Middle East

Charleroi

It’s rare to find a country that packs so much culture into such a travel-sized package, yet Belgium remains one of Europe’s most underrated escapes. Whether you’re nursing a legendary Trappist ale in a Brussels tavern, getting lost in the storybook canals of Bruges, or soaking up the historic, edgy energy of Ghent, you’re doing it all in one of the most accessible corners of the continent. We’re obsessively tracking the best Belgium flight deals to make sure you get there for less, leaving you more of your travel budget to spend on moules-frites and local chocolate. Skip the high-priced travel packages, secure your cheap flights to Belgium, and discover why this compact gem is punching way above its weight class.

Belgium

It’s rare to find a country that packs so much culture into such a travel-sized package, yet Belgium remains one of Europe’s most underrated escapes.

Amman

Jordan

Amman, Jordan 🏛️ at €73 rtn from Charleroi

Not to brag, but we totally saw this sale coming 💁🏻‍♀️

Eindhoven

If you’re still picturing the Netherlands as just one giant postcard of windmills and wooden shoes, you’re missing out on one of Europe’s most dynamic corners. This is the place where historic canal-side cycling meets cutting-edge urban design and a bar culture that’s second to none. We’re scouting the routes to land you the best Netherlands flight deals, whether you’re plotting a culture-heavy weekend in Amsterdam, exploring the industrial cool of Rotterdam, or getting lost in the medieval charm of Utrecht. Don’t just scroll through photos—book the cheap flights to the Netherlands and find out why this place is so much more than just the stereotypes.

Netherlands

This is the place where historic canal-side cycling meets cutting-edge urban design and a bar culture that’s second to none.

Tbilisi

Georgia sits right at the intersection of Europe and Asia, and it’s criminal how many people fly right over it to pay double for a less interesting trip elsewhere! If you're tired of the same old tourist trails, our job is to find cheap flights to Georgia and get you into the heart of the Caucasus for a fraction of what you’d expect to pay for a standard getaway. We’re hunting down the best Georgia flight deals, so your travel budget can go straight to where it counts: legendary mountain hikes near Kazbegi, historic wine cellars in Kakheti, and enough khachapuri to sustain you through a week of exploring Tbilisi.

Georgia

Georgia sits right at the intersection of Europe and Asia, and it’s criminal how many people fly right over it to pay double for a less interesting trip elsewhere!

Sharm El-Sheikh

Egypt

Bodrum

Turkey

Yerevan

Armenia

Kutaisi

Doha

Qatar

Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan is home to some of the most jaw-dropping wilderness on the planet, and we’re here to make sure you actually get there. We’re tracking down the best Kyrgyzstan flight deals so you can swap your couch for the rugged Tian Shan mountains without the usual mountain of debt. Stop settling for the usual tourist trails—grab your gear, book the cheap flight to Kyrgyzstan, and go experience one of the planet's last true adventure frontiers.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is home to some of the most jaw-dropping wilderness on the planet, and we’re here to make sure you actually get there.

Bahrain

Kayseri

Rotterdam

Amsterdam

Dalaman

Gazipaşa

Stockholm

Sweden isn’t just the sleek, high-design wonderland you see in glossy magazines—it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, packed with history and a café culture that’s arguably the best in the world. Whether you’re hunting for the best Sweden flight deals to experience the midnight sun in Swedish Lapland, wandering the historic streets of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, or exploring the maritime charm of Gothenburg, we’ve got your back. Our navigators are on the hunt for the genuinely good value airfare that unlocks the magic of Scandinavia, giving you the insider tips you need to book smarter, save on the essentials, and secure cheap flights to Sweden.

Sweden

Sweden isn’t just the sleek, high-design wonderland you see in glossy magazines—it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, packed with history and a café culture that’s arguably the best in the world.

Gothenburg

Istanbul

Copenhagen

Denmark is far more than just sleek architecture and an obsession with bike lanes—it’s an effortless blend of Scandi-cool design, cosy hygge culture, and historic harbour cities that don't need to shout to be impressive. Whether you’re planning a weekend of design-spotting in Copenhagen, exploring the ancient, cobbled streets of Aarhus, or chasing music festival highs in Roskilde, we’re constantly tracking the best Denmark flight deals to get you there for a bargain. Stop overpaying, snag some cheap flights to Denmark, and find out why this corner of Scandinavia is worth far more than just a quick layover.

Denmark

Denmark is far more than just sleek architecture and an obsession with bike lanes—it’s an effortless blend of Scandi-cool design, cosy hygge culture, and historic harbour cities that don't need to shout to be impressive.

Hurghada

Billund

Aalborg

Antalya

Oslo

Norway has a knack for making almost every other landscape look a bit ordinary, and with the right intel, getting there doesn't have to cost a fortune. We’re deep in the data to find you the best Norway flight deals, clearing the path for you to trade your local view for the dramatic, towering fjords, the Northern Lights, or the historic charm of Bergen. Our insider strategy will help you score cheap flights to Norway and keep your travel budget focused on the important stuff—like exploring the vibrant streets of Oslo and experiencing the wild, untamed beauty of the Arctic north.

Norway

Norway has a knack for making almost every other landscape look a bit ordinary, and with the right intel, getting there doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Alexandria

Berlin

Germany

Hamburg

Giza

Bremen

Izmir

Hanover

Ankara

Cologne

Batumi

Dortmund

Dusseldorf

Frankfurt

Stuttgart

Nuremberg

Munich

Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, and more ⛰️in €100s-€190s rtn

You've got until the clock strikes midnight ✨

London Luton

Forget the stereotype that England is nothing but endless gray drizzle, overpriced tourist traps in London, and people obsessing over the weather. We’re here to help you get past the postcard clichés and uncover the real magic, from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the moody peaks of the Lake District to the buzzing, eclectic streets of Manchester. We’re always hunting down the best England flight deals so you can save your cash for the actual essentials—like proper pub grub and a decent pint. This is your insider’s guide to booking cheap flights to England, and proving that the best of the UK is well within reach if you know how to search for it.

England

We’re here to help you get past the postcard clichés and uncover the real magic, from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the moody peaks of the Lake District to the buzzing, eclectic streets of Manchester.

Madrid

Sick of looking out the window at the same old gray sky? We get it. Sometimes you just need to swap reports and Teams chats for tapas and a questionable sangria that tastes suspiciously like pure sugar. Spain isn't just one place; it’s a million different escapes waiting to happen, from the scorching beaches and Moorish architecture of the south to the mountains and wine regions up north.
We’ve been hunting down Flights so cheap, you won't even care whether your boss notices you're gone. Consider this your official notice: your next spontaneous trip is calling, and it sounds suspiciously like "Hola."
But we’re not just going to drop you off at the gate with a map and a shrug. On this page, you’ll find all the insider intel—hand-crafted articles, honest reviews, and destination guides—to help you navigate everything from the world's best paella to how to avoid tourist traps. 
We've done the legwork and gathered the secrets of Spain, so you can stop scrolling through boring forums and start perfecting your siesta game. If a trip is worth taking, it’s definitely worth taking for less.

Spain

If you're looking for a destination where the default settings are fiesta and siesta, Spain is the one. You're in for legendary food, charming, sun-drenched streets, and mind-blowing architecture, and that's before you even hit the beach.

Barcelona

Alicante

Milan

Why should Italy be next on your list? Because it's the place where "living la dolce vita" is not just a slogan—it's the only way to operate. Travel to Italy means surrendering yourself to world-class authentic Italian food that will ruin your neighborhood pizzeria for you forever. We're talking freshly rolled dough, delicious ragus, and gelato that’s a mandatory daily pleasure, all served up with a side of next-level atmosphere.
But an Italy vacation is so much more than just a culinary tour; it's an effortless deep dive into culture through the ages. The art, the fashion, and the sheer, undeniable style of it all are so effortlessly chic, they'll make you want to immediately uproot your entire life.
One day, you could be standing awed by thousand-year-old historic sites in Rome or Florence, and the next, you're sipping an Aperol Spritz on the Amalfi Coast. From the rugged beauty of the Dolomites to secluded beaches, Italy offers a perfect backdrop for any adventure, whether you're seeking romance in Venice or a vibrant city break. It’s an inspiring destination that checks every box, and our affordable Flights to Italy make those Rome, Florence, and Venice dreams a reality.

Italy

"Living la dolce vita" is not just a slogan—it's the only way to operate in Italy. Our affordable Flights and travel guides will have you soaking in ancient history, sipping on spritzes, and splashing in the sea in no time.

Venice

Rome

Budapest

Hungary

Birmingham

Sibiu

Romania

Suceava

Bucharest

Liverpool

Iași

Leeds Bradford

Glasgow

Scotland is far more than shortbread, bagpipes, and weather that requires three waterproof layers, and you're about to see that for yourself! Finding cheap flights to Scotland is entirely possible, whether you’re planning a culture binge in the historic streets of Edinburgh, catching a gig in buzzing Glasgow, or heading straight for the mystical Scottish Highlands. This is your definitive insider's guide, packed with everything you need to outsmart peak season pricing, uncover epic castles, sample the best local whisky, and turn that bucket list trip into a budget-friendly reality.

Scotland

Scotland is far more than shortbread, bagpipes, and weather that requires three waterproof layers, and you're about to see that for yourself!

Italy, Spain, Jordan and more 📍 in £20s-£110s rtn

Well, well, well, look who's back for round 2! 

Karachi

Pakistan

Baku

Azerbaijan

Trabzon

Turkey, Georgia, Egypt and more 🌊 in €110s-€290s rtn

It's time to tick off another Wonder of the World! 

Amman, Jordan 🏜️ at €299 rtn 

Flying first class to the country on everyone's lips!

Paris

France isn't just about Eiffel Tower selfies; it’s a country that deserves a serious deep dive without the pretension—or the heavy price tag. We’re here to help you snag cheap flights to France so you can spend less on airfare and more on what actually matters: endless glasses of Bordeaux, buttery croissants, and authentic French food. Whether you’re planning a culture binge in the romantic streets of Paris, hunting for sunshine along the French Riviera, or wandering through the vineyard-lined hills of Provence, we’ve got the insider intelligence to get you there for less.

France

We’re here to help you snag cheap flights to France so you can spend less on airfare and more on what actually matters: endless glasses of Bordeaux, buttery croissants, and authentic French food.

Amman, Jordan ☀️ at €2670 rtn

Waiting for sunset at the monastery in Petra, the ancient stones felt entirely still. Then, a sudden burst of local vitality: a couple of Bedouin boys playing hide-and-seek on the iconic, towering urn at the top. It was a beautiful balance of timeless, monumental history and the fleeting, joyful rhythms of everyday life.

Waiting for sunset at the monastery in Petra, the ancient stones felt entirely still

I&#39;ve always wanted to go to Jordan and see Petra! Now I&#39;ll get to take my family there for my birthday next year! Thanks for the deal!

Postcard from Alicia 

Christmas is also included. At least 16-27 Dec. For around 150 euro

Cheers

Postcard from Amar

Always wanted to go to Amman, Jordan. Never thought about going in winter. Just booked the direct flight from Amsterdam for €169 🤯 Going in January.

Postcard from Tjitte

So I booked this (Amman) and just got back on Tues. It was the most incredible trip and to get there for £48 return is amazing. What a way to start 2023. I also booked Riga in July and Tel Aviv for Sept. 

Thanks Jack! Your wizzair sale email has led to a spontaneous trip to Tenerife for 7 uni friends as a reunion. All booked within one hour. Lovely.

Postcard from Allon

United States

Canada

Hey, Travellers!
We've recently been talking a lot about jet lag here at Jack's.
After our recent meet-up in Mallorca, many of the more far-flung members of the team made the most of their time on the continent by hitting a few extra Spanish cities. But when it came time to head home and get back to work, their body clocks were all over the place.&nbsp;
During a busy few weeks of travel shows in January, I tried my best to stick to a fairly normal sleep schedule as I bounced across the Atlantic. However, the dark winter mornings made it particularly difficult to convince myself not to adjust. My only winning trick? Taking a daytime flight back to the UK instead of a sleepless overnight journey.
The internet is full of tips, like eating and sleeping for the timezone you want to be in (oh that we were all blessed with that kind of control over our circadian rhythms), avoiding alcohol on the plane (but then you can't enjoy the sacred tradition of plane wine), and even <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/300906882/new-research-suggests-chilli-chocolate-and-soup-may-help-with-jet-lag">eating chilli and chocolate</a> (or chilli chocolate?). But what actually&nbsp;works?
As serious travel nerds, you'd think we would have this one down by now, but apparently we really don't. Please <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-242-pride-month-around-the-world-jordan-beyond-petra#comments">share your tips in the comments</a>, and hopefully you'll help preserve Navigator Larissa's sanity when she returns from her trip to Australia next month.
Happy travels and safe landings,

Katy - Editor of The Detour

The Best Spots to Celebrate Pride Month Around the Globe

A San Diego native, Olivia left home three years ago to live on the road. Since then, she's had homebases everywhere from Quebec to England to New Orleans, but she always ends up back on the West Coast. When she's not hiking through the desert or the woods, she can usually be found exploring her current city and scoping out the best bars and coffee shops.

By Olivia

It&rsquo;s June, and you know what that means! It&rsquo;s the month for rainbow-colored, flag-covered, queer celebrations! That&rsquo;s right, ladies, gentlemen, both, and neither, it&rsquo;s Pride Month.
As a fan of block parties, street fairs, drag shows, and all things involving queer culture and history, I&rsquo;m delighted to introduce you to a handful of June&rsquo;s most popping Pride festivities. Here&rsquo;s how a few cities around the world spend this month celebrating LGBT equality, visibility, and self-love:
<h2 dir="ltr">New York City</h2>

It would be remiss of me to make a list of June&rsquo;s Pride festivals and not start with New York, because it&rsquo;s the birthplace of Pride! June is widely celebrated as Pride month because on June 28th, 1969, the queer community in NYC&nbsp;<a href="https://guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/stonewall-era">fought back against homophobic police</a> outside a Manhattan bar called the Stonewall Inn. Today, that night is recognized as a turning point in American (and global) LGBT activism, and we celebrate Pride every June to commemorate it and to celebrate our culture and history.
The centerpiece of NYC Pride still takes place on June 28th, when the largest Pride parade in the world winds through Manhattan and draws millions of visitors. This march has taken place in some capacity since 1970, on the one-year anniversary of the rebellion, back when demonstrations like this were actively dangerous.&nbsp;
Other, more whimsical queer events take place around the city all throughout June as well, including oil wrestling matches and sapphic-themed roller skating.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr" id="toronto">Toronto</h2>

As the biggest hub in one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Toronto puts their heart and soul into their Pride celebrations. Their 2024 festival (attended by yours truly!) was the fourth largest LGBT event ever recorded, despite having a much smaller city population than the other places vying for that crown. It was also one of the first non-US cities to hold a Pride March, with their first taking place just three years after New York&rsquo;s.&nbsp;
Canada&rsquo;s pro-LGBT culture definitely lends Toronto&rsquo;s queer scene an extra sense of love and safety. When I was there, it wasn&rsquo;t uncommon for Mayor Olivia Chow to make appearances at the same gay bars that I and my buddies frequented. During Pride, that support is extra noticeable &mdash; the festivities may start in the historic queer neighborhood of Church-Wellesley, but the upbeat rainbow vibes spread alllllll over the city.
<a href="https://www.pridetoronto.com/events/">Events for Pride Toronto 2026</a> (which are happening now by the way, if you&rsquo;re in the area!) include a pool party, a jazz festival, and <a href="https://www.pridetoronto.com/events/family-pride-sunday/">Family Pride</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr" id="madrid">Madrid</h2>

I just got back from Madrid, and while I narrowly missed the Pride celebrations, I spent some time wandering through Chueca at night. Most gayborhoods feel like nightlife districts, but this one felt more like a community living space to me. You could really feel the decades of queer love that have thrived on those narrow streets.
So I wasn&rsquo;t surprised to discover that Chueca is where Europe&rsquo;s largest Pride party begins! This celebration dates back to the late 70s, when it started as a dangerous demonstration of about 1,000 people in the early post-Franco days. Spain has since become one of the most queer-friendly countries in the world, and Madrid Pride has blossomed right alongside it. When the city was chosen as the host of EuroPride in 2007, 2.3 million people showed up to participate.&nbsp;
The festivities in Madrid start at the very end of June and run into July, beginning with parties in Chueca and culminating in a massive parade through the city. Free outdoor concerts are a big draw at this one, plus the beloved annual&nbsp;<a href="https://madridorgullo.com/en/eventos/heel-race/">high-heel race</a>.&nbsp;
See more <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/junes-best-and-biggest-pride-festivals-around-the-world">top Pride festivities around the world</a> and share your favorites &rarr;

Travel Tips

In last week's edition of The Detour, I asked for tips on visiting the World Cup debutants (other than Uzbekistan): Cape Verde, Jordan, and Cura&ccedil;ao. Unsurprisingly, you delivered. Here's what RaputrousWanderer78593 (yes, you can change those randomly generated names in <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/settings/account">your Members Lounge profile</a>) had to say about Jordan...

<blockquote>
"Regarding your question about new World Cup participants, I must throw my support behind the idea of visiting Jordan. My friend and I travelled the country extensively for two weeks, spanning the 2025/26 New Year period. Time very well spent in our opinion! As well as the obvious must-see ancient city of Petra (which is genuinely just brilliant), there are some other places that we absolutely loved.
The <a href="https://thewanderingwoodward.com/a-day-in-jerash/">ancient city ruins at Jerash</a> are amongst the best I've ever seen&mdash;you can absolutely SEE the old Roman city as it was because it is largely intact. It rivals anything you're likely to find in Rome or Athens (and is free if you buy the <a href="https://www.jordanpass.jo/Default.aspx">Jordan Pass</a>, which you almost certainly should because it also gets you into Petra, which you're definitely visiting, right?)."
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
"A night sleeping under the stars (or inside a golf ball-esque 'pod' more accurately) in the Wadi Rum desert is another must! Tours around the desert are widely available and range from an hour to a full day depending on how adventurous you feel. Watching the sunset over the sand dunes and heading back for a mint tea and some slow-cooked lamb and homemade flatbreads with a view of the uninterrupted night sky is surely a great use of anyone's evening.
A final shout out for the wonderful <a href="https://www.timeless-travels.co.uk/post/my-favourite-crusader-castles">Shobak Castle</a> (also free with a Jordan Pass). The country is full of castles but this one really captured our imaginations and was brilliantly set up for visitors. Plus, if you fancy a night sleeping in an actual real cave - which obviously you do - the beautiful family-run <a href="https://www.instagram.com/7caves_hotel/">7 Caves Hotel</a> allows you a comfortable, unique and incredibly hospitable place for a local meal and a great night's sleep with clear views of the castle when you venture above ground, all without stretching even the modest budget very far at all."
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
"The only thing I might have chosen to skip if I were visiting the country again would be the city of <a href="https://international.visitjordan.com/wheretogo/ajloun/">Ajloun</a>. We went for the castle but to be honest there are many better across the country and the town itself is pretty uninspiring.
Apart from that, Amman, the Dead Sea and Aqaba all had plenty to offer and I would happily return to any or all of them! Give it a try :)"
</blockquote>
Thanks so much for these excellent recommendations! It really sounds like you had a fantastic trip.&nbsp;
While we're waiting for all those lovely low-cost flights to Jordan to return, we'd love to hear more recommendations from Jack's Travellers who've visited Jordan&mdash;especially if there are tours or hotels you'd recommend, or unmissable things to see and do in the cities. <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-242-pride-month-around-the-world-jordan-beyond-petra#comments">Drop them all in the comments</a>. As always, bonus points for pics.&nbsp;

Reader's Corner

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from around the web this week.
<ul>
<li>With the possibility of peace agreements and ceasefires coming into effect over the weekend, Jack's Flight Club Navigators and members alike can't help but watch flight prices like hawks. The advice from Forbes? <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/insurance/us-iran-peace-deal-airline-ticket-prices-lmandp5/">Don't hold your breath</a>.&nbsp; </li>
<li>As we roll into the longest days of the year for the Northern Hemisphere, <a href="https://simpleflying.com/qantas-project-sunrise-sydney-london-launch-date-october-2027/">Qantas has shared more details</a> on when the sun will rise Down Under. </li>
<li>We knew Duty Free was meant to be cheap, but we didn't realize it gave away <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/16/free-ferries-france-dunkirk">free trips to France</a>. </li>
<li>Japanese football fans have been <a href="https://japantoday.com/category/2026-fifa-world-cup/'this-is-our-culture'-japan-fans-clean-up-world-cup-stadium">winning hearts and minds</a> in Texas this week simply by tidying up after themselves. </li>
<li>And finally, <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/06/15/world-news/ridiculous-restoration-job-turns-religious-statues-into-googly-eyed-caricatures/">these recently restored religious statues in Brazil</a> are sure to start drawing crowds for all the wrong reasons... 👀</li>
</ul>

Travel News

Pride Month Around the World & Jordan Beyond Petra 

Jamaica

China

Uzbekistan

Curaçao

Cabo Verde

Hey there, Travellers!
This week's travel news has revolved a lot around the FIFA World Cup, which kicked off yesterday. From Scotland's <a href="https://news.stv.tv/sport/tartan-army-in-boston-6-30am-bagpipe-wake-up-call-beer-running-dry-and-soaring-temperatures">Tartan Army drinking their flight dry</a> within the first hour of a transatlantic crossing to the German national team <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9v2nvm02llo">paying for their fans' train fares</a>, it's already been an eventful tournament.
Among the most excited teams and fans to be there are likely the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/5/20/which-teams-will-make-their-debut-at-world-cup-2026">four nations making their debut</a>&mdash;Cura&ccedil;ao, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan. Coincidentally, also four of the most popular and up-and-coming travel destinations this year.&nbsp;
Between Uzbekistan's recent loosening on visa restrictions, Cape Verde becoming an attractive alternative to spots that might include transit through the UAE, Cura&ccedil;ao's lush, hurricane-free Caribbean shores, and <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/middle-east/jordan-petra-tourism-travel-middle-east-b2990285.html">Jordan quietly rebounding</a> from the effects of neighbours at war, this outing to the World Cup will no doubt be a nice PR opportunity for the first-timers, regardless how they perform.
I've certainly got a soft spot for Uzbekistan after my visit there two years ago, but I'd love to hear about your experiences in the other three. Even if they end up scoring an own goal or two over the coming weeks, what made you love them when you visited? <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/detour-241-essentials-for-your-first-trip-to-china-perths-around-the-world#comments">Let us know in the comments</a>!
Happy travels and safe landings,

What I Learned During My First Trip to China

Currently based in Spain, you&rsquo;ll likely find Lauren skateboarding along the beachfront. When she&rsquo;s not falling off her board, you&rsquo;ll catch her hunting for bargain flights cheap enough to make up for the dreaded 3 AM start.

By Lauren

China has always had a place on my bucket list, but its complicated and pricey visa regulations had me putting it off for ages. Until earlier this year, that is, when the government updated their entry regulations allowing Brits (like me) <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c875d3d3x34o">visa-free travel</a>! And that was it. My China trip was on, and I got to work planning a two-week itinerary.
My plan was to fly into Chongqing, then travel by train to Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Xi&rsquo;an, and finally Beijing, where I would catch a flight home.
I'll go into more detail about what I got up to in each of those cities below, but first, here are a few things to note&hellip;
Ease of travel
Right off the bat, the first thing that struck me after landing was just how efficient the country is. Queues moved quickly, taxis often arrived less than a minute after ordering them, trains were boarded seamlessly and left on time; it was all very impressive.
In general, everyone I interacted with was very friendly and happy to try and help me. Although it's worth noting that many people do not speak English, so I mostly communicated with locals through language translation apps.

I only travelled to big cities and popular tourist areas, but I always felt incredibly safe. Streets were well lit, and if I had found myself in any kind of danger, there always seemed to be an open convenience store nearby that I could dip into for help.
One particular aspect of travel through China that I appreciated was the lack of &ldquo;hassle.&rdquo; Street vendors and shopkeepers rarely tried to push me to buying their products/tours, which meant I could usually shop around in peace. Although sales assistants did occasionally shadow me around a store, just in case I needed their help.
Internet
If you connect to Wi-Fi or use a Chinese SIM, you will find that a lot of your apps do not work. To get around this, you can either install a VPN or an eSIM. I opted for an eSIM from Airalo, and I was able to continue using all of my apps as usual. I found that 10 GB just about saw me through my two-week trip, but if you're a big social media user, I'd suggest 15 GB.

Cash and payments
Pretty much all payments are made through apps like WeChat and Alipay. It's best to make an account and link your card to these before you travel, since you may need to wait a while for your details to be verified. When paying, either you or the vendor will need to scan a QR code from one of your apps. It's all very quick and efficient once you get your head around it, but it can become a bit panic-inducing if you're low on battery. Thankfully, most cities are filled with rentable street-side power banks if you ever get caught off guard.
I only saw physical cash once during our trip. A taxi driver &ldquo;accidentally&rdquo; overcharged me for a ride, and refunded me the difference in notes. But I didn't have any issues spending it in 7-Eleven.
Train travel within China
The high-speed train network within China is extensive, efficient, and affordable. In my opinion, it's the best way to move around the country. Even the train stations were impressively spacious and swish-looking. The trains themselves were also very comfortable with tables, charging ports, and a food ordering service.

The easiest place to book tickets is <a href="https://www.trip.com/trains/china/?locale=en_xx&amp;curr=usd&amp;departurecitycode=hk001xja&amp;arrivalcitycode=cn001izq&amp;allianceid=742331&amp;sid=23143527&amp;ppcid=ckid-53906045033_adid-740095378266_akid-kwd-2411442721130_adgid-158876778430&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=20704910865&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20704910865&amp;gbraid=0AAAAABn2eFIs8nUg1eUDGNGJEgHjE5P2P&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw2rrQBhBuEiwAarLWHTbckXPyzHREsjRJgawMZqpiesEgB57zDTTq1EgiZf6YKs0VGNtX7BoC1dMQAvD_BwE">trip.com</a>, where the tickets will be linked to your passport. You can book up to two weeks in advance of your journey, but be aware that popular routes often sell out close to the departure date.
Toilets
Honestly, I am a huge fan of the toilet situation in China. Public toilets are everywhere, and they are mostly very clean. Just to be up front, 99% of the time, the public toilets will be squat toilets. But don't let that intimidate you if you are unfamiliar. They are very easy to use, and I promise you'll get the hang of it quicker than you think. Just remember to bring a pack of tissues with you whenever you leave your hotel.

And if you really miss the comfort of a western-style toilet, fear not, as most hotels have them installed.
Food
I can only talk about food from my vegetarian perspective. I am sure if you are a meat-lover who enjoys trying new flavours, textures, and spices, this will be your idea of food heaven! However, as someone who primarily eats a meat-free diet, I&rsquo;ll admit that I did struggle. Vegetarianism isn't really a thing in China (let alone veganism), and most restaurants that I visited did not serve any large meat-free dishes.
To get around this, I would either politely ask if they were able to prepare one of the listed meals without meat, or I would order a selection of smaller vegetable side dishes.

All the food I ate was delicious. However, with my limited options, it did become slightly repetitive over the course of my trip.
If you have specific dietary preferences, I would suggest saving a few translated key phrases into your notes app to show restaurant staff so your mealtimes run as smoothly as possible.
I do need to shout out one specific vegetarian restaurant in Beijing that I will probably remember for the rest of my life.<a href="https://guide.michelin.com/en/beijing-municipality/beijing/restaurant/tianchumiaoxiang-vegetarian-chaoyang"> Tianchu Miaoxiang</a> is an affordable, Michelin-starred veggie restaurant. And honestly, I would fly back in a heartbeat just to try their kung pao (faux) chicken one more time.
Keep reading for all the inside info on <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/china-my-tried-and-tested-2-week-itinerary">Lauren's 2-week China itinerary</a>&hellip;

All roads lead to Perth. Just not that one...

With journeys spanning more than 30 countries and ten years, Akasha's best memories live in the pages of her passport. She always consults her tarot (and her cats) before any big trip. Currently based in Ireland, when she isn't travelling, she&rsquo;s probably drawing in a caf&eacute; somewhere.

By Akasha

Few things make us happier than scrolling through <a href="https://jacksflightclub.typeform.com/the-detour-2026">your submissions</a> of places you'd love to read more about. Except for maybe traveling there ourselves!&nbsp;
Now, this anonymous member &mdash; let's call them Loquacious Lars &mdash; didn't give us much to go on:

No context. No clues. Just &ldquo;Perth&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Thus we can only assume he&rsquo;s looking for the lowdown on one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth_(disambiguation)">17 (or more) places on Earth sharing that name</a>. Minus the one with the sunshine and kangaroos, though, because we already know all about it, right?
So dear readers, I give you&hellip; Perth. Just not that one.
<h2 dir="ltr" id="perth-scotland-the-og-minus-the-sun">Perth, Scotland: The OG (Minus the Sun)&nbsp;</h2>

Population: 47,000
Scotland&rsquo;s former capital rarely sees the flocks of tourists that descend upon Edinburgh&rsquo;s Royal Mile. A shame considering its sharp spires and streets, a blend of Gothic Revival and Georgian grandeur has been <a href="https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Perth-Scotland/">fundamental in shaping Scotland&rsquo;s history</a>. Scone Abbey was once the coronation site for all Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.
The Fair City is fiercely local, home to more than 100 independent shops, cafes, and boutiques, and has been crowned the UK&rsquo;s first <a href="https://unesco.org.uk/our-network/creative-cities/perth">UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art</a>.&nbsp;
It doesn&rsquo;t hurt that it sits at the gateway to the whiskey-soaked Highlands too. Those fairytale landscapes of the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis and Glencoe are all reachable in under 2 hours.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr" id="perth-ontario-canada-the-one-built-on-big-cheese">Perth, Ontario, Canada: The One Built on Big Cheese</h2>

Population: 6,469
About an hour from Canada&rsquo;s capital city, Ottawa, Perth is a town known for, well, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mammoth-cheese-replicas">MAMMOTH BLOCK OF CHEESE</a>. Why does this deserve aggressive all caps? The enormous wheel of cheddar was created in 1893 (before Kraft destroyed the craft) and took the efforts of 12 cheesemakers and 10,000 cows.&nbsp;
Standing at 6ft high, the aim was to showcase Canada&rsquo;s fermenting feats at Chicago&rsquo;s World Fair. Transporting it to the Windy City wasn't exactly easy; at 22,000 pounds, it was so heavy it fell through the floor of the train!&nbsp;
Nowadays it&rsquo;s just <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g499284-d14058597-Reviews-The_Mammoth_Cheese-Perth_Ontario.html">a highway replica</a> but worth a photo stop en route to one of Canada&rsquo;s most underrated national parks: <a href="https://visit1000islands.com/">the 1000 Islands,</a> an archipelago of over 1800 emerald islands shared with New York.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr" id="perth-north-dakota-usa-six-away-from-a-ghost-town">Perth, North Dakota, USA: Six Away From A Ghost Town</h2>

Image courtesy of Andrew Filer on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/afiler/6176675639/in/photolist-8GkDwR-apP5tz-apRNfY-apRN17-apRMuj-apRMCu-apRMkS-apRMSJ-apP6k4-5DeXwG-GrSiTX-4fEHYP-ap21rb-8kmdJN-2hFKjbp-dhZTfT-9MuMhR-3eZLg9-3hHAwa-MsSoW-2sbPHXg-2sbMmao">Flickr</a>.
Population: 6
Deep in the prairies of North Dakota, you&rsquo;ll find a rickety wooden sign posing a jarring existential question: &ldquo;While on Earth, Why Not Perth?&rdquo; The &ldquo;o&rdquo; in Not is an unnerving smiley face, reminiscent of Microsoft's clip art in the 1990s.&nbsp;
Perth, North Dakota, boasts a whopping population of six, none of whom are the man in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122153317448189209&amp;set=pcb.122153320034189209">this photo</a>. A total outsider and the entire tourism demographic for the region, if I could hazard a guess.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Once a booming and raucous railroad community of 200 people, you&rsquo;ll find more headstones here than residents now. But back in its heyday, the town boasted all the typical businesses, including a general store, a blacksmith, livery barns, a hardware store, and its very own newspaper, The Perth Journal. Impressively, the post office managed to hold on for over a century before finally closing its doors in 2003.&nbsp;
Unless your hyperfocus is the type that compels you to visit places around the world with the same name, there's absolutely no reason to visit this Perth. Except perhaps if you're <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g49769-d11843641-Reviews-W_eel_Turtle-Dunseith_North_Dakota.html">really into turtles</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr" id="perth-jamaica-coffee-spuds-and-a-whole-lotta-fog">Perth, Jamaica: Coffee, Spuds, and a Whole Lotta Fog.&nbsp;</h2>

Image courtesy of Kevin on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nfrhtp/8435313706/in/photolist-dRpbTd-4SURK2-BNB5sq-dRpbGA-dRpbZ3-dRiCTv-3cebQD-dRpbqw-dRiCMZ-dRpcr1-dRpcwS-9nGftr-eCQKZ-dRiC2i-2j3tGeV-aRbxdX-aRbpP4-qRXY8B-aRbxW8-3ciAyq-aRbxzM-aRbphr-aRbykr-aRbiMz-aRbxk8-2n8zxvV-aRbjqp-aRbq6c-aRboiK-2n8B4Ys-mhe7-2n8sT1U-8Yek85-2n8zxw1-aRbfbg-aRby4c-aRbqiR-8YejBb-4QukqW-3cebvt-3ciB45-aRbyuv-8YejRL-8YbhLD-aRbjCa-aRbgye-aRbxLZ-wNaa-8YejpY-2p8WV">Flickr</a>
Population: 20,000 (and growing).
Forget sun-baked beaches;&nbsp;this Perth sits in the mist-shrouded mountains of south-central Jamaica right on the outskirts of Mandeville (pictured above). 
And while the country is synonymous with sugarcane, the high elevation and cooler climate made it impossible to cultivate. In its place grew one of the world&rsquo;s most sought-after coffees:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2022/09/06/we-created-the-high-mountain-coffee-jamaica-standard-products-story/">Jamaican High Mountain Coffee</a>, often fetching $50-$100+ a pound.&nbsp;
Perth also was part of the region that introduced the very <a href="https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2018/11/03/potato-pioneer/">first Irish potatoes</a> to the island in 1902.
&nbsp;Today the area's rolling green hills have been transformed into Perth Estate, a rapidly growing upscale residential community known for sprawling modern homes and a fondness for looking at fog.&nbsp; 
So there you have it, Lars. Four distinct flavors of Perth, none of which involve Vegemite or budgie smugglers.&nbsp; 
There are more where these came from, of course, so please, dear readers, let us know all about your chosen Perths. And just in case it was that Perth&nbsp;Lars was looking for, please drop your tips for the Antipodean alternative <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/articles/all-roads-lead-to-perth-just-not-that-one#comments">in the comments</a>!
Oh, and don't forget to <a href="https://members.jacksflightclub.com/postcards">send us a postcard</a> of the mega cheddar.&nbsp;

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel chatter from around the Jack's Community this month.
<ul>
<li>The chickens are finally coming home to roost for budget airline Ryanair, as the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czj87rvx349o">UK's competition watchdog launches an investigation</a> into the fees they charge for families to sit together. </li>
<li>A <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a71536193/new-statue-discovery-easter-island-mystery/">new moai statue appeared</a> on Easter Island, and scientists are floored. </li>
<li>United Airlines is working on <a href="https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2026/06/10/united-airlines-is-reportedly-working-on-a-new-economy-product-with-a-blocked-middle-seat-to-reduce-flight-attendant-requirements/">a new economy seating concept</a> that will make sure you can't stretch out, even though there's nobody sitting next to you. Thanks a bunch. </li>
<li>Sardinians are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/10/sardinian-beach-bans-umbrellas-people-aged-10-65-punta-molentis">scrambling to borrow extra children and grandparents</a> just to guarantee an umbrella at the beach this summer. </li>
<li>And finally, Toronto is celebrating the World Cup in a way that only Canada possibly could: with a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-toronto-beavers-db94c803ca2a2f2af29a5889818d75dc">giant beaver hunt</a>. If you find all 51 beavers before they disappear, please send us pics, and then consider whether you might have too much time on your hands.</li>
</ul>

Jordan

€73 rtn

Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, and more in €100s-€190s rtn

Italy, Spain, Jordan and more in £20s-£110s rtn

Turkey, Georgia, Egypt and more in €110s-€290s rtn

Amman, Jordan at €299 rtn

Amman, Jordan at €2670 rtn