Articles by Editor,Erin Deborah Waks

Technology

Expert explains why cold air smells so good as Brits look to book winter breaks

Expert explains why cold air smells so good as Brits look to book winter breaks READ MORE: Best-value winter-sun destination revealed By ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER Published: 11:29 GMT, 29 October 2025 | Updated: 11:29 GMT, 29 October 2025 There's nothing like a fresh, biting cold day in the UK - with sunny skies and icy frost, they make the dreary, rainy months worth it. Cold air can feel refreshing and clean, especially when coupled with snowy scenes. Three quarters of people love the feeling of breathing in crisp winter air, a study has revealed. Plus, 74 per cent said time spent outdoors in winter boosts their mental wellbeing - and nearly two thirds of Brits say winter air smells fresher and cleaner than any other season. It turns out, there's a scientific reason behind why cold air smells so good. Jim N. R. Dale, ex-Royal Navy meteorologist and founder of British Weather Services, explained the science behind winter's signature freshness. He said: 'Warmer air allows the molecules within the space to move more rapidly, expand, and in effect, become more intense, indeed far more noticeable - like the aroma of milk heating on the stove.' But cold air dampens manmade odours by slowing the movement of scent molecules and trapping more unpleasant smells - similar to the way that you can smell your garden bins less in the colder months than in the summer. Three quarters of people love the feeling of breathing in crisp winter air, a study has revealed He says the reduced moisture in cold air tends to dilute manmade smells, but enhances natural and semi-natural ones, such as the scent of pine trees and wood fires. Winter weather events including snow and frost can also affect how we experience scents. Jim says that cold air naturally reduces our olfactory receptors (molecules that enable us to have a sense of smell), so we tend to detect fewer smells in the cold air. Jim also says snow and frost on the ground can create a 'blanket' on ground surfaces and their odours, which essentially 'suffocates' them. Jim adds: 'For example, a farmyard full of manure might well be less discernible given a reasonable snow cover, with the snow acting as a natural purifier. 'The same could be said of frost as it freezes and essentially slows down and traps the more obnoxious odour molecules.' Jim says that the colder months tend to bring crisper and drier air from a continental or Arctic airflow, which makes it feel fresher to breathe. He adds: 'There is a degree of "give and take" but in general, think of those clearer & colder airstreams as being fresher and purer, because they originate from where the air is purest.' Plus, 74 per cent said time spent outdoors in winter boosts their mental wellbeing - and nearly two thirds of Brits say winter air smells fresher and cleaner than any other season It turns out, there's a scientific reason behind why cold air smells so good The study, by Santa's Lapland, revealed the popularity of cold, crisp winter weather. Gillian Ray, Santa's Lapland area manager, said: 'At a time of year when our moods and energy can naturally be lower due to shorter daylight hours in the UK, taking time to let the feeling of cold air fill your lungs, and focusing on what you feel when outdoors can create moments that stay with you long after the season ends. 'For travellers, this could mean skipping the typical "winter sun" escapes and embracing colder destinations, such as Lapland. 'Exploring colder climates like Lapland isn't just about looking at beautiful snowscapes. It's just as much about making the most of what the scents, sensations, and magic of the Christmas season have to offer.' Share or comment on this article: Expert explains why cold air smells so good as Brits look to book winter breaks Add comment

Technology

Major travel warning as Brits hit with £187 'hidden' charge in Turkey

Major travel warning as Brits hit with £187 'hidden' charge in Turkey READ MORE: Tourists issued warning over hidden £300 charge in popular European holiday destination as people call it 'disgusting' By ERIN DEBORAH WAKS, TRAVEL WRITER Published: 11:18 GMT, 29 October 2025 | Updated: 11:20 GMT, 29 October 2025 A major travel warning has been issued as Brits have been hit with a £187 'hidden' charge in a winter sun hotspot. As UK travellers are seeking warmer temperatures while ours plumet, plenty of sunnier destinations are becoming popular. But those heading overseas should be careful - no one wants a nasty surprise when they arrive back home. Turkey is a popular destination among Brits - in fact, it is predicted to welcome a record 4.8 million UK visitors this year. But new data has revealed 63 per cent of Brits do not know that Turkey isn't in the EU - which risks them being caught out by hefty data roaming charges. Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) had been hit by unexpected data roaming charges when travelling abroad, research involving 2,000 Brits found. These unplanned bills for visiting destinations such as Turkey now stand at a whopping £187.30 for the average Brit, driving up the cost of visiting places outside the EU. Jenna Banks, spokesperson for Slice Mobile, which commissioned the research, said: 'It's easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of your trip and before you know it, you've clocked up big bills for international roaming. A major travel warning has been issued as Brits have been hit with a £187 'hidden' charge in Turkey 'A picture here, a scroll on TikTok there - it's all big data and when you're outside the EU, big data costs.' Jenna added that it is an easy mistake to make. She went on to say: 'It's easy to think you're not using your data when you're on holiday and using the hotel Wi-Fi but step too far away from the signal and your phone will quickly switch to your data plan to provide you with the best user experience. 'Just loading up maps to find that perfect restaurant or posting a picture on Instagram can have big implications for your bill back home. However, Jenna has shared an easy method to avoid Turkey's hidden charges. She explains: 'There is an easy hack though: before you jump on your flight, make sure you're with a provider like Slice Mobile, which offers great value international roaming add ons for countries outside the EU, such as Turkey and America. 'It means instead of paying by the day while you're out there, you could bring your international roaming charges down from £187 to as little as £4 (for 1GB of data) for your trip and still be able to go online on the go. 'So, whether you're heading out to get a fresh new look or just going for a relaxing holiday, always check you have the right data plan in place for your trip and get an international roaming package before you travel.' New data has revealed 63 per cent of Brits do not know that Turkey isn't in the EU - which risks them being caught out by hefty data roaming charges It's not the first time travellers have been warned of phone-related factors racking up holiday costs. Georgia Brivida, of international SIM provider Sim Local, in June urged Brits to switch off the 'autoplay' feature on their phones before boarding their next flight. The setting, she says, could quietly drain data and rack up a significant phone bill - often without users even realising it. She explained: 'Autoplay is a feature that automatically plays videos as you scroll through apps like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, often without you even tapping play.' InstagramTurkeyTikTok Share or comment on this article: Major travel warning as Brits hit with £187 'hidden' charge in Turkey Add comment