USA Update

IT’S nearly time to get on board for the festive season – with a Christmas markets cruise.

Need to stock up on presents? Fancy some yuletide treats?

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Cologne in Germany has long been a top European destination to visit for Christmas markets[/caption]

Or how about admiring some of the best seasonal lights in Europe?

Sophie Swietochowski brings you some crusies that will invite you to do all of that and more . . . 

BEST FOR FESTIVE VARIETY – COLOGNE

COLOGNE in Germany, with its majestic cathedral, pictured, has long been a top European destination to visit for Christmas markets.

And there is more than one of these in the city.

But one of the best is Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale, which has its own ice rink, and is one treat that revellers setting sail on Emerald Cruises’ Rhine voyage should definitely add to their bucket list.

Emerald’s eight-day river cruise begins in wintry Basel in north-west Switzerland before passing by Strasbourg, where passengers can take a guided tour, then it continues via several German cities including Koblenz.

The itinerary ends in Amsterdam where shops will soon be filled with festive local treats such as speculaas – spicy cinnamon biscuits also called windmill cookies.

The Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise costs from £1,699pp, including flights on December 14, and transfers, wifi and excursions.

See emeraldcruises.co.uk.

BEST FOR SOLO TRAVEL – NUREMBERG

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises have £1,000 off a host of festive cruises – many charging no solo supplement.

Single travellers can join an eight-day German cruise through so-called Christmas Country, along the River Main from Nuremberg to Frankfurt.

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Nuremberg has the largest and grandest Christmas market in Germany[/caption]

Highlights, aboard the River Princess ship, include a tour of Nuremberg and a visit to the city’s Christmas market – the largest and grandest in Germany, famed for its gingerbread.

Explore medieval city of Bamberg’s nativity trail, linking churches, museums and more.

The itinerary also includes a walking tour of medieval town Rothenburg, with its timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and tiny squares, plus visits to Würzburg, Wertheim and Frankfurt.

From £2,199pp for eight-day tour, no solo supplement, departures on December 8, 22 and 23.

See uniworld.com or call 0808 168 9110.

BEST FOR CAROLS – BRUGES

WHICH yuletide tune instantly reminds you of Christmas?

If it’s The Snowman: Walking In The Air, book a spot on this four-night Cunard voyage.

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A cruise from Southampton to Bruges is best for carol lovers[/caption]

Welsh singer Aled Jones will be on board to amp up the festive factor, with talks about The Snowman and live performances of carols such as Silent Night and O Holy Night.

The no-fly cruise on board the Queen Victoria, which can carry more than 2,000 passengers, departs from Southampton in early December, sailing straight to Bruges in Belgium.

This is the place to stock up on chocs, as the Belgians are known for producing the world’s best.

The ship then sails to Cherbourg in Normandy, home to a Christmas where treats include French favourite vin chaud (mulled wine).

The Cherbourg and Zeebrugge cruise costs from £669pp, in a Britannia Balcony room, departing on December 1.

See cunard.com.

BEST FOR CULTURE VULTURES – VIENNA

A DANUBE river cruise takes in merry markets crammed with traditional grub such as Austrian grammelknödel (a steaming potato dumpling), as well as celebrating all things Mozart.

The three-night adventure begins in the German city of Passau, after which you’ll cross the border into Austria, ticking off the historic town of Melk, home to an 11th Century abbey where Benedictine monks still live.

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In Vienna you can celebrate all things Mozart[/caption]

Next stop is Bratislava, Slovakia’s pedestrianised capital filled with cosy cafes, before moving on to Vienna – a highlight on the itinerary where passengers can visit Mozart’s home or listen to music in the famous Opera House.

The three-night Christmas Spirit on the Danube cruise on board the Riverside Mozart costs from £1,108pp, departing on December 5.

See riverside-cruises.com/en or call (0)333 305 0607.

BEST FOR LIGHTS – AMSTERDAM

The Dutch city of Rotterdam takes Christmas very seriously, lighting up the streets in a spectacle of colour.

It’s also the first stop on the Ambassador line’s ship Ambience, which departs from Essex port of London Tilbury.

Once you’ve sailed down the River Nieuwe Maas and ticked off Rott-erdam, Ambience will head for Honfleur in northern France.

Here, passengers can explore the Christmas markets in the town hall square, with stalls selling everything from stocking fillers to freshly baked treats.

The final stop is Amsterdam, where canalside trees will be festooned with lights.

Check out festive celebration Sinterklaas, and the Amsterdam Light Festival which features more than 25 specially created works of art.

The five-night sailing costs from £499pp, departing London Tilbury on December 15 and based on two people sharing an inside cabin.

See ambassadorcruiseline.com.

PADDINGTON Bear was provided with an official UK passport for filming of a new movie.

Bosses had appealed to the Home Office for permission to create a replica, but were shocked when the government department instead responded with a legal document.

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Paddington Bear was provided with an official UK passport for filming of a new movie[/caption]

Co-producer of Paddington in Peru, Rob Silva, told Radio Times: “We wrote to the Home Office, asking if we could get a replica, and they actually issued Paddington with an official passport – there’s only one of these.

“You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they’ve just listed him as Bear.”

The film follows the Marmalade-loving bear, brought to life through animation and voiced by Ben Whishaw, as he travels abroad to visit Aunt Lucy in his homeland.

It follows the box office success of Paddington and Paddington 2.

But campaigners are not convinced the Home Office’s gesture is the best use of hard-pressed resources.

William Yarwood, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: “Taxpayers will be bewildered that a fictional bear received a passport.

“While Home Office mandarins might find this amusing, ordinary Brits who are suffering under the department’s inability to control immigration or bring down crime won’t.

“Civil servants need to be snapped back into reality.”

RACHEL Reeves will hit 1.5million pensioners in the pocket by freezing income tax thresholds at the Budget, experts fear.

The move risks them being dragged into higher tax bands, as the state pension is set to rise.

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Rachel Reeves will hit 1.5million pensioners in the pocket by freezing income tax thresholds at the Budget, experts fear[/caption]

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The move risks them being dragged into higher tax bands, as the state pension is set to rise[/caption]

It will be a fresh blow to retirees, many of whom have been stung by the Chancellor’s axing universal winter fuel cash.

Jon Greer, from finance firm Quilter, said: “The triple lock may increase state pensions but, with tax thresholds frozen, many will find themselves paying taxes on what should be a lifeline.

“For those with state and private pensions, the hit will be felt sooner, eroding their incomes at a time when financial security is crucial.”

Thresholds were fixed by the Tories until 2028 but Ms Reeves is thought likely to extend the freeze.

Meanwhile, she has been pressed to find money to help support struggling town halls — as one in four councils expect to, in effect, go bust in the next two years.

One in ten council heads say they have considered asking the Government for support.

The body’s Labour chairwoman Louise Gittins described the current financial crisis as “extraordinary” ahead of their annual rally in Harrogate, north Yorkshire, from today.

She said: “The autumn Budget must provide councils with the financial stability they need to protect the services our communities rely on every day.”

PICKLED onion Monster Munch should be washed down with a martini, according to a TV drinks expert.

And Flaming Hot Cheetos are perfect with Belgian fruit beer, says Neil Ridley.

Not known, clear with picture desk

Pickled onion Monster Munch should be washed down with a martini, according to a TV drinks expert Sam Creed who tested the best booze and crisp combos[/caption]

He has come up with more than 100 snack and drink combinations for his book, The Crisp Sommelier, out on Thursday.

His other suggestions include pairing a pint of bitter with roast beef crisps, while Prosecco is the perfect accompaniment to Tyrrell’s root vegetable crisps.

TV’s Sunday Brunch expert Neil told The Sun: “I started with the idea that certain wines can be matched with different foods and I knew I could find the crisp equivalent.

“At the start I had roughly 180 packets that I had collected over a few weeks and from there it was very much trial and error.

“It manages to make the pub experience even better. One hand in a pack of crisps and the other one holding a pint, it’s the ideal scenario isn’t it?

“It’s been a great journey – it was a labour of love but now I’m not sure I need to eat many more crisps!”

But Monster Munch may not be stylish enough for James Bond, who famously likes his martinis shaken not stirred.

TERRIFIED British holidaymakers have told of being trapped in a hotel by ­furious anti-tourist protesters.

Thousands of demonstrators swarmed resorts on the Canary Islands on Sunday.

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Thousands of demonstrators swarmed resorts on the Canary Islands on Sunday[/caption]

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Tourists on the beach are swamped by demonstrators telling them to ‘go home’[/caption]

In Gran Canaria, hundreds gathered in Maspalomas with signs reading: “Go Home Tourists.”

Lee Pattemore, 44, was trapped inside the Riu hotel with wife Stacey, 39, and their two daughters, aged 11 and six.

He told The Sun: “They were circling the hotel. My daughter was asking me, ‘Daddy, why are they shouting?’”

Photos showed chaos outside the gates of the hotel as cops tried to regain control.

Landscaping boss Lee, of Epsom, Surrey, said: “There was a lot of pushing and shoving.

“We’re too scared to leave the hotel now.”

In Tenerife’s Playa de las Americas, 2,000 activists stormed Troya Beach, surrounding shocked Brits in their swimwear and chanting: “This beach is ours.”

Protesters also marched in La Palma, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and El Hierro under the slogan “The Canaries Have A Limit” — calling for a more sustainable tourism.

They say locals are priced out of the housing market and tourism is ruining the environment.

Activist Daniel Cabrera said: “We want tourism — we do not want over-exploitation and garbage tourism that does not benefit the local economy.”

X/Twiter

Furious anti-tourism protesters in Tenerife stormed a beach at a Brit holiday hotspot[/caption]

AFP

Flag-waving residents beat drums and blew whistles as they wandered along the shoreline in Playa de las Americas[/caption]

A FRIEND of Liam Payne has revealed heartbreaking pain in the late star’s unreleased songs.

The 31-year-old former One Direction bandmate tragically died on Wednesday afternoon.

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Former One Direction star Liam Payne tragically died last week[/caption]

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A songwriter friend of Liam’s has shared some of his unreleased music[/caption]

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He was father to a young son, Bear, whom he shared with Girls Aloud star Cheryl[/caption]

His cause of death was multiple injuries after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On TikTok, British songwriter Adam Midgley shared unreleased music Liam wrote in the last years of his life.

It includes the poignant lyric, “If I’m lost in the dark now, will you hear when I call out. Does it ever get easier?”

Adam explains the clip was recorded while he stayed with Liam at his former Malibu home.

Following news of the star’s unexpected death, tributes flooded in from friends and past collaborators.

One Direction addressed the loss of their bandmate in a shared statement.

The group penned: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.

“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. 

“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. 

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.

“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. 

“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”

Simon Cowell, who helped put One Direction together on The X Factor in 2010 – and later managed the group – also shared a poignant tribute.

Taking to Instagram, he posted a number of photos and a long message.

Simon wrote, in part: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

“Liam I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

“This is so difficult to put into words right now.”

The music mogul continued by writing: “I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.

“I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused.”

“And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”

He added: “I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were.

“And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”

He added: “Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X.”

The Mega Agency

Having formed on The X Factor in 2010, One Direction were together until 2016[/caption]

MOTORISTS are only just learning of a strange new hack that experts claim can be key to defrosting a car windscreen.

With the UK mornings beginning to cool down, drivers across the nation are keen to find easier and quicker ways to defrost their windshields ahead of the morning commute.

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A car expert has revealed a new technique to defrost your windscreen[/caption]

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The problem could soon been solved with the use of a popular Halloween decoration[/caption]

This age old problem could soon been solved with the use of a popular Halloween decoration that’s often left lying around our homes at this time of year.

That’s because according to the team of experts over at Motor Match, leftover pumpkin could be the answer to your frosted-over car windows.

According to the experts, “the secret lies in the starch content found in pumpkins”.

To make sure the hack works, be sure to “chop up the skin and rub the inner layer on your windscreen” for quick defrosting.

Motor Match’s expert said: “Starch acts as a barrier between the ice and the glass, preventing it from refreezing quickly.

“The starch, in vegetables like pumpkin and potato, is a natural ice-melting agent.

“When applied to your frost-covered windscreen, it can help break down the frost, and make scraping it off much easier.

“It’s a simple and cost-effective method that can make your winter mornings run more smoothly. Just remember to keep some leftover pumpkin aside for those frosty days.

“This method is particularly useful for those who want to minimise their environmental impact. It’s a sustainable way to deal with frost, reducing the need for chemical de-icers that can harm the environment.”

So, if you have any leftover pumpkin from Halloween, you can put it to good use.

It comes as Rachel Reeves has been warned a fuel duty hike in the Budget would come at the “worst possible time” for drivers. 

With clocks going back on October 27, a deadly combo of freezing temperatures and early darkness will make engines work harder and guzzle more fuel. 

This ramps up increased driving costs in winter by a shocking 20 to 48 per cent as the impacts of colder conditions combines with potential fuel duty increases, according to the AA.

A recent survey of their members reveals 35 percent of petrol and diesel drivers expect to lose at least five miles per gallon this winter, while 10 percent fear they’ll lose as much as 10 miles.

The gloomy picture comes amid fears the Chancellor may increase fuel duty by as much as 7p next week to help fill a £40bn black hole in the country’s finances. 

Meanwhile motorists have been warned to renew their licence when they turn 70 to avoid risk of being fined.

The rule will require drivers at 70 to renew their licence every three years with a penalty of community service or even six months in prison.

Charity Age UK gave further details in a blog post.

It wrote: “When you reach the age of 70, your driving licence expires – but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop driving.

“If you want to continue, you just need to renew your licence. You’ll need to renew it every three years after that. Renewal is free of charge.”

If motorists are spotted without a licence they could be slapped with a brutal £5,000 fine.

Brown says of Markle, "unfortunately, she made every mistake in the book, and she’s kind of run out of road. I don't know where Meghan goes."

JEOPARDY! contestant Kelly Gates failed to increase her winning streak after fans say she went ‘too small’ with a crucial wager. 

The move came as an extra shock to viewers given it was under the “Nonfiction” category – which many would have guessed the librarian would feel confident going big on. 

Jeopardy!

Jeopardy!

On Monday’s game, returning champ Kelly went up against Tristan Brown, a re-entry employment advocate from Richmond, Virginia and Marcus Ghiringhelli, a record store clerk from Portland, Oregon.

Marcus came out swinging and tried to snag an early lead, when he doubled his total to $2,400 with the first Daily Double. 

He also found the second DD clue however, he got it wrong – dropping $2,500 from his score to place him in third. 

The third Daily Double clue is where fans predict the game could have taken a turn. 

After swapping leads throughout the game, Kelly and Tristan were fighting to take home the win. 

Kelly found the third Daily Double clue under the category “Nonfiction”, which should have played well into her literary background.  

“The sedge is wither’d from the lake, and no birds sing,” host Ken Jennings read. 

She correctly wrote down “What is Silent Spring?” which added $2,500 to her score, making her total $10,100. 

Jeopardy!

Although the move gave her the slight lead over Tristan, who had $9,400 at the time, fans said that Kelly should’ve gone even bigger with her bet given the familiar category. 

Going into Final Jeopardy!, Tristan got the lead back with $14,600 with Kelly in second place with $11,300. 

Marcus remained in third much of the game and had $5,700 going into the last round. 

Ken read the final clue under the category “Italian Words & Phrases.” 

“This theme tackled in art by Bellini & Michelangelo isn’t explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but is part of the ‘Seven Sorrows of Mary,’” the host said. 

Only Tristan was correct, when he wrote down “What is the Pieta?” 

He added $8,100 to his score, to win his first game of $22,700. 

Kelly ended the game with $10,800 while Marcus was in third with $3,300. 

Fans were quick to point out their surprise at Kelly’s wager on her Daily Double – although it may not have made a different to the ultimate outcome of the game. 

“If Kelly was more aggressive with her wagers, especially on that Nonfiction Daily Double I think there’s a chance the outcome could have ended differently,” one viewer wrote. 

“Don’t know that it would have changed anything, but was very surprised that Kelly, a librarian, put such a small wager on DD3 in a “non-fiction” category,” another person said. 

“Not that it would have changed the outcome (since only Tristan got FJ right), but I really think Kelly should have wagered bigger on DD3–the category was non-fiction books, and she’s a librarian! 

“She had an opportunity to cement the lead going into FJ in a category that plays directly to her biggest competitive advantage,” a third mentioned.

While a few more noted that the trio had an “exciting game.” 

On last Friday’s game, Kelly won her first game, beating out fan-favorite Rishabh Wuppalapati by a single dollar.

Fans have praised Rishabh, 20, as the “best” player so far in season 41 after he “fought tooth and nail” to secure three wins against his cutthroat opponents.

Jeopardy!

The mother of three's death in July has been ruled as "accidental" by the Virginia Department of Health after she was found unresponsive at home.