Please note, this competition is now closed.
19:20pm
That’s a wrap, everyone…
Paul has completed his Cheapflights challenge in Malta. Thanks for following along and helping us design his trip. Looks like he had a fab time!
We don’t know about you, but we’re all wishing we were in Malta right now. If Paul’s trip has you dreaming of sunshine, turquoise sea and grilled octopus, you can launch a flight search to Malta here.
Don’t forget, you’ve also got until 23:55pm BST on Sunday 9th October to enter our competition to WIN flights to Malta. Good luck!
18:55pm
St Julian’s, it’s been a pleasure.
18:45pm
Current location – Badass Burgers St Julian’s.
There ya go @Cheapflights
A Maltese rabbit burger! 😀
Yummy#CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/CBBZY4QRCm— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
17:50pm
Well, seeing as we love Malta. Let’s see how Paul gets on with this challenge…
We challenge you @paul_steele to find " I 💜 Malta" t shirt… #CheapflightsChallenge
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
17:45pm
Made it to St. Julian’s Bay.
17:35pm
What’s the verdict Paul?
Haha.. to me it tastes like non alcoholic cinzano!! 😐 https://t.co/OvRMZ6kBSW
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
Kinnie, Malta’s favourite soft drink, is a unique tasting bitter-sweet soft drink with orange flavouring and aromatic herbs.
Refreshment time… in Malta.. kinnie time 😀#CheapflightsChallenge @Cheapflights pic.twitter.com/AimxFdSr01
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
16:55pm
It’s challenge time…
Time for a refreshment break, @paul_steele? Head to St Julian's for a kinnie! https://t.co/OJHYbjbs8n #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/uFNYZ0Iw7l
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
16:00pm
We’re just going to leave next week’s weather forecast here…
And this…
Enjoy!
Search flights to Malta15:45pm
It was never in doubt, OF COURSE you want Paul to swim at Golden Bay beach. We hope he has his trunks ready…
15:33pm
Golden Bay Beach is waiting! Should @paul_steele take a dip? 8 mins left to vote… go, go! https://t.co/OJHYbjbs8n #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/ALGyG5uH8m
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
14:40pm
It’s that time again. Paul’s at Popeye Village and we’re giving you the chance to decide what he does next. Should he take a dip at Golden Bay beach? YES or NO?
Poll closed. You voted Yes to send Paul swimming.
14:35pm
Hello Popeye Village.
14:30pm
We know where we’d rather be…
Is this Caribbean or Malta? Of course it's Malta. #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/tR7V7nhsYu
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
14:20pm
Fact of the day. There are no forests, mountains or rivers in the whole of Malta.
14:05pm
And a quick visit to The Mdina Dungeons before he sets off to Popeye Village.
14:00pm
Hanging out with the knights of St. John.
13:50pm
Popeye Village it is. Toot toot!
WOOHOO! @paul_steele get ready for Popeye Village! We're expecting tons of selfies! #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/5dHrx05wCk
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
13:15pm
Where should Paul head to next?
This poll has now closed. You’ve sent Paul to Popeye Village.
13:05pm
You chose octopus. Paul Steele ate it.
Time to tuck in… Octopus in garlic as requested.. 😀 tis delicious#CheapflightsChallenge @Cheapflights pic.twitter.com/HiC0gf2Ian
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
12:30pm
We can hardly tell the difference… We’ll give you that one Paul.
What’s he doing this far south of the wall?
Mission accomplished. challenge was. stranger. Jon snow.. ish lookalike
Happy @Cheapflights?#CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/XZrxwchddK— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
12:15pm
Should Paul take a trip to Popeye Village? Originally built as a film set for the production of the 1980 musical production ‘Popeye’.
12:10pm
The hunt to find a Jon Snow lookalike is still on…
Where's our Jon Snow photo @paul_steele?? Challenge too much for you?! #GameofThrones #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/Lcy1lnUZ7e
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
12:00pm
Paul takes a snap of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a 17th century masterpiece located in the heart of Mdina.
Cathedral.. Mdina.. every corner has a sight.. 😊 #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/0RhL5DNfVH
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
11:45am
Hope you’re hungry Paul?
This poll has now closed… octopus it is.
11:40am
Wow, what a view.
Even in this weather the walls of Mdina are mighty impressive 😀#CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/KPvzKhU52V
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
11:10am
If all of this excitement has made you want to jump on the next plane to Malta. You can launch a flight search on the Cheapflights website here. Remember you can also book your hotel with us too. Just take a look at the pad Paul is staying in, fancy hey?
11:05am
We think it’s about time for a challenge. Don’t you?
We challenge you to get a selfie with Jon Snow lookalike @paul_steele. In case you don't know who Jon Snow is… #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/9r7gyB8dHi
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
11:00am
Recognise these gates? Mdina – commonly called the Silent City, was the setting in Game of Thrones season one when Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel ride into King’s Landing to investigate the attack on Bran.
Now at the old Gate.. Mdina!! Ready for next challenge! @Cheapflights #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/HzZ2M5zNsS
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
10:55am
Off to King’s landing we go…. (aka the old gate of Mdina).
10:45am
This could have been Paul if you voted to send him to St Paul’s Pool this morning.
10:30am
Time to get voting…
This poll has now closed. You’ve decided to send Paul to the Old Gate of Mdina.
10:25am
Which Maltese filming location should our travel blogger Paul Steele visit today? King’s landing or Littlefinger’s brothel? He better be quick… Winter is coming.
10:20am
Did you know? Malta’s Megalithic Temples are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
10:15am
Time for a selfie at the 5,000-year-old Hagar Qim temple.
10:12am
Rainy day activities in Malta. Beats the cinema right?
Keeping dry at the Hagar Qim Temple.. 😀#CheapflightsChallenge @Cheapflights pic.twitter.com/MMViyUAhi1
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
9:40am
Fun fact: Maltese fishing boats (luzzu) have painted eyes to protect fishermen while at sea.
9:30am
Malta still looks great, even in drizzle.
Our @paul_steele isn't going to let a little bit of rain dampen his spirits! Malta looks beautiful, even in drizzle. #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/LkyD1c9eOX
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 28, 2016
9:10am
Paul won’t let a bit of rain dampen his spirits.
Arrived by Blue Grotto… Rain cometh 😀#CheapflightsChallenge @Cheapflights pic.twitter.com/fRERYvge08
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
7:00am
Good morning Malta. Soaking up the sights with a morning coffee on the terrace.
Rooftop terrace! A fine spot for a Valletta morning coffee! 😀#CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/Ym54oKGHqe
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
9:30pm
And that’s a wrap for day number 1… Tune in tomorrow morning to follow Paul as he continues on his #CheapflightsChallenge in Malta.
Phew. that was day 1. what will day 2 of #CheapflightsChallenge Malta bring? 😀 @Cheapflightshttps://t.co/612ohs3RNo pic.twitter.com/rVUO6YfD0R
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 28, 2016
9:15pm
Should Paul take a boat ride in the Blue Grotto sea caves or dive into the crystal clear waters St. Peter’s Pool? Vote now…
Voting has now closed. Paul is on his way to the Blue Grotto.
8:41pm
Wandering Valletta at night. Ambience is tip-top 😀#CheapflightsChallenge https://t.co/612ohs3RNo pic.twitter.com/33mYeGleK1
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
8:15pm
Paul explores Valletta by night.
8:00pm
And we’re live…
#CheapflightsChallenge Facebook Live stream, go over now: https://t.co/A2JSGwuVmX
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
7:43pm
Paul gives the local cuisine a go… How does the rabbit stew taste?
I do like rabbit so… bonus.. it's with dates and juniper berries 😊#CheapflightsChallenge https://t.co/k8A9v4qNqx
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
7:10pm
Malta’s Blue Grotto or St Peter’s Pool. Where should Paul go in the morning?
7:00pm
Stay tuned Facebook fans…
We're anticipating another Facebook live stream?! #CheapflightsChallenge
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
6:50pm
You’re sending Paul to The Pub. Not the most original name in the world, but we hear they do a good pint!
When u voted for me to go to the pub in Valletta it was literal! 😀#CheapflightsChallenge https://t.co/612ohs3RNo pic.twitter.com/UYqC3jy0Eh
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
6:08pm
Here’s Malta, showing off again.
Sun setting here in Valletta.. almost hungry time.. I'm sure the food #CheapflightsChallenge will be fun? pic.twitter.com/bLNmrvcfFK
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
5:30pm
Voting has now closed. You’ve chosen to send Paul to The Pub.
5:25pm
Time for a night cap?
What do you reckon, everyone? Head to the blog to vote if @paul_steele deserves a drink… #CheapflightsChallenge https://t.co/OJHYbjbs8n pic.twitter.com/XwunrFq6FE
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
4:55pm
Malta has just been revealed as the top ‘secret’ destination to visit by Lonely Planet. We can sure see why…
4:36pm
It’s time for another challenge.
When in Malta, we challenge @paul_steele to a Malteasers challenge! How many can you catch in a row? #CheapflightsChallenge
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
4:30pm
Looks like Malta has red post boxes too.
4:15pm
Did you know? Malta has the most public holidays of any country in the EU – anyone else fancy relocating?
4:00pm
Walking around Valletta is a magical thing… views on every corner#CheapflightsChallenge
https://t.co/612ohs3RNo pic.twitter.com/0mbM3UAuRm— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
2:25pm
The public voted…
Hey @Cheapflights someone say horse & carriage ride winning next vote? this my new friend? #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/pTGCj6JNdt
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
2:15pm
Fun fact: The red phone box is not only a familiar sight on the streets of the United Kingdom but also Malta due to the British history. They were designed in the colour red to make them easy to spot.
2:10pm
Voting has now closed. Paul is going on a horse and carriage ride.
2:00pm
It’s time for challenge number 2.
We challenge you @paul_steele to get a photo of yourself next to a red phone box! #CheapflightsChallenge
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
1:50pm
What a view.
1:30pm
Tummy full. Time to explore the streets of Valletta.
1:15pm
Well deserved, we reckon!
Cheers! #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/SW1fxIzPKK
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
13:00pm
When in Malta…
Challenge accepted and sorted 😀
Pastizzi plus Cisk
When in Malta……..#CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/GdMQa5Ed0r— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
12:50pm
What should Paul do after lunch?
12.45pm
We’ll go easy on you Paul with the first challenge…
We challenge you @paul_steele to have a cisk (the local Maltese beer) with your pastizzi! 🍺 🍺 #CheapflightsChallenge https://t.co/A2JSGwuVmX
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
12.30pm
You’ve decided Paul is having a pastizzi for lunch. We hope you’re hungry Paul!
12:00pm
It’s approaching lunch time. Get those votes in.
Voting for the poll has now closed.
11:50am
Poll update: Pastizzi is in the lead. Bring us back one Paul!
11:35am
Did you know? Malta isn’t just 1 island, it’s 7. Gozo, Comino & Malta are the largest and the others are uninhabited.
11:30am
Paul has picked up his car – thanks to our friends at CarTrawler. He’s all set for an adventure around Malta.
Feeling inspired? Plan your own road trip with car hire at Cheapflights.
11:10am
We hope you’re hungry Paul. It’s now between Pattizi and Rabbit Stew.
11:00am
Weather update.
Weather in #Malta seems promising too. Cold and miserable here in London! #CheapflightsChallenge @paul_steele pic.twitter.com/jlKh5AbNEE
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
10:50am
Paul is out of the airport and on his way to Malta's capital city, Valletta https://t.co/OJHYbjbs8n #CheapflightsChallenge pic.twitter.com/9MNcOJiiZz
— Cheapflights (@Cheapflights) September 27, 2016
10:45am
Fun fact of the day. Britney Spears’ great-great grandfather was born in Malta.
10:30am
Pattizi and Sea urchin pasta is neck and neck… Which would you rather try?
10:15am
It’s time to get voting again. Which Maltese delicacy should Paul tuck into for lunch?
10:00am
Hello Valletta. You’ve sent Paul to the waterfront.
9:40am
Travel update: Paul is almost in sunny Malta.
“We’re not at all jealous.” says the team at Cheapflights HQ.
5:45am
Paul has arrived at Manchester Airport to take on the #CheapflightsChallenge ahead.
About to board flight to Malta with @Cheapflights. Vote now to decide what I do first. #CheapflightsChallenge https://t.co/612ohs3RNo
— Paul Steele aka BaldHiker (@paul_steele) September 27, 2016
Vote now to determine the first thing Paul does when he gets to Valletta. Voting closes when he lands.
Voting for the poll has now closed. And you’ve sent Paul toValletta Waterfront.
The Contender:
Paul Steele, aka the Bald Hiker, is back for another Cheapflights Challenge (don’t remember the first one? Catch up here). And he’s ready and raring to go.
The Challenge:
We’re sending the ‘world’s most influential travel writer’ on a 48-hour trip to the beautiful island of Malta (on a flight booked via Cheapflights’ smart search, obviously). He’ll be packing a lot in to two days and, the best part is, where he goes and what he does is entirely up to you. We’ll be hosting polls on this blog post throughout the challenge, and you can vote to decide his itinerary. Maybe you want him to tick off some Game of Thrones filming locations. Or perhaps you’d like him to check out the incredible beaches. Whatever he does, we won’t make things easy for Paul – we’ll be setting him plenty of challenges along the way!