Margaritas in the pool!

Don’t rent you e-bikes from shops or hotels in the Dolomites as they can be quite expensive but its also more convenient and cheaper to rent these from the mountain huts once up the mountains

While staying in Normandy this year (with thanks to iD for allowing me to continue to use my data, which allowed me to find this place!) we found a place called Picardia Game Park - it was great for the kids, with loads of things do do, each of which cost 6 euro - highly recommended if you have active kids looking for a distraction!

The best hidden gem I discovered on holiday, was in The New Forest.

A waterfall and pool, hidden in the woods.

Wonderfully cool in the heat of summer, quiet and peaceful, and so beautiful with the sunshine shimmering on the water and the spray creating miniature rainbows.

Always be pleasant to everyone working at the airport, say hello to the check in staff and ask how their day is going and bring a box of biscuits or chocolates for the flight crew. 
I have been offered upgrades, given free goodies and received exceptional service from these simple pleasantries

When visiting a city, look for the free walking tours where you pay the amount you feel the tour is worth at the end. Really useful for seeing the main sights and getting recommendations. 
 

Mine would have to be La Louvière vineyard in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Almost 360 panoramic views of the surrounding beautiful countryside, fun label design featuring wolves, and the wine itself is absolutely gorgeous at really affordable prices.

I always do a ton of research before travelling anywhere - UK or abroad. I find local Facebook groups and TikTok are the best for finding hidden gems and head in the opposite direction to the hustle and bustle. And if you’re ever in Corfu, watch your automatic network selection. It quite often picks up a better signal from neighbouring Albania which is not an EU roaming destination!

One of the absolute best hidden gems to discover—especially if you ever find yourself traveling through regions with old architecture, châteaux, or historic towns—is visiting historical sites during their local "lunch hour closures" (or early morning twilight) to find completely empty courtyards and viewpoints.

According to Opinium, one third of UK holidaymakers have reported a surge in travel scams on social media this year. That means digital security is just as important as packing your passport! 

A few smart phone habits can be the difference between a holiday to remember, and a fraud claim you’ll have a hard time forgetting.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to stay protected. A little know-how and the right tools go a very long way. The even better news? We’ve done all the research for you. Plus, stick around until the end of this post for a chance to win our latest summer giveaway!

 

Spot fake public Wi-Fi hotspots.

 

 

Free Wi-Fi at the airport or the poolside café sounds like a dream. But it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Fraudsters routinely set up convincing spoofed networks in busy tourist spots (named things like “Airport_Free_WiFi” or “Hotel_Guest”) to trick you into connecting. Once you’re on their network, they can intercept anything you type: bank logins, passwords, and card details.

Before connecting anywhere new, always ask a member of staff for the exact network name. If it looks even slightly off, trust your gut and skip it entirely.

 

Secure your connection with IPVanish (iD Perks).

 

 

This is where iD Mobile has genuinely got your back. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) acts as a digital shield, encrypting your data. So even if you accidentally connect to a dodgy network, criminals can’t read what you’re sending.

Right now, there’s an exclusive iD Perk offering 83% off the IPVanish 2-Year Essential Plan — that’s unlimited simultaneous connections, so the whole family is covered in one go.

Here’s how to claim it:

1. Open the iD Mobile app and head to the Perks section
2. Find the IPVanish offer and tap ‘Get offer now’
3. A unique redemption link will land straight in your inbox

Job done. You’re shielded before you’ve even left the departure lounge.

 

Watch out for phishing texts and booking scams.

 

 

Criminals are increasingly targeting UK tourists before they’ve even landed. You might get a message from a foreign number quoting your real hotel name and claiming your booking is about to be cancelled. Of course, the only way to stop this is to click a link immediately and enter your payment details.

Landing in an unfamiliar place, it can be convincing. It’s designed to panic you. And it absolutely works - unless you know the signs.

The golden rule here is simple: never click links in unexpected messages, however urgent they seem. If you’re genuinely worried about a booking, go directly to the official app or website and log in from there. Legitimate booking platforms will absolutely never ask you for card details over a WhatsApp message.

 

Outsmart pickpockets and phone thieves.

 

 

Physical theft is still one of the biggest threats in European tourist hotspots. Thieves have become especially cunning. Some use a technique called ‘shoulder surfing’  where they watch you enter your PIN before snatching your device. Once they have your phone and your PIN, your banking apps are wide open.

A few quick wins to stop them in their tracks:

• Switch to biometric logins like Face ID or fingerprint whenever you’re out in public
• Turn off message preview notifications on your lock screen so bank security codes stay hidden from prying eyes

If your phone is stolen, log into your iD Mobile account from another device straight away to block your SIM. This stops thieves running up fraudulent charges

 

Roam safely and save with iD Mobile.

 

 

Here’s the thing: your own mobile data is genuinely more secure than any public Wi-Fi network. And with iD Mobile, staying on your own trusted connection while abroad is easy on the wallet too.

iD Mobile customers save an average of £86 roaming in the EU compared to networks that charge daily roaming fees*. That’s a serious saving you can spend on something far more enjoyable - like tasting some local delicacies.

So rather than hunting down the hotel Wi-Fi password, you can stick to iD Mobile data. It keeps your personal information private and your holiday budget intact. So, you can relax and enjoy your vacation!

*Average saving of £86.76 against UK networks that charge daily for EU roaming on standard plans (EE, Vodafone, Three, Sky Mobile & Voxi) as of May 2026.

 

Giveaway time!

 

 

We've covered how to keep your data secure on holiday, but what about keeping yourself cool? Whether you're enjoying a sunny staycation, recovering from your travels, or just trying to keep that relaxed holiday feeling going at home, we've got the perfect prize. We are giving away 3x SHARK ChillPill FA022UK 3-in-1 Fan, Mist & InstaChill Systems.

It's the ultimate cooling system to help you beat the heat and stay as chilled out as you would on a sun lounger. To enter, simply reply in the comments below with your answer to the following question:

 

What’s the best hidden gem you’ve ever discovered on holiday?

 

The giveaway closes on 1st September 2026 at 9am. One lucky winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries and notified by email or private message on the Community platform shortly after the closing date. Good luck!

 

1. This promotion is open to all UK residents, including Isle of Man, aged over 18 years. Excludes residents from the Republic of Ireland and employees of Currys Group Limited and their families, agents (including affiliates), suppliers and anyone connected to this promotion.
2. The prize draw is free to enter and no purchase is necessary.
3. All entries must be submitted by registering with the iD Mobile Community and providing an answer to the question on the corresponding topic thread. Only one entry per person is permitted. All entries must comply with the iD Community Standards: https://community.idmobile.co.uk/site/terms.
4. The opening date for entries is 09:00 AM on 1st August 2026. The closing date of the prize draw is 09:00 AM on 1st September 2026. Entries received after this time will not be valid.
5. The entry must be submitted personally by the entrant. Entries by 3rd parties, collective entries or multiple entries will be disqualified. If it becomes apparent that a participant is using a computer(s) to circumvent this or any other condition by, for example, the use of ‘script’, ‘brute force’ or any other automated means, that person’s entries will be disqualified, and any prize award will be void.
6. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for lost or incomplete entries. Incomplete, illegible, invalid, or misdirected entries will not be accepted.
7. One prize will be awarded to three winners: a Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Personal Cooling System.
8. Three winner will be chosen by random draw within 7 days of the closing date.
9. The winners will be notified by email or by private message on the iD Community platform using the details provided at entry before 8th September 2026 and must provide a postal address to claim their prize. If a winner does not respond to the Promoter within 7 days of being notified by the Promoter, then the winner's prize will be forfeited. The Promoter will be entitled to select another winner in accordance with the process described above.
10. The prize is supplied by Currys Group Limited (the "Supplier"). The Promoter reserves the right to replace the prize with an alternative prize of equal or higher value if the prize in unavailable.
11. The prize for the winner is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered.
12. The prize will be sent to the winner by post within 30 days of being notified of their win.
13. The decision of the Promoter is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered regarding the outcome of this promotion.
14. The Promoter reserves the right to hold void, cancel, suspend, or amend the promotion where it becomes necessary to do so.
15. Promoters must either publish or make available information that indicates that a valid award took place. To comply with this obligation the Promoter will send the surname and county of major prize winners and, if applicable copies of their winning entries, to anyone who sends request at the address below within one month after the closing date stated in condition 4. You can object to any or all of your surname, county and winning entry being published or made available by contacting the Promoter at the address below. In such circumstances, the Promoter must still provide the information and winning entry to the Advertising Standards Authority on request.
16. If you are the winner of this promotion, we may ask for your consent to participate in publicity arising from the prize draw. This will be entirely optional for the winner and the Promotor will only use the winner’s details with their express permission. The Promoter reserves the right to use non-identifiable details for advertising and promotional purposes in connection with the promotion in all media without further notice.
17. The Promoter will at all times comply with data protection legislation when collecting and processing data. The Promoter will only use the personal details supplied for the purposes of administering the Promotion. Your personal details will at all times be kept confidential and in accordance with current data protection legislation. To view the Promoter’s Privacy Policy visit: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/legal/privacy-and-cookies. If you would like to request access to your personal data, or have inaccuracies rectified, please visit the Promoter’s privacy policy for details of how to contact us.
18. By participating in the promotion, entrants are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions. The Promoter reserves the right to refuse entry, or refuse to award the prize to anyone in breach of these terms and conditions.
19. English law applies to these terms and conditions. If any entrants to this promotion wish to take court proceedings, then they must do this within the courts in the United Kingdom.
20. iD Mobile hold the right to change the start and/or end date of the competition at any given time.

Promoter: iD Mobile, Currys Newark Campus, Long Hollow Way, Newark, NG24 2NH

Albania’s Blue Eye in Theth 🇦🇱 A true hidden gem with crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by mountains. It’s breathtakingly beautiful—and surprisingly freezing, even in summer! Definitely one of the most underrated places I’ve ever visited

My best ( not so much hidden) gem was sitting on the balcony of The Mariners House in Scarborough watching the world go by any time of day/night it was so calm and peaceful 

A tiny family-run taverna in Greece where there was no menu. They just told us what they’d cooked that day. We went back three nights running. I’d tell you where it is, but then it wouldn’t be a hidden gem. 😎

How beautiful the British isles is especially Cornwall and all its beaches.

Cornwall is heaven on earth.

HI

Handheld fan 

Vietnam Vespas in Saigon. You on the back of a Vespa for the night, being driven around this amazing city.

The guides take you for street food made by family members down tiny streets, you visit bars the locals go to, then you finish the night in a music club. 

It's amazing!!!

Get up as far as you can manage in Scotland. There is stunning scenery and remote and peaceful. Perfect. 

Always carry money in wrapped around bag attached to your body at the front. Never put your phone on a table your sitting eating at SO MANY PICK POCKETS. so many trick they have for taking them. Most of all HAVE FUN 

Most beautiful hidden Gem would have to be a beach in wales called Rhossili bay. You dont even have to go abroad. Rhossili bay is in Llangennith near swansea in wales. Absolutely stunning sandy beach and the scenic walks are one to try and you can even watch for grey seals on worms end island or see them pop up in the sea taking a swim.  If you ever visit wales be sure to come here. You wont be disappointed!

I remember as a child in Sunny Beach back in roughly 1993, we followed a cobbled  lane where we hear music coming from and found a local man playing a fiddle while a huge brown bear on chains 'dancing' for money. It was a shocking, surreal hidden side of early post-Soviet Bulgaria—and something you’d never see today." 

Also air conditioning as a second answer lol

Never eat at a restaurant in the pretty town square. The best restaurants are usually tucked away down the side streets!  Seenwhere the locals eat - head there instead 😁

Travelling in Europe many years ago, hit the streets of Vienna during a snowy November. After a bit of casual wandering and sightseeing (exploring the military museum and photos at the Hofburg Palace), we came across an absolute gem of a place - Pickwick’s. A cozy, intimate location consisting of a bar and tea room, library, and video store (downstairs). Really friendly staff, great tea, instantly relaxing vibe as soon as you walk in the door.

Not a great website: pickwicks.at - but don’t be put off!

1 x 10⁴/10 would visit again and drink tea.

We were on our way to a rock church in Spain (Hermitage de Presillas) when we came across some beautiful stepped waterfalls - Cascada de Orbaneja del Castillo. We didn’t even realise they were there, even though we’d done quite a lot of planning. This was one of the highlights of the holiday. The Riaño reservoir is also very beautiful and has lots of history.

Everywhere in the world has hidden gems, you just have to open your eyes and mind to what you see as beautiful, no truer words said is ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder 😍

Also if you’re in Spain in the Murcia area, go up in the hills to a place called Calasperra, where there is a church carved into the side of a mountain, absolutely stunning 🤩