Travel demand surge: Stansted logged its busiest-ever May, topping 100,000 passengers on five days as half-term holiday travel and European football fans boosted routes to places like Istanbul, Dublin and Palma. UAE travel rules: Dubai and the wider UAE rolled out major 2026 visa changes, including expanded Golden Visa benefits and new long-term options that could affect tourists and expats planning longer stays. UK flight costs pressure: Wizz Air warned rising UK air passenger duty could force cuts to routes, with families facing higher upfront costs even before luggage. Spain entry & fees: Manchester Airport passengers were warned about 2026 Spain financial requirement changes, while Spain’s tourist tax rules vary by region and can add up quickly for summer trips. Airport hassle: Manchester Airport also flagged a rule change that could see some travellers denied entry to Spain. Holiday safety alerts: British travellers were warned about “dangerous” beach cocktails in Spain, and separate reports highlighted deadly holiday crashes involving TUI tourists in Lanzarote and a British moped death in Thailand. Tourism policy fight: Gwynedd’s proposed visitor levy sparked a pushback coalition from local tourism businesses, arguing the plan is rushed and could hit budget breaks. Where to go for a break: A guide to Lisbon’s best sandwich-and-beer spots (bifanas to pregos) and a piece on eco-conscious travel to Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, rounded out the lighter reads.