• Publish Your article
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • Advertise
Friday, July 25, 2025
No Result
View All Result
UK Herald
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Sports
    England rugby stadium Twickenham given new name after more than 100 years in shock new deal

    England rugby stadium Twickenham given new name after more than 100 years in shock new deal

    Peter Morgan dead at 65: Former Wales and Lions rugby star who became a politician passes away as club pays tribute

    Peter Morgan dead at 65: Former Wales and Lions rugby star who became a politician passes away as club pays tribute

    Horse racing tips: Unexposed Group 1 contender can stun the big guns at 14-1

    Horse racing tips: Unexposed Group 1 contender can stun the big guns at 14-1

    Woman ‘raped seven times by two French rugby stars who left her riddled with bite marks & with horror injuries’

    Woman ‘raped seven times by two French rugby stars who left her riddled with bite marks & with horror injuries’

    Horse racing tips: Gary Moore’s charge can gain revenge after falling last time out

    Horse racing tips: Gary Moore’s charge can gain revenge after falling last time out

    Ian Buckett dead at 56: Former Wales rugby star who was ‘admired and feared equally’ dies as tributes pour in

    Ian Buckett dead at 56: Former Wales rugby star who was ‘admired and feared equally’ dies as tributes pour in

    Horse racing tips: Bash the bookies with these longshots including 9-1 fancy

    Horse racing tips: Bash the bookies with these longshots including 9-1 fancy

    Shayne Philpott dead at 58 – New Zealand All Blacks rugby legend dies after suffering ‘medical event’

    Shayne Philpott dead at 58 – New Zealand All Blacks rugby legend dies after suffering ‘medical event’

    Horse racing tips: This 7-1 chance appears to have been laid out for race he won last year

    Horse racing tips: This 7-1 chance appears to have been laid out for race he won last year

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Fashion
    • food
    • Health
    • Travel
    I was Jet2 and Virgin cabin crew – here’s 3 ‘secret’ European destinations

    I was Jet2 and Virgin cabin crew – here’s 3 ‘secret’ European destinations

    British airport announces ‘major redesign’ including new restaurants and runway views 

    British airport announces ‘major redesign’ including new restaurants and runway views 

    ‘Like the Caribbean’: Ibiza’s quiet little sister with lunar beaches and turquoise oceans 

    ‘Like the Caribbean’: Ibiza’s quiet little sister with lunar beaches and turquoise oceans 

    This street in Europe is just 50cm wide and has traffic lights so tourists don’t get stuck

    This street in Europe is just 50cm wide and has traffic lights so tourists don’t get stuck

    My holiday breakfast buffet hack is controversial but it’s a money saver

    My holiday breakfast buffet hack is controversial but it’s a money saver

    UK company launches £5,000 sex cruise — these are the rules passengers must follow

    UK company launches £5,000 sex cruise — these are the rules passengers must follow

    Ryanair calls for ‘urgent’ reform as French air strikes stretch to four days 

    Ryanair calls for ‘urgent’ reform as French air strikes stretch to four days 

    Is it safe to travel to Crete? Latest tourist advice amid wildfire evacuations

    Is it safe to travel to Crete? Latest tourist advice amid wildfire evacuations

    Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Latest Foreign Office advice as wildfires rage in Izmir

    Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Latest Foreign Office advice as wildfires rage in Izmir

    I grew up in Yorkshire — here’s my insider’s guide to a weekend in the Dales

    I grew up in Yorkshire — here’s my insider’s guide to a weekend in the Dales

    Trending Tags

    • Golden Globes
    • Mr. Robot
    • MotoGP 2017
    • Climate Change
    • Flat Earth
  • Health
  • Opinion
  • Science
  • Tech
  • Crypto
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Sports
  • More
    • Press Release
UK Herald
No Result
View All Result

I was Jet2 and Virgin cabin crew – here’s 3 ‘secret’ European destinations

by Justin Marsh
July 24, 2025
0
0
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterReddit


A lush landscape view in Guadalest, Spain and coffee on a table looking out at a snowy mountain in Cogne, Italy.
A former flight attendant reveals three of her favourite under-the-radar places in Europe (Picture: Getty Images)

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Most of us can only dream of being paid to travel, but for Helana Jackson, it’s a reality.

Working as cabin crew for Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic, the 30-year-old spent the early days of her career jetting off to destinations like New York, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Canada, and Switzerland.

These days, she works as a TikTok micro-influencer, having built a loyal following by sharing tips on hidden gems and adventurous locations.

At Metro, we’re passionate about promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations. We support sustainable tourism and want to do our part to put places actively seeking visitors on the map.

We asked Helana to give us her top three European destinations that have lots to offer and a manageable amount of tourists. And spoiler: two are in Spain, one is in Italy.

Sign up to The Getaway newsletter

Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.

As she tells us: ‘We’re only here once. If you can, you’ve got to get out there and see the world.’

La Manga, Spain

La Manga is synonymous with the La Manga Club, a sprawling luxury resort and a playground for the rich and famous.

But Helana says there’s more to this region, if you’re willing to scratch the surface.

@travelwithhelana

Add this hidden gem to your Malaga Itinerary 🙌 Don’t forget to hit follow for more travel inspo & tips ✨ • Only 45 minutes from Malaga • Hidden between the cliffs of southern Spain, Maro Waterfall is only accessible by kayak or boat – and totally worth the paddle • The closest place to hire kayaks & access the waterfall is Maro Beach or you can take a guided tour from Burriana Beach in Nerja. 📍 Maro Waterfall, Nerja #MaroWaterfall #Nerja #Andalucía #CostaDelSol #VisitMalaga #ThingsToDoInMalaga #HiddenGem #SecretSpots #Waterfall #OceanVibes #AdventureTravel #BeautifulDestinations #TravelCouple #traveltiktok

♬ Spitting Off the Edge of the World – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Located in Murcia, Spain, La Manga is a narrow spit of land that divides the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon.

While huge numbers of visitors descend on the region for its white sandy beaches and clear blue sea each year, this paradise still has many unspoiled corners.

One of these, Helana says, is Calblanque Beach, which is regularly featured in ‘best Spanish beach’ roundups by The Telegraph and Condé Nast.

For Helana, the best time to visit is spring. She says there are fewer crowds, and the weather averages around 23°C to 27°C. In the summer months, La Manga sees highs of 34°C.

'I'm ex-cabin crew ? these 3 places offer incredible adventure and hardly any tourists La Manga, Spain Map - Metro graphics
La Manga has white sandy beaches and turquoise ocean (Picture: Metro)

Metro's favourite alternative destinations for 2025

  • The forgotten Faroe Islands by Alice Murphy
  • 96 hours in Gothenburg by Lucy Daltroff
  • Antiparos, the ‘secret’ Greek island tourists haven’t ruined yet by Lillie-Rose Lenga-Kroma
  • The Algarve’s enchanting deserted island by Gergana Krasteva
  • Tbilisi, Europe’s last ‘hidden gem’ city break by Alice Murphy

Paddleboarding and windsurfing are popular there, but if you haven’t got the time (or the funds) to complete a windsurfing course, wingsurfing is a great introduction.

It uses a handheld, inflatable wing to propel you and your board across the water. A 90-minute wingfoil class costs €70 (£61).

Further down the coast in Cabo de Palos, the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve is considered one of the best diving spots in Europe.

When it comes to food and drink, Helana says La Manga is generally quite affordable. She recommends Fanático Beach, a beach bar with sunbed hire and live music, and La Mestiza, a beach restaurant with sunset views. Here, a draught Heineken beer is €3.60 (£3), while a glass of wine is €5.50 (£4).

Beach Sunset La Manga f6aa e1753348109540
The sunsets in La Manga are unreal (Picture: Helana Jackson)

Looking for a twin break? La Manga is a 20-minute drive from Cartagena, Europe’s sunniest city.

Cogne, Aosta Valley, Italy

Helana went to Cogne by chance.

She searched for the cheapest flight available, booked a seat, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful places she’s ever visited.

The village, in the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy, is flanked by snow-dusted mountains and forested slopes.

On a clear day, Helana says you can see Mont Blanc.

A macchiato in a black cup and an amaretto biscuit on a table overlooking a snowcapped mountain in Cogne, Aosta Valley
The Aosta Valley in northern Italy (Picture: Helana Jackson)

It’s less than two hours from Turin, which Helana describes as Milan without the crowds. And it’s cheap to get there; on Monday, August 25, a Ryanair flight from Stansted to Turin is only £18.

Helana’s highlights include Cascate di Lillaz, an ‘otherworldly’ waterfall that can be reached by an easy hike. She also recommends renting a bike and exploring the trails of Gran Paradiso National Park.

But her favourite moment from the trip was her time at Hotel Belvedere, a chalet perched above the village.

The journey there was breathtaking, along a winding road through the valley, and the food (homemade ravioli and local wine) was delicious and affordable.

'I'm ex-cabin crew ? these 3 places offer incredible adventure and hardly any tourists Cogne, Italy Map - Metro graphics
Cogne’s culture is a blend of French and Italian (Picture: Metro)

Guadalest, Spain

Back to Spain for Helana’s final recommendation: Guadalest, a mountainous village in the Alicante province with 240 residents.

There are plenty of reasons to be fascinated by this tiny patch of paradise. It may be a 30-minute drive from the infamous party town of Benidorm, but Guadalest is worlds away from the boozy mayhem.

Forget Sticky Vicky — life is slow here. You’ll be kayaking, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins rather than revelling on the strip.

Guadalest 2 00cc
Beautiful Guadalest (Picture: Helana Jackson)

Helana’s recommendations include a hike to the reservoir and the walking trail from Guadalest to Beniardá and Benimantell.

The climb to Guadalest Castle, a 12th-century Moorish fortress, is a good choice for a combination of hiking and history. It’s challenging, but your reward is a panoramic view of the whitewashed village below.

Entry to the castle is €4 (£3.46), which includes access to the San Jose Castle ruins, the Alcozaiba prison, and the bell tower. There are plenty of museums in the castle grounds, such as the Micro-Gigantic Museum, Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum, and the Ethnological Museum.

Though Guadalest is traditionally a day-trip destination — from Alicante or Benidorm, you can spend six to eight hours exploring the Valley and the Algar waterfalls for around £69 — Helana recommends staying the night.

'I'm ex-cabin crew ? these 3 places offer incredible adventure and hardly any tourists Guadalest, Spain Map - Metro graphics
Life is slow and simple in Guadalest (Picture: Metro)

‘We were able to experience a slower, more authentic side of Spain.’

Helana stayed at Casa Oliveta, a rustic guesthouse just a six-minute drive from the main village. Prices per night range from £130 to £160, depending on room type.

In Guadalest, the evenings are calm and peaceful — perfect for watching the sunset and enjoying a relaxed dinner.

The best spot for all of the above is Restaurant L’Hort, a traditional Valencian eatery nestled high up in the mountains.

Helana concludes: ‘Guadalest gave us a taste of mountain life, with natural beauty, culture, and tranquility all in one spot.’

Comment nowWhat is your favourite place in Europe? Have your say in the comments belowComment Now


Comment now
What is your favourite place in Europe? Have your say in the comments below





Source link

Related Posts

British airport announces ‘major redesign’ including new restaurants and runway views 

British airport announces ‘major redesign’ including new restaurants and runway views 

by Justin Marsh
July 21, 2025
0

The new design aims to be ‘welcoming’ and ‘practical’ space (Picture: Getty Images) Jersey Airport is about to get a swanky new upgrade. As it stands, the largest of the Channel Islands,...

‘Like the Caribbean’: Ibiza’s quiet little sister with lunar beaches and turquoise oceans 

‘Like the Caribbean’: Ibiza’s quiet little sister with lunar beaches and turquoise oceans 

by Justin Marsh
July 18, 2025
0

Formentera is Ibiza’s quiet sister island (Picture: Getty Images) Ibiza might not be the first place that comes to mind for a relaxing holiday.  Though the beautiful Balearic island has some quiet...

This street in Europe is just 50cm wide and has traffic lights so tourists don’t get stuck

This street in Europe is just 50cm wide and has traffic lights so tourists don’t get stuck

by Justin Marsh
July 15, 2025
0

If you’re claustrophobic, you might want to avoid this one (Picture: TripAdvisor) Prague might have stunning architecture and delicious open sandwiches — but it’s also got a rather bizarre attraction tourists are...

My holiday breakfast buffet hack is controversial but it’s a money saver

My holiday breakfast buffet hack is controversial but it’s a money saver

by Justin Marsh
July 12, 2025
0

I’m so pleased I learnt it as now, a mum of two myself, I proudly carry it on (Picture: Nicola Lewis) I’ve never been a big eater in the mornings. A bowl...

UK company launches £5,000 sex cruise — these are the rules passengers must follow

UK company launches £5,000 sex cruise — these are the rules passengers must follow

by Justin Marsh
July 9, 2025
0

This spicy cruise sets sail in 2026 (Picture: Killing Kittens) Sex parties are coming to an ocean near you. Killing Kittens, the kink-positive event company, is launching a very naughty cruise promising...

Ryanair calls for ‘urgent’ reform as French air strikes stretch to four days 

Ryanair calls for ‘urgent’ reform as French air strikes stretch to four days 

by Justin Marsh
July 6, 2025
0

Ryanair says the situation is ‘not acceptable’ (Picture: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Ryanair has renewed its call for urgent reform to Europe’s air traffic control (ATC) systems as strikes by French...

Next Post
Ben Goldsborough: ‘Reform’s prison plan is a sick joke – and criminals are the ones laughing’

Ben Goldsborough: ‘Reform’s prison plan is a sick joke – and criminals are the ones laughing’

Popular News

Ben Goldsborough: ‘Reform’s prison plan is a sick joke – and criminals are the ones laughing’

Ben Goldsborough: ‘Reform’s prison plan is a sick joke – and criminals are the ones laughing’

July 24, 2025
I was Jet2 and Virgin cabin crew – here’s 3 ‘secret’ European destinations

I was Jet2 and Virgin cabin crew – here’s 3 ‘secret’ European destinations

July 24, 2025
Contraceptive medicine for men, the first Human Test was successful

Contraceptive medicine for men, the first Human Test was successful

July 23, 2025
‘Deluded’: Conservatives condemned after strategist says party has ‘done the apologies’

‘Deluded’: Conservatives condemned after strategist says party has ‘done the apologies’

July 22, 2025
British airport announces ‘major redesign’ including new restaurants and runway views 

British airport announces ‘major redesign’ including new restaurants and runway views 

July 21, 2025
PR agency sells AI tool which sends out automated expert comment to journalists

PR agency sells AI tool which sends out automated expert comment to journalists

July 21, 2025
Keir Starmer could learn to fear a left insurgency

Keir Starmer could learn to fear a left insurgency

July 20, 2025
UK Herald

All Rights Reserved © UK HERALD - The Voice of UK

Important Links

  • Publish Your article
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • Advertise

...

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Politics
  • UK News
  • Business
  • Science
  • National
  • Entertainment
  • Gaming
  • Sports
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Health
  • Food

All Rights Reserved © UK HERALD - The Voice of UK