Jowena Riley - Travel Reporter

Jowena is a Travel Reporter who initially joined MailOnline as an Audience Writer in July 2023.

Having previously presented Entertainment segments on the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Sunday show, she
went on to cover a range of stories across MailOnline's Home News, Foreign, Showbiz and Femail desks.

In July 2024, Jowena became Femail's primary Audience Writer, writing about trending lifestyle content, before taking on a Travel Reporter role in March 2025.

She now covers everything from travel hacks, to must-see destinations and hidden gems, to first-hand tales from travellers far and wide.

Coverage: Travel Travel News Femail World News News Gardening Monty Don

MOST RECENT ARTICLES FROM JOWENA RILEY

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'World's first' underwater museum to open in Wales quarry

25/04/25 12:55

An abandoned slate quarry in north Wales that's been submerged underwater for the last 20 years is set to open up as an underwater museum. Vivian Quarry in Gwynedd, once part of the world's second-largest slate mine, is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's been quietly flooded for two decades, hiding old mining buildings, tools and even a circular blast shelter beneath 19 meters of water. ...read

I've been to over 65 countries - these are the three underrated spots that are about to blow up
25/04/25 10:55
Travel influencer Tia, 26, from England, has urged holidaymakers to visit three 'hidden gem' destinations before they 'get too popular' in a video posted to TikTok.
- 6 comments
- 47 shares
I'm a hotel expert and this is the one thing you should never go near in hotel rooms
25/04/25 12:50
Safety experts at Locksmith Dartford have issued a warning to guests staying in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to watch out for five spots in rooms that contain the most dirt.
- 126 comments
- 33 shares
Flight attendant settles the arm rest debate once and for all as they reveal the correct rules during flights
24/04/25 01:12
A flight attendant has settled an age-long debate after revealing the correct armrest etiquette for passengers fighting for extra room on flights, in a post shared by a passenger on Reddit.
- 84 comments
- 63 shares
I travelled the world for a year for just £19 a day - here's how I did it
24/04/25 11:11
Solo traveller Lydia Swinscoe, who works as a travel writer, has shared savvy tips for jetsetters on a budget - after revealing she visited 15 countries in 2009 for just £19 a day.
- 17 comments
- 25 shares
I'm a flight attendant - we judge passengers who order this sketchy beverage
24/04/25 07:08
Flight attendant, Leanna Coy, from New England, revealed she 'judges' passengers who order a popular brewed beverage onboard on a plane - as she blasted their selection as 'sketchy.'
- 229 comments
- 94 shares
The pretty little seaside town where Kate & Wills will enjoy next holiday - and is also filming location for cult classic TV show
23/04/25 01:57
As William and Kate prepare to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary in an especially cherished location, all eyes are turning to a Scottish island where nature, culture, and royalty, come together.
- 117 comments
- 185 shares
I've travelled all over the world but here's the surprising tourist hotspot I will NEVER go back to
23/04/25 10:27
A travel influencer, who goes by @therealagnew__ on TikTok, has vowed he'll never return to a popular hotspot after claiming 'pushy' sellers and sky-high prices left him with a 'bad taste' in his mouth.
- 1 comment
- shares
Major £23 million upgrade coming to Britain's seaside town
23/04/25 07:58
A town - once labelled the 'worst' seaside hotspot in the UK - is set for a major transformation as part of a £23 million investment aimed at drawing in more tourists.
- comments
- shares
Britain's 'worst' seaside town getting £23 million upgrade
23/04/25 12:20
A town - once labelled the 'worst' seaside hotspot in the UK - is set for a major transformation as part of a £23 million investment aimed at drawing in more tourists.
- 682 comments
- 74 shares
Pope Francis' death sparks travel surge as tourists seek flights to holiest city in Europe
22/04/25 12:54
Bookings to Rome surged 400 per cent since Pope Francis passed on 21 April, according to On the Beach, as thousands of UK mourners set out on their plans to pay their respects to the pontiff.
- comments
- shares
Heathrow Airport's deserted Terminal 1 hasn't seen travellers in almost a decade - but what it's used for now is incredible
22/04/25 10:48
Heathrow Airport sees millions of passengers pass through every year, but most will have never stepped foot in its biggest terminal - which now sits abandoned following its closure nine years ago.
- 71 comments
- 28 shares
Mum reveals 'genius' hacks for beach - but not everyone is convinced
16/04/25 08:49
Alena Boston, from the US, shared her 'genius' hack for keeping valuables safe during trips to the beach - but her method has been equally dubbed 'unhelpful' by unimpressed social media users.
Female solo-traveller issues warning of the 'ugly parts' no one talks about
15/04/25 01:29
Solo traveller, Fiona, from New York, U.S., opened up in a TikTok video about the 'ugly parts' of exploring the world alone after a recent experience in Milan left her feeling uneasy.
- 86 comments
- 132 shares
Revealed: The least crowded European destinations for a quiet beach holiday - and the ones to avoid
15/04/25 11:26
With summer on the horizon and millions of Brits set to head abroad, a new study by Wizz Air has revealed which European beaches offer sun, sea - and space for a prime spot on the sand.
- 20 comments
- shares
Britain's most beautiful views revealed - from a mountainous hotspot to a tiny island. Is your favourite on the list?
15/04/25 12:44
The top 20 most beautiful views in Britain have been revealed by GoShorty - and some hotspots are so breathtaking that many Brits can't believe they're actually in the UK.
- 359 comments
- 31 shares
One of world's cheapest five-star hotels is perched at end of London tube line
14/04/25 12:59
Luxury accommodation at a budget-friendly price is practically unheard of in the UK, but a new global study by Which? has uncovered a rare exception just outside of London.
- 11 comments
- 4 shares
The new all-inclusive train ride that'll take you around the world in 100 days - but there's a catch
14/04/25 10:30
Looking for a leisurely way to explore the world without having to step foot on a plane? Well, if you have three months and £112,900 to spare, then this epic rail journey might be just the ticket.
- 20 comments
- 144 shares
I became a female solo traveller after my husband got diagnosed with dementia at 50 - cycling through India and Vietnam reminds me of the person I once was
13/04/25 01:38
As cycling holidays surge in popularity, Caitlin Limmer, 53, shared the emotional journey that led her to take on three solo cycling adventures across Asia - a decision that she says has changed her life.
- 30 comments
- 3 shares
The country offering £77,000 to move there as part of government initiative - but there's a catch
11/04/25 01:38
For many, the cost of moving to another country can quickly become overwhelming, but one South American country is paying entrepreneurs up to £77,000 to move there - though there's a catch.
- 5 comments
- 58 shares
The best all-inclusive resorts in the world revealed - from poolside paradises to cultural gems and family favourites
11/04/25 11:51
UK-based travel experts On the Beach have unveiled their first-ever All-Inclusive Awards, shining a spotlight on thirty resorts across the globe that deliver everything you could dream of.
- 40 comments
- 30 shares
The 6 euro viral treat that has tourists in Florence queuing for over an hour to try
10/04/25 01:05
A €6 coffee dessert has become the latest viral sensation in Florence, drawing crowds of tourists and creating hour-long lines outside the city's oldest gelateria, Vivoli.
- 14 comments
- 2 shares
The world's most disappointing cities for tourists revealed - as two VERY popular beach destinations bag the top spots
10/04/25 11:58
A study by Radical Storage has uncovered the top ten most lackluster cities in the world for tourists. From Cancun to Kyoto, read on to discover the most 'disappointing' travel destinations.
- 343 comments
- 265 shares
Ryanair's sassy social media account trolls passengers and posts hilarious responses on X
10/04/25 09:31
Ryanair certainly stands out from its competitors for its cheap, no-frills flights, but it's equally established a prominent social media presence over its savage responses to customer complaints.
- 25 comments
- shares
Airline launches mystery flights where passengers only find out location when they land
09/04/25 01:22
Imagine packing your bags and boarding a plane to a completely random destination. It may sound like a nightmare to some, but for many, it's a dream adventure that has now become reality.
- 18 comments
- 72 shares
The UK's best picturesque seaside towns to move to in 2025
09/04/25 10:57
Fresh air, picturesque views and improved well-being - it's no surprise why so many Brits are turning to the tranquil allure of the UK's coastal towns - but which is considered the best for relocation?
- comments
- shares
I'm a hotel expert - here's my ultimate guide to securing a sunbed this summer and the best hour to nab your spot
09/04/25 10:19
The summer holidays are fast approaching, and as families prepare for a much-needed break to an all-inclusive resort, many are bracing themselves for the inevitable tug of war over sunbeds.
- 42 comments
- 26 shares
The UK's best seaside towns to move to in 2025 revealed
09/04/25 12:12
Fresh air, picturesque views and improved well-being - it's no surprise why so many Brits are turning to the tranquil allure of the UK's coastal towns - but which is considered the best for relocation?
- 341 comments
- 86 shares
Plane passenger praised for 'smartest hack ever' - but can you work out how she did it?
08/04/25 11:59
A plane passenger, Annie Lengo, from New York City, US, has shared an ingenious way of making yourself a TV screen on flights.
- 56 comments
- shares
Hotel guests can bag free food and drinks all day with this little-known hack
08/04/25 09:51
David Haines, concierge at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, revealed a little-known hack that allows non-guests to indulge in free food and drink all day at chain hotels from just £25 per person.
- 22 comments
- 44 shares
I was horrified when airport security found a VERY rude item in my suitcase - but I didn't put it there
07/04/25 01:52
Teena Ledet, from Louisana, U.S., was left red-faced at the airport after a security officer discovered a rude item in her luggage - a prank conjured up by her boyfriend and daughter.
Top UK theme park revealed as the world's most disappointing tourist attraction
07/04/25 12:14
Radical Storage analysed over 95,000 visitors reviews across 200 of the most visited attractions in the world - and now, the top ten most disappointing tourist hotspots have been revealed.
- 127 comments
- 125 shares
Plane passenger caught sending X-rated text by traveller sat behind him
07/04/25 06:19
A plane passenger has divided social media users after he was filmed observing a fellow traveller's racy text messages - before cracking lewd jokes with his wife about it.
- 93 comments
- 3 shares
Seasoned travellers reveal 12 packing hacks to save space and money - including bargain £5.99 Amazon buy
05/04/25 11:33
Packing for a trip can be a tricky task - no one wants to drag around heavy bags or unpack wrinkly clothes. Luckily, seasoned travellers have shared their top tips and products so you can pack efficiently.
The British greetings that confuse and annoy French people - and one way we say hello that makes them CRINGE
05/04/25 08:32
Lucille Joffre, a Parisian who lives in London, has been left baffled by British greetings - and revealed it took her 'months' to become 'comfortable' with a common form of endearment.
Germans are SHOCKED by one thing Brits and Americans commonly do in restaurants and on public transport
04/04/25 05:44
Expats working in Germany have shared a common perception among Germans on how Brits and Americans behave in public - including how loudly they speak in restaurants.
- 689 comments
- 38 shares
The VERY surprising thing that impresses the French about life in Britain
03/04/25 05:36
A French woman living in the UK has revealed two 'efficient' elements of living in Britain that have left her pleasantly surprised.
The 3 things you should NEVER do as a tourist visiting Japan
02/04/25 01:53
In a country known for its deep respect for tradition, order, cleanliness, and efficiency, here are three common missteps that visitors should avoid when traveling to Japan.
- 101 comments
- 87 shares
I've travelled 40 countries with a toddler - these are the 11 items I'll never leave without
02/04/25 12:53
Whether you're planning a holiday abroad, a European theme park getaway, or a coastal staycation - here are are 11 travel tools that can make the trip smoother for both parents and kids.
- 23 comments
- 27 shares
Confused families blast major UK theme park for announcing admission fees have been axed - before hinting it was an April Fool joke
01/04/25 04:23
One of Britain's biggest theme parks revealed its plans to remove admission fees today - but the April Fool's joke has confused families grappling with the cost of living crisis.
- 44 comments
- shares
Brazen business-class passenger caught vaping on Indonesia flight
01/04/25 01:04
A brazen business-class passenger was caught on camera vaping on a Garuda Indonesia flight - with footage showing the flyer sneakily tucking the device beneath a cushion between each inhale.
People are only just realising the hidden meanings within the codes on their boarding passes - and how sharing a picture of them on social media could mean losing air miles and worse
01/04/25 10:56
Your boarding pass is more than just a ticket to your flight; it contains layers of information, including a series of codes with hidden meanings - but what do they say about each passenger?
- 93 comments
- 10 shares
Disturbing phrases you never want to hear airline staff saying if you're on a flight
01/04/25 06:03
Travel experts at Wander have revealed seven discreet codes commonly used by cabin crews and airport staff to communicate emergencies and medical incidents without alarming flyers.
- 67 comments
- 23 shares
Cruise ship expert reveals the mistake too many first-time passengers make before even stepping onboard
31/03/25 02:13
Experts at Cruise Critic revealed the mistake first-time passengers make before stepping onboard - as well as the 'one-to-two day' rule every traveler should follow before setting sail.
- 54 comments
- 6 shares
People are only just realising what secret 'SSSS' code on your boarding pass means and why it's bad news
31/03/25 10:04
Holidaymakers across the globe are only realising what 'SSSS' means on their boarding pass - and some have even dubbed the mysterious four-letter code the 'kiss of death.'
- 427 comments
- 202 shares
Seasoned travellers reveal their incredible hacks
30/03/25 12:41
Some might say the best adventures often unfold when things don't go to plan - but according to Redditors, knowing a few tips and tricks along the way can make your trip much more safe and fun.
- 1 comment
- shares
The shocking reason why you must alert a flight attendant if you drop your phone down the seat
28/03/25 05:12
While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, losing your phone on a plane can actually become a serious safety concern - and there's a terrifying yet rational reason behind it.
- 17 comments
- 26 shares
The meaning behind Greenland's color-coded buildings
28/03/25 02:19
Greenland has long been known for its breathtaking, snow-topped landscapes, but now the world is focusing on something else entirely - the meaning behind its colour-coded buildings.
- comments
- shares
People are only just realising the meaning behind Greenland's colour-coded buildings
28/03/25 02:02
Greenland has long been known for its breathtaking, snow-topped landscapes, but now the world is focusing on something else entirely - the meaning behind its colour-coded buildings.
Little-known UK theme park named one of the best in the world - and tickets are only £14
27/03/25 11:43
A lesser-known theme park, based in North Devon, that costs as little as £13.95 to enter has been hailed one of the best in the world - and you can even bring your pooch along for the ride.
- 12 comments
- 114 shares
I'm a travel expert - these are the best travel accessories available in the Amazon Spring Sale
26/03/25 03:33
With summer fast approaching, we've rounded up some of the best-selling and highest-rated travel accessories just in time for the holiday season - handpicked from the Amazon Spring Sale.
- 11 comments
- 24 shares
What 1 Euro REALLY buys you in an abandoned Sicilian city - as five 17th century homes go up for sale
26/03/25 11:48
Over the past couple of years, a growing number of quaint Italian towns have made headlines for selling ancient, vacant homes for less than the cost of a coffee - but is the scheme all as it seems?
- 56 comments
- 48 shares
Three of Croatia's must-visit hidden gems to avoid tourists this summer
25/03/25 01:47
Joanne Lynn, a travel expert at Riviera Travel, revealed three lesser-known locations in the south-central European country, which welcomed over 21.3 million visitors in 2024.
- 1 comment
- shares
Revealed: All the nudist beaches around the UK - is there one near YOU?
25/03/25 12:06
Many would think of the UK as a nation of prudes, but the country has a growing nudist movement, and it's quickly gaining popularity. Keep reading to discover some of the best nudist beaches in the UK.
- 518 comments
- 128 shares
World's safest and least safe countries to visit in 2025 revealed - and it's bad news for UK and USA
24/03/25 02:58
The world's safest countries have been revealed by Numbeo - with one of the smallest territories in Europe earning the top spot, following by nations in the Middle East and East Asia.
- 220 comments
- 118 shares
I'm a travel expert - here's how to tell your friends you can't afford to attend their destination wedding
24/03/25 12:21
Wedding season has finally arrived, and as destination ceremonies grow in popularity, Justin Chapman, of Go2Africa, has shared his top tips for attendees who can no longer attend the big day.
- 23 comments
- 6 shares
The airline that sold a £190,000 ticket - it ended up costing them millions
23/03/25 02:58
Steven Rothstein, from Chicago, purchased a £190,000 AAirpass ticket in 1987, which granted him unlimited first-class flights for life - but he eventually cost American Airlines millions.
- 104 comments
- 13 shares
Brits reveal the annoying holiday snaps they want to cancel - from 'hotdog legs' to poolside cocktails
21/03/25 05:14
A study by Ocean Florida, conducted with OnePoll among 2,000 respondents, has revealed the holiday photos we really need to leave behind - including the classic 'hot-dog legs' snap.
- 5 comments
- 1 share
Travel expert reveals the best way to respond when someone asks to swap seats on the plane
21/03/25 12:55
As the Easter travel season looms, travel expert Jamie Fraser, of Wild Packs, has offered his top tips on how to respond to a passenger's request to swap seats with proper etiquette.
- 437 comments
- 831 shares
I'm a Brit living in Australia - this is the oddest difference that I can't get used to
20/03/25 02:45
Sydney Graves, a midwife from the UK who emigrated from Newcastle to Melbourne in 2024, took to TikTok to share her shock at the difference in trading hours in Australia compared with the UK.
- 142 comments
- 53 shares
I'm a security expert - these are the common habits that could get you pulled aside at airport security and how to avoid Easter holiday delays
20/03/25 12:34
Shahzad Ali, CEO and security expert at Get Licensed, has shared advice to ensure travellers breeze through airport security this Easter, as well as providing insight into safety protocols.
- 40 comments
- 8 shares
Major airline is offering bargain £15 flights to one of Europe's best stag do destinations
19/03/25 05:12
Ryanair has announced its plan to launch a new seasonal route to one of the most popular short-stay destinations in Europe - and tickets start from as low as £15.
- 9 comments
- 5 shares
Horrific warning to Brits as Mallorca's beaches 'turn into a gruesome graveyard'
19/03/25 01:48
A chilling warning has been issued to British holidaymakers setting sail for Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera this summer, amid a string of 'gruesome' finds involving body parts.
- 35 comments
- 36 shares
The bargain travel accessory which beats all airline restrictions for just £6
19/03/25 12:03
Travel blogger Chelsea, from the UK, urged holidaymakers on TikTok to snap up a 'fantastic' cabin bag from Decathlon that beats all airline restrictions - and it costs little over a fiver.
- 2 comments
- shares
Why Brits could be BARRED from visiting Europe if they don't follow these new EU travel rules
19/03/25 11:29
A raft of travel rules are lurking round the corner for Brits travelling to the EU, which have the potential to bamboozle anyone not paying attention. Here's everything you need to know...
- 401 comments
- 42 shares
The £1.6 billion 'tower of doom' hotel which has NEVER had a single guest is looking for new investment to open
19/03/25 11:06
The Ryugyong Hotel, located in Pyongyang, has been under construction for almost four decades -but it now plans to operate a casino on the premises in the hopes of finally booking in its first guest.
- 30 comments
- 6 shares
Mum shows off genius snack pack she takes on flights to keep her children occupied - but others warn of dangers
18/03/25 02:54
Kirstin Miller, from Dallas, shared her 'genius' method for keeping her young children occupied on a flight - but some social media users have taken aim at her 'inconsiderate' approach.
- 9 comments
- 752 shares
Beloved chocolate bar spotted on UK shelves months after fans went into a meltdown when it was discontinued
18/03/25 07:33
A beloved Nestlé bar has made a comeback years after it was discontinued and is now available in packs of three for just £1 at Heron Stores across the nation.
- 89 comments
- 51 shares
The popular tourist destination where you're most likely to get scammed revealed - and how to avoid it happening to you
17/03/25 02:51
A popular European destination has been named by Go.compare as the top hotspot for tourist scams, with more than one million visitors reported to have fallen victim to fraudulent activity.
- 69 comments
- 16 shares
Shoppers go wild as Aldi launches handy gadget that's £150 cheaper than rival Karcher
17/03/25 09:59
The UK supermarket has launched a budget-friendly alternative to the popular Karcher high-pressure washer, giving shoppers a chance to bag a powerful tool for a fraction of the price of its rivals.
- 27 comments
- shares
Woman shares 'creepy' note left on doorstep that sent her into 'paranoid spiral'
16/03/25 04:41
The woman, from Sacramento, California, U.S., took anonymously to Reddit in February to detail the paranoia she'd endured after stumbling across the letter outside of her home in 2022.
- 111 comments
- 67 shares
Martin Lewis issues travel insurance warning to anybody who has a holiday already booked this year
14/03/25 12:35
With the summer holiday season quickly approaching, Martin Lewis has issued a warning to Brits planning a holiday abroad this year, urging holidaymakers to secure travel insurance 'ASAB.'
Dating expert issues warning over sinister 'lavender marriage' dating trend
14/03/25 07:42
Dating expert, California-based Christine DeVore, has issued a warning to Gen Z that 'lavender marriages' are not all roses - as the sinister dating trend sweeps social media.
- 76 comments
- 92 shares
Expert issues warning to couples who wear pyjamas to bed
13/03/25 04:09
Channa Bromley, a relationship coach from San Jose, Costa Rica, warned your choice of nightwear could be affecting your intimacy levels with your partner, according to Newsweek.
- 9 comments
- shares
Influencer spends a MILLION pounds to become 'world's most perfect woman'
13/03/25 12:48
Janaína Prazeres, from Brazil, revealed she spent almost £1 million on plastic surgery - but admitted her 'unrecognisable' passport photo has landed her in hot water during her travels.
Eerie prediction made by 'new Nostradamus' has just come true
13/03/25 08:24
Craig Hamilton-Parker, renowned for his ability to predict major global events, made a chilling forecast just days before a cargo ship collided with an oil tanker in the North Sea on 11 March.
British man who moved to Australia reveals seven things everyone needs to know before doing the same
12/03/25 02:47
Ross Johnston, who moved to Queensland with his wife, Sam, and children in 2020 during the pandemic, shared his top tips to ensure a smooth move for those looking to relocate Down Under.
- 36 comments
- shares
Bride calls off wedding after making shock discovery about fiancé and his mother
12/03/25 12:26
A bride-to-be, from the U.S., recently took to Reddit, where she revealed she called off her wedding after discovering her fiancé had made a 'red flag' decision to buy a house with his mother.
- 152 comments
- 142 shares
I was registered dead by mistake and lost access to all my own money - I had to borrow cash from my neighbours to survive
11/03/25 03:29
Masithokoze Moyo, 45, of Worcs, was shocked to learn Co-operative Bank had marked her as dead after she attempted to close her account - leaving her with no access to her passport and money.
- 1 comment
- shares
People in shock after learning what a 'coregasm' is as Sophie Habboo shares her unusual gym experience
11/03/25 11:54
British podcast host, Sophie Habboo, shared her experience of achieving an orgasm while working out - prompting social media users to share their own thoughts on the 'phenomenon.'