Journey Into Darkness 2025 – What Our Readers Loved This Year

2025 was a record-breaking year for Journey Into Darkness with more visitors than ever before. So as we plan for another twelve months of adventure, let’s take a moment to look at what really resonated with JiD readers in 2025.

#1 New Ryanair Bag Size

Ryanair’s 2025 bag size shake-up has travellers scrambling: the free under-seat allowance jumps to 40x30x20cm from the old 40x20x25cm, but with gate staff hunting oversized luggage for bigger bounties and fees up to €60 lurking, one wrong pack could ruin your trip. Is this EU-mandated tweak a win for smarter packing or just another trap for the unprepared? Dive in to uncover the exact rules, top compliant bags like the Aerolite MiniMAX, and insider tips to dodge charges before your next flight.

#2 National Express to Southampton Cruise Terminal

National Express coaches promise a cheap, stress-free ride to Southampton Cruise Terminal, but with no direct drop-off, taxi ranks often empty, distances up to 1.9 miles from the station to your ship, and limited opening hours leaving you exposed to the elements, could this budget hack turn into a pre-cruise nightmare? Do the savings beat the hassle of trains or parking? Click through for exact distances to all five terminals, insider taxi tips, fly-cruise feasibility, and why this might still be the savvy cruiser’s secret weapon despite the quirks.

#3 Wembley Stadium Accessibility Guide

Wembley Stadium dazzles with 90,000 seats for football and megastars like Taylor Swift, but for wheelchair users and those with partial mobility, hidden hurdles – from wheelchair-friendly Tube access crumbling under exit crowds, to post-gig wheelchair retrieval fails, tiny Boxpark toilets, and a chaotic Wembley Park station squeeze – could turn your dream night into a nightmare. With helpful stewards, priority queues, and Radar-key accessible loos shining bright, it is possible to have an excellent night out at Wembley. Dive in for step-by-step navigation, top tips like skipping Boxpark loos and Blue Badge parking hacks, and when to skip the stadium entirely unless you’ve got backup.

#4 Complete Guide to Stansted Airport Security

Stansted Airport security is a chaotic gauntlet of queues, alarms, and grumpy staff that can derail your holiday before takeoff. But armed with these battle-tested steps – from prepping liquids and electronics in trays at the entrance gates, to slipping shoes off without blocking the gangway and dodging random manual scans – you could breeze through unmolested like a pro. FastTrack’s £8 shortcut tempts with a secret passage past the shops, but is it worth it amid post-Covid efficiency gains? And why do CT scanner myths persist forcing the 100ml liquids rule? This guide holds the key to stress-free passage. Click through for exact tray-loading hacks, medication exemptions, no-joke staff tips, and why calm breathing trumps panic every time.

#5 New Stornoway Cruise Terminal

Island Princess makes history as the first (allegedly) ship to dock at the shiny new Stornoway Cruise Terminal on the Isle of Lewis. But with construction still underway, a deceptively long 45-minute hike over bumpy terrain to town (or a quick free shuttle with wheelchair space), rough pavements jarring mobility scooters, and no marching band welcome from locals—does this Outer Hebrides gem deliver postcard perfection or portside pitfalls? Explore Lews Castle’s free ground floor and sweeping views, snag easy geocaches amid fishing sculptures, spot unbothered seals from your balcony, and sail past coastlines that might just redeem underrated Scotland.

#6 British Airways Returns to Stansted Airport

A post from the archives that remains perennially popular with British Airways passengers departing from London’s fourth airport, Stansted. But with just one underwhelming Escape Lounge at £32 (or £20 via Priority Pass hacks), will BA’s routes spark real competition against Ryanair’s extras-laden fares? Stansted’s terminal eyes a 30% expansion amid hopes for BA growth and a oneworld lounge, yet the cramped lounge’s pre-booking woes scream unreliability. Click through for route details, lounge survival tips, and why Royal Jodanian’s Petra city breaks might tempt despite the unknowns.

#7 Center Parcs Discount Codes

Another permanently popular post with those looking to cut the costs of their Center Parcs stays. Find out how to save £50 off the headline price – and maximise your wins with 1% cashback (£20 on £2000). While cashback cards underwhelm and loyalty points fuel free flights, is this the ultimate hack for woodland breaks or just a teaser before school holiday premiums? Click through for stacking strategies, Amex/Revolut specifics, deposit tricks, and why £60+ total savings might fund your next Birds of Prey thrill.

#8 Ryanair Cashback Hacks

Ryanair cashback was always thought impossible, but a clever loophole through Expedia now lets you pocket up to 6% back on those budget flights – discover the exact step-by-step process using TopCashback and Quidco, plus secret hacks to double your rewards with holiday packages and cashback cards that may beat Ryanair’s direct prices.

#9 Best Ryanair Carry-On Bags

Another budget airline travel hack. Ryanair’s new 40x20x25cm hand luggage allowance just changed the game – but pick the wrong bag and face hefty gate fees. Discover the top 10 under-seat winners like the Cabin Max Metz Hybrid (wheels or backpack), Aerolite Tactical with USB port, and budget holdalls that max space without compromise. Tested for durability, these bags pack smart features to dodge charges and travel hassle-free.

#10 Best Universal Travel Plug Adapters

Never get caught without power abroad again—these top universal travel plug adapters work in 150+ countries with USB-C/A ports for simultaneous charging of phones, laptops, and more. Discover our pick (iBlockCube at £24.49), the titanic 85W ocdun GaN III (£44.99), compact AUNNO (£16.99), and safety-focused options like TESSAN and MyTravelPal, complete with real customer quotes, features, and a head-to-head comparison table to find your perfect match.

And that’s a wrap. Thanks so much to you, our loyal readers. We hope you’re looking forward to another year of adventure in 2026, just like us!

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