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Horse racing tips: Three value picks to smash the bookies at Catterick including one on handicap debut

SUN Racing’s Wednesday picks are below.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

LONGSHOT

WAITING FOR LOVE (4.50 Catterick)

She needed the run after a break at Chelmsford and was in winning form last season over a mile. She won’t mind this drop in distance.

EACH-WAY THIEF

PINJARRA (2.20 Catterick)

He went close at Ayr last time and looks on a fair weight.

COPARISI (2.50 Catterick)

She has shown some promise in maidens and starts handicapping now.

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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‘I was fuming’ – Luke Littler reveals moment in meteoric darts career which still torments him

LUKE LITTLER revealed he’s still tormented by the moment he let the Premier League title slip through his fingers against Luke Humphries.

The teen sensation looked set for glory after storming into a 5-2 lead in the final but ended up stunned as Humphries turned the match around to win 11-8 and take the crown at the O2 Arena.

Luke Humphries holding a trophy after winning a darts championship.
PA
Luke Littler was distraught after losing to Luke Humphries in the Premier League final[/caption]

Littler noted that Humphries upped his game after the break, and he was particularly frustrated with how he lost the momentum. 

Five-times major winner Littler admitted losing that match still stings more than any other in his rapid-fire career so far.

Littler told the Tays & Ginge Off Stream podcast: “I’ll probably say the Premier League final against Luke [Humphries]. 

“Yeah, because I was 5-2 up and I knew we would go off for a break after 10 legs, so we’ve still got 3 legs to play.

“So, I said to myself, if you go 7-3 up or 6-4 up, then I’m happy, but I went into the break at 5-5.

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“I was fuming and then he just went on and won it.

“He definitely did up his game, because I’m pretty sure after the break, I think he went 7-5 up. 

“So he came on stage, won the next two legs. I was just thinking what was going on.”

Teen sensation Littler also admitted he is a huge fan of Michael van Gerwen’s walk-on.

The Dutchman’s pre-match entrance is accompanied by The White Stripes’ ‘Seven Nation Army’.

He added: “I think one of the main walk-ons that I still love to this day is Michael van Gerwen’s.

“I think last year he was a higher rank than me, so I walked on stage first, then he walks on, and just like the whole venue goes green, and he walks out, I still get a buzz off it.

“But now I’m a higher rank, so he walks first and waits for me.”

Michael van Gerwen of the Netherlands reacting during a darts match.
Getty
Littler is a big fan of Van Gerwen’s walk-on[/caption]

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Watch trailer for Tommy Fury’s BBC docuseries as Love Island star opens up on ‘worst year of my life’

TOMMY FURY has opened up on the worst year of his life in the trailer for his new BBC docuseries.

Fury had a huge 2023 beating YouTube’s biggest boxing stars in Jake Paul and KSI while also welcoming his baby daughter Bambi into the world.

Tommy Fury BBC docuseries trailer.
BBC
Tommy Fury has a new BBC docuseries coming out[/caption]
Tommy Fury feeding his daughter in a trailer for a BBC docuseries.
BBC
Fury with his baby daughter Bambi[/caption]
Tommy Fury in a hospital bed with a bandaged hand.
BBC
The boxer had hand surgery in 2024[/caption]

But a hand injury – which required surgery – sidelined the 2019 Love Islander from the ring.

During that period, he fell into a period of depression and alcohol abuse which he has said cost him his relationship with Molly-Mae Hague.

Fury has since returned to the ring – winning his comeback fight in May – and has got back together with Molly-Mae – who he met on Love Island.

And his rollercoaster year is set to be documented in a new series coming this summer called: “Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury.”

In the trailer, Fury, 26, says: “I went through the worst year of my life because I couldn’t box.

“In this big house that I bought, I found myself just sat alone. I just want to show Bambi and Molly, I’m back.

“I need to get back to me, that’s a big thing about being a Fury, we fight until our last breath.”

Fury beat Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic in his comeback bout in Hungary and hinted bigger bouts are in the works.

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He said on Eddie Hall’s podcast: “The big fights are looming. I think they’re always going to be there though, because the history’s there.

“I did a good six rounds underneath my belt in that fight so if I could come back and maybe get eight rounds in or whatever.

“Whatever fight comes, to be honest. I’ve really fell in love with the sport again after being away from it for so long.”

two boxers in a ring with one wearing paul shorts
Getty
Jake Paul lost to Fury in Saudi Arabia[/caption]
Tommy Fury punches KSI during a boxing match.
Getty
Fury beat KSI in October 2023[/caption]
Molly-Mae, Tommy Fury, and their baby taking a selfie.
Tommy and Molly-Mae are now back together
Instagram / @mollymae

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Shoppers left stunned over £50 Primark bag that ‘looks like Claudia Winkleman’ and insist price is ‘a joke’

SHOPPERS have been left “flabbergasted” after spotting a pricey handbag in Primark that they joke looks like Claudia Winkleman.

The Suede Fringe Crossbody Bag is part of Rita Ora’s summer 2025 collaboration with the high street giant and will set fashion fans back £50.

Primark display of black fringed bags and sandals.
TikTok/Primark Meadowhall
Shoppers have been left stunned by a £50 bag in Primark[/caption]
Black fringed crossbody bag.
Primark
The handbag is part of Rita Ora’s summer collection[/caption]
Claudia Winkleman on the set of The Traitors.
BBC
Fashion fans joked the bag looks like Claudia Winkleman[/caption]

Primark bosses say the suede and leather accessory will “inject some celebrity style” into your bag collection.

They add: “Made from black suede, it’s designed in a rectangular shape with a top zip closure and silver-toned hardware.

“The standout feature? A bold fringe detail across the front, giving it extra movement and texture.

“An exterior zip pocket adds function, while the adjustable shoulder strap means you can wear it your way — whether slung across the body or on the shoulder.”

Cheeky shoppers have insisted the boho fringe detailing reminds them of The Traitors’ presenter Claudia Winkleman due to her own heavy fringe and iconic black tresses.

But it’s the high price point that’s left them most shocked.

Sharing a clip of it on TikTok, fashion fan Victoria said: “I’m gonna need help understanding why a Primark bag is £50. I’m very confused atm.”

Her video quickly racked up more than 90,000 views with plenty of social media users in full agreement.

One gasped: “Fifty quid for a bag that looks like Claudia winkleman??”

A second wrote: “What the helly! This collab was supposed to connect Rita Ora’s roots and upbringing and her connection to everyday people.

“But pricing a bag at £50 in Primark feels disconnected from that message and tone deaf quite frankly.

“For someone who often speaks about humble beginnings every chance she gets this doesn’t quite align with the idea of making fashion accessible to the fans who supported her from the start.”

“That’s a f***ing joke. Primark need to remember who the f*** they are”, fumed a third.

A fourth added: “Primark needs to take a look in the mirror and remember who they are. £50 for a early 2000s primark bag is outrageous.”

Meanwhile, a sixth chimed in: “I saw this the other day and my flabbers were absolutely gasted!”

But other diehard Primark fans defended the price and pointed out: “It’s real leather.”

“Try buying any bag on the high street that is real suede or leather for £50. That’s actually cheap”, someone else insisted.

A third agreed: “It’s leather! Price is correct.”

Indeed, the outer section of the handbag is made from 100 per cent leather suede, with PVC only used for the underside of the strap and polyester for the lining.

Rita, 34, has been a brand ambassador for Primark since 2023, allowing fashion fans to shop her “famous style for less”.

The star, often seen in designer clothing, said she was keen to honour her roots and love for the high street brand.

Her latest 172-piece collection starts from just £3.50 for a pair of earrings.

She said she was excited by the prospect of developing her own affordable fashion collection that offered quality and value. after signing a multi-season deal.

We told earlier how a “hidden gem” skirt in her latest summer 2025 collaboration left fashion fans in a frenzy.

Why Primark is great for looking expensive on a budget

By Clemmie Fieldsend, Fabulous Fashion Editor

AS someone who’s no stranger to grabbing a last-minute outfit from Primark for a night out, it’s about time that celebrities started catching on too.

For as long as I’ve been heading out, Primark has been my go-to for those “I have nothing to wear” moments, rushing in at the last minute to find something perfect.

And I’m definitely not alone – on any Friday or Saturday night, you’ll find plenty of shoppers doing the same thing, right before closing time.

But no matter what, Primark always delivers.

Now, Rita Ora is leading the charge, showing that you can snag a designer-worthy look without spending a fortune at high-end stores.

While Rita’s not rushing in last minute for a red carpet outfit, she’s proving you can achieve the same high-impact style for much less.

Looking stunning in her tailored suit alongside her mum Vera, Rita fit right in among the other A-listers dripping in Prada, Dior, and Victoria Beckham – if anything, she looked even better than some of the guests at The Fashion Awards.

With Myleene Klass and Roxy Horner already jumping on the Primark bandwagon, I’m sure more stars will be following suit soon enough.

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Chelsea and Tottenham flop Timo Werner ‘told he will never play for club again’ just two weeks after wedding

TIMO WERNER has reportedly been told he won’t play for RB Leipzig again after his dismal loan spell at Tottenham came to an end.

Werner, 29, is said to have been brought crashing down to earth with the news coming just two weeks after the high of marrying his partner of eight years, Paula.

Timo Werner of Tottenham Hotspur in action.
Getty
Tottenham loan struggler Timo Werner has been told he will never play for parent club RB Leipzig again[/caption]
Timo Werner and Paula Lense embracing by a Christmas tree.
INSTAGRAM @timowerner
Werner was told the news just two weeks after his marriage to long-term partner Paula Lense[/caption]

According to German outlet Bild, Werner has been told that he is surplus to requirements at Leipzig and won’t be called upon to play for the Bundesliga club again.

Werner, who has one year remaining on his £8.6m-per-season contact, is thought to have been told he won’t even be used in club friendlies if he chooses to see out his current deal.

The forward has reportedly been offered a two-and-a-half year deal with fellow Red Bull owned outfit New York Red Bulls in the MLS.

The offer, which would be worth around £3.5m-per-season, is understood to have been rejected by Werner and his camp.

Werner hasn’t featured for Leipzig since December 2023, spending the last 18 months on loan in the Premier League with Spurs.

His time in North London failed to live up to expectations, with the 57-time German International scoring just three times in 41 appearances for Tottenham.

Coupled with his previous unsuccessful time with Chelsea, it’s no surprise that it’s been reported that no Premier League clubs are in for the versatile attacker as things stand.

Werner was criticised by former manager Ange Postecoglou while at Tottenham.

Timo Werner's Tottenham Hotspur 2024-25 season statistics.
Werner struggled for minutes and impact at Spurs last season

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The Aussie boss slammed Werner’s performance in a Europa League clash with Rangers as “unacceptable”.

Postecoglou said: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should.

“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [playing], it’s not acceptable to me and I said that to Timo. He’s a senior German international.

“The moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves.

“His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM THE SUMMER WINDOW

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Ellie Bamber’s new boyfriend revealed as TV star as they snog courtside at Wimbledon

ELLIE Bamber’s new boyfriend has been revealed as a TV star as they snogged courtside at Wimbledon. 

The Surrey-born actress, 28, has famously taken on the role of Kate Moss in a biopic, entitled Moss and Freud. 

Ellie Bamber and a guest at Wimbledon.
Getty
Ellie Bamber’s new boyfriend has been revealed as a TV star as they snogged courtside at Wimbledon[/caption]
Ellie Bamber and a guest kissing at Wimbledon.
Getty
The stylish pair shared a kiss[/caption]
Ellie Bamber and a guest at Wimbledon.
Getty
Ellie’s new man is currently signed to Lindberg Management, which represents Scandinavian and European actors[/caption]

She was pictured last year looking like the spitting image of Croydon model Kate, 51, in her heyday, finishing off her bod copy-cat look with blue eyeshadow and a slick of nude gloss.

Later on in the first look scene, she was captured puffing away on a cigarette as she continued her in-character role.

Now, Ellie has been spotted with her new man at Wimbledon, with his identity revealed as Danish actor and model Oliver Overgaard Reichhardt.

The actress looked in great spirits in dark shades seated next to her handsome boyfriend. 

Oliver opted for a light blue shirt, which he paired with chains and a white t-shirt underneath. 

The couple, who haven’t shared a glimpse of each other yet on social media, couldn’t keep their hands off each other. 

Ellie was seen resting her head on Oliver’s shoulder in one photo, and in another they were seen holding hands as they got up from their seats. 

Danish model Oliver was also seen planting a kiss on Ellie’s head in another snap.

She looked stunning in a grey backless top and matching shorts, with a black bag over her shoulder. 

Ellie’s new man is currently signed to Lindberg Management, which represents Scandinavian and European actors. 

He also starred in Danish TV series Salsa from 2023 to 2025, and has worked on  short films called The Shepherd in 2023 and Parat in 2022.

Oliver’s Instagram account includes some of his impressive modelling snaps. 

Meanwhile, Ellie’s last boyfriend was the Bodyguard’s Richard Madden, who she split from in 2019 after 18 months together. 

A source close to him said at the time: “They’re both absolutely gutted but it was a decision made for the best.

“They were arguing almost daily towards the end and, despite considering couples’ therapy, it became evident there were far too many issues that could not be fixed.

“Richard is the toast of Hollywood at the moment, and understandably wants to let his hair down.

Ellie is a bit quieter, and wants to focus purely on her work. It felt like their day-to-day lives were increasingly becoming worlds apart.

“They were pretty inseparable from the day they met — and their friends and family had all merged — so obviously everyone around them is gutted too.

“But both Ellie and Richard hope to remain friends.”

Ellie Bamber and a guest at Wimbledon.
Getty
The actress looked in great spirits in dark shades seated next to her handsome boyfriend[/caption]
Ellie Bamber at the Elie Saab Haute Couture fashion show.
Getty
Ellie was pictured last year taking on the role of Kate Moss in a new biopic[/caption]

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Resolution seeking Duterte’s return only political posturing – De Lima

MANILA, Philippines — The resolution that seeks to repatriate former President Rodrigo Duterte from The Netherlands is just a mere attempt at political posturing, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said on Tuesday. In an ambush interview at the Batasang Pambansa complex, the former senator was asked about the resolution authored by Sen. Robinhood

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Coronation Street icon makes shock return to soap set almost a YEAR after disappearing

CORONATION Street favourite has made a shock return to the cobbles – nearly a year after leaving the soap.

Lucy Fallon – who plays Bethany Platt – was spotted back on set this week, sparking rumours of an explosive new storyline and leaving viewers thrilled at the surprise comeback.

Three women and a man carrying luggage outside a building.
ITV
In February, Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) packed her bags, ditching Daniel and heading back to London for a fresh start[/caption]
Woman in patterned pajamas holding two young children on a couch.
Instagram
The real-life, the actress went on maternity leave to give birth to her daughter Nancy[/caption]

The actress, 27, is back from maternity leave after leaving in February to give birth to her second child – her daughter Nancy Margaret.

The mum-of-two took to Instagram to reveal that she’s back on the Corrie set as she posed for a photo in her dressing room.

Lucy wrote: “And just like that she’s back.”

A Coronation Street spokesperson confirmed that “Lucy will be returning to filming in the summer after maternity leave, as always planned and that Bethany will be back on screen in October.”

However, there were rumours that Lucy had quit the ITV soap for good – amid the shock cast cull.

It was revealed that the star had signed with the talent agency Off Limits – leaving fans fearing she won’t be returning to Corrie.

And viewers had seen the likes of Craig Tinker, Eileen Grimshaw, Mason Radcliffe and Yasmeen Nazir all given the boot within weeks of each other.

Lucy’s latest social media post confirmed she will be returning to the cobbles… but for how long?

Before her dramatic exit earlier this year, Bethany returned to the Street on New Year’s Eve 2023 – and wasted no time diving headfirst into chaos.

She quickly rekindled things with ex Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), but happiness was short-lived.

Bethany came face-to-face with vile abuser Nathan Curtis (Christopher Parker) following his prison release, and later underwent botched cosmetic surgery in Turkey.

The risky op left her battling sepsis and needing a permanent stoma bag.

Then, just as things seemed to be looking up, Daniel popped the question on Christmas Day – and Bethany said yes, unaware that his ex Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) had just discovered she was pregnant… and Daniel might be the dad after a one-night stand.

The truth didn’t stay buried for long – and with emotions running high, Bethany packed her bags once again, ditching Daniel and heading back to London for a fresh start.

Bethany Platt's biggest Corrie storylines

Bethany is the daughter of Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) and her classmate Neil Fearns (Paul Holowaty). Sarah fell pregnant at the age of just 12-years-old, much to the horror of her family.

When she was a child, Bethany’s was involved in a major storyline when she took ecstasy tablets. This was when her uncle, David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), hid them in her doll.

The character departed the soap in 2007 with her mum for a new life in Milan. Her return storyline saw the teenager run away back to Weatherfield with a new actress as Lucy Fallon took over the role.

Storylines since then have included major school bullying. Her teachers said she was skipping school as she told them that she was attending grief counselling. Sarah and David soon realised that Bethany intercepted letters and emails from the school. She was being tormented by a group of girls, which included her mainbully Lauren (Shannon Flynn).

Gary notices the bullying and reports it to the school. Due to several incidents, Lauren makes out that Bethany is the bully and they are both suspended. During this time, Bethany helps David out at the salon and Lauren comes in for a treatment. David then threatened her to leave his family alone. This was before she was expelled from the school after other girls came forward about the torment.

Bethany was later at the centre of one of Corrie’s darkest storylines when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator Nathan Curtis. The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her.

The storyline was based on a real life story and also drew inspiration from the child sex abuse ring in Rochdale, which saw nine men jailed in 2012.

But what brings Bethany back to Weatherfield?

And with Daisy now gone… will she pick up where she left off with Daniel?

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Still image from Coronation Street: Daniel Osbourne visits Bethany Platt in the ITU.
ITV
Bethany underwent botched cosmetic surgery in Turkey, leaving her needing a permanent stoma bag[/caption]
A woman in a gold dress looks unconvinced as a man gets down on one knee.
ITV
She accepted Daniel’s proposal unaware that his ex Daisy had just discovered she was pregnant[/caption]
Bethany Platt from Coronation Street looking upset as Daniel Osbourne and Daisy Midgeley hug in the background.
ITV
What brings Bethany back this time round?[/caption]

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LGFA All-Ireland semi-final fixtures, date and venue finalised as double header being shown live on TV

TULLAMORE will host the All-Ireland ladies semi-finals on July 19. 

The LGFA have confirmed an O’Connor Park double header for Kerry’s clash with Meath and Galway’s showdown against Dublin. 

5 July 2025; Niamh Divilly of Galway during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Galway and Waterford at Tuam Stadium in Galway. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Galway will have a point to prove after last season’s All-Ireland final disappointment
5 July 2025; Síofra O'Shea of Kerry during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship quarter-final match between Kerry and Kildare at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
The reigning champions Kerry overtook Cork last season for most All-Ireland titles

The Kingdom will face the Royals at 5.15 in their bid for back to back titles after ending their 31-year wait for glory last year. Meath are hunting their third ever crown after winning back to back Brendan Martin Cups in 2022. 

Dublin were knocked out by Galway in last year’s quarter-finals, and will be out for revenge against Daniel Moynihan’s charges at 7.30pm. 

Both games will be live on TG4 and the All-Ireland final will be played at Croke Park on Sunday, August 3. 

The schedule for the remainder of the LGFA season is as follows:

WEDNESDAY JULY 9

ZuCar All-Ireland U18 C semi-finals 

  • Armagh v Waterford; NGDC Abbotstown, 7.30pm 
  • Leitrim v Westmeath; Mullahoran, 7.30pm 

THURSDAY JULY 10 

ZuCar All-Ireland U18 A semi-finals 

  • Dublin v Galway; Kinnegad, 7.30pm 
  • Cavan v Cork; St Rynagh’s, Banagher, 7.30pm 

ZuCar All-Ireland U18 B semi-finals 

  • Clare v Monaghan; Tarmonbarry, 7.30pm 
  • Laois v Sligo; Kiltoom, 7.30pm 

SATURDAY JULY 12

TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship relegation play-off 

SUNDAY JULY 13 

TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship semi-finals  

  • Laois v Monaghan; Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford, 2pm – Live on Spórt TG4 YouTube
  • Westmeath v Tyrone; Avant Money Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 2pm – Live on Spórt TG4 YouTube

TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-finals  

SATURDAY JULY 19

TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-finals

  • Kerry v Meath; O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 5:15pm – Live on TG4
  • Galway v Dublin; O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 7:30pm – Live on TG4

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All the gross Boomer holiday habits my Gen Z friends and I would never do – especially all-inclusive buffets and bingo

AS a child, I spent my holidays crammed in a campervan while in rainy Wales, or at a budget kids club at a Spanish resort.

But as an adult, I’ve realised that everything my parents loved about holidays, are nothing like my trips now as a grown up Gen Z.

People relaxing by a hotel pool.
AFP
Kids clubs and pool games made hotel resorts seem exciting as a kid. But now I’m in my twenties, I avoid at all costs[/caption]
Woman holding a plate of pasta in a Parisian restaurant.
You’ll find me at a local restaurant over a buffet hotel
Jenna Stevens

That the all-inclusive life is suddenly not so appealing, the buffet food becomes same-y, you’re bored out of your mind at bingo, and actually that kids pool looks quite grimy.

Now we’ve gotten old enough to plan our own travels, Gen-Z are choosing holidays nothing like those loved by our parents.

Adrenaline over All-Inclusives

My Grandad’s favourite thing to do is help himself to a buffet-style breakfast in Benidorm, before setting himself up on a sun-lounger with a good newspaper.

But Gen-Z travellers like me are ditching the plastic wristbands and relaxing resorts for high-adrenaline adventure.

I prefer paragliding to poolside lounging, and backpacking to beach holidays.

I remember getting strapped into my harness on the edge of a mountain in the Swiss Alps.

My heart was hammering, as I waited for the wind to pick up so I could run off the cliff edge.

When I texted my Dad a pic of me dangling 6,500 feet in the air, I think he nearly passed out.

But after years of travelling, I’ve gotten used to lounging by the pool – I need something exhilarating.

And it turns out I’m not alone – 78 per cent of Gen-Z travellers like me want to try more exciting outdoor activities abroad.

Woman wearing a helmet and backpack.
Jenna Stevens
Geared up and ready to run off the edge of a cliff![/caption]
Person paragliding over a lake and mountains.
Jenna Stevens
The views over Lake Thun in Switzerland were stunning at 6,500 feet[/caption]

“I remember getting catapulted across a waterfall in Canada,” says fellow Gen-Z Sun Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding.

“At first my parents couldn’t believe I did stuff like this – but now they’ve had to get used to it!”

Hostels over Hotels

One hot, stuffy room. Twenty creaky bunkbeds. One guy snoring so loud it shakes the entire building.

I’ve had my stuff stolen, showered with a frog, and shared a room with a woman in L.A. who smuggled in her Jack Russell.

Sounds like a holiday from hell to my parents – but I’ll always pick a hostel bed over a plush hotel room.

Why? Because hostels are always the start of a crazy story. They make unforgettable memories.

My Mum still thinks hostels are dirty, dingy and full of weirdos. But you just don’t get those wild experiences in a hotel.

One survey showed that 75 per cent of Gen-Z and young millennials have stayed in shared accommodation on their travels.

So I know I’m not the only one who thinks it’s worth trading comfort for chaos.

Ornate, brightly painted building with a peace sign.
Jenna Stevens
Samesun Ocean Beach is one of the coolest hostels I’ve stayed in – they even run beach yoga classes and rent out snorkel gear[/caption]
Chalkboard above a bed that reads "3 Jenna + Emma".
I’d take a bunk bed over a king-size any day
Jenna Stevens

Double beds, minibars and flatscreens are boring.

I’ve met people from all over the world in hostel kitchens, bonded over instant noodles at 3am, and ended up on spontaneous trips I never planned.

And if you haven’t brushed your teeth in a bathroom next to a stranger being sick – have you even been travelling?

Plus, you can actually get some really nice hostel stays for cheap.

My favourite London hostel Clink261 costs me as little as £18 a night, plus I’ve stayed in the centre of Paris for just £20 with Generator Hostels.

TikTok advice over Tours

My parents’ idea of the perfect holiday is ticking off the sights from a tour bus, and eating at the top-reviewed restaurants on TripAdvisor.

I couldn’t think of anything worse.

Gen-Z travellers like me are obsessed with chasing cheap food, hanging out with the locals, and steering clear of crowds.

Tour buses and tourist traps are a nightmare. I couldn’t imagine queuing for hours just to climb the Eiffel Tower – especially when TikTok gives you all the best free spots to admire it from!

Woman in Paris at night with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Jenna Stevens
I learned the best spots to view the tower from on TikTok[/caption]

Similarly, I didn’t care for the top-rated restaurants in Rome.

I paid half the price of the fancy restaurant bill to make my own pasta with a class from Get Your Guide. (£30 to learn from the best? Absolute steal in my eyes).

Why follow an old guidebook when social media is packed with real people sharing their favourite finds?

That’s how I found the pasta class – it was half the price of a meal out for two, and way more fun.

In fact, 97 per cent of Gen-Z use social media as their main source of inspiration – and I have to say, it’s served me pretty well in finding the best secret spots abroad.

So ditch the travel agents and package holidays – try chasing the chaos and culture you can’t find in a brochure.

Woman holding a cutting board with fresh pasta in a Paris restaurant.
Learning to make fettuccine turned dinner into its own activity
Jenna Stevens

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