Christmas journey? Try to make it on 25 December

Simon Calder’s Travel Week [The Independent](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0SwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvP2xpZD1jOWVscm1saDd4ZGQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Friday, December 8, 2023   [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD1xenN0dng1NndpaG0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD02enp4dWp0MWVud3cmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Frenetic Friday: not today, but the picture for travellers two weeks from now. I have spent the week asking all the big UK transport providers to predict their busiest days before Christmas. Almost all specified between Thursday 21 and Saturday 23 December, with Friday 22 December as the clear winner for congestion. For people who have not yet committed to a Christmas journey, though, I have some advice on dodging the crowds – and the high fares that come with strong demand. Find out more in my dispatches below. - Ryanair ruse? [Europe’s biggest budget airline rejects claims it is charging for check-in](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9yeWFuYWlyLWFpcnBvcnQtYm9hcmRpbmctcGFzcy1wYXktY2hlY2staW4tYjI0NTgwMDEuaHRtbD9saWQ9dzZkdHg3aXd4NGNtJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - Insatiable demand: [British travellers are booking more Tui holidays, and paying more for them](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS90dWktZnVsbC15ZWFyLXJlc3VsdHMtaG9saWRheS1jcnVpc2UtZWd5cHQtYjI0NTkyNTMuaHRtbD9saWQ9N2VpdnEyNHo4c2lmJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - Banal canal: [Gondola capsizes due to tourists taking selfies](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS92ZW5pY2UtY2Fwc2l6ZWQtZ29uZG9sYS10b3VyaXN0LXNlbGZpZXMtYjI0NTk5ODAuaHRtbD9saWQ9YWVzNWtrbncxY3kxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Midiwinter getaway: Wish it could be Cuba every day?   Get inspired... ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T0aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9sZXJpY2ktaXRhbHktaG9saWRheXMtY2lucXVlLXRlcnJlLWIyNDU1Njc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWtkdW41ZXBhOW0xOSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Swap Cinque Terre for Lerici](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T0aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9sZXJpY2ktaXRhbHktaG9saWRheXMtY2lucXVlLXRlcnJlLWIyNDU1Njc4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWZ0cDN2a2Y5aHY0cyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Just an hour along the Ligurian coast from the original Italian tourist honey trap lies a less-crowded destination with just as much charm. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luZGVwZW5kZW50LXRyYXZlbGxlci9jb2xsZWN0aW9uL2hvdGVscy1pbi1yZXlramF2aWs_bGlkPWN4a2I2dHAxejdkNSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Reykjavik hotels](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luZGVwZW5kZW50LXRyYXZlbGxlci9jb2xsZWN0aW9uL2hvdGVscy1pbi1yZXlramF2aWs_bGlkPWlia2o2M2g4bmEzaiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) The chicest places to stay in Iceland's dazzling capital city, from an Art-Deco boutique to a hotel based in a former factory. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9mcmFuY2UvYXJyYXMtZnJlbmNoLWNocmlzdG1hcy1tYXJrZXQtZnJhbmNlLWIyNDU2MTc2Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTRxMGhtN2J6NGl1NCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Christmas without the crowds](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9mcmFuY2UvYXJyYXMtZnJlbmNoLWNocmlzdG1hcy1tYXJrZXQtZnJhbmNlLWIyNDU2MTc2Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXh2bW1tNTl2NXZnZSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Forget Lille: why under-the-radar Arras is the French Christmas market alternative you need to know about this winter. Deal of the week: 17 off-peak days in a row on Avanti West Coast If you like to stay flexible with your festive journey plans, a "walk-up" rail ticket is the one for you. Normally, you must choose between Off-Peak and Anytime. But on [Avanti West Coast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S0aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXZhbnRpd2VzdGNvYXN0LmNvLnVrLz9saWQ9MjV1cnIzNXMwb25uJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), the whole Christmas and New Year stretch is classed as Off-Peak. The deal lasts from Friday 22 December to Sunday 7 January. On any journey you like on the West Coast main line, linking London Euston with the West Midlands, northwest England, North Wales and southern Scotland, you can travel on an Off-Peak ticket. From Manchester to London, the maximum you will pay falls by 72 per cent from a painful £369 return to a more reasonable £104. Bear in mind there are no Avanti West Coast trains on 25 or 26 December, and that [engineering work](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QEAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvY2hyaXN0bWFzLXJhaWwtZW5naW5lZXJpbmctdHJhaW4td2hlbi10by10cmF2ZWwtYjI0NTE3MDguaHRtbD9saWQ9emhxZHJ6cGRub3JxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) will disrupt trains on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. [MANCHESTER CITY GUIDE](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QRAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC91ay9lbmdsYW5kL21hbmNoZXN0ZXItY2l0eS10cmF2ZWwtZ3VpZGUtYmVzdC1ob3RlbHMtcmVzdGF1cmFudHMtdGhpbmdzLXRvLWRvLWIxOTUwNzQ5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTFzbWo0emRuY3EyMiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Looking for more travel deals? Sign up to receive offers, competitions and updates from The Independent’s carefully selected travel partners. [SIGN UP NOW](~/AAAHagA~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~) Tip of the week: Alps without flying Early snow in the Alps points to an excellent ski season ahead. In the absence of Eurostar's previously popular direct trains from the UK to the French Alps, the most convenient terrestrial alternative is the [Snow Express coach](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0SwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc25vd2V4cHJlc3MuY28udWsvP2xpZD05cnE2OGxwMWJyZ3UmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) from London or Folkestone to more than 25 ski resorts. The first Friday night departure is on 22 December, with Saturday night returns up to 13 April. Fares start at £179 return including ski carriage and luggage. [11 GREAT SKI HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TkaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3NraWluZy9iZXN0LXNraS1ob2xpZGF5cy1mcmFuY2UtYjI0MjcwNTEuaHRtbD9saWQ9aHJsZThraGV4eWVlJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   [Kids Headphones](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QEAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC9nYWRnZXRzLXRlY2gvaGVhZHBob25lcy1lYXJwaG9uZXMvYmVzdC1raWRzLWhlYWRwaG9uZXMtYTkyOTg2OTEuaHRtbD9saWQ9MmF4Z3huOHllYno5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Travelling with youngsters? Help keep them amused on long journeys with these tried and tested [kids' headphones](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QEAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC9nYWRnZXRzLXRlY2gvaGVhZHBob25lcy1lYXJwaG9uZXMvYmVzdC1raWRzLWhlYWRwaG9uZXMtYTkyOTg2OTEuaHRtbD9saWQ9cjhheGFqZ3k3OGlvJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj).   Simon’s dispatches The key to a calm Christmas journey is to make it an actual Christmas journey – taking advantage of [a wider range of options than ever for British travellers on 25 December](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9idXMtdHJhaW4tdHJhdmVsLWNocmlzdG1hcy1ib3hpbmctZGF5LWIyNDUzOTM4Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXV5b3d2bjM4ZjEyMSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). Within the UK, the excellent women and men who drive long-distance coaches will provide an impressive network of Christmas Day intercity services on FlixBus, Megabus and National Express. The first has three trips to choose from linking Bristol and London for £20; the second connects Glasgow and Leeds for £30; and the last will carry you through Christmas night from Newcastle to Birmingham for £48. If your horizons are rather wider, all these companies will take you to key UK airports – where you can expect a serene experience before taking off through uncrowded skies to your chosen holiday hideaway. Low demand means cheaper tickets: from Manchester to Malaga, you will save substantially flying on 25 December rather than the day before or after. A fairytale trip to [New York](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25vcnRoLWFtZXJpY2EvdXNhL25ldy15b3JrL2Jlc3QtbmV3LXlvcmstaG9saWRheXMtYjIzNjk5NDEuaHRtbD9saWQ9Zm40YW0xbXQwdTcyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) on Virgin Atlantic will cost £876 return if you travel out on Christmas Eve, back two weeks later; shift your departure to 25 December, and the fare almost halves to under £500. Expect merriment on board with the hardworking crew, and remember your Christmas Day will stretch to 29 hours by crossing the Atlantic. Between now and then, you might want to study [my guide to 10 things travellers can forget at Christmas](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QIAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvdHJhdmVsLWNocmlzdG1hcy1haXJwb3J0LXNlY3VyaXR5LWNvYWNoLXRyYWluLWZlcnJ5LWIyNDU3NDA3Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXAxdHpsanhyeWVrZyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) – one of which is that airport security rules remain the same for now. As Robin Tudor from Liverpool John Lennon airport told me: “Year after year, we find expensive bottles of wine and spirits, carried as presents or ahead of celebrations, which we can’t permit through security as the liquid restrictions remain in place for now.” Two words: duty free. [Why giving travel gift cards is a bad idea – cash is much kinder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3Nob3VsZC1pLWJ1eS1teS1icm90aGVyLWEtcnlhbmFpci1jaHJpc3RtYXMtdm91Y2hlci1iMjQ1ODAxNy5odG1sP2xpZD01a25jNHBoanRucGYmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   Question of the week Question of the week Colombia in 18 days     I have booked flights – but nothing else – to Colombia at the end of February for 18 days. I am planning to visit Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Any other suggestions?     What a joy to be able to look forward to a trip to Colombia in the northern winter. It is South America’s most generous nation, in terms of the breadth of experiences on offer: Caribbean beaches, Andean peaks, Hispanic history and Amazonian adventures. With just 18 days to make the most of the country, I suggest you start lining up some domestic flights; while the terrestrial scenery is impressive, the highways are very dangerous and I always fly rather than travel very long distances by road. Assuming you are flying to Bogota airport, get a plane straight out as soon as you arrive: the capital is certainly interesting, but best appreciated when you are more in tune with Colombian life. Head for Cartagena, the most enchanting Spanish city in South America. After a day or two of immersion in its colonial grandeur, sail over to the nearby Rosario Islands. Next, Medellin is a high-altitude, high-energy metropolis in the middle of some superb landscapes. Cali, further south, is also superb for music and cuisine. For more colonial ambience head south to Popayan and possibly Pasto, close to the Ecuadorean border. Finally, fly back to Bogota. You will enjoy your time here more with some street smartness. Stay in the once-neglected but now restored Barrio La Candelaria, the city's historic heart. [The ultimate Colombia travel guide](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QDAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9zb3V0aC1hbWVyaWNhL2NvbG9tYmlhL2NvbG9tYmlhLXRyYXZlbC1ndWlkZS1iZXN0LXRoaW5ncy10by1kby1iMjMzMzM0Ni5odG1sP2xpZD1ldjBmZHJyeHk5emMmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Essential reading ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9tYWx0YS9tYWx0YS1wdWItcHJpbmNlc3MtZGlhbmEtY3Jvd24tbGFkeS1kaS1iMjQ1MjkxNy5odG1sP2xpZD1ydnkzaHM2Mm92bGEmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Inside the Malta pub obsessed with Princess Diana](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9tYWx0YS9tYWx0YS1wdWItcHJpbmNlc3MtZGlhbmEtY3Jvd24tbGFkeS1kaS1iMjQ1MjkxNy5odG1sP2xpZD1kcGV1Y2V4cTM2b2wmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) STAT OF THE WEEK 8 [Number of sold-out trips for 2024 from the UK to Afghanistan, the surprise best-seller for extreme travel firm Lupine](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QEAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvYWZnaGFuaXN0YW4tdHJhdmVsLWhvbGlkYXlzLXRhbGliYW4tc2FmZXR5LTIwMjQtYjI0NTUzOTYuaHRtbD9saWQ9NGhoNjlocWJlZDZlJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QUAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ub3J0aC1hZnJpY2EtbWlkZGxlLWVhc3QvbW9yb2Njby9tYXJyYWtlY2gtbW9yb2Njby1iaWxsLXdpbGxpcy1yaWFkLWRhci1ub3Vqb3VtLWIyNDU1MzM3Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXA5cTZzYjJtOTZqeCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [The hedonistic, boho-luxe of 1970s Marrakech is back – here’s how to do it like Mick Jagger and Grace Jones](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP4QUAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ub3J0aC1hZnJpY2EtbWlkZGxlLWVhc3QvbW9yb2Njby9tYXJyYWtlY2gtbW9yb2Njby1iaWxsLXdpbGxpcy1yaWFkLWRhci1ub3Vqb3VtLWIyNDU1MzM3Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWF5NnB1Zzl2NW05cCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   SIMON'S DIARY Every day from Monday to Friday I tackle a top travel story, or explore a topic in more detail than usual in ‘Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast’ – available free on [Spotify](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPTg4MW1ydXppam1mOSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9M2trenV3NnJzNzhxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPW52OHFtcDB3cTNlaiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPXpuNW41NDU0NmltcyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). Every day from Monday to Friday I tackle a top travel story, or explore a topic in more detail than usual in ‘Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast’ – available free on [Spotify](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPWg0cXByMmVzOHJvOSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9dzN2NmtmdTR4bHkwJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPWF5eG05eWxqcGN3ayZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPWIwaWt5dXR0a2xjOCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). I find the easiest way to rush out stories is to tweet them on X, formerly known as Twitter. It’s also an easy way to contact me. My direct messages are open and I read all DMs, though regrettably I can’t respond to every one. Let me know your thoughts [@SimonCalder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9eWxqNDN0cnk5bjAxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) I find the easiest way to rush out stories is to tweet them on X, formerly known as Twitter. It’s also an easy way to contact me. My direct messages are open and I read all DMs, though regrettably I can’t respond to every one. Let me know your thoughts [@SimonCalder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9OWp4azMwbnVwd2JlJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Each Saturday and Sunday I take questions live at 5.30pm British time on Instagram Live – from wherever I happen to be in the world – so please do come and say hello. Follow me on Instagram (and also now on Threads) [@Simon_Calder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD1wdDlpYzgzbWxqZXUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Each Saturday and Sunday I take questions live at 5.30pm British time on Instagram Live – from wherever I happen to be in the world – so please do come and say hello. Follow me on Instagram (and also now on Threads) [@Simon_Calder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD12MmcxZWxzN3Z5bWomdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Or you can find me on TikTok. Come and have a look at what I have been up to as I bring you top travel topics and report on the latest changes in a minute or less via [@caldertravel](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPTd1YjRqYmVlNzdweiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Or you can find me on TikTok. Come and have a look at what I have been up to as I bring you top travel topics and report on the latest changes in a minute or less via [@caldertravel](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPXJlZWYwMDh2bDRtcyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   [Real Techniques brushes](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ4MDVGd3g_bGlkPXloN2xucWU0dng5ayZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Top up your make-up on-the-go with Real Techniques' travel brush kit – now on sale with 35 per cent off. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ4MDVGd3g_bGlkPXQ4dHN0YmVvYnc5MCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDgtMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVqEsByZSo-zsRSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Amazon Echo show 8](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TyaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2dhZGdldHMtdGVjaC9hbWF6b24tZWNoby1zaG93LTgtZGVhbC1iMjQ0NDQ4NC5odG1sP2xpZD03ZnZjaWV2azZuZm4mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) The Alexa-enabled screen can make video calls, play music, show recipes and set reminders while travelling – and now it's half price. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TyaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2dhZGdldHMtdGVjaC9hbWF6b24tZWNoby1zaG93LTgtZGVhbC1iMjQ0NDQ4NC5odG1sP2xpZD00dWRrOTUzc2p0aDAmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDA4LTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplahLAcmUqPs7EUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnVUUSP0TwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jby51ay9lL3Vud3JhcHBpbmctdGhlLWJlc3Qtb2YtZmVzdGl2ZS10di1hbmQtZmlsbS10aWNrZXRzLTc1NjE1MTMxNzk0Nz9saWQ9anVsMzd5aHZnb2syJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwOC0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZWoSwHJlKj7OxFIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj 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