Pregnancy sickness 'desperation' behind 80 ambulance call-outs a day

The ambulance service is called out up to 80 times a day by pregnant women suffering from severe morning sickness as a result of receiving insufficient help from their GPs, a study has revealed. Published in the British Journal of General Practice, the research analysed the way women were treated for pregnancy sickness in Newcastle and Gateshead from 2014 to 2015. Professor Roger Gadsby of the University of Warwick and his team analysed NHS figures and estimated that thousands of ambulances a year are dispatched to help pregnant women who are dehydrated and malnourished as a result of vomiting.

You've Got Mail: Best Film Ever Or Deeply Problematic?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of You've Got Mail, a romcom for the chatroom era starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. There, I’ve said it. The characters are annoying, its portrayal of city life is one big lie, and there’s not nearly enough of Tom Hanks' dog Brinkley as there should be.

Douro river cruise guide

Gliding past terraces of emerald vines while sipping a glass of something grown and bottled nearby, you’ll find a cruise on the Douro a delightfully relaxing voyage.

Berlin hotels: 10 best places to stay for location and value of money

Berlin's popularity continues to rise – it attracted nearly 13 million visitors in 2017. With a cantilevered structure jutting out over the River Spree, this 304-room hotel is walking distance to the bars and clubs of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain (just pray you get past the doormen at Watergate and Berghain). The Karim Rashid-designed property is an explosion of candy colours and sinuous shapes, with round-the-clock room service offering guitars and decks for late-night jam sessions and DJ sets.

Rome hotels: 10 best places to stay for location and value of money

Rome has a wonderful climate and can be surprisingly balmy, even in December. More of a collection of chic suites than a traditional hotel, Portrait Roma sits above the Ferragamo store on Via Condotti, the city’s most famous designer shopping street. Just a short walk from the Spanish Steps, it also has an exclusive rooftop bar and terrace where you can take breakfast or sip aperitivos.

How to fly to New York or Boston next summer for just £263 return

Every so often, Jack Sheldon from Jack’s Flight Club selects a flight deal from the UK for Independent readers that you can’t afford to miss. Peak travel fares often sit at a high price for a large part of the year, but here’s proof that you can get a cheap flight if you know when to book. Both of these deals will get you across the pond to New York or Boston next summer for just £263 return.

New York: 10 best budget hotels

Long ago, staying in a cheap hotel in New York City conjured up images of a filthy room in a questionable neighbourhood, with a surly receptionist and only the bare necessities consisting of a bed, dresser, toilet and TV, none of which necessarily worked properly. Today, the city’s most affordable hotels are the most stylish and tech-savvy spots in town, thanks to an influx of design-forward brands that encourage guests to hang out in lobbies with carefully curated lounge scenes or on rooftops amid sweeping city views.

Manchester hotels: 10 of the best places to stay

Enter any one of the exciting cultural institutions, hip bars, world-famous sporting and music venues, and you’ll be greeted by friendly locals who are fiercely proud of the place they call home: Manchester is a happening and intoxicating city to visit. With an infinity spa pool on its seventh floor overlooking Town Hall’s clock tower, this 40-room hotel is a special retreat in Manchester city centre. Rooms and public areas have been painstakingly put together by owner Sally O’Loughlin – expect locally commissioned artwork, statement lights and wallpaper, and a classic muted colour scheme – and each bedroom is unique.

Do the royals watch the Queen's speech?

Royal correspondent Victoria Murphy and former royal butler Grant Harrold discuss the Queen's Christmas message on The Royal Box.

Meghan Markle Just Wore a Floral Dress by Brock Collection With a Sleek Gray Coat

Madrid hotels: 10 of the best places to stay

Don’t settle for a boring hotel in Madrid. Groovy new hostels and revamped palaces have cool roof terraces, top restaurant chefs and cocktail lists so tempting that you may never leave the bar. Wherever you choose to stay, you can drop into any of the places on this list for a drink or dinner and get some inspiration for your next visit – Madrid tends to become a bit of a habit for many people.

The best children's books of 2018

Emily Bearn offers a selection of the best children's books and young adult fiction of the year. From rollicking adventures to charming picture-books, these are sure to keep even the most restless kids entertained

Veggie and vegan alternatives for Christmas Day lunch

Christmas lunch isn’t all about roast turkey and pigs in blankets with all the trimmings, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipes to make a festive, belly-busting feast.

Here's exactly what the royal family eats on Christmas Day

Former royal chef Darren McGrady reveals some of their favourite Christmas traditions

From empty greeting cards to deodorant, people share their worst Christmas gifts

"One year I had an ex-boyfriend regift me a blanket that he bought with me."

Dog leggings exist and they're sure to make a stylish Christmas present

Turn your pet's morning walkies into a runway with the world's first dog leggings.

The best celebrity style from this week

The obscure Norwegian ski resort your family should visit this winter

Demonstrating a technical skill that would put less agile parents to shame, the man was riding a drag-lift with two children – one between his legs, the other sharing the bar – and he made it look effortless.

Meghan Markle says she feels "very pregnant" right now

City Banker Claims He Killed 29-Year-Old Escort In Self-Defence

A City banker accused of killing an escort with a pestle told a court he acted in self-defence while she strangled him during a sex game. Zahid Naseem, 48, denies bludgeoning Christina Abbotts to death in May. Abbotts was found dead on her 29th birthday after being struck 13 times on the back of the head at a flat in Crawley, West Sussex, while housesitting for a friend, the BBC reported. Naseem is accused of intentionally striking Abbotts with the kitchen utensil during an attack fuelled by champagne and cocaine.

UK travel news – live updates: Christmas rush to spark busy weekend for roads and airports

The 'Great Christmas Getaway' gets underway this weekend, as millions make journeys home for Christmas.