Good news people: the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched an investigation into the practices of a number of airlines over surcharges for credit cards and debit cards online.
In a move that could lead to cheaper costs for passengers who benefit from the convenience of booking online – as well as reducing bureaucracy and work for airlines – the OFT is going to delve deep into the mechanics of this almost "hidden" part of airline travel.
As we promised, we have put our collective brains together to come up solutions to "holiday hangovers".
Gocompare's report on holiday experiences made for sober – like what we did there – reading. They also compiled the "holiday hangover top ten", some of which we're discussing below.
Hangover One – Things costing more than expected
It's all about the hustle here, especially if you're on a family holiday abroad. You know that gift in the market doesn't match its price tag, the guy behind the stall knows it too.
There is this amazing portrait by the famous French romantic painter Theodore Gericault called Portrait of a Woman Suffering from Obsessive Envy. Painted in 1822, it is an almost damning visual rendering of a human emotion that is not something we like to admit feeling, except for when we make statements like “I envy your full head of hair” or “I envy your ability to stick to a diet” or “I envy quick-wittedness”.
"So, do you fancying painting a horse this weekend?"
Cue chuckles of laughter.
"Oh my, you are a joker aren't you! I'd love to go horse riding."
"No, I mean horse painting."
Cue more chuckles.
"Oh stop it you silly clown, you'll have me splitting my sides."
"No, seriously, I don't get why you keep laughing,. Do you want to go paint a horse or not."
Cue awkward laugh.
It doesn't matter when these songs were made or when they rocked whatever generation, they're all bona fide summer hits that will have you sparking up the BBQ, slipping into your summer shorts and beachwear, topping up on that sun lotion, clanking those beers and enjoying good times with friends and family.
Take pleasure from the first in a series of blogs celebrating the great summer tune.
California Girls, The Beach Boys
It might have been their ninth studio album but the Beach Boys were as creative as they had ever been. That album, aptly titled Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!!), features this enduring classic, perhaps one of their all-time compositions.
A new exhibition at the Lightbox Gallery in Surrey is celebrating and bringing together bringing together works produced by some of the UK's leading pop artists, looking at how art and popular culture shared an unlikely union during the swinging 60s.
No exhibition of this kind would be complete without iconic works from David Hockney, Clive Barker, Peter Blake, Joe Tilson Richard Hamilton, Peter Philips, and Eduardo Paolozzi.
Nor could it be held without elemental objects from the world of fashion and film, as well as music and advertising. Here you will find, for example, fashion from big brands like Mary Quant and Biba, Diana Crawshaw's Baseball Suit, futuristic sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith and plasticised electronics by Panasonic and JVC.
There isn’t a song with the specific lyric “memories, like the ones we used to have”, though it feels like there should be, or maybe there is and it’s just that we’re suffering from collective amnesia, and Google too is suffering from an inability to remember.
In any case, “memories, like the ones we used to have”, can be had with the clickety-click of a camera. But when you’re on one of those superb villa holidays in France and you want to remember it beyond the walls of your brain, in a physical form, then it makes sense to make an effort to be more creative in your photographic composition.
Brits wanting to enjoy a holiday in the Normandy region of France may want to head to Livarot on August 6th or 7th.
That is because those staying at villas in France will be able to try some local produce and fill up their fridges at the Livarot Cheese Fair.
It is a popular event that attracts a large number of visitors and around 80 exhibitors each year.
Those on a villa holiday in France will be able to sample and buy local cheeses, such as camembert, and other food and drink products.
Brits looking to escape abroad for a few days may want to head to Tuscany to see the Palio in Siena, which is a very popular event.
Those planning to attend the horse racing event on either July 2nd or August 16th may want to book a stay at villas in Italy.
This is one of the most popular and traditional events that take place in Tuscany and can be enjoyed for free.
It consists of passionate horse racing through the medieval city, which will be divided into 17 areas called Contrades.
The summer could be an ideal time for Brits to visit Spain, as the Grec Barcelona Festival takes place between June 17th and July 24th.
It is one of the highlights of the summer so those planning to rent villas in Spain may want to pay the capital a visit.
The event offers a mixture of entertainment, such as theatre performances, art and live music, with Joss Stone having played at the festival in the past.
Visitors to the city can choose from 45 events that will be held in various venues across the capital.