SUN’S out, weather’s warmer, days are longer… finally we’re starting to get the feeling that summer’s just around the corner.
With holidays on the horizon, it’s time for some blue-sky thinking: where to go, what to do, and what to wear when you get there.
For holiday inspo, we’ve got ten seasonal essentials for a memorable summer, from the wildest stag and hen nights and lovely Ibizan villas to the UK’s greatest beer festival and most romantic village.
Of course, you don’t just want a hot break, you want a hot look, so we’ve tracked down the ultimate self-tan, the slickest shades and the most sustainable, guilt-free travel clothes and accessories.
Read on, here comes the summer…
Complete Savings holiday cashback
We might be living through challenging economic times but holidays needn’t break the bank – especially if you earn generous cashback when you book your next break.
Complete Savings allows you to enjoy at least 10 per cent cashback every time you shop online – up to £250 a month – with over 1,000 well-known retailers including travel specialists Hotels.com, Trainline and Booking.com.
Members of the online savings programme can also claim an introductory Welcome Reward on joining and monthly bonus offers, along with earning up to 20 per cent off high street gift cards.
That’s potential savings of over £3,000 a year. Try the 30-day free trial, after which membership costs £15 a month.
Find out more at completesavings.co.uk/how-it-works
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Watermans self-tans
We all look better with a healthy sun-licked glow. Watermans takes the streaks – and the strain – out of self-tanning with its easy-to-apply, quick-drying formulas.
Its Browned Off range, including a facial spritz and different-strength foams for multiple skin tones, guarantees a natural-looking tan without damaging UV rays.
And that’s just the start: all Watermans’ fake tans contain aloe vera to hydrate your skin, while also replenishing and rejuvenating with antioxidants, including vitamin E.
The premium-quality ingredients ensure Watermans’ tans are paraben-free, sulphate-free and cruelty-free, as well as vegan – with no biscuit smell.
So say adios to orange, patchy skin and hola to a safe, radiant, natural-looking tan.
View the collection at watermanshair.com
Motorbikes 4 All
Looking for a motorbike, new or used? Motorbikes 4 All has an extensive handpicked selection of quality new and used motorbikes and scooters.
Its competitively priced range includes new models from the powerful Suzuki Katana to Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Adventure, and used bikes like Harley-Davidson’s classic Softail.
The highly experienced Malvern-based dealership and showroom also offers servicing and repairs by fully qualified technicians, and sells tyres, clothing and accessories.
Motorbikes 4 All’s regularly updated stock includes over 500 models – and pays competitive prices if you’re selling – while its many returning customers reflect the friendly, knowledgeable staff and service.
Visit motorbikes4all.com. Use code FREEDELIVERY4ALL for free nationwide delivery
Ted Baker designer sunglasses at Next
On the hunt for sunnies that are easy on the eye? Cue Ted Baker’s sleek collection of designer frames, available at Next.
The seductive range includes twists on old classics: George, a striking mix of jet black and tortoiseshell, has a vintage vibe that works seamlessly from day to night, with metal detailing adding a quirky edge. It’s the perfect accessory for street or beach.
Romey is equally eye-catching – the chunky oversized frame offers maximum coverage and effortless chic.
But whatever your choice, perhaps classic pilot or retro cat eyes, Next offers the perfect eye-shade inspo.
Shop Ted Baker sunglasses now at next.co.uk
Ibiza with the experts at Ibizahire
Enjoy a dreamy stay on Ibiza by sourcing your villa from the experts with over two decades’ experience of the White Island.
Ibizahire offers private rental villas to suit all budgets – from family holidays to hen and stag dos, including short stays and flexible arrival days.
The properties can be found at all premium locations across the island, including the major resorts. Two notable properties are Villa Olga and Villa Mollie. The stunning Villa Olga is situated close to San José, boasting a private pool and offering fantastic views towards San Antonio and the Mediterranean. Villa Mollie, a six-bedroom, five-bathroom private villa is within walking distance of San Antonio Bay and all local amenities.
As an events and concierge company, Ibizahire can also arrange boat hire, from small ribs to super yachts, and car rental – whether you’re after a runaround or a Ferrari.
Experiences, including private BBQ chefs, VIP tables in the top clubs and the island’s legendary boat parties, are available too.
Visit ibizahire.com for the best deals and follow the company on Instagram @Ibizahire
Hangover Weekends hen and stag parties
Need to give a friend the ultimate send-off? From cocktail classes in Newcastle and Dirty Dancing in Cardiff, to foot golf in Edinburgh, Hangover Weekends offers a massive choice of unforgettable, stress-free UK hen and stag party options.
It’s simple: go to hangoverweekends.co.uk, and simply click to create a bespoke package for your crew and budget, selecting from thousands of approved hotels and activities.
With the quote agreed, you’re now in charge: use the portal to add attendees, view itineraries and manage balances.
Your mates can even pay in interest-free instalments. All that’s left to do is kick back and enjoy the axe throwing, life drawing or night with the Dreamboys.
Find out more at hangoverweekends.co.uk or on Facebook and Instagram
Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience, Scotland
Gretna Green, once a magnet for eloping lovers across the border, is still a uniquely romantic destination. Its blacksmiths shop, where young runaways have tied the knot over the anvil for nearly three centuries, offers the UK’s first immersive attraction dedicated to love and marriage, but these days with a modern twist.
The Famous Blacksmiths Shop, a five-star visitor attraction, marries romance with retail. Just off the M74 and M6, it also offers affordable luxury brand shopping, including Barbour and Joules, excellent dining and free entry to the Courtship Maze shaped like two interlocking rings.
You can taste Scottish whiskies and gins, or reaffirm your love over the anvil with a unique Gretna Green handfasting at the world’s most celebrated wedding venue. It’s also a great base to explore southern Scotland and Cumbria, with their dramatic castles and national parks.
Discover more at gretnagreen.com or on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube
Eco-friendly travel products from goodtrip.co.uk
Increasingly we want holidays that are good for us – and for the planet. Step forward goodtrip.co.uk, which simplifies the search for products that offset the impact of our flights.
Claiming to be the world’s first specialist marketplace for travel gifts, clothes and accessories, it supports independent eco-conscious brands putting the planet first with their products.
From personalised clothing made from recycled plastic bottles to cork passport holders and sustainable cotton tote bags, goodtrip.co.uk only stocks products that have a positive impact on the environment – which could mean they’re made from recycled materials or replace single-use items.
It also offers discounts for trips booked through responsible tour operators like Explore and ensures a tree is planted for each order, 2 per cent of which goes to charity. Good trip, good deed.
Use code “GOODTRIP25” to get 25 per cent off custom clothing collections here.
Get 5 per cent off eco-friendly travel products by quoting “GOODTRIP5” here.
Go to goodtrip.co.uk or find it on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok
Go Places travel luggage
Samsonite, Ted Baker, Bric’s, Dune London and American Tourister are among the top brands available at discounted prices from Go Places, the UK’s longest-established online luggage retailer.
Go Places has your back when it comes to packing. With everything from hard and soft-sided suitcases, two-wheeled or four-wheeled luggage, plus backpacks, holdalls and cabin cases, all helpfully listed to meet different airlines’ requirements, including easyJet and Ryanair.
It offers next working day delivery on orders over £50, with Saturday delivery options also available.
With acclaimed service earning it a 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot, the company is happy to be contacted by phone on 01403 713332 or through its website to answer any luggage queries.
Sun readers can claim 15 per cent off full-price goods with code TRAVEL15. Visit goplaces.co.uk
The Great British Beer Festival, London
Raise your glasses, beer lovers! The Great British Beer Festival is back and better than ever. From August 1 to 5, come and join thousands under the iconic roof of Olympia London and immerse yourself in the world of craft beer.
Held annually in London, this is the UK’s biggest beer festival. With over 900 beers to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice – from traditional ales to modern IPAs, there’s a pint for everyone. Take your time to wander around the stalls and learn more about the brewing process or take part in a tasting session. For those passionate about beer who want to expand their knowledge, this is a unique opportunity.
But the festival isn’t just about beer. There’s also live music, food stalls and a chance to meet like-minded beer lovers in a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a perfect time to catch up with friends or make new ones – and if you’re feeling competitive, why not join in some classic pub games?
So mark your calendars and get ready to raise a glass – the Great British Beer Festival is an event not to be missed. And who knows? You might just discover your new favourite brew. Cheers!
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The Great British Beer Festival is offering the chance to win four VIP tickets worth £168. All VIP tickets include fast-track entrance, guaranteed VIP seating, a souvenir festival glass (non-refundable) and £10 worth of beer tokens to get you started. Enter the competition here and visit gbbf.org.uk/tickets to book tickets.
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