Wondering what’s been going on in the world of travel this week? Then you’re in luck…

From a new building in China to a lifesaving travel app, here’s our roundup of the must-see travel stories of the week.

Beachbook

Brits have been heading to the coast in their millions this week and the scorching weather looks like it’ll never end. Off to the seaside? Don’t forget your beach essentials: sun cream, towels, an ice cream, oh – and your mobile phone. Checking in on Facebook has become one of the most popular beach activities, as Facebook mobile usage in the UK has increased by 22% in the last year, with Bournemouth, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort and Weymouth coming out on top as the most checked-in places.

Bournemouth beach by Bobchin1941 via Flickr

One Foot in the Algarve

It seems holidays are not all about sun, sea and sand for the over 50s, as one in five ‘mature’ travellers is said to be looking for love on their holidays abroad. The top three places to find love are Italy, Spain and Greece, but it’s not the locals that the majority of us Brits have our eyes on; almost half of the love-seeking holidaymakers surveyed have ended up with a British man or woman.

Old Couple on Beach by Sbfisher via Flickr

No Froome for Error

It’s official; Britain is the best sporting country in the world! Well, maybe not. But our sporting heroics seem to be carrying on throughout the whole summer as the Tour de France moves into its final stages. Britain’s Chris Froome is (at the time of writing) the current race leader, and with this mammoth race ending on Sunday at the Champs-Élysées in Paris, let’s hope Froome can hang on to the coveted yellow jersey.

Tour de France by Toolmantim via Flickr

‘Appy Days

If you’ve ever been stranded on the side of a mountain or lost in the middle of a desert whilst on your travels, you might want to call the emergency services. But what’s that I hear? You don’t know the number? Oh crumbs. Help is at hand though by downloading the recent Echo112 app, which records your exact location and calls the local services for you no matter where you are in the world. Phew!

Man Lost by Caden Crawford via Flickr

Size Matters

Imagine the Sydney Opera House (or take a look at the image below). Then multiply it by 20. That’s how big China’s New Century Global Centre is – making it the new largest building in the world. This gigantic structure is 500 metres long and 400 metres wide, and includes 400,000 square metres of shopping space, a university complex, two five-star hotels, a water park and even an artificial beach.

Sydney Opera House by Edwin.11 via Flickr

 

Top Holiday Deals of the Week

Looking for a cheap getaway? Every week we’ll let you know our hottest deals right here. Make sure you don’t miss out – subscribe to our blog updates by email.

  • Sharm El Sheikh 5* All Inclusive from only £419: click here
  • Northern Cyprus 4* Half Board saving £250pp from only £419: click here
  • Malta 4* Bed & Breakfast from £229: click here 

Are you hitting the beach this weekend?

Images:  Sbfisher, Bobchin1941edwin11Caden CrawfordMikemolToolmantim