight of your trip. A former city-state, Dubrovnik thrived on the wealth of merchants and ship builders, and has developed a rich culture. Historic buildings range from baroque St. Blaise Church to Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic Rectors Palace, which is now a history museum.

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You don’t have to miss out on a beach holiday just because you are not travelling abroad. Have a staycation on one of Britain’s fabulous beaches.

1. Weymouth Beach, Dorset, England

Weymouth is a charming family seaside resort located in the rural county of Dorset. The gently curving beach with its soft sand and clean cool water, attracts thousands of tourists every year whatever the weather.

The beach is often buzzing with donkey rides, fun fairs, and Punch and Judy shows. Everything you gaze upon is quintessentially British.

There is also ample opportunity for retail therapy, and there are plenty of charming cafés and restaurants to choose from without the threat of burning a hole in your pocket.

The best way to travel to Weymouth is to fly to Southampton Airport and then take a train direct to Weymouth.

Stay at the family-friendly Best Western Hotel Rembrandt. It has a spa, restaurants and a huge swimming pool and a good base to explore the Dorset coast.

Eat at the art deco styled Italian restaurant Al Molo which has a fantastic location on the pier. For something more family friendly head for Manbo’s bistro. They have children’s menu and fast service so the hungry kids don’t stay that way long.

> Discover the other four beaches on The Travel Magazine <

One in five British adults do not feel well-informed about the Zika Virus and are concerned about travelling abroad this summer.

When Rory McIlroy opted out of the Rio Olympics over fears of the mosquito-borne virus, Zika, which has links to brain defects in newborn babies, he shone a light on the concerns of travellers in general.

Mosquitoes top the list of holiday hates for everyone but now according to new research, one in five are too scared to travel.

38% of people said that they would avoid travel to South America this summer due to the Zika Virus.

The research carried out by new insect repellent, Moskito Guard®, shows that nearly two in five people (38 per cent) said that they would avoid travel to South America this summer due to the Zika Virus. One in twenty (six per cent) said they would avoid travelling to Europe. This comes at a time when the World Health Organization announces that Zika is due to spread to Europe this summer.

One in five British adults (21 per cent) do not feel well-informed about the Zika Virus and are concerned about travelling abroad this summer.

The research reveals that British holiday-makers love to holiday and enjoy the great outdoors. More than two in five say they love long evenings (40 per cent) and eating ‘al fresco’ (41 per cent) when abroad. One in three (33 per cent) love to spend time at the pool.

However, insect bites (48 per cent) and mosquitoes (47 per cent) top the list of frustrations when travelling overseas in the summer.

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New research has revealed that British holidaymakers regularly threaten writing bad reviews to get a discount, upgrade or freebie while on holiday.

The ability to leave an online review to a potential audience of tens of thousands has become an empowering tool for consumers to applaud or complain about a company or service. However, a dark side is emerging.

New research has revealed that British holidaymakers regularly threaten writing bad reviews to get a discount, upgrade or freebie while on holiday.

More than a quarter of recipients questioned admitted to exaggerating about a bad experience on holiday or even telling an outright lie such as “there was a hair in my food” to get a discount or free meal.

The study involved 2,510 people aged 18 and over from around the UK answering questions about holidays abroad taken during the past 12 months.

When asked, “Which of the following, if any, have you previously done on a holiday abroad to get what you want/benefit in some way?“ the top five most common answers selected were as follows:

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