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And just like that, it’s the eve of March – and sorry to ask, but where TF is this year going? January was a little longer than we wanted, but February past us in the blink of an eye.

Seeing as spring is now a few weeks away, along with warmer weather, lighter mornings and evenings (thanks to the clocks going back on March 30), we’re celebrating by shopping some bright buys.

That’s right, this week’s edition of your exclusive Trend Trove has arrived, with a plethora of gorgeous goodies that you’ll want to add into your basket as soon as possible – because stock is going to go fast.

From glasses with the most adorable chilli print at Anthropology, to sunglasses we can’t wait to wear from Oliver Bonas.

We’ve also fallen head over heels for Lucy Tiffney’s new homeware collection with Next, featuring her signature hand-painted style and nature-inspired designs. The collection includes two main designs: Botanical and Folksy. You’ll find embroidered cushions, printed curtains, vases, and wall art in vibrant colours, with details like frills, fringes, and pom-poms.

Keeping with the home theme, Molly-Mae recently dropped the ultimate beauty bombshell. The beloved Laura Mercier Honey Bath (priced at £47) is making a grand return, and Molly-Mae is over the moon, calling it her ‘best news of 2025!’

As a true bath aficionado, Molly-Mae told her 8.5M followers that she’s tried ‘pretty much every bath product out there, and this one’s the winner,’ adding, ‘bath time just wouldn’t be the same without it.’

For those itching to snag this luxurious gem, you can buy here and be the first to get your hands on it when it’s online, this March 1.

Better yet? Humantra has launched a new apricot-flavoured electrolyte mix, inspired by the traditional Ramadan drink, Qamar al-Din.

This limited-edition drink is perfect for Iftar and Suhoor, offering hydration and energy support.

Packaged beautifully for Ramadan, it pays homage to the cherished Qamar al-Din, symbolising nourishment and rehydration after fasting.

Oh and if you’re not on #ChickenTok like we seem to be, there’s some pretty big news coming for Dave’s Hot Chicken fans…

Tattoo artist Pablo Gutierrez (Certified Letter Boy) and Dave’s Hot Chicken have launched a limited-edition streetwear collection featuring hoodies, t-shirts, and caps with Gutierrez’s Grim Reaper design.

Available exclusively at a pop-up shop on March 5th at 40 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, the items are priced like a Dave’s meal and come with a hot chicken meal. The collection is first come, first served.

Now our shopping expert has done the hard part for you, take 5 and give this selection of treats your time and attention.

Shopping Expert Picks of The Week

Chilli Pepper Icon Juice Glass

Hand-pressed glass beads and handblown glass come together in the irresistibly charming Icon collection. Perfect for sipping and gifting, these pieces are sure to add a touch of elegance to any moment. Cheers to creating cherished memories with every sip!

Buy Now for £14 at anthropologie

Brown Faux Tortoiseshell Angled Cat Eye Sunglasses

These angled cat eye sunglasses feature brown-tinted square lenses and a light brown faux tortoiseshell frame. The matching slim arms with an orange tip add a trendy touch, making them the perfect accessory for any fashion-forward look.

Buy Now for £26 at oliver bonas

NEST New York Cucumber and White Sage Votive 57g

From its groundbreaking perfume oils to its exquisitely designed candles, this collection transforms your daily routines into extraordinary sensory experiences. Infuse your home with the invigorating aroma of the Cucumber and White Sage Votive, a luxurious fragrance that adds an elegant touch to any space.

Buy Now for £22 at Cult Beauty

Explorer Dress

The Everyday Explorer Dress lives up to its name with its comfortable fabric and ingenious design, offering endless styling possibilities. With numerous adjustment features and discreet side pleat storage, you'll enjoy complete freedom of movement, whether you choose to wear it as a dress or a long shirt.

Buy Now for £95 at berghaus

Vomero 18

The Vomero offers unparalleled cushioning, ensuring a comfortable ride for your daily runs. Experience our softest, most cushioned feel with lightweight ZoomX foam layered over responsive ReactX foam in the midsole. Additionally, the revamped traction pattern guarantees a seamless heel-to-toe transition.

Buy Now for £134.99 at Nike

Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila (5cl)

Don Julio 1942 is a luxury tequila made from hand-selected blue agave, known for its rich caramel and chocolate aroma, with notes of oak, vanilla, and roasted agave. Celebrated at prestigious events like the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 and the Oscars 2024, it's a favorite among connoisseurs. For a refined experience, enjoy 50 ml of Don Julio 1942 in a tequila flute or rocks glass, either neat or on the rocks, to fully appreciate its smooth and rich profile.

Buy Now for £20 at the bar

Orson Sandal

The Orson sandal boasts a canvas fabric upper adorned with pastel stripes. The velcro straps are accented with an antiqued brass eagle head emblem, adding a touch of vintage charm.

Buy Now for £169 at Kurt Geiger London

Lucy Tiffney Multi Floral Large Vase

This bright and beautiful large vase by Lucy Tiffney is the perfect home for your flower arrangements. Crafted from pure stoneware and adorned with a vibrant floral print, it will effortlessly enhance the charm of your bouquet.

Buy Now for £68 at next

Blush Filter Liquid Blush in Bubble Gum

Blush Filter is a lightweight liquid blush with buildable pigments and micro-pearls for a soft-focus glow. Its blendable formula melts into the skin for a long-lasting 'airblushed' finish. Available in 11 shades with a candy scent, it features an easy-to-use peanut-shaped doe-foot applicator for a multi-dimensional, pigmented look.

Buy Now for £24 at huda beauty

Clara Linen Blend Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses are a specialty at Boden, and Clara is the latest bright idea. Crafted from breezy linen, she features big, blousy sleeves, a full skirt, and a waist-cinching belt for added definition. And pockets? Naturally, they didn't forget those.

Buy Now for £198 at boden

Power Luxe Hydra-Rich Infusion Cream

This deeply rich, ultra-restorative crème provides long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin luminous, sculpted, and firm. The clinically proven retinol-alternative Bakuchiol, combined with four layers of hyaluronic acid and anti-wrinkle peptides, offers collagen support and restores a youthful glow.

Buy Now for £133 at hydropeptide

Pink Puff Sleeve Cardigan

This pink cardigan, featuring short puff sleeves, adds a touch of shape to your look. Its minimalist design makes it perfect for styling and layering throughout the seasons.

Buy Now for £23.99 at new look

Acacia Set of 2 Chopping Boards in Natural

This set of two durable chopping boards, crafted from premium Acacia wood in India, is ideal for both prepping and presenting. Acacia's natural antibacterial properties make it a safer, more hygienic choice than plastic. Versatile beyond chopping, they're perfect for breakfast in bed or charcuterie boards, with a handle for easy carrying and a hanging hole for stylish storage.

Buy Now for £39 (was £42) at dusk

Tulip Print Poplin Traditional Pyjamas

Refresh your nightwear for spring with our tulip print traditional pyjama set. Made from comfortable, lightweight cotton, this set features an all-over tulip print and delicate embroidered scallop trims for a charming touch.

Buy Now for £24 at tu clothing

Laura Mercier Honey Bath in Ambre Vanille

Indulge in a restorative escape with our decadent foaming bubbles that condition your skin. Formulated to protect your skin's moisture barrier and provide long-lasting hydration, this luxurious experience leaves your skin feeling clean and supple.

Buy on march 1 for £47 at lookfantastic

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A controversial flavour of a much-loved chocolate bar is leaving shoppers divided — with some declaring it ‘disgusting’.

Snickers Coffee combines coffee-infused nougat with peanuts, caramel and milk chocolate, offering a freshly-roasted twist on the classic treat.

The unique flavour launched in Australia in December and was exclusive to 7-Eleven and the Snickers AU website. 

And while Mars has confirmed there are no official plans to sell it in the UK, British fans don’t have to trek all the way down under to find it anymore, as the 44g chocolate bar is priced at £2.99 on the World Snacks UK website and is available for shipping around the country.

In a recent Instagram post, Newsfood UK pointed to the site as the place to order, writing: ‘Brand new coffee Snickers. Wow, now this is perfect!

‘We love Snickers and love coffee, so this combo is a win.’

Not everyone is eager to try it, however, with one disturbed commenter writing: ‘Oh no, that’s so wrong.’

‘Noooo. Disgusting,’ said another, while a third added: ‘Oh goodness no,’ alongside a series of vomiting emojis.

Some were less distraught by the concept, including one who claimed they‘would love this,’ and another who declared it the ‘best Snickers yet’. 

Australian content creator, @mirandabrady_, reviewed the treat on TikTok back in December, telling followers she was ‘so excited to try’ it as it contains all of her favourite flavours. 

Sharing her verdict, she said: ‘It’s exactly what I expected, just like a normal Snickers with a coffee hint. It’s not as good as the original, but I like it.

‘If you love coffee and you love Snickers you will love this.’

This isn’t the only unique Snickers option there either. A pistachio, saffron, and almond-flavoured bar called Snickers Kesar Pista is available to buy in India. And in Brazil, you can find a passion fruit mousse flavour. 

Snickers Australia also previously introduced options including Butterscotch, Creamy Peanut Butter, and Peanut Brownie, all of which are still available to buy on its website.

Last year, Morrisons in the UK sold Snickers bars under their original UK brand name ‘Marathon’, for a limited time. 

When the Mars-owned chocolate bar made its way over the pond in 1968, it was introduced as the Marathon. Then, in the 1990s, the manufacturer decided it was time to bring the UK in line with its global brand and changed the name to Snickers. 

However, between September and December last year, Morrisons shoppers were given a chance to transport back in time, as they could pick up the Marathon bar from shelves.

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If you’re anything like us, you often feel like a hamster on a wheel, and rely on numerous cups of espresso, a can of coke – or two – just to get those tasks ticked off your endless to do list. 

We have all heard the warnings about excessive caffeine intake, and the high sugar content in some energy drinks, so what’s the alternative?  Virtue’s clean energy drink. 

These energy drinks have been hailed ‘the healthiest energy drink in the UK’ by influencers as the cans are zero sugar, contain zero calories, and formulated with natural caffeine to keep you going.  

Virtue Clean Energy Mixed Pack – 12 x Yerba Mate Natural Energy Drinks

Buy Now from £11.15 at amazon

Virtue’s beverages are super powered by yerba mate, which is a natural source of caffeine.  Not only does it boost energy, but this key ingredient is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids to ensure our body has the correct balance of nutrients to function at its optimum. 

What we also love is yerba mate not only provides long-lasting energy, but it claims to support mental clarity and focus. Now this combination is rare, in my opinion. Whenever I have a cup of coffee I get a sudden burst of energy and feel wide awake, but I am then left with the jitters and a scrambled mind. Yet, Virtue’s creation avoids the caffeine crash, jitters and an overstimulated brain. Plus, yerba mate is also known to stimulate the release of GLP-1, which is a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and appetite. Safe to say this energy drink is more than just an energy drink. 

Virtue has, quite frankly, revolutionised the energy drink space as we know it with this natural, clean and non-artificial drink, which is loved by elite athletes (sadly we don’t quite fall into that category). 

Metro’s own shopping expert Sarah has been trying the drinks over the past few days, and had this to say: ‘I gave up drinking caffiene a few years ago, but have been searching for that thing to give me a boost in the morning – and Virtue has been great – not to mention delicious.’

‘I’ve loved how I feel throughout the day, compared to when I was drinking coffee or anything else that was highly caffinated.’

‘I felt more productive, less anxious during the day and still managed to get an undisturbed night’s sleep.’

She went on to add: ‘In the summer, this is 100% going to be the drink I opt for on my way to work, over an iced (decaf) coffee, before hitting Reformer Pilates or meeting friends after work, and need an extra dose of energy!’

Aside from Sarah, England’s international footballers Eberechi Eze and Chris Smalling have invested in the brand because they believe in its efficacy and ethos.

Eze shared: ‘Virtue is more than just an energy drink to me, it’s a brand I truly believe in. Its clean energy aligns with my lifestyle on and off the pitch. I am excited to be part of a brand that is all about a natural, healthier way to energise.’

Shoppers are also impressed with the drink too, which has racked up over 2,000 reviews on Amazon. 

One shopper shared: ‘These drinks are lovely and refreshing, best served chilled. No calories so perfect for anytime of the day. They have a lovely crisp taste to them, nothing artificial in them at all. I love the taste of peach and raspberry together.’

Another gushed: ‘Really great peach & raspberry tasting energy drink – my personal favourite thing about Virtue is that it is all natural, you feel good after taking it and I never feel like I’m giving my body anything more than written on the can. I think it works perfectly for my balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, gives me the kick I need when I need it!’

A separate Amazon shopper weighed in: ‘I really enjoyed the flavour of the peach and raspberry; it was nice and refreshing, not overly gassy. It’s good to see a healthy energy drink that is low in calories, tastes good and has zero sugar. A guilt free pleasant drink.’

Virtue’s clean energy drinks are available in a selection of flavours, including tropical, strawberry and lime, as well as peach and raspberry.  Shoppers can purchase a 12-pack bundle of one flavour or all flavours from £12 on sale at Amazon now.

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Britain’s best fish and chip shop has been named, and the winner is just as nice on your tastebuds as your wallet.

Last night at the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards, the Darlington-based Yarm Road Fish and Chips landed themselves the number one spot for takeaway, earning points for flavour as well as value for its under £10 meals.

After running for over 36 years, competition organisers have a pretty clear idea of what makes a good chippy, and it’s safe to say judges have their criteria down to an art.

According to the official website, those in the running for top shop are judged by a panel made up of senior representatives from the fish and chip industry.

In addition to a written entry, finalists participate in a Zoom interview and a secret taste test visit from the judges, where their food is sampled and skills assessed.

It was a nerve-wracking time for entrants, but the ultimate result saw 29-year-old Will Burrell prove his shop is a cut above the rest.

Diners appear to agree, with many taking to TripAdvisor to share their reviews. Earning a 4.5 star rating and more than 115 praises calling it ‘excellent’, fans were impressed by the ‘delicious’ food and ‘clean and high standard’ shop.

One glowing review from @davidgmmafan read: ‘Always great service and food here. The best chippie in Darlo by some margin. I heartily recommend this to everyone!!!!’

Meanwhile, when owner Will sat down with Daily Mail to discuss his win, he put it down to having the best products, packaging and pretty impressive customer service.

Now preparing for an increase in customers, he says he and his team are ready to serve up more of their £9.90 chippy meals than ever.

However, Will also warned it may not be that way for much longer due to rising costs.

‘Our dish is still under a tenner but there are big price rises are coming in the industry,’ he said. ‘The cost of fish has gone through the roof and the cost of potatoes are on the rise.’

‘I’ve never known an onslaught of pressures in terms of costs going up,’ Jon Long, of Long John’s Fish and Chips in Dorset, previously told BBC News. ‘It’s not a cheap meal anymore. I think it’s still good value but it has become more expensive.’

One Mayfair spot has even been spotted selling its meals, containing a piece of fried cod or haddock with chips, mushy peas, tartar and chip shop curry sauce or HP gravy, for a whooping £24.95.

As for who else earned high marks in the national competition, Scottish chippy, The Fish Works in the west coast location of Largs came in second place.

The shop, run by husband and wife Ross and Tiffany Irvin, has been around for more than 40 years and is a beloved part of the town’s culture, with many locals from all walks of life taking their turn at working behind the till.

Rated four stars on TripAdvisor, last year’s Traveller’s Choice nominee is often raved about by diners, and has taken home an array of prizes over the years.

One happy customer complimented the ‘perfectly cooked fish with a delicious thin and crispy batter’, while another said it is: ‘Definitely worthy of all the awards it wins!’

And in third place is Cornwall’s Kellaway’s Fish and Chips, located in Truro.

Despite being a much-loved part of the community for more than 30 years, the shop, run by Larry and Amanda Kellaway, is a newcomer to the list.

On TripAdvisor, its four-star rating is backed up by chippy lovers who praised the shop’s ‘pleasant staff’, ‘super fresh’ food, as well as ‘super crispy batter and delicious chips and batter bits’.

Your list of options to try out isn’t getting any shorter either, as the awards also named its top sit-in restaurants across the country.

Coming in at first place for 2025 is Bells Fish and Chips. The Durham-based shop was named Restaurant of the Year last night thanks to its ‘commitment to excellence’.

Malt & Anchor, located in Gloucestershire, came in second and was praised for being a somewhat ‘traditional’ chippy.

Third place went to Whitley Bay ‘institution’, Trenchers – which also nabbed a spot on the Fry Awards Top 50 Best Fish & Chip Restaurants in the UK list last month.

The more than four-decade-old staple is known for its in-house pianist, who plays on selected days, alongside a recently expanded menu which includes curry and wings.

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This summer, travellers will be able to board the first non-stop flight from the UK to the Saudi Arabian city of Medina. 

Budget airline Wizz Air has announced it will begin daily return flights from London Gatwick Airport to the city, which is one of the oldest and most important places in the Islamic faith.

Currently, travellers wanting to fly between the UK and Medina must book a connecting flight, typically stopping in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, or Istanbul, Turkey. The entire journey can take up to 11 hours. 

Now, the budget airline will be using a new Airbus model with enhanced fuel capacity and a maximum flying time of up to 11 hours, the A321XLR plane.

Flights from Gatwick to Medina will take around seven hours. One-way tickets start from £233.99 and are available to purchase from the airline’s website and app. 

But be warned — you won’t be able to recline your seat on your journey.

Marion Geoffroy, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said the new route is ‘an important milestone for the airline, as we continue to widen our network from the UK beyond Europe’. 

She added: ‘We strive to make flying as accessible as possible, and this new direct route will give thousands of travellers the chance to connect with a city rich in culture and history for an affordable price.’

In Medina, visitors can explore various historical, cultural, and spiritual sites. It’s home to the Prophet’s Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam and the burial place of Prophet Muhammad.

The mosque dates back to 622 CE, when it was originally built by the Prophet himself after his migration to Medina, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

There’s also the Quba Mosque, the first mosque ever built in Islamic history. While those interested in history can take a hike up Uhud Mountain in North Medina, where the famous Battle of Uhud took place in 625 CE.

The Al-Madina Museum in East Medina displays artefacts and exhibitions highlighting Medina’s role in the early days of Islam, while the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex allows visitors to witness the production of Quranic texts.

Wizz Air has an extensive network in the Middle East, operating nearly 100 routes across the region, including a base in Abu Dhabi. 

The airline said the new flight aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 — a plan to diversify the Saudi economy by 2030 and attract more than 150 million visitors annually. 

The country is seeking to become a major global tourist destination, with ambitious projects like ‘Dream of the Desert’ — the first five-star rail service in the Middle East — which runs through the Arabian desert, as well as becoming the host country for the 2034 World Cup destination.

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In September 2023, Walkers fans were left reeling after it was announced the cult ‘god-tier’ Worcester Sauce flavour crisps had offically been axed.

Shoppers were ‘bereft’ and branded it a ‘crime’, with many taking to social media to share their uproar. But now it seems their prayers have been answered… kind of.

Walkers is bringing back its Worcester Sauce crisps, and they’re set to be even more Worcestershire-y than before as the brand has teamed up with Lea & Perrins – the original maker of the flavoured sauce, which first went on sale in 1837.

First produced by two chemists in Worcester, John Wheely Lea and William Perrins, the UK household staple will now be used to enhance the flavour of the beloved crisp for the first time since they began to be sold in the 1990s.

Unfortunately however, there’s a catch. If you want to get your hands on this resurrected savoury snack, you’ll need to head to the West Midlands.

That’s right, Worcester Sauce Walkers crisps are only being sold in Worcester, and Charlie’s Convenience Store, on 59 Barbourne Road, is the one place you’ll get your hands on a packet (or two).

They’ll be available from March 4, at 10am, but you’ll need to hurry because there’s only a limited supply available.

It’s not clear how many packets have been produced, or how long they will be sold for, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. We have a feeling there will be quite a queue too.

Walkers has been teasing the flavour’s return by leaving purple heart and eyes emojis under old X comments, where fans of the snack had previously tweeted they were upset the Worcester Sauce crisps had been discontinued.

Back in 2023, @PokeyPumpkin wrote: ‘Errrrr what?!!! Walkers have discontinued making the Worcester Sauce flavour crisps. This is a crime!’

The brand replied to the post two days ago with the emojis, suggesting fans should keep their eyes peeled for an announcement.

People have been quick to catch on to these subtle hints too.

X user @huhmaddog wrote: ‘I’ve seen some tweets with @walkers_crisps possibly teasing the comeback of Worcester Sauce crisps and they better not be playing with my heart like this, I lost a piece of my soul when they stopped production of those bad boys.’

Meanwhile, @Greeny1239 shared a clip from American show Dance Moms where they’re celebrating and skipping with joy, captioning it: ‘Walkers are bringing back Worcester Sauce crisps??’

So it seems like there’s going to be some stiff competition to get your hands on the goodies. Will you try your luck?

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Tattoos can be an expression of individuality, a tribute to a special person or life event, or simply a fashion statement.

But not every culture takes the same approach to inked skin.

Travelling with visible tattoos can spark both curiosity and judgement from strangers, especially in countries where certain types of body art are forbidden.

Metro writer Katie Boyden discovered this for herself when she embarked on a week-long trip down the River Nile in Egypt.

Though she left Egypt feeling ‘awestruck and extremely lucky’, when sharing the things she wishes she’d known beforehand Katie wrote: ‘If you’re a woman with visible tattoos you will receive stares and comments.’

Her experience struck a chord with Metro readers, many of whom have shared their own experiences of travelling with tattoos.

Hayley Rafelt said: ‘I visited Cairo and Luxor in September as a solo woman traveller with lots of visible tattoos and it was hell! Couldn’t even walk down the street without being harassed.’

Islam is the main religion in Egypt, and many Muslims consider tattoos to be haram (meaning forbidden by Islamic law), because they are seen to be changing Allah’s creation.

Metro spoke to Anton Esmair, the CEO of tattoo parlour Riders Studio in Cairo.

He explained: ‘As far as religion goes, it’s not as accepted as if you’re Muslim, but if you’re Christian, it is. There’s a fairly large Christian population here, and lots of them have tattoos.

‘Some Muslims do get tattoos, but this varies on what they believe in or how they perceive it. But, for the most part, most locals wouldn’t get a tattoo.’

However, Anton notes that the attention tattooed travellers receive might not have anything to do with religious beliefs.

‘If you’re a Westerner, you just don’t look like an Egyptian, and you’re going to get attention because you’re a tourist,’ he said. ‘But if you’ve got tattoos, they’re going to look at you too, because they’re like, “Wow, that’s different.”

‘Getting tattoos gets you looked at by everywhere. It’s not necessarily anything to do with Egypt — you’ve got art on you.’

Tattooed Metro readers have shared receiving attention from locals in other parts of the world too.

Sharon Balmer said: ‘I went to Zante on my own for a week. I had a few tattoos and piercings back then, purple and pink hair, and wore black clothing as usual. I was quickly nicknamed devil woman by the elder Greeks, it was hilarious. They were polite enough, but extremely weirded out by me.’

While younger generations in Greece are embracing tattoos, a historical stigma against inked skin lingers in the country.

In fact, the word ‘stigma’ is derived from the Greek word which means ‘to mark’, and is related to the work ‘stizein’, which means ‘to tattoo’.

In Ancient Greece, tattooing was used as a punishment for criminals and slaves, and these connotations still have some influence on today’s attitudes.

Meanwhile, John Scott said: ‘I’ve been asked in Stockholm what I’d been in prison for and in Tokyo if I was a member of the local Mafia,’ and Carlos Zaes added, ‘I wasn’t allowed in most nice onsens in Japan’.

Japan was mentioned several times, with India Taylor sharing: ‘Tokyo was worst for me, people staring at me and kids pointing often’.

The world’s least tattoo-friendly countries

In Japan, tattoos were illegal until 1948 and are still seen as socially unacceptable due to their connection to the Yakuza, a Mafia-like criminal organisation.

In the county’s tourist hotspots, it’s generally ok to have your tattoos on display these days. But there are places where you may be asked to cover them up, such as onsens (Japan’s natural hot springs).

Meanwhile, in South Korea doctors are the only people legally allowed to tattoo, meaning there are very few tattoo artists in the country because they must spend years getting medical licenses.

Though tattoos are more socially acceptable than they used to be, inked travellers in South Korea may receive some curious looks and be asked to cover up in some public spaces.

Elsewhere, travellers could face questions and judgement from locals if they have a tattoo that has cultural implications.

Kerry Gall shared: ‘My husband got one of Genghis Khan 30-odd years ago. He had no idea who it was, just liked the look of the warrior with Saturn behind him… Then we went to Turkey. Don’t think we can ever go back.’

In more extreme cases, tourists in Sri Lanka with visible Buddha tattoos have been arrested and deported, because they are seen as an insult to the country’s majority Buddhist faith.

These types of tattoos are also considered to be offensive in Thailand.

Other countries where tattoos are frowned upon include Iran, the United Arab Emirates and parts of Turkey. Tourists may receive unwanted stares when displaying tattoos in these areas.

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Owners of 54 models of old classic cars could face eye-watering tax hikes very soon from the DVLA.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), often known simply as road tax, sees people who drive or keep their cars on public roads pay an annual fee. But this year, the charge is set to increase for almost all petrol and diesel owners.

First-year VED rates will double, meaning that brand-new polluting models may pay more to be behind the wheel.

But cars registered between 1984 and 2001 will be hit hard by the tax overhaul as they fall under a different tax system. Experts say drivers in the lower power bracket will pay £220 in 2025/26, a hike of about £10 from £210 per year.

The tax increase affects Audis, Volkswagens, and even Lamborghinis. Those with more powerful engines above 1549cc will have to cough up £15 more every year, shooting up from £345 to £360.

But vehicles producing more than 255 g/km of carbon dioxide will see a £2,745 increase.

The rules will be rolled out by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) from April.

New roadworthy car owners are expected to pay an additional £418 on average, according to GoCompare.com.

Diesel cars will be stung the hardest, however. The average increase will be £1,113, about double the rise facing petrol drivers.

Zero-emission vehicle drivers – think electric cars (EVs) – will no longer benefit from being tax-free for the first year.

Full list of vehicles affected

• Audi RS6 4.0 TFSI V8
• Audi S8 4.0 TFSI V8
• McLaren GT 4.0T V8
• Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10
• Lamborghini Huracan 5.2 V10
• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 6.2 V8
• Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI
• Aston Martin DBX 4.0 V8
• Ferrari Roma 3.8T V8
• Audi SQ7 4.0 TFSI V8
• Range Rover Sport 4.4P V8
• Jaguar F-Pace 5.0 P575 V8
• Aston Martin DB12 4.0 V8
• Porsche 911 3.7T 992 Turbo
• Jeep Wrangler 2.0 GME
• Ford Ranger 2.0 TD EcoBlue
• Audi RSQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
• Lotus Emira 3.5 V6
• Bentley Continental 4.0 V8
• Audi SQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
• Aston Martin Vantage 4.0 V8
• Toyota Hilux 2.8D
• Porsche Macan 2.9T V6
• Mercedes-Benz SL55
• Range Rover 4.4 P530 V8
• Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 4.0 V8
• Porsche 718 Cayman 4.0 GT4
• Lamborghini Urus 4.0 V8 BiTurbo
• Audi RS7 4.0 TFSI V8
• Ford Mustang 5.0 V8
• Toyota Land Cruiser 2.8D
• Bentley Continental 6.0 W12
• Mercedes-Benz GLC63
• Ford Ranger 3.0 V6
• INEOS Grenadier 3.0P
• Range Rover 4.4 P615 V8
• Land Rover Defender 90 5.0 P425 V8
• Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.75 V12
• Ford Ranger 3.0 EcoBlue
• Mercedes-Benz G63
• Ferrari Purosangue 6.5 V12
• Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.75 V12
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo
• Mercedes-Benz GLE63
• Maserati Levante 3.0 V6
• Porsche Cayenne 4.0T V8
• BMW M8 4.4 V8
• Maserati MC20 3.0 V6
• Land Rover Defender 110 5.0 P425 V8
• Mercedes-Benz G400D
• Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12
• Bentley Bentayga 4.0 V8
• BMW X7 M 4.4 V8
• BMW X6 M 4.4 V8
• BMW Alpina XB7 4.4 V8
• Bentley Flying Spur 4.0 V8
• Maserati Levante 3.8 V8
• BMW X5 M 4.4 V8
• Mercedes-Benz GLS63h

People who buy hybrid cars from April will pay an extra £135 and £327 extra on average. GoCompre says this is based on the model, however.

Tax rates are largely based on how much CO2 fossil-fuel-guzzling cars spew out – higher emission vehicles are placed in higher VED bands.

Vehicles manufactured after 2001 don’t have the size taken into account.

VED increases will be in line with inflation, HMCR confirmed, much the same as it did last year.

HMRC said: ‘This measure will uprate the Vehicle Excise Duty rates for cars (excluding first year rates) and all other rates for vans, motorcycles and motorcycle trade licences by the Retail Price Index, and will reflect the inclusion of zero-emission vehicles in Vehicle Excise Duty from 1 April 2025.

‘This is a standard uprating that comes into effect from 1 April 2025.’

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Last week my skin was feeling dry as a bone, and my creams, potions and lotions somehow just weren’t cutting it.

So, when I came across reviews for the Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Pro from Dr. Jart+ saying it was ‘incredibly hydrating’ (some even claimed that it was borderline too hydrating, if that’s a thing) I thought I’d give it a whirl. And wow, how glad am I that I did…

Designed to instantly increase skin hydration by a whopping 108%+, this magical mask floods the skin with ultra-quenching ingredients to give your skin the big drink it deserves.

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Pro

Designed to instantly increase skin hydration by a whopping 108%+, this magical mask floods the skin with ultra-quenching ingredients to give your skin the big drink it deserves.

shop £8.50

This is all thanks to its innovative Hydro Plump System that features Hyaluronic Acid, which attracts and holds onto moisture, SJC-GG to boost water channels in the skin by supporting natural aquaporin and Pentavitin, which helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.

Your skin will receive an instant hit of intense moisture, leaving it looking and feeling comforted, hydrated and glowing with unmatched radiance.

These hydrating, barrier-boosting ingredients don’t just leave you with healthier skin, but also work to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing and soothing every inch of your face.

Honestly, the plumpness of my skin after a took this mask off was nuts. Huge ‘glass of water’ vibes for your face.

Better still, the mask has been designed to be super gentle, ideal for sensitive and even post-treatment skin. I usually have to be pretty choosy about which face masks I use as my sensitive skin can often be left burning by masks, but it adored this gentle, hydration-boosting face mask.

And I’m not alone, as in consumer tests on 102 women using the Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Pro just once, 93% said it left skin feeling drenched in moisture, 91% said it left skin feeling softer and healthier, 89% said it left skin with a healthy glow and 86% said it left skin looking plump.

Not bad at all.

Better still, reviews for the face mask have been glowing (pardon the pun), with users calling it ‘the best’ they’ve used and ‘masking heaven’.

‘The best sheet mask I’ve used. Skin felt so hydrated, soft and moisturised.’ Raved one five-star reviewer. ‘Got so many compliments on my skin the same day and it was down to this. Have repurchased more and can’t wait to use.’

Another added: ‘This mask is the best I’ve used to date. The mask is drenched in a clear serum-like substance, I left it on for 20 mins and my skin has this ‘been-on-holiday’ look and feel to it.

‘So much so that I did not need to wear make-up that day or the next.’

The brand recommends applying the mask clean skin, leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes then removing, lightly massaging the excess serum into your skin.

There’s also a bit of serum usually left in the pack, which you can rub into your neck, decolletage, arms, legs, you name it.

Happy hydrating!

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If you’re looking to jazz up your holidays this year, why not add more excitement by going somewhere you’ve never been before?

At least 50 new routes will launch from airports across the UK in 2025, opening year-round travel opportunities to destinations of all cultures and climates.

Whether you’re flying with Jet2 or British Airways, travelling from Birmingham or Cardiff, or seeking relaxation in summer or autumn, there are plenty of options.

Check out Metro’s top picks of the newest flight routes, then get your diary out and start planning.

Cape Verde

EasyJet is set to take passengers further than ever this year, with flights from London Gatwick to Sal in Cape Verde from March 31.

This is the budget airline’s first destination within Africa’s Sahara desert region and is just one of 26 new routes announced by EasyJet for 2025.

The trip will operate three times a week across summer, with EasyJet’s Country Manager, Ali Gayward, hailing it as ‘a milestone route as [their] first-ever sub-Saharan service.’

Kalamata, Greece

One of Jet2’s exciting new routes is to Kalamata in Greece.

Travellers can soak up that Mediterranean sun thanks to the flight path from Bristol Airport, which commences at the start of summer.

A weekly service will be on offer with flights scheduled to depart from Bristol each Sunday at 8am, landing at Kalamata International Airport at 1:30pm local time.

As for the trip home (not that you want to think about that just yet), Jet2 leaves Kalamata at 2:30pm and touches down in Bristol at 4pm local time.

It’s a straightforward schedule that allows for a full week of gorging on Greek cuisine and exploring the natural beauty of this often underappreciated corner of the country.

Greece may be one of the most visited countries in the world, but the surrounding mountains and glistening beaches of Kalamata are certainly worth venturing out for.

Salerno, Italy

From spring, British Airways will be carrying passengers to the ancient city and comune of Salerno, which is southeast of Naples and also an emerging hub for navigating the Amalfi Coast.

Flights will take off thrice per week starting on May 22 from London Gatwick as one of three new Italian routes added to the BA network.

The expansion from London city brings the total of Italian destinations via the airline to 19, which is more than any other European country.

‘Rimini, Salerno and Olbia are all coastal destinations, so we expect them to be particularly popular with our leisure customers seeking sun, sea, and, of course, Italy’s fantastic food,’ said Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer.

Malta

If Malta has been on your bucket list for a while, this will be a treat.

From April 1, Scots will no longer need to travel to Edinburgh to fly to the Mediterranean island, thanks to Ryanair’s new twice-weekly service.

Taking off from Glasgow Airport, the direct link will include flights every Tuesday and Saturday.

An additional 20,000 passengers are expected to be carried between Glasgow and Malta over the summer, with AGS Airport Director Chris Tibbett praising Ryanair’s decision to branch out.

‘This addition underscores the airline’s confidence in Glasgow as a gateway for Scottish travellers,’ he said.

‘It also means more choice for those looking for a sunny escape, whether for a long weekend, a full week’s holiday, or an extended stay.’

Reus, Spain

Seeking a tan from the Spanish rays in 2025? You’re in luck, as those in and close to Belfast can get to Reus a whole lot quicker.

EasyJet has announced new twice-weekly flights from Belfast International Airport to the city in the northeastern Spanish region of Catalonia, which commence in April.

The airline confirmed that regular flights will then depart every Tuesday and Saturday.

Travellers have described the city as ‘charming’, and it was famously the birthplace of architect Antoni Gaudí, who has no doubt left his mark.

To take care of further holiday planning on your behalf, EasyJet is also offering travel packages to the destination up until October 31, 2026, which include stays at nearby hotels.

Evenes, Norway

Just in time for winter 2024, London Gatwick launched direct flights to Harstad-Narvik Airport in Evenes.

In 2025, however, the connection to northern Norway is to be utilised even more, with Destination Lofoten’s Marketing Manager, Vegeir Selboe, saying: ‘We are excited about Norwegian’s new flight route between London Gatwick and Harstad-Narvik airport in Evenes.

‘Evenes serves as the gateway to the stunning beauty of the Lofoten region, the international ski resort Narvikfjellet, the unique whale experiences in Vesterålen, and much more.’

Of course, this opens up opportunities for those hoping to tick the Northern Lights off their bucket list, which dazzle the skies above the Lofoten archipelago between late August and early April.

Additionally, twice-weekly flights will run from Gatwick to Ålesund-Vigra Airport, commencing on April 11.

This is the first time the airport in Vigra will be part of the airline’s network.

Enfidha, Tunisia

The northeastern Tunisian town of Enfidha has been crying out for tourists, and now, thanks to a new EasyJet route, tourists are what it shall get.

Flights will launch in spring from London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport, taking you directly to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport.

The advancement comes after the airline began running flights to Enfidha from Glasgow last May, now meaning even more adventurers can wander its beaches and aesthetic sites.

Enfidha is known for agriculture, sitting near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where tourism and a neat fishing industry thrive.

Also within an hour’s drive of the airport are seaside cities Sousse and Monastir, which offer cultural attractions galore.

Shenzhen, China

Also expanding its global route network this year is Emirates, which will take ‘the sky is the limit’ rather literally with its progressive push into China.

The Dubai-based airline is set to start daily flights to Shenzhen aboard a Boeing Co. 777 widebody jet, meaning their offering will exceed 140 cities.

As well as China, Emirates will launch new routes to Vietnam, Cambodia, Finland, and parts of Africa this year, living up to its status as a titan of the travel industry and strengthening its international presence.

Alas, the addition of new routes has been impacted by delays in aircraft deliveries, meaning those with the travel itch will have to wait a little longer to find out when they’ll be able to scratch it.